Ambrosia (Book Boyfriend #2) by Erin Noelle

I really enjoyed Ambrosia!  I loved learning more about Scarlett, Mase and Ash.  I will say right off the bat that this book did NOTHING to sway me from Team Ash! If anything it re-confirmed my initial thoughts on the subject!   Want to know why am I Team Ash and anti Team Mason?  Well I'll tell you!

Mason is all about how Scarlett makes him feel, what she does for him, how happy he makes her and how she is what saved his life.  That's all well and good, very nice for you Mase.... but what about how Scarlett feels, or what you do for her, or her happiness?  Mase proves that his feelings are more important to him than Scarlett's a few times in Ambrosia.  From neglecting to tell her  important bits of info to flat out making decisions that do not take her feelings into account.

Now Ash, dear sweet, lovable Ash.  When he pulls out lines like "She would always be my Psyche.  However, I also knew it was important for her to find her own strength, to learn that she could fly with her own wings.  She didn't need to be my butterfly or his angel or anyone's anything to love herself and find true happiness."  How can you be anything BUT Team Ash he cares that much about Scarlett?  Ash proves over and over again that he wants to see Scarlett happy more than anything else even if it means they cannot be together.

There were a few things that happened that really surprised me along the way.  The story was fresh, angsty and I was kept on my toes the whole time.  The ending REALLY got me, and I'm not sure where book 3 is going to go, but I cannot wait to find out.  Euphoria is due out later this year and I will for sure be reading it!

(Did I mention that there is now a 3rd Team option?  No?  Oh well, you'll have to read Ambrosia to find out who!)

Review by Danielle

BLOG TOUR AND INTERVIEW: Ambrosia (Book Boyfriend #2) by Erin Noelle

After coming to terms with the tragedy that rocked her world, Scarlett MacGregor has returned to try to pick up the pieces of the broken relationships that she left behind.

Ash and Mason were left devastated and heartbroken following Scarlett’s sudden, unannounced departure. They are both ready and willing to forgive her and welcome her back into their lives with open arms.

However, a lot can happen in 8 months…

Scarlett must learn to overcome the obstacles thrown in her path to prevent the past from repeating itself.

Can she learn to fly with her own wings and discover the secret to eternal love? 

Recommended for readers 17+ due to sexual content and harsh language.
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Where to buy?

Barnes & Nobel | Amazon 

About the Author 

Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. First a bookkeeper, and now an author, she often jokes that she’s a woman of numbers by day and letters by night. Erin is an avid reader of all romance novels and a huge sports fan. Most nights you can find her cuddled up in bed with her husband, her Kindle in hand and a game of some sorts on tv. You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98.

INTERVIEW - WARNING CONTAINS METAMORPHOSIS SPOILERS BIG ONES!

Hi Erin!  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for us.  We loved Metamorphosis and cannot wait to dig into Ambrosia! 
Okay here goes with the questions:

1.    What was your inspiration for the Book Boyfriend series?

I was a part of an online book club and a big part of our discussions was finding people who looked like our book boyfriends. One day I just had the idea of a book where two friends went for a search for their book boyfriends in real life. That’s where the story started, and as I wrote, it just kind of took off from there.

2.    When you started writing did you know you would kill off Evie? 

No, it just kind of happened. I knew there needed to be some sort of struggle or event that Scarlett needed to face, but until I got there, I wasn’t sure.

3.    What was the inspiration behind this plot twist?

No specific inspiration, it just felt right, ya know? I never understood when authors said a story wrote itself, but that’s really what happened.

4.    Your bio says you’re a lover of happily ever afters – does that mean there is a HEA for Scar, Ash, and Mason coming?

Yes, everyone will always get a HEA in my books, it just may take a while to get there J

5.    Was it your intention from the get go for Metamorphosis to be the first book in the Book Boyfriend series or did it just happen as the story progressed?

I originally planned for it to be one book, but again, it just kind of happened. I’m not a fan of cliffies like most readers, but here I am doing it myself

6.    On the day you wrote the first words of Metamorphosis, what was the thing that triggered you to start writing the series?

I was talking to my good friend and author, Nicole Reed, about my idea. I was really telling her to write about it, and she told me to just sit down and start writing, so I did.

7.    Do you write full time?  What else did/do you do?

No, I’m actually a bookkeeper for small governmental entities during the day. I do that full time, so my writing is limited to late at night after my kiddos go to sleep.

8.    If your not writing full time do you hope to?

Ideally, I would love to write full time. Who wouldn't love to do something that they love all day? But realistically, I’m not sure that will happen.

9.    What are your feelings on traditional publishing vs self publishing?

Hmmm… this is tough. I’m a control freak so the idea of giving over control of my cover, release date, book price, etc… bothers me, but honestly, for the right amount of money, I think anyone can get over all of that. As everyone tells me, they’re the experts, they know what sells, but my books are my babies. Supernanny probably knows the best way to raise a kid, but I’m not letting her tell me how to raise mine, kwim? For now, I’m happy being an indie. It would be hard for me to work with deadlines with the life that I have.

10.   Who or what inspired you to write your own book and why?

As I mentioned above, Nicole Reed was the person that really encouraged me to write the book, and she walked me through the entire self-publishing process. My love for reading was the other inspiration. Metamorphosis was my way of paying homage to some of my faves.

11.  Can you share with us your first fan experience?

Actually, mine is a little different than most. The day Meta went live, I was actually at a book signing for Colleen Hoover, Jamie McGuire, and Tammara Webber.  I had uploaded the book several days before, but there were some technical difficulties so I had no idea when it was going to go live. But as we stood in line for the signing, my phone started going crazy with everyone letting me know it was up. So like the dork I am, I started jumping around with my sister and I couldn’t get this big goofy grin off of my face. Naturally the people around me asked what was going on, and when I told them, they bought the book on their ipads right there and I took pictures with them. It was really cool.

12.   And finally, inquiring minds want to know, who is your number one book boyfriend?

This is such a hard question. As you know, there are just so many good ones to choose from. I’ve always said Christian Grey is the alpha and omega of book boyfriends; the is THE ultimate. However, Deuce holds a very special place in my heart. No matter what he does, I just love that man.

Thanks so much Erin! 

Review

So as it goes when your a mom, a few things came up (read - Baby Girl shared the plague with me) and I currently only have 90% of Ambrosia read - its been GREAT!  The story i s moving right along at a good pace, the angst level is right where I like it and I'm really feeling for everyone involved.  I'll be updating this thread with a full review ASAP.

If you haven't read book 1, Metamorphosis yet, NOW IS THE TIME!  Its currently on sale at B&N and Amazon for $0.99!!!

6/27 UPDATE!  
Here is my full review of Ambrosia! (also found here)

I really enjoyed Ambrosia!  I loved learning more about Scarlett, Mase and Ash.  I will say right off the bat that this book did NOTHING to sway me from Team Ash! If anything it re-confirmed my initial thoughts on the subject!   Want to know why am I Team Ash and anti Team Mason?  Well I'll tell you!

Mason is all about how Scarlett makes him feel, what she does for him, how happy he makes her and how she is what saved his life.  That's all well and good, very nice for you Mase.... but what about how Scarlett feels, or what you do for her, or her happiness?  Mase proves that his feelings are more important to him than Scarlett's a few times in Ambrosia.  From neglecting to tell her  important bits of info to flat out making decisions that do not take her feelings into account.

Now Ash, dear sweet, lovable Ash.  When he pulls out lines like "She would always be my Psyche.  However, I also knew it was important for her to find her own strength, to learn that she could fly with her own wings.  She didn't need to be my butterfly or his angel or anyone's anything to love herself and find true happiness."  How can you be anything BUT Team Ash he cares that much about Scarlett?  Ash proves over and over again that he wants to see Scarlett happy more than anything else even if it means they cannot be together.

There were a few things that happened that really surprised me along the way.  The story was fresh, angsty and I was kept on my toes the whole time.  The ending REALLY got me, and I'm not sure where book 3 is going to go, but I cannot wait to find out.  Euphoria is due out later this year and I will for sure be reading it!

(Did I mention that there is now a 3rd Team option?  No?  Oh well, you'll have to read Ambrosia to find out who!)

