Sunday, March 2, 2014

Blog Tour: Forgiving Lies (Forgiving Lies #1) By Molly McAdams


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Forgiving
Lies
Forgiving Lies #1
By:  Molly McAdams
Published:  Oct. 29, 2013
Publisher:  William Morrow
Mature Content:  18 & Up


GR's Summary

A matter of secrets...
Undercover cop Logan "Kash" Ryan can't afford a distraction like his new neighbor Rachel Masters, even if she's the most beautiful woman he's ever seen. To catch a serial killer, he needs to stay focused, yet all he can think about is the feisty, long-legged coed whose guarded nature intrigues him

A matter of lies...
Deceived and hurt before, Rachel would rather be a single, crazy cat lady than trust another guy, especially a gorgeous, tattooed bad boy with a Harley, like Kash. But when his liquid-steel eyes meet hers, it takes all of Rachel's will-power to stop herself from exploring his hot body with her own.

A matter of love...
As much as they try to keep it platonic, the friction between them sparks an irresistible heat that soon consumes them. Can Kash keep Rachel's heart and her life safe even as he risks his own? Will she be able to forgive his lies ... or will she run when she discovers the dangerous truth?






 Forgiving Lies Series:



My Thoughts:

Forgiving Lies, is the very first book that I've read by Molly McAdams, and boy did she blow me away!  Forgiving Lies was one amazing story that completely captivated me.  The story was fast-paced and filled with suspense, danger, a whirlwind romance, and fireworks!  I can't wait to continue right where I left off, and begin, Deceiving Lies, which is a to be continued story.

This story was full of intrigue and I did not want to put it down!  Kash and Mason are undercover cops who have been working to bring down a drug ring.  When they are discovered, and their lives get threatened, they are sent to live in Texas with new identities.  Their new undercover assignment is looking for a masochistic serial killer, known as the "Carnation Killer."  Kash's whole life has revolved around his career.  He doesn't do relationships, because his job is so dangerous.  However, when he meets his new neighbor Rachel, he can't help but fall for her quickly.  

Rachel has had a tragic life.  Her parents died when she was very young, and her best friend, Candace's parents took her in, and treated her as their own.  Rachel and Candace are inseparable.  Rachel even left California to attend the same college in Texas to be with Candice.  However, after a bad relationship, and then being attacked, and stalked by Candace's cousin, Blake, Rachel has sworn off relationships and men in general.  When Rachel meets Kash, she fights her attraction to him, and erects walls to keep him out.  However, little by little, Kash finds a way to destroy her walls and they form a deep friendship that eventually evolves into love.  Yet, Rachel doesn't know that Kash is an undercover cop, or even his real full name, and as danger lurks around every corner, and the stalking escalates, Kash is determined to protect her.  Danger is everywhere, and the ultimate climax will keep you glued to the pages, as Rachel and Kash's story unfolds.

Forgiving Lies had an excellent plot.  I felt like I was in an episode of Law and Order: Criminal Intent.  Yet, added to it was a sexy love affair, that made me smile, laugh, and swoon!  Kash, Rachel, and Mason, were great characters!  I could feel Rachel's pain, fear, and I connected with her.  I loved Kash.  He was sexy, intelligent, protective, loyal, and very compassionate to Rachel's needs.  He built a friendship with Rachel first, and took things slow, because he knew that is what she needed.  Mason, Kash's best friend, and undercover partner, was such a likable character.  He was like a big teddy bear with biceps.  He was such a sweet and loyal guy.  I thought that he was a great friend to Kash and Rachel.  Candace, Rachel's best friend, frustrated me.  She was a shallow and self-centered character.  She loved Rachel, in her own way, but it was unforgivable to me that she didn't support or believe Rachel when she confided in her about being victimized, and even accused her of lying, and making up stories!  I would have not been able to forgive her the way Rachel did. 

I highly recommend, Forgiving Lies, by Molly McAdams.  It had a beautiful love story, romance, sexy love scenes, humor, danger, suspense, and an unpredictable plot full of twists and turns.  I give Forgiving Lies, by Molly McAdams, 5 Riveting, Thrilling, Exciting, and Dangerous stars!  I am looking forward to continuing this story and plan on reading every book Ms. McAdams has ever written!    




