Love in Transit by Various Authors - Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Today I am happy to help reveal the cover for 

Love in Transit, 

a sexy new box set from a fantastic lineup of authors! 

Check it out and grab your copy June 1^st!

 

Goodreads

Title: Love in Transit

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Release Day: June 1^st

Book Description:

You know those people that have a house full of motivational slogans? Embrace Every Moment, stamped on their coffee mugs. Always Kiss Me Goodnight painted above their perfectly made beds. I’m not one of those people. This morning I overslept, then slipped on a stray sock and banged my toe into the nightstand. The elevator in my building broke and I had to run down six flights of stairs. And then my local coffee shop was closed. For health code violations. What’s that? Not the end of the world? You want me to suck it up? Did I mention I’m wearing a wedding dress… on the subway? It’s a Good Day for a Hot Mess. Someone embroider that on a pillow.  

 

Connect with the Authors:

Jana Aston

Ainsley Booth

Kitty French

BJ Harvey

Raine Miller

Liv Morris

 

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(50 dollar Amazon Gift Card)

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Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld - Release Day Review

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Author: Scott Westerfield

Illustrator: Alex Puvilland

Colorist: Hilary Sycamore

Publication Date:  2 May, 2017

Publisher: First Second Books

Series:  Spill Zone, book 1

Genre:  YA Graphic Novel, Science Fiction

Age Recommendation: 12 and up

Rating: 5 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Nobody's ever really explained the Spill. Was it an angelic visitation? A nanotech accident? A porthole opening from another world? Whatever it was, no one's allowed in the Spill Zone these days except government scientists and hazmat teams. But a few intrepid explorers know how to sneak through the patrols and steer clear of the dangers inside the Zone. Addison Merrick is one such explorer, dedicated to finding out what happened that night, and to unraveling the events that took her parents and left her little sister mute and disconnected from the world.

(Photo taken in New York City by First Second Books, an area you might find in Spill Zone)

My Review:

My first finished read in May and it was fantastic. I'm just making my way into the world of Graphic Novels so the choppiness of the written story sometimes drives me nuts but I never felt like I was missing anything or that the story was jumping all over with this one like I have with others. I will say this was not what I expected and that turned out to be a wonderful thing. If you can, go in 'blind' like I did so you are left completely engrossed in what is happening. 

You'll love the heroine, she is hard core in the best possible ways. There's a little bit of a potential romance. There is suspense and surprises around every corner. A possible government coverup, a fantastic creepy vibe, and a big (but not maddening) cliff hanger. The art perfectly matches the feel of the book and lends to the plot instead of taking away from it. This isn't a graphic novel that you'd rather just stare at the pictures than read the story, this is a perfect blend of graphics and words making a story that will have you on the edge of your seat and not stopping until you get to the end. 

A great thing about graphic novels is you can easily rest them in one sitting but then turn around and pick it right back up again and see something completely new. 

I will say that this is closer to a mid YA level just due to mature language. I'm considering letting my 11 year old read it because I think she'd find it interesting but the language has me hesitating just a bit. It's not like she's hasn't heard the words before, I just feel kind of bad handing over a book with a bit of strong language. I am glad on that note that I picked it up and read it before just giving it straight to her. Again, is not a huge deal but know this is a YA graphic novel not a middle grade one. If it were a video game it would be rated T for Teen not E for Everyone, haha. It was a great read for me though and can't wait for the next installment!

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

  Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He was born in the Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. In 2001, Westerfeld married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best know for the Uglies and Leviathan series, and his next book, Afterworlds, comes out September 23, 2014.

His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book, and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and both Leviathan and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won Aurealis Awards. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by the American Library Association.

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Five Worlds: The Sand Warrior by Mark Siegel and Alexis Siegel - A Mom Monday Review

A Mom Monday Review:

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Author: Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel

Illustrators: Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, Boya Sun

Publication Date:  2 May, 2017

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Series:  5 Worlds, book 1

Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel, Fantasy 

Age Recommendation: 8 and up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

The Five Worlds are on the brink of extinction unless five ancient and mysterious beacons are lit. When war erupts, three unlikely heroes will discover there's more to themselves and more to their worlds than meets the eye. . . .
The clumsiest student at the Sand Dancer Academy, Oona Lee is a fighter with a destiny bigger than she could ever imagine.
A boy from the poorest slums, An Tzu has a surprising gift and a knack for getting out of sticky situations.
Star athlete Jax Amboy is beloved by an entire galaxy, but what good is that when he has no real friends?
When these three kids are forced to team up on an epic quest, it will take not one, not two, but 5 WORLDS to contain all the magic and adventure!

