Friday, August 31, 2018

Excerpt & Giveaway: Taxed by Love by A.J. Renee


Taxed by Love
A.J. Renee
(St. Fleur #5)
Publication date: August 29th 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Love was in the air and Gabrielle wasn’t interested. Even if she was willing to risk her heart again, which she wasn’t, any man would have to get past her overbearing brother first.
Andrew was unashamed of his love of women… until he found himself yearning for what his friends had found—love and family. When a gorgeous woman caught his eye at a buddy’s wedding reception, he blindly followed, unable to resist her allure.
Their encounter was meant to be no-strings fun, but months later, Gabrielle couldn’t get him out of her mind. Andrew regretted never getting her name or number, leaving them both with only memories and unanswered desires.
An unexpected reunion brought the couple to St. Fleur, where trouble had been stirring for their friends and family. Can Andrew persuade Gabrielle to take a risk on a playboy? Or will tragedy jeopardize their chance at love?
Only 99¢ for a limited time!
EXCERPT:
Andrew stared at her text. He’d given up on his food and his last task at eight o’clock. Memories of their lunch date plagued him, and he wished he’d had more time with her. In a weak moment, he’d texted her again.
Only now he was slack-jawed as he reread her message. Gabrielle didn’t come across like a woman who would sleep with multiple men at one time. Then again, Andrew didn’t know her well. She was a gorgeous woman who could easily command a group of men to worship her body.
A body he wanted to worship. No help required.
He took a deep breath, hoping to calm the storm of emotions raging inside him. Of course, it didn’t help at all.
Gabrielle: Cat got your tongue?
He narrowed his eyes and imagined spanking her firm ass for making him feel out of balance.
Andrew: You’re screwing with me?
Gabrielle: I’m sure you’d know if I was “screwing” with you…
He chuckled and shook his head. His eyes moved the words around and read, “screwing you,” and he hardened.
Andrew: There’s no way I wouldn’t be sure. I can promise you that you’d have my undivided attention.
Gabrielle: I’m glad to hear that.
Andrew smiled like a fool and looked around. At least he was at home with no one to witness his juvenile reaction. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift back to when he’d touched Gabby earlier in the day. It hadn’t been nearly enough.
He wasn’t sure how long he was lost in thought, his hand wrapped around his cock, when the phone next to him dinged and pulled him from his fantasy. If it weren’t from the object of his desire, he would have ignored the text and continued torturing himself with images of Gabby’s perky breasts.
Gabrielle: I’m with Marc and Lindsey. Noah, Sofia, Jaime Lynn, and Jesse are here too. I just met Charlie as well.
Reading Marc’s name was like a bucket of ice water had been dumped on him. Had this been how his buddy felt the entire time he’d fought his attraction to Lindsey? A pull toward a woman he knew was forbidden fruit. The constant fear of losing someone you loved because of a woman.
Andrew: Three men. Aren’t you clever. I’d tell you to say hello but…
Gabrielle: But you’d like not to have your ass handed to you?
Andrew: Pretty much.
Gabrielle: You realize that Marc has no control over who I date right?
Andrew chuckled as he imagined Marc trying to step into Gabby’s love life. He was a stubborn fool, but Andrew was pretty sure Gabby held the trump card every time.
Andrew: If it wasn’t me trying to date you I’d be grabbing popcorn to see him try.
Gabrielle: Is that what you’re trying to do? Date me?
He stared at her words. His initial reaction was to yell yes! What was it about this woman? Andrew didn’t date; he fucked. Beautiful women with their beautiful curves, regardless of their ethnicity, hair color, or occupations. Strictly speaking, he loved taking women to bed. He didn’t date them.
Before he could stop his fingers, he hit Send.
Andrew: Yes…
“What the fuck are you doing, Drew?” he snapped.


Author Bio:
AJ Renee is the author behind the St. Fleur series, Beauty Unmasked, Winter's Surprise, Surviving Paris, and Finding Love at the Falls.... She's a military wife and mother to three young girls. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology while working at the library.
She loves to write steamy romance with suspense and a happily ever after. When she isn't writing or interacting with her readers, you can find her spending time with her family or reading. AJ enjoys traveling, researching family history, and all things New Orleans.

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Thursday, August 30, 2018

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: The Triangle by JA Huss & Johnathan McClain


The Triangle
JA Huss & Johnathan McClain
Publication date: September 25th 2018
Genres: Erotica, Romance, Suspense
They’re sworn enemies and I’m in the middle.
Both of them claimed me. Had me. Used me. Forgot me.
Except… I don’t remember any of it. I don’t even know who I am or why I’m in this cramped basement apartment with tinfoil covering the tiny windows when my bank account says I have over two million dollars.
I don’t know how I got the stitches on the back of my head, or the scar under my chin, or the ache in my shoulder—but I do know I probably deserved it.
I don’t know why there’s a shotgun in the closet, a sniper rifle under the floorboards, and a pistol under my pillow.
I don’t know why I stay.
I don’t know why I care.
I don’t know why I’m trying to put something back together when it was never whole to begin with.
Until I look at them.
Until they look at me.
Until I touch them.
Until they touch me.
And even though the memories don’t come back.
I know.
I know why I stay.


