Author Interview and Book Review: The Next Forever by Lisa Burstein

  
Today I welcome Lisa Burstein, author of The Next Forever a very interesting take on what happens when a couple decides to test their relationship one night, it's a fast read, or it was for me. So grab your favorite cuppa and sit and learn a little more about Lisa, and read my review of The Next Forever and be sure and get your own copy of the book as well.  

What three things do you need in order to write?
Wine (don't tell my editor)
My Alphasmart http://assistivetech.sf.k12.sd.us/alphasmart_3000.htm
My cat purring in my lap

What's your favorite season?
Autumn. I love the smell of fireplaces and seeing the changing leaves. I am a sucker for a trip to a pumpkin patch.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Australia

I am currently in love with the New Adult genre even though I am a good 15-20 years older than the characters, so what made you choose to write a book in the New Adult genre?

I am really into it right now too. I think that time in someone's life is so interesting. You are an adult, but not. I was so excited to take the romantic leads from my YA Pretty Amy and throw them into the cauldron of college's temptations and choices.

What's the first sentence of The Next Forever?
“So is that a yes or a no?” Joe asked, a smile struggling to come to his lips—sunshine fighting through heavy gray clouds. He had just asked me to move in with him starting fall semester. I should have smacked my dining hall tray from the table and climbed across it to kiss him like we were on a plane going down, but all I could do was stare at my tray and run the tines of my fork over my uneaten mashed potatoes.

How would you describe The Next Forever?
It is sweet, sexy test of one couple's "happily ever after".

What can we expect next from you?
I have a companion novel to Pretty Amy coming out in March titled Dear Cassie that tells us the story of Amy's best friend Cassie, who has been sent to a wilderness rehabilitation camp and is told in diary format. There's also a swoon-worthy boy there.


My Review:
What would happen if both parties in a relationship started to feel just a bit trapped and on the same night went out to test the boundaries, to go back and see if they were the same people they were before the relationship?  Well that is what Lisa Burstein explores in The Next Forever and it makes it an interesting and fresh premise for a novella.  I think that's what I love about the New Adult genre is that it tackles a lot of things that are there but romance doesn't tackle.  It has the raw realism, but there are good endings most of the time too (and no I'm not giving away the ending I'm not saying if it's happy or not, you'll have to read).  The endings may not always go the way we think but they resolve and it's okay.

This is a novella so there is not a lot of time to get to know Amy or Joe, but I felt I did get to know them.  We spend a lot of time in their heads and I like that.  They are thrust into situations where they are trying to figure themselves and their relationship out so you can't help but get to know them no matter how short the format is.  Amy is actually featured in one of Ms. Burstein's earlier YA books, Pretty Amy, but I had not read it before reading this one, so I don't feel it's necessary.  The Next Forever touches on the arrest that takes place and some events from Pretty Amy but I don't think it spoils Pretty Amy nor do I think Pretty Amy is necessary for The Next Forever.  The Next Forever is the next chapter in their lives and can be read as a stand-alone.

The story moves along quickly with mainly the character development and the two parties as the backdrop as the plot.  I found the story to catch my attention easily.  I didn't really like Amy that much but I couldn't relate personally to her.  I could relate more to Joe.  But I think most women/girls reading it will fall on one or the other side.  That doesn't really matter, just because I couldn't relate to her didn't mean I didn't like the story, because I did. I was fascinated. I kept flipping my Kindle pages because I had to know what would happen next.  What they would do and how things would turn out.  I was invested in the characters.  Ms. Burstein made me care and that was what was most important.

The Next Forever is an interesting novella.  I think it is very worthwhile, tells a great story and has not-your-everyday characters in it.  If you are enjoying the latest New Adult craze then this is just the novella to fill in a few hours of reading.  I'm ready to go back and read Pretty Amy to learn more about Amy and her friends in preparation for Dear Cassie in a few months.  Ms. Burstein is a very interesting writer and I'm glad I received this introduction to her.

My Rating: 4.5/5.0

About the book:

Title: The Next Forever
Author: Lisa Burstein
Genre: New Adult – Contemporary
Length: 97 pages
Release Date: January 2013
ISBN: 978-1-62266-003-2
Imprint: Ever After

One night in college can change everything… Away at college, Amy just wants one night alone without her high school sweetheart, Joe. So when he invites her to go to the library, she heads off on her own instead. How she ended up at a house party with the mysterious bad-boy Trevor is another story…

Joe so isn’t going to the library. He needs space from Amy, too, so he’s decided to rush a fraternity, to get back the swagger he had in high school. But it doesn’t take long for the brothers to invite him to the real rush—where the beer is flowing and one particular girl has set her eyes on Joe.

Over the course of one wild night, both Amy and Joe will have to decide if their futures belong with two new people, or whether the next forever will have their first loves in it.

About the Author:
Lisa Burstein is a tea seller by day and a writer by night. She received her MFA in Fiction from the Inland Northwest Center for Writers at Eastern Washington University and is glad to finally have it be worth more than the paper it was printed on. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her very patient husband, a neurotic dog and two cats. Pretty Amy is her first novel. She never went to her senior prom.

