Netgalley November Starts TOMORROW!

I know how valuable NetGalley and Edelweiss are to we bloggers. They make it so much easier for publishers to share galleys of their upcoming and recently released titles, and easier for us to receive them and review them.

Sometimes, I think it’s a little TOO easy.

I tend to get a little… um… carried away. I see all the shiny, pretties and I WANT THEM ALL. So, I get a little click-happy, then a little giddy when I get the approval e-mails, then reality sets in. Oh. Crap. Now I need to be a good blogger and do what I promised I’d do and read them all, preferably before their release date.

The likelihood of you getting approved for books on these sites depends on a few things. Of course, your tenure as a blogger is part of it, as well as your current stats. Another factor is your feedback-to-approval ratio. It’s ideal to keep that ratio at a minimum of 80%. I’m currently sitting at 57.8%. Not good, Krista. Not good.

So, I was eager to sign up for NetGalley November, sponsored by Kayleigh from K-Books; Faye from A Daydreamer’s Thoughts; and Laura from Bookish Treasures, in the hopes that it will encourage me to clear out my NetGalley TBR pile and get up to that coveted 80%.

I currently have to read a minimum of 10 books to reach 80% on NetGalley. I’m going to start with the books releasing in November first, followed by a few older books that were released this past summer/fall. My goal books are:

The Edge of Always, by J.A. Redmerski – release date 11/5/13
Pawn, by Aimee Carter – release date 11/26/13
Crash Into You, by Katie McGarry – release date 11/26/13
The Temptation of Lila and Ethan, by Jessica Sorensen – release date 10/22/13
Hard to Handle, by Jessica Lemmon – release date 10/1/13
Can’t Let Go, by Jessica Lemmon – release date 9/3/13
The Bet, by Rachel Van Dyken – release date 6/25/13
The Wager, by Rachel Van Dyken – release date 10/1/13
Twisted, by K.A. Robinson – release date 5/7/13
Breaking Nova, by Jessica Sorensen – release date 9/3/13

I also have three books on deck from Edelweiss that I’d like to knock out during this challenge:

Foreplay, by Sophie Jordan – release date 11/5/13
How To Run With a Naked Werewolf, by Molly Harper – release date 12/31/13
Rome, by Jay Crownover – release date 1/7/14

I’ll check in with you each Friday in November to let you know how I’m doing. Wish me luck!

BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Sentinel (Covenant #5)

It is a bittersweet thing, participating in the Sentinel tour. The Covenant series is one of my all-time favorites, and I’m so sorry that it’s finally ending. On the other hand, I can’t wait to get my hand on that book so I can find out what happens to Alex, Aiden and Seth!

Today, I’m all about Deity, though – the third book in the series, and the one that I feel was the turning point for a lot of characters. Aiden finally admitted his true feelings for Alex. Alex faced her inevitable future. Leon revealed his true self. Marcus stepped up and became a father figure.

Below is my original review, which I posted on Krista’s Dust Jacket on September 21, 2012. Make sure you keep reading, because in addition to the amazing tour-wide giveaway sponsored by Spencer Hill Press (international), I’m giving away a SIGNED COPY OF SENTINEL to one lucky winner (US only). Don’t forget to check out all the other tour stops. And, a big thanks to Val from Stuck in Books for organizing the Sentinel tour!

Deity (Covenant #3), by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published November 6, 2012
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Format: ARC, borrowed from a friend
Genre: YA fantasy/paranormal romance
To Buy:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) "History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

It's been a little over a week since I finished Deity, and I'm still wallowing in my post-amazing-book funk, so forgive me if this review makes no sense. Jennifer Armentrout has, once again, reduced me to a pile of ooze from the epicness that was this book.

The best thing about Deity is that it didn't succumb to "middle book boredom." In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. You know how the first book in a series is exciting because you meet all the players and the world they live in and the problems they're facing? And, the last book is exciting, because it's the final battle and the wrap-up of all the loose ends. And, sometimes (ok, many times) the middle book (or books if it's longer than a trilogy) is just kinda "meh." It's only the bridge to carry you from the first book to the last.

Yeeeeaaaahh. That's SO not Deity.

The action and epic revelations start a dozen or so pages in, and from there, it builds and builds until, in classic JLA fashion, you're left hanging with a big WTH???? at the end. So many questions and so many problems were resolved that, as a fan, I was unbelievably satisfied and happy. And, yet, so many new questions and problems were created as the situations unfolded that I'm left bereft and wondering how on Earth I can ever wait until next spring to find out what happens next.

All the characters, who all had so much life even before Deity, are so much more vibrant and colorful now. Even the supporting characters like Lea, Luke, Deacon and Marcus elicited strong reactions and emotions from me. And, the main three - Alex, Seth and Aiden - I just can't say enough about how incredible they are. Alex is as strong, kick-ass, and vulnerable as ever. Seth makes me feel more stabby than any other character I've ever read about. And Aiden. Well, he is so yummy, I could eat him with a spoon. 

No - Deity was anything BUT boring. Even though it is technically a "filler" book, it is integral to the overall story arc and really amazing all on its own. I just don't even see how Deity could be topped. Best book of the year for me.

My Favorite Quotes From DEITY

“I can’t keep pretending that I don’t want this – that I don’t want you. I can’t. Not after what happened to you. It thought… I thought I’d lost you, Alex, forever. And I would’ve lost everything. You are my everything.” – Aiden

“Because I love you, we share each other’s problems. When we fight, we fight together. I’m going to be by your side no matter what, whether you like it or not. That’s what love is, Alex. You never have to face anything alone again. And I get what you’re saying. I don’t agree with it, but I will support you in any way I can.” – Aiden 

"I've been... terrified of this Awakening, of losing myself. But... but I'm not anymore. I won't lose myself, because...well, how I feel about you, it would never let me forget who I am." – Alex 

About the Author

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Learn more about Jennifer L. Armentrout --> Website / Facebook / Twitter

Giveaways

I am giving away one signed copy of SENTINEL and Jennifer L. Armentrout swag (US only). Giveaway ends November 6, 2013.