My Review:

What an enjoyable read.  I chose this one thinking of my reluctant middle grade reader but found that I enjoyed it just as much as she did.  It took her a few days to get through it, but considering how fantastic the art work is that is no surprise, you could spend days just perusing the pictures.  For me it was a quick read, though I will say don't expect that you will just blow through it otherwise you will miss a lot of little details.  

When I asked her what she thought she said (she's 8): "I really liked this one.  I liked how there were the 5 worlds and everything needed to be saved.  That there were Sand Warriors (to this she added in a little dance, ha), and the plant people were really cool. Oona was my favorite!"

I loved that three different characters from three different backgrounds come together in this book and find a way to not only work together but to become friends.  They are able to set aside all that they think they know about each other and instead learn the truth of who they each are and accept one another because of those differences.  I loved that Oona is just this average girl who when she finds her own strengths and stops believing what others have said about her she becomes the hero we knew she could be.  I loved that Jax, this bigger than life athlete isn't what any one expects at all.  I loved that Tzu, who may not have wealth is the richest of them all because he is the one to bring them all together.  He is the friend that binds them, encourages them, and stands beside them.  I loved that while this is a fantasy, there is the underlying story that we must take care of our world if we want it to thrive.  

My only challenge, and this could simply be because I am not an avid graphic novel reader, is that there were a few times I felt like I missed something.  Now, maybe that's because there are stories still to be written and they don't want to give away everything at once, I am not sure, but a few times the plot veered off and I really wanted more. It may be that because they had so much information to get out in this first book some things that will be touched in other books were just left out of this one.   I will mention that my 8 year old never mentioned not knowing what was going on so again, this may just be me, haha.  

Like I mentioned above the art in this book is just wonderful, I believe that, unlike in the ARC, finished copes will be in all color which in the few pages I saw is amazing.  You really can get lost just looking at everything.  There is still a lot of story to be told and I can't wait to see what happens, how everything develops and plays out.  If you are a graphic novel fan I think this is the start to an amazing new series and I hope that you will pick it up!  Teachers, this is a great book to have in your classrooms as it will appeal to boys and girls, reluctant and advanced readers, as well as having a plethora of teaching opportunities, from friendship and bullying to environmental and cultural studies.

~ HAPPY READING ~

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

MARK SIEGEL has written and illustrated several award-winning picture books and graphic novels, including the New York Times bestseller Sailor Twain, or the Mermaid in the Hudson. He is also the founder and editorial director of First Second Books. He lives with his family in New York. Follow Mark on Tumblr at @marksiegel and the 5 Worlds team on Twitter at @5WorldsTeam.

ALEXIS SIEGEL is a writer and translator based in London, England. He has translated a number of bestselling graphic novels, including Joann Sfar’s The Rabbi’s Cat, Pénélope Bagleu’s Exquisite Corpse, and Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese (into French).

XANTHE BOUMA is an illustrator based in Southern California. When not working on picture books, fashion illustration, and comics, Xanthe enjoys soaking up the beachside sun. Follow Xanthe on Tumblr at @yumbles and on Twitter at @xoxobouma.

MATT ROCKEFELLER is an illustrator and comic book artist from Tucson, Arizona. His work has appeared in a variety of formats, including book covers, picture books, and animation. Matt lives in New York City. Follow him on Tumblr at @mrockefeller and on Twitter at @mcrockefeller.

BOYA SUN is an illustrator and co-author of the graphic novel Chasma Knights. Originally from China, Boya has traveled from Canada to the United States and now resides in the charming city of Baltimore. Follow Boya on Tumblr at @boyasun and on Twitter at @boyaboyasun.

The Rise of the Dawnstar by Farah Oomerbhoy - Review and Giveaway!

