Review and Excerpt: Primordial Dust by Sarah Daltry

Title: Primordial Dust

Author: Sarah Daltry

Genre: Fantasy (Romance/YA)

A princess, trained to behave. An assassin, betrothed to her. A thief, whose eyes she dreams of at night. A kingdom at war, torn apart by the suppression of magic and truth, as well as family secrets that threaten to destroy decades of peace.

Questions of loyalty, of morality, and of free will culminate in a fantasy novel about forging one’s own path and choosing one’s own destiny.

Excerpt:

“I’m not sure. It’s a spell of some sort, but it’s a powerful one. Magic script is rarely used now and never like this. The varied colors mean that the spell is a conditional one. The writing of this today would bring me to your doorstep.”

“What do you mean?”

“The three colors. A conditional spell has three outcomes – based on the mage who uses it. The intent of the mage changes the results, and if the mage’s intent is to harm…”

“Intent is all,” I whisper.

“Yes. The foundation of magic, but intent matters little in an age when magic serves no role. In a world when it was powerful, however, this could be a weapon or a blessing. All depending on the mage. It doesn’t matter, though, because if we want to read this...”

“We need the mage,” I finish. “Sure. That will be easy.” Finding a mage in Anara during peace time was a challenge, at least one who would admit to crafting this. Secrecy is forbidden in mages; it was one of the agreements when magic became a specialized art. Finding a veiled mage after entire kingdoms, along with all of their mages, have been butchered is an impossibility.

“I think we must speak with Alusia,” Seamus suggests. “And then we need to take a journey to Livonia.”

“Livonia is in ruins. It was absorbed by Yarvania, remember?”

Seamus smiles. “Ruins are the best place to start. Where better to hide a secret than under rubble everyone forgot?”

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn't as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories.

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking the internet for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

She has written several books, most notably Bitter Fruits, an urban fantasy in the Eden’s Fall series, Backward Compatible: A Geek Love Story, and the six book New Adult Flowering series, including Forget Me Not, Lily of the Valley, Blue Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Orange Blossom, and Ambrosia.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://sarahdaltry.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorSarahDaltry

Twitter: http://twitter.com/SarahDaltry

I don't usually read fantasy books, preferring to stick to paranormal or contemporary.  But Primordial Dust is a good example of why I delve into the fantasy genre from time to time.  The author has created an intriguing world and offers a storyline that keeps you thinking and guessing until all of this world's secrets are finally revealed.

Alondra's character goes through the most growth, going from a spoiled teen to a woman who can rule her people after her journey is complete.  I really liked that she is always the proponent for the freedom of choice above all.  Seamus has his secrets, but remains a solid, supporting presence by Alondra's side throughout the story-and that he provides unconditional love for her, which is something you might not expect from a character with his background.  Assassin or not, he'll be one to add to your book boyfriend list for sure.

The format of the first part of the book, where it would bounce back and forth from past to present was a bit awkward for me, and I was glad after that first section when it switched to just the "now" standpoint.  There were several points in the story where I felt confused, like I was just trying to understand everything that was going on, and a couple of points that seemed to drag just a bit...but overall it was an enjoyable story.

You'll get more of the fantasy aspect of the story than a romance, though Alondra and Seamus' relationship does play a considerable part.

My rating: 3.5 stars

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway: The Horde Without End by Nazarea Andrews

The Horde Without End synopsis:

It was supposed to be over…

Returning from Haven 18 was supposed to be the end. But nothing is ever easy—and in a world full of zombies, finding the missing is next to impossible. There are breadcrumbs. Tiny clues. But what are a few tiny clues in a world of the dead?

Nurrin is desperate to find her brother, but that will mean trusting Finn O’Malley. A man shrouded in secrets, who kills as easily as breathing. And the more she learns about him, the more questions she has. But she has learned one thing—the zombies are changing. Adapting. And this time, the Haven walls won’t keep them out.

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Catch up with The World Without a Future, on sale for .99 NOW!

 

About the Author:

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog. She is the author of Girl Lost, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series.

Blog | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Nazarea’s Newsletter | Facebook Reader Group | Author Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

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My Review

First-if you haven't read the first book, The World Without a Future-go pick it up now!  You'll need to read it before starting Horde to understand everything that's going on.  Second-I love this series!  I never used to think I'd like to read zombie books, but after a friend wrote one that I really liked, a favorite author of mine wrote one that I also really liked, and then I come across this series...well, let's just say there will probably be many more zombies in my future reading :-)

And then there's Finn O'Malley.  I love that we are learning more and more about his enigmatic character, finally getting to find out about who he was before Day One.  You get a lot of insight into his character here in book two, some of it quite unexpected.  And regardless of his rough and not necessarily appropriate ways, he's still the hot survivor alpha male that you want on your side (and other places *grin*).

I like that Nurrin is becoming an even stronger female character, and really enjoy the interactions between her and Finn.  I'm just waiting to see how much longer it's going to take her to admit what all of us out here reading already know about her feelings regarding him.

