Book Blitz Tour + Giveaway! "What Goes Around" by Anne Bikov

What Goes Around

Synopsis:

What if your loved ones kept ending up hurt, in danger, or even dead? 

After Randie Duncan’s brother is killed in a suspicious industrial accident, leaving behind a pregnant fiancée, Randie leaves her dream life in NYC and comes home to Cullville, WA to mourn and heal with her sister, but has no intention of staying there permanently. 

Following a painful break-up, Joe Baxter guards his heart carefully, but when well meaning friends match him up with Randie, he can’t fight his immediate attraction to her. As they grow closer, Randie finds herself debating the idea of returning to NYC, but Joe isn’t the only one who finds her magnetic. When a suspected stalker attacks her, things heat up. Joe believes the attacker may be the town’s troublemaker and mill owner’s son, Jared, who is paying too much attention to his late friend’s fiancée, but will he be able to prove it before someone else gets hurt?

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Excerpt:

Randie lifted her head and pulled back slightly, looking up into Joe’s eyes. She wanted him to kiss her and she wanted it to happen now, before the song was over. What she hadn't expected was the effect his kiss would have on her entire body. When Randie looked up at Joe, he had a look of mixed emotion, confusion and interest, and then he did exactly what she was hoping he would do. He bent his head down to hers and softly kissed her lips, once and then again. When he pulled back, she wanted more. She looked from his eyes to his lips and back to his eyes again, and ran her thumb over his bottom lip. She grasped the nape of his neck, running her tongue quickly over her lower lip and opening her mouth just enough. He leaned in again, placing his hands on either side of her face, and when the kiss continued, deepening, he pulled her closer putting his right hand on her back and his left hand in her hair. As the intensity of the kiss grew, so did her body's reaction. They were lost in the feel of the music and the kiss combined, pressing their bodies as close together as they possibly could until finally Joe stopped. He pulled his lips away and kept his eyes closed, as Randie relished in the effect. He leaned his forehead against hers, breathing deeply. He put his arms around her and, pulling her close, buried his face in her neck, lifting her feet just barely off the ground. After a moment, he lowered her, gave her one more quick kiss and then took her hand and led her off the dance floor.

About the author:

Anne Bikov

Anne lives in the wilds of Northwest Ohio splitting her time between writing and her evil night job (no, it's not what you think). When she's not writing, she's finding new TV shows to add to her already time-consuming line-up, exploring her newly discovered love of blended coffee drinks, and trying to coax her substantially less that vicious dog out from under the bed.

Social media links:

Site | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

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Giveaway!!!

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Blog Tour Stop + Giveaway! "Worth the Chance" by Vi Keeland

WORTH THE CHANCE

MMA Series #2

~ SYNOPSIS ~

Meet Liv Michaels It may have been seven years, but I’d know him anywhere. Sure, he’s grown, filled out in all the right places, but his captivating blue eyes and cocky grin are exactly the way I remember. Even though I’d much rather forget. Liv Michaels is almost there. She’s smart, determined and weeks away from landing the job she’s dreamed about for years. Time healed old wounds, even her broken heart from the devastation of being crushed by her first love. Meet Vince Stone Women love a fighter, especially a good one. Lucky for me, I’m damn good. But there’s one woman that isn’t interested. Not again, anyway. Vince ‘The Invincible’ Stone is every woman’s fantasy…strong, sexy, confident and completely in control. Growing up surrounded by chaos, he’s learned never to get too attached. Love will drag you down. He adores women, treats them well, puts their own needs before his own…for the night anyway. With the biggest fight of his life coming up, his focus should be on training. When fate brings Vince & Liv back together again, there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. But can Vince erase the old scars their past left behind? Or will Liv hurt him instead? 

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 ~ REVIEW ~
5 Stars

Worth the Chance was my first book by Vi Keeland, and I have to say, I am an instant fan!! Wow. I was hooked from the get-go and all the way till the very end!

This was the second installment in the MMA Fighters Series. You can safely bet that I will most definitely be reading book one – Worth the Fight. Even though both books are technically stand-alone novels, I suggest you read them in order since the characters from book one are very much present in Worth the Chance.

“Guess you have to decide. Is he worth the chance? The chance that maybe if you let him in, he’ll stay this time?”

Vince Stone and Olivia Michaels had known each other since high school. They always had a strong attraction and feelings towards each other, but life had other plans. Seven years later, they met once again and the fire and desire between them was very much still burning.

Liv was now competing for a permanent position – her dream job – as a writer in the Daily Sun Times Newspaper, while Vince was now a very popular and talented fighter who had no trouble when it came to the ladies. Due to circumstances in his life while growing up, he lived a lifestyle unattached from everyone, especially women. He would most definitely enjoy their company, but nothing beyond a one night thing.

And now they were again, face-to-face. Only this time, Vince wasn’t letting her go that easily. Queue the swooning. The guy knew what he wanted and went after it. He made sure Liv knew that he wanted her.

“You can make is at difficult as you want, but we, Liv, are going to happen. Neither of us can stop it.” - Vince

The chemistry between these two was downright HOT. It sizzled. But Vince had once upon a time hurt Liv, so she was a bit guarded and I totally understood that. He had to earn her trust again. But let me tell you, once they fully embraced their relationship, things got even hotter. Oh, my!!! Those sexy scenes sure made me fan myself!!! Vince was one hell of a sexy alpha in the bedroom. ;) *Dreamy Sigh…* Well anyway, I just loved these two characters. Vince was honest, raw, smokin’ hot, and passionate. And Liv was beautiful, caring, strong, and sweet. They balanced each other off perfectly, I believe.

“I. Protect. You. Liv. I don’t need you to protect me. That’s how it works.”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. We protect each other. That’s how it works.”

The story line sure kept my interest intact. A true page turner!!! Liv’s job put her in a very tough situation. One where she could end up losing Vince. I was very anxious, to say the least. I wanted them to be happy and together, so it was really nerve-wrecking and it had me biting my nails because I knew it would end up blowing up…it was just a matter of “when” it would happen. There were also a few twists and turns I did not see coming. One specifically made my heart ache for Vince…like really ache.  There were secrets left and right and I just wanted to read more and more! The plot just flowed wonderfully and I truly enjoyed it. I loved Vi Keeland’s writing style!

Worth the Chance was a perfect mix of angst and passion about a second chance romance…which I’m always a fan of! I highly recommend you read this book!! Vince Stone is one fighter you should not miss out on!

“I’m rewriting the ending to our story, Liv. I’m giving you your happily ever after. I promise.” 

~ PURCHASE ~
Amazon | Paperback | Kobo | Smashwords

~ MMA Series ~

 (Each book a standalone)

WORTH THE FIGHT

MMA Series #1

~ SYNOPSIS ~

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same. 

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

***Author's note*** 

THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

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~ PURCHASE ~

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~

Vi Keeland

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting New York Times & USA Today Best Selling smut author by night! 

Social media links:

  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Mailing List 

Email: vikeeland@gmail.com  

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Giveaway!

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Release Day Blitz + Giveaway! "Hero" by Leighton Del Mia

Hero

Synopsis:

Calvin Parish
They call me Hero.
I defend.
I protect.
I ask for nothing in return, and that makes me good.
Doesn’t it?

That which makes me the ultimate predator also feeds dark impulses I’ve learned to control—until I bring her too close. For years I’ve watched her from afar, but what started out as duty has become obsession.

Cataline Ford
I work hard.
I play by the rules.
I’m content.
My scars are quiet and invisible, and that keeps me hidden.
Doesn’t it?

One fateful walk home, I’m taken by someone I didn’t know I should fear. Captive and afraid, nobody will tell me why I’m confined to this hauntingly beautiful mansion. I’m given everything; I have nothing. He takes what he needs from me, and for that I hate him. But I might have loved him once.

And just because you’re reading this doesn’t mean I survive him.

"Escape is now her singular obsession, the need for it all but physiological. But freedom is the only thing I can't give her, because I have an obsession of my own: her safety. Or, maybe now, just her."

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Review:

4 Stars

Let me start and preface this review with this: I have never read a dark erotic novel. This was my first. I must say….it was very intriguing. This one also had a different element thrown in it, and I’m not entirely sure how to describe it. Not paranormal….not science fiction? I’m not sure, but it was definitely different!!

I enjoyed it and really liked seeing the ‘other’ side to what can happen and how people can fall in love with a dark and twisted person, and to be able to see the other side to that person. The one that can be loved….and probably, should be loved. It was written really well, and I thoroughly enjoyed the discussions that took place, and how they took place.

~I highlighted quite a bit in this story, but I am afraid giving too much away will take away from the actual need/desire to read the book. So bear with me…~

Cataline works for a media company and lives with her roommate. She had a rather sad upbringing and has dealt with a lot in her life. She was determined to make it on her own…and she was doing a good job, even dealing with a prick for a boss! She is also in love with the head of the company, Calvin (I love forbidden romances, don’t you??) and she watches him from afar. She sees past all the outside appearances, to see him. She is drawn to him….and has no problems discussing that with her roommate.  We do seem to fall in love with Calvin. He has alpha written all over him….yummy.

Even shielded by bulky, black-rimmed glasses, his olive green eyes smolder. I’ve imagined that looking directly into them is such an experience, I’d come out a different person. I’d do it anyway, even knowing it could be my undoing. Just to see what would happen.

One night she is kidnapped and ripped off a street corner on her way home from work. She wakes up in a mansion….with a closet full of the nicest clothing, the best lingerie, and a whole suite to herself. She has a library, she has a movie room; she has anything she could ever ask for. She is pampered….but her life is not hers to live and she is stolen from her own world. She has a very regimented side to her life that takes some getting used to…she needs to “learn her place” and that is a hard pill to swallow!

She is so strong willed, she doesn’t let anything get to her but, after being gone for so long, she starts to learn the ways of her “Master” and what she needs to do to placate him, which means she has to let go of a little bit of her will. She wants answers, but no one (butler, maid, security guard) will answer any questions for her, no matter how many times she asks and what she asks.

The lines in Norman’s forehead deepen as he sighs. “Cataline, listen to me. There is no escaping this situation. Best that you don’t resist, or you’ll make things harder on everyone.”

This is the ‘other’ side I was describing. She is SO strong. It was amazing…I am not too sure how I would survive in a situation like that, but I can see how love actually happened. Little by little she starts to love her Master and how He treats her. Cataline almost craves, or yearns, that attention from her Master.

Why do I crave his approval, his affection? Why do I want to hold the hand that holds me down? Kiss a mouth that calls me “slut”? And why does being his little slut excite me to the point of losing all my inhibitions?

Even though He isn’t particularly nice to her on every occasion, we get to see the softer side of Him…..but He hides it and reigns it in very quickly when she starts to notice it and use it to her advantage. There is such a pull with a back and forth emotional argument between them. He realizes she is His weakness….and it’s a really captivating other side to see.

I understand that I simultaneously love and hate Him the way He is simultaneously good and evil.

This was a dual POV book, but written a little differently than most dual POV books. His POV didn’t come into play until chapter 6….and we don’t know who He is, but we start getting His POV. I really liked how this all played out….and how it was written. The curiosity, the intrigue and the suspense that was wrapped up in who her Master was, made it all the better for my read. Seeing His side really made me start to see what possessed Him to do what He did, but also how He was feeling about everything that was done and why it was done the way it was.

I think this book is a really good intro to dark romances….and it really opened my eyes to what they can be about and how love can blossom from such depravity. It was dark enough to get your blood flowing, but light enough to present a new genre to anyone who is curious. While there are some seriously sexy HOT scenes in this book, there is a suspense and action side to this book as well, so it isn’t light in that aspect.

“I’m a monster,” he whispers, sending a direct line of shivers down my spine.

My only problem was that I felt like I needed more at the end. The book ended, but I wanted more….I almost felt like I had more questions. Thankfully the author is putting out a novella as well! I am anxious to read that bit and get my closing I wanted. I really loved seeing the understanding and the love that was a “needed” love….because the realization that the love that you have is necessary for survival can be a beautiful thing.

He took my body in a moment, but my mind and heart have been a subtle conquest.

4 very intriguing and suspenseful stars.

***An ARC of "Hero" was provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!!***

Love,

Bethany 

Purchase links:

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Teasers:

Keep Me 

(Hero #1.5)

Synopsis:

“I will disappoint you. I will hurt you. If I could be different, I would. But I don’t think I can.”

Keep Me is a follow-up novella for Hero readers who want a glimpse of life after breakfast. It is optional and not essential to the original plot. It is only intended to be read after Hero, and is not a standalone.

Novella length: 21,000 words

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Amazon -- not live yet | Paperback | B&N

About the author:

Leighton Del Mia

Leighton Del Mia lives behind large sunglasses and under massive headphones. She can usually be found behind and under these things at any Starbucks on the West Coast, which is where she writes twisty books between sips of black coffee. 

Social media links:

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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Giveaway!!

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Promo Tour! "Giving In" by M.R. Joseph

Giving In  (The Sandy Cover Series, #1) Synopsis: Raphael Cruz doesn't do it. He just doesn't. Cruz doesn't fall in love. He's a "get in and get out" kind of guy. Ladies love him and fall all over him for his swoon worthy good looks and overwhelming sex appeal. He knows how to talk to them and tells them exactly what they want to hear. When he's done making them scream his name, he shows them straight to the door. The meaning of the word love doesn't exist in his world. But that could all change with a wink of a girl's eye... And one hot-as-hell romp in a bar bathroom. Harlow Hannum is your typical girl-next-door. She has the brains, the beauty, and the money. What she doesn't have is the luxury of being someone's first choice in the game of love. She always comes in a distant second place, leaving her guarded with her feelings. Lies, betrayal, and secrets of her past follow her wherever she goes, no matter how hard she tries to hide them.  That is until she's reunited with the one guy who can ignite the spark in her heart that's been extinguished for so long. With sunny days, heated nights, and love lingering in the air in the beach town of Sandy Cove anything can happen. Especially when fate steps in for Harlow and Cruz. Will their blossoming friendship turn into unexpected love or will the collision of their opposing worlds be the end of what could have been?

Teasers!

Cruz & Harlow’s Playlist

Beneath Your Beautiful~Laberyth feat. Emile Sande

Try Again~Keane

Satellite~Gunther

Let Go~Ellie Nash

Who you love~John Mayer/ Katy Perry

Lucky Now~Ryan Adams

Passenger~Let her go

I’m moving on~ Rascal Flatts

The Story~ Brandi Carlisle 

Demons~Imagine Dragons

Hundred~ The Fray

Kiss Me Slowly~ Parachute

Summer Again~ The Afters

Sweet Disposition~ The Temper Trap

Follow Through~ Gavin DeGraw

You Could Be Happy~ Snow Patrol

A Great Big World~ Say Something

Evanescence~ My Heart Is Broken

Linkin Park~  What I’ve Done

Just Like Heaven~ The Cure

About the author:

MR Joseph

I'm a book enthusiast, turned author, who loves all things "Happily Ever After". 
My first book, 'Reunion' debuted in November, 2012. Meant only to be a Christmas gift to my family and closest friends, word got out, and here I am. The second in the series, 'You Belong With Me', released in March, 2013, and the final installment in the series, 'Letters to Luca', released August 2013.
Mom and wife by day, writer of contemporary romance by night, I believe in soul mates, true love, and all that mushy stuff.

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Cover Reveal! "Very Wicked Things" by Ilsa Madden-Mills

COVER REVEAL

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Very Wicked Things

(Briarcrest Academy, #2)

Synopsis:

Born on the poor side of town…

Ballerina Dovey Beckham is a scholarship student at Briarcrest Academy, determined to prove she’s more than just a girl with the wrong pedigree. She does whatever it takes to succeed in her endgame, even if it means surrendering her body…but never her heart.

Until the day she meets him, and he rips apart all her well-laid plans. Suddenly, the girl everyone thought unbreakable might just shatter.

Born into wealth and privilege…

Cuba “Hollywood” Hudson is rich, spoiled, and a star football player. With his fast cars and superficial girlfriends, he lives the high-life, hiding his secrets from the world.

Until the day he meets her, and she offers him something he’s never tasted…love.

But once in a lifetime kind of love doesn’t come easy. When trust crumbles and doubts creep in, both will have to decide to either love or let go…forever.

Welcome to Briarcrest Academy, where sometimes, only the wicked survive.

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Release Date: 

May 13, 2014

Excerpt:

Cuba’s POV

Not exactly a meet-cute…

The room closed in, making me sweat. I hadn’t talked to her in over a year, and now here we were, face-to-face. Two ex-lovers who hated each other.

I had to get away from her.

Dovey tilted her head as I stood, giving me a scathing glare. “Leaving so soon? Yeah, go ahead, cut and run. Coward.”

I ignored her and tried to get Weinstein’s attention, to let her know she could flunk me for all I cared.

“Before you go, tell me one thing, and I’ll make sure we aren’t partners in this class. You’ll be free of me,” she said.

“What?” I asked, my voice going all raspy, blocking all the words I wanted to say. They weren’t things she ever needed to hear.

“Why so cruel to me? You aren’t to the other girls you date and dump. Why single me out?”

I seethed. “And it didn’t take you long to find someone else, now did it? How is Spider? Does he get you hot like I did?”

She smirked. “He’s fine. He thinks I hung the moon. He thinks you’re an ass. I agree.”

I tightened my fists and pressed them against my thighs, swearing to myself I wasn’t responding to her bait. I swore. She was a dangerous game I didn’t need to play.

Suddenly, her face fell. Was she recalling the last time we were together? Was she remembering how I used to…

“I trusted you,” she whispered, all her anger seeming to be gone. The unsteadiness of her voice undid me, sent me right over the edge of that precarious cliff I’d been hanging on to by the skin of my teeth.

Yeah, she hadn’t been the only one who’d trusted me. I’d ruined them all. Every last one. Dark thoughts assaulted me, of the blood I had on my hands.

Snap! My pencil broke and small pieces flew across my desk and into the empty space between us.

I wanted to pummel my desk until my fists bled. I wanted to punch a hole through the wall, the floor, my face.

Everything was my fault. Just mine.

She’d been collateral damage, the kind that breaks everyone involved. And I was sorry for it, but sometimes you do what hurts because it’s for the best.

But she was my kryptonite, leaving me no option but to hurt her. Again.

I didn’t think about my cruel words, I just said them. “You were a curiosity, Dovey. You weren’t the usual BA girl, and I wanted a taste. That’s all. I moved on when it got boring. Get over it.”

Book Trailer:

   

About the author:

Ilsa Madden-Mills

Ilsa Madden-Mills is a loving wife and mother, a loyal friend, and a teacher. When all that is done, she writes. Obsessively.

She spent several years teaching high school English, but now hangs out at home with two small kids, a neurotic cat, and her Viking husband. She collects magnets and rarely cooks except to bake her own pretzels.

When she’s not typing away at a story, you can find her drinking too much Diet Coke, jamming out to Pink, or checking on her carefully maintained chocolate stash.

She loves to hear from fans and fellow authors.

Social media links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter