Home    About Me    Reviews    My Policy    Contact    Faves    Book Swap    Archive    2012 Reads

Monday 29 April 2013

Cover Reveal: Foreplay - Sophie Jordan

Image Map


:- FOREPLAY -:
Sophie Jordan
 
Title: Foreplay (The Ivy Chronicles #1)
 
Before she goes after the life she’s always wanted, she’s about to find the one she needs.
 
Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.
Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…
 
October 29th, 2013 from William Morrow
 
 
 
Don't you just love this cover?? You all know how much I'm obsessed with New Adult right now and this sounds just like my kinda book! Can't wait for it! :)
 
What do you think of this cover?
 
 
 

Sunday 21 April 2013

Review: Down London Road - Samantha Young

Down London Road (On Dublin Street, #2)Title: Down London Road (On Dublin Street #2)
Author: Samantha Young
Release Date: May 7th 2013
Publisher:  Penguin/NAL
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 384
Source: For review

Johanna Walker is used to taking charge. But she’s about to meet someone who will make her lose control....

It has always been up to Johanna to care for her family, particularly her younger brother, Cole. With an absent father and a useless mother, she’s been making decisions based on what’s best for Cole for as long as she can remember. She even determines what men to date by how much they can provide for her brother and her, not on whatever sparks may—or may not—fly.

But with Cameron MacCabe, the attraction is undeniable. The sexy new bartender at work gives her butterflies every time she looks at him. And for once, Jo is tempted to put her needs first. Cam is just as obsessed with getting to know Jo, but her walls are too solid to let him get close enough to even try.

Then Cam moves into the flat below Jo’s, and their blistering connection becomes impossible to ignore. Especially since Cam is determined to uncover all of Jo’s secrets …even if it means taking apart her defenses piece by piece.


The first book of this series, On Dublin Street, was by far my most favourite adult book EVER. I just absolutely fell in love with that book, and when I found out that there would be a sequel with different main characters, I stalked basically the author and early reviews for Down London Road. Early reviewers said one thing in common: Down London Road was even better than On Dublin Street. And you know what? They are 100% right.

Before we get on to our new main characters Johanna and Cameron, I would just like to say that the author was soooo awesome to give us a lot of Joss and Braden time even though they are not the main focus here anymore. Every time we get to see the old gang again - Joss, Braden, Ellie, Adam - I just couldn't help smiling. (And we do see them a lot since they're Johanna's close friends) :)

Okay, I admit when we first met Johanna from On Dublin Street, I really didn't like her. Like a lot of people, we all thought she was a cheap gold digger who'd do anything for money. So obviously I was a bit reluctant when I found out she's going to be the main character in this book but in the end, Jo just surprised me. We find out why she does what she does, and in my opinion, it justifies everything. Her life is really not easy and for such a young person, she carries a great deal of responsibility. But you know what I really admire about her? She doesn't give up. She loves her little brother Cole so much that it just breaks my heart; she would do anything for him. I hated their mother and if she was my mum, I would have kicked her out myself. Grrrr. But yeah, Jo is one of the bravest, compassionate and most realistic character I've ever read about. She totally won me over by the end. I actually think I love her so much than Joss (and that's saying a lot!)

EEEEEP. Now onto the love interest and the love of my life - Cameron McCabe. Cam is such a sweetheart. And yes, he did annoy me at first when he was so judgemental and such an asshole to Jo at first, but as they learn more about each other and hang out, he just blew my mind. Such a swoon-worthy character that I loved even more than Braden. Yes. That's how much I loved Cam. Like Jo, I think he's one of the most realistic male characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

The pace of their relationship was slow and right for this story. There was no insta-love! That's what I love about this series - both On Dublin Street and Down London Road features a love story that is so relatable that you wouldn't be surprised if there's one just like it in real life. Cam and Jo's relationship was healthy, and yes they had fights but whose relationship doesn't have ups and downs? I just loved their whole relationship and oh boy do they have chemistry!!!! The love scenes were even hotter in this book! Samantha Young can sure write an awesome (and not to mention hot) love scene. *Fans self*

Like in On Dublin Street, Samantha Young manages to make me fall in love with the old and new characters. We get to meet a lot of new characters in this one - and I adored each and everyone of them. Cole, her little brother was so protective and sweet! Olivia, Mick, Nate, Peetie, and even Ellie's younger sister was brilliant. And obviously, there are some characters that I hated. Jo and Cole's mum and her messed up dad, Blair, Malcolm and Becca.