The story will surely keep your interest like it did mine...and now after that oh-my-gosh ending, I'm totally craving the next book!

Definitely one for the 18+ crowd, I'm tossing 4.5 stars out there for The Horde Without End!

Blog Tour and Review: Teaching Roman by Gennifer Albin

TEACHING ROMAN by Gennifer Albin

June 2014

BOOK SUMMARY: 

Jessica Stone has her life in perfect order until her perfectly boring boyfriend Brett puts things in perspective. So when she receives a call to action from her heartbroken best friend Cassie, she ditches her plans for Winter Break in gloomy Olympic Falls and sets off to Mexico for some fun in the sun.

Determined to use her oceanview to prep for her MCATS, she doesn't plan to run into anyone from Olympic State, least of all the cute communications prof she's been crushing on for a year. When he unexpectedly saves the day, the two are thrown together in a distinctly extracurricular activity.

Roman Markson doesn’t expect to run into anyone he knows from Olympic Falls while visiting his family in Puerto Vallarta, especially not a former student. Although Jess Stone has a way of catching men’s attention, a relationship with her is strictly off-limits. However, the rules feel less strict in Mexico, so they agree to a plan: one week in paradise and nothing more.

But avoiding each other back on campus is harder than they anticipated, especially when they can’t stay away from one another. Neither is sure what they have to learn—and lose—before life teaches them a lesson they’ll never forget.

Goodreads link:   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18157895-teaching-roman?ac=1

Buy Links 
Amazon -  http://amzn.to/1iR1hG1
Barnes and Noble - http://bit.ly/1p1ra2L 

Author Information

Website:  http://www.genniferalbin.com/ 

Facebook Fan Page:  https://www.facebook.com/genniferalbinbooks 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GenniferAlbin 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4906436.Gennifer_Albin 

My Review

Teaching Roman was a sweet and sexy story that totally kept my interest from start to end.  I found the characters to be very likable and the situation true to life, both adding to the enjoyment of the reading.  While it's presented as a teacher/student romance, I didn't see any problem with their relationship from the start since Jessica wasn't in Roman's class any longer, plus this is college-not high school-so you're talking about all adults now.  I could understand a conflict if she was currently in a class he taught, but that was no longer the case here.

But, that doesn't mean other characters in the book didn't see an issue with their relationship, and that's where the angst and drama comes into play.  It continues to build until a particular point at the end before we get our HEA...tempered by another event that will toss some more emotion into the mix.  That last part made me feel like there should be a bit more to Jessica and Roman's story, but maybe we'll hear a bit more in the next book, even if it is focused on a different couple.

I found the characters to be well developed, and Roman was definitely my favorite of the bunch in this story. 

This all contributes to a really good read with a little spice thrown in for good measure (gotta love those steamy scenes!).  A definite recommended read for the 18+ crowd, and I'm looking forward to the next in this series...4 solid stars :-)

Blog Tour and Review: Before You by Amber Hart

About BEFORE YOU

Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it is both.

Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying in exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it’s all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn't stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past—a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.

At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely.

Love—it will ruin you and save you, both.

Links for BEFORE YOU

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Goodreads

About Amber Hart

Amber Hart grew up in Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. She now resides on the Florida coastline with family. When unable to find a book, she can be found writing, daydreaming, or with her toes in the sand. She's the author of BEFORE YOU, AFTER US, UNTIL YOU FIND ME, and sequel to UNTIL YOU FIND ME (untitled as of yet). Represented by Beth Miller of Writers House. 

Connect with Amber Hart

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads 

Giveaway (US only)

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My Review

It was refreshing to read a book featuring senior year high school characters without them sounding immature and childish...something I see too often these days.  I think a large part of that is due to Diego's character, who at only 18 years old has seen and experienced more than most his age.  His cocky attitude when it comes to Faith is actually kind of fun-even though Faith sure doesn't think so at first.

The way Diego and Faith are presented to us is as a star-crossed couple, heavily emphasizing the difference between their ethnic backgrounds.  Personally, I've never really seen that harsh of a divide between any Hispanic and white kids when I was in high school in South Florida...maybe things have drastically changed since then (or maybe I just led a more sheltered life-though that's doubtful), but this seems to be pushed more in this story to accentuate the drama.

I think Faith helps soften Diego's rough edges, and I think he helps her become less of the "Miss Popular" type, and more like your average high school girl.  I found myself wanting to see them succeed as a couple, mostly because I thought Diego really deserved to find some happiness after his rough start in life.

As far as the storyline goes, I thought it was pretty interesting, especially since coming from a highly diverse area myself I could relate to many situations presented in the book.  What I did find a little hard to get behind was the way the author made everything okay at the end.  I kind of wavered on the believability, but accepted it in the end as the device used to ensure we get our HEA.  And I'm always a sucker for those HEAs.

Four stars for this edgy mature YA romance.

