Teaser Tuesday~Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies.In this #1 New York Times bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover, author of Slammed and Point of Retreat, Sky meets Dean Holder, a guy with a reputation that rivals her own. Holder has the ability to invoke feelings in Sky she's never had before. In just one encounter he leaves her terrified yet captivated and something about him brings up a rush of memories from the past that she’s worked so hard to bury away.

Sky knows Holder is nothing but trouble and tries to keep him at a distance, but he is adamant about learning everything he can about her. Sky finally caves to his unwavering pursuit, but she soon finds out that Holder isn't the person he's been claiming to be. When the secrets he's been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky's life changes forever.

****

I sigh and roll my eyes. "Holder, wait." 

He pauses and proudly leans against the doorframe. 

"You better come kiss your girlfriend goodbye." I say, feeling every bit as cheesy as I sound. His face washes with victory and he walks back into the living room. He slips his hand to the small of my back and pulls me against him. It's our first freestanding kiss and I love the way he's securing me protectively with his arm around my lower back. He traces his fingers along my cheek and runs them through my hair, bringing his lips closer to mine. He's not staring at my lips, though. He's looking straight into my eyes and his are full of something I can't place. It's not lust this time; it's more like a look of appreciation. 

****

Hopeless has been sitting on my Kindle for, like, ever. With all the great reviews, I can't imagine why I haven't cracked this baby open already, but I intend to remedy that tonight. Holder sounds like someone worth getting better acquainted with, right? 

Check out Hopeless on Goodreads!

Weekend Writing Warriors 8 Sentences~Addicted to Magic by Brandi Salazar

With nowhere else to go, I glared up into his dark eyes. "I hate you right now."

His expression turned stormy. "You hate me?" I nodded slowly. "Despise me?" I wasn't sure where he was going with this line of questioning, but I agreed to that too. Planting his hands against the wall on either side of my head, caging me with his body--just as he had at the party--he leaned down, putting us nose to nose. "Good, that means you're passionate."

I didn't have time for a rebuttal. In the next instant Carmen's lips were pressed against mine, hard and sure.

****

A little info about this scene: This takes place after Jessica returns from a date, only to find herself cornered by her best friend's overbearing and overprotective brother. 

  

This is the first book in a humor filled, witchy series.
Witt and Romance--Together they can overcome anything...


Jessica Warren comes from a long line of witches. At the age of eighteen her ability to wield magic will intensify and she will be welcomed into the fold with open arms. That is, until she she risks it all.

Magic isn't something to be taken lightly. With each spell cast the user suffers dangerous after effects that carry the potential of destroying their life. After her parent's divorce, Jessica begins abusing her powers, but she really doesn't think she's doing anything wrong--it's everyone else that has a problem.

When her best friend, Amber, informs her that she had a vision of Jessica's mother dying in a car accident, a victim of her own abuse of magic, Jessica is in a race against time to save her mother. Her life is only complicated further when a boy catches her attention and she has to not only save the day, but keep all of her secrets hidden.

Purchase your copy on Amazon today! 

*Be sure to check out more 8 Sentence posts over at Weekend Writing Warriors!*

Sneak Peek Saturday~The Ghost in my Bedroom by Heather Jones

Lucy Warner has managed to fall in love with her roommate – who has been dead for about 25 years. Since he’s been haunting her bedroom from the time when she was a baby, they have grown to be very good friends; a secret that no one else knows about, not even her best friend Ling. But Lucy wonders if it is possible to be more than just friends, as she realizes Ryan is the perfect guy for her.

It is the summer after high school graduation. Lucy finds herself newly single, and slightly bitter after a bad breakup. When Ling sets her up on a date with Jon, she plays along to try and forget about her ghost and get on in life with a real living guy. But when she finds out Jon can see ghosts too, keeping her secret gets a little complicated.

"Oh Ryan, I've been in love with you for so long..."

"Lucy," he said cutting me off, shaking his head. "You know we can't do this. We can't possibly have a future together."

I felt my heart rip in half as he said what I already knew to be true, but all of my instinct told me to fight it. "Don't say that."

"No, I have to, don't think I haven't thought this through a million times. There is no way we can be together. I'm dead. You're not," he shrugged like it was the most matter of fact thing he'd ever said.

****

Awe, so sad :( 

So what do you think? Could you fall in love with a ghost?

