Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Book Blitz- Lovers Like Us by Krista and Becca Ritchie



Lovers Like Us

by Krista & Becca Ritchie
Like Us Series #2
Publication Date: November 31, 2017
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Twenty-seven-year-old Farrow Keene lives by his actions, and his actions say he’s the best at whatever he does. As a 24/7 bodyguard and the new boyfriend to Maximoff Hale, protecting the headstrong, alpha billionaire has never been more complicated. And one rule can’t be bent: 

Keep your relationship secret from the public. 

Farrow is confident he’s the best man for the job. But a twist in Maximoff’s fast-paced life sticks them with the rest of Security Force Omega and their clients. 

On the road. 
In a sleeper tour bus. 
For four rocky months.

Sexual frustrations, check. Road trip drama, check. Awkward bonding, check. 

But Farrow couldn’t have accounted for a high-risk threat (identity: unknown) that targets Maximoff before the ignition even turns. And it hits Farrow — someone has it out for the guy he loves. 

Every day, Maximoff & Farrow's feelings grow stronger, and together, they'll either sink or swim. 

The Like Us series is a true series, one continuous timeline, that follows a family of wealthy celebrities and the people that protect them. You must read Damaged Like Us, Book 1, before reading Lovers Like Us.

Purchase: Amazon | iBooks

Excerpt-

 Proactively waiting isn’t my thing. I can admit that. So when Farrow unwraps a piece of gum and tugs open the fridge, I ask him, “Need help?”
     He chews his gum slowly and glances at me in a way that reminds me he’s twenty-seven. I’m twenty-two, and he’s more than capable to do shit himself.
     Farrow starts to smile. “It’s cute that you think I need help getting eggs.” He grabs a carton and kicks the fridge closed.
     “You could’ve dropped the fucking eggs.” I’m fighting a stupid battle. And I grimace-smile which makes me want to poke my own eyes out.
     Farrow pops his gum. “You mean you would’ve dropped the eggs.”
     “Did I? Pretty sure I meant you could’ve.”
     Farrow sets the carton by the sink. “I have steadier hands than you.” He leans close and whispers huskily, “You’re not beating me at this.”
     I shake my head on instinct. When it comes to Farrow, boyfriend or not, I don’t want to concede that fast. “It’s not proven yet.”
     He rolls his eyes into a smile. “Hold out your hand.”
     I extend my hand, palm-down. Wondering how he can discern any shake just by sight.
     Farrow rotates my wrist. “Like this.” And then he smashes an egg right in my palm.
     Don’t smile at him. Don’t smile at him. “Thanks for that,” I say sarcastically, hand dripping in broken eggshell and yolk. 
     “Anytime.” He laughs, and I act quickly and wipe the runny egg onto his black V-neck, feeling the ridges of his six-pack beneath.
     Farrow props his elbows on the sink and actually lets me use his shirt as a towel, even while he’s wearing the thing. Christ.
     He’s a Grade A sexy asshole

Don't miss the first book 
in the Like Us series!

Damaged Like Us

by Krista & Becca Ritchie 
Like Us #1 
Publication Date: June 27, 2017 
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance


Purchase: Amazon | iBooks
Don’t date your bodyguard. 
It was the one rule he had to break. 

Maximoff Hale is a force of nature. A ship unwilling to be steered. Headstrong, resilient, and wholly responsible — the twenty-two-year-old alpha billionaire can handle his unconventional life. By noon, lunch can turn into a mob of screaming fans. By two, his face is all over the internet. 

Born into one of the most famous families in the country, his celebrity status began at birth. 

He is certified American royalty. 

When he’s assigned a new 24/7 bodyguard, he comes face-to-face with the worst case scenario: being attached to the tattooed, MMA-trained, Yale graduate who’s known for “going rogue” in the security team — and who fills 1/3 of Maximoff’s sexual fantasies. 

Twenty-seven-year-old Farrow Keene has one job: protect Maximoff Hale. Flirting, dating, and hot sex falls far, far out of the boundary of his bodyguard duties and into “termination” territory. But when feelings surface, protecting the sexy-as-sin, stubborn celebrity becomes increasingly complicated. 

Together, boundaries blur, and being exposed could mean catastrophic consequences for both. 


