A brand new standalone from Jennifer Foor. MOTH will be all suspense and sexy a guaranteed page turner, releasing on APRIL 25!
Monday, February 29, 2016
Twisted by Elizabeth Montgomery *~*~*~*~* Release Blitz, Review & Giveaway
Title: Twisted
Author: Elizabeth Montgomery
Publisher: CHBB Publishing
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba, Mae I Design and Photography
Format: Ebook and Paperback
Synopsis
Who could’ve known one pair of shoes could cause so much trouble.
Dee’s lost the sparkly red heels, and when she befriends a witch to help her find a way home, she finds herself down the rabbit hole. With the veil between Wonderland and Oz torn wide open, things go awry.
The flying monkeys are loose in the Kingdom, Hatter is lost on the sun-colored brick road, and betwixt a battle of the worlds, the Red Queen seeks power, but all Dee wants is to go home.
REVIEW:
I HEART BOOKS REVIEW
Twisted by Elizabeth Montgomery
Review by Angela
Stars: 5
This is a fantasy with a hint of romance. Yes, a hint of romance... you will have to read it to find out what I am referring too! I recommend this for young adults. This is a book full of so many surprises, I never knew what to expect, an unique mesh of Oz and Alice in Wonderland is the only way I can describe it. Dee is lost in a unfamiliar world, and her only desire is to go home... or truthfully her real desire is to be accepted and loved. Maybe she is really where she is supposed to be.
Dee has found herself without any means to get back home, the red shoes are no where to be found. But fortunely she happens across someone to lead her to a kind witch, who is willing to help her. Spells go awry, and well two worlds are combined. This can not be good or can it? Time will only tell. Dee has a lot of decisions to make and she must follow her own heart.
favorite passages.
"Long flowing rivers, cliffs that overlook the sunflower fields, and forest of solace."
"The wicked witch had tried to kill me with her Redbull-infused monkeys, and then again with her poisonous flower fields."
"The brilliant wings of the small creatures glimmered in the small bits of sunlight that filtered through the trees on the other side of the stream."
"I watched him limp away, his golden fur glistening against the rays of the sun as if it had been sprinkled with diamond dust."
"They mimicked a distant rumble of thunder rolling through the air on a hot summer night."
:Glow-bugs dances through the land creating an artistic landscape that even the greats would be wowed by."
"Crossing the street there was the equivalent of a guppy swimming through a shark infested river."
"She was heartbroken, and no words would ever fix that."
"Staring into his eyes felt similar to that first sip of hot chocolate you take on a cold snowy day-warm and soothing as it radiates joy throughout your entire body."
"Everything could stay just like it was forever, and I'd be one happy human in a sea of insanity."
"I closed my eyes and froze the moment in my memory."
Twisted by Elizabeth Montgomery
Review by Angela
Stars: 5
Review by Angela
Stars: 5
This is a fantasy with a hint of romance. Yes, a hint of romance... you will have to read it to find out what I am referring too! I recommend this for young adults. This is a book full of so many surprises, I never knew what to expect, an unique mesh of Oz and Alice in Wonderland is the only way I can describe it. Dee is lost in a unfamiliar world, and her only desire is to go home... or truthfully her real desire is to be accepted and loved. Maybe she is really where she is supposed to be.
Dee has found herself without any means to get back home, the red shoes are no where to be found. But fortunely she happens across someone to lead her to a kind witch, who is willing to help her. Spells go awry, and well two worlds are combined. This can not be good or can it? Time will only tell. Dee has a lot of decisions to make and she must follow her own heart.
favorite passages.
"Long flowing rivers, cliffs that overlook the sunflower fields, and forest of solace."
"The wicked witch had tried to kill me with her Redbull-infused monkeys, and then again with her poisonous flower fields."
"The brilliant wings of the small creatures glimmered in the small bits of sunlight that filtered through the trees on the other side of the stream."
"I watched him limp away, his golden fur glistening against the rays of the sun as if it had been sprinkled with diamond dust."
"They mimicked a distant rumble of thunder rolling through the air on a hot summer night."
:Glow-bugs dances through the land creating an artistic landscape that even the greats would be wowed by."
"Crossing the street there was the equivalent of a guppy swimming through a shark infested river."
"She was heartbroken, and no words would ever fix that."
"Staring into his eyes felt similar to that first sip of hot chocolate you take on a cold snowy day-warm and soothing as it radiates joy throughout your entire body."
"Everything could stay just like it was forever, and I'd be one happy human in a sea of insanity."
"I closed my eyes and froze the moment in my memory."
Dee has found herself without any means to get back home, the red shoes are no where to be found. But fortunely she happens across someone to lead her to a kind witch, who is willing to help her. Spells go awry, and well two worlds are combined. This can not be good or can it? Time will only tell. Dee has a lot of decisions to make and she must follow her own heart.
favorite passages.
