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Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Available Now: DRUMMER GIRL by Ginger Scott


We're celebrating the release of DRUMMER GIRL by Ginger Scott! One-click your copy on all platforms today!


Drummer Girl by Ginger Scott
Mature YA/New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release day: July 30, 2019


 Arizona Wakefield was a beat without a melody. Living a half-breathing life in a half-finished neighborhood with parents who always wore half-hearted smiles, the high school senior only had one thing that let her color outside her family’s perfectly drawn lines—her drums.

 Jesse Barringer was a song without a chorus. The son of a washed-up rock star who’s also one hell of a deadbeat dad, he was given two things from his father—musical genius and a genetic link to the bipolar disorder that drives him mad.

 One night in a garage at the end of a cul-de-sac in the middle of a bankrupt California neighborhood, Jesse’s melody found Arizona’s rhythm. An angry boy with storm-colored eyes found a blonde angel in Doc Martens with missing lines in her own story. Where her rhythm stopped, his words took over, and together, they wrote one hell of a story.

 ** Drummer Girl is a mature YA/New Adult romance that touches on mental health, drug abuse and includes mature sexual situations.
EXCERPT:
Drummer Girl, Copyright Ginger Scott 2019

“That’s the first time I’ve played that song. I like it. We should add it to our set,” he says, pulling the strap from around his neck before setting his guitar at the foot of his bed. “What do you think?”
He twists so our knees are touching and our shoulders are squared.
“I think you’re a showoff, one. And two…I totally think we should close with that at our gig. People love retro shit like that at shows.” I don’t really know what people like at shows because the only kinds I’ve ever been to have been for high school marching nerds or jazz geeks. I probably don’t even deserve to utter the word gig yet. I’m a gig virgin. I do know movies, though, and if this life was a movie, our band would close with that.
Jesse’s eyes linger on my face, making me warm.
“Okay then,” he says, finally. “And I’m not a showoff.”
His lips pucker with his smirk and mine follow suit until a laugh seeps through.
“You so are!” I shove at him playfully, and his hands wrap around my wrists and shove back gently but don’t let go.
“No, I’m a great example. That’s a totally different thing,” he says, pulling me toward his chest until my fingertips meet the hard surface of his pecs under a well-worn white T-shirt.
“I’m pretty sure it’s just a synonym for showoff how you’re using it. In fact, now you’re just being arrogant!” I gripe back through laughter, a wry smile playing at one side of my mouth. Jesse remains quiet, though. His head leaned a tick to the right. My lips vibrate with this sudden change in atmosphere, and without even helping myself, I bite my bottom lip. There is just enough light in the room to see these small things we’re doing, these…signs. At least, I’m giving a sign. I hope I’m not imagining Jesse’s.
At least three full breaths pass between us without words. I count mine, and I guess how many he takes because really, I can’t see much beyond the dark centers of his eyes and the top curl of his lip. I wait for him. Even though I’m dizzy and happy and excited, I don’t want to be eager and desperate. I wait for him to move closer…to do something.
I wish for him.
“Would it be okay if I kissed you now?”

About the Author:


Ginger Scott is an Amazon-bestselling and Goodreads Choice Award-nominated author of several young and new adult romances, including Waiting on the Sidelines, Going Long, Blindness, How We Deal With Gravity, This Is Falling, You and Everything After, The Girl I Was Before, Wild Reckless, Wicked Restless, In Your Dreams, The Hard Count, Hold My Breath, and A Boy Like You.

A sucker for a good romance, Ginger’s other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. (She’s also a sucker for a hot quarterback, catcher, pitcher, point guard…the list goes on.) Ginger has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for more than 15 years. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://www.littlemisswrite.com.

When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

Social Media Links:
Twitter: @TheGingerScott
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Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Blog Tour Review: LIES by Kylie Scott





LIES
by Kyle Scott
Publication Date: July 21, 2019
Pages: 242
Source: SocialButterflyPR
Purchase Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks







Synopsis

Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is. 

Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancé dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped. 

Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.
My Thoughts

In LIES, Kylie Scott combines romance, suspense, and action with her signature wit that her readers have come to love. She writes some of the best heroines and it's one of the reasons I'm drawn to her books. Betty is full of personality and she makes this book a fun read. 

This book made me laugh out loud and had me on the edge of my seat with the action scenes. The stakes are high and there is danger all around. It felt like watching a James Bond or Mission Impossible movie.

One of my favorite scenes:

"If this life has taught me anything, it's to appreciate the quiet moments among the chaos. You have to enjoy yourself when you can." (Thom)

"Save the philosophy. We are not having sex. . . ." (Betty)

We'll just see about that.
And as Betty discovers this new Thom, we fall in love with him right along with her. Getting this intense, protective, and sexy Thom, it makes me wish that we would have known the practical, boring Thom and what kind of act he was pulling on Betty. I'm sure there was some comedy in his blandness.

