Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Cover Reveal & Blurb : Forever Yours (Moreno Brothers 1.5) by Elizabeth Reyes



Add to Goodreads
Forever Yours
Moreno Brothers, #1.5
by Elizabeth Reyes

Release Date:
February 2014

Genre:
New Adult
Contemporary Romance


Blurb:

Angel Moreno and Sarah Fiero fell in love in Forever Mine but for a couple of high school sweethearts, forever is a really long time...

Catch up with them and the whole gang  in college when past insecurities resurface. As if dealing with her best friend Sydney wasn't enough, Angel now has two more men to deal with in Sarah's life. There's no shortage of edge-of-your-seat, angsty drama, tears and laughter as Angel and Sarah's love is put to the ultimate test in this addition to the Moreno Brother series.



The Moreno Brothers Series



About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Elizabeth Reyes continues to answer to her calling on a daily basis. Since releasing her debut novel Forever Mine (Moreno Brothers #1) in 2010 she has now published 9 full length novels total and fast at work on the next. The excitement her Moreno Brothers, 5th Street, and Fate series have garnered has far exceeded her wildest dreams. It is with as much excitement that she'll continue to put out books related to these series as well as introduce brand new ones very soon.

In 2014 she will take her next step in the exciting world of writing and publish her first traditionally published book with Simon & Schuster/Atria. But she will continue putting out self published books as well.


Book Release Day Spotlight: Three Broken Promises (Drew & Fable #3) by Monica Murphy



Three Broken Promises

Drew & Fable Series

By  

Monica Murphy

Add to Goodreads Here
Release Date:  Dec. 31, 2013
Publisher:  Random House
Source:  Publisher
Mature Content:  18 & Up

GR's Summary:

Breakout New Adult sensation Monica Murphy returns with a hot new contemporary romance—a heartfelt story of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.

Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life. 

I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me.








Drew & Fable Series:

My Review on One Week Girlfriend Here
My Review on Second Chance Boyfriend Here




My Thoughts:


The Drew and Fable Series has been spectacular, and I have enjoyed every book along the way.  Lately, I've been in a bit of a reading slump, and I knew that I needed am amazing story to pull me out of this slump.  So right away, I though of Monica Murphy.  She is one of my go to authors, when I need a book!  Well, Broken Promises (Drew & Fable #3) by Monica Murphy was just the medicine that I needed, and it cured me of my slump!


Colin and Jen's story was a very emotional one for me.  Colin has been in a deep depression and filled with guilt ever since his best friend, Danny (Jen's Brother) died in Afghanistan.  He has been riddled with guilt, and plagued by constant nightmares every night.  Colin and Danny had an agreement that they were going to join the military together, but at the last moment, Danny joined alone when Colin got offered to run his very own restaurant.  

Jen was devastated by her brother's death.  The two of them had been extremely close, and Danny was the only one that really understood Jen.  After his death, not only did she have to deal with his loss, but she also had to deal with the emotional loss of her parents.  Jen's mother started drinking excessively, and her father threw himself in to his work.  So Jen left home, but had trouble supporting herself financially, and became a stripper.  Colin found Jen, moved her in to his home, and gave her a job in his restaurant.  She found a real friend in Fable (who worked in the restaurant as well,) and the two became extremely close.  Jen fell madly in love with Colin, and he had deep feelings for her, but both were too stubborn to admit it.  

Then, Jen decides that she is tired of being a burden to Colin, needs to move out, and take care of herself.  It's difficult for her to be around the man she loves when he doesn't return her feelings.  She couldn't be more wrong, because Colin loves her too, but is scared he'll mess up there friendship, and can't picture having a solid relationship after being raised in a dysfunctional family his whole life.

I really could feel the constant angst and turmoil that Jen and Colin were through throughout the story.  Colin had to deal with his fears and insecurities.  His character came across as very authentic, and genuine.  I felt for his situation, and understood why he was reluctant to enter a series relationship, but I desperately wanted him to take a chance.  It was obvious that Jen was perfect for him, and they complimented each others wants and needs.  Jen had her own personal demons, and a very dark secret.  I was anxiously awaiting to see how that whole scenario played out.  Together, Colin and Jen were passionate, romantic, caring, compassionate, sensitive, and tender with one another.  I loved the soul connection between these two, as well as the intense physical chemistry.  Broken Promises was an excellent addition to the Drew and Fable Series!

My Rating:


Broken Promises was such a good story!  I devoured Jen and Colin's story, and read it in one sitting.  Both of the main characters were three-dimensional, multilayered characters.  I give Broken Promises 3.5 Angsty, Sexy, and Emotional Stars!  If you are a fan or Monica Murphy's Drew and Fable Series, you will enjoy this addition to the series.  If you haven't read any of her books, get started!  You will love the Drew and Fable Series!  Ms. Murphy has a real talent for making her characters jump right off of the page.  This series will make you cry, swoon, jump for joy, and before you know it Ms. Murphy will be on your author auto-buy list, like she's on mine.  Ms. Murphy brings  her readers unique, and beautiful stories, that touch your heart, and are sure to grace your favorite's book shelf!    






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Guest Post

When Lindy sent me the topic, “What were your goals in creating the Drew + Fable series,” for this blog post, I had to think about that for a minute or ten. You see, I had no real goals when I initially wrote ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND. I just…wanted to write a new adult romance about two crazy kids and I was inspired by a story I saw on my local news about a teenage boy who’d been seduced by his female teacher and she was arrested.

This sort of thing happens to teenage girls and the public is horrified. It happens to a teenage boy and it’s not as big of a deal. This idea got me thinking…what if there was a boy who was a victim? A really messed up one who couldn’t face his past? Who’d turned himself into a robot, not feeling, not really living, just barely existing?

That’s how I came up with Drew Callahan. Fable Maguire had been in my head for years (I wrote a few chapters of a YA featuring Fable back in 2009 that is a huge piece of crap no one shall ever see) and I toughened her up, gave her a few issues (rotten mom, teenage brother to take care of) and bam. The stage was set.

I knew going in I was going to end it in a cliffhanger. I figured if no one responded to it and the book was an utter failure, I wouldn’t even have to write the conclusion. I’m so thankful the book didn’t fail. And it quickly turned into this big thing—it became an actual series with a variety of characters and readers who didn't want to let go of Drew + Fable.

Confession: I didn’t want to let go of Drew + Fable either. That’s why I wrote the novella DREW + FABLE FOREVER. It’s my love letter to the readers, so to speak. A glimpse into Drew + Fable’s future that I thoroughly enjoyed writing and I hope everyone thoroughly enjoys reading.

But let’s get back to my goals for the series. When I wrote OWG, I didn’t intentionally flip their roles in the story. I didn’t necessarily even realize I did so until reviews came in saying how much they loved how strong Fable was and how she saved Drew, not the other way around. After so many reviews saying it was like a fairytale and Fable was the white knight, I ran with that theme in SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND. There are fairytale references (and with a name like Fable, I had to do it you know?) and rescue themes. How two people can be broken on their own and become whole when they’re together. That was my goal for SCB.

Before I published OWG, I was afraid Drew would come off like a wimp (my critique partner reassured me that wasn’t the case, thank goodness). Later on, while writing THREE BROKEN PROMISES, I was afraid Jen would come off like a total slut (and if you haven’t read it yet, I’ll just leave it at that). And then when it comes to Owen in FOUR YEARS LATER, I’m scared you’ll all think he’s a giant screw up (but a lovable one, I promise).

Looking back at the series now that they’re all written and edited and being read or are ready to be read by the masses, I realize that what I was ultimately going for was real characters. Characters with flaws who aren’t perfect, who make dumb mistakes, who have horrible things happen to them but can somehow, among the chaos and the mess, still find love. I think that’s my goal in my writing overall, and with this series.

Life isn’t perfect. It’s messy and sometimes awful and challenging and wonderful and exhausting, all at once. We read to escape so I can’t give the reader bad news and despair all the time. I want to offer a glimmer of hope, a spark of attraction, friendship and laughter and sex and love in my books. 