Blog Tour: Little Things by Madison Street

Title: Little Things

Author: Madison Street

Release Date: June 2, 2014

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

Everything in Duke Grayson’s life was all he could ever ask for: A loving family, loyal friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and a scholarship to his top choice college. It’s his senior year of high school, and all he needs is to focus on his grades, lacrosse, and keeping his girlfriend happy. That is until Raya walks into his life.

From the moment they meet, Duke is drawn to her, not only for her natural beauty and her stunning crystal blue eyes, but because he’s aware there’s more to this girl than just his alluring pull to her. He senses secrecy and fear.

Throughout the year, their bond grows stronger, and his feelings for her become undeniable. Just when he is about to express his love, tragedy strikes and Raya disappears.

For six years, Duke is tortured by his struggles, as he’s unable to find her and blames himself for failing to protect her. Until the day, she’s found, and he’s given a second chance. Will Duke become her beacon of hope and make her see that it’s the little things that make life worthwhile? Can Raya overcome her fears and fight against the terrors that haunt her? Or will her dark and torturous past be too much for her to battle against?

*Warning: This book contains some disturbing situations, strong language and sexual content. Suited for 18 years and over.

Buy Links

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon AU ~ B&N ~ iBooks ~ Kobo

Excerpt

With a quick pace, I give Mrs. Robinson my test and race out of the class only to crash into Duke.

“Whoa!! Slow down!” He steadies me with his arms.

I chuckle, “Sorry, I’m just happy to get away from Jose. I’m happy this is the last class with him.”

“Me, too. He’s gotten in the way of a lot of things and I can’t f***ing stand him. It’ll be alright, Raya. He won’t bother you anymore.” He caresses my arm for a few seconds and then pulls away, clearing his throat. “So, uhh, what did Taylor want?”

I glance away to avoid his eyes, “He asked me out on a date.”

“He finally did it, huh? Took him forever.”

My head snaps to look at him, “Wait. What do you mean?”

He laughs and shakes his head, “After the Halloween party, he asked me if he should ask you out and I told him to go for it. Honestly, I thought he would have asked you out weeks ago. I don’t know what took him so long.”

My heart drops and an unbearable sadness falls over me. “Oh, is that right?”

“You know he’s crazy about you. You should give him a chance. He’s a really good guy.”

I close my eyes and try to force back the tears that are threatening to escape. My heart aches at the loss of Duke’s affection. All I want is him and I know I won’t ever get it. “I’m not so sure. I like him, but not as much as he likes me. I don’t want to rush anything. Besides, I told him that I can’t make any promises. I’ll be very busy with work during the break and won’t have much free time.”

“Ehh, he’ll wait. He doesn’t have a lot going on anyway.” He glances at his phone and responds to a text message. “Okay, well I’m going to catch Melanie before she heads off to her next class. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Okay. Tell her I’ll see her in English.”

“I will.” He waves at me as he heads off to go get his girlfriend. At that moment, I realize that my feelings for Duke are purely one-sided and I need to get a grip on them. A single tear escapes and I quickly wipe it away. I promised myself that I wouldn’t stand in the way of Duke and Melanie. I’m not like that and I refuse to be the reason for a breakup. Their friendship means so much to me and I won’t ruin it.

Maybe I should go out with Taylor, but how can I with Craig being home? Hopefully, he has a conference coming up soon and will have to go out of town. I’m going to have to find a way to explain this to Taylor. I hope he’ll understand. I grab my cell phone and send a quick text to him.

Me: Meet me at work tomorrow.

I head down the hallway, making my way to endure the next final in line. A few minutes later, I hear my phone beep with an incoming text notification. I grab my cell to read the message sent from Taylor.

Taylor: So, is that a yes?

I laugh to myself. He always gets a head of himself.

Me: It’s a maybe. I’d like to take things slow so if you want come visit me at work. J

Taylor: Of course! What time is your shift?

Me: From 11-7

Taylor: Okay, I’ll see you there. Maybe we can do lunch?

Me: Yeah, that sounds good. See ya tomorrow. J

Taylor: See ya then sweetie ;)

I smile at his text and think about seeing him tomorrow. He really is a nice guy and maybe I should listen to Duke and give him a chance. My hopes and wishes are slowly diminishing and I can use any bit of happiness I can get right now. Maybe Taylor is just what I need.

About the Author

Madison Street was born in New York City and was raised in the Bronx, where she resided until she was 17 years old. After 9/11, Madison joined the United States Navy to serve her country.

During the deployments, Madison constantly wrote short stories and she discovered her passion for writing. You will find Madison always on the computer, whether she's on Facebook, designing websites, messing with Photoshop, or writing for her blog.

Besides writing, her second passion is music and dance. Even though she's a terrible singer, she’ll still belt it out in the shower, especially if the song is her jam! She currently resides in Virginia with her husband of 8 years, 2 children, a dog, and a cat. She is so excited to start this amazing journey and is honored to be part of such a compassionate and loving community.