Review by Danielle

GIVEAWAYS!!!

That's not a typo - there are multiple giveaways here!  Fill out the Raffelcopter below to enter to win an ebook copy of Ambrosia and then fill out the other Raffelcopter for a chance to win a KINDLE PAPERWHITE (US only)!

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RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY: Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry

Attending a vampire-themed masquerade party seems like a strange way to spend a night, but Nora is sick of frat parties and bars. Meeting Alec was just a bonus. Despite their immediate attraction, however, Alec is wary of involving himself with Nora, and when she pushes it, she discovers that Alec has secrets that could destroy them both. Is she willing to risk everything for a man she hardly knows? How far into darkness will he take her?

When Nora attempts to follow, however, things grow more complicated. Someone is hunting her - someone tied to a secret that goes back to the beginning of man. Soon, Nora finds herself drawn to two men, each with his own agenda. Can she save them both when one is destined to die?

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Where to buy:

Barnes & Nobel | Amazon | Kobo

About the author:

Sarah Daltry writes erotica and romance that ranges from sweet to steamy. She moves around a lot and has trouble committing to things. Bitter Fruits is her first full-length novel, although she’s written two novellas and several short stories. She is currently writing another novel, a contemporary NA romance called Forget Me Not. When she isn’t writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

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Giveaway!

Fill out the Raffelcopter below to enter to win one of 20 prizes!

• 8 bracelets with bookmarks (US ONLY)
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• Bundle 1: Erotic Romance ("Quiver of a Kiss," "Her Brother's Best Friend," "Into the Woods," and "Touch of Venus.")
• Bundle 2: First Timers 1 and 2 (ten short stories about the first time

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RELEASE WEEK GIVEAWAY - Killing Sari by J.A. Redmerski

From the author of the New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling novel, THE EDGE OF NEVER, comes a story of passion and survival…

---

Sarai was only fourteen when her mother uprooted her to live in Mexico with a notorious drug lord. Over time she forgot what it was like to live a normal life, but she never let go of her hope to escape the compound where she has been held for the past nine years.

Victor is a cold-blooded assassin who, like Sarai, has known only death and violence since he was a young boy. When Victor arrives at the compound to collect details and payment for a hit, Sarai sees him as her only opportunity for escape. But things don’t go as planned and instead of finding transport back to Tucson, she finds herself free from one dangerous man and caught in the clutches of another.

While on the run, Victor strays from his primal nature as he succumbs to his conscience and resolves to help Sarai. As they grow closer, he finds himself willing to risk everything to keep her alive; even his relationship with his devoted brother and liaison, Niklas, who now like everyone else wants Sarai dead.

As Victor and Sarai slowly build a trust, the differences between them seem to lessen, and an unlikely attraction intensifies. But Victor’s brutal skills and experience may not be enough in the end to save her, as the power she unknowingly holds over him may ultimately be what gets her killed.

This is their story…

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

J.A. REDMERSKI’S FAVORITE QUOTES IN KILLING SARAI (in no particular order)

1.      “I am discipline. Sarai is rage. I am aware of my choices at all times. Sarai’s choices are more aware of her, lying in wait to decide for her based on the severity of her mood with no intention in leaving her any conscious control over it.” – Victor Faust in Killing Sarai

I chose this quote because it is when Victor finally realizes the severity of the damage that living in the compound for nine years has done to Sarai. It’s a moment in the novel when that line between them ultimately fades, revealing just how much alike they really are.

 2.      “…if she presses me further with those soft lips and sad, vulnerable eyes I’ll succumb to the moment and either fuck her or kill her.” – Victor Faust in Killing Sarai

I think this quote was chosen for obvious reasons! 

3.      “Like me, the nightmares of his experiences have long since vanished, leaving only a morbid sense of normality to which nightmares no longer deem fit to visit.” – Sarai Cohen in Killing Sarai

This quote is meaningful in the way that it’s when Sarai, like I explained above in Victor’s quote, sees how much alike they are. 

4.      “You are wealthy, though no one needs to know where your money comes from, only that you have enough of it to wipe your ass with one hundred dollar bills every time you take a shit.” – Victor Faust in Killing Sarai

I love this quote because it shows a ‘sort of’ lighter side to Victor. This is from a scene where Victor is gearing Sarai up for taking on the role of a ‘rich brat’ as they go on a mission together. 

5.      “I don’t think that this thing between us is love, or even lust. It’s something else, something powerful and unmistakable that neither of us have been able to ignore. But it doesn’t have a face.” – Sarai Cohen in Killing Sarai

This quote is the moment when Sarai questions their feelings for one another and it’s meaningful because neither of them have ever been in love before. They don’t know what it feels like so they may never be sure…. 

6.      “We sit in stillness, both looking out ahead, both married to our thoughts. I wonder if hers are about me. I can’t help but for mine to be about her.” – Victor Faust in Killing Sarai

I like this quote because through all of Victor’s brooding, mysterious nature, I think it really shows that deep down he is so much more than what he perceives himself to be. And it also reveals his growing feelings for Sarai.

About the Author

J.A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of THE EDGE OF NEVER lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead.

Website |  Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!

The awesome J.A. Redmerski is giving away an e-copy of her book right here!  To enter, fill out the Raffelcopter below!  Winner will be randomly selected on 7/1 and will be notified via e-mail.  Winner will then have 48hrs to respond.

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Futures and Frosting (Chocolate Lovers Series #2) by Tara Sivec

I am always hesitant to read book # 2 in a series, especially if I LOVED the first book as much as I did Seduction and Snacks.  I was afraid that it was going to be a let down and ruin this series for me, but BOY I could not have been wrong.  I really enjoyed reading about how this group of friends evolved into adulthood.  I like that Tara Sivec stayed true to who the characters were in the first book, just on a more mature (and I use that word loosely) level.  

My absolute favorite character from this book was Gavin! That little boy made me laugh so hard I cried more than a few times! And I definitely think someone needs to sell a line of T-shirts inspired by Drew!! (Psst -  what Jillian doesn't know is Tara Sivec has an awesome Cafe Press site already!  You can find it by clicking here.  Don't worry - I've informed her! <3 Danielle)  Be sure to check back soon for my next review   - because you know I jumped right into Troubles and Treats!

Review by Jillian

See Danielle's review of this series in our Book Honor Roll.

The Mine (Northwest Passage #1) by John A. Heldt

Let me start off by saying that I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book! I started reading it with not one iota of an idea what it was about.  I didn't read a synopsis, didn't even know what genre it was.  I got a request to read and review it so I picked it up and started reading.  I got a few chapters in, and thought…what did I get myself into???

It started off as a story of 2 soon to be college graduates taking an adventure before staring their “real lives”.  Ok, no big deal.  Then BAM…all of the sudden one of them is sent back in time to 1941.  WHAT?? Time travelers…really? But I kept trudging on.  As I continued reading, John Heldt somehow turned this weird sci-fi book into one of the most beautiful love stories I think I have ever read.  It was such a nice departure from the trendy raunchy sex-filled love stories that are popping up all over the best sellers lists (not that there is anything wrong with those!!!). 

This book shows that love can transcend even the time-space continuum.  It is a story of friendship, trials, tribulations, inner conflicts, selflessness and above all else, true love.  It can also induce a major headache if you try and think about all of the problems that time travel can cause.  It is best to just not think about those things.  This book was AMAZING, and you should definitely put it on your TBR list along with book two, The Journey and book three The Show!  

Review by Jillian

BLOG TOUR: Animate Me by Ruth Clampett

Animate Me is a fun and sexy contemporary romance.

Love struck animator, Nathan, has set his sights on Brooke, the Director of Development at their animation studio.

He has worshipped her from afar for years and even created a comic book heroine named B-Girl in her likeness. When their paths cross he seizes the opportunity to make a good impression. As they grow closer a serious hindrance looms…her dwindling romance with Arnauld, head of the animation studio.

When Arnauld realizes that Nathan is threatening his relationship with Brooke, he goes after him and it sparks an outrageous uprising at the studio. Havoc ensues from antics only a building full of creative cartoon people can create. In the midst of the drama Brooke has to decide whether to follow her heart or risk her impressive career, while Nathan pulls out all the stops to “woo” his girl.

The conclusion has you cheering for our unlikely hero to capture his B-Girl’s heart…while he wins our hearts as well.

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Book Trailer

Where to buy?

Amazon

Excerpt:

I close my eyes as her hand moves over me. With my eyes shut, I'm acutely aware of the symphony of sensations: the warmth of her fingers, the softness of her breasts pressed against my knees, and the quickening pace of her breath as her hand tightens and finds its slow rhythm.

She suddenly stops and waits, still as can be.

"Well, aren't you going to tell me?" she challenges.

"Tell me?"

"Tell me what you want." She looks determined, unyielding. "Or maybe you aren't so sure what you want."

Why’s she challenging me? But then I start to understand that she needs this from me. It's important for her to see how strong I can be with her, without my costume on. "I know what I want," I assure her. "I always know what I want."

"Really?" she smirks playfully.

"I've always wanted you," I point out.

"Anything else?"

About the Author

Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director, Bob Clampett, has spent a lifetime surrounded by art and animation. Graduating from Art Center College of Design  with a BFA in photography, Ruth opened her own Design/Photography studio and also taught photography at UCLA. In 1993 she joined Warner Bros. almost fifty years after her father left the studio and worked her way up to VP of Design for the WB Studio Stores. Now operating her own studio as the fine art publisher for Warner Bros. she has had the opportunity to know and work with many of the greatest artists in the world of animation and comics.

After telling stories visually her entire life and a fan-girl at heart, Ruth was introduced to the on-line world of fan-fiction and started writing stories inspired by the colorful people and events in her life. Over two million hits, and thousands of reviews later, Ruth is publishing her first novel, Animate Me, a contemporary romance set in the animation world. She lives in Los Angeles and is heavily supervised by her teenage daughter, lovingly referred to as Snarky, who plans the summer around their yearly sojourn to Comic Con.

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GIVEAWAY!!!

Ruth Clampett is giving away a Prize Pack that includes a Print Copy of Animate Me, an Animate Me Travel Mug, and a print (small poster) of ‘B-Girl’ signed by Ruth Clampett and the artist Juan Ortiz. (US/Canada), three print copies of Animate Me (US/Canada), and five eBook copies gifted from Amazon (International countries that can accept Amazon gifted books)!!!  To enter fill out the Raffelcopter below!

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Real Ugly (Hard Rock Roots #1) by C.M. Stunich

This is not a story for the faint of heart.  Its not for someone looking for a happy love story either.  Its intense, emotional and fast paced.  In the end I wanted to scream and I can not wait for the next book to come out (Get Bent, due out 7/4/13).  This is far from what I've come to expect from a rock star romance but I loved it!  Days later my head is still reeling with thoughts of whats to come next.

Naomi has lived a hard life as a foster kid.  She has had some really bad things happen to her, and has done a few herself.  She uses her music as an escape and is now on tour with her band, and a few others.  She has a history with the lead singer in the headlining band, Turner, that only she remembers.

Turner is a self centered pompous rock god.  He wants to  live hard and die young.  Something about Naomi seems familiar to him, but he can't figure it out.  Turner makes it his goal to figure out Naomi and all of her secretes, even the ones that don't involve him.

I might be tempted to complain about the big cliff hanger at the end of this.  But since C.M. Stunich was nice enough to add an apology letter to her book and release book 2 only a few short weeks after book 1, all is forgiven!
Review by Danielle

BLOG TOUR: Watch Over Me by Tara Sivec

Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.

Death changes everyone...

To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?

Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick­start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.

But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year? 

Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Where to buy?

Barnes & Noble | Amazon ­­ | Kobo 

Review

I am just speechless.  This story hit me on so many levels I just don't know where to start.  I  have just finished reading it and I HAD to start writing this review, even though I don't know what I could possibly say other than you need to experience this.  Not soon, not tomorrow, not even later, you need to go purchase this and immediately begin this journey.  This is truly more than just a book or a story.  I felt like Tara Sivec has shared something extraordinarily intimate with her readers.  I'm not even sure I can label the emotions I'm feeling right now after reading this.  I can't tell if I'm completely destroyed or totally empowered.