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***I received this book from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan

  

The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan

Publisher: Kensington

Pub. Date: January 29, 2013

Paperback, 384 pages

ISBN: 9780758271389

My Review:

I have finally figured out what makes a historical fiction book for me.  Whether it's character based or history/plot based.  I love the ones that focus mostly on the characters and use the history as the background.  These books take the characters and focus on how they work in the situations they are given.  The marriages, the wars, the court settings.  That is what I enjoy.  And that is just what The Forgotten Queen gives you.  It's Margaret Tudor's life as history moves around her.  It's what she does to make history.

While I will admit to knowing nothing about Margaret Tudor before reading The Forgotten Queen, I am fascinated by this period of history so I could not pass this book up.  I am so glad I read it because Ms. Bogdan's writing of Margaret is enthralling.  Starting from when Margaret is young and moving through her life, I found Margaret's voice to be perfect for each time.  It was so hard for me to picture such a young girl to be pregnant, but know it was very common for the time.  It was also fascinating that mistakes and all that Margaret continues to move forward with her goals to protect her son.  That fierceness and protectiveness made me love her more and more.  She is not a perfect character.  She is childish in the beginning but she is a child.  She makes mistakes, but don't we all?  But I loved  her and I loved learning the story through Ms. Bogdan's eyes.

The plot and book move quickly, I found it hard to put down.  I loved learning more about Margaret as she grew into her Queenship and into her own as well.  The writing was engaging.  I was enticed by it from the very beginning of the book.  I found it to be very satisfying and a wonderful historical fiction novel.  It definitely makes me want to read more about this time frame and more from Ms. Bogdan in the future.  If you have interest in the Tudors and a love of character-driven novels, then this is just the book for you.  The Forgotten Queen is not a book you will forget anytime soon.  

My Rating: 4.5/5.0

About the book:
From her earliest days, Margaret Tudor knows she will not have the luxury of choosing a husband. Her duty is to gain alliances for England. Barely out of girlhood, Margaret is married by proxy to James IV and travels to Edinburgh to become Queen of Scotland.
Despite her doubts, Margaret falls under the spell of her adopted home. But while Jamie is an affectionate husband, he is not a faithful one. And nothing can guarantee Margaret’s safety when Jamie leads an army against her own brother, Henry VIII. In the wake of loss she falls prey to an ambitious earl and brings Scotland to the brink of anarchy. Beset by betrayal and secret alliances, Margaret has one aim—to preserve the crown of Scotland for her son, no matter what the cost…




About the Author:
D.L. Bogdan is an ongoing student of history, musician, and avid reader who enjoys travel, the outdoors, and time with her family and friends. She is a proud wife and mother who makes her home in central Wisconsin. She is the author of Secrets of the Tudor Court, Rivals in the Tudor Court and The Sumerton Women.
For more information on D.L. Bogdan and her novels, please visit her WEBSITE.  You can also find her on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.










See my giveaway and interview here.

***I received this book from Historical Fiction Book Tours and the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Author Interview and Giveaway: D.L. Bogdan (The Forgotten Queen)

  
Today I welcome D.L. Bogdan, author of The Forgotten Queen, which while I am formatting this post currently reading and enjoying.  I will be posting my review tomorrow as part of the tour, but for today, please grab your favorite cuppa and sit and learn a little more about D.L. Bogdan and then enter the giveaway to win a copy of The Forgotten Queen.  

What three things do you need in order to write?
Music is an absolute must. I also prefer quiet, as far as background noise goes (which is why my husband made one of our rooms into an office just for me—it makes such a big difference to have my own little space to retreat to). I also like to have something to drink next to me—water, coffee, or tea depending on the time of day and level of alertness I need.

What's your favorite season?
Summer! It’s so fleeting here in Wisconsin, but it’s great while it lasts. I do love the fall as well; the colors are fantastic.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Traveling is one of my favorite things and there’s no shortage of dream destinations. I would go anywhere and everywhere, but in particular I would like to see Japan, India, Australia, and more of Eastern Europe.

What is one of your favorite books that you read last year?
I’ve been so bogged down in research I haven’t been able to read many books for pleasure this last year unfortunately, but I have read some interesting ones. I was introduced to some “new old” works and read Flannery O’Connor’s Wise Blood, which was unusual but compelling. I also read The Scarlet Letter, which I hadn’t read since junior high. It was like a new book for me and I derived so much more out of it this time. I can actually say I loved it!

How much and what type of research did you have to do during the writing of The Forgotten Queen?
I tried to read as many books that included Margaret Tudor in them as I could get my hands on. There were not many works that just dealt with her alone—she was often coupled with her sister, which could be frustrating at times. I also tried to read about the courts of James IV and V, and study Scottish history during that time period to get a better feel for what I was addressing. Also delving through Scottish archives, letters, and records proved helpful.

What's the first sentence of The Forgotten Queen?

It began with smoke.