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Google + ~ Amazon Author Page

Giveaway

2 Signed Paperbacks of Little Things (US ONLY), 2 Signed Little Things Bookmarks (US ONLY), 5 ecopies of Little Things

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Cover Reveals: The No Weddings Series by Kat Bastion ad Stone Bastion

I am so excited by this cover reveal! We’ll be revealing FOUR covers today for Kat and Stone Bastion’s new series, No Wedding Series. We’re also releasing an excerpt!! So here it is!!!

Title: No Weddings Series

Author: Kat Bastion with Stone Bastion

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover designer: Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations

Photographer: Mandy Hollis Photography

Models: Steven Preston and Brittany Brescia

About No Weddings (Release Date Sep 8):

Award-winning author Kat Bastion teams with her husband, Stone Bastion, in this first book in the No Weddings Series about Cade Michaelson, a successful man with his sights set on a new venture in business, and Hannah Martin, the woman who makes it personal.

I think I have my act together as a successful bar owner, my master’s degree within reach, and a list of no-strings-attached women warming my bed. Turns out, I don’t.

Hannah believes she has safeguarded her wounded heart by shunning men and focusing on her new baking business. The thing is, she hasn’t.

When my three sisters and I start a new event-planning business with Hannah as our baker, I have no idea how my life is about to change. As Hannah and I work closely together, the attraction between us becomes irresistible. And complicated. I’ve promised my sisters I wouldn’t mix business with pleasure. But I’ve never been one to follow the rules.

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About One Funeral (Release Date Sep 29):

The stakes climb higher in this second book in the No Weddings Series for Hannah Martin, a woman restrained by her past, and Cade Michaelson, the man who could help set her free.

I’m drawn to Cade as he charms his way into more of my life and offers me something I truly haven’t ever had: a friend. Yet his humor, patience, and drop-dead sexiness take my breath away, and I know my heart is at risk. I want to move forward but am terrified I can’t.

Cade seems to have it together from his own devastating heartache. His subtle actions, however, suggest a different story. And even though he says he wants more, I wonder if he’s able to trust in our developing relationship.

As we navigate through our tangled feelings, we vow to take it slow. Yet no matter how careful we try to be, things between us intensify—and there’s nothing we can do, or want to do, to stop it.

But the biggest question remains: Is chemistry enough to move beyond the past and toward a future together?

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About Two Bar Mitzvahs (Release Date Oct 20):

Summer heats up in this third book in the No Weddings Series, where Cade Michaelson strives to balance his and Hannah Martin’s new relationship with the growing demands of his financial success.

Waiting for Hannah has been the best and worst kind of torture. Now I can claim her as mine. We believe we’re done with the past and can move forward together.

Hannah grows stronger than ever as she trusts in me—trusts in us. And when obstacles appear, she shows a surprising fierceness that rivals my own.

However, all is not perfect in paradise. Things get chaotic while I try to juggle multiple businesses, an ex from hell, and a girlfriend I’d do anything to keep. And in the middle of the whirlwind, I recklessly think I can handle everything.

But when all the madness is over, will I have everything I want—will I still have Hannah?

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About Three Christmases (Release Date Nov 17):

As the holiday season approaches in this fourth book in the No Weddings Series, Cade Michaelson strives to be better at balancing work and love, and Hannah Martin’s growing ability to trust is put to the test.

Lust and friendship brought us together, but with the increasing demands of my two businesses, Hannah’s thriving bakery, and our successful event-planning company, stability becomes my focus. Then a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity takes me to the West Coast, and everything goes into a tailspin.

Laughter, love, and excitement fill our lives, but Cade refuses to settle into the wonderful bliss we’ve found—he wants spectacular fireworks and an unshakable foundation. Driven like no one I’ve ever met, Cade insists a dream job across the country will be better for our future together, but I worry about whether we can survive the present apart.

When intimate time diminishes…and lives get more hectic…

Will a little bit of faith be all that it takes? Or will the sacrifice to get there be too great?

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Exclusive Excerpt:

Thank you for reading and sharing the first exclusive excerpt of No Weddings, where Cade and Hannah experience a heated moment…

When we reached her door, she slammed into it, and with my hand attached to her death grip, I crashed into her. Breaking free of her hold, I tempered my impact by shooting my arms up onto the doorframe.

She stilled, her key halfway into the lock.

We were pressed against each other in a compromising position, and it struck us both.

I dropped my head down, resting my head against the windowpane, unable to move—only able to breathe. And her delicate scent wafted up. Tropical. Enticing. I closed my eyes, fighting the urge to stay. And losing.

She swallowed. I heard it.

I felt her turn around and drop the platter to her side as it brushed my hip. I opened my eyes to find hers closed as she pressed her soft body up against me.

She inhaled deeply, and her body shuddered.

“Cade, I…” She opened her greenish eyes with those little flecks of gold in them. Uncertainty washed across her expression.

