Friday 26 February 2016

LIFE ON THE LEVEL Blog Tour: #GuestPost, #Excerpt & #Giveaway!

Yay!! It's the release week for Zoraida Córdova's LIFE ON THE LEVEL!!! I have an awesome excerpt to share with you, and if you keep scrolling...you'll also find a giveaway to enter! Woo hoo!


LIFE ON THE LEVEL
On the Verge #3
Zoraida Córdova
Releasing Feb 23rd, 2016
Diversion Books

The tantalizing third book in Zoraida Córdova's steamy New Adult On the Verge series!

River Thomas was born a wild card. Her mother left before River hit puberty, and her alcoholic father raised her to have the best poker face in the city, but when he dies unexpectedly, River's already dangerous lifestyle spirals out of control. Six months sober, she relapses, and the resulting bender ends with her on the run from a guy looking to settle a score.

She wants to be better--needs to be better--before she ends up like her dad. The road leads her to Sun Valley, Montana, where she checks herself into a rehab center. But before her first night, she decides to go for a last hurrah, and the beautiful stranger at the bar is just what the doctor ordered.

She leaves before sunrise, and starts her ninety-day program, still thinking of his face. But her last hurrah with the guy of her dreams is also a counselor and extremely off-limits.

Their attraction is too strong to ignore, and soon she finds herself gambling with the one thing she never thought she would—her heart.
BUY NOW


Zoraida Córdova 
was born in Ecuador and raised in Queens. She is the author of The Vicious Deep Trilogy. She studied English Lit at Hunter College, and The University of Montana before finding a home for herself in the (kinda) glittering world of New York City’s nightlife. She prefers her cocktails shaken, her bacon crispy, and her men with a side of chivalry.

ZORAIDA'S GUEST POST

CHOOSING MR. RIGHT

 River Thomas wasn't looking for a guy like Hutch. She's not in denial with the kind of person she is. Like so many people out there who struggle with substance abuse, it takes her a long time to admit she has a problem. It isn't until she hurts the people she loves that she realizes something has to change. Because of that, writing Hutch's character was natural. I knew I didn't want a knight in shining armor, though there are some allusions to just the opposite in the horse riding scenes. Hutch couldn't be River's insta-fix because, in the end, he's part of the problem. It's a precarious line to walk for the two of them. She's a addict. He's a counselor at her rehab center. I knew the man River needed would have to be the opposite of who she is. She's fire and he's rain. She's dark and he's light. She's hard all around the edges, and he's soft and willing to mold to her. It's a reversal of roles that was incredibly fun to play with. I hope readers fall in love with a River and Hutch, just like I did. 


From Chapter 1

Zero days sober

“I hope the sky’s not the only big thing in Montana,” I whisper in his ear.

His full lips smile against mine.

“You’re a handful, aren’t you?” His voice is like the whiskey, burning right through me.

I pull away from him to get a good look at his face again. The dim blue light of Grizzly Country Bar frames his sharp cheekbones and strong jawline. He has dark eyes and darker hair that coils around the tips of my fingers. I’ve finally met a guy that makes my heart skip a beat.

I’ve been in town for a little less than two days, on the road to salvation. Actually, on the road to Sun Valley, Montana. Tomorrow, my life changes forever. Tonight, I’ll allow myself one last hurrah, and his name is—well, actually, I don’t know his name. But from the moment I set foot in the bar and saw him hunched over his beer, looking like he was just as lost as I was, I knew it had to be him—and only him.

I went right up to him, grabbed his beer, and took a swig from it. It was still frothy and cold. His midnight-black eyes went wide and a little angry. Then he looked me up and down, and his eyes softened. Unlike other guys, he didn’t linger at my long, suntanned legs. He looked straight into my eyes, and I didn’t look away for a minute.

“Hey, Trouble,” he said, an irresistible grin spreading across his beautiful face.

The rest of his body is solid, and even sitting down, he looks tall. I bet he’s one of those guys who rides around on horses, rounding up cows and stuff. Men aren’t built like this in New York. Salt of the earth and all that.