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Spencer Hill Press is giving away a $200 gift card to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository or any indie bookstore of the winner's choice to not only stock up on amazing books, but to perhaps buy a Nook HD or Kindle Fire. (International)

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REVIEW: The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2)

The Iron Traitor (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #2), by Julie Kagawa
Published October 29, 2013
Publisher: HarlequinTEEN
Format: e-galley obtained from NetGalley
Genre: YA fantasy/paranormal
To Buy:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice.

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again.

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

I have to tell you - while I was reading The Iron Traitor, I was an all over the place, emo mess. There was some of this:

 ...followed by some of this (like, when Ash showed up):

...and then I was all:

...and then finally:

Seriously. Just like that. 

So, Ethan is thrust right back in the middle of where he didn't want to be when Annwyl and Meghan come to him at different times to tell him that Kierran, the Iron Prince and Ethan's nephew, is missing. Ethan and Kenzie set off on a trip through the mortal world, the Nevernever and the Between in order to find Kierran and then to help him, sometimes reluctantly and with great consequence, on his mission to save the person he loves. Unfortunately, the price for this help may be higher than Ethan was willing to pay.

I could just wrap up all my silly gifs in one word - AWESOME. The Iron Traitor was a mind-blowing, heart-stopping trip to crazy town, and I loved every single minute. Ethan has come a long way since the beginning of The Iron Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1). In it, his anger and disappointment at his sister was infecting every facet of his life. He turned his back on his Sight. He shunned all attempts others made at trying to be friends. He really wasn't a very likable guy. 

In The Iron Traitor, Ethan is shedding his nasty exterior - albeit, slowly - and coming to terms with who he is and who his family is. A lot of that has to do with Kenzie's influence. She's the girl who didn't take any of his crap, and he fell in love with her because of it. She pushes him beyond what he thought he was capable of. Kenzie is the bomb. 

And then there's Kierran. Kierran, Kierran, Kierran. I think he smiled 0.75 times in the entire book. There's several reasons for this - the woman he loves is dying, he's slightly estranged from his parents, and he essentially made a deal with the devil. He had good reasons for making very bad decisions. But, my heart hurt so much for this kid for the entire book.

As in The Iron Prince, we catch glimpses of our very favorite friends from The Iron Fey. We see Meghan, Ash, Puck and Grim, but all the appearances are sadly too short. Puck hangs around the longest while helping Ethan, Kierran and Kenzie out on the final leg of their mission. Sadly, Ash is the one we see the least of. But, when he does show up, you totally take notice.

I love Ethan and Kenzie together. They have a unique relationship. Ethan's always pretending to be uber tough and Kenzie tries to make it seem as if everything happening to her just rolls off her back. Both of them are crazy which is why they're so perfect together. Their moments of sweetness and vulnerability gave me a much needed break from the extreme angst. 

Can I just say a word about the ending? This about sums it up:

The cliffhanger is totally off. The. Hook. I know why Julie Kagawa did it. It really was the perfect ending. That doesn't mean it made me feel happy. Waiting for the resolution is going to be painful. In a wonderfully, bookish way.

The Iron Traitor is everything I love in an epic book. It has love and death, big battles, creatures of all shapes and sizes, old friends and new enemies. How can you say no to all that?

 

NEW ADULT MONDAYS: Finding It (Losing It #3)

The New Adult genre - their bad boys and big problems and epic loves make them engrossing tales that are so easy to lose yourself in. What's not to love about that? And, now, thanks to the cool chicks at Bewitched Bookworms, we can show these books the love they deserve in a weekly feature - New Adult Mondays.

Finding It (Losing It #3), by Cora Carmack
Published October 15, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow
Format: paperback, I purchased
Genre: NA contemporary romance
To Buy:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  4 STARS

(From Goodreads) Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find where you truly belong...

Most girls would kill to spend months traveling around Europe after college graduation with no responsibility, no parents, and no-limit credit cards. Kelsey Summers is no exception. She's having the time of her life . . . or that's what she keeps telling herself.

It's a lonely business trying to find out who you are, especially when you're afraid you won't like what you discover. No amount of drinking or dancing can chase away Kelsey's loneliness, but maybe Jackson Hunt can. After a few chance meetings, he convinces her to take a journey of adventure instead of alcohol. With each new city and experience, Kelsey's mind becomes a little clearer and her heart a little less hers. Jackson helps her unravel her own dreams and desires. But the more she learns about herself, the more Kelsey realizes how little she knows about Jackson.

I admit it - I was one of those freaky people who stormed all the Targets within a 30 mile radius on the day that Finding It (Losing It #3) released, looking for my "golden ticket." Sadly, it appears that the copies of Finding It with Cora's golden signature completely skipped the metro Harrisburg area. But, I had fun searching, and in the end I still ended up bringing home another good Cora Carmack book with her pretty signature inside it (in plain black).

In Finding It, Bliss' BFF Kelsey is traveling the world with no real plan, effectively running from her problems and her future. It worked for awhile, but lately, the loneliness and bleakness has started catching back up with her, and no amount of alcohol or strange men can change that. Until she meets Jackson and he convinces her to try something different.

So, here's the thing. Cora Carmack has said that Jackson is her favorite boy yet. When I read that, I was like, "Whaaaat? Better than Garrick? Better than CADE?" Naturally, my interest was piqued. And, now that I've read about him, I get it. I get the Jackson love. This guy takes awesome to a new level. He's adventurous, bold, brave and sometimes a little bit of an ass. He finds Kelsey and makes it his mission to protect her while trying to help her.

