Blog Tour: Love Bites / Sound Bits by Rachel K. Burke - Review/Giveaway

Love Bites
By: Rachel K. Burke
Release date: December 29, 2014

Description:
What do you do when you fall in love with your best friend’s boyfriend?

That is the question that twenty-six year-old Justine Sterling has been asking herself ever since the day she met David Whitman, her best friend Renee’s boyfriend. Justine is determined to ignore her growing feelings for the irresistibly charming David, until one night, when she finds herself in the bed of the one person she should stay away from.

When Justine and David’s affair ends in heartbreak, Justine is forced to repair the damaged friendship with her best friend. In doing so, she learns that right and wrong decisions aren’t always black and white, and sometimes you have to follow your heart to see where it leads. 

Review:
What a very perfect title for this book because after reading it I can only imagine that is how the main character is feeling about love in general. The author explores a unique situation where you think it’s about one thing but in reality I think it was about something completely different. Definitely a book about exploration of thy own self. 
We meet Justine after college and a couple years of living in the real world, between trials and tribulations with her best friend and her ex you would think her life would be more depressing than it is. But Justine starts reading a self-help book that helps her work through all these issues she’s currently having and discovering, ones she didn’t even realized she had. 

Ok first yes this book is about a girl who takes the guy away from her best friend, is that the way it happened? Maybe in a black and white world, but we all live in the gray and sometimes things happen even if you don’t mean them to, they just do. Was it for the best, probably not because these types of actions have consequences? So in comes Justine trying to repair her friendship which meant more to her than her relationship with the guy who didn’t turn out to be the best person. I really disliked David, probably from the get go, he seemed too cocky and it just irritated me, but that’s a good thing because well he wasn’t a great guy. But the major thing was the repairing of a broken friendship.

I really enjoyed the way this book took you back to memories of things that, it’s good to see what happened then and what is happening now, comparing them is always good to see. I loved the main character because she shows us that even when you mess up, you deal with the consequences and try to move your life forward. Even if it doesn’t seem like it’s going to get better, if you think positively enough good things will happen. I’m a firm believer in that. 

Overall the book was a quick read, I enjoyed it from beginning to end and felt every word that I read. I think things worked out the way they should have worked out in the end and I’m glad for it. Really great read, something to keep you company and into someone else’s drama for a while. 

Sound Bites
By: Rachel K. Burke
Release Date: December 5, 2013

Description:
Renee Evans has a knack for trouble. After walking in on her best friend and boyfriend in bed together, twenty-five year-old Renee flees sunny Los Angeles and her dream job as a music journalist and returns to her hometown of Boston – only to meet Dylan Cavallari, the mysterious, aspiring musician who lives in her apartment building. Dylan’s piercing gaze and womanizing demeanor make him exactly the type of guy that Renee should steer clear of – which is most likely the reason she falls for him. But when Renee’s troublesome ex comes back and threatens to drive her and Dylan apart, Renee is forced to face her past and save her relationship with Dylan before it's too late.

Sound Bites dramatizes what happens when Renee finds herself caught between a painful past and an uncertain future. Happiness turns out to be within her grasp, but it all depends on whether she can trust herself enough to make the right decisions. Sound Bites is a novel about love, friendship, betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of music to help you find your way.

Review:
This book was absolutely adorable and insightful. I of course read the second book first so coming back to this it bought the whole story of the two best friends full circle.  This book had many great aspects that I love when reading books in this genre and I think Rachel K. Burke did a good job of putting this and Love Bites all together like two puzzle pieces.

We meet Renee who just moved back home after discovering her best friend and boyfriend in bed together.  Not only was her life a mess but she didn't know what to do with herself, she took a job that is nothing like her and just sat around moping and feeling bad for herself.  Until one night she hears something that touches her heart and that's when she reintroduces herself to her neighbor Dylan.  Their love for music is delightful and insightful.  Music is definitely one of those things that binds people together. 

