Thursday, February 27, 2014

Cover Reveal For When I Surrender (When I Break #2) by Kendall Ryan

WHEN I SURRENDER
(When I Break #2)
Release Date: April 7th

Book Description:

**Warning**

This book is intended for a mature reading audience and contains adult language and themes. 

Undaunted by Knox’s complicated history with sexual addiction, McKenna pushes forward in her relationship with this deliciously flawed man. She experiences the highest highs as they discover each other, along with the lowest lows, and worries that his past may not be entirely behind him.

But when a complication from her own past demands attention, she's forced to decide where their relationship is headed, and everything she thought she knew is questioned. 

When I Surrender is book 2 in the WHEN I BREAK series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan. 

GoodReads Link:

19540226
Book Description:

**Warning** 

This book is intended for a mature reading audience and contains adult language and themes. Contains a stubborn alpha male with addiction issues and loads of sexual tension between two damaged characters. Read at your own risk.

Knox Bauer's life has unraveled to the point of no return. Fighting to fill the emptiness inside himself, he seeks solace in unfamiliar beds with unfamiliar women. As guardian to his three younger brothers, he can't seem to do a thing right. But this can't go on...they look up to him in every way and all he’s done lately is prove how messed up he really is. Needing a change, he attends a local Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting, where he finds himself tempted by the alluring instructor, McKenna.

Twenty-one year old McKenna is trying to make amends. After losing her parents in a horrific accident, she knows if she can just be good enough, maybe she can forgive herself for what happened. With her newly acquired degree in counseling, she begins leading a sex addicts group where she meets the troubled Knox and her life takes on complications she never bargained for. She doesn't have time for a bad boy who only wants to take her to bed, even if her body disagrees. The fixer in her wants to help, but trusting Knox's true motivations might take more courage than she has.

When I Break is book 1 in a new series by New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan. When I Surrender, book 2, will be available April 7, 2014. Please note this is not a standalone, as the story continues in book 2


Kendall Ryan 
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author 

CBB Book Promotions Presents Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick Blog Tour Stop


Welcome to my tour stop for Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick. This is an Adult Contemporary for ages 18+. The tour runs Feb. 24th - March 5th. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

Lifers by Jane Harvey-Berrick
Released Feb. 7th, 2014 
435 pages
ISBN 9780957496187 

Synopsis:

After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate. 

Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learns that this small town hasn’t changed since he was sent away. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, including his own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to the loathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror. 

Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time before he can leave this backwards town. But can time or distance erase the pain of living? 

Torrey Delaney is new in town, and certainly doesn’t behave in a way the locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation for casual hook-ups and meaningless sex quickly spreads. And that’s on top of her budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman—the good Reverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path. 

As friendship forms, can two damaged people who are afraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can Torrey live with Jordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls? With the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, they struggle to find their place in the world. Can they battle the odds, or will their world be viciously shattered? 

Is love a life sentence? 


My Review

5 of 5 Lifers

Lifers is one of those amazing stories that grabs you by surprise. I mean I was thinking okay a bad boy a bad girl come together hook up and move on before they get to attached. Okay so that is so not what I got and holy mother lover was I impressed! I loved every minute of this story and it tugged at my heart for a few reasons but the main reason being is that this is a story about second chances and love. You make a mistake and you own it and move on to bigger and better things.

Jordan Kane mad a mistake he paid for dearly by being incarcerated for 8 years. He is finally being released after 8 long years behind bars and he has to go back to the one place where it all started and he does not want to go back. Jordan knows that small town mentalities never change and when he arrives back in this small town where he is on parole he realizes that he was right because no one is forgiving and not even his parents. They treat him like the town pariah.

Torrey Delaney is the preachers daughter and she is supposed to be living the life of a good Christian girl right? Well she does not and she has moved to this backwards small town to get away from all her problems only she has more problems because she is considered the town whore. She does casual hook ups and the towns people do not like that. Her mother is the towns preacher and she is supposed to know better but she is trying to find herself. Then she meets Jordan and both of their lives are changed.