The plot was even more intense and dark in this than I would have thought. There's a lot of stuff happening and I never found myself bored or wanting to stop. So yeah, I stayed up way later than I should have Thursday night and I read it in one sitting. Obviously, the epilogue was my favourite part. ;)  This follow up to On Dublin Street was just so stunning and I wouldn't change a thing about it. I heard that there would be a third book in this series, so I can't wait to find out who will be in it. I do have a few guesses but since Samantha's not telling us until later, then I guess I'll just go re-read Down London Road. It's definitely going in my Favourite Books shelf. :D


Friday 19 April 2013

Review: Dare You To - Katie McGarry

Dare You To (Pushing the Limits, #2)Title: Dare You To (Pushing The Limits #2)
Author: Katie McGarry
Release Date: May 28th 2013
Publisher:  Harlequin Teen
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 462
Source: For review

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....

"I dare you..."


If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....


GUYS. I can't even begin to tell you how much I LOVED this book! This stunning follow up from Pushing The Limits was even better and dare I say it, I loved Ryan way more than I loved Noah from PtL!

As always, Katie McGarry has a way of making us readers fall in love with each and everyone of her character. In the first book we got introduced to Beth but I admit I wasn't too fond of her then. But with her own book, she got her chance to tell her story and boy, I actually fucking adore her! There's so much more to Beth than you'd think, she's selfless, brave and smart. She'd do anything for the people she love even though they don't even deserve it. And when she acts a certain way, I totally get her. Now, Ryan, wow! I have found a new book boyfriend and that is Ryan Stone. He's soooo swooony!!! Like with Beth, you'd think they are these stereotypical characters but they're really not. There's so much more to Ryan and he's actually such a sweetheart.

THERE'S NO INSTA-LOVE. Actually, there's quite a bit of insta-hate. HURRAH! I want to applaud the author as she has written a love story that is so realistic and HEALTHY. Guys, this relationship is healthy. We need more of this!

Did I ever tell you how much I love reading about love stories that first started as a bet/game/dare? 'Cause I do. And even though we've seen this type of plot before, the author somehow manages to write it refreshing, unique and without being cheesy.

We get to see a lot of the main characters from Pushing The Limits in this book and that was pretty fun too. To see how they're getting on and such. I have to admit, I was such Team Beth and Isaiah back in Pushing The Limits, but reading Dare You To and reading about Ryan, it's perfectly CLEAR that Ryan and Beth belongs together. Now, can I just say how much I am dying for Isaiah's book, Crash Into You? This guy deserves a happy ending, y'all.

What else can I say about this book? The writing was fabulous and while the pacing was at times  a little slow for me, it was undeniably perfect for the book. I honestly can't find a fault in this and I loved DARE YOU TO a million times more than PUSHING THE LIMITS.


Wednesday 17 April 2013

Blog Tour: Broken At Love - Lyla Payne (Guest Post and Giveaway!)



AUTHOR GUEST POST AND GIVEAWAY


ABOUT THE BOOK! - Broken At Love (Whitman University #1)
Broken at Love (Whitman University, #1)
When a knee injury ends twenty-year-old Quinn Rowland’s pro tennis career, he’s not only dumped by his hot Russian girlfriend but ordered to attend college by his disinterested billionaire father. A rich kid who’s not used to being disappointed by life, Quinn and his sociopathic half-brother Sebastian create a frat house game intended to treat girls how they see them—as simple game pieces to be manipulated for their pleasure.

