Review: "The Pact" by Karina Halle

Title: The Pact

Author: Karina Halle

Release: December 28, 2014

Synopsis

It all started with a pinky swear…

Linden McGregor is tall, rugged, and gunslinger handsome; a helicopter pilot with a Scottish brogue and charm to spare. He’s also one of Stephanie Robson’s best friends and has fit into that box for as long as she’s known him.

Beautiful, funny and an ambitious businesswoman (with one hell of an ass), Stephanie Robson is one of Linden McGregor’s best friends and has fit into that box for as long as he’s known her.

But some relationships can’t be boxed, can’t be classified, can’t be tamed.

Back in their mid-twenties and tired of the competitive hit-or-miss dating scene of San Francisco, Steph and Linden made a pact to marry each other if neither one of them are in a serious relationship by the time they hit thirty.

It sounds like fun and games but as the years to thirty tick past and lovers come and go out of their lives, the pact becomes larger than life.
Sex is inevitable. Friendships are tested. Hearts are on the line.

The pact is about to change everything.

My Review

4 Star ****

The Pact is definitely a departure from Karina Halle’s previous works. We have come to expect the darker, grittier side of storytelling in her world. It was quite refreshing to see her lighten things up a bit in this feel good friends-to-lovers tale.

Linden and Stephanie have known each other for years. Along with their pal James they form a very close knit trio of best friends, confidants, and a little family of sorts. Platonic all but for a brief relationship between James and Steph when they first met. On the eve of their 25^th Birthdays Linden proposes a little deal between him and Steph. If on their 30^th Birthdays they are both single they should marry one another. It seems laughable really. Linden has never acted as though he thought of Steph as anything other than one of the guys… but with an eerie sincerity and an iron clad “pinky swear”… The Pact is born.  

From there we are taken on a journey of the next five years of their lives. Relationships and lovers come and go. Some more serious than others. They grow up, they move on, they open businesses and buy homes and do all the things that one does while becoming an adult. Loyalty and friendship is tested. Hearts are broken. And in the end you will feel as if you have known these three all your life… and you will probably want to pick up the phone and call your closest friends and reminisce. Some bonds are as thick as blood and some loves are destined no matter how far you run. The Pact is definitely worth sinking your teeth into. Congrats Ms. Halle for conquering yet another genre. There is truly nothing you can’t write. 

BUY LINKS

       

ABOUT KARINA HALLE


  With her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term “Hybrid Author.” Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she’s a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA…whenever possible. Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiance and rescue pup. Karina is represented by the Waxman Leavell Literary Agency.

Karina's Social Media Links

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4785031.Karina_Halle 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karina-Halle/140649372629593
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetalBlonde
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Karina-Halle/e/B0050KE63C/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1395935607&sr=1-2-ent

RELEASE BLAST & GIVEAWAY: "Path of Destruction" by E. Lee & C. Quinn

We would love for you to join us in celebrating the release of PATH OF DESTRUCTION by E. Lee and C. Quinn!

Title: Path of Destruction (Broken Heartland #2)

Author: E. Lee and C. Quinn

Age Group: Upper YA/NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: December 24, 2014

Goodreads

Amazon

 

Synopsis 

They ignored the warning signs and it cost them everything... 

At the end of a life-changing summer a devastating tornado hit the small town of Hope’s Grove, Oklahoma.

While the brick suburban mansions of Summit Bluffs saw very little damage, their occupants weren’t so lucky. As the members of both communities struggle to put the pieces of their lives back together, lies will be told, truths will be revealed, and nothing will ever be the same. The road to recovery is long and paved with past hurts and future heartbreaks.

They ignored the warning signs, and one of them didn’t make it out alive. The four that remain know they’d be crazy to think the storms are actually over.. 

Because it’s just when you think you’re safe that you find yourself right in the path of destruction.

 

Excerpt
 

Prologue – Cameron
I’d always heard that your entire life flashes before your eyes right before you die. Now, I can honestly say that it’s true. Well, almost true. It’s more like your mind flips through a mental photo album of all the things you’d done and the people you’d met—a birthday party, the first time you drove, someone’s face when you told them they’d never be as pretty as you, your mother’s reprimanding glare when you didn’t win the pageant title you were supposed to, you as a little girl waiting on the front steps for your father to come home—it’s all there. The good, the bad, the ugly. All of it.

You can try to focus on the good—like the face of the person you loved—but it’s no use. Whether you want to or not, you see it all. It must be God’s way of letting you see what he saw so you aren’t surprised when you end up on the other side in Hell. Which is exactly where I’d assumed I’d just booked a first class ticket too.

I was too weak to fight it—to argue that I was in fact a good person—once the storm decided that I was going to be one of its victims, there was nothing I could do but try to hold on to the face of the one person I was sure I’d never see again.

