{SPECIAL Cover Reveal} Hold Us Close by Caisey Quinn
Labels:
Caisey Quinn,
Cover Reveal,
New Adult
·
Good News!
Caisey Quinn thinks you're awesome!
Exciting stuff, huh?
Well, since she was so overwhelmed with your awesomeness, she's decided to release the novella HOLD US CLOSE, the sequel to Layla and Landen's book Keep Me Still, for FREE!
Oh, and it has a super hot cover! Here it is!
Title: Hold Us Close (Keep Me Still novella)
Author: Caisey Quinn
Published: Nov 11th 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design
BLURB:
Sometimes happily ever after is just the beginning…
High school sweethearts Layla Flaherty and Landen O’Brien are living a fairytale in the heart of Spain. Landen’s professional soccer career is taking off and Layla is finishing her college degree. But when her aunt Kate calls with life changing news, she has to reveal the secret she’s been keeping from everyone.
She’s pregnant. And she’s not sacrificing her child for anything, not even her own life.
Landen has a secret of his own. There’s one thing he never wants to be. Ever.
A father.
AUTHOR BIO:
Wearer of cowgirl boots, writer and avid reader of New Adult romance, lover of wine, who is addicted to chai tea lattes. Brand spanking new author of Girl with Guitar and soon to be released novels Girl on Tour, Girl in Love, and Keep Me Still (which may or may not include spanking).
I'm a Gemini, wife, mom, and former high school English teacher living in Birmingham, Alabama. I spend my days chasing a three year old and hiding away with my Macbook. I spend my nights writing because sleep is overrated.
{Blog Tour Review + GIVEAWAY} Off Chance by Sawyer Bennett
Labels:
4 Stars,
Book Review,
Giveaway,
Sawyer Bennett
·
Title: Off Chance
Series: Off Series #5
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Published: 21st Oct 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Roamnce
Source: eARC provided by author for honest review
Rating: 4.5/5
BLURB:
He is seeking absolution.
Flynn Caldwell has a hero complex and it’s one of the reasons he joined the New York City Fire Department. He has spent his entire professional career trying to atone for that one person he failed to save. Because, if he can do that, then perhaps he can be worthy of love again.
She is seeking escape.
Rowan Page’s life is nothing short of a disaster. Always immersed in trouble, she has only herself to depend on. She’s determined to pull herself out of this mess and make something of her life, despite the hard years she has lived on the streets of New York.
Together, they have the chance to become complete.
Flynn and Rowan’s worlds exist miles apart, but when a chance meeting brings them together, neither of them can deny the instant pull that connects them to each other. What starts as a tiny spark eventually flares into a fire so hot, it refuses to be extinguished.
For it to work, both of them will need to jump feet first into the flames to see where it takes them, despite the risk of being burned.
REVIEW:
The story:
Flynn is no stranger to running into a burning building to save people, but the day he jumps through a window to find Rowan, unconscious and handcuffed to a bed, he wants to do more than save her from the fire; he wants to help her start a new life away from the dangerous drug dealing ex-boyfriend. At first Rowan wants nothing more than for him to leave her alone, even if that means sleeping on the streets, but the safety of her beloved dog Capone pushes her to stay a few nights with her heroic fireman.
Slowly Rowan begins to trust Flynn and a tentative and quite unique bond develops between them. As Rowan starts to rebuild her life, she starts to appreciate having a friend like Flynn around to support her - something that she's never had before. But as they're friendship strengthens, so does their romantic attraction and that creates tension between them as they start to want different things from the relationship. The question is, can Rowan let go of her fears and take a chance on Flynn?
The characters:
Flynn the firefighter with a hero complex has devoted his life to rescuing others, after loosing his girlfriend in a house fire at only 18 years old. He may be a tough, muscly hero, but deep down he's actually quite a softie - and I loved that about him. He's very genuine in wanting to help Rowan, and watching him fall for her was so sweet.
