Excerpt Reveal: The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins

 

The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins

Series: Slip of the Tongue #2 Release Date: August 4^th, 2016 Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—and as far as he’s concerned, she’s all he needs. The rough-around-the-edges bad boy left his reckless ways behind six years ago when his daughter Bell was born. To the female population’s dismay, he’s unapologetically single. When Bell’s mother walked out on them years ago, he vowed never to let another woman close enough to hurt them again. Amelia Van Ecken isn’t just another woman. She’s an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn’t have time for sex, much less love. In the midst of a drawn-out, bitter divorce, all she wants is to bury herself in work. But when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn. Two things are obvious in an instant: they want each other, and they’re from different worlds. It’s the perfect formula for an off-the-charts one-night stand. After all, it’s not as if opposites ever attract. The First Taste, a standalone spin-off of the Slip of the Tongue.  

Excerpt:

  “What’re your plans tonight?” She scoffs. “It’s Friday night. What aren’t my plans? I have drinks with friends in an hour, then a late dinner, and who knows after that.” “Cancel them.” She gapes at me. “Cancel my plans? Why would I?” “Come out with me. Sadie says there’s a place around here with great pizza.” She laughs, tilting her head and exposing the smooth column of her throat. “First, I don’t eat carbs, so there’s no way you’re getting me to do anything with the promise of pizza. Second, I just told you—I don’t date.” “And neither do I.” “Then why are you asking me out?” she asks. “Because despite what you may think, I am a gentleman, and it’s only good manners to buy you dinner first.” “First?” she asks, wrinkling her nose. “What’s second?” We stare at each other. I let her figure it out on her own. It’s rare to meet a woman like me, someone who truly has no interest in finding a partner. I’ve heard that claim from enough girls to know when they’re bullshitting me, and unless Amelia is a Grade-A con artist, she definitely isn’t looking to get serious. When she understands, the wrinkles on her forehead ease, and she parts her lips. I answer with a knowing smile. Suggesting sex within half an hour of meeting someone might normally get me slapped, but I get the feeling Amelia appreciates a more direct approach. “I don’t date,” I say, “but I’m still a man with eyes.” She makes no secret of looking me up and down. “You’re not my type either,” she warns. “I like men who carry a briefcase and see a barber regularly.” I run my hand through my black hair, which I know is too long. “How’s that working out for you?” She narrows her eyes. “Fine. Perfect.” “I have some tattoos too,” I say. “And ride a motorcycle. Since that’s normally how I get most girls, I suppose those are turn-offs for you.” “They are,” she says immediately, straightening her shoulders. “I’ve never understood the appeal of a bad boy.” “Then tonight, we’re a match made in heaven, aren’t we? It shouldn’t be hard for either of us to say goodbye afterward.” She bats her eyelashes a few times, not because she’s flirting but because she’s thinking. Considering. Which means it’s basically a done deal. I’ve never gotten this far with a girl only to have her walk away. “Why even bother with dinner?” she asks. I take a moment to study her, her shoulder-length, perfectly coifed blonde hair. Her defined red lips that look like a heart when pursed, which is often. Yeah, based on the fact that I’m noticing details—something I try not to do anymore—I know I’m feeling her tonight. Most guys would jump at the opportunity to skip the small talk, but that doesn’t really appeal to me. I like women, always have. Just because Shana fucked me in the head doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate them. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to spend time around them—just so long’s it’s surface stuff. I don’t want to scare her off by suggesting I might want to have a conversation with her, so I just shrug. “Because I’m starving.” “I’m not hungry.” “Indulge me then. I need my energy.” “For what?” she asks. I arch an eyebrow at her. I’ll definitely need my energy for a night with her. She reads my expression and her cheeks redden. “Oh.”  

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About the Author

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. To her, the most intriguing fiction is forbidden, and that’s what you’ll find in her stories. Currently, she resides wherever her head lands, which is often the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway: The First Taste by Jessica Hawkins

Title: The First Taste

Series: Slip of the Tongue #2

Author: Jessica Hawkins

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Okay Creations

Cover Image: Image © The Licensing Project/Offset.com

 Release Date: August 4, 2016

Blurb

Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—and as far as he’s concerned, she’s all he needs. The rough-around-the-edges bad boy left his reckless ways behind six years ago when his daughter Bell was born. To the female population’s dismay, he’s unapologetically single. When Bell’s mother walked out on them years ago, he vowed never to let another woman close enough to hurt them again.

