Tattooed Emotions (Tattooed Billionaire Series #1) by Alicia Rae *~*~*~*~*~* Read-A-Long, Giveaway & Review

We’re so thrilled to be participating in the two-week read-a-long of Alicia Rae’s Tattooed series! Today we’ll be discussing chapters twenty through twenty-three of the first book, Tattooed Emotions! If you haven’t read it up yet, make sure you pick up a copy and follow along with the read-a-long!

What happened in chapter twenty - chapter twenty-three?

Raelyn is accompanying Damien to a charity event, one that she finds out he started for abused children. Paparazzi outside the event bombard them with questions about if Damien’s involvement with the charity and if he’s been abused himself.

After Damien’s stepbrother appears at the event, Raelyn is finally able to get Damien to open up to her, at least a little bit. He’s willing to take off his shirt for her, let her see his scars and his tattoos fully, although he still won’t tell her more than the answers to a few questions.

Raelyn is getting sicker and she’s worried her cancer has returned.

Several unexpected visitors show up at Raelyn’s office. First she finds Cale and Damien in the conference room together, where Damien tells her that Cale has signed over the ownership of their firm to her and she now owns all of the the shares.

Then her ex-fiance Nick shows up, wanting to talk, but Raelyn tells him to leave. When Damien finds out he’s saying he’s her fiance, they get into a fight, only to be interrupted by Raelyn getting sick.

She finally has to tell Damien about her cancer and her fear that it’s returned. She’s scared he’ll leave her like Nick did, but he is going to fight with her.

Favourite Quotes:

• “I don’t need music, Raelyn. I just need you.”
• “I’m right where I’m supposed to be, Damien, and nothing you or those heartless idiots outside say will change the way I feel.” “There is a great deal in my past that could make you have a change of heart, Raelyn,”
• “I’ve given you my whole body, Damien, imperfections and all, without reservations, and now, I need you to give me yours.”
• "I need you to understand that you might not get forever with me.

Discussion Questions:

• What do you think made Nick change his mind about being with Raelyn?
• Are you concerned about Zoey?
• How freaking badly do you NEED to read TATTOOED SCARS right away?

About TATTOOED EMOTIONS

Raelyn Jennings has survived the unthinkable. She’s been given a second chance to live, to breathe, to feel. Her ability to overcome such a traumatic hurdle has created armor around her heart. But beyond her shield is fear, a consuming deep one, of the unknown. Raelyn vows to herself that she’ll solely focus on the one constant in her life, her career as the CEO for a prestigious accounting firm. Damien Heathman’s unrelenting determination has made him a powerful, respected man. He’s sexy and confident and utterly breathtaking. His dominance and strength is evident in every purposeful stride, every meaningful look, and every soft caress. Raelyn has worked with Damien’s company, Heathman Enterprises, for many years, but they’ve never crossed paths—until now. Damien’s presence fills a room. He steals Raelyn’s breath and sparks her broken heart back to life. Once Damien sets eyes on Raelyn, there is no turning back. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her. Not even the dark secrets hidden behind his tattoos will stand in his way. The chemistry is undeniable. The passion is palpable. Can Damien convince Raelyn that he is worth the risk? Or will Raelyn allow her past to control her future, feeling the chance of another heartache is too great to bear?

Read TATTOOED EMOTIONS for free on Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

Giveaway

Want to win both books in Alicia Rae's Tattooed series and a swag pack? Enter via the Rafflecopter below! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow along with the Tattooed Emotions read-a-long:

• Day One: Monday, February 22nd –InkSlingerPR
• Day Two: Tuesday, February 23rd – Have Words Will Scribble
• Day Three: Wednesday, February 24th – Books and Friendz & Books Reviews Virginia Lee Blog
• Day Four: Thursday, February 25th – I'm A Sweet and Sassy Book Whore
• Day Five: Friday, February 26th – I Heart Books & She's a Lip Biter

Make sure to join InkSlinger PR on Monday, February 29th to begin the read-a-long of Tattooed Scars, the second book in the Tattooed series.

Review

I HEART BOOKS REVIEW

Tattooed Emotions (Tattooed Billionaire Series #1) by Alicia Rae
Review by Theresa Esterline
Stars: 5

Heartwarming and Hot... couldn't put it down!

Wonderful new series from Alicia Rae staring Raelyn Jennings , a wonderful lady with a huge heart, and Damien Heathman, a sexy billionaire who's overcome his past. The rollercoaster of emotions in this story seem to follow the path of Damien's tribal tattoos. And now a bit about the story...
She is recovering from a broken heart, but excited to find out her life threatening brain tumor is in remission and she can head back to work to focus on her career. He is ready to crush Adam and Jennings Accounting Services. That is until she walks into the conference room. His plan flies out the window as another one takes its place. Can Raelyn protect her heart? Will their past experiences come back to haunt them?

I can't wait to continue reading Raelyn and Damien's story!!

Favorite passages:
- The only way to be rid of it would be to let nature run its course and let faith guide us, hoping to still be standing in the end.
- God, where is your mustard or ketchup or ranch stain? I need something! He has to have at least one flaw visible to the eye! Damien cleared his throat and laughed. “Excuse me?” My entire body went rigid, practically seizing with fright. No. No. I couldn’t have possibly said that aloud.
- “So, you have a past. Everyone does.”
- “My world is no longer hollow with only darkness.”

About Alicia Rae

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and wedding photography.

Alicia loves to hear from readers! Text RAE to 22828 to join her mailing list.

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We Were Here by Daisy Prescott *~*~*~*~*~* Review & Excerpt Blog Tour

We Were Here by Daisy Prescott Review and Excerpt Blog Tour - Feb 23-26

In the 90s … texting involved paper and a pen … … our selfies were Polaroids ... … our favorite music was on mix tapes. Sex was dangerous, music was raw, and falling in love felt nostalgic. We were friends and lovers. We thought we knew everything. We knew nothing. We were here. Set in the early 1990s, a time before the internet, social media, and smart phones, We Were Here is the prequel to Geoducks Are For Lovers. This book can be read as a standalone.

"This story has it all! Just like a mixed tape; we get a dose of steamy romance, angsty ballads and sweet love songs woven together in a compelling, heartwarming and sometimes heartwrenching journey of self-exploration." Helena Hunting, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

  BUY LINKS: 

 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C0VV7VM 

 iBooks: http://smarturl.it/wwhibooks 

 Barnes & Noble: http://smarturl.it/wwhbn 

 Kobo: http://smarturl.it/wwhkobo

We Were Here Tour Excerpts

  

 Maggie, Freshmen year After being quizzed about the Dewey Decimal system, and failing, I returned to my room in shame. At this rate, if I wanted to work on campus, I’d be washing dishes in the dining hall. Nothing could be grosser than the used food and unclean dishes of thousands of college students. I gagged at the thought as I opened our door. Inside, Jennifer—my perfectly nice and perfectly normal roommate—was straddling a guy on my desk chair, making out. She might have been trying to eat his face. I couldn’t really tell in the two seconds I stared at them before clamping my eyes shut. I know I spied her tongue. Outside of her mouth. All I could see of him were his dark hair, long legs, and brown Wallabee boots. Panicked about interrupting something, and simultaneously feeling like a prude, I backed my way through the open door. After it quietly clicked close, I pressed my head against the cool metal. I could go back to the library, except I left there ten minutes ago. The dorm lounge was an option, but this time of day meant it would be filled with some random club. I couldn’t remember if Thursday’s meeting was German Lovers or Save the Geoducks—our school mascot. Neither appealed to me. I stared harder at the painted metal, wishing the make-out session on the other side would end sooner rather than later. “Are you locked out?” The blond guy from down the hall rested his head on the bulletin board next to my room. “Or are you praying?” Pressing my cheek on the door, I twisted to see him more clearly. “It’s okay if you are. Pray if you’ve got to.” “I’m not. Just thinking.” A loud moan sounded from inside the room. “Oh, oh, oh God.” “Sounds like someone in there is praying.” His lips curled into a smile. “You might want to step away, lest someone think you’re a pervert for eavesdropping.” I jumped away from the door. “I wasn’t listening!” Chuckling, he held up his hands in defense. “Not judging you. Praying and voyeurism both have their places, usually in Madonna videos.” Another not so soft groan carried from my room. I took a step farther away. My favorite black on black Swatch showed the time as four o’clock. Too early to go to dinner. Looks like I’ll be going to the lounge after all. “You want to come hang out in my room until they finish whatever they’re doing in there?” His offer sounded genuine and his smile was more than friendly. He gestured over his shoulder to the open door across the hall and down a few rooms. “I can promise you my roommate isn’t in there making out with anyone. We should be safe.”

   

 Selah, Freshman Year “Miss Elmore.” Great. Despite most definitely being outside of class and off campus, he’d reverted to formal names. “Mr. Vincent.” “I’m surprised to see you here.” He ignored introductions to his friend. “I could say the same. I didn’t realize you lived in Olympia.” “I don’t.” Geez, this conversation couldn’t be more boring. Maybe his companion was friendly. I stuck out my hand. “Hi, I’m Selah, one of Mr. Vincent’s students at Evergreen.” “Pleased to meet you. I’m Kevin.” If someone could be described as beige, he was that person. Nothing remarkable about him except how unremarkable he looked. “Are you taking Jason’s sex class?” Thankfully, I remained composed enough not to swallow my tongue. “Is that how he’s describing it? Professor?” I held my gaze steady on Jason’s face. I swore I saw his cheeks color with pink. “Kevin.” His voice lowered, stern and threatening. Kevin’s grin told me he enjoyed teasing Jason. They must have been old friends. “Fine, are you in Professor Vincent’s biology class?” “I am. I’m hoping for an A.” Kevin’s clever eyes swept over me. “What year are you?” "First.” Jason groaned while Kevin nodded and asked, “Tell me, Selah, has anyone ever called you Lolita before?” Now my own cheeks heated. My skirt suddenly felt too short—the gap between it and my boots exposing a lot of fishnet covered skin. Or it could have been my short pigtails. I realized all I needed was a lollipop. “Can’t say it’s happened before, Kevin.” Clearly, Kevin knew my game. Or maybe Jason’s. I’d never thought he could be the type to seduce his students. As far as I knew, this class was his first teaching job. “How did you get in here?” Jason changed the subject. “Fake ID?” Busted. “No one carded us.” “Doesn’t make you legal.” “Are you going to call the police? Have us arrested and handcuffed?” It might have been the vodka, but I decided to be bold and push him. “Are you into handcuffs, Professor?” Jason choked on his beer, coughing to clear his throat. After making sure his friend wasn’t dying, Kevin laughed. “This is more entertaining than I imagined a college dive bar could be.” I focused my attention on the non-choking friend. “What brings you to Olympia, Kevin?” “I’m in politics.” Jason found his voice again. “He’s an assistant to an assistant to a state senator.” “Then you know all about impropriety.” I gave him a sweet smile. “It’s been a political tradition since the Founding Fathers.” Kevin raised his glass. “I like you. Care to join us?” Jason set his beer on the table. “I can’t be seen drinking with students. Kevin, shut up.” He pointed at me. “You return to your booth and your friends, and we’ll pretend we never ran into each other.” “Yes, sir.” I saluted him. “Can I ask one question first?” “If he doesn’t answer, I will.” Kevin gave me a wicked grin like a wolf in beige clothing.

Review

I HEART BOOKS REVIEW

We Were Here by Daisy Prescott 

Review by Wennie Conedy

Stars: 5

I Wish I Were There

Reading We Were Here made me want to find a time machine and go back to the days where there were no cell phones, no internet, no technology and no Kanye West or Kardashians. Set during a time where mixed tapes were the prize each girl wanted, and each boy made as a pledge of his love, We Were Here makes me wish for those simpler times.

Prescott seamlessly weaves the story of how these cast of characters - Gil, Maggie, Liz, Selah, Quinn, Ben, and Jo - meet each other. We become privy to how they fall in love, or out of love; and how, in spite of the stark differences in politics, ideology, attitude towards life, this motley crew appreciates each other, watches each other's back, and develop a friendship that will stand the test of time.

I expected each character's chapter to be independent of the others, yet Prescott adroitly wove the passage of time by picking up from where the last chapter left off, just with a new point of view from a different character.Yes, each character gets their chapter, and we get a multi-dimensional understanding of each one. And with each chapter led off by an appropriate song choice from the 80's, Prescott sets the stage of what was to come.

The banter, the angst, the insecurities, the missed connections, and the love they had for each other made me wish I was part of the crew of Gil, Maggie, Jo, Ben, Lizzy, Quinn, and Selah.

Reading Geoducks is for Lovers is not a prerequisite to reading We Were Here, however, reading her first book will give you a slight edge. I am sure that after reading this book, you will be running to grab Geoducks is for Lovers.


** An advanced copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

About Daisy Prescott: 

 USA Today Bestselling Author Daisy Prescott writes romantic comedies with heart. Her Modern Love Stories feature characters in their thirties and forties finding and rediscovering love in unexpected and humorous ways. Her Wingmen books star regular guys who often have beards, drive trucks, and love deeply once they fall. Born and raised in San Diego, Daisy currently lives in a real life Stars Hollow in the Boston suburbs with her husband and an imaginary house goat. When not writing about herself in the third person, Daisy can be found traveling, gardening, baking, or lost in a good book. To learn more about Daisy and her writing, sign up for her mailing list here (copy and paste this link): eepurl.com/xhXb5. Send her an email at: daisyauthor@gmail.com Or chat with her on Twitter (@daisy_prescott) and Facebook: /daisyprescottauthorpage, and follow her on Instagram: /daisyprescott

Hopeless Vows by Rachael Duncan *~*~*~*~* Release Blitz, Review, Giveaway

Title: Hopeless Vows 

Author: Rachael Duncan

Genre: Contemporary Romance Standalone

Release Date: February 22, 2016 Photographer: Perrywinkle Photography Cover Designer: Cover Me Darling

It was a modern take on an arranged marriage that was supposed to lead to my happily ever after. The rules were simple: 

1. Marry a complete stranger chosen for you by professionals.

2. Live together as man and wife for eight weeks while cameras record your every move.

3. Make a decision to stay together or get a divorce.

Call me crazy, but I had complete faith in the process, until I saw who was waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Austin James has never met me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know him. With no other choice, I say my vows and pray I can make it through the next eight weeks. Then I’ll leave. What connects us is my best kept secret, and I’ll protect it at all costs even if that means walking away from the only person I’ve ever cared about.

"This is the first book I've read by Rachael Duncan, but it won't be my last. I absolutely loved this book from start to finish." - A.M. Madden, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Best Selling Romance Author

"I can't rate Hopeless Vows high enough and I honestly feel like this will be Rachael's breakthrough novel that will take her places and have her name known all around this community. Brilliant job!" -Swoon Worthy Book Blog

"I haven't had a book hangover in so long and after reading Hopeless Vows, I did. This book is beyond good." -Joanne Schwehm, author of the Prescott Series

"What did I think? I'm honestly not sure I can convey what I think right now. I feel like no matter what words I put down that it won't do this book justice." - Books, Chocolate, and Lipgloss

"Jillian and Austin literally sizzled on the pages. The chemistry was palpable. The characters were well-developed and the plot was so much more than I thought it would be." -Casey L. Bond, author of The Sin Series

"I love the way her writing balances sexiness, humor and hurt, and I find myself able to relate to her characters, no matter how outlandish or unconventional their circumstances." -Give Me Books

"As an author, it's hard for me to find a book that is unpredictable for me. Usually, I can see twists and turns coming from a mile away, but Rachael had a couple for me I never saw coming." -JB McGee, Best Selling Author

I HEART BOOKS REVIEW

His Reason to Stay (In The Line of Duty #6) by Cathryn Fox

Review by Chrissy Morris 

Stars: 5

Rachael Duncan gives us a beautiful, interesting twist on love. Do not read this book unless you have kleenex and a blanket to cuddle up with. You will not be able to put the book down until the end.

The longer this experiment goes on, the more I fall for him, and the more the deceit eats at me. When I lie awake some nights, it crawls up my body, tickling my skin, reminding me that underneath, I’m a horrible human being. Deceitful. Cowardly. Manipulative. Selfish. All negative adjectives, and all describe me. He’ll never find out, taunts an inner voice. What’s worse is that it also tells me it’s okay to keep this from him. That the two of us can live out this fantasy unscathed and content. As delusional as my inner voice is, I find myself clinging to it like a leech, feasting on the lie.

Rachael Duncan is an Army wife to her amazing husband, Steven, and mother to their beautiful daughters, Natalie and Zoe. She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and went off to graduate from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in political science. With initial plans to work in politics, she moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for a House Representative. After a short time, she realized it wasn't for her and began pursuing other careers until she started writing. She's author of Tackled by Love and The Lies and Truth Duet.

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Scandalous 2 (Scandalous Series) by Danielle Jamie *~*~*~*~* Release Blitz

Title: Scandalous 2

Series:  Scandalous Series

Author: Danielle Jamie

Release Date: February 23, 2016

A HOT new Scandalous serial by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Danielle Jamie! 

She’s the hot new professor. 
He’s the star quarterback. 
A scandalous new app is about to make their two worlds collide. 
What happens when that line is crossed? Because once you step over it—there’s no going back… 

Book 2 in the hot new scandalous serial! New books will be released every month. 

Scandalous. Forbidden. Seductive. This is a hot new twist on the student/teacher romance! 

Amazon / Amazon UK

Scandalous Book 1

#FREE until 2/23/2016

Amazon / Amazon UK

New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author who took a chance and wrote her first book in 2013. It was the beginning to a magical journey into the world of a published author with now 14 books available on ebook retailers sites!

Danielle Jamie is a contemporary romance author who loves getting lost in a good book or writing a memorable love story. Her most popular works are her Bestselling Savannah Series, her heart wrenching standalone Tempt my Heart and her steamy new taboo novellas in her Stepbrother Series!

She lives in Upstate NY with her husband, two daughters and son, two dogs Kammie a yellow lab and Blue Paisley her mini Dachshund. 

She loves traveling and seeing the world all the while meeting her fans along the way at Author Events.

Facebook / Website / Twitter / Amazon / Goodreads

Palm South University: Season Two by Kandi Steiner *~*~*~*~*~* Cover Reveal & Pre-order

Title: Palm South University: Season Two

Author: Kandi Steiner

Release Date: March 8-April 12, 2016

Find on Goodreads

Drama. Lies. Sex.

Welcome to Palm South University.

The weather isn’t the only thing heating up in South Florida. At a school where fraternities and sororities don’t exactly play by the rules, relationships are bound to be tested. Parties and sex are definitely key ingredients in the Palm South recipe, but what happens when family issues, secret lives, and unrequited love get tossed in the mix?

Follow Cassie, Bear, Jess, Skyler, Erin, Ashlei, and Adam as they tackle college at a small, private beach town university. Written in television drama form, each episode of this serial will pull you deeper and deeper into the world of PSU.

Where the sun is hot and the clothes are scarce, anything can happen.

The addicting South Florida college drama is back and hotter than ever.

New episodes every Tuesday, March 8th - April 12th. 

Amazon

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer.

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.

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