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Author: Farah Oomerbhoy

Publication Date:  24 April, 2017

Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing

Series:  The Avalonia Chronicles, book 2

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Age Recommendation: 14 and up

Rating: 4 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

Aurora Firedrake returns in the spellbinding sequel to The Last of the Firedrakes.

 The seven kingdoms of Avalonia are crumbling and evil is spreading across the land like a plague. Queen Morgana is close to finding a way to open The Book of Abraxas and it’s only a matter of time until she uses the power trapped inside its pages to enslave the entire world. 

 With Avalonia growing more dangerous by the day, Aurora must travel through war-torn lands and deep into the heart of the fae kingdom of Elfi. Her goal is to find a legendary weapon infused with the last of the realm’s ancient magic—the only weapon in the world powerful enough to stop the queen. 

Aurora might have survived her first battle against Morgana, but the true fight to save her kingdom and restore her throne has only just begun.


My Review:

I was beyond excited when this book popped up in my email.  I read The Last of the Firedrakes (See my Review by clicking the title) way back in 2015 and was continually checking to see when the follow u would be coming out.  Two long years and it's here and well worth the wait.

Rise of the Dawnstar picks up right where we were left in Last of the Firedrakes, with Aurora on the run, Kalen and Rafe by her side.  I love how Farah simply just throws us right back into the action, that being said if you haven't read The Last of the Firedrakes you will be lost so make sure to get caught up before diving into Rise of the Dawnstar.

My favorite part from the first book is still present in this one, Farah Oomerbhoy's magnificent world building.

"I pulled over in ny bed of damp moss and fallen leaves as muted sunlight shone through the trees and woke me to another day.  The earthy fragrances of the forest floor lingered as dewdrops danced in the cook morning breeze, dazzling the woods with a myriad of colors, spectacular in the light of first dawn."

I mean come on...how gorgeous is that?  Can't you just see yourself nestled down on the damp forest floor watching the world slowly come awake while you do the same?  I am enthralled with her words and the beauty she creates as she gives us this world of Avalonia.  It is so easy to get lost in all the descriptions but and this is a huge selling point for me, Farah does not over do them.  She doesn't bog us down with every little descriptor, she gives us just enough to make the world come to life in our minds, so we can feel ourselves standing with the characters in the forests, on the ships, in the towns. Farah spins such a beautiful web that you can't help up throw yourself into it hoping to get stuck.

Another favorite aspect for me with this series is the strength of Aurora.  There is no question that she is struggling, that she isn't sure how to help, or if she is hurting more than helping.  She is full of self doubt, fears, and worries. However, she never backs down, she never gives up.  She is still a bit naive, but instead of just going along with things or always thinking the best of others she has started to look through her rose colored glasses with a bit of a jaded eye.  She knows now that everyone isn't looking out for her or the countries best interests. Even when she thinks she can trust someone it often turns out she should not have.  Everyone in this world is out for something and Aurora is starting to see that, but she doesn't let it stop her.  She's finding her way, she's discovering that her strengths do not lie only in her magic, she's growing and becoming what I hope will one day be a true Warrior Queen.

Let's talk romance a little and I can't say much because the romance in this story is tied to the plot and I do not want to give anything away.  I am still 50/50 of Rafe, or perhaps we should call him Rafe the Rake?  I love him, but I am not so sure he's the guy for her even though Aurora believes it with all her heart.  I know I shouldn't look at his past was we look to his future but man it's hard to not remember what a player he is/was.  Then there is the new addition of the Prince of the Night Court who I kinda adore, (it's always the moody ones that call to me, haha) and who I am afraid is going to have his heart broken and I hate broken hearts.  Also, this romance thing that is going on...not sure it's really a love triangle but it's gonna be a major part of book three, leaves us with a cliff hanger and ugh, cliff hangers they make me so angsty.  It's one thing for a romantic book character to be angsty totally another thing for me to be, lol.  Honestly I want all the 'heroes' in this book to have their happily ever afters, Rafe, Kalen, the Pirate Prince, (YES readers, PIRATE. PRINCE.) the Prince of the Night Court...I even kinda hoped a new, I don't know that I'd call him evil, just misguided maybe (I am holding out hope still) character who does a very bad thing finds his HEA.  I don't know what is going to happen I like Rafe just fine, but I am going to say for now I am totally Team Tristan (the Night Court Prince) and am afraid that along with his heart mine is going to be broken too. *cries*

I am in dire need of the third book now and so very hopeful that it comes quicker than this one.  I don't begrudge an author needing to take their time to make sure their work is up to their standards I want the best book possible as much as they want to give it, but when you leave off like this one did I am not sure a two year wait is gonna work out for me, haha.

