{June 22, 2014} {Review} Stronger by Misty Provencher

From Goodreads: Two men are vying for a place in Lydia Strong’s life. Desmond has solid ties from her distant past, while Aiden is only concerned about being her future. But right now, party-girl Lydia has lost herself in a shot glass and dozens of one night stands. She’s forgotten her own worth and she’s plummeting toward the rock bottom of her life. While Des and Aiden compete to create her future, Lydia realizes she’s got to be stronger than she’s ever been, to fight her addictions and choose the life she wants now. She must find herself again, before the wrong man walks away.

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Welcome to the riveting world of Lydia Strong, a woman spiraling down the wells of addiction. A novel completely unique and jarring, in amazing ways, Stronger pulls readers in, making Provencher’s tantalizing story the readers’ own addiction. Definitely one of my top ten reads of the year, Stronger is an extremely real, well written story that is not to be missed. Intense, passionate, real; this novel will leave readers breathless as it unfolds.

Certainly a read for the more mature crowds, this NA novel tackles topics such as abuse, self-worth, alcoholism, theft, and manipulation. It’s intense, but it’s Oh. So. Good. I was wrapped up in the story and truly felt like I was a part of it as I watched Lydia slowly fall to pieces, searching out one night stands (not too graphic on the sexual escapades) and alcohol to try and put the truth of her heartbreaking, loveless life behind her. Manipulated and at rock bottom, Lydia has much to overcome in order to begin building up her world once more, and that includes separating herself from the worst sort of abuser and allowing herself to love, live, and take control. But in order to do that, she’s got to love herself, first.

This is an amazingly intense novel that I absolutely adore. Provencher has done a fantastic job creating vivid, real characters and situations, and I highly suggest giving this one a read. I was a little concerned it might not be my cup of tea going in, but Provencher soon quelled my fears as this utterly fantastic novel unfolded. Be prepared for a slew of feels as this novel takes you on an amazing journey. It’s so perfectly written that you will fall deeply in love, just as I did. Five epic stars.

I received this novel as a gift from my friend Lisa M. Ammari and was lucky enough to meet Misty Provencher this past weekend and purchase a signed copy for my reading shelf.

Amazon | Kindle (only $3.99) | Barnes and Noble

{June 17, 2014} {Release Day Launch and Giveaway} Perfect Kind of Trouble by Chelsea Fine (Finding Fates #2)

We are thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Chelsea Fine’s PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE! PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE is a New Adult contemporary romance novel in the Finding Fate Series, and not to be missed!

PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE Synopsis:

Sometimes when perfect falls apart, a little trouble fixes everything . . .

Twenty-one-year-old Kayla Turner has lost everything. After spending most of her life taking care of her ailing mother, she just wants to spot a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. So when her late father-a man she barely knew-leaves her an inheritance, she finally breathes a sigh of relief . . . until she learns the inheritance comes with strings. Strings in the form of handsome playboy Daren Ackwood, her father’s protégé. To see any of her inheritance, she’s forced to team up with him. From his expensive car to those sexy dimples, Kayla’s seen his type before. But Daren isn’t who he seems to be . . .

Struggling to make amends for his family’s mistakes, Daren has a life more Oliver Twist than Richie Rich these days. He’s beyond grateful that James Turner included him in his will, but working with Turner’s princess of a daughter to fulfill his cryptic last wish is making Daren wonder if being broke is really so bad. Still, she’s just as beautiful as she is stubborn, and the more time he spends with Kayla, the less it feels right being without her. Soon Daren and Kayla begin to wonder if maybe the best gift Kayla’s dad could have left them . . . was each other.

BUY LINKS:

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Watch for A Book Vacation’s 5 star review, releasing on the blog on June 21 as part of Chelsea’s Blog Tour!

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EXCERPT:

Still handcuffed together, we carefully maneuver our linked wrists and open the old train door. Inside, the boxcar is completely empty except for a single, folded piece of paper.

I scowl. Will this scavenger hunt for money ever end?

“What do you suppose it is?” Daren nods at the piece of paper in the back of the train car.

“A check for a million dollars?” I say hopefully.

The only way to reach the paper is to climb inside. Which won’t be easy since my chest barely reaches the bottom of the train car and we can’t climb in one at a time because, you know, we’re attached to one another.

I frown. “How do you want to do this?”

Daren scratches his jaw. “I’ll hoist you inside first then I’ll jump in. Come here.” He turns me around to face him and I step into the circle of his arms.

The summer sun burns down on us. I stare at his chest where his T-shirt pulls tight against the hard muscles of his pecs and a trickle of sweat slowly slides down the back of my neck.

The corded muscles of his neck ripple as he turns his head. “Hold on to my wrists. Then I’ll lift you up.”

He places his big hands on my waist and his thumbs slide under my shirt, grazing the bare skin of my stomach. A warm zing shoots down my belly.

I snap my eyes to him. “Did you do that on purpose?”

“Do what?” His expression is neutral but there’s a glimmer in his eye.

I eye him shrewdly as I wrap my hands around his wrists.

He glides the pads of his thumbs over my stomach again and another, more powerful, zing darts straight down my belly and between my legs as I suck in a breath.

“Cut it out,” I say.

“Cut what out?” His eyes dance with amusement.

“You know what.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” A mischievous grin spreads across his face and I can’t stop the smile that starts to play at my own lips.