Author Bio:
Two accomplished writers come together to create unforgettable sexy romance. JA Huss is the New York Times bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today bestsellers list eighteen times. Johnathan McClain is a veteran actor and writer whose work, either performed or written, is probably airing on at least one of the channels on your television right now. You can contact them on their website www.hussmcclain.com or find them at their social links below.
STALK JULIE
FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM
STALK JOHNATHAN
FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

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Excerpt & Giveaway: Eight Goodbyes by Christine Brae


Eight Goodbyes
Christine Brae
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: August 28th 2018
Genres: Adult, Romance
One universe, nine planets, 204 countries, 809 islands and 7 seas, and I had the privilege of meeting you.” –Unknown
When Tessa Talman meets Simon Fremont for the first time, not only is she attracted to him, she’s intrigued by how different their lives are. He’s a dedicated scientist, practical, pragmatic, and grounded—while she’s a head-in-the-clouds romance author. As their relationship grows, they agree to meet in places around the world, while continuing to live on opposite sides of the globe.
Though their feelings for each other deepen, their priorities remain the same. Simon is in a hurry to be financially sound and settle down, but Tessa is enjoying her freedom and newfound success. Neither is willing to give in, but as each goodbye gets harder, Tessa begins to wonder whether fame is the path to happiness, or if she has everything she needs in Simon.
Just as Tessa finds the courage to go after her own happily ever after, the unthinkable happens, separating them in ways they never imagined.
To move forward, she must let go of the past, and determine once and for all if love is truly more powerful than the pain of goodbye.
EXCERPT:
“Who knows you’re here?” she asked.
“You mean, specifically here? In Hong Kong?”
She nodded.
“No one. My family and friends think I’m traveling for work.”
“Ah. So if anything happened to you, how do they know where to look?” she asked, her chin resting on the palm of her hand.
“Well, when they find my phone and the one thousand pictures of you, they’ll know,” he said.
She laughed. Rather uncomfortably. This is what having an affair feels like. It’s you and him and no one else.
“Adrian doesn’t know I’m here.” This time he leaned forward, closer to her. “Does Riley know you’re here?”
“She has to. Even if I don’t tell her directly, Jake knows. He’s very protective that way. Needs to know where I go, who I’m with.”
“You seem so attached, the two of you.”
“He’s the only constant in my life.”
He stayed silent. She hadn’t intended to offend him with that comment. But then she decided that it was too soon to even think of his role in her life.
That was the real crux of the matter, and she wanted to keep it top of mind.
What about you, your parents? Do you see them often while you’re home?”
He laughed. “As a matter of fact, I have dinner with them every Sunday. They don’t live far from my old apartment. I’m moving to Chelsea when I get back which is a little further away, but I know my mum will find every excuse to come and visit. I’ll be too close to the shopping area for her to resist. She likes to get out sometimes. Leave the farm.”
“We’re lucky we have family we can count on,” she said.
“But none of them know we’re together,” he said, his tone lowered, quiet.
“Why does anyone need to know? Who cares?” she asked in defiance. She observed the way he picked up another dumpling with his chopsticks and shoved the whole thing in his mouth. “Okay, let me rephrase that,” she said. “In time, they’ll know.”
He smiled. “Better.”
He looked at his watch. She could tell that he wanted to change the subject. And she didn’t have to try. A round of applause filled the room. Tessa and Simon turned to see a man on one knee with his arms in the air, proposing to a very embarrassed woman.
“At a dimsum restaurant?” Simon smirked.
“Hey! You’ll never know! Maybe this is a special place for them,” Tessa said.
“Must be,” he answered, pulling his wallet out at the same time. He motioned for the dimsum man to bring the check over.
The man counted the different colored plates, each with a code for the food they ordered, wrote with lightning speed on a pad of paper, tore it off unevenly and handed it to Simon.
As he examined the bill, Simon said, “I forgot that your Twitter profile says ‘hopeless romantic.’“
“Love makes the world go ‘round!” she said in response, pausing to follow up with an afterthought. “At least in Romance books!”


Author Bio:
Christine Brae is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. Her second book, His Wounded Light was released in December, 2013.
Christine’s third book, Insipid, is a standalone that was released in June, 2014, and her fourth book, In This Life, released in January 2016.
When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago.
Christine is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin Literary Management.

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Monday, August 27, 2018

Bout of Books 23: Wrap Up Post!