Served me right. I shouldn’t have waited to tell him how I felt. I should have told him the moment I felt it. The moment I realized that despite what I’d done in my past, I was a better person just for loving him.

As the darkness and quiet started to surround me, I knew that it was too late to beg for forgiveness now. Instead, I just closed my eyes and prayed for mercy.

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the first book in the series for $.99!

Title: Storm Warning (Broken Heartland #2)

Author: E. Lee and C. Quinn

Age Group: YA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: December 12, 2013

Goodreads

Amazon | BN

 

 

Description:

Sometimes you can’t see the storm coming until it’s too late...



Severe Storm Warning Tip #1:

Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.



Severe Storm Warning Tip #2:

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.



Severe Storm Warning Tip #3:

They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.



Situated just outside of Oklahoma City, Calumet County is divided into two drastically different communities: Hope’s Grove and Summit Bluffs. One is the small backward town where dirt roads lead the way to field parties and railroad tracks. And the other, a sprawling suburb where paved drives lead to the landscaped lawns of the wealthy and over privileged.



For five teenagers smack in the middle of Tornado Alley, summer is heating up fast. The winds of change are blurring the invisible line that divides the rich and the rural.



One has a secret.

One has a crush.

One has been lying.

One will get caught.

And one might not make it out alive.



They’re from two different worlds…but one summer is about to change everything.

Series info:

Whether you believe in destiny, divine intervention, or just plain ol' dumb luck, several things happened in 2013 that caused E. Lee and C. Quinn's paths to cross. It may have been that the stars aligned perfectly, or the fact anytime Luke Bryan was mentioned on a social media site both of them were tagged, or maybe it was just that their small town roots and country girl attitudes were magnetically drawn together—calling out to one another, “Y'all should write a book!” Despite geography keeping them apart—Lee in Illinois and Quinn in Alabama—they did. Thanks to three-hour phone calls, ridiculous amounts of online chats, and umpteen Google Docs—Storm Warning is the first book in their edgy new Young Adult series, Broken Heartland.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

About the Authors

 

Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.

Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany... I should write a book. And I did it!

If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny kid, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Caisey Quinn lives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series as well as several New Adult Romance novels featuring country girls finding love in unexpected places. You can find her online at www.caiseyquinnwrites.com .

Website: http://www.caiseyquinnwrites.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7041163.Caisey_Quinn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCaiseyQuinn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaiseyQuinn

 

 

GIVEAWAY:

(5) Print Copies of STORM WARNING

a Rafflecopter giveaway

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: "Jacked" by Tina Reber

Title: Jacked (Trent Brothers #1)

Author: Tina Reber

Release: December 11, 2014

Synopsis

We all have skeletons in our closets. 

Doctor Erin Novak was only sixteen when she was accused of a crime she didn't commit. Since that moment, she has made it her life goal to pursue emergency medicine, pouring her heart and soul into assuring another innocent life isn’t lost to the hands of the wicked.

We all have secrets we've never shared. 

Detective Adam Trent has lost control of everything, starting with losing his partner to a punk with a gun and then everything else to the crushing guilt. Now a member of the elite Auto Theft Task Force in Philadelphia, it's his job to be one step ahead of the criminals stealing expensive cars in the city. Too bad the television cameras keep getting in the way of his investigation.

We all have pasts that we can never escape. 

A stolen car, a tragic chase, and a traffic stop crosses the fates of these two, tying them together in ways that are unimaginable. As their love and trust grows, so do the enemies that threaten their survival, testing the strength of their commitment. Can true love endure half-truths, past pains, and secrets never meant to be shared?

Some things are just out of our control. 

Love Unscripted spin-off featuring Kyle Trent's older brother, Adam.

Purchase Links

Amazon

B&N

Our Review

5 Star *****

I have been not so patiently awaiting a new Tina Reber release for a long time. So I was thrilled when I learned she was starting a new series. Let me tell you “Jacked” was so worth the wait!

The story is one that grabs you from the first word and doesn’t let you go till the very end. Full of intense, realistic action. Adam Trent is a police officer and member of the elite Auto Theft Task Force. He is a hot, charming, sweet badass. Yes I said sweet badass. A series of coincidental (or maybe it’s more like fated) circumstances bring him slamming into the world of ER Doctor Erin Novak. Erin is a smart, focused and determined doctor. She is very driven and very good at her job. As the story unfolds you find that both pour all of themselves into their jobs as an escape of sorts. They are each plagued with demons of the past. Can they help each other heal and make peace with their sins? Can Erin give to him the control he so desperately needs while letting go of the control that she holds too tightly to? 