Amelia Van Ecken isn’t just another woman. She’s an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn’t have time for sex, much less love. In the midst of a drawn-out, bitter divorce, all she wants is to bury herself in work. But when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn. Two things are obvious in an instant: they want each other, and they’re from different worlds. It’s the perfect formula for an off-the-charts one-night stand. After all, it’s not as if opposites ever attract.

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Author Bio

Jessica Hawkins grew up between the purple mountains and under the endless sun of Palm Springs, California. She studied international business at Arizona State University and has also lived in Costa Rica and New York City. To her, the most intriguing fiction is forbidden, and that's what you'll find in her stories. Currently, she resides wherever her head lands, which is often the unexpected (but warm) keyboard of her trusty MacBook.

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Review: Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title:  Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Series: Enchanted Collection #1
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback
Website: www.gailcarsonlevine.com

I purchased this book myself.

GoodReads Synopsis:

At birth, Ella is inadvertently cursed by an imprudent young fairy named Lucinda, who bestows on her the "gift" of obedience. Anything anyone tells her to do, Ella must obey. Another girl might have been cowed by this affliction, but not feisty Ella: "Instead of making me docile, Lucinda's curse made a rebel of me. Or perhaps I was that way naturally." When her beloved mother dies, leaving her in the care of a mostly absent and avaricious father, and later, a loathsome stepmother and two treacherous stepsisters, Ella's life and well-being seem to be in grave peril. But her intelligence and saucy nature keep her in good stead as she sets out on a quest for freedom and self-discovery as she tries to track down Lucinda to undo the curse, fending off ogres, befriending elves, and falling in love with a prince along the way. Yes, there is a pumpkin coach, a glass slipper, and a happily ever after, but this is the most remarkable, delightful, and profound version of Cinderella you'll ever read.
Gail Carson Levine's examination of traditional female roles in fairy tales takes some satisfying twists and deviations from the original. Ella is bound by obedience against her will, and takes matters in her own hands with ambition and verve. Her relationship with the prince is balanced and based on humor and mutual respect; in fact, it is she who ultimately rescues him. Ella Enchanted has won many well-deserved awards, including a Newbery Honor.

Review:
I was super excited when I found Ella Enchanted sitting on children's shelf at the thrift store.  This book has been on my list of books to buy for quite some time and I've wanted to read it for even longer.  I remember how much I loved the movie when it came out and I've seen it so many times that I've kind of lost count.  It was always one of those silly movies that I couldn't help but love.

So I was super excited to read this story to my daughter before bed each night but as soon as we began reading, we had some travelling come up and now my three year old wants to read nothing but The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom at night. So, I decided to read Ella Enchanted on my own.

I must admit that, though there's a lot of action with ogres, elves, giants, and other mythical creatures, I found myself extremely bored a little over half the book. I'm not even sure how many times I wanted to to put the book down and read something else.  It was a great story but wasn't nearly as entertaining as I thought it would be.

And, unfortunately for me (but really, I should have known), the book is insanely different from the movie. I have no idea why I was expecting them to be so much a like but they were hardly similar at all. The entire movie is pretty much just the last 1/4 of the book and a lot of stuff was changed. Although I was bored through most of it, I do have to say that I liked the book much better. I liked the story and the character better and I loved how Ella and Char were actually very good friends for quite a long time. Unlike the movie (and most movies), it wasn't an insta-love type thing where they meet and then shortly after they're each others happily ever afters. Ella and Char actually knew each other for quite some time and were friends first.  They went through a lot together and it was interesting to read their growing friendship and romantic relationship.

Overall, the story was great. It was a little boring in the beginning, but that was mainly my own personal issue because I was expecting it to have a lot more in common with the movie.

Rating: 3 Stars.

Lazy Days of Summer $250 Giveaway!

Lazy Days of Summer

$250 Cash Giveaway

July 6th to 26th

An Awesome Group of Authors & Bloggers have joined with me to bring you 1 fabulous prize!! We’re giving away $250 in Paypal Cash! Or alternately you can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code! Sponsor List – Thanks to these great authors & bloggers for making this giveaway possible!