"Long flowing rivers, cliffs that overlook the sunflower fields, and forest of solace."
"The wicked witch had tried to kill me with her Redbull-infused monkeys, and then again with her poisonous flower fields."
"The brilliant wings of the small creatures glimmered in the small bits of sunlight that filtered through the trees on the other side of the stream."
"I watched him limp away, his golden fur glistening against the rays of the sun as if it had been sprinkled with diamond dust."
"They mimicked a distant rumble of thunder rolling through the air on a hot summer night."
:Glow-bugs dances through the land creating an artistic landscape that even the greats would be wowed by."
"Crossing the street there was the equivalent of a guppy swimming through a shark infested river."
"She was heartbroken, and no words would ever fix that."
"Staring into his eyes felt similar to that first sip of hot chocolate you take on a cold snowy day-warm and soothing as it radiates joy throughout your entire body."
"Everything could stay just like it was forever, and I'd be one happy human in a sea of insanity."
"I closed my eyes and froze the moment in my memory."
AUTHOR BIO:
Elizabeth Montgomery was born in Williamsburg, Va and raised in Yorktown, Va. Growing up in and around the historic triangle spurred her love for the unusual and paranormal. She is a mom to four amazing kids, a wife to an extraordinary husband and a full-time pediatric nurse. When not writing, working or helping with homework you can find Elizabeth with her nose stuck in a book or hovering around her Keurig waiting for that next cup.
Author Links:
“Like” her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMontgomeryFanPage
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EMontgomeryAuth
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/EMontgomeryAuth/
Elizabeth’s website: http://www.elizabethmontgomery.weebly.com/
Rafflecopter Link:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Lost by Ker Dukey and D.H. Sidebottom *~*~*~*~*~*~* Release Blitz and Review
Title: Lost
Co written By: D.H Sidebottom & Ker Dukey
Cover Designer: Amy Queau
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1UNADMu
We came from nothing and were given a second chance at life, and life was pretty good until it tipped on its axis and my world came tumbling down around me.
My Baby Sister is missing…
Stolen…
Lost…
Stolen…
Lost…
I’ve never felt this helpless before now, the vacant hole inside me expanding with each passing second of not knowing where she is.
What’s she going through?
Is she hurt?
Suffering?
Alive?
What’s she going through?
Is she hurt?
Suffering?
Alive?
The more I learn of her disappearance the more fear implants itself inside my heart, hardening – darkening.
The world is a depraved place, full of evil lurking behind normality.
Behind smiles.
Behind deception and facades.
The world is a depraved place, full of evil lurking behind normality.
Behind smiles.
Behind deception and facades.
She needs me and I will do whatever it takes to find her.
Whatever.
Whatever.
Whatever.
Whatever.
I HEART BOOKS REVIEW
Lost by Ker Dukey and D.H. Sidebottom
Review by Jennifer
Stars: 4
I am relatively new to both of these authors works, however being a lover of Dark reads I jumped at the chance of reading this book.
Winter and her younger sister Summer had a terrible introduction to life, an introduction that we get a glimpse of in flash backs. However after a terrible incident they manage to claw themselves into a better life. Even if they have been left with scars, on the outside and inside.
When Winter’s sister goes missing with a serial killer on the loose she is determined to do anything and everything to get her back alive and to kill the people responsible. Even of that means not listening to a word the police officer who pulled her out of the dark years before.
The story is a good one and tho deals with dark issues does so in such a way that it doesn't leave you cringing due to the shock value that some authors place scenes in for. My only complaint is that there are some things that I would have liked explaining further, such as Cole’s history and how he came to be (too many spoilers if I explain further).
The twist I have to admit to being one that I saw coming, perhaps not the entire outcome of that twist, but hey, knowing the entire story after a certain percentage would be boring and was well delivered.
I have to admit to not 100% understanding the relationship that forms with the H/h which is my main reason for taking of a star in my rating, that and wishing to understand Cole’s back story.
These are certainly authors I will come back to when looking for a dark read.
Please note I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Lost by Ker Dukey and D.H. Sidebottom
Review by Jennifer
Stars: 4I am relatively new to both of these authors works, however being a lover of Dark reads I jumped at the chance of reading this book.
Winter and her younger sister Summer had a terrible introduction to life, an introduction that we get a glimpse of in flash backs. However after a terrible incident they manage to claw themselves into a better life. Even if they have been left with scars, on the outside and inside.
When Winter’s sister goes missing with a serial killer on the loose she is determined to do anything and everything to get her back alive and to kill the people responsible. Even of that means not listening to a word the police officer who pulled her out of the dark years before.