Anyway the book was really good through and through and even though it was really short it showed you so many different aspects of relationships, from jealousy, resentment, distrust, happiness, stubbornness, commitment-phobic and the list goes on, but is not limited to the relationship between a man and a woman but a relationship between friends as well.  That's what I liked most about this book, not only did it talk about the relationship Dylan and Renee were having but also her relationship with her friends.  It really bought everything full circle for me.  I kind of liked that I read the two books out of order because it really worked well this way.  Like a prequel instead of a sequel. 

Anywho both books were great and you should definitely give them a shot. Anything with music in it, and drama I'm all for it. 

About the Author:
Rachel discovered she wanted to be a writer at the age of ten, when her love of R.L. Stine murder mystery novels inspired her to start writing her own.

In 2008, she began freelance writing for several magazines including Prevention, Jamsbio and Worcester Magazine.

Rachel graduated from Bridgewater University in 2011 with a B.A. in Communications and Media Studies. She currently resides in Santa Monica, CA.


Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Promo: Three Brothers by Nicole Williams

Three Brothers

By: Nicole Williams

Release Date: January 20, 2015

Description:

I grew up with three brothers. They weren’t tied to me by blood, but our connection went beyond genetics or bearing the same last name. Our connection was forged the summer I turned thirteen, the summer my mom ended her life and left me in the custody of John Armstrong, a man I’d never met. Packing all I owned in a couple of boxes, I left the familiarity of the big city and headed west to Red Mountain Ranch, set in a lonely valley outside of Jackson Hole.

Nothing was as it seemed at Red Mountain—it didn’t take long for me to figure that out. John was kind to me but distant, as if he was afraid to let anyone get too close. His three teenage sons had their own devices for keeping love as far away as they could. The eldest distracted himself with cheap relationships that had a shelf-life of one night. The middle son threw himself into the rigor of running a ranch, and the third wielded cruelty and mind-games in his quest to keep people from getting close.

Time has gone by, and I’ve spent those years trying to forget the brother I’d fallen for—the biggest mistake of my life.

Finally, I’ve moved on. Finally, I’m back. But what I didn’t realize was that running away from the wrong brother meant I’d also run away from the right one. The one who’d been there for me all along, waiting in his brother’s shadow for the day I either would or could move on.

But a decade is a long time to wait. Has the brother I should have chosen all of those years ago moved on too? Am I about to discover that my biggest mistake wasn’t falling in love with the wrong brother, but failing to return the love of the right one sooner?

Does unrequited love have an expiration date?

I’m about to find out.

Author’s Note: This book is a “sweet” romance that isn’t overly sexy. Fans of Lost & Found will be interested in Three Brothers. 

 About the Author

I’m the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the CRASH series (HarperTeen, S&S UK), LOST & FOUND series, UP IN FLAMES (S&S UK), The EDEN TRILOGY, and a handful of others. I write stories about everyday kinds of people who find themselves in extraordinary kinds of situations. I tell love stories with happy endings because I believe in making the world a better place, and that’s one tiny way I can make it so. I’m one of those people who still believe in true love and soul mates, and would rather keep my head in the clouds any day over having my feet firmly on the ground.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Review: Unraveling You by Jessica Sorensen

Unraveling You
By": Jessica Sorensen
Release Date:
Series: Unraveling You #1

Description:
Lyric Scott has always had a good life. Outgoing, spunky, and musically talented, she’s constantly surrounded by family and friends, yet she still feels there’s something missing. 

Then she meets her new next-door neighbor Ayden Gregory. Mysterious, sweet, and sad, Ayden is the exact opposite of Lyric and exactly what she needs to fill the void in her life. 

Ayden has been through more than most people and believes his life is always going to be rocky, so when he’s suddenly adopted by the Gregorys, he’s thrown for a turn. But even with a new, loving family, he still finds himself haunted by the memories of his old life. The only true breath of fresh air is when he’s with his best friend, Lyric Scott. 