See Jordan and Torrey may be broken but together they build a friendship and something happens that blossoms into something so much more. This is one story you have to sit down and read because it will blow your mind!

Excerpt:

The kitchen smelled of fried chicken. Momma had a way of using a whole load of herbs, so it was slightly spicy and tasted amazing. It was the only thing I liked about living here.

The first day I’d arrived back, she’d set three places at the table so we could all eat together. I think every single one of us had gotten indigestion staring at each other while trying to eat. Since then, she’d left my food at the kitchen table while she and Dad ate on trays in the family room.

It had become our unspoken agreement that the least time we all spent together, the better we’d get on.

I knew they didn’t want me here, but for now we were all locked together with our memories—frustration and hurt on my part; hatred on theirs.

I knew the preacher-lady thought she’d done me a damn favor talking them into having me back, but I wished a dozen times a day that she hadn’t.

It didn’t help. Wishing was for fools.

I rinsed off my plate in the sink and stacked it in the dishwasher, before heading back to my room.

I hoped I’d be able to sleep through the night, but the nightmares had been pretty bad since I’d gotten home. The counselor had warned me about it—I just didn’t think they’d be so fucking terrifying. The first night back, I thought I was having a heart attack. Dad had shaken me awake, then left without a word. Guess I’d pissed him off by spoiling his sleep.

I wasn’t surprised to startle awake in a cold sweat at 3 AM, but at least I hadn’t roused the house this time. Or if I had, no one cared.

I blew off some steam in the garage for an hour, then headed back to bed. It was just after dawn when I woke again.

Another fucking day in Paradise.

About the author:

I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene.

Turns out I can! 

My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13th and live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changed into (and out of) their wetsuits. 

My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does. 

Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books. That’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet. 

Readers can find bonus chapters for several of my books on my website www.janeharveyberrick.com



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Cover Reveal For Sparrows For Free by Lila Felix

Synopsis:

There are skeletons in every closet. Some stay quiet—and some rule your soul with an iron fist.

Ezra is ruled by the ghosts of his past—and needled by the guilt they create. Not only does he have to manage his own guilt—his friends are forced to bear the weight as well. He lives in limbo, never dreaming of anything that lies beyond the grave.

In his mind, he’s a murderer, pure and simple. 

Hide and seek is Aysa’s game. She begs for small spaces and empty places. But, she secretly desires so much more.

When they find each other, a hope for something new is sprung.

But Ezra’s skeletons are out for blood.

“I hide shock well. I’m a pro at hiding. I have no idea that whatever he had to tell me would be so personal—so heartbreaking. But, I quickly remembered that heartbreak was all around him every time he turned around. He needs no more empathy or sympathy in his life. He craves someone to give him a different take on a tired situation. 

And different is practically my middle name.”

Goodreads:

About Author:

I am a stay at home mom from the South and wife to the most giving and hard working husband ever. I love to cook and try out new recipes even if they don't always turn out like I want them to.

 I refer to my kids lovingly as the Three Stooges as they are constantly coming up with new ways to reek havoc in the house. Most recently that included putting a rubberband on the kitchen sink sprayer so it would douse me when I did the dishes.

 I love to go to roller derby bouts and read in my spare time. I write mostly at night when the house is silent and I can sneak cookies without having to share!

 If you're into stalking, try under the Cypress trees in the swamps of Louisiana, but watch out for gators!!

Author Spotlight Blitz For Jacquelyn Ayres author of Goodbye Caution and Goodbye Secrets


For anyone that has yet to meet Jacquelyn you are in for a treat. This is her official author bio!

I am a Domestic Engineer (born and raised in NJ) whose sole responsibility is to guide three young impressionable kids into becoming phenomenal adults. This challenging, yet rewarding work requires a lot of love (coffee), patience (wine) and determination (periodic exorcisms). 

