Monday 30 March 2015

One To Save (One to Hold #6) by Tia Louise ~ #bookreview

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TQET0VG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00TQET0VG&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=ZD3JZBHKFHOVHDAJ
One to Save (One to Hold #6)

by

(Derek & Melissa)

"I lost myself in the darkness of trying to protect you..."

Some threats come at you as friendly fire.
Some threats take away everything.
Family won’t let you go down without a fight.

The Secret isn’t as secure as Derek’s team originally thought it was, and a person on the inside of Alexander-Knight is set on exposing him, breaking him, and taking away all he holds dear.

Refusing to let anyone suffer for his crimes, Derek takes matters into his own hands. He’s exposed, he’s defenseless, but his friends are determined to save him.

A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.






Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy from Author
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Part 6 of an ongoing series but can be read as a standalone

My One to Save Review... 

I have heard so many good things about Tia Louise books so I jumped at the chance to read this book.  I read it as a standalone but I will admit that I think if I read it as a series that I would have preferred it even more.  I had a gist of what was going on but I still felt like I was missing something with the depth of the characters.  

From what I gathered is that Derek and Melissa have had a rocky beginning. First with Melissa's ex and then with them being together.  After reading this when I get a chance I will have to go back and read so I get the full picture instead of a snippet of these two.  

Melissa has been hurt from lies and deception.  So, when Derek the love of her life does the same thing even though its in a different context she's had enough and she sends him away.  For Derek who has finally come to a good place he refuses to let Melissa go.  He will do whatever he can to get her back. 


There relationship issues are tough enough but now we have a blackmailer trying to expose all of Derek's secrets and Melissa's past.  As Melissa struggles to find what's right in her heart she starts to realize that she may have jumped to a wrong conclusion because of her being hurt before.  

Now that her head is out of her ass she's the one who has to fight for Derek, as all might be lost.  In this book everyone gets together to help fight for Derek and what is right. 

Since I felt a bit lost at times not reading the others it made me not fall quite into the story but then the mystery and suspense started to happen and I got drawn in deeper and deeper that I did finally get into the story and was glad that I stuck to it. 

I did like this book but my biggest regret was not reading the others first.  However, after reading this book it also made me want to go back and read the other's stories.  So in my book that's balances out the negative. 

3.5 Saved Thumbs up!

thumbs upthumbs upthumbs up . 5







Sunday 29 March 2015

Tempted in the Tropics (Suddenly Smitten #2) by Tracy March ~ #bookreview

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EMTDMFA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EMTDMFA&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=B4WSBVSERCCDKOJB
Tempted in the Tropics (Suddenly Smitten #2)


by


The only thing they agree on is the sultry heat between them.

Paige Ellerbee’s life is far from perfect after moving back to small-town Maple Creek—there’s her struggling bakery, Sweet Bee’s; her aging father; and the fact she’s practically the only single girl in town. But when Lane Anderson, the town’s hot—and young!—new doctor, moves in next door, she wouldn’t mind receiving some intensive care…until their first conversation starts a feud.

Lane came to Maple Creek to lay low after inadvertently being associated with a pill-prescribing scandal. When the gorgeous blonde next door asks for his help with a program that could raise eyebrows, he has to refuse. He's been burned in the past when blinded by love, yet Paige's feisty personality has his blood running hot.

When a little matchmaking lands Lane at Paige’s best friend’s wedding in St. Lucia, suddenly the romantic island vibe tempts them to kiss and make up. A temporary truce might be just what they both want—but forever love might be more than they can agree on.





Source: Kindle
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Part 2 in an ongoing series but can be read as a standalone

My Tempted in the tropics Review...

It has been awhile since I read The Practice Proposal, the story of Liza and Cole and where we meet Liza's best friend Paige.  Who wants to find love but isn't feeling hopeful in Maple Creek where most of the population is over 60.

Paige was once a successful pastry chef and came home to take care of her dying mother but stayed there after to be near her dad.  So, she opened up a cute bakery called Sweet Bee's located between her dad's barber shop and  the town doctor.  Which is a perfect location for her because she gets to see her dad daily at the same time she has a pseudo business deal with the town doctor where she helps bake things for his patients that are diet appropriate.  This is all fine and dandy until the doctor goes on a trip of a life time and his nephew comes to town to help out.


