Cover Reveal: Awake by Natasha Preston (+ enter the giveaway)

It's Cover Reveal time!  Today it's Awake by Natash Preston which I can't wait to review for the September release.  Here's more information and continue to the bottom for how you can enter to win an early copy of this exciting book.

About AWAKE:

Scarlett doesn’t remember anything before the age of five. Her parents say it’s from the trauma of seeing her house burn down, and she accepts the life they’ve created for her without question—until a car accident causes Scarlett to start remembering pieces of an unfamiliar past.

When a new guy moves into town, Scarlett feels an instant spark. But Noah knows the truth of Scarlett’s past, and he’s determined to shield her from it…because Scarlett grew up in a cult called Eternal Light, controlled by her biological parents.

And they want her back.

About Natasha Preston:

UK native Natasha Preston grew up in small villages and towns. She discovered her love of writing when she shared a story online—and hasn’t looked back since. She enjoys writing romance, thrillers, gritty YA, and the occasional serial killer.

Social Networking Links:

Website

Facebook 

Twitter 

And now for the cover . . .

Giveaway:
 

Sourcebooks is also hosting a giveaway. grab the never-before-revealed cover for AWAKE, post this on your blog, Facebook and/or Twitter with the hashtag #AreYouAwake any of your fans that retweet the cover will be eligible to win an early ARC of AWAKE.

Here is an example Tweet:

COVER REVEAL: @natashavpreston’s Young Adult thriller AWAKE will be released this September! #AreYouAwake

Add the cover and you are entered!

Book Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Return to You by Samantha Chase

Return To You by Samantha Chase

Release Date: March 3, 2015

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Summary
She will never forget their past...

He can't stop thinking about their future...

James Montgomery has achieved everything he'd hoped for in life...except marrying the girl of his dreams. After a terrible accident, Selena Ainsley left ten years ago. She took his heart with her and she's never coming back. But it's becoming harder and harder for him to forget their precious time together, and James can't help but wonder what he would do if they could ever meet again.



My Review:
Return to You was an amazing read.  I love the story where the guy and girl were so close in high school but something happens and they are apart for many years but finally get back together.  Add in a wonderful uncle matchmaker (which is what ties this series together) and you get magic.

I believe this is the fourth book in the Montgomery family series.  It's based on a man in the family (he's the Dad in the first three books and I believe the Uncle in subsequent books, like this one) who is a great matchmaker. I really liked him. He was fun, sweet and had wonderful intentions to unite each child/niece/nephew into the relationship they are destined for.  He does some arranging but it never comes off as manipulative since he has their best interests at heart.

And oh does he have James' and Selena's best interests at heart.  These two were high school sweethearts, meant to be together but pulled apart by horrible circumstances that I can't reveal because it's really a part of how the book unfolds.  Watching them react to each other, find each other again and deal with the past is both wonderful and heartbreaking.  Both have held on for the other for so long, but as it works most of the time, stubbornness can get in the way.

Both characters, James and Selena are developed very well.  I got a great feel for each of them, their pain, their pride and their love for each other and their passion in life.  The plot was fast-paced, giving some flashbacks to how they met and some of their life in the past but mainly focusing on the now and how they get back together.  Of course their is conflict, you can't have a romance book without it and I had to see what would happen.  That makes it a great book for me.  When I care enough about the characters to see what happens to them.  And now I hope I will get a glimpse of them in future books about the Montgomery family.

A great installment in a series, but don't be afraid to read this one as a stand-alone.  I did and I am curious about the other matches that were made and can't wait to read other books in the series.  I will go back and read the first three and will definitely pre-order any future books.  This is a fun series and if this book is any indication I will really enjoy the other books in the series.  Looks like I have a new automatic author for me in the contemporary romance genre.  If you haven't checked out Samantha Chase I can heartily recommend this one.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Excerpt

It was near midnight and Selena’s eyes felt heavy. With her head resting on James’s shoulder, she tried to focus on the ending of The Philadelphia Story. Back when they were dating, they used to enjoy watching classic movies, and finding one on the television seemed like the perfect way for them to relax after such an emotional evening.

James looked over at Selena and smiled to himself. If he could freeze this moment in time, he would. For years he had wondered if he’d ever find a woman he could come home to, with whom he could sit like this and simply relax. The woman half-asleep beside him was the only woman he wanted to fit that bill. The credits were beginning to roll, and he gently nudged her with his shoulder. “Hey,” he said softly, “are you still awake?”