My Favorite Quotes:

"No one has ever made me feel like my heart is flying away but still holding me to this earth.  No one has ever made me feel so at peace and crazy with one look.  No one has ever made me feel so in love and terrified at the same time.  No one until you."  (Kindle Loc. 2661)

~Rachel

"Can people die from a broken heart?  I don't think so.  But I do know that when you keep yourself, or are kept, from the person who holds your heart, your body cripples under the knowledge that it isn't whole and won't be until you're with them again."  (Kindle Loc. 4770)

~Rachel

"The minute I realized I was in love with you, my purpose in life changed to taking care of you..to keeping you safe...and to loving you."  (Kindle Loc. 4845)

~Kash

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About Molly McAdams:



Molly McAdams grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry daughter. Her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach, which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she's not at work, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm...or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.



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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick



Welcome to our tour stop for Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick.
 This is an Adult Contemporary  for ages 18+.  The tour runs Feb. 24th - March 5th. 
Check out the Tour page for the full schedule.


Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Released Feb. 7th, 2014
435 pages
ISBN 9780957496187

Synopsis:


After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.


Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was sent away. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.


Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can time or distance erase the pain of living?


Torrey Delaney is new in town, and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads. And that’s on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman—the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.


As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered?


Is love a life sentence?








Excerpt:


“Don’t you have a long shirt, or something you can wear to cover up your arms? And you really need some work-gloves. I’ll tell Mom to buy you some. For now, you’d better use these.”

She threw me a pair of pink rubber dish gloves. I stared at them in disbelief. 

“I cain’t wear those!”

“Is this some macho bullshit thing about not wearing pink? You’d rather get your arms ripped all to pieces? 

Do you actually have two brain cells to rub together to keep your head warm?”

“Do you ever make any tips when you’re waitressin’, ‘cause you’re so damn charmin’?” I snapped back.

I could have bit off my tongue when I realized I’d said that out loud.

She sat back in her chair, and I wasn’t sure if she was fixing to bawl me out or if she was fighting down a smile.

“Hey! I can be charming—when I want to be!”

And then she laughed. God it was a wonderful sound. People didn’t laugh much around me, and I certainly hadn’t heard my folks laugh lately. It stirred something deep inside me. I didn’t know what it was, but I liked it.

Her amusement finally ended in an unladylike snort, and I could feel my lips turning up in an awkward smile.

“I can be charming,” she said, again.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah!”

“Prove it!” I taunted her.

She blinked in surprise, and then her smile turned devilish. I wondered what wicked thoughts were hiding behind that pretty face.

“Oh, baby,” she said, her voice all soft and sweet. “I can be charming! Now let me look at those cuts on your poor lil’ arms. Poor you; poor baby.”

And she leaned forward, giving me an eyeful straight down her tank top. She wasn’t wearing a bra and I could see soft, golden mounds of flesh. I closed my eyes and bit back a moan.

I don’t know what she saw in my eyes when I opened them, but her flirty words came to a sudden stop.

“Sorry,” she said, quietly. “I didn’t mean to tease. I was just playing.”

I nodded, uncomfortably aware that if I stood up now it would be obvious just how much her words—and lack of clothing—affected me.



About the author:

I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene.

Turns out I can!


My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13th and live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changed into (and out of) their wetsuits.


My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does.


Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books. That’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet.


Readers can find bonus chapters for several of my books on my website www.janeharveyberrick.com


Saturday, March 1, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (19)

Hosted by:  Tynga's Reviews




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Big Thanks To: Gallery Books, Harlequin, Signet Eclipse, Berkley Romance, and Avon Impulse :)





Book Review: Fire and Flood by Victoria Scott




Fire & Flood 
(Fire & Flood #1) 

by 

Victoria Scott 


Pub February 25th 2014 
by Scholastic Press 

Summary
A modern day thrill ride, where a teen girl and her animal companion must participate in a breathtaking race to save her brother's life—and her own.

