COVER REVEAL: Tone Deaf by Olivia Rivers

Tone Deaf

by Olivia Rivers

Expected Publication:

November 4th 2013

by Red Sparrow Press

Genre: NA, Romance

Summary:

His world is music… 

…Her world is silent.

Ali Blinde was a prodigy destined to become one of the greatest musicians of the 21st century.

Until the brain tumor struck.

Now seventeen, Ali lives in a soundless world where she gets by with ASL and lip-reading. So when she meets Jace Beckett, she thinks he’s her worst nightmare come true. Jace is the lead singer in the wildly-popular band, Tone Deaf, and he’s exactly the kind of success-story Ali hates and resents.

Nineteen-year-old Jace has it all: fame, money, and any girl he wants. Every night on tour brings a new performance and a new girl, which is just what he needs to avoid the pain of relationships.

But when Jace learns Ali is being abused, he reluctantly proposes a solution: Run away with him and his band as they tour the country. With freedom in sight, Ali takes the offer. Immediately, she’s swept into a world filled with wild punk music, wilder musicians, and maybe—just maybe—love.

About the author:

Olivia Rivers is the author of six novels, ranging in genres from Epic Fantasy to Contemporary Romance. Along with being a writer, she’s a freelance digital artist, a literary agent assistant, and a high school student.  She’s a nerd at heart, and is a hopeless fan-girl for Doctor Who and Arrested Development. Olivia lives in California with a dog who thinks he’s a cat, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and a kitten who is just generally confused.

Olivia Rivers | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

ARC REVIEW: Claimed (Club Sin #1) by Stacey Kennedy

Title/Series: Claimed | Club Sin #1
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Publisher: Random House Loveswept
Expected Publication: August 5th 2013
Format: eBook | Pages: 230
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Erotica
Source: NetGalley
★★★★★ (5/5) Stars!!!!!

Stacey Kennedy | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Presley Flynn is ripe to experience her secret fantasies . . . and Dmitri Pratt wants nothing more than to fulfill them. Once inside the elite Club Sin in Las Vegas, Presley is nervous but excited—and determined to surrender to her every desire. Dmitri is her Master, and his touch is like fire. With each careful, calculated caress, he unleashes her wildest inhibitions, giving her unimagined pleasure.

Presley is different than the other submissives Dimitri has mastered. The BDSM lifestyle is new to her, and so are the games they play at Club Sin. From the start, Presley stirs emotions in him far beyond the raw purity between a dom and the perfect sub. For the ecstasy they share goes beyond the dungeon igniting a passion that claims the very depths of the heart.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Have you ever read a book that kept you up all night? That by the time you finished it you realized that not only hadn't you gotten much sleep but you were so wrapped up and absorbed in the story that you forgot to eat? Been so captivated that you want to grab every person you see and shove the book in their face until they've read it too? Let Master Dmitri welcome you to Club Sin in Claimed. This book rocked me in ways I didn't know a book could.

I haven't really delved much into the world of BDSM erotica. I've read books with traces of it, and some of my favorite fictional men have always been very alpha male bordering on dom-like behavior. But Claimed was my first real taste of a book specifically living in that world. I was a bit nervous to ever pick up something like that. Let's be honest it freaked me the hell out! But there was something about this book. The cover whore inside of me was first pulled in by the tattooed chiseled chest on the cover and so I read the description. My interest was definitely piqued. I honestly squealed when I got the approval from NetGalley.

"If you don't follow what has been asked of you, you will be punished. If you refuse your punishment, you will be escorted from the dungeon and not allowed to return."

I was drawn in instantly into this book. It was all because of Presley at the start. She was real. She was believable. She was curious about the lifestyle, something her roommate Cora saw in her, and set up a meeting for her with Master Dmitri, owner of Club Sin. Presley was timid, shy, embarrassed to even say the word sex. She wanted desperately to break herself from this outer shell she'd projected to the world but she was afraid of letting go. Yet even when her brain would start to analyze things and kick her fear into gear there was something calming about Master Dmitri that relaxed her and demanded her trust.

An ease that he seemed to bring without much effort washed over her, and she relaxed into his hold. Besides, his touch felt...nice. Safe. His presence was as warm as the blanket around her and oddly enough, she'd never experienced such a sensation of peace.