It's quite a ride. Tina Reber is one of those authors that do their homework. She weaves all of the complicated technical points of both the medical and law enforcement fields with ease and accuracy. Never talking above her readers head but not dumbing down or over simplifying the dialog or situations. I felt like I was in an actual trauma unit at a hospital watching the action unfold. It was riveting and intriguing with just the right balance of intensity and humor. Great character development… you really get to know these people… from Adam and Erin to the secondary characters. 

Oh and did I mention it is one scorching read? So hot. This is a thinking woman’s romance. I love that! The sex scenes were intense and moving and had a depth to them that really connected you to the moment. No frivolous over the top sex for the sake of sex here. So refreshing. This is a real grown up love story with sub-plots and twists and bad guys and TV cameras and just “Wow”. It’s a must read and I for one am looking forward to meeting more of the fascinating Trent Brothers. 

~ Katie - GTBC

About the Author

I am a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of adult contemporary romance. I'm so glad you've stopped by and/or have sent me a friend request. Unfortunately,I get quite bogged down on a daily basis and tend not to respond to direct messages to me on GR. I answer all messages sent to me on my Facebook author page: http://facebook.com/authortinareber. All of my latest information can be found on my website: http://tinareber.com. Want to send me a private message or have a question? Send me an email at authortinareber@gmail.com. 
Hugs and Happy Reading!!

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GTBC End-of-Year, 6,000 Likes, Celebration Giveaway!!!!

2014 has been a spectacular year. Full of wonderful releases. So in celebration of our 2 year Blogiversary, reaching our 6,000th Fan on Facebook and the end of another year of amazing stories and dreamy book boyfriends we are busting open the goodie closet! 

This Giveaway will have 11 winners and includes:

(1) $25 Amazon Gift Card

(1) Signed copy of "Thoughtless" by S.C Stephens

(1) Signed copy of "Hopeless" by Colleen Hoover

(1) Signed copy of "Easy" by Tammara Webber

(1) Signed copy of "Beauty from Surrender' by Georgia Cates

(1) Signed copy of "Following Me" by K.A. Linde

(1) Signed copy of "The Bet" by Rachel Van Dyken

(1) Signed copy of "Needing Her" by Molly McAdams

(1) Signed copy of "Own the Wind" by Kristen Ashley

(1) Signed copy of "Loving Cara" by Kristen Proby

(1) Signed copy of "Suddenly Royal" by Nichole Chase

***This giveaway is for the Continental US only and winner will be notified within 24 hours of giveaway end. Winners must claim their prize within 3 days of giveaway end by emailing katieprm1@gmail.com. All prizes will be shipped with tracking within 1 week of winners notification. Please allow 5-7 business days for delivery.***

GOOD LUCK!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL: "Spend the Night" (The Hotel Collection Serial, Episode 1) by Elizabeth Lee

We are excited to show you the hot cover for the first episode in Elizabeth Lee's new Hotel Collection Serial "Spend the Night". This is a sexy, mysterious read that is sure to get and keep your attention! Check out all the book and author info below...

Title: "Spend the Night" (The Hotel Collection; Episode 1)

Author: Elizabeth Lee

Release: January 20, 2015

Synopsis

Spend the Night – Episode 1

Welcome to The Wellesley-Crawford...

Hannah Wellesley has spent her entire life running the halls of her family-owned hotel, the infamous and opulent Wellesley-Crawford. Noted as one of the city's richest, most luxurious hotels in Chicago, the WC is what Hannah has devoted her life and career to. 

 
The hotel’s Annual Masquerade Gala is the event of the year, but this year Hannah’s evening involves more than just handing out masks. After a mysterious rendezvous in a secluded stairwell with an irresistible and unidentifiable man, Hannah becomes consumed with discovering the identity of her masked lover. Just as she’s about to give up the search, two men blow back into her life with drastically different intentions. They both have secrets and uncovering them will lead Hannah down a darkly dangerous path. 
Drawn to both of the intriguing bachelors, she’ll have to determine which one is after her heart and which one plans to do her deadly harm before it’s too late.

Teaser

About the Author

Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.

Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany... I should write a book. And I did it!


If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny kid, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Facebook | Twitter | Website

 

COVER REVEAL: "Island Series" by Viv Daniel

Covers created by Vania Stoyanova of VLC Producitons

Island Escape (Island Series #0.5)  Releases on January 20th

Add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1vtPKj2

ADAM    Luxury yacht, tropical seas, babes in bikinis…dream job, right? Wrong. The passengers are rich jerks who treat the crew like garbage, when they aren’t pretending we’re their whores. The best day was when that cokehead heiress Kalina tried to fire me just for doing my job. I swore I’d never go back home to my parents and their crazy fundamentalist ranch in the desert, but nothing could be worse than this.
And then the pirates attack.

KALINA    Luxury yacht, tropical seas, billionaire boyfriend…dream trip, right? Wrong. After catching my man getting “extra services” from the maid, I know I’m the laughing stock of passengers and crew. Every time I lay eyes on that quiet, handsome deckhand Adam, I can feel him judging me. I want to die, and when the pirates show up, I think I’m going to.
But Adam… he saves me. Now we’re alone together on a lifeboat in the open ocean. Adam thinks we don’t have a chance, but thanks to him, we’ve made it this far.
And then, in the distance, I spot an island…

Island Born (Island Series #1) Releases on February 23rd

Add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/12bujsd

Once you come to the island,You’ll never be the same.

    Joshua Truman grew up on a private island in the South Pacific with only his philosophy books and the beauty of his surroundings for company. His billionaire parents raised him to be the perfect man, brilliant of mind and pure of spirit.

    You know what? Purity be damned.

    When tempting grad student Carrie Young arrives on his island with a group of researchers, Joshua makes his move. He wants her, and he’ll utilize every advantage of his gorgeous surroundings and exquisitely thorough education to seduce her.

    Carrie is shocked by the things this supposed innocent is making her feel. But she must resist him, for Carrie is the keeper of dangerous secrets, and her boss has plans more devious than anyone knows…

The first of the 4-book ISLAND series.

Island Affair (Island Series #2) Releases on March 23rd

Add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1ylftLy

Island Lost (Island Series #3) Releases on April 20th

Add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1CoWXan 

Island's End (Island Series #4) Releases on May 18th

Add it on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1xRIprN

About Viv Daniels

Website    Facebook    Twitter    

Viv Daniels writes love stories for the young and young at heart. Like many of her characters, she met her husband in college, and knows all the ins and outs of navigating that kind of relationship -- from how to date when you're both flat broke to how to fit two people in narrow dorm room bed.

Her favorite new adult authors include Tammara Weber and Sarina Bowen.

Viv can usually be found on her Facebook page or Twitter feed, chatting with readers about her favorite New Adult fiction, or sharing pictures of cute boys.

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: "Hollywood & Vine" by Olivia Evans

We are excited to share with you the cover for Hollywood & Vine, a debut novel by Olivia Evans scheduled for release on December 15th. Make sure to add it to your TBR because this is one you don't want to miss. Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win an ARC copy of this book. Good luck!

In the land of Hollywood, bright lights cover lies, truths hide in shadows, and the lives of the rich and famous are illusions created by smoke and mirrors.

When costume designer Josie Bane first lays eyes on Anders Ellis, she hates him instantly. Conceited and arrogant, he's the epitome of a Hollywood playboy. So it’s much to Josie’s dismay when he becomes the star of her sexual fantasies.

Never expecting to see him again, she gives in to her desires for a night she’ll never forget. However, Josie soon learns that life is full of surprises. When their paths cross again, sparks fly. With three little words, Anders changes everything.

He’s after one thing.

She refuses to give it to him... again.

When Josie realizes she’s falling for a man that will never let her in but refuses to let her go, she must decide if the risk is worth the reward.

With a relationship shrouded in secrets and outside forces poised to tear them apart, did they ever stand a chance? Before the smoke clears and the curtain falls, Josie and Anders must distinguish between what’s fact and what’s fiction in a place where the truth is never black and white.






“I’ve never been in love.”

“Lie,” he whispered.

She shook her head. “Not a lie.”

Anders’ lips parted in disbelief. He wasn’t sure why, but something in his chest tightened at her admission. He kicked off his shoes and licked his lips before speaking, his heart pounding so violently he thought it might come through his chest.

“I’ve never wanted to kiss someone as much as I do you.”

“Right now?”

“Ever.” His voice was strong and clear as he spoke, leaving no doubt that he meant what he said. But Josie needed to hear him say it.

“Lie.”

“Lose your shirt, Ivy.”

“Fuck,” she exhaled, pulling her top off. She stood in front of him in nothing but her bra and panties and she had no intentions of answering enough questions to get them off. She was going in for the kill. “You were my first and only one-night stand.”

“Lie.”

Her chest heaved, and she gripped the counter by her sides until her knuckles whitened. “Not a lie. I wanted you that much. Lose your pants, Anders.”

Olivia Evans is a dreamer by day, writer by night. She's obsessed with music and loves discovering new bands. Traveling the world and watching the sun set in every time zone sounds like heaven to her. A true Gemini, she follows her heart blindly and lives life to the fullest with her husband, son, and friends. Her other loves are: Chuck Taylors, Doc Martens, concert tees, gangster movies, sports, wine, craft beer and her shih tzu's.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway