Wednesday, June 26, 2013
1000 Likes Mega Giveaway!!!
Woo Hoo we are celebrating reaching 1000 LIKES on our Facebook Page with a Mega Giveaway as our Thank You to our subscribers and fans! We have 15 Prizes with 15 separate winners to be chosen. The Giveaway will run until next Saturday and winners will be announced on our Page Monday, July 8th.
We here at Group Therapy Book Club Blog & Review want you to know how much we love sharing our love of books with you all. Thank you for your support and participation. You guys make it so much fun.
Also, we would like to thank the authors and bloggers who generously donated to make this Giveaway so awesome.
We will be at BOOK BASH this week so be sure to keep your eyes on our page for updates and pics from Orlando.
NOW WITHOUT FURTHER ADO......
Just enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance at winning one of the prizes up for grabs. There are lots of signed paperbacks (Thoughtless, Effortless, Reckless, The Wild Ones, Give Me Something, etc) several eBooks (Following Me, Darkness Before Dawn, Promise Me, The Enforcer, etc.) swag (Babe, Reel It In Tee, Undeniable Doodle) and $50.00/$10.00 Amazon Gift Cards!
GOOD LUCK!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, June 21, 2013
Cover Reveal, Teaser & Giveaway: If Forever Comes by AL Jackson
Title: If Forever Comes (Take This Regret #2)
Author: A.L Jackson
Expected Release Date: September 12, 2013
Cover reveal organized by: Shh Moms Reading
Synopsis
If Forever Comes, the final chapter in the New York Times Bestselling Regret Series (Lost to You and Take This Regret).
Christian Davison’s life is complete. With a ring on Elizabeth’s finger and his daughter at his side, he’s ready to run headlong into their future.
Elizabeth Ayers never believed she would again find this kind of joy—the joy of a family and the wholeness found in the touch of the man she’s always loved.
Their love is intense and their passion only grows as they set out to rediscover each other.
But life is never easy.
Rocked by the unforeseen, Christian and Elizabeth will find themselves fighting for the one thing they hold most important—family.
Teaser
I stood in the hush of the darkened room, the long drapes pushed to the side as I leaned with one hand pressed to the wall just at the side of the window. I stared out, watching as winter pressed down on the city. Snowflakes fluttered toward the ground as they were set free from the inky sky. Through the haze, lights glimmered, and far below, the city was still alive even though night had grown late.
My past seemed to echo from the streets, the memories so thick they almost seemed alive.
I looked over my shoulder and let my eyes wander over the one who inhabited them all.
Elizabeth lay facing me, twisted just to the side, her blonde hair spread out over the pillow where she rested her head. Her chest lifted and fell in a slow cadence, her soft breaths released into the air.
The deepest kind of devotion quickened my heart and pumped fiercely through my veins.
Sometimes it was hard to believe we’d come this far, that this beautiful girl lying across the room from me had been strong enough to forgive me for the greatest mistake I’d ever made, that she was good enough to look past my failure, and that she had the capacity to lie there now, lost in sleep, free of fear and full of love.
A wistful smile tugged at my mouth as my gaze traveled over her perfect body. She wore a short nightgown, the creamy material bunched up over her hip, the length of her legs fully exposed. One arm was draped over her head, and the other was stretched across the sheets in the spot where I had held her in my arms as she’d fallen asleep.
Emotion squeezed my lungs, knocked at my ribs, just as strong as the desire that lifted in a crushing swell before it settled as a subdued ache in the pit of my stomach.
Elizabeth would never stop stealing my breath.
Only because she possessed my soul.
As if she felt the intensity of my stare, she stirred. Those brown eyes blinked open as she adjusted to the dimness in the room. A soft, sleepy smile crept to her lips when she found me watching her in the shadows. She ran her hand over the sheets on my side of the bed. “What are you doing way over there when you’re supposed to be in bed with me?” she whispered.
“Just thinking.”
She lifted up onto her elbow. “And what are you thinking about?”