As Lyric and Ayden grow closer, the lines of their friendship start to blur. But when Ayden's past unexpectedly pushes its way into his new life, their friendship and newfound attraction will be tested. 

**A novel about Ella and Micha's daughter and Lila and Ethan's son from The Secret Series. However, this series can be read on its own.**

Review:

Oh how delightful was it to see the kids of Micah and Ella and Lila and Ethan becoming the best of friends.  The story was adorable, and serious and really made you think about the offspring of all these great characters you have come to love in the past. 

As we left off with everyone previously Ella and Micah were pregnant, low and behold we meet Lyric.  Who has the best characteristics of both of her parents and really sounds like a doll.  She’s so full of energy that even I wanted to be her friend, seriously.  Lila and Ethan on the other hand seems as if they couldn’t have kids for whatever reason, but they had no problem adopting, many kids.  Their latest addition is Ayden.  Now he sounds really interesting in various ways.  He really transforms in this book into a guy I would also like to be friends with.  

The two of them are so very different but I think they bring out the best in each other which is always a beautiful thing in itself.  Where Ayden is quiet, Lyric is outspoken and has got some spunk to her.  It's so cute watching them interact with one another but there are things that Ayden is hiding not only from himself but from everyone else as well.  Until the day he can finally review what really happened to him he can't move on in a normal healthy way.

Jessica Sorensen always has a way of shining a light on things that we ignore on a daily basis that has nothing to do with us, but sometimes a light nights to be shined on it.  In this book they deal with adoption, secrets, memories, kidnapping and even death.  That's just a few things but let's not forget the really good things as well like love and friendship which is stronger than anything in this world I believe.  With that you can get through anything and these two definitely have a strong friendship sometimes slipping into a different territory but never quite there.

I know that sometimes I felt like they didn't really act their age, but maybe it was because of the pure innocence of Lyric, and Ayden he's just tortured or has been tortured to revert back to a younger age, but even though I didn't feel like they were their age I know that sometimes there are people like these two out in the world, and they too need our attention.

This is really turning out to be a really cute side series (yes it can be read alone) but oh man, that ending.  I was a little mad only because I DIDN'T WANT IT TO END!!!  Really I can't wait to get the next book in my hands, amazing series, love this author and anything she writes.  The cover is good, but I don't see them getting that far in the book, should have been just a little more innocent on the cover, at least until the next one because I know things will happen (cross fingers). 

Cover Reveal: All Played Out by Cora Carmack!

Holy smokes are we excited to bring you the cover for Cora Carmack's ALL PLAYED OUT! ALL PLAYED OUT is a New Adult Contemporary Romance and is the 3rd book in the Rusk University Series, published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins. It is due to be released on May 12, 2015!! If you haven't had a chance to read this sexy, fun series yet, be sure to grab 

ALL LINED UP and ALL BROKE DOWN!  

   

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iTunes

Add ALL PLAYED OUT on Goodreads!

About ALL PLAYED OUT:
 First person in her family to go to college? CHECK.
Straight A’s? CHECK.
On track to graduate early? CHECK.
Social life? …..yeah, about that….

With just a few weeks until she graduates, Antonella DeLuca’s beginning to worry that maybe she hasn’t had the full college experience. (Okay... Scratch that. She knows she hasn't had the full college experience). So Nell does what a smart, dedicated girl like herself does best. She makes a "to do" list of normal college activities. Item #1? Hook up with a jock. Rusk University wide receiver Mateo Torres practically wrote the playbook for normal college living. When he’s not on the field, he excels at partying, girls, and more partying. As long as he keeps things light and easy, it's impossible to get hurt... again. But something about the quiet, shy, sexy-as-hell Nell gets under his skin, and when he learns about her list, he makes it his mission to help her complete it. Torres is the definition of confident (And sexy. And wild), and he opens up a side of Nell that she's never known. But as they begin to check off each crazy, exciting, normal item, Nell finds that her frivolous list leads to something more serious than she bargained for. And while Torres is used to taking risks on the field, he has to decide if he's willing to take the chance when it's more than just a game. Together they will have to decide if what they have is just part of the experiment or a chance at something real.  