“Hey, kind stranger,” I said. “Can I buy you a drink, since I stole yours?”

He looked taken aback by the offer. Some guys don’t like aggressive girls, and even more girls don’t like aggressive girls. But what did I care? If he was into me, great. If he wasn’t, then it wasn’t meant to be. He looked a little nervous. He asked me my name, and I pretended the music was too loud. I loved watching him turn toward me. I asked if he wanted to sit in the corner booth for more privacy.

My heart skipped when he hesitated—just because a guy is smoking hot doesn’t mean he’s a manwhore. I put on my best mischievous smile, thrilled when he decided to follow.

And now we’re here.

I was surprised at how easily he talked about himself. I didn’t want to care. But I found myself smiling while he spoke. He was born and raised in Montana, and went to the U of M right here in town. He’s going to tell me what he does for a living, but the waitress comes over and drops off our next round. He wants to know too much. Asks too many questions. In turn, I’m super vague.

I’m from out east, I say, and he guesses New York because of the way I asked for water. I’m an only child, and an orphan. What do you know? So is he. Then we’re kind of quiet, and I feel something tight in my heart. He smiles so easily and reaches for my hand. I tell him, I’m just passing through. No, I don’t go to school. No, I don’t have friends in town.

He watches me like he’s trying to unravel a mystery, and I watch him because I want him to kiss me first. When he doesn’t, I kiss him. I press my lips to the corner of his mouth, and he watches me for a long while. It feels too intimate, but what do I know of intimacy? My skin flushes when he reaches for my long blonde curls. He brushes them over my shoulder. I see him trying to make up his mind. I see him convincing himself that this anonymous hookup is right.

“You look nervous.” I rest my back against the leather of our cozy little booth.

He chuckles. “I’m not used to putting on a show.”

A few locals nudge each other in the ribs. Waitresses eye us in their perfunctory ponytails and maroon tank tops two sizes too small, to get that perky and pushed up look. Or I should say, they eye me. It’s like I’ve taken something precious from them and kept it for myself.

My best friend Sky always reminds me that I don’t like to share. That goes for my fries and my men.

“Only when you’re sharking some dudes at pool?” I ask.

He cocks his head to the side and takes a sip of his beer. It’s local, and there’s a picture of a moose on it. It matches the moose head on the wall, among other mounted wild animals. This is the closest to nature I’ve been in a long time. Unless you count the squirrels that try to hijack my food in Central Park.

“I know what you’re doing,” he tells me, pulling my legs across his lap. “You’re trying to make me guess your name.”

It’s a funny thing—I don’t remember his name. I don’t know his birthday. I can’t figure out if his sign matches mine in any sort of astrological way. I don’t know where he got those cheekbones, that creamy skin, those callouses on his hands, or the scar right under his bottom lip shaped like a crescent moon. I don’t know any of these things, but I sure do love looking at him.

Sure, it’s not the first time I’ve been with a guy whose name I’m not too sure on. At least, I’m planning on being with this guy. At least, I know I want to. At least, until morning.

Morning. Tomorrow. Focus.

Think of the now. But isn’t the now what gets me into trouble in the first place?



Enter to Win 1 of 5 Print Copies of 
LIFE ON THE LEVEL

**Zoraida is also hosting a Special Pre-Release Giveaway**

Don't Miss any of the On the Verge Series Romances

Follow the rest of the LIFE ON THE LEVEL blog tour:
http://www.tastybooktours.com/2016/01/life-on-level-on-verge-3-by-zoraida.html


Oooh!!! I LOVED Zoraida's guest post...and that excerpt, too!!! I've read the first two books in Zoraida's On the Verge series, and I'm SUPER excited to read LIFE ON THE LEVEL

What did you think of Zoraida's guest post and the excerpt?
And who else is excited for LIFE ON THE LEVEL?

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Cover Catch-Up (24): Just Revealed! #Betrayals #CrookedKingdom

In "Cover Catch-Up" I share some covers that have either been recently revealed, or that I've just found and really wanted to share. 

