Interview & Excerpt: Red Hill by Jamie McGuire

Posted on Monday, September 30, 2013 11:39 PM
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Red Hill
by Jamie McGuire
Expected publication: October 1st 2013

By Natalie Zutter for Bookish.com

McGuire shares with us why "Red Hill" is such a departure from her prior books, while still being a "McGuire novel"--plus, she dishes on her upcoming books, including a "secret novella," her New Adult science fiction novel "Apolonia," who she would cast in the "Beautiful Disaster" movie and what the Maddox brothers are up to.


Bookish: What inspired you to shift from New Adult romance into zombie fiction?

JM: Well, it's not really a shift. I never set out to be pigeonholed into one genre; I just like to write what I like to write. If it happens to be about angels and demons one day and New Adult the next and zombies tomorrow--well, that's just what I like. I'm not a genre writer. I just write what I'm interested in and what I think is entertaining [based] on what idea I have and whatever genre that happens to fall into.

Bookish: How is "Red Hill" different from paranormal romance?

JM: The one thing you can say about [all of my books] is, they are "McGuire novels." That's how I would like for people to see them. No matter what the story is about, it's going to be a "McGuire novel": It's going to keep you turning the pages, and it's going to entertain you for however long it takes you to read that book.


Bookish: What can you tell us about your forthcoming sci-fi novel "Apolonia"?

JM: I just--literally, yesterday--finished the secret novella that I'm working on. I can't tell you what it is. Today I'm going over it once before I send it out--and then, literally tomorrow, I get to start "Apolonia." I'm so excited. I came up with the idea about the same time I came up with "Red Hill"--so, again, this is going on four years in the making. I have the whole story in my head; I just need to [get] it out.

"Apolonia" is about a girl named Rory Reardon, who is an introvert; she doesn't have any family and very few friends. She's not the blonde-haired, blue-eyed heroine that we're used to; she's more like Lisbeth Salander from "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo." She's pretty street-smart, and she's in college; this is another New Adult [book]. She takes an interest in this boy Cy--he's extremely smart. They met being research partners. To make a long story short, Rory and Cy become very close; he gets into some trouble; she has to get him out of it, and that's where she finds out who he really is, and all of his secrets. Basically, they both have to work to get him to a certain point and a certain time, or else the whole world is going to be in danger.

Bookish: When you return to the "Beautiful Disaster" series, you'll be writing a follow-up about Travis Maddox as well as his brothers Trent and Thomas. What can you tell us about that?

JM: The first book will be Trent's book; we have a title, but we're not releasing it yet. It's going to be each of their stories, [which] are all different. There's a reason why I have to write Trent's first, which is so I don't give away Thomas' story. I'm going to start writing them in January [2014]. They're not going to be prequels or sequels; they'll be their own stories. Of course, Abby and Travis will still have cameos. They're going to intertwine a little bit--especially Trent, who was in "Beautiful Disaster."

Bookish: How will Trent's and Thomas' stories mirror and be different from Travis'?

JM: We know the Maddox brothers are pretty ornery; of course, Travis is everyone's favorite a**hole. What's going to be fun about Trent is that he is Travis--which is an angry, fly-off-the-handle bad boy--times 10. So, Trent's story is going to be really fun to write, and push those boundaries and go even further than I did with Travis' character.


Read the full interview on Bookish.com

Excerpt

"I know the world ended on a Friday. It was the last day I saw my children."

Read the full Excerpt on Bookish.com

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Sofia T.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Lost Without You (Haven #1) by Liz Hannah

Posted on 12:30 PM
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Lost Without You 
by Liz Hannah
Expected Publication: December 30 2013
Cover Design: CoverIt! Designs

Summary from Goodreads:

Grace Young thought she was a survivor - until the day her twin brother died, leaving her parents heartbroken and their relationship with Grace fractured beyond repair. Now all Grace wants is a chance to experience something of a normal life, before it's all too late. 

Going to college hundreds of miles from home seems like the right way to embrace her new found freedom, especially after years of homeschooling, but while Grace takes to her classes naturally, it's the other side of college that she's unprepared for.

The parties. The friendships. The boys. Especially one Dean Michaels, the Haven University's star soccer player. Fate throws the pair together, and their friendship starts to turn into something more. But can Grace keep the secrets of her past hidden without hurting those she's come to count on the most?

*New Adult Contemporary Romance, recommended for readers 17+ for mature situations*


Giveaway – Win 2 New Adult Paperbacks
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Author Bio: 

Liz Hannah is a New Adult author that calls both Scotland and Australia home. Currently studying her Bachelor of Arts at university, when she’s not busy reading or writing, Liz can be found procrastinating from her studies indulging in her Pinterest habit or watching too many TV shows. Lost Without You is her debut New Adult novel. 






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Sofia T.

Poison Princess Bad-Boy Jack Devaux's Top 10 tips to win over a girl!

Posted on Sunday, September 29, 2013 1:04 PM
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Sixteen year old Evie Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future - and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Check out uber hottie Jack's Top 10 ways to win the girl and see if you can resist his charms...



There’s the girl. I want her bad, me. I used to have it so easy with girls in the bayou, but Evie’s different.

She’s from a rich and classy family, so she ain’t sold on me yet. But now that the world’s gone to hell, I’ve been showing her why she needs to have me around - and it’s working.

So if you've got someone you’re looking to keep, one you want more than you want air, this is what I would do...

1. Put her needs before yours.

I need to sleep; she needs to be kept safe. Awake, I am. Period.

2. Compliment her.

One time I saw her in this wet, clingy T-shirt and choked out: “Mercy me.” She blushed, so job well done.

3. Kiss her till her toes curl.

When I took her lips for the first time, I did it slow—like I had all the time in the world. She got all heavy-lidded and crazy for more.

4. Provide.

If that girl needs food, I’m goan to die trying to get it for her. If she needs shelter and someone’s occupying the only house around, I’ll boot their asses out into the cold, and I’ll do it with a smile on my face.

5. Make nice with her mother.

A word from her mère goes a long way, especially if the mom thinks you’re “strong” and “rakish.”

6. Give her gifts.

I noticed Evie likes Sprite, so when I actually scored a bottle out in the wastelands, it was like finding gold in the street.

7. Show off your talents.

When I saved her from some zombies, she got to see the thing I’m best at: fighting. She was all wide-eyed and breathless, looking at me like I was some kind of hero of old. I doan think heroes have the thoughts I did at that moment.

8. Make her jealous.

Seeing me flirt with another girl sure clarified Evie’s feelings. Ma belle’s eyes went green with jalousie.

9. Go above and beyond.

My world before the apocalypse was ruthless, made me a survivor above all things. But now, when the choice comes down to possibly dying or living without Evie . . . there’s really no choice. Any chance I see to protect her--I take it.

10. Accept everything about her, good and bad.

Read our story and you’ll know why this is the most important tip of all. I couldn’t handle Evie’s new powers, and now she’s farther away from me than she’s ever been... Ooh and ERR. So what do you think of Jack's tips? And will you be reading Poison Princess by Kresley Cole? Find out more here.
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Sofia T.

Interview With Jamie Baywood Author Of Getting Rooted in New Zealand

Posted on Friday, September 27, 2013 1:31 PM
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Today it is my pleasure to welcome Jamie Baywood Author Of Getting Rooted in New Zealand to SofiaLovesReading!

Interview

When did you first start writing? 

