Release Day Launch & Review: Leveled (Saints of Denver #0.5) by Jay Crownover

Leveled
Saints of Denver 
#0.5

By:
Jay Crownover

Publisher:
William Morrow Impulse

Published:
Nov. 2, 2015

Source:
Publisher

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Goodreads

Source:
eARC from publisher in exchange for a honest review

Book Summary:

We all need a hero...let the Saints of Denver begin. 

Orlando Frederick knows what it is to be leveled by pain. Instead of focusing on his own, he’s made it his mission to help others: sports stars, wounded war vets, survivors of all kinds. But when Dom, a rugged, damaged, sinfully attractive cop makes his way into Lando’s physical therapy practice, he might be the biggest challenge yet. Lando loved one stubborn man before and barely survived the fallout. He’s not sure if he can do it again. 

Dominic Voss is a protector. The police badge he wears is not only his job, it’s his identity, so when he’s sidelined because of an injury, the only thing he cares about is getting back on the force. He expects Lando to mend his body, he just doesn’t realize the trainer will also have him working towards a hell of a lot more. As attraction simmers and flares, Dom sees that Lando needs repair of his own...if only the man will let him close enough to mend what's broken.

Saints of Denver Series:

Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

Leveled was a sweet and fast-paced novella.  It is the story of Dominic "Dom" Voss (Loyal's best friend and police partner,) and Orlando "Lando" Frederick's story.  Dom was severely injured in the call of duty, and is determined to get back to the career he loves.  Royal is able to pull some strings and get Lando as his physical therapist.  Lando is highly sought after by sports stars, and is one of the best in his field.

When Lando and Dom first meet one another sparks fly. This is a shocker for Lando, because he is still mourning the death of his first and only love, Remy Archer.  Lando decides to keep things strictly professional.  For one he doesn't date his clients, and for another, he could never date a police officer, and risk losing someone else he loves.  Will fear rule Lando, or will Dom convince him to take another chance on love?

Leveled was a really good story.  I loved the fact that I got to be reunited with the amazing cast of characters in the Marked Men series.  Plus, Dom and Lando were both minor character that I liked, but didn't know a lot about.  I enjoyed getting to know both of them on a deeper level.  Leveled was an emotionally-charged story.  I love that Ms. Crownover gave us the dual perspectives of Lando and Dom.  My heart mourned for Lando's loss, and I understood his fear, and how hard it was to break free, and put his heart on the line again.

My Rating:

I give Leveled, by Jay Crownover, 4 Courageous, Healing from Heat Ache, and New Love Filled Stars!  I was happy that Orlando and Dom both got their own HEA.  Ms. Crownover's fans are going to be very pleased with this sweet and romantic novella! 

Book Teasers:

Book Excerpt:

He reached out and shut the medical file in front of him and leaned back in his chair. His eyebrows arched up, and he laced his fingers together and put his index fingers under his chin. 

“What exactly are you after, Mr. Voss?” His voice was smooth and modulated. I was a disaster, a bundle of nerves and anxiety, and this dude was acting like we were talking about the weather, not my entire life and everything I had ever worked my ass off for. 

Defiantly I spread my legs apart and slumped back in the chair across from him, making it a point to affect a posture that was as casual as his was professional. I had on a faded DPD T-shirt and a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee, and both were a little baggy since I’d lost some of my bulk being laid up in the hospital after the accident. If the guy across from me was a cherry-red Ferrari, then I was a rusted-out and battered John Deere tractor in comparison.

“I want my life back, Mr. Frederick. I want to be able to move the way I used to. I want to pass the department physical so I can go back on patrol. I want to be able to walk without needing a crutch or a cane. I want to be the way I was before I got hurt.” I was asking for the impossible and I knew it. “And please call me Dom.” 

He dipped his chin down a little, and the edge of his mouth tilted up in a slight grin. Damn the man was good-looking. I blew out a breath and lifted up my hands to run them over the top of my shorn hair. I was hanging on to my sanity by a thread and my unexpected reaction to the guy that I was hanging every hope I had left on wasn’t helping matters. 

“All right, Dom. You can call me Lando. That’s what my friends call me.” 

I felt one of my eyebrows shoot up. “Are we going to be friends?”

Purchase At:

 Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Other

Don’t miss a Sneak Peek of BUILT, the first full-length novel in the Saints of Denver Series, in the back of LEVELED!

About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and The Point series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway:

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Release Day Launch Organized By:

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Double Cover Reveal: Trusting Liam & Changing Everything by Molly McAdams

TRUSTING LIAM

 by Molly McAdams

On-sale 6/4/2015

When Kennedy Ryan moves to California, she never expects to come face-to-face with Liam Taylor-the intriguing man she hasn’t been able to forget. Somehow Liam managed to get Kennedy to let down her guard for a single night of passion that ended up meaning more than it was ever supposed to. Accustomed to disastrous experiences with men, Kennedy shields herself before he can break down more of the carefully built control she’s clung to for the last four years. But every time she sees Liam, she feels her resolve weakening.

Liam Taylor has been asked to befriend his boss’s nieces. But what starts out as a reluctant favor ends up leading Liam to the only girl who ever slipped away before morning-a girl he thought he’d never find again. And now that she’s within reach, Liam’s determined to never let her go.

When a secret from her past tests their relationship, will they be able to cling to the trust Liam has worked so hard to build?

CHANGING EVERYTHING 

by Molly McAdams

On-sale 3/3/2015

Paisley Morro has been in love with Eli since they were thirteen-years-old. But after twelve years of only being his best friend and wingman, the heartache that comes from watching him with countless other women becomes too much, and Paisley decides its time to lay all her feelings on the table.

Eli Jenkins has a life most guys would kill for: Dream job, countless women, and his best friend, Paisley, to be the girl he can always count on for everything else. But one conversation not only changes everything between them, it threatens to make him lose the only girl who has ever meant anything to him.

When tragedy strikes his family and Eli is forced to reevaluate his life, he realizes a life without Paisley isn’t a life at all. Only now, he may be too late.

Blog Tour: Make It Last (Bowler University #3) by Megan Erickson

Make It Last

Bowler University #3

By: Megan Erickson

Release Date:  January 6, 2015

Publisher: William Morrow Impulse

Source: eARC for an honest review

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Gr's Summary:

After graduating from Bowler University, the last place Cam Ruiz ever expected to find himself is his hometown. A bad job as a bouncer and worry over his mom’s health make living in Paradise anything but. There’s only one thing that can make his return any harder—running into the only girl he’s ever loved. 

Tate Ellison made a mistake when she was eighteen, one that cost her the best thing she’s ever had. She’s always hoped the regret of losing Cam would fade over time. Too bad it’s only grown. She took comfort in the fact she’d never have to face him again, so his presence in Paradise throws her for a loop.

The pull between them is instant and when the truth of what happened years ago tumbles out, they share a mind-blowing kiss...which leads to more. But the past has a way of repeating itself. When all the cards are on the table, Cam and Tate must decide what they are willing to do to make it last.

Bowler University Series:
Our Review of Make It Count Here
Our Review of Make It Right Here

Add this Series to Goodreads Here!

Lindy's Thoughts:

The Bowler University Series has been such a wonderful, fun, and entertaining reading escape.  I love all of the main characters, because they each have distinct personalities that don't fall in to cookie-cutter stereotypes, and give a fresh take on the New Adult Genre.  However, out of all three books in the series, Make It Last is my favorite!  I have been highly anticipating Cam Ruiz's story since I met him in book one.  Wow, this book just flew by for me.  It had a lot of fun, as well as a lot of substance.

Cam Ruiz is known by his group of good college friends for his "player" status, but he wasn't always that way.  In fact, there was a time when he was madly in love with his childhood sweetheart Tate Ellison, and pictured spending his life with her.  However, his heart was destroyed when she cheated on him while he was in basic military training.  This betrayal was the catalyst that changed him.

When Cam's mom get's injured, and is having major problems with her Fibromyalgia, Cam returns to the small town of Paradise, so that he can help her around the house, and with the bills before he begins his new dream job in New York come the Fall.  When Cam stops by the local diner, he is shocked and caught off guard to see his first love, Tate, is a waitress there.  For both of Cam and Tate, it's like time has stood still.  Overwhelming feelings flood the both of them.  As Cam keeps running in to Tate, he decides that he would like to be her friend.  However, he could never trust her again.  There are things that he doesn't know, and if him and Tate want a second chance at love, they are both going to have to fight for it.

Make It Last, was an emotional read for me.  Tate was such a strong and selfless person.  She won me over 100%  I loved seeing a different side to Cam.  He was so sexy in this installment.  The way his vulnerability, and love for Tate shone through made him extremely appealing.  He was so genuine, and took care of those around him.  Tate was his perfect counterpart.  These two had such great chemistry, as well as a strong friendship.  They really were soul mates, and I was happy that they found their way back to each other.  

Some of my favorite parts of the story included a scene were Cam and Tate were trying to make each other jealous.  It was pretty funny.  There was another part of the story were all of the characters from the previous books were reunited, and this was one of my favorite parts of the story also.  

My Rating:

I give, Make It Last, by Megan Erickson, 4.5 emotional, heartbreaking, funny, sexy, and phenomenal stars!  It was the perfect ending to a great series!!!

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo

About Megan Erickson:

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf. 

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway:

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Blog Tour Organized By:

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Blog Tour: Make It Right (Bowler University #2) by Megan Erickson

Make It Right
By: Megan Erickson
Published: Sept. 9, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse
Source:  Publisher 
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GR's Summary:

Max Payton lives by two rules: Size and strength win any fight, and never show weakness. 

When a rash of assaults sends Bowler University for a tail spin, Max volunteers to help teach a self-defense class. One of the other instructors is the beautiful pixie-faced girl he keeps butting heads with…and who challenges everything he thought he knew. 

Lea Travers avoids guys like Max - cocky jocks who assume she's fragile because of a disability caused by a childhood accident. She likes to be in control, and something about being with Max makes her feel anything but. But during the moments he lets his guard down, Lea sees a soul as broken inside as she is outside. Trusting him is a whole other problem... 

When the assaults ramp up and hit close to home, Lea and Max must learn, before it’s too late, that true strength can come from vulnerability…and giving in to trust is sometimes the only way to make things right.

Bowler University Series:

Our Review of Make It Count Here

Lindy's Thoughts:

Ms. Erickson has produced another great story!!!  Max was a horrible boyfriend, and appeared to be a shallow, self-absorbed, egotistical womanizer in book one, Make It Count.  Well Ladies, he has redeemed himself!!!  I always fall for the wounded and vulnerable characters, and as I got to know Max beyond the surface, which was a facade that he used to protect himself, I grew to love him!  Lea was his perfect match!  She didn't put up with anything, and knew how to put Max in his place, get to the heart of the matter, and keep him on his toes.

Max was abandoned by his mother when he was a young child, and his family consisted of a macho, brash, and at times cold father, and two older brothers.  He was taught to never cry, show vulnerability, or back down from a fight.  Max was miserable as he went to college and majored in business, so that he could join the family car mechanic business.  Lea, was a no nonsense, straight forward, and courageous person.  She saw through to the true Max who saved an alley cat, made it homemade cat treats, was a romantic at heart, and loved helping others.  She brought out the best in him, and gave him the courage to examine his life, stand up to his father, and pursue the kind of life that would bring him true happiness.

Make It Right was a great story!!!  Max and Lea were amazing primary characters who were supported by an amazing cast of secondary characters.  Kat, "Zuk," Danica, Monica, Cam, Max's family, and Lea's dad all felt very real to me.  

I especially appreciate the fact that Ms. Erickson writes about realistic characters with real flaws.  Lea had to deal with a limp, and tremendous leg pain on a daily basis from a childhood accident, that left her with painful emotional scars.   She had to learn how to surrender, be vulnerable, and take a chance on love.  Max had a lot to work through in order to let himself show people who he really was, instead of putting on a facade.

My Rating:

I give, Make It Right, by Megan Erickson, 4 vulnerable, learning to surrender, fun, sexy, and entertaining stars!  While this story touched on deep issues, it also had a lot of humor,  witty banter, sexy flirting, suspense with muggers on the loose, and wonderful friendships.  I'm really looking forward to continuing the Bowler University series, and Cam's story is next!!!

My Favorite Quotes:

"I finally understand I can't predict how I'm going to feel twenty years or ten years or even five years from now.  So I live my life in the moment how I see fit."  (eARC, Loc. 1674)

~Lea

"And she knew that while she might hold his heart, he held hers too.  Like they both kept the other beating, the symbiotic relationship necessary for them both to survive."  (eARC, Loc. 2699)

~Lea

Everyone Deserves the Chance To Change

Make it Right was everything I expected and more! Since reading Make it Count I was curious about Max because even though he made a lot of mistakes…I saw something special beneath the layers. He and Lea are absolutely precious together. Erickson does NA right, from the angst to the sweet tenderness of finding a healing love. This was fun but not as light as her first book in this series. Both of our main characters were dealing with some heavy stuff that made my heart go out to them. I really like Ms Erickson’s writing style she has a way of pulling the reader into the pages from the first all the way to the last. This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone though I don’t recommend that because trust me when I say everyone needs some Alec in their life. This series has a special place in my heart so of course I recommend it!

M-istakes, Max lives with the guilt of what he did to his friend and the dread of what will become of his life after graduation. 

A-lone, Lea has regained a part of herself she thought was lost but in that process she has vowed to never trust again and always be one step ahead of the game. 

K-ind, Max is a jerk self proclaimed and justly titled but Lea see’s another dimension of him that most tend to gloss over. 

E-nlightening, bickering and picking on each other was how Max and Lea always interacted but everyone could see there was more to it than the banter. 

I-ndecision, Max vowed to stay away from girls but something about Lea has him rethinking everything. Not wanting to take a risk but no longer able to deny he wants more Max jumps in with both feet. 

T-rust, Lea cares deeply for her friends and she has overcome many obstacles but the thought of letting someone like Max in pushes her to do something out of character. 

R-emorse, knowing that what she did was wrong Lea will seek Max’s forgiveness and try to open up to him. 

I-ngrained, being raised by a callous old bear has always taught Max to fight and never to be week. He cannot stand his old man but he loves him.  

G-uidance, with the attacks on campus Max and Lea have been helping the students learn how to protect themselves and escape should they be attacked. 

H-opeless, with the omission of the truth Max effectively destroys what he and Lea have been building. Knowing he has to act quickly he runs straight into a trap. 

T-ruth, strength is not in size or muscle it is in Love and Trust. Together Lea and Max will happily embark on their future.

This was such a great read the characters will touch your heart and stay with you. The ending set up the next book very nicely and I’m looking forward to getting inside Cam’s head. I hope we get to see all of these wonderful characters again. For a great NA read pick up these books pronto!

My Favs

Max

Yep I said it. He has been a jerk but he lives with the guilt of his mistakes and vows to learn from them. I loved his character development Max has certainly come a long way since we were first introduced to him in Make it Count. I saw something special beneath his exterior in the first book and I am so glad I was right. The circumstances of his childhood were harsh and through it all he loves his brothers and father fiercely. Finding Lea was just what he needed she gave him strength where he was lacking so of course he was going to fight for her! Well done Max! 

Lea

Super cool Lea wasn’t always the way she is now. Lea has both physical and emotional scars that she has to bear everyday. They have impacted her life a great deal. Yes she went through the angry gothic phase but grew out of it. Just because she limps doesn’t mean she is a pariah. I love that she became a black belt and learned to channel her anger. All that was missing was the strength to trust. Fortunately Max got under her skin and was able to make her open up. Trust me when I say these two make a wonderful couple and it was a super treat watching them fall in love.

My Rating

4.5 Parties, Pizza, Boyfriend, Cousin, Library, Stray Cat, Cucumber, Treats, Cookies, Garage, Business Major, Black Belt, Hospital, Gym, Ice Skating, Twinkling Lights, Kissing Bet, Snickerdoodle, Gun, Emergency Phone, T-shirt, Confession, Coconut, Building Tour, Thanksgiving, Graduation, New Beginnings Love Filled Stars! Check out this series it has my <3!!

Character Casting:

"Max" and "Lea"

Book Teaser:

Purchase At:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes
Kobo | Google Play

About the Author:

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’5” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf. 

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction. 

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

Website |Goodreads | Facebook |  Twitter

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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