I Am A Reader 

Krysten Lindsay Hager author 

Simple Wyrdings 

Heather Gray, Author 

Bookworm Lisa 

B. Kristin McMichael 

Rachel Matthews, Author of cozy, sweet reads 

Kindle and Me 

Everly Frost, YA Author 

Cool Cats Mysteries 

Helen Smith 

Laurisa White Reyes, Author 

Dark and Dreamy with C. C. Marks 

Dawn Malone 

Author Nikki Jefford 

Aubrey Wynne: Romantasy Through the Ages 

Mary Ting/M. Clarke 

Confessions of a Frugal Mind 

AuggieTalk 

Darcus @ Rainy Days and Pajamas 

Lori's Reading Corner 

Glistering Bs Blog 

The Lovely Books 

J.C. Whyte, author 

Gigi McAllister@ The Late Bloomer's Book Blog 

Bonnie Blythe Faith-Based Romance 

Bella Street Time Travel Romance 

Laurie Here - Cont Fiction and More 

Beth M. Honeycutt 

  Giveaway Details 

 $250 in Paypal Cash (alternately the winner can choose a $250 Amazon.com Gift Code) Ends 7/26/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Freedom To Read Giveaway Hop (INT)

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Please be sure that you are correctly providing all required information or incomplete entries will not count.

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Review: Pink Bamboo Watch from NiceShop

I've been insanely amazed with bamboo and wooden watches since I first saw them a year or two ago.  I immediately fell in love with the natural elements to them and, even though I never wear watches, I wanted one badly.  So I couldn't turn the chance to review this bamboo watch from NiceShop!

THE PRODUCT

I received this product at a deeply discounted price in exchange for an honest review.

As Described On Amazon:

• Adjustable to fit most any wrist. Becomes more beautiful with wearing as the natural oils from your skin add to the beauty
• Special Designed for people with allergies and sensitive skin so no metal ever touches the skin or People like to touch nature.
• The unique mix of design and color let you immediately become fashion
• Band is usually longer then needed; please take off several links; easy to resize.
• Perfect gift for wedding,party,festival,such as Christmas,Thanksgiving Day etc.

Amazon Price: $36.99 (Prime Eligible)
Avg. Customer Rating: No reviews or ratings.

[Purchase On Amazon]

REVIEW

Packaging:

The order was shipped and packaged by Amazon so it came in the standard Amazon packaging; a cardboard box with some bubble cushioning on the inside, sealed with Amazon packing tape.

I Received: 

I received one pink bamboo watch inside a black box.

What I Thought:

The watch was really nice and was great quality.  It was a simple design and felt light but sturdy. The wrist band part is adjustable and the clasp was super easy to open and close. I have problems with some other watch clasps being difficult to maneuver, but had absolutely no issues with this one.

The face of the watch is pretty, though it seemed some of the markings were pretty light and seemed like they should have been burned or pressed a little harder into the bamboo.  I can easily see someone with bad eyesight having a hard time reading the time and different lighting could potentially make it worse.

The bamboo is very well maintained and felt secure and neatly sealed. There was no splintering, not rough patches and not one area that may feel uncomfortable. The entire watch is completely smooth to the touch and felt very nice while on the wrist. No complaints with wearability.

The color is really vibrant and noticeable.  I, personally, would prefer a natural grain bamboo watch over the pink, but I knew the color before I accepted the review, so that isn't really a negative. I admit though, that the pink was a bit much for me though, so I did end up passing it along to my mother in law who absolutely loved it.  She's worn it a few times and has fallen head over heels for it. She has no issues with the watch at all.

Overall Thoughts: 

The watch is really nice and great quality for the price.  I've seen bamboo watches go for much, much higher prices, so if you're looking for a decent earthy, natural watch, I definitely suggest this one!

Review & Giveaway: The Head of Medusa by Michelle Madow

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: The Head of Medusa
Author: Michelle Madow
Series: Elementals #3
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook
Website: www.michellemadow.com

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

GoodReads Synopsis:

The epic story of witches, gods, and monsters that USA Today called a "must read" continues in the third book of the Elementals series! 

