Embrace Blog Tour - Sneaking Candy with review & giveaway

Title: Sneaking Candy

Author: Lisa Burstein

Genre: New Adult

Release Date: December 9, 2013

Synopsis

All I ever wanted was to make a name for myself as Candice Salinas, creative writing grad student at the University of Miami. Of course, secretly I already have made a name for myself: as Candy Sloane, self-published erotic romance writer. Though thrilled that my books are selling and I have actual fans, if anyone at UM found out, I could lose my scholarship…and the respect of my faculty advisor, grade-A-asshole Professor Dylan.

Enter James Walker, super-hot local barista and—surprise!—my student. Even though I know a relationship is totally off-limits, I can’t stop myself from sneaking around with James, taking a few cues from my own erotic writing…if you catch my drift. Candy’s showing her stripes for the first time in my real life, and I’ve never had so much fun. But when the sugar high fades, can my secrets stay under wraps?

Buy Links: Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | KOBO

        

Review

*ARC received in return for an honest review

Sneaking Candy is a sweet, coming of age quick read with a bit of heat thrown in and not what I expected. At first I thought it was going to be the classic love triangle where the female MC spends most of the book in angst-ridden and in turmoil over who she should choose but fortunately I was wrong.

I loved the fact that Candice knew pretty much straight away who she wanted to be with (although she still couldn't help feeling drawn to the other player in the story). I have to admit, the way the story was set up, I wasn't too sure who she would go for at first...the gorgeous, sexy barista James who she lusts after and just happens to be her student and off-limits or the enigmatic and hot Professor Anthony Dylan with the steel who she has a near-kiss with on the beach and is, equally, off-limits! I know who I was rooting for though and cheered when it became obvious who she really wanted. 

Candice craves acceptance from her parents, who disowned her when she told them she didn't want to follow them in to medicine and my heart went out to her at one point when she tried to reach out to them.  She also craves acceptance and respect from Professor Dylan, who she is teaching assistant to. At the age of 26, Professor Dylan is a literary genius who looks down his nose at self-published authors who write erotic fiction, the likes of which Candy Sloane, Candice's pen name, writes. I had to keep reminding myself he was only 26 and NOT the forty-odd years he seemed most of the time. Candice realises she must keep that part of her life secret if she is to succeed as a serious creative writer and continue studying at Miami University. She also must try and put all thoughts of having a relationship with either of the two men if she wants to continue with her studies at the university. But it doesn't really work out that way.

I loved the relationship between Candice and her BFF, Amanda. Amanda is lively and funny and doesn't care what others think, unlike Candice who is always worrying how she is perceived by others. She tries to get Candice to let loose Candy, her much more flirtier and daring alter ego. 

There is a bit of a dramatic turn towards the end when things finally come to a head and I must say I didn't see it coming! Even though there is no cliff-hanger ending I get the feeling the author may have set us up for a sequel as I felt there was, perhaps, unresolved issues between certain characters and a few unanswered questions.

Although I would've preferred a bit more heat, given that the story was about a writer of erotic romance, I really enjoyed Sneaking Candy  and, while it may be my first Lisa Burstein novel it won't be my last. 


Andrea gives this a rating of...

About The Author

Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University. She is the author of Pretty Amy, The Next Forever, Dear Cassie and Candy, Stripped. As well as a contributor to the upcoming essay collection, Break These Rules: 35 YA Authors On Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Being Yourself. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats.

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Giveaway 

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Cover Reveal: Yes, Master by Margaret McHeyzer

Title: Yes, Master

Author: Margaret McHeyzer

Genre: Dark Erotic Romance

Release Date: February 19, 2014

My uncle raped me. I was 10 years old when it started. At 13 he told me I was no longer wanted because I had started to develop. At 16 I was ready to kill him. Today, I’m broken. Today, I only breathe to survive. My name’s Sergeant Major Ryan Jenkins and today, I’m ready to tell you my story.

***

“Master would flog me if I did, she won’t be happy when I tell her what happened here.” “Master?”
“Stella.” Oh, Master.


“It’s just such a difficult situation.” “Of course it’s difficult.” She stops talking and taps her fingernails again. My eyes go to where she’s tapping, and then follow up to her face. I try to avoid her abrasive orbs. “You’re overpowered by agony and torment, and it’s slowly claiming you day by day.” I finally concede and look into Stella's eyes. Because every word she’s said, and every sentence that she’s breathed out has been so accurate about me. “Freedom,” she says as I intake a huge gulp of air at that word. “I can promise you freedom if you can promise me you’ll never lie to me.” Fuck. I want it. I think I may even deserve my very own happily ever after. Are they real? According to movies and books they’re attainable. But this isn’t a movie, or even a fucking book. This is my life. And I’m going to try to get it. “No lies, ever,” I whisper.