Then there is Kelsey - I felt so sad for her pretty much all the time. She has these rich parents who don't give a crap about her. She had some really awful things happen to her when she was small, and her parents didn't believe her. It has affected her the rest of her life and really messed her up. Jackson really came along at the right time.

I loved Kelsey and Jackson together. Jackson has the ability to charm any female, yet Kelsey proves to be a big challenge. She doesn't let him get away with too much. And he doesn't let her get away with too much, either. They really are pretty perfect together. I think they may be my favorite couple of Cora's.

So, if Jackson is an amazing guy and Kelsey is a compelling girl and the two of them together are my favorite couple, why only the four stars? I was really, really into the story, and then it just kinda... fizzled. The entire book was spent building up this crazy tension and suspense between Jackson and Kelsey. There was so much push and pull, and the whole time there were these huge secrets that were being kept. The inevitable point in every book where the secrets come out and people are hurt and mad came, and from that point on the pace took off like a shot.

The last 10% of the book felt so incredibly rushed. To make matters worse, it felt like some major plot points suffered because of it. There was never any resolution between Kelsey and her parents. The book ends in Spain, so we never find out if she ever goes home. I felt so unfulfilled at the end, and that really upset me. I loved the characters and for the most part, I really loved the book. All it really needed was a really perfect ending. and that was the big thing that was missing.

I know that there is a novella soon to be released from Jackson's POV - Seeking Her. After reading Finding It, I was hopeful that the novella would fill in the holes and give me the closure I need. It seems, though, that it's more of a prequel to the events of Finding It. I'm still looking forward to reading it. Like I said - I love Jackson, and this is his mind we'll be in. A very sexy, wonderful place to be.

The story is good. The characters are fantastic. Despite my gripes, it's absolutely a worthwhile read. 

REVIEW: Shift (Shade #2)

Shift (Shade #2), by Jeri Smith-Ready
Published May 3, 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: audiobook, I purchased
Genre: YA paranormal romance
To Buy:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift. 

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

You know how some middle series books slow down as they set the stage for the final one? Yeeeeah... That's so not the case with Shift. I mean, yes - it IS the middle book. And, yes, it did certainly set the stage for the final book. But, the slowing down part? Not. Even. Close.

Aura is sad and lonely after Logan turned into a Shade. Until she calls to him on the Spring Equinox and she is able to turn him back to a ghost. Then, a solid person again. Temporarily, anyway. While she doesn't know what this means, she soon realizes the repercussions it could have on her budding relationship with Zachary. While they try and work it all out, the DMP is now going to drastic measures to keep both Aura, Zach and Logan under their thumbs.

I felt so much for Aura in Shift. I can imagine that it's tough to get over the death of a loved one when you can see and talk to their ghost pretty much whenever you want to. The lines get blurred even more when you can feel them and hug them and kiss them for 17 minutes each quarter. How do you ever move on from something like that? And, yet, Aura tries - not without a small measure of confusion, though. And, how could you blame her?

Zachary is one of the best male characters I've ever read about in YA fiction. He's kind of a geek. He's awkward and shy at times. Yet, when he needs it, he draws this manly bravery out from his depths and uses it to help those he loves. And, make no mistake - this boy loves Aura. How many times have book boyfriends recited these eloquent swoony speeches to the girls they love, and you sit there and think, "Huh. That sounds like an author wrote that."? Not so here. Zach doesn't always have the right words. He totally makes crap decisions (over and over and OVER again in Shift). And, he is one of the most perfect male YA characters ever. BECAUSE of those things. 

Believe it or not, the most growth seen in this book comes from Logan. He moves from party boy who thinks about himself to a quasi-adult who starts thinking about everyone else around him and how his presence affects them. I loved seeing his character grow and change. I'm glad Jeri Smith-Ready didn't make it easy for him, either. He still loves Aura and doesn't want her with anyone else. Yet, Logan also recognizes that his hanging on causes her to stall too. And, how could he love her if he didn't let her go? But, he positively agonizes over it, and it takes him a long time to reach a mature place.

One of the best things about this series is that the paranormal elements are steeped in reality. There's a lot of Irish and Celtic mythology in play here with real places and legends not only referenced, but taking a major role in the post-Shift world that Jeri Smith-Ready has created. The author has done her homework and then some. The reality is intertwined so seamlessly with the make-believe that the make-believe seems totally real. Jeri has done her job well.

The action is plentiful. The frustration for the reader is completely ridiculous. And, by ridiculous, I mean AWESOME. Both Aura and Zach do colossally stupid things in Shift that made me yell and rage. And, somehow, they manage to find common ground and get over all the mistakes and regrets. And, in the end, I  found myself bawling over the steering wheel in my car. The ending was amazing and set things up so well for the final book.

A word about the audio version of Shift - Kristine Hvam is now on my list of Favorite Audiobook Narrators. She did an incredible job with the dialects and the male/female inflections. I loved it.

Even if ghost stories aren't really your thing (they aren't really my thing), know that the Shade series isn't just a "ghost series." It's about love and loss and defining what freedom really is in all manners of the term.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW, GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY: Sweet Surrendering

Welcome to my stop on Chelsea Cameron's Sweet Surrendering blog tour, organized by Inkslinger PR. As part of the tour, Chelsea Cameron is going to tell us about her favorite Halloween movies! Then continue reading and enter an amazing giveaway!

Sweet Surrendering (Surrender Saga #1), by Chelsea Cameron
Published October 15, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and Inkslinger PR
Genre: adult contemporary romance
To Buy:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  3.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) She’s his boss. He doesn’t care. This office isn’t big enough for the two of them…

When Rory Clarke ends up hiring the guy she spent one steamy night with to be her administrative assistant, she's determined to keep things professional.

