Monday, May 30, 2016

Until Now (Not Yet #2) by Laura Ward Review

Hey readers! Ethan here with another great review for you guys. This time we've got one of my all time favorite romance authors that I couldn't love any more if I tried. The sequel to one of my favorite debut novels of all time. What's on the chopping block this time? Until Now, the second novel in Laura Ward's new adult Not Yet series. Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the novel and our author:

Focus.
Dean Goldsmith is Indiana University’s star quarterback, and his dreams are about to come true. His undefeated season means he has a legitimate shot at the NFL. If he stays focused. Football comes first.

College senior, Grace Yeates, is determined to defy the odds. She is months away from graduating with a business degree, something no one thought she would be able to pull off. All she has to do is focus on her number one priority. Family comes first.

Distraction.
Dean has no time for distractions, but when a gorgeous, snarky, redheaded waitress refuses to tell him her name, he can’t seem to focus on anything else.

Grace knows she can’t let herself get caught up in a guy, particularly a man-whore like Dean, no matter how charming or sexy. She has two hearts to look out for now and no room for a Dean-sized distraction.

Complications.
Everyone in Dean’s life agrees that Grace is the kind of complication his career doesn’t need. Grace knows that Dean is the kind of risk her heart shouldn’t want.

But what if the last person you think you need, the one you shouldn’t want, becomes the one you can’t live without? Can their biggest distraction actually be the focus they were missing all along?


     
     

Laura Ward


Laura Ward

Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.  


Find Laura Ward






*****
My Thoughts:

I'm just going to lay this out here before we even start: feels ahead. And I mean lots of them.

It isn't often in our bookish lives that we find an author who is able to craft stories that reach deep and touch us in ways we never thought literature could. It isn't often that I, myself as a male reader, find myself so caught up within the emotions of a novel that I have to stop myself from totally getting lost in the emotional complexities of a story. Even more rare is a story that touches me so deeply that I have to immediately turn around a re-read the entire thing after finishing the first time. Recapturing the story and allowing it to fill me with great joy for a second time.

This, my friends, is the joy of experiencing a Laura Ward novel.

Regardless of how many reads of hers I devour, the outcome is always the same. Absolute awe and respect for the stories she crafts. Until Now was absolutely no exception. In fact, I think it's her best work yet.

It's not lightly that I type this sentences, but I would have to say that Until Now has probably become one of my top five all-time favorite New Adult Romance novels. Make room on the shelf Chelsea Fine and Sarina Bowen, you've got company!

Before I get too far into this, it is important to note that Until Now is a standalone sequel in Ward's Not Yet series, but this is probably one of the only instances I can think of where reading book one isn't necessary. I'll be honest, it's been nearly two years since I read book one and I didn't really remember it too clearly until getting into Until Now. So please don't be put off if you haven't read book one.

One of my favorite aspects of Ward's writing style is how fearless she can be. Ward doesn't listen to conventional genre standards and instead writes from the heart. Reminding us all that not everyone lives in the black and white and to embrace the grey zone. Not all new adults are the same. Everyone has different experiences in life that lead them to become the person that they are. Environment and societal factors impact us greatly, but Ward reminds readers that every choice you make has consequences on your future. Those choices can either become you or define you, the choice is up to you. It's a beautiful reminder of how we ourselves shape our own destiny in a time of our lives that is often the most challenging and impactful.

Laura Ward truly gets what it means to be a New Adult and words can't fully describe the respect this reader has for that.

Until Now shows us an entirely different side of the college life that we don't often see in mainstream novels of the genre. The womanizing, constant partying, laid back stress-free fun part of college? Yeah, that's definitely not the reality for most college students and instead of glamorizing that lifestyle, Ward tells it how it is.

The plot of this one isn't what makes the story stand out. It's your standard love story between college aged jock and nerdy girl. It's whats under the surface that will break you as a reader. Learning there is so much more to college and love stories than what you've been led to believe in a genre of unrealistic expectations. I won't say too much about the plot, but I will tell you that each and every page is worth the read and you absolutely will catch the feels. All the feels.

Ward really hits the ball out of the park with the character development in this one. Dean and Grace both are two of the most multi-dimensional characters I have seen in the genre and earn huge thumbs up from me. Just when you think Ward has explored all of the crevices of their psyches, another bombshell is dropped. It's truly a work of art to maneuver your way through their character development and emerge on the other side with a deep respect for not only their characters on the page, but for all the real life New Adults that have lived through the lives and situations they have. Their own personal stories will have all readers reflecting on their own lives in a way that makes Until Now even more special.

In true Ward fashion, she writes on some truly hard-hitting themes such as death, depression, loss, adulthood, responsibility, and sacrifice. While these are all very emotionally disturbing themes at times, Ward tackles them in the most intimate of ways, tying in the theme of the novel with the emotional plot and character development in a way all readers can appreciate.