College sophomore Emilie Swanson knows Quinn’s reputation—after all, he did send one of her sorority sisters into therapy earlier in the semester—but the game and his charm bring them closer together and soon she starts to believe there’s more to Quinn than people think.

But what if the more is something darker than a game of toying with emotions and breaking hearts?

Quinn and Emilie might be falling for each other, but there are secrets he’s not ready to tell—and lifestyle changes he’s reluctant to make. She willingly stepped on the court, but if Emilie finds out she started out as nothing as a pawn in Quinn and Sebastian’s twisted game, she might never forgive him.

To his surprise, Quinn finds that he might finally care about someone more than he cares about himself…even if that means letting Emilie walk away for good.



:- AUTHOR GUEST POST -:


 


Every author has a different process for beginning a new project, and often times, each book starts out in a new and fascinating way. Sometimes, a story arrives as the germ of a plot. Other times, it’s a quote or a trope that suddenly appears in a new and interesting light. For me, it is generally the characters that arrive first, and Broken at Love was no different.
 
Quinn popped into my mind first, and is the result of my obsession with not only bad boys, but the idea that no character (in the hands of a skilled enough writer) is truly past redemption. Those characters that some might consider wholly bad or too evil to like have always ranked among my favorites—the ones you root for even when you shouldn’t, whose typically treacherous pasts have turned them into people even they don’t really want to be—and I jumped at the chance to spend time with my own.
 
Some of my recent favorites include:
Jamie Lannister (Game of Thrones) – I mean, seriously. George R.R. Martin is redeeming a guy who, in the opening pages of Book 1, slept with his twin sister and then tossed an eight-year-old boy out a window with every intention of killing him. In that moment, I would have laughed and laughed at anyone who suggested I would one day like him. I’m currently reading the 4th book in the series, and Jamie is one of my favorite characters. That’s talent, folks.
 
Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl) – No one got in Chuck Bass’ way more than Chuck Bass, not even his dastardly father. Even though he almost raped a girl in the opening season, and committed a litany of transgressions (including cheating, lying, serious loss of temper, and selling her for a hotel) against Blair, the love of his life, there was literally nothing that thousands of fans and viewers wanted more than to see the two of them get their happily ever after. Chuck and Blair are two of the most fascinating character studies (to me) on television.
 
Damon Salvatore (The Vampire Diaries) – He’s killed more than one very nice character, been a total d-bag to his brother, Elena, and several people Elena loves, and yet there is a strong contingent of fans who kept rooting for them to be a couple, even when Stefan is (was) clearly the better choice for a boyfriend. Part of it is that we all prefer the bad boy to the good one (at least in fiction), but underneath that, the seed of fierce love hiding inside Damon’s self-loathing had us all pulling for him from Season 1.
 
Some of my real life inspiration includes tennis players Andy Roddick and Bernie Tomic, as well.
I wanted Quinn to contain elements of all of these guys, but also to be his own, unique person. The core of Quinn is a secret that most wouldn’t guess—and it’s that no one hates Quinn Rowland more than Quinn Rowland. He doesn’t feel worthy of love, or affection, or forgiveness, because he’s never been shown those things, and also because he’s ashamed of his behavior since leaving the tennis tour. His emotional issues are deep-seated and complex, and his is a journey that leads him to a place where he can believe he deserves a woman like Emilie. I wanted her to be a big part of showing him that people can be trusted, but also for Quinn to find a way to believe in himself.
 
I’ve said this before, but if I didn’t succeed in redeeming Quinn, it’s not because his character is past redemption—no character is too far gone—it’s because I failed him as a writer. But I hope I didn’t!
As far as Emilie, people often assume that main characters are at least partially crafted from an author’s own personality or experiences, but not Emilie Swanson. She is pretty much the opposite of the girl I was in college, but she is everything I wish I could have been back then. She started out as perhaps Blair Waldorf inspired (though she doesn’t have nearly Blair’s penchant for scheming), but quickly evolved into the kind of strong, confident, determined girl that we should all feel like it’s okay to be.
 
