Saturday, November 23, 2013

Giveaway & Review of This Much is True by Katherine Owen


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About THIS MUCH IS TRUE


Fate brings them together

Fame & lies keep them apart
One truth remains…

She’s become the Paly High girl with the most tragic story…

At 17, Tally Landon just wants to graduate and leave for New York to pursue ballet. Her best friend Marla convinces her to attend one last party—a college party—where she can be among strangers and evade the whisperings about the heartbreaking loss of her twin that follows her everywhere she goes. She meets Lincoln Presley, Stanford’s famous baseball wonder and has a little fun at his expense—when she lies about her age and who she really is—intent on being someone else for the night and escaping her tragic story.

His only focus is baseball, but he can’t forget the girl he saved on Valentine’s Day…
At 22, Lincoln Presley’s star is on the rise—about to finish at Stanford and expected to be taken early in Major League Baseball’s upcoming draft—his cousin’s party serves as a welcome distraction. But then, he sees the girl from Valentine’s Day that he saved from that horrific car accident and can’t quite hide his disappointment when she appears to look right through him and not remember him at all. He vows to learn her name at least before he leaves. What’s the harm in getting to know this girl? What’s the worst that can happen?

Fate soon tests these star-crossed lovers in all kinds of ways...
And yet, despite the lies being told to protect the other, and the trappings of fame that continually separate them, and in lieu of the deception by those they’ve come to trust the most; one truth remains.

This much is true. 
Caution: This title contains some strong language, some violence, and some sexual situations and is intended for readers 18+ in age.

Title: This Much Is True

Author: Katherine Owen

Release: August 11th, 2013

Age Group: New Adult/Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance; Sports Romance, Holiday Romance, New Adult College Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com

Available in Paperback & eBook at:
{Click to Purchase}


Also available at Kobo & iTunes.

My Review of THIS MUCH IS TRUE

From the opening line of This Much is True, the heart-wrenching story of young, aspiring ballerina, Tally Landon, is a  gratifying journey of heartache and suffering. Throw in  future Hall of Fame baseball play Lincoln Presley and you yourself a book that will draw you in on the first page and leave you with a fulfilled ending on the last!

This Much is True is the first book I have read by Katherine Owen, but it will not be the last. I agreed to read the story as part of the book tour and I am very glad I did. While, This Much is True is a rather long book, it's well worth the read and every chapter has it's own mini-climax. I thoroughly enjoyed that about this book as there was no, 'waiting around to see what happens' next or boring chapters that were simply put there to fill space in the binding. It's very fast paced, but not so much that you feel like you are missing out on anything and have to wonder what happen between point A and point B. 

I won't go into too much detail because I wouldn't want to spoil a good great thing, but I will tell you that this is the most heartfelt, drama-filled story I think I have ever read. Don't get me wrong, I've read dozens of great, well-written, engaging, 5-star books, but none that had so much drama! Drama, drama and more drama... all of which was a good thing of course. While most books have a few unexpected twists turns, this one was full of unexpected events and outcomes that kept the plot entertaining and engaging. Just when you think you what's going to happen... the unexpected happens and Tally's hit with yet another curve ball in life and is left helplessly hanging on to what's left of her heart. Some of which, she brings on herself, others are simply another hard twist of fate. 

One thing I found to be unique about This Much is True, and actually enjoyed about the book, was that each chapter is being told from either Tally or Lincoln's point of view. A couple chapters will be written as if you are right there, sitting next to Tally with her pouring her heart and soul out to you, while the next chapter you are a thousand miles away seeing Lincoln's side. I really enjoyed this part because there was no wondering why something was the way it was. You knew... you knew what he was feeling, you knew why he wasn't there, you knew why she did what she did, and why she thought she was doing the right thing. Back and forth, back and forth. It was like sitting on the fence and straddling the line, while getting to see the grass that was greener on the left, and the not so green on the right. 

What can I say? It's full of drama, it's very realistic and easy to relate to (I'm mean if you are a baseball player and a ballerina of course). The story is so well-written that you are completely engaged and become entangled in the web of lies, tears and heartache. (And constantly grabbing another Pringle and cheering for Team Linc.)  I absolutely adored the characters, the plot and witty style of writing bouncing back and forth between Tally and Linc.

There is no way I could rate this book any less than 5 well-deserved stars! Absolutely Awesome! If you love a great heart-felt, then This Much is True is a must-read!

About the Author, Katherine Owen


Dark. Edgy. Contemporary. Romantic. Were we describing me? Or my fiction? Sorry.

I drink too much...coffee, not enough water. I swear too much for God and my mother, and I slip these into my fiction. Sorry.

I'm impatient, a perfectionist, a wordsmith, a dreamer, which ends up being good and bad. I'm a workaholic; ask my "fam-dam-ily".

I've written four novels in as many years: "When I See You, "Not To Us", Seeing Julia" as well as my latest release "This Much Is True" (which hit #1 on Amazon best seller lists for Sports Romance, Holiday Romance within a week of its release). Competitive; much, KO? Oh yes.