Over the course of the past month, when it comes to this novel the phrase 'triggers' has been brought up be some readers. I know that all readers have their own triggers and tropes they either do not want to read or would like to be warned upfront about. Not me. I like having surprises in a novel that I can make my own decisions about. I have to say that I find it offensive that a reader wouldn't take a chance on a novel just because one thing may not potentially be explicitly mentioned upfront. That completely takes the joy out of reading for me. That being said, Until Now has a rather large plot twist that I didn't actually see coming that ended up making the novel incredible special and sentimental. I think most readers would agree. Again, Ward goes a bit outside of the box with her delivery, but it truly does add something special to the novel particularly involving the character development we see between Dean and Grace. I give Ward a huge amount of kudos and praise for the way she handled this non-conventional plot twist for a NA novel.

As you can clearly see, I loved every word of Until Now. It's one of the only novels I have actually re-read in a very long time. It's just that good. That being said, it should come as absolutely no surprise that I am granting Until Now a near-perfect 5-star review. I can't say enough about how incredible this story was. Be sure to add it to your TBR today you absolutely will not be disappointed!

*****

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Until Now by the incredible Laura Ward. As you guys well know, I absolutely love Laura Ward and every novel she has released thus far. Trust me when I tell you she is one author you're going to want to keep an eye on! Thanks so much for stopping by. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan


Immortal Flame (Hell to Pay #1) by Jillian David Review

Hey readers! Happy Monday. Hope you're all gearing up for an awesome Memorial Day weekend. I know I am! Before you get to the partying, I've got a new review to share with you all. I've been on a bit of a contemporary romance kick lately and thought it was time to switch it up. Thankfully I got an awesome review request from today's author that was just the ticket I was looking for. What are we raving about today? Immortal Flame by Jillian David. Here's a bit about the novel and our author before we get to my thoughts:

World War II veteran Peter Blackstone traded his soul so that his wife could live. That was 1945. Since then, Peter has lived an unnaturally long life as a hired killer, providing the life forces upon which Jerahmeel feeds to survive.

Doctor Allison La Croix has a big problem. She randomly sees people’s deaths. She has longed to be free of her twisted "gift" to live a normal life without fear of predicting yet another loved one's demise.

After a horrific accident, a severely injured Peter arrives in Allison’s ER. The vision Allison experiences when she touches him nearly kills her. He teaches her to block these devastating episodes as she finds a way to unlock his forgotten, passionate soul.

But Jerahmeel’s minion has orders to destroy Peter and anyone he loves. Will Peter’s and Allison’s shattered souls survive the devious plan? Or could their love save them both? Someone will have hell to pay.


     


Jillian David

Jillian David lives near the end of the Earth with her nut of a husband and two bossy cats. To escape the sometimes-stressful world of the rural physician, she writes while on call and in her free time. She enjoys taking realistic settings and adding a twist of “what if.” Running or hiking on local trails often promotes plot development.








*****
My Thoughts:

I'll be the first to admit that I love a good paranormal romance story, but it has to be special. Something I haven't seen a million times before. Something that will stick with me. Unique characters, an original plot, and a twit. It's been a good while since I found a good paranormal romance series with a hook that left me wanting more. Then Immortal Flame fell into my inbox.

I have to say, when it comes to stories with soldiers or vets as the main characters, I oftentimes will skip them. In my experience the authors generally rely too much on the what ifs and the traumatic past of the characters and we never really find a story to be told in the present frame. For that reason alone, I was more than a little hesitant to start Immortal Flame, but I am so glad I did.

From the opening chapter, I knew this one was different. David has done an absolutely incredible job of developing a unique plot through the emotionally driven character development. It's about so much more than love and romance when the Devil himself is the man you're forced to serve. When Peter traded his soul during his service in WWII so his wife could live, he never expected to face the trials he has for near seventy years. Forced into servitude, he is slated to spend eternity look for his one Meaningful Kill to fulfill his contract and set himself free. When Allison arrives in his life by mere chance, he realizes that there are more important things than freedom at stake. After all he's been through can he find love yet again? Is there another chance for his happiness?

I won't lie, Immortal Flame was strangely emotional for me. It's truly a tale of redemption and second chances. David does an incredible job with her character development. While Allison was a fantastic character to follow throughout the story, Peter was really the one the stuck with me. It isn't often in this genre we see a strong male lead that isn't completely conformed to the mold of genre convention, but David really shown bright in this aspect.

The story is a quick read full of action, reflection, and emotion enough to satisfy all readers. The paranormal element is certainly present but definitely a whole lot more mild than it could have been and I definitely appreciated that. The fact that David crafted a paranormal romance that didn't rely solely on the paranormal element, yet was still a wholly satisfying read really speaks volumes to her talent as an author. I know this reader will be more than excited about devouring the remainder of this series.

