Blog Tour: Forgiven (This #3) by J. B. McGee

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Forgiven
This Series #3
By:  J.B. McGee
Published:  May 16, 2013
Source:  Literati Literature Lovers


GR's Summary:

Everyone has a past…good or bad, they are always there. They lurk and linger in the shadows, sometimes reappearing at the most inconvenient times.

Gabby and Bradley thought that their pasts would remain dormant, that happiness was theirs for the taking. Still the strongest of relationships can be rocked by the ugliness from a previous life, even if it seems to be a world away. The fact remains an ugly past is never distant. It taints everything it touches, drives permanent rifts between loved ones, and sometimes can ruin everything. Gabby and Bradley must find the only way to battle the past. Forgiveness becomes a light through the darkness, a guide for the lost, and hope for the hopeless. With forgiveness comes bright, new beginnings.

My Take on this Journey

Forgiven, by J.B. McGee, is the third book in the This series.  It is the continuing story of Gabby Gerhart and Bradley Banks.  This novel is told from multiple perspectives.  This made it more understandable, learning each of the main players feelings of what was going on in their minds.  The story opens with Gabby and Bradley waking up from their, nightmare of a new obstacle, in their paths.  Veronica and Ian, (two important players from book #2) come to visit with the news that either Bradley or Ian is the father of Veronica's baby.  Veronica is almost due to have her baby, and Bradley takes on the responsibility of being there for her and her baby during the months before her delivery.  Gabby is accepting of the situation, though at times, feels a bit of jealousy.  Especially knowing that Veronica has had sex with Bradley, and she as of yet, is saving herself for her wedding night to Bradley.  Bradley is very good as assuaging her fears, explaining that there time together will be both of their firsts, since he was not in love with Veronica.  

In the interim, the abusive, alcoholic father, (that has reformed himself) that deserted Gabby, and Sam, (her older sister) at the age of 5 is back in the picture.  Bradley has had Gabby's father investigated.  He tells Sam, but they decide to keep the news from Gabby, since she can't remember her past anyway.  There is a colossal misunderstanding, and the information is blasted out of Bradley's mouth during an argument.  Without realizing the Pandora's Box that he has opened, the obstacles start mounting against them, and also with Gabby's relationship with her sister, Sam.

This novel was very good.  The loving, caring, person that Bradley is, shines through his character.  Though at times, I felt he was a bit of a Svengali, and when he didn't get his way, he was quick to punish Gabby.  Bradley could be a great romantic, and bring Gabby pleasure in many ways, though they never consummated their sexual encounters, because of a promise Gabby made to her mother, now deceased.

Gabby is a strong character, though she tries to please everyone.  At times, I felt she finally would show her stubborn side to prove a point, and it was necessary.  Forgiven is a story of sadness, pain, hurt, redemption, love, and forgiveness.  Gabby gains what she wants most in life, and that is a united family.  I felt the chemistry throughout the book, but was a bit disappointed with the final consummation of their marriage.  The setting was there, and it started out wonderfully, but after all the build up to the crescendo, it lacked the electricity that I found in the previous encounters throughout the novel.  This was a great book, fast paced, spot on prose, well rounded characters who grew and changed with time.  This is a book that you will laugh, cry, and swoon over.  Forgiven is a lesson is rejuvenating the heart, and learning to give second chances.  I thought there were great messages in this novel, with triumph of the spirit.

I give Forgiven, by J.B. McGee, 4 sad, longing, forgiving, loving and triumphant stars!  

Purchase At:

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*To Purchase all 4 books in one bundle from Amazon (savings of $4) Click HERE

About The Author:

J.B. McGee was born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina. After graduating from South Aiken High School, she toured Europe as a member of the 1999 International Bands of America Tour, playing the clarinet. While attending Converse College, an all- girls school in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she visited Charleston often. It quickly became one of her favorite vacation spots. She met her husband, Chad, during Christmas break her freshman year, and they married in 2001 and she moved back to her home town. 