That is my ultimate goal. Even when the world is throwing endless gobs of sand into your face and you don’t think you can take it anymore, along comes someone who lights up your life. Who will give you purpose and make you realize that you’re worth it to that someone. And that someone is worth it to you, too.

Don’t we all want to find love among the chaos? Find that anchor who will soothe our soul and fill us with hope? I think of Drew early on in OWG and how he doesn’t want to feel. How in the early chapters of TBP, Colin is in full on denial that Jen wants to be with him. And in FYL, Owen is so sure he doesn’t want a girlfriend because he’s bad at relationships.

I went and showed all of my characters they were wrong, didn’t I? And that’s been the most fun of all…





About the Author:


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.





Giveaway:






Snowed In? So Read! Giveaway Hop


Hosted by Stuck In Books 

One (1) person will win a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card.
(Open INTL.)


Thank you for stopping by A Bookish Escape
Don't forget to visit the other awesome blogs on the hop to win amazing prizes!




Monday, December 30, 2013

Book Review : Pieces For You (For You, #2) by Genna Rulon




Pieces For You
(For You #2) 
by 
Genna Rulon 



Pub December 17th 2013 
by Author Self Pub 
ARC For Review 

GoodReads Summary
"The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats.

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance.begin to plague Sam, it is Griffin she is forced to turn to.

• This story is appropriate for readers 18+
• Though Pieces For You is a part of the For You 


Series, the book can be read as a stand alone.







The way Ria Sees It

Pieces For You! OMG, this was an amazing story of rebuilding what was once broken. Ms. Rulon has done it again! Seamless, her writing will pull you in from the beginning and not let go until the last word has been read. This story deals with a very difficult subject matter and I couldn’t have picked a better spokesperson than Sam. My Heart broke for Sam and my fists ached to punch her enemies in the face. This series has been nothing short of genius and I highly recommend it.

P-ower, being a victim will not hinder Sam’s progress through hard work and dedication. She will regain what was stolen from her.
I-nnocence, life was never easy for Sam but every decision was hers until the choice was brutally ripped from her. She has experienced humanity at its cruelest her view of life will forever be changed.
E-xperiences, not one to share Sam’s recovery has been hindered by the fact she can’t recount the night everything was ripped from her. Help from a fellow victim cements her resolve. A flood of words will shed light to her nightmares opening the path for her recovery.
C-aring, her chosen family Ev and Hunter are there to help her mend and to protect her what may.
E-vening, Griffin has been waiting and finally obtaining his invitation. He will ensure that Sam will never be harmed again.
S-ex, not something that will come easily Sam is curious and willing to pursue something with Griffin. Whatever happens she knows he would never do anything to hurt her.

F-ocus, through therapy and her cherished friends, Sam will obtain her sanity and find happiness through small achievements. A new job and daily regiment will increase Sam’s steps towards recovery.
O-bstacle, Sam’s last name will prove to be a hinderance coming from those that were meant to protect her. It seems her parents have only ever hurt her.
R-esigned, and determined. Cutting all family ties prove to be the final step towards achieving full independence. Nothing will stop Sam from doing whats right. She will give a voice to those who don’t have one.

Y-earning, a mistake made by Griffin will break Sam to pieces. It will take everyones help to guide her. In the end sorting through all of her turmoil will be the key to forgiveness.
O-uted, the most shocking of revelations occurs when everything is seemly resolved. Sam is once again forced to deal with painful revelations. Embracing the love of those around her Sam will face her most painful nightmare with resolve and strength.
U-nited, and strong life has proved that love has the power of rebuilding. Griffin will never give up on Sam and she will never have to face anything alone ever again.

GAH!!! This was such an amazing read. All of my favorite characters from the first book are back! Even though Ev and Hunter were instrumental in this story they never took away from Sam and Griffin. You will become an insta-fan! Like I said before, this is one you wont regret! There were so many emotions flying through the air. I laughed and I cried. My heart broke and went out to sam and her inspiring strength. Pick this series up NOW.


My Fav’s

Sam
Holy Moly this girl is a firecracker! Definitely someone I could see myself being friends with. I fell in love with her in the first book and her story solidifies my feelings. She is so smart and so brave I admire everything she does. Even when she is faced with danger Sam refuses to bow, her determination and willingness to get back what was taken from her puts her at the top of my favs list. Sam’s capacity of love is just another amazing trait that will have you cheering for her to overcome the evil that has clouded her existence.

Griffin
I was totally loving on him in the first book and I am beyond happy that he decided to pursue his love. Aside from being funny, caring, and drop dead gorgeous, its his love for Sam that made me love him. Hands down his heart is the attribute that will have you sighing along with the story. Not only will you be Sam’s cheerleader you will be Griffin’s as well.


My Rating
4.5 Phoenix Center, Sushi Dinner, Gym Membership, Coffee Shop, Family Dinner, Threatening Notes, Club Serenade, Unleashed Fury, Song Request, Couch Cuddle, Shameful Bankruptcy, New Roommate, Forever Promise, LOVE filled Stars!! Seriously this is one that you must read! Fall in love! Do it NOW!







Mikki's View


I.am.in.love 

Pieces For You by Genna Rulon was everything I wanted it to be. It was powerful, entertaining, charming, sexy, emotional and absolutely A-D-D-I-C-T-I-V-E! I fell in love with Sam and Griffin in Only For You. I was really anxious to read their story. They have an amazing chemistry! Sam is the BFF that every girl wants and Griffin is the protective, sweet, sexy, romantic boyfriend that every girl dreams of. These two have scored a place in my top favorite couple list. They are UNFORGETTABLE, just like their friends Everleigh and Hunter. Genna Rulon created a world where I want to live in. I want to be their friend. I want to work at Higher Yearning with Meg, Sam and Everleigh. I want to hang out at The Stop and eat yummy food and play pool with these awesome people. I want to attend Thia Thursdays and listen to her wise advice. You get my point, eh?! I love them!!!

This was a very emotional book to read. Sam went through hell in Only For You and my heart broke into a million pieces when I read her gut-wrenching story. Sam is a fighter. Day after day she fights to rebuild her life after that horrible attack left her numb. The only people she can really count on are Everleigh and Hunter. They are her family. What she never expected on her road to recovery was to find Griffin along the way. The support that he shows her is breathtaking! He's been in love with her for a while, but kept his feeling a secret. Now that Sam is back in his life, he will do everything in his power to protect her. The more they spend time together, the more they realize that they complete each others like a puzzle.

I can't even put into words how much I loved this story! The sequel to Only For You was a success and I am positive that the next books in this series will be just as wonderful! Pieces For you can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading Only For You before. You really don't want to miss Everleigh and Hunter's love story. It's a beautiful one! What I love the most about Genna's characters is that they are so easy to relate to. In this book, we were introduced to Meg, Sam and Everleigh's co-worker, which is getting her own book Temper For You .... Yay!!!! I was so happy to find out that her story will be the next one in the series. Meg needs a sexy, tender, passionate lover that will sweep her off her feet and be the ultimate O-man ;) I don't know why, but i'm cheering for her mystery man to win the competition that the girls of Higher Yearning have going on for ''HOTTEST BOYFRIEND''. Genna Rulon sure knows how to write a swoon-worthy male character. These hotties leave you in a state of mush!!!! After reading this book I now associate Yogi bear, Andes crème de menthe chocolate and honeydew melon to Griffin .... Tehehe! ;)


My Rating

I give Pieces For You by Genna Rulon, 5 intoxicating, seductive, hilarious, memorable, emotional, romantic stars! I highly recommend this series and I am so happy I found it! I had the chance to chat with Genna Rulon a few times and I can see a bit of her personality in her books. She's a beautiful human being and I'm so happy that she decided to share her love for these characters with us. This series is a must on your TBR list <3







Casting








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Teaser Pics








About The Author
Genna Rulon
An up-and-coming contemporary romance author who loves nothing more than a good love story. 

During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursue her aspirations of writing her own novels. 

Genna was raised on Long Island in New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. Married to a wonderful man who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly! Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy's writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations. 

All of Genna’s reviews are brought to you courtesy of copious amounts of coffee and Disney Junior (something has to entertain the boys when mommy is writing).













Sunday, December 29, 2013

Blog Tour & Giveaway : Mike's Way Back (Finding Perfect, #1) by Amy Gregory


Mike’s Way Back (Finding Perfect #1)
by Amy Gregory

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: September 30, 2013
Cover Designed By: Davis Snodgrass
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.


Purchase Links:





Add to Goodreads
Synopsis

Detective Mike Sterling walked away from his dream job telling himself it was to honor the promise he’d made his mother, while lying in a Chicago emergency room. A year later, he’s still fighting the demons that followed him back to his boyhood town.

Taryn Watts is an award-winning designer, going from project to project, living from a suitcase. Her plan for Renlend Kansas was the same as always. Go in, get the job done and get out, just the way she likes it. Growing up as a cop’s daughter, her every move was controlled. When she escaped to college she vowed to never fall in love with a cop –ever. Until she found herself sitting across from the ruggedly handsome stranger. Looking into Mike’s ice blue eyes they pulled her, called to her, but there was a haunting in them she knew too well.

Mike is drawn to Taryn, her passion for her work and her stunning beauty left him breathless, but what surprises him most is the peace he feels when he’s near her. Maybe it’s because Taryn is a temporary addition to his town and his secret is safe, or maybe it’s because she makes him feel safe. Mike knows he can’t keep up this charade and when Taryn moves to Renlend for an extended stay he can’t hide the truth any longer.

Can Taryn forget he’s a cop and give him her heart, or will his demons drive them apart?





Welcome to our Blog Tour stop for 
Mike's Way Back.
You can follow the rest of the tour HERE

My Review:


Mike's Way Back by Amy Gregory is a fast-paced enjoyable read. It has a nice combination of lovable characters, sexiness and romance. Mike and Taryn were great characters to follow. They have an awesome chemistry and they are funny too!

Mike is a cop who had to make a difficult decision once tragedy struck. He returned to his childhood town and now works has a detective in Renlend Kansas. He left the Chicago PD after making a promise to his mom, but in reality he is trying to forget that terrible day that marked his life. Mike has not been lucky in love, but only one look at Taryn has his heart beating again. Taryn has no time for a relationship. She is invested in her work as a designer and spends most of her days traveling from one project to another. When her next project brings her to Renlend Kansas, the last thing she expected was to fall under the spell of a pair of mesmerizing blue eyes. Mike appeared unexpectedly in her life and when she finds out he's a cop, she's disappointed. Growing up in a family of cops was hard enough, the last thing she wanted was to fall in love with one. As days go by and their relationship grows, both Mike and Taryn will have to overcome their personal demons if they want a shot at making their relationship work.

This story was good. I connected with Mike and Taryn from the start and I finished reading this book in a couple of hours. I loved that this was an easy story to follow. No major drama in the story. It's a romantic/sweet love story that kept my interest until the very last page. I really liked Andrew and Scott (Taryn's best friends) and their sense of humor ;) I have to admit that I had a hard time connecting with Gabby, the bookstore owner, and the main character of the next book in the Finding Perfect series. I really wanted to connect with her since the next book is all about her and Shane, her mystery man. To be honest, Shane already won me over with his cockiness ;) I'm really anxious to discover Gabby's secret and to see if I connect with her in the next book.  


My Rating:


I give Mike's Way Back by Amy Gregory, 3.5 sweet, romantic, sexy, enjoyable stars!




About the Author

When asked ‘when do you have time to write’, Amy Gregory simply laughs. The real answer is, “in bits and pieces”. She and her husband live in Kansas City with their three fantastic kids that keep them running in three very different directions. Because she sits so much, she always carries a notebook with her at all times.

She has an off the wall, snarky, off the cuff sense of humor that often shocks even those who’ve known her for years. And she loves that her children have all been blessed that ability to make others laugh as well. At least she’s grateful most of the time! Her husband often teases her about how she “makes this stuff up” when he’s reading a piece of her work. … The answer—“it just comes to me when I’m typing”. Scary thought, huh!





***Tour-Wide Giveaway***