I had the opportunity to write and perform for Thomas Sainsbury the most prolific playwright in New Zealand. I performed a monologue about my jobs in the Basement Theatre in Auckland. The funny thing about that experience was Tom kept me separated from the other performers until it was time to perform. I was under the impression that all the performers were foreigners giving their experiences in New Zealand. All of the other performers were professional actors telling stories that weren’t their own. At first I was mortified, but the audience seemed to enjoy my “performance,” laughing their way through my monologue. After the shows we would go out and mingle with the audience. People would ask me how long I had been acting. I would tell them, “I wasn’t acting; I have to go to work tomorrow and sit next to the girl wearing her dead dog’s collar around her neck.”

Have you written anything that you were too afraid to let anyone read?

Publishing my book Getting Rooted in New Zealand was easily the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done. I barely slept the first half of the year worrying what people would think of my book. Most of the book was written as the events happened; it just took me a few years to work up the nerve to publish.

Publishing my book was my way of transforming poison into medicine. I hope that it can help people that have had bad dating experiences or bad work experiences – make them laugh and not give up hope.

Who are several of your greatest literary inspirations?

May I Ask You Something? by Cyan Corwine is absolutely inspirational.

Traveling alone and being celibate for a year was how Elizabeth Gilbert found her husband in Eat, Pray, Love. I probably took it too literally like an instructions manual, but it worked for me.

I also enjoyed reading Area Code 212 by Tama Janowitz, The Buddha, Geoff and Me by Edward Canfor-Dumas, and Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins.

Tell us about your featured book 

I consider myself an accidental author. I didn’t go to New Zealand with the intentions of writing a book about my experiences there. I had funny experiences that I had trouble believing were true. I wrote the stories down to stay sane. I wrote situations down that were happening around me and shared them with friends. The stories made people laugh so I decided to organize the stories into a book and publish in the hopes to make others laugh too.

Is there anything special you would like your potential readers to know?

I love making people laugh more than anything else. I love hearing from readers that my book is making people laugh out loud.

The hardest part has been when people don’t understand my humour. I have been in a lot of situations where I had two choices: laugh or cry. I’ve chosen to laugh. I write my experiences from a purely personal standpoint. Compared to other travelers who worked abroad in NZ my experiences have been very unusual. I would highly recommend everyone goes to New Zealand to experience their own adventure.

Where is the one place you’ve traveled where you’ve felt most like you fit in?

I’ve never really fit in anywhere especially at home in California. New Zealand was a relief because for the first time I didn’t always feel like the weirdest person in the room.

What activity or hobby, besides writing, do you find most enjoyable?

I enjoy yoga, pilates and running. I ran 10K over the summer in York, England raising money for a friend with multiple sclerosis.

If you had to explain the concept of “love” to someone who’s never heard of it before, how would you?

I guess it would be like trying to describe the taste strawberry ice cream to someone that has never heard of strawberries or ice cream. The only thing I can say I’ve really learned in the love department is you can’t love anyone else if you don’t love and respect yourself first. You also need respect the person in order to love them entirely.

What do you classify as an “Adventure?”

Getting Rooted in New Zealand could be classified as a funny travel memoir or an accidental true love story within a comedy of errors.

Finish this sentence. “I sometimes find it hard to…”

I sometimes find it hard to believe the stories in my own life. My life has been so strange it sounds like fiction, but it is really too weird to be made up.

Who is your favorite book character? 

The young girl narrating May I Ask You Something? by Cyan Corwine


About The Author


Jamie Baywood grew up in Petaluma, California. In 2010, she made the most impulsive decision of her life by moving to New Zealand. Getting Rooted in New Zealand is her first book about her experiences living there. Jamie is now married and living happily ever after in the United Kingdom. She is working on her second book.

Getting Rooted in New Zealand is available in 

Paperback & Ebook on Amazon



Jamie Baywood can be followed on the following sites:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | GoodReads | Amazon


Book Reviews

“Getting Rooted In New Zealand is a diary of a California girl's introduction to a completely different life experience in a new country and never has the phrase `stranger in a strange land' been more relevant than in reading her intriguing and often insightful diary entries! Her observations about both culture and language are a wonderful mix of observation about one person's reaction to the differences that make up the wonderful human race and the minutiae of daily living. I'll be looking forward to seeing if Jamie produces another book about her experiences of coming to live in the UK.” (4 out of 5 stars) Linda Parkinson-Hardman (Amazon Customer Reviews)

"I've got this book and finished read it all so quickly, because I couldn't stop reading it. it's just so hilarious!! I can't wait to read her next book. I highly recommend to read this book for everybody. I absolutely loved it!!" (5 out of 5 stars) S Halls (Amazon Customer Reviews)

“This book is perfect for travel-reading! It's light, in small sections (as a diary), totally hilarious and also quite amazing. So many crazy experiences Jamie Baywood had in one year, some wonderful and some truly horrific, all taken together adds up to fruitful reading indeed. This book is like a rough diamond - I look forward to reading future novels as Jamie becomes more and more polished through life's experiences” (5 out of 5 stars) Anna H(Amazon Customer Reviews)

“Giggle Worthy... It is difficult to write so openly about your life as you have and I found myself keenly reading to see what happened next. All your adventures with those crazy people sounded so dreadful, but provided such amusement in the way you have represented them. You make no real judgment on any person and I can tell that while you respect them as humans, you don't put up with bad behaviour, so that's an inspiration in itself” (4 out of 5 stars.) O. Dale (Amazon Customer Reviews)
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Sofia T.

Cover Reveal: Be With Me (Wait For You #2) By J.Lynn & Trust In Me Teaser!

Posted on 12:22 AM
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Be With Me follows Teresa (Cam's Sister) and Jase (Cam's best friend) and will hopefully feature a few appearances from Avery and Cam.

Expected publication: February 4th 2014

 Synopsis

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…
 
 Check out Wait For You! Goodreads | Amazon | Amazon UK

Pre-order Be With Me: Amazon | Amazon UK
 
&
AMAZON
B&N

You guy’s ready for some Cam? Here you go…

****

Sharp need punched right through me as her body slid down my front. My hands tightened on her hips and she tipped her head back. Her eyes darkened to a deep chocolate brown, and my brain clicked off as I somehow tugged her closer. I knew she had to feel my arousal, and considering we hadn’t even kissed, something about that seemed wrong, but I couldn’t let her go.

Her hands pressed against my chest, and I thought she was going to push me away, and swore to God right then and there, no matter how hard it would be, I would let her go if she did.

But she didn’t.

Avery’s hands flattened against my chest, above my pounding heart, and she had to have felt it.

My hand moved on its own accord, curving up her waist and then over her arm, to her throat and then her cheek. She gasped when my fingertips grazed her cheeks, catching the hair stuck to her temples. I tucked the strands back behind her ears, my hand lingering.

“You’re soaked.”

“So are you.”

I smoothed my thumb over the slant of her cheek. “I guess we’re going to have to try this another night.”

“Yeah,” she whispered as her eyes flickered shut and then swept back open.

“Maybe we should’ve checked the weather first.” When she smiled, I shifted my hips in response. Her body shuddered in such a mind-blowing way and her lashes lowered. Her lips parted even further, and I didn’t want to let her go. She felt too good this close.

Her chest rose in short, deep breaths as I lowered my head, wanting and needing to kiss her. Just once. That’s all I wanted. My eyes started to drift closed.

Avery suddenly jerked back, pressing a hand between her breasts. “I think we … we should call it a night.”

For a moment I couldn’t move and then leaned back, tipping my head against the wall. It took a couple of moments before I could speak. “Yeah, we should.”

