Saturday, 12 October 2013

Blog Tour: Sand and Clay ~ Sarah Robinson: Review

Sand & Clay (Her Stolen Rock Star)


~

Blurb

Young New York socialite Caroline falls for a rock star bad boy Logan Clay, he's bad for her and she's bad for him (he has a fiancée after all). Against all reason and sanity, they know they belong together, but how can they make it work when time and fate seem to be completely against them? She was ready for love when he wasn't, but she moves on only to find that real love can't be replaced. Happy endings might not be for everyone...

~

Ramblings...

I must admit I got a bit of a mixed feeling after reading this book. After reading the blurb I was eager to pick up the book, especially its a rockstar romance...we all love a rockstars! However, I did not get that bad boy- rockstar feel from Logan Clay. 

Caroline met Logan unexpectedly, without knowing who he really was. The famous rockstar was shock to the world that this beautiful women in front, did not know who he was. Refreshing and new. After meeting that first time, sparks was flying and they couldn't keep each off their out of there minds. 

As the read further into the story you are eager to find out how they process so you keep reading on and on but as you get to know the character more, Logan was disappointing. He wasn't the usual bad boy, well not much bad at all more sweet and tend with a hidden talent, which you would have to read to find out. There was times i got really frustrated with him and kept thinking, man up and just do it, you're just letting it all slip out of your fingers. I didn't feel no really fight for their love. 

The chemistry was sweet but not electrify between them, everything is sudden like love at first sight but the build up between them, i didn't really feel the vibe even when they had things in common but it was not developed enough. The story seem to move on really quick and you don't really feel it, you just read on, lacking bit of passion and emotion. 



~

Author Interview: Sarah Robinson 

Where are you from?
-I was born in the Washington, DC area but moved around a lot including some time in Southern Virginia and New Jersey.

Tell us your latest news?
-I am recently engaged and working on planning a wedding!

When and why did you begin writing?
-I have been writing poetry since high school and slowly branched into short stories which were sold through a publisher. That publisher then suggested that I write a book so I decided to give it a shot! Sand & Clay is my first book and I am currently working on a second.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
-When I got my first royalties check!

What inspired you to write your first book?
-It was never something I had really considered because it seemed like such a large task until a publisher told me it would be a good idea to give it a try. I am a hopeless romantic and the story came easily to me, although I did get stuck at a few points. I used my own experiences and emotions with love and put those into the characters in my book, Sand & Clay.

Do you have a specific writing style?
-I think I have mainly been a poet for so long, published quite a few times doing that as well. So, adjusting to thinking of myself as an author now is taking some getting used to so I don’t think I have a style yet. Maybe after a few books, some sort of theme will appear.

How did you come up with the title?
-Part of it was based off of the names of the characters, Logan Clay and Caroline Sanders. However, it was also meant to be symbolic of two elements that are so different and divided but still find a way to live in harmony.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
-The only message is that love isn’t simple and that love is pain. If your heart doesn’t ache when you are apart from your significant other, than you haven’t experienced true love. The pain of true love is somehow also the greatest pleasure of all.

How much of the book is realistic?
-The book is entirely made up but there are characteristics taken from people I know or situations I have seen or experienced. Writers pull inspiration from all kinds of strange places!

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
-While I would love to say that I had a love affair with a rock star, I think we can all guess that that probably isn’t true. Instead, I fell in love with a police officer- because who can resist a man in uniform?

What books have most influenced your life most?
-The Notebook. Yes, that might sound cliché but I cry every time I read the book or watch the movie. My favorite book as a child was called The Cay, which very few people have ever heard of but is the first book that ever emotionally moved me.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
-To be honest, I would choose the writers I have worked with, mainly professors. In high school, Mr. Frank Wagenblast was a great writing inspiration and then in college both Dr. Holly Karapetkova and Kathleen McCauley helped hone my writing skills.

What book are you reading now?
-None! Isn’t that awful? Life is so busy wedding planning that I have only had time to read wedding magazines! This needs to change soon, any good book recommendations?

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
-Gillian Flynn. I definitely want to read all of her books.

What are your current projects?
-I am currently working on a book that combines several different genres including romance, drama, mystery, crime, and psychological healing. I think it will be a book that is much more relatable to people, women especially, and hopefully helpful to those who need it.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
-I don’t think there was ever an entity supporting me. Most of my family didn’t even know I wrote until the book came out, I am a private person mostly. My writing has been very self driven.

Do you see writing as a career?
-I don’t know if I would ever be able to support myself 100% on it which is why I have a full time job now but that would be a dream come true if I could.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
-Sometimes I think that I should have added this or that, but when I look back at it, I know that it was the best of what I had in me at the time and it is a great story. It has lines that still send chills down my spine even though I am the one who wrote them!

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
-Since I was a child, it was always a way I used to express myself. It’s been something I have done ever since whether it was journaling, writing poetry, or writing stories.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
-I wish but I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise!! All I can say is it is a love triangle and a coming of age story where a young woman is forced to see the world in an entirely new way and figure out her path from there.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
-Every once in awhile, you will hit a writer’s block period that you just seem to be stuck and don’t know what to say. When that happens, I just put it away for awhile, sometimes even weeks, until inspiration hits me again.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
-Honestly, I think I have too many favorites to pick just one. I love memoirs and biographies and stories that grip your heart. I love books that make me forget where I am and bring me into the story. I can only hope that my novel does the same for my readers.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
-No, maybe one day when I make it big (if I ever do!).

Who designed the covers?
-Mayhem Cover Creations, they did a wonderful job! Their website is http://www.mayhemcovercreations.com/

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
-Letting go of it at the end! Finally saying okay, it is ready for the entire world to see and judge. Especially with your first book, that was absolutely terrifying but I think it has turned out pretty well.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
-That writing a novel isn’t easy! 200+ pages is a LOT of words and a LOT of time. You really have to create complex characters and true situations in order to be able to do it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
-Just keep writing and trying to get published and stay true to what you want and what you love. I never deviated from my personality or myself in this book and kept true to my style.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
-Your support of my first book has been so inspiring and encouraging! It makes me so excited to be able to write more and bring more stories and characters to you! I really hope you will return and purchase my next books as well!

Friday, 11 October 2013

Review: Three of Hearts by W. Ferraro


Mae Turney is searching for the type of life and happiness she has never known but has only dreamed about. She's fortunate enough to find a great opportunity to live in an exterior apartment of a beautiful lake house in a small town in Vermont. When she realizes the apartment and scenery are not the only gorgeous appeal but the home owner, Seth Finn, is as well, she puts it all on the line for the chance at love. When she becomes comfortable and confident in her own skin and sexuality, Mae realizes that this place and this man is exactly what she came looking for. Knowing Seth and his three children are as special as they come, Mae bets the house, and prays she and her gamble are enough

We received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a sweet story. Three of Hearts is first in the Hamden Series. We meet two REAL characters who fall in love in the most natural way.

This isn’t just a love story between Mae and Seth. It’s also about the love that grows between Mae and Seth’s children, as she accepts them in as her own. Seth has a sad past and as a result, has closed himself off to the idea of true love. Then along stumbles Mae, our real woman who has a heart big enough for the world. She is perhaps a little too sweet.

There is one point when I just wanted her to stand up for herself and give Seth a piece of her mind rather than run and hide. However, mostly, their relationship is plain sailing. It’s nice as a light, easy read with just a drizzle of drama but REAL drama. The kind of misunderstandings that you would expect t happen upon in reality. That in turn, gives you a connection to the story.

There are a few steamy scenes but they certainly don’t take over the story. It really is just a sweet love story. Their romance does move along quickly but also naturally. I would have liked to have seen them just enjoying each other’s company a little more whilst getting to know each other.


I would recommend as a light read.