I exhaled but didn’t move. This was so off-limits. But the fact that I couldn’t have her suddenly made me want her all the more. “Fuck.” I pulled away. Shook my head.

Cold air flooded between us, breaking the spell we’d both fallen under when we hadn’t been paying attention. Hannah looked surprised, like she couldn’t believe I’d rejected her like that.

“I can’t, Hannah.”

She nodded furiously, like she agreed. But I could tell as her expression hardened and she turned to slide the key into the lock with a shaking hand that she struggled with her emotions.

I put my hands on her shoulders, stopping her from pushing in through the now-open door. “Hannah, it’s not you. Trust me, it’s not. I’m…”

Fighting my attraction had been difficult enough. Knowing she also felt the pull made our working together dangerous. I needed her help to keep our dealings purely professional.

Her voice trembled. “You want me? You feel it too? I…”

Ah, fuck. Hearing her repeat my thoughts made this excruciating. Figures. The first girl who challenged my mind, in addition to physically attracting me, would be the one I couldn’t pursue. Damned “no doing the help” rule.

I exhaled, counting to five. “Yeah, but I…we…can’t. Not only would it be a really bad idea, based on past experience, I promised my sisters. It’s as good as a sworn blood oath.” I ground out the words, shocked I could form coherent sentences with my blood flooding much farther south from my brain cells.

I clenched my fists, digging my nails into my palms while I eased back, putting a good couple of feet between us. In desperation, I vowed to maintain said safe minimum distance at all times.

Slowly, she turned to face me again. Confident, proud, a woman now in charge of herself, body and mind, Hannah nodded. “I promise too. No matter our attraction, we keep it strictly business.”

I blew out a fast breath through tight lips. “Good. With you and me both working on that, it’ll be a lot easier.”

A slow smile crept onto her face, a devilish gleam sparking in her eyes. “Oh? You mean if I didn’t play along, things could get difficult for you?”

My face fell. She wouldn’t. Would she?

She placed a palm on my chest, smiling sweetly. “It’s okay, Cade. I promise not to tease you…too much.”

About the Author:



Award-winning and bestselling romance author Kat Bastion has teamed up with her husband Stone Bastion to create the new contemporary romance series No Weddings.

A few factoids about the writing team…

Kat enjoys her chocolate rich and dark, her music edgy and soul-filling, and her vacations exotic with toes dug into the sand. And she’s wildly, madly, deeply in love with Stone.

Stone likes pounding the trails on a mountain bike, vibrating the sound system with rock music, and down time spent on a stand up paddleboard. And he loves Kat wildly, madly, deeply…and then some.

Together, they’re having a blast bringing fun-filled romantic stories to life and hope you’ll join them in the exciting adventure.

Kat’s first published work, Utterly Loved, was a twentieth anniversary gift of love poems to Stone that they decided to share with the world to benefit charity. Net proceeds from Utterly Loved, and a portion of net proceeds from all their books, go toward charities involved in the fight against human trafficking.

Kat and Stone live amid the beautiful Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Visit their blog at www.talktotheshoe.com, website at www.katbastion.com, and their Twitter accounts at https://twitter.com/KatBastion and https://twitter.com/StoneBastion for more information.

Twitter | Stone’s Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

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Release Day Blitz: Before You by Amber Hart

We're so excited to celebrate the release of BEFORE YOU by Amber Hart from Kensington Teen! This multicultural romance has us swooning!

ABOUT BEFORE YOU

Some say love is deadly. Some say love is beautiful. I say it is both.

Faith Watters spent her junior year traveling the world, studying in exquisite places, before returning to Oviedo High School. From the outside her life is picture-perfect. Captain of the dance team. Popular. Happy. Too bad it’s all a lie.

It will haunt me. It will claim me. It will shatter me. And I don't care.

Eighteen-year-old Diego Alvarez hates his new life in the States, but staying in Cuba is not an option. Covered in tattoos and scars, Diego doesn't stand a chance of fitting in. Nor does he want to. His only concern is staying hidden from his past—a past, which if it were to surface, would cost him everything. Including his life.

At Oviedo High School, it seems that Faith Watters and Diego Alvarez do not belong together. But fate is as tricky as it is lovely. Freedom with no restraint is what they long for. What they get is something different entirely.

Love—it will ruin you and save you, both.

 EXCERPT:
“Hi, I’m Faith Watters.”

Those are the first words I speak to the new Cuban guy in the front office. He grimaces. He’ll be a tough one. I can handle it, though. He’s not the first.

I can’t help but notice that he looks a lot like a model from the neck up—eyes the color of oak, strong bone structure. Everywhere else, he looks a lot like a criminal. Chiseled, scarred body … I wonder for a second about the meaning behind the tattoos scratched into his arms.

One thing’s clear. He’s dangerous.

And he’s beautiful.

“I’ll show you to your classes,” I announce.

I’m one of the peer helpers at our school. It’s not my favorite thing to do, but it counts as a class. Basically I spend the first two days with new students, introducing them around and answering their questions. Some parents with kids new to the school voluntarily sign their students up, but it’s only mandatory for the international students, of which we have a lot. Mostly Latinos.

