Cover Reveal: Beautiful Bastard by J.L. Perry

Title: A Beautiful Bastard

Author: J.L. Perry

Genre: YA/NA

Cover Design: Soxsational Cover Art

 Release Date: September 2015

Blurb

My name is Carter Reynolds. I was born a bastard and I’ll die a bastard. I learnt it at a young age, and nothing and nobody can change that. I’m on a one-way path of destruction, and god help anyone who gets in my way. I hate my life. Actually, I hate pretty much everything.

That’s until I meet the kid next door. Indi-freakin’-ana. My dislike for her is instant. From the moment I lay eyes on her, she ignites something within me. She makes me feel things I thought I was incapable of feeling. I don’t like it, not one bit. When she looks at me with her big, beautiful, haunting, green eyes, it’s like she can see into the depths of my soul. It freaks me the hell out. She’s like sunshine and rainbows in my world of gloom and doom. I hate sunshine and rainbows.

********

I’m Indiana Montgomery, my friends call me Indi. Despite losing my mum at the age of six, I have a wonderful life and great friends. My dad more than makes up for the fact that I only have one parent. I’m his little girl, the centre of his world. I adore him.

When Carter Reynolds moves in next door, my life takes a turn for the worse. He’s gorgeous—sinfully hot, but that’s where my compliments end. He seems hell bent on making my life miserable. He acts tough, but when I look into his eyes I don’t see it. I see hurt and pain. To me, he seems lost.

I should hate him for the way he treats me, but surprisingly I don’t. If anything, I feel sorry for him. I want to help him find peace. Help him find the light that I know is buried somewhere within his darkness, but, he won’t have a bar of it.

He’s warned me time and time again to stay away, but I can’t. I’m drawn to him for some reason. He’s always referring to himself as a bastard. That may be true, but to me, he’s more like a beautifully, misunderstood bastard. Whether he likes it or not, I refuse to give up on him.

ADD TO GOODREADS

Excerpt

Leaning forward, so my face is only inches from hers, I say, “I can see that.” Her pupils dilate and I hear her breath hitch. I immediately know my effect on her hasn’t diminished either. It takes everything in me not to pull her into my arms and squeeze the fucking life out of her. Why did I leave it so long to see her? Just being near her again, makes me feel alive. “It’s good to see you again, Indi.”

“Well, the feeling’s not mutual,” she says. She’s lying, I can tell. Her body language is saying the complete opposite to her words. She’s still a stubborn arse I see. My eyes leave hers, gazing down at her lips. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dreamt of those lips over the past five years. Too many to count. I want to kiss her so bad my fucking chest aches. I let my eyes drop a little lower. First I see is the necklace I bought her. I can’t believe she’s still wearing it. It has me smiling like a damn fool. You have no idea what seeing that means to me.

I watch her chest rise and fall as her breathing quickens. She can deny it all she wants, but she’s affected by me. “My eyes are up here, buddy,” she spits. I want to laugh at her comment. I love her smart mouth. I’m glad this part of our relationship hasn’t changed.

Underneath the material of her white top, I can see a hint of her white lace bra covering the swell of her breast. It gives me an idea. I can’t help myself. I lift the sponge in my hand until it’s hovering over her tits. I hear her gasp when she realises what I’m about to do. I clench my fist tight, the water drips out. It soaks into the fabric of her top, making it transparent. Her nipples harden and so does my cock. Christ. I haven’t even touched her yet, and I swear I could break diamonds with this fucker.

Peeling my gaze from her spectacular rack, I make eye contact with her again. I’m feeling quite pleased with myself, but that feeling doesn’t last long. The anger I see in her eyes is not what I’m expecting. When did she lose her sense of humour? I guess I should’ve known from past experience, when it comes to her, I’m playing with fire. Especially since she has five years of pent up anger inside her, towards me.

This is one time I’m not anticipating her next move. So when it comes, I’m totally taken by surprise. She raises her right leg slightly, and then ‘BOOM’. She knees me fair smack in the nuts. Hard. Jesus fucking Christ.

All the air gushes from my lungs as pain radiates through my whole body. My dick goes instantly limp. Fuck, I think she just killed it. I’m pretty sure my boys are now lodged somewhere in my throat.

A feral, high pitched sound escapes me as I fall to my knees in agony. “Stay the fuck away from me arsehole,” she spits, as she turns and runs inside.

Somebody call an ambulance, I think I’m gonna die.