In 2005, the couple welcomed their first son, Noah. J.B. finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 2006. During her time studying children's literature, a professor had encouraged her to become a writer.

In 2007, she welcomed their second child, Jonah, and she became a stay at home mom/entrepreneur. In 2009, the found out their two children and J.B. have Mitochondrial Disease. In 2011, a diagnosis also was given to Chad. Please take a moment and learn more about Mitochondrial Disease. Awareness is key to this disease that has no cure or treatments.

J.B. McGee and her family now reside in Buford, Georgia, to be closer to their children's medical team. After a passion for reading had been re-ignited, J.B. decided to finally give writing a shot. Broken (This Series), is her first book and first series.

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Book Blitz Angels of the Knights series

Angels of the Knights - Fallon 

(Angels of the Knights #1)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.

The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.

The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.

When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.

Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.

E-book is currently free!

Angels of the Knights - Blane 

(Angels of the Knights #2)

by Valerie Zambito

Summary from Goodreads:

Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.

Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?

Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.

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About the Author

Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

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Book Blitz Organized by

Waiting on Forever (The Forever Series #2) by Ashley Wilcox

To Add Waiting on Forever to Goodreads Click HERE

Waiting on Forever

(The Forever Series #2)
By:  Ashley Wilcox
Published:  April 8, 2013
Source:  Author (AToMR)



GR's Summary:

(Spin-off of Planning on Forever)

College.

Parties, sororities and getting drunk.

Oh, yeah. And learning. 

This may be true for most college students, but not for Leah Bennett. College life for her includes studying, working, and excelling in school. When it comes to the social ladder, Leah is at the bottom. Popular girls, hot guys and star athletes are of no importance to her, except for one.

Matthew Jacobs.

Matt is the starting wide receiver at SUNY Cortland, the most wanted guy on campus and Leah’s best friend. Although Leah’s feelings toward Matt run deeper than just a friendship, it is something she would never let be seen because the odds of someone like Matthew Jacobs going for someone like Leah Bennett are slim to none. 

When Matt starts showing an interest in Leah that goes beyond friendship, she is dumbfounded and doesn’t believe it is possible – until one weekend that changes everything.

Will Matt and Leah’s popularity status get in the way of having a chance at a real relationship?

Or does status mean nothing when it comes to true love?

Waiting on Forever by Ashley Wilcox was a fairly short and fast-paced New Adult Contemporary Romance Novel.  The prologue, and epilogue were told from the male lead character, Matt Jacob's point of view, and the rest of the story was told from the female lead character's point of view, Leah Bennett.  This story was about how Leah, and Matt met, and fell in love their freshman year of college.  Leah was a photography major.  She was very introverted, nerdy, awkward, and naive for her age.  She was still a virgin, and didn't really know too much about sex.  As a character, Leah irritated me through the first part of the story.  She came off as too judgmental, stuck-up, and stereotyped groups of people.  She had a bit of an attitude, and was sarcastic.  Leah automatically assumed that if you played football you were a dumb jock, if you wee in a sorority, you were a brainless, stuck up slut, etc.  Needless to say, I instantly disliked Leah.  She judged her room mate, Matt, his friends, and it really annoyed me how she thought about and acted with them.  I felt like she had an attitude problem, was judgemental, and ignorant. 


I loved Matt instantly, and thought that he was too good for Leah!  He was extremely sweet, caring, compassionate, friendly, and an all-around great guy.  He was a star player, and had earned a scholarship to play football at his college.  He was majoring in physical education, and lived in a house with his football team.  Leah and Matt meet one another on their first day of college during orientation.  Leah was taking picture's, because she loved photography, and Matt noticed her.  He loved how petite she was, thought she was beautiful, had a great body, but hid herself behind her glasses and clothing.  He introduced himself to Leah, and even though she was attracted to Matt, she automatically assumed he's a dumb, womanizing jock.  She is a bit rude to him, and Matt is intrigued because he is used to woman falling all over him.  Matt likes how Leah is more of a challenge, and he becomes interested in her.  After orientation, Matt requests Leah to be his facebook friend, they start talking over the internet and become fast friends.  Leah realizes that Matt is a great guy, but figures he would never go for a nerdy, plain girl like her.  Before you know it, Matt transfers into her upper division French class, (just to be around her) and they start spending more time, and falling for each other.  However, these two end up facing challenges that they will have to overcome if they want to be together.