In the end, I was more than satisfied by my first read from author Jillian David, It was everything I was looking for in a short paranormal romance and then some. I definitely have no regrets in check out this unique tale! All-in-all, I am granting Immortal Flame a well-earned 4-star review. But don't take my word for it, head on over and grab a copy for yourself today. You won't regret it! Add it to your TBR today!

*****

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Immortal Flame by Jillian David. A fun, quick read that left me definitely interested in checking out the remainder of the series. Be sure to add this paranormal romance to your TBR today. Special thanks to the author for supplying me with a copy in exchange for my honest review. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Dirty Sexy Secret (Green County #1) by Nazarea Andrews Release Day Launch

DSSRleaseBlitzBanner  

Today we are celebrating the release of DIRTY SEXY SECRET by Nazarea Andrews. Dirty Sexy Secret is an adult contemporary romance, standalone novel, that is the first in the brand new series - Green County. The book will be on sale for .99¢ for a very limited time!
   

  



DIRTY SEXY SECRET Blurb:

Even when you know better…. There are a million reasons why Hazel Campton is off limits: she’s a journalist. I’m a cop. Oh, and she’s my foster sister. My secret is I didn’t care. I haven’t stopped wanting her since I slept with her the night before she left. She’s trouble. Always has been.
It’s hard to resist the thing you’ve always wanted… Growing up with Brandon Archer means I know him. Good. Bad. Everything in between. It’s just never mattered. My secret? That night. The one I stole, that’s kept me from Archer and Green County, for four years. Now I’m home, and nothing has changed. Except me. And not in the way that means a damn thing. Because I still want him.
Everything can change with a knock at the door… Secrets. Everyone has them. Archer. Me. This town. Perfection only runs surface deep in Green County. When there’s a knock at me door, it’s a familiar face all covered in danger, and all those secrets we hide? They’re about to come tumbling out.
The first in a sexy new series about Green County, and the people who serve there.

    DSFacebookAd1

PURCHASE NOW FOR JUST .99¢
Amazon | Kobo and B&N coming soon!

  DirtySexySecretButtonNOWAVAILABLE   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  


Nazarea Andrews (N to almost everyone) is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. Which means she writes everything from zombies and dystopia to contemporary love stories. When not writing, she can most often be found driving her kids to practice and burning dinner while she reads, or binging watching TV shows on Netflix. N loves chocolate, wine, and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, spoiled cat and overgrown dog. She is the author of World Without End series, Neverland Found, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. Stop by her twitter (@NazareaAndrews) and tell her what fantastic book she should read next.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Chasing Eternity (Tala Prophecy #4) by Tia Silverthorne Bach Release Day Launch and Sale

Hey readers, Ethan here with some exciting news! We've got an incredible new release to share today. The finale to a great series by one of my all time favorite bookish peeps, Mrs. Tia Silverthorne Bach! Read on to learn all about her new release and see how you can grab the whole series at an incredible price for a limited time!


Here's a bit about Chasing Eternity and our author:

With

Defeating evil will require Reagan to place her trust in unexpected allies and reconsider the loyalties of her inner circle.

A team is only as strong as its weakest link.

Faith

Trusting in angels and instructions from above will be the cornerstone of her pack’s strategy to put an end to Rafe and his demon army.

But his connections and powers run deep.

We

Reagan’s pack must come together and be willing to sacrifice everything to save mankind. But along the way, she’ll suffer heartache.

Anguish for herself and those closest to her.

Fight

Still, nothing can stop what has been foretold. Fate has determined the end game, but divine intervention supports the victor.

     

Tia Silverthorne Bach


Tia Silverthorne Bach has been married to her college sweetheart for twenty years, has three beautiful girls, and adores living in sunny California. Her daughters were born in Chicago, San Diego, and Baltimore; and she feels fortunate to have called many places home. She believes in fairy tales and happy endings and is an avid reader and rabid grammar hound.

She is an award-winning, multi-genre author and an Editor for Indie Books Gone Wild. From an early age, she escaped into books and believes they can be the source of healing and strength. If she’s not writing, you can find her on the tennis court, at the movies, reading a good book, or spooning Jif peanut butter right out of the jar.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

















Be sure to check out the Facebook release party TONIGHT where you can mingle with some awesome authors and win some great prizes!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to add this one to your TBR today! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Monday, May 23, 2016

#Swag (GearShark #3) by Cambria Hebert Cover Reveal


 
 
#Swag
Cambria Hebert
(GearShark, #3)
Publication date: June 10th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Sports Romance
These drivers got #swag…
Racing is in her DNA.
Right alongside money and power.
When you’re the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country,
you have to work harder for success.
Joey Gamble’s a girl on a male-dominated track.
With a daddy who can buy whatever she wants.
But she doesn’t want anything… except to EARN her reputation.
Racing is his passion.
Trouble follows him everywhere. Some even say he invites it.
When you’re nipping at the taillights of the best driver in the new NRR,
you have to fight and claw for each and every success.
It’s never been easy for Lorhaven.
That’s why he doesn’t play by the rules.
He’s a man with a serious chip on his shoulder against the pro racing circuit.
We at GearShark want to know what’s up with that.
We’ve also been hearing rumblings…
of a pro who wants to go indie.
We’ve invited racing royalty and the driver from the wrong side of the tracks to sit down and talk to us about a possible crossover.
We expected sparks to fly when Joey and Lorhaven crossed paths.
Will those sparks ignite into a full-on inferno?
Previous books in the series:
27824473 28802913
swagteaser7

Author Bio:
Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).
Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.
Hosted by:
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Thursday, May 19, 2016

The Color of Us (College Bound #2) by Laura Ward and Christine Manzari Cover Reveal


Hey readers! Ethan here with an exciting post. I am SO PUMPED to be sharing the cover for the second installment in a NA Romance series co-written by two of my absolute favorite authors ever. I hope you will all add this awesome novel to your TBR! Here we go:

Title: The Color of Us (College Bound #2)
Authors: Laura Ward & Christine Manzari
Release Date: June 20, 2016




Eighteen year old Alexis Sinclair is lost in the darkness of grief. Since the death of her sister in a car accident, she can’t find the will to get out and enjoy life again. When she’s forced to face her biggest fear and take a summer Driver’s Ed course, she’s surprised to find hope in the most unlikely person.

Liam O’Connell is trouble. He isn’t proud of his dark past, and he knows Alexis is the one girl he has no business pursuing. Doing the right thing has never been easy for him, but this time, it just might be impossible.

The perfect girl and troubled boy are all wrong for each other, but as Liam helps Alexis cope with her grief, they realize nothing has ever felt more right.
That is, until Alexis uncovers a secret about Liam that breaks her heart.

Liam knows he can’t allow the one good thing in his life to walk away without a fight, and he’s determined to convince Alexis they can find their way out of the darkness together.

Can he prove he’s worthy of her, or is some love too tainted to be saved?



About the Authors:



Laura Ward

Laura Ward lives in Maryland with her loud and very loving three children and husband. She married her college sweetheart and is endlessly grateful for the support he has given her through all their years together, and especially toward her goal of writing books. When not changing diapers, driving to lacrosse practice, or checking spelling homework, Laura is writing or reading romance novels.  


Find Laura Ward






Christine Manzari

The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeine-laden bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.  


Facebook Twitter Website Goodreads 

*****


Alright readers, that's all I have for you today on the topic of The Color of Us. Isn't that an incredible cover?! Be sure to add this one to your TBR and be on the lookout for my thoughts soon. My ARC hit my inbox yesterday and I'm already pumped to start it. Until next time, Happy Reading! 

-Ethan

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Insta-Hate by Casey L. Bond Release Day Launch + Review


Hello readers! Ethan here on this Tuesday to bring you another great post. Today I am so excited to be sharing the release day launch for one of my favorite authors, C. L. Bond! In addition to being release day, I'm also offering up my thoughts on the novel. Casey is a powerhouse of an author and I'm so excited to see this story hit the shelves. Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the novel and our author:

Title: Insta-Hate
Author: C.L. Bond
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Regina Wamba at Mae I Design and Photography
Models: Nathan Weller and Layla Hill
Photographer: Dark Feather Photog
Interior Design: Allyson Gottlieb, Athena Book Designs
Editor: Stacy Sanford, The Girl with the Red Pen
Expected Release Date: May 17 th , 2016
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR



When Alexandria Ray’s romance series becomes an overnight sensation, the world and its demands close in on her. After years of struggling to maintain the pace her publisher, agent and the world expects, she needs a break. Enrolling as a student at Columbia University is step one to finding herself again. Finding Arsen Daniel was not on her list.

Arsen Daniel, along with his best friend, built an empire in the form of an exclusive, psychology-based dating service. When an old friend invites him to teach a course at Columbia, he accepts. The course? The Psychology of Love. Sounds simple enough and the publicity alone will make it worth his time.

Arsen didn’t expect to meet his match in the form of a sarcastic blonde, hell bent on holding to her belief that true love doesn’t actually exist. After all, what woman, especially a world-renowned romance writer, doesn’t believe in happily ever after?

Something in Alexandria’s eyes tortures him. She reminds him of someone from his past and that is a very bad thing.


     

Casey L. Bond



Casey L. Bond resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters.
When she’s not busy being a domestic goddess and chasing her baby girls, she loves to write young adult and new adult fiction.