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The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 20th and runs through Sunday, August 26th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 23 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I COMPLETED
7/7 Challenges
9/9 Posts (Including Sign Up & Wrap Up)
1/9 Instagram Challenges

I READ
Total Books: 4

BOOKS FINISHED
The Want-Ad Killer by Ann Rule
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LeBan

STILL READING / DIDN'T FINISH

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

STOPPED READING / DNF

None

Excerpt & Giveaway: Magic Born by Rayanne Haines


Magic Born
Rayanne Haines
(The Guardian Series, #2)
Publication date: June 6th 2018
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Maria Del Voscova is a powerful witch with a past. When she’s asked to become a member of the elite Guardians she knows she can’t risk sharing the truth about her messed-up family. But we don’t always get what we want. Sometimes, we don’t always know what we want.
Though Mar absolutely knows she doesn’t want Neeren, King of the Parthen. She alone sees the darkness in him and it reminds her too much of the past. She knows better than to fall for his stoic, tortured soul façade.
She’s training to be a Guardian, a shadow; tasked with keeping the balance between good and evil in the world. It’s what she wants—to be better than her family was.
But the past has a way of catching up to Mar and the future has a morbid sense of humor. On her first mission, she’s kidnapped by the enemy she’s been running from her entire life. Thankfully the guardians look after their own. As it turns out, so does Neeren.
As Mar finds herself caught between the past and the future; between blood and bond; between the light and the dark, she realizes her only chance at surviving may be in trusting a man who is the most dangerous of them all.

EXCERPT:
She must be losing her touch. Mar opened the make-shift medical office door, only to be swept up into the thunderstorm gaze of Neeren Simine.
The Parthen Kings eyes swirled green, black, and yellow.
Wicked. Measured.
His six-foot four-inch frame exuded cool masculinity.
Prowess. Sin.
Nonchalance written on every part of his body. He wore tan slacks and a loose white cotton shirt that effortlessly showcased his muscles. His sleeves rolled up above his powerful forearms. His feet were bare. As always.
Show-off.
Mar had been a guest on his island for close to two weeks and only managed to ruffle his feathers a couple of times. She usually pissed people off at least twice per conversation, but with this guy? Nothing. It was unnerving not knowing what he felt. Schooled in the art of diplomacy and secrecy, his face betrayed nothing. He was ice, through and through. She squinted, hoping to decipher something in his high cheek bones. His square jaw. His thick lower lip.
Neeren grinned at her. His yellow eyes remained aloof. “Do you like what you see?”
Mar snorted. Refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing he unnerved her. “Dream much?”
“Double entendres this early in the day, Maria?”
Of course, she hadn't meant it that way. Trust him to pick up on subconscious spilling out.


Author Bio:
Rayanne Haines grew up on a small horse ranch in Alberta. She spent most of her youth re-enacting scenes from Anne of Green Gables to attentive audiences that included pygmy goats and roan stallions. The horses were thrilled. Her father could never figure out why it took her three hours to clean the barn.
Her mother is an avid reader and instilled a love of literature in her at a young age. She has always been fascinated with learning people’s stories.
She has a fondness for mountains and rivers and all the creatures that live within them.
She believes in magic and the search for great love. She loves to write about strong women who will accept nothing less.

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Sunday, August 26, 2018

Bout of Books 23: Day 7 Challenge & Reading Updates

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The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 20th and runs through Sunday, August 26th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 23 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team


Challenge #7 created by Bout of Books. 
Stretch Goal 
It's the last day of the readathon, so today's challenge is to take a look at the goals you set for the week (if you have them) and decide a) how you can stretch yourself to complete them or b) how you can revise them so you can meet them. Because yes, you can revise your goals! If you didn't set goals for the week, set a small one for yourself today!

For me to revise my goals in order to meet them, I would literally have to remove like 10 books from my list. haha. But I'm not going to do that. I ended up setting a big goal for myself this time because I've started listening to audiobooks and I've been pushing out reviews a lot quicker than normal. It's no secret that I'm a super slow reader so listening to the books has helped out a bunch.  Even though I won't meet my initial goal, I HAVE read more books that I would normally read during BoB so even if I don't finish the one I'm reading now, I'm happy with what I've done. :)


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Day Seven Reading Updates
Strikethrough = finished

The Want Ad Killer by Anne Rule
The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LeBan
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois
King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Here and Now by Ann Brashares
Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi
Detroy Me by Tahereh Mafi - currently reading

Total Books Finished: 4

Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements, #1)
Cover Source: GoodReads
Title: White Hot Kiss
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: The Dark Elements #1
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Version Reviewed: Finished, Audiobook
Website: www.jenniferarmentrout.com

GoodReads Synopsis:
One kiss could be the last

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.
Review:
 This is one of those books that has been on my to-read list from the moment that it was released. Jennifer L. Armentrout has such a following that I desperately wanted to read her works and learn what all the fuss was about. I read a few of the books in the Lux series a while back but never ended up finishing them. I may eventually return to them but, for now, I plan to read some of her newer work.

The only way that I can describe White Hot Kiss is that it's very reminiscent of The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare (just with gargoyles and demons). There's a ton of action, a love triangle, family secrets, and a group that makes it their mission to keep the bad guys at bay.

I found the Wardens very reminiscent of Shadowhunters, but I absolutely loved the fact that the general populace knew about them. It was not a secret and it made things much more interesting, in my opinion, to have the main characters friends and schoolmates be aware of what she was and what her "family" did.

I do have to admit that the gargoyle thing was a little weird for me but, considering this is a very first in that genre that I've read, I had an open mind about it and was happy to give it a chance. It wasn't as odd as I thought it would be and I actually found it slightly fascinating.

As for the characters, I must admit that I did, at times, find Layla's character to be slightly annoying and a bit childish. As the story continued, however, her character seemed to mature and she became much more likeable. I did enjoy Zayne's character as I found myself wanting to know what was going on inside of his head, and Roth, well, Roth was just a hottie that had nothing but redeeming qualities. Minus the demon part. :)

Overall a pretty good story. The ending did throw me for a loop and left me with a ton of questions and the want to know more. I can't say for sure if I'll read the next book in the series, but it's definitely likely!

Rating: 4 Stars

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Bout of Books 23: Day 6 Challenge & Reading Updates

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The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 20th and runs through Sunday, August 26th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 23 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team


Challenge #6 created by Erica
Discover Books
Bout of Books is known to add to your TBR instead of reduce it. Embrace it by sharing the books you've discovered through Bout of Books.

Released 4.12.11Outpost cover coming soonHordeVanguard temporary cover
The Razorland series by Ann Aguirre

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Day Six Reading Updates
Strikethrough = finished

The Want Ad Killer by Anne Rule
The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LeBan
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois
King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Here and Now by Ann Brashares
Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi

Total Books Finished: 4

Teasers & Giveaway: Love, Cutter by Michelle Jester


Love, Cutter
Michelle Jester
Publication date: August 28th 2018
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
After an attempted suicide Carter finds himself in a coma. He is able to hear the world around him, yet he can’t move. What he hears propels Carter to begin to see life in a new way, especially when one of his nurses, Kinley, shares parts of her tragic past with him. Soon, Carter realizes he is falling in love with her.
Months after being transferred from the hospital, to a rehabilitation facility, he suddenly wakes up with a passion to live that he never had before and a determination to find the one person he feels may be able to help him put the pieces of his life together again. However, when he returns to the hospital, Kinley is gone and Carter must try to find her based solely on the things she shared with him while he was in a coma.
Only, nothing is as it seems and Carter learns the biggest lesson of them all… the differences between expectation, perception, and reality.
Are you a book blogger?
Join the blog tour here!


Author Bio:
Michelle Jester lives in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana with her husband, high school sweetheart and retired Master Sergeant. Together they have a son and daughter. She is a hopeless romantic and has been writing poems and stories for as long as she can remember.
One of her prize possessions is a bracelet with only a yellow, Rubber Duckie charm on it; which she wears every day to remind her to enjoy the fun and happy things of life!





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Friday, August 24, 2018

Bout of Books 23: Day 5 Challenge & Reading Updates

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The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 20th and runs through Sunday, August 26th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 23 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team


Challenge #5 created by Emma
Bookish Playlist 
What's a song that always reminds you of a certain book? Is it something the characters listen to? Do the lyrics remind you of the plot? Make a list of at least three songs and match them each with a book. Participants could explain their reasoning in greater depth in the form of a blog or twitter thread, show pictures of the books and caption with the song titles in an Instagram post, or even make a playlist on Spotify or YouTube and share it.

Twilight (Twilight, #1)
Song: Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine
Book: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Reason: It's the song that plays during the prom scene / last scene of the movie and, for whatever reason, it's always stuck with me. I absolutely love the sound of the song and it spurred a love of more folksy sounding music for me. Every time I hear it, I automatically think of Twilight.

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1)
Song: Love Me Like You Do by Ellie Goulding
Book: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
Reason: This was one of the biggest songs from the Fifty Shades of Grey movie soundtrack and I absolutely fell in love with it the first time I heard it. I really enjoyed the emotion in the song and the sound of Goulding's voice. Beautiful song.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)
Song: Mysterious Ticking Noise by Potter Puppet Pals
Book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling
Reason: I mean... it's Potter Puppet Pals. Any HP fan from the earlier 2000's probably knows the significance of this song.



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Day Five Reading Updates
Strikethrough = finished

The Want Ad Killer by Anne Rule
The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan - currently reading
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois
King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Here and Now by Ann Brashares
Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi

Total Books Finished: 3

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

13455782
Cover Source: GoodReads
Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series: Shatter Me #1
Version Reviewed: Finished Paperback
Website: www.taherehbooks.com
I borrowed this book from my local library.

GoodReads Synopsis:
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
Review:
This is one of those books that I've had on my list for quite some time. I do enjoy distopian but I'm more of a contemporary romance type girl so I have to be in the mood for books of this genre in order to read them. Therefore, it took me quite a while to get around to this book. When I signed up for the 2018 TBR Challenge hosted by Roof Beam Reader, I knew that I had to add Shatter Me to the list so that I would finally force myself to get around to it. Unfortunately, as a book blogger, it becomes a habit to put books on the backburner, even ones you've been dying to read.

Finally, I dove into the audiobook of Shatter Me and I was super excited to get into it... and then I got into it. This, for me, is the perfect example of 'if you think you don't like a book, try it in a different format'. The audiobook was not a great fit for me. The constant scratching sounds accompanying the story were insanely annoying and the repeated "I am not insane"'s almost drove ME insane. So, I returned the audiobook to my library and checked out a paperback copy. Oh, the difference it made. I dove in again and found myself completely enveloped in Juliette's story.

Juliette's character is so broken and rough around the edges that it's hard to not sympathize for her. The world that she has found herself in, as a prisoner, is terrible and the loss of contact she has had with the outside world would be unbearable if I was in her position.

And then her world gets completely turned upside down by Adam and Warner. These two characters bring such a crazy mix of action, emotion, and curiosity to the story that, at times, I felt sad, upset, betrayed, and angry for Juliette. The story only got better from there as it became much more action-packed, new characters were introduced, and events starting running full force into a climax.

Shatter Me is an amazing, unique story and I deeply enjoyed it's little X-Men twist. I definitely plan to continue the series and I'm excited to find out what happens next.

Rating: 5 Stars 

Excerpt & Giveaway: Private D*ck by Kat Savano


Private D*ck
Kat Savano
Publication date: August 22nd 2018
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
It was supposed to be fun times in Vegas with the girls.
Drinks, shows, maybe losing a little money, and okay…maybe a little action too.
I’m down for it all when I’m shocked to spot the hottest hotshot lawyer from my firm. Benjamin Barker.
In Vegas. At the same time.
As me.
My mind whirled with possibilities, none of them good.
All of them leading to trouble.
He’s not here for long. He’s got a big case – and that’s not the only thing that’s big about the man.
He’s got some investigating to do to make his case in court.
And I’ve got a crush on the man.
A crush on the man that ends with us in a suite called the Kingpin suite. This cannot be good.
But what woman would deny something that feels so very, very good?
I’ll tell you one thing.
Not me.
I may cry later. I may regret it in the morning. I may want some “kingpin” to kill the bastard tomorrow. But right now, we’re in a suite. In Vegas. Together. In private.
And I’m all in.
EXCERPT:
Sienna
GirlsGone Wild. Well,that was how I thought of it as we landed in dazzling Las Vegas. I was a little nervous though, because it was one of the first times I’d traveledoutside of the Big Apple. By plane at least. Most other trips had taken place in cars, motorhomes, oh, and once on a motorcycle. That was a day to remember, andat the same time,it was a day I wanted to forget in equal measure. As we waited to get to our destination, Michaela and Donna chatted away like two raving lunatics. Drinking on the plane wasn’t the best thing to do, in my opinion. Going to the bathroom every couple of minutes was bad enough, especially when you got there with your legs crossed and the sign said, “Engaged.”
I was busy thinking of the motorcycle trip. Travis said to hold on tight. That was never something he needed to doubt… because I was absolutely, fully, desperately petrified. He wrongly mistook this as affection, rather than me hanging on from the fear of falling off, and I had quite-literally been terrified about rolling down the street like a tumbleweed in a gale. Even now, I get shivers down my spine when I think about how scary it was.
I looked up and came back into reality. The smiling hostess said we were free to leave the plane. I put my hand on Donna’s shoulder as we exited the busy sea of people. “Have a nice trip and enjoy your stay,” the hostess said as I reached the front door and the tunnel.
How polite and well-dressed they were in their flashy, yellow, safety jackets. I was actually impressed. We walked through the terminal and made our way toward the security desks. There was a bit of a line. However,they couldn’t be too careful with all the terrible things going on in the world. Terrorism had made life hard for every traveler in the sky.
As we walked through the terminal,I looked aboveme. They’ddone a magnificent job of advertising Las Vegas, while not making the airport appear trashy. Above where we walked there was a mural of all things associated with the tinsel town. It looked glorious, fabulous even. I guessed it was based on a nineteen-sixties design and had all the big casino names and stars of that incredibleera. Frank Sinatra, Elvis —I’m all shookup, and the piano god himself, Liberace.
I stood with my toes on the exactedge of the yellow line as the instruction said to do. I always liked rules. You couldn’t go wrong if you knew what was expected of you. I waited patiently as Donna slid her passport to the friendlysecurity man who sat in his small cubicle. Donna leaned on her elbow and twirled her gum around her finger.
My turn. I skipped excitedly to the guard and handed him my identification. I clamped my hands together and smiled. I hoped that traveling nerves didn’traise their suspicion, or they might’ve thought I’d smuggled something.
“Business or pleasure?” he asked as he scanned my face.
“All pleasure. It’s my first big trip out of New York, unless you count the time on a motorcycle, and…” I said, cutting myself short. I realized there was still a line of people also waiting behind the yellow line.
“Come on will you!” Donna yelled.
I smiled at the security guard. “BFF, you know what they’re like. Overexcitedand keen to hit the Strip, as I suppose you call it around here.”
“Have a nice trip.” He looked at my ID. “Sienna,” he replied, sliding my ID back under the glass.
I jogged as quickly as I could with my travel luggage wobbling from one wheel to the next. We stepped on the travellator and made our way to get our luggage.
“What number of roundthing are we at?” Michaela asked.
Donna laughed. “Carousel.”
A flash of color appeared before us as we reached the top of the escalator that led to the baggage claim. It wasn’t understated by a long chalky line. Gold, backlit stars sat on grey metallic paneling that were situated to the sides of a broadyellow Welcome To,and underneath were massivered and yellow letters that only spelled one thing. Allin caps… LAS VEGAS. As if anyone wouldn’t know where they were at this point of their holiday.