I enjoyed the story plot.  It was fast paced, fun, light hearted, and a feel good story.  This book kept my attention from the very beginning to the very end.  There were a few surprises along the way.  My favorite aspect of this story were how Leah, and Matt interacted with one another.  They were good for each other, and Leah made a lot of character growth.  She became more likable, easy going, fun, and not so socially awkward.  She grew on me, and I felt myself liking her more and more, as she changed and became a more open-minded, friendly, and easygoing character.  Matt was my favorite character in the story.  He brought the story to life, and made me smile whenever he came onto the page.  


I feel like the characters could have been better developed.  We don't find out much about Matt until the end of the story, and I would have like to have learned more about the main characters.  I think the story would have benefitted more from the alternating perspectives of Leah and Matt.  We only got to be in Matt's head at the very beginning, and the very end of the story, and I enjoyed when the story was told from his perspective much more than when it was told from Leah's perspective.  I loved how Matt was not the typical cliche football player.  He was the opposite of the partying, womanizing, jock-stereotype.  Matt was a hard worker, dedicated to school, sexually inexperienced, and a thoughtful, monogamous, dedicated boyfriend.  The secondary characters were fun, but none of them really stood out to me, other than, Summer, who was Matt's best friend, Cole's girlfriend.  Summer was carefree, did, and said whatever she was thinking, was so sweet, and welcomed Leah with open arms.  Summer and Leah immediately became good friends, and Summer was the kind of person that I could see everyone liking.  The beginning and middle of the story were well developed, and left me satisfied, but the end felt really rushed, and I would have enjoyed if the ending had been more developed, and lengthier.

I give Waiting on Forever 3 fun, fast-paced, easygoing read Stars!  If you are looking for a love story that isn't filled with angst, drama, and deep issues, Waiting on Forever is a good candidate.  It's a nice, fun, light read, that you can get through it in a short period of time.  The main character, Leah, may irritate you at the beginning of the story, like she did me, but she grows and becomes more likable as the story develops.  I think the characters needed more development, but the story was still really good.   

"It drives me crazy that this man can freak the hell out of me one minute then make my heart skip a beat the next.  I think it's safe to say that Matt brings out every emotion in me, some better than others."  (eARC, Pg. 121)

"His smile melts me to the core and I decide that I need to start capturing these moments on film.  I need to capture the look he gives me every morning when he wakes up, the way he looks at me before kissing me goodbye, the pleased and proud smile he wears after making my body unravel below him-I need to capture it all.."  (eARC, Pg. 122)

"I've always known that Matt wasn't like the others, that he was different.  He has a heart.  He has a soul.  And he has every quality that I ever dreamed that my somebody would have.  He has captured my heart, he has won my soul and there's nothing that will ever change that."  (eARC, Pg. 146)

"I never believed in love at first sight.  I have always thought that the people who say you'll just know when you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with were nothing but crazy hopeless romantics.  But damn if it isn't all true."  (eARC, Pg. 164)

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords 

Hi all!  My name is Ashley Wilcox. I live in Upstate New York where I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and two beautiful little boys.

I’m a hopeless romantic! I love reading books that make my heart swell and stomach flutter. Sappy, I know, but like I said, I’m a sucker for a good love story. I’ve written two books, Planning on Forever and Summer Rush. Both novels are filled with steamy new adult romance, with a happily ever after.

Writing hasn’t always been a passion of mine. It wasn’t until I picked up the first book in the Fifty Shades of Grey series that I discovered my love for reading. From there I quickly became a bookaholic; reading book after book. Within no time, I had stories forming in my head begging to get out. After talking to fellow readers and authors, and doing a little research, I opened my laptop and started typing; Planning on Forever was born.

