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Showing posts with label Magan Vernon. Show all posts

{ARC Review} The Only Way by Magan Vernon

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Title: The Only Way

Series: Only #4

Author: Magan Vernon

Published: 18th March 2015

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided via Netgalley for fair & honest review

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

William "Tripp" Chapman has always been the black sheep of his family's political dynasty. His oldest brother works on Wall Street, his youngest-groomed for the senate. And Tripp is the brother known for wrecking his Porsche after a drinking bender and winding up in rehab.

On the night of his father's presidential election he takes a detour and meets a waitress at a local hole-in-the wall. Samantha "Sam" Green is just as broken as he is, but covers it up with enough snark so no one tries to get too close.

When Sam gets kicked out of her apartment, Tripp agrees that she can crash on his couch until she gets on her feet. But as they grow closer physically, the ghosts of their past threaten to burden their new relationship

The Only Way they can overcome their demons is to face them instead of running. Can Sam help Tripp find his way or will their own battles bury them further?

The Only series is a series of standalone novels. You do not need to read one in order to fully understand the other. M/F. HEA

The Only way is a beautifully raw and gritty story on the dark world of addiction and mental illness, and provides the reader with a sense of hope.

REVIEW:

The story:

Tripp has hit rock bottom, after checking out of rehab for drug addiction and depression he's trying to rebuild he's life. But being the black sheep in his family and feeling shame for dragging his family's political name through the mud, recovery is anything but easy. And meeting a feisty waitress by the name of Sam certainly wasn't in his plans, but he can't deny his attraction to the sexy red head. After helping her out of sticky situation and offering her refuge on his couch until she can find a new apartment, the two develop a close friendship. However they are both reluctant to pursue anything romantic and destroy the first real friendship they've ever had. But how long can they deny their true feelings?

The characters:

Tripp may be the black sheep of the family, but he still has a heart of gold. He wants to change his life and be able to help others who a dealing with similar issues. But he does have a self sabotaging personality. As soon as something positive happens, he has a tendency to destroy it. He grows a lot and still has a lot more work to do, but he definitely works hard to become a better man.

Sam comes across as a tough, confident character who just gets on with life. But underneath that tough exterior is a girl who's desperate to find her place in the world. She a has a dry and wicked sense of humour, which I just loved.

The romance:

I really loved the the romance between Sam & Tripp doesn't 'heal' Tripp's addiction. While Sam is supportive in his recovery they both realise this is something he needs to do for himself. It was also great to see them develop a friendship first, before anything romantic really happened, it made their chemistry much more believable.

The writing:

Mental illness and drug addiction are not easy topics to write about. Finding the balance between light and dark, while being realistic with the approach is tricky. I loved that Magan didn't make the journey easy on the both her characters or the reader. But at the same time, I was left feeling hopeful about Tripp's future, which as a reader is extremely important.

FINAL WORD:

The Only way is a beautifully raw and gritty story on the dark world of addiction and mental illness, and provides the reader with a sense of hope.

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium-strong / some sex scenes

Violence: mild

Language: medium / some f words

Drugs & alcohol: strong / main subject has drug addiction

Other: main theme addresses mental illness and depression

{ARC Review} On Paper Wings by Magan Vernon

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Title: On Paper Wings

Series: My Paper Heart #2

Author: Magan Vernon

Published: 13th Nov 2014

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romnace

Source: eARC provided by author for fair & honest review

Rating: 4.5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

Taking a leap of faith is one thing, but learning to get up when you fall is a whole other story.

After a summer spent with her Aunt Dee in tiny Elsbury, Louisiana, former Chicago princess Libby Gentry traded in her old life for a new one with the southern Casanova, Blaine Crabtree.

But just when she thinks things are changing for the better, old girlfriends of Blaine's start coming back into the picture, and not a single one of them are friendly or bad on the eyes. Combine the worry of passing her first semester at St. Joseph Community College and sponsoring her tomboy cousin in cotillion and Libby can barely keep up.

It's hard to learn to fly on paper wings. They're flimsy and can easily break. But if Libby can mend a broken heart, hopefully she can learn to fly.

On Paper Wings was an excellent follow up to My Paper Heart

REVIEW:

The story:

I was so glad to see that My Paper Heart wasn't the end of Libby's story. She may have grown up a lot in that first book, but I felt she still had a lot of things to learn. She's still struggling with her insecurities, not only with her appearance, but also with her relationship with Blaine. Bumping into a couple of bitter ex lovers of Blaine's doesn't help the situation either. As a result she starts to loose control of her eating disorder and tension between her and Blaine comes to a head. Both characters must learn to have faith in one another for their relationship to work, but can overcome all the obstacles that threaten to break them apart?

The characters:

Libby is still a little immature, she jumps to conclusions and struggles to trust Blaine no matter how hard he tries to show her she's the only girl he wants. She almost has to hit rock bottom before she realises the mistakes she's making and can grow into the woman that everyone around her knows she can be.

Blaine is a much calmer character than Libby. He's more relaxed and secure in their relationship too. But he does have his insecurities, especially when Libby befriends a fellow male student. But overall he trusts Libby and is always there for her when she needs him most.

The romance:

These two have to go through a lot of issues over the course of the relationship. But all these obstacles only make their love stronger. They prove to each other time and time again that nothing will break them apart - so sweet.

The writing:

I love Magan's honest style of writing. Her characters have flaws and make mistakes. And her love scenes are a mix of sexy and sometimes hilariously awkward!

FINAL WORD:

On Paper Wings was an excellent follow up to My Paper Heart. The characters become stronger and more resilient and I loved seeing them grown into the adults I knew they could be!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: mild-medium / some minor sex scenes

Violence: mild

Language: mild-medium / some f words

Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / some underage drinking

{Cover Reveal} On Paper Wings by Magan Vernon

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Today we're revealing the cover in the highly anticipated sequel to My Paper Heart! This is the second book in this southern romance novel and you get your chance to go back to Louisiana and spend some time with Libby, Blaine, and turn up the southern heat!

Title: On Paper Wings (My Paper Heart #2)

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Release Date: November, 2014

Cover Designer: Elizabeth Sharp with Sharp Designs

BLURB

Taking a leap of faith is one thing, but learning to get up when you fall is a whole other story.

After a summer spent with her Aunt Dee in tiny Elsbury, Louisiana, former Chicago princess Libby Gentry traded in her old life for a new one with the southern Casanova, Blaine Crabtree.

It's hard to learn to fly on paper wings. They're flimsy and can easily break. But if Libby can mend a broken heart, hopefully she can learn to fly.

Add it to your GoodReads now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the suburbs of Charlotte, NC. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. You can find her online on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaganVernon

Website: http://www.maganvernon.com

{Stacking The Shelves} The Birthday Edition!

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Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves.

So it was my birthday recently and when it comes to gifts, basically all people can think to get me are books or book vouchers (maybe a few DVDs). And that makes me pretty happy!

I usually like to get books that I've been wanting to read for a while and just haven't had the chance to buy yet.

Gifted:

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Origin by Jessica Khoury

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Reached by Ally Condie

Physical ARCs for Review:

A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray
Thanks so much to Harper Collins!
I am so extremely excited to read this one!!

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
Dark Skye by Kresley Cole
Misbehaving by Abbi Glines
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for these lovely surprises!

eARCs for Review:

Talon by Julie Kagawa
Thanks to HarlequinTeen via Netgalley
I may have squealed...LOUDLY...when I saw this was on NG

Make It Right by Megan Erickson
Thanks to William & Morrow via Edelweiss
The first book in the series, Make It Count, is one of my favourites for 2014!!

Let Me Know by Stina Lindenblatt
Thanks to InkSlinger Tours
Just finished this one and it was so emotionally awesome!

Alex by Sawyer Bennett
Thanks to Random House via Netgalley

The Only Answer by Magan Vernon
Thanks to WordSmith Publicity

Have you read any of these books?

What books did you add to your shelves?

{ARC Review} The Only Answer by Magan Vernon

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Title: The Only Answer

Series: The Only #2

Author: Magan Vernon

Published: 25th August 2014

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for fair & honest review

Rating: 4.5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

The sequel to the international hit, The Only Exception.