I work all of this magic in the beautiful state of New Hampshire. Before becoming a Domestic Goddess (not really), I spent over a decade working in the medical field where I wore more hats than the Queen.

 I have had a love for the written word and the great escape it provides since I was a little girl. When I wasn't reading about people and the places they lived, I was creating my own characters and adventures.

 Finally, I have been putting a pen to paper allowing my characters to come to life. When I don't have a pen and paper in hand,you can often find me laughing at the conversations my characters are having in my head.

Now she forgets to add into that that she is, in the very best way possible, as crazy as a box of frogs, once she gets to know you, you can expect……..

• Mad dances on your twitter timeline!

 Arcs in your e mail! Whoo Hooo


Emoji’s and love notes ;-) in your morning inbox


She is honestly one of the most ‘giving’ people we have ever come across and here at BNW we are happy to call her our friend.

And –she’s as you may have guessed, an author!!

You need to check out her work!!

Goodbye Caution (lost and found #1) released in January 



Becca Campbell is a mother, friend, and widow to a war hero (may he rot in hell). She just wants to raise her daughter right and keep her bed-and-breakfast afloat in this economy. Her traumatic past leaves her with no desire for a relationship—until Grayson James walks through her door.

 He’s not the type of man you can easily say “no” to. Becca can’t quite understand the pull she feels toward him. But then his controlling nature starts to push her away—and into Ray McNeil’s comforting arms. Which is right where Ray has always wanted her. Who will Becca choose? 

Will she finally give in to her feelings for Ray, or continue the tumultuous relationship with Grayson? Only one thing is certain—either choice will mean saying goodbye to caution. 

Review Snippets for Goodbye Caution





Goodbye Secrets (Lost and found #3) releases 26th Feb



What if your life wasn’t exactly as you thought it was? What if there were secrets you kept—from yourself? 

Becca Campbell has no idea her world is about to be turned upside down when she and Grayson return to New Hampshire. 

Pieces start flying into place, answering the questions of the puzzle she calls her life.

 Things finally add up—it all makes sense.

 All that was lost is now found. But will she be able to move forward, knowing the truth? 

ADD TO GOODREADS:

Goodbye Uncertainty (Lost and Found #3) release to be confirmed. 

Jacquelyn has lots of other works in progress too! Check out our interview with her to see what’s coming up!

Hi Jacquelyn and welcome to the virtual HQ of BNW! Im sorry for the mess *shuffles tour packets and Arcs out of the way*

So my first question starts at the beginning with Goodbye Caution. It’s an unusual book, very fast paced, and it touches on some risqué subjects. Where did the idea for Goodbye Caution come from?

When I think back to the very beginning stages of Goodbye Caution, I can't help but chuckle. The Elm Creek Quilt novels by Jennifer Chiaverini inspired me, actually. This wonderful series is based around women who've built their friendships from their common love of quilting. Being a scrap booker myself, I could see the potential in building a series around the love of scrapping. So Becca Campbell and her lovely Bed and Breakfast (that host Scrapbooking weekends) were born. However, once she was, she sort of took over the reigns. 

It was not going to be as wholesome as it was set out to be. Becca turned into your everyday, quirky, fun-loving kind of person. I wanted her to be relate-able. Look like most women, have real issues and love the things that other women love. So she's the girl next door with a heart of gold, a great sense of humour, and an effed up past.

Grayson can be demanding, all consuming and overpowering at times, how did you manage to make him so likeable and hot at the same time?

You know, I think having his POV the entire story makes him likeable (to most). I was actually shocked as to how many women are on Team Grayson! He can be a right bastard! But the fact that you get to see his thoughts on things softens him around the edges. You know that he isn't happy with the way he behaves. He has a lot of remorse over his actions and he does try to correct his behaviour a lot. I think if readers didn't see that, there would be a lot more for Team Ray! As far as his hotness is concerned, who doesn't love a confident man? Confidence and sense of humour are a sure fire fit for likeability and hotness!

I think you are right; his acceptance of his mistakes is a very likeable attribute. You've brought us nicely onto Ray........so similar to Gray yet so different. I struggled throughout Goodbye Caution flitting between rooting for Ray, and not. Have you had that response a lot?

Yes I have. Ray is a great character and swoon worthy in his own right. He's not as abrasive as Grayson but you can tell he's a man's man! He's got that rugged charm and great sense of humour. He's calmer than Gray is. 

I, of course, happen to love them both. 

The readers will learn a lot more about Ray in the next two books and I think everyone in general will be on the fence once again!

People cant wait for Book 2, the very title Goodbye Secrets hints that lots of questions will be answered! Can you tell people a little about your writing process? Do you pre-plan your books or did the idea come to you in dribs and drabs?

I think a little bit of both now that I have quite a few under my belt (not all published yet). For The Lost & Found Series, I had the idea that I mentioned and it just took over from there. Most of the time, that's how it is. The different paths my characters lead me down always surprise me. Though I get ideas for books, I just jot the idea down. I'm not one who outlines the story because I never know where the story is actually going to lead me. I do jot down conversations that happen between characters that are not necessarily happening at the part of the book I'm writing. It will usually get weaved in later when it's appropriate. 

Fun Fact, by the way, this series was not only hand written but it was written as one entire book! lol. I typed it all up and said....uhh...no! This is three books, not one. It could've been stretched to 4 or 5 due to the size of the first two, but I didn't want to drag it out for people. 

Hand written? In one huge book? Thats so funny! You must have been engrossed in the story!! 

It’s no secret that the series deals with aggressive characters and spousal abuse and the fact that some of the proceeds are donated to a charity to help abused women and children shows it’s a subject you feel strongly about. Can you tell us a little about why you went in this direction and how you do your research?

Yes! It took up residence in several notebooks that I carried around with me EVERYWHERE! Engrossed is an understatement! I lived, breathed, and slept this story. 

As far as some of the elements in this book regarding abuse, yes it is something that I do feel strongly about. Most of us, I think, can relate to Becca's character whether we have been the subject of one's abuse or have witnessed a loved one go through it. I knew that when I was creating Becca's character that she would have survived an abusive relationship. 

However, being a student of psychology and knowing several different people with various shades of abuse in their background, I wanted to take her character to a different level. What readers need to understand about Becca is that she never gained the strength to walk away (or run) from her abusive husband. She was pulled out of that situation by the powers that be, if you will. So, in return, her psyche is very different than that of a person who did walk away. Though she's kept her distance from other possible relationships, she never really "unlearned" the behaviour patterns of an abused woman. 

That is why we see her fall so easily into an obsequious roll. The great thing about Becca, though, is that she does grow through out the series and we all see this when she questions her own reactions to Grayson's temperament. Then she starts putting her foot down. Like I said before, I was surprised as to how many people fell in love with Grayson, but just like Becca, everyone can see that he really isn't mean spirited. His insecurities tend to get in the way of his judgement. I think people will enjoy learning more about Grayson and the reasons behind his behaviour in book #2. 

And for your final question, it is also important to know that while I have personal knowledge of this sort of behaviour pattern, I've also confirmed it with a Licensed Social Worker (therapist) who has worked with abused women for over thirty years. Though my book is fiction, I would never write about such a sensitive topic without any knowledge or proper research. 

And yes, a portion of my proceeds goes to Emily's Place which is a local shelter, near my town, that is run by YWCA.org. If you would like to donate the YWCA or see how you can help by volunteering, please go to their website to see how you can help! 

Obviously being careful of spoilers can you tell us what type of scene you enjoy writing the most??

I love writing from the male POV. Some authors have a difficult time doing it but I find it very freeing and fun. It's boring to act like a "lady" all of the time. But you asked about what type of scenes. I love writing the heart to heart scenes when you really get to the bottom of things. That's when a character truly shines for me!

If you absolutely had to, would you be team Grayson or Ray? You HAVE to.......

OMG . . . I really can't! You can't make me! I love them both too much!

LOL Ok I won’t make you......

What have you got in store for your readers?

I'm so excited about this year! There are so many things happening that will be leading right into 2015! Right now I am in the middle of finishing off my novella for The Southern Seduction box set that 12 of us Indie Romance Author Chicks are collaborating on. Very excited for that! We will be releasing that on April 14, 2014. 

Roughly around the same time, I will be releasing the last instalment of The Lost & Found Series. However, I think we will hear from Becca again in a prequel as the requests are already coming in. 

In June, I will be introducing my newest series to everyone called The GEG series. These will all be standalones based around 5 best girlfriends (2 being sisters). Each book will focus on one of the friends but still have the others intertwined. As with my other books, I touch upon a subject that causes great grief in the first instalment, but it's not a dark read like Caution and Secrets can be at times. 

So far "Under Contract", which is the first book based on Mitch and Charlotte, has been the most fun to write! It's really got a lot of obnoxiously, in-your-face, laugh-out-loud moments (well, to me! lol). These characters were so funny to write. It was really great to step into a lighter story after The Lost & Found Series. I am currently working on "In the Mix", the 2nd book. 

Other than that, I have been enjoying being a part of an amazing group of indie authors called Indie Romance Author Chicks. We started out as a small sprinting group, cheering each other on. Helping one another to stay positive. It's grown nicely and we continue to keep that positive attitude and try to send those vibes out to others. Speaking of sending things out.... we are formulating a plan to send all or most of us to one fabulous location in 2015 for our first IRAC signing event! We're all very excited about this! Stay tuned!

Oh that will be amazing, any chance it could be my side of the pond?? 

I only wish!!!

Well chatting has been an absolute pleasure. The novella sounds exciting and I can’t wait for Goodbye Uncertainty and the GEG series. 

Claire, I'd like to thank you for all of these wonderful questions. I really enjoyed myself and appreciate you taking the time! Thank You!

Monday, February 24, 2014

Twinsie Talk Presents A Book Promo For Waiting for Rain by Susan Mac Nicol

20624556
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance









The village of Stamford, the quintessential chocolate box English scene, seemed an impossible dream for foster kid Toby Prentiss.

 Now he’s found a home among the haystacks and village fairs as the General Manager for the Duck and Drake Hotel.

With the fears and demons from his youth hidden away in this bucolic oasis, he’s very protective of who he lets in.

 Until he stumbles across shirtless carpenter Rain Engel building the hotel’s new custom-designed bar.

Working in the countryside, Rain prepared to face his biggest fear: sheep.

 He didn’t expect to deal with his second biggest fear: commitment.

 Toby’s controlled, tough guy façade coupled with his “find happiness where you can” optimism calls to Rain like nothing before.

While Rain may be an exhibitionist, his romantic history forces him to hold his emotions close.

As their relationship develops, secrets from their pasts drive a wedge between them: the ex-boyfriend who tore apart Rain’s trust and Toby's history with the law.

 But can the secrets hiding among the quirky villagers bring them together?

 With missing sheep, pole dancing at the winter festival, and a crippling drought, everyone is waiting for Rain. 






Susan Mac Nicol was born in Leeds, UK, and left for South Africa when she was eight. She returned to the UK thirty years later and now lives in Essex.

Her debut novel Cassandra by Starlight, the first in a trilogy, was published earlier this year by Boroughs Publishing Group in the US. Sue’s latest story, Saving Alexander is her second m/m romance.

 Sue has written since she was very young, and never thought she would see herself being a Romance writer, being a horror/psychological thriller reader all her life. But the Romance genre is now something very close to her heart and she intends continuing the trend.

 Sue is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Romantic Novelists Association here in the UK.

 To learn more, visit Susan on her website and blog on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Pinterest

Susan Mac Nicol is also author of The Magick of Christmas, Confounding Cupid, Cassandra by Starlight , Together in Starlight and the best-selling Stripped Bare.

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