And don’t miss the first two books in the Rusk University Series…

 

ALL LINED UP, Book 1

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

ALL BROKE DOWN, Book 2

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

    About Cora Carmack: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, was a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.      

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Author Goodreads

Review: In her Wake by K.A. Tucker

In Her Wake
By: K. A. Tucker
Release Date: September 1, 2014
Series: Ten Tiny Breaths 0.5

Description:
Before you knew him as Trent in Ten Tiny Breaths, he was Cole Reynolds—and he had it all. Until one night when he makes a fatal, wrong decision…and loses everything.

When a drunken night out at a Michigan State college party results in the death of six people, Cole must come to terms with his part in the tragedy. Normally, he’d be able to lean on his best friends—the ones who have been in his life since he could barely walk. Only, they’re gone. Worse, there’s the shattered body of a sixteen-year-old girl lying somewhere in a hospital bed, her entire life ripped from her because of a case of beer and a set of keys.

Everyone assures him that they know it wasn’t intentional, and yet he can’t ignore the weight of their gazes, the whispers behind his back. Nor can he shake the all-consuming guilt he feels every time he thinks of that girl who won’t so much as allow him near her hospital room to apologize. As the months go by and the shame and loneliness festers, Cole begins to lose his grip on what once was important—college, his girlfriend, his future. His life. It’s not until Cole hits rock-bottom that he can begin to see another way out of his personal hell: forgiveness.

And there’s only one person who can give that to him…

Review:
I think this is a story that definitely needed to be told and explored.  Sometimes in life there are tragedies that happen and even though you don't realize it at the time there is a ripple effect that goes through the universe and affects everyone in one way or another.  This is Cole's story about what happened after the accident, his first steps to healing and finding a way to help Kacey heal as well.

If you've read the series you already know what is going to happen, but there is something so genuine and honest about Cole and his reaction to everything.  This is something difficult that happened to him and all those around him, but unless you were in it yourself you don't really know how to feel.  How does he have the urge to continue living?  What help does he receive and how can he help someone who doesn't want to even know he exists?  It's tough to say the least.

This slight insight is sad and surreal because you know it happened in the book but still to read about it and his burden, it wasn't easy to read but it was worth the read because you get the overall sense of his feelings before he went to Miami and tried to save Kacey and her sister.

Overall this novella was a great way to bring the story full circle, I'm just sad it took me this long to pick it up.  K.A. Tucker did a great job with this series.  Love the cover because the first one is her in the water and now it's all about Cole/Trent.

Review: Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always by Jessica Sorensen

Ella and Micha: Infinitely and Always
By: Jessica Sorensen
Release Date: November 18, 2014
Series: The Secret 4.6

Description:
A Secret Series Novella 

After five years of marriage, Ella couldn’t be happier. Her job is great. Her marriage is amazing. But when she receives some surprising news, her world is turned upside down. 

Micha loves being a musician, but being on the road, and away from Ella, is difficult. When the industry begins to put pressure on him to change his image, he makes a choice; one he fears is going to drastically change Ella’s and his future forever. That is until he learns Ella has a secret, one that makes his career choice seem hugely insignificant.

Review:

What better way to spend the day then to read the novella that started the series and now the last novella about these two, is it the end I don't know but I love them regardless. 

Oh the sweet perfection of these two undying love for one another.  Brings my heartbeat and emotions up a notch or two when I read about Ella and Micha.  Jessica Sorensen this was like the icing on the cake for a great ending to this series, wait is it an ending?  I know the story sort of continues but I won't say how because really you have to read the book to find out how it continues. 

I knew reading this description exactly what was going to happen but that's because my instinct was just dead on and I was so right.  Ella and Micha are married now for a couple of years but apart because of Micah's music career.  But when they do get together they sure do find interesting ways to keep their lives super spicy.  That of course is all besides the point because they are so into their marriage of course the natural progression needs to be addressed of what happens next.  