“Mmm…barely,” she whispered and then yawned. As much as Selena knew that the bed would be a far more comfortable place to sleep, she didn’t want to leave the security of James’s side. She jumped when he shifted beside her to stand up. A wave of panic hit her as she prayed that he wasn’t getting up to leave. Before she could even voice her concern, James turned off the television and then scooped her up into his arms. “Oh!”

“Don’t get me wrong. I was completely enjoying being curled up with you on the sofa, but I had a feeling your neck was going to kill you tomorrow.” He walked through to the bedroom and carefully held her close as he pulled back the comforter and gently placed Selena down. Without a word, he walked back out to the living room and locked the door and turned out the lights before returning to her.

He didn’t ask permission.

She didn’t extend an invitation.

Neither seemed necessary.

Buy Links:

Amazon      Barnes and Noble     Kobo      IndieBound

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller/contemporary romance writer Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Although she waited until she was in her 40's to publish for the first time, writing has been a lifelong passion. Her motivation to take that step was her students: teaching creative writing to elementary age students all the way up through high school and encouraging those students to follow their writing dreams gave Samantha the confidence to take that step as well.

When she's not working on a new story, she spends her time reading contemporary romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.



Website      Facebook      Twitter      Goodreads

Giveaway
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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

Royal Pain Baby Name Game (Giveaway)

It’s time to play A Royal Pain Baby Name Game! To celebrate Megan Mulry’s upcoming July release, If the Shoe Fits, Sourcebooks would like to know what you think the name of Will & Kate’s new addition will be! Comment below with your boy name and girl name prediction! I will pick one winner who will receive a print copy of Megan’s first book A Royal Pain (US & Canada only please)! Ends June 30th and I will randomly pick a winner from the comments.  I can't wait to see the names you come up with :)  Winner will be drawn by July 2nd and book will be shipped by publisher.

Coming July 2^nd – If the Shoe Fits by Megan Mulry

The only thing worse than being in the spotlight is being kept in the dark...

With paparazzi nipping at his heels, Devon Heyworth, rakish brother of the Duke of Northrop, spends his whole life hiding his intelligence and flaunting his playboy persona. Fast cars and faster women give the tabloids plenty to talk about.

American entrepreneur Sarah James is singularly unimpressed with "The Earl" when she meets him at a wedding. But she's made quite an impression on him. When he pursues her all the way across the pond, he discovers that Miss James has no intention of being won over by glitz and glamor—she's got real issues to deal with, and the last thing she needs is larger-than-life royalty mucking about her business.

Book Review: Double Time by Olivia Cunning

Double Time by Olivia Cunning
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pub Date: November 6, 2012
Paperback, 384 pages
ISBN: 9781402271519 
Romance, Erotica 
Sinners on Tour



My Review:
This is one of those books you are dying to finish and don't want to finish at the same time. You want to know what happens, but you don't want it to be over. It was my first Sinners on Tour book, I had great plans to read the first two books in the series before reading this one, but as usual, I didn't get to it before the deadline loomed for the review of Double Time. So I dove into this book which I later found out is supposed to be the last book in the series, but is being released third for some reason that I don't know and don't really care because I was able to read about Trey now.

Another confession, I had not read m/m/f before, was not even sure I would like it, but had heard such wonderful things about the series that I knew I had to try it. I knew I wouldn't judge the overall book on whether the sex scenes were for me or not. Well they were for me. I think Ms. Cunning does a wonderful job with them. But I'll get to that in a moment, I just needed to get my confessions out of the way.

The characters, anyone who reads my blog, knows I'm big on characters, and since this is a romance, it needs to have great characters. I did not know Trey or any of the band members of The Sinners or Exodus End before Double Time, but that's okay. I think Ms. Cunning does a great job getting you up-to-speed on the characters. And even the happily-ever-afters of the two books between Rock Hard and Double Time are a given and nothing essential was given away to spoil them in my opinion. So back to Trey, Reagan and Ethan. Oh my gosh, they are amazing. Reagan was so cool, love the tomboy, rock goddess image, love that she still squeals at seeing the members of Exodus End and The Sinners and doesn't take her position for granted. Love that she also seems to know what she's getting into and knows she'll probably get hurt, but still allows herself to fall for Trey. Her feelings are amazing and I love how they are shown in the book. Trey is tortured by his love for Brian and wants to get over it with Reagan, and the crazy thing is he finds he really has feelings for her. I loved watching that develop. He is such a teddy bear while still being incredibly sexy. And the banter between the two of them, just amazing, he truly has met his match in Reagan. Then add Ethan in and wow, do the three of them soar off the charts! Not as much is known about Ethan, the constraints of the book limited that I believe, but I felt like I knew him enough I was comfortable with his place in the relationship and how he grew into it. I liked Trey and Reagan the best, but probably because I was able to get to know them the best.