Author Bio

**VOTED BEST NEW AUTHOR FOR 2014 IN AUSROM TODAY'S READERS CHOICE AWARDS**
 

J L Perry is a mother and a wife. She was born in Sydney, Australia in 1972, and has lived there her whole life. Her love of reading, from a young age, gave her the passion to write. My Destiny was originally written for her sister, in 2013. It was never intended to be published. However, after finishing this book, she felt there was still a lot of Brooke and Logan's story left to tell. This inspired her to write My Forever. With the encouragement of her family and friends, she decided to follow her dream and become a published Author.

That dream was realised on the 6th of June, 2014.

My Destiny is her debut novel in the Destiny Series. My Forever is the conclusion to this book. Her third book Damaged - Jacinta's Story was released October 15th, 2014. This is a stand alone book, but is based on a character in My Forever. Her fourth book Against All Odds, is a stand alone book, as well, but part of the Destiny Series. Due to be released on the 27th May, 2015. She's also currently writing a fifth book, a standalone, that will be released later in the year. It's called 'A Beautiful Bastard'. This is NOT part of the Destiny Series.

J L's love of romance and happy endings makes a perfect combination when it comes to writing her beautiful love stories.

Her hobbies include reading, writing, drinking wine, shopping, listening to music, and anything artistic or creative. She loves spending time with her family, friends and her dog when she isn't writing. She also loves being outdoors and travelling and exploring the world.

Author Links

FACEBOOK
TWITTER
GOODREADS

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Colton by Kelly Mooney

Title: Colton

Series: Hadley #1

Author: Kelly Mooney

Cover Design: Lindee Robinson Photography

 Release Date: June 2015

Blurb

Colton Hadley has everything—except what he truly wants. Beset by overbearing parents and surrounded by sycophantic socialites hoping to sink their claws into his wallet, he longs for someone who wants him for who he is, not what he has. Enter Charlie. She’s smart, beautiful, brave—and homeless. She’s all wrong for him, but Charlie crawls into Colts heart like no woman ever before.

Having run from home to escape an abusive ex, Charlotte Ward just wants a new life…a quiet life…a safe life. She’s off to a bad start when she’s robbed of everything she owns, forcing her to sleep on the porch of an abandoned beach house. Enter the gorgeous next-door neighbor. Charlie doesn’t want to trust him, but Colt is kind, patient, persistent. Before long, she lets down her guard…and opens her heart.
 

With his parents interfering and her past catching up fast, will Colt and Charlie find their different worlds are too far apart? Or is their love strong enough to prove home is where their hearts reside?

Author Bio

Kelly is a New Adult Romance writer residing in Upstate New York with her family. She grew up in Southern New Jersey by the Shore, which gave her the idea to write her first novel. She is the author of several YA novels and is now enjoying breaking out into the NA/Contemporary category. She loves to spend her time reading, cooking, playing with her kids and 2 obnoxious, drooly dogs.

She adores hearing from her fans, so please keep in touch. She continues writing love stories during her free time.
 

Feel free to email her at mooneymama1@yahoo.com

Author Links

FACEBOOK

BLOG
TWITTER
GOODREADS

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Review: The Shamless Hour by Sarina Bowen

Title: The Shameless Hour
Author: Sarina Bowen
Released on:
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis:

The girl who's had everyone meets the boy who has no one.
 
For Bella, the sweet-talking, free-loving, hip-checking student manager of the Harkness men's hockey team, sex is a second language. She's used to being fluent where others stutter, and the things people say behind her back don't (often) bother her. So she can't understand why her smoking hot downstairs neighbor has so much trouble staying friends after their spontaneous night together. She knows better than to worry about it, but there's something in those espresso eyes that makes her second guess herself.
 
Rafe is appalled with himself for losing his virginity in a drunken hookup. His strict Catholic upbringing always emphasized loving thy neighbor--but not with a bottle of wine and a box of condoms. The result is an Ivy League bout of awkwardness. But when Bella is leveled by a little bad luck and a downright nasty fraternity stunt, it's Rafe who is there to pick up the pieces.
 
Bella doesn't want Rafe's help, and she's through with men. Too bad the undeniable spark that crackles between the two of them just can't be extinguished.

My Review: 

The Shameless Hour was an awesome addition the the Ivy Years series.  I loved both Bella and Rafe and enjoyed their journey together. 

Bella was definitely NOT your typical heroine and I loved her all the more for it. She was balls to the wall herself and if you didn't like it, tough luck. Bella is a-ok with her sexuality and doesn't mind (to much) what other people think about it. But she, herself, starts questioning things when Rafe shys away from her after their hookup.  

Rafe was raised in a strict Catholic home and its affected his feelings about sex. It hasn't stifled him in the aspect that he think Sex is bad or wrong, but he has his notions about how/when it should happen.  That all goes to the wayside when he unexpectedly ends up alone with Bella, a bottle of wine and a box of condoms.  He's not exactly embarassed by what happened, but it does bother him.  

As Rafe struggles to deal with his own feelings on the "incident" and Bella attempts to understand what the big deal is, the two sort of avoid each other. That is until something else happens to Bella and Rafe stumbles upon her and offers his help.  

I loved that this book brought SO many things to the plate.  There was your unusual virgin hero hooking up with the girl who makes no secret she loves sex. There was a serious friendship turned more vibe, even though it was underscored a little.   There was a bit of scandal, what college campus doesn't have a little scandal, right?! And above all else, there was a bottom line moral to the story.  

Rafe and his 100% standing up for Bella and doing what he could for her, while dealign with his own uncomfortableness and trying to make her understand she wasn't alone or in the wrong was wonderful.  I really loved the way Bowen handled everything that happened to Bella and how she brought pretty much the whole team together in support of her. 

I loved getting to know some newer characters and following up with those from the previous books. It's always a wonderful thing in a series like this when you can catch glimpses of those past couples and see they still have it and they enjoy their friends finding their HEA. 

Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Mistake
Author: Elle Kennedy
Released on: 4/28/15
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads~ Amazon


Synopsis:

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

My Review: 

After reading The Deal, I couldn't wait for this book. Hilariously sweet romances involving hot hockey players, Yes Please!  I didn't think Elle Kennedy could make me love a book more than I loved The Deal. I. Was. WRONG! 

John "Logan" drew me in from page one, well okay so I liked him in The Deal to start with.  I loved watching him figure things out and decide what he really wanted. Realizing he was going to have to work HARD at getting Grace to give him any attention much less another chance, Fabulous.  I giggled, I cheered, I was left breathless in anticipation of what was going to come next.  And through it all, I also saw the real heartfelt struggle he had and how dedicated he was to proving himself and that they could be a winning couple. 

Grace was a wonderful character. I loved her Sass and snark and touch of evilness.  I loved that she didn't just give in and that she made Logan work for it.  Her "list" had me dying from laughter and curious how he was going to pull things off.  

Ultimately, Grace and Logan made this book as much fun as The Deal was and really brought a wonderful story to life without being boring or like every other sports romance out there.  It was really a fabulous read and I look forward to future books in the series. 

Review: The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Deal
Author: Elle Kennedy
Released on:
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads~Amazon

Synopsis:

She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy... 

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice... even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. 

...and it’s going to be oh so good. 

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

My Review: 

Hannah Wells knows what or should we say WHO she wants, she's just not sure how to really go about getting him.  She also knows just who or shall we say what type of man she doesn't want.  However, it seems to get the man she wants, she might have to go along with the wrong sort of guys impromptu plan of "making him jealous".  

Garrett needs to get his grades up, pronto, or else he can kiss away a future as a Hockey Pro. To guarantee an elevation in GPA, he needs a tutor, someone who is smart, and can definitely help him. He knows just the girl to ask, trouble is, she doesn't want anything to do with him, much less tutoring him.  THen Garrett catches on to Hannah's crush and makes her a deal she can't refuse. 

To bad, neither Garrett or Hannah expect the deal to blow up in their faces as they end up finding their match in each other.  The sexual tension, the chemistry, the "I hate you, but I love you" in this book is off the charts.  The snark and banter in this book alone make it worth the read, but Kennedy one ups all of that by including  a mesmerizing love story full of both sweet and steamy and sometimes sweetly steamy moments.  

The side characters just add to the story making the reader look forward to seeing more of them in future books.  

Review: #Selfie by Cambria Hebert

Title: #Selfie

Author: Cambria Hebert

Released on: May 18, 2015

Source: Purchased

Links: Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis:

It’s all about the #Selfie.

She was the one girl I never wanted.

Until I had her.

One night.

One mistake.

Something we both wanted to forget.

I got rid of the proof. The one piece of evidence that could remind us both.

At least, I thought I did.

When it shows up on the school Buzzfeed, rumors fly. Friendships are tested and the feels get real.

I don’t do relationships. I don’t open my heart.

Especially for a girl everyone knows I hate.

What happens during spring break, stays in spring break.

Until it follows you home. 

My Review:

I was so excited to read #selfie because I have loved Braeden since the start of the Hashtag series.  I was very interested in learning who and what could make our boy settle down. Add in the fact tht we were supposed to finally find out who the #BuzzBoss was and I was giddy. I had my theories going into the book about A) Who Braeden's girl would be and B) Who the BuzzBoss was, but as always Cambria Hebert blew my expectations out of the water. 

To keep this review Spoiler free, I'm not even going to mention who B ends up with, you'll just have to read. What I will say is that I loved how their relationship started, how neither one was really sure what they were doing but couldn't back off completely either.  I loved that there was a general build up from previous books that finally just combusted and could only go in this direction.  I felt that they really were perfect for each other and I was happy to read their story and see how it worked out. 

I LOVED this book as much as if not more than the previous three books in the series.  It had everything, humor, sweetness, Steam, a bit of mystery, a little raging irritation and also a huge feeling of YES! I was right which was followed quickly by DANG IT I was right! I had guessed the buzz bosses identity, but I wasn't happy to be right about it.   There was also a little bit of heavy stuff, and I have to admit that I wasn't sure which way I felt Braeden should go with his new found knowledge, but I think in the end he handled it as best he could and we'll just have to pray it doesn't blow up in his face. 

#Selfie gave us more glimpses into the other Hashtag characters as well and I loved that though the focus was on Braeden and his relationship struggle that we got to see things with his friends as well.  I also found it endearing that both Romeo and Rimmel figured it all out and kept quiet about it until the end and then were just very up front and honest and sort of like DUH! about it.  

Looking forward to more of the #Hashtag Series and seeing these characters and where their paths take them next.  Rock on Alpha U! 

Blog Tour & Review: For All To See by Megan Mitcham

For All to See by Megan Mitcham 

(Bureau #1) 

Publication date: April 1st 2015

Genres: Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

Pristine waters and purified evil.

Two by two, dark-haired beauties vanish only to reappear as hanging, plundered corpses. The Virgin Islands boast diamond-white beaches, lush green mountains, a rich cultural heritage—and a brutal killer.

Three years on the “Field-Dresser” case and Special Agent Nathan Brewer is days away from catching the bastard—if he can convince a certain brunette to trust him. Only the woman is more likely to take a casual stroll on the surface of the sun.

After fleeing her troubles in the United States for the quiet life of a school teacher on the island of Tortola, Madelyn Garrett never imagined she’d be fixated upon by pure evil.

In a fight for her life—with a dwindling number of friends—she must rely on her cunning and Nathan’s skills for survival.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24974513-for-all-to-see?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/All-See-Bureau-Book-ebook/dp/B00UXZXVZ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427943480&sr=8-1&keywords=For+All+to+See+by+Megan+Mitcham

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121662405?ean=2940151347662

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/for-all-to-see/id978491112?mt=11

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/for-all-to-see-1

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Megan_Mitcham_For_All_to_See?id=CK13BwAAQBAJ&hl=en

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-foralltosee-1774750-149.html

My Review: 

For All to See starts out strong and doesn't falter.  We meet Madelyn and her best friend Nichole and quickly learn a bit about them, though not a lot. It's not your typical girl's night out, and it doesn't end on good terms, it seems.  The next morning, Nichole is missing and Madelyn finds herself in the company of an FBI agent, Nathan. 

Madelyn has suffered her own troubled past and thought she'd found a quiet escape on the island where she's started her new life. Unfortunately that is all about to change when she becomes a target for a mad man.  Madelyn is a strong character, though you can tell she's suffered something in the past, she's also strong, and has a depth of loyal friendship many don't possess, all while be untrusting.  She feels things on a different level than most, I believe.  She tries her best to be fully independent but sometimes needs someone. She's also full of Sass. 

Nathan finds himself instantly allured by Madelyn, he feels the desperate need to protect her. He also recognizes in her a painful history, though he doesn't know the details.  Nathan is struggling with an incident where his partner was injured and he's also upset that they have not caught the murderer yet. 

The images and feelings as I read things from teh Killer's POV really hit on a visceral level and left me in a little shock.  Made me feel evil and revulsion as if it cloaked me. But it made the hunt in the book more important too.  Each step I wanted the killer found and caught.  

For All to See was everything suspenseful, thrilling, with a side of romance and emotional pain. The murder mystery surrounded the characters like a shroud and as I read each page my anticipation built and I questioned what would happen next.  I really feel the suspense and danger surround Madelyn and Nathan made the build up of the story SO much better.  

About the Author: 

Megan was born and raised among the live oaks and shrimp boats of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where her enormous family still calls home. She attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi where she received a bachelor’s degree in curriculum, instruction, and special education. For several years Megan worked as a teacher in Mississippi. She married and moved to South Carolina and worked for an international non-profit organization as an instructor and co-director.

In 2009 Megan fell in love with books. Until then, books had been a source for research or the topic of tests. But one day she read Mercy by Julie Garwood. And Oh Mercy, she was hooked!

Megan lives in Southern Arkansas where she pens sizzling suspense novels.

Author links:
http://www.meganmitcham.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6552758.Megan_Mitcham

https://www.facebook.com/meganmitchamauthor

https://twitter.com/MeganMMMitcham