14 January 2014

{Launch Day Blitz} Excerpt&Giveaway: The Edge of Always by J.A. Redmerski

 
Title: The Edge of Always
Author: J.A. Redmerski

Blurb
When everything falls apart, love remains . . .

Camryn Bennett has never been happier. Five months after meeting on a Greyhound bus, she and her soul mate Andrew Parrish are engaged-and a wedding isn't the only special event in their future. Nervous but excited, Camryn can't wait to begin the rest of her life with Andrew, a man she knows in her heart will love her always. They have so much to look forward to-until tragedy blindsides them.

Andrew doesn't understand how this could happen to them. He's trying to move on, and thought Camryn was doing the same. But when Andrew discovers Camryn is secretly harboring a mountain of pain and attempting to numb it in damaging ways, there is nothing he won't do to bring her back to life. Determined to prove that their love can survive anything, Andrew decides to take Camryn on a new journey filled with hope and passion. If only he can convince her to come along for the ride...

Buy Links: Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | Bookish

Excerpt

I turn to Andrew again, waiting for him to spit it out. A cold breeze rushes through my knitted sweater, and I hide my hands inside the sleeves.
“You have five minutes to throw all of your stuff in your bag,” he says, and my heart is beating erratically before he finishes the sentence. He taps his wrist where there is no watch. “Not a second more.”
“Andrew—”
“This isn’t up for debate,” he says. “Go get your stuff.”
I just look at him, face blank.
My theory was right, but I didn’t want it to be. I don’t want to go on the road…I mean, I do…but it’s not right. It’s just not right.
“You have four minutes now.”
“But we can’t just leave like this,” I argue. “It would be rude.” I point at Asher. “And Asher just got here. Don’t you want to visit with—”
“I can visit my big brother anytime,” Asher counters. “Right now, I think you better do what he says or you might end up on the road wearing the same panties for a week.”
A few more seconds pass and I still haven’t moved. I’m in a state of mild shock, I guess.
“Three minutes, babe,” Andrew says and is looking at me with a serious face. “I’m not kidding. Get up there, throw our shit in our bags, and get in the damn car.”
Oh hell, he’s back to his old self again
When I start to argue again, Andrew’s eyes get all feral-looking, and he says, “Hurry up. Time’s running out!” and he points to the house.
Finally, letting down my guard and going with the moment as much as I can allow myself, I glare at him and say, “Fine.” I’m only agreeing to it because I know he’s trying make things better. But I feel guilty as hell.
Disregarding his playful five-minute demand, I turn on my heels and walk very slowly back toward the house, purposely taking my time, partly my way of silently arguing the situation.
I push open the bedroom door, set my bag on the bed, and start stuffing everything inside of it. Then I go into the bathroom and grab our toothbrushes and various bathroom necessities. I yank our phone chargers from the wall and then my phone from the nightstand and chuck it all into my purse. I make my way around the room, hoping that I’m not missing anything.
Looks like Andrew already packed his stuff at some point and I never noticed.
Then I just stand here, scanning every inch of the place around me but not really seeing any of it. I don’t want to do this, but maybe it’s the right thing.
I hear the horn honk three times, and it snaps me out of my thoughts. Grabbing my bag, I swing it over my shoulder and grab my purse from the bed.
About the author:
J.A. Redmerski, New York TimesUSA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children, two cats and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries and is a huge fan of AMC's The Walking Dead.
Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads










a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Blog Tour} Review+Excerpt+Giveaway: More Than Her by Jay McLean

More Than Her (More Series #3)
Author: Jay McLean  
Publication Date: November 18, 2013  
Published By: Jay Mclean  

BLURB: For every action there is an equal or opposite reaction." For every choice you make there are rewards, or there are consequences. It was my choice to walk away the first time. And my choice to chase her the second. But sometimes you don't get a choice, and all you get are the consequences.” "Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Unless that someone is Logan Matthews. Because loving him didn't give me the strength to walk away. It didn't give me the courage to fight for him. And when it was over, all it gave me was a broken heart.