The trip out of the building and back to the apartment wasn’t easy. I was still strung tight as a bow. Nothing seemed to make the raw edge go away. I tried reciting the alphabet backwards, tried thinking about the old lady who lived in the building nearby, who sometimes walked her dog in a white nightgown. The sight was not pretty, but it still didn’t work.

The rain was still coming down as we dashed across the parking lot and under the awning. I shook my head, spraying water everywhere. Avery stopped at the base of the stairwell leading up to our apartments, and I thought it was all the rain I’d just pelted her with. I opened my mouth to apologize, but she turned sideways, her face pale as she peered up at me.

A very different kind of ache sliced through my chest, stirring up that knot in there, at the stark confusion and fear in her eyes. Fear. I didn’t get it. Had I done that to her? No. I couldn’t believe that. Not the way she had reacted to me. I saw it in her eyes. She had wanted me to kiss her, probably even as badly as I wanted to kiss her, but she had pulled away because … I honestly didn’t know.

I thrust my hand through my hair, pulling it off my forehead. “Go out with me.”

“No,” she whispered.

I grinned slightly, and her chest fell, her shoulders relaxed, as if she needed to hear this. “There’s always tomorrow.”

She followed me up the stairs. “Tomorrow’s not going to change anything.”

“We’ll see.”

“There’s nothing to see. You’re wasting your time.”

“When it concerns you, it’s never a waste of my time.”

And that was the damn truth.

***

Source
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Sofia T.

NEW ‘Vampire Academy’ STILL & Behind-The-Scenes Moments From ‘The Fiery Heart’ Book Trailer Shoot & Gif

Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 2:14 PM
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I have so much things to show you guys!!!

First and foremost....


Yeappppp! This is a training session.. :)

&

Hypable was on set for the Bloodlines trailer shoot for Richelle Mead’s highly anticipated novel The Fiery Heart.

But then… #SYDRIAN

The golden lily went on

The GIF shoots added some melodrama…


And Daisy Masterman and Nic Wheeler proved just how like their characters they really are

The scenes turned dramatic as they headed into the night shoot

Things got a little crazy as the day wrapped

And everyone wanted to see the final product


I Can't WAIT to see the final result!!!!
Can You???
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Sofia T.

Book Trailer: Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles #2) By Kresley Cole

Posted on 2:13 PM
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Kresley Cole, well known for her Immortals after Dark books, has been writing steamy series for adults for a number of years, but she found a whole new audience last year with the best-selling Poison Princess, which kick-started her first series for young adults. Endless Knight, the second book in the Arcana series, is just around the corner on Oct. 1, and here is the dramatic trailer for it. The sequel will follow Evie, who has fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress, as she meets the titular character, also known as Death. 

See the trailer HERE!


In the second book of the Arcana Chronicles Evie has now fully come into her powers as the tarot Empress. And Jackson was there to see it all. In the aftermath of killing Arthur, the tarot Alchemist, Evie realizes that a war is brewing between the other teens that, following the apocalypse, have been given powers and its kill or be killed. 

Things get even more complicated when Evie meets Death, the mysterious, sexy Endless Knight. Somehow the Empress and Death share a romantic history - one that Evie can't remember, but Death can't forget. She is drawn to the Endless Knight, but is in love with Jack. Determined to discover why she's been granted these powers, Evie struggles to accept her place in a prophecy that will either save the world, or completely destroy it.


To preorder, click below...
AMZ Kindle: http://amzn.to/15b78eA
AMZ HC: http://amzn.to/131FaUo

Walmart: http://bit.ly/1dKx33r

B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/1dKw8jI
B&N HC: http://bit.ly/15CuqP6

iTunes: http://bit.ly/14uY0je
BAM: http://bit.ly/17HVmsE
Powells: http://bit.ly/17bCjbo
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Sofia T.

Review: Cerberus (Solace, #1) By P.K. Gallagher

Posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 2:14 PM
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Cerberus (Solace, #1)

By P.K. Gallagher

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fav Quote:

"Kissing Genesis always left Kaeden feeling high, like he was in some altered state in which he was capable of doing nothing but wanting her." - Kaeden

Everything has always been normal for Kaeden Parish. He may not have had an ideal past but there's one thing he's sure about, his future. Kaeden hasn't led a perfect life but as soon as he found the right track, he took it! On the verge of graduation, the only thing he cares about is his girlfriend, Genesis Garrison. Kaeden doesn't want to leave her but he knows that him leaving is their chance to create a future together. Genesis's name isn't the only cool thing about her. Genesis isn't the person that Kaeden thinks she is. She has many secrets and some of them are deadly too!

Kaeden never expected his life to change so drastically. One night is all it takes to take they future he always though he would have away. Not knowing who to trust and unable to care for his loved ones, Kaeden must choose a side. Will his decision be the right one???

This is the first book I read by P.K. Gallagher . Cerberus is bound to capture your attention from the very first page. There are so many twists, that you might think you know who's the good guys but it turns out that they aren't!

What I really liked about this book was the main characters. In the beggining you get a picture what Kaeden is like but as the book progresses you get to know him better. His loyal, somewhat arrogant but very protective and stubborn to a fault.

“It’s my job to take care of my family no matter the cost. I have to be there for them when they need me. I can’t do that the way I am right now.”- Kaeden

As long as Genesis is concerned, I would have to say that she was such a mystery. I never really got to know her even though some scenes are told by her POV...

Cerberus has multiple POVs (I think there are five or six- not sure though). The main POV is Kaeden's but we get to see some scenes from other characters of the book, such as Genesis's!

Vamps, demons, fallen and non- fallen, dryyds (former humans cursed to an existence sustained by feeding on human hearts to survive) and lots of action are all part of the show!!!

So, yeah go pick it up.

NOTE: This book is a major cliffhanger!!! The only reason I say this is because the next book isn't out yet, and I know that some of you have a problem with that (something I totally understand) !

**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

                              Synopsis

For Kaeden Parish, life in Solace has always followed certain rules—everything makes sense, everything can be planned for, and everything is as it seems. Unfortunately, the secret harbored by his gorgeous, albeit guarded girlfriend is about to shatter all of that.

After a successful attack on his life opens his eyes to a world of war, shadows, and supernatural creatures—a world he didn’t plan for—Kaeden finds himself resembling the sort of monster he has always feared. As he desperately struggles to resist a new temptation, danger draws ever nearer, threatening the ones he loves most. A prophecy tells of a final battle and great destruction, and Kaeden must decide which side he is on, a choice that could mean the end of the world.

In Book 1 of the Solace Series, P.K. Gallagher pulls readers into a realm where good and evil are at war, and the outcome of it all rests on one young man’s decision to either go and live...or stay and die.

This is where Parish begins.
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Sofia T.

Review: Simple Perfection (Perfection #2) by Abbi Glines

Posted on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 2:08 PM
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Simple Perfection (Perfection #2)

By Abbi Glines

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fav Quote:

"Hold her for me. Hold her tight. Don't let her be lonely. Don't let her hurt. Please."

What the hell has just happened???

When I started reading it I expected to read something light, romantic story with a HEA! Well, I got my HEA but it didn't feel like it (and no it wasn't because of the characters but because of a tragical accident *cough cough*)...

Woods and Della are back together but for how long?

The book starts right where the last left off. We see Woods father's funeral and how his relationship with his mother progressess. After his father's death, Woods isn't as lost as he thought he would be. His mother on the other hand, is unable to "cope" and needs someone to help her deal with everything! Who better than lovely sweet Angelina!!!