Lucas Blaine has other plans for her. He wants Rory, and it’s hard to resist his stunning blue eyes, chin dimple and the way he fills out a suit. Everywhere she looks, there he is, giving her a panty-melting smile and pulling her away for the most amazing (and satisfying) sex she’s ever had in her life.

What starts off as one sexual encounter turns into multiple trysts in and out of the office and the lines she’d tried to draw so carefully are blurring. But the closer they get, the more Rory realizes that there are things about Lucas she doesn’t know, things he’s hiding from her. She’ll have to decide if she can surrender to her feelings or get out while she still can.

I have read one other book by Chelsea Cameron, and I had no idea she was such a comedian! Sweet Surrendering was such a surprise to me. It was a sweet story punctuated by hilarious inner monologues and witty banter that kept me laughing and snorting in between rants at the MC's fits of ignorance. I love a good story that keeps me waffling back and forth between funny and frustrating.

Rory is a VP at her father's company who happens to be sleeping with her new hot assistant. Lucas is complex and brash and really good at his job - er, both of them. Neither was really in a position to fall in love, but it happens anyway and complicates an already complicated situation. Now, all of a sudden, Rory's job is becoming more of a problem, as is all the secrets that Lucas continues to keep from her.

For the most part, I loved Rory. She is smart and driven and not a size 2. I got the impression that she was very confident and didn't take much crap from people - especially men. She has a fantastic relationship with her parents (and what a refreshingly wonderful thing THAT is!) and with her BFF and roomie, Sloane. I love the way Chelsea Cameron painted Rory. It was like love transformed her into a caricature of herself. Someone she didn't quite recognize. And, while she delighted in it, it also pissed her off.

Stupid love. Love made you want to punch yourself in the face. It also made you so distracted that you didn't get as much done at your job as you should because you were too busy fantasizing about your stupid guy and his magical penis. It made you spend meetings trying not to draw little hearts, or see what his last name would look like with your first name. Love made you into a fucking twelve-year-old girl.

Lucas was all snark and sass right from word one, so in the moments when we saw him vulnerable, it made me want to hold on to them and savor every word. Most of the time, he was funny and sharp, though. But, boy, is he good with his words when he uses them.

"I don't want just nights. I want mornings. And mid-mornings and late mornings and noons and afternoons and evenings and everything in between. Sunrises and sunsets and twilight. I want it all. I want to be with you. Definitions and everything. I want to call you mine."

Lucas' big secret wasn't that much of a secret. I figured it out pretty early, and it left me wondering what the hell Rory was doing that she couldn't see it either. I get that she was caught up in the relationship and in being in love and all that. But, really? She couldn't see that coming? Not only that, but every time she asks him to open up and talk to her about the things he was hiding. he flat out refused, and she was totally okay with that. I call BS. No woman I know in a new relationship with a guy would stand for that, no matter how good the sex is.

There were elements of the story that weren't entirely believable. The pacing seemed a bit off at times too. There were times in the middle when the story stalled a bit. And, the last 15% went at lightning speed - so fast, it almost seems like we were missing something.

Despite that, I was intrigued and keep engaged with the dangling carrot of when Lucas' secrets finally would come out and blow up in his face. It was good when that happened, but I felt it was resolved too quickly. I wanted Lucas to stew for awhile. Sweet Surrenderings was told only from Rory's POV. I think I would've liked to have seen Lucas' too. But, it was a good story with a good HEA. I look forward to the next book in the series - perhaps about Sloane?

Guest Post

It's that time of year. The leaves are turning colors and falling. Kids are back in school. EVERYTHING is pumpkin flavored. Even the pumpkin is pumpkin-flavored. I love fall. But the thing I think I love MOST about fall is that it's finally time to watch some of my favorite movies! I'm not the kind of person who can watch a movie "out of season". Except for Elf. That can be watched anytime. Because of reasons. So, without further ado, my top five favorite Halloween movies!

5. Night of the Living Dead (The original): This is a classic, yo. The original, in black and white. It's so bad that it moves from terrible to terribly AWESOME territory. My favorite thing about this movie is the fact that the blonde chick's hair remains almost PERFECT for the entire movie. Priceless. Plus, you can't beat the fake zombies eating the fake guts.

4. Casper: Two words, kids. DEVON SAWA. I had the biggest freaking crush on him when I was a kid. He's just… yeah. "Can I keep you?" *Chelsea swoons away* Plus Christina Ricci has a ridiculous forehead. It's like a fivehead. And you can't beat the crazy ghosts. I may also have a thing for BIll Pullman.

3. Practical Magic: Apparently, I have a thing for Sandra Bullock. So many of the movies she's in are some of my favorites. But I think this is the best. PLUS, it has Stockard Channing and Diane Wiest. They're total badasses and let you have cake for breakfast. It's also one of the most romantic Halloween movies, I think, ever.

2. Hocus Pocus: If you haven't seen this movie, we can't be friends. My mother would never let me watch it at home, so I would go over to my best friend's house and we'd marathon it. You CANNOT go wrong with this movie. It's also one of the most quotable Halloween movies ever. "I am beautiful! Boys will love me!" Yeah, this movie is made of win.

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas: I know what you're going to say. "But Chelsea, this is a CHRISTMAS movie. It has CHRISTMAS in the title." After I smack you, I will inform you that Jack Skellington lives in HALLOWEEN TOWN and this movie can be watched on EITHER holiday. Or both, which is what I do. This is one of Tim Burton's masterpieces, and my favorite of his films. The part when Jack is singing and he walks over that hill thing and it unfurls gives me chills. Every time. And this one also has an earth shattering love story. What can I say? I like a little love with my scary.

About the Author

Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.