I don't do 'normal'. I've found that the more I write, the more I like being different to other authors. I write in first person, and I love to challenge a reader. I take the normal and switch it around. For me, I really enjoy getting a reaction from a reader. So if I can evoke an emotion (regardless of if it's the emotion the reader wants) then I figure that I've done my job as an author I want to be. I really quite revel in taking people out of their comfort zones and pushing them to read something different. My genre of writing is, well quite frankly, where ever my mind goes. I won't label myself because I don't like sticking to one genre. My goal with writing is just to take people away from whatever is going on in their lives, even if it's only for a split second. I'm a go with the flow sort of person and don't really take a course of action to get where I am going. I live in the moment and don't usually worry about tomorrow because whatever life is due to bring me, I'll be happy to accept. I love my family and friends and will help anyway I can if someone needs it. I really don't like people that are nasty just because they can be, I don't believe that's necessary, I mean life's hard enough as it is! I hope you enjoy my books, I've had a hoot writing them. There's more to come..... Til next time. M xx

Connect with Margaret on * FACEBOOK *

Margaret is giving away 

(2) $10 Amazon gift cards 

and 

(2) $5.00 Amazon gift cards.

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The World Without A Future Blog Tour 5* review & giveaway

Title:The World Without a Future 
Author: Nazarea Andrews

Release Date: December 2013

Synopsis 

She was born the day the world ended…

Nurrin has lived her entire life with zombies—trapped behind walls meant to keep them safe. She’s mostly happy there. But when a zombie horde breech the walls of her Haven, she has to trust her brother, Collin, and his best friend to keep her alive.

He just wants his past to die…

Finn O’Malley has given up on voicing warnings that are ignored. No one cares that the zombies are changing. Now all that matters is keeping Collin and Nurrin safe from what’s outside the walls of a Haven. But when Nurrin’s best friend picks up a contact infection, he agrees to get the medicine needed to save his life. Forced together, relying on each other in a strange Haven, zombies aren’t the most dangerous thing they’re facing.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble

Simone's Review

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

I am totally addicted to anything that has zombies in it, I'm such a fan girl when it comes to The Walking Dead Series that I got the chance to read The World Without Future I couldn't wait to get my teeth stuck into it. But be warned once you pick this book up you will be transported into a Zombie Apocalyptic World, and these are not your run of the mill slow, moaning zombies, these are fast, I mean real fast, crazy and hungry for human flesh!! So get yourself ready for a white knuckle, nail biting ride. This book took me a day to read, less if I did not have those RL interruptions we all hate (right ?).

I was expecting a strong leading man and lady in this zombie crazed world, and boy I sure got what I was expecting!! First up Ren our strong, sassy and smart mouthed heroine, who was born on the day the world ended and zombies rose. Ren was so kick arse in this book and her loyalty to her brother and friend  just made her an even more likeable character.

Now us lady readers always need a HOT leading man, so in walks Finn all moody and mean, but hell that's how we like our men!! Right?? Finn is the type of man people fear, but also a man to have around in a zombie crazed world, he is oh so dark and is dripping in sexual energy it was hard to concentrate. He is so mysterious I found myself wanting to know more about his past life  that he is always trying hard to keep from Ren. This makes his character even more intriguing , but even more infuriating to Ren when he keeps shutting off their conversations when she starts to scratch away at the surface.

I love both POV in a good story, I feel I can connect more deeply with the characters and this is what we got in this book. Ren and Finn's sexual tension burnt through my kindle and left it smoking while their love/hate relationship was so damn frustrating I wanted to bang their heads together!!

The World Without A Future had everything I crave for in a good horror book with the added bonus of hot romance and hot sizzling scenes. If you love a fast paced, action packed story that takes you on a white knuckle ride this one is definitely a must read. The story leaves you on a cliff-hanger that I don't want to be hanging on to for to long, so I can't wait for the next instalment of this, please don't leave us waiting to long Nazarea Andrews.

Simone gives this a rating of...

Author Bio

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | "The Infects" Street Team 

Giveaway

Nazarea is giving away a really awesome prize! 

The grand prize winner will receive a zombie survival kit and 25 edited pages of the manuscript and swag -- with notes from Nazarea. 