About Krista & Becca Ritchie


Krista & Becca Ritchie are New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors and identical twins—one a science nerd, the other a comic book geek—but with their shared passion for writing, they combined their mental powers as kids and have never stopped telling stories. Now in their early twenties, they write about other twenty-somethings navigating through life, college, and romance. They love superheroes, flawed characters, and soul mate love. They are the New Adult authors of the Addicted series and Calloway Sisters spin-off series, and you can find them on almost every social media, frolicking around like wannabe unicorns. 


Monday, October 30, 2017

Review- My American Nightmare - Women in Horror Anthology by Azzurra Nox

My American Nightmare on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

For Fans of American Horror Story, Stephen King, Joe Hill, and Danielle Vega.

America, land of the free, land of the brave, land of nightmares? A group of female authors come together in this collection of creepy tales and psychological horror stories to bring you chills and disturbing images that won't leave you long after you're done reading. From zombies to rural small towns, to the foggy New England to the glamour of Hollywood, each story focuses on a diverse aspect of living in America and the horror found in bullying, being the “new girl,” starting your first job, and navigating the murky waters of adolescence and all the terrifying changes that come with it. Bold and haunting, My American Nightmare encompasses daring stories from new voices in the horror genre. This collection will unsettle your nerves and linger in your mind, demonstrating that women can show you a nuance of horror that isn't always evident from the male perspective.

Dare to take a walk on the dark side.

Angela Sylvaine - Ballad of Sorrow and Lila 
Amelia Kibbie – We Kill The Skullman
R. A. Goli – Mr. Buttons' Tea Party 
Jamie Kahn – The Poison & The Ivy 
Rachel Bolton- The Girl & The Yellow Wallpaper 
Hillary Lyon - Boys' Night Out 
Nicky Peacock – She Looked Like Krystal Sparkle 
Spinster Eskie - Angie's Change 
Sheri Kreitner - The Pickman Sisters of Salem 
Sierra Ryan – Volunteer 
Kara Nelson - The Eye 
E.F. Schraeder – Night Moves 
Andrea Teare – 39 Days 
Heather Miller - The Stars 
Marnie Azzarelli – When Evacuating Pennsylvania 
Erica Ruhe - Perle 
Phoebe Jane Johnson - Ruby 
Azzurra Nox - Whatever Happened to Peyton Rose?
Kara Dennison - Billson


Release date: October 31st 2017
Published by: Twisted Wing Productions
Page numbers: 250

REVIEW: 


When author Azzurra Nox contacted me about My American Nightmare, I could not say no to reading it because I loved her Doll Parts and was waiting for something more ever since. One of the points that intrigued me is the fact that My American Nightmare is a collection of nineteen horror stories written by female writers, which is so cool and exciting. Now I tend to be a chicken when it comes to horror stories, but I knew I had to give this one a go, and I'm so glad I did because all the stories in this anthology were spine-chilling, super duper interesting and so well written.

Every story in this collection is so unique and well done that it made me want to have each one as a separate novel because I either wanted to know more or I thought it would make for a great book. Not that the stories weren't great on their own; in fact, they were straight up breathtaking. Some of my absolutely favourites of the nineteen (and the ones I'd definitely reread in the future) are: The Eye by Kara Nelson, The Poison and the Ivy by Jamie Kahn, Angie's Change by Spinster Eskie, The Ballad of Sorrow and Lila by Angela Sylvaine and Whatever Happened to Peyton Rose? by Azzurra Nox. And if I am to shortlist two stories is that are an absolute must-read, they would have to the last two of the ones mentioned, although I really, really loved The Ballad of Sorrow and Lila the most; it was such an incredible story! 

My American Nightmare is a perfect October read and came as a refreshing read because usually anthologies are made up of romance stories or stories from a variety of genres. Azzurra Nox has really brought the best of the best together and packed amazing stories in this one collection, which is sure to satisfy any reader. Plus, the whole deal with having women writers on board... More power to women! These stories were really mysterious and sometimes so spooky that the chicken in me had to read them with a light on at night. But that is what horror stories should be like, so they served their purpose.

I would highly recommend this anthology. I loved it to bits and enjoyed reading it.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by Azzurra Nox in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.


Guys! The book releases tomorrow, so make sure you grab your copy here! 

Buy the book: AMAZON (.in)AMAZON (.com)


Friday, October 27, 2017

Review- Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt

Summary-

A LADY OF LIGHT

Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping. Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos. When one of the masked-and nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him . . . only to find she may have been a trifle hasty.