Watch Over Me touched on a few topics that are very close to my heart.  As I get older I've come to realize that so is my mother.  She is my best friend, just like Addision's mom was her best friend.  I literally spend hours on the phone with her  every day and cannot imagine what life will be like when she is gone.  Because of this, I felt like I was experiencing Addison's loss right along with her, and it was horrible!  Thankfully, it was also therapeutic and reminded me to never take a moment of time I have with my mom, or anyone, for granted.

As a teenager/young adult I suffered from rather severe depression.  Years of therapy, medication and the support of my friends and family left me loving myself and my life.  Addison, however, only has herself to rely on to get through her depression over the loss of her mother and the overwhelming responsibility her father's downward spiral gives her.  When Zander enters Addison's life he helps her to remember what it is to be young and happy again. Zander is really an amazing guy, I could go on and on about him, but I won't because you have to experience his LEGO genius for yourself!

Tara Sivec has really outdone herself this time.  She has proven that she is a versatile writer and can be successful within multiple genres.  Watch Over Me is by far her best book to date and I cannot wait to see what she will come out with next!

Review by Danielle - also posted here

About the Author

T.E. Sivec is the pen name for Tara Sivec. Under T.E. Sivec, she delves into a more serious genre that is her absolute favorite to read ­ romantic suspense.  She loves reading a book and feeling her heart speed up with anticipation and wanted to be able to give that feeling to her fans.  T.E. lives in Ohio with her husband and two children, living the dream of being a full­time writer.

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GIVEAWAY!

The awesome Tara Sivec is giving away a SIGNED paperback of Watch Over Me and some pretty awesome sawg.  To enter, click the Raffelcopter link below!

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Watch Over Me by Tara Sivec

I am just speechless.  This story hit me on so many levels I just don't know where to start.  I  have just finished reading it and I HAD to start writing this review, even though I don't know what I could possibly say other than you need to experience this.  Not soon, not tomorrow, not even later, you need to go purchase this and immediately begin this journey.  This is truly more than just a book or a story.  I felt like Tara Sivec has shared something extraordinarily intimate with her readers.  I'm not even sure I can label the emotions I'm feeling right now after reading this.  I can't tell if I'm completely destroyed or totally empowered.

Watch Over Me touched on a few topics that are very close to my heart.  As I get older I've come to realize that so is my mother.  She is my best friend, just like Addision's mom was her best friend.  I literally spend hours on the phone with her  every day and cannot imagine what life will be like when she is gone.  Because of this, I felt like I was experiencing Addison's loss right along with her, and it was horrible!  Thankfully, it was also therapeutic and reminded me to never take a moment of time I have with my mom, or anyone, for granted.

As a teenager/young adult I suffered from rather severe depression.  Years of therapy, medication and the support of my friends and family left me loving myself and my life.  Addison, however, only has herself to rely on to get through her depression over the loss of her mother and the overwhelming responsibility her father's downward spiral gives her.  When Zander enters Addison's life he helps her to remember what it is to be young and happy again. Zander is really an amazing guy, I could go on and on about him, but I won't because you have to experience his LEGO genius for yourself!

Tara Sivec has really outdone herself this time.  She has proven that she is a versatile writer and can be successful within multiple genres.  Watch Over Me is by far her best book to date and I cannot wait to see what she will come out with next!
Review by Danielle

COVER REVEAL: Let Love Stay (The Love #2) by Melissa Collins

If you’re lucky, you’ll fall in love – truly, madly and deeply in love.  But what happens when that honest and pure love isn’t enough to erase your fears?  What happens when your past rears its ugly head and threatens your future? 

Maddy and Reid had that kind of love – the all-encompassing, Earth shattering, once in a lifetime kind of love.  Then life happened.  Old wounds that were thought to be long healed and scabbed over are ripped opened and they are forced to face the possibility that, maybe, they are not strong enough to fight their demons and embrace the light. 

Together, they found out what love is, but now they will each need to heal on their own before they can ever be together again.  They must face their fears and beat down their pasts in order to find their way through this crazy uphill battle called love. 

