Friday, July 31, 2015

Cover Reveal: Never Shattered by Julie Bailes




Title: Never Shattered (Shaken Series Book 3)
Author: Julie Bailes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: Fall 2015


Love.

It’s what everyone wants, yet few of us will ever experience. True love, intense and passionate love, wreaks havoc on our bodies; our hearts turn violently inside of our chests, our stomachs knot, and our brains are delirious. I know love and the excruciating side effects that come with it.

Love, though beautiful, is a silent suicide.

Some say, “If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours, and if not, they never were.” But, I say, those people are absolutely ignorant.  Out of love, I let her go, but I’d never set her free. Because of me, she’s living a lie—a life with a man she doesn’t belong to. And I want her back.

I am hers and she is mine, and our love has never shattered.






Julie resides in a small town just outside of Nashville, TN. Living with her husband, twin boys, and prissy princess; she's always on the move. She enjoys any and all things chocolate. She has an addiction to caffeine and consumes unhealthy amounts of coffee. When she's not at home chasing after her rambunctious kiddo's, you will find her cuddled into the side of her loves arms, watching a movie, reading a book, typing up the craziness that consumes her mind, or in class. Her motto is to live like it's your last day on Earth, laugh until your stomach aches, and love until you heart stops beating. Also, never judge another, you don't know their struggles.




                                    


Summertime eReader Giveaway




More than 20 authors will be sharing their best and worst pick-up lines during this EPIC eReader Giveaway! Win dozens of prizes, including swag packs, print or eBooks, gift cards, tote, posters, themed prizes, etc...and of course, a grand prize of four (4) eReaders!

Participating Authors:
7/27   Patty Blount
         Shelly Bell
          Sarah Castille
7/28   Lia Davis
         Lisa Nicholas
7/29   Jodi Linton
         Michelle Madow
7/30   Shelly Bell
         Jane Peden
         Kristi Hancock
        Caroline Lee
8/3    Veronica Forand
        Samantha Ann King
8/4    Kerry Adrienne
        Lizzy Ford
8/5    Suzie T. Roos
        Sharon Hamilton
8/6    Linda Bond
        Heather Long
        Alyssa Richards
8/7    Michelle Sharp
        Kristine Bria

Want to meet up with our author sponsors? Join the fun at the Summertime eReader Giveaway event page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/477456029079167/ !

CAROLINE LEE

I was a nerd in High School. I attended a math-and-science boarding school in SC, and was surrounded (finally!) by a bunch of other nerds (the story of how I ended up a historian is long and boring, so I’ll skip it).
Now, an author claiming to be a nerd is almost expected, what with geek-chic being a legit style choice these days. But I think I can back up my assertion with some examples.
For instance, we had a student-led pep-band for our basketball games, and one of our favorite chants went:
Sine, Cosine, Tangent, Sine,
Three-point-one-four-one-five-nine!

I had a suitemate who took the SATs nine times because she kept getting a 1590 out of 1600, and that was unacceptable. We had a cheerleading squad—also student-run—that we called the Proactive Synergy Coordinating Squad (PASCs), because we were far too full of ourselves to be mere “cheerleaders.” We souped-up our TI-81 calculators. We started our own cheese appreciation club for crying out loud.
So you’ll have to grant that we were nerdier than most.
Imagine a bunch of seventeen-year-old nerds, living among like-minded individuals for the first time in their lives. Romantic relationships were suddenly a glorious possibility, and we reveled in the chance to (*looks around furtively, giggles, pushes glasses further up her nose*) date. Most of these dating arrangements were made awkwardly (of course) and with great ceremony (of course), which resulted in some of the nerdiest pick-up lines ever.
I present to you the pick-up lines a bunch of teenaged math-and-science nerds come up with when they live together in a closed environment:
Chemistry: “Are you an exothermic reaction, honey? Because you’re making me hot.”
Calculus: “I think you must be the square root of two, ‘cause I’m getting irrational around you.”
CompSci: “You’ve turned my software into hardware.”
Biology: “Skin might be your largest sensory organ, but I’ve got something even bigger.”
Physics: “It’s not the length of the vector, it’s how you apply the force.”
But the winner, the true winner of the “worst pick-up line ever” contest, goes to the Math version:
*Clears throat*
“Hey baby, wanna come back to my place and study some mathematics? We’ll add a bed, subtract your clothes, divide your legs, and I’ll multiply.”
*snort*
I can’t even write that with a straight face. I mean, honestly. It’s horrible.
And no, it didn’t work. None of them worked. We talked a big game, but we were still nerds, and too busy laughing at ourselves.
Smuggling gave him the revenge he needed....
To no one's surprise, McKee Baird never fought in the War Between the States. His fiercely independent nature made it impossible for him to take orders, and his close friendship with a black man stopped him from fighting for his father's South. But he's found his own way to rebel against the new government the United States has imposed on him... and right now, the only thing standing in the way of his smuggling business is the intriguingly uninhibited Becks Middleton.