This Cuban guy towers over me. I’m five six. Not tall. Not short. Just average. Average is good.

This guy’s not average. Not even a little bit. He must be over six feet.

I glance up at him, kind of like I do when I’m searching for the moon in a sea of darkness.

“Looks like you have math first. I’ll walk you there,” I offer.

“No thanks, chica. I can handle it.”

“It’s no problem,” I say, leading the way.

He tries to snatch his schedule from my hands, but I move too fast.

“Why don’t we start with your name?” I suggest.

I already know his name. Plus some. Diego Alvarez. Eighteen years old. Moved from Cuba two weeks ago. Only child. No previous school records. I read it in his bio. I want to hear him say it.

“You got some kinda control issues or somethin’?” he asks harshly, voice slightly accented.

“You got some kind of social issues or somethin’?” I fire back, holding my stance. I won’t let him intimidate me, though I’ll admit, he’s hot. Too bad he has a nasty attitude.

The side of his lip twitches. “No. I just don’t mix with your type,” he answers.

“My type?”

“That’s what I said.”

“You don’t even know my type.” No one does. Well, except Melissa.

He chuckles humorlessly. “Sure I do. Head cheerleader? Date the football player? Daddy’s little girl who gets everything she wants?” He leans closer to whisper. “Probably a virgin.”

My cheeks burn hot. “I’m not a cheerleader,” I say through clamped teeth.

“Whatever,” he says. “Are you gonna give me my schedule or not?”

“Not,” I answer. “But you can feel free to follow me to your first class.”

He steps in front of me, intimately close. “Listen, chica, nobody tells me what to do.”

I shrug. “Fine, suit yourself. It’s your life. But if you want to attend this school, it’s mandatory for me to show you to your classes for two days.”

His eyes narrow. “Who says I want to attend this school?”

I take the last step toward him, closing the gap between us. When we were little, Melissa and I used to collect glass bottles. Whenever we accumulated twenty, we’d break them on the concrete. When the glass shattered, the slivered pieces made a breathtaking prism of light.

I cut myself on the glass by accident once. It was painful, but worth it. The beauty was worth it. It’s funny how the bottle was never as beautiful as when it was broken.

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ABOUT AMBER HART

Amber Hart grew up in Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. She now resides on the Florida coastline with family. When unable to find a book, she can be found writing, daydreaming, or with her toes in the sand. She's the author of BEFORE YOU, AFTER US, UNTIL YOU FIND ME, and sequel to UNTIL YOU FIND ME (untitled as of yet). Represented by Beth Miller of Writers House. 

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Cover Reveal: Fate and Other Coincidences by Cecilia Robert

Book Title: Fate and Other Coincidences

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Cover Designed by Regina Wamba Mae I Design. 

Blurb:

Sometimes Mr. Everything is waiting around the corner, holding a glass slipper.

After being shamelessly dumped via voicemail and losing a bid to work for one of the most prestigious magazines in the country, Michaela Bennett tries living life on the edge. But then she meets Ayden Black, a kilt-wearing, pierced, wild card and everything changes. He makes her want to buy all the bassinets and booties in the world, calling her dream of settling down with Mr. Right to the surface. But she's been down that road before, and she's not about to tumble down it again. She's tired of waiting for Mr. Everything to sweep her off her feet. This time, she's going to throw caution to the wind and go for Mr. Fun. But what happens when Mr. Fun becomes Mr. Everything?

Ayden Black has been in love with Michaela for as long as he can remember. There's only one problem: she doesn't know he exists. So when a fateful, drunken encounter suddenly puts him on her radar, he's ready. He just has to sharpen his flirting skills first. Juggling a failing company, and a coveted new job, his life is in turmoil. But there's one thing he knows for sure: Michaela may be the only person that can help him save his business, and he's not about to let her slip through his fingers. True love couldn't have better timing.

Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18744688-fate-and-other-coincidences?from_search=true

About the author:

I enjoy writing stories about people finding love in the most unexpected places, coupled with adventurous journeys, whether it's urban, fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary or paranormal romance. There's always a happy ever after, no matter how long it takes to get there. When I'm not working in my full time job, I don my supermom cape, or in most cases find myself trapped between the pages of a book in search for a hero who'll make me swoon with just a look or a word. My favourite form of therapy is knitting. Best. Therapy. Ever.

Where to find the author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeciliaRobertBooksNAAdult

Blog: http://cecereadandwrite.blogspot.com

Follow the story on Pinterest board: http://www.pinterest.com/ceciliarobert/fate-and-other-coincidences-wip/

Cover Reveal: A Beautiful Purpose by Alicia Rae

 Title: A BEAUTIFUL PURPOSE

Author: Alicia Rae

Release Date: October 21^st.