A boy burdened with a family legacy.

A girl haunted by a shattered past.

Both searching for answers to a future threatened by the unknown.

Three years ago, conservative Trey Chapman and liberal Monica Remy met their match in one another - and made the only exception that would change their lives forever.

Now, Trey's father is running for president, forcing Trey and Monica to put aside their personal beliefs to be the model of perfection.

But fate has other ideas, casting the family in scandal.

Some seek to use that disgrace to further their family legacy, while others refuse to let go of the past. Trey and Monica soon find themselves lost among questions that challenge their true feelings. Will they be able to rediscover that the only answer lies with one another, or will they lose each other forever?

A fabulous continuation to Trey & Monica's story!

REVIEW:

The story:

I absolutely loved Monica & Trey when we first met them in The Only Exception, and it was so lovely to catch up with them 3 years on to see how their relationship has progressed. They are now engaged and are faced with lots of new challenges to overcome, all while dealing with the pressures of public life due to Trey's father's political campaign.

At first Trey & Monica struggle to deal with the media constantly hounding them and judging every move they make. With all the lies and scandals circulating around them, a few crack start to appear. They both need to learn how to trust each other and their loved ones before the media circus tears them apart.

The characters:

Trey is still the sweet 'good guy' that I fell in love with in The Only Exception. He's kind and always does the right thing by his family and friends. But Trey learns a lot in the book. He realises that doing the right thing by his father in terms of his political career is not always the right thing for his relationship with Monica.

I love Monica, the kick ass outspoken woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. On the surface she appears unbreakable, but around Trey we got to see a more fragile side to her, and although she's overcome a lot of her fears surrounding her sexual assault, facing the media frenzy challenges her in a whole new way.

There are also cameos from John Boy & Melanie, who I absolutely adore (you can read their story in The Only One). And we also get to properly meet Trey's 'troubled' brother Tripp, who I seriously hope get's his own book, because oh boy does he have a story to tell! (hint hint Ms Vernon)

The romance:

Trey and Monica could not be more different on paper. With many differing opinions, especially in the political arena, they have a lot of colourful debates, but nothing that these two can't overcome. What I love about their relationship is that they show it's okay to have different opinions and ideas and still be in a loving relationship. They make it work by respecting each other's differences, and it was so lovely to watch these two continue to grow as individuals and as a couple.

The writing:

I always love Magan's novel's and Trey & Monica's story is still one of my favourites for hers. The characters are well developed with strong individual personalities. Her writing is always full of sassy wit that you are sure to snort at while reading.

FINAL WORD:

The Only Answer is a fabulous continuation to Trey & Monica's story. Full of humour and plenty of drama, fans of The Only Exception won't be disappointed!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium / some sex scenes, discussions of abortion/pro life etc

Violence: mild

Language: mild-medium / occasional f word

Drugs & alcohol: medium / some drinking, discussions of addiction & rehab

Have you read any of Magan's books?

{Cover Reveal} The Only Answer by Magan Vernon

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Title: The Only Answer

Series: The Only Exception #2

Author: Magan Vernon

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: 8th November 2014

GOODREADS

BLURB:

The sequel to the international hit, The Only Exception.

A boy burdened with a family legacy.
A girl haunted by a shattered past.
Both searching for answers to a future threatened by the unknown.

Three years ago, conservative Trey Chapman and liberal Monica Remy met their match in one another - and made the only exception that would change their lives forever.
Now, Trey's father is running for president, forcing Trey and Monica to put aside their personal beliefs to be the model of perfection.

But fate has other ideas, casting the family in scandal.

Some seek to use that disgrace to further their family legacy, while others refuse to let go of the past. Trey and Monica soon find themselves lost among questions that challenge their true feelings. Will they be able to rediscover that the only answer lies with one another, or will they lose each other forever?

EXCERPT:

“Did anyone ever tell you that you’re very persistent?” she said, taking the brush and can.

“Every single day of my life and you love it.” I picked up the other can and brush.

She smiled, shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah. You’re lucky I put up with you.” She turned toward the wall. “You want me to just start painting?”