This week I'm sharing some covers that are brand spanking NEW!
I saw quite a few amazing cover reveals this week, but these two really caught my eye!!



The first cover that I have today is for BETRAYALS (Cainsville #4) by Kelley Armstrong!

 

I'm a HUGE fan of Kelley Armstrong, and I'm absolutely in love with her Cainsville series! I absolutely love the main character Liv, and I have seriously hopes that my OTP in the series is going to FINALLY get together! Fingers crossed!!!! I'm not saying who I ship with Liv...but if you've already started this series and you're all caught up too, you'll know EXACTLY who I want her with! ;) haha Betrayals is the fourth book, and it's set to release August 4th. I am so freaking excited about this book...it's ridiculous! :D If you haven't started the Cainsville series and you like a urban fantasy with a little bit of paranormal, mystery, and mythology thrown in, you will LOVE it!!! It's a favourite of mine! :D

This is the Canadian cover for Betrayals, and while it isn't gorgeous, I do like how it looks. Most of all, I love that it fits perfectly with the three other covers in the series! The hound on the cover is also SUPER significant to the story, so I love that! And I'm sure it'll be shiny like the other three and I can't WAIT to see it in person!




The second cover that I have today is for CROOKED KINGDOM (Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo!



I have to admit that I have a copy of SIX OF CROWS on my shelf...and I still need to read it, but I can't help but love this gorgeous cover for CROOKED KINGDOM!!! It goes PERFECTLY with its predecessor, and I love how it shows both a crow and buildings!!!! This cover designer deserves a raise because it is absolutely BREATHTAKING!!!! It also makes me want to drop everything and read SIX OF CROWS...now!!!



What do you think of these covers?
And have any recent cover reveals gotten you excited?

Monday 22 February 2016

Review: A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic #1) by V. E. Schwab

Source: Borrowed ebook from the library. / Purchased audiobook from Audible.
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 398 (Hardcover) / 11 hrs & 34 mins (Audiobook)


Description from Goodreads:
Kell is one of the last Travelers—rare magicians who choose a parallel universe to visit.

Grey London is dirty, boring, lacks magic, ruled by mad King George. Red London is where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London is ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne. People fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. Once there was Black London—but no one speaks of that now.

Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell smuggles for those willing to pay for even a glimpse of a world they’ll never see. This dangerous hobby sets him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She robs him, saves him from a dangerous enemy, then forces him to another world for her 'proper adventure'.

But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—trickier than they hoped.

Fantasy has always been one of my favourite genres, but in the last few years, I haven't read it as much as I used it. Every once in a while though, I'll pick up a fantasy book and remember just how much I absolutely LOVE the genre! A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC was definitely one of those books that brought back my love of fantasy. It was an amazing story⎯intense, interesting, and centred on a world that was diverse and fantastically intricate!

 Kell is an Antari, a very rare magician that possesses a powerful way with magic and can travel between worlds. In Kell's world there are multiple universes all with their own version of London. There's Kell's London, Red London; the London of our own world, Grey London; a much more violent London where another Antari, Holland, lives called White London; and Black London, which has been separated from the other Londons for a very long time.

Seeing the other Londons through Kell was one of my favourite parts of A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC. I loved how vast the world-building was, and V. E. Schwab's attention to detail was remarkable. Each world was absolutely unique, but they still held certain similarities that makes the connections between the worlds even more interesting and mysterious. And the magic was AMAZING! Kell's world has tonnes of magic and uses it freely. It's beautiful, and I really loved seeing everything in his world. In Grey London, magic has virtually disappeared and the only magic that really exists there is what Kell brings through himself. White London, is completely different. It's dangerous, and magic is a commodity that everyone fights for.