Her New Adult Contemporary Romance titles include My Favorite Mistake, which has been bought by Harlequin along with a sequel, Deeper We Fall and Faster We Burn (April 20, 2013)

Her Young Adult books include Nocturnal, Nightmare and Neither, the first three books in The Noctalis Chronicles. The fourth and final book, Neverend will be out in 2013. Whisper, the first in The Whisper Trilogy is also available, with the second book in the series, Silence and the final book, LIsten coming out in 2014.

Learn more about Chelsea --> Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Giveaway

Grand prize winner: Will get to name a character in a future book, win a signed inspiration collage, and a red shoe charm bracelet. Four (4) runners-up will receive a red shoe charm bracelet. Contest is international.

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Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Off Chance (Off Series #5)

It is a bitter sweet thing that I am participating in the Off Chance tour, organized by AToMR Tours. Off Chance is the fifth and last book in Sawyer Bennett's Off Series, one of the best NA series I've ever read. And, I've participate in four of the five tours. So, read on for my review, then enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card (Int.) or a swag pack (US only). Don't forget to check out all the other tour stops!

Off Chance (Off Series #5), by Sawyer Bennett
Published October 21, 2013
Publisher: Big Dog Books LLC
Format: e-ARC, provided by the author and AToMR Tours
Genre: new adult contemporary romance
To Buy:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  4.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) He is seeking absolution.

Flynn Caldwell has a hero complex and it’s one of the reasons he joined the New York City Fire Department. He has spent his entire professional career trying to atone for that one person he failed to save. Because, if he can do that, then perhaps he can be worthy of love again.

She is seeking escape.

Rowan Page’s life is nothing short of a disaster. Always immersed in trouble, she has only herself to depend on. She’s determined to pull herself out of this mess and make something of her life, despite the hard years she has lived on the streets of New York.

Together, they have the chance to become complete.

Flynn and Rowan’s worlds exist miles apart, but when a chance meeting brings them together, neither of them can deny the instant pull that connects them to each other. What starts as a tiny spark eventually flares into a fire so hot, it refuses to be extinguished.

For it to work, both of them will need to jump feet first into the flames to see where it takes them, despite the risk of being burned.

There's something very bitter sweet about the final book in a loved series, isn't there? On one hand, you just don't want to let them go. And, on the other, you're anxious to see the characters in their own personal HEAs. Before Off Chance ever came out, Sawyer Bennett promised readers that we would have a chance to say goodbye to all the couples from her Off series in a big way. Despite this being the final book in the series, the epilogue made it all worth it. 

Off Chance was Flynn Caldwell's opportunity to shine. He's a firefighter with a ridiculous self-admitted hero complex. So, when he pulls a thin girl who had been chained to her bed out of a burning building, he feels compelled to help her in any way he can. Rowen doesn't seem to really want his help at first, although a lack of options forces her to accept it. Despite both of their efforts, the feels start flying. But, her lack of confidence could tank not only the best friendship she's ever had, but the love of her life.  

Of the five girls we've met in the Off series (Danny, Emily, Ever, Renner, and Rowan), Rowan is, without a doubt, my least favorite. I feel for her predicament - really I do. She grew up with money but no love. She doesn't even fully understand the concept. And, after running away she fell in with a local drug dealer (the bed chainer). So, I get her reticence to jump into a relationship with Flynn.

Flynn had the patience of a saint, God love him. He had his chain yanked so many times by Rowen, I couldn't believe he stuck around. He decided pretty early on that he cared about her. But she wanted to preserve the friendship they had formed, so she said, no relationship. Then, she makes out with Flynn. Then, takes it back and decides they can only be friends. Then she makes out with him again. Then takes it back. And, this goes on and on and it really pissed me off.

Flynn was amazing. He is a typical Bennett Boy. He's beautiful, brave, nice and completely book boyfriend material. He should never have gotten jerked around like he did. It made it really, really hard to connect with Rowen and make me feel anything but contempt for her.

That being said, the best part of Off Chance was how Sawyer Bennett managed to get all five couples together in the same place at the same time. I can't tell you too much, but a major life event brings them all together, and it was an incredible thing. I love how Sawyer Bennett worked it all out so that the reader could catch up with Danny and Ryan, Nix and Emily, Linc and Ever and Cillian and Renner while sticking to the story of Flynn and Rowen.

And that epilogue - holy crap. SO GOOD.

As per usual, Off Chance is told from both Rowen's and Flynn's POV. The dialogue is sharp. The chemistry is off the charts, with lots of sexy times. And the story keeps a nice pace. I was never bored (FRUSTRATED, but not bored), and I finished Off Chance in under 24 hours.

If you haven't yet, check out the entire Off series. Seriously, it's one of the best.

About the Author

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Learn more about Sawyer Bennett --> Website / Facebook / Twitter



Giveaway

Enter to win one $50 Amazon gift card (Int.) or one of five Off series swag packs (US only)

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Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This is one meme I can get on board with - I LOVE lists! I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

Top Ten Character Names I Love

1. Layken from Colleen Hoover's Slammed, Point of Retreat and This Girl
This is one of the more unique names I've come across in my reads. I especially like how Will shortens Layken's name to just "Lake" and how he works it into his poems. It really is so pretty and girlie and poetic. 

2. Nixon and Lincoln from Sawyer Bennett's Off Limits and Off the Record
I love the dead presidents angle that Sawyer Benntt took when she named the two brothers in her Off series. I especially love the shortened versions - Nix and Linc. They're so strong and unique without being hippy dippy. 

3. Rook from JA Huss' Tragic, Manic and Panic
I love how J.A. Huss gave her main lady a name that is unusual and means something in relation to the story she created too. A rook is a bird and in Tragic, we see Rook finally spreading her wings for the first time and trying to fly on her own. A rook is also a pawn in a game, and we see her playing that role in the series as well. Well done, J.A. Huss.

4. Wrath, Rhage, Zsadist, Phury, Vishous, Tohrment and Rehvenge from J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series
At first, I thought the names of the Brothers were a little weird. Then, I read Dark Lover, and I got it. The names fit them perfectly. They describe passionate emotions, and these vampires are passionate to a fault.