They’ve let love in, but now, they need to find out how to Let Love Stay. 

Add to your Goodreads TBR list!

Coming July 31, 2013! 

Cover design © Arijana Karčić, Cover It! Designs

Excerpt:

I get out of the truck and walk over towards the two of them.  Maddy’s back is to me as I approach her and her date, so she doesn’t see me right away.  But once the guy sees me, she spins around to look at what has caught his eye. 

Her face is shocked and when our eyes lock, my heart skips a beat.  There’s a pull between us.  As much as I hate to admit it, she owns me.  Her eyes are magical.  They dance with light and passion and when she looks at me, they are filled with love. 

The love and passion that are sparkling in her emerald green eyes evaporate when she realizes the scene that I’ve just stumbled upon.  I can only imagine what’s going through her mind, but I’m sure the images of me kicking Logan’s ass are flashing vividly through her mind.
I’m no more than a few feet from them when the guy pushes Maddy behind him to protect her from what he perceives as a threat.  He’s not very far from the truth, but she’s not the one who needs protecting. 

Menacingly close now, he pipes up.  “Who the fuck are you?  What do you want?”  Okay, I’ll give the prick a little bit of credit for trying to stand up to me, but he has no clue what he’s competing against here.

The caveman in me wants to deck this guy and drag Maddy into a bed – any bed – and claim her, repeatedly, until she understands that she’s mine and no one else’s.  I’m going to do that anyway, but hopefully I can refrain from knocking this guy on his ass.  I’d like to have the use of my hands tonight.

My eyes never leave Maddy’s, but my words are directed at him.  “Me?  I’m the boyfriend, asshole.”  Maddy’s eyes widen slightly as I say “boyfriend.”  Did she really think we ever broke up?

I avert my gaze from Maddy for a minute to stare this douchebag down.  “And who the fuck do you think you are?”  He falters, not enough that most people would notice, but I’m in predator mode.  I see his throat work hard to swallow past the newly formed fear.  His pupils dilate slightly and the pulse beating in his neck picks up as adrenaline surges through him.  If he thinks he’s going to win this battle, he is wrong – so fucking wrong.

He puffs out his chest as he says, “I’m Maddy’s date for tonight.”  He snickers lightly as he says, “You know?  She never mentioned a boyfriend when I asked her out.  Must not be much of a boyfriend if she doesn’t even mention you.”  He swells with pride at his snarky little quip.  In the split second he looks away from me to gauge Maddy’s approval, I lay him flat on the ground as I drop my shoulder into his gut and take his legs out from underneath him with one of my own.  I freaking love my takedown skills.  I didn’t even have to bust up my hands.  I’m definitely going to need them in a little bit.

I straddle over him and pull him up by the collar.  “Whether she mentioned me or not, she’s mine, so lay the fuck off.  Got it?” 

Maddy still hasn’t said a word and I haven’t actually spoken directly to her.  I’m pretty sure she understands my actions though.  Wordlessly, I reach my hand out to her.  This is her chance.  If she still wants me, then she’ll come with me.  This is who I am, who I’ve always been.  If she can’t understand that I love her, that I want her more than anything, then it’s not because I haven’t tried as hard as I possibly could to prove it to her.

Hand still outstretched, I look her directly in the eyes, as I try to convey everything that I’m thinking, that I’m feeling.  In what feels like an act of God, she understands me and laces her hand in mine.  

 About the Author

I’ve always been an avid reader.  Majoring in English Literature was a no brainer.  Becoming a teacher and instilling my love for reading into my students was also a no brainer.  I’ve spent the last ten years teaching and I’ve loved (mostly) every minute of it.  When I was home on maternity leave for my third son, I discovered a new genre that sparked my creativity.  My passion for writing sprang from my love of reading and once I knew I had a story to tell, I couldn’t wait to get it out there.  I only hope that my readers enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it.  

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RELEASE DAY GIVEAWAY: Watch Over Me by Tara Sivec

Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.

Death changes everyone...

To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?

Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kick­start her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.

But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year? 

Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?