Lane Anderson once had it all then lost it after quite the medical scandal and relationship mishap.  Knowing he can't do anything wrong to jeopardize his already shaky foundation, he says no to Paige and her special recipes.   For Lane he doesn't realize that this could bankrupt Paige in this already shaky economy, while Paige doesn't realize the true reason why Lane did what he did.  All she thinks is that he's an uptight jerk and wants nothing to do with him and his dimples.

However, others have different ideas and try to match Lane and Paige together.  Paige and Lane have to come to a truce if they are going to survive Liza and Cole's destination wedding.   As the truce is in place Lane tries to lighten up and enjoy Paige, which cause them to give in to this quick fling because nothing can become more with Lane leaving soon.

Even though it started as a fling, emotions quickly got involved for this sweet couple but life always has complications so to make it work a lot of things would have to change for this sweet duo.  This was another cute and endearing story about love when you least expect it.

3.5 Cute thumbs up!
thumbs upthumbs upthumbs up .  5
Lauren









Saturday 28 March 2015

Make It a Double (Last Call #2) by Sawyer Bennett ~ #bookreview

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JT11YP6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00JT11YP6&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=J443T2TERPBWM6W6
Make It a Double (Last Call #2)


by


Brody Markham has endured a nightmare, spending the last five years in prison and losing everything that was dear to him. Now he’s back home, trying to survive in a world he doesn’t recognize anymore. While his family and friends desperately try to reach through to him, he shelters himself further and further away from their love.

Alyssa Myers has worked her entire life to distance herself from the luxurious and privileged lifestyle in which she was raised. Running her non-profit agency, The Haven, she is content to spend her days helping abused animals find sanctuary, which fulfills her in a way that money just can’t buy.

Maybe it’s that she recognizes in Brody some of the same characteristics she sees in her homeless wards, but Alyssa is powerless to stop her personal quest to make Brody whole again.

While Brody struggles to surface from the darkness, Alyssa tries to protect her heart in case he’s not willing to accept the light that she offers him.






Source: Kindle
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Part 2 in an ongoing series

My Make it a Double Review...

Well this is book two in the Last Call series where we get to find out what is behind the brooding Brody.  Brody has just been released from prison and he's having a hard time finding the balance with the old Brody and the new jaded Brody.  One thing he does know is he hates rich heiresses so when he meets Alyssa a friend of the family he has an instant dislike knowing she come from money.

Alyssa may come from money but has a huge heart and wants nothing to do with her family but uses the money to support a no kill animal shelter that she lives and breathes because it's all of her and consumes her with passion.  Trying to help Brody out she offers him to help out at the shelter, to help with his community service hours but it's quickly turned down when Brody lashes out at her.


Even though Brody's jaded he still finds Alyssa the little pixie very captivating but once an heiress always a heiress and he knows what that can do.   However, he quickly realizes he may have judged to quickly and realizes that maybe Alyssa is more than he thinks she is.   So he gives in to help her out at the shelter but quickly finds his past thrown in his face mixed in with his present when Alyssa overhears a huge secret that has weighed on him for years.  This secret quickly bonds the two of them making them go from friends to lovers rather quickly but it's warranted when he needs to be there to help protect Alyssa from a stalker ex boyfriend.
"You don't amuse, Alyssa.  You captivate." 
Brody's secret is huge and bit devastating but he comes close to losing his heart he realizes that he has to come clean to everyone so they can all move forward.  I adored Brody and Alyssa together and I'm always a big fan with the heroine is strong and independent yet loyal and loving. 

Great Book. Great Series!!

4 holy shit balls thumbs up!

thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up 

Lauren 





 
 

Friday 27 March 2015

Dare To Kiss by S.B. Alexander ~ #spotlight, #giveaway & #bookreview


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MSEVKQY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00MSEVKQY&linkCode=as2&tag=lirebr-20&linkId=FI7JHJWA7BKQSXU5 Dare to Kiss

by

Besides her family, Lacey Robinson’s only other love is baseball. She’s on top of the world when Arizona State University approaches her to discuss a scholarship. To be the first girl ever to grace a college boys’ team is beyond what she has ever dreamed.

Her fastball is impeccable, her curveball equally as good, and her slider annihilates anyone who dares to step in the batter’s box. But fate has its own way of throwing curveballs. When she loses her mother and sister to a home invasion, baseball and her dreams die with them. Tragedy has a way of seeping deep into her psyche, causing nightmares, panic attacks and blackouts. Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, her psychiatrist recommends a change of scenery and picking up the things that she loved to do, and for Lacey that is baseball.