Genre: New Adult Romance

Cover Design: Sarah of Okay Creations

About A Beautiful Purpose:

Book 6 in The Beautiful Series or Standalone All Blake Johnson knows is the life of a Marine. After serving his country for eight years, he returns to his family for some rest and rehabilitation. Fighting an internal war, he battles sleepless nights as images of his former military days haunt him. From the moment Audrey Hampton walks into his life, he is drawn to her. Her beauty leaves him breathless and weak in the knees. She kindles a spark of hope deep within his soul, igniting a part of himself he feared was missing. Her never-ending compassion for others opens his heart in a way he never dreamed. But Audrey is hiding wounds of her own. Returning to Lake Tahoe to care for her ill mother triggers painful childhood memories of her parents’ loveless marriage, reminding her there is no such thing as true love. Will Blake’s resolve be powerful enough to open Audrey’s sealed heart? Or will Audrey fear the past and risk losing the man who could give her life a newfound purpose? Can two wounded souls become one?
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 Exclusive Excerpt:

~Audrey~

“What about you?” Blake asked gently.

“I’m home to see my family.” I shifted on my feet, not wanting to go into too much detail either. I refrained from laughing at observing how we seemed to share that minor detail. “However, I now live in San Francisco.”

Blake’s dark eyebrow curled, slightly lifting, and his lower lip twitched in amusement. Gosh, he was just so damn sexy, it was distracting.

“You gave up the country life for the city?” he finally teased.

I let out a laugh at his expression and nodded. “Yeah.”

“How’s that working out for you?”

I tilted my head his way, failing to stifle my humor. “If you ignore all the absurdly confusing highways, traffic and noise, then it’s not so bad.”

Blake laughed, deep and throatily. The sound sent an undeniable shiver down my spine. I chastised myself for letting a simple conversation with a man affect me so, as he replied, “That’s a lot to ignore.”

You have no idea, I thought, referring to not being able to deflect his effects on me. I felt my inner strength wavering.

“It is,” I responded in more ways than one, realizing that I needed to get away from here. Being here was too much. He was too much. I swallowed deeply before saying, “Well it was a pleasure to meet you, Blake. But I do have to be going now.” I felt guilty for dismissing myself, so I added, “But maybe I’ll see you around with the others another time?”

His gaze turned speculative, and he parted his lips to speak. But he didn’t. The look he was giving me felt as though he could see right through me. It was unnerving.

Within seconds, his eyes shifted again, appearing to let me off the hook.

I released a silent sigh, thankful for his respecting my privacy, and not asking for any explanation.

“Since my two brothers are marrying your friends, I would say there is a good chance.” Blake grinned at last, revealing a sexy dimple at the corner of his mouth.

My eyes were captivated by the faint movement.

Stop thinking about his mouth!

He definitely had a good point, which only made me even more nervous. “I’ll see you later,” I waved with a pleasant smile and excused myself before my nerves melted into a puddle at his feet.

I quickly found Abbey, Gail and Lily, and then each of their significant others to congratulate them and say my goodbyes before racing to my car. All the while feeling like I could not breathe, as though I was being suffocated by thoughts of how breathtakingly handsome Blake was.

After stopping at the store for my mother’s saltine crackers, I sped home, yearning to step through the front doors, so I could be reminded of all the reasons to stay clear away from that man. All it took was sixty seconds of seeing how my father treated my mother, and it was a reality slap that love does not exist.

I would not allow myself to be so affected by a man, and weakened by the idea of having one of my own. I shook my head. Being around Gail, Abbey, and Lily with their men today had just played tricks on my mind. Sure, each of my friends had found great, loving men. But it was a risk I would never take a chance on.

And I would never cave to temptation. It could only lead to a broken heart.

About the Author:

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...

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Review Tour: Command Me by Geneva Lee

COMMAND ME by Geneva Lee

May 2014

BOOK SUMMARY:

When he kissed me, I was shocked. He was a stranger and still so familiar. It wasn't until I woke up to my picture splashed on the cover of tabloids that I realized I knew who he was.

Prince Alexander of Cambridge.

Royal bad boy.

Exiled heir to the throne.

He isn't Prince Charming. He's controlling. He's demanding. He's dangerous. And I can't say no to him.

We both have secrets—secrets that could tear us apart or drive us closer together—and as the paparazzi exposes each one, I have to decide just how far I'm willing to go for King and Country.

For readers 18 and up due to mature, erotic scenarios.

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1oV068j

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/U8QWdp

Kobo:  http://bit.ly/1tFTwYs 

Author Information

Geneva Lee's Bio:

Geneva Lee prefers fantasy to reality, especially fantasies involving powerful, dangerous, and sexy men. You can find her devouring a good romance while avoiding the laundry and the children. She lives in Seattle with her family.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://www.genevalee.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/genevaleeauthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genevaleebooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8056653.Geneva_Lee

My Review

Let's be honest-there are a ton of girls out there (myself included) who grew up dreaming of becoming a princess someday.  There's still plenty of women-grownups-who still dream of it.  So a story where you have an everyday young woman getting to live the dream of finding her prince naturally is going to catch our attention as we hope she will get her fairytale ending.  And if said prince has a bit of a dominant personality, well...that's just a bonus.

I found Clara's character easy to relate to and I thought she was written quite well.  Even with the struggles she's had, she still comes across as a strong character, especially towards the end of the book (though how she can keep her cool around her mother, I'll never know).  And Belle was just a lot of fun, even if she has an old-fashioned view of finding a husband...but Prince Edward was my favorite secondary character overall with his compassionate personality and wit.  And then there's Prince Alexander.  Hot?  Oh yes.  Sexy?  Definitely.  Damaged?  No doubt about it.  

While you'll find plenty of steamy scenes (very explicitly 18+), you are still going to get a great story to go along with those scenes.  Clara and Alexander really do belong together-regardless of their standing-and this fact does become blatantly obvious as you read further into the story.  The issue becomes Alexander's so-called "duty" to his country, which is where a majority of the drama and turmoil comes from.  

You will be left hanging at the end, but if you're like me, you're still going to like the book and be keeping an eye out for the next in the series...like I sure will be as I really want to see how this all turns out.  After all, all of us who had those childhood princess dreams really do want those happy endings-and I've got my fingers and toes all crossed for Clara and Alexander.

My overall rating-4 steamy stars!

Release Day Launch, Review and Giveaway: His Reverie by Monica Murphy

We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Monica Murphy's HIS REVERIE!! HIS REVERIE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance you will not want to miss!

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ABOUT HIS REVERIE:

I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want.

The only girl I could ever love.

She is light.

I am darkness.

She is innocent.

I’ve done too much.

She is good.

I am bad.

She is my every dream.

I should be her every nightmare.

We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m…

Not.

Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can. We’re going to make this summer count. She’s my secret. And I’m hers.

The problem with secrets is they never last for long. And when others discover we’re together, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.

Because Reverie Hale? She’s mine.

HIS REVERIE Excerpt:

“Thirsty?”

I jump at the sound of a soft female voice, my hand jerking so the hose splashes me right in the face. Muttering a curse, I drop the hose and reach out blindly, wrenching the faucet off with one hand as I swipe at my eyes with the back of the other. I hear the girl laugh and I whirl around, fully prepared to find some bratty preteen Hale daughter mocking me.

But she’s not a preteen. Not even close. More like around my age. She’s tall and slender, her long blonde hair falling far past bared tan shoulders. She’s wearing some sort of sundress or whatever you call it and she’s pretty much covered since it hits just above her knees though her arms are exposed since the dress is sleeveless. The sun catches her just right though, shining through the thin fabric of her skirt so I can see through it.

My gaze drops and all I can see is long, long legs through the shadowy fabric. Damn. Those sexy legs are endless.  She clears her throat, like she knows exactly where I’m looking and what I’m thinking and I jerk my gaze up guiltily to meet hers, feeling like a jackass.

That’s when I notice her eyes are blue. As blue as the sky above us, and she’s so damn pretty, with delicate features and pink, pink lips, that I can’t seem to form words.

“Who are you?” she asks curiously. Her voice washes over me, sweet and melodic and now it’s my turn to clear my throat to get the lump out so I can freaking speak.

“Who are you?” I ask back like an idiot.

She smiles shyly and my entire body reacts, a bolt of electricity seeming to go through me. “I asked first.”

“Are you Hale’s daughter?” If she is, that sucks because holy hell she’s hot but yeah.

She’s completely untouchable if she’s a Hale.

About Monica Murphy:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Website   | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | HIS REVERIE Goodreads | Amazon author page

My Review

First off, you should know before you start this book that there's a sequel (Her Destiny) and you're not going to see any resolution until that one comes out.  I got to the end of His Reverie and just started shaking my head thinking "no, no, no...please don't stop right here!"  *sigh*

That said, the story itself is your classic good, innocent girl and supposed bad boy falling for each other...though in this case Nick really isn't bad, just a victim of circumstances and a really not-so-good friend.  And Reverie really is that good, innocent girl-with an evangelical reverend for a father and going to an all-girls school, never even been kissed by a boy.  Reverie's character is actually a bit too innocent, making her seem younger than she really is.  And Nick's character seems older, but he does have some hard life experiences to make him come across like that.  The complete opposite of their characters along with the fact that they can't let others find out about them drives the story.

For Reverie, it's a story of her first love, and for Nick a chance to find happiness with someone who truly cares about him-unlike his neighbor and ex-girlfriend...who tries to stir up the pot, adding to the drama.  

The format of the story, with Nick's POV being told as events are happening and then Reverie's POV being told through her diary entries was not ideal for me, though it did do a good job of showing just how innocent and unaware Reverie really is.  

Thanks to that cliffhanger (grrr!) and the format in which the story was told, I gave this a rating of 3.5 stars...and I'll be sticking around for the sequel as I really want to see if Nick and Reverie get their happily ever after.

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