Rowan, while being a little difficult to warm to at first, grew on me over the course of the book. After being ignored by her wealthy parents as a child she want to prove not only to them but to herself that she is capable of doing something with her life. As a result she's very stubborn and doesn't want handouts from anyone, including Flynn. She grows as a character a great deal throughout this book, and by the end she is a much stronger and happy person.
The romance:
I love when a romance begins as a friendship and that exactly what happens here. As Flynn and Rowan get to know each other they develop a special and meaningful friendship. However it's not long before they both realise there is an attraction burning between them. And while Flynn would be more than happy to explore these feeling, Rowan is reluctant to risk her first real friendship. Of course it's only a matter of time before the sexual tension boils over and when it does…phew it get HOT!!
The Writing:
I loved how Sawyer brought all the other characters from previous books into the epilogue. And although you don't need to of read the other books to read this one, those who have followed the series are sure the LOVE the conclusion (well for now anyway, as I'm still hoping Sawyer will continue the series in the future). All the characters stories come together for a beautifully heartfelt & funny scene at the end - it was perfect.
FINAL WORD:
With a fresh storyline and strong characters this was a another great addition to the Off Series. I have absolutely adored these books, and while I hope that Sawyer does decide to write more of them in the future, Off Chance gives great closure to all the character's storylines!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / descriptive sex scenes
Violence: mild-medium / minor gun violence
Language: medium / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium / occasional drug dealing references
GIVEAWAY:
{Release Day} Off Chance by Sawyer Bennett
Labels:
Book Blitz,
Giveaway,
Sawyer Bennett
·
Series: Off Series #5
Author: Sawyer Bennett
Published: 21st Oct 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Roamnce
Source: eARC provided by author for honest review
Rating: 4/5
BLURB:
He is seeking absolution.
Flynn Caldwell has a hero complex and it’s one of the reasons he joined the New York City Fire Department. He has spent his entire professional career trying to atone for that one person he failed to save. Because, if he can do that, then perhaps he can be worthy of love again.
She is seeking escape.
Rowan Page’s life is nothing short of a disaster. Always immersed in trouble, she has only herself to depend on. She’s determined to pull herself out of this mess and make something of her life, despite the hard years she has lived on the streets of New York.
Together, they have the chance to become complete.
Flynn and Rowan’s worlds exist miles apart, but when a chance meeting brings them together, neither of them can deny the instant pull that connects them to each other. What starts as a tiny spark eventually flares into a fire so hot, it refuses to be extinguished.
For it to work, both of them will need to jump feet first into the flames to see where it takes them, despite the risk of being burned.
FACTS ABOUT OFF CHANCE:
• Most importantly, this was supposed to be the last book in the Off Series but I’ve had such an outpouring of requests to keep writing… I’m happy to report that this is NOT the last book. There will be others, but after I get a few other projects complete!
• Not to give away a spoiler, but there is a huge scene in the book involving Emily and Nix from Off Limits and it’s based almost exactly off a very important moment in my personal life.
• Fire fighters are hot! It’s a fact!
• There is a really cute, fuzzy and rambunctious dog in this book named, Capone! He’s based off of my own puppy goodness… my Bernese Mountain Dog, Atticus.
• I sobbed like a baby when I finished writing the prologue. Warning: It might make you cry, too.
• You will get really good updates in this book on all of the past Off characters… Ryan, Danny, Emily, Nix, Linc, Ever, Renner and Cillian!
USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn't have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.
Author social media links:
***GIVEAWAY***
Stacking The Shelves #8
Labels:
Caisey Quinn,
Ellie Marney,
Sawyer Bennett,
Stacking The Shelves
·
Stacking The Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews and is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves.
These are all the beautiful books I got over the past week!
ARCs for Review:
 |
 |
 |
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Hold Us Close by Caisey Quinn
This is the sequel novella to Keep Me Still, which I absolutely adored! Thank so much for this one Caisey!
Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins
Thanks to HarlquinTEEN via Netgalley
If I Return by Sawyer Bennett
This is part of The 12 NA's of Christmas series! Thanks for sending this one Sawyer!
Every Breath by Ellie Marney
Thanks so much to Allen & Unwin Australia for posting me a copy! I can't wait to read this YA mystery romance!!