A runner up will receive the zombie survival kit and swag. 

This contest is open to US only. 

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Wild Blog Tour with review, teaser & giveaway

Title: Wild

Author: Adriane Leigh

Genre: Erotic Romance

Release Date: December 13, 2013

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets Promotions

Synopsis

An independent woman, a controlling man, and one wild one-night stand… Kat Kennedy moved to the rugged coast of Maine to start a new life, but encountered much more than she bargained for in dark, dangerous, and seductive Lane Wild. Desire and temptation smolder before she succumbs to her darkest fantasies with the captivating stranger. She doesn't expect to see him again after an explosive one-night stand leaves her breathless and craving more, but just like lightning in the darkness, he shows up in her life at the most unpredictable moments. A sensual game of cat and mouse ensues before the attraction between them reaches a fever pitch—the magnetism combustible, the sexual tension nearly unbearable—and Kat finally abandons inhibition and explores the cunning, selfish, and sexual side of a world she's never known. They have the perfect non-relationship—passion-fueled nights with no strings attached—until life gets real and the past and present collide in a dangerous storm of lust and obsession.

Teaser

His thumb dragged across the seam of my lip. My eyes fluttered closed as he swiped across the flesh. My body lit up with lust and a dull throb settled between my thighs.

My heart stuttered a beat before I whipped my eyes open and pulled away. “Hands to yourself, Casanova.” I backed away and bee-lined for the front desk. The guilt was already nagging at me for involving him in my life anymore than I should have. “Can I help you with something or did you just come in to torment me?” I slipped behind the counter, thankful for the space that now separated us.

“Saw your car out front. Had to see those sweet lips again.” His eyes bounced down to the lips he’d just touched.

“Really? That’s your line?” I cocked an eyebrow at him, trying to steel myself against his rugged good looks. His dark hair lay carelessly across his forehead, his thick sculpted eyebrows arched, and his lips pulled into a devilish grin that emphasized his high cheekbones and stunning light blues eyes, which flashed with dangerous amusement.  

He broke out into another laugh, his arms crossing his chest. “You're sexy when you’re sassy, Sugar.”

“I am not. And cut it with the ‘sugar.’ I’m no one’s sugar, especially not yours.”

“Hmm, is that so?” His eyes scanned my body, landing for a moment on my chest.

“Eyes up, Casanova.”

His eyes flashed to mine, a small smile curling the corners of his mouth. “Can I take you out?” His large body felt imposing in the small space. His energy was engulfing everything around him, sucking the air out of the room and causing oxygen to rush from my lungs.

“Not a chance.”

“Okay, let’s say we skip the date. I just want you back in my bed.”

My mouth dropped open. “Another original line.” I cocked my head to one side.

“Is it working?” He stepped closer and leaned across the counter, invading my space and sweeping the breath from my lungs.

“Nope.”

“Shame. Those lips wrapped around my co—”

“Don’t even go there. I don’t even—that night was a mistake. I hardly remember it and it’s not happening again.” My irritation flared. I'd never met someone so blatantly vulgar.

“Ah, don’t say you don’t remember, Sugar.”

Book Trailer

Andrea's Review

 *ARC received in return for an honest review

Omigod!! Lane Wild has to have the filthiest wicked mouth of all the book boyfriends that I've read and I've read a LOT!! 

Wild  is crammed packed with hot graphic scenes that had me going into melt down, in fact everything about this book is HOT including the cover model with the smouldering look on the front of the book!!!

I read Wild in 7 hours straight…once I started I couldn’t put it down. It was so addictive.

Kat and Lane don't 'do' relationships but they can't keep away from each other. 

He's a player who has a different girl most nights, basically he's a man whore! 
She is trying to get away from her controlling past by moving to the coast.
A very wild one night stand leaves them both wanting, needing more.
After they bump into each other again Lane starts to persue Kat. He wants her and he's going to have her. 
Kat tries to resist but finds herself drawn to him and when she finally does cave the heat between them is hotter than a blast furnace, sparks fly and so do their clothes - quite literally. 

When I think of Wild all I can think of is the wild and passionate no-holds barred non-relationship that exists between the two main characters. When they weren't crashing together against some surface they were really quite funny. I loved the quick-witted, hot flirty banter between them.

Although Kat and Lane tell themselves they are happy with their non-relationship, for reasons which become clear later in the book, they soon realise they are beginning to develop feelings for each other. For Kat, this can only complicate things.

Lane fights hard to stick to his love 'em and leave 'em reputation and he can be quite brutal at times. My heart went out to Kat on one such occasion. But Lane's softer, tender side begins to show more and more which made me fall for him, heavily. (He can tie me up any day!)

Kat's past eventually catches up with her and the last 20% of the book sees a dramatic and sinister turn of events that leave you hoping and praying for a happy ending. 

This is the first book I've read from author Adriane Leigh and it won't be the last. I can't wait to read book two which happens to be about Lane's brother, Ridge. We get a brief glimpse of him in Wild but it's enough for me to want to get to know him better, especially if he's like his brother!

If you're after a quick HOT read with a controlling, wickedly foul mouthed leading man, a sexy sparkle in his eye then Wild is the book for you. Go get it now, you won't be disappointed!!

Andrea gives this a rating of...

 

Buy the Book

WILD is on SALE!

99¢ Reader Appreciation SALE for ONE WEEK ONLY!!

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

 

Join the Wild Release Week Party on Facebook here

 

A week-long party to celebrate the release of WILD with giveaways, teasers, book discussion, and more!

Friday at 9:00am until December 22 at 11:45pm

 

 

About the Author

Adriane Leigh was born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now lives amongst the sand dunes of the Lake Michigan lakeshore. She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer. Adriane is married to a tall, dark and handsome guy, plays mama to two sweet baby girls, and is a voracious reader and knitter.

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Giveaway

Prizes

1 signed Wild paperback

3 ecopies of Wild

1 $10 Amazon Gift Card

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Monsters In The Dark Blitz with cover reveal: Twisted Together

 

We are thrilled to present to you International Best Selling Author Pepper Winters and the Monsters in the Dark series.

Hosted by Love Between the Sheets Promotions

Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1)

 

DARK AND HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL....IT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS!!!! ~Lorie, Goodreads

Words CAN NOT describe what a beautiful, emotional, gut-wrenching, soul-searching kind of read Tears of Tess was for me. ~ Jacqueline's Reads

 

Synopsis

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect. Then it all changed. I was sold.” Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility. For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world. But lusty paradise is shattered. Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror. Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold. Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?  

Book trailer 

 

On Sale Now for 99¢

Amazon Worldwide

Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2)

Wrenching,emotional,terrifying and triumphant...a dark and suspenseful page turner! ~Jona, Goodreads

I have simply fallen in love with these characters, and their beautifully tragic story. ~Lauren, Goodreads

Synopsis

“All my life, I battled with the knowledge I was twisted… fucked up to want something so deliciously dark—wrong on so many levels. But then slave fifty-eight entered my world. Hissing, fighting, with a core of iron, she showed me an existence where two wrongs make a right." Tess is Q’s completely. Q is Tess’s irrevocably. But now, they must learn the boundaries of their unconventional relationship, while Tess seeks vengeance on the men who sold her. Q made a blood-oath to deliver their corpses at Tess’s feet, and that’s just what he’ll do. He may be a monster, but he’s Tess’s monster  

Fan made book trailers -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLbQeZcKj7A&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVCy8Y59dd4

 

Now Available!

Amazon Worldwide | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Coming Soon in early 2014 - The conclusion to Quincy and Tess' Story

Twisted Together (Monsters in the Dark #3)

Synopsis

“After battling through hell, I brought my esclave back from the brink of ruin. I sacrificed everything—my heart, my mind, my very desires to bring her back to life. And for a while, I thought it broke me, that I’d never be the same. But slowly the beast is growing bolder, and it’s finally time to show Tess how beautiful the dark can be.” Q gave everything to bring Tess back. In return, he expects nothing less. Tess may have leashed and tamed him, but he’s still a monster inside.

About the Author

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex. She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. Her debut book Tears of Tess is followed by Quintessentially Q and Twisted Together. You didn’t think Q could stop so soon, did you? Her other two titles, Last Shadow and Broken Chance will be coming soon.  

Connect with Pepper

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Cover Reveal: The Deep End Of The Sea by Heather Lyons

We are extremely excited to be able to share with you the cover for Heather Lyons' THE DEEP END OF THE SEA!! The cover alone is giving us chills! 

You can buy THE DEEP END OF THE SEA February 13, 2014!!

 Title: The Deep End Of The Sea

Author: Heather Lyons

Genre: New Adult Fantasy

Release Date: February 13, 2014

Cover Designed by Carly Stevens

Artwork by Kelsey Patton

 Synopsis

   

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong? Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age. But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.  

 

 

About Heather Lyons

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.     

Links: 

Website | Author Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook