Saturday, June 28, 2014

Book Review: Destructive (Deadly Love #1) by Jessica Prince



Men cause nothing but pain.

I live my life by these five words. For me, they have always proven to be true. Men have only brought hurt and suffering my entire life, leaving nothing but devastation in their wake.
I fear them. I hate them.

Until him.

Gabriel forced his way into my life, ripping down the walls I’ve built around myself. He wants me, and he’ll stop at nothing to have me. I should be terrified of what he makes me feel. So why do I crave him anyway?
I see the red flags and warning signs, but I just can’t help myself. I’m his obsession. I thought he was my salvation. But now I know his love could destroy me.





I have seen this book around Facebook and was super excited to read it. I love the basis of the book, girl with horrible past and hot rich man rides in like a knight in shining armor but he is really a knight?
Marley grew up with her crack head mother not knowing her father. She was forced to do horrible and awful things.
“Feeling numb is the only thing that kept me alive all these years. If I were able to feel anything, the misery that is my life would have drowned me long ago.” ~ Marley
Marley was able to break free and start again but she had a mantra, “Men cause nothing but pain.” She was focused on herself and keeping her walls up protecting herself from everyone including her two best friends. Despite Marley’s horrible past, she was a strong woman and I absolutely loved that she stood up to Gabriel. She gave in a lot in the end but it was always for good reason.
That was until Gabriel walked into the bar Marley worked at. Gabriel was a successful business man with a dark side. They had an instant connection and no matter what they were drawn to each other. Gabriel helped Marley open up and take down some walls.
The story was slightly predictable until BAM! I didn’t see that coming at ALL!

This was a great story with great characters, especially both Marley and Gabriel’s best friends. This book ends in a cliffhanger so be warned but it was not where you want to throw your kindle, you just want the next book sooner than the fall! 




I'm a wife, mother, wino, coffee addict and avid a lover of all types of books, but romances are my main favs. My husband likes to say reading is my obsession but I just say it's my passion... there's a difference. 

I've been writing since I was a little kid and I finally decided to take the leap and actually publish when Picking up the Pieces came to me. Now that I've been bitten by the writing bug I just can't seem to stop. 

Book Blitz: Needing Moore Series Box Set by Julie A. Richman


Congrats & Happy Release to Julie A Richman! 
The Needing Moore Trilogy Box Set is LIVE!
All three Bestselling, Top-Rated Books from The Needing Moore Trilogy by USA Today Bestseller Julie A. Richman, PLUS never before seen
BONUS CHAPTERS for each book and is ONLY $4.99


All three Bestselling, Top-Rated Books from The Needing Moore Trilogy by USA Today Bestseller Julie A. Richman, PLUS never before seen BONUS CHAPTERS for each book.

SEARCHING FOR MOORE – Book 1
I lost the love of my life when she disappeared without even a goodbye.
It was the 80’s – there was no internet, no Google, no cell phones.
If you wanted to disappear, you could.
And she did.
She crushed my soul.
A friend just told me he saw her on Facebook.
And now I’m a keystroke away from asking her the question that’s haunted me for two decades.
“Why did you leave me?”

Two decades after she broke his heart, sexy entrepreneur Schooner Moore uncovers the truth and betrayal his life has been built on when he Facebook friend requests college love, Mia Silver. Determined to win Mia’s love once again, Schooner embarks on a life-altering journey that could cost him everything.

MOORE TO LOSE – Book 2
Continuing the fight for their happily ever after that began in Searching for Moore, Schooner Moore and Mia Silver struggle to overcome the ghosts and baggage they accumulated during their time apart.
Exploring the missing 24 years when they were separated, Moore to Lose follows Mia's journey from heartbroken teen to kickass businesswoman to her emotional reunion with Schooner and the exploration of the love that was ripped from them.
But is their love really strong enough to overcome the damage of those missing 24 years or will they continue to be ripped apart by pasts that can't be changed?

MOORE THAN FOREVER – Book 3
"You have no idea of what you do to me, Baby Girl."
"It's smoochal."

Is the love they always dreamed of enough?

Continuing the emotional journey of love and betrayal that began on a college campus in Searching for Moore and turned their worlds upside down in Moore to Lose, handsome, California entrepreneur Schooner Moore and sharp and sassy, New York advertising agency owner Mia Silver continue to be confronted with the harsh reality of the remnants from the lives they lived apart for 24 years.

Now, Schooner Moore and Mia Silver face the ultimate challenge - were they really meant to be together or will their pasts continue to tear them apart?

On the heels of the birth of their newborn son, Nathaniel, Schooner and Mia must decide if their love and loyalty to one another is strong enough to learn to grow together as a couple or if the life they always dreamed of sharing was better left as a teenage fantasy.






Moore To Lose by Julie A Richman (Book Two: Needing Moore Series)

Damn, this woman could bring him to his knees. There they were - both standing there, naked. Vulnerable. The truth was finally out. And if he was standing there high on the edge of a  cliff, he wasn't standing there alone anymore. Mia had joined him. She was as bold and fearless as she'd always been. This was the Mia Silver with whom he had fallen hopelessly in love.

          "We're going to be ok, Mia," he reassured her. He wasn't going to allow himself to believe anything else. He could picture her shaking her head yes on the other end of the phone as he heard her trying to hide her tears. He pictured gently wiping them away with his thumb.

          "You promise, Schooner?"

          And as always with Mia, making a promise was so damn easy. "I promise, Baby Girl."



Author Julie A. Richman is a native New Yorker living deep in the heart of Texas. A creative writing major in college, reading and writing fiction has always been a passion. Julie began her corporate career in publishing in NYC and writing played a major role throughout her career as she created and wrote marketing, advertising, direct mail and fundraising materials for Fortune 500 corporations, advertising agencies and non-profit organizations. She is an award winning nature photographer plagued with insatiable wanderlust. Julie and her husband have one son and a white German Shepherd named Juneau.





Friday, June 27, 2014

Blog Tour: Caught in the Storm by M. Stratton


What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?

Kat Snyder has spent years chasing after the man who attacked her and left her for dead. It is her one obsession and she won’t let anyone stand in her way. Now that they are getting closer to finding him she begins to doubt herself and her need for revenge.

Jackson “Jack” Taylor lost the only woman he truly loved. Now that he’s found her again he’s not letting go and will do everything in his power to make her see they can have a life together.

Together they search for the monster who has hurt so many women. The closer they get, the closer they become, until they are both Caught in the Storm.


Jeremy Ellison sat on a dirty bed in an even dirtier motel room with his head in his hands, wondering how he ended up here. He’d had her; he was almost able to take the one thing Anthony currently wanted. After pulling himself from the water, he didn’t know what to do or where to go. This was a first for him. He’d lost everything. Everything. He had no laptop, no pictures, nowhere to go, and most importantly, no money.
Sighing, he reached over for the newspapers he had purchased, somewhere in there he’d find what he was looking for. Some old lady from the society pages who had more money than brains. Some way to make a quick buck so that he’d be able to move on to bigger and better things. It was a scam he had perfected over the years. Money and items that he could quickly sell would be his. It was what had afforded him the lifestyle he loved so much, and giving the old ladies a thrill, well, it was the least he could do.
He wanted to scream when he saw his picture and the story about him, staring back. A smaller photo of Anthony and Evie mocked him. They were coming for him; they were all coming for him. Pounding his fists on the bed, his head shook back and forth, his mouth opened in a silent scream.
~*~
She sat in the grimy motel room clutching her wig in her trembling hands, staring at the room across the parking lot where she saw him enter a while ago. She never expected to come across him after all this time. It took everything she had not to knock on the door and send the bastard straight to hell. She knew he deserved more pain and putting a bullet in him would be too quick. Now that she knew where he was, she could plan. She had to have a plan. Everything had to be in order. The ending would have to be perfect, exactly what he deserved.
Her hands shook as she thought of what she’d have to do to him, but she hadn’t come this far to back out now.
Glancing at her watch, she knew she had to hurry, she wanted to get back to her files on Jeremy. Now that she knew exactly where he was she needed to make sure everything was up to date and she had all the information on him. Slowly she put the wig back on and walked out of the room into the sunlight. She casually dropped her purse near his car where she attached a tracking device. Picking up her things, she put them back in her purse, then stood up and walked away, never looking back.




Before I go in to my review I'm going to say you HAVE to read the previous two books in the series before reading this book.  Also, this review WILL contain spoilers to the first two books. You can check out my reviews for them by following the following links. 

If you'll recall, Jeremy has gotten away and is now being hunted by the gang: Noah, Lexi, Anthony, Evie, Jackson, and Kat. They are constantly looking over their shoulders where ever they go. The are checking every possible lead. You'll also remember that Kat turned out to be one of Jeremy's victims and she is out for revenge.  