Michaela looked at me in a playful, but stern manner. “Okay,Miss Smarty Pants, just cause youse heducatedan’ all that,” she replied, in the worst, possible, fake accent I’d ever heard.
I stood leaning on the handle of the cart. MichaelaandDonna sat waiting for our cases to pop from the big hole in the wall. Donna threw her arms into the air like a soccer player who’d missed an important goal. She hated waiting for anything, even coffee.
As we waited,I looked around and up. The enormousconcrete columns reached high to the roof and must have been (approximately)forty or fifty feet. It was at that point that I stood in awe, with my head craned upward and looking at each of the bluey-white lights that shone around each column. The color scheme all had a tint of blue or gray. Shiny gray tiles (two-tone) with a mottled effect, polished stainless steel, and all the signage which mostly looked like blue neon. One thing stood out from the blue and silver theme. I turned my head and noticed a flash of red and white. Wow!
“Hey girls. Look up!” Donna and Michaela ignored meentirely.
I stood underneath a plane that hung from the ceiling. Typical, it was to advertise. “The Hacienda Hotel.”
“Yes! Here we go,” Donna squealed as our cases magically came one after the other. That was very surprising. I thought we might have had to wait until near the end. That must be so painful, the thought your case might be left back in the city.
As we ambled closer to the luggage desk, I noticed other things that increased in numbers. The airport was home to a seriousamount of slot machines. I wonder how many people have lost big time, without even leaving the airport?
We walked to the Nothing to Declare,green light. I had nothing in my case to actually declare, butI still had that feeling of apprehension. What if someone had tampered and slipped something inside? One of those harmfuldrugs… or something desperately illegal.
“Excuse me, Ma’am,” the luggage checker said as I started walking through the gate.
“Yes!” I squealed ina mouse-likevoice.
“Can I check your bags please?” he said. I gave a nod to signal my permission.
He walked from behind the counter and lifted my case onto the countertop. He asked me for the combination, soI gave it to himwithout attempting to open it myself. I stood watching with clammy hands. He openedthe case and folded back the top half. I watched nervously as he rummaged through my clothes. I closed my eyes.
No! Not my underwear, please.
The guard gave a cough. I sensed that was a signal of some kind, and then he pushed his hand inside my panties pile. Oh boy,that’s a first. Airport security hadtheir hands inside your panties before you left the airport. Weird.
Donna and Michaela stood inside the sliding doors and waited there. Donna looked annoyed, as per usual. I guessed it was rather hot outside. The sun streamed through the doors, and as I got there after my weird search by the bag guy, we all slipped our sunglasses over our eyes.
The doors parted, andit was hot, sweltering hot. “My word, it’s warm,” I said.
Donna huffed as she fought to stand her case on its end. She sat and slumped her shoulders in half-defeat. “You mean it’s freakin’ hot! Just say it, Sienna. Christ, sometimes you can be so naïve.”
“Donna… Donna… Donna. You know we shouldn’t use a wordlike that.”
Donna stood and spread her arms. “Fuck it, woman, we’re in Vegas.”
I looked over my shoulder and bowed my head a little. I was slightly embarrassed at her gung-hoattitude. I’d hoped this trip wasn’t going to be a mistake. First real vacation and my friends ruin it for me. I hoped not. They could be selfish, sometimes. I didn’t really understand why.
Michaela waved a cabbie who pulled up. The cabbie opened the trunk and squeezed our cases into the back. “Where you going?” he asked. I turned to Donna and Michaela. I saw they had no idea what the name of the place was.
I shook my head and tutted under my breath. “The Queen’s Hand.”
“Nice place. It’s not the largest place in the world, but it’s got everything you girls will need,” the cab driver explained, politely.
Donna leaned on the front seat. “Mister, you know if it’s got a pool?” He gave no answer as he sang to a Jamaican-inspired song on the radio. I don’t think he heard her, to be honest.
The cab pulled out from the airport and headed down the Strip. Hechatted with Donna as her lips smacked while she lovingly chewed on her gum. I heard him say the motel had a rooftoppool, which was convenient. One elevator ride from the second floor to the roof, and all that sunbathing. I imagined us all sipping on exotic cocktails while tanning and relaxing.
I leaned my head against the window and looked at all the obscure motels and casinos we passed as we made our way to Fremont Street. I’d done some research, andThe Queen’s Hand was the top end of motelsthat wasn’t on the Las Vegas Strip. If it hadn’t been for the fact we gained a significantdiscount,we might’ve ended up nowhere near the hub of activity at all.
“No more Tanby and Tanby for a while. I can forget all that number crunching,” I said to Michaela.
“Why did you go into accounting in the first place? You gotta admit, it’s not very girly, isit?Look at Donna. She’s the epitome of femininity, and she has the perfect job to show it off.”
I sat with a really puzzled expression on my face when I turned to look at Michaela and answer. “Donna works in a shoe store.”
“What was that?” Donna said, turning her head from chatting with the cabbie.
I smiled at her. “Nothing, we were just commenting on how feminine you are.”