In 2003, Bond graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University in the field of Criminal Justice. 





*****
My Thoughts:

"It was because I was walking straight towards a future I didn't want and felt powerless to change But sometimes, life changes a person's circumstances. Sometimes, the circumstances of a person's life change them forever."

As a huge fan of C. L. Bond, I knew I was going to devour anything she put forth into the market. While I've been an avid fan and reader of her YA/NA material, I hadn't taken the plunge and devoured a piece of her contemporary romance literature as of yet. When granted the opportunity to check out Insta-Hate, how could I refuse? Could it live up to the Bond name and legacy as her other works did?

It's true Bond, that's for sure! 

I'll go ahead and get the negatives out of the way for this one. While I enjoyed the novel overall, my biggest faults came within the plot of this one. Bond has always captivated me with her twists and turns and unpredictable endings, but this one really fell short of that I was expecting in the end. Now that's not to say it wasn't a good read, it was just far to.... convenient. And honestly unbelievable at points. While I definitely appreciated the landscape of the characters and their plights, there were several times within the story that I found myself feeling less than excited by the sheer predictability of the plot. At times, it really read much like a soap opera, which is a phenomenal compliment in some aspects, but for a reader who is extremely picky with his romance reads, this one missed the bar for me. 

I truly hate to criticize the works of an author I respect as much as I do Bond, but in terms of plot, Insta-Hate really didn't do it for me. Now, that being said, Bond excelled in several other aspects of the novel. 

When it came to the characters, I was impressed from page one. Bond really did an incredible job weeding out the imperfections in each character and really allowed them to come into their own throughout the story. In the end, I was thoroughly impressed with the development we saw within the sub-characters, even if I wasn't particularly thrilled about the plot at times. I was particularly impressed by the development of the character of Lexie. Her development throughout the story really was a selling point for me. Again, at times it was a bit confusing, but by the end, I had developed a great appreciation for the message Bond conveyed through Lexie's development. Arsen was a great character, but I really didn't see the development I was hoping from him by the time the novel ended. In fact, a few of his actions had me really questioning his maturity at times. 

I'm a little conflicted when it comes to the theme of Insta-Hate. It's by no means a 'light' novel, but it isn't exactly 'heavy' either. There were several opportunities within the plot for Bond to push our emotions to the edge and create that lasting impression we often see with NA Romances, however, as gripping as the story was, I never really felt the extreme emotional pull I was hoping for. I do believe that Bond touched on some huge themes in Insta-Hate that will resonate well with its' readers. Themes such as adulthood, facing your past, life, death, family, and love will leave you pondering your own life long after finishing the novel. Hopefully in a more positive light than our characters in Insta-Hate at times! New adult romance readers will be thrilled by the way Bond wraps up the ending to this novel in a nice perfect, happy package. It's one of those stories that left me feeling warm, even if it wasn't a favorite of mine. It's a true testament to the talent of Bond to transcend the boundaries of writing by publishing in multiple genres and managing to excel at them all. 

While I didn't find Insta-Hate to be my new favorite Bond novel, the writing was solid and the characters were written extremely well. While the plot left a bit to be imagined for my tastes, I still found it to be a worthwhile read worth of praise for fans of the genre. That being said, I am granting Insta-Hate by C.L. Bond a 4-star review. Being the first in a new series, I am confident that my issues with book one will be addressed in future installments as Bond finds her footing in this new adventure in publishing. I recommend this novel to any fans of NA Romance or contemporary lit. Add this one to your TBR today!

*****

Alright readers, that's all I have for you today on the topic of Insta-Hate by C.L. Bond, while it wasn't my favorite in the genre, I still enjoyed the characters and the world that Bond built. I can't wait to see where she goes next with this series. Add it to your TBR today! Huge thanks to the author and Lady Amber's PR for allowing me to participate. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Monday, May 16, 2016

Dirty Sexy Secret (Green County #1) by Nazarea Andrews Chapter Reveal (Chapter One)

Exclusive First Look, Chapter One Reveal!


Hey readers, Ethan here with an exciting post for you today. I am so honored to be sharing an exclusive post for you guys today, promoting an upcoming series from one of my all-time favorite authors, Nazarea Andrews! Diving back into the world of adult contemporary, Andrews is gearing up to release a new series that I know will be a huge hit with her readers. Today's post will feature an exclusive first look at chapter one of Dirty Sexy Secret as well as info about the series! His a bit about the novel and Nazarea before we get to the exclusives!

Even when you know better….

There are a million reasons why Hazel Campton is off limits: she’s a journalist. I’m a cop. Oh, and she’s my foster sister.
My secret is I didn’t care. I haven’t stopped wanting her since I slept with her the night before she left.
She’s trouble. Always has been.