The story is a good one and tho deals with dark issues does so in such a way that it doesn't leave you cringing due to the shock value that some authors place scenes in for. My only complaint is that there are some things that I would have liked explaining further, such as Cole’s history and how he came to be (too many spoilers if I explain further).
The twist I have to admit to being one that I saw coming, perhaps not the entire outcome of that twist, but hey, knowing the entire story after a certain percentage would be boring and was well delivered.
I have to admit to not 100% understanding the relationship that forms with the H/h which is my main reason for taking of a star in my rating, that and wishing to understand Cole’s back story.
These are certainly authors I will come back to when looking for a dark read.
Please note I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
She is an avid reader and her tastes range from horror to erotic, but she loves to help new authors get into the ‘scene’. She loves rock music and tattooed guys, and has a weakness for coffee, wine and Belgium buns.
Facebook / Twitter / Website / Amazon /Goodreads
I have always had a passion for storytelling, whether it be through lyrics or bed time stories with my sisters. I wanted to be an actress growing up so I could live many roles but I learned early on that my mind was too active… I would want to change the script.I would watch films and think of ways they could have improved the story if they took another direction so i thought it best that i tell my own.
My mum would always have a book in her hand when I was young and passed on her love for reading, inspiring me to venture into writing my own. I tend to have a darker edge to my writing. Not all love stories are made from light, some are created in darkness but are just as powerful and worth telling.
When I’m not lost in the world of characters I love spending time with my family. I’m a mum and that comes first in my life but when I do get down time I love attending music concerts or reading events with my younger sister.
You can find me on Facebook where I love interacting with my readers.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Marked (Marked #3) by Elena M. Reyes *~*~*~*~*~* Blog Tour, Trailer & Excerpt
“With everything I am. I’ll always be by your side.”
It was his truth.
A vow Talan made to the woman who owned him. Because that is what Maya did to him; she held his entire life in her hands. He lived for her smile…her happiness, and now someone has dimmed that light in her eyes with their malice.
His love for his Bitty has taken him past the breaking point, and he’s determined to make those that hurt her—pay. Blood. He wanted his hands on those that wronged—almost took her away from him.
Because if one thing was certain, it was that he breathed for her. It was her warmth and love that gave him a home—a purpose and desire for more, but now that had been threatened. Maya was in pain, and that for him was unbearable.
It was his fault. A fault that he would right no matter what he had to go through.
How does a man so completely in love with his female react to seeing her in a hospital bed and broken?
He fights. Goes against all logic and seeks vengeance.
With the tip of my finger, I caressed her cheek before tipping her sad face toward mine. “Please don’t hide from me.” Leaning forward, I rested my forehead against hers—breathed in her every exhale. “I love you,” I repeated once again, this time against her lips. Lips that now pressed themselves against my own with fervor.
“Love you too,” she mumbled, mouth tightly pressed against mine.
“Better?”
“Yeah.” Another kiss. “I’m better, I promise.”
With a brow raised, I stared her down. “Don’t bullshit me.”
This time I got an eye roll and an annoyed huff. At the very least, her sass was still there. “Promise, I am. Now, quit being a pain in my injured ass and talk.”
Women. I bit her lip for the smart-ass remark before talking.
“Baby, when you were brought in, it was bad. We didn’t know anything, just that you were attacked and had lost a lot of blood at the scene.” I had to pause there and rein in my emotions. The resentment I held for the bitch and the piece of shit rich kid that helped her. Irritation with the lack of answers at that point—the fear I dealt with nearly bowled me over.
Maya didn’t need to see that.
“Please continue.”
Running the tips of my fingers through her loose curls, I found my center again. “It was bad, baby,” I whispered, voice thick with emotion. “You received a hairline fracture on the temporal bone after being hit repeatedly with a wooden—”
“Baseball bat,” she finished for me. “I remember that. I’d been at my car, on my phone with a friend when…”
Nodding, I reached up and, with the gentlest of touches, caressed her bandages. “Seeing you lying in that bed, unconscious, was one of the worst moments of my life. Pure fucking torture, not knowing when you’d wake up or what shape you’d be in. Head trauma, no matter how tiny, is dangerous. And you…fuck, Bitty.”
“Hey,” Maya breathed, wrapping her arms around my neck. The movement caused her to let out a low hiss, but before I could pull her off and check her out, she spoke. “I’m okay.”
It had the opposite effect. I hated those words with a passion.
“Stop. Don’t fucking placate me.”
“I’m not, Talan. Look at me.” Our eyes connected for a few seconds before I looked away and over toward the opposite wall. “I’m not broken. Hurt, yes, but not broken.”
Ignoring her words, I continued to talk as if on auto pilot. “Then, when you opened those beautiful grey eyes and with fear told me it was Janice, I...I want her blood on my hands for what she’s done to you.”
Ignoring her words, I continued to talk as if on auto pilot. “Then, when you opened those beautiful grey eyes and with fear told me it was Janice, I...I want her blood on my hands for what she’s done to you.”
“That’s not a past-tense threat.”
“For as long as my heart beats inside my chest, I will protect you with every single breath I take.”
“I’ve never doubted that, but please, let the cops handle it. She’s not worth you dirtying your hands, baby.” While her pleading broke down my resolve for the briefest of seconds, looking at our surroundings brought it back. I wanted those two assholes dead. “I can see it on your face...no, Talan. Let them handle it.”
“I will.”
“Promise.”
“I do.” For now.
“Love you.”
“I know,” I replied cockily. “Now…” She let out a tiny giggle when I leaned in close and nipped her chin. “How about that shower?”
Elena M. Reyes was born and raised in Miami Florida. She is the epitome of a Floridian and if she could live in her beloved flip-flops, she would.
As a small child, she was always intrigued with all forms of art—whether it was dancing to island rhythms, or painting with any medium she could get her hands on. Her first taste of writing came to her during her fifth grade year when her class was prompted to participate in the D. A. R. E. Program and write an essay on what they’d learned.
Her passion for reading over the years has amassed her with hours of pleasure. It wasn't until she stumbled upon fanfiction that her thirst to write overtook her world. She now resides in Central Florida with her husband and son, spending all her down time letting her creativity flow and letting her characters grow.
As a small child, she was always intrigued with all forms of art—whether it was dancing to island rhythms, or painting with any medium she could get her hands on. Her first taste of writing came to her during her fifth grade year when her class was prompted to participate in the D. A. R. E. Program and write an essay on what they’d learned.
Her passion for reading over the years has amassed her with hours of pleasure. It wasn't until she stumbled upon fanfiction that her thirst to write overtook her world. She now resides in Central Florida with her husband and son, spending all her down time letting her creativity flow and letting her characters grow.
Hosted By:
Craving You (TBX #2) by Ashley Christin *~*~*~*~* Blog Tour & Excerpt
Kelsey
Being around Parker Taylor is like walking a tightrope; the feelings of lust and hate come with the sway of my emotions. One foot in front of the other keeps my life balanced until he causes my steps to falter. One day, I hate his perfect self, and the next, I want to have his babies. He’s a bad habit I can’t allow myself to become addicted to …
Parker
Being around Kelsey Whitten makes my blood rush and not only south. One minute, I’m pushing her up on the bathroom counter, and the next, she’s cussing at me from those sweet lips of hers. One taste from her smart mouth and I'm sign-me-up-for-a-twelve-step-program addicted. She’s habit-forming and that doesn’t work for me …
Being around Parker Taylor is like walking a tightrope; the feelings of lust and hate come with the sway of my emotions. One foot in front of the other keeps my life balanced until he causes my steps to falter. One day, I hate his perfect self, and the next, I want to have his babies. He’s a bad habit I can’t allow myself to become addicted to …
Parker
Being around Kelsey Whitten makes my blood rush and not only south. One minute, I’m pushing her up on the bathroom counter, and the next, she’s cussing at me from those sweet lips of hers. One taste from her smart mouth and I'm sign-me-up-for-a-twelve-step-program addicted. She’s habit-forming and that doesn’t work for me …
Taking a few deep, quiet breaths, my mind tries to wrap around the information I just eavesdropped on. When the truck engine fires up, I’m jolted out of my thoughts, wasting no time to make it to him, desperate to be near him and not knowing why.
He’s rolling down his window when I jerk his door open, out of breath from my run and the words he told Ava. Emotions feed my soul, fueling my actions.
His face displays shock while his strong arms hold the door ajar. “Kelsey?”
Stomping my foot onto the running board of his truck brings me level with his beautiful face. “Shut up,” I demand then I attack his mouth, swept up in the emotions his earlier words brought. Parker tangles one hand in my hair at the base of my neck opening my mouth further to him while his other hand squeezes my body tight to his. I can smell the sweat on him as well as feel it while I run my hands through his helmet hair. I love him messy.
We part breathing heavy before I murmur against his lips, “I’m so proud of you, Parker.”
“I’ll ride like that or better every damn time for kisses like that.” His voice rumbles through me while his eyes spark, fueling my core. “You’re cute when you blush.” He rubs our noses against each other.
“Why’re you way out here when you should be celebrating?” My breathing accelerated.
“I’m beat. I could use a sugar high, sweetness.” Oh, ooooh, is this the ride Brea was talking about?
“You just said you’re tired.”