Too many girls aren’t confident in their choices—be they a career, their feelings for a boy, or their sexuality—and I like that Emilie challenges the assumptions that knowing what she wants and going after it is a character trait that should bring her shame.
 
I’ve gotten mixed reactions to the character, one reviewer disgusted with her for being weak and constantly taking Quinn’s crap, and the next impressed by her determination and confidence. Everyone is welcome to their opinion, obviously, but as the author, Emilie never appeared weak in my head. She never went back to Quinn because she couldn’t live without him or her life would be ruined if he continued down his path of se;f-destruction—Emilie never put aside her own life or goals in order to pursue a relationship with Quinn. She’s simply a girl who wants a life with no regrets, so she couldn’t justify quitting when it came to a boy who might be the love of her life.
 
Too many people leave words unsaid, love unexpressed, kisses un-kissed because we’re afraid of looking stupid, or desperate, or simply because we’re not sure those feelings are mutual. In my mind, it takes a much stronger girl to put everything on the table while unsure of the outcome instead of walking away to spend the rest of her life wondering what might have happened if she’d had the courage to just try one more time.
 
So, that’s how Emilie and Quinn came to be! Quinn, the result of my desire to see how far I could sink a character and still redeem him, and Emilie, to write a girl who is everything I wish I (and more girls) would have the courage to be.
 
I’d love to hear what you think, and if you agree or not! Chat it up in the comments!
 
Author Bio:
I’ve long had a love of stories. A few years ago decided to put them down on the page, and even though I have a degree in film and television, novels were the creative outlet where I found a home. I’ve published Young Adult under a different name, but when I got the idea for Broken at Love (my first New Adult title), I couldn’t wait to try something new – and I’m hooked. In my spare time I watch a ton of tennis (no surprise, there), play a ton of tennis, and dedicate a good portion of brain power to dreaming up the next fictitious bad boy we’d all love to meet in real life.
Links:
Broken at Loveon Goodreads
Twitter:@lyla_payne
 
:- GIVEAWAY! -:
 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday 14 April 2013

Blog Tour: Second Chance Boyfriend - Monica Murphy (Author Interview and Review)





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AUTHOR INTERVIEW AND REVIEW

ABOUT THE BOOK!
Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable, #2)

Lost. That one single word best describes my life at this very moment. I lost the last games of the season and both my team and my coach blame me. I lost the last two months because I drowned in my own despair like a complete loser. And I lost the only girl who ever mattered because I was afraid being with me would destroy her.

But now I realize how truly lost I am without her. She has become my story…and even though she acts like she’s moved on, I know she still thinks about me just as much as I think about her. She’s beautiful, sweet—and so damn vulnerable, all I want to do is help her. Be there for her.

Love her…

If only I could convince Fable to give me a second chance. Then I wouldn’t feel so lost anymore, and neither would she. We could be found together.

Forever.


:- AUTHOR INTERVIEW -:


1. Which book of yours One Week Girlfriend or Second Chance Boyfriend did you find writing the most fun? And why?


This is a tough question because I loved writing both books! I’m going to say I enjoyed writing Second Chance Boyfriend more. I was already familiar with the characters and I liked being able to go back to them and continue their story. It’s like visiting with old friends. Plus in SCB they’re able to be more free with their feelings and explore a true relationship versus hiding secrets and figuring out what’s real and what’s not.

 

2. How would Drew describe Fable in five words?

 
Beautiful. Strong. Loyal. Fierce. Amazing. Sexy. He’s sorta in love with her. In a big way. J

 

3. How did you come up with Drew and Fable's characters? By the way, I love them both so much!

 

Fable’s been hanging out in my brain for a while (I explain more in question #6). Drew…he came to me after seeing a report on the news about a seventeen year old who had a sexual relationship with his teacher and she got busted for molestation charges. Teenage boys are rarely portrayed as victims in the media. More like they scored with the teacher or whatever. It’s awful.

 

I wanted to write a sensitive, screwed up guy and I was scared to death I wouldn’t have the right balance. That Drew might come across as a wimp. Thankfully, readers have responded to him well and that makes me happy.

 

4. Did you always know the ending of SCB while you're still writing OWG?

 

No, I didn’t. I mean, I had an idea but I wasn’t exactly sure how it would all play out. When I write a book, I like to have a general outline to guide me where to go next but I don’t like plotting out every single detail. Takes the fun out of it for me. So as I’m writing, sometimes I’m as surprised as the reader is with the outcome.

 

5. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started writing? Did you always wanted to write?

 

Well, I’m a mother and a wife and a native Californian. And I always wanted to write. Ever since I was little, I loved to read. And when I first discovered romance books (both YAs and later adult romances), I really knew I wanted to be a writer. Just took me a while to finally start doing it.

 

6. What made you decide to write an NA? I love NA books!

 

I love NA books too! I’ve been told in the past I can have a younger sounding voice—and then been rejected for it. I’ve played around with YAs in the past but always did a terrible job. I even started a book back in 2009 for a certain character named…Fable Maguire. Yes, Fable’s been hanging out in my head for years.

 

I like writing new adult books because they are about a time in our lives that we can all relate to. When you’re young, just starting out and the world is wide open. There’s usually a lot of drama during those years (there was for me) and as a writer that offers a lot to play with plot-wise.

 

7. After this series, what else can we expect from you?

 

I’m currently working on my new series for Avon Impulse. Three billionaire best friends who make a bet that they won’t fall in love and of course…they fall in love. More details are coming soon but I can say the first book will be out in August.

 

This series isn’t necessarily new adult but it’s close. The heroine is younger (24) and the hero is twenty-eight. The books will be told in first person, alternating POVs. A little more romance-y and sexier.

 

8. And finally, can you give us a little hint of what's going to happen in Second Chance Boyfriend?

 

I don’t want to give away too much, but I can promise that Drew + Fable will find their happily ever after together. After all, they totally deserve it, right?

:- MY REVIEW OF SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND -:




Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable, #2)Title: Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable #2)
Author: Monica Murphy
Release Date: April 6th 2013
Genres: NA, Contemp, Romance

---------------------------------------------------------------
Ah guys! I have no words to describe just how MUCH I loved loved loved SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND. You know, I never expected to enjoy ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND as much as I did, but this sequel is just..WOW. It blew all of my expectations!
 
What I loved about this DREW + FABLE series is the characters. Really the characters make the story and they're the ones that make the story unforgettable. Here we have Drew and Fable.I cannot tell you how excited I was when I received this book, I just dived into it and read it in one sitting. I MISSED Drew and Fable so much so you can't blame me. :P
 
After the really heartbreaking end of ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND, I needed to find out how everything between our couple would turn out in the end. I've always rooted for them from the very beginning and just can't stop this stupid grin forming on my face whenever I read about them. Drew is just as swoon-worthy as ever, perhaps more so now than OWG because here, he had a lot of making up to do and that was awesome to read. Drew is such a fascinating (not to mention, HOT!) character and he has soooo much depth and vulnerability that I just want to hug him all the time. Fable, I really liked her too, whereas I wasn't too fond of her in the first book, I really began to adore her and I don't find her annoying now.
 
There's so many aspects of the story that really drew me in this. I loved the plot! The writing was fabulous, the pacing was great and obviously the sexy scenes *fans self* was just perfect. Lol. I loved the sexy, hot scenes especially! That's what you call chemistry, people!!
 
I really can't find any faults in this story. Really, none. I'm really, really satisfied with the ending and how it all came to be. I think the only bad thing is that I read it way too fast and I was sad when I didn't have any more Drew and Fable to read about. :( But anyway, SECOND CHANCE BOYFRIEND was an awesome sequel that lives up to the first book! If like me, you love NA, read this series. It's one of the best. :)
 
 

THE SERIES!

One Week Girlfriend (Drew + Fable, #1)Second Chance Boyfriend (Drew + Fable, #2)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...