5. Aura from Jeri Smith-Ready's Shade series
Perfect name for a girl who can see ghosts, right?

6. Rush from Abbi Glines' Fallen Too Far, Never Too Far and Forever Too Far
What a sexy man-candy name. Rush is the son of a rocker. A playboy. A rich country club guy. Until he meets Blaire, he plays it fast and loose, just like his name.

7. Merit from Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series
It started out as her last name and then became her only name when she was turned into a vampire. I know why Merit chose to keep her last name as her vampire name. It means "the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward." What a perfect description.

8. Rule, Remington and Rome from Jay Crownover's Rule
I'm not usually a huge fan of the siblings with the same first initial thing. I'm willing to make an exception when the names are just super cool. And, seriously - how much cooler can you get than Rule, Remy and Rome?

9. Roar from Veronica Rossi's Under the Never Sky and Through the Ever Night
With a name like Roar, you would expect the guy to be big and mean and scary. And, Roar is anything but. He's fun and charming and, despite his name, he knows how to be quiet and listen.

10. Wren 178 from Amy Tintera's Reboot
A large part of Reboot centers around the name of the main character. Wren was dead for 178 minutes before she reanimated and became Wren 178. Wren is such a pretty, sweet name. How is it that just adding three little numbers turns it into a name that is clinical and creepy?

BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Panic (Rook and Ronin #3)

I've been a part of the blog tours for Tragic (Rook and Ronin #1) and Manic (Rook and Ronin #2), so it felt only natural to have a spot on the Panic (Rook and Ronin #3) tour to finish things off for Rook and Ronin. The tour is organized by Xpresso Book Tours. Read on for my review, then enter the giveaway. And don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

Panic (Rook and Ronin #3), by JA Huss
To Be Published October 24, 2013
Publisher: Science Future Press
Format: ARC, provided by the author and Xpresso Book Tours
Genre: new adult contemporary romance
To Buy:  Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Rating:  4.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she ran from six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.

Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.

Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?

"Don't panic, Gidget. Be still and stay calm. We'll be OK, I promise. Just keep calm and it will all work out."

I can't believe that Rook's and Ronin's story is over! And, as far as series finales go, this was a doozy. I was barely 20% into Panic when I started... well, panicking, actually. And then I started to feel better. And then I was freaking out again - it was a crazy, wonderful roller coaster of a book. 

Rook only has to get through one season on the new Shrike Bikes reality show and then she and Ronin can start to live their lives together. But, complications abound - the show is shooting a few hours away from Denver, so she has to be away from Ronin. Meanwhile, Ronin is happy because Claire is out of rehab and looking really, REALLY good, which makes Rook really, REALLY unhappy. Luckily, she has the dynamic, hot duo of Spencer and Ford to keep her comfy and warm - maybe a little too warm if Ford has his way. And, it soon becomes apparent that, even though Rook's ex Jon is in jail, he's still not completely done wreaking havoc on Rook's life.

Rook has come a really long way from the timid, cowering girl we saw in the beginning of Tragic. Her experiences as a model and Ronin's love have given her confidence and guts. Although she hasn't yet gotten to the point where she can deal with all the nasty stuff that happened to her in her past (and, believe me - it was pretty horrific), she's in a good place. She has good friends in Antoine, Elise, Spencer and Ford. And she has the promise of a good life someday with Ronin. Provided he can be patient enough to wait for her to get over it all. 

I look up at this incredible man and I have no words for what I feel. I'm not falling for Ronin. I'm laid out flat on my face. 

Ronin, meanwhile, has never wavered. Once he realized Rook was "the one," he stayed the course. I think she needed that from him - to be the constant in her ever-changing world. But, in Panic, Ronin's past catches up with him too, and as it turns out, he needs Rook as much as she needs him.

She kisses me and the whole world disappears. Just blips out of existence for me. When she kisses me there is nothing but her tender lips and my pounding heart. There is nothing but the buzzing of her essence coursing in my blood and penetrating my soul. There is nothing but us.

We see a lot of Spencer and Ford in Panic - especially Ford. We are allowed a peek into his life and into his psyche, and not all of it is pretty. But, most of all, we see how these two guys have come to care for Rook in their own special ways. Goodness, I love these boys. They really would do anything for both her and Ronin. As Rook is finding herself, Ford has taken on the role of the tortured soul. Most of the emotional moments for me came during Ford moments. In fact, the epilogue is from Ford's POV, and gave us the perfect set up for Huss' next series (which is all about FORD!). 

After Rook and Ronin are thrust into yet another catastrophe created by Rook's ex, Jon, they are forced to make really tough choices. And, it all comes back to what they are willing to fight for. 

I'd never leave you. I hope you know that, Rook. I'd never walk out. I'd fight for you every single time. You'd never even have to wonder if I'd be there because I'd show the fuck up before that thought could ever cross your mind. I want you. I'd risk everything for you. - Ronin

I'll fight for us every single time. You'll never even have to wonder if I'll be there, because I'll show the fuck up before that thought can even cross your mind. I want you, Ronin and I'll risk everything for you. I will never walk out on you. - Rook

If that doesn't give you the feely sighs, I don't know what will. 

As per usual, Panic is told in dual POV - Rook's and Ronin's. We see more of Ronin's POV here then in the previous two books, which is fine by me. That man's mind is a beautiful place. The only thing missing from this incredible book is the modeling aspect. I did miss that - it was such an interesting part of the first two.  There's also not nearly as many steamy scenes, but the ones that are there are good ones. Oh, and if you have an aversion to the f-word, be forewarned. You will be desensitized to it before you reach the end. :)

The Rook and Ronin series was so good, and Panic was the best of the bunch. I can't wait to see how Huss will break down Ford's walls for us in her next spin-off series. Mark your calendars - it's sure to be epic. 