After a move clear across the country, only two things matter to Lacey—overcome her PTSD and make Kensington High’s baseball team. But trying out for the team comes with obstacles—the captain, Aaron Seever, doesn’t want a girl on the team.

Her life is further complicated when she meets Kade Maxwell, a tall, sexy and drool-worthy bad boy who has a magical touch that awakens her feminine side and a kiss that slowly erases her nightmares. But getting involved with him may be dangerous when Kade’s archenemy returns to town to settle a vendetta.

To complicate matters, her PTSD has taken a turn for the worse. She has to find a way to heal otherwise she may not have a chance at anything in life, especially love.

This is a New Adult Novel and contains strong language and sexual content. Intended for audiences age 17+






Author’s personal experience with PTSD leads to New Adult novel

S.B. Alexander releasing first book in new romance series this September


SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Author S.B. Alexander has drawn on a childhood experience and her love of baseball to inspire her New Adult fiction romance, Dare to Kiss (September 30, 2014).

Dare to Kiss is the story of Lacey Robinson, whose two loves are baseball and her family. When her mother and sister are killed in a home invasion, Lacey’s baseball dreams die with them. The tragedy seeps into her psyche, causing nightmares, panic attacks and blackouts. Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, her psychiatrist recommends a change of scenery and picking up the things that she loved to do. For Lacey, that’s baseball. She moves across the country with two goals—to overcome her PTSD and make Kensington High’s baseball team. But trying out for the team comes with complications—the captain, Aaron Seever, doesn’t want a girl on the team. Her life is further complicated when she meets Kade Maxwell, a tall, sexy and drool-worthy bad boy who has a magical touch that awakens her feminine side and a kiss that slowly erases her nightmares. But getting involved with him may be dangerous when Kade’s arch-nemesis returns to town to settle a vendetta.

“The story developed from something that happened to me when I was a child,” Alexander said. “And from that experience the story unfolded. The message in the story: With the right help and people around you, a person might be able to overcome PTSD. I’m not saying they will, but taking the right steps can certainly help to heal some of the symptoms associated with PTSD. I will never get the image of my experience out of my head, but I’m not afraid anymore.”

Dare to Kiss is the first book in The Maxwell Series. Alexander has also written a thrilling young adult series, Vampire SEALS, which has drawn praise from fans across the world.

Alexander is a former navy veteran, high school math teacher and college professor. She currently works as a corporate sales manager, but is always looking for her next story, character or scenery.

##
 


Author Biography of S.B. Alexander



S. B. Alexander’s passion for writing began when she read her first Stephen King novel, The Shining. Over the years she kept telling family and friends she was going to write a book. Fifteen years later, on the advice of a friend, she sat down and wrote her first novel. One year later, she published two novels with three more slotted for release. Her books are targeted toward the young adult and new adult markets.

Her young adult series, Vampire SEALS, includes two books, On the Edge of Humanity, and On the Edge of Eternity, which have garnered high praise from readers. Dare to Kiss is the first book in her new adult series.

Alexander’s career has been colorful—a former navy veteran, high school math teacher and college professor, sales consultant, coach, and manager. She loves baseball, especially the Boston Red Sox. She enjoys playing golf, is moved by music and great stories, and will go out of her way to help people.

She currently works full time in Corporate America and writes any chance she gets.

She believes words are the key to opening the door to extraordinary places with amazing characters that tell a great story.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS FOR S.B. ALEXANDER


·      Twitter: https://twitter.com/sbalex_author
·      Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/S.B.-Alexander/e/B00AW0KZPI
 





Praise for S.B. Alexander’s
Vampire SEALS series

Via Amazon.com...

I couldn't put this book down. When my Kindle wasn't available, I used the app on my phone to continue reading. I thought the characters were captivating. I loved the storyline. When I finished reading the book it left me wanting more. I can't wait for the second book. Way to go... S.B. Alexander!” --TracyHope


“I've read tons of vampire books over the years, ever since the Anne Rice days. I thought I'd seen every possible configuration of vampire abilities and appearance, but I was wrong. Ms. Alexander added just enough of a unique twist to typical vampire convention to make her story world fresh, without heaping all kinds of unnecessary crazy on top. I don't usually read YA and it was a pleasant surprise to find myself truly engaged and invested in the characters. I will definitely read the next book in this series.” --Julie Jaret