FREE on Amazon (Woo Hoo!!):
 |
Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover
Purchased:
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
How could I resist this gorgeous exclusive Australian Hardcover Limited Edition, and it's signed!! I tried to get a photo that showed the beautiful metallic finish, but it still doesn't do it justice!
These are being sold exclusively through Dymocks Bookstores (they do ship internationally, so check their website for details! But hurry as there is only limited stock!!)
Well that's what's new to my bookshelf - what about you?
{Blog Tour + GIVEAWAY} The Only One by Magan Vernon
Labels:
5 Stars,
Book Review,
Contemporary Romance,
Giveaway,
Magan Vernon,
New Adult
·
Title: The Only One
Author: Magan Vernon
Published: Oct 10th 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC provided by author for honest review
Rating: 5/5
BLURB:
Honor student, manager at the campus coffee shop, owner of an impressive sweater collection – Melanie Wilder has it all together. Then John “John Boy” Walden strolls into her life wearing nothing more than an impish grin and all-too-revealing loin cloth.
Soon, make-out sessions replace homework, lust triumphs over work. And to further crumble her perfect world, an unexpected phone call threatens to take away everything she’s worked for.
Now, as Melanie struggles to pick up the pieces, she realizes that John may be the only one to put her life back together…unless he shatters it first.
Their differences threaten to tear them apart, unless they can make one another their only exception.
**This is not a sequel to The Only Exception. It's a companion novel with two characters from the first book. You don't need to read The Only Exception to understand this book.**
REVIEW:
The story:
This story is one hell of an emotional and moving read. I went into this expecting Magan's signature humour & sarcasm that I've come to love, which it certainly did! Witty characters and sexual innuendos a plenty! But there is also a very serious and powerfully story being told here. I don't want to give away what the 'reveal' is because I think that was such an intensely emotional moment that you need to feel for yourself. I didn't see it coming at all and I was in as much shock as the characters where when they found out. It's at this point that we get to really know the characters. The way John Boy supported Melanie was beautiful, and together they find there own way of dealing with the situation.
Aside from this 'secret' storyline that I'm not going to reveal, there is of course the romance between John Boy & Melanie. It starts out more flirtatious and casual, when they meet at a Halloween party & John Boy is wearing no more that a loincloth *passes out*. But after John sees Melanie in a moment of vulnerability, he starts to want more from their relationship. He wants to be a better person and be there to support her.
The characters:
John boy...oh John Boy how I love you! He is the epitome of hotness and every girl of campus wants a piece of him (I can't blame them!). He's confident, knows how to have fun and is devilishly flirty. But that's not all there is to him, he might have the body of an pro athlete, but under that sexy loincloth clad body there is a smart, sweet and caring guy, that melted my heart. *sigh*
"Everyone thinks I’m just some big guy that wants to either f*ck or fight. Maybe I don’t want that.” - John Boy
I felt a bit a kinship with Melanie, the quiet Harry Potter nerd always studying and sometimes forgetting to just have let loose and have fun. She's very insecure about her looks & ability to fit in, always worrying what others think. She wants to loosen up but seems scared to. That is until John Boy shows her how be happy with who she really is.
We also get introduced to Melanie's family, most notably her sister Valerie, who was a fun and vibrant character. And we also get some awesome cameo appearances from Trey & Monica from The Only Exception (which is a companion novel, so they can be read in any order).
The romance:
I love an opposites attract romance, which essentially this is. But, while Melanie & John Boy are very different on the surface, they actually have a lot more in common than they first realise. My favourite similarity would have to be their shared love of Harry Potter!
"You’ve been through enough shit today and nothing makes a day better than baked goods and Harry Potter.” - John Boy
If a guy ever said that to me, he would freakin own me! The connection between these two is very sweet, as it grows from friendship to something more. And while they are hit with some heavy news early on, I felt that only made their relationship stronger. John's there for her when she needs him most. When she needs a shoulder to cry on, literally, he offers his up in a heartbeat. Even when she tries to give him an out, he doesn't take it, which just won me over a little bit more. These two also share some oh so steamy moments too, with the infamously epic love scene!! And the scene on the dance floor, I mean seriously hot, phew!!!!! *fans self*
The Writing:
I absolutely love Magan's humorous writing style, with some of John's innuendoes making me giggle like a teenage girl! But somehow she still manages to weave powerful issues throughout the story. She doesn't shy away from the truth, with some of the scenes being quite confronting and a little overwhelming - and this made me feel like I was going through everything with them, like this was happening to a friend.
The pacing was also very effective, with all the small pieces of the story coming together for a beautiful ending. And…there is a epilogue, hooray!!! I hate when stories end abruptly, especially if they're isn't a sequel. But this epilogue gives finality to John & Melanie's story and when I turned the last page I felt a sense of closure. Although I'm going to find it hard to say goodbye to Melanie & John, because I absolutely adored them, I was happy with where we leave them.
FINAL WORD:
This story has everything; relatable heroine, sexy & sweet hero, loincloths and an intense & emotional storyline. This is one of those books that I kept thinking about after I finished reading it. What happens to Melanie and how she & John deal with it affected me, and made me think how it could happen to anyone. The entire book is a roller coaster of emotions and is a must read for any NA romance fans! I can't wait to read Melanie's sister Valerie's story next!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / descriptive sex scenes
Violence: mild
Language: medium / some f*ck
Drugs & alcohol: mild-medium
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
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 at www.maganvernon.com.
Website | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads
***GIVEAWAY***
Swoon Thursday #26
Labels:
Cora Cormack,
New Adult,
Swoon Thursday
·
Swoon Thursday is a weekly event hosted by YA Bound.This is how it works:
From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog.
This week, I’m SWOONING over:
Title: Finding It
Series: Losing It #3
Author: Cora Cormack
Published: 15th Oct 2013
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source: eARC provided by author for honest review
Rating: 5/5
I'd thought maybe he's left, but then I heard his gruff voice behind me say, "F--k it," and his hands seized my waist and pulled me back against his chest. His wet clothing met my bare skin, and I shivered from the cold. His mouth found my neck, and those shivers became tremors. He nipped the juncture of my neck and shoulder, and I stumbled forward into the spray of the shower. I gasped when the water hit me, and he squeezed my waist, pulling my hips back against his.
Yes I know I'm evil for cutting the scene there, but you'll just have to read it!!
This book was filled with swoony moments, but after fighting his attraction for so long and then both of them getting caught in the rain, this scene was HOT!!!
{Book Blitz} Sweet Surrendering by Chelsea M. Cameron
Labels:
Book Blitz,
Chelsea M. Cameron
·
Title: Sweet Surrendering
Series: Surrender Saga #1
Author: Chelsea M. Cameron
Published: Oct 15th
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
BLURB:
She’s his boss. He doesn’t care. This office isn’t big enough for the two of them…
When Rory Clarke ends up hiring the guy she spent one steamy night with to be her administrative assistant, she's determined to keep things professional.
Lucas Blaine has other plans for her. He wants Rory, and it’s hard to resist his stunning blue eyes, chin dimple and the way he fills out a suit. Everywhere she looks, there he is, giving her a panty-melting smile and pulling her away for the most amazing (and satisfying) sex she’s ever had in her life.
What starts off as one sexual encounter turns into multiple trysts in and out of the office and the lines she’d tried to draw so carefully are blurring. But the closer they get, the more Rory realizes that there are things about Lucas she doesn’t know, things he’s hiding from her. She’ll have to decide if she can surrender to her feelings or get out while she still can.
AUTHOR BIO:
Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.
Her New Adult Contemporary Romance titles include My Favorite Mistake, which has been bought by Harlequin along with a sequel, Deeper We Fall and Faster We Burn (April 20, 2013)
Her Young Adult books include Nocturnal, Nightmare and Neither, the first three books in The Noctalis Chronicles. The fourth and final book, Neverend will be out in 2013. Whisper, the first in The Whisper Trilogy is also available, with the second book in the series, Silence and the final book, LIsten coming out in 2014.
***GIVEAWAY***
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