Awesome new - right now, TRAGIC and MANIC are each only $0.99! If you haven't started this series yet, now is the perfect time to start it. 

Buy links:  TRAGIC - Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo  /  MANIC - Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

About the Author

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Learn more about J.A. Huss --> Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter

Giveaways

There are two PANIC tour giveaways for you to enter! The first is a tour-wide giveaway for a Kindle Fire (US) or $100 PP money (INT) and some new signed swag.

You can also enter my own giveaway to win one e-book copy of either TRAGIC or MANIC by J.A. Huss. This is an international giveaway - mobi and epub copies only.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Wish I May (New Hope #2)

Wish I May (New Hope #2), by Lexi Ryan
Published October 4, 2013
Publisher: Ever After LLC
Format: e-book, obtained from the Inkslinger PR and the author in exchange for an honest review
Genre:  new adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  4.5 STARS

(From Goodreads) I grew up wishing on stars.

My father taught me to believe…in destiny, in magic, in happily ever after. Dreams were my scripture and the starry night sky was my temple. Then Mom stopped believing, left him, and took us with her. At the age of sixteen, I cashed in my dreams to pay the rent, pawned my destiny to keep my sisters together.

Now, seven years later, I’m returning home, grieving the death of my mother, and settling my sisters back into the life Mom threw away. I never intended to stay. I don’t want to deal with my father, who is so invested in the spiritual world he forgets the physical. I don’t want to face William Bailey, whose eyes remind me of the girl I was, the things I’ve done, and the future I lost.

This would all be easier if Will hated me. As it is, I have to hold my secrets close so they won’t hurt him more than they’ve already hurt me. But he wants to be in my life. He wants what I can’t bring myself to confess I sold. He wants me.

I find myself looking to my stars again...wondering if I dare one more wish.

I had started thinking that, in William Bailey's case, nice guys DID finish last. In Unbreak Me (New Hope #1), the poor guy experienced not one but two failed relationships. He was such a sweet guy, but he just got dumped on - I felt so badly for him. I was so excited to find out that the second New Hope book was about him - that perhaps this nice guy would get his HEA after all. 

In Wish I May (New Hope #2), Cally and Will were in love as teens, but then she moved away and dropped him like a bad habit. Seven years later, Cally is back in town after her mom dies in order to get her sisters settled with their dad. She runs into Will and realizes that she's not even close to being over him. And he's not over her either. Problem is, a lot can happen in seven years. 

One thing I'll say for Lexi Ryan - she really knows how to write stories with lots of intensity in them. Both books that I've read of hers tackled some pretty hefty issues. The characters have had to overcome some serious problems. And the relationships have been crazy powerful. There's not a lot of comic relief or breaks in the feels. It starts and ends with them. 

That's not to say this is a bad thing. The writing is really good. I love Lexi Ryan's style. And the pacing is just right. There aren't any lulls in the action that would cause me to want to skip ahead or skim. In fact, I think it's because of all the feels that I was so engaged. I was able to connect with both William and Cally right off the bat and I got into the story quickly because I knew their HEA was going to come eventually, and I wanted to see it happen.   

Wish I May is told from both William's and Cally's POVs. The steam was off the charts for a new adult book. But, more than that, I loved the connection and the chemistry between William and Cally. Their interactions were suffused with tension and history and love - it's everything you need or want in a contemporary romance book. 

The side characters are equally compelling. Cally's sisters are complete opposites - one is sweet and kind and the other is a bitchy teenager. I felt lots of things for her, let me tell you. Then, there are the twins Lizzy and Hanna from Unbreak Me. I have a sneaking suspicion that the next New Hope book will be about one of them (my money's on Hanna). And yes, we also see how Maggie and Asher are doing. Wish I May was a fantastic addition to my new adult library. 

About the Author

Lexi Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, writes romances with humor, heat, and heart. A former college English professor, Lexi now writes full time from her home in Indiana, where she lives with her husband and two children. Please visit www.lexiryan.com

Learn more about Lexi Ryan -->  Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Giveaway

Lexi is giving away 4 $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Cards and the grand prize winner will also receive a signed copy of UNBREAK ME during the tour! Open internationally. 

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REVIEW: Sweet Peril (Sweet Trilogy #2)

Sweet Peril (Sweet Trilogy #2), by Wendy Higgins
Published April 30, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: paperback, I own
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Rating:  5 STARS

(From Goodreads) Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

Can I just tell you how much I love Wendy Higgins? She's definitely one of the "good guys." She returns e-mails right away. She replies to Tweets. She's NICE. Do you know how much more I want to read books written by nice people? It's like icing on top of the cake. It's even better if the books are actually good. 

Thankfully, Wendy's books aren't just good. They are freaking awesome-tastic. Which is the sprinkles on top of the icing on top of the cake. 

Sweet Peril is the second book in the Sweet Trilogy. In it, Anna has been separated from the love of her life, the Duke of Lust's son Kaiden, and not by her choice. Kai says he doesn't want to see her anymore, so Anna is forced to carry on without him. She is sent around the world with Kope as her companion to try and drum up support for a growing Neph rebellion of sorts. It's a dangerous game they're playing, but the payoff - freedom to live the lives they want without fear of death at the hands of their fathers - makes it worth the risk. 

My only problem with Sweet Evil (Sweet Trilogy #1) was Angelic Anna. She was just a little too sweet for me - she made my teeth hurt. Thankfully, the things she experienced in Sweet Evil have tempered the sweetness to just the right level so that, in Sweet Peril, Anna has honestly become a bad ass with a nice side. Which is much more palatable. I love the new Anna! She's taken knife throwing and grappling lessons. She "works" semi-regularly, so she's become a party girl. And, even though she pines for Kai and tries to see him when she can, she doesn't fall all over him and beg and plead and completely lose her dignity. Ass-kicking Anna is totally awesome.