Dmitri. Sigh. Oh Dmitri. He fulfilled everything I crave in a male character. Every bit the delicious dominate alpha male without the side effects of being an asshole. Let's face it most of the time we have a great alpha there's a side of him that can be a complete tool. This is so not the case here. He's strong yet vulnerable, he's demanding yet he cares and takes care of people he cares about, he's successful and wealthy yet he gives just as much as he receives, he demands honesty and gives it back in return. I could seriously be singing his praises all day if you let me. He's the perfect compliment to Presley in every way.

He broke the kiss, he continued to clasp her face and leaned his forehead against hers. His whisper of "Mine" slid into her heart, and she echoed the acknowledgement by whispering, "Yours."

Claimed was told in the dual POVs of Presley and Dmitri and so the first meeting between these two, from both sides, was when I truly knew I was going to fall in love with this book. It was exciting and the explosive chemistry between these two had me craving more. Every time she let her fears get to her to the point where she was ready to bolt all it took was his touch, as simple as a finger on the neck, calming words and she was grounded. The intensity and trust they found in each other as they grew together and found the different strengths they needed within each other was such a pleasure to read.

Her dark desires came alive only when she felt comfortable, and she felt that way only in his presence. His touch made her burn. His stare on her ignited something inside her. Right now she told him all he needed to know: Her submission, body, heart, and soul were his for the taking.

This book made me a huge Stacey Kennedy stalker ....err fan. I said fan! This book was classy without being crude and cringe worthy and had it's own set of rules that avoided the darker sides of BDSM which is probably what allowed me to embrace it so easily. I fell in love with the world of Club Sin and its masters. I'm already ready to reread Claimed and can't wait for more! Master Aidan and Master Kyler I'm coming for you next!

***

My Master Dmitri:

Sigh. Yeah... I can see that.

ARC REVIEW: Prep School Confidential (Prep School Confidential #1) by Kara Taylor

Title/Series: Prep School Confidential | Prep School Confidential #1
Author: Kara Taylor
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Expected Publication: July 30th 2013
Format: Paperback | Pages: 310
Genre: YA, Mystery, Contemporary
Source: Goodreads First Reads win
★★★★ (4/5) Stars!

Kara Taylor | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

In this breathtaking debut that reads like Gossip Girl crossed with Twin Peaks, a Queen Bee at a blue-blooded New England prep school stumbles into a murder mystery.

Anne Dowling practically runs her exclusive academy on New York’s Upper East Side—that is, until she accidentally burns part of it down and gets sent to a prestigious boarding school outside of Boston. Determined to make it back to New York, Anne couldn't care less about making friends at the preppy Wheatley School. That is, until her roommate Isabella’s body is found in the woods behind the school.

When everyone else is oddly silent, Anne becomes determined to uncover the truth no matter how many rules she has to break to do it. With the help of Isabella’s twin brother Anthony, and a cute classmate named Brent, Anne discovers that Isabella wasn’t quite the innocent nerdy girl she pretended to be. But someone will do anything to stop Anne’s snooping in this fast-paced, unputdownable read—even if it means framing her for Isabella’s murder.

I was a bit worried first starting it that I wasn't going to like this. I mean it's prep school and at the very start Anne sort of had that spoiled rich girl vibe. That all lasted only about a minute though because I was quickly sucked in to this fun, fast paced read that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was pretty cocky in the beginning, thinking I knew exactly who did it and what was going on. I couldn't have been more wrong. It was so much more complex that I could have ever imagined.

There's a whole lot more to Anne Dowling than just a spoiled prep school girl. She is snarky and funny and incredibly smart. Unlike most of her peers she doesn't have that "I'm better than all of you" type of attitude. She was genuinely friendly to everyone regardless of where they came from. Unless of course you got on her bad side.She was so much fun to read.

My father says I got my big mouth from my Uncle Jason. He landed himself on a federal no-fly list after making casual jokes to a flight attendant about having an explosive in his pants.

Basically Uncle Jason is a dumbass, and so am I.

I was completely intrigued with this suspenseful murder mystery. Every time I would think I knew what was going on and who to trust or not to trust something would happen and I'd be even more confused than ever.and eventually I just didn't trust anybody! The suspense had me turning page after heart pounding page. Wheatley is a small and exclusive prep school that only accepts 50 students each year most of which are kids from very prominent families, politicians and such, there are secrets and cover ups everywhere. Though Anne wasn't afraid to dig into those secrets to find justice for her friend and roommate Isabella, often to the point of putting herself in danger.