The plot was mainly moved along by the relationship and Trey's secret for the first half of the book and then their experimentation for the next quarter of the book. Then the suspense plot that was in the background through about half of the book ramped up for the last quarter and made things even more interesting. And it finishes out with more relationship happenings. I felt the plot moved very well, never dragged and kept me turning pages. I easily read the first 250 pages in one sitting and would have read more had my family not demanded supper. Of course I could not wait to get back to it.

One of my favorite things as I finished up Double Time was that the characters and plot will stay with me for some time. Yes the sex was hot and I enjoyed it, but there was deeper relationship meaning in the book as most of us women expect. It's erotica done the way it should be, a healthy dose of steamy sex with a great story and a happy ending. Just know it has m/m and m/m/f along with m/f sex in it, so if you know it's not your thing, then don't read it. If you haven't tried reading it and aren't sure, I can heartily recommend trying this one. :)

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
Olivia Cunning delivers the perfect blend of steamy sex, heartwarming romance, and a wicked sense of humor in this menage story featuring the hottest guy in the Sinners band.

Trey Mills, the notoriously sexy Sinners rhythm guitarist, gives up his bisexual lifestyle and is swept into a hot, heady romance with Reagan Elliot, a female rock star sensation. But when Trey encounters Reagan's sexy bisexual roommate, Ethan Conner, he can no longer deny who he is or what he wants. Reagan heartily agrees to a solution that opens up a hot new world of sexual experience--and love--with the two men she wants the most.


About the Author (from Goodreads.com):
Combining her love for romantic fiction and rock ‘n roll, Olivia Cunning writes erotic romance centered around rock musicians. Raised on hard rock music from the cradle, she attended her first Styx concert at age six and fell instantly in love with live music. She's been known to travel over a thousand miles just to see a favorite band in concert. As a teen, she discovered her second love, romantic fiction -- first, voraciously reading steamy romance novels and then penning her own. Growing up as the daughter of a career soldier, she's lived all over the country and overseas. She recently moved to Galveston, Texas.

Author website
Twitter
Facebook
Blog
 
 

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

Giveaway: Olivia Cunning Prize Packs

     

To get ready for Olivia Cunning's new release in November Sourcebooks is having a little pre-tour with the band.  And you are the ones that benefit.  Double Time will be releasing November 1st and it's the 3rd book in the Sinners on Tour series.  The first two books, Backstage Pass and Rock Hard will be up for grabs in this giveaway and I will have two prize packs for two lucky winners.  Simply answer the following question in the comments below and fill out the Rafflecopter and you are entered.  Giveaway open to US/Canada, prizes will be mailed from the publisher and the giveaway will end October 1st.

Questions to answer to enter (choose one or more of the following):
What is/was your favorite rock band?  
What is your favorite concert you have been to? 
If you could be a groupie for any band which one would it be?


About Backstage Pass (part of the giveaway):
Five stunning guys, one hot woman, and a feverish romance...

For him, life is all music and no play...

When Brian Sinclair, lead songwriter and guitarist of the hottest metal band on the scene, loses his creative spark, it will take nights of downright sinful passion to release his pent-up genius...

She's the one to call the tune...

When sexy psychologist Myrna Evans goes on tour with the Sinners, every boy in the band tries to seduce her. But Brian is the only one she wants to get her hands on...

Then the two lovers' wildly shocking behavior sparks the whole band to new heights of glory...and sin...

About Rock Hard (part of the giveaway):
An ultimatum can break your heart....

Every night lead singer, Sed Lionheart whips thousands of women into a frenzy with his voice alone. But the stage is the only place Sed feels any passion since he lost Jessica...

If you’re not willing to break all the rules...

It shattered her heart, but law student Jessica broke off her engagement to Sed, determined to be successful on her own terms. But no other man can ever hold a candle to Sed...

Then a chance meeting and tortuously close quarters lead to uncontrollable flares of passion and rediscovery of their unique penchant for public encounters. Now, in addition to the risk of mutual heartbreak every time they get together, they’re in danger of truly scandalous public exposure...