BUY LINKS: Amazon  B & N   Kobo  iBooks  






Excerpt
He gripped my ass tighter. I let out a sound I had no idea I was capable of. I was so fucking turned on. His movements on me were making me so wet I could feel it soaking my panties. His mouth moved from my neck to my ear, "You gotta quit making those sounds, baby." He kissed the spot behind it. "I'm starting to lost it." Then he took my mouth in his, moving into me harder, pinning me to the wall. My leg on the floor moved to wrap around him. I needed him closer to me; I needed more of him. He started to build a rhythm again. I felt that slow burn building low in my stomach. I didn't know how the fuck he was doing it. Or what the fuck he was even doing. But I didn't want it to stop. Ever. "Oh my God, Logan." I was panting; my head threw back against the wall. He was on my neck. Sucking. Hard. He was going to leave a mark. I wanted him to. "Matthews! What the fuck are you doing?" A deep voice yelled. I screamed, dropped my legs, ducked, and hid behind him. Oh. My. God. Reality set in. What the fuck were we doing? "Fuck." he spat. His hand went down his pants to adjust himself before turning around. "What the fuck do you think this is, Matthews?" "Sorry, Coach" Oh. My. God. Kill me now. "Go home!" I was too embarrassed to look past Logan to see his coaches reaction. "Yes Sir." Logan sounded like he was about to laugh. What the hell? "I'll cover for you." His coach sounded different now, like he was trying to contain his own laughter. "Fuck, I wish I was in college again," he said, before I heard his footsteps walking away. I don't know what emotion was on my face when Logan turned to me, but he laughed. Fucking laughed. "This shit's not funny!" I whispered loudly. " I almost let you have me. " I motioned with my finger at our surroundings. "Right here!" He didn't respond. Just looked me up and down and licked his lips. His eyes settled on my face, as he brought his hand to cup my cheek. And then his face was so close to mine; I could feel his breath on my lips. He rubbed his nose against mine. "Wait here," he said, his voice low, laced with desire. "We're not even close to being done. I'm going to take you home and I'm going to fucking finish what I started. And when I'm done with you, you won't even remember what happened just now. All you'll remember is how I make you feel when you're screaming my name." 


My Review

That effin' ending!!!



Yes. Let's talk about the ending first, shall we? It's only natural. It could have easily been a 5 star read for me but I wish it ended on an HEA. Not that I'm complaining about Logan getting another book but yeah, cliffies suck. And this one, in my opinion, ends on a major cliffhanger.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's back up a little bit.


More Than Her is Logan's story. Logan is Jake's best friend from More Than This. We saw him as the sidekick of sorts, the comic relief but here, he takes the center stage and he OWNED it. In this book, we found out that Logan met a girl that he really liked. He was relentless in his pursuit of her. But he is a guy, naturally, he went and screwed it up big time. A year and a half later, he sees her again and he wants a second chance.


Their relationship from the get go was one heck of roller coaster ride. A word of warning: This book is full of angst. But it's full of comic relief too courtesy of Lucy and Cam and Logan. We see the whole gang rally around Logan here. I really felt that Jay McLean was able to capture their friendship, the camaraderie, the loyalty and their obvious affection toward each other.

This book will leave you breathless up until the very last page. Just when you thought you know where it was going, it goes off in another direction. I have to say, I loved the unpredictability. Jay McLean sure knows how to keep her readers guessing.

And speaking of guessing, I have no idea what's going to happen next. I truly don't. The ending, as I've said, sucked because I hate, hate cliffhangers. In the back of my mind, I'm always worried that the plot will be stretched too thin in the next book and I'll end up hating it. But know knowing Ms. McLean, I have high hopes that the next book, More Than Him will be as action-packed as this one.

ARC is provided by Jay McLean in exchange for an honest review.

About the author: Jay McLean is an author of Mature YA / New Adult contemporary novels. She enjoys reading and writing books that make people laugh, cry and swoon for dreamy book boyfriends. When not doing ether of those things, she can be found looking after her two little boys and trying to avoid house work at all costs.
Keep a look out for Book 3 in the More Series.

Tease Media

{Promo Blitz} Sliding Into Black by T.L. Kitae



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During the cultural revolution of the 1960's and '70's, the war in Vietnam continued, daily casualties calmly reported on the evening news. Shaw, a brilliant ex-Navy Seal, has managed to come home alive after two tours in Vietnam and is now involved in black ops with Naval Intelligence, stationed in the exotic Hawaiian Islands. The revolution had evolved into social and anti-war protests, rock 'n roll, drugs, feminism, burn-your-bras, and casual sex, arriving in Hawaii as tradewinds of change. An unorthodox romance springs up between Shaw and Marie, his boss's daughter. From the moment they meet, sparks fly and the erotic heat between them runs as hot as the lava streaming from Hawaii's volcano, Kilauea. Thus, the first installment of the Sliding into Black trilogy begins.

My Review

Sliding Into Black is about a young woman's journey after a tragedy had robbed her of a loved one. The book starts off with that tragedy. Marie just lost her boyfriend Chris in an accident. Her life started looking up when she met Shaw, a man who works for her father. Shaw is as mysterious, good-looking and as attracted to Marie as she was for him.

Against the backdrop of gorgeous Hawaii, Marie and Shaw, started a passionate relationship. But in the midst of America's involvement in the Vietnam War, Marie and Shaw must find it in themselves to hold on to each other as another tragedy threatens to tear them apart.

I like the pacing of this book. The writing is succinct and on point. The setting of the story was very interesting. It was set in the '70s, unfortunately, I was born very late into that decade, so I really had a hard time connecting with the characters and the setting at first. But the story slowly sucked me in and the last 20% of the book was action packed and there's a really big revelation towards the end.

Sliding Into Black is the first book in a trilogy. As is expected, there's a wicked cliffhanger in the end with so many unanswered questions left. I'm definitely looking forward to the second book.

RATING: 3.7  
 addtogoodreads2
excerptnewheaders3
“I go back to the wind blowing my long, blonde hair around me, the delicious feeling of speed, top down on our GTO. Young, with no sense of mortality - after all, we have everything that life has to offer in front of us. Spring break and we’re heading to my best friend, Jen’s family condo at Myrtle Beach. Yes, yes, yes – an hour away from a needed break from the university, lectures and oh, god, the research papers! Chris and I have been going out together for over a year, exclusively for a few months. We enjoy the same things, are study buddies, come from the same small town – basically we’re best friends with benefits. We agree, it’s not love, but damn, the sex is fantastic! There doesn’t seem to be any end to the white-hot sexual attraction we have. We can’t keep our hands and lips off each other. We’re like moths to a flame.
interviewnewheaders3

What are your five favorite books, and why?

Tough question! I am an avid, maybe even rabid book reader! So here goes, not in any particular order, and not any favorite over the other. 1) The Bone Bed, Patricia Cornwell. I love her characters, how they seem to stand in front of you, and the intricate details that she weaves into every book. 2) Bonnie, Iris Johansen. Ms. Johansen's work fascinates me and Eve is an irrestible character. 3) Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb. Love, love, love everything that Norah Roberts aka J.D. Robb writes. All of her characters are ultra-cool and the plots well defined. 4) Feastday of Fools, James Lee Burke. Mr. Burke has a unique writing style that is amazing in it's descriptiveness and detail. Every word leaps off the page and a picture starts forming immediately of each character, location, and each action. 5) A Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin (all 4 books). Epic story telling, like watching a movie in your head. These are just newer books, there are many, many other authors and classics that beguile me.

How do you approach cover design?

This is a great question because personally, the cover of a book will attract me first as I am a visual person and learner. First the cover needs to pull me in and second, I like interesting pictures or drawings and hope that they give me a hint of what's inside. For Sliding into Black, it was imperative to show a Hawaiian beach, then hopefully a Shaw and Maria. It came together well!

What do you read for pleasure?

Fantasies, Science Fiction, Mysteries and Erotic Romances.

What is your e-reading device of choice?

Right now, a Kindle Fire. Love it!

Describe your desk

My desk is a mess. But don't touch it! Each stack means something and only I know what it is!

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?

I was a semi-military brat, lived all over the U.S. and Hawaii. So far, there is nowhere that has beat Hawaii for overall climate, beaches, things to do and see, and wonderful warm people! Hawaii has influenced my life more than anyplace I lived, except for twenty years on a horse and cattle farm. I loved writing the first book of the Sliding into Black trilogy with Hawaii as the setting - so romantic!

When did you first start writing?

I started writing as a child, mostly diaries and journals. As I progressed through school, several teachers told me that I should consider writing as a profession. But life happens. Now I have the chance to write books and am loving every minute of it.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you?

Sharing thoughts, ideas and introducing people to new places or bringing back memories for them. Of course, there is always a release. Writing can be cathartic.

What do your fans mean to you?

My fans are why I write. They let you know what they like and what they don't pretty quick and I love the feedback - take every bit to heart and apply to the next book. You can't grow without praise and constructive criticism. I appreciate every fan!

What are you working on next?

Book 2 of the Sliding into Black trilogy. What's going on with Shaw? What will Marie do? So much fun!

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

My family, my cat and my horses! Three couples, all friends from college on a road trip for that much needed spring break. Somehow Chris and I have gotten ahead of the rest of the kids, so we take advantage of the moment. I slide my tongue into Chris’s ear, down his neck, under his long blonde hair and down to his nipple. Lightly I bite his nipple and circle it with my tongue, lovingly tasting the salt from his sweat.” Link to Smashwords Interview - https://www.smashwords.com/interview/tlkitae
authorbio3
teri book cs 
T.L. Kitae is a retired journalist and magazine publisher residing in Asheville, N.C. Unable to sit still for long, she writes and attends school full time to obtain her long awaited Registered Nursing degree and license. She is married to her long time sweetheart, enjoys riding her two horses, has a silly cat, and loves spending time with her daughter and son-in-law. Currently she is working on Book 2 of the Sliding into Black Trilogy.  
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