Review and Giveaway of CRUSH by Nicole Williams

Football glory. A giant diamond. A wandering eye.

Jude and Lucy are happily engaged . . . but that doesn't mean life's a bed of roses.

Once again, Jude and Lucy are torn apart by football training and a summer job that creates new tensions. This time Jude's the one with trust issues. Will Lucy's life-changing news bring them back together or end their relationship for good? Can love triumph forever?


The ending to a story that had me hook, line and sinker from the very beginning. I think this warrants a moment of silence to mourn the loss of Jude Ryder.....

Okay! So, now that I am fairly certain that Ms. Williams is completely finished turning my life upside down, I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. For those of you who haven't had a chance to read the Crash series, OMG! What the H-E-double hockey sticks are you waiting for?! Anyway, it's no secret that Jude and Lucy have had their fair share of problems along the way. They've practically run the full gamut as far as ulcer-inducing life-changing/affirming issues go, and all in a record amount of time for their youthful 21 years of life. 

A walk down memory lane, shall we? 

I recall that beautiful day when I *cough* I mean Lucy, met Jude on a sandy beach and and struck up an unlikely romance to last the ages. From there I experienced the ups and downs of a life of Jude, where dates were likely to be followed by police chases and saying thank you to the soda guy was likely to result in his face being punched in. Ah, yes, Jude Jude Jude, you stormy, fly-off the handle in love man you. 

We then saw these two love birds off to college, where Jude spent his time honing his worshipful body on the field while Lucy spun on her toes on the dance floor. I was right at her side, my claws out and hissing like a feral animal when she came to blows with the girl that sought to steal him away, and I was dying inside all those too-numerous-to-count times when they hit a crossroads and went their separate ways.  

This time around, well....not much has changed. Jude is still an incredibly attentive, affectionate, lovable, sexy, I'd-slay-dragons-for-you kind of guy, and Lucy is still the same infuriating girl who can't seem to decide which way is up in life. 

Jude has just been signed to play for the Chargers, but that means moving away, and Lucy is determined to finish her degree and dance, but that means staying put in NY. Of course there is bound to be drama! Now that Jude is filthy rich, he wants to give Lucy the world he never dreamed he could offer, but she doesn't want any of it. No jewels, no expensive houses, no flashy cars. She. Just. Wants. Jude. Gotta respect a girl who knows what she wants. But the problem with Lucy is that the only thing she knows for certain that she wants IS Jude. Everything else, well, I find myself wanting to tear my hair out right along with the man. I'm never sure whether to love her or hate her. One thing is for sure, she puts him through the wringer with all her uncertainty. 

All Jude wants is for Lucy to marry him, to which I shout a very enthusiastic YES! I DO! I DO! But alas, he only has eyes for Lucy. Her answer? Soon. >:() Come again? How does a woman who is head over heels in love with a man, who knows she has that same love in return, say soon? 

There was some mild rifting along the way involving another guy, that really wasn't much if you ask me, not if you pair it with all the other drama we've been subjected to in the past. This was a freaking cake walk! The only roadblocks I could see where those set up by Lucy herself. Fabricated by her nutty little mind and blown out of proportion. 

Without giving anything way, I was glued to my seat until the very end, and what a lovely, heartwarming moment it was. It was fitting and the only way I would have been satisfied at all, because, as a hopeless romantic, it's exactly what I was rooting for. If I had to be honest, I don't think Lucy has it in her to be exactly normal in the thinking/reasoning/self-less giving dept. as Jude is, but I think Jude has enough love and unending devotion to make up for her shortcomings. 

All in all, I laughed, I cried (in anger-no tears were shed in the reading of this novel), I grinned, I frowned, and I shook my head in disbelief. Finally, I sighed with that feel good emotion of having accomplished a great feat. It's over. It was beautiful. It was worth it. And I'm giving it 5 stars because JUDE GETS 5 STARS! And, even thought I know my husband will read this, I am joining all you fan girls out there when I say: 

I LOVE YOU, JUDE! 

 
                                                           Time for the giveaway!

I am giving away 1 ebook of Crush to 1 lucky winner. Entry is simple, just choose one (or all) options to gain entries. Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL as the prize will be delivered via email. Good luck!






 

Teaser Tuesday~ Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell

Lucie placed her gift for Lizzie on the designated table by the door and then nervously scanned the sea of people. 

"Stop fidgeting," Reid said in her ear. His hand at her lower back helped to ease her, but not by much. 

"I'm not fidgeting." 

"Yes, you are." 

He was right. She was practically hyperventilating, which was likely to come next. She couldn't seem to stop. Why did she feel like she was stepping into the lion's den? These were people she'd known and been comfortable with for years. But what if they didn't like her new look? Or what if they thought poorly of her for changing her appearance? 

She barely managed to keep her startled squeak contained in her chest when Reid yanked her out of the room. "Hey!" 

"Shh," he ordered as he dragged her down the hall, turned a corner, and then sandwiched her between his large body and the wall. "You're freaking yourself out for no reason, so I'm going to teach you a trick I use before a fight." 

"Reid, I hardly think--" 

"No thinking. Visualizing. Before I step into a cage I visualize every punch, every kick, every takedown. I know my opponent well from studying his previous fights. I anticipate how he'll react to my attacks so I'll be ready for any situation. That's exactly what I want you to do right now." 

~*~

I've been anticipating reading Seducing Cinderella since I caught a gander at this gorgeous cover. It's gorgeous, right?! So, what are your thoughts on this little snippet? Have you read anything by Maxwell in the past, or have you already read Seducing Cinderella? Share your thoughts, I'd love to hear them!

Weekend Writing Warriors!~ 8 Sentences

He paused, his fingers covering the lock. With his back to her, he asked, “You got a name?”

“Piper. How about you?” she asked, but he was already opening the door. An angry mob of women waited outside for them, and Piper hurried to follow him out. Together, they took the walk of shame past scowling, bloodthirsty, hormonal females bristling for a fight and back into the heart of the club. She came up short when he turned to face her.

Grasping the back of her neck again, he drew her up to him and brushed her mouth with a kiss. “Thank you,” he said softly, and then without a backward glance, he slipped into the crowd.

                                                            ~*~

That First Kiss is slated for release in June. If you haven't already added it to your summer reading list, you can do so here.

If you are new to the Night Calls series, check out the brand new trailer for Stranded, the stunning introduction to this interconnected series! 

Be sure to check out all the bloggers participating in this blog hop over at  http://www.wewriwa.com/!

Sneak Peek Saturday~ Damaged by H.M. Ward

Before you say anything, I know, it's late. In my defense, I had to take my daughter to a birthday party. Just part of being a mom! But you're not here to listen to me ramble....

"The way you turned green the other night has everyone thinking you're knocked up and that the pretty professor did it."

What a jackass. I flip through his contacts looking for one in particular. "You seriously know how to flatter a girl. You called me fat and slutty in the same sentence." I press my thumb to one of his contacts and his phone dials.

Dusty finally notices that I'm not playing Angry Birds. "Hey, what are you doing?"

I hold up my index finger and shush him. Someone answers after a few rings. "Hi, this is Sidney Colleli. I'm sitting here with your son and I thought you'd be horrified at his manners. He really needs a once over before I smack my tray over his head." I called his Mom's cell phone.

She seems nice, but Dusty is hyperventilating, watching me as his thin body folds in half. He hisses, "You called my mom!"

 I just finished this one today, and I loved the connection between the two MCs. Lots of humor and good times alongside the bad. Worth the read :) 

Friday Fun Day!

I don't normally post on Fridays, but today is extra special. 

So...

Do you like watching YouTube? 

Have you ever watched a book trailer?

What trailer is your favorite? (I want to watch it too!) 

Now, answer me this...

Have you watched STRANDED'S book trailer? 

Well, you're in luck! I have it right here. 

Check it out and share your thoughts :) 

 

Teaser Tuesday~ Savannah Grey by Cliff McNish

15-year-old Savannah Grey has never felt she's belonged. She keeps her distance, so she's surprised by her attraction to the new boy Reece. Then strange things begin to happen: nature, it seems, is exerting an overpowering force on the world. Birds behave strangely; gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah learns she has supernatural powers. Nature has a purpose for Savannah and her friends. They are on course to meet the vile and evil Orcrassa, who wants to destroy the world by corrupting natureand it wants Savannah Grey to help realize its savage intent.

Better late than never! I give to you a horrifying teaser from Savannah Grey....

"You've got to get it cut it out!" 

"I can't." 

"Why not? Why not?"

"Because--" But how could I make her understand when I didn't understand myself? "Because...I don't know...because...I think I need it."

"What?" Nina compressed her lips. "Sav, it's growing inside you!"

"Please, " I said, almost on my knees. "Please, just help me, Nina. Don't shout. I need you on my side." 

"I am on your side," she groaned. "Of course I am! But listen to what you're saying. You can't leave something like that in your body. I could be killing you--" 

"It's not killing me." 

"You don't know that! You don't know anything about it. You can't even eat properly anymore." 

"It's harder to eat," I admitted, "but...I still can. I think whatever it is, it's there to protect me, Nina." 

*** 

So far, I am LOVING this story, and I think you will too :) 

Six Sentence Sunday~ That First Kiss by J.C. Valentine

In lieu of the upcoming release of That First Kiss, I decided it would be fitting to share a few sentences with you that gave me a little chuckle. Enjoy!

 

 




“Where the hell have you been?”

Piper had barely stepped through the door before Tate started shouting. “Running errands, what else would I be spending my afternoon on?” she asked in a bored tone.

            
“Well I ran out of coffee over an hour ago,” he complained.

           
“Then you should have made some more,” she retorted, barely able to contain her annoyance. “I’m sure if Mr. Sinclair had known you had such weak ankles, he would have hired two assistants so you would never have to lift a finger for yourself again.”

~*~

Comment below and share your thoughts with us! And don't forget to add That First Kiss to your TBR! The release date isn't far!!

Sneak Peek Saturday....Plus a Litttle Extra ;)

Okay, so I have good news and bad news. Which shall we start with? May I suggest a good old fashioned coin toss?

Heads! I win!
Kidding, kidding.
By executive order, we'll start with the good news.
Yesterday, in the we hours before dawn, I put down the last words of my latest novel, That First Kiss!
I know, it's exciting news, right?! I am freaking out over here. There is no better feeling than finishing something you created, especially when you procrastinate as much as I do :D

So now that that's done, I am starting the first stage of editing, which will be followed by and second and third and forth until my eyes cross and I pretty much hate every word I put down. That's when I know it is time for the betas, which brings me to my next order of operation. Betas.

Is there anyone out there in Betaland who is interested in reading erotic romance?

I need someone who:

1. Has a good turnover. I.e. you read fast. (I'm an impatient person, what can I say.)
2. Is good with grammar and punctuation. (I need a second set of eyes to help me catch the mistakes I didn't during editing stages 1,2,3,4.....)
3. Isn't a yes man. (Please tell me what works and what doesn't. You might hurt my feelings--I am a delicate soul--but I promise you, I can take it. I want this to be the best story ever!)


I think that's about it! If you're interested, you can contact me at branflake3083@gmail.com. Make sure to include "beta" in the subject line so I don't skim over it :)

Okay, so the bad news.
I haven't been reading, like, at all the past few days, so....
No sneak peek for you!!
I kid, I kid. I may not have had a chance to read, but I would never deny you your peeks.
I just so happen to have one teeny tiny gem right here in my back pocket.
While editing last night I came across a yummy little morsel that I thought you all might enjoy.

Can you guess what book it's from?
That's right! As it turns out, That First Kiss is full of yummy goodness, and although this isn't the first of it I have shared with you, as we head closer to the release date (which is sometime in May) it certainly won't be the last!
Without furthur ado....



Strong hands enveloped her waist, pulling her firmly against a broad chest. Body heat seared her back, sending shivers of excitement shooting through her. Her lungs constricted and her breathing grew shallow. She couldn’t see who she was dancing with, but she didn’t care. She was lost to the sensation of the male body wrapped around her, to the heavy beat of the music vibrating in her chest, the way his hands and hips guided hers into a smooth, sensual rhythm. Leaning her head back, Piper closed her eyes and let the feeling of his arms around her and the constant pulse of the music lure her toward a state of bliss.

Like I said, teeny tiny, but oh so good. And, just to make it a little more interesting, here is the song this smexy couple is dancing to. Enjoy!

Author Feature~ The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V. Egan

It's been a little while since I've done one of these so I am excited to introduce to you the author of The Bridge of Deaths, M.C.V. Egan!

The Bridge of Deaths is a genre cross over with a combination of fiction and non-fiction.

It is available at all major on-line book retailers in all formats.

Publication: June 15, 2011

Purchase a copy on Amazon and Barnes & Noble 

Add The Bridge of Deaths to your Goodreads 

Description: 

On August 15th 1939, at the brink of World War II, an English plane crashed and sunk in Danish waters. Five deaths were reported: two Standard Oil of New Jersey employees, a German Corporate
Lawyer, an English member of Parliament, and a crew member for the airline. Here is a conceivable version of the events.

 From the author:

The Bridge of Deaths is based on the events surrounding a 1939 Plane crash in Denmark. My grandfather Cesar Agustin Castillo was the first body removed from the crash. The book explores through fictional characters the events surrounding the crash and how the men involved; both those who died and others may not have really been who they seemed.

In an era rife with intrigue The Bridge of Deaths takes the reader through some very well-known and some likely to be unknown incidents in a pre-World War II world.

The story is woven with a fictional narrative with endearing characters that make the reader feel like part of a small group of people investigating the plane crash.

The research for The Bridge of Deaths ranged from the traditional; Archives, Newspaper microfilms, interviews and history books to the most unusual world of Psychics; by use of psychometry and past life regressions.

The book has an appeal to a variety of readers and the information is presented in a way that the reader taps into his/her inner detective.

 What people are saying: 

An unusual yet much recommended read, November 6, 2011 By The Midwest Book Review

Five Stars *****

This review is from: The Bridge of Deaths (Paperback)

What happens in the moments leading up to disaster? “The Bridge of Deaths” follows the story of a true life event of a plane crash shortly before World War II of an international meeting of many individuals. Compiling a work of intrigue based on those who lost their lives and what they may have been seeking, “The Bridge of Deaths’ is an unusual yet much recommended read.

                                                  ~  * ~ * ~ * ~

Windy City Times October 2011 

The Bridge of Deaths, by M.C.V. Egan (AuthorHouse). This is a fictional account of a true story—the Aug. 15, 1939 crash of a British Airways plane over Denmark, before Hitler invaded Poland. The crash killed five, including author Egan’s grandfather and an anti-appeaser member of the British Parliament (Anthony Crossley). With World War II looming, the crash received little notice, but Egan does her grandfather proud in digging into the archives for some kernels of truth. She believes the crash was not an accident, and her 18 years of research make for a compelling story. “The Bridge of Deaths is far more fact that fiction,” the author said. “My research opened a can of worms—and my hope is that the historical community will reopen this case to ultimately uncover the reasons behind the crash.” This is not a gay book, and the author is not gay, but fans of historical fiction should be satisfied with this tale.

                                                  ~  * ~ * ~ * ~

3.0 out of 5 stars Not my typical read, August 23, 2012

By Reading Renee "Reading Renee" (Southern California) 

I did enjoy the book! I will say I read the cover and got the Good Reads page to see where it falls and I can’t decide. I think it is a history/fiction with a little romance. The premise is to try to solve the mystery of the author's Grandfather (I think) it seemed that the author did not think the accident was just that, an accident. It gave a lot of history and I know the background must have taken so long to gather up. I understand the records are limited and it has to be hard to try to go back and put puzzles pieces together.

The question that comes up first is "What is the timeline of these events?" and then "How can the history lead to a soul mate love story?" I will be completely honest and say I would have preferred less narrative and more answers up front. There was a point that I thought there was too much descriptions. It is hard to be drawn into the past and future of the story. I sort of think I was missing something and maybe didn’t pay attention that close.

Overall I think it was pretty good but the conclusion was not clear to me. If you start to take a walk outside your genre and want a journey this will be a great start!

The Bridge of Deaths boasts 37 five star reviews on Amazon and a 4.2/5 star overall rating. Click on the links below to find out more about Egan and her exciting tale! 

AUTHOR WEBPAGE

http://www.thebridgeofdeaths.com

Author Page @ Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/M.-C.-V.-EGAN/e/B0069W9NY2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bridge-of-deaths-m-c-v-egan/1103737050?ean=9781463410391

AMAZON KINDLE

http://www.amazon.com/The-Bridge-of-Deaths-ebook/dp/B0057GG3T4/ref=tmm_kin_title_0

AMAZON Paperback

http://www.amazon.com/The-Bridge-Deaths-M-Egan/dp/1463410417

FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bridge-of-Deaths/130675087014521#!/pages/The-Bridge-of-Deaths/130675087014521

BLOG

http://thebridgeofdeaths.tumblr.com/