Their chance meeting gave her the excitement she'd been craving...
Becks has a life of freedom away from Charleston society's rules. So of course she can't help but be drawn to the stimulating renegade her mother invites to visit Beckett Plantation, even if she doesn't approve of his profession. When the opportunity to seduce Mac arises, Becks takes that chance, planning on one night of passion before the dangerous smuggler leaves. But when she accidentally becomes part of his schemes, she can't reveal the truth without risking his freedom. Joining him on his ship, Becks will face not just her growing love for Mac but a confrontation with authorities that will threaten their very lives.

Can the two of them reconcile their differences before their future is stolen away?


Caroline grew up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, and her love of the land is completely reflected in her upcoming book, The Brothers of Baird’s Cove: Renegade. Set on a SC sea island at the end of Reconstruction, Renegade addresses the tough issues many Southern historical romances skim over, like the true meanings of freedom and race, and exactly how many crabs it takes to make a batch of she-crab soup. There are zero pick-up lines in the book, nerdy or otherwise, because Mac doesn’t so much “pick-up” Becks as he does “catch her.” Repeatedly (she’s a bit clumsy). But that doesn’t stop them from enjoying everything the Lowcountry can offer them, and then some…
Contact Caroline: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon  

ROBIN COVINGTON

The best pick-up line I ever experienced was in college (so many years ago!). I was at a party and I knew the guy who was throwing the party pretty well since we’d been flirting back and forth for several weeks. He invited me to it and I just “knew” that this was the night when we would move beyond the friendship stage. The party was great and it stretched into the wee hours of the morning and as people left, I stayed behind but the guy didn’t approach me or make a move. He  was pretty shy and quiet but I figured I’d read his signals wrong and I got ready to leave but his loudmouth roommate got me to stay as more and more people left.
I finally got fed up and I made my move to leave when the “shy guy” chased me out into the hallway and asked if I had enjoyed the party. I was a little irritated and I let him know that I didn't understand why he’d invited me to a party and then practically ignored me all night. He stepped forward and grabbed my hand, his cheeks red from his blush as he told me that he’d thrown the party just for me, the sole purpose was to get up the nerve to kiss me goodnight.
He leaned over and laid a kiss on me that made my toes curl. It was fabulous and we dated for a while after that.


Crown Prince Nicholas Lytton was never supposed to be ruler of Callanos. He was the “spare to the heir,” pursuing a decadent life of the rich and royal—extreme sports, physical pleasures, and glorious irresponsibility. Until his brother died. Now Nick is to be coronated king, and no one believes he's ready.
The best way to secure his crown is to do the unthinkable…find a queen.
While Isabel Reynolds works in the palace gardens, she has no desire to draw the attention of the way-too-flirty, would-be king. For she's not the woman everyone thinks she is. Even if she wanted—or was tempted by—the promise of love, it would only end in disaster. Because while Isabel may be able to catch a king, her secrets would only destroy him…
Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play


Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her sexy, bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy pics, hoarding red nail polish, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and obsessing over Dean Winchester. Don't send chocolate . . . send eye candy!
Robin’s bestselling books have finaled in the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice, the Book Seller’s Best and the National Reader’s Choice Awards.
She lives in Maryland with her handsome husband, her two brilliant children (they get it from her, of course!), and her beloved furbabies.
Drop her a line at robin@robincovingtonromance.com - she always writes back.





Thursday, July 30, 2015

Book Review, Giveaway: Confessions of a Queen B* by Crista McHugh





Confessions of a Queen B* by Crista McHugh 

(Queen B*, #1) 
Publication date: July 28th 2015 
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Alexis Wyndham is the other type of Queen B—the Queen Bitch.
After years of being the subject of ridicule, she revels in her ability to make the in-crowd cower via the exposés on her blog, The Eastline Spy. Now that she’s carved out her place in the high school hierarchy, she uses her position to help the unpopular kids walking the hallways.
Saving a freshman from bullies? Check.
Swapping insults with the head cheerleader? Check.
Falling for the star quarterback? So not a part of her plan.

But when Brett offers to help her solve the mystery of who’s posting X-rated videos from the girls’ locker room, she’ll have to swallow her pride and learn to see past the high school stereotypes she’s never questioned—until now.

My Rating:


Favorite Quotes:


“I snapped a picture off the scene with my phone.  Then I moved behind the hulking mass of muscle and fat and tapped one of them on the shoulder.  ‘Hey, I know steroids can cause your penis to shrink, but is that really a reason to take it out on a stranger?’”

“Numbskulls like them feed off fear, and until you grow a set of balls or find wedgie-proof underwear, I’d suggest you find a group of fellow freshmen and travel in packs.”

“God gave men both a brain and a penis and only enough blood to use one at a time,”


My Review:


This is YA at it’s best.  Alexis is a too smart, non-conformist, rebellious, cranky, above-it-all contrarian.  In the process of bringing down the elite of her high school through exposing them on her blog, she has become a feared mean-girl Queen B herself.  I truly enjoyed this well-written, snarky, clever, and insightful tale, even though I typically avoid YA.  It was a quick and entertaining read. 

Empress DJ




Purchase:


AUTHOR BIO:
Growing up in small town Alabama, Crista relied on story-telling as a natural way for her to pass the time and keep her two younger sisters entertained.

She currently lives in the Audi-filled suburbs of Seattle with her husband and two children, maintaining her alter ego of mild-mannered physician by day while she continues to pursue writing on nights and weekends.

Just for laughs, here are some of the jobs she’s had in the past to pay the bills: barista, bartender, sommelier, stagehand, actress, morgue attendant, and autopsy assistant.

And she’s also a recovering LARPer. (She blames it on her crazy college days)

For the latest updates, deleted scenes, and answers to any burning questions you have, please check out her webpage, www.CristaMcHugh.com.

Author links:

Giveaway: Tour-wide giveaway (INTL) Signed copy of Confessions of a Queen B* + a $25 Gift Card to the vendor of the winner’s choice

 ends August 6th:



Wednesday, July 29, 2015

New Release, Giveaway: Killer, Episode 1 by Olivia Howe


Title: Killer
Author: Olivia Howe
Series Name: The Killer Novella Series
Series Number: Episode 1
Release Date: July 29th, 2015
Hosted by: Beautiful Promotions

Valentino County Detective Gwendolyn Anderson tries to solve the biggest case of her Career. Serial Killer AKA The Doctor is on the loose, killing innocent women, leaving them dead with a smile painted on their face. Some trademark he has.
Detective Anderson is determined to do everything in her power to solve The Doc case before the FBI takes it under their wing. She has only six months to solve the murders of over twenty women from this serial killer, in the process of solving other cases that come through Hillside Police Department.
Can she take down the biggest serial killer in Valentino County without ruining her career in the process?