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Check out the Watch Over Me playlist over on Spotify by clicking here.

Where to buy?

Barnes & Noble | Amazon ­­ | Kobo | iBooks (I will post links as they go live)

About the Author

T.E. Sivec is the pen name for Tara Sivec. Under T.E. Sivec, she delves into a more serious genre that is her absolute favorite to read ­ romantic suspense.  She loves reading a book and feeling her heart speed up with anticipation and wanted to be able to give that feeling to her fans.  T.E. lives in Ohio with her husband and two children, living the dream of being a full­time writer.

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Make sure you check out the blog tour happening 6/14-6/21, hosted by Madison Says!!

GIVEAWAY!

The awesome Tara Sivec is giving away a SIGNED paperback of Watch Over Me.  To enter, click the Raffelcopter link below!

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Off the Record (Off Series #3) by Sawyer Bennett

If anyone could give Nix Caldwell a run for his money, its his little brother Linc!  He has an admirable work ethic, a smokin' hot bod, and huge welcoming heart.  The man is sensitive. who doesn't love that?!  He recognizes the damaged vulnerability in Ever that she tries so hard to keep hidden almost immediately.  He gives her the strength to move past her insecurities.  Though from what I saw of Linc in Off Limits I drew the same conclusions about him as Ever did.

Ever is a beautiful young journalist who is given the opportunity to meet and interview Linc by her friend Emily (you know Nix's girl!).  After the article she writes comes out, Linc thinks up a unique way to show Ever he is nothing like the man she depicted in her article.

While Linc and Emily develop an easy relationship that flows naturally for both of them,  Ever's fears often put a kink in their bliss, leading to turmoil, heartbreak, self discovery and eventually, forgiveness.  The journey from beginning to end is thoroughly enjoyable, with lots of steamy couplings, heart to heart talks, and full on screaming matches.  This book (the whole series, actually) has a little bit of something for everyone!

I'll be recommending the Off Series to people for a long time coming I'm sure!  Be sure to check out my reviews of the other two amazing books in the series, Off Sides and Off Limits!
Review by Danielle
ARC Received from author for honest review

COVER REVEAL: Color Me Pretty (A Duet #2) by C.M. Stunich

I've done it this time.  I've really screwed up.  I've made a mistake, and I'm afraid that it's going to cost me everything ? my family, my career and most importantly, Emmett Sinclair.  He saw the beauty inside of me, looked past what I was becoming on the outside, and gave me his trust.  Everyone thinks I tried to kill myself; I think I made a mistake.  They all say I'm halfway to the grave; I say I've been reborn.  Nobody knows what I'm going through, so I'm going to have to fight harder than ever before.  The problem is, I no longer know exactly what it is I'm fighting for.

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Release Date:  June 15, 2013

The prequel, Paint me Beautiful,  is available on Amazon!
Both books will be available on Nook and Kobo in late June!

Connect with C.M. Stunich

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The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

Love triangles, wouldn't want to be in one, but boy oh boy do I love to read about them!  There were quite a few twists and turns in this story that I did not see coming.  Right as you were getting comfortable with the story something would happen to put you right back on your toes, it was great!

Ashton is quite literally the perfect preachers daughter.  She never does anything wrong, has perfect grades and perfect looks, she even has the perfect boyfriend, Sawyer Vincent.  However, when tragedy strikes Sawyer is out of town leaving Ashton with no one to turn to but Sawyer's cousin, Beau Vincent.


Ashton and Beau used to be trouble making best friends.  Their history plays a huge roll in their new relationship.  Ashton and Beau discover sides of each other they both thought were long gone and they can't help how they are feeling about each other.  I loved the dynamic between Aston and Beau.  He allowed her to express all the things she had been hiding trying to be perfect and showed her how to have fun again.  She reminded him that its okay to be vulnerable.  Beau was my absolute favorite character in this book.  I loved his raw emotions, his rearguard for his cousin, and most especially for his devotion to Ashton.

This one was on my TBR list forever!  I was on my library's wait list for a copy for eight months, that's right eight, and the wait was sooo worth it!  I can't wait to check out book 2, The Vincent Brothers.
Review by Danielle