Review: Preservation (Preservation #1)

Preservation (Preservation #1) 

by Rachael Wade

SYNOPSIS:

Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon.

Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can’t afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else’s complicated baggage. 

When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell’s creative writing class, he is only “Mr. Campbell” to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor. 

But underneath Ryan’s abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can’t stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they’re willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That’s if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don’t pummel their efforts first. 

MY THOUGHTS:

4 stars

The first half is worth 5 stars for me, but the second part is 3 stars. Hence: 4 stars. 

How many times do we say: “I don’t want to be in a relationship” or “I don’t have time to get involved with anyone right now” ? but those statements die in our mouth because when the person is right, we suddenly want to be in a relationship and we suddenly think we have time for it (even if actually we don’t have time at all)

Well, for these two, that is what happens. He is a player, he has his reasons, yes, but he still is and she is so self-absorbed with her mom’s sickness, work and studies that she is not planning on falling for anyone. And on top of all, both had been hurt, so they fear commitment. They fear the consequences of letting someone in. And then, they meet. 

I loved the cover of this book and that was what at first piqued my interest. But for some reason, I was drawn to this story from page one. I like the writing, the short chapters and the characters. Well Kate lost judgment somewhere after 50% of the book but besides that, I liked her. 

If anything, Carter is a bit possessive at the beginning but then he grows to be one of my favorite characters with the amazing advices that are always perfect and in sync with Kate’s needs. 

And Ryan? He likes The XX, that’s all I need to know! And with his perfect abs and toned body… swoon! (I believe a long time ago I mentioned that every sexy guy on earth in mind looks like Ryan Guzman or Channing Tatum but this Ryan feels like Ryan Guzman :D) Honestly though, he had a few possessive/crazy attitudes that bothered me but I can live with that. 

Regarding Ryan and Kate’s relationship, I understood their attraction, damn even I was attracted to him after a few pages but I didn’t get the “you are too good for me” thing after seeing each other a few times and spending a few minutes together in total… 

Now let’s move to the second half:

- Here it seemed like the author just decided to throw events randomly. I won’t spoil anything. 

- Also… There was a plot hole? I mean, how did Ryan and Carter got a hold of Kate when the gala event took place. I mean, yes, they knew she was at the hotel but how did they figured out exactly where she was and that she was in danger for that matter? As I said, I don’t want to make a spoiler so I’m not getting into details regarding that. 

- St Lucia is a magical place, even though not necessary for the plot. IMHO.

About the end and epilogue:

- Then end is adequate, nonetheless predictable. 

- The epilogue is cute and it’s a ‘happily ever after’. 

Overall a good and entertaining read but I would have liked the second part to be a bit different

Review: Sex on the Beach (Cocktail Cruises #2) and giveaway

Cocktail Cruises - Box Set

by Allie Boniface

Enjoy all three of the Cocktail Cruise stories in one volume, along with cocktail recipes and excerpts from some of your favorite USA Today and Amazon best-selling authors – available only in this collection!

Quick Facts                                        

Release Date:  December 1st, 2014                

Genre: Contemporary Romance                                           

Formats to buy: Paperbacks and all ebook formats

Heat Level: R-rated for sexual content; 3 Flames (Contains occasional sensual, explicit love scenes, and the language used to describe them may be graphic and direct)

Tequila Sunrise (Cocktail Cruises #1):

Louise wants to find love on board a romantic singles’ cruise – and it looks like her prayers are answered at a speed dating event.

Toby is too busy for a serious relationship; he only goes on the cruise because his best friend’s family owns the line and his sister works on it. But when he meets the luscious Louise at speed dating, his heart’s a goner.

When Lou discovers the dating service uses unethical business practices, though, she’s determined to reveal them, and the resulting publicity hurts Toby’s friends and family.

Can he convince her that true love exists beyond numbers?

Sex on the Beach (Cocktail cruises #2)

Cassidy is an elementary school teacher with a secret: a sexually adventurous online life led under a foolproof alias. Her motto? Enjoy sex and the single life as much as possible.

Bryce works for a major cruise line, which gets him all the sun, sand, and women he could want. But he meets his match in Cass, who’s even less interested in commitment than he is.

When her school’s financial crisis places Cass at the center of a firestorm, she must decide whether she’ll let Bryce become the first man she’ll trust with both her secrets and her heart. 

REVIEW:

- I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review -

3.5 stars!

This is the first book I read by Allie Boniface. I was drawn to it because I thought that the names (Cocktail names) were a fun touch and also because I’m a fan of cruises.

Romance + cruises = MY THING!

What can I say about "Sex on the Beach"? 

The best things:

• First of all, the cover is gorgeous. 
• The writing style is fresh.
• I liked the friend. Lou is amazing! And she is the protagonist of Book 1 (Tequila Sunrise) so I’ll be getting it soon!
•  I enjoyed how the story unfolded when they were back on land, with a tiny bit of mystery and drama. 
• The sexy scenes were nicely done.
• I found the “Savvy tip of the day” really funny and I believe it’s a nice detail.

                                                                                                    

Savvy tip of the day:

"Don’t be afraid to say what’s on your mind, even if it scares you".

• There is a happy ending and that earn points with me hehe. 

The not so amazing things:

• Everything happened too fast, but probably because the book is short. On the bright side, that makes it super easy to read. I read it in just one afternoon.
• I wanted more cruise story. Most of the story develops on land. 
• There were a few editing errors but they don’t divert the reader from the story at all. 
• Cass. I didn't like her much.  

For example: when she first got on the cruise, she said she wasn’t there to pick up a man but she stared at two guys in 2 minutes with a lusty attitude. 

And definitely, it’s different to be laid back, confident and not wanting commitment than being slutty. 

As the story continued,  she changed but at first she was: "looking for her skimpiest bikini", making comments such as “men always notice my different eyes in the morning when I’m naked in their bed” in the first 5 minutes of a talk  with a guy  O.o . Sorry, but I couldn't relate to her. 

Though After one unworthy accusation towards Cass, Bryce gets closer to her to help and they start connecting a bit more and she opens her heart. That part I enjoyed more because it felt more real. 

Anyway, a nice summer read (ok, summer for those who live in the southern hemisphere!)

If you want a spicy and entertaining read, take a look at it.

Between the Sheets (Cocktail Cruise #3)

Andrea is determined to merge a cruise ship career and single motherhood. But that leaves zero time for sex or love, so when she has a chance for a fling with a sexy cruise ship dancer, she goes for it.

Sebastian enjoys a low-key life as the ship’s dance instructor, a welcome change from his previous life in Argentina as the star of a hugely popular dance show. But when Andrea sweeps into his life, everything changes.

Will new love help him come to terms with his past, and convince her to find room in her life for another man? 

Here is an excerpt of  Sex on the Beach:

Bryce ran the back of one hand down her bare arm as he leaned over to flag the bartender. Electricity shot all the way up to Cass's shoulder, and something deliciously warm and familiar tingled between her legs. She brushed his shoulder as she reached for her drink, telegraphing a message that registered in the light of his eyes.He took a long swallow of his beer, then rested one elbow on the bar and turned toward her. Two inches, maybe one, separated them. She could smell him. If she leaned forward, she could probably taste him. And damn, but that mouth looked like it would know what to do on a woman’s body.“That pick-up line, by the way?” she said. “The good-luck charm? Weak.”He clutched his chest as if she’d shot him. “Was it that bad?” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “I thought it had flair.” He touched the neck of his beer bottle to her glass. “Women like flair.”Cass crossed one leg over the other and let her dress ride up. “Flair is over-rated.” She ran her fingers through her hair, loose and falling past her shoulders. “It takes more than that to win a girl over.” A nice ass will do, though, she thought. Good smile and wit helped too, and so far Bryce was three for three, though she wouldn’t tell him that.
“Decided to take the free cruise?”“I did.”“How’s your friend Louise?”“She’s fine. Spends a lot of time with Toby, but I’m guessing you already know that.” She sipped her martini. “What about your buddy? The one from the bachelor party? He get married yet?”“Yep. Valentine’s Day.” He cocked his head when she didn’t answer. “I take it you're not a fan?”“Of marriage? Or Valentine’s Day?” Not either one, she wanted to say.  She set her glass down after another sip. “Thanks for the drink. But I think I’ll be going.” First conversations never needed to last longer than a few minutes. She’d leave him wanting more. 

The Author

 

Allie was born and raised in a tiny community in upstate New York, which probably explains her fascination with the magic of small town life. She holds a B.A and M.A. in English Literature and is a full-time high school English teacher in the northern NYC suburbs, where she currently resides. When she isn’t teaching or writing, she and her husband love to travel both in the United States and abroad. She is the author of seven novels and three novellas and writes sensual contemporary romance because she loves exploring the emotions that connect us all!

Giveaways

U.S and International: 

$10 Amazon gift card, E-copy of Tequila Sunrise

a Rafflecopter giveaway



U.S only:

Signed paperback of The Promise of Paradise (also by Allie Boniface)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blitz and giveaway: At any moment by Brenna Aubrey

At Any Moment by Brenna Aubrey

(Gaming the System #3)

Publication date: October 31st 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

It’s Dangerous to Go Alone!

Mia Strong never expected to be deciding the rest of her life at age twenty-two. Is she willing to become a human lab rat? Does she need to write a will? Does she ever want a family–and if so, with whom? She can’t dodge the tough questions–not if she plans to live to see twenty-three. With her life hanging in the balance, Mia wants nothing more than to rely on Adam Drake, but he’s hurt her before.

You Must Gather Your Party Before Venturing Forth…

Adam Drake knows that he’s made mistakes, but when he discovers what Mia’s facing, he realizes how much those mistakes could cost him. Now he has to choose between being the man who can save Mia’s life or the man she can love. No matter how much it tears him apart, Adam knows he has to put Mia first…even if it means he’s out of the picture entirely.

Will their love survive this epic battle or is it game over?

This novel is the third and final book in Adam and Mia’s trilogy, but they will be featured in future Gaming the System novels.

AUTHOR BIO:

Brenna Aubrey is an author of New Adult contemporary romance stories that center on geek culture. Her debut novel, At Any Price, released December, 2013.

She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. A mommy to two little kids and teacher to many more older kids, she juggles schedules to find time to pursue her love of storycrafting.

She currently resides on the west coast with her husband, two children, two adorable golden retriever pups, two birds and some fish.

Brenna’s short story “The Love Letter” was the Grand Prize winner of the Jane Austen Made Me Do It Short Story Contest. As such, it was included in the anthology of the same name (Ballantine, 2011)

Author links:

http://brennaaubrey.net/

https://www.facebook.com/BrennaAubreyAuthor

https://twitter.com/BrennaAubrey

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5824327.Brenna_Aubrey

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway 

3 different winners

• 1 compass locket on a chain (US only)
• Signed copies of all 3 books in the series (US only)
• $15 Apple iBooks or Amazon Kindle gift card (International only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt and giveaway: Karma by Charity Ferrel

Book & Author details:

Karma by Charity Ferrell 

Publication date: June 6th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

I’m cursed. Yes, cursed and this isn’t some paranormal fantasy. This is my real life. Karma has decided to last out on me. I’ll never find my true love and I’m learning to accept that. The only problem is; he isn’t. He’s starting a war with karma and everyone knows karma always fights back with a vengeance.

Gabby Taylor is screwed. On her first day at her new internship, she runs into the guy she’s been fighting to avoid. The one guy whose family despises her and she drunkenly gave her virginity away to. And he’s her new co-worker.

She is messing up everything Dalton Douglas has planned. She climbed her way into his thoughts, thrown her bags down and he could’t manage to evict her- even if it cost him everything he’s been

working his ass off for. The only problem is: she’s fighting him. He will fight to keep her but can he manage to hide his own secrets that would ruin everything between them?

EXCERPT

“You’re not cursed, baby.”
“I am, too,” I screeched, tossing my hands up. “We’ve already had this discussion, and there’s no changing my mind. Eventually you’ll see for yourself.” My stomach tightened at my revelation. I was afraid of Lady Karma ripping him away from me.
His hand moved to my cheek, and he slowly began to stroke it softly. “Then call me a fucking prince, a guy witch or whoever fixes that shit, because I’m going to break that curse.” I laughed, averting my eyes and focusing on the rough feel of the couch. His hands slid down to my chin, bringing my eyes back up to his. “I’m going to kick that curse’s ass so hard it won’t come near you again,” he added, and I let out a light giggle. “You hear me?” His fingers trailed over to my mouth, tracing the outline of my top lip back and forth.
“It’s a warlock,” I replied, and his hand froze.
He blinked twice before saying anything. “I’m sorry, what?”
“It’s a warlock,” I began to explain. “Guy witches are warlocks.”
His eyes went wide, and he pressed his palms to my cheeks. “Are you fucking kidding me, babe? Out of all of that shit, you picked up that I got the male witch reference wrong. Jesus, maybe you are cursed,” he responded, his mouth twitching into a wide smile, showing me all of his pearly-white teeth.
“I told you.”
His lips touched mine then pulled away; he snapped his fingers in front of my face. “There, now the curse is gone. It’s been broken.”
I shook my head. “A kiss that breaks the curse? This isn’t a Disney movie, buddy.” 

AUTHOR BIO

Charity Ferrell was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and still resides there with her future hubby and furry, four legged children. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, caving into her online shopping addiction or spending time with her family.

Author links:

http://authorcharityferrell.blogspot.ca/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7539473.Charity_Ferrell

https://www.facebook.com/authorcharityferrell

https://twitter.com/charity_ferrell

Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway

Kindle eReader (INT)

2x signed copies of Karma (US only - eBooks if INTL)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Vain (The seven deadly #1)

VAIN (The seven deadly #1)

by Fisher Amelie

SYNOPSIS:

If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a book that evokes either 1 of 2 feelings on the readers, love or hate. Personally I really enjoyed VAIN. 

It was fast paced, entertaining and sweet. Some parts were heartbreaking but

the writing was nice and simply flows.

There were a few things I didnt like because they were not believable such as their actions after being attacked and Abri's sudden change of mind.

That being said I loved Sophie. 

Dont get me wrong! I thought she was awesome at the beginning being a complete b**** lol but her growth was amazing.

She became such a great, loyal and caring woman.

Ian, Charles and Karina are great characters too. Charles and Karina are so cute together! I envy a love like that one!

And Pemmy rocks! Best lawyer ever! Being the closest to a father that Sophie's ever had.

Who else? Spencer!!! I can't wait to read more about him. And book 2 has him as the protagonist! yummy :)

The love story was tender and beautiful but not so overwhelming which was good. The whole book was interesting without it.

The end is bittersweet but It was definitely a good book.

Trapped: Amazing giveaway and excerpt

Trapped by Beverley Kendall 

(Trapped #1) 

Publication date: July 7th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

SYNOPSIS:

My life has turned out to be such a cliché. And not in a good way.

It’s not exactly Sixteen and Pregnant, but at eighteen my only advantage is a high school diploma. And if that’s not enough, the father—and I use that term loosely—couldn’t have hightailed it out of my life fast enough.

I thought I really knew him. Unfortunately, my boyfriend of three years transformed from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde once he realized his carefree, childless days would be coming to an end.

I’m over him now though. The real love of my life is chubby, has more gum than teeth, and stands a little over two feet tall. She may not have been planned, but I’ve never regretted having her. She is the center of my world.

A world that’s turned upside down when my ex returns ready to earn the love and trust of the child he abandoned before birth.

Letting him into my daughter’s life is one thing but letting him back into mine isn’t going to happen. Because the biggest mistake of my life has a name, and that name is Mitchell Aaron Kingsley.

And he’s one mistake I don’t ever intend to make again.

EXCERPT:

“Great, and I appreciate that,” he says, his tone heavy on the sarcasm. “But this is for Bree and you know I would do anything for her.”Right. Bree comes first. As she should.“Oh I know you would,” I reply, in total agreement with that. “You love her. You moved back home to be with her. You quit football for her. You’ve canceled plans for her. Believe me, Mitch, I can clearly see how much you love her.”There’s a beat of silence and then he says, “Wait, isn’t that supposed to be a good thing? I thought that’s what you wanted. Hell, isn’t that what all mothers want from the fathers of their kids?”“It is,” I say quietly, heat suffusing my cheeks in a flood of shame and remorse. God, what is wrong with me? This is what I want. Always wanted. All those nights I walked the carpet with her trying to get her to sleep, I wanted him there. And how many tears had I shed wanting him to care this much? Far too many.Mitch growls low in his throat, tips his head back and runs his hands roughly through his hair. His expression is one of utter bewilderment when he lowers his gaze to mine. “Then. What. Is. The. Problem? You gotta help me out here, Paige, because I’m doing everything I can think of to prove myself to you.”And that’s when it hits me. If they were doing a remake of Mommy Dearest, I could easily be cast in the lead role because I think I'm actually jealous of my own daughter. God, I have to be the worst mother in the world. 

AUTHOR BIO

Beverley Kendall has lived on two continents, in three countries, two provinces, and four states. She stopped her nomadic existence and settled in the southeast with her young son. All things artistic feed her creative passion, but none more than writing.

Author links:

https://twitter.com/beverleykendall

https://www.facebook.com/beverleykendallauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3005897.Beverley_Kendall

http://www.beverleykendall.com/

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway

Open internationally

--50$ Gift Card from online book retailed of winner's choice

--6 surprise print books from the current publishing season (from the author's personal book stash).

a Rafflecopter giveaway