LIES is a fun, energy driven read. I loved it!

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from SocialButterflyPR as part of a blog tour. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

KylieScott.jpg

Connect with Kylie Scott
Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/2ETz5RQ
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Sunday, July 21, 2019

New Release: LIES by Kylie Scott - Available Now

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Lies, a steamy, fast paced standalone filled with the perfect blend of heat and humor from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is available now!

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Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is.

Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancé dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped.

Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.

Lies - AN.jpg

Download your copy today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LiesKS
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/31cAz3h

About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.
KylieScott.jpg

Connect with Kylie Scott
Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/2ETz5RQ
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Monday, July 15, 2019

Cover Reveal: FAKE DATE by Monica Murphy

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Fake Date by Monica Murphy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publishing date: September 17, 2019
Cover Designer: Hang Le

Copy of Fake Date AMAZON.jpg

Working at Bliss Lingerie, Sarah Harrison deals with all sorts of—interesting clientele. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life.

But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another—and another. So when Sarah walks into his office demanding to know why he can't stop sending her gifts, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse: be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party.

Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship. Once you get the man away from the office, he’s much more relaxed. Sweet. Funny. Even…thoughtful? Oh, and sexier than ever, of course.

Their pretend relationship feels very real, very quickly. Soon Sarah’s in over her head. Could what she and Jared share turn into something real? Or is it all actually…fake?

Fake Date CR FB.jpg

Pre-order your copy today!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/FakeDateMM
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/FakeDateMMGR

Meet Monica:
Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and HarperCollins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.
She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Connect with Monica:
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/IW5U0y
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Friday, July 12, 2019

Release Day Review: FIRST AND FOREVER by Jay McLean





FIRST AND FOREVER
by Jay McLean
Publication Date: July 12, 2019
Pages: 390
Source: Author | Purchased




About the book:

First and Forever is the second book in the Heartache Duet, and must be read after Heartache and Hope.

Ava Diaz needs saving.
She just doesn’t know it yet.
Just like she doesn’t know a thing about the boy she sits next to on the first day of senior year.
He thinks she’s a brat.
She thinks he’s entitled.
Maybe first impressions don’t always last…
Because Connor Ledger’s about to save her.
He just doesn’t know why.

My Thoughts

 FIRST AND FOREVER, the second part of the Heartache Duet, is just as wonderful and moving as HEARTACHE AND HOPE.  The love between Connor and Ava is still there, and it is so intense and overwhelming and it's exciting to get to experience it all with them. What I love most is the friendship and the care that they have for one another that brought them together in the first place is what brings them together again (not a spoiler, I mean Forever is in the title).

There are more moments of laughter and lightness and just Connor and Ava just being teenagers - when they aren't feeling the pressures life has placed on them. I enjoy the many ways this book brought a smile to my face and made me laugh out loud. And Connor for sure tells one of the funniest jokes that I've ever read. It was easy to vision how this scene all went down and I crack up just thinking about.

Ways this book made me happy:
  • The public declaration of Connor 4 Ava
  • Ava's signature way of cheering on Connor
  • They have this tender habit of kissing the inside of their love's wrist 
  • Reconnected friendships 
  • The acknowledgment that communication is necessary 

 FIRST AND FOREVER has one of those memorable scenes that when you think about this book, you'll return to this scene and pick up the book, flip to that page and then find yourself rereading the book all over again. 

 With the Heartache Duet, Jay McLean balances the heavy with the hopeful and the loss with the love and gives us characters who find their happily ever after. A new favorite.


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Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Review: IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY by Claire Kann



IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY
by Claire Kann
Publication Date: June 4, 2019
Published by Swoon Reads
Pages: 288
Source: Publisher | Xpresso Book Tours
Purchase Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo




Synopsis

High school finally behind her, Winnie is all set to attend college in the fall. But first she’s spending her summer days working at her granny’s diner and begins spending her midnights with Dallas—the boy she loves to hate and hates that she likes. Winnie lives in Misty Haven, a small town where secrets are impossible to keep—like when Winnie allegedly snaps on Dr. Skinner, which results in everyone feeling compelled to give her weight loss advice for her own good. Because they care that’s she’s “too fat.”

Winnie dreams of someday inheriting the diner—but it’ll go away if they can’t make money, and fast. Winnie has a solution—win a televised cooking competition and make bank. But Granny doesn’t want her to enter—so Winnie has to find a way around her formidable grandmother. Can she come out on top?

My Thoughts
I loved Claire Kann's LET'S TALK ABOUT LOVE and when her new book IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY was announced, it immediately went on my TBR wishlist. My enthusiasm was high which is why I found it surprising that it took me a while to get into the swing of reading Winnie's story. There wasn't a definitive plot point that kept my interest.

 I enjoyed IF MAKES YOU HAPPY well enough, but there were parts of the story that were underdeveloped. The storyline of the Misty Haven crowning and a baking show competition were disconnected. In the book's description, the baking show was the draw, but in the story it seemed like an afterthought.

Winnie's relationships with Kara and Dallas and her brother and her grandmother are what make this book interesting.

There are a lot of people in Winnie's life who she gives a big part of herself to. She has the kind of energy and presence that people want to be a part of. She knows who she is and doesn't mess when people want to tell her otherwise. I really like this about her. It doesn't mean that she has it all figured out, but she's definitely on her way and knows how to communicate that.

Memorable Line:

"Trying people’s patience was my unintentional theme song." 

I can't claim this book is a must read, but I do want to revisit IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY again because Winnie is a character that deserves more attention. She makes this book.


Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC as part of the XPresso Book Tours.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. Thoughts and opinions are my own.



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Wednesday, July 3, 2019

Review: THE OTHER SIDE by Kim Holden





THE OTHER SIDE
by Kim Holden
Publication Date: June 6, 2019
Published by Do Epic, LLC
Pages: 364
Source: WordSmith Publicity
Purchase Amazon US | UK | AU | CAN





Synopsis
Denver, Colorado
1987

There are two sides to every story.
The surface reality that’s presented to the world.
And then there’s the other side.
The real one.
The one that matters.

Seventeen-year-old, self-proclaimed asshole, Toby Page, is alone.
No friends.
No family.
He trades maintenance work in exchange for room and board.
Every day he fights demons no one else can see.
Every day he wants to give up.
But he can’t.
Not yet.

When Alice Eliot moves in downstairs, she offers Toby some light in his dark world.
At a crossroads and barely hanging on, it’s hard to have perspective.
It’s difficult to see your own worth when you’re the villain in your story.
Luckily for Toby, Alice brings things out in him that no one else ever has.

As the two sides of Toby’s story are revealed, and the full reality comes into view, truth is gained.
Improbable alliances prove that kindness is fundamentally human.
Unlikely heroes emerge.

The question is, Will it all be enough to save him?

My Thoughts

Deciding to read The Other Side was like deciding to take the risk of breaking my own heart. It’s worth the risk. 
There were many moments while reading that my eyes were brimming with tears. I felt an intense connection to the characters, their emotions, their doubts. Every character is facing their own challenge often coupled with uncertainty, sadness, or depression showing that we ALL are dealing with some struggle, some more obvious than others. And there is an emphasis to take care with other people.
Books like The Other Side can help us hear ourselves, to understand ourselves, to heal ourselves and to know - it's not always easy and there is never one perfect solution. But to recognize that we're not alone and knowing that we don't have to be alone, it can make all of the difference.
One of my  favorite lines of the book: 
“Just promise me that someday, when it doesn’t hurt so much to talk about, you’ll tell me the story. I want to hear it, Toby. I want to hear all of your stories.”
I’ve commented about the books that I'll hold in my heart forever, or books that will leave me forever changed, or there are books that have permanent place on my shelf because of how profound they are and the effect they have on me. The Other Side is one of those books. 
Thank you Kim Holden for giving this reader such a gift.
Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC from WordSmith Publicity for review consideration.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided. I've purchased a finished copy for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsbSLNycfY-dHZ0S987TjGBguOu76XcvcZdakGuue1c4KFtPLtPXbz3sSnDHguFMGauCAi4__VMnC-DL31cp0NiOw144qSBF-HHU9JlUh4U8KXj-xyGNuiyHgMmBYfvfSLEk7WnGmr_KY/s200/KimHolden.jpg

Some of my favorite things: reading, writing, the two coolest guys on the planet (my husband and son), my bicycle (my husband built it for me), Facebook (I'm fairly certain it's an addiction at this point), iced coffee (hazelnut), and music (LOVE Sunset Sons, the 1975, Dredg, the xx, Balance and Composure, Teenage Bottlerocket, and 30 Seconds to Mars). I also love dreaming, which brings me to my next point. I have one bit of advice for anyone reading this ... follow your dreams. It's never too late. Get started today ... heck get started RIGHT NOW! I wanted to write a book 20 years ago. Instead I waited. And waited. I should've been writing. But I didn't. I don't do regrets, because the past is just that, the past. But let me tell you there's nothing in the world like achieving something you've dreamt about for years and years. So, get started. Make your dreams reality. 

I love to hear from other readers. Send me a message or find me on Facebook (https://facebook.com/kimholdenauthor) and tell me what's up in your reading world.
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