Though the murder and Anne's clever investigating are the main story there is a bit of a love triangle and hints of a romance here and there. There's the fellow prep school classmate Brent. He's everything she should be going for. They come from similar backgrounds, he's sweet and watches out for her. And then there's Anthony. Anthony is Isabella's twin and from the wrong side of the tracks. He's got a past and has done some things that she's not sure she can look past. Both guys have a good and bad side and I'm sure we'll get to see more of that in the future installments of the series. Thankfully though the romance is very light in this book and definitely not the focus which was a nice change.

The murder of Isabella may have been cleared up by the end of this book, but things are definitely not over. Other secrets were revealed in trying to find her killer and Anne's determined to take down the rest of the shady individuals at Wheatley. I'm looking forward to what is sure to be some fun adventures with Anne Dowling in the future. This was a brilliant debut novel by Kara Taylor and once you pick it up it's impossible to put down!

COVER REVEAL: Suit & Fangs by Marian Tee

Suit & Fangs

by Marian Tee

Cover Designed:

by clarisetan

Expected Publication:

July 28th 2013

Genre: NA, Paranormal, Romance

Summary:

Caros are what vampires used to be.

We are slaves to pleasure, power turns us on, and each and every one of us has a weakness to hide.

All things sparkly and beautiful are 18-year-old Caylie Sonora’s greatest source of pleasure, and no one is more irresistibly gorgeous and seductive in her eyes than the quiet and old-fashioned Luka. All the girls in school want to belong to him, craving both his body and authority. They say that behind closed doors his coldly charming manners disappear, leaving behind a guy who’d take you so hard you’d be breathless and panting for more. But if Caylie has her way, all she’d take from him is revenge, using her body to break his heart.

The most carnal of passions is the only chink in 19-year-old Luka Georgiades’ armor, but his obsession has only always ever to do with Caylie, whose body he desires to possess, in every imaginable position. The half-human Luka may be his race’s most cunning defender, with murderously precise skills and an even deadlier mind, but even Luka is powerless against fate, which forces him to hurt the girl who’s his everything…again and again.

They are each other’s weakness, and the game of love has never been so destructive.

About the author:

Hi! I’m Marian Tee – I write sexy funny romances, emphasis on the funny because most readers tell me my books are a public hazard, often causing them to laugh out loud and get funny looks from other people.

I’m from the Philippines, half Filipino and half Chinese with a love for all things Japanese! Yes, that rhymed.  I love dancing, travelling, watching horror movies and basketball, and reading Archie comics.

Of course I love reading books, too. In fact, if I’m a little too slow in releasing a new book, it’s probably because I’m too busy being a reader and forgot all about being a writer.  Yes, I know, MY BAD!

I am a frustrated MANGAKA, hence why I write novels like Drawn and why I have a Vampire Knight fan fic posted at FanFiction.net (just search for Morteia Chronicles).

Marian Tee | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

ARC REVIEW: Seduction in Silver (A Flirting to Win Series Novella) by Natalie Anderson

Title/Series: Seduction in Silver | Flirting to Win Novella
Author: Natalie Anderson
Publisher: Entangled Indulgence
Expected Publication: July 29th 2013
Format: eBook | Pages: 172
Genre: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review
★★★★ (4/5) Stars!

Natalie Anderson | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Nina Breslin figures the sexy man she meets on the Baker Street Tube is eons out of her league. Dr. Eduardo Ruiz needs a break from the heart-breaking reality of his job. And when he finally introduces himself to Nina, they agree to an outrageous plan. Can they play by their own rules, or will they succumb to the pull of seduction?

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Can I just say how happy and pleasantly surprised I was to have our male love interest in this book be Latin? I mean we read about heroes being British, Italian, French, Scottish all the time. It's about time we have someone to swoon over from Spain. And Eduardo was fully swoon worthy!

This book was so much fun. It's in the dual POVs of our main characters Nina and Eduardo. Nina is a Canadian living in London getting ready to travel the world solo. She's also a very broken lady. Just coming off of a 3 year engagement to a guy who really did a number to her self confidence, image you name it. He had her believing she was insignificant and boring and unsatisfying sexual so he was forced to seek enjoyment elsewhere. Great guy right?

Eduardo is from a very wealthy family from  the Barcelona area, he's established himself and his career in London. Though his family keeps pressure on him to move back home and get married, work in the family business, have children, you know the deal. But Eduardo is quite a broken man himself. His career has taken quite a toll on him and he's closed himself off emotionally. He doesn't feel like he has anything to offer anyone.

Unknown to either of them, they've had their eye on each other in the mornings. Nina passes by Eduardo every morning on her way to work. He's outside his building waiting for his car service and she finds him way out of her league. Then one morning there's no car waiting for him and he heads for the Tube as well, in which a very fun and flirtatious commute occurs. The interactions between these two is seriously adorable and the chemistry...wow. Just wow.

This was a sweet, fun and a bit emotional read. I easily connected with the characters whom were both very likable. There were only a few sort of awkward cheese type moments when things were getting heated up and they were getting all Shakespeare on each other. Don't get me wrong I love Shakespeare just...not in the bedroom! I understand though it was part of their quirks so it fits with the story! It just wasn't my thing. I thoroughly enjoyed the story though and couldn't put it down.

Thanks to Entangled Publishing for sending me a copy to read and review!!

Swoon Thursday #17

Swoon Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by YABound!

Here's what you do:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

My swoon for this week is actually from something I read a couple weeks back, yet it still has a hold on my heart. I can still feel everything right there on the surface as if I read the last words moments ago. SO MANY FEELS!!! Sigh.

This is a very UN-PG kind of swoon as it is a new adult book. So younguns cover your eyes! It's about to get all sorts of steamy in here! ;)

This week I'm STILL swooning over:

Left Drowning by Jessica Park

Published July 16th 2013

New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

I force myself not to grab his hands and move them immediately where I want, and it's torture. But I don't want him to stop, so I let him set the pace. When he's traced his way to the front, I lean my head back into his chest, willing this to never end. His hand moves from my hair, across my collarbone, down my chest, and then slips under the top of my robe. Now he is brushing my breast ever so teasingly, and I am convinced that I have hit my tolerance for standing up straight. My knees are beyond weak, and with the way my legs are starting to shake, I'm not sure how long I can stay like this in the face of so much pleasure.

Chris's voice is a low whisper in my ear. "I want to hear you come. I need to hear you come."

I just...

Holy crap I...

I mean it's...

JUST HONESTLY READ THIS BOOK FFS!! 

I need to read it again already...


Let's make with the swoons! *Grabby hands* Link me!!

Swoon Thursday #19

Swoon Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by YABound!

Here's what you do:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

This week I'm swooning over...

"Kiss me," he said hoarsely. " Give me that much."

Panting softly, I licked my dry lips. He groaned tilted his head and sealed his mouth over mine. I was shocked by how soft his firm lips were and the gentleness of the pressure he exerted. I sighed and his tongue dipped inside, tasting me in long, leisurely licks. His kiss was confident, skilled and just the right side of aggressive to turn me on wildly. 

With Gideon Cross this entire book is a swoon! But I didn't have the time or energy to make a post like that. ;) Guess you'll just have to read it for yourself. 

That's What HE Said Thursday #4

The girls over at Chapter Break came up with a fun new meme! "That's what HE said" is where we share with you our favorite quote from one of our favorite book boyfriends to his lady love. Find out more about it here.

My Quote:

"I am home." He caught me from behind and buried his face in my soaked hair. "I'm with you."

Gideon to Eva
Bared to You (Crossfire #1) by Sylvia Day

I'm late to the party in starting this series but I'm already quite smitten with Gideon Cross and this line was just perfect in the moment and made my heart flutter. :)

That's What HE Said Thursday #02

The girls over at Chapter Break came up with a fun new meme! "That's what HE said" is where we share with you our favorite quote from one of our favorite book boyfriends to his lady love. Find out more about it here.

My quote:

"When my mum died I realized that it's possible to live without someone you love."  When I asked him what he meant, he wrapped me back in his arms. "I love you Willow, but I can live without you. I just refuse to."

Cooper Taylor to Willow Avery
Tidal by Emily Snow


Sigh. Cooper sure had a way with words. There were so many quotable Cooper lines in that book but this was the one that got to me :)

Sizzling Summer Giveaway!

Welcome to my stop on the Sizzling Summer Giveaway hosted by YABound Book Tours! To see the list of all 50 authors and the bloggers participating click the link above! 

I'm hosting a guest post from author
Liz Long

Witch Hearts

by Liz Long

Published:

April 14th 2013

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Summary:

How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells?

Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend.

If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.

WITCH HEARTS Special Excerpt

Cooper and Ruby hopped on his bike and drove back to her place. She even managed to peek out from beneath her helmet to see the city whip past her in a blur. When they finally came to a stop, she untangled herself from him – albeit a tad regretful about it – and handed him back the helmet.