My mouth tipped up in a slow grin as I made my way over to her. She rolled onto her back just as I crawled over her, bracing myself on my hands and knees.
“Thinking about you. What else would I be thinking about?” I trailed the back of my index finger down her cheek and along the underside of her jaw. At her chin, I twisted my hand to drag my fingers all the way down her neck to the cleft between her breasts.
A soft breath parted her lips.
“You consume me, Elizabeth,” I said. “Every second.”
Trembling, she reached up to cup my jaw. “Always.”
That word shot straight through me, her touch a firestorm that singed me from the inside out.
And she had it right. I wanted her. Always.
I pressed my hands into the bed on either side of her head, dipped to caress her mouth with mine in the same second her fingers wove through my hair. I could feel her heart hammering, pounding just as hard as mine, this thrum of need spinning through us with the slightest touch.
It’d always been that way.
Always.
I rocked and Elizabeth moaned, our bodies pitching and lifting and seeking, the soft skin of her inner thighs like strokes of fire as they brushed against mine. Our tongues caressed and every last inch of my body hardened.
God, there was nothing in this world that felt so good.
I pulled back, one hand gripping the fabric at her hip as I searched her face.
“Elizabeth, I don’t want to wait. I know that’s what we planned, but being here, in this city, it just makes me think of all the time I wasted, and I don’t want to waste any more.”
Shock rolled through her, and brown eyes snapped up to lock on mine. “What do you mean?”
“All of it, Elizabeth…waiting to get married…waiting to add to our family. I want it all…and now…because I want it with you.”
“Christian—”
“Don’t say anything now. I just want you to think about it.”
She grabbed my face. “I don’t need to think about it. I’m ready for this. Ready for us to move on.”
Relief and joy escaped me in a throaty groan. It was all I wanted, to spend my life with her, to spend it with our daughter, to live for my family, to watch grow.
“Oh my God, Elizabeth.” I dropped to my elbows, brought us closer, our kiss frenzied between our words.
“Christian.”
“I love you so much…so much.”
I sucked at her bottom lip, kiss her at the edge of her perfect mouth, dropped to feast along the line of her jaw.
My nose got lost behind her ear, in her hair, in the softness of her skin.
I burned.
Elizabeth arched, silently begged.
I rose to one elbow and grabbed her left hand, kissed the ring she allowed me to place on her finger. “Forever,” I promised against it.
Her heart thudded a little more. “Forever,” she said.
And I couldn’t wait for forever to begin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
GIVEAWAY:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A.L. Jackson is the New York Times
bestselling author of Take This Regret
and Lost to You, as well as other
contemporary romance titles, including Pulled
and When We Collide.
She first found a love for writing
during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with
short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and
joys she found in day-to-day life.
Years later, she shared a short story
she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their
encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends
her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three
children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with the ones she loves.
GIVEAWAY:
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Cover Reveal, Teaser and $25 Amazon GiftCard Giveaway - The Light In The Wound by Christine Brae
I am so excited to share with you guys the debut novel by Christine Brae. Check out the beautiful cover & jacket, teaser and be sure to enter the rafflecopter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
TEASER:
Once during our freshman year, Jesse called and asked me to meet him on the baseball field late one evening after school. I automatically assumed that he wanted me to watch him practice, something I would often do when I didn't have much homework to finish. As I walked across the newly shaved grass, I wondered where he could be. It worried me a bit to see no one there. The grounds were dark, except for a faded lamppost illuminating the walkways. The night was hot and humid, so I dressed in shorts for the occasion, fully expecting to be sitting on a bench watching Jesse play. He popped out of nowhere, just as I was about to walk up the steps toward the stands.
"Hi," I said, as I looked around the field. "Am I late? Did I get the practice time wrong?"
"Nope," he answered with a grin. "Practice ended an hour ago."
"Oh. Am I here to pick you up?" I asked, still confused.