“Daren…”

His eyes lock on mine and the twitching low in my belly starts up again. Then his gaze drops to my mouth and hunger lights his eyes.

I absently part my lips, my thoughts suddenly hazy.

Leaning in, he whispers, “Now do you want to kiss again?”

His words flutter over my ear like soft, warm butterflies beating their wings against my sensitive skin and a shiver runs through me.

The answer is yes. I do want to kiss him again. It felt so good to have his mouth on mine last night. To feel him up against me.

But I don’t answer.

He brushes his thumbs over the naked skin of my belly again, but this time dips them inside the waistband of my skirt and skims the lacey top of my panties.

I inhale sharply, tightening my fingers around his wrists as my nipples harden and heat builds in my core. I rub my thighs together, trying to alleviate the ache slowly building between my legs but it’s no use. I’m already a tight puddle of need.

How come this beautiful man can make me melt with just a simple touch? And how come it’s always so difficult for me to snap out of his sexy gaze?

I blink away from Daren’s pretty brown eyes and playfully whisper, “No,” before shifting back a few inches.

His eyelids, heavy with desire, open fully as he scans my face and throat with a smile. “Liar.”

I smile back, grateful he doesn’t try to convince me otherwise. I’d no doubt give in if he did. Because Daren affects me.

Every other guy on the planet is just that: a guy.

But Daren is a force. And I am a feather.

And don’t miss Book 1 in the Finding Fate Series…

BEST KIND OF BROKEN! (only 99 cents!)

See my 5 star review here:

Finding Fates

And be sure to pre-order Right Kind of Wrong, book three in the amazing finding fates series!

Right Kind of Wrong: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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ABOUT CHELSEA FINE:

Chelsea lives in Phoenix, Arizona where she spends most of her time writing stories, painting murals, and avoiding housework at all costs. She’s ridiculously bad at doing dishes and claims to be allergic to laundry. Her obsessions include: superheroes, coffee, sleeping-in, and crazy socks. She lives with her husband and two children, who graciously tolerate her inability to resist teenage drama on TV and her complete lack of skill in the kitchen.

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{May 13, 2014} {Cover Reveals and Trailer} Rout of the Dem-Shyr and Rise of the Faire-Amanti by Raine Thomas (The Ascendant Series)

It’s time for some awesome double cover reveals!!!

Titles: Rout of the Dem-Shyr and Rise of the Faire-Amanti by Raine Thomas

Series: The Ascendant Series, Books 2 and 3

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Rout of the Dem-Shyr (Ascendant Series, Book 2)

Rise of the Faire-Amanti (Ascendant Series, Book 3)

Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC

Cover Designer: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design

Genre: New Adult Sci-Fi Romance

Recommended Audience: Readers 17+

Projected Release Dates: Rout of the Dem-Shyr (July 2014) and Rise of the Faire-Amanti (Nov 2014)

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Check out the covers all together. Don’t they look amazing??

Did you miss the first book in the series, Return of the Ascendant? Grab your copy today!

Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo

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And now, it’s Trailer Reveal Time! Turn those speakers up!!!

Trailer created by Flatline Films

And Check out my 5 star review of Return of the Ascendant HERE!

{April 8, 2014} {Release Day Launch: 5 Star Review and Giveaway} Return of the Ascendant by Raine Thomas

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Return of the Ascendant

From Goodreads: Expecting to enjoy another typical college night at a frat party with friends, Kyra Vaughn’s plans derail when she’s almost killed…twice. Her savior, a tall, sexy stranger who calls himself TaeDane, claims that he’s the personal bodyguard for the Ascendant of Alametria. She’s convinced he’s crazy.

Especially when he insists that she’s the Ascendant.

With dark enemies hunting her down, Kyra has no choice but to trust her supposed bodyguard. Ty vows to help her remember her past and return her safely to Alametria, but someone seems intent on interfering, challenging his abilities at every turn.

As Kyra’s memories emerge, she remembers that Ty is more to her than he’s let on…much more than he’s allowed to be. She’ll also discover that there are many things about her planet and herself that she’d rather forget. In the end, she’ll have to make a choice: cling to the life she knows, or risk it all to become the person she’s destined to be.
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Fast-paced and full of heart-pounding adventure, Thomas takes readers on a ride they won’t soon forget as Kyra learns the truth of her heritage in Return of the Ascendant. I am in awe of Thomas’ sheer writing ability, in love with Ty, and dying to know what happens next. Thankfully, Thomas does not make it a habit of leaving her readers on a cliffhanger, and while this novel is the first in a series, it does have an epic conclusion that helps tide readers over as we await the next installment of this amazing alien series.

Currently residing on earth, the only planet Kyra consciously knows she’s ever lived upon, her world comes crashing down as a handsome and mysterious stranger enters her life, carrying her away as the shadows creep down upon her and her friends. Complete with romance, epic battles, and a plot that thickens at every turn, Kyra’s story is sure to entice readers from the very beginning, drawing them in and not releasing until the very last page.

As Kyra slowly begins to remember her past and accept her future as the Ascendant, the ruler of worlds, she must battle the rigid and unforgiving etiquette of a society she wants nothing to do with, and a group intent on stopping her from accepting her right as the Ascendant. It’s heart-pounding fun, and I will admit that there were multiple times that my entire body tensed as Kyra and Ty found themselves up against the odds, facing difficult, dangers, and even heinous situations.

This one is a MUST read; I highly recommend it to all NA lovers 18+–reader beware, there are a few hot hot scenes, hence the age warning.

There is also a short novelette prequel to this novel called” The Ascendant,” which focuses on the memory Kyra shares with Ty concerning a car accident. While explained well enough in Return of the Ascendant, this short novelette is well worth the read as it is more specific and sheds light on the story. I read the novellete first and was dying to read The Return of the Ascendant by the end–“The Ascendant,” too, is indeed a must read. Find it in the Take Me To Your Reader Anthology. Five stars all around.

I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

AVAILABLE NOW for just 99 cents!!!

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iBooks–Coming Soon

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About Raine Thomas:

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA fantasy/romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael trilogy and the Firstborn trilogy. She is also the author of the bestselling New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly, and the much-anticipated spin-off, Meant for Her.

She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social media, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Ways readers can connect with Raine:
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{April 5, 2014} {Review} The Savage Protector by Tamara Rose Blodgett (Savage #5)

From Goodreads: Queen Clara has chosen her future king but as the Wedded Joining draws nearer, the Kingdom of Kentucky’s sphere continues to degrade. Relations with the outside are non-existent and the beleaguered people housed within the confines of the kingdom will soon be loosed to join the fragment.

Calia and Evie join forces to escape the plan that Edwin has for Calia’s future. Frantic to locate the women, Maddoc, Jonathan, Philip and Daniel join forces to cinch the net of safety around the pair before it’s too late.

Calia doesn’t long for a future where a male is the answer. However, when biology and destiny collide, she will find the choice that she wants the least, may be the correct one.

Will Calia be allowed to remain true to herself by protecting those she has vowed to defend? Can she overcome her past and be healed by the love of her one, true soulmate?
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This is another beautiful novel written by the ever talented Tamara Rose Blodgett. Her ability to captivate readers with not only her storyline, but also her imagery, characterization, and intense action sequence always makes her novels a joy to read, and The Savage Protector is no different.

I was drawn into this fifth novel in the series from the very first page, and as Blodgett continues the perilous story of Princess Clara, the band, the spheres, and the fragment, I was riveted to the spot. I absolutely adore the writing in this series. A bit archaic in nature, this world Blodgett has created is beyond amazing, and she designs it perfectly, from the clothes and character mentalities to the language and mannerism, it flows off the page in perfection.

And the imagery? Wow. I don’t usually reflect on the writing in novels–I usually am too wrapped up in the story itself, but in Blodgett’s novels, her writing flows so beautifully that it’s impossible not to notice, and on many an occasion it brought me up short, going back and rereading the beautiful imagery Blodgett presents, even in the more dire of situations within the text.

“The mans flesh opened like a terrible flower in full bloom, blood pouring from the petals.”

“Though the temperature was not truly freezing, the bite of winter was evident everywhere, with small patches of the previous week’s snow surrounding stranded islands of blond prairie grass.”

It is just beautiful, and this, mixed with the heart-pounding sequence of events, is definitely a must read.

I also love the way Blodgett intertwines her story, shifting between character viewpoints throughout the novel. Though the entire novel reads in third person, events unfold simultaneously, which creates the need to follow different characters on their perilous adventures throughout the story, bringing each separate entity back to the main story and intertwining them perfectly. While this is indeed the fifth novel in this amazing series, and I do suggest reading these novels in order, all the novels in the Savage series read as beautifully as this, and I highly suggest you start from the beginning if you have not already done so. Five stars.

I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Kindle

And, if you haven’t yet read any of this series, make sure you pick up the first three books, which are currently FREE at the time of this post.

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{February 20, 2014} {Review} Wonder by R.J. Palacio

From Goodreads: I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He’s about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you’ve ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie’s just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he’s just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.

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Auggie is “different,” but only on the outside. Since birth, he’s had a facial deformity that’s kept him secreted away within the confines of his own home, right where he wants to be. He’s been out in public, he’s dealt with the stares, he’s seen the horror in people’s expressions when they catch sight of him, and he’s witnessed his sister’s anger over other people’s uncouth nature. And he doesn’t like it. It much safer at home. It’s much nicer, too, with his mother all to himself and a safety net to allow him to just be without the stigma that comes with his appearance. But all that changes as Auggie hits middle school, pushed into the main stream public school at the urging of his parents, even though he really doesn’t want to be there. And it seems, no one wants him there, either, aside from the principal.

Told through multiple perspectives, readers bare witness to the real pain that Auggie undergoes in one of the most unforgiving settings known to mankind in the United States: Upper Elementary/Middle School. A place where children pretend to be adults, looking to fit in and pulling anyone down they can as they strive to reach the top of the popular chain. A place Auggie has just entered against his own volition.

Extremely well written, readers hear the sides of all the major players, Auggie, his sister Olivia (Via), her boyfriend Justin, and Auggie’s best friend Jack, allowing us to learn the intricate thoughts and feelings of all the characters as they intertwine with one another. Their struggles are all very real, and while at times their thought process and actions enflame the reader, Palacio presents this novel as a true testament to the human race. Via finally enjoys anonymity at her new school, where no one associates her with her deformed brother and struggles with the idea of letting her new friends know of his existence. Auggie struggles to fit in, tired of the stares and the “plague” that seems to follow him throughout the school as he attempts to assimilate and loses the only friend he thought he had. Jack struggles to do what’s right, looking for friendships in the wrong places, finally being true to himself, and it’s just a beautiful compilation.

Overall, this novel is a great read for all ages–easy enough for MG readers and powerful enough that adults need to read it. Four stars.

I borrowed this novel from the library.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

The precepts (rules to live by) within Wonder

“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” —Dr. Wayne Dyer
“Your deeds are your monuments.” —Inscription on ancient Egyptian tomb
“Have no friends not equal to yourself.” —Confucius
“Fortune favors the bold.” —Virgil
“No man is an island, entire of itself.” —John Donne
“It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers.” —James Thurber
“Kind words do not cost much. Yet they accomplish much.” —Blaise Pascal
“What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful.” —Sappho
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.” —John Wesley
“Just follow the day and reach for the sun.” —The Polyphonic Spree
“Everyone deserves a standing ovation because we all overcometh the world.” —Auggie Pullman

{February 19, 2014} {Review} The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton

From Goodreads: In this beloved picture book that could only come from the visionary mind of author and illustrator TIM BURTON, we meet Jack Skellington– a well-intentioned inhabitant of Halloweenland. Jack is bored of “the scaring, the terror, the fright….tired of being something that goes bump in the night.” And so, in an effort to bring to joy to his town, Jack kidnaps Santa and takes his place as the jolly old elf. But instead of bringing joy to the world, Jack, who is a little more than a grinning skeleton, brings fear by delivering creepy toys and riding a sleigh carried by skeletal reindeer. Only through a number of things going horribly wrong does Jack learn the true meaning of Christmas.

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This is the original poem and artwork that Tim Burton created twenty years ago for his children before it was even a movie concept, modeling his poem after the iconic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore. With its clever rhymes and beautiful illustrations, Burton captures readers attentions from the very first page, especially as we meet Jack Skellington and hear of his ghoulish antics. It is a beautiful storybook from which stemmed the equally stunning movie, fleshing out the characters and even adding some, such as Jack’s love interest Sally, who does not show up in this original story.

I originally purchased this storybook for a class activity I was doing with my seniors the day before Christmas break. I was in Barnes and Noble looking for Christmas themed stories when I stumbled upon it, and I am so glad I did. This storybook, and Jack’s character, lends itself nicely to a psychological literary analysis, and as I read The Nightmare Before Christmas aloud to my students, they analyzed the persona of Jack. It was a great activity, and students thoroughly enjoyed it because they were already aware of the character having seen the movie, but none knew it was originally a poem (neither did I, truth be told). I was highly impressed with the final analysis my students created of Jack and his mid-life crisis, and all in all, the lesson was a success. But even if you aren’t using this storybook to teach a lesson, it’s a great storybook to have on hand at the holidays. It’s gorgeous and great fun to read. Four stars.

I purchased a hardcover of this storybook from Barnes and Noble.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

{February 10, 2014} {Cover Reveal} Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer (Elementals #5)

Sacrifice: Book 5 in the Elemental Series

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Releases: September 2014

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure.

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…

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Brigid Kemmerer was born in Omaha, Nebraska, though her parents quickly moved her all over the United States, from the desert in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to the lakeside in Cleveland, Ohio, and several stops in between, eventually settling near Annapolis, Maryland. Brigid started writing in high school, and her first real “novel” was about four vampire brothers causing a ruckus in the suburbs. Those four brothers are the same boys living in the pages of The Elemental Series, so Brigid likes to say she’s had four teenage boys taking up space in her head for the last seventeen years. (Though sometimes that just makes her sound nuts.)

Brigid writes anywhere she can find a place to sit down (and she’s embarrassed to say a great many pages of The Elemental Series were written while sitting on the floor in the basement of a hotel while she was attending a writers’ conference). Most writers enjoy peace and quiet while writing, but Brigid prefers pandemonium. A good thing, considering she has three boys in the house, ranging in age from an toddler to a teenager. You can learn more about Brigid and the Elemental boys at www.brigidkemmerer.com.

Follow Brigid:

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

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Elemental Kindle | Nook
Storm Kindle | Paperback | Nook
Fearless Kindle | Nook
Spark Kindle | Paperback | Nook
Breathless Kindle | Nook
Spirit Kindle | Paperback | Nook
Secret Kindle | Paperback | Nook
Sacrifice Kindle | Paperback

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Book Depository | iBooks | IndieBound

Pre-order your copy of Sacrifice today!

{January 27, 2014} {Review} The Antigone Poems by Marie Slaight (Author) and Terrence Tasker (Illustrator)

From Goodreads: Passionate, brutal, and infused with extraordinary lyricism, The Antigone Poems provides a special expedition into the depths of the ancient Sophocles tragedy. The work’s obsessive, ritualistic and ultimately mysterious force brings into sharp focus the heroic, tragic figure at the center of the primordial compact between gods and humans. The work, a collaboration between poet, Marie Slaight and artist, Terrence Tasker, was created in the 1970’s, while the artist were living in Montreal and Toronto.

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Like Emily Disckenson’s poems, this collection is full of short poems titled with roman numerals. Initially jarring and seemingly disjointed, the poems progress and, upon a closer inspection, speak volumes. Though not a poetry coinsure myself, I do teach Sophocles’ tragedies and many of these beautiful poems capture Antigone’s personal woes expertly. They would make a great supplemental read for any studying the great plays, and any interested in poetry should definitely pick up a copy of this short compilation of poems. They are very beautiful indeed. Four stars.