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?







Lindy's Thoughts

Fire & Flood, by Victoria Scott, was a memorable, thrilling, suspense-filled adventure!  Ms. Scott has shown how talented, and multi-faceted her writing is.  I love her Collector Series, and Fire & Flood is vastly different in most aspects.  Yet, a few things that both of these series' have in common are unforgettable characters, an addictive story, and such vivid imagery, that you will feel like you are a part of the story!

The story is told from Tella, the main character's point of view.  Her older brother, Cody, is dying rapidly, of a strange illness, that the doctor's don't understand, and can't cure.  Tella and her family move to Montana, because her mother thinks that the fresh air will be good for Cody's health.  One day, a strange gadget appears on Tella's bed, but before she can listen to it, her father confiscates it.  Later, she learns that it contains an invitation to the Brimstone Bleed, a race against four ecosystems; jungle, desert, mountains, and water.  The winner of the race, will get the ultimate prize; the cure for a loved one who is dying.  So Tella, sneaks out of her home, to compete in the ultimate race.  

Fire & Flood reminded me a lot of the television show, Survivor, with Science-Fiction & Dystopian elements.  The competitors have to learn how to survive in harsh weather conditions, hunt and gather non-poisioness food, find drinkable water, and battle dangerous animals.  However, I wasn't prepared for the biggest danger of all; the fact that some of the other competitors would pose the largest threat of all.

One of my favorite aspects of the story were the "Pandora's."  These were animals that had been genetically modified, hatched from an egg, and were designed to help their competitor win the race.  Many of these Pandora's resembled typical animals in nature, but had very special skills.  They were fiercely loyal, and put their competitor's survival before their own.  My favorite Pandora, was Tella's cute little fox, Madox.  I enjoyed learning about the various Pandora's and their skills. 

I also loved many of the characters in this story, but Guy was my absolute favorite.  He had piercing blue eyes, and came off as callous and determined.  He was very mysterious, liked to be alone, and had great survival skills.  However, we learn fairly early on that he has a soft spot for Tella, and is very protective of her.  As the romance between these two began to heat up, I wanted more!  I can't wait for the next installment of this, to be continued series.  The ending left me excited for the next book.  This race has proven to be dangerous, and even deadly for some.  The stakes have gotten even higher, as Tella and Guy's feelings for each other have grown, and certain information has been revealed.  I wonder, where will it all lead?  


My Rating

Fire and Flood was a great story, and has the makings of an amazing movie.  There was suspense, action, adventure, a little romance, amazing characters, and endless twists and turns.  Two of which, I never saw coming!  I Give Fire & Flood, by Victoria Scott, 4  Addictive, Adventurous, Suspenseful, "I Want a Pandora," Filled Stars!  Pick up this story if you enjoy survival stories and Science Fiction.  This story is perfect for guys and girls of all ages!






The Way Ria See's It

PAN-FLIPPIN-DORAS everyone!!!!
When I first heard of this concept I was all like..."Oooh that sound interesting" and was it ever! Holy Moly so so so good! At first I was a petulant child because I wanted to know what was going on and I couldn't put my finger on it but once the race began and the questions started unravelling I was hooked! I even went so far as to EXPLODING on my fiancé yelling "Oh.MY.Gosh! You don't even know what is going on right now!!! They're going to KILL THEM!!!!" Then he says very calmly "Your right, because I don't even know who they are." I shoot out of the bed and say "Fine I'm going to charge your iPad but I REALLY need to get back to this uninterrupted!!" and I shook my book in his face, with a goofy grin and crazy laugh. As I walked out of the room I yelled over my shoulder "You don't even know babe! There is some serious stuff going on, and you almost got punched." Lol the fact that he puts up with me is a testament to his love. The fact that I didn't punch him in the throat for interrupting my reading during a very serious moment, so I could go "charge" his very not serious iPad is a testament of mine. :0) Um...but Seriously I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT!! What will it be? Ice Snow, Salt?.. Eeeeeeep!!!!!! V.S. is a genius. #Fact

F-resh air, Tella is taken away from her friends and her life as she knows it is changing.
I-rritating, Cody has always picked on Tella, its part of the brother sister dynamic.
R-eality, there is nothing Tella won't do for her brother her love for him will be her motivation.
E-vil, something has made her brother sick and all she wants if for him to get better.