Jackson and Kat have a pull towards each other that she tries to deny fiercely. She thinks she is too damaged and broken and doesn't want his to be touched by what has happened to her. He is stubborn and persistent, and thinks she is perfect just the way she is.  

This book is by far the most twisted of the three. M. Stratton can deliver creepy, cringe worthy scenes like nobody's business. I definitely had trouble sleeping after I finished this book. Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres and this whole series definitely satisfied me.
                  
Caught in the Storm is book three in the Storm Series.  You MUST read After the Storm, book one, and Eye the Storm, book two, before you start this one.


**Caution spoilers ahead if you haven't read the first two in the series.  Read at your own risk.**

First off, I want to say THANK YOU to M. Stratton for giving us a recap of who the characters are and why they are important. When you read a series with months in between its hard to remember who and what happened during the last books.  When we get the recap it takes you back like you are picking up where you left off last night.  I also went back and read my reviews of the first two books which can be found here if you are interested:


Okay back to the story.  What can you say about the third book without giving much away?!  Um I'll start with I read this book in about 2 1/2 hours max, it hooked me right away.  Its just as creepy and disturbing as the others.  Actually this one might take the winner in those descriptions.  I won't lie, I closed my eyes a few times while reading to try to make it go away.  Yes, I know I am a wuss and I have said that before in my past reviews on this series.  How M. Stratton thinks of this, I honestly don't even want to know.

Caught in the Storm is based around Jackson and Kat.  These two have been dancing around each other for a little bit.  It comes out that they have a little more of a connection then anyone knew about.  I really like the two of them together, they make a great couple and I was very happy with their story.  We get more of EVERYONE in CitS which I absolutely love.  The Troublesome Trio returns and just like Eye of the Storm we get just the right amount of them.  All the boys are back, Noah, Anthony and Jackson and they are very much protective of the girls in this one because Jeremy's body was never found after what happens in book two. The police aren't sold that Jeremy is alive so its been basically up to Noah, Lexie, Anthony, Evie, Jackson and Kat to keep up on local news to see if he's made an appearance.  Of course we know Jeremy is alive and planning his next move trying to stay one step ahead of them... BUT there is also another character added into CitS that wants revenge and will stop at nothing it seems to get it.   

Caught in the Storm did not disappoint!  Sometimes by the time you get to the third book it feels rushed and leaves you wanting more.  Not this one.  We get another love story, more twist and turns and MORE down right disturbing scenes as we wrap up the Storm Series!  We also get justice for everyone.  I have to say as much as a wuss that I am I loved this series but I will not be doing any re-reads now or probably ever.  
   

The Storm Series

Currently Free

Currently $.99

M. Stratton is an International Amazon bestselling author in the romantic suspense and mystery suspense categories for her debut novel After the Storm. She is a self-proclaimed dork that loves to make people laugh and can trip over nothing. Her inner rock star is always on stage performing to a sold out crowd but is quiet and shy on the outside.

She lives with her husband and son in Arizona, which is a big difference from where she grew up north of Chicago Illinois. As an only child she learned to tell herself stories to make the long winters go by quicker while dreaming of summer vacations. Now as an adult she still makes up stories to pass the time, but now she writes them down to share with other people.

When not writing you can find M. watching football (Go Bears!), NASCAR, or classic movies, watching her husband and father restore classic cars, and seeing who can be sillier, her or her son, and of course reading.


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Book Blitz: Rapture Anthology



Rapture. Allow yourself to be carried away by eight sexy, swoon worthy men who will forever leave an imprint on your heart. This anthology contains eight previously published works by Amazon, USA, New York Times bestselling authors and more. Eight women, eight stories, all for the fight of one little girl.



When Ellery moved to New York with her boyfriend, she thought they’d live happily ever after in their small New York apartment. She never thought he’d pack his bags and leave because he “needed space.” With her newfound single status and fear of being alone, Ellery buries herself in her artwork and paintings until one night she helps a mysterious intoxicated stranger get home safely. Little did she know the mysterious stranger is none other than CEO and millionaire Connor Black. After finding Ellery in his kitchen the next morning and assuming she broke his #1 rule about sleepovers, he becomes intrigued, not only by her stubbornness and defiance, but by her kindness.

Connor Black, emotionally dead and damaged, that stemmed from a personal tragedy, made a vow to never love or fall in love with a woman, until Ellery Lane walked into his life by accident. After she opens up and shows him her world, Connor starts to feel emotions and feelings he never knew existed. Despite the rumors and warnings regarding Connor Black and his use and misuse of women, Ellery finds herself being drawn into his world.

Ellery knows they can never be together because she is harboring a deep secret that could destroy Connor emotionally forever.

Join Connor and Ellery as they embark on a journey of courage, love and strength. Will it be enough to save them?


I'm Sandi Lynn and I'm a full-time writer. Writing has always been a passion of mine and I’ve had many dreams of writing and publishing a book. In just a little under a year, I’ve written and published a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Trilogy. When I’m not writing, I enjoy going out to dinner and to the movies! I have a severe coffee addiction and you can usually find me hanging out at the local Starbucks with my laptop! 




I’m needy.


I’m broken.

Cutting breaks through my numbness, but only opens more wounds.

Depression, self-harm, bullying....that's my reality.

Sex and guys....that's my escape.

The space between the truth and lies is blurred leaving me torn, lost and confused. And while the monsters that live in my head try to beat me-- the two men that I love try to save me.

This is my story of friendship, heartache, and the grueling journey that is mental-illness.

Sometimes you have to get lost in order to be found…

                         

Kathryn lives in her small East Texas hometown with her husband and two children. She is a music infused writer and self-proclaimed book junkie. When she isn't listening to music, writing or reading you will probably find her watching her favorite sport, UFC.
Kathryn is also an anti-bullying advocate and avid supporter of mental-illness and suicide awareness.
Learn More about Kathryn at www.Kathryn-Vance-Perez.com
Follow on Twitter @KathrynP_Author
Instagram Kathryn_Author
Facebook www.facebook.com/KathrynVancePerez


When that unexpected chance comes, take it. Don't let it pass you by. You never know what you could be missing.

Always wanting to be a writer, but not having much experience with men or romance, Aubrey sets out to find her inspiration with the help of her best friend. Just when she thinks all hope is lost, she meets Alex Logan. He’s beyond handsome, well dressed, and is known to be a player—perfect for the role.

The unexpected happens and Alex becomes more than just an inspiration to Aubrey, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Before an opportunity arises to straighten things out, tragedy strikes, and Aubrey’s world is turned upside down.

While Aubrey is trying to cope with her new life, a new chance at love arises. Can she find it in her to trust again? Will Alex be able to win her back? Or will she take this new unexpected chance at love?
**Adult Content** 18+ is recommended

                         

Family and friends are the most important things to me. I enjoy meeting new people, traveling,reading, relaxing on a beach and shopping....especially for shoes! I have an addiction to Coffee and Diet Coke; you may want to stand clear if I haven't had my daily intake!
Writing has been something that has been private and not shared until the day I decided to publish Unexpected Chance; which by the way came to me in a dream! Waking up to the voices of Alex Logan and Aubrey Ryan changed everything!!
I love watching my New York Yankees - yes I called them mine ;). I also enjoy playing and watching golf.
When that unexpected chance comes, take it. Don't let it pass you by. You never know what you could be missing.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joanne-Schwehm-Author/158762517642671



Grace Hamilton was the girl with a plan. She knew exactly where her life was going and prided herself on always achieving her goals. It was who she was, and how she lived her life. She never stepped outside the lines, and never considered what she might desire and whom she was actually trying so hard to please. Until him… 

Carson Stinger was a man who didn’t play by any rules except his own. Working in the adult entertainment industry, he didn’t care what others thought, and took each day as it came, no direction, no plan. He knew what women wanted from him and believed it was all he had to offer. Until her… 

When circumstances forced them to spend several hours together, they walked away changed. But for two people who never should have meshed, overcoming the reality of their vastly different lives wasn’t possible. At least not yet… 

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY SCORPIO. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

                        

Mia Sheridan is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. Her passion is weaving true love stories about people destined to be together. Mia lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. They have four children here on earth and one in heaven. Mia can be found online at www.miasheridan.com or www.facebook.com/miasheridanauthor.







* Bestseller in Teen and Young Adult and Coming of Age.

This is not a simple story of first loves, this is an emotional yet touching look at life and how the smallest decisions can shape futures.

What you think you know can change before your eyes. Fathers abuse, mothers deceive, best friends betray, sisters dismiss, love controls, and anger consumes.

After graduating from high school, Easton Grace knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. His goal for the summer includes two things: avoiding his father's wrath and protecting his sister. His carefully laid plans are quickly changed when a girl comes to town causing him to lose his tight grasp of control on everything, including himself.

Following years of sorrow, Taylor Monaco returns to a town she never wanted to see again but will forever call home. Her life was eternally changed by the people in this town, especially one boy. Her heart desires someone she's not sure her soul can handle.

Can Easton and Taylor find their path before it's too late - before the storm?

Note: Before the Storm is a prequel to Haven from the Storm but may be read in any order.


Sarah Dosher was born and raised in rural Oklahoma where she currently resides with her cowboy husband and twins (one cowboy and one cowgirl). She spends her day slaving away in healthcare and her nights pouring her heart out to her keyboard. She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for reading inspired her to start her writing journey.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsarahdosher





The first installment of The Atonement Series.

Deirdre Bardot is a PhD student at Harvard and on her way home for Thanksgiving when she finds out her father has been murdered in a vicious hit and run by a drunk driver.

Forced to piece her life together after such a traumatic event, Deirdre moves back to Seattle to be closer to her younger sister, Caitlyn, and their mother.

When her psychiatrist, Dr. van der Meer, suggests she needs to get away from it all and take a vacation, her best friend decides to introduce her to a friend of his who has more or less the same idea. Colin is perfect: he's good looking, self-deprecating and sexy as hell but he also happens to be Dr. van der Meer's son.

Deirdre finds herself falling hard for a guy she barely knows and one who is equally into her as she is into him. They decide a trip to Western Europe together is the perfect way to get to know one another a whole lot better.

Then an unspeakable and random act of violence occurs one night and Colin realizes he is forced to reveal a secret to Deirdre he has been hiding...a secret that is breaking him, and in doing so to free his conscience, he just might destroy the relationship he has created with Deirdre and lose her forever.

Publisher's Note:
Due to mature adult themes and adult language, this novel is not suitable for minors under the age of 17.


Selene Chardou is a world traveler and the alter-ego of Elle Chardou.
Ms. Chardou's writing is all about hot romance and exciting times with the rich and famous set in the New Adult realm.
She is currently working on Falling into Us (One More Night Trilogy).
There will also be a spin-off series titled simply the Scarlet Fever Trilogy which will chronicle the relationships of the other four band members. She also has a pop stars series planned titled Young, Rich & Talented, which will also be a trilogy.
Ms. Chardou has lived abroad in Stockholm (Sweden), Manchester (England), Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Selene.Chardou.AND.Elle.Chardou


Some people are blessed to find that one certain person who completes them.

Wrynn’s yesterdays were what others only dream of having. She and Tripp were the best of friends before they even thought about love. They had the fairy tale life where ‘like’ turns into ‘love’, and ‘love’ becomes ‘happily ever after’.

What happens when life conspires against you, and snatches your soul mate from your arms?

…only her forever love ended much too soon.

Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Wrynn boxes up her grief and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Wrynn relives her life with Tripp while struggling most days to get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.

How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Wrynn tries to find the joy in life every single day through her daughters, family, and friends. Her twin brother Liam has dedicated himself to helping Wrynn put her life back together after losing his own love. On the other hand, her mother-in-law lives to torment her at every turn. Wrynn can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for her tomorrow.


Kathryn is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her family. She was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can't imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Kathryn loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she's had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she's always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/KathrynMCrane

Growing up on the outskirts of Las Vegas as the daughter of notorious strip club owner, Stephen Knox, and a mother who abandoned her at birth, life was less than kind to a young Antoinette.

After a failed teenage suicide attempt, Toni hit the road in search of a life free of undeserved cruelty and any resemblance to her past.

Years later, Toni finds herself in a dead end marriage and makes a painful confession that sends her back to the one place she always wanted to escape. But can she really right the wrongs that haunt her? Toni soon finds that the only place where things stay the same is in your mind.

When her path crosses with David Stark, childhood playmate turned one night stand, she cannot deny the spike in temperature she feels every time he's near or the scorching dreams that flood her at night.

Digging through the years of heartache, Toni soon finds herself torn between the man she is committed to and the one who has always held her heart. As each layer unfolds before her, she discovers the root cause of her pain. Always believing the source was external, nothing could prepare her for the truth.


JL Brooks is a former columnist turned novelist. What started as a bet changed her entire course in life. With a passion for adventure, she believes everyone has a story to tell. Chances are she will try to convince you to tell yours.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWenchLab











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