Ella ever so scared of becoming her mother and not knowing how to be a mother because she didn't have a stable one growing up is terrified, which is understandable.  Micah of course is ready to go, he's ready for that family with the love of his life.  Unexpected things happen accidentally causing their progression to move forward quickly and really this book is an exploration of how Ella and Micah deal with it.  There was an extra bonus in here about Lila and Ethan, which bought me to a huge smile but again you have to read the book to find out what happens.  Great novella!! Love the cover because they seem older and wiser and finally dare I say possibly happy.

Review: The Prelude of Ella and Micah by Jessica Sorensen

The Prelude of Ella and Micah
By: Jessica Sorensen
Release Date: November 11, 2014
Series: The Secret 0.5

Description:
When Ella Daniels and Micha Scott are fourteen, they make a pact to leave the small town of Star Grove and create better lives for themselves. The pact was made as best friends, but over the next six years, their friendship begins to intensify. Feelings change. Grow. Veer towards love.

But one tragic night changes everything. Hearts get broken. And the future they had planned changes forever.

This novella takes place a little less than a year before The Secret of Ella and Micha. It contains glimpses of when Ella and Micha were younger, including a scene of when Micha first fell love with Ella.

Review:

We get a glimpse of what really happened to Ella and Micah before everything that was wrong happened.  It's a true testament to Jessica Sorensen of what a great writer she is when even a short novella such as this, with just a glimpse can bring you back into her character's lives and bring up so much emotion within you.  My heart just broke a little with that ending.  

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Micah finally realize that he was in love with her and even glimpses of Ella feeling the same way, but she's too scared to commit to anything.  Then when bad things happen she does what she could, she runs away.  

If you haven't read this series, I think you should get on it because really anything by Jessica Sorensen is great and addicting.  There are lives that have such deep connections that you can't help but relate in one way or another or just feel deeply for any of her characters.  This novella did not disappoint because I always enjoy reading a male's perspective on things and this book gave me just that little bit of insight of what happened between these two great characters before their life changing event.  

I love the cover because it portrays them so very well, even the emotion and closed off or at least trying to be closed off feeling of Ella, they did a great job of displaying this.  Really amazing short read and great prelude into a series that is well worth the read.  You just want these two to make it finally.  This book bought me back into this world and I'm ready to read the next chapter in their lives. 

Review: Bringing Home the Bad Boy By Jessica Lemmon

Bringing Home the Bad Boy
By: Jessica Lemmon
Release Date: January 27, 2015
Series: Second Chance #1

Description:
The Bad Boy Is Back

Evan Downey needs a new beginning. Since the death of his wife five years ago, the brilliant tattoo artist has shut himself away in a prison of grief that not even his work can break him out of-and what's worse, Evan knows his son Lyon is bearing the brunt of his seclusion. Moving back to the lake town of Evergreen Cove where he spent his childhood summers is his last chance for a fresh start.

Charlotte Harris knows she owes it to her best friend's memory to help Evan and his son find their way again, but she can't stop her traitorous heart from skipping a beat every time she looks into Evan's mesmerizing eyes. Charlotte is determined to stay strictly in the Friend Zone-until a mind-blowing night knocks that plan by the wayside. Now, if they're brave enough to let it, Charlotte and Evan might just find a love capable of healing their broken hearts . . .

Review:

Jessica Lemmon has an amazing new series on her plate, and I’m definitely intrigued on what will happen in the next book. I really love it when books can suck you in from the very beginning to the very end, this book definitely succeeded in this grand task.  Let’s not forget there were some amazingly steamy blush worthy scenes in this book that definitely put the icing on the cake.  And there was a lot of icing, hot stuff!!!

We meet Evan, whose wife passed away 4 years previously, and he’s moving back to this old town where they first met and his wife’s best friend and someone he is close to lives just a few doors down.  Little does he know that Charlie, she used to have the biggest crush on him but alas Rae won him out in the end.  The relationship he and Charlie have at first is very plutonic, that is until he sees her in a bikini and that’s the end of plutonic anything in Evan’s eyes.

Even pursues Charlie very strongly and without any shame the whole while Charlie is trying to resist but she just can’t.  There are a lot of unresolved issues with Charlie, she still hasn’t dealt with the loss of well pretty much every one around her and this has her putting up the world’s largest brick wall.  I don’t know why she feels this way but it’s as if she feels like she doesn’t deserve anything good.  Everyone deserves some good in their life and that includes her.  Like I said previously some of the scenes are super steamy and let me just say it brings new meaning to painting together, sexy. 

I loved all the characters in this book, even the secondary characters such as Glo and Asher, I’m hoping to have their relationship revealed at one point or another because those two are like fire and ice.  Then there is also Sofie and even the librarian, haha Penis Bandits, you definitely have to read this book to read more about them.  Very funny and good stuff overall.  Like I said I couldn’t put it down and kept me sucked in the entire time to their world and their evergreen trees with the lake, I can totally picture it.  The cover is also a pretty good interpretation of how I pictured the main character and I wouldn’t mind having an Evan living two doors down from me, know what I’m saying!

Overall great start to an interesting series that will keep you hooked.  Jessica Lemmon knows the perfect recipe for a great book and I can’t wait to see what she is cooking up next!!! Go read this, you will not regret it.

Disclaimer:
I received this book from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), so that I may give my honest opinion and a review. Whether it is good or not please do not let it discourage you from purchasing/reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion. What might be good for me may not be good for you and vice versa. With that said, Happy Reading Everyone!!!

Blog Tour: Make it Last by Megan Erickson

Make It Last
By: Megan Erickson
Release Date: January 6, 2014
Series: Bowler University #3

Description:
After graduating from Bowler University, the last place Cam Ruiz ever expected to find himself is his hometown. A bad job as a bouncer and worry over his mom’s health make living in Paradise anything but. There’s only one thing that can make his return any harder—running into the only girl he’s ever loved.

Tate Ellison made a mistake when she was eighteen, one that cost her the best thing she’s ever had. She’s always hoped the regret of losing Cam would fade over time. Too bad it’s only grown. She took comfort in the fact she’d never have to face him again, so his presence in Paradise throws her for a loop.

The pull between them is instant and when the truth of what happened years ago tumbles out, they share a mind-blowing kiss...which leads to more. But the past has a way of repeating itself. When all the cards are on the table, Cam and Tate must decide what they are willing to do to make it last.

Review:
I've been wanting to read about Cam since the very beginning, he just seemed like one of those guys you have to know about.  This book was a very nice ending to this series of friends, and it was nice to see them especially bringing the story full circle with a very sweet and romantic ending in the beautiful city of New York. 

We meet Cam who is back home in his small narrow minded hometown but what surprised him most was that his ex, who he still had feelings for but was still angry with was still also living there.  They eventually finally spoke and figured some stuff out, but i have to say there is some definite stubbornness that goes on in this book.  Just when you think everything is going to be hunky dorey then things change at the drop of a hat.  

This book really shows you just how much you can't rely on quick information, sometimes you need an explanation, maybe even two to think about everything as a whole picture.  After all, you know what they say about assuming things.  Any who, I enjoyed this series thoroughly but I'm not sure if I'm as fond of Tate as I should be.  Something about her, maybe her need to control everything but making things worse just didn't sit right with me.  Something there I didn't like, but again overall the series was great.

I think the whole series is definitely a quick read, and all books can be read alone, but it's always more fun when they are read together.  Even though again this wasn't my favorite, it was nice to see Cam in his hometown and just to see exactly what floated his boat if you know what I mean.  Great series, great writing and just something you should definitely check out and enjoy reading.  Can't wait to see what Megan Erickson will have in store for us next.


About the Author:
Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf.

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.


Website | Twitter | Facebook