Writing has become more than just a passion- it’s a way for my imagination to run wild; bringing characters in my head to life that would otherwise be forgotten. Free therapy, if you ask me!

I hope you enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them!

For more information on these books or to find out what I’m currently working on, click on the books tab.

~Read to love, and love to read~

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Faerie Prince Release Day

It's release day for The Faerie Prince, the second novel in the Creepy Hollow series! Woohoo! If you're keen to read it, you can find it at the following places online:

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Apple iBookstore

CreateSpace (print)

Guardian trainee Violet Fairdale is just weeks away from one of the most important occasions of her life: graduation. After messing up big time by bringing a human into the fae realm, Vi needs to step up her game and forget about Nate if she hopes to graduate as the top guardian of her year. Everything would be fine if she wasn’t forced to partner with Ryn, her ex-friend, ex-enemy, current ‘sort of friend’. They might be trying to patch up their relationship, but does she really want to spend a week undercover with him for their final assignment? On top of that, the possibly insane Unseelie Prince is still on the loose, free to ‘collect’ as many specially talented faeries as he can find—and Vi is still at the top of his list. Add in faerie queens, enchanted storms, complicated not-just-friends feelings, and a murder within the Guild itself, and graduation is about to become the least of Vi’s problems.

In celebration, The Faerie Guardian is on sale for a limited time!

**GIVEAWAY**

There will be a giveaway running from now until the end of the blog tour (Sun 9 June). A giveaway where FOUR people could win something! The prizes are a signed copy of The Faerie Prince (or The Faerie Guardian, should the winner prefer that), an Amazon gift card, a mini book pendant and necklace, and a Creepy Hollow pin badge. Check out the pic below!
Giveaway is open internationally

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Swoon Thursday (20)

Hosted by YA Bound

The Rules of Swoon Thursday:

"From the book you are currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON.  What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.  Try to make the Swoon 140 characters so you can tweet it.  Add the #YABOUND hashtag when you tweet."

To Add to Goodreads Click HERE

Goodreads Summary:

Sometimes you can't help falling in love, even when you try to do the opposite...

Successful fashion blogger McKenna Bell has spent far too long protecting herself after the way her ex-fiancé left her at the altar for a college chick he met the night of his bachelor party. Loving again, trusting again, well, that's just not in the cards. Especially now that her ex is back in town with his new woman, demanding custody of McKenna's favorite creature in the whole world--her dog.

No effing way. McKenna's had enough of him, and she decides to even the score by finding her own hot young thing -- a Trophy Husband. Sure, she's only twenty-seven, but doesn't that make it even more fun -- and infuriating to her ex -- to pursue a younger man?

When she declares her intentions on her daily blog, her quest quickly skyrockets in popularity, and that's when Chris enters the picture, and he’s got all the assets. He's handsome, successful, and turns her inside out with a kiss to end all kisses, the kind that makes you feel like a shooting star.

But loving again could mean losing again, and it's so much easier to focus on getting even, isn't it? Unless, you just can't help falling in love. Which means McKenna will have to come face to face with what she really wants in life -- protecting her heart from hurt, or letting go of her fears of a new beginning.

What Made Me Swoon:

"We don't make it to the bedroom.  I place my hands on his cheeks and start kissing him on the stairs the second I shut the door.  He responds fiercely and we are all lips and tongue and teeth crashing into each other in an anthemic song of kissing, a big epic tune of music, and passion, and hope.  Of falling in love again.  Of letting go and starting over.  He lifts me up and I wrap my legs around his waist, and he carries me up the steps, and lays me down on the couch.  He looks at me, appraising me, and I feel so vulnerable, but so right about this, about him, about us, as he trails his hand down my bare leg.  I sigh, as he kisses my ankle, then makes his way to my calf, stopping to plant a tender, but hot kiss behind my knee, and soon I am wriggling, and wanting, and needing so desperately to feel him."  (eARC, pg. 158)

What Did You Swoon Over this Week?

Your Guardian Angel (Guardian Angel #1) by Skyla Madi

Your Guardian Angel (Guardian Angel #1)

Skyla Madi

Pub December 2012 

by Limitless Publishing

ARC For Review

Gr’s Summary

For Ruby Moore life is far more complicated than that of your average teen, for she is in no way average. Ruby is a vampire and her life as a vampire is far from traditional.

It has been one year since her normal life was brutally taken from her. Still adjusting to the shock of the change from mortal to immortal, her world is rocked again and she is taken under the wings of a guardian angel back to Sage Sanctum- a school beyond reach from the vampires that are determined to destroy her. 

There, she is freed from her vampiric chains and her normal needs and urges return. However a new urge arises… Lust. A forbidden lust toward her savior, her guardian angel.

Attempting to control these desires is difficult, very difficult and when things couldn't possibly get any worse, her situation becomes life or death as someone, somewhere in the school is aiding those who want her dead.

The Way I See It 

Yay!!!  I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!  Your Guardian Angel had it all!!  It had Love, Action, Suspense, Mystery, Drama, and my favorite, ANGELS!!!  Seriously, as angel, paranormal, young adult story goes, Ms. Madi kicks serious tail!!  Eeeep! Giddy Giddy Giddy!  A big FAT thank you goes to Nereyda over at YA Bound for introducing this wonderful series to me!!  Seriously, unputtadownable, and great stuff going on in the pages of this wonderful book!


Y-ears with her mom knowing love, truly Ruby was happy.
O-usted, betrayed by her love, a mother will sacrifice all for her child.
U-nnerved, outmatched Ruby finds herself trapped.
R-escued from herself and from those who seek to cause harm.

G-rotesque, a creature is brought back to the light, no longer a being of evil.
U-nable to hide her feelings, to fit in, to accept who she is supposed to become.
A-nonymous threats, will cause her to betray those she should trust.
R-elief and anguish, her family is safe, but she is face to face with her worst nightmare.
D-angerous encounter, Ruby will have to fight for her life.
I-nnocence ripped away, as so much death and betrayal surround her.
A-nger, at the lives that were lost and thrown away, so much sorrow.
N-ausea, because of what Ruby had to do, to live, to keep those she loves alive, and to avenge.

A-ccused of laws broken, trusts shattered, and sullied hands.
N-ear miss, Ruby felt what it would be like to lose everything she has worked so hard for.
G-ame, a jealous rival will stop at nothing to see Ruby eliminated.
E-arnestly he is giving his heart.  Hunter will wait for Ruby, until she realizes the truth.
L-ove Lost, called upon by the higher power, Ruby wonders if she will ever see Eli again.


I seriously had such a great time reading this story.  Ms. Madi made me feel like I was walking along the halls beside Ruby. I enjoyed the secondary characters soo much!  Everyone fit in the story seamlessly!  I highly, highly recommend this book for Young Adult and Angel fans!!

My Favs 

Ruby
She is beautiful and has a kind heart.  She has a strong will, and knows how to fight with it for good.  After being put in an awful situation, most people would have given in to the darkness, not Rubes!!  I’m so excited to see what she will become.

Eli
He has experienced so much loss, but his heart is still beautiful.  He will do anything to ensure Ruby’s safety.  I see Eli through Ruby’s eyes, and I must say I like what I see. ;)  I can’t wait to get to know Eli better, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that these two will find a way to one and other.

My Fav Quote 

“Since guardian angels don’t actually have big feathery wings, it must mean I’m protected by a chicken.” 
~Ruby

My Rating 

4.0 Vampire, Blood Bag, Sage Sanctum, Goddess Mila, Guardian Tay, Wooden stake, Final vote, Surprising kiss, Retreating Audi, Broken Heart filled stars!  Calling all YA Paranormal FANS!  Go get your copy NOW!!

Casting

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