Clearly, I really loved the magical aspects of the story, but I also absolutely adored the characters! Kell was fantastic! He was so interesting, and I really enjoyed seeing the worlds through his perspective. And Lila (a.k.a. Delilah) was AMAZING! I loved desire for adventure, and greatly admired her strength. She didn't always make the smartest choices, but I really loved that she always fights for what she wants and she does all that she can to achieve her dreams. I also loved Kell's brother, Rhy, and I really enjoyed seeing their relationship with each other. The only thing I love as much as a budding romance is a fantastic bromance, and Rhy and Kell have an amazing one!

I read A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC just a few months after its release and I absolutely loved it. I was swept away by the magic, and desperately wanted more of Kell's world. So to prepare for its sequel, A GATHERING OF SHADOWS, I listened to the audiobook of A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC. While it was a totally different experience listening to the audio of the book, I still love it so, so much! The reader, Steven Crossley, was wonderful and he did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. It was just as wonderful, mystical, and magical as it was when I read it the first time!

Overall, I absolutely loved A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC! It was one of my favourite books last year, and this year, it's easily been one of my favourite audiobooks, too. It's the kind of story that will draw you in, possess you, and you won't want to stop reading until there's nothing left to read. It's compelling, intriguing, and just a truly remarkable story. If you're a fan of fantasy who loves magic and intricate, well-crafted world-building, you will LOVE A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC!

Thoughts?

Have you read A DARKER SHADE OF MAGIC yet?
Are you desperate for A GATHERING OF SHADOWS, too?
And if you haven't read it yet, is it on your to-read list?

Thursday 18 February 2016

Review: Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda Drake

Source: Received an egalley from the publisher for an honest review.
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Release Date: Already Released!
Number of Pages: 400 (Hardcover)


Description from Goodreads:
Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.
I've been super excited about this book ever since I heard about it months ago, so I jumped at the chance to read it! I actually chose THIEF OF LIES as the first book that I wanted to read for 2016, and it was an absolutely wonderful choice! I loved it so, so much, and I've been raving about it ever since! :D

When I first heard about THIEF OF LIES, I was immediately compelled! It reminded me of the movie, The Pagemaster, which I still remember fondly from my childhood. I've always loved the idea of travelling through books, and the library is one of my favourite places...add in a bit of romance, even more magic, an amazing main character, and it just gets better and better!

As soon as I started reading, I didn't want to put THIEF OF LIES down. I loved Gia for her awkwardness with boys, for her tomboy-ish nature, and for her major love of reading, books and libraries. She is most definitely a kindred spirit. :P I especially loved discovering more about the world of Sentinels and the gateway books! It was all so fascinating! I also have a serious, serious soft spot for Arik...the book description is definitely not lying about him. The boy is most assuredly a "leather clad hottie"⎯and I ship him and Gia so freaking much! haha

Along with a fantastic premise and a wonderful main character, THIEF OF LIES, is packed full of some amazing characters. I loved getting to know Gia's friends from home, and really enjoyed getting to know the other sentinels, too. The world-building was also fantastic. I loved how the different intricacies of the sentinels world were revealed, and the magical aspects were so amazing! And the battle orbs were so neat! :D I think if I had to pick some kind of "supernatural" being that I would like to be, a sentinel would be high on that list. ;)

Overall, I absolutely loved THIEF OF LIES! It was such a fantastic story, and I got completely wrapped up in Gia's world. I can't wait to read what happens next!! :D

What do you think?
Does THIEF OF LIES sound like something you'd enjoy?
And if you've read it already, what did you think?

Wednesday 17 February 2016

Cover Catch-Up (23): Magical Masterpieces!

In "Cover Catch-Up" I share some covers that have either been recently revealed, or that I've just found and really wanted to share. 

I'm back again with Cover Catch-Up and today I have some gorgeous "magical" covers to share with you all!

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The first is for Warrior Witch (the Malediction Trilogy #3) by Danielle L. Jensen!


 

I'm a HUGE fan of The Malediction Trilogy and I have been eagerly awaiting the release of WARRIOR WITCH since I finished book 2, HIDDEN HUNTRESS, around May last year! I can't wait to read the conclusion to Cécile and Tristan's story, and I am so smitten with this cover! It's so pretty! :D

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The second cover that I have to share today is for Once Upon a Dream (Twisted Tales #2) by Liz Braswell!






I haven't read A Whole New World yet, but I plan to! And this gorgeous cover and intriguing description has me even more desperate to get started on this series. I'm a HUGE Disney fangirl so I'm extremely excited to have some re-imaginations to read!

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What do you think?
Are you a fan of these covers?

Tuesday 16 February 2016

THIEF OF LIES Character Tour: Gia! #Giveaway #ThiefOfLies #BrendaDrake


Welcome to Brenda Drake’s THIEF OF LIES Character Tour!

Each stop will feature a character profile from book one of the Library Jumpers Series! There is a tour wide giveaway so be sure to check out all the characters for chances to win. You can find a list of the tour dates here.

Today, we’re getting to know Gia!
ABOUT THIEF OF LIES (LIBRARY JUMPERS #1):
Age: Young Adult
Publisher: Entangled TEEN
Release Date: 01/05/2016
Number of Pages: 400
ASIN: B00YM6RD6M
Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum, suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound.

Jumping into some of the world's most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik's world and her own, before both are destroyed.



Thief of Lies Character Tour — Gia

Gianna “Gia” Kearns
Age: 16
Sentinel
Battle Globe: unknown
Description: Athletic bookworm with a fear of traffic and an affection for Root Beer Lipsmackers.
Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers Series Book 1) quote: “Are you afraid of me? ’Cause you should be. I'm the one Agnost foretold.”
Gia is the main character in Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers Book 1) and the voice for the story. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Marty Costa Kearns (Name in the Mystik world: Margarita Bianchi). When Gia was four, her mother was killed after a truck hit her on a busy Boston street. She now lives with her stepfather, Brian. Though she misses her mother, she feels greatly loved by her pop and nana.

She goes to private school where she excels in her education. Her activities are Fencing and kickboxing. Her two best friends are Nick D’Marco and Afton Wilson. Nick and Gia have been friends since they were babies. Their mothers were good friends. Afton joined the group when the three met during their first year in high school as freshmen. She’s fluent in Italian.

In book two, many wonderful and horrible things will happen to Gia. As the group goes into hiding, relationships are tested, some strained, and a new threat arises within the libraries.
Guardian of Secrets (Library Jumpers Series Book 2) teaser between Arik and Gia:

“Details,” he said, that grin morphing into a crooked smile, his dark eyes watching me intently.

“Well, if you’re going to insult someone,” I whispered. “You should get it right.” I took a few uncertain steps forward. I wanted to throw myself at him, but I kept calm. “Females are peahens and aren’t colorful at all. They’re more like me.”

“Then I shall be quite happy with my peahen.” He met my steps and looked down at me.



I hope you enjoyed meeting Gia. Thank you for stopping by and don't forget to enter the giveaways for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card with an eBook copy of THIEF OF LIES or a signed hardcover copy of FORGET TOMORROW by Pintip Dunn below.

About the author ...

Brenda Drake, the youngest of three children, grew up an Air Force brat and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up is of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When Brenda’s not writing or doing the social media thing, she’s haunting libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops or reading someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).

GIVEAWAYS






 Make sure to check out the rest of the Thief of Lies Character Tour!




I'm ridiculously excited to be a part of the character tour for THIEF OF LIES, and I'm so glad that I got to introduce you all to Gia! She's a fabulous main character, and I hope you all love her as much as I do!

I also have to reveal that I was SUPER excited to see that my excerpt for its sequel, GUARDIAN OF SECRETS, was between Arin and Gia! I ship them so much! :D

What do you think?
Are you intrigued?
Adding THIEF OF LIES to your TBR?
Excited about the giveaways?
And if you've been following the character tour, who's your favourite so far?

Let us know what you think!