If you love beautiful world building, strong female heroines, handsome men, cunning Fae, suspense, twists and turns, fantastic character development, a cliff hanger (ack!), and an all around great read this is a wonderful fantasy series to pick up.  I read this in one sitting because it simply just pulls you right into the world and action and you don't want to look away until you get to the end.  There are parts of the story that won't surprise you and others that will take you completely off guard and have you shaking your head, perhaps shouting out at the book Nooooo!  In the end you are just going to want more.  I need more, I need to know what happens, I need to see Aurora fulfill her destiny, I need HEA's...all the HEA's, I need everything and I know that though my angst may ratchet to the highest level Farah is going to give us all the book we need when the next one comes out and I can't wait!

~HAPPY READING ~ 

Giveaway! 

For each stop on tour, there will be a special number at the end of the post. Collect all the numbers, add them up, and enter to win one of three prizes! 

Once you have all the numbers you can enter the giveaway here:

  http://farahoomerbhoy.com/rise-dawnstar-now/

The giveaway closes on May 21st, 11:59pm Eastern US time.
See below for all tour stop links

My number is 19

Grand Prize:

Runner Up:

About the Author:

Farah Oomerbhoy is the international bestselling author of The Avalonia Chronicles. Her first book, The Last of the Firedrakes, was originally published on Wattpad where it gained over two million reads and a Watty Award. Since publication, her debut has gone on to win a silver medal in IBPA’s Benjamin Franklin Awards and the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, along with winning a finalist placement in the USA Best Book Awards. Farah loves the fantastical and magical and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. With a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai, Farah spends her creative time crafting magical worlds for young adults. She lives with her family in Mumbai, India.

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Tour Stops:

Monday, April 24th

• Of all the books I've loved before
• Lisa Manterfield

Tuesday, April 25th

• The Reading Cat
• The Book Lover

Wednesday, April 26th

• Celebrityreadshush
• Bubble Bath Books

Thursday, April 27th

• The Bewitched Reader
• Creative Bookie

Friday, April 28th

• EndlessReading
• A Redhead's Ramblings

Monday, May 1st

• Reads All the Books
• Motif byTanya

Tuesday, May 2nd

• Books and Stars
• Paranormal angel blog

Wednesday, May 3rd

• Writing Pearls
• Eliza Green Books

Thursday, May 4th

• The Reader and the Chef
• Kate Tilton, Connecting Authors & Readers

Friday, May 5th

• Miranda's Book Blog
• Sarah Benson Books

Monday, May 8th

• Creatyvebooks
• J. M. Butler (Telling stories, reading books, and savoring life)

Tuesday, May 9th

• Fabric of Life
• Old Victorian Quill

Wednesday, May 10th

• Kindle and Me
• LiyareadsYA

Thursday, May 11th

• The YA Wizard
• Coffee Addicts Book Reviews

Friday, May 12th

• Darcy's Book Blog
• Rockin' Book Reviews

Joy Ride by Lauren Blakely - Release Day Launch, Excerpt, and GIVEAWAY

   

From #1 NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a steamy new standalone rivals-to-lovers romance…

JOY RIDE!

 

Now available on all retailers!Get ready for the ride of your life, and grab your copy today!

   

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Amazon Paperback

Book Description:

From the #1 New York Times Bestselling author of FULL PACKAGE and BIG ROCK, comes a hot & hilarious new standalone romantic comedy...

Let's be honest, ladies. A good man is a lot like the perfect car. You want a hot body, an engine that purrs, and superior performance under the hood...for the best joy ride of your life. I'm at your service. Ready to go all night long.

But then a wildly sexy brunette appears in my life and throws a wrench in all my plans. She's fiery, she's talented, she's gorgeous, and I'd really like to know what makes her engine hum.