"I thought we'd play on the field for a bit," he said as he took my hand and led me further in toward the bases. He had his pitching glove on and carried a bat in his right hand.
"Play what, Jess? You know I don't know anything about this game!" I laughed incredulously.
"Yes, you do! You've been watching me do this for almost three years! I thought it would be fun to watch you swing a bat," he coaxed. "Come on, you'll do great, I promise. Here, wear these so you don't hurt your hands." He fished into his pockets and handed me some batting gloves. I wiggled my fingers to make sure that they were still in there. They were twice the size of my hands. He looked delighted and enamored with me all at the same time. "You look so cute. Come here," he ordered as he pulled me in for a hug. Seconds later, he handed me the bat and then walked backwards until he was a few feet away from me.
"This is heavy!" I said, as I lifted the bat and mockingly took on the stance—both knees bent, two hands on the bat.
"Issy baby, you're gonna fall over if you lean like that." He laughed. "This isn't tennis. Keep one foot in front of you, turn your body to face me. Now just relax and swing when I pitch, ok?"
"Like this?" I breathed, as I stuck my leg out and swiveled my hips.
"If you keep that up, we'll be swinging something else," he teased.
Five empty swings later, I finally hit the ball. It didn't go very far, but I whooped and he whooped and I ran twice around the bases. It didn't take much effort for him to pursue me as soon as he caught the ball. I hit the ball two more times until he chased me down and lifted me off the ground.
"Jess!" I panted, as he swooped me in his arms. "That was hard work! What do I get for doing this?" I flirted.
"Me," he responded, as I wrapped my arms and legs around him.
"I'll take that," I whispered, and with a tender kiss, I gave him permission to carry me back to the dugout.
About Christine:
I love to read, write about reading, shop, write about shopping, three day weekends, high heels and purses. I’m a wife, a mother, a corporate executive, a loyal friend and a passionate believer in true love. This is all you need to know about me. If you get my stories, you get my heart.
Christine Brae Facebook Page ~ Twitter
GIVEAWAY:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Title: The Light in the Wound
Author: Christine Brae
Genre: Contemporary Romance Fiction
Release date: July 23, 2013
Cover Art: Matt and Tosha Khoury
Book Summary
Affected by her parents’ highly publicized divorce, Isabel grows up isolated and alone, with a resolve to never fall in love and repeat their mistakes.
When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him, and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up. Things can never stay the same forever.Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to their first love. But can a second love be enough to make her forget?
When Jesse Cain enters her life, she falls hopelessly in love with him, and every sadness she’s ever felt is washed away by his intensity and passion. But people change as they grow up. Things can never stay the same forever.Jesse and Isabel fight to stay together, determined to hold on to their first love. But can a second love be enough to make her forget?
TEASER:
Once during our freshman year, Jesse called and asked me to meet him on the baseball field late one evening after school. I automatically assumed that he wanted me to watch him practice, something I would often do when I didn't have much homework to finish. As I walked across the newly shaved grass, I wondered where he could be. It worried me a bit to see no one there. The grounds were dark, except for a faded lamppost illuminating the walkways. The night was hot and humid, so I dressed in shorts for the occasion, fully expecting to be sitting on a bench watching Jesse play. He popped out of nowhere, just as I was about to walk up the steps toward the stands.
"Hi," I said, as I looked around the field. "Am I late? Did I get the practice time wrong?"
"Nope," he answered with a grin. "Practice ended an hour ago."
"Oh. Am I here to pick you up?" I asked, still confused.
"I thought we'd play on the field for a bit," he said as he took my hand and led me further in toward the bases. He had his pitching glove on and carried a bat in his right hand.
"Play what, Jess? You know I don't know anything about this game!" I laughed incredulously.
"Yes, you do! You've been watching me do this for almost three years! I thought it would be fun to watch you swing a bat," he coaxed. "Come on, you'll do great, I promise. Here, wear these so you don't hurt your hands." He fished into his pockets and handed me some batting gloves. I wiggled my fingers to make sure that they were still in there. They were twice the size of my hands. He looked delighted and enamored with me all at the same time. "You look so cute. Come here," he ordered as he pulled me in for a hug. Seconds later, he handed me the bat and then walked backwards until he was a few feet away from me.