It’s hard to resist the thing you’ve always wanted…
Growing up with Brandon Archer means I know him. Good. Bad. Everything in between.
It’s just never mattered.
My secret? That night. The one I stole, that’s kept me from Archer and Green County, for four years.
Now I’m home, and nothing has changed. Except me. And not in the way that means a damn thing.
Because I still want him.

Everything can change with a knock at the door…
Secrets. Everyone has them. Archer. Me. This town.
Perfection only runs surface deep in Green County. When there’s a knock at me door, it’s a familiar face all covered in danger, and all those secrets we hide? They’re about to come tumbling out.

The first in a sexy new series about Green County, and the people who serve there.

COMING MAY 20, 2016


Nazarea Andrews 




Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog. She is the author of Girl Lost, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. 

Find Nazarea Andrews




*****

Exclusive Chapter Reveal
Dirty Sexy Secret, Chapter One:

Three killers, two cop, and a journalist walk into a bar.
Sounds like a bad joke, right? It's not.
It' the end-- dear god I hope it's the end-- of the worst two days of my life.
I just hope we all walk out alive.


Chapter 1.


Some people say you can't go home again.

And that is a complete pile of bullshit. You can. It just won't be home.

I should know. I did it.

Green County doesn't change. It's been four years since I bolted and six months since I sucked up all my pride and ego and came back. And it still struck me as strange. Green County was exactly the same. Same ridiculous festivals. Same leafy boulevards and parks filled with yoga moms and shrieking children. The same gossips line the coffee shop and eye me when I step in.

They'll chatter my every move to Eli later, cooing over him while warning that I was too skinny,
too wild too rude too too too.

They did the same thing in high school. It was just as fucking annoying then as it is now.

Nothing changed in Green Co. If you want change you go somewhere else and you let it wrap you up tight and fight like hell to keep from being dragged back.

Eli gets pissy when I say shit like that. But Eli never left Green Co. Never felt the need to get out, to see and shape the world. He's always been more than happy to see and shape the County.

And you know, he was right. He was good at it. I loved that he cared so much about Green Co. That he wanted to save the little Kansas county from itself.

Someone had too.

I flash the ladies a smile as I order two extra-large iced coffees. Cindy grins at me, punching in the order and adding a slice of banana bread and her boxed lunch.

“Long day, Hazel?”

I grin, a half quirk of my lips that passes as a grin these days. “It’s a day ending in Y, Cins. Those are always long.”

She gives me a smirk that tips toward worry. “You need a day off, sugar.”

I make a face, and drop a twenty on the counter as I take my order. “I don’t even know what I’d do with that much free time.”

She arches an eyebrow at me and I grin at her.

“Hazel, my love,” Gabe says, sailing through the door of the coffee shop as I turn away from the counter.

I swallow the grin before it twists into a smirk. “Gabriel,” I say, almost frosty and he laughs.

Smug bastard.

“We should carpool, love, if we’re going to keep meeting like this. Save the planet and all.”

“Because you care so much about the damn planet,” I scoff, and he makes a face, all wounded dignity.

The problem with that face is that I know Gabe. I've known him my whole life.

Gabe is everything I ran away from when I left Green County. Everything I wanted to forget. The smirk that means trouble and the too sharp eyes that sees right through my quick easy lies and watches with concern when I isolate.

Fucking bastard is my neighbor. He's too damn close for comfort and too damn nosy for his own good.

And coming from an investigative journalist, that's pretty fucking nosy.

I've got work, Gabe. So as much as I'd love to spar, I shift my boxes and nod at the door.


"Hazy" he says, and it draws me up. Because once, we were friends. We were impossibly close. He was my rock, and I threw him away. Because I was so fucking determined. To be more. To get out. I fucked up and I ran, and I left Gabe behind with all my other mistakes.

I always regretted that. Hurting Gabe.

"Wine night?" he asks, slightly pleading, and I flinch, falling back a step.

It's still too soon for that shit. And he sees it in my eyes.

His smile dips, just a little. Just enough that I notice. Because I know him better than he knows himself, and I can read his sadness in the line of his shoulders. 

"Maybe next week" I offer, shuffle stepping closer to the door. Aware of all the church ladies watching, and Cindy, standing at the counter, her lips pulled down in a frown, and worry.

And Gabe shrugs it off. Beams at me like a fucking lunatic, and nods.

Gives me the out.

I flash him a quick smile and move toward the door, and he steps to the side, giving me a sardonic smile.

Because he's Gabe.

And this is Green County.

And nothing here changes. Not really.

The door opens and Brandon Archer steps through, all long legs and wide shoulders and a face that’s so fucking pretty it’s almost painful. His green eyes, so expressive and alive find me, and go blank. And I almost drop my bags.

Because if there was ever a mistake I made, it was him.

Eli steps in a half step behind, and a half foot taller, all big smiles and big shoulders and big hands. My brother is big everything.