A DUKE IN DEEPEST DARKNESS

Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them. Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans. But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe.

CAUGHT IN A WEB OF DANGER . . . AND DESIRE

Much to Raphael's irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involves herself in his life-and bed. Soon he's drawn both to her quick wit and her fiery passion. But when Iris discovers that Raphael's past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters. Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael's own demons?


Release date: October 17th, 2017
Published by: Grand Central Publishing
Page numbers: 364

Review-

Duke of Desire is the twelfth, yes twelfth book in the Maiden Lane series. It makes me feel bittersweet to say that this is going to be the last book in the Maiden Lane series. Before I continue on with the review I'd like to say that Elizabeth Hoyt is one of the most amazing authors and she is one of my favourite historical romance authors. I can't wait to read more from her and the entire Maiden Lane series is one of her best works. Now, getting back to Duke of Desire, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Let's start with the Duke in question, the Duke of Dyemore. Raphael is scarred and cynical. He does not mingle in society nor does he care what the society thinks of him. Raphael is on a mission to bring down the Lords of Chaos and destroy them and he will do anything to achieve that. What he does not expect is to fall for Lady Iris. I really liked Raphael. The poor man had a horrible childhood and suffered abuse from the hands of a loved one. This makes him question love and everything along with it.

Lady Iris Jordan does not expect to be kidnapped by the Lords of Chaos nor does she expect to be rescued by Rapheal and then marry him. Duke of Desire follows the classic example of marriage of convenience and it works so well for Iris and Raphael. Iris was a lady who'd been through a lot. She just wanted a husband and a companion whom she could love and cherish. Iris was determined and strong and sometimes stubborn- basically just what Raphael needed.

The romance between Iris and Raphael was swoon worthy. They were sweet together and Iris was definitely not hesitant to speak her mind. Raphael was protective and though he tried to keep his heart out of the relationship he failed. We also get to see a few familiar faces from the previous books here. 

One thing to be noted is that Duke of Desire has a much darker undertone as compared to some of the previous Maiden Lane books. It gives the book and its characters more depth. We can see the meaning behind their actions and the circumstances which led them to be the people they are in the present. Elizabeth Hoyt's writing is smooth and highly engaging. Overall, I really enjoyed Duke of Desire.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.



Thursday, October 26, 2017

Review- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Eleanor & ParkA coming-of-age tale of fan fiction, family and first love. 

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan...

But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words... And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?
 


Release date: September 10th 2013
Published by: St. Martin's Press
Page numbers: 481

REVIEW: 


Since the past few years, most of my Potterhead friends who read author Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl have raved about it so much saying that they could relate to it easily and that it is a must read for Harry Potter fans. When I finally decided to pick up and read the book, I didn't have many expectations because very popular Young Adult books and I haven't gotten along quite well in the past. But now, I feel so proud to say that all my friends have been right all along. But really, there's no surprises there! Fangirl was one of the most comforting, gratifying and loveable YA book I've read in a long, long time.

To begin with, this book is basically an in-depth description of what my own teenage years looked like when all I cared about and all that mattered in life was Harry Potter. There really wasn't much else that helped me get through those adorable yet gruesome years, other than the fact that there was a Potter book or a Potter movie or Potter something to look forward to. Now in Fangirl, there is no direct reference to Harry Potter as such, but hey Rainbow Rowell, we all get the subtle Drarry hints, which was so cool because I ship that so bad.

I feel like this review is going to more about Harry Potter than Fangirl, so let's talk about the latter. The fangirl in this book- Cath- was such a relatable character. Honestly, I have never felt more close to and loved any other YA female character so much. Cath basically breathes Simon Snow, and she writes fanfic about the same. I personally never wrote fanfic, but I've had my fair share of it that I still go back to. I honestly really liked Cath'a character because she didn't have everything sorted out; she just went with the flow and figured stuff out.

Other than Cath, however, we have her twin sister Wren, her roommate Reagan, her writing partner Nick, her friend Levi, her professor Piper and her dad, who all came together to make this book fun and deep at the same time. Every character was well developed and portrayed in a very raw and excellent manner that made their individual contribution very important for the story to go ahead and also for Cath to emerge as someone better than what she started out with. Even thought this book was super long, which usually is the biggest turn-off for me, I still loved it so much that every time I stopped, I wanted to know more and even when the book finally ended, I wish it hadn't because I wasn't reason to let go.