“Yes. Get a big enough square so we can see if we like that color for the wall. At least one foot by one foot.”

“That’s very precise measurements,” she said, looking at me out of the corner of my eye.

“Always best to be precise, Miss Remy.” I smiled, waiting for her to start painting to I could work on my own.

“Very true, Mr. Chapman.” She finally took her eyes off me and began stroking the brush against the wall.

I wasn’t sure how long it would take her to paint so I had to work fast. I didn’t even care if I spilled on my five-hundred dollar suit coat as long as I got the job done. By the time I was finished I turned fully toward Monica. My nerves were at an all time high and my heart was beating so fast I couldn’t even count the beats as I waited for her to look at me.

Usually she did everything she could to try and beat me. I loved her competitiveness and the way she challenged me. But not today. Now I just wanted her to finish her painting and finally turn toward me. But she wasn’t even looking in my direction. She was lost in thought, meticulously painting the tiny red square on the wall.

I wasn’t one to get flustered but I let out an audible groan. That was when she widened her eyes and finally turned toward me. “What the hell is your problem, Trey?” She dropped the paint brush in her can, red paint splattering on her hands.

I opened my mouth to answer but she cut me off before I could speak. “You rushed me through dinner so we could see your new apartment, an apartment that I’m not even going to really be living in because I can’t get a real job. Then as soon as we get here you’re rushing me to get in the bedroom so you can paint a freaking wall when we’re both dressed up for the convention. I’ve put up with a lot from you and I know you’re nervous about tonight, but you have to freaking relax or you’re going to drive me crazy!”

I cleared my throat. “Okay.” I nodded. “I understand I’ve been on edge tonight, but there’s a perfectly good reason and we can discuss it after I see which paint color is better for the wall.” I stepped back, smiling with my hands in my pocket.

She raised an eyebrow, turning away from the wall and putting her hands on her hips. “What kind of stunt are you trying to pull right now? Are you hiding something? Is this where you break up with me?”

I usually loved her stubbornness but now Monica was getting to be a little bit too much. I was already on edge and had it all planned out, but nothing was going quite right. Love was never perfect that way, but once I found Monica I learned that things didn’t have to be perfect to work out.

Slowly I extended one hand and kept the other in my pocket. “Just come stand here with me and look at the wall and stop being so obstinate.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “What if I said no?”

I took a few steps toward her until we were toe-to-toe. I didn’t say anything. Instead I just smiled and put my hands on her waist, lifting her in the air. She squealed as I walked backwards a few steps before setting her down a couple feet away.

“You’re very persistent, Mr. Chapman.”

I took her hands in mine. “I am when I know what I want and I’ve known that I’ve wanted you since the first time I saw you. The first time you opened your mouth and spoke to me. I knew there wasn’t going to be anyone else but you.” Slowly I turned her toward the wall and she gasped, removing her hands from mine and covering her mouth as soon as she read the words I painted on the wall: Will you marry me?

I pulled the velvet box out of my pocket and stood in front of her before I got down on one knee and opened the box, holding it open for her. The woman at Tiffany’s told me the diamond cut was called the Lucida after the brightest star in a constellation. She didn’t even need to tell me all of that before I was sold on the square diamond with it’s diamond side stones and opened curved diamond band. There something incredibly unique about it. Something that caught my eye. Just like Monica did.

I swallowed hard, trying to focus on my words instead of the tears that welled up in her eyes. These weren’t tears of sorrow like the night she poured her soul to me after Alpha Mu’s barn dance. These were tears of joy. “Monica Remy, It’s been three years since you first walked into my life. Three of the best years I’ve ever had. We’ve laughed together. Cried together. Everything. Together. I can’t imagine my life without you. I picked out this apartment especially so I could share it with you and our future collectively. And I hope that you’ll do me the honor of marrying me.”

I held my breath waiting for her response, counting down each second to my heart beat. Finally she nodded slowly before removing her hands from her mouth. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes. Yes. Yes. A million times yes!” she said louder.

