Swoon Thursday (Special Edition) #17: Rook & Ronin Series by J.A. Huss

It's Swoon Thursday, hosted by  YA Bound. This is a weekly meme, which I will be doing every single Thursday :D! Here is how it works:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog. We want to know!

 

This week I am swooning over the Rook & Ronin Series by J.A. Huss- Tragic, Manic, and Panic :D!!! You need to read this series, because there are A LOT of Swoon moments, both hot and sweet, but mostly HOT Swoon moments :D!

 

 

Swoon #1:

He leans all the way down into my ear, so close that my eyes shoot open when his breath tickles the sensitive skin. "Do me just like that, Rook. Please."

 

Swoon #2:

He eases up to let me turn, but as soon as I'm settled he presses against me again, only this time his chest is touching my breasts instead of my back, and his hands slip under my hair and begin to caress my neck. 

Swoon #1:

"Rook," Spencer repeats, a little harsher now. "I want kissing, I  want mad fucking passionate kissing. The kind of kissing I've  seen in all those other photos of you, the kissing that is so  filled with emotion and longing and lust, I'm instantly hard.  Kiss me like that, Blackbird."

 

Swoon #2:

His fingers thread through my hair and he kisses me again, only this time it's on the top of my head. A protective, emotional kiss. "I've never dated a girl like you, Rook. You are everything I want. I love all your parts. I love the wary parts, the defiant parts, the independent parts, and your innocence and vulnerability. I want you next to me and when you're not there I feel like a part of me is missing. I'm so in love with you, Rook. So fucking in love with you, it scares me."

 

 

 Swoon #1:

"I'm going to teach you what it means to be loved by me."

And then his mouth takes over. Both hands cup my face, pulling me into him, then one slides behind my neck while the other slides over my throat, pauses to palm it and then falls to my breast and palms that as well.

Swoon #2:

"Make me come'---pfft. Gidget, I can make you come anytime I want. Tonight you're not gonna just come babe. I'm gonna blow your fucking mind."

 

 

What did you think of my swoons? Have you read the Rook & Ronin series by J.A. Huss yet?

 

I will be doing a giveaway next week for all three books in the Rook & Ronin Series next week :D!

 

Leave the link to your Swoon Thursday post in the comments, and I will stop by :D! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blog Tour (Review) & Giveaway: Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters

Welcome to my stop in the Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters blog tour, hosted by As the Pages Turn :D! For my stop I have a 5 star review, a Tears of Tess collage with my favorite quotes, and you can enter the blog tour giveaway! Follow the rest of the tour for more book reviews, teasers, deleted scenes, interviews, and much more Here!

 

Title: Tears of Tess

 

Author: Pepper Winters

 

Series: Tears of Tess #1

 

Publication Date: September 6, 2013

 

Genre: Erotic/ Dark Contemporary Romance

 

Source: e-arc was provided by author for blog tour, in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.

 

Synopsis:

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

 

Add Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters to your TBR Pile--->Goodreads 

 

Buy Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters:

Amazon  ~  B&N  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords

 

Book Trailer:

 

My Thoughts:

 

My freedom had been taken, but I would take it back.

WOW!!! Fucking amazing dark, disturbing, mind-fucking, twisted read! Pepper Winters you definitely delivered one of my new favorite dark romance reads EVER!!! After reading the Dark Duet series by C.J. Roberts (one of my favorite series), I was left craving for something as dark and mind-fucking as her writing. When I stumbled upon Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters on goodreads, I just knew that I had to read this book! Pepper Winters let me tell you that Tears of Tess meet- scratch that- exceeded my expectations of it being one of the top dark, disturbing, mind-fucking, twisted reads I've read. I can't believe I waited this long to read it! I started it last week on Thursday night, and found myself reading it until 4:00 a.m. (broke my sleep-deprive record time). I just couldn't put Tears of Tess down. Did I mention how addictive her story and her characters are?

CAUTION: I just need to repeat this once again, because I know some readers might be disturbed or feel uncomfortable reading Tears of Tess. Why you ask? Well it deals with kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, graphic sexual content, submission, and a whole lot of mind-fucking. Don't read any further if you might be disturbed, because I will not be holding anything back.

 

 

Now that I got that out of the way, let's get to my thoughts on Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters.

Tess would disappear and Esclave would take her place. I'd be the perfect toy, all the while searching for a way to run.

Tess Snow is the protagonist in Tears of Tess. At the beginning of the story we meet Tess as the tamed, perfect innocent girlfriend her boyfriend, Brax, wants her to be. She has not lived the perfect life and has lived a life were she has always been insecure about herself. Her parents never wanted her to be born and she just felt unwanted by anyone. That is until she meets her boyfriend. Did I have a problem with Tess's character? At the beginning of the story I kind of did, because she was not being true to herself. She was not expressing who she really was and who she really wanted to be. But I blame this all on her boyfriend, Brax. Did I like Brax's character? HELL NO!!! What boyfriend would be pissed at his girlfriend for kissing him in public? Yes, that does happen. I hated him from the very beginning of the story, and I'm glad I didn't have to read too much about Brax. Once, Tess is kidnapped she brings out the fighter inside her. This is one characteristic I loved about Tess's character. She never gives up the will to fight for her freedom, sure she submits a few times but she always has freedom in her mind. She is willing to do whatever is necessary to get her freedom back. I also loved that as the story progresses, Tess starts to develop who she truly is piece by piece, until she becomes the true Tess that had always been captive deep inside her.

Q was deeper than I gave him credit for. Something lurked, dark and vile, but there was a human, as well as a monster, inside.

OMF!!! Q fucking Mercer!!! What's not to love??? Let me begin by saying that Q (Quincy) is French. What does that mean? Ladies he has a French accent and some of his dialogue is in French! I'm sorry but I am just a goner when it comes to accents and men speaking in a different language-particularly French :D! This is another thing I loved about Tears of Tess. As I mentioned before, Pepper Winters made some of Q's dialogue French- don't worry she also included the English translation. If you know how to read French, then it just adds more to your reading experience (thank you two years of French class ;D!) Q's real name is Quincy and he has a Jykll and Hyde personality going on. He wants Tess to address him as Q, and this side of him is dark, disturbing, sick, controlling, and twisted. I know how can someone fall in love with a men like Q? I ask myself the same question, because I just couldn't help loving Q's darker side. But at times (not often) he let's Tess see Quincy, and this side of him is tender, caring, and protective. Another reason I feel in love with Q's character was, because there is just much more to him. There is a man that cares deep inside the monster he wants others to believe he is. The Epilogue is written from Q's POV, and let me just tell you that I loved being inside his head. Pepper Winters just gives us a taste of what to expect in her next installment in the Tears of Tess series, Quintessentially Q :D!!!!!

We glared into each others eyes, reflecting the same fucked-upness, recognizing the same in the other.

Tess and Q's relationship is twisted, mind-fucking, dark, unavoidable, extremely hot, filled with lust and passion, and they are both desperate for each others flesh. They both bring out the monster/beast deep inside their core. Q helps Tess realize and accept her twisted need to be in a bondage relationship. Thanks to Q, Tess is able to break free of her own cage. But Tess is also able to free Q's beast, that he had kept tamed and locked up deep inside him. I guess instead of bringing the best out of each other, they bring the worst out of each other. You have to remember that this is a dark romance novel. Don't expect the usual sweet and lovey romance. They both savor each others dark needs to be unleashed, and act as hungry beast in need of blood, flesh, pleasure, and pain. Yes, their relationship is fucked-up and twisted. But I can't help myself from loving it! Pepper Winter's writing is deliciously dark that I just found myself loving Tess and Q's relationship in all it's darkness.

"You may not be mine, but I'm fast becoming yours."

It pains me to write such a short review for Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters, but I feel that if I write more I might drop a lot of spoilers and ruin the book for you. Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters is one of my all time favorite dark romance novels. I feel in love with Pepper Winters story, and her characters that were well developed. This is a MUST BUY & MUST READ! If you love reading dark, twisted, mind-fucking, and disturbing reads then this is the book for you. If you don't, then take a chance and break out of your comfort zone. Thank you Pepper Winters for writing Tears of Tess. I've been searching for a book like this after finishing the Dark Duet series by C.J. Roberts, and I found the jack-pot with Tears of Tess!

 

Final Verdict: 5 Stars

 

 

 

 About the Author:

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero the better and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex.

She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby (who speaks French—hot!) who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. She loves to hear from her readers so hit her up at pepperwinters@gmail.com

 

Find Pepper Winters:

Blog  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Pinterest  ~  Goodreads 

  

Tour Wide Giveaway:

 (1) paperback copy (INTL) of Tears of Tess.

 (5) eBook copies (INTL) of Tears of Tess up for grabs.  

Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM CST 09/15/2013.

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Nearly Mended by Devon Ashley

I'm in COVER LOVE right now! I've once again got Megan and Nick on the cover, but this time you get the chance to stare into those stunning eyes that just scream Don't f*ck with me. However, that is not Nick on the back. That is the unconscionable Zander Malone, who thanks to the authorities, has his blond locks rockin' a darker hairdo to help stay off the radar a bit. Of course he'll be making an appearance in Nearly Mended, but for how long and whether or not he'll obtain any pleasure while there, I won't say! But he has definitely got some wicked things planned this time around.

Oh...and did I mention it's dual point-of-view this time? Both Megan and Nick will be gracing us with their thoughts and opinions in Nearly Mended. I've dabbled with the idea of getting into Zander's sick head a time or two, but in all honesty, I'm still against it, forcing us as readers to learn only what he wants us to know. 

To view full size image of cover, click here.


Expected Publication: Winter 2013 (hopefully December)

He’ll pay for what he’s done to her…for what he’s done to me.

Megan Whitaker desperately wants to forget what’s happened over the past two years – the haunting images and sensations still plaguing her thoughts and dreams – but she can’t. Because he’s still out there. Zander Malone. I’ll find you and bring you back to me. She wants to believe she’s safe with Nick in their secluded new home, but it doesn’t keep her from looking over her shoulder, jumping over unexpected sounds, carrying a concealed weapon or even preparing for the worst. He’s coming for her, but this time, she won’t let him get the jump on her, nor will she go quietly into the night.

Nickolas Ellis has seen a change in his long, lost love. Battered emotionally and physically, Megan has turned her fear into anger, spending her days at self-defense classes and researching things that’ll never allow her to let go of the past. And he feels guilty even asking her to, because he knows that heathen will return, it’s only a matter of time. And when he does, Nick will do anything to protect her, even the unthinkable, risking everything he’s fought so hard to get back.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Dark Realistic Fiction
Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

My own Blabber over the cover: OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! This cover is going on my Cover Madness and Book Cover Love boards on Pinterest. Just look at the front cover and the back cover :D! AHHHH, can't wait to get my hands on this baby. Both covers in the Nearly Series are just freaking AMAZING! I am going to buy Nearly Mending in paperback, because that is how much I LOVE the cover.

Add Nearly Mending to your TBR Pile-->Goodreads

Haven’t read Nearly Broken yet? Now’s your chance to pick up a copy on sale for just $1.99! If you’d like to be entered for the $20 Gift Card from Amazon or the Book Depository, just enter using the rafflecopter below!

 

You can read my 4.5 Star Review of Nearly Broken by Ashley Devon HERE.

GIVEAWAY!!!

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Early Review & Giveaway: Charmed by Cambria Hebert

Title: Charmed

 

Author: Cambria Hebert

 

Series: Death Escorts #2

 

Publication Date: July 22, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Paranormal/Fantasy

 

Source: e-arc provided by author for my honest opinion/review.

 

Description from Goodreads:

Life or Death? Not many people would choose death. But what if death chooses you? What if death doesn’t mean the end of your life, but the beginning?

For a Death Escort, death is life. Death is your paycheck. Death is your job.

And Charming is the best Escort the Grim Reaper has ever had.

But when you piss off the Reaper, being the best doesn’t matter. So Charming is assigned a Target who is practically impossible to kill. He knows the Reaper hopes he fails—that he’s counting on it. So Charming vows to prove him wrong. He vows to make the kill.

But someone else vows to get in his way. Someone with a big mouth, a sugar habit, and blond hair. Someone who makes his heart start beating again.

And so Charming is left holding more than one person’s fate in the palm of his hand. He thought the choice would be easy, that there really wasn’t a question at all.

He was wrong.

Life or Death?

 

My Thoughts:

And so just minutes after I lived the moment that defined my life forever… I also lived the moment that would forever define my death.

 

 I liked Recalled (the first book in the escort series), and when I heard that this was going to be a series I was super excited. I love the new take of the Grim Reaper created by Cambria Hebert- it is a little creepy, but original :). I will admit that I did not like Charming in Recalled, because he was portrayed as the bad guy (which he was). But after reading Charmed I completely feel in love with his character. There is just so much more to Charming's character that we did not see in Recalled.

Usually my charm, looks, and money got me to the finish line.

 

Who is Charming? Well let me start off by saying that this boy just leaves a trail of Charm where ever he goes. He uses his charm to get his job done as a death escort. But under all that charm, brand clothing, and materialistic life there is a man that lived a rough life, is protective, is honest, and is caring. At the beginning we get the same Charming we got in Recalled-egotistical, charming, cocky, and a real jerk. But getting deeper into Charmed we get to see the true person Charming really was when he was still alive. And after reading all that he suffered, and what he sacrificed to become a death escort I fell even more in love with him. Plus this boy is just oozing sex. Trust me when I say that I had to fan myself a few times, because he is just intense. I will admit that I loved Charming more than I loved Dex :). What can I say? This girl loves her bad boys, and I love that he is a boxer :D!

If I didn’t know what a complete and utter loser he was, I might fall prey to his… well…. his charm. Damn it.

 

I was actually excited to read and learn more of Francesca (Frankie) in Charmed. The little I did read about her in Recalled really made me feel a connection to her character. Frankie is more spontaneous, daring, sassy, and more full of life than Piper's character in Recalled. I just loved that Frankie did not let Charming's charm affect her (it sort of did) but she did not show it. She played Charming back in his game, and this I absolutely loved! What happens when the player finally gets someone who is willing to play him back? These two are just perfect in teasing each other :D!

Her words struck something inside me that I hadn’t felt in a long time, and I pushed it back, I didn’t think about those kinds of things anymore. I didn’t feel.

 

When Frankie decides to make it her mission to stop Charming from completing his next job/kill by messing up his plans, everything in Charming's life starts to mess up. Ever since he died he shut down his emotions, because it helps getting the job done. But now that Frankie is injecting herself in his life, he starts to feel things. He feels emotions that he does not want to acknowledge or even want, because it is ruining his job of being a death escort. Will Charming finally surrender to the things he is feeling and finally start living again, or will he shut down the feelings and continue doing his job so no one will get hurt? You are just going to have to read Charmed to find out :D! I really can't say more without ruining the story to you guys, and trust me when I say this book is worth the buy and worth to read!

...the only direction I seemed to be going was toward him.

“But when I’m around you, I feel like there might be some hope.”

 

Frankie doesn't want to admit or come to terms to what she is feeling towards Charming. I mean who will want to love a man who kills for a living and who tried to hurt her friend? When Charming finally accepts the fact that he is feeling something for Frankie, he wants her to stay away from him. But the attraction and chemistry between these two is just too much for their own minds and bodies to handle. They try to stay away from each other, but their bodies have a mind of their own. I just have to say that Frankie and Charming relationship is one of my favorites. These two are just perfect together! But Charming knows that he can not have a relationship with Frankie, because there is no good that will come out of it, especially when you work for the Grim Repear. That is all I can say without ruining the book :).

Butterflies with razorblade wings.
That’s how he made me feel. It was the feeling that plagued me since we had met, the feeling that took me so long to acknowledge and even longer to identify. It’s exactly what he did to me.

 

Charmed was one of the hardest reviews I had to write so far, because I can't say much without ruining the book. Like I said before Charmed is a book worth buying and reading :). Cambria Hebert brought the heat, sizzle, deepth, and intensity in Charmed with both Charming's and Frankie's characters!
Charmed just has everything that Recalled did not have and so much more. This is definitely going on my favorite reads for 2013 :D!

***e-arc provided by author for my honest opinion and review

 

Final Verdict: 5 Stars

 

 

Favorite Quotes:

"Sometimes there is beauty in sorrow.”

I suddenly felt like I was standing too close to a flame. Heat seared my skin.

“You aren’t dead. You just don’t remember how to live.”

It’s like he and I were stuck on a carousel—destined to go round and round but never actually getting anywhere.

His hand wrapped around mine. His fingers found their way in between mine and curled closed, pressing his palm against mine.

If I had thought Charming was changing before, I knew it now. It was almost like night and day.

She caught my wrists and pulled them away from her head. “Why is it whenever I try to get away from you, I end up in your arms instead?” 

 

About the Author:

Cambria Hebert is a latte sipping author of the Heven & Hell series, the Death Escorts series, and the Take It Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com

 

Find Cambria Hebert:

Website  

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Goodreads 

 

GIVEAWAY!!! 

Win 1 of 2 Kindle copies of Charmed (INT)

2 WINNERS

 

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Blog Tour (Review) & Giveaway: Addicted to You by Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie

Welcome to my stop on the Addicted to You blog tour hosted by YA Bound Book Tours.  Click HERE to see the full blog tour schedule!

 

Title: Addicted to You

 

Author: Krista Ritchie & Becca Ritchie

 

Series: Addicted #1

 

Publication Date: June 13, 2013

 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

 

Source: Arc was provided by author for Blog Tour

 

Description from Goodreads:

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But when they go on a family boat trip, surrounded by open seas and limited male bodies in sight, Lily’s confronted with a big fear. Only one guy onboard can fill her addiction, and she’s sworn off going there with Loren Hale ever again.

Now the only person who can truly help her can barely help himself.

**This is a New Adult book recommended for readers 18 and up**

 

Available from:

   

My Thoughts:

  

I don't want to be fixed. I just want to live and feed my appetite. It just so happens that my appetite is a sexual one.

His vice is a bottle of whiskey.

Addicted to You was a refreshing read, and something completely different from all the New Adult books I've read this year. When I first heard about this book I thought it was going to be a great read. I was completely wrong. This is an AMAZING book! Krista and Becca Ritchie did an incredible job in writing a story in which two characters, Lily and Lo, suffer through their addictions together. I will admit that when Addicted to You reminded me of Ellen Hopkins. If you love reading Ellen Hopkins books-Crank, Glass, Fallout, etc- then you will definitely love Krista and Becca Ritchie's Addicted to You. The only difference is that Addicted to You is a New Adult book, and the situations Lily experiences with her addiction are raw and very out there.

I guess the only way to be close to me is to inject yourself in my world because I won't make the move to enter yours.

The water washes away the smell and grime, but my sins are here to stay. The memories don't vanish...

I never thought that I would love a character like Lily's- a sex addict with family issues. Once again I was completely wrong. As I read Addicted to You, I started to learn about Lily's sex addiction and I started to know her character in a whole different level. She is not just a shy, sex addict. She is a caring, loving, and broken girl that just needs the right person to stand by her side and understand what she is going through. I understand why she keeps her sex addiction a secret from her family, and why she shy's away from others. If I were in her shoes I would do the same thing, because people would not understand this sort of addiction. Heck, I've heard about sex addicts but after reading Addicted to You I learned a lot more. I know that all of this (what happens in the story) is not true, but at some point all addicts, in real life, will cross their own boundaries to get a high of their addiction. I seriously felt everything Lily had to go through in the book. I cried with her when she just felt lost and confused with all that was going on, and I felt her strong love towards Lo. By the end of Addicted to You, I felt a connection with Lily's character.

Loren Hale is an alcoholic beverage and he doesn't even know it.

Lo's face darkens in contempt. "Watch it, Lily." He picks up the bottle, unbroken, and reacts as though I hit his child.

What can I say about Loren (Lo) Hale? Just as Lily, Lo suffers from his own addiction to alcohol. He is totally bad news, but a total swoon worthy guy. I will admit that I don't like alcoholics, but his thoughtfulness towards Lily and the way he cares for her made me love him. He is even more emotionally broken than Lily. I believe that Lo needs Lily more, then Lily needs Lo. I will admit that there are times he is a total jerk to Lily, and at these moments I just felt like slapping or punching him in the face. I already knew more about alcohol addicts and what happens to them, because this is what health teachers teach in all of their health classes. Like I said before I don't like alcoholic addicts, but I just had to make that exception with Lo. Who can resist a protective, caring, thoughtful hottie like Lo? NOT ME :D! His character does develop (matures) by the end of this book, and I can't wait to find out what happens to him in the second book :).

We're pretending, aren't we? I'm so confused. What is he to me right now? Friend, boyfriends, something else entirely?

The deeper we sink, the harder it is to crawl out.

At the beginning I really had no clue what was going on between Lily and Lo. He tells a guy that she is his girlfriend, but as I kept reading I find out that they are in a fake relationship. I seriously felt sorry for Lily, because she was so confused with Lo's loving affections and actions- this of course would only happen when their relatives, or known people would be watching them. Who would agree to be in a fake relationship? This is just torture for both Lily and Lo, because they are both confused with what the other one feels. The longer they stay in their fake the relationship the longer they hurt (not intentionally) one another. But the loving affections and actions between these two are both sweet and hot :D!

Our relationship is dangling on thin strings that threaten to break. I feel it. I'm sure he feels it as well.

When they start a serious relationship, it all starts off well. Lily is getting her sex fix and Lo is still getting his alcohol fix. The sad thing about their relationship is that they are just not that good for each other, but at the same time so right for each other?!?. Does that make any sense? Let me try to explain this :). Their addictions just get in the way of their love towards each other. It just doesn't let them love each other, and care for each other the way it is truly meant to be. But at the same time Lo and Lily are always there for each others breakdowns, and they are two broken people who can actually fix each other with each others presence. Lily's and Lo's relationship is just as broken as they are, but at the same time it is also kept together because of their need to be close to each other. I really hope this works out at the end for these two, because they are the perfect match for each other :).

We've been friends, allies, for so long that I don't know who I am without him. Our lives intersect at every possible junction...

 

Krista and Becca Ritchie delivered an incredibly fresh debut in the New Adult genre. This is a book that you will not want to miss, trust me when I tell you that this is a MUST READ! There is romance, heartache, sorrow, real life problems (addiction & family), believable characters, and there is a twist that no one will expect (I didn't even see it coming). I will say this once again, if you love reading about true life problems, raw characters, and love reading Ellen Hopkins books, then Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie is the book for you :D!

Final Verdict: 5 Stars

 

 

Here are some Pic Quotes I've been posted on Twitter :).

 

About the Authors:

Becca Ritchie is a carnivore of pop culture, television, film and of course YA and NA books. While in college, she worked at The CW television network and put her vampiric knowledge to good use, blogging about hit series and swooning over actors’ abs. When she’s not blogging, she writes novels and has teamed up with her twin sister for their New Adult novel ADDICTED TO YOU. Available July of 2013.
Krista Ritchie is the mind behind popular trading website YA Book Exchange and created Nawanda Files, a book blog that also features books into movies news. When not pouring over entertainment news and the newest releases, she spends her time conducting research in a genetics lab. She’s happy to join forces with her sister, harnessing their twin powers to produce the first in a New Adult series.

Author Website│Nawanda Files│YA Book Exchange

Becca’s Links:
Goodreads│Twitter

Krista’s Links:
Goodreads│Twitter

 

***GIVEAWAY*** 

$25 Amazon Gift Card and Signed Paperback of Addicted to You. Open Internationally!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Review & Giveaway: Every Rose by Lynetta Halat

Title: Every Rose

Author: Lynetta Halat

Series: Stand Alone

Publication Date: February 25, 2013

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Source: Bought

 

Description from Goodreads:

What do you do when you realize you were foolish enough to throw away true, unconditional love?
Lorraina Dabney turns her back on her creativity and tumultuous upbringing to embark on a college career that will lead her to law school and to becoming what she values most in life—a controlled, powerful, respected woman. When she stumbles upon her childhood friend's artwork, she feels inspired to reconnect with him and her former self. This onslaught of emotion will send Lorraina in a tale-spin to figure out exactly why she abandoned all that she was, all that she could've been.
Coming from his own chaotic upbringing, Michael falls quickly and deeply in love with Lorraina at a tender age. Even her rejection can't stand in the way of his obsession. When she starts to date other boys, however, Michael finally relents, causing him to spiral further into a world filled with violence, drugs, alcohol, and women. Realizing this lifestyle will only lead to his further estrangement from Lorraina, Michael sets about to turn himself around before going to get his girl.

Michael Bang will have Lorraina questioning everything.

 

 

My Thoughts:

It was very hard to write a review for Every Rose by Lynetta Halat, because I just don't know how to express how amazing this book is. This is definitely one of my top favorite books of 2013.

I love roses growing, especially unexpectedly, wild. But cut roses, no matter how arranged, repulse me.

The book starts off with the main character going through a very changing event in her life. At first I thought this was going to be your typical girl falls in love with the wrong guy type of story. I was completely wrong. Roses have an important significance in the story. The rose represents the relationship between Lorraina and Michael, which I really LOVED :D! Now I understand why Lynetta Halat choose a rose for the cover. 

Future Lorraina is strong, successful, and impervious.

The main character, Lorraina, lived a rough life- family only cares about image, and her step-dad is a drunk. I felt bad for young Lorraina, because her family was so controlling of her. Before she left town she encountered a life changing event that left her numb to the world around her. I was confused with what was happening in the beginning of the story, but after reading more abut the situation I understood why she felt numb. Lorraina struggles with the choices she's made in the past, but as the story progresses her character starts developing into what she always wanted to be. I grew to love Lorraina's character with all of her actions. She was finally able to break free and be truthful with herself, and her love towards Michael. A lot of people will be able to relate to Lorraina's character with some of the events she experienced. 

He was my confidant, my rock, my everything. But every time he pushed, I fled. 

I was seeing Michael in a whole new light--one where doubt and fear didn't plague my every emotion where he was concerned. 

Once back in her hometown she encounters her high school sweetheart. I loved reading Lorraina's memories of Michael and her when they were just teenagers. Lorraina in her teenage years did not realize and accept Michael's love, because she did not know what to think of his actions. I have to admit that when I first read about Michael (Lorraina's memories of when they were teenagers) I was a little creeped out about him. Michael comes off as a stalker from Lorraina's POV when they were just teenagers. As I continued to read more about Michael,  I realized that he was just a boy completely, and utterly head-over-heels in love with Lorraina. I would have loved to known a boy as sweet, protective, and caring, who would have done everything Michael did for Lorraina in High School. Heck, I would still love to have my own Michael in College :).

"I've never forgotten any moment I've spent with you. A couple of them I tried to forget because of my stupidity but couldn't quite manage it because, however stupid I was, you had started in that memory."

It is official people, Michael Bang is one of my new book boyfrinds :D! I completely feel in love with Michael's character. I will flat-out admit that he is one of my favorite book boyfriends of all time. He did freak me out a little at the beginning because of his intense and abrupt actions, but I learned to fall in love with this side of him too. Michael's character is intense, loving, smart, artistic, sensitive, hardworking, and when he losses control it is a little scary but I still love him. What more can you ask with Michael? He is the complete package for my taste- he's in a rock band, is an artist, writes poetry, loves reading and the boy can recite phrases from classic novels. 

"I also worried that I didn't deserve your love; but I've decided that, deserved or not, I'd be a fool to deny us again."

I don't know if he has any idea how good for me he is; my mind whirls, trying to find a way to express how truly significant he is to me.

Michael and Lorraina first encounter was not what I expected. It was not something over the top, but it was still special and sweet. After their encounter, they decide to give each other a chance at love. How can I describe Michael and Lorraina's relationship? They are deeply and emotionally connected with each other, that it seems that they have never been apart from each other for so long. Their relationship is sweet, bittersweet (early years), tender, and there are a few moments that it is both emotionally and physically intense. I think if I had to pick only one word to describe their relationship it would have to be intense.

It's funny how life does that to you. You have a plan and dreams and desires. Then, in  a flash, all that can change. All that you thought you wanted dissipates and you're left with what you needed. Never knew you needed but, nonetheless, did.

Lynetta Halat delivered a bittersweet romance between two people, who are very different from each other, but at the same time not so different as they believe. Every Rose is a story about learning to accept the choices you've made in the past, and opening your eyes to realize that the love you've always been searching for has always been at arms reach, right in front of you. And giving yourself a second chance at being happy with your one true love. 

Every Rose is one of those books that you can not stop reading until you reach the end. Once you've reached the end you will be left speechless, and won't be able to stop thinking about it. Every Rose will forever be inked into my heart :).

Every Rose by Lynetta Halat is a book you will not want to miss out on reading. I went through a whole emotionally intense roller coaster ride. I feel in love with the story, the characters, and I feel in love with Lorraina's and Michael's relationship. This is one of my favorite reads of 2013.

 

  Final Verdict 5 Stars!!!!

 

 

Favorite Quotes:

"the very definition of insanity is doing exactly the same thing and expecting a different outcome..."

I suddenly recall how Michael had never drawn me the same rose twice. His very mood decided the type of rose I would receive.

I believe in figuring out what you want and reaching out and grabbing it.

We get quiet again. I love that he seems as comfortable with silence as I am. So many people feel that they must fill silence when there really isn't anything of value to say.

He continues his song and, in his unique way, tells me all that he can't put into his own words.

"I want you to sketch a happy rose and a sad rose for me. The bitter with the sweet."  

 

 About the Author:

 For as long as she can remember, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written countless stories and plays since she was a young girl. A teacher by day and an avid reader and closet writer by night, she has always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember; and her first novel, Every Rose, is the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing. Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia. A self-proclaimed “Coast Girl,” she lives in Mississippi with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. She is currently at work on her second book.

 

Buy Every Rose:

Amazon (Ebook & Paperback)

Barnes & Noble (Paperback)

Smashwords (Ebook)

 

Where to find Lynetta Halat:

Website (Keep Updated) 

Facebook ("Like") 

Goodreads (Add her books) 

Twitter (Follow)

 

Giveaway!!!

Enter to win (1) kindle copy of Every Rose (INT)

Enter to win (1) Paperback copy of Every Rose (US Only)

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Bloggers Give Back Giveaway!!!

Welcome to the Bloggers Give Back Giveaway :D! There are 13 blogs participating in the giveaway, which means there will be 13 winners! The Bloggers Give Back Giveaway is a way to support the authors we love, and to give our followers a chance to win one of our favorite books :). Don't forget to enter to win the books the other bloggers have donated.

 

  Here are the blogs that have kindly donated!  

• Amber's Reading Room: The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

• Maria's Book Blog: The Big Bad Wolf Romance Compilation (Books 1-4) by Heather Kilough-Walden

• Love Between the Sheets: Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts

• Trine's Review Cave: The Mighty Storm by Samantha Towle

• Crystal's Many Reviews: Brie Pleases her New Master (After Graduation #1) by Red Phoenix

• Blair-Pacific Publishing: ALASKA BE DAMNED by Robert Hatting

• Bookaholics Blog: Love Love by Beth Michele

• The Blushing Reader: Driven by K. Bromberg OR Girl with Guitar by Caisey Quinn

• Rude Girl Book Blog: Rule by Jay Crownover

• Liezel's Book Blog: Restore Me by JL Mac

• Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!: A Different Blue by Amy Harmon

• PEACE LOVE BOOKS: Edge of Never by JA Redmerski

• Kassie's Book Thoughts: Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts

One of my favorite books that I have decided to giveaway is Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts :D!!! This book is just AMAZING! I can not even put to words how great this book is. I noticed Captive in the Dark when I was shopping on Amazon. I clicked on the book, because the cover drew me in. I was not sure about buying it at first-was out of my comfort zone (at the time)-but there were so many great reviews that I had to buy it. Now, I am giving you the chance to win a copy :D! Don't miss out on this Amazingly Dark read!

 

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence

 

Title: Captive in the Dark (Dark Duet #1)
Author: C.J. Roberts
Series: Dark Duet
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: July 20, 2011

Description from Goodreads:

Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

Giveaway:

Win 1 Kindle Copy of Captive in the Dark by C.J. Roberts :D!

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