Overall, I will say what everyone else has already said. Read this book if you belong to a fandom- any fandom really- and by belong, I mean if you are truly and entirely dedicated to it. If your fandom of choice basically defined your entire young adult life, please, please read this book because it will help you realise that you are not alone. We're all in this together and we are magic. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Rainbow Rowell!

 

Buy the book: AMAZON



Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Waiting On Wednesday #214


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spines, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. 

Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi
Publication date: November 14th 2017 


Goodreads Summary:

A new adventure about a girl who is fated to wash the bodies of the dead in this companion to Furthermore.

Our story begins on a frosty night…

Laylee can barely remember the happier times before her beloved mother died. Before her father, driven by grief, lost his wits (and his way). Before she was left as the sole remaining mordeshoor in the village of Whichwood, destined to spend her days washing the bodies of the dead and preparing their souls for the afterlife. It’s become easy to forget and easier still to ignore the way her hands are stiffening and turning silver, just like her hair, and her own ever-increasing loneliness and fear.

But soon, a pair of familiar strangers appears, and Laylee’s world is turned upside down as she rediscovers color, magic, and the healing power of friendship.
 

I must say that I am quite excited for a new Tahereh Mafi book and this one seems very intriguing as well. 

What are you waiting on this Wednesday? 



Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Teaser Tuesday #80


Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by Miz B of A Daily Rhythm. Anyone can play along!

"Mine." She licked her lips. "Because you were mine, and I was yours, and then everything went to hell."

-Never Let Go by Cynthia Eden


Summary-

He was more than just a man...

Dr. Elizabeth Parker didn't like wild, dangerous men...yet she still found herself falling for sexy Navy SEAL Sawyer Cage. He was her exact opposite--a man she should definitely stay away from, a man who lived for the thrill of danger...but he was also the man she found herself wanting more than any other.

But their secret relationship ended in heartbreak when Sawyer was killed on a mission. Grieving for him, the last thing Elizabeth ever expected was to find Sawyer listed as a test subject for the top secret government project she was heading--a project called Lazarus.

For years, Elizabeth had worked feverishly to unlock the secrets of life and death, and with her Lazarus formula, she finally thought she'd made a breakthrough. Only she never expected to use Lazarus on her lover.

But the choice is taken out of Elizabeth's hands...

Sawyer is given the Lazarus formula, and he's transported to a remote government facility. At that facility, Sawyer wakes once more, only he's not the same man. He's stronger, he's faster, his reflexes and his senses are ten times better than an average man's. The government calls Sawyer a super soldier... Elizabeth still calls him...hers.

Unfortunately, Sawyer has no memory of his life before Lazarus. All he knows is that something about the sexy doctor awakes a primal response in him. He wants her, and he'll do anything to possess her. Soul-deep, he feels that she was meant to be his.

Death waits in the darkness.

But something is wrong inside the Lazarus facility. The test subjects are holding back secrets, and danger seems to lurk in the air. The Lazarus subjects are super-human now, and some of those subjects have a very, very dark side. Twisted cravings drive them to the very edge of sanity. Can Sawyer keep Elizabeth safe from the madness around them...or will the growing darkness consume them both?

NEVER LET GO...a gripping new romantic suspense from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Cynthia Eden.


Monday, October 23, 2017

Release Day Blitz- Cuffed by K. Bromberg

 

CUFFED Blurb
By: K. Bromberg
Release Day – Oct 23
Standalone

From the New York Times bestselling author, K. Bromberg, comes a new series about three brothers, the job that calls them, and the women who challenge them.

“I hate you. I never want to see you again.”

Grant Malone is not the reason I moved back to Sunnyville—at least that’s what I tell myself. Yet, those parting words I said to him back in third grade, ring in my ears every time a townsperson brings up one of the Malone boys. I thought time had healed my wounds. I was wrong. Nothing could have prepared me for how I felt when I finally saw him again.

Twenty years does a lot to turn a boy into a man. One who hits all my buttons—sexy, funny, attractive, and a police officer. But Grant is off limits because he knows too much about my past.

But I’m drawn to him. That damn uniform of his doesn’t hurt either. It’ll be my downfall. I know it. 


What’s one night of sex going to hurt . . . right


***

I’ve always loved Emmy Reeves.

That’s why I’m shocked to see her all these years later. The shy girl I once knew is all grown up.

Adventurous and full of life, she owns my heart now, just as much as she did back then. Convincing her of that is a whole different story.

I’ll give her the one night she asks for—like that’s a hardship—but when it comes to letting her walk away after, she has another thing coming. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her go this time without a fight.

iBooks | B&N



About the Author:
 
HeadShot Color


A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs and soccer practices, more often than not with her laptop in tow.

Since publishing her first book in 2013, K. has sold over one million copies of her books and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over twenty-five times.

In April, she’ll release The Player, the first in a two-book sports romance series (The Catch, book 2, will be released late June), with many more already outlined and ready to be written.

She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media or sign up for her newsletter to stay up to date on all her latest releases and sales HERE



Friday, October 20, 2017

Blog Tour- Duke of Desire by Elizabeth Hoyt



DUKE OF DESIRE by Elizabeth Hoyt (October 17, 2017; Grand Central Publishing Mass Market; The Maiden Lane Series #12)

A LADY OF LIGHT
Refined, kind, and intelligent, Lady Iris Jordan finds herself the unlikely target of a diabolical kidnapping.  Her captors are the notoriously evil Lords of Chaos.  When one of the masked-and-nude!-Lords spirits her away to his carriage, she shoots him…only to find she may have been a trifle hasty.

A DUKE IN DEEPEST DARKNESS
Cynical, scarred, and brooding, Raphael de Chartres, the Duke of Dyemore, has made it his personal mission to infiltrate the Lords of Chaos and destroy them.  Rescuing Lady Jordan was never in his plans.  But now with the Lords out to kill them both, he has but one choice: marry the lady in order to keep her safe.

CAUGHT IN A WEB OF DANGER…AND DESIRE
Much to Raphael’s irritation, Iris insists on being the sort of duchess who involes herself in his life—and bed.  Soon he’s drawn to both to her quick wit and her fiery passion.  But when Iris discovers that Raphael’s past may be even more dangerous than the present, she falters.  Is their love strong enough to withstand not only the Lords of Chaos but also Raphael’s own demons?

Buy the Book!


Review-

Duke of Desire is the twelfth, yes twelfth book in the Maiden Lane series. It makes me feel bittersweet to say that this is going to be the last book in the Maiden Lane series. Before I continue on with the review I'd like to say that Elizabeth Hoyt is one of the most amazing authors and she is one of my favourite historical romance authors. I can't wait to read more from her and the entire Maiden Lane series is one of her best works. Now, getting back to Duke of Desire, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Let's start with the Duke in question, the Duke of Dyemore. Raphael is scarred and cynical. He does not mingle in society nor does he care what the society thinks of him. Raphael is on a mission to bring down the Lords of Chaos and destroy them and he will do anything to achieve that. What he does not expect is to fall for Lady Iris. I really liked Raphael. The poor man had a horrible childhood and suffered abuse from the hands of a loved one. This makes him question love and everything along with it.

Lady Iris Jordan does not expect to be kidnapped by the Lords of Chaos nor does she expect to be rescued by Rapheal and then marry him. Duke of Desire follows the classic example of marriage of convenience and it works so well for Iris and Raphael. Iris was a lady who'd been through a lot. She just wanted a husband and a companion whom she could love and cherish. Iris was determined and strong and sometimes stubborn- basically just what Raphael needed.

The romance between Iris and Raphael was swoon worthy. They were sweet together and Iris was definitely not hesitant to speak her mind. Raphael was protective and though he tried to keep his heart out of the relationship he failed. We also get to see a few familiar faces from the previous books here. 

One thing to be noted is that Duke of Desire has a much darker undertone as compared to some of the previous Maiden Lane books. It gives the book and its characters more depth. We can see the meaning behind their actions and the circumstances which led them to be the people they are in the present. Elizabeth Hoyt's writing is smooth and highly engaging. Overall, I really enjoyed Duke of Desire.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.


About the Author:


Elizabeth Hoyt is the New York Times bestselling author of over seventeen lush historical romances including the Maiden Lane series. Publishers Weekly has called her writing "mesmerizing." She also pens deliciously fun contemporary romances under the name Julia Harper. Elizabeth lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with three untrained dogs, a garden in constant need of weeding, and the long-suffering Mr. Hoyt.

Social Media Links:

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