If you love angsty, unpredictable love stories, I'm yours. ♥ Connect with me at facebook.com/KatherineOwenAuthor.

~ Connect with Katherine Owen~

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You can follow the rest of the tour and read more reviews, guest posts and interview with author Katherine Owen by following the rest of the tour at ATOMR.



FTC Disclosure: I did receive a free copy of THIS MUCH IS TRUE for an honest review. The review in this post is my honest opinion and was not influenced in anyway, nor was a I compensated to provide a positive review. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

COVER REVEAL: The Fire Walker by Nicole R. Taylor

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The Fire Walker by Nicole R. Taylor
(Devil’s Tattoo #2)
Publication date: December 16th 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:
Dylan “Dee” Cosgrove is one fourth of Australian band, The Devil’s Tattoo. Loveable, cocky as hell, but one thing is missing. He’s never been in love. He doesn’t want meaningless, he wants meaningful and all he keeps hearing is I’m sorry… Forever the good guy finishing last.

A year after their first tour, The Devil’s Tattoo are making it big in LA recording their next album. For Dee, all he wants is to stand on stage and play. After all, music is his first love. He could care less about the money and the fakery that comes with the LA scene and the big executive types with dollar signs in their eyes. But in walks the woman who is about to obliterate him and she’s one of them. So, what’s a guy to do when one look is all it takes?

Jessie Ware is an intern at Galaxy Records, New York. When she’s asked to go to LA to help her boss schmooze with the latest big thing to come out of Australia, The Devil’s Tattoo, it’s her chance to get her foot firmly wedged into the door. If she can pull this off, then there could be a permanent job in it. But she didn’t count on one thing. Dee Cosgrove and his cocky Australian attitude. He makes her question everything without even trying and it might just push her over the edge… if she doesn’t give her heart to him first.

The more Dee gets to know Jessie, the harder he falls and he’d walk over fire and back to win her over. That’s if she doesn’t deliver him straight into the ranks of the scarred and broken first.


The Fire Walker is a companion novel to The Devil’s Tattoo. It has a dose of drama, some colourful language, a HEA and some sex scenes. It’s recommended for readers 18 and up.

Goodreads





Purchase:


AUTHOR BIO
Displaying Nicole.jpgNicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser.
She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named, Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive, but has to work up the courage first.

The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is available in e-edition and print from March 20th 2013

~ Connect with Nicole R. Taylor ~
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: Calm Before the Storm S. K. Hartley

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Release Day: December 10, 2013

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Synopsis

When Dylan Harper comes home from college for the weekend, she thought she was in for a nice relaxing break with her family.


But life doesn't work like that.

When she stumbles into the arms of her old high school crush, Storm Mathews, the notorious bad boy, thunder crashes, lightening flashes and the rain just keeps on coming.

There is a storm brewing and all they can do is hold on for the ride.


Teaser

We finally paid for our mountain of items and left the grocery store. But as we stepped towards my baby, my whole body froze. My feet became rooted to the ground as a clap of thunder crashed over head, the first of the summer raindrops grazing my goose pimpled skin.

"Dylan?" I heard Tyler say.

Everything echoed around me, the lightening, the thunder, the sound of the rain now coming thick and fast, pounding against every surface.

"What's wrong, Dylan?" Her voice was barely audible as I willed my body to move, but I was frozen in place.

I felt the brown paper bag disintegrating in my arms, the contents of the bag suddenly hitting the ground. My heart was in my throat, my hands shook and my knees were weak.


"Storm."

  
Meet S.K.




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S.K. Hartley is a mother, wife, avid reader and writer based in the not so sunny North West of England. You can find her either glued to her computer desk, in the library (yes they still exist) or floating around her favorite authors book signings!


What sort of except do authors usually post? IE. sex scenes, love scenes....

Giveaway

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Monday, November 18, 2013

Giveaway & Review: Snowed Over by Angie Stanton {A Christmas Novella}

Snowed Over by Angie Stanton
 
Welcome to the Snowed Over Book Tour
 
Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to get in the mood for the holiday than with a sweet Christmas romance novel?
 
Below you will find my review of the Angie Stanton's new Christmas Novella, Snowed Over, and an awesome giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift Card and two $20 Amazon Gift Cards!
 
Hope you enjoy. Happy Holidays!
  
 

About Snowed Over

 

Author: Angie Stanton
Title: Snowed Over
Release date: October 2012
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance Novella

Synopsis
To college student, Katie Brandt, ‘Home for the Holidays’ sounds like hell. When her parents separated, their holiday traditions shattered like a dropped ornament. What could be worse than celebrating Christmas with her suddenly single mom and mom’s new boyfriend?

Alex Walker, an engaged 20-year-old, dreads going home for his own reasons. He has a daunting task ahead of him and wishes he could skip the holidays altogether. So when a friend of a friend needs a ride north, Alex finds that having beautiful Katie seated by his side proves to be just the distraction he needs.

A simple ride home for Christmas turns into a nightmare when light snow rages into a full-scale blizzard. Katie and Alex find themselves stranded, and a vacant cabin becomes a haven from the storm.