How would you describe The Forgotten Queen?
It’s the story of a woman who was quite human, with her own very exposed flaws and vulnerabilities. It’s no fairytale. Margaret made bad choices; she had troubled relationships, with losses and challenges most modern women have never contended with. But she did the best she could with who and where she was; she was strong, vibrant, and one of the most determined women of her time.

Dish, who’s your favorite character?
I have to say Margaret. There were times I couldn’t understand her at all, times I was frustrated with her beyond measure, but she never failed to intrigue me and I felt a connection with her. Her flaws made her more relatable to me and the things that frustrated me were also the things that proved most compelling.

What can we expect next from you?
I must go with being irritatingly vague on this one and say expect the unexpected!

Thanks D.L.!
Thank you so much for having me!

To follow the tour, click on the banner at the top of the post or go here.

About the book:
From her earliest days, Margaret Tudor knows she will not have the luxury of choosing a husband. Her duty is to gain alliances for England. Barely out of girlhood, Margaret is married by proxy to James IV and travels to Edinburgh to become Queen of Scotland.
Despite her doubts, Margaret falls under the spell of her adopted home. But while Jamie is an affectionate husband, he is not a faithful one. And nothing can guarantee Margaret’s safety when Jamie leads an army against her own brother, Henry VIII. In the wake of loss she falls prey to an ambitious earl and brings Scotland to the brink of anarchy. Beset by betrayal and secret alliances, Margaret has one aim—to preserve the crown of Scotland for her son, no matter what the cost…




About the Author:
D.L. Bogdan is an ongoing student of history, musician, and avid reader who enjoys travel, the outdoors, and time with her family and friends. She is a proud wife and mother who makes her home in central Wisconsin. She is the author of Secrets of the Tudor Court, Rivals in the Tudor Court and The Sumerton Women.
For more information on D.L. Bogdan and her novels, please visit her WEBSITE.  You can also find her on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.


Giveaway:
I have one copy of  The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan to giveaway to one lucky winner, courtesy of the tour and the author.  Giveaway is open international and ends 1/31.  I will be sending the winner's mailing address to the tour coordinator, not mailing the book myself. Good luck!


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Senshi by Cole Gibson Trailer Reveal and Giveaway

KATANA

Kill Bill meets Buffy in this supernatural samurai taleRileigh Martin would love to believe that adrenaline gave her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn't explain her dreams of fifteenth century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she suddenly possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings. While worrying that she's going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she's harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior.

Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana--a deadly Japanese sword that's also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she's always been and embracing the warrior inside her.


"This action-packed novel has a unique and compelling plot...Fans of Carrie Asai's Samurai Girl series will be particularly interested, but even readers who dislike supernatural story lines will enjoy this tale of modern samurais."
~School Library Journal~

"An action packed page-turner tempered with slow-burning romance."
~Booklist~

Purchase

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SENSHI


Is Rileigh’s only hope for salvation to team up with her sworn enemy?

Rileigh Martin just wants to do normal teenage things, like go on romantic dates with Kim, her boyfriend and past life soul mate. Although that seems impossible when she’s the reincarnation of Senshi, a fifteenth century samurai warrior. After a ninja ambush leaves her unable to control her ki powers, Rileigh vows to get them under control before her friends lose more than their eyebrows. But when Kim leaves her for his past life betrothed and the other samurai stop talking to her, Rileigh realizes she doesn’t have any friends left to worry about.

As the ninja attacks increase, Rileigh learns that the reincarnated kunoichi, a powerful female ninja, wants to kill her in order to reclaim her destructive powers. Alone and with increasingly unstable powers, Rileigh’s only offer of help comes from Whitley, her sworn past life enemy. Rileigh knows she doesn’t stand a chance against the kunoichi by herself, but Whitley’s sudden allegiance might be hiding a much deadlier agenda.

Pre-Order

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Author Cole Gibsen

When Cole Gibsen isn't writing books for young adults, she can be found rocking out with her band, sewing crazy costumes for the fun of it, picking off her nail polish, or drinking milk straight from the jug - - provided no one is looking.

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Trailer Reveal



Senshi Book Trailer from ZFilm on Vimeo.



Giveaway Details

ARC of Senshi + Signed Katana
Signed Katana
3 Mystery Books
Open to US, Canada & Mexico
Ends 2/6/13

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daynight by Megan Thamason Book Blast (+ giveaway)

daynight by Megan Thomason

Meet The Second Chance Institute (SCI): Earth’s benevolent non-profit by day, Thera’s totalitarian regime by night. Their motto: Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance™. Reality: the SCI subjects Second Chancers to strict controls and politically motivated science experiments like Cleaving—forced lifetime union between two people who have sex.

Meet Kira Donovan. Fiercely loyal, overly optimistic, and ensnared by the promise of a full-ride college scholarship, Kira signs the SCI Recruit contract to escape memories of a tragedy that left her boyfriend and friends dead.

Meet Blake Sundry. Bitter about being raised in Exile and his mother’s death, Blake’s been trained to infiltrate and destroy the SCI. Current barrier to success? His Recruit partner—Miss Goody Two Shoes Kira Donovan.