Strong arms pull me in tighter to his body. “Never too tired for you.” Since I’m still standing on the running board , I decide to throw one leg over and straddle his lap. The steering wheel digs into my back while his shifter digs into my center. “Askin’ for trouble,” he growls, fingertips digging into my hip bones to steady my grinding.
“I heard the ride after the ride is the best. Know anything about that?” I muse, licking my lips for good measure.
“Just might.” His teeth graze my bare shoulder while his hips thrust upward, and I let out a moan. I’m so, so thankful I decided on a sundress for today. “You’re fuckin’ killin’ me.”
“I’m ready for my run. However, I’m the only contestant.” I can feel my smile falter for a split second, and pray he didn’t notice. I don’t need my insecurities showing. “Hope I place.” Biting my bottom lip to hide my slip, I grind down on his hardness.
“Kelsey.” My name coming from his voice, rough but soft, like dead leaves rustling on the ground in the fall, hits me right in the heart. “You’re number one.” Strong hands roam over my neck, back, and shoulders as I try to push back the questions on the tip of my tongue. How many has he said that to in the past? The desert has relocated to my mouth; it’s so dry. I’m desperate to have him at this moment and to know the answer to my question. Calloused hands skim up and down my thighs while my fingers fumble to unbutton his jeans. Once the pesky zipper is finally down, I reach in, warm solid velvet greeting me and I grab a hold of my trophy. Sliding my palm back and forth, his head rises from watching me. “I need your sweetness, baby.”
One hand grips my left hip tightly as the other reaches under my skirt, finding the lace below. With ease, he slides it over, bunching it in his left hand that’s still holding my hip in place. A lone finger slides between my folds as a moan escapes me.
Parker’s lips part, absorbing my plea for more. “Please tell me you’re my prize, that this sweet pussy is mine.” My skin is hypersensitive to his touch, and his words are making it worse. If a body can call out to another, then mine is screaming for his. “Did you wear this sexy sundress for me?” His lips stealing my reply.
“Ah, yes. Parker, please …” He’s testing me, and I’m failing.
“Say you’re my prize. Tell me you want to ride my dick, Kelsey. I want to hear you fuckin’ say it because I damn sure want your beautiful pussy wrapped around me.” That dirty mouth does me in.
“If you want me as your prize, then fuck-” Thrust. He slams into me, fingers biting into the flesh of my hips, and I love it. “Yessss.” The pant escapes me as I’m filled with him.
“Fuckin’ best.” Thrust. “Prize.” Thrust. “Ever.” My head falls back and the pressure of my back causes the horn to honk. I jump up trying to move off of him. “Don’t move.” I freeze and then am jolted forward as he shifts his seat back and continues. “Show me your tricks,” he muses, brow quirked up and that side smile in place.
Glancing around I see no one is surrounding the truck demanding we stop, as I thought. Everyone must be attending the after party. My body adjusts to fit him, but it feels amazing. I start to move, slow at first, but that doesn’t last long. Soon, the only sound that fills the cab is skin slapping skin. Sweat gathers on our bodies while I drown in the pleasure of having him inside me.
Parker pulls me close to him as we move together. Soft lips brush across mine. “I’ll never get enough of you.” We’re so deep in the passion of things, I can’t take his statement to heart, but damn, it’s hard. It flutters around in my ribcage, the betrayer. “Say it again.” I pull away for a moment to gaze into his eyes, and then it hits me, so I never lose my focus on him.
“I’m so very proud of you, Parker.” The whole time, he moves slowly inside me. In and out, pause, in and out. Two becoming one and damn, for the first time in forever, I wish I believed in fairy tales. He kisses me with so much depth, I feel it down to my toes and I cling to him. At this moment, I’m his.
Feeling him inside me brings so many emotions to the surface, emotions I’m not going to deal with. I feel him swell inside me, and I moan, “Parker.” I want him even closer, although we’re as close as two people could ever be. I arch up as he slams into me, and I fall apart right in his arms. It hits me so hard, it’s unexpected.
“Sweetness, fuckkkk!” His teeth graze my shoulder during his climax, and my head slumps against his, exhausted. I wish I could stay in this moment forever, but now, I have to face the music. A kiss touches my shoulder where his bite marks must be, soothing it. “Kelsey.” Throat full of raw emotion, his voice causes my heart to drop out of my chest. I thought, I don’t know, I thought this meant something, but the regret in his voice doesn’t verify that.
Sliding off him and into the passenger seat, I adjust my dress and try to open the door while he buttons his jeans and slides the seat back up. Even though my heart is currently racing at full speed through my bloodstream, she finds time to let my brain know what she thinks. My brain refuses, but my soul overrules and my mouth speaks in a whisper. “I had to find you after your run and tell you how great you did. I’m … I’m so proud of you, Parker. I get it, trust me, I get what we are. Not that we are a ‘we,’ but you know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t. Tell me.” His growl startles me, and I whirl around to stare at him, his eyes burning.