Simple Perfection is everything except simple! There are so many obstacles that need to be overcome. There are many changes, doubts, misunderstarndings. Both Woods and Della want to be worthy of each other and that leads to a series of problems! But before being "worthy" of him, Della needs to figure out who she is and what she wants her future to include. Will she make the right decision or will she destroy them both???

"You just love me."
"More than life."


I LOVED L-O-V-E-D their story. Woods and Della's final journey was simply perfect. So many emotions, so many mistakes all lead to a big decision that will define them both!

"Della Sloane had become my addiction when I hadn't been available. In all her twisted perfection she had made me fall helplessly in love with her. A life without her in it seemed pointless."

In Simple Perfection we see characters from the Too Far trilogy as well as characters from the former book. We get to meet Angelina "better" as in we get to see another side of her (a more violent one *if you know what I mean*), we learn more about Bethy and Tripp's past and the highlight of the book is a glimpse inside Grant/Nan/Harlow's story (Take A Chance coming out on February 3rd 2014!

The only thing I hated no LOATHED about this book was one huge huge tragic event! So, I have the need to ask why???

All in all, I absofuckinglutely loved this book and I highly recommend it!!!

NOTE: This book is part of a series. In order to read it, you should first read the first book! It can't be read as a standalone!!

Synopsis

Woods had his perfect life mapped out for him. Rise up the ranks of the family business. Marry the rich girl of his parents’ dreams. Pretend that wealth and privilege was all he’d ever wanted. Then a girl named Della breezed into town, a beautifully imperfect stranger who captured his heart and opened his eyes to a new kind of future. Woods is ready and willing to sacrifice everything for her when the sudden death of his father leaves him with his mother to care for and a business to manage.

Della is determined to be strong for Woods, even as she’s quietly falling to pieces. No matter how far from home she’s run, the ghosts of her past have never stopped haunting her. Struggling to hide her true feelings from Woods, Della fears she can’t be his rock without dragging him down into the darkness with her. But is she strong enough to let go of the last thing holding her together?
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Sofia T.

Sneak Peek: Trust In Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted on 12:15 AM
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Jase Winstead was a cruel motherfucker.Going to Ass-tronomy 101was the last thing I wanted to be doing at nine in the damn morning, especially since all the class did was remind me of the first time I entered Professor Drage’s class and why I’d made a hasty, unplanned exit my freshman year. And I really didn’t need Jase’s taunting text messages about why scheduling classes before noon was unhealthy.Considering I was going on—oh, I don’t know, two hours of sleep—and I could still taste the tequila and other things I really didn’t want to even think about from last night, I was currently a walking poster child for how not to have a healthy and happy first day of fall classes.I watched the door to astronomy swing shut and then glanced back down at my phone. Jase’s text mocked me.Skip. I have beer. X-Box. FIFA ’13Well, shit. That was hella tempting. Ollie had trashed our Xbox the weekend before, during a brutal showdown of Call of Duty.I was a few minutes late for class.Astronomy, or soccer on the Box? Not really a tough call.Mind made up, I pivoted around and started to respond back to Jase when the double doors flung open like a tornado had ripped through the stairwell. My head jerked up just in time to see something small and something red come barreling straight at me.There was no stopping the collision.A little body smacked right into me and bounced back, arms flailing like a drowning victim. The bag, which looked like it weighed more than the owner, toppled her over.Reacting out of instinct, I shot forward, dropping my own bag and wrapping my arm around her waist, but the backpack went in one direction, the contents in the other. She was still reeling, like one of those inflatable pop bags. I tightened my hold, stilling her before she did some serious damage to herself. She jerked upright. Deep auburn hair flew forward, snapping me in the face. The scent of berries and something musky and good filled me.Holy shit, Strawberry Shortcake just ran me over.I chuckled and slipped my cell into my pocket, about to let her go, but the girl locked up. Every muscle seemed to go rigid. As tiny as she was, barely reaching my shoulders, she seemed to suddenly get smaller, shrinking into herself. Was she hurt?And did she somehow mistake Shepherd for a nearby middle school?“Whoa,” I said. “You okay, sweetheart?”No response for about a half minute, and I started to get real concerned. Then she dragged in a deep breath, causing her chest to rise flush against mine. I froze at the feel of her curves. Definitely not a middle schooler, unless they were developing in ways they hadn’t when I was there. And, if so, I was fucking envious of those boys.Okay, now I felt like I needed a shower, because even that disturbed me.Was I still drunk from last night? I was going to go with a yes.“Hey,” I tried again, voice lower. “Are you okay?” When there was still no response, I pressed two fingers under her chin. Her skin was soft and too cool. Wondering if it was possible for a person to pass out and remain standing, I gently lifted her head, my mouth opening to ask her again, but words died somewhere between my brain and my mouth.I blinked, because like a total dumbass, I thought that would change what I was seeing. Not that I wanted to change what I was seeing, but damn …What guy didn’t have a soft spot for a redhead?Pretty was too weak of a word to describe her. Her eyes were large and the color of warm whiskey. Freckles dotted the bridge of her small nose and her cheeks were well defined. Lips were a sweet cherry color and wide for her face, full and plump. The kind of lips that belonged to the kind of mouth that could and would bring a man—“Let. Go. Of. Me.”The hardness of her voice, laced with barely controlled panic, caused me to immediately drop her arm and take a healthy step back.She swayed a little at the loss of support, and I almost reached for her again, but I valued my balls. One day I’d like to have a kid or some shit, and I had a feeling if I touched her again, that would not be in my future.Pushing strands of thick hair out of her face, she cautiously stepped away from her bag. Thick lashes specked with red lifted, and, for a moment, neither of us moved and then her gaze moved over my face and then down. Chick was blatantly checking me out.Perhaps my balls weren’t in danger.A pretty pink flush spread across her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I was in a hurry to get to class. I’m late and …”I grinned as I knelt down, gathering up the spilled items. How one girl could have so many damn pens was beyond me. Blue. Purple. Black. Red. Orange. What the fuck? Who wrote with an orange pen?She joined me, grabbing the rest of her pens as her head tilted in a way that a wall of coppery hair shielded her face. “You don’t have to help me.”“It’s no problem.” I picked up a slip of paper that turned out to be her schedule. Quick glance at the classes confirmed she was a freshman. “Astronomy 101? I’m heading that way, too.”Jase and beer and FIFA ’13 were going to have to wait.“You’re late.” She was still hiding behind her hair. “I really am sorry.”Picking up her last notebook, I shoved it into the bag and stood. I handed it back to her, willing her to look up. I don’t know why, call me a mama’s boy, but I liked my girls smiling and not appearing like they were on the verge of tears. “It’s okay. I’m used to having girls throw themselves at me.” Her chin lifted up just the slightest, and my grin spread. “Trying to jump on my back is new, though. Kind of liked it.”Her head jerked up and all that hair slid back. “I wasn’t trying to jump on your back or throw myself at you.”“You weren’t?” My phone vibrated in my pocket. I ignored it. “Well, that’s a shame. If so, it would have made this the best first day of class in history.”She studied me as she clutched her bag to her chest, and my gaze dropped to the piece of paper I held. “Avery Morgansten?”“How do you know my name?” she snapped.What a touchy little thing. “It’s on your schedule.”“Oh.” She tucked her hair back and a slight tremor rocked her hand as she took the schedule.When I was little, my mom said I had a soft spot for the underdog. Wounded pigeons. Three-legged dogs. Skinny pigs. My sister was the same way. We had a sixth sense when it came to rooting them out, and I may not have known jack about this chick, but she was obviously new to this school, obviously uncomfortable, obviously having a shitty start to her day, and I felt bad for her.“My name is Cameron Hamilton,” I told her. “But everyone calls me Cam.”Her lips moved like she was repeating my name, and I sort of liked how that looked. “Thank you again, Cam.”Bending down, I picked up my bag and slung it over my shoulder. Knocking my hair out of my face, I smiled the kind of smile that usually got me what I wanted. “Well, let’s make our grand entrance.”I’d made it to the door to astronomy when I realized she hadn’t moved. Glancing over my shoulder, I frowned as she started to back away. “You’re going in the wrong direction, sweetheart.”“I can’t,” she croaked out.“Can’t what?” I faced her.Avery’s eyes met mine for a second and then she spun around and ran. Bag thumping off her hip, hair flying like a cape. The chick ran, actually freaking ran. My mouth dropped open.What in the hell had just happened?The door opened behind me, and a deep, slightly accented voice called out. “Mr. Hamilton, are you joining us today?”Shit. I closed my eyes.“Or are you planning to stand in the hallway the remaining time?” Professor Drage asked.Sighing, I turned around. “Joining the class, clearly.”“Clearly,” the professor repeated, holding a stack of stapled papers. “Syllabus.”I took one and then, on second thought, I took another. Just in case Avery Morgansten showed her face again.

Jase leaned against the back of my truck, one hand shoved through his brown hair, holding it off his glistening forehead. Several strands stuck straight up between his fingers. “It’s as hot as balls.”For late August, it was sweltering. Not even the shade provided by the large oaks surrounding the back parking lot across from White Hall provided any relief. I was dreading opening the door to the sweatbox.“Truest thing you’ve ever spoken.” Ollie squinted up at the trees. “It’s so hot the only answer is to get naked.”My gaze went to him. “You’re already as naked as you need to be, dude.”Ollie glanced down at himself and grinned. No shirt. Shorts hanging low. Flip-flops. Nothing else. “You know damn well I could get more naked.”Unfortunately that was true. We’d shared a three-bedroom apartment in University Heights for the last three years. Within a week of living together, Ollie had said screw it to modesty. I’d seen the guy’s junk more times then I cared to even think about. He was graduating in the spring, as I should’ve been, and I was going to miss the idiot.“Ticket.” Jase nodded at my windshield.I sighed, looking over. A cream-colored slip of paper was neatly placed under my wiper. The parking lot was reserved for staff, but with the lack of parking around these parts, I helped myself to whatever spot I could find. “I’ll add it to my collection.”“Which is massive.” Ollie pulled a band off his wrist and tugged his shoulder-length blond hair into a ponytail. “So, party tonight at our place?”My brows shot up. “Huh?”Jase grinned as he folded his arms across his chest.“It’s a back-to-school party.” Ollie stretched, cracking his back as he yawned. “Just a little get-together.”“Oh God.”Jase’s grin spread, and I wanted to knock it off his face. The last time Ollie had had a ‘little get-together’ it had been standing room only in our apartment. Cops might have been involved.“Order some pizza. I need to get—” Ollie stopped midsentence and turned toward a curvy brunette walking past. In a blink of an eye, he ditched us and was dropping an arm around the girl’s shoulders. “Hey, girl, hey.”The brunette giggled, wrapping an arm around Ollie’s waist.I turned, raising my hands. “What?”“Lost cause.” Jase rolled his eyes. “That fucker has eyes in the back of his head when it comes to girls.”“Very true.”“How he gets laid on a regular basis is beyond me.”“It’s the greatest mystery in life.” I loped around the front of my truck, grabbed the ticket, and then opened the driver’s door. Heat blew into my face. “Damn.”Jase angled his body toward me. “What happened with you today? You didn’t respond to my text. Thought the FIFA hooked you in.”“Aw, did you miss me?” I tugged off my shirt, rolled it up, and tossed it into the truck.“Maybe I did.”Laughing, I grabbed my cap off the seat and shoved it on, shielding my eyes. “I didn’t know we were dating.”“My feelings are hurt now.”“I’ll buy you a beer next time we’re out.”“That works. I’m easy.”I grinned. “Don’t I know.”Jase laughed as he turned, hanging his arms over the side of the truck bed. The easygoing smile faded as he slipped a pair of sunglasses on. I knew that look. Nothing good came from it. Very few people knew just how shitty life could get for Jase. It was easy for everyone to assume otherwise, with how Jase was the go-to guy for fixing other people’s crap, including mine.I turned the air on and shut the door, then joined him at the side of the truck. The metal was hot against the skin of my underarms as I leaned in, stretching my calves. “What’s up?”One dark eyebrow rose above the rim of his glasses. “You heading to the gym or something?”“That’s what I was thinking.” I switched my legs, working out the kink. “You wanna go with me?”“Nah,” he said. “I’ve got to swing by the farm. Check on a few things.”“How’s Jack?”A wide smile broke out across Jase’s face, causing a young professor walking past the truck to trip in her heels. “He’s great,” he said, his tone light like it was always was when he talked about his brother. “Told me yesterday that when he grows up, he wants to be Chuck Norris.”I laughed. “Can’t go wrong with that.”“Nope.” He looked over, peering at me above his shades. “How you doing?”“Good.” I pushed back, smacking my hands off the rail. “Why you ask?”Jase raised a shoulder. “Just checking in.”Some days that comment pissed me off. Other days it did nothing. Luckily for Jase, it was one of those days when the shit just rolled off my back. “I’m not about to end up in a corner, whispering ‘forever’ anytime soon. It’s all cool.”“Good to hear.” Jase grinned as he backed off, his head turning toward where the young teacher had disappeared. “Party at your place, right?”“Why not?” I headed to the driver’s side. “Half the campus will be there I’m sure.”“True.” Jase pivoted around. “See you later.”I climbed into the cool interior and headed out of the parking lot. My lazy ass needed to get to the gym on West Campus, but my ass also wanted to get to the couch for a nap.Turning left at the stop sign, I passed the duplexes on the right as a football flew out one of the doors, smacking one of the guys in the back of the head. Laughing, I reached over for the—Something red caught my attention.My eyes were heat-seeking missiles, searching out the source, and hot damn. My gaze narrowed. Was that Shortcake?A tree obscured my view for a second and then she reappeared, the sun reflecting off the wide bracelet circling her wrist.Hells yeah, it was.I didn’t even think twice about what I did next. Grinning, I slid the cap around backward and hung a sharp right, blocking the road.Avery jumped back onto the curb, her big eyes going round. As I hit the button to the passenger window, rolling it down, her mouth dropped open.I grinned, happy to see that Shortcake had made it through her first day alive. “Avery Morgansten, we meet again.”She glanced around her, like she thought I might be talking to someone else. “Cameron Hamilton … hi.”I leaned forward, dropping an arm over the steering wheel. She looked damn cute standing there, fidgeting with her bracelet. “We have to stop meeting like this.”Biting down on that plump lower lip, her gaze dropped, zeroing in on my tattoo as she shifted her weight from foot to foot.Shortcake was definitely what I would categorize as awkward. Maybe it came from having a younger sister, because the need to make her feel comfortable rode me hard, but it seemed like fighting a losing battle.“You running into me, me almost running over you?” I elaborated. “It’s like we’re a catastrophe waiting to happen.”Silence.Try this one more time. “Where are you heading?”“My car,” she said, proving to me that she could speak. “I’m about to run out of time. She shifted her weight again. “So …”“Well, hop in, sweetheart. I can give you a ride.”She stared at me like I asked her to get in the back of my kidnapper van. “No. It’s okay. I’m right up the hill. No need at all.”“It’s no problem.” Never had met a female so damn resistant to common courtesy. “It’s the least I can do after almost running you over.”“Thank you, but—”“Yo! Cam!” Kevin came out of fucking nowhere, jogging past Avery. “What you up to, man?”Oddly irritated, I kept my gaze on Shortcake and resisted the urge to nudge the dude out of the way with my truck. “Nothing, Kevin, just trying to have a conversation.”Avery raised her hand, wiggled her fingers, and bolted around Kevin and my truck. My gaze followed her as Kevin went on and on about some shit I didn’t give a flying fuck about.“Shit,” I muttered, sitting back in the seat.Avery ran again.And I had the craziest urge to give chase.


WOW! Can't Wait!!!!
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Sofia T.

Review: If Forever Comes (Take This Regret #2) By A.L. Jackson

Posted on Monday, September 23, 2013 2:09 PM
2
If Forever Comes (Take This Regret #2)

By A.L. Jackson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fav Quote:

"She’d stolen something from me that I’d never gotten back, something she kept hidden deep beneath the surface in places I doubted either of us could see, in places neither of us could define."

Wow, Wow, Wow, Really Wow!!!

Christian and Elizabeth may have found and accepted each other again but is that enough to built their forever???

This book was beyond AMAZING. Before reading it, I knew that it would be an enjoyable read (how could I not, since I loved Take This Regret ) but nothing could prepare me for THIS.

The book starts so unexpectedly! We see Christian devastated and hopeless trying to drink his problems away. I have to say that at this point I was very confused since Take This Regret had a HEA but as the book progresses we get to see what has occured in the months that elapsed. The author goes back and forth leaving you wondering what has really happened. I think that it was that that kept me awake all night!

If Forever Comes is more intense than Take This Regret. There are so many emotions one can feel while reading a book and I think that while reading this I felt everything! I was so devastated and sorry and hurt and sad for this couple but at the same time I was content, at peace because I knew that together they could overcome everything. Their love made them stronger...

"My life would be lived for her.
And I’d never get enough."


I devoured this book! There are some books bound to keep you awake all night long, this was one of them! I can't really say how much I loved this book. I think that the previous book just prepared as for this and as good as it was, it didn't much to this! Yeah, this book was that brilliant.

"This woman.
My forever."


HIghly recommend it!!!

Note: This book isn't a standalone! Before reading it make sure you have first read Lost to You, Take This Regret

                              Synopsis

If Forever Comes, the final chapter in the New York Times Bestselling series, Take This Regret.

Christian Davison’s life is complete. With a ring on Elizabeth’s finger and his daughter at his side, he’s ready to run headlong into their future.

Elizabeth Ayers never believed she would again find this kind of joy—the joy of a family and the wholeness found in the touch of the man she’s always loved.

Their love is intense and their passion only grows as they set out to rediscover each other.

But life is never easy.

Rocked by the unforeseen, Christian and Elizabeth will find themselves fighting for the one thing they hold most important—family.
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Sofia T.

Big News From Two Of My Fav Authors - K.C. & J. Armentrout

Posted on Thursday, September 19, 2013 11:58 PM
0
WoW 

I just saw these INCREDIBLE News and wanted to share it with you....

  • Kresley Cole 
First and Foremost,  IAD news are in order!!!!!

The next official couple is . . .

BERTIL & BOA!

What? No? Come on, that one would be fiction gold!

Okay, okay, seriously it’s . . .

LANTHE & THRONOS!!!!!

Tentative pub date is next spring. You’re going to see how they met and how they came to be enemies (their childhood scenes make me tear up every time I read them). As a whole, be prepared for Sorceri sexiness, Vrekener possessiveness, and cameos from some of your favorite characters.

As for Nïx, she will definitely get her own story, but it'll come toward the end of the series, most likely the very last IAD book (which is nowhere in sight) More news to come!

Also, while I've got you here . . . thank you for all the FB shares, guys. I always peek at them and recognize many of the same faces again and again. I really appreciate it.

P.P.S. ENDLESS KNIGHT is still on sale! Kindle: http://amzn.to/15b78eA Nook: http://bit.ly/1dKw8jI
P.P.P.S. The EK book-trailer reveal is coming Tues, and it will blow you away!

Source
&

Super secret project announcement!

My publisher and I are releasing an erotic e-serial this winter called The Professional—1st in the Game Maker Series—about a former prize-fighter turned mafia enforcer whose obsession for the boss’s long-lost daughter will take them to the darkest limits of their desires. The three parts will be bound into a paperback version in the spring.

For a Hollywood Reporter write-up, click here: http://bit.ly/1dshLOd

This is actually my 2nd official erotica (Warlord Wants Forever was first published in an erotic anthology), and I’ve been angling to get back into the genre ever since. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

For more information on the Professional and the Dacians and the timing of the other series, click here: http://bit.ly/156FymJ

To pre-order, click here:
Amazon Kindle: http://amzn.to/19dWiFQ
B&N Nook: http://bit.ly/1dp2DBg
iTunes: http://bit.ly/169NdRZ

Thanks so much for taking this trip with me!

For info on the Dacians, click here: 
 http://bit.ly/156FymJ

  • Jennifer Armentrout
From PUBLISHER’S MARKETPLACE:

Television rights

NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Armentrout’s young adult Covenant series, where a teenage “half-blood” descendant of the Greek gods is forced to return to a world that oppresses those with part mortal lineage, and while she falls hard for the one person forbidden to her, she unknowingly may fulfill an ancient Greek prophecy that could destroy everything, optioned to Norton Herrek of Herrek Entertainment, by Brandy Rivers at The Gersh Agency on behalf of Kevan Lyon at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

I can't believe these AMAZING News. Can You???
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Sofia T.

Review: Having My Baby by Theresa Ragan

Posted on 10:51 PM
0
Having My Baby

By Theresa Ragan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Fav Quote:

"Mr. Baylor, have you ever met either of these women?”

“No. Never.”

“You’re making the ladies nervous, and truthfully, you’ve got me wondering too—what is your business with this woman?”

“She’s having my baby.”


All Jill Garrison ever wanted was to become a mother. Unfortunately, her fiancé can't have children so when he leaves her at the alter Jill can't but speed up her dream. And so she does. Finding a company is easy, but having a real baby isn't as easy as she thought..

Derrick Baylor has always been in love with Maggie. But before he could do anything, his brother "got" her. Now Maggie is Aaron's and all Derrick can do, is watch the happy couple. That is, until he gets a letter from CryoCorp (the sperm company) that informs him that his sperm has been used. Derrick is beyond shocked but at the same time determined to find the woman who might be carring his child...

I really reallly liked this book. This is the first book I read by Theresa Ragan and I was very impressed. It was refreshing and very well-written. I liked the plot, and I liked how the story seemed to unfold after Jill and Derrick's initial shock. What I liked the best, though, was the secondary characters. Dereck's brothers: Aaron, Connor, Cliff, Jake, Brad, Garreta and Lucas and his two sisters Rachel and Zoey. They were all so developed and I loved the warmth the conveyed to us. I loved his brothers so soooooooooooo much!!! They had humor, they had manners and above all they behaved liked gentlemen.

Moreover, I liked Jill's best friend Sandy and her daughter Lexi, she was ADORABLE. I had so fun reading the scenes she was part of. She was such a sweet little girl. Sandy played a mayor role in the story as well. She was a strong character but had flaws, a fact I absolutely liked and so did Connor (*sighs*)...