A-dventure, Tella doesn't know what is happening but she knows she has to win she has to save her brother.
N-ights, are scary Tella has made allies but in the world she has been thrown into she's not sure if she can trust them.
D-eath, the pandoras offer protection but who will protect them.

F-iend, a cruel enemy is formed he will stop at nothing until he has what he wants.
L-ight, travels are more difficult but there is a task and a goal everyone wants to achieve.
O-pponent, cruel and a tad crazy Tella's enemy catches up to her.
O-ptions, none are left Tella is exhausted the rules demand she do this. With the guidance of her friend she does what she must. 
D-awn, after being in the dark for so long Tella vows to do things differently. With what she knows now, she will follow the path her heart takes her on.

There are a lot of twists and turns and crazy AWESOME story lines! This plays out like an epic adventure thats super addicting. Okay I seriously need the next book now! I am in love with it and I know this is going somewhere. There are a lot of secrets revealed but I'm feeling there is more we've yet to discover. Ms. Scott's writing is very gripping I would love to see this on the big screen!! Its like the Golden Compass meets the Hunger Games. Love love love!!!

My Fav's 

Madox
Tella's pandora I hate spoilers so I'll just say this...He is super Baaaaaaad A$$$$$$$$$$! 

Tella
Her character development is shocking. I liked her okay in the beginning but by the end of the book I was fist pumping for her success. I like that she is a normal girl with a fire in her heart. She loves openly and freely. I enjoyed seeing her take charge because she truly deserves it. 

Guy
Strong smart and prepared. He is mysterious but Tella snags his attention right away. Guy reveals parts of his heart and past to Tella but something tells me there is much more we have yet to discover.

My Rating

4.5 Cabin, Homeschool, Illness, White Device, Lion, Fox, Eagle, Elephant, Cheeta, Bear, Hawk, Serpent, Daring Quest Hopeful Love seeking stars! If you enjoy YA...This is going to rock your socks so pick it up!









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About The Author 
I’m a teen fiction writer with a die-hard affection for dark and humorous books. My work is represented by Sara Crowe of Harvey Klinger literary agency. I have a master’s degree in marketing, and currently live in Dallas with my husband, Ryan. My first series started with THE COLLECTOR, and was published by Entangled Teen in April 2013. The second book in the trilogy, THE LIBERATOR, will release August 2013. My next series kicks off with FIRE & FLOOD and is being published by Scholastic, February 2014

Stalky Things




Book Review: With Good Behavior (Conduct #1) by Jennifer Lane


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With Good Behavior
Conduct #1
By:  Jennifer Lane
Published:  July 13, 2010
By:  Omnific Publishing
Source:  Author

GR's Summary:

In a world gripped by organized crime, family dysfunction, and dim hopes of redemption, can true love persevere? For Sophie Taylor, a beautiful psychologist who lost everything when she violated an ethical boundary, and Grant Madsen, a handsome naval officer who sacrificed everything to protect a loved one, finding that love may carry an unbearable cost.

Starting their lives over in Chicago, both are fighting influences from their family and running as fast as they can to escape the past. When their paths cross outside the parole officer's door, the attraction is instantaneous. But a hidden connection may not only shatter their fledgling love, but prove deadly to them both.






My Take on this Journey:

With Good Behavior, by Jennifer Lane, was an amazingly, fast-paced, thrilling novel.  It was filled with a great cast of characters and had a lot of character building sequences.  Unfortunately, 29 year old Sophie Taylor, a tall, thin, beauty with strawberry-blond hair, cannot escape the one huge mistake she has ever made in her life.  A mistake in judgement that has cost her her career as a Psychologist, her family, her reputation, and a sentence of 2 years in the Downer's Grove Women's Penitentiary in Illinois.  She only served a partial sentence for good behavior, but is now thrown back into the real world, with Parolee Officer, Jerry Stone, who is very intimidating, and has to report once a week for the next year, keep her nose clean, and find a job. Only problem is, how do you find a job when the question always arises, "Have you ever been arrested of a felony, and what was your crime?"

Grant Madsen, is 28 years old when he goes to prison.  He is dark complected, good-looking, a self assured, golden adonis, with crystal blue eyes that seem bottomless, the hands of an artist, and has just gotten out of a three year sentence early from, Gurnes State Penitentiary, in Illinois.  Grant was a former Navy man, who was dishonorably discharged for his felony, and he has a lot of secrets about his family, his former life, his psychological breakdown in solitary, and more, that will follow him everywhere he goes, mixed with a tremendous amount of guilt.  He just so happens to be at the office of the same Parolee Officer, waiting to be seen.  When out of nowhere, a long legged beauty walks out of said office and turns his head.  Both take that extra glance at one another, like two ships passing in the night.  There is a definite immediate attraction, and each wonders if they will see the other again.  For Sophie, his eyes penetrate her soul, but for the love of her, she doesn't know why.


Sophie's father, Will Taylor, blames her for her mother's death, due to her being put in prison.  She is going to live with her friend, Kirsten, her friend that is in the midst of writing her dissertation to become a therapist.  Grant's mother's brother, Uncle Joe Madsen, his only father figure, is the only one he considers family.  Now that he has let everyone down in his life, he feels he has no one and no where to go, so he stays at a shelter for the first night out of prison.  He definitely doesn't want anything to do with his father's side of the family, who are all a part of an organized crime family.  All of a sudden his Uncle Joe comes looking for him and he can breathe again.  Life won't be as bad as he thought. 


The characters were very engaging, and multi-faceted.  From the first sentence, Ms. Lane grabs her audience and throws them in to this roller coaster ride of intrigue, suspense, and tension that builds to a crescendo that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. Grant is wound deep in to the background of the Mafia, but has been trying to break loose at every turn, throughout his life.  They just won't let him go.  They will do anything to draw him in, including using the woman he loves.  These two characters have an insta-love relationship, built on lust and attraction.  There is a definite affinity to secrets, which each leaves the other dangling out of the loop.  Ms. Lane draws the reader in to a web, where each character is connected to the other, without their knowledge. The angst and intrigue leaves you reeling, wondering what is going to happen next, when they find out about each other, and their unknown connection to one another.


As an avid reader of suspense, drama, intrigue, mystery, and romance, I found this novel superbly written.  The characters are dimensional, there is definite character growth, and the novel had a definite beginning, middle, and end.  Ms. Lane has written a great romantic novel with exceptional leading characters that will fill your heart and leave you so engrossed in their journey, you won't want to break the spell that captivates you, as you hold out hope for these two characters that didn't deserve what life threw their way. The secondary characters were all wonderfully written, relatable, sexy, and realistic. Get your hankys ready, this story has an unforgetably, sad history that will make your heart break for Grant and Sophie.  I loved this novel and look forward to the sequel.


I give Good Behavior, by Jennifer Lane, 5 Intriguing, Suspenseful, Endearing, Sweet, Love Filled, Second Chance Stars!!!     







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About the Author:



People fascinate the psychologist/author (psycho author) known as Jennifer Lane. Her therapy clients talk to her all day long about their dreams and secrets, and her characters tell her their stories at night. Jen delights in peeling away the layers to scrutinize their psyches and emotions. But please rest assured, dear reader, she isn’t psychoanalyzing you right now. She’s already got too many voices in her head!

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is the author of The Conduct Series—-romantic suspense for adult readers—-and recently completed the third and final installment:On Best BehaviorStreamline is her first foray into writing for young and new adults, but she’s found this sort of writing even more fun. A former college swimmer, Jen was able to put a lot of her own experiences into this book. 

Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and hanging out with her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.








Giveaway:


Enter to Win an eCopy of With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane!  Just Leave a Meaningful Comment, and we will use random.org to pick a winner!