Altaire Productions & Publications has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on May 14, 2014.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

{December 3, 2013} {Review} Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

From Goodreads: Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they’ve known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin’s orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.

Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously–and at great risk–documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.

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My book club picked this novel as their first read of the school year, and let me tell you, I was not happy. I didn’t want to read this book. I teach about the holocaust, WWII, Stalin, and I really didn’t want to read another book on the topic. Not at the beginning of the school year. I didn’t want to deal with anything depressing—and truth be told, I was completely sure I wouldn’t like it, that it’d be like all the other books I’d read about the holocaust. So I put it off, and I put it off… until the night before our first meeting and we’d talk about it. What kind of Book Club advisor would I be if I didn’t at least try to read the book? So I began reading it, and do you know what happened? I couldn’t stop. Between Shades Of Grey is absolutely amazing—it’s a haunting tale that is unlike any I’ve ever read on the subject, and it’s beautiful. It’s a story few really hear because Stalin’s reign of terror and his “camps” are usually swept under the mat—not many really know what he did to his people. Yet Sepetys lays it bare for her readers, and this story, her message, can’t be ignored.

This is a novel that will catch readers unawares, ripping out your heart and leaving you raw and bleeding for Lina, her family, and all those she comes in contact with as the story unfolds. It’s heart wrenching, and yet, it’s a must read. Even if you don’t want to cry, even if you don’t want to feel raw inside, you need to read this novel. Sepetys’ writing is breathtaking, as is her story of fear, hatred, rejection, and redemption. The characters will melt your heart and you will cry out at the injustice of it all, and you will remember it long after the final page. And we need to remember. For all those who experienced this. For all those who died. Remember. Five stars.

I borrowed this novel from the library.

{September 25, 2013} {ARC Review} Wicked Thing by Angeline Kace

From Goodreads: Carmyn Rafferty witnessed the aftermath of her mother’s affair. She learned at a young age not to trust anyone. Especially not your spouse. So she’s planned. She’s planned every detail of her life: who her husband will be, what their careers will be, what their lives will be like. All to avoid the pain of infidelity.

Dallas Brown lives a life all his own. He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, and he doesn’t live up to anyone’s expectations but his own.

When Carmyn’s fiancé cheats on her, it sends her into a whirlwind of one-night stands with the most infamous player on campus. She can’t seem to stay away from this tough guy and his dangerous motorcycle. Everything about him is the complete opposite of who she’d planned to fall in love with: tattoos, dark stubble along his jawline, and hair that brushes his shoulders.

As Dallas and Carmyn begin to fall deeper and deeper into each other, they learn that love can truly be a wicked, wicked thing.

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This novel blew me away! Angelina Kace is a master storyteller, and from the very beginning I was sucked into this phenomenal story with it’s true-to-life characters and situations. I love that it’s told in alternating perspectives, giving readers first hand glimpses into the mind of both Carmyn and Dallas as they struggle to make sense of their lives, their needs, and their desires. It’s a beautifully written tale that focuses on forgiveness and overcoming one’s past, and I loved every minute of it.

The tension between Carmyn and Dallas is extremely palpable in this novel, but it’s not a vulgar or obscene NA read by any means. Kace treats the topic of sex with respect and she does a great job keeping the character’s interactions tasteful, focusing more so on driving the plot of the story than on their sexual escapades, for which I am grateful, since I’m a bit of a prude. But palpable it is, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with the swoon-worthy Dallas as he presses on, falling deeper and deeper in love with Carmyn, even though it goes against everything he stands for.

The characterization in this novel, as I’ve alluded to before, is absolutely superb. Both Carmyn and Dallas are extremely real, and as the story progresses, it feels more like reading about friends than just some characters in a book. I’m highly impressed with Kace’s ability to flesh out her characters and bring them to life, which she’s done time and time again in her other novels as well as in this one, which is one of the many reasons that I love her so much.

Without a doubt, Kace’s debut into the NA world will leave heads spinning and readers dying for me, especially as Kace unveils her plan for the next installment in this fabulous series at the end of the novel. Five stars.

I received an ARC of this novel as part of the blog tour in exchange for an honest review.

{September 19, 2013} {Cover Reveal and Giveaway} A Risk Worth Taking by Heather Hildenbrand

A Risk Worth Taking by Heather Hildenbrand

Accendo Press – October 2013

Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18370731-a-risk-worth-taking

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BOOK SUMMARY:

When 22-year-old Summer Stafford’s parents split halfway through her senior year at college, Summer’s world is rocked. Everything she thought she knew—heck, everything she thought she wanted for her own life—feels like a lie. The truth is love is a risk. And the true kind, the kind that lasts, might even be a fairy tale.

Reeling from the divorce, Summer derails her own future by breaking up with her parent-approved boyfriend and giving up her lifelong plans for a big-city career. She moves back home, business degree in hand. Dad needs her to fill the gaps her mother left behind; Summer needs to find who she is outside of the cookie-cutter life that failed so miserably for her parents.

Ford O’Neal’s future involves one person: himself. He doesn’t have a permanent address and he definitely doesn’t commit. To a place or a person. Raised by hippies, he plans just far enough ahead to secure his next stop, this one landing him at a work-study program at Heritage Plantation where he can grow his own herbal and medicinal creations.

Summer is gorgeous and smart and fun to be with, the perfect way to pass five months. It won’t be love—Ford’s got too many things to accomplish, too many places to go, before he settles down. Yet Summer pulls him in, challenging him to rethink his own philosophy.

When Ford’s five months are up, each of them must decide if love is really worth the risk.

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Author Information

Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. She now lives in coastal VA, a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, with her two adorable children. She works from home, part time, as a property manager and when she’s not furiously pounding at the keyboard, or staring off into space whilst plotting a new story, she’s lying on the beach, soaking in those delicious, pre-cancerous rays.

Heather loves Mexican food, hates socks with sandals, and if her house was on fire, the one thing she’d grab is her DVR player.

Heather is a co-founder of Accendo Press, a publishing group she operates with fellow authors: Angeline Kace and Jennifer Sommersby. Accendo (a-CH-endo), A Latin word, means “to kindle, illuminate, inflame, or set fire.” This is something Accendo strives to do inside a reader’s imagination with every title released. For a complete list of titles and author bios, visit www.accendopress.com.

Website: www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heather.L.Hildenbrand

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHildenbrandsFanPage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherHildenbr

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4607856.Heather_Hildenbrand

Newsletter: http://blogspot.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=77abacb38959bc9c0f7b4e81b&id=739fdcef83

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GIVEAWAY:

One lucky winner can choose any 3 of Heather Hildenbrand’s current titles to receive as ebooks.

Use this Rafflecopter Link to enter!

{September 12, 2013} {Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway} For Everly by Raine Thomas

For Everly by Raine Thomas

Released: May 27, 2013

Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC

Age Group: New Adult (17+)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

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From Goodreads: **Mature Content Warning** This is a New Adult novel recommended for ages 17+ due to language, sexual content, and mature subject matter.

Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.

Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.

In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.

When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.

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For Everly is an absolutely beautiful novel that pulled me in from the very beginning, wrapped me up tight between the pages, and kept me glued to the powerful storyline until the very last page. Both Everly and Cole are vivid, real characters that hold a presence that’s impossible to ignore; it’s as if they lift off the pages and come to life before the reader’s very eyes, and long after the end they still resonate in our minds and hearts.

Raine Thomas has written a pure gem in this tale of love and redemption, investing readers in the story from page one as Cole comes tearing onto the scene in a very literal sense. Though it took me a little while to warm up to Cole due to his numerous mistakes and occasionally dangerous actions, his heartfelt remorse made him likeable and real. And as the story unfolds, and he learns the truth about Everly’s past and heartache, his love and will to protect her from all harm make him just shy of perfect in my eyes.

But Everly certainly isn’t a push over character in need saving. She has a strong will, works hard for a living, cares for her grandfather, and puts other’s needs before her own. She’s exceptionally smart, doesn’t fool around, and she has her head on straight, which makes her instantly likable in my eyes. Yes, she has a rather abrasive past, though no fault of her own, and Thomas’ compelling novel also promotes extremely important themes concerning depression, suicide, and abuse. These are difficult and heavy topics to address, yet Thomas lays their reality bare in such a delicate manner that it isn’t overbearing, yet it speaks loudly enough to capture the readers attention and root for Everly, Cole, and her grandfather as set back after set back lands in their path, some of which have deadly potential. Five stars.

I received a review copy of novel from ATOMR Tours in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17835522-for-everly

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/For-Everly-ebook/dp/B00D0TB1CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375889867&sr=8-1&keywords=for+everly

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-everly-raine-thomas/1115426502?ean=9781939453051

For Everly Book Trailer Link: http://youtu.be/5P2oZJupu6U

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About the Author

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Author Social Media Links:

Twitter (http://twitter/Raine_Thomas)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/rainethomas)
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5053436.Raine_Thomas)
Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/raine_thomas/)
Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/raine-thomas/53/111/bb3)
Website (http://rainethomas.com)
Blog (http://RaineThomas.com/blog/)

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Giveaway!

You could win:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

2 Print Copies

5 Ebook Copies (mobi or epub)

Click this Rafflecopter Link to enter!

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To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpt click here or the tour button below.

{August 19, 2013} {ARC Review} A Brutal Tenderness by Marata Eros (Tamara Rose Blodgett)

From Goodreads: There are two sides to every story. In this dark and sexy companion novel to the New York Times bestseller A Terrible Love, experience the sizzling passion and pulse-pounding suspense through FBI agent Cas Steele’s eyes as he hunts down a psychopath…and falls for the killer’s prey.

Cas has been charged with an unsavory task: manipulate the hauntingly beautiful Jewell MacLeod—a woman he has every reason to hate—and slowly gain her trust in order to use her as bait to lure in a killer. But as the killer draws closer, Cas realizes that he can’t deny the scorching chemistry that ignites between him and Jewell, even if giving into his physical desire for her means jeopardizing his mission…and opening himself up to the possibility of a real and terrible love…

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Have you ever read a novel and wondered what the other main characters were thinking and feeling as the events unfolded on the page of a first-person narrative. Remember Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyers? That tease of a half-finished manuscript that presented Twilight from Edwards point of view, showing readers where he went when he left Bella’s side; giving inside glimpses into his head and heart? Remember that? I nearly died when I got to the last chapter and read that Meyers wouldn’t be completing it because someone leaked it. It was such a great story and it was my first experience with reading a novel from another character’s perspective, a writing technique that I actually haven’t seen very often. Sure, I’ve seen authors publish a chapter here or there rewritten from another character’s point-of-view, but not so much in the way of entire novels.