“If I give you more ice cream, Ken, then will you go back on vacation and stop asking me to marry you?”

“Yes,”

“It’s a deal."


All in all, it's a worth reading book and I totally recommend it.

She loved Derrick Baylor. She loved him more than mere words could ever express.

And if there was one thing she knew in that moment, it was that sometimes actions really did speak louder than words.

                                Synopsis

Growing up, Jill Garrison never daydreamed about having the perfect wedding. Instead, she dreamt about having a baby. Boy or girl, it didn't matter. Unfortunately, her fiancé can't have children. Determined to realize her lifelong dream of having a baby, Jill spends years searching for a company (CryoCorp) that provides high quality donor sperm. Everything is right in Jill's world until her wedding day when her fiancé leaves her at the altar to be humiliated before friends and family. She doesn't waste any time moving from New York City to California to start over. And she keeps her appointment with Cryocorp. She may never have the wedding or the husband, but nothing is going to stop her from having a baby. She's tired of everyone telling her what to do. The baby she's carrying is hers and hers alone. Nobody can take that away from her.

Or can they?
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Sofia T.

Vampire Diaries Season 5 Official Poster & Preview

Posted on Saturday, September 14, 2013 7:47 PM
0
The CW has released the first poster for The Vampire Diaries Season 5. 

It's amazing, Isn't it???

And here is an incredible preview!!!

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Sofia T.

Review: Mine to Keep (Mine #2) By Cynthia Eden

Posted on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 12:39 AM
1
Mine to Keep (Mine #2)

By Cynthia Eden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Fav Quote:

"It's you and me. Us. Forever. No secrets and no lies."
Wow! The sequel to Mine to Take was as incredible as the first one!

Skye and Trace are trying to move on. Ever since Skye's abduction, things haven't been easy for them, but if there's a thing they both know is that together they can get past anything. Skye is ready to bury the past and face the future with Trace at her side, but what she doesn't know is that the past can't always stay buried!

Trace has been hiding things from her. Keeping Skye safe is his top priority! When Skye discovers one of Trace's secrets she can't but feel betrayed. Has Trace made the right decision by hidding the past or will the past cost him their future???

His only weakness is her and his enemies know it.

I really love the way Cynthia writes. She's such a talented author and knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat! There are so many twists to this book that, you may think you know what is going to happen but it happens exactly the opposite. That's one of the things I liked about it.

The other thing, were the secondary characters.Let me just tell you that it was so hard not to suspect everyone! In this book we get to know Reese "better", we see Alex in action and we meet some new characters (some of which I TOTALLY loved). I can't say HOW MUCH I LOVED Claire and Noah. They both had horrible pasts and yet they managed to survive and come to be two strong characters! They were trully amazing and I can't wait to read their story Mine to Hold coming out in October. Here's one of my favouite scenes:

"You're the grief - stricken sister that I'm supposed to be watching? I thought you needed a guard. No one told me you were so....Violent." - Noah

I highly recommend this book!

*Note: This book isn't a stand-alone! Before reading it make sure you read the first book in the series, Mine to Take .

**ARC courtesy of the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

                                                                Synopsis:

Love is the most dangerous obsession…

Skye Sullivan is trying to put the pieces of her life back together. She survived a brutal stalker and escaped his abduction, and now she is looking to the future—a future that includes Skye’s lover, billionaire Trace Weston. Skye thinks the danger is finally over for her.

She’s dead wrong.

When Trace’s past comes back to haunt him, Skye discovers that the man she loves isn’t quite who he seems to be. Trace has been leading a double-life. An ex-special forces agent, his military training turned him into the perfect killing machine. He made more than his share of enemies during his time in the military—and as he built his security empire—and one of those enemies is striking back.

He won’t lose her.

Skye is the one weapon that can be used against Trace—his only vulnerability. But he won’t let her go—he can’t. Trace will do anything necessary to protect Skye. Anything. Yet when she discovers the secrets that he’s tried to keep hidden, Skye’s pain and rage may send her running directly into the cross-hairs of a killer…
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Sofia T.

Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken - Extended Epilogue!

Posted on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 12:07 PM
0
Extended Epilogue

Ruin


We aren’t given the big things until it’s absolute certain that we are able to be trusted with the smallest of the small.

Wes

I tried to yell—I tried to call out to her, but it was as if the trees surrounding us were getting thicker as my voice got louder. Each time I said her name, another tree would grow right in front of me, blocking my view. I started to run, only to realize that I couldn’t. My legs were frozen in place.

“Kiersten!” I rasped, my voice aching from the supreme effort it took to scream her name over and over again into the night sky, “Kiersten, don’t go!”

Finally, just when I was ready to give up—she turned.

“Kiersten?”

A smile curved her lips as she made her way slowly through the thick of the trees, I could have sworn she was skipping as she took her time, while I was slowly dying inside. Couldn’t she see the panic?

“Wes.” The way she said my name was like a caress. I closed my eyes and focused on that and only that. I’d never admitted it to anyone, possibly not even myself until now, but the way she formed her words absolutely destroyed me. Ridiculous, right? That I could be so freaking obsessed with the way her voice sounded. But—honestly, it had been her voice that I’d heard that night of the surgery. Her voice and only her voice, calling out to me, pleading with me, screaming for me and only me. How could I have said no? I mean what man in his right mind, says no to perfection when it’s screaming your name? I fought all the damn demons, dragons, freaking devils and made my way towards her.

But now? It seemed as if everything had shifted. My strength had left me and I was the one left waiting for her to rescue me…

Funny, because in those few seconds where she was closing the distance between us, it finally hit me. I’d never been the rescuer…never in my life had I been the savior. Guys always want to be the prince, but, I think—no, I know, in the end I was rescued by the damsel, not the other way around.

I could feel her heartbeat as if it was my own, and finally, her lips were touching mine, “Wes, it’s okay.”

“I thought—“

“Wes.” Her voice was firm, unyielding, “I’m right here, wake up baby.”

“Wake up?” I mumbled, repeating her.

“Wake.” Her lips moved to my neck, “Up.”
I felt like I was falling, and then my eyes fluttered open. Kiersten was hovering over me, concern laced in her eyes, “Another nightmare?”

Awesome. It was like we’d traded places. She no longer had nightmares and a day didn’t go by without me dreaming about not being able to reach her in time, damn, when you’re the person in the position of leaving, you always think about how hard it is for those that are left behind—never in my life did it occur to me that when I was given a second chance, I would be living in constant fear of waking up from that dream only to find it wasn’t true.

“Yeah.” I mumbled, “I couldn’t reach you, there were trees, and…” My voice trailed off as I realized how ridiculous it sounded. We were in my apartment in Bellevue for Spring Break, not running through the forest like some crazy Twilight wannabes in search of Thumper or Bambi.

I pulled her on top of me and kissed her across the mouth, closing my eyes as her tongue tasted my lower lip and then pushed past the boundary of my mouth.

I growled low in my throat and slowly flipped her on her back so I could hover over her.

“Oh no you don’t.” She pushed against my chest.

“Dying wish.” I kissed her mouth again, “What if I die in my sleep? You gonna say no to that?” I winked.

“I swear I fear for our children.” Kiersten mumbled still pushing against my chest. “God help me if they have your blue eyes and ridiculous ability to justify everything and anything.”

“Charm.” I grinned, “it’s call charm.”

“Also known as manipulation.” Her eyes narrowed.

“Sweetheart…” I moved my assault to her neck, knowing that she was absolutely powerless when I kissed just below her ear.