Friday 12 February 2016

Audiobook Review: The Vigilante's Lover, Vol. 2 by Annie Winters & Tony West, Read by Gordon Anthony Palagi & Samantha Mantin

Source: Received a code from the author to give an honest review.
Publisher: Casey Shay Press
Release Date: November 4, 2015
Format: Audible Audiobook


Description from Goodreads:
If this is what it’s like to be a captive, Mia wants to be a prisoner forever.

The second volume of the addictive romantic suspense series from the desk of USA Today bestselling author Deanna Roy / JJ Knight

Jax may have kidnapped her. But now Mia wants to stay.

The man is skilled. Intelligent. And gorgeous. His life is dangerous and wild. Mia’s ready to do whatever it takes to avoid getting sent back to her small-town life.

Jax has other ideas. He can’t afford an untrained civilian tagging along on his plot to get revenge.

He’s a fugitive, and a powerful organization wants him dead. Nothing since his prison escape has gone according to plan.

Including his attachment to this over-zealous beauty who keeps surprising him with her cleverness and courage.

He can’t keep her. It’s dangerous. And she doesn’t have any clue what she’s getting into.

But Mia is nothing if not determined, and when they find themselves alone in an abandoned barn, Jax gives her one chance to prove herself.

One thing she must do. Without question or hesitation.

If she says yes, there is no going back.
 Wowza!!! This audiobook was just as sexy as the first one, and once again, it leaves off on an epic cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more!!

The Vigilante's Lover series is really my first time at listening to romantic suspense, and it's been thrilling so far. This series is sexy, it's intense, and it's full of intrigue! The story itself is fantastic, and the characters are very compelling...especially Jax! I'm so smitten with Jax. He's a sexy, sexy dude. And Mia is very mysterious. She seems like she's just a plain, ordinary girl who hasn't really done anything exciting, but the further Mia intertwines into Jax's life, the clearer it becomes that there's something about her that none of them know about. It's extremely interesting and I'm very excited to learn more!

As for the narration, I'm still really loving Gordon Anthony Palagi who read Jax's chapters, but once again, Samantha Mantin's chapters just weren't that great to me. I just find her voice fairly irritating, but thankfully, I did manage to get used to her, and Jax's chapters are so awesome that I don't mind quite as much. :P I'd recommend these audiobooks for Gordon Anthony Palagi's narration alone! His voice is fantastic!!! It fits perfectly with the genre, and always keeps my attention. 

I'm loving The Vigilante's Lover series so far, and can't wait to start Volume 3! I'd recommend these audiobooks (and their ebook counterparts) to romantic suspense fans, especially if you love secret societies...or rope. :P

What do you think?
Are you intrigued by The Vigilante's Lover series?
And what do you think of romantic suspense on audiobooks?

Thursday 11 February 2016

Review: Jesse's Girl (Hundred Oaks #6) by Miranda Kenneally

Source: Received an egalley from the publisher through Netgalley.
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Number of Pages: 304 (Kindle Edition)


Description from Goodreads:
Practice Makes Perfect.

Everyone at Hundred Oaks High knows that career mentoring day is a joke. So when Maya Henry said she wanted to be a rock star, she never imagined she’d get to shadow *the* Jesse Scott, Nashville’s teen idol.

But spending the day with Jesse is far from a dream come true. He’s as gorgeous as his music, but seeing all that he’s accomplished is just a reminder of everything Maya’s lost: her trust, her boyfriend, their band, and any chance to play the music she craves. Not to mention that Jesse’s pushy and opinionated. He made it on his own, and he thinks Maya’s playing back up to other people’s dreams. Does she have what it takes to follow her heart—and go solo?
Since I mention it ALL the time, it should be no surprise that I love Miranda Kenneally's books...LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them! She's one of my favourite authors, and she's yet to disappoint me⎯Jesse's Girl was no exception!

When I started reading Jesse's Girl I had just finished a big homework assignment...and I didn't stop reading until I'd finished it! I loved everything about this book. The characters, the music, the story...absolutely everything was amazing!

While most of the other books in the series are focused on sports in some way or another, Jesse's Girl is all about music. The title probably gives that away a bit though. :P It's also very fitting because Maya's love interest happens to be named Jesse.

I'm a HUGE music fan, so I really love how Jesse's Girl revolved around music. It was also AMAZING to see Maya and her family. Maya is Sam Henry's little sister! Fans of the Hundred Oaks series will remember that Henry was a pretty big character in the first book, Catching Jordan. I've always loved how the Hundred Oaks series connects all of the characters, and it was fantastic to get to see Jordan and Sam again! I just loved that we got an update on what they're up to after all this time...especially since we got to see them so closely! :D

Apart from having an awesome brother, Maya herself was wonderful! She was passionate, unique, and an amazing person. I absolutely loved her character and I would love to have her as a friend. I loved seeing her challenge herself, and I really loved seeing her relationship with Jesse evolve. And Jesse! I just loved him all-around, and I really loved seeing him open up to Maya. He also happened to be a sexy, country star which I definitely didn't mind at all. ;) haha

 I loved Jesse's Girl so, so much! I feel like this series just seems to get better and better with every book! At this point, I'd be hard-pressed to pick a favourite, but I wholeheartedly recommend Jesse's Girl...and I also recommend that you go back and read all the REST of the books in the Hundred Oaks series! ;) 

What do you think?
Have you started reading the Hundred Oaks series yet?
And have you read Jesse's Girl?

Tuesday 9 February 2016

Cover Catch-Up (22): Contemporary Romance Times 2!

In "Cover Catch-Up" I share some covers that have either been recently revealed, or that I've just found and really wanted to share. 

Hi folks! It's been quite a while since I've done one of the Cover Catch-Up posts, but I've been wanting to do something in between my reviews that I post, so I think I'll be dabbling in a few of the features that I used to post regularly.

Today, I've got some contemporary romance covers for you!

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The first is for DEFENDING TAYLOR (Hundred Oaks #7) by Miranda Kenneally.



 

I'm extremely excited for the next book in the Hundred Oaks series, Defending Taylor, and I just had to share this absolutely adorable cover!!! I also have to say that I'm still super glad that the publisher has gone back to their original style of covers for this series. They're just so vibrant, and adorable! Plus, they all look fabulous together on the shelf! ;)

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The second cover that I have today is for THE MATCHMAKER'S PLAYBOOK (Wingmen Inc. #1) by Rachel Van Dyken!




I actually just heard about The Matchmaker's Playbook the other day, and I love the sound of it! Ian Hunter runs a secretive dating service to help out those who aren't doing very well in the love department...and of course, he has one rule: don't fall for a client, so it should come as no surprise that he starts to fall for one. :P I'm definitely excited for this book, and I love the cover! It's simple, but it definitely draws me in. From the Top Gun-esque font for the series title, to those vibrant blue eyes...I'm intrigued!

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What do you think of these covers?

Friday 5 February 2016

Cover Reveal: Single (Stockton Beavers #1) by Collette West


Woo hoo! I have an absolutely gorgeous cover to share with you all today!!!

One of my favourite sports romance authors, Collette West, has a new series, Stockton Beavers, starting soon, and the first book is getting closer and closer!!! Single will be the first book in the Stockton Beavers series...and let me tell you, it sounds great! And well the cover is breathtaking!

But don't take my word for it...take a look yourself! :D


Single
by Collette West
Stockton Beavers #1
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Smashwords

Underdog Luke “Single” Singleton is yearning to make a comeback. After getting hit in the neck with a pitch—an injury that nearly cost him his life—he has one last chance to play for his hometown team, the Stockton Beavers. But his mom has Alzheimer’s, and he’s all she has to depend on. How can he pursue his career, much less someone special?

Personal care aide Roberta Bennett is done dating baseball players. Having had her share of heartbreak, she heads to Stockton hoping for a fresh start. But after she finds Luke’s mom outside, lost, and alone, she can’t refuse when he hires her on the spot. Unbeknownst to Luke, Roberta is all too familiar with the violent tendencies of the pitcher who hit him.

Now that they’re living under the same roof, the last thing either of them is looking for is a relationship. But it’s not long before they find themselves drawn to each other. And right when Luke is thinking about finally making a change to his single status, a secret from Roberta’s past emerges with the power to tear them apart.

collette_west About the Author

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball’s biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette‘s impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.

Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as manygames as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she’s not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her atcollette_west@yahoo.com.

She is the author of the New York Kings series which includes: NIGHT GAMES, GAME CHANGER, GAME ON, PERFECTGAME, INSIDE GAME and GAME WINNER.

TEASER

I try not to stare, but from behind, I can't help but admire how her tiny waist comes in over her hips. Her body's supple, strong. There's nothing delicate about her. The corner of my mouth turns up. She could probably kick my ass, and I don't know why, but I like that.

She tosses me an annoyed glance over her shoulder. "Quit it."

"What?" 

"Haven't you ogled my butt enough for one day?"

My cheeks burn again. So she did catch me checking her out on the field. Crap.

She lifts my arm and bends it at the elbow. It would have to be the arm, the one I couldn't move after David Nichols hit me in the neck with the ball. At first, the docs didn't know if I was partially paralyzed or not. Let's just say it was a scary four and a half days before I finally detected any sign of feeling in it.

I gaze up at her. But does she know that?



IndieSageBlogger
So what do you think?
 Do you love Single's cover, too?
And are you excited for Collette West's new sports romance series?

Luck on the Line (On the Verge #1) by Zoraida Córdova (Audiobook narrated by Annie Greene)

Source: Received an Audible code from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Audible Studios
Release Date: Already Released!
Format: Audible Audio


Description from Goodreads:
Despite her name, Lucky Pierce has always felt a little cursed. Refusing to settle for less or settle down, she changes jobs as often as she changes boyfriends. When her celebrity chef mother challenges her to finish something, Lucky agrees to help her launch Boston's next hot restaurant, The Star. Even if it means working with the infuriating, egotistical, and undeniably sexy head chef.

James loves being known as Boston's hottest bad boy in the kitchen, but if he wants to build a reputation as a serious chef, he has to make this restaurant work and keep his scandalous past out of the headlines. Getting involved with his boss' spoiled, sharp-tongued daughter is definitely not on the menu. As the launch of The Star looms and the tension and chemistry heat up in the kitchen, they're going to need more than a little luck to keep everything from boiling over.
This review is a long time coming. :P

I'm a huge fan of Zoraida Córdova's writing, and I was SUPER excited to read Luck on the Line! It definitely didn't disappoint! It's a fabulous start to a wonderful series, and it also happens to be the first book that I'd ever really listened to on audiobook!

I was pretty much an audiobook newbie when I first listened to Luck on the Line, and it was a fantastic book to start with! The narrator, Annie Greene, was absolutely amazing, and I loved her narration so much! It really added to the story. I think I would have loved Luck on the Line even if I'd read it instead of listened to it as an audiobook, but I definitely really enjoyed the audio. Most of all, I love that this audiobook kind of spurred my love for audiobooks! If you're looking for a great contemporary romance as an audiobook, this one would be perfect!

As to the story itself, I loved every second of it! I loved Lucky and I love, love, loved how her relationship with James developed! They're both extremely dynamic and strong characters so any moment they were together was interesting, and exciting! Their banter, their chemistry...everything between them was absolutely WONDERFUL!

This book not only cemented my growing love of audiobooks, but it also showed me that I totally love Zoraida's writing and characters no matter what genre she writes them in. Her characters and stories are vibrant, fun, and so addictive!

Overall, I loved Luck on the Line! It was a fantastic story with amazing characters, and it was also an absolutely exceptional audiobook experience! I highly recommend it in both print and on audiobook, especially to contemporary romance fans! Added bonus for any romance fans who love cooking and cooking shows since Luck on the Line also has a celebrity chef type thing going on! ;)

What do you think?
Does Luck on the Line sound like something you'd like to read?
And how do you feel about audiobooks?