And, Kai - Sweet Heaven - Kaiden Rowe, who was perfectly dreamy in book 1, has been elevated to Public Book Boyfriend Number One. He still acts like a complete asshat from time to time, but he also has his moments where he comes to his senses. Those moments, I could read over and over again. 

In Sweet Peril, we get to know both Kopano and Blake a little better - definitely a good thing. Kope was Anna's other choice. The fall-back in case Kai didn't get his crap together. And, really, Kope should be no one's second choice. The dude is so amazing in so many different ways. And Blake was the much-needed comic relief. I love his relationship with Kai. Kai is a completely different person around Blake. I laughed every time they got together. And, the way Blake treats Anna is beyond sweet. She's like his little sister. 

It was easier to forget that all these Neph kids work for their evil fathers in Sweet Peril. They seemed much more normal. But, that didn't diminish the fact that there was always an underlying current of tension brought on by the fact that everything Anna is doing could result in her immediate death if she is caught. The Dukes are the real bad guys here. So, despite the humanizing of the Neph kids, the action and scariness and danger is still felt nearly constantly by the reader. In fact, I think the more human and real the Neph seem, the more stressed out I felt. I really want these kids to all make it. And, the thought that Wendy might make me fall in love with them, only to have one or two NOT make it, scares the crap out of me. 

Wendy just unveiled the cover of Sweet Reckoning (Sweet Trilogy #3) last week, and what a pretty cover it is. I will most likely pre-order it, just as I did Sweet Peril. because I am totally hooked on this story now, and cannot wait to see how it all turns out.   

BLOG TOUR EXCERPT & GIVEAWAY: Breaking the Rules

Welcome to the Breaking the Rules blog tour, organized by AToMR Tours. Read on for an excerpt from Breaking the Rules by L.K. Lewis, then enter the giveaway to win one of five e-copies of Breaking the Rules. Don't forget to check out the other stops on the tour!

Breaking the Rules, by L.K. Lewis
Published September 17, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Genre: new adult contemporary romance
To Buy: Amazon * Barnes & Noble

(From Goodreads) Morgan Lane has just completed grad school, and has accepted a job at Baylor Industries with the help of her father, who just so happens to be golf buddies with Drake Baylor Sr., CEO. Morgan has lived her 24 years of life under her parents thumbs, and is more than eager to start living life and carving successful career for herself.

Drake Baylor Jr. is being groomed to take over as CEO of Baylor Industries upon his father’s retirement. Although he was raised in an affluent household, his formative years were rough, leading to a string of bad decisions, and hard lived years. In order to take over as CEO, his father has given him a set of rules to live by for an indefinite period of time: No drugs, limited alcohol consumption, and absolutely no relationships whatsoever with women-his greatest weakness. If Drake can abstain from those three things, work hard, and gain his father’s trust, he can have the keys to the Kingdome.Drake meets Morgan on her first day at Baylor Industries, and the phrase “love at first sight” doesn’t even come close to describing what is felt between them. Their instant attraction is a magnetic pull that is stronger than either one of them can handle. Now Drake and Morgan are faced with figuring out how to fight for their future together, hoping not to get caught “Breaking the Rules”.

Excerpt

A slow song has just begun, and I am about to make my leave and grab a cold beer from the bar when a warm body presses against my back, and a pair of masculine arms wrap around my waist. I am about to gracefully twist out of the unwanted embrace to go get the much needed cold beer, when I get an all too familiar whiff of a certain deliciously broad shouldered man. A quick glance at his hands confirms that it is Drake’s arms I am in. Thank the gin-soaked heavens, I feel like my prayers have been answered. All I could think of all week is what it would feel like to have Drake’s arms wrapped around me. It had taken all of my willpower not to go over to his table earlier and say hello. I knew I needed to stay away and forget about the strong feelings I had already developed for him. He is so close now. I can feel his breath on my shoulders as I lean my head back into his chest. No words are uttered as I reach up and wrap my arms behind me and around his neck. His hands make their way down to my hips, squeezing them and guiding them back and forth to the slow beat. I feel his arousal press into my lower back, and I drop my hands down to cover his at my waist and pull him closer to me. As the song progresses, the growing heat and attraction between us becomes palpable. Thank God one slow song has faded into another because I was not ready let this moment end. Words have still not been uttered, but unspoken passion definitely has, when Drake gently brushes my hair to the side and begins to slowly kiss my shoulder, moving slowly and deliberately up my neck before he starts nibbling on my earlobe. I moan softly as I feel my body ignite under the soft touch of his lips. I want to feel those lips all over my body. I spin around in his embrace, wanting so badly to have those lips on mine as our eyes meet. I tremble slightly in his arms as I take in his beauty at close range. My God, he is so beautiful. I am in his arms, staring into his eyes, doing my damnedest to stay on my feet. One of Drake’s arms tightens his grasp on my waist holding me close as the other hand lifts my chin slightly. My eyes close and my lips part as Drake leans in close, his lips almost touching mine.

About the Author

L.K. Lewis lives in Northern Michigan with her Husband and 2 year old son.
Born and raised in Michigan, L.K. spent her early twenties chasing the man of her dreams (now husband of 8 years) around the country, residing in both New York, and Portland, Oregon.  While living in Portland, L.K. attended East West College of the Healing Arts, and is now a Massage Therapist, Makeup Artist, and Spa Owner.

When L.K. isn’t working, writing, or chasing her son around, she enjoys boat days, playing in the sunshine, and giggling with her husband.  You may also find her on twitter most days, especially live tweeting when The Bachelor/Bachelorette or The Walking Dead is on.  Check her out, you may enjoy her colorful commentary!

Learn more about L.K. Lewis --> Facebook / Twitter

Giveaway

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