“I’m not blind!”
“You sure ‘bout that? How’d you go and turn what just happened into shit? Fuck!” His fist slams against the steering wheel.
“Please, you know what the hell this is about.” I try to keep my voice calm to play off my emotions.
“Do you?” There’s a knock on the glass beside Parker. It’s a girl, shocker.
“Might wanna get that. Looks like someone else is looking for a ride too.” I go to open the door, but it’s locked. “Unlock the door.” My voice remains calm.
“Look at me.”
“No. Your next number one is here.” I know how childish I sound, but it’s the least of my worries at this moment.
The sound of his window motor fills the truck. “Hey Parker, Do you-”
“Busy.” And then he rolls it back up. “Fuckin’ look at me, Kelsey.” I don’t. Instead, I focus on the dragonfly that just landed on the hood. “My bare dick was just inside of you. Look. At. Me.”
“That doesn’t entitle you to me.”
“The fuck it doesn’t. I own that sweet pussy. Go, try and see if it wants any other flavor but me. You’ll be fuckin’ mistaken’.”
“Just might.”
“You do and that’ll be the last time you have me.”
“Maybe I don’t want you.”
“Keep tellin’ yourself that.”
“You’re an arrogant asshole.”
“Well, you attacked me for my dick today, so I must not be that bad.”
I jerk on the door handle. “Unlock this or I’ll break it.”
“Kiss me.”
I scoff. “Are you insane?”
“Again, you were just ridin’ my dick. I know you’re pissed now because you don’t understand it, but I still need a kiss.”
“Go kiss another girl.” I cross my arms.
“I don’t want any other girl.” My heart flutters. He leans over and wraps a hand around my wrist, untangling my arms. “I want you.” When I lean in to kiss him, he pulls away. “But I want you to want me just as bad as I want you.” I stare at him, dumbfounded. “I want you to crave me, and I always get what I want.”
Click.
The door unlocks, and I scurry out. Away from him and away from the feelings he erupts in me.
No, thank you. Emotionless is my comfort zone.
I’m Texas proud with the accent to prove it. During the day I wear scrubs as a cape and try to save the world one patient at a time as a nurse. At night, mainly Friday nights, you can find me with a glass of wine faithfully by my side while I type away on the computer. I seem to get my days and nights mixed up, because my best ideas come around midnight, so I’m a complete night owl. I have a long-term boyfriend who puts up with my crazy and a black lab named Sadie AKA Sadie Lady. In the in-between times of my life, I’m just tryin’ to survive my twenties with beer, good friends and fun adventures!
Friday, February 26, 2016
Tangled Hearts (Passion in Paradise) by Sarah O'Rourke *~*~*~*~*~* Blog Tour, Excerpt & Review
Army Strong has a mission....to protect Southern Sassy at all costs.
The directive had been clear: Deeply embed himself in the fair town of Paradise, Tennessee, and keep one Melody Song Reardon from forgiving her fornicating ex-fiancé and keep her safe by any means necessary. Fortunately, Retired First Sergeant Callum Valentine had always been a man that got the job done. Unfortunately, nobody told him that while his ‘job’ might be as pretty as a picture, she could be ornery as a wet cat and had a stubborn streak a mile long. Now, he was battling baristas and dodging would-be assassins in an effort to keep one sultry southern minx safe.
He’d thought the Taliban would be the most dangerous force he ever face. Imagine his surprise when he realized that the radical extremists had nothing on one curvy little woman with a wicked edge to her tongue…. a woman that had somehow tangled herself around his cold heart.★✩★
Melody Song Reardon was done with men. After learning that the man she’d been going to marry was no better than a corporate Casanova in and out of the boardroom and bedroom, she’d decided that love just wasn’t in the cards for her. Which was fine. She was young, smart, and capable… and better yet, she had a dream and a plan: Opening her very own book/yarn store – Hooks & Books. She had the brains. She had the building. And now, she had a freaking bodyguard compliments of her interfering older brother?
She didn’t care how mouthwateringly handsome her so-called savior was; she didn’t need another controlling man in her life telling her what to do. At least, she hadn’t needed one…. until those nerve wracking hang-ups and strange notes took an ominous turn. Now, somebody wants her dead and the only thing standing between her and the Grim Reaper is one seriously gorgeous man named Callum Valentine. Falling in love again in the middle of her own personal apocalypse hadn’t been the plans…then again, the great thing about a plan is that it can change on a dime!
He’d thought the Taliban would be the most dangerous force he ever face. Imagine his surprise when he realized that the radical extremists had nothing on one curvy little woman with a wicked edge to her tongue…. a woman that had somehow tangled herself around his cold heart.★✩★
Melody Song Reardon was done with men. After learning that the man she’d been going to marry was no better than a corporate Casanova in and out of the boardroom and bedroom, she’d decided that love just wasn’t in the cards for her. Which was fine. She was young, smart, and capable… and better yet, she had a dream and a plan: Opening her very own book/yarn store – Hooks & Books. She had the brains. She had the building. And now, she had a freaking bodyguard compliments of her interfering older brother?
She didn’t care how mouthwateringly handsome her so-called savior was; she didn’t need another controlling man in her life telling her what to do. At least, she hadn’t needed one…. until those nerve wracking hang-ups and strange notes took an ominous turn. Now, somebody wants her dead and the only thing standing between her and the Grim Reaper is one seriously gorgeous man named Callum Valentine. Falling in love again in the middle of her own personal apocalypse hadn’t been the plans…then again, the great thing about a plan is that it can change on a dime!
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Excerpt
Cal watched her another minute. “You’re a stubborn little ball of fury, aren’t you?” he asked as he watched her try to attach the tool to the lug nut, wincing as the metal slipped for the second time in a row.
Melody took a deep breath before she slowly turned to face her tormenter. “I was brought up believing that a girl should be able to take care of herself. I forgot that lesson for a little while and almost made a mistake I could never undo with a man I’d rather forget. I’m not ever going to repeat that experience again. So, to answer your question, yes, I’m a stubborn little ball of fury. Now, will you please go on your merry way?”
Cal finally gave into the urge and laughed, earning himself a cold look from the woman currently on her knees. “Careful, Princess. I’m gonna get a complex here because it’s beginning to feel like you don’t like me very much,” he taunted her with a wink. Seeing her press her lips together tightly, he knew she was fighting the urge to scream bloody murder at him. Squatting beside her, he met her fiery gaze. “Cat got your tongue, Pretty Girl?”
“No,” she declared with a shake of her head as she looked from him to his jacked up truck. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Ask away, darlin’,” he invited silkily with a ready nod. “I’m an open book,” he declared, holding his muscular arms out to his sides. And it was true. The book on him was open; it just happened to be written in code, he thought to himself as he gave himself a mental pat on the back for his own wittiness.
Melody offered him a deceptively sweet smile. “Is it true that men use big trucks to compensate for smaller endowments in, well,… other more intimate areas?” she asked, dropping her voice to a conversational whisper as she gave his crotch a rather pointed look.
Cal guffawed. “Are you asking me if I’ve got a tiny dick, Princess? Because I can tell you with a hundred percent honesty that the size of my cock and the size of my truck are very directly related. They’re both big and bad, but if you don’t believe me, I’d be pleased to give you a private showing.”
Melody’s jaw dropped at his audacity. “You… you just can’t say things like that!” she blustered, blushing furiously as he laughed in her face.
“I just did. Besides, you started it,” he accused, propping his hands on his narrow hips as he leaned forward and stared her down. “Don’t dish it out if you can’t handle having it spoon-fed back to you, Princess.” Damn, Cal privately mused, he hadn’t had this much fun with a woman with her clothes on in years. He couldn’t help wondering how exciting she’d be with her clothes off. He definitely be making it a point to find that out as soon as humanly possible.
“I revert to my earlier statement. You are a pig,” she reiterated with a disgusted shake of her head, her ponytail flying over one shoulder to smack him in the face as she moved.
“Maybe, but you’re just mad that you can’t seem to get one-up on me. Not used to a man that will stand his ground and fight with you?” he asked, fishing for a response from her. He wanted to know just how much she’d reveal about her ex-fiancé in casual conversation. Her brother didn’t think there’d been any kind of physical abuse and based on her reactions to him, he tended to think RJ was right, but he wanted to be sure. Because if he was wrong, she wouldn’t need his protection because he’d simply kill the motherfucker and be done with it.
“My former fiancé didn’t fight. It was too low-class a thing for him to do. He used to call our arguments spirited debates. My ass, they were debates. Freaking moron. A fight is a fight, right?” she asked as she grunted with exertion while she tried to pry one of the lug nuts loose.
“Right,” he agreed with a nod, sighing as her tool slipped again. “Politicians have….what did you call ‘em? Spirited debates? Real men and women fight.”
“See, that’s what I thought, too. But maybe that was the problem,” Melody muttered as she twisted the tire iron sharply, silently cursing the tight bolt. “I always did think Bradley had political ambitions. God knows that it’s what his dear old mommy and daddy wanted for him,” she continued to growl through gritted teeth as she twisted the tire iron violently. “Eureka!” she shouted when the bolt moved a few millimeters. “Did you see that? It moved,” she yelped, as her body made a tiny celebratory shimmy.