“Great book S.B. Alexander! This novel was tough to put down. Tremendous job of character development. The author immerses us into a different world and it feels quite believable!
I always feel a sign of a great book is that it leaves us wanting more. That was the case with this wonderful book. Thanks S.B.” -- Joseph D. Rigter


“I love reading and could not put this series down. I love the chemistry between Webb and Jo. I enjoyed the first and could not wait until book 2 came out and now I'm anticipating the 3rd book! I can't wait!!!” --Frances T. Leon


“I am an avid reader who was reading Agatha Christi, Helen McGinnis and Dick Francis before I turned 10. I can't imagine a day without a book. This series has me admiring S.B.Alexander greatly. Characters, plot, creativity and absolute genius are here to be enjoyed. I love fantasy but usually read with a certain level of tolerance for frequent lack of grammar, character development. This series read like the best. I will be eagerly awaiting more.” --Mms





Q&A with S.B. Alexander

Where did you get the idea for the plot of Dare to Kiss?
Growing up, I was an active little girl in just about every sport. But the one that captured my heart was baseball. I loved everything about the sport. Since girls couldn’t play, I wanted to create a world where they did. I also wanted to show that no matter what you’ve been through, surrounding yourself with the things you love to do and the people you love can help to overcome the nightmares and grief in your life. It has for me.

Noting your love of baseball, is the character of Lacey modeled after you?
When I started writing Dare to Kiss, I had a feisty character in mind for Lacey Robinson. But as I continued to write, Lacey’s personality turned out to be so much more. She’s strong, determined and lovable. She has weaknesses that get in her way, but her determination is what shapes her. Part of her is modeled after me. But I was never feisty growing up. I was actually a shy kid.

After writing two Young Adult books, what inspired you to write New Adult fiction and how was writing this genre different?
I didn’t think too much about the genre. I wanted to get the story down on paper. As it unfolded it just happened to fit into the New Adult genre, although as I was writing Dare to Kiss I found I had a little more freedom to detail the romance element.

How do you balance your time between working full time and writing on the side?
I travel quite frequently for my job, and in doing so, I find a snippet of time on an airplane or at night in a hotel room. I also dedicate at least one day on the weekends to writing.

Without any spoilers of course, what can we expect from the next book in the series?
Dare to Dream is the next book in the series, and I’m so excited to finish it. Readers will be able to get into Kade’s head to see his thoughts and more of his life. The tension between Kade and his enemy will also play a part in Dare to Dream. Lacey will have more to worry about when the question about who killed her family takes center stage, creating more suspense and intrigue.















Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of JKS Communications via NetGalley
Genre: Mature YA Contemporary Sports Romance
Part 1 in a potentially awesome series


My Dare to Kiss Review...


It was been awhile since I read a great YA book and this book definitely fits the bill.  However, due to its content it is more of a mature YA book.  I am such a big fan of alpha men and these Maxwell boys are YA version to the alpha men. I so wish those kind of boys existed when I went to high school but sadly that so was not the case. 

We don't have one sexy boy, nope we have 4 awesome sexy brothers who steal your heart and make you squirm with there sex appeal.


Lacey Robinson has had a terrible tragedy which as caused her to suffer with PTSD and understandably so.  However, with part of her healing she focuses on her dreams which is playing baseball.  I have read other books where there is girls playing baseball in a boys world and they have fallen flat but with this you believed in her and her ability to fit into this boy's  baseball world.

But when you are new to a school, pretty and can take a spot away from a boy on the baseball team that usually can cause waves in the hierarchy of teenage high school angst.  I love the fact that the taunters and bullies are called out and reprimanded instead of ignored like they usually are in books and in life.


Lacey not only gets attention from the general high school population but also the bad ass rebel Kade Maxwell.  The minute they meet even through gunpoint his heart skips a beat for her, so even though Kade goes through girls he knows that he wants Lacey for more than a fling. But with Kade also comes his family no matter what, which can cause some stress at times.



The chemistry between these two is off the YA charts.  Both of them have tragic pasts that has broken a part of each of them but together they start to heal each other and move forward.  



This was such a beautiful amazing story about loss, hope, dreams, family and love. 


 I can't wait to read more with Dare to Dream where we find out how all the drama and mystery unfolds with the ' accidents that are happening to the girl players on the team.   I need it now!!! :)



4.5 Awesome Thumbs up!
thumbs upthumbs upthumbs upthumbs up . 5
Lauren