"This is heavy!" I said, as I lifted the bat and mockingly took on the stance—both knees bent, two hands on the bat.
"Issy baby, you're gonna fall over if you lean like that." He laughed. "This isn't tennis. Keep one foot in front of you, turn your body to face me. Now just relax and swing when I pitch, ok?"
"Like this?" I breathed, as I stuck my leg out and swiveled my hips.
"If you keep that up, we'll be swinging something else," he teased.
Five empty swings later, I finally hit the ball. It didn't go very far, but I whooped and he whooped and I ran twice around the bases. It didn't take much effort for him to pursue me as soon as he caught the ball. I hit the ball two more times until he chased me down and lifted me off the ground.
"Jess!" I panted, as he swooped me in his arms. "That was hard work! What do I get for doing this?" I flirted.
"Me," he responded, as I wrapped my arms and legs around him.
"I'll take that," I whispered, and with a tender kiss, I gave him permission to carry me back to the dugout.
About Christine:
GIVEAWAY:
Friday, June 7, 2013
Review: Following Me by K.A. Linde
Title: Following Me
Author: K.A. Linde
Release Date: June 21, 2013
Rating: 5 Star *****
My Review:
First of all, let me say this is the month for emotional reads. Some of my favorite authors are pulling out the big guns and tackling some pretty heavy topics. That is not a complaint. Every book can’t be about super duper hot over-the-top (and totally fictional) sex and all unicorns & rainbows. That said… K.A. Linde really put it all out there in this book. If you are a fan of the Avoiding Series *jumps up and down waving hand in the air* you will see some hints of the familiar… she still weaves the past & present together flawlessly… and her heroine has a fabulous bestie with a larger than life personality… but that is where the similarities stop. This book won’t have you picking a “Team” or screaming for the next in the series. This book will make you think. This book will make you feel. This book will scare you a little.
How well do you know the people in your life? Your mother, daughter, sister, best friend, lover??? Could you tell if they were putting on a happy face for you? Would you be able to tell if they were lying to your face? If they were falling deeper and deeper into something dangerous and needed help… could you save them? We all like to think so. I mean your best friend tells you EVERYTHING and if she was in any kind of trouble you would be the first to know and the first to kick ass and take names.
Seems that Devon isn’t the only one hiding, Hadley has some issues of her own and seeing an opportunity to use that to her advantage, as well as being genuinely concerned for her friend, Devon manipulates her way into staying the rest of the summer. She is not ready to head home and face her demons just yet. She gets a job and sets out to repair her life and figure out what to do next. Losing Hadley, leaning on her new friendship with Garrett and growing closer to Brennan her mask is starting to slip. Maybe she can finally trust and let someone in. Maybe she can get to the root of those nightmares. Maybe she can be free. That is if her nightmare doesn’t catch her first.
I fell in love with the cast of characters in this book. Each one is facing their own “something” and they are all trying to help and protect each other. Oh they mess it up royally and hurt one another but it is real. I also loved how the city of Chicago felt like a character itself. Like I said, this book hits on several very heavy issues, but it is also about falling in love, letting go, standing up for yourself, being a friend, when to forgive and then when not to forgive. It scared me and it touched me and it made me take a deeper look at the relationships in my life. There are conversations I need to have and you can bet I’ll be having them now. Thank you Ms. Linde!
Links:
Favorite Quote:
“I think I knew you were running the first time I saw you” he said “those big stormy eyes telling me you were lost with nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. I just didn’t know what you were running from. But I think all along you were running toward me.”
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Release Info & Giveaway: Come What May (Heartbeat #2) by Faith Sullivan
Title: Come What May (Heartbeat #2)
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle ($2.99)
Paperback available at: Amazon ($6.99)
Book Description:
Adam is through with love.