“Thanks again for everything tonight. I know it wasn’t the most fun you could have, but I want everyone to be safe,” she said.

“I understand. I’m glad I went, too. I don’t want anyone else in danger. Plus, you’re good company.” He stood up as he said it, hooking the helmets on his bike.

“You don’t have walk me in or anything. I don’t want to keep you any longer than you need.”

He snorted. “You’re not keeping me from anything. I want to do it, but especially because I want to make sure you’re safe.”

Ruby bit her bottom lip. Her nerves fluttered a bit at the thought of a possible goodnight kiss. She could hardly believe how immature she sounded in her head.

It’s your best friend’s brother. This is Cooper we’re talking about, a voice in her head screamed at her.

Another voice spoke up. Yeah. It’s Cooper. And your thoughts about him have never been exactly brotherly. 

Shaking both voices away, she swiped her key fob by the entrance door and Cooper held it open for her. They took the stairs up to the second floor and walked around the corner to her apartment. Ruby stopped as soon as she saw her door.

“Something’s wrong,” she said.

“What? How can you tell?” He looked up and down the hallway.

“There was a barrier when I left. Remember I checked, put my hand on the door when we left? My spell was in place.”

“There was a soft glow on the door,” he said absentmindedly, as though remembering. His eyes narrowed and Ruby could see his veins throb in his neck as his jaw tightened.

“Only witches would be able to see it, but it’s not there.” Ruby took a few steps forward, placing her hand on the door, which was now simply cool and wooden. She retrieved her key and turned the lock, but Cooper stopped her.

“I’ll go in first.”

He swung the door wide open; he held his hands up in case of a fight or a spell, but silence greeted them. Cooper did a quick sweep of the apartment while Ruby waited in the entryway. He returned with Aziza in one arm and a letter in his hand.

“This was on your coffee table,” he said grimly. “Aziza was hiding behind the couch. She hissed until she realized it was me.”

Ruby took the note from him. As she opened it, Cooper stood beside her to read over her shoulder.

“Not all witches are equal. Some are born with extraordinary gifts; anyone can practice, but few are truly powerful. You are one of the lucky ones, Ruby. I apologize about your friend Courtney. She was powerful, but nowhere near your capabilities. I’m afraid that in order for my powers to thrive, yours must come to an end. I’ll be seeing you very soon. –X”

About the author:

Liz Long is lucky enough to have a dream career in magazine publishing as an editor and writer, yet still have time to create adventures on the side. If you catch her staring off into space or talking to herself, don’t worry – it’s just her imagination at work.

Liz graduated from Longwood University with a BA in English, though her professors might be disappointed to hear she reads more fantasy fiction than literary novels. She also loves action and thriller genres. Her books probably won’t change your life, but she hopes they steal you away from reality for a while.

Her newest release, Witch Hearts, is on sale on Amazon for Kindle and paperback. Her first book, Gifted, a Donovan Circus Novel, is also available for paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

Liz Long | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway:

1 - Kindle Fire HD with NA/Adult e-book prize pack (shown)

1 - Kindle Fire HD with YA e-book prize pack (shown)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK BLITZ: Bittersweet Junction by Ivy Sinclair

Bittersweet Junction

by Ivy Sinclair

Publication Date:

July 2013

Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance

Summary:

Best friends once, lovers never, yet an attraction that can’t be ignored.

Five years ago, Julia Bell walked away from her life the moment her high school diploma was in her hand. She left her family and friends behind to start over and escape the chokehold of small town life in Benton Hill. But an urgent call from her little sister brings Julia back to her hometown wholly unprepared for what awaits her.

Ben Miller was always the nice guy. Just before high school graduation, he stepped out of that role hoping to capture the heart of the woman he loved. Instead, in quick succession he lost the girl, and the future he worked so hard to achieve.

Even though Julia and Ben are drawn to each other, echoes of the past block them at every turn. Secrets are exposed, and reality needs to be dealt with if they can ever hope to move past the bittersweet junction that ripped them apart.

About the author:

Ivy Sinclair cut her romance teeth on classics like Gone With the Wind, Casablanca, An Affair to Remember, and Sabrina. She is a firm believer in true love, a happily ever after ending, and the medicinal use of chocolate to cure any ailment of the heart. Ivy’s guilty pleasures include sushi, endless Starbucks lattes, and wine. Readers of Ivy’s stories can expect smoldering sweet stories of romance that tug at the heartstrings.

Ivy Sinclair | Goodreads