Meet Ethan Darcton. Born with a defective heart and resulting inferiority complex, Ethan’s forced to do his SCI elite family’s bidding. Cleave-worthy Kira Donovan catches his eye, but the presiding powers give defect-free Blake Sundry first dibs.

Full of competing agendas, romantic entanglements, humor, twists and turns, daynight is Megan Thomason’s debut young adult dystopian novel and first in the daynight series.

daynight will be FREE from Jan 21 - Jan 23

Purchase

Amazon

Praise

“Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” —Kirkus Reviews
“Gripping young adult dystopian novel; compelling conflicts; high stakes; powerful narrative; surprises keep coming; strong writing; page-turner; engaging characters; Readers will be hungry for the sequels.”—BlueInk Review (starred review)

“The writing is impressive and the story is a real page-turner. So many twists and turns… I’m hooked… I can’t wait for the next installment to come out…4.5 out of 5 stars”—Self-Publishing Review

“Delicious humor, intelligence, and sparkling dialogue” —Amazon reviewer

“Strangely brilliant and imaginative”—Amazon reviewer

“Grips you from the first page and keeps you wanting more”—Amazon reviewer

“Plot twists kept me reading till late at night”—Amazon reviewer

“Every page a thrilling experience”—Amazon reviewer

“Hooked from the first chapter and could not put it down”—Amazon reviewer

“It's like a CW fantasy TV show in a book with a really interesting environment.”—Amazon reviewer

“I'm a little tired of dystopian novels, but Daynight has a unique and fresh story line that didn't have any trouble keeping my interest.”—Amazon reviewer

Author Megan Thomason

Megan Thomason lives in paradise aka San Diego, CA with her husband and five children. A former software manager, Megan vastly prefers writing twisted tales to business, product, and marketing plans. When she isn't typing away on her laptop, she's reading books on her phone—over 600 in the last year—or attending to the needs of her family. Megan’s fluent in sarcasm, could potentially benefit from a 12-step program for road rage, struggles with a Hot Tamales addiction, loves world travel & fast cars and hates paperwork & being an insomniac. Daynight is Megan's first published novel, but fourth written one.

 Twitter</ a> * Goodreads</ a> * Facebook</ div>

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$75 Amazon Gift Card
Apple Earbuds ($30 Value)
Ends 2/3/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Book Review: Saving Grace by Christine Zolendz

Saving Grace by Christine Zolendz

Publisher: Dark Road Designs

Publish Date: October 5, 2012

Kindle Edition, 244 pages

ASIN: B009MH5QGK

Mad World #2

My Review:
Okay if I thought Fall from Grace was hot and amazing, Saving Grace did everything it could to top it. Yes Fall from Grace left us in a cliffhanger, but Saving Grace manages to take us on the ride of our lives emotionally and through a thrillride and Ms. Zolendz still manages to tie everything up with a neat little bow in the end. Yay for no more cliffhangers! Though I must admit I almost could have dealt with one to have more of Grace and Shane. But it's okay I think the story was really done and Ms. Zolendz played it out perfectly.

So I highly recommend you read Fall from Grace before you read Saving Grace. There is a lot of story development and character development that is really necessary to understanding the story in Saving Grace. But trust me that it's not a hardship to read Fall from Grace. I loved it and had high expectations for Saving Grace as well that were not let down. First the characters continue to grow and develop. The emphasis is on Grace and Shane. I love these two and was pulling for their romance through the whole book, through their trials and tribulations. Through the angst and troubles. I like how each character changes in little and big ways yet the other doesn't necessarily see it, but the characters around them see it and obviously the reader sees it to some extent. I think you will find yourself cheering right along like I did. I think you will also find your emotions running the gamut of happiness and giddiness to outright sadness through this book. I like an author that can evoke this much emotion. Ms. Zolendz does an amazing job making me empathize with the characters and making me feel like I am right there with them.

And if you want action. There is still a lot of action and a lot of questions of the paranormal sense to be answered in Saving Grace. Lots of suspense, and lots is up in the air. I found myself quickly turning pages not only to see what would happen with Shane and Grace but also to find out just what was happening with Gabriel and what it all meant. The suspense was well done. It confused me just enough to keep me enthralled and into that element of the plot as well as the romance. Ms. Zolendz did a great job with the balancing act between the two. So much that I don't think this book would disappoint romance or suspense fans, especially if you like your suspense in the paranormal variety.