Little does she know, Doc is right in front of her face.



NEW RELEASE! NEW RELEASE! NEW RELEASE! NEW RELEASE! 



Book Trailer:



About The Author:

Olivia Howe resides in a small town located in Maine. Born in 1994, makes her a very young bestselling author. She was originally born in Florida, but she considers herself a Mainer. In her spare time she loves to write, listen to rock music, and spend time with her family. She's big on supporting authors and their books. She owns a book blog called Beautifully Broken Book Blog.

She's known for the Amazon Bestselling Series called The Dark Love Series and Pretty Bird. She has many more books in the works and some being published soon; including: The Prisoner's Wife, and book three in The Dark Love Series called Trying To Remember.
Olivia's a huge Golden State Warriors, Patriots, and Red Sox fan. She's a TV show fanatic. Her favorites include: The Walking Dead, Vikings, Grey's Anatomy, The O.C., Orphan Black, Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, Homeland, Chicago Fire, and many more. Rock music is her life. Her favorites include: Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Tesla, The Cure, Godsmack, Audioslave, Motley Crue, The Honorary Title, Candlebox, Evanescence, Lynyrd Sknyrd, and many more.


a Rafflecopter giveaway ________________________________________________________________________________

HOSTED BY:


Spotlight: Lover's Leap by Emily March

The Eternity Springs book collection - Emily March, author


Readers have fallen in love with Eternity Springs, the magical town in Emily March’s beloved series where something wonderful happens to hearts in need of healing.


Book cover, Lover's Leap by Emily MarchTitle: Lover's Leap
Author: Emily March 
  Series: Eternity Springs (may also be read as a standalone) Genre: Adult contemporary romance, inspirational romance, second chance romance

Synopsis

Twenty years ago the town bad boy, Cam Murphy, left Eternity Springs in handcuffs, riding in the back of a sheriff’s van . . . and breaking young Sarah Reese’s heart. The defiant teenager vowed never to return.
In Australia, Cam makes a new beginning. He builds a successful business and suffers few regrets until Sarah—and their daughter—walk into his life, and then immediately run away. Realizing it’s time to right yesterday’s wrongs, he follows Sarah home to Colorado—and turns her world upside down. Cam wants to know his daughter. He needs to prove to Sarah, the town, and himself that he’s changed. Will the residents of Eternity Springs offer forgiveness—and will Sarah have the courage to trust this man who is asking for a second chance?

Photo of a couple in a tender kiss with a quote from Lover's Leap, a contemporary romance novel by author Emily March


Excerpt

"You know, I've been a lot of places in this world, but this place is still one of my favorite spots."
"It is beautiful."
"That's not it. The world has plenty of beautiful places. What made this so great is that I was happy here."
"In Eternity Springs?"
"No. Here at Lover's Leap. With you."
He sounded so sincere. Sarah's heart hitched. Was he trying to seduce her all over again? Is that what this is about? What that kiss was about this afternoon?
She was vulnerable to him. Well, vulnerable to the old, or make that the young Cam.
"I expect everyone is a little nostalgic about their teenage days to some extent."
"I'm not talking about nostalgia. I've never been nostalgic about those days; I have nightmares about those days. I'm talking about happiness, which for me means Lover's Leap. I never bought into the whole thrill of the forbidden thing. I hated sneaking around with you. This was the only place we were honest."
He gave his head a shake, then said, "I'm sorry. I sound like a whiny kid. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm in the weirdest mood tonight."
He's talking about his feelings and emotions. He's a guy. Of course he thinks it's weird.



Buy Lover's Leap on Amazon.com!


About Emily March

EMILY MARCH AUTHOR PHOTO
Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Emily is an avid fan of Aggie sports and her recipe for jalapeño relish has made her a tailgating legend.
Pseudonym(s): Geralyn Dawson

Stalker Links


Photo of a hiker in the mountains with a quote from the front matter of Lover's Leap, by Emily March