Donna smacked her lips in response and finished by blowing me a kiss. “Yeah-right! I come from the Bronx, you think I’m gonna be ladylike?”
Michaela turned to me and smiled. “What did I tell you? What an absolute lady.”
The cab pulled to the front of The Queen’s Hand. A valet opened the trunk and pulled out the cases and loaded them onto a cart. With a wide smile, he wheeled them through the front door of the motel.
We stood and looked at the frontage. It was very-much understated because it was right onthe corner. The entrance sat under a golden-litcanopy with the words emblazoned like sequins. It looked amazing as each letter twinkled with silver, sparkling lights.
“I have to say. The service is excellent. How helpful theyall are,” I said as we walked toward the foyer.
Immediately, I saw that the inside was a little more glamorous, a blast from the past, in a way. White marble floors that were in layedwith smaller ebony colors at the corner of the floor tiles. The counter appeared to be real cream marble, and it had decorative circles embellished down the full length of it. I then looked up. The ceiling was covered in mirrors and lights.
We checked in and found out that we were, in fact, booked in on the second floor. The valet wheeled the cart to the elevator and smiled politely as he walked us to the room. He slid the key in the lock and pushed open the door.
Donna entered first, as usual, and it made sense because she’d always been the assertive one.Andthen, Michaela and I walked in after her. I was pleasantly surprised how clean and inviting it felt. The room looked lovely. Two, large, double beds (two of us were to share) and funky-colored, striped drapes. Apart from that, the furnishings looked top quality and were dark oak, mostly. Atop the drawers sat a large flat screen for the times when we weren’t lounging around by the pool.
The valet politely coughed. I sensed he was waiting for a tip. I reached intomy bag and pulled out ten dollars and slid it into the palm of his hand. He left.
“You tipped him?” Michaela asked.
“Of course. Statistics say that people in this line of work rely on…” I attempted to say.
“Of course they do,” Donna butted in, as she focused on looking out of the window.
Michaela started to strip. “I’m not sure about you two, but I’m going up to the roof pool to do a little evening swimming.”
Donna yelled with excitement. “I’m coming with you. Sienna, you gonna come, or what?”
“I’ll give it a miss. I’m going to have a walk around downstairs and check out the amenities.”
“Suit yourself, you know where we are.”
The door slammed as the two girls headed upstairs, nearly immediately. I changed into something a little more casual. I shoved twenty dollars into my pocket with the room keys, and then I headed back down to the ground floor.
I looked at the large notice board and read what was on offer. It was easy to see that for the hustle and bustleand free music, we’d definitely chosen the right place. Fremont Street staged the free Downtown Hoedownthis week, which might be fun.
I tilted my head back as I heard screams billowing in shrieks from the gaming room. It sounded as if someone just won a jackpot on one of the slot machines. I was tempted. My pocket had a twenty that itched to be changed and join in the fun. I liked gambling… in moderation.
I left the cashier window with a paper cup full of coins and strolled around the slots. By the time I’d reached halfway down the container,I thoughtI wouldn’t win.
And then…
Not the jackpot, although coins streamed out from the machine. I happily filled the cup, and then some. I headed back to the cashier’swindow and converted them all to chips. My twenty had now become fifty.
I walked around the tables. Poker —too hard. Craps —I really had no idea how to play. So, as if by magic, I found myself at the roulette table. I knew this was pretty simple. Pick a number and place your bets as the croupier called out each time he spun the wheel. I stuck to red and black —being an accountant I hedged my bets against losses, and slowly increased my pile of wonderful chips.
Suddenly, I felt that someone was watching me. I looked up and saw a familiar face. I kept my head bowed as I glanced from the corner of my eye. A little older than me, with short, dark hair. Piercing brown eyes. Where did I recognize himfrom?
Think, think. Oh… Shit. He’s coming this way.
The apartment building?
Oh boy! He’s coming to me.
I felt a warmth pursue my face. I kept my head tilted as the croupier slid another few chips in my direction.
Elevator. He’sthe guy who goes past floor two. It’s…it’s…floor four.
I recognized the guy. He lived in the same apartment building as me in New York. I noticed his face in the polished stainless steel of the elevator. He leaned on the rear wall and looked cool, calm and collected.
Tanby and Tanby. He worked at the same firm as me. The guy with the smoldering good looks and rugged, handsome features.
It’s…it’s… that hotshotlawyer. It’s Benjamin Barker. In my motel, in Vegas. At myroulette table. Walking toward me. Oh God!
He sidled up at the side of me.
He must’ve seen that I’d recognized him. Who wouldn’t recognizethe one and only Benjamin Barker? All the girls swooned in the office when he was around.I wondered why he was here. In Vegas, at the same time.
“Benj…” he started to say with a smile. I impolitely butted in. More from nerves than being ignorant.
“Sienna. We live in the same apartment, I’m floor two, and you’re… um,” I said.
“Four.”
I then mentioned we worked at the same firm (Tanby and Tanby) and he asked if I was a guest at the motel. He smelled divine. A mix of peppermint and strawberry that made my nose feel tickly.
“Second floor.”
He smiled. “Well! Isn’t that a coincidence?” he chortled.
Isn’t it just.