Cal chuckled softly at her little dance. “Sounds like this Bradley fella was kinda a douche,” he surmised, carefully watching Melody’s face.
“That is the understatement of the frickin’ year. Heck, maybe the decade, too,” Melody muttered, lifting one hand to take a swipe at her sweaty forehead.
Edging toward her, Cal tried to make a grab for the tool in her hand. “Seriously, babe. Let me do that for you,” he demanded gruffly, afraid she was going to either damage the wheel well or herself with her rough use of the tool.
“I’m about done warnin’ you, Stranger, so I’ll try and be real clear one last time. You try to touch my tire iron again and I’m gonna introduce it to the side of that hard head of yours. Repeatedly,” she informed him grimly while she desperately tried to loosen the second lug nut. “And, for the record, let me just state that I am most certainly NOT your babe,” she huffed, panting with exertion.
He could see her energy waning and shook his head. “You’re completely right, you aren’t my babe,” he agreed, covering Melody’s icy hands with his as she growled fiercely at the tire. “Right now, you’re more of my pain in the ass, woman,” he continued, his hands tightening on hers as he helped her turn the lug nut. “This’d be so much easier if you’d just let me do it,” he stated again, afraid he was going to hurt her hand by squeezing it too hard. “Honest to God, sassy, sweet and stubborn is not the sexy combination I thought it would be on you.”
REVIEW
I HEART BOOKS REVIEW
Palm South University Season One Box Set by Kandi Steiner
Review by Theresa Esterline
Stars: 5
Another tangled web of passion, comedy, and crime!!
How can you go wrong with all the wild and sassy women in Paradise? Not to mention the hunky men trying to keep their women from playing hero... This story continues on the trend. New characters, new problems, and lots of tension. And now a bit about the story...
After finding out he fiancee was cheating on her, with most of the women of Knoxville, Melody took off for home. Her parents died earlier in a tragic accident. Her grandmother has recently passed. Her bother (RJ) was still deployed to the sandbox. But she has her grandmother's house left to her and RJ. Now to start over!! If it wasn't for the crazy calls she was getting she would be doing good. Her new business was well on its way, there was a new hunk (Cal) sniffing around... When the phone calls turn deadly Cal is determined to protect her, even if it suffocates her!
Favorite passages:
- She was a firecracker of the first degree. Hot as hell, and explosive as all fuck.
- “They’re both big and bad, but if you don’t believe me, I’d be pleased to give you a private showing.” Melody’s jaw dropped at his audacity.
- “Inside voices are for parents and pussies,” he announced harshly, taking a perverse kind of pleasure in watching the old woman frown at him.
- “Whatever,” he mocked. “I hate that word. It’s the classy woman’s way of saying I-don’t-give-a-flying-fuck,” he complained.
Palm South University Season One Box Set by Kandi Steiner
Review by Theresa Esterline
Stars: 5
Review by Theresa Esterline
Stars: 5
Another tangled web of passion, comedy, and crime!!
How can you go wrong with all the wild and sassy women in Paradise? Not to mention the hunky men trying to keep their women from playing hero... This story continues on the trend. New characters, new problems, and lots of tension. And now a bit about the story...
After finding out he fiancee was cheating on her, with most of the women of Knoxville, Melody took off for home. Her parents died earlier in a tragic accident. Her grandmother has recently passed. Her bother (RJ) was still deployed to the sandbox. But she has her grandmother's house left to her and RJ. Now to start over!! If it wasn't for the crazy calls she was getting she would be doing good. Her new business was well on its way, there was a new hunk (Cal) sniffing around... When the phone calls turn deadly Cal is determined to protect her, even if it suffocates her!
Favorite passages:
- She was a firecracker of the first degree. Hot as hell, and explosive as all fuck.
- “They’re both big and bad, but if you don’t believe me, I’d be pleased to give you a private showing.” Melody’s jaw dropped at his audacity.
- “Inside voices are for parents and pussies,” he announced harshly, taking a perverse kind of pleasure in watching the old woman frown at him.
- “Whatever,” he mocked. “I hate that word. It’s the classy woman’s way of saying I-don’t-give-a-flying-fuck,” he complained.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah O’Rourke is actually two besties who live three states apart and write at all hours of the day and night! Born and raised in the Southern United States, they are overly attached to their one-click accounts, can’t make it through the day without copious doses of caffeine, and spend way too much time on the phone with each other.
Between them, they have four children and eighteen years of marriage...one to a super soldier and the other to egomaniac engineer. They hate empty chocolate wrappers and writer’s block, love to talk to readers...and oh, by the way, they write about strong, kick-ass women and hot alpha heroes!
WHERE TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM
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Email: sarahorourkebooks@gmail.com