His eyes brighten when he sees me and he pushes past Archer to wrap me in a hug.

It’s been about twelve hours since I saw my foster brother, so of course he’s tackle hugging me in CinSations. While Archer watches, those moss green eyes probing me. I squeak and Elijah relinquishes me reluctantly. I drive an elbow in his gut. “Dumbass. You spill my coffee, you replace it.”

He doesn’t even blink. He just shoots a quick look at Archer, an eyebrow quirked in question.

Because of course they don’t talk. How silly. Why would they?
See—this right here? This is why I left. Because I can’t handle seeing the epic fucking bromance that is Elijah Beasley and Brandon fucking Archer.

I shift, and Archer smiles, a slow curling thing that I want to smack off his face. “Hazel, sugar, you need a hand?”

My smile feels more feral than sweet, and his eyes are sparkling, that fucking amused she’s so cute light I’ve seen for so many years. “Thanks, but Gabe is helping me. Right?” I side eye my friend who gives me this extravagant bow that doesn’t say, you just blew me off.

Thank Christ for Gabe.

I twist and give Archer a smug smile. “Have a good day, Officer.”

Gabe snorts at that as he takes my bag and one of my coffees. I think I’m in the clear. That I’m safe, and out of the danger zone that is Archer.

And then his hand closes around my arm, and it pulls me to a stop.

He’s always been ridiculously able to pull me to a complete stop with almost nothing. “You can’t hide in that farmhouse forever, Hazel,” he murmurs, and I flush.

Damn fair skin. A blush is too fucking easy to see and he’s always been too fascinated with pulling them from me. I can almost feel the low chuckle he gives as he lets me go, and I fall back a step.

It’s a retreat, and that’s just another reason I scowl at him. “Tell Eli I’m making dinner on Sunday. Mama Nora is coming over.” I push past him and Gabe slips an arm around my shoulder, ignoring Archer’s sharp spike in tension. “You aren’t invited,” I add, all sugar sweet.

And then I’m gone.

“Tension between you and Green Co’s finest, love?” He asks, and I should. I know I shouldn’t, but I relax into him, for a moment. Let all the years and time and secrets fall away and let him be my friend. Just for a moment.

“I’m not ready for this, Gabe,” I murmur, and he pushes a blond curl out of my eyes, watching me with those strange honey warm eyes of his. And then he nods.

“Ok. Not now. But we will talk. Soon. I just painted a target on my back and Archer’s never liked me to begin with. You owe me.”

I huff out a breath, and let my gaze dart up to him. Gabe gives me a patient, waiting look and I nod.
Because apparently things do change.

Gabe can grow up, even just a little.

“Ok. Tomorrow.” I say, and he nods. Brushes a kiss over my hair and hands me my bags as I slide into my truck.

And then he stands there, watching, braced between me and CinSations as I drive away. He was my best friend, a lifetime ago before I fucked up everything.
I wonder if maybe he could be again.

*****

Well what do you think? I know that this reader CANNOT wait. I'll be devouring this one as soon as I can get my hands on it. Any fans of Nazarea's will know this is not to be missed. Be on the lookout for more info on Dirty Sexy Secret as we get closer to release day. Thank so much to Nazarea and her team at InkSlinger PR for allowing me to participate. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Fringe Runner (Fringe Series #1) by Rachel Aukes Review

Hello readers and a very Happy Monday to you all! Ethan here with an exciting post for you all to kick off your week! I am so pumped to help one of my all-time favorites celebrate her newest release with the world. Launching today, this action-packed sci-fi series is sure to please fans cross-genres! What am I raving about? Fringe Runner, the first full-length novel in the Fringe series by Rachel Aukes! In addition to today being release day, I'm also sharing my review with you all. Before we get to that, here's a bit about the novel and our author:

The first novel in a new space adventure series!

After the colonization of Mars and Europa, it took us fewer than five generations to reach beyond our solar system and discover more planets capable of supporting human life. Too far away to be governed under Earth law, the Collective was formed. Several hundred years later, the Collective has expanded to a thriving system of six inhabited worlds.

Old captain Aramis Reyne and his ragtag crew on the Gryphon are runners, part of the Collective's interplanetary postal service. They deliver supplies to the farthest, darkest reaches of the Collective known as the fringe. After a warship captain confiscates one of their packages, Reyne discovers a galactic conspiracy involving military leaders, a secret organization, fringe rebels, and pirates…with the Gryphon’s crew stuck in the middle. Reyne must make an impossible delivery, and the entire Collective is at stake if he fails.