I couldn’t hold the grin that was threatening to split my face. I put the ring on her finger, slowly standing up before wrapping her arms around her waist. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world tonight, Monica.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. You can find her online on

Website | Facebook | Twitter

{Review} A Tale Of Two Pretties by Magan Vernon & Dawn Pendleton

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Title: A Tale Of Two Pretties

Series: Hopeless In Hotlanta #1

Author: Magan Vernon & Dawn Pendleton

Published: 19th May 2014

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for fair & honest review

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

MacAllister "Mac" Barlow thought she was living the life she always dreamed of. When she catches her fiancé in the act with his secretary, she high tails it out of their apartment without looking back. Looking for a new life, she drowns her sorrows in a pitcher of beer at Tony's Pizzeria.

Darcy Pepper isn't one for long-term relationships. Bouncing from guy-to-guy to get what she wants isn't satisfying her anymore. Walking out on her current boy-toy, she finds herself at a tiny hole-in-the-wall pub. More disappointed in herself than she's ever been, she sees Mac, a girl she vaguely remembers from high school.

Left flat broke, the girls quickly enlist the help of a waiter at Tony's and before they know it, they've got an apartment, jobs, and possibly even love interests beckoning.

Maybe things aren't so hopeless after all.

*This is a new adult romantic comedy and is recommended for readers ages 17+*
This book is the first in a five book series.

Sarcastic & Witty With Fun & Interesting Characters!

REVIEW:

The story:

Mac & Darcey are both going through a rough patch in their lives, which relationships ending, no jobs and being flat broke. Although they went to high school together, they don't really know each other, but they decide to pool their money move in together, the question is where? And that's where B-Rad comes in and offers them a crappy little apartment above his family's pizzeria. And he just so happens to live down the hall.

After learning they both want to be writers they plan to write their first novels and plan to save for a trip to a writer's festival. I loved the dynamic between Mac & Darcey, they didn't just instantly become BFFs and tell each other their deepest darkest secrets while braiding each other's hair. Instead they took their time getting to know one another and actually kept a few secrets from the other.

The characters:

On the surface Mac & Darcy have similar personalities and are both survivors, doing what they have to. But as we get to know them we start to see they are quite different. Mac loves high fantasy novels, while Darcey prefers a nice contemporary romance novel. But somehow these two develop a nice balanced friendship with each other.

B-Rad came across as a bit of a douche at first, with his self-righteous attitude and cocky personality. But when it was just him and Darcey in a scene, he was a completely different guy and I preferred this kinder, sweeter side to Brad so much more.

Mac's love interest, Preston was a little more mysterious. He doesn't have as much 'screen time' as the other 3 characters, so we don't get to know that well yet. I can't wait to see more of him in the next book!

The romance:

Mac doesn't warm to B-Rad at all, seeing him as a creepy sleaze, but Darcey sees there is more to him than he's overconfident attitude. She gives him a chance to just be himself and loose his tough persona. They spent a lot of time together and are a really cute couple

After being cheated on by her ex Mac isn't looking to jump into a new relationship, but after meeting Preston at the pizzeria she can't resist his charms. Before letting things go too far with him she runs. Little does she know he's friends with B-Rad and they end up seeing a lot more of each other. I expect great hotness from these two in the next book!!

The writing:

This book is told in dual POV, but it's different from your regular Male/Female love interest MCs. Instead we have to friends POVs with two separate love interest, which actually gives up four main characters in a way. My only small issue was the character voices of Mac & Darcey did sound very similar in the beginning, but as we get to know them their voices started to develop and take on their own sound.

FINAL WORD:

This is no sweet and sappy romance story, this is sarcastic and witty with fun and interesting characters!

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium / some sex scenes

Violence: none

Language: strong / frequent f words

Drugs & alcohol: mild

{ARC Review} Fight For You by Magan Vernon

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Title: Fight For You

Author: Magan Vernon

Published: 11th April 2014

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Mafia Romance

Source: eARC provided by author for fair & honest review

Rating: 4/5

Goodreads | Amazon

BLURB:

A mafia prince who doesn't want the crown.

A girl who has secrets of her own.

One love that they'll both have to fight for.

Nicky Ragusa lives his life inside the cage, circuiting the underground ring to escape his fate as the mafia prince. When Jackie Marks crashes into his life, he’ll take the fight outside the cage.

But the battle for Jackie’s heart comes with a steep price. Nicky’s father has wanted him to take over the family business for years, and the time for running is over. Now Nicky is right where his father has always wanted him: in the middle of a war.

All Nicky has ever wanted to do was fight. Now all he has to do is fight for her.

Not your regular fluffy romance!

REVIEW:

The story:

Fight For You is not your average NA romance. We have a Mafia prince, cage fighting, drugs, and gang wars with shootings and murder. Nicky Ragusa is the son of the Mafia boss and is expected to take over the family business. He has family money, an expensive car and a lavish apartment. The problem is Nicky has no interest in it all and would rather continue his career in cage fighting. But after Nicky hits Jackie with his car and takes her to hospital his life things gets even more complicated. And soon his not only fighting in the cage, but fighting for his family and for the love of Jackie. The question is, how far will Nicky go to protect the ones he loves?

The characters:

Nicky, son of a Mafia boss, is a total bad boy. Now I'm not talking about a guy with a few tatts that's man whored it around a bit, but is essentially a big softy. That's not Nicky. He has done some very bad things in the past and even more throughout the story. He's a complicated character, often having to make to decision between doing the right thing or the doing the right thing for his family - two very different things. Let's not forget he is in the Mafia after all.

Jackie, the ex girlfriend of a rival gang boss, is a pretty tough chick on the outside. She doesn't take anybody's crap and doesn't like to rely on anybody, especially not a man. But Nicky brings out a vulnerable side to her - one of which I wanted to see more of.

The romance:

I felt the romance was a little quick to develop. While it certainly wasn't insta-love, I would have liked to of seen them spend more time together and develop their feelings more. But once the romance got going you could really start to feel the connection between them. I like that Jackie doesn't let him call all the shots, they where equals in the relationship, and that's always important for me!

The writing:

I commend Magan for taking somewhat of a risk with this book. It doesn't follow the usual conventions of the NA romance genre and she pushes the limits with Nicky's character. Being written from Nicky's POV worked beautifully, as it gave a real insight into his thoughts and reasons behind his actions. I also loved the Mafia 'voice' she used. Whenever Nicky's father talked I swear I could hear Marlon Brando speaking it in my head!

FINAL WORD:

This is not your regular fluffy romance. Fight For You is dark and gritty and challenges the reader with unconventional characters and a gutsy storyline. Read at your own risk Capeesh?

CONTENT:

Sexuality: medium-strong / sex scenes

Violence: medium / gang violence, shootings and murder (not overly descriptive)

Language: strong / frequent f words

Drugs & alcohol: medium / several references to drug dealing and use

{Cover Reveal} Fight For You by Magan Vernon

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Author Magan Vernon has a new release coming and today we are proud to share with you all the steamy cover!

Also, you could win 1 of 5 eARCs of FIGHT FOR YOU. :)

About FIGHT FOR YOU....

Nicky Ragusa lives his life inside the cage, circuiting the underground ring to escape his fate as the mafia prince. When Jackie Marks crashes into his life, he’ll take the fight outside the cage.

All Nicky has ever wanted to do was fight. Now all he has to do is fight for her.

ADD TO GOODREADS

EXCERPT

Every time my fist smacked against the bag, I expected a surge of pain, but nothing came. I was numb. All I did was hit the bag for days, trying to get my head somewhere else, anywhere else but my reality.

“Nicky, I think you killed it. That plastic thing isn’t going to ever see its little punching bag babies again.” Coach stood next to the bag, looking at me with his eyebrows creased and a bead of sweat glistening on his forehead like it always did when he was nervous.

“Just lemme get a few more punches in. That’s all I need.” I took a few more jabs at the bag. I wanted to feel something. Anything. But still there was nothing.

Coach grabbed my wrists, stopping them in mid air. “Nicky, you’ve had enough. It’s late. Tracy’s called at least twenty times to tell me to get my ass home. It’s past nine. I’ve missed dinner and putting the kids to bed.”

He gripped tighter onto my wrists. “It’s time to leave. The fight’s this weekend. You’re ready, kid. You know that as well as I do.”

I slumped my shoulders and shook my head. I’d been at the gym a lot longer than I thought. Every part of my body groaned from those tiny movements. Finally some sort of feeling. “Yeah, say that when el Lobo has his foot in my ass or some other move he pulls out. I need to be ready for him. That fucker fights dirtier than he looks.”

Coach sighed, dropping my wrists. “You’re your father’s son, Nicky.”

I stared at him. The defeat in his eyes. He didn’t mean the words as an insult but they hit me harder than punch ever could. My father was never who I wanted to be.

“You’re right, Coach.” I turned away slowly and walked to the weight bench, sitting down. I slowly peeled back the tape that bound my hands. They were so worn from the day’s wear that they looked more gray than the bright white they were when I first got to the gym after work.

Coach walked over and patted my shoulder. “You’re a good kid, Nicky. You just have a hard head sometimes.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I didn’t look up from my hands, just focused on unwrapping each one, instead of looking up at the disappointed glint in his eyes. It was the same conversation we had every night. He’d ask me to come to stop by his house, make some crack about his old lady making too much food anyway and how the kids wouldn’t bother me too much. I’d, of course, say I had some work to catch up on from the office or that my mom was making pasta and asked me to stop by. None of which were true and he knew it.

But tonight he didn’t fight me.

“All right, Nick, think ya can lock up when you’re done? You know, the old lady has been on my ass out being out late every night and with the fight this weekend ...” his words trailed off. I didn’t need to look up to know that he was raking his fingers through his salt and pepper crew cut, the way he always did when he was nervous. I’d seen it a million times when I was in the cage.

“Yeah, Coach, you’re fine. Go, be with Tracy and the kids. You don’t need to babysit me. I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?”

I stopped unwrapping my hands and looked up at him, forcing a smile. Did I really want him to leave so that I would be alone? No. Sure, I could have called up my cousin Dominic, but he would probably still be at the Candy Shop. Some guys enjoyed going to the strip club every night. To me, it would always be the place that my father did his backroom deals with some battona on his lap. I knew all of this because he started taking me when I was in middle school. He said I had to learn the family business young if I was going to take over.

“Yeah, Coach, I’m positive. Now go on. Don’t make me kick your ass.” I patted him on the back.

“Not before the fight, Nick. Save that for the scumbag wolf, will ya?” He stepped back, holding his hands up. I imagine that at some point Coach was a good fighter and could probably still hold up with the best of them, but now in his early forties, he wasn’t as spry as he used to be and I was pretty sure I could take him out with one kick. Though I’d never try, but if someone else did I’d kill them. That was a fact.

“Will do.”

He nodded and stared at me, shoving his hands in his pockets. I knew he wanted to say something else, but we both knew that he wouldn’t. That wasn’t his style. He kicked the shit out me in training and in the cage. Other than that, he tried to stay out of it too much. That’s why he had stayed in my life so long.

“Goodnight, Nick.”

“Night, Coach.”

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{Blitz & GIVEAWAY} One Wild Night by Magan Vernon

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Title: One Wild Night

Series: Part #1 in Forever Wild Serial

Author: Magan Vernon

Release: December 2013

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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One Wild Night Can Change Everything

Valerie Wilder doesn’t do serious relationships. She also doesn’t usually wake up in Vegas next to a male stripper…

A male stripper who happens to be her new husband.

A quickie divorce seems like the answer, but the Nevada legal system doesn’t think so. When her new husband suggests flying back to Chicago with Valerie she accepts, wondering if one night in Vegas could turn into something much more.

NOTE FROM MAGAN:

I get asked a lot, What is a serialized novel? A serialized novel is basically like a TV show. It’s broken up into episodes. Each story is about fifty pages long, perfect to read in one or two sittings. Each installment will come out every three weeks with six of them total in a season. Each episode will have its own story that will add to the big picture. The basis of One Wild Night is that Valerie Wilder wakes up married to a stripper in Vegas. Each episode follows that story with little plot twists and turns in between.