Tuesday, 8 October 2013

Blog Tour ~ Sand and Clay by Sarah Robinson


Young New York socialite Caroline falls for a rock star bad boy Logan Clay, he's bad for her and she's bad for him (he has a fiancée after all). Against all reason and sanity, they know they belong together, but how can they make it work when time and fate seem to be completely against them? She was ready for love when he wasn't, but she moves on only to find that real love can't be replaced. Happy endings might not be for everyone...


Who is she?” Gina asked again, her hands folded over her chest. Logan sighed and went back to painting.
“Haven’t we gone through this before, Gina?” he said to her.
“She isn’t just an inspiration to you. I can see it on your face while you paint her.” Gina said to him, sadness in her voice.
“Gina. It’s just a painting.” He said slowly, still concentrating.

About Sarah Robinson


Sarah Robinson is a native of the Washington, DC area and has both her Bachelors and Masters Degree in psychology while working as a mental health therapist with poor and homeless populations with severe mental illnesses.

Writing has been her hobby since high school and she has been published several times from poetry to short stories. Her blog features her latest poetic accomplishments at http://www.smallvoiceslargehearts.com/

Her writing often concentrates on the complexity of love and emotions and the struggles of finding your destined path through life. Much of her inspirations come from the intense and beautiful love she shares with her future husband and the emotions around falling head over heels in love with your soulmate. This is her first full length novel and will definitely be followed up by more, so stay tuned for more new releases!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, 7 October 2013

Blog Tour ~ Wicked Wind by Sharon Kay


SHE GREW UP THINKING SHE WAS HUMAN

Born with the ability to command the wind, Nicole Bonham spends her life hiding her gift. Deciding to take control of her power, she dispenses her own brand of vigilante justice in Chicago’s worst neighborhoods. Stealth and surprise are always on her side. 

UNTIL A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH A WARRIOR DEMON

Lash demon Gunnar prowls Earth and several supernatural realms to help maintain peace among the immortal species. His chance encounter with Nicole creates a hurricane of sparks between them, and he can’t let her out of his sight until he discovers her true identity. In his two hundred years, he has never seen a creature like her.

PLUNGES THEM BOTH INTO A FIGHT FOR HER LIFE

Nicole and Gunnar race to discover who - or what - is stabbing the city's most destitute residents and stealing their blood. The fire that forged their bond explodes into white-hot passion, weaving their souls together on an unexpected level. Haunted by the past, Gunnar's fiercely protective instincts battle with her need to defeat the creatures she was born to fight. As they track the mastermind behind the attacks, will Nicole’s unique talent unwittingly send her straight into his lair?


Check out our review here

EXCERPT


Everything faded from the room as his blue eyes locked with hers. Sapphire embers flamed. One bedroom. They would share a room tonight, or one of them would sleep on the couch. After last night, she knew what she wanted.
“I'll take the couch.” His voice rasped like sandpaper.
She shook her head, rising to walk toward the large armchair he sat in, not breaking contact with the turquoise glow of his eyes. Awareness coursed through her body as she remembered his muscles rippling and flexing when he fought off the Vipers, and the way his fingers stroked her into a frenzy of need the previous night.  She padded slowly over to him in her bare feet.
“No, you won't. Not after the way you teased me last night.” She wasn’t usually this bold, but Gunnar affected her senses like no man ever had. Leaning forward, she braced her hands on the arms of the chair. “You’re spending this evening right next to me.”
He stared at her, frozen. She thought he forgot to breathe. Did he need more convincing? “You're not kissing me senseless and then walking away, not this time–”
Her breath caught as he tugged her arms, tipping her off balance and tumbling her into his lap. He pushed her legs to either side of his so she straddled him. Gently, he cupped her face in his hands. “Hell no, I’m not going anywhere. But so much has happened in the last few days. I want you to be sure.”
In response, she took one of his hands in hers and slowly brought it to her mouth. She pressed a kiss to the center of his palm, and then kissed her way down the length of one finger before drawing it between her lips. Blue fire flared in his eyes as he held her gaze. He had to hear the pounding of her heart as it crashed wildly in her chest. She had invited a demon to her bed, and every cell in her body was on edge with curiosity and aching need.
She swirled her tongue around his finger and scraped gently with her teeth. He inhaled sharply as she began to suck, his eyes riveted to her mouth. With his free hand on her lower back, he scooted her forward on his lap until her core came into contact with the impressive bulge in his jeans. Humming in pleasure as her hips cradled his, she was unable to keep from rocking against him.
That was all it took. He pulled his hand from her mouth and threaded it into her hair. His lips covered hers with a rough groan. Demanding and possessive, he held her in place, claiming her with his kiss.

Her fingertips caressed the sides of his neck, tracing the line of his massive shoulders, and moved down to explore his broad chest. His pectoral muscles were hard sinew under her curious fingers, his abs steel bands of strength. Gently hooking her fingers into his waistband, she felt his lower body clench as he growled and moved both of his hands to her hips.

Don’t just take our word for it . . .

This book rocked! It had it all! Humor, sex, HAWTNESS, a hero, and most of all, a 
heroine! This isn't your typical female - Help I need to be rescued! scenarios. 
—Amanda Hervey, Xscape From Reality With a Book

I absolutely fell in love with this book. This book was HOT!!!! 
— Shasta Mosley, Swoon Worthy Reviews

It's the moment when tough girl Nicole meets her match in demon warrior Gunnar, and 
the pages practically ignite with sexual tension. 
—JB Salsbury, Amazon best selling author of “Fighting For Flight”



Five Fun Facts About Sharon 

1.  
I studied apparel design in college and made my own wedding dress

2.   My favorite music growing up was new-wave /alternative 80’s, like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and New Order. I still love them!

3.   In high school I dyed my hair black using one of those “temporary” formulas…as it washed out it turned my hair statue-green!  For six weeks!


4.   One of my all-time favorite TV shows was “Alias.” The character played by Jennifer Garner was a huge inspiration for Nicole and Brooke’s kick-assery!


5.   I love to work out, and I love sugary chewy candy like gummy bears and licorice.  So I need to keep working out, so I can keep my vice!

Mega giveaway! 5 ebooks up for grabs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, 4 October 2013

Must Reads!

“Don't play, Gia," he growled. "Suck me or fuck me. Make me come.” 


“That kiss...that kiss was exceptional, and I'll never forget it. As I stand here and as long as I live, it was the best I've ever had, the best I could ever have.” 


"Fine, pencil me in. I'll be ready and erect whenever you need me.” 


Ruin
“For the first time in a year, I wanted to live -- because I wanted to spend every freaking day watching her open her eyes to the world. Hell, I wanted to be the first thing she saw. Sometimes, reality's a bitch.” 
― Rachel Van DykenRuin

“You want to play games, my sweet little Cherry Tart? We’ll play games. How bad do you want it?”





Thursday, 3 October 2013

Blitz - Cherry Tart by Scarlett Jade


Cherry Kilgore is a plus sized beauty who moonlights at a strip club and goes by the name Tart. She dances to have control over her body and chase away her demons, hiding behind a mask, the only thing that makes her feel free. She loves 'em and leaves 'em, never letting a man get too close. Until she meets a man one night that strips her bare with his electric green eyes.

Kellan Morgan is a playboy with a good heart, who loves a woman with real curves.

When he figures out that the woman hiding under her mask is worth revealing, he decides to play her game... A game that is full of pleasure, pain, going the distance and finally getting the ultimate prize...

Realizing that love can truly be found in the darkest of places

Av: 5 Star Rating



Buy NOW!

Tour Coming Soon . . .

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Blog Tour ~ Open Your Eyes by Jani Kay ~ Promo & Giveaway

Shattered and disillusioned after separating from her domineering husband, all 

Natalie wants, is a peaceful Christmas vacation in New York City, with her 21 

year old daughter, Olivia. Uncomplicated. No pressure. Fun.

What she didn’t expect, was meeting a dangerously handsome stranger in an 

art gallery. He is charming, sexy as hell, and does funny things to her insides. 

Her frozen heart slowly melts as he seduces her, awakening her deepest 

desires, showing her that the kind of love she craves is very possible. She wants 

him as much as he wants her.

Battling his demons from the past, famous photographer Nicholas Gallagher 

has successfully evaded serious relationships, earning him the title of the 

world’s most eligible bachelor. But from the moment he lays eyes on Natalie, 

she stirs something in him. Compelled to chase the sadness from her vivid blue 

eyes, Nick is captivated by the spirited Australian beauty.

Hot romance. 

Steamy sex. 

Absolute perfection. 

Until Natalie gets a call from home – one she can’t ignore. In a fateful moment 

the game changes and throws her life into chaos. Gabriel, her jealous ex, wants 

her back. Two powerful men want her. She is forced to make a choice that will 

tear her apart. 

Will Natalie make the right choice? Will she finally find her soul mate, the one 

person who can look into her eyes and see deep into her soul, everything she is 

and everything she desires… will she finally open her eyes?



…from Chapter 7

Nick must have sensed that I was awake. He slowly opened his eyes, confused for a few seconds 

before remembering where he was. He caught me in the act of staring at him, drawing in a short 

sharp breath when he looked down at me, straight into my eyes. A wicked grin spread over his face 

as he turned onto his side and hauled me even closer, encaging me with both his arms.

 “What a lovely way to wake up,” he whispered as he planted a kiss in my hair. His big hand 

rubbed up my back leisurely, as if he was savoring the moment, his palm applying just the right 

amount of pressure to my spine to make me want to purr. In spite of trying to suppress it, a small 

moan escaped my lips as he reached my neck and gently traced up it with his fingers, till his hand 

disappeared into my hair. Very gently, he massaged the base of my scalp till I dug my forehead into 

his chest, the simple touch sending ripples of pleasure through my already aroused body. 

Good God! I barely knew the man, but his touch alone could ignite a fire in my belly of a magnitude 

I had never experienced before. If he could get this kind of toe-curling reaction from me by merely 

massaging my neck, what would making love with him do to me? 

He gently tugged a fist full of my hair, raising my face up to his. I had closed my eyes, not wanting 

him to see the desire burning deep within me. My heart pounded in my chest as I tried desperately 

to keep my breathing even.

“Open your eyes. Look at me,” he whispered. I obeyed, even though it would expose my deepest 

feelings, slowly meeting his intense gaze. I gasped at the yearning in his eyes. My eyes melted into 

his as he searched my soul, seeing deeper than anyone ever had.

“Natalie,” he groaned softly as his head dipped and his lips covered mine. The kiss was gentle at first, 

a meeting of mouths and tasting one another. “So sweet,” he murmured against my mouth, then let 

his tongue slide along my lips, till I parted my mouth to let him slip in. He tasted of cheesecake and 

sleep…and passion and fire. His silky tongue glided along mine, a mingling of breaths and raw desire.

His hand moved down my back to cup my bottom and pull me against his body, closing the gap 

between us. So far I had carefully avoided touching in intimate places, much like a virgin in denial of 

the awakening of her body.

His arousal pushed into my belly, and I let out a gasp that he swallowed quickly with his mouth. My 

pulse quickened at the feel of his hard length throbbing against me, only the fabric of our clothing 

between us. The warm liquid pooling between my legs begged for more of him, but I lay there, 

unable to move, stunned that this man so obviously wanted me. I was getting more and more out of 

my depth with every passing moment. I wanted him, yet I wasn’t sure how to respond.

I’d never been a one-night stand type of girl. And I definitely didn’t do sex on a first date. Hell, this 

wasn’t even supposed to be a date. And he was virtually a stranger. Yet the want – the longing – in 

my belly overwhelmed my senses. I wanted to rub up against his erection; I wanted to kiss him till I 

was breathless. But I just lay there, dumbstruck. 

“Natalie?”

I screwed my eyes shut.

 “I want you, Natalie. God, how I want you…” He thrust his pelvis against my stomach, grinding his 

steel hard length into me to affirm his words. “But I would never take you now. Not like this.”

His words had a strange effect on me – calming and evoking feelings of deep trust.

“I sense your fear, my little one, why are you so afraid?” His husky voice soothed me over. How 

could I tell him? Words weren’t enough.

“Open your eyes so I can see what you’re feeling. It's OK, I won’t hurt you.” Concern laced his voice. 

His hand cupped my chin, his thumb gently caressing my lips. I could drown in his touch alone.

My lids were heavy. Heavy with desire and pain and fear. 

“Open, Natalie,” he coaxed so gently I couldn’t refuse.

I forced my eyes to open, my lids lifting slowly, trying to force my gaze to be neutral. But the 

moment I looked into his – soft and gentle – all the emotions came rushing back. This man could 

look deep into my soul without me uttering a word. 

A sigh of relief escaped his lips. “You want me too…” he breathed as a wicked, wicked grin spread 

over his lips. 

He must have read the confusion in my eyes. “For a moment there I thought you didn’t want me, 

little one. But your eyes tell me everything I need to know.”

The pressure from his thumb increased on my lips, and as a small gasp escaped, he pushed his 

thumb into my mouth. I sucked his thumb hungrily, my groin throbbing with want. 

“Ahh, God,” he groaned. “What you do to me…” He took my hand in his and slipped it between us, 

resting my palm on his erection, which had grown even harder and longer as I touched it. “I want 

you.” I stroked his length lovingly, my thumb rubbing over the tip roughly, sucking his thumb harder 

and harder. 

He pulled his thumb from my mouth and instantly replaced it with a warm wet kiss, his tongue wild, 

stroking, teasing, hot and wet.

His hands slipped under my top, finding my breasts like missiles, pushing my bra cups up. “You 

feel so good,” he moaned softly, “a perfect handful,” as his thumbs rolled and pinched my aching 

nipples. His words turned me on even more, the heat between my legs rising, my panties wet with 

want.

I slung my leg over his, pressing my body as close to his as I could get it, rubbing my mound against 

his throbbing erection, desperate for the friction, pushing him closer with my leg on his ass. It was 

driving me wild, in spite of the barrier of clothing between us.

Some Amazon Reviews

Holy Crap!! ~ 5 Stars ~ K. Greer

“What a book! Let me just say the epilogue blew me away!!!!! Blows my mind!

Sit Down, Strap In And Hold On Tight - Truly An Emotional Ride! ~ 5 Stars ~Lacstines

Amazing, hard to put down story. This was an excellent read which had you on an emotional 

rollercoaster. The epilogue truly did me in. A love story if I ever read one.

Heartbreaking Love Story. ~ 5 Stars ~ M. Gerena

“Open your Eyes was an amazing good read from the beginning to the end! I was so emotionally 


and mentally invested in the storyline that I experienced sleep deprivation.”

Jani Kay – ‘Open Your Eyes’


Jani has been married for a long time to a special man, and her two children and their partners are 

the sunshine in her life. She is a voracious reader and would spend her last dollar on a book - always 

fascinated that for the mere price of a book, she can escape her world for a while and see through 

someone else's eyes.

Besides reading, her favorite 'thing' is traveling - she has traveled the world, learning about the ways 

people live and has come to the realization that no matter where we live, we all ultimately want the 

same things. Her hobby - Scrapbooking - keeps her up till way after midnight and her usual subjects 

are her family and her travels.

Ever since she can remember, Jani wanted to write stories about people, about their lives and loves. 

Relationships and Happiness - arguably the most difficult things to master in life and yet exactly what 


everyone ultimately desires (in her humble opinion).






a Rafflecopter giveaway