 


Rachel Aukes

Rachel Aukes is the international bestselling author of 100 Days in Deadland, which was named one of the best books of 2013 by Suspense Magazine and one of the best zombie books by the Huffington Post. She also writes romantic science fiction and fantasy under the pen name Berinn Rae, which includes the RWA award-winning short story "Stealing Fate," a USA Today recommended read. Rachel lives in Iowa with her husband and an incredibly spoiled sixty-pound lap dog. When not writing, she can be found flying old airplanes and trying (not so successfully) to prepare for the zombie apocalypse.  


 


Find Rachel Aukes



*****
My Thoughts:

Can I just start out this review by saying that I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into when it came to Fringe Runner. Let me tell you guys how many sci-fi or space opera books I had read previously... none. Nope. Not a single one. Sci-Fi is not usually my bit. I'm as nerdy as they come. I love Star Wars, I can tell you all about space and astronomy (I went to Space Camp, for goodness sakes), but when it comes to Sci-Fi novels, I've never been interested. It's always been one of those genres that I always assumed worked better in the visual media (film, television, video games, etc). Well folks, I was wrong. Once again I underestimated the great Rachel Aukes. 

Those of you who are new to my blog and reviews may not be familiar with Aukes, but anyone who has been around since the beginning will be well-acquainted with Aukes and her most recent series, the Deadland Saga. You see, Aukes has changed my life once before. Yes, I didn't say shelves. I said life. Prior to Aukes, I was very 'on the fence' about horror novels, especially anything regarding zombies. Through her literary masterpieces, Aukes made me a believer in the best of ways. Her eloquent writing style, paired with an ability to craft emotions so strong, Nicholas Sparks himself should be jealous, Aukes changed my literary landscape in indescribable ways. 

I'd let Aukes guide me through the unknown once before, but was I confident she could change my views on the Sci-Fi genre? It didn't take long for me to find my answer.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked.

Fringe Runner is one of the most unique and original novels I have read in a very long time. Leaping off the pages and into the most creative of fantasies my mind could conjure, Aukes weaves a tale full of suspense, action, and spectacular emotions that left me begging for more!

The very best part of Fringe Runner is that it's the perfect Sci-Fi read to get your feet wet. Whether your a seasoned pro or a beginner to the genre, you'll greatly appreciate the world Aukes has created. Why is it so perfect for new readers of the genre, you ask? One of the glowing stereotypes of a Sci-Fi space opera is the high fantasy-level of description the authors tend to pour into each volume, leading to a slow moving plot that requires far more attention than your average reader is willing/has time to commit to. Aukes totally wipes that stereotype off the slate by providing her readers a full glimpse into her world, including all necessary backstory and world-building, without making the experience a grueling one for the readers. She slips in all necessary knowledge by effortlessly weaving it within her narrative. 

A true testament to the talent of Aukes to break down the genre boundaries within the very first installment of this series.

I won't say too much about the plot in an effort to avoid spoilers, but I can tell you that while there are lots of details and character to keep track of, it's fairly easy to plot out the key players in the story. The plot is full of turmoil both on the action side and the emotional one. Aukes is no stranger to either action or emotion, so this series was sure to impress from the start. The ending to Fringe Runner left me pumped to see what she has in store for the next installment in the series. 

Aukes really nailed it with her characters in this one. Each character is different, paired with their own triumphs and personality (or physical) flaws. It's amazing to get into the minds of such a large cast of characters in a read of this size. We really learn so much about everyone in a way that doesn't veer far from the plot's intended path. One of my favorite things about a Rachel Aukes novel is that while you know they are intended for older, matured audiences, they aren't riddled with gore, harsh language, or explicit sex. Take note readers, Aukes is an author to watch! 

As mentioned before, I haven't read any sci-fi novels previously so I have very little to compare Fringe Runner to. What I can say is that I truly enjoyed the futuristic setting and technologies. They were described in short context, as though everything was not out of the ordinary. I think that made for a much more enjoyable experience. With this in mind, I was fully able to immerse myself into the plot and setting without worrying about the technicalities or 'realism' or the story. I dove in head first and came out with a new appreciation for both Aukes and the genre. 

As you can clearly see, I was absolutely blown away by Fringe Runner. My only complaint is that we have to wait for the next book in the series. I definitely could have used another hundred pages! It should come as absolutely no surprise that I am granting Fringe Runner by Rachel Aukes a near-perfect 5-star review. A perfect read for fans of the fantasy and sci-fi genres. Don't take my word for it, grab yourself a copy of Fringe Runner, available now from your favorite retailer. You will not be disappointed!

*****

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Fringe Runner by Rachel Aukes. As you can see, this book was way out of my norm, but one that griped me from the opening chapter and refused to let go until the very last page. I have to say I was not expecting to love this read as much as I did, but I couldn't recommend it more highly. Be sure to add this one to your TBR today and make sure to wish our author a very happy release day and the best of luck with this new series. Here's to you, Rachel Aukes! Thanks so much for stopping by, until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan