Giveaway & Review of This Much is True by Katherine Owen

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~

Website & Blog: http://www.katherineowen.net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KatherineOwenAuthor

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katherineowen01

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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. 

Review & Giveaway: Seven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris

Welcome to the 
Seven Day Fiance Review & Giveaway!

Be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post!
 Author Rachel Harris is giving away a several prizes 
to a lucky winner and it could be you! 

About Seven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris

One bad boy. One good girl. One unforgettable week.

  Angelle Prejean is in a pickle. Her family is expecting her to come home with a fiancé—a fiancé who doesn’t exist. Well, he exists, but he definitely has no idea Angelle told her mama they were engaged. Tattooed, muscled, and hotter than sin, Cane can reduce Angelle to a hot mess with one look—and leave her heart a mess if she falls for him. But when she ends up winning him at a charity bachelor auction, she knows just how to solve her fiancé problem. 

 Cane Robicheaux is no one’s prince. He doesn’t do relationships and he doesn’t fall in love. When sweet, sultry-voiced Angelle propositions him, he hopes their little fiancé game can finally get her out of his head. He doesn’t expect her to break through all his barriers. But even as Angelle burrows deeper into his heart, he knows once their seven days are up, so is their ruse.

Seven Day Fiance

Love and Games Series Book 2

Author: Rachel Harris

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing - Bliss

Date of Publication: October 14, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-62266-238-8

ASIN: B00FCRLDWA

Number of pages: 153

Cover Artist: Jessica Cantor

Review of Seven Day Fiance by Rachel Harris

Seven Day Fiance is likely to be the next Beautiful Disaster. The book was nothing short of fantastic bad-boy romance that was heart-felt, full of passion, and well-written, to say the least.

Ladies, be forewarned: The laundry will pile up until this book is finished because you won't be able to put it down!

  One of the things I liked most about Seven Day Fiance was the vivid story telling. It was very vibrant and descriptive, but not so much that it felt like it was overdone. I felt like I was right there in Bon Terre, Lousianna, sitting on the porch, when Angelle and her 'fake fiance' arrived.

  Another thing I liked and appreciated in Seven Day Fiance was that the story was written in such a way that it would be attractive to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance. After reading a variety of romance books, including erotica, I personally believe that there is a fine-line between graceful and just flat-out raunchy. The intimate scenes in Seven Day Fiance are graceful and engaging, with characters and scenes that are realistic and easy to relate to.

 To sum it up, Seven Day Fiance is a fabulous romance novel that I absolutely enjoyed! I was able to put myself right there in the midst of it all, feeling everything they felt... It's one of those books that give you butterflies in your stomach and cause you to get all giddy like you just met your first love all over again!

Seven Day Fiance is one of those books that will keep you urgently waiting for the end... You know-- the ones that have you stirring supper on the stove with a spoon in one hand and a book in the other. 

...Yeah, it's that good! 

I also added Seven Day Fiance to my list of Top 5 Books Like Beautiful Disaster! 

Note: When I signed up to host this tour I was not aware the this was the second book in the Love & Games Series. I would have wanted to read the first book so that I better understood the characters. Luckily, it wasn't necessary. Seven Day Fiance is written in such a way that it doesn't require the first book to be read. While the characters are the same, it's a story of it's own based on Angelle and Cane, where the first book was based on two of the other characters. I will be going back to read the first book though, because I absolutely adore Rachel Harris' writing! That, and I want to know more about these Cajun boys!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 

Where to Buy Seven Day Fiance

   

About the Author- Rachel Harris

Rachel Harris grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother, and staying up late sneak-reading her mama's romance novels. Today, she still stays up late reading romances, only now she does so openly.

A Cajun cowgirl now living in Houston, she firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.

She homeschools her two beautiful girls and watches countless hours of Food Network and reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!  

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

~ Giveaway ~ 

Here's the fun part! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of Seven Day Fiance in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid, compensated or asked to provide a positive review in any way.  This review is of my own opinion after reading the book myself. 

Review: Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

As many of you already know, Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire is one of my all time favorite books. It wasn't until just a moment ago that I realized I never posted my review.... so here it is!

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

Summary- Abby Abernathy arrives at Eastern University and gets settled into her new dorm with her best friend just as classes are about to begin. Running from a terrifying past, Abby is relieved to know that she can finally put it behind her and start a new chapter in her life. Being the good girl she is, Abby offers to be the designated driver and see everyone home from the first party of the year. Never did she imagine the horrifying predicament she would find herself in when walking to the parking lot alone.
Travis Maddox, on the other hand, is nothing like good girl Abby. Travis is a college bad boy covered in tattoos, in hangs with a rough crowd and is the campus charmer that has all the girls swooning over him. The two finally meet when they realize that Abby's best friend and roommate, is dating Travis's best friend and roommate. While Abby does not care for his lifestyle or bad boy charm, Travis is turned on by her resistance.

Hoping to finally get the point across that she is not interested, Abby agrees to a simple bet brought on by Travis. If Travis wins, Abby must live with him, in his apartment for a full month. If Abby wins, he must refrain from sexual contact with other girls for a month. Either way, one of them is going to be in for the longest month of their life. Travis has unknowingly me someone he can't beat, and someone who won't stand down in fear of his bad boy ways, and someone he can't intimidate.

My Review of Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster is one of my favorite romance books. The story was well-written and the characters were amazing. One thing I really enjoyed about the book was the realistic characters. Travis and Abby were very life like, making it easier to 'put yourself in their shoes'. When you can relate to the characters in a 'real world' scenario, it makes the book much easier to relate to and enjoy. 

I love how Abby had the innocent 'good girl' lifestyle, but yet she wasn't whiny. Yes, I know that sounds crazy, but some of the best books can be ruined by a whiny character. While she was simple and innocent, she had a way about her that made her strong and witty. Travis, no doubt, was my favorite character. Aside from his hot, bad boy charm, he was very sweet and nothing more than a big teddy bear at heart. That is, when he wasn't in the underground fighting ring. I loved how Travis called Abby 'Pigeon'. When he finally says why he calls her Pigeon, it will melt your heart. 

When I read the excerpt from the first two pages on Amazon I was kind of turned off by it. It sounded like a book with one of those dark, dreary plots that teeter on the edge of being a horror flick. Well, when I first began to read the book I was a little discouraged to find that was how the book started. I nearly put it down but continued on a few more chapters. I am so glad I did. Once I realized what was going on, it was not what I thought. It was a major part of the story that made great sense a few paragraphs down. My reason for telling you all of this? Because some of the sites offering the excerpt did a bad job of choosing a good for the book that portrays the true story of the book. It makes the book seem more like a horror flick with the darkness, screaming, chanting and everything else that would make you think you were reading about a mosh pit filled with an angry beast. 

Over all, I would have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Beautiful Disaster and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys good romance novels with a great plot, a little drama, and lots of suspense!

Walking Disaster - Book #2

Walking Disaster is the second book in the Beautiful Series by Jamie McGuire. It picks up where Beautiful Disaster left off and tells the story in Travis' point of view. I personally, love the cover of this book and find it much more appealing than the cover of Beautiful Disaster, which- I almost didn't read because the cover made me think it was some fantasy, sci-fi, YA type of book that I wouldn't care for. I am so glad that I read the blurb and didn't judge the book by it's cover!

Beautiful Disaster:
By Jamie McGuire

Walking Disaster:
Beautiful Series Book #2

A Fallow Heart Review

About A Fallow Heart by Linda Kage

Ten years ago, an oil tycoon’s daughter and a farmer’s son shared a moment neither would ever forget. When she left town in disgrace, a piece of her stayed locked deep within his soul. And like the ground he tended, his emotions lay fallow for years. Cooper Gerhardt’s deeply buried feelings for Jo Ellen Rawlings grew more fertile over time, just waiting for the day she would return to release his deepest desires.

When she strolls back into Tommy Creek, Texas for her ten-year class reunion, Cooper shows her farm boy style exactly what she missed by leaving. Starting a short-term affair is simply unavoidable. But when the week is over, can either of them let go of the responsibilities and apprehensions keeping them apart? Or will their fallow hearts learn to flourish together?

Stephanie's Review of A Fallow Heart

What can I say? I absolutely loved A Fallow Heart! It’s one of those books that will keep you up late at night waiting to see what will happen next. One of those books that you can so easily relate to that it keeps you on the edge hoping it will never end but, so desperately wanting to know what happens at the end. You know the kind I’m talking about…. The ones that make your pulse rise and your eyes water.  Yeah… it’s that kind of book!

I absolutely fell in love with Cooper- the well-mannered, good looking and an all-out gentleman who was just a well-raised farm boy. Sometimes, so much of a gentleman that he gets his heart broke in fear of holding back his true love from her own dreams. With that said, Jo Ellen was just as much a lady. Never wanting to get in the way of anyone else, never wanting to leave loose ends unraveled and not wanting to risk getting her own heart broke, she stayed away from the one person she knew would love her like no one else could.

Throughout the story, my hear broke a dozen times. Watching fate turn to good, then bad, then good again… and well, the moment when he walked into the high school for their 10 year reunion, I just knew it would be fireworks. Sadly enough, she would never know that he was there. Never know because when he found her the dark hallway with Travis, his heart shattered and he walked away without saying a word.

Needless, to say- keep a box of tissues handy because this one is a real tear-jerker.

A Fallow Heart was a great read- so much so that it will go down on my list of forever favorites. I can’t help but wonder if there will be a second book to the story. While A Fallow Heart was well-written and had a great ending, I can’t help but wonder what might happen next. Hmm, I wonder if the author, Linda Kage might consider writing a sequel and treat us to what happens next for Jo Ellen and Cooper. I know I would be excited to reading it! 

Where to Buy A Fallow Heart

BUY: Amazon              
BUY: Barnes & Noble 
BUY:  Publisher           
BUY: AllRomance       

Review: Desert Flower by Angela Scott

About Desert Flower

Bodies have a canny way of finding Samantha Jean Haggert--the first, the dead body of her mama; the second, a naked man in the middle of the Arizona desert. For Sam, dealing with one dead body in her lifetime was more than unfair. Two is downright cruel.

Seven years after running from West Virginia, Sam's now a young woman of nineteen, trying to put the pieces of her life together with the help of her family—Jacob, Boone, and Laura. But the naked man in the desert spirals her world out of control, resurrecting past hurts and revealing old secrets. It also pits against one another the two men who vie for her heart: Carson, her friend, her first kiss, and the one man who knows everything about her past and loves her despite it; and Turner, the stranger who knows nothing, but who excites and frustrates her all at once.

When bad choices made as a child lead to more bad choices as a young adult, Sam finds herself at a crossroads, forced to face her demons head-on if she plans to have any future at all—with Carson, with Turner, or with anyone. But fixing the wrongs of the past takes time, and learning to forgive one's self is damn near impossible.

Stephanie's Review of Desert Flower

After reading and enjoying Desert Rice, by Angela Scott, I couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity to review the sequel, Desert Flower. While I usually sway towards romance books, I can’t help but be a huge fan of author Angela Scott, along with little Sam and Jacob.

Desert Flower picks up 7 years later from where Desert Rice left off. As with the first book in the series, Desert Flower is a heart-wrenching roller coaster full of ups and downs. The only difference is that now, little Sam is all grown up. At just 19, she faces more trials and tragedy, and yet- another dead body unexpectedly and unnerving.  After all, riding through the desert no one expects to stumble upon what she does. I mean really, no one expects to encounter their 2^nd homicide in less than 8 years…

If finding another body isn’t enough, she has to live her life knowing how her mother truly died, knowing that her brother, Jacob, has a child that he knows nothing about, and now, her own love life hangs by a thread. I’ll stop there before I have to issue a spoiler alert, but you get the point.

Once again, author Angela Scott does a great job of keeping you on the edge with your own heart dangling on the line while reading about the Haggert’s. The characters are all so real, the scenarios so realistic, and the way the story is written- you can put yourself right there- center stage.  One of those books where when the character cries, you cry. When the character is happy, you find yourself smiling as you turn the pages. Truly heartfelt and captivating to say the least!

Desert Flower carried on the great suspense as expected from author Angela Scott and Desert Rice.  Another great read and another well-deserved 5 stars! 

Where to Buy Desert Rice and Desert Flower

Desert Rice and Desert Flower are both available in paperback and ebook formats at various book stores online. 

Desert Rice

BUY:Amazon                
BUY:  Kindle                 
BUY:  Barnes & Noble  
BUY:  Nook                    
BUY:  iTunes                 

Desert Flower

BUY: Amazon                
BUY: Kindle                  
BUY: Barnes & Noble 
BUY:  Nook                   
BUY:  iTunes                

      

About Author Angela Scott

I hear voices. Tiny fictional people sit on my shoulders and whisper their stories in my ear. Instead of medicating myself, I decided to pick up a pen, write down everything those voices tell me, and turn it into a book. I'm not crazy. I'm an author. For the most part, I write contemporary Young Adult novels. However, through a writing exercise that spiraled out of control, I found myself writing about zombies terrorizing the Wild Wild West--and loving it. My zombies don't sparkle, and they definitely don't cuddle. At least, I wouldn't suggest it.

I live on the benches of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains with two lovely children, one teenager, and a very patient husband. I graduated from Utah State University with a B.A. degree in English, not because of my love for the written word, but because it was the only major that didn't require math. I can't spell, and grammar is my arch nemesis. But they gave me the degree, and there are no take backs.

As a child, I never sucked on a pacifier; I chewed on a pencil. I've been writing that long. It has only been the past few years that I've pursued it professionally, forged relationships with other like-minded individuals, and determined to make a career out of it.

You can find me at my website, where I blog obsessively about my writing process and post updates on my current works. I'm also on Twitter and Facebook, but be forewarned, I tweet and post more than a normal person.

~ Connect with Angela Scott~ 

Website ~ Blog ~  Facebook ~ Twitter

Review: Daddy With a Deadline, by Marilyn Shank

Another fabulous, little romance book by Marilyn Shank...

About Daddy with a Deadline

  When Trent Madison shows up on Annie Samuels’s doorstep, determined to help her through the last month of her pregnancy, she doesn’t know what to think. Newly widowed after watching her marriage crumble, Annie isn’t exactly prepared for a gentleman caller—especially a handsome cowboy who claims her dead husband sent him.

  Trent isn’t sure how he got into this situation either. Why would a man he barely knows ask him for such an outlandish favor? More to the point, why does Trent feel obligated to help? The last time he opened his heart was to his ex-wife. And she trampled on it.

  But once Annie reluctantly allows Trent to help with the usually joyful business of shopping for baby furniture and throwing a shower, a spark ignites between them—even as they lock horns. Can two people so unlucky in love let their guards down and trust their hearts? Or will Annie’s due date be the end of what might have been?

Stephanie's Review of Daddy with a Deadline

 What can I say? I'm batting 2-0 with Marilyn Shank and her sweet little books! I recently read another one of her romance books, Bride by Mistake and fell in love. Daddy with a Deadline is the 2nd book I have read by her and I have to say, it's on my Top 10 List! 

  As you all know I prefer romance over any other genre and have no problem settling in on a steamy erotic romance or something simple and sweet such as this one. I think one thing that tied me to this book is that it has all the elements for a great romance- tragedy, obstacles  the unexpected, and the oh-so-fine Trent Madison... and well the ending- which I shall not divulge! :) 

  One of my favorite things about Daddy with a Deadline is that you have no idea how the book would turn out until the end. Don't get me wrong- we all expect the happy ever after in a romance book, but what happens when neither party wants a happy ever after? Trent's there to do a favor for his friend's wife, Annie, while she wants nothing more than to live her life in peace and without any 'charity' or help from others. Trent is content with being a reclusive rancher, and Annie is focused on raising a set of twins after her husband passes away a few short weeks before she delivers.

 Needless to say, Daddy with a Deadline will keep you turning the pages waiting to see if maybe, just maybe, there might be a future for Trent and Annie. But don't get your heart set on it! Instead, grab yourself a glass of tea, a soft blanket and a few hours of quiet time to cuddle up and enjoy Daddy with a Deadline. You won't be let down- I promise! 

  Daddy with a Deadline is a very clean romance without any sex scenes or graphic language. Granny safe! 

Where to Buy Daddy with a Deadline

Daddy with a Deadline by Marilyn Shank is currently available in print and ebook at:

BUY: Amazon 
BUY: Barnes & Noble

FTC Disclosure: Please note that I did receive a copy of Daddy with a Deadline, from the author, Marilyn Shank, at her request to review the book. The review above is my own honest opinion. Stephanie {Stephanie's Book Shelf} is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.