“Don’t sweetheart me.” She pushed again.

I swore.

“Talk.”

“I’m half naked in bed, sexually frustrated, and upset because you were lost in the damn forest and you want me to talk?”

She just grinned.

Damn I loved that smile.

“So what do you wanna talk about?” I sighed heavily and laid on my back. Her hand moved to my chest, rubbing up and down as she snuggled into my body.

“Your dreams.”

“Nightmares.”

“Same thing.” I wrapped my arm around her body and pulled her close, “I never really thought about it.”

“It?”

“Losing you.”

“Huh?” She perked up, an absolutely clueless expression on her face. I’d always felt like I was protecting her by not telling her that yes, after all the inspirational talks we’d had together, after everything—I still had mind blowing fears. Funny, because I’d never really been afraid until now.

“Wes—“

I licked my lips and focused on the sound of the traffic on the street, “I was devastated to leave you, Kiersten. Aboslutley ripped to shreds on the inside, but I’d come to grips with the reality of my situation. Every moment, every touch, every sigh that escaped your lips, I memorized it, I stored it in my brain, my heart—my body. And eventually, I wasn’t afraid for me, just for you. But now…”

She laid back down and started caressing my chest, “Now?”

“Now I’m absolutely paralyzed with fear.”

“The bad kind?”

“It’s all bad.” I grumbled, “But yeah, the bad kind, the kind that makes you want to scream only you can’t find your voice.”

“Love is scary.”

“Love, marriage, cats—“

“Did you just compare love and marriage to cats?”

“It’s their eyes, it’s like they know things.” I shook and gripped her harder as I felt her face smile against my chest.

“Okay so me and cats, we both terrify you, good to know, ass.”

“I didn’t say donkeys.” I cleared my throat, “Just you and cats, and if we’re gonna get really crazy then you can throw in crabs.”

“Please tell me you mean the actual crab.”

“Holy shit I’ve officially corrupted you!” I jolted away from her and shook my head, “And the innocence officially goes down the drain. So, so sad.” I put my hand across my heart while she threw a pillow at my head, her beautiful face turning a bright shade of pink.

“So cats.” Her face was still covered with her hands.

“They’re eyes are too perceptive and they meow freakishly loud.”

“Fair.” She nodded, slowly pulling her hands away, “And me? What about me?”

“Kiersten….” I scolded, “Don’t you want to know about the crabs?”

“No.” She looked away, “I think I’m good.”

“They pinch.”

“I love how you offer information even when I don’t ask.”

“Want to know what else?” I said, ignoring her.

“I’m sure I probably don’t’, but yeah, since I can’t stop you, whath else, Wes?”

Every night…when I close my eyes…my greatest fear isn’t dying, it isn’t about getting cancer again or something crazy happening like losing all my teeth or hair.” I swallowed, “My greatest fear, the thing that haunts my every waking and sleeping moment, is opening my eyes and not seeing your face.”

“Wes—“

“—I’m serious.” My voice cracked, “I could spout cheesy lines until you laugh your ass off and tell me to go to sleep, but Kiersten, you’re my life, my air, my everything, my soul, my heart, my body, my—“ I trembled and closed my eyes, “I can’t exist without you to complete me and I worry that one day you’re going to realize how ridiculously head over heels in love I am—and bolt.”

“So you’re afraid.” She said quietly.

“All the damn time.”

“So…” Her perfect pout worked into a small smile, “Be afraid.”

“But—“

“Oh no you don’t!” She pulled me down onto the bed and straddled me. Right okay so fear just ran out the door, but still. “You always say to do things afraid.”

“Right, which Im doing it’s just—“

“—don’t’ interrupt.” She threatened.

I Smirked.

“Don’t smirk.”

I did anyways.

Kiersten rolled her eyes and leaned down so our lips were almost touching, “It’s natural to be afraid of losing those you love—it’s important to have that fear, I would even go as far as to say it’s healthy.”

“Oh yeah?” I whispered.

“Yes.” Her voice was clear, strong, damn I was so proud of her new found strength I wanted to shout. “Healthy fear—it causes you to appreciate what you have. Just don’t take it so far that you let it control your life. See, I could be afraid I was going to lose you every damn day, and don’t think I’m not…but someone really wise once told me that when faced with death, which lets be honest could happen at any moment, you learn to appreciate the small things.”

“Like my abs…” I winked.

She smacked me in the stomach. I pretended it hurt when really it felt like someone was tickling me.

“Yes, and your eyes.” She kissed each cheek, “your lips.” Kierten’s teeth tugged my lower lip as she sighed into my mouth and whispered, “Your money making hands…you know the ones that are going to take you to the NFL.”

I shook as her hands moved down my chest, lower and lower until I was pretty sure I blacked out for a brief minute before remembering to breath, “And that very sexy, very large…” Every muscle in my body tensed, “Heart.”

“Totally had you saying something else.”

“I can tell.” She laughed against my chest.

“I can hear you!” A male voice shouted and then there was pounding on the door. Kiersten scurried off of me and sat up just as it burst open.

“What the hell!” Gabe yelled, “I have ears you know!”

“Should we clap?” I whispered to Kiersten, “As encouragement?”

Gabe sighed and leaned against the door, “I freaking hate this.”

“What?” I asked innocently.

Ignoring me, Gabe waltzed in and pointed at both of us, “No girls. You said there would be plenty of girls and parties and—“ he swore for a good two minutes, “I need the distraction guys, you can’t keep me locked up in here forever! I’m a peacock! You gotta let me fly!”

“Love that movie.” I nodded, “The Good Guys?”

“Is that it?” Kiersten asked, “I think that’s the wrong title?”
“Focus!” Gabe clapped a few times and began pacing back and forth, “The one and only woman I saw in this entire damn apartment building was eighty-two and my desperation hasn’t reached that level yet.”

“Aw come on Gabe,” I laughed, “Beggars can’t be choosers.”

He stopped walking and then he was lunging for me just as Lisa came in and grabbed him, puling him back towards the door.

“Easy tiger!”

“I hate my damn cage!” Gabe shouted to no one in particular as the door slammed again leaving us in silence.

“Maybe we shouldn’t have lied.” Kiersten laughed.

I tried to keep my expression neutral—but it was damn difficult keeping anything from Kiersten. She didn’t need to know that the last thing Gabe needed was female companionship. He may play a good game—but that kid had been on the injured list for years. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep that particular secret from everyone, especially considering the media followed us around like the plague. I was keeping Gabe in a cage alright, because I knew the minute someone found out who he was it would be game over. And I wasn’t sure Gabe would come out the winner. No, in his current state—he’d be done and I’d have no one to blame for myself.

He kept my secret.

Now it was my turn to do the same.

“Hey,” Kiersten nudged me, “Do you feel better?”

“Of course.” I grinned pushing thoughts of Gabe’s past away from my present, “How’d you get so smart?”

“Oh you know…she took lessons from this really smart senior…”

“Oh yeah?” I tugged her body closer to mine, “Care to take any more lessons?”

“I’m a good learner….” She dug her fingernails into my back.

I growled and threw the covers off of the bed, “Pretty damn sure I’m aware.”

“Wes.” Her back arched as I kissed her neck.

“Wes’s is busy right now….”

“I mean it… “ She sighed helplessly against me, “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

“Wes—“

“No more talking.” I silenced her mouth and found that the fear left…because in the end, she was right, and I had to listen to my own damn advice. I had now, and that was enough. It would always be enough when Kiersten was concerned because she was my past, present, and future.

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Sofia T.
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