In the end I loved this book (if you couldn't tell that by now). I may be becoming a gushing fan girl of Christine Zolendz. It's rough, it's gritty, but it's beautiful too. I honestly could not get enough of Shane and Grace and I'm kind of sad it's over though I think the story did run it's course and I'm really happy with the ending. If you are looking for a great new adult series with a touch of paranormal and suspense then this is just the thing for you. I can promise you that you will be sucked in and you won't be able to put it down until you read that last page and know just how things turn out. I would love some more stories from the group of friends though, that would be kind of fun, hint, hint :)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
After spending over 2,000 years being a lost soul looking for the angel I was forbidden to fall in love with, I finally found him. Lucky for me he has taken up residence inside the hot body of NYC’s local bad boy, tattooed rock star, Shane Maxton. Turns out, not only is he absolutely perfect, so is the whole Grace Taylor life that I’m stuck in. The only problem is Gabriel. An archangel who wants me all to himself so he kind of kidnaps me. Now I have to find my way back and hope everything works out…
About the Author:
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***I bought this book for my own reading pleasure.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  ***

2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge

I love romances and I had to join this challenge.  I came in just a little late, meaning after the beginning of the year, when I realized I was on a romance reading roll.  So once again Google was my friend and led me to The Book Vixen who is hosting the 2013 Contemporary Romance Reading Challenge.  Go to the link to get the details, but it's pretty simple read Contemporary romances, meaning they are present-day and don't have any other elements (paranormal, fantasy, time-travel) in them.  Again more details on The Book Vixen's site.  The goal is to read at least 10 books.  I should have that easy.  I'm setting my goal for 25.

I'll list my books and links to reviews below.

1. Yours At Midnight by Robin Bielman
2. Chance of a Lifetime by Jodi Thomas 
3. The Look of Love by Bella Andre 
4. From This Moment On by Bella Andre 
5. Tempting Acquisitions by Addison Fox
6. Recipe for Satisfaction by Gina Gordon
7. Melting the Millionaire's Heart by Linda Morris
8. Vanilla on Top by C.J. Ellison
9. Temptation by Kathryn Barrett
10. Luck of the Draw by Kelley Vitollo
11. Seven Night Stand by Nicole Helm
12. Private Practice by Samanthe Beck
13. A Little Bit Cupid by Jennifer Shirk
14. Abby Road by Ophelia London
15. Can't Stop Believing by Jodi Thomas

Book Review: Mama Mary Chats about Marcus and Nicola in Love (From this Moment On by Bella Andre) #The Sullivans + Giveaway

I loved The Look of Love so much and I was intrigued by Marcus that I had to jump right into From This Moment On.  I usually try and space out my series a little more, but once you meet The Sullivans you can't get them out of your head and each book introduces you just a little more to the next sibling to be featured and you just have to read about him or her.  It's like potato chips you just can't stop.  And I'm glad I didn't.  Come see why and be sure and enter the giveaway, there are still a few days left in the tour.

My review today comes from Mary Sullivan, matriarch of this wonderful clan of 8 siblings.  Mary has been waiting many years for her children to finally find love so hear what she has to say about Marcus and Nicola.

Hi everyone, Crystal asked me here to talk about Marcus and Nicola.  We are talking right after our family brunch which was rather interesting.  I'm not going to go into all the details because I for one don't know them, but I would like to share this love story which I hope has a happy ending from a mother's point-of-view.

First there is Marcus, my precious first born, who while he is taller and much bigger than me will always be my baby, but he is so much more. And no I don't play favorites no matter how my kids joke about it.  But Marcus had to grow up early when his father died and he was a wonderful help to me.  I honestly don't know what I would do without him.  His bond to his family is strong and while he might beat up on one of his brothers from time-to-time or pick on his sisters (I know all about the Naughty and Nice nicknames), he would fight to the death for any of them at any time.  They are close even when they don't see each other often.  You know I really hurt when he dated that Jill girl, I knew she wasn't right for him, but what's a Mom to do?  I couldn't tell him that, it would just make it worse and he's a thirty-six year-old man.  He can make his own decisions.  So you have to know it thrilled me that night to receive a phone call from Nicola asking if my son was a safe man.  I knew then that Jill and Marcus was over and he was seeing someone else.  I also knew that even if Marcus thought it was a fling, that Marcus doesn't do flings any more.  Especially since Chase has settled down with Chloe.  That boy was looking for a wife and a family.  He had an idea in his mind of what that looked like, but I think he had his idea blown out of the water by Nicola and that was good, that's what you need to fall in love.

Ah, Nicola, what can you say when you first meet a girl over the phone and you know she's hooking up with your son?  But I know my boys are not innocent.  They like to think I think I don't know about them, but you can't have six sons and not know what goes on. {Mary gives a hearty laugh here}.  But I just had this feeling.  And somehow between Lori working with Nico and Marcus hooking up with a girl name Nicola I had a feeling they were one and the same, so I was thrilled to see her show up at my house.  Nicola has a wonderful heart, she's been hurt and is a little gun-shy, but I could see when I met her that she was in love with Marcus. They both just needed some pushing to get where they trusted and could work things out.  But I had full faith in them.  When love is that strong it can work through all things.  It reminded me a bit of me and their father way back then.  That is the love I want for my children.  Chase found it and I believe Marcus has found it, I just hope he went after it and got it.  I want Nicola in my family so bad. She is such a wonderful fit for our family.

Thank you Mary for sharing your feelings today.  I agree after reading Marcus and Nicola's story that they are such a wonderful fit.  I won't share all the details, but one thing Mary didn't touch on is the heat that they share.  Wow are they scorching, I mean these two look at each other and I think the room will combust, or maybe it was just me.

I thought The Look of Love was wonderful, but I think From This Moment On may have topped it.  Two wonderfully romantic men in one family so far.  I'll say it again, if my husband wasn't already a very romantic man I think I would need to find me a Sullivan of my own :)

My Rating:  5.0/5.0

About From This Moment On:
With FROM THIS MOMENT ON, bestselling author Bella Andre introduces you to Marcus, the second Sullivan bad boy, whose life will never be the same from the moment he meets Nicola….

For thirty-six years, Marcus Sullivan has been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly ordered future he's planned for himself turns out to be nothing but a lie, Marcus needs one reckless night to shake free from it all.

Nicola Harding is known throughout the world by only one name - Nico - for her catchy, sensual pop songs. Only, what no one knows about the twenty-five year old singer is that her sex-kitten image is totally false. After a terrible betrayal by a man who loved fame far more than he ever loved her, she vows not to let anyone else get close enough to find out who she really is...or hurt her again. Especially not the gorgeous stranger she meets at a nightclub, even though the hunger - and the sinful promises - in his dark eyes make her want to spill all her secrets.

One night is all Nicola and Marcus agree to share with each other. But nothing goes as they plan when instead of simply tangling limbs, they find a deeper connection than either of them could have anticipated. And even though they both try to fight it, growing emotions - and sizzling attraction - keep drawing them closer together.

Close enough for them to wonder if stealing one more secret moment together can ever be enough?

How to win great prizes:

The Sullivans are on tour with Novel Publicity. Follow along for your chance to win amazing prizes. We've got special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards. WOW! You'll also get introduced to this amazing contemporary romance series via excerpts as well as interviews with and guest posts from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Bella Andre. You'll definitely want to learn more about the family that has captured the world's heart. All the info you need to join the fun and enter to win amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To Win the Prizes:

1. Purchase any of the Sullivan ebooks by Bella Andre for just $4.99 (optional)
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity or below (it's the same one)
3. Visit today’s featured social media event (that's where the HUGE prizes are)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  
About The Sullivans: In this sexy, emotional and funny contemporary romance series, each member of the Sullivan family will eventually find true love...usually where he or she least expects it. Get the eBooks via Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, the iBookStore, or the Kobo Store. Audiobooks are also available for the first five in the series (with more coming soon). Plus, keep an eye out for paperback editions coming from Harlequin Romance starting Summer 2013.

 

About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started writing her first romance novel, she knew she'd found her perfect career. Known for "sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publishers Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they'll love forever, nearly all of her novels have appeared on Top 10 lists at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo. Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine "Red Hot Reads" twice and have been translated into nine languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post has called her "One of the top digital writers in America" and she has been featured by NPR, USA Today, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She has given the keynote speech at Book Expo America on her self-publishing success and has sold more than one million books. If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.

• Sign up for Bella's newsletter at www.eepurl.com/eXj22
• Visit Bella's website at www.BellaAndre.com
• Follow Bella on twitter at www.twitter.com/bellaandre
• Join Bella on Faceboook at www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans

***I received this book through Novel Publicity for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Book Review: Fall From Grace by Christine Zolendz

Fall From Grace by Christine Zolendz

Publisher: Dark Road Designs

Publish Date: July 22, 2012

Kindle Edition, 232 pages

ASIN: B008NYB63A

Mad World #1

My Review:
What is it about the New Adult genre that has drawn me in so fully? I am pretty far from a new adult. In fact most would consider me middle age. I am quickly approaching my last year in my 30s, but I can't seem to get enough of the young adult and new adult genres. It's probably because the stories are so interesting and well-written. It may have to do with the fact that they don't mirror my life of work, kids, dishes, laundry and occasional date with my husband. It may be that they remind me of my early days with my husband, those crazy days in college. It may be a lot of things, but I have been drawn in so I expected a lot when I picked up Fall From Grace. What I expected and what I got were two entirely different things and I mean that in the best way possible.

I thought I took an emotional ride in Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens. Fall From Grace goes even further or at least it felt like it at the time. Christine Zolendz captures perfectly the rolling emotions and hormones of this age. The testing of boundaries, the high highs and the low lows. I loved Grace. She's had it tough and there is a lot that I learned about her in the book. She's fascinating, and definitely a multidimensional character. I found myself really rooting for her to make the right decision and find the love of her life. And Shane. Sex on legs Shane. Ahhh, what else is there to say. I love Shane, he's amazing, he's awful, and he's wonderful at the same time. He's a whole different man with Grace and I love that. I like watching him change. I love his character flaws and all. I love the sparks that fly between him and Grace and the sparks do fly. I never knew a book could be as hot as this one and not contain actual sex. Yes it's hard to believe, but let me tell you, there is heat.

The plot is amazing, it keeps moving. I was sucked right into the story from the first page even though I was a little confused. I love the paranormal twist to this one. It seems all normal and then there is the paranormal. It's really amazing how Ms. Zolendz wraps it all together so well, making it so believable and so much a part of the story that I never doubted it for one minute.

If you are looking for an emotional thrill-ride then open the pages of Fall From Grace. My only suggestion is to have Saving Grace handy so you can read it as soon as you finish because you won't be able to get enough of Shane and Grace and you will have to know how the story continues and finishes. I loved this book and it has further cemented my love of the New Adult Genre and my love of rock stars too. If I wasn't so happily married I think I would want my own Shane Maxton ;)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
I'm finally home after struggling through my brother's illness and death. But, home is definitely a bit different. My best friend (the only person alive now that knows my secret) has a new boyfriend; and he has a friend. Shane Maxton: bad boy, tattooed rock god, eye candy extraordinaire. He is also New York City's most arrogant, self-serving, son of a, well, a definite one-night stand kind of a guy.

But, it doesn't matter to me because I've spent my existence looking for the love of my life, my angel. And, there is nothing that Shane Maxton can do to change that.
 
A paranormal romance.

About the Author:
Blog
Twitter

***I bought this book for my own reading pleasure.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  ***

Luck of the Draw by Kelly Vitollo and Faling for Her Fiance by Cindi Madsen Cover Reveals!

Today I present you with two new wonderful covers and romances from Entangled which is one of my favorite publishers of all time. Since I started reviewing for them last year and I have loved all the books I have read from this publisher.  They have lots of romance imprints from the not-so-steamy to the very steamy, the paranormal and the just plain romance.  If you like it they have it.  And today I present you with two new titles in the Bliss line.  And I love these covers.  Their covers are always fresh and flirty and fun.  So check them out, check out the blurb and then head over and buy your copies of these two books!  And one more thing, I'm really excited about Luck of the Draw, I read Lucky Break, the first in the Shamrock Falls series so I can't wait to read Rowan's story (and you don't have to read these in order, they are stand-alone).

About Falling for Her Fiance:
Danielle and Wes have been best friends since college, and so when Wes needs a date for his sister’s wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake engagement to get through both events unscathed. But neither expects the feelings that develop. Putting their friendship on the line is dangerous, but so is passing up a chance at true love…

Buy Links:

About Luck of the Draw:
Rowan McKinley isn’t looking for one wild night while vacationing in Vegas, but she gets it anyway when she meets professional poker player—and professional ladies’ man—Breck Wilder. Breck’s easygoing charm and lighthearted banter draw in the reserved Rowan, and though she’s always dreamed of the kind of forever love her best friends Sidney and Kade share, she’ll settle for one night with the charismatic player.

After their crazy one-night stand, Breck never expected to see the mysterious redhead again. So when he shows up at a Shamrock Falls B&B looking to get away for a few weeks and Rowan answers the door, he’s floored. Breck’s rolling-stone lifestyle and ill-fated history with women means he’s not interested in anything long-term. But the longer he stays at the B&B, the more he considers dropping the poker face and putting all his cards on the table…for Rowan.

Buy Links:

Book Review: The Look of Love by Bella Andre (plus great giveaways to enter)

Today instead of a typical book review, I thought I would talk to some of the characters and ask them what they thought about the main characters Chloe and Chase so you could get a feel for the romance and story of The Look of Love.  No spoilers involved, it's a romance so you know there will be a happy ending, and everything else is pretty much at the beginning of the book. So come meet some characters and find out about Chloe and Chase and get hooked on The Look of Love by Bella Andre.

Ellen, you met Chloe in an interesting way, how did you end up feeling about her?

Oh you could say it was interesting, but you'll have to read to get all the details, I'm a little too embarrassed to go into those right now.  At first I was disappointed. I mean I wanted my chance with Chase, but being around Chloe the happiness is kind of contagious. She just draws you in even when she's feeling possessive of Chase.  So I like her and there are no hard feelings, I may have seen him first, but she captured his heart so what do you do?  Hey there are five more brothers, oh I mean four more since one is my boss.  My man is out there somewhere I know.

Marcus, what did you think of Chloe when you first met her?
I thought she was beautiful, stunning, and was a little jealous that Chase met her first. I then thought my brother was the sly devil all of us Sullivans' are and she would be the flavor of the day/week and be gone soon.  But she did have this damsel in distress quality about her . . .  but Chase doesn't go for that.

Jeremy did you think Chloe would end up with Chase?
Umm, is Marcus around or any of the other brothers?  No, good, okay, being around so much studly man-ness just makes me stutter and be so nervous. Well that first day Chase had my prepare a picnic basket and while this isn't an out-of-they-way request from Chase, I mean he loves the ladies, why can't he play for my team, um, sorry.  But back to what I was saying, it was the way he asked me and his intentions, even that first day, I could tell she was different to him. He had already kind of slacked of his man-ho activities if you know what I mean, he's getting older I guess, but she just seemed to stop him in his tracks. I could see the way he looked at her and it was real.  And Chloe was so sweet.  I really wanted her to like him, he needs a good woman since he didn't want a good man and I thought Chloe was the best I have seen around him, so yes I thought they would end up together.

Jackie and Amanda, what did you think of Chloe and Chase?
Amanda: Well I've worked with Chase and for an older man, he is hot, but he's too old for me. I saw the way he looked at Chloe when I ran into her when I threw my tantrum.  I really liked Chloe then. She didn't talk down to me or act like I was doing anything wrong, she just helped me work through  my feelings like a sister would.  So I liked her and what she did for my dress was just amazing.
Jackie: Chloe was sweet and the looks Chase threw her during the day definitely had sparks to them.  Chloe was like a Mom to me during the shoot, what don't look at me like that, I know there's not that much age difference, but she's just different, she's not like us, and I mean that in a good way. I think she will be good for Chase.  But there will be a lot of disappointed models if he's off the market.

Chase, what did you think of Chloe?
She was a stunner, was my first instinct, but it was something more than that too. I'm not one of those guys that rescues women but for some reason I felt like I should help her. My Mom raised me to be good to women, and I have been {he gave me a wink and then gave Chloe a hand squeeze}.  I will admit to being a love them and leave them type, but somehow when I met Chloe that all flew out the window from the first look. It baffled me. Every protective instinct came through around her, I think I would have beat my brother up if he came near her, oh wait, nevermind, that's nothing new.  But seriously, I felt like she was mine and I wanted to make her mine.

Insert a whole bunch of awwws here :)

Chloe, what did you think of Chase?
Honestly I didn't want a man and I thought he was too good to be true.  I mean look at him. Men like him are usually stuck on himself and then I find out there are 5 more of him and one's a movie star. Oww (that was Chase elbowing Chloe).  Just joking sweetie, but all of them are amazing but none of them are as amazing as Chase.  My first impression, this was a man I could fall in love with, but I can't do that.  That was my first thought, okay my first thought was actually, this man could be an axe murderer and that would be just my luck, but my next thought after figuring out he wasn't an axe murderer was about falling in love.

Insert kissing noises as these two can't keep their hands off each other.

So if you're intrigued by learning this little bit about the characters involved and the love story (and trust me there is a lot more to it, you know there is a happy ending, but you don't know the in-between).  You will want to read The Look of Love. It was my first book by Bella Andre and the first book in The Sullivan Family series which does not have to be read in order, but I'm a little obsessive and had to start at the beginning and I'm honestly wondering if anyone can top Chase.  It will take a lot, but I'm willing to find out.  If you like your romance honest, hot and great, then try out The Look of Love and you'll fall in love with the Sullivan Family and Chase and Chloe.

My Rating:  5.0/5.0

About The Look of Love:
With THE LOOK OF LOVE, bestselling author Bella Andre introduces you the Sullivan family. In this fun and emotional contemporary romance series, when a Sullivan bad boy falls...he falls hard. And it's forever.

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even the gorgeous guy who rescues her in the middle of the rain storm must be too good to be true. Or is he?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his pick of beautiful women, and whenever he’s home in San Francisco, one of his seven siblings is usually up for causing a little fun trouble. Chase thinks his life is great just as it is—until the night he finds Chloe and her totaled car on the side of the road in Napa Valley. Not only has he never met anyone so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes she has much bigger problems than her damaged car. Soon, he is willing to move mountains to love—and protect—her, but will she let him?

Chloe vows never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Only, with every loving look Chase gives her—and every sinfully sweet caress—as the attraction between them sparks and sizzles, she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the only exception. And although Chase didn’t realize his life was going to change forever in an instant, amazingly, he isn’t the least bit interested in fighting that change. Instead, he’s gearing up for a different fight altogether…for Chloe’s heart.

How to win great prizes:

The Sullivans are on tour with Novel Publicity. Follow along for your chance to win amazing prizes. We've got special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards. WOW! You'll also get introduced to this amazing contemporary romance series via excerpts as well as interviews with and guest posts from New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, Bella Andre. You'll definitely want to learn more about the family that has captured the world's heart. All the info you need to join the fun and enter to win amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To Win the Prizes:

1. Purchase any of the Sullivan ebooks by Bella Andre for just $4.99 (optional)
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity or below (it's the same one)
3. Visit today’s featured social media event (that's where the HUGE prizes are)

a Rafflecopter giveaway
  
About The Sullivans: In this sexy, emotional and funny contemporary romance series, each member of the Sullivan family will eventually find true love...usually where he or she least expects it. Get the eBooks via Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, the iBookStore, or the Kobo Store. Audiobooks are also available for the first five in the series (with more coming soon). Plus, keep an eye out for paperback editions coming from Harlequin Romance starting Summer 2013.

 

About the Author: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started writing her first romance novel, she knew she'd found her perfect career. Known for "sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publishers Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they'll love forever, nearly all of her novels have appeared on Top 10 lists at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and Kobo. Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine "Red Hot Reads" twice and have been translated into nine languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post has called her "One of the top digital writers in America" and she has been featured by NPR, USA Today, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. She has given the keynote speech at Book Expo America on her self-publishing success and has sold more than one million books. If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.

• Sign up for Bella's newsletter at www.eepurl.com/eXj22
• Visit Bella's website at www.BellaAndre.com
• Follow Bella on twitter at www.twitter.com/bellaandre
• Join Bella on Faceboook at www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans

***I received this book through Novel Publicity for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***