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Thursday, August 23, 2018

Bout of Books 23: Day 4 Challenge & Reading Updates

grab button for Bout of Books
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 20th and runs through Sunday, August 26th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 23 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team


Challenge #4 created by Stacie
Book Trip 
Share books set in places you want to visit. Make a road trip of settings in the US or a dream vacation. Or you can think outside the box and choose fantasy, paranormal, historical, or sci-fi setting. Like Hogwarts!

I couldn't think of anything else but the Saving Angels series by the amazing Annie Rose Welch. In these books she takes you all over the world, including two of my favorite places. Ireland and New Orleans.


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Day Four Reading Updates
Strikethrough = finished


The Want Ad Killer by Anne Rule
The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan - currently reading
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois
King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Here and Now by Ann Brashares
Shatter Me by Tahareh Mafi

Total Books Finished: 3

Excerpt & Giveaway: Everything Under The Sun by Jessica Redmerski


Everything Under The Sun
Jessica Redmerski
Publication date: August 28th 2017
Genres: Adult, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Romance, Suspense
Thais Fenwick was eleven-years-old when civilization fell, devastated by a virus that killed off the majority of the world’s population. For seven years, Thais and her family lived in a community of survivors deep in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. But when her town is attacked by raiders, she and her blind sister are taken away to the East-Central Territory where she is destined to live the cruel and unjust kind of life her late mother warned her about.
Atticus Hunt is a troubled soldier in Lexington City who has spent the past seven years trying to conform to the vicious nature of men in a post-apocalyptic society. He knows that in order to survive, he must abandon his morals and his conscience and become like those he is surrounded by. But when he meets Thais, morals and conscience win out over conformity, and he risks his rank and his life to help her. They escape the city and set out together on a long and perilous journey to find safety in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Struggling to survive in a world without electricity, food, shelter, and clean water, Atticus and Thais shed their fear of growing too close, and they fall hopelessly in love. But can love survive in such dark times, or is it fated to die with them?

EXCERPT:
“IT WASN’T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY.”



It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I was supposed to travel with him until he got me out of Lexington City and then I was to make a run for it, kill him if I had to—but I didn’t. I was supposed to stay with these people and leave Atticus to do what he wanted, go where he wanted, without me—but I couldn’t. I was supposed to be afraid of him not only because of the terrible man he was when I first laid eyes on him, but also because he was a man—but I wasn’t. I wasn’t afraid of him.
I was afraid for him.
I was afraid of being without him…
“Thais?”
I looked up; my bottom lip quivered.
“I will wait for you,” I said, trying to be strong. I wiped my tears, swallowed hard and nodded.
Atticus dashed outside, pushing the barn door out of his way. Seconds later he came back with the horse. He tossed the quilt we’d slept on the night in the barn, over the horse’s back. Then he went over to the backpacks, stepping around Rachel’s unconscious body, and shoved everything back inside. He helped my arms into the straps of the larger backpack.
Fitting his hands on my hips, Atticus hoisted me up and set me on the horse; I grabbed a hold of the horse’s reins.
“Stay out of sight of the house,” he said as he fitted the smaller backpack and his jacket between my legs. “And cut through the woods there”—he pointed toward the back of the barn—“that’s west; just keep as straight as you can in that direction, but don’t leave the woods.”
I nodded.
He walked with me outside the barn, stopped to look out at the flat land beyond the highway where those who were coming for us would likely be, and then led me around the barn. The deep woods beckoned me out ahead; I couldn’t help but feel intimidated by them, as if they were some kind of final leg of our journey—or the beginning of my journey alone.
Steadying my breath, I looked down at Atticus once more, transfixed on his intense blue eyes, the sculpted shape and rough texture of his handsome face, and I couldn’t imagine at this point never seeing it again.
“I’ll come for you,” he promised.
Tearing my gaze from his, I faced forward and tightened my grip of the reins.


Author Bio:
Jessica Redmerski is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and award winner who juggles several genres of fiction.
She also writes as J.A. Redmerski.








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Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Bout of Books 23: Day 3 Challenge & Reading Updates

grab button for Bout of Books
The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, August 20th and runs through Sunday, August 26th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 23 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team


Challenge #3 created by ME! :)
Literary Villains 
Who are your favorite literary bad guys? Can be a villain, a not-so-good-guy, or anti-hero.

Eric Northman from the Sookie Stackhouse / True Blood series.

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Day Three Reading Updates
Strikethrough = finished


The Want Ad Killer by Anne Rule
The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth LaBan - currently reading
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
Escaping Reality by Lisa Renee Jones
Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois
King Hall by Scarlett Dawn
White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Here and Now by Ann Brashares
Vampire Breath by R.L. Stine

Total Books Finished: 2