He unravels blaming himself for what happened with Katie.
His final moments with her echo through his nightmares.
She owns him body and soul.
To dull the pain, Adam invites a string of women into his bed. Fueled by alcohol and desperation, his meaningless hook-ups provide little comfort. When he closes his eyes, it's Katie he sees.
The only one who helps to ease his guilt somewhat is Jada. But as his new ambulance partner, Adam considers her off limits. He doesn't want to get seriously involved with anyone, much less her. Yet he can't stop fantasizing about the feel of her caramel skin against his.
Despite his intentions, Adam's bond with Jada deepens as they respond to a series of emotional calls. Their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. But how can he give his heart to Jada when it still belongs to Katie?
Excerpt:
But I’m unsure of where this is going. Is he trying to open up or just making idle conversation? Whatever it is, it’s not enough for me. I crouch, hanging my legs over the side. A cool breeze issues from the waterfall. Its hypnotic rhythm is so relaxing. I can stretch out right here and fall asleep. I lean back on my elbows and close my eyes against the sun. So I’m startled when something smacks me in the face.
It’s Adam’s t-shirt. He’s standing before me in nothing but his jeans. “Care for a swim, Jada?” Laughing, he peers over the edge. All I see are the broad lines of his back. It doesn’t get any sexier than that.
“You’re going to jump into that tiny little pool of water?” My pulse is racing, but somehow I keep my voice steady.
“No, we’re going to climb down together. But you’re going to have to lose some of that clothing first.” His gaze runs across the length of my body, and I’m on fire.
“If you think I’m going to strip down…”
I shut up when I realize he’s bending over me. “Well, you can rid yourself of these muddy shoes for starters.” He undoes the laces and gently slips them off. My breathing gets heavy when his fingers slide up to remove my sock. He doesn’t stop there. On his knees before me, his touch glides up my leg as he rolls the cuff of my pants.
“That takes care of the bottom half. Now what about the top?” I ask brazenly. I’m fighting to regain control of the situation, but it’s a lost cause.
He pulls me up with him, and our bodies are so close together. He grips my waist and I start to get dizzy. Drawing me in, I’m surprised when he tugs at the fabric of my shirt, untucking it in a series of quick motions. His actions cause my chest to rub against his. My legs get shaky and I think I’m going to have to grab onto him for support. But I resist and somehow keep my hands to myself. Slowly, he unfastens the last two buttons and ties the shirt at my waist. His fingertips linger over the exposed skin of my midriff. His touch is driving me wild. I can’t take much more of this.
Stepping back, I feel so exposed even though I’m not showing that much skin. He’s practically naked in front of me and he doesn’t seem embarrassed at all. It’s like he wanted to bring me to some secluded spot in order to seduce me. Was this his plan all along? I’m so confused. Nothing is ever clear with him. It’s impossible to figure out what’s going through his mind and why he’s practically taking off my clothes in the middle of the woods.
And that’s the problem. I kind of like it. His unpredictability keeps me guessing, and I’ve never been so turned on. I’m practically panting before him, wishing his hands would explore every inch of me. But for some reason, it seems like there’s an invisible barrier separating us. He teases me but doesn’t take it further. And all that does is make me want him more. I’m not the type to pursue a guy, but I’d put myself out there for him if I knew that was what he was after. But what if it’s not? We do have to work together, and things can get really awkward between us if I’m wrong.
A shadow of a frown crosses his face when he sees me back away from him. Whatever was happening in that moment is over—I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or relieved. His chest rises and falls as he clenches his fists. The sheer masculine beauty of his sculpted torso is right in front of me. Yet he appears so fragile. Like one hasty word from me will break him. We’re so close. If only I knew his true intentions. Is he just playing with me or is he after something more?
“C’mon, let’s cool off.” But I can’t allow myself to get that close to him again. My thoughts scatter just picturing him against me in the water. With my inhibitions lowered, I’ll be too tempted. If I let down my guard and give into him, I’ll only regret it later when he acts like nothing’s changed between us.
“Nah, you go ahead. I’m just going to stick my feet in.” The creases in his brow deepen, but I don’t stop. “If I have any hope of salvaging this uniform, I don’t think it’ll take any more wear and tear.” It’s the lamest excuse ever, but it’s all I have to go with.
“Suit yourself.” He’s pissed as he makes his way down the rocky incline. He doesn’t even wait for me. What girl wouldn’t want to fool around with him in the water after all that? Who would ever turn him down?
Only me.
Random Things about Author, Faith Sullivan:
- She was so much smarter as a teenager.
- She's a slow reader.
- She tends to like a book more for its characters rather than its plot.
- She appreciates people who are genuinely kind and come through when you need them.
- As a creative person, she's not always fun to live with, but she keeps things interesting.
- She misses the days when all she had was a rotary phone that didn't even have an answering machine.
- She's a child of the 1980s, and a teenager of the 1990s.
- She loves her dog.
- She likes to travel and see new places - when her limited budget allows.
- She thinks in another lifetime she lived in the UK somewhere by the coast.
- When she feels an emotion, she feels it deeply. It's a curse.
- She has an overactive imagination. Writing helps alleviate that problem.
- Nine times out of ten, she believes a good book trumps reality.
Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads
Author: Faith Sullivan
Expected release date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Ebook available at: Kindle ($2.99)
Paperback available at: Amazon ($6.99)
Book Description:
Adam is through with love.
He unravels blaming himself for what happened with Katie.
His final moments with her echo through his nightmares.
She owns him body and soul.
To dull the pain, Adam invites a string of women into his bed. Fueled by alcohol and desperation, his meaningless hook-ups provide little comfort. When he closes his eyes, it's Katie he sees.
The only one who helps to ease his guilt somewhat is Jada. But as his new ambulance partner, Adam considers her off limits. He doesn't want to get seriously involved with anyone, much less her. Yet he can't stop fantasizing about the feel of her caramel skin against his.
Despite his intentions, Adam's bond with Jada deepens as they respond to a series of emotional calls. Their mutual attraction becomes undeniable. But how can he give his heart to Jada when it still belongs to Katie?
Excerpt:
But I’m unsure of where this is going. Is he trying to open up or just making idle conversation? Whatever it is, it’s not enough for me. I crouch, hanging my legs over the side. A cool breeze issues from the waterfall. Its hypnotic rhythm is so relaxing. I can stretch out right here and fall asleep. I lean back on my elbows and close my eyes against the sun. So I’m startled when something smacks me in the face.
It’s Adam’s t-shirt. He’s standing before me in nothing but his jeans. “Care for a swim, Jada?” Laughing, he peers over the edge. All I see are the broad lines of his back. It doesn’t get any sexier than that.
“You’re going to jump into that tiny little pool of water?” My pulse is racing, but somehow I keep my voice steady.
“No, we’re going to climb down together. But you’re going to have to lose some of that clothing first.” His gaze runs across the length of my body, and I’m on fire.
“If you think I’m going to strip down…”
I shut up when I realize he’s bending over me. “Well, you can rid yourself of these muddy shoes for starters.” He undoes the laces and gently slips them off. My breathing gets heavy when his fingers slide up to remove my sock. He doesn’t stop there. On his knees before me, his touch glides up my leg as he rolls the cuff of my pants.
“That takes care of the bottom half. Now what about the top?” I ask brazenly. I’m fighting to regain control of the situation, but it’s a lost cause.
He pulls me up with him, and our bodies are so close together. He grips my waist and I start to get dizzy. Drawing me in, I’m surprised when he tugs at the fabric of my shirt, untucking it in a series of quick motions. His actions cause my chest to rub against his. My legs get shaky and I think I’m going to have to grab onto him for support. But I resist and somehow keep my hands to myself. Slowly, he unfastens the last two buttons and ties the shirt at my waist. His fingertips linger over the exposed skin of my midriff. His touch is driving me wild. I can’t take much more of this.
Stepping back, I feel so exposed even though I’m not showing that much skin. He’s practically naked in front of me and he doesn’t seem embarrassed at all. It’s like he wanted to bring me to some secluded spot in order to seduce me. Was this his plan all along? I’m so confused. Nothing is ever clear with him. It’s impossible to figure out what’s going through his mind and why he’s practically taking off my clothes in the middle of the woods.
And that’s the problem. I kind of like it. His unpredictability keeps me guessing, and I’ve never been so turned on. I’m practically panting before him, wishing his hands would explore every inch of me. But for some reason, it seems like there’s an invisible barrier separating us. He teases me but doesn’t take it further. And all that does is make me want him more. I’m not the type to pursue a guy, but I’d put myself out there for him if I knew that was what he was after. But what if it’s not? We do have to work together, and things can get really awkward between us if I’m wrong.
A shadow of a frown crosses his face when he sees me back away from him. Whatever was happening in that moment is over—I can’t tell if he’s disappointed or relieved. His chest rises and falls as he clenches his fists. The sheer masculine beauty of his sculpted torso is right in front of me. Yet he appears so fragile. Like one hasty word from me will break him. We’re so close. If only I knew his true intentions. Is he just playing with me or is he after something more?
“C’mon, let’s cool off.” But I can’t allow myself to get that close to him again. My thoughts scatter just picturing him against me in the water. With my inhibitions lowered, I’ll be too tempted. If I let down my guard and give into him, I’ll only regret it later when he acts like nothing’s changed between us.
“Nah, you go ahead. I’m just going to stick my feet in.” The creases in his brow deepen, but I don’t stop. “If I have any hope of salvaging this uniform, I don’t think it’ll take any more wear and tear.” It’s the lamest excuse ever, but it’s all I have to go with.
“Suit yourself.” He’s pissed as he makes his way down the rocky incline. He doesn’t even wait for me. What girl wouldn’t want to fool around with him in the water after all that? Who would ever turn him down?
Only me.
Random Things about Author, Faith Sullivan:
- She was so much smarter as a teenager.
- She's a slow reader.
- She tends to like a book more for its characters rather than its plot.
- She appreciates people who are genuinely kind and come through when you need them.
- As a creative person, she's not always fun to live with, but she keeps things interesting.
- She misses the days when all she had was a rotary phone that didn't even have an answering machine.
- She's a child of the 1980s, and a teenager of the 1990s.
- She loves her dog.
- She likes to travel and see new places - when her limited budget allows.
- She thinks in another lifetime she lived in the UK somewhere by the coast.
- When she feels an emotion, she feels it deeply. It's a curse.
- She has an overactive imagination. Writing helps alleviate that problem.
- Nine times out of ten, she believes a good book trumps reality.
Author Links: Blog | Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads
Review: Left Drowning by Jessica Park
Title: Left Drowning
Author: Jessica Park
Release Date: July 16, 2013 by Amazon Childrens Publishing
Rating: 5 Star *****
My Review:
Ok so I finished this book yesterday and said I “needed a minute” before I could write a review… so I took 1,440 freaking minutes… I just had to really think about what I was going to say. I don’t think I can do this story justice but I will try. So here goes…
Do you believe? Do you believe in anything?? God, destiny, fate, human interconnection, love??? Or do you think that life is random… that we are all just hamsters on our little wheels and that everything that happens to us is by pure chance and that people in our lives are interchangeable?
Blythe McGuire is lost… drowning in the past… standing still in the present… and avoiding the future. Why? Guilt. Guilt has great power. It is strong enough to make us weak… to make us run from the people we love. It can eat a person alive from the inside out. Guilt can alienate you and kill you slowly and without detection. Blythe lost her parents in a devastating accident 4 years ago. For too many reasons to count she feels guilty for what happened that night. She shut down emotionally and withdrew within herself. If you never connect with anyone you can’t loose them right? So she meanders her way through college life never really living just existing. Existing miserably until she meets Christopher and the rest of the Shepherd clan. They are a reckless, witty, unabashed group and they immediately take Blythe under their wing. The connection is instant and deep and alive. It is also scary as hell. What draws her to them?
The Shepherds have had a painful past of their own. They are scarred by the memories. Each one has their own guilt to live with. On the surface they are happy and functional… but it is a mask… and all masquerades come to an end eventually. Christopher is the pillar of strength and determination but he is barely keeping the house of cards he has built standing and the slightest breeze will bring it crashing down.
In blows Blythe… she is so fragile and Chris is drawn to her… but why? Why does she need him so much and why does he feel so much when he is with her? They don’t know how to be together but they can’t be apart. The closeness is terrifying but the separation is debilitating. They can say things with their bodies that they can’t put into words. Touch is a great comforter. Sex can be a powerful connection. It’s not just a physical thing. It is healing and trust and letting go. Mind, Body and Soul bonding. Love. It helps them both remember things they have buried within themselves. Is it enough to keep them together or will it tear them apart? Can someone heal you and break you at the same time?
Okay I know I asked a lot of questions. This book had me asking a lot of questions. Questioning myself and my beliefs and had me feeling a lot of freaking emotions. I laughed, I was turned on, I was angry enough put my kindle out in the garage, and I felt unimaginable grief… I lived it through these characters… with these characters. I was wrecked and I was put back together but not the same.
It is no secret how much I love Jessica Park’s writing - Flat-Out Love will always be one of my all time favorite books – but this book is different. The writing is some of the best ever put to page. The sex scenes were HOT and the emotions jump off the page and take hold of you. Needless to say I LOVE LOVE LOVED it. I can not wait for you all to read it.
*** This is an Adult Book and the content is definitely for readers 17 years+.
Favorite Quote:
“Shitting Rainbows”
Links:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17325147-left-drowning
Monday, June 3, 2013
Review & Signed Paperback Giveaway: Sins & Needles by Karina Halle
Title: Sins & Needles (The Artist Trilogy #1)
Author: Karina Halle
Release Date: January 25, 2013
Rating: 5 Star *****
See the Rafflecopter at the end of the review to enter to win a signed paperback of Sin & Needles. These paperbacks are no longer available for purchase so here is your chance to own one.
My Review:
Who is Ellie Watt?
They say you can always go home, but for Ellie it’s a little more complicated than that. She hasn’t been that girl for a long time now. She’s a vagabond, a drifter… a con. Her sole focus has been revenge. Revenge against the person that ruined her so long ago, but she messed up, she let her emotions get involved in the game. So now she’s in trouble and running. She doesn’t know where to go or who to be next so she heads “home” to regroup and plan her next move. She is tired of the game and ready to go legit… or is she? She needs money to go legit and how does a girl like her get money? A con of course.
Who is Camden McQueen?
I love a story with flawed heroes & heroines. Life is not sunshine & rainbows all the time. Every girl is not an ethereal virgin and every boy is not a young, gorgeous billionaire who needs to find the right girl to tame him. Sin & Needles delivers in the raw, gritty, scary story of life. Life where you mess up and make some stupid choices that affect not only you but the people you care about. A ripple affect of shit. Ellie is the product of her upbringing. Raised by parents who were thieves & cons and used her in their schemes. She was a child thrown into a very adult world and she was irrevocably hurt in the process. All she ever wanted was to be avenged so she set out to avenge herself. Turns out that she is not as good at the game as she hoped. Now she and Cam have to find away to start new and stay alive. It’s a wild ride that will leave you breathless and have you cheering for the bad guys… or the good guys… oh hell, I am not even sure which is which???
Links:
Add to your TBR:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16029994-sins-needles
Purchase for your Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Sins-Needles-Artists-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00CWKL12M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370875457&sr=1-1&keywords=sins+%26+needles
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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