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Heart Breaker by Stacey Kennedy: Promo and Giveaway!

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Handcuffs aren’t just part of their job...


HEARTBREAKER
Filthy Dirty Love #1
Stacey Kennedy
Releasing Jan 31st, 2017


Handcuffs aren’t just part of their job in this sizzling new standalone novel by USA Today bestselling author, Stacey Kennedy.

Veteran cop, Maddox Hunt, is all about the job. Sure, there are women—lots of women, truth be told—but there’s no one special. Until a one-night stand from his past, rookie Joss O’Neil is assigned to his division. Suddenly, all he can think about is her. The scent of her. The taste of her. 

Fresh out of field training, Joss has thrown herself into her job, determined to kick-start her career. And while police work has its thrills, her gorgeous new boss is what really gets her pulse pounding. Too bad he’s nothing but a distraction. Especially since he’s as devastatingly handsome as she remembers, and his sexy smile arrests her heart.

Now that Joss is back in Maddox’s life, he has a plan: satisfy her fantasies and fulfill his every dark desire. Nothing is off limits. Her pleasure is the endgame . . . but even the best-laid plans have a way of falling apart. Despite his best attempts to keep his distance and have things remain only about the pleasure, Maddox soon finds himself breaking the only law he’s set for himself. Don’t fall in love.





STACEY KENNEDY is the USA Today bestselling author of the Dirty Little Secrets and Club Sin series. She writes deeply emotional romances about powerful men and the wild women who tame them. When she’s not writing sensual stories, she spends her time in southwestern Ontario with her real life hero, her husband, their two young children, and her other babies: a mini labradoodle named Jax and a chocolate labrador named Murphy. Stacey is a proud chocolate, television show, Urban Barn, and wine addict. She likes her heroes in her books like she likes her coffee . . . strong and hot!

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Carnal Obsession by Reily Garrett: Promo and Giveaway!

Monday, January 30, 2017

A romantic suspense with a twist.


CARNAL OBSESSION: 
HIS HEART'S PRISONER
Carnal Series
Reily Garrett
Releasing Jan 30, 2017



Life on the street molds emotional athletes.

Three years ago, her brother’s death marked the beginning of Kendra’s new life, an existence with no home, no family, and no friends. Time in the underground byways toughened her emotional shell with the loose association of like-minded street rats where survival meant compromise and constant vigilance.

Before he died, Billy had sent her a package in care of his teammate, Conner. For Kendra, re-entrance into polite society comes with a deadly price, as betrayal comes from both sides of the grave.

Conner Crofton owns the BDSM club Ambrosia. After failing to protect his teammate on their last covert mission, penance takes form as a promise to safeguard Billy’s little sister, a girl he’d unknowingly remanded to a world of darkness and uncertainty, deception and psychopathic stalkers.

The past will always haunt us. Each must earn forgiveness and trust as passion, guilt, deception, and betrayal, interweave a destiny formed long ago. A romantic suspense with a twist.




Reily Garrett is a West Coast girl transplanted to the East Coast. Past employments as an ICU nurse, private investigator, and military police officer has given her a host of different environments to add a real world feel to her writing.

Though her kids are her life, writing is her life after. The one enjoyed…after the kids are in bed or after they’re in school and the house is quiet. This is the time she kicks back with laptop, surrounded by her shepherds, to give her imagination free rein.

 In life, hobbies can come and go according to our physical abilities, but you can always enjoy a good book. Life isn’t perfect, but your imagination can be. Relax, whether it’s in front of a fire or in your own personal dungeon. Take pleasure in a mental pause as you root for your favorite hero/heroine and bask in their accomplishments, then share your opinions over a coffee with your best friend (even if he’s four legged). Life is short. Cherish your time.

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

You Don't Know Me But I Know You by Rebecca Barrow

Wednesday, January 25, 2017
There’s a box in the back of Audrey’s closet that she rarely thinks about.

Inside is a letter, seventeen years old, from a mother she’s never met, handed to her by the woman she’s called Mom her whole life.

Being adopted, though, is just one piece in the puzzle of Audrey’s life—the picture painstakingly put together by Audrey herself, consisting not only of the greatest family ever but of a snarky, loyal, sometimes infuriating best friend, Rose; a sweet, smart musician boyfriend, Julian; and a beloved camera that turns the most fleeting moments of her day-to-day routine into precious, permanent memories.

But when Audrey realizes that she’s pregnant, she feels something—a tightly sealed box in the closet corners of her heart—crack open, spilling her dormant fears and unanswered questions all over the life she loves.

Almost two decades ago, a girl in Audrey’s situation made a choice, one that started Audrey’s entire story. Now Audrey is paralyzed by her own what-ifs and terrified by the distance she feels growing between her and Rose. Down every possible path is a different unfamiliar version of her life, and as she weighs the options in her mind, she starts to wonder—what does it even mean to be Audrey Spencer?

Rebecca Barrow’s bright, honest debut novel about chance, choice, and unconditional love is a heartfelt testament to creating the future you truly want, one puzzle piece at a time.

Goodreads Summary



I read this book on the way back from a convention (long drive) and it held my attention for hours. Audrey's character could easily have been one of my own friends (minus the pregnancy). She was kind, funny, and slightly sassy. It was fascinating to read about a girl whose mom was so easy-going about what her teen was doing. When Audrey ends up pregnant, her mom is very nice about it, but she worries when she thinks Audrey isn't around to hear. Throughout the book, Audrey goes through stages of wondering if she should keep the baby, have an abortion, or adopt the baby out. The decision is further complicated by Julian, the father, choosing to continue their strong relationship. Meanwhile, Rose, her best friend, is also making tough choices and mistakes. Rose and Audrey's normally friendly relationship becomes strained when both think the other cannot understand their situations.

I liked pretty much every character in this book. Julian was an ideal boyfriend (perhaps a little unrealistic). I was surprised he didn't flee or freak out at the idea of a pregnant girlfriend. He showed a lot of bravery standing by her side and explaining it to his parents the way he did. Audrey was shockingly mature and thoroughly thought through her decisions. A letter from her biological mom complicates her own decision process and makes her think twice. I was just as interested to read the letter her mother wrote her as she was! Rose came off as flighty and angry. I eventually understood part of her personality problem, but she came off as cruel, at times. I really enjoyed how the author related her characters to everyday people. The author has a way of writing that makes the words seem to flow off the page. I was dying to know the ending when I was only a quarter of the way through the book!

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Accidentally On Purpose by Jill Shalvis: Review and Giveaway!

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

There’s no such thing as a little in love…

Elle Wheaten’s priorities: friends, career, and kick-ass shoes. Then there’s the muscular wall of stubbornness that’s security expert Archer Hunt—who comes before everything else. No point in telling Mr. “Feels-Free Zone” that, though. Elle will just see other men until she gets over Archer . . . which should only take a lifetime . . .

There’s no such thing as a little in lust…

Archer’s wanted the best for Elle ever since he sacrificed his law-enforcement career to save her. But now that she’s earned happiness and success, Archer just wants Elle 24/7. Their chemistry could start the next San Francisco Earthquake, and Archer doesn’t want to be responsible for the damage. The alternative? Watch her go out with guys who aren’t him . . .

There is such a thing as…

As far as Archer’s concerned, nobody is good enough for Elle. But when he sets out to prove it by sabotaging her dates, she gets mad—and things get hot as hell. Now Archer has a new mission: prove to Elle that her perfect man has been here all along…

Goodreads Summary

Elle and Archer have bad history and bad blood between them. Elle feels like she owes Archer after he lost his law enforcement career and Archer feels like Elle deserves a better man. Their history and passion for each other work together to form an explosive combination. Archer remains in Elle's life while Elle tries dating other men which evokes a bad response in Archer (anyone up for a date that gets interrupted constantly?). As Elle becomes more and more stubborn and determined Archer responds in kind. Their relationship evolves from savior/saved to lovers over the course of the book.

Elle's character made me laugh. She made a lot of choices that were maybe unfortunate or motivated by the wrong reasons, but I could see myself making those same choices to spite someone, too. Archer was pure sin. His physical features will give the reader quite the mental image and his jealousy was just plain cute (though annoying to Elle). I liked how much he clearly cared about her and went out of his way to be around her. Their relationship, though difficult at times, is one that I would love to have. 

4 Stars


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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Best of 2016 Giveaway Hop!

Thursday, January 19, 2017






a Rafflecopter giveaway

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Mary B. Addison killed a baby.

Allegedly. She didn’t say much in that first interview with detectives, and the media filled in the only blanks that mattered: A white baby had died while under the care of a church-going black woman and her nine-year-old daughter. The public convicted Mary and the jury made it official. But did she do it? She wouldn’t say.

Mary survived six years in baby jail before being dumped in a group home. The house isn’t really “home”—no place where you fear for your life can be considered a home. Home is Ted, who she meets on assignment at a nursing home.

There wasn’t a point to setting the record straight before, but now she’s got Ted—and their unborn child—to think about. When the state threatens to take her baby, Mary must find the voice to fight her past. And her fate lies in the hands of the one person she distrusts the most: her Momma. No one knows the real Momma. But who really knows the real Mary?

In this gritty and haunting debut, Tiffany D. Jackson explores the grey areas in our understanding of justice, family, and truth, and acknowledges the light and darkness alive in all of us.

Goodreads Summary

When Mary discovers that she has her own baby to take care of she makes the decision to potentially clear her name. Accused of killing a three month old baby at the tender age of 9, Mary has spent most of her life either behind bars or in a group home. When her pregnancy was discovered, the state did not find Mary a fit mother and she faced the very real possibility of losing her child. Mary must take action and do something that she never thought she would do in order to secure her child's future.

Mary was a very complicated character. She was resilient, a tad grumpy, scared, and smart. Mary's mother really surprised me. I still cannot understand her rationale and how she could allow certain things to happen to her own daughter. Admittedly, I had trouble connecting to Mary. I can't imagine raising a baby in a group home and being an unwed mother. The author did a wonderful job of illustrating Mary's troubles and instilled a sense in me that she was not just a character, but a real person. I do wish that other characters had been more fleshed out and that more time was spent on Mary's past and the explanation behind what happened.

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

The Book Jumper by Mechthild Gläser

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Amy Lennox doesn't know quite what to expect when she and her mother pick up and leave Germany for Scotland, heading to her mother's childhood home of Lennox House on the island of Stormsay.

Amy's grandmother, Lady Mairead, insists that Amy must read while she resides at Lennox House—but not in the usual way. It turns out that Amy is a book jumper, able to leap into a story and interact with the world inside. As thrilling as Amy's new power is, it also brings danger: someone is stealing from the books she visits, and that person may be after her life. Teaming up with fellow book jumper Will, Amy vows to get to the bottom of the thefts—at whatever cost.

Goodreads Summary


Amy Lennox, the main character, literally lives my dreams. When her mother and her head back to where her mom's family resides, she discovers that she has the ability to jump into a story and watch the action unfold (even talk to the characters!). As Amy becomes more and more comfortable with her jumping abilities a dangerous presence is slowly leaching the life from the books and damaging them. Amy must find who or what is causing all the harm in her beloved book world. 

Amy's character is so-so. I like her for her bookish ways, but I didn't like how she seemed to have no confidence in herself. I wish she was a little less stereotypical mousy. Will and Betsy are brother and sister and book jumpers, as well. Will is a little stand-offish and Betsy is stuck up. The pair act slightly as antagonists. I wish the characters were a little more fleshed out and likable. The plot was fast-paced and the book could easily be finished in less than a day if the reader is as excited about the story line as I was. I liked the setting and the descriptive writing style of the author. Teens/young adults/adults will find this book an absolute joy to read.

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Spin the Sky by Jill MacKenzie

Monday, January 9, 2017

A teen enters a reality TV dance competition to win money that’ll allow her to finally escape her small hometown, where she and her sister must live with the repercussions of their unstable runaway
mother.

Goodreads Summary

I personally love dancing/gymnastics/sports books. I was pretty excited to read Spin the Sky because it combined dancing with competition. Magnolia, the main character, enters a competition with her best friend George and their friendship is tested as obstacles and personal issues come up. Magnolia's favorite thing to do in the world is dancing. She feels happy, free, and beautiful when she dances. There was a lot of drama in this book to the point of it almost being on the edge of too much, but, at times, the drama kept my attention. The overall tense feel of the book also kept the book moving along at a fast-pace.

Magnolia's character was so-so for me. I didn't particularly love her, but I didn't dislike her either. I loved her as a dancer and I loved her poise and slight delicacy. She was a little too competitive for the wrong reasons and sometimes I felt like her and the other characters could care less about anyone else. I liked the lyrical writing style and how the book felt "floaty" in many areas. The dialogue was snappy and fun. This book would be a fun read for young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Friday, January 6, 2017
On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.

Goodreads Summary

I expected to like this novel much more than I actually did. Don't get me wrong; the world-building and fantasy was there, but I had a really hard time connecting to the characters (maybe the highly unusual  names with no history/real background attached to them or the characters?). Cyra and Akos are enemies by culture. They have currentgifts that do not seem useful at the moment to either of them in particular other than they can be used to benefit other people (sometimes negatively). Cyra's gift is particularly cruel. She can torture and kill someone just by touching them. Her brother uses her currentgift to his advantage more often than not with no regard for Cyra. Akos's touch soothes Cyra's constantly painful existence, but she does not like or want to be dependent on someone to stop the pain and, initially, he isn't too fond of helping. 

Ryzek is Cyra's cruel and hardened brother. He caustically uses Cyra for his own personal gain and maintains an iron fist leadership role. I almost felt like he was the most developed character in the novel though I know that is not what Roth was going for. He had few redemptive factors and seemed almost psychopathic in his inability to care for his sister. The overall setting was interesting. I believe the book was meant to be set in space, but I could easily see the plot unfolding pretty much anywhere with two dueling groups of people. I liked how fast-paced and unusual the novel was. I did not feel like I was reading yet another sci fi book. The novel does fit the novel young adult genre, but I think adults could read it and enjoy the book just fine. I wish the relationships between each character were a little better developed, but I enjoyed it all the same.

4 Stars


This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews. COPYRIGHT © 2014 LIVE TO READ