Under different circumstances, time alone with Alex would be the ultimate Christmas gift, but Katie knows Alex is engaged and she must hide her growing attraction.

However, Alex harbors a secret that just might change this holiday from the worst Christmas ever, to the best.

Goodreads

Snowed Over is Available in eBook & Paperback at:

{CLICK TO PURCHASE}
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=tKhpP6JWAhg&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fsnowed-over-angie-stanton%252F1113526324%253Fean%253D2940015530438
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=tKhpP6JWAhg&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fw%252Fsnowed-over-angie-stanton%252F1113526324%253Fean%253D2940015530438
 
 

 Review of Snowed Over

Snowed Over is the perfect little addition to any Christmas book list! Whether you enjoy a sweet romance, a holiday themed book, or just a great read in general, Snowed Over is a wonderful Christmas Novella that won't disappoint you.

To avoid an accidental spoiler, I won't go into any actual details of the book except to say it is a well-written novella that has just the right amount of drama, a near-tragedy and few heart-felt moments to keep you coming back for more without over doing it.

I didn't quite rate the book a full 5 Stars, but that's not because it wasn't a great read. Honestly, it was a wonderful read! However, there were no extreme shock factors, no major climax and no incredibly exciting moments. Don't confuse that with me saying the book was boring, it was far from it! It just didn't have your typical fireworks, oh's and ah's.
Overall, I would say... Put it on your holiday reading list!  Snowed Over is a WONDERFUL Novella, and I strongly recommend it for anyone who likes a sweet and innocent read. One that will make you all warm and fuzzy on the inside, without making your grandma blush.

 
  About the Author
 
Displaying Angie's Professional Head Shots 003.jpegAngie Stanton never planned on writing books, she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in a rural setting with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head she began to write them down and the rest is history.

She loves dipping french fries in chocolate shakes, natural disaster movies and Broadway Musicals. When not writing, Angie is concocting ways to make more dreams come true, whether it be tickets to a Broadway show or convincing her family they should rent an RV and travel the country. She's still working on that one.

Angie is a proud double finalist of the 2011 National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em, as well as a finalist for the Golden Quill Awards.

~ Connect with Angie Stanton ~
         Website | Facebook

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You follow the rest of the tour and find more reviews, excerpts and other book related info via the Snowed Over Tour Schedule at Atomr Book Tours.
 
 
FTC Disclosure: I did receive a free ecopy of Snowed Over in exchange for participating in the virtual book tour and posting an honest review. The fact that it was free did not influence my opinion, nor was I asked to provide a positive review. The review posted for this book, and all other books on this blog, are my own opinion and not influenced in any way.  

COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY: TAUT: The Ford Book by J. A. Huss


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Welcome to the COVER REVEAL & GIVEAWAY for
 TAUT: The Ford Book
By J. A. Huss
 
 
{Cover Reveal}
 
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Title: TAUT: The Ford Book
(A Rook and Ronin Spin-off)
Author: J.A. Huss
Publication date: January 2014
Genres: New Adult Contemporary Romance

TAUT: The Ford Book Synopsis:

Ford Aston is getting the f*ck out of Denver. He does not give a shit about blizzards, getting his old ass Bronco over the Rocky Mountains in one piece, or a girl knocking on his hotel door looking to be saved.
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Ford Aston is known for many things. Being an emotionless, messed up bastard, a freakishly smart social outcast, and a cold, domineering master who keeps “pets” instead of girlfriends.
And after Rook broke his heart, he plans to keep it that way.
******
Ashleigh is getting the f*ck out of somewhere, but she’s not quite sure where she’s coming from, let alone where she’s going.
Ashleigh is known for nothing, and that’s exactly what she’s got going for her. She’s broke, stranded in the mountains with a three month old baby, and Ford Aston is f*cking with her head.
Big. Time. 
And she plans to f*ck with his right back.
****** 
It’s a coy game at first, filled with flirting, and innuendo—but Ford soon realizes something is not quite right with Ashleigh. In fact, something is seriously, seriously wrong and the closer they get to their final destination, the closer Ford gets to the truth. 
One night of devastation, self-loathing, and emptiness turns into the best thing that ever happened to Ford Aston. But one day of in-your-face reality threatens Ashleigh's whole existence. Can Ford allow another woman into his heart and risk the possibility of being hurt, or will he walk away from Ashleigh just when she needs him most?

 


 

More information about the series or to purchase the books, visit:
 
 {Click the Retailer You Would Like to Visit}
http://www.amazon.com/mn/search/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=Rook%20and%20Ronin%20huss&linkCode=ur2&tag=stephaniesbookshelf-20&url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text 
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=tKhpP6JWAhg&subid=&offerid=239662.1&type=10&tmpid=8432&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%252Fs%252FRook-and-Ronin-huss%253Fstore%253Dallproducts%2526keyword%253DRook%252Band%252BRonin%252Bhuss
 

AUTHOR BIO

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J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

~ Connect with J. A. Huss ~
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