Henley also happens to be my biggest rival, and now we're forced to work together every day on the most important custom car build of my career. The trouble is I can't quite figure out if she wants to kick me in the lug nuts or beg me to give her a good, hard fuel injection. Until one night that question is answered on the hood of a sports car when she calls out my name three times. And we can't seem to put on the brakes. If sleeping with the enemy is a bad idea, how much more dangerous would it be to fall in love with her?

       

---

✦The audiobook will be narrated by Sebastian York! Link coming soon!✦

 

---

Excerpt:

Henley Rose and a hot car go together like peaches and cream, like fine Scotch and a long, dirty night. Which means working with her was like walking into the Garden of Eden every single day. It was a test of willpower because the woman could craft a car as if it were an erotic dance. 

Not a striptease. 

Not an in-your-face pelvis thrust. 

But a beautiful fucking ballet of a woman seducing machine. Those hands, the way she wielded tools, the intensity in her focus—it was sensual, and it was sinful, and it was this man’s fantasy made flesh. 

Imagine what it was like working with her for one, hard-on year. 

I mean, hard year. 

I survived the challenge because she had talent to spare. And I never treated her differently because she was a woman, or because I thought about her naked an obscene amount of the time. I treated her like anyone else—specifically, all the people I work with who I never ever imagine in anything less than full-on Siberian winter garb, complete with the thermals and Michelin Man coat. 

“Black heart still intact.” I tap my sternum. “Same model as before.”

“I’d have thought you’d get an upgrade by now. Faulty parts and all.”

“No recall needed on the ticker. It works just fine in this cruel bastard.” I say, reminding her of the words she’d uttered the day she stormed out.

She arches a brow. “Shame. You should have let me replace it. I’m good at making all sorts of clunkers run better.”

Jesus Christ. She still takes no prisoners. “I’ve no doubt you have all the tools to fix anything, and if you couldn’t find the right one, you’d use a blowtorch.”

She adopts an expression of indignation. “There’s nothing wrong with using a blowtorch,” she says, taking extra time on the first syllable.

How the hell did I ever last with this woman? Before I can even fashion a comeback, she taps her toe against the tire on Wagner’s car. “I see you still like to make your cars with big, manlywheels.”

I roll my eyes then make a give it to me now motion with my hands. “All right, Henley. Deliver the punchline.”

She bats her lashes. “What punchline?”

“Big? Manly? You’re going to say it’s some sort of compensation thing going on. That’s what you always said about the guys who wanted the biggest cars with the biggest wheels.”

She smirks. “Was I wrong in my assessment?”

I laugh. “I don’t know. I didn’t check to see how that added up for them.”

“Nor did I. My focus was always on the work.”

“As well it should have been.”

“That’s what you taught me.”

“I’m glad you learned that lesson.”

“I learned so many lessons from you.”

       

          

   

Add it to Goodreads here!

   

And don’t miss Lauren Blakely’s other standalone Romantic Comedies!

BIG ROCK MISTER O WELL HUNG FULL PACKAGE

     

✮✮✮Enter to win this amazing JOY RIDE GIVEAWAY!✮✮✮

Celebrate the release of JOY RIDE with this amazing giveaway!

 

The JOY RIDE giveaway is filled with:

✮       Kate Spade Patton Leather Tote and Kate Spade Desktop Planner ($325 value)

✮       $50 Gift Card to Bath and Body Works

✮       $50 Gift Card to Amazon

http://laurenblakely.com/joyridereleaseweekgiveaway/

   

About Lauren Blakely: A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy-five times, and she's sold more than 1.5 million books. In May she'll release JOY RIDE, a standalone romantic comedy.
To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

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Lost Rider by Harper Sloan - Review and Excerpt

 

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Author: Harper Sloan

Publication Date:  25 April, 2017

Publisher: Pocket Books

Series:  The Coming Home Series, book 1

Genre:  Contemporary Western Romance

Age Recommendation: 18 and Up

Rating: 5 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~ 

Book Description:

In Lost Rider, the first Western romance in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series, an injured rodeo star encounters an old flame but will she be just what he needs to get back in the saddle? Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over? Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago? Written in the vein of Diana Palmer and Lindsay McKenna, this Texas-set series is filled with sizzle, heart, and plenty of cowboys!      



My Review:

This book has given me back my faith in the romance book community.  Lost Rider for me is one of those books that you just can't manage to get over.  It sits in your mind and on your heart and you just want to tell everyone that this needs to be their next read and you hope like heck that everyone loves it the way you do because otherwise we just can't be friends any more. *wink*  The crazy thing about loving a book this much though is that, I in turn, find it difficult to review since all I really want to do is throw books at people shouting 'YOU MUST READ THIS!'  I don't want to tell you anything because I want you to hunker down, read, and fall in love as hard as I did so that then we can talk about ALL THE THINGS!

I want to talk about how emotional the story is.  I want to talk about how heartbreaking it is.  I want to talk about how beautiful it is, how romantic it is, how freaking hot and swoon worthy this couple is.  I want to talk about how we have all now become obsessed bull riding fans and how we are going to jump in my Honda Odyssey and truck it down to Texas so we can follow the circuit....but we have to take our families with us otherwise we're Maverick's mom and that is a big NO so, CARAVAN!!!!!

I want to talk about Maverick and this guy:

(photo credit: Andrew Giangola)

Bolton Bonner

(photo credit: Mario Testino for V Magazine)

and how I don't know if he was the inspiration for Harper, but he is totally my pick for Maverick.  I want to swap picture after picture with you and follow Instagram and Twitter feeds.  I want to, gasp, start watching Dancing with the Stars, something I have never done, haha.  I want to talk about how much I adored Leighton who may have had her heart broken in so many ways but never once gave up on her dreams.  Who may have become stand offish and frightened because the people she loves never stay, but still opens her heart up to possibility.  I want to talk to you about how reading this book will remind you that our dreams are just there waiting for us to fulfill them and that we just have to have a little faith in ourselves and those that we love.  I want to talk about how no matter the hurt we may have suffered we can't quit, we can't give up.  I want to make pie and have picnics, I want to sit around a bonfire and wear colorful cowboy boots.  I want to buy my husband a black Stetson and a pair of Wranglers.  I want you to want all of those things too so you have to read this book.  You have to see what made me fall so hard for this story, to not want it to end, to be anxious for Quinn and Clayton stories, to want to see little Mav and Leighton babies running in the bluebells.  I want you to fall in love with reading again, if like me you found your self tired of the same old thing.  I want you to fall in love with love and I want you to read this because this book will give you that.  Maybe it just came at the right time for me but I don't believe that, I believe that this book is a book everyone can love. I feel like I am putting myself out on the line a little by saying that because you know some people just don't like the same things I do, I can't understand it but its true, *wink*, weird people, lol. Truly though this book is just simply a beautiful story that is easy to open yourself up to.   It's a book that will melt your heart and have your soul smiling by the time you get to the end.  I hope that you will love it as much as I did and when you are done reading I hope that you will come find me so we can have all the chats about Mav, Leighton, Quinn, and Clayton.  I'll be here anxiously waiting for you!

~ HAPPY READING ~

        

Excerpt:

 I should tell Quinn and Clay that he’s here. But one look at him and it’s like the last ten years have never passed and I’m back at the bonfire, the awkward high schooler uncomfortable in her own skin. Marching away from him in the woods. It was the last time I saw him. How is it possible that he can affect me this much after all this time? He hasn’t noticed me, not with his head bowed, so I quickly turn around and focus on Pastor John as he finishes up his prayer. Him being here means nothing. I should be happy that I remember the pain from that night so well, it will make keeping my walls up around him so much easier. “On behalf of the Davis family, I want to thank everyone for coming today. At this time, the family has asked for some time alone as they say their good-byes. They wanted me to remind everyone that the PieHole will be opening up for a few hours tonight starting at five for anyone that wishes to join them.” I keep my arm around Quinn, not looking back to where I saw Maverick. I can hear the church slowly emptying and I feel a frown pull at my lips. I had hoped that when everyone started to leave that he would have come up front to be with his family, but so far, the pew we’re in is still empty save for the three of us. We sit and wait for everyone to leave, something that Clay had asked Pastor John to make arrangements for in place of the customary recessional, knowing that no one in this town would really mean a word of it anyway. Plus, I know Quinn is having a hard time. Regardless of the fact that she wasn’t the closest with her father, she was really counting on this—Maverick home. She’s still shaking in my arms, but when I look over at Clay I realize his silence isn’t because of the heaviness of Buford’s death, but instead anger over his brother’s absence that has started to build to a boil. I fear that he’s seconds away from tipping over the edge. I stand when Clay and Quinn do, but hang back at the edge of the row we had been sitting in as they meet Pastor John and gather their father’s ashes. I can’t wait to get out of these heels. If it would have been acceptable to wear my boots, I would have, but Quinn would have killed me. As it is, I feel like I can’t take a deep breath with how tight my dress is against my chest. I never wear tight shirts. I haven’t since my boobs became beasts of their own right. I’m too busy fiddling with the straps of my dress, trying desperately to get some of the pressure against my chest to ease up so I could take a deep breath, when I heard Quinn gasp. “Mav!” Next thing I know she’s running past where I’m standing, her black hair streaming in the air behind her as she speeds forward right into her brother’s arms. Clay moves to stand next to me and I look up to meet his green eyes, the questions he isn’t vocalizing dancing in their emerald depths. He’s not stupid and I’m doing a crappy job at hiding the memories haunting me right now. He gives me a small smile, shifting his hold on the urn to wrap his free arm around me and pulls me into a strong hold. “You’re shakin’,” he says against my temple and I just nod. “I’m good, Clay. Go see your brother.” “I’m fine right where I am, sugar.” I keep my eyes to the ground, focusing on his worn boots instead of looking up, hating myself for making this moment about me when I should be focused on them. Like it or not, I can’t fight the feelings that being near him bring me. I’m that stupid, naive sixteen-year-old all over again. “Let’s get out of here,” he says after a few silent seconds. I look up and give him a smile, hoping that it looks a hell of a lot braver than I feel. Inside I feel like I might puke. “You think I could have a second with my family?” My head shoots up at the coldness I hadn’t anticipated in Maverick’s voice. He’s not focused on me, though, instead looking at his brother with a hard expression and one brow raised upward. “Mav!” Quinn gasps and he moves his attention from his brother to her. “Sorry, Quinn, but I’m thinkin’ that Clay’s lady friend would understand that this should be a moment for our family and give us time alone.” “I’ll just—” “Don’t you dare finish that sentence, sugar,” Clay all but spits through clenched teeth and drops his arm to take a step forward. “You’ve got something to say, Mav, then say it.” “Nothing to say, Clayton, I just think it would be nice for your girlfriend to give us some space.” “My girlfriend,” he parrots sarcastically, his deep voice vibrating in anger. “Mav.” Quinn attempts to butt in, but stops when Maverick leaves her side and turns to stalk out of the church. I should find it comical that he obviously didn’t recognize me, or hell, maybe he did and he’s just picking up where he left off ten years ago in the middle of the dark woods. I take a deep breath. “It’s okay. He’s right. Y’all need some time as a family. I’ll head over to the PieHole and start settin’ up for tonight.” Quinn brushes a tear from her cheek and just shakes her head. I look at Clay to see him staring in the direction that his brother just left. “You’re family,” he finally says, not looking in my direction. “Clay, really, it’s okay. It’s been a long time since y’all were back together and I don’t need to be there for that reunion. It sucks that it takes all of this to finally bring him home, but he’s here and y’all need to make up for a lot of time lost.” “Shut up, Leighton.” “Don’t, Clay.” “Don’t what? You’ve got every right to be here. You’re just as much a part of our family as he is. Hell, maybe even more so than he is at this point. So just shut up, come with us, and ignore him.” I shake my head, the fight instantly leaving my sails, knowing I would be arguing until the end of time if I pressed this issue. “I can’t believe he doesn’t even recognize you,” Quinn whispers.    

Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn't writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand. 

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Ride Rough by Laura Kaye - Review

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Author: Laura Kaye

Publication Date:  25 April, 2017

Publisher: Avon Books

Series:  Raven Riders, book 2

Genre:  Contemporary Romance, MC based

Age Recommendation: 17 and up

Rating: 4 Stars

Book Description:

Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders...

Maverick Rylan won’t apologize for who he is—the Raven Riders Motorcycle Club Vice-President, a sought-after custom bike builder, and a man dedicated to protecting those he loves. So when he learns that the only woman who has ever held his heart is in trouble, he’ll move heaven and earth to save her.

Alexa Harmon thought she had it all—the security of a good job, a beautiful home, and a powerful, charming fiancé who offered the life she never had growing up. But when her dream quickly turns into a nightmare, Alexa realizes she’s fallen for a façade she can’t escape—until sexy, dangerous Maverick offers her a way out.

Forced together to keep Alexa safe, their powerful attraction reignites and Maverick determines to do whatever it takes to earn a second chance—one Alexa is tempted to give. But her ex-fiancé isn’t going to let her go without a fight, one that will threaten everything they both hold dear.

My Review:

Laura Kaye always gives me a book I didn't even know I needed.  I fell in love with her through her Hard Ink series and I just fall deeper and deeper with each Raven Riders book.  There is just something about the way she writes her heroes that completely melts readers hearts.  These guys are heroes in the truest sense.  They're alphas out to protect the vulnerable, in fact this is the basis on which the Raven Riders live.  They protect those who are unable to protect themselves and they do it with so much heart and passion that they simply make the reader want to be a better person.

Maverick's world is the Raven Riders M.C.  He not only dedicated himself to his brothers, their way of life, their mission but after loosing the one woman he had ever loved because of the MC he sank deeper into his role as V.P.  Five years after losing the love of his life, Alexa returned bruised and broken.  Maverick's instincts scream out to protect her but its hard to protect someone who doesn't think they need it....that is until they do.

Alexa Harmon left Maverick and the Raven Riders M.C. after the death of her brother from a motorcycle accident.  Alexa can't stay and watch the other man in her life that she loves suffer the same fate and he since he can't/won't walk away from his brothers she has to walk away from him.  For 5 years Alexa has been building a life that will give her everything she thinks she wants, but it turns out that the grass really isn't greener on the other side, that money, 'normalcy', consistency...none of those things equal safety or in the end love.

As always the story that Laura weaves pulled me right in.  There is something extra special about the Raven Riders, much like the men of Hard Ink and as soon as you start reading you find yourself immersed into their world.  She 'paints' such a vivid picture it feels like you are right there watching it all play out in front of your eyes.  I loved Maverick and I loved him with Alexa.  He's a rough and tumble guy with a heart and soul of gold.  His love for his brothers, his mother, Alexa it is all right there laid out for everyone to see.  He may be a bad arse but that doesn't keep him from showing his soft side to those he loves.  My only challenge and what kept this from being a 5 star read for me was Alexa.  As much as I wanted to love her I just never truly clicked with her.  I understand the reason she left Maverick, I understand her hesitation to leave Grant her fiancé, what I didn't get was her solid belief that she had to keep working for him, or her apparently easy ability to jump from Maverick to Grant then right back to Maverick with out batting an eye lash.  Laura is always very careful about making sure her heroines (who are always kick butt women, even when they have been used and abused, figuratively and literally) have their time.  They are always given the respect that they deserve, they are always given the time that they need and while Alexa was afford that through Maverick I was completely taken aback by her rush to jump back into an intimate relationship or any romantic relationship with Mav so suddenly.

 Other than that throwing me a bit off this was another fantastic read for me from Laura Kaye.  I loved getting to catch up with all the other characters, even a quick hello from the Hard Ink team.  There are a few things in the book that are hard to read, the abuse in Alexa's relationship, the injury of some beloved characters, the 'illness' of Alexa's mother...there are several things that will have you wiping away tears but they all build a beautiful story of redemption, hope, and love.  If you are a Laura Kaye fan this is a must read.  If you are new to Laura, don't start here but definitely start.  I would suggest going all the way back to Hard Ink if you can but if not start with the crossover novella Hard as Steel and then get ready to have a new group of men and women etched on your heart.

~ HAPPY READING ~ 

Laura Kaye is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink, Heroes, and Hearts of the Anemoi series. Laura's hot, heartfelt stories are all about the universal desire for a place to belong. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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