About Double Time (out in November):

Trey’s love life is about to get twice as steamy… and twice as complicated…

Olivia Cunning delivers the perfect blend of steamy sex, heartwarming romance, and a wicked sense of humor in this menage story featuring the hottest guy in the Sinners band. Trey Mills, the notoriously sexy Sinners rhythm guitarist, gives up his bisexual lifestyle and is swept into a hot, heady romance with Reagan Elliot, a female rock star sensation. But when Trey encounters Reagan’s sexy bisexual roommate, Ethan Conner, he can no longer deny who he is or what he wants. Reagan heartily agrees to a solution that opens up a hot new world of sexual experience—and love—with the two men she wants the most.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post: Pipe Dreams & Warriors by C.C. Humphreys (A Place Called Armageddon)

Pipe Dreams and Warriors: The Author talks about his favourite form of research – in the place where the action happened, talking to the people.

‘A room with a view is a surer posession than any virtue’. So wrote a Byzantine poet about a thousand years ago and having been to the city that so inspired him, I know exactly what he means. 

There are few places with more fabulous views than Istanbul and the tourist who goes there will be suitably dazzled. I know I was the first time when I did the full tourist number. But it was my second visit that took me beyond astonishment to deeper feelings – to sense, in my own small way, the love its inhabitants must have for it. This second time, in the summer of 2010, I met its people and learned a little of their love for the place.

I was so fortunate. My last novel ‘Vlad’ about the real Dracula, had just been published there. So my Turkish publisher organized a book signing for me. Truly one of the thrills of my life, to be a tiny part of that legacy of words – Latin, Greek, Turkish, Arabic, Persian. For a millenia, words had been made there, passed through there, on their way to enrich the libraries of the world. I was, in such a small way, a part of all that.

It was the people who dazzled me. I was there for warriors – and met them, first in the shape of my translator, Murad, who shared snippets of his sufi philosophy and who had been in the National Judo squad. Then, over a pipe of apple tobacco in a narghile den (what the English call hubble bubble), I was approached by a huge man with a matching smile: Suleiman, a national karate champion, keen to practice his newly acquired English. And there was a warrior of a different kind there too, a gentle philospher, Acay, disciple of the mystical poet known in the west as Omar Khayamm. He was impressed with the little I could recite (‘Awake, for morning in the bowl of night/has flung the stone that puts the stars to flight.’ My Father would wake my teenage self with that of a morning!)) and we talked and smoked and exchanged ideas.

The people reinforced my early thoughts – that the city is made up of descendents of those who fought either side of the wall. That there were heroes and villains on each side, as there always are in war. And that Istanbul is the city it is – still central to the world, still with a huge part to play, because of that melding.

About A Place Called Armageddon:

To the Greeks who love it, it is Constantinople. To the Turks who covet it, the Red Apple. Safe behind its magnificent walls, the city was once the heart of the vast Byzantine empire.

1453. The empire has shrunk to what lies within those now-crumbling walls. A relic. Yet for one man, Constantinople is the stepping stone to destiny. Mehmet is twenty when he is annointed Sultan. Now, seeking Allah’s will and Man’s glory, he brings an army of one hundred thousand, outnumbering the defenders ten to one. He has also brings something new – the most frightening weapon the world has ever seen...

But a city is more than stone, its fate inseparable from that of its people. Men like Gregoras, a mercenary and exile, returning to the hated place he once loved. Like his twin and betrayer, the subtle diplomat, Theon. Like Sofia, loved by two brothers but forced to make a desperate choice between them. And Leilah, a powerful mystic and assassin, seeking her own destiny in the flames.

This is the tale of one of history’s greatest battles for one of the world’s most extraordinary places. This is the story of people, from peasant to emperor - with the city’s fate, and theirs, undecided... until the moment the Red Apple falls

Who is America's Royal Couple Giveaway (Marrying Up by Wendy Holden)

Can’t get enough of that royal fever? Do you find yourself still Youtube-ing clips of Will & Kate’s big day? Don’t worry, Sourcebooks has you covered. 

Named a “Cinderella story for the beach bag”, Sourcebooks is extremely excited to be releasing Wendy Holden’s Marrying Up in August! Marrying Up has all of the crazy love, eye-opening snobbery, and naked ambition to create a juicy cocktail worthy of any royal. After all, what’s a relationship without a title and a tiara? 

In honor of Wendy’s new release, Sourcebooks is hold a contest in conjunction with my blog to find out who is America’s very own Royal Couple!

As women around the world watched Will and Kate walk down the aisle, many of them were plotting how they could find their own prince charming.

Razor-sharp in its wit and as fresh as newlywed royals, Marrying Up (ISBN 9781402270673, Sourcebooks Landmark, Fiction, Trade Paperback, $14.99 U.S., Aug 2012) by Wendy Holden reveals how sometimes a rags-to-riches story can rip a girl to shreds—and how sometimes the crown on your head can nearly crush you.

Only a title, a mansion, and a family tiara will do for a scheming social climber like Alexa, and she will go to great lengths to get it.  Starting by befriending clueless aristocrat Florrie, who fills her life with parties, texting, and, above all, champagne, means that the grandest doors swing open and the prince of her dreams is within reach. But has Florrie’s mother, the formidable Lady Annabel, figured out Alexa’s intentions already?

Meanwhile, beautiful but penniless archaeology student Polly has found herself in love after a chance meeting with a dark-eyed stranger named Max. However, Max is hiding a big secret, a secret that could ultimately ruin any chance of him and Polly living happily ever after. 

About the Author

Wendy Holden (UK) was a journalist for the Sunday Times, Tatler, and The Mail on Sunday before becoming a full-time author. She has now published nine novels, all top 10 bestsellers in the UK. Her novels include Beautiful People, Farm Fatale, and Filthy Rich and feature sassy humor with a great cast of characters. For more information, please visit: www.officialwendyholden.com.
GIVEAWAY:

So tell us who you think is America's Royal couple and you are entered to win the random drawing for a copy of Marrying Up by Wendy Holden, mailed from the publisher.  Open to US/Canada only, ends 8/10.

Celebration of the Anniversary of Georgette Heyer's 110th Birthday (Giveaway)

Georgette Heyer, the “Queen of Regency Romance,” is one of the most beloved authors of all time, and Sourcebooks couldn’t be more thrilled to be her North American publishing home: all 52 of her delightful novels are back in print!

Over the years we have come to find that fans of Heyer’s work all have “Heyer moments”—stories about how they discovered her, which novel is their favorite, how they used to sneak and read their mother’s copies, and so on.

Sourcebooks LOVES hearing these stories from fans, and what better time to sing the praises of one of our favorite authors then on the anniversary of her 110th birthday! And what better incentive than with a giveaway.

My story? I love romance, romance is what started me back reading mid-way through college years ago, but I have never read a Georgette Heyer book. I want to and with 52 books to choose from it should be easy to find one that appeals to me.  I think I will start with Cotillion, something about it, the cover (don't those girls look mischievous), the blurb, just catches my fancy and says read me. I have it on my Kindle and plan on reading it before the end of summer.  And I have a feeling after that I will be reading many more.

Giveaway:


Blog readers can participate by commenting why they love Georgette Heyer and their own personal “Heyer moment,” or why those who have never read her novels want to start! I will choose one random winner from the comments who will receive a surprise grab-bag prize pack of 3 different Heyer novels: 1 Romance, 1 Mystery, 1 Historical Fiction (1 winner per blog, US and Canada addresses only).  Prize will be mailed from the publisher.



Also here are some additional notes on sales and events going-on during the month of August to celebrate Georgette Heyer with Sourcebooks:

All Available Georgette Heyer eBooks on sale for $2.99 from Tuesday August 14^th – Monday August 20^th! 

Get 30% off any Heyer print book during the whole month of August at the Sourcebooks store by using the coupon code HEYER at checkout!

Also, check out our Georgette Heyer Facebook page where we will be having discussions, parties and giveaways!

Happy 111th Birthday Anastasia + You can win The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen

Even now in 2012, one of the greatest mysteries has been the fate of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov of Russia, the last of four daughters born to the Tsar Nikolas and his wife Alexandra. After the tragic execution of the Russian Royal family in1918, officials were never able to recover the remains of Anastasia. Tales of her supposed escape from Russia have gripped thousands for decades, fueling speculation that a daughter of Russia’s last sovereign ruler survived the revolution that destroyed her immediate family.

The Giveaway:
So in honor of Anastasia 111th birthday today (June 18th), Sourcebooks is offering a copy of The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen to one reader here at My Reading Room.  Simply fill out the Rafflecopter below, the only required entry is a free entry, all other entries are optional.  Good luck, open to US and Canada only and the book will mail from the publisher.  Ends 6/25/12.

About the Book:

IN A TIME OF RASPUTIN'S MAGIC AND ROMANOV MYSTERY, A YOUNG GIRL FINDS HERSELF AT THE HEART OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

She was an orphan, ushered into the royal palace on the prayers of her majestry. Yet, decades later, her time spent in the embrace of the Romanovs haunts her still. Is she responsible for those murderous events that changed everything?

If only she can find the heir, maybe she can put together the broken pieces of her own past-maybe she can hold on to the love she found. Bursting to life with the rich and glorious marvels of Imperial Russia, The Last Romanov is a magical tale of second chances and royal blood.

a Rafflecopter giveaway