Well, New York Times Bestselling Author Marata Eros (aka. Tamara Rose Blodgett) gives us just that in A Brutal Tenderness, the amazing companion novel to A Terrible Love. This time, we see the entire story through Cas’ eyes, living his thoughts and feelings alongside him as he takes on Jewell’s case in attempts to flush out a murderer. And it’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.

I adored A Terrible Love; Eros handles a delicate situation extremely well, and her writing is absolutely phenomenal, gluing the reader to the story one riveting page at a time. And to be honest, I thought that novel was the end of a wonderful story, and it never crossed my mind to question what Cas was doing when he wasn’t near Jewell, or what he was thinking on a deeper level than what Eros presents readers with in the original novel. But with A Brutal Tenderness, Eros captivates her readers once again, answering questions I didn’t even know I had, and shining a brighter light on an already wonderful story through the eyes of Cas.

When I first read the synopsis, I didn’t think it was the same story due to the alias that Jewell takes on from the get-go: Jess Mackey. Though the synopsis sounds similar in both A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness, the use of aliases versus full names in the book blurbs threw me off for just a bit, until I began reading and realized exactly what it was—and I was ecstatic!

One of the aspects that I really loved about this novel is that it casts Cas in a completely different light and his decisions, which irked me often in A Terrible Love, made much more sense and were actually out of love for Jewell as opposed to scorn, like I originally thought throughout much of A Terrible Love. Likewise, readers are given insight into his reasoning for disliking Jewell so much in the very beginning, showing his emotional breakdowns as they come, and being able to visually see Cas change his tune as he got to know Jewell was a bonus given to readers through this change in perspective.

Eros is a genius, and this novel is, indeed, the perfect companion to A Terrible Love, but make sure you read A Terrible Love first so you don’t ruin any of the surprises. Five stars.

Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books have been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 26, 2013.

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Eros is running an epic giveaway in which you can win the following:

eCopy of A Terrible Love

Galley copy of A Brutal Tenderness

Author swag

New Guess handbag/purse

Trust me, both novels are amazing, and you don’t want to miss out!

To enter this awesome giveaway, click this Rafflecopter Entry Link!

Read my 5 star review of A Terrible Love HERE

{August 8, 2013} {Review} Here Without You by Tammara Webber (Between the Lines #4)

From Goodreads: Everyone has secrets.
Some are buried so deep, their existence is forgotten.
But a secret never told can turn into a lie.
And in love, a lie is one thing:
Poison.

Reid’s in love with Dori, though she hasn’t told her parents that she’s fallen hard for the guy they’d forbidden her to see. Now she’s leaving for college, and Reid’s promise not to push her to go public is wearing thin, especially when she can’t – or won’t – return those three important words he wants to hear.

Five years ago, Brooke and Reid were a Thing. That relationship is long gone, detonated amid allegations of cheating – but they still share a secret that would stun everyone they know and alter public perception of them both if it ever comes out. And it’s about to do just that.

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Here Without You, a moving story that will grip readers’ hearts, brings about the perfect closure to the Between the Lines series, a series that is very dear to me. Beginning with the epic novels, Between the Lines and Where You Are, readers of this series have learned much about young Hollywood stars Reid, Brooke, Graham, and Emma through Webber’s in-depth characterization and first-person narration, giving all her exceptional characters a voice while allowing readers to connect with them on a deeper level, learning the truths in their hearts as their souls are laid bare.

But while the first two novels, Between the Lines and Where You Are focus on the intertwined lives of Reid, Brooke, Graham, and Emma, the last two novels, Good For You and Here Without You, focus mainly on Reid and newcomer, Dori, and it is through their relationship that readers really begin to see Reid change for the better. And in this fourth novel, the introduction of another new character, River, provides a raw, gripping point-of-view that is beautifully executed in this final installment, which will leave readers raw and full of emotion; a full box of tissues nearby is a must for this heart-rending read.

Perhaps more so that Webber’s other novels, Here Without You deals with some extremely tender subjects, ones that actually cannot be mentioned without triggering a spoiler here or there. But readers should know that this extremely powerful story will have them falling in love with all their favorite (and not so favorite) characters all over again. It is, in a word, perfect. Five stars.

I purchased this novel from Amazon.

Check out all the books in this awesome series!

Between the Lines (#1)

Where You Are (#2)

Good For You (#3)

Here Without You (#4)

{August 8, 2013} {Cover Reveal and Excerpt} Wicked Thing by Angeline Kace

Wicked Thing by Angeline Kace

September 2013

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Synopsis:

Carmyn Rafferty witnessed the aftermath of her mother’s affair. She learned at a young age not to trust anyone. Especially not your spouse. So she’s planned. She’s planned every detail of her life: who her husband will be, what their careers will be, what their lives will be like. All to avoid the pain of infidelity.

Dallas Brown lives a life all his own. He doesn’t do relationships, he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, and he doesn’t live up to anyone’s expectations but his own.

As Dallas and Carmyn begin to fall deeper and deeper into each other, they learn that love can truly be a wicked, wicked thing.

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WICKED THING EXCERPT

DALLAS

I shoot some darts with the guys, losing some, but winning mostly.

Carmyn looks over at me a few times, always looking away when our eyes meet. She’s watched us play most of this last game, so I grab the darts out of the board and walk over to her. “Play me.”

She tries to hold back her smile. “I don’t have any cash on me.”

“Then if I win, you kiss me.”

She looks me up and down. “What the hell.” She shrugs. “And if I win…” She studies me as if she’s not sure what’s worth my price. “You have to teach me how to drive your motorcycle.”

The crowd roars with a loud, “Ooooohhhh!” and she’s grinning like a god damn magician. That’s a good one. She’s gotta know I don’t let anyone drive my bike but me. Everyone knows it. It’s my baby. But I’m confident I’ll win. She’s dancing tonight like she’s reached a perfect buzz level—drunk enough to let loose, but not too drunk to fall ass over face. And on the point-oh-five percent chance that I do lose, it’ll get her on my bike, spreading her legs to straddle the leather and steel. No matter how much I’ve stuck to my self-imposed rule of “no chicks on the bike,” that alone might be worth the small risk.

But shit. To let her drive it. I just don’t know. That’s a lot. “You know I don’t let anyone drive it, right? Hell, I don’t even let the ladies on for a ride.”

She grins, again challenge accepted. “Well, you know I don’t go around betting to let just anyone kiss me, right? And I doubt this is anything less than a once in a life time opportunity.”

It only has a single seat, so I won’t be able to be on there with her to help her drive it. I specifically asked for the single 1939 Harley Davidson seat during the build. Every detail of this bike was thought through.

Vick’s glaring at me from the sidelines. She’s tried on numerous occasions to talk me into taking her for a ride. Even going so far as to offer sexual favors, or incentives as she calls them. Which of course I could never accept. She’s gonna be pissed.

“Do it. Do it!” the guys start chanting.

I’ve never seen her play when the brothers get a game going. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her watch much of our games before, either. And that pussy of an ex-boyfriend of hers has never had the balls to throw any money down. Shit. I gotta do it. I present the darts to her. “Do you wanna start, or shall I?”

The crowd whoops, and Ava runs up and hugs her. “I’m so proud of you,” she yell-whispers into Carmyn’s ear. Carmyn pats Ava’s arm and then steps forward, wrapping her fingers around the darts in my palm.

I curl my hand, catching the beveled darts between our fingers. “Do you know how to play?”

“Outer ring is double, inner ring is triple. First to zero wins.” She yanks the darts out of my hand when I’m too stunned to do anything but let them go.

Shit. Is she trying to hustle me?

She walks back to the line we’ve taped on the scratched hardwood. It’s sexy as hell seeing her walk over there like she owns it. That doesn’t mean she’ll win, though. My shot is straight and accurate. Even if she does know how to play, I doubt she’s better than me.

She shoots pretty well. I’m surprised why she never plays more; she could win a shitload of money from these drunk clowns.

Still, I should win this round. Carmyn has one hundred nine points left, and I’m down to fifty-four. I could hit a triple eighteen, but I can’t win on the first dart because I’ll appear too eager. And I can’t win on the third and final dart of this round because I’ll look like a chump. I survey the board and do some quick math, figuring out where I have to hit to get the numbers I want from each dart. I shoot the first dart and hit a single four.

The guys cheer.

“Only the inner bulls eye is left,” Nate says. He’s keeping score.

“He’s got this,” Randall calls.

I do. I look over at Carmyn and she’s holding back a smile, shaking her head. “Nope. You’re not gonna hit it.”

I’ve been avoiding that the whole game. She doesn’t think I can hit it. I wet my lips. That kiss is mine. I throw the second dart and it sinks into the center of the board.

I raise my fists into the air and hop on my toes while the crowd cheers.

Carmyn’s jutting out her jaw and shaking her head.

I move the couple of steps over to her, taking my time. “I’ve come to collect what’s mine,” I warn her.

“Right here?” She glances around at all the bystanders.

“They’re all invested now too. They’re not about to look away now.” I drop my voice. “Better make it good.”

She swallows, hesitating.

“I believe this is yours.” I hand her the last dart in my hand. “And this is my mine.” I cup her face in my hands before she can think anything else, and I kiss her.

Her lips pucker, but I’ve worked for this, so she better give me more than that. I open my mouth slightly and she mirrors me. My tongue strokes her upper lip gently. Hers reaches out and caresses mine. When she pulls her tongue back to stroke again, I open my mouth to a full kiss. Our tongues run along the other’s, tasting, taking in the firm but giving sensation as they meld together and then pull apart.

The room is loud around us, but I tune everyone out. I’ve kissed a lot of women before, but Carmyn’s is more than that. From her breaths mingling with mine, to the delicate way she tilts her head. I knew the bet would be worth it.

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Author Information

Angeline is a Scorpio living in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and dogs. She loves all things paranormal, believes ghosts are real, werewolves aren’t, and vampires? Definitely real! At least in the Vampire Born world they are. She is currently at work on her first New Adult Romance, Wicked Thing, which releases September 2013.

Website: http://www.angelinekace.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angeline-Kace-YA-Author/122820374454142

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angeline-Kace-YA-Author/122820374454142?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angeline_Kace

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4641669.Angeline_Kace