When Nicole Cassidy moved to a new town, she discovered that she was a witch descended from gods. But that was nothing compared to learning that it was up to her and four others with mysterious elemental powers to help save the world from the Titans, who would soon return to Earth.

Now her relationship with Blake -- the fire Elemental -- is finally heating up. But she must remain focused, because Typhon, one of the deadliest creatures in history, has escaped from the weakening prison world. Only one object can destroy him -- the head of Medusa herself.

Follow the Elementals as they journey to the end of the Earth, facing choices that will put their lives and the entire world at risk. Will they all survive the mission? Find out in the riveting third book in the Elementals series, The Head of Medusa.

Amazon | GoodReads

The adventure began in the first book in the series, Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows. Visit www.michellemadow.com to get the first Elementals book for FREE!

The Elementals series is available on Kindle Unlimited, so subscribers can read it for free. 

Review:
I was so insanely excited to continue on with this series! I enjoyed the first two immensely and I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next! There's so much action and adventure in these books and I can't get enough. I've said it before and I'll say it again; if you're a fan of Percy Jackson or The Secret Circle, then you definitely need to check out the Elementals!

So we left off from the last book with the teens satisfied with their progress on closing the portal to Kerberos but deeply affected by the fact that they lost a new friend. In The Head of Medusa, we're brought back into the story not long after the last one left off. Relationships are deepening and friendships are growing stronger but there are also problems that Nicole must face and deal with on her own. Why doesn't her father want to see her? Can she ever forgive herself for letting Rachel die? Did she really let Rachel die or was the situation entirely unavoidable? And what's really up with Ethan?

It's interesting to see how the group figures out ways to defeat their foes and how they deal with their growing powers. The Head of Medusa was a great addition to the series and I loved reading it. I was sucked in from the first page and read almost half the book in one sitting. If you haven't given the Elementals a try, then I suggest you do so!

Rating: 4 Stars.

GIVEAWAY

Michelle is offering up a fabulous prize during her Elementals 3: The Head of Medusa Virtual Tour event. One (1) lucky winner will receive a signed paperback copy of Elementals 1: The Prophecy of Shadows! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:

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Jar of ARCs Giveaway (2)

Hey guys! So I don't know about you but I am waaaay behind on my ARCs and my TBR just continues to grow exponentially. My list of ARCs is always there in the back of my mind and my NetGalley score is nothing but an eyesore.  When I first joined NetGalley in 2011 I was not very smart with it and requested more books than I was able to keep up with. (Note: not all ARCs featured here will be from NetGalley. Some were previously provided by authors, publishers, etc.) Since it's way past time to tackle these books, I've decided to start my Jar of ARCs.

Beginning NetGalley Score: 10%

Current Netgalley Score: 13%

THE GIVEAWAY

So this is how it's gonna work. Each time I randomly pull a new book from my Jar of ARCs, I will give one of of you guys the chance to win either an eBook copy of the book I chose or a $5.00 Amazon.com Gift Card.

THE DRAWING...

I'm actually out of town at the moment and had to have my mom pick out a paper! So I recycled these images from when I last drew one out. ;)

THE PRIZE
So the book up for grabs today is...

Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield

Bellman & Black is a heart-thumpingly perfect ghost story, beautifully and irresistibly written, its ratcheting tension exquisitely calibrated line by line. Its hero is William Bellman, who, as a boy of 10, killed a shiny black rook with a catapult, and who grew up to be someone, his neighbours think, who "could go to the good or the bad." And indeed, although William Bellman's life at first seems blessed—he has a happy marriage to a beautiful woman, becomes father to a brood of bright, strong children, and thrives in business—one by one, people around him die. And at each funeral, he is startled to see a strange man in black, smiling at him. At first, the dead are distant relatives, but eventually his own children die, and then his wife, leaving behind only one child, his favourite, Dora. Unhinged by grief, William gets drunk and stumbles to his wife's fresh grave—and who should be there waiting, but the smiling stranger in black. The stranger has a proposition for William—a mysterious business called "Bellman & Black" . . .

GoodReads

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No cheating.

All entries will be verified.

Please be sure that you are correctly providing all required information or incomplete entries will not count.

This giveaway is international as long as you are able to accept egift cards through Amazon.com

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