Book Review (232): Truly, Madly, Deeply, You (Truly Madly #1) - Cecilia Robert

Truly, Madly, Deeply, You (Truly Madly #1)

by Cecilia Robert

Publication: 21st March 2012
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Pages: 82
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: New Adult
Buy It: Amazon  All Romance Books

Four days before Valentine’s Day, Liese Hansfeld is determined to shut the door to her house, as well as her heart, for her annual four days of mourning her one true love. Little does she know her best friend Freytag Meier is just as determined to keep her from her ritual. He’s ready to pick the lock to her apartment door and camp in her living room if that’s what it takes.

What Freytag isn’t prepared for is the surge of deep-rooted emotions he feels for Liese, but two things stand in his way: the grief and guilt she still clutches close to her heart, and a man who threatens to snatch Liese from under Frey’s watchful eye. Frey is determined to distract her into forgetting her pain. But is that enough to ease her grief, or help her see he can be more than her best friend?

My Thoughts.

Having read and loved Cecilia's book Reaper's Novice (curently only 99 cents, trust me it's money well spent, go and buy it now) I was eager to read this and see if Cecilia writes contemporary romance as well as she does paranormal and I'm happy to say that she does!

I love this kind of a story, the best-friend who's secretly in love with their best-friend whom is completely oblivious to other friends feelings and this is true of Freytag (Frey) who is in love with Liese who has been in mourning these past two years and she shuts herself away four days of the year around Valentine's Day, we don't really find out into later on in the story who Liese is mourning but the name Bastian keeps being brought up, and while there are clues scattered throughout the story I did figure out what had happened before it was revealed at the end but that's alright it was still written in such a way that was still emotional and made an impact on the storyline when you realise what Liese has been through.

This year Frey has decided that enough's enough and he is going to camp out in her living room and try to get her out her funk by keeping her busy whilst secretly hoping that she may feel the same way he feels about her, and so through dancing and skiing and the interest of a boy named Ben whom Liese has dated once or twice and Frey's ex Carmen, can these two best-friends find their way to each other, and can Liese let go of the grief and guilt she's been carrying around with her for far too long?

I loved this book but Reaper's Novice is still up there in terms of my favourite Cecilia Robert's story, if you love contemporary romance/new adult books then definitely consider picking this one up.

I give this 4/5 Stars.

A Big Thanks To Cecilia For The Review Copy.

Cover Reveal: The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12) - J.R Ward

The King (Black Dagger Brotherhood #12)

by J.R. Ward

The newest installment in J.R. Ward’s #1 New York Times bestselling Black Dagger Brotherhood series.  Wrath and the Brotherhood are locked in an epic battle over his throne and the very future of the vampire race.

Expected publication: March 25th 2014 by NAL Hardcover

I'm So Excited For This One!

(ARC) Book Review (231): The Vampire With The Dragon Tattoo (Love At Stake #14) - Kerrelyn Sparks

The Vampire With the Dragon Tattoo (Love at Stake #14)

by Kerrelyn Sparks 

Publication: 27th August 2013
Publisher: Avon
Pages: 384
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Appropriate: Adult

He's Out of Control

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

My Thoughts.

I'm a huge fan of this series, I always get excited whenever a new book is released and devour it as soon as I'm able to.

There is never a dull moment, the characters are fantastic (I love them all) and best of all their back stories are so intriguing and just generally these books keep me captivated, plus you have the added bonus of Scottish vampires in kilts, what more could you want.

This books focus is on Scottish vampire Dougal, assigned the job of personal bodyguard to Jean Luc (fellow vampire) and his family after Dougal lost a hand in a battle with Malcontents (bad vampires), he has been fitted with a type of bionic hand which he can control with his mind, not entirely happy with his current job wanting to be out there on missions with his friends he's also feeling left out as all his friends are married and having/had babies and finding themselves extremely happy with their lives.

Dougal is finally given a job he can relish as head of security at Romatech Industries, and it's there on his first night on the job that he meets Leah Chin a doctor/geneticist employed to help in the lab, initially she doesn't take well to the news that not only are vampires and shape-shifters real but that she'll actually be working with them as well.

As soon as Dougal sees her he's instantly attracted to her especially when he realises that she reminds him so much of someone he'd loved and lost over 300 years ago, but it will be an uphill battle as Leah is very hesitant to have a relationship with a vampire, even a sexy one in a kilt!

Dougal's back story is very sad, he's never told anyone because he doesn't want anybody's pity and he's very proud, but he'll end up having to go back to the place where this all happened to help Leah and the other scientists and vampires to help destroy the demon Darafar and Master Han's attempts to take over the world with their army.

One of my favourite storylines in this book was with Lazslo/Laser (when you read the book you'll understand the whole Laser thing) he's so cute and unintentionally funny, I hope that he will eventually get his own book.

I really loved the fact that this book took place months after the previous one, the couples that were expecting in previous books have had their babies and others have announced their pregnancies, the way that different couples are scattered throughout various books always has me excited to keep tabs on what they're up to especially when my favourite couples make appearances.

While not one of my favourites of the series this was still a really enjoyable read, now it's just the sitting and the waiting for the next one, bring on next year!

I give this 4/5 Stars.

Cover Reveal: Conjure - Jennifer Snyder

Available July 1, 2013

Sometimes to understand the present you have to conjure up the past...

The last thing Addison Harmon needed was to become tethered to the broody, often seemingly cold, Theo Van Rooyen, but that's exactly what happened.

Forced to partner up with Theo to figure out a way to break the tether, Addison soon realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

(New Adult/Mature Young Adult: Contains sexual situations, language, underage drinking, and drug usage.)

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing new adult and young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

Blog: http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennsnyder04

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/760553.Jennifer_Snyder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjennifersnyder

Cover Reveal: Revealed (House Of Night #11) - P.C Cast & Kristin Cast

Revealed (House of Night #11)

by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast

Expected publication: October 15th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin

(ARC) Book Review (230): The Book Of Broken Hearts - Sarah Ockler

The Book of Broken Hearts

by Sarah Ockler

Publication: 21st May 2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 352
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Appropriate: Young Adult

When all signs point to heartbreak, can love still be a rule of the road? A poignant and romantic novel from the author ofBittersweet and Twenty Boy Summer.

Jude has learned a lot from her older sisters, but the most important thing is this: The Vargas brothers are notorious heartbreakers. She’s seen the tears and disasters that dating a Vargas boy can cause, and she swore an oath—with candles and a contract and everything—to never have anything to do with one.

Now Jude is the only sister still living at home, and she’s spending the summer helping her ailing father restore his vintage motorcycle—which means hiring a mechanic to help out. Is it Jude’s fault he happens to be cute? And surprisingly sweet? And a Vargas?

Jude tells herself it’s strictly bike business with Emilio. Her sisters will never find out, and Jude can spot those flirty little Vargas tricks a mile away—no way would she fall for them. But Jude’s defenses are crumbling, and if history is destined to repeat itself, she’s speeding toward some serious heartbreak…unless her sisters were wrong?

Jude may have taken an oath, but she’s beginning to think that when it comes to love, some promises might be worth breaking.

My Thoughts.

This book is the very first Sarah Ockler book that I've ever read and I'm happy to say that it won't be the last, I'll definitely be hunting down her other books if they are anywhere near as good as this one.

I loved the romance in this book, the bad-boy Emilio and the good-girl Jude, you know the saying opposites attract and with the oath that she took with her three older sisters to never ever get involved with a Vargas boy in the back of her mind, she's hesitant but also eager to get to know Emilio while trying to keep it secret, worried about how upset her sisters will be when and if they ever find out that she's tried and failed to stay away from him, united together to help rebuild her Father's old motorbike, the only tie to the memories he remembers vividly, which he sadly seems to be losing daily with his fight with Alzheimer's.

After her Father has a couple of meltdowns around her friends they distance themselves from Jude embarassed by Jude's Father's declining mental health the only one that has stuck around is Emilio, but can Jude count on the fact that Emilio may be nothing at all like his older brothers, and that her older sisters need to trust her enough to understand that she can make her own opinion about the youngest Vargas boy.

But ultimately as much as this is a love story this is also about a family's loss, their beloved Father and Husband who is losing his fight with the debilitating and awful disease which will leave him ultimately not knowing whom anyone in his family is, lucid only every so often it's a gut-wrenching, heartbreaking disease which is brought to life in this novel, I lost count of the amount of times I shed a tear in this book, and the end well let's just say I needed a tissue.

I highly recommend this book, a Contemporary Romance with heart and a storyline that will leave you so appreciative of the family you have and that Alzheimer's hasn't affected anybody you know, because it's just devastating.

I give this 5/5.

Cover Reveal: Infinite (Newsoul #3) - Jodi Meadows

Infinite (Newsoul #3)

by Jodi Meadows

Expected publication: January 28th 2014 by Katherine Tegen Books

Cover Reveal: Evertrue (Everneath #3) - Brodi Ashton

Evertrue (Everneath #3)

by Brodi Ashton 

Expected publication: January 21st 2014

Book Review (229): Wildlife - Fiona Wood

Wildlife

by Fiona Wood

Publication: 1st June 2013
Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
Pages: 384
Genre: Contemporary
Age Appropriate: Young Adult

Life? It’s simple: be true to yourself.
The tricky part is finding out exactly who you are…

In the holidays before the dreaded term at Crowthorne Grammar’s outdoor education camp two things out of the ordinary happened.
A picture of me was plastered all over a twenty-metre billboard.
And I kissed Ben Capaldi. 

Boarding for a term in the wilderness, sixteen-year-old Sibylla expects the gruesome outdoor education program – but friendship complications, and love that goes wrong? They’re extra-curricula.

Enter Lou from Six Impossible Things – the reluctant new girl for this term in the great outdoors. Fragile behind an implacable mask, she is grieving a death that occurred almost a year ago. Despite herself, Lou becomes intrigued by the unfolding drama between her housemates Sibylla and Holly, and has to decide whether to end her self-imposed detachment and join the fray. 

And as Sibylla confronts a tangle of betrayal, she needs to renegotiate everything she thought she knew about surviving in the wild.

A story about first love, friendship and NOT fitting in.

Read an extract here: http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/resources/FW-Wildlife.pdf

My Thoughts.

I really wanted to like this book a whole lot more than I actually did, I've recently got into Contemporary fiction and have read some fantastic books but unfortunately this one fell short for me.
The main reason that I wasn't such a big fan was the characters, I couldn't connect with any of them and that's probably because there wasn't any characters that I liked, some I disliked much more than others, and I ended up more frustrated with them the further on I got into the book.
The character of Lou I may have possibly liked if she hadn't appeared in a previous book 'Six Impossible Things' that I've never read and it left me feeling like I'd missed out on a whole lot of back story that's important to the character development from that book to this one, the death of her boyfriend in the first book impacted her life but I couldn't sympathise with her being as I felt left out of the loop as it were.
I also couldn't understand why a lot of the characters did the things that they did.
Being a book written by an Australian author I did appreciate the Aussie slang scattered throughout but wasn't particularly interested in the camp or the amount of hiking that these students were expected to partake in.
This book has a very high rating of 4.50 on Goodreads so I'm thinking that it's just not my cup of tea, but I suggest this book to other people whom are into the Contemporary genre, you might just enjoy it a lot more than myself.
Be sure to check out the book extract at the bottom of the synopsis and decide for yourselves.
I give this 3/5 Stars.

Stitch by Samantha Durante is FREE on Kindle this Friday (June 7th) to (June 11th) & Giveaway.

Stitch by Samantha Durante is FREE on Kindle This Friday (June 7th) to (June 11th)

A college ghost romance with a SURPRISING dystopian sci-fi twist, Part 1 of this trilogy is sure to keep you on your toes!  (And better yet, Part 2 - Shudder - launches on the 15th!)  You definitely don't want to miss this innovative debut novel that will appeal to fans of the YA and New Adult genres - check out my review here: Stitch Review

Stitch (Stitch Trilogy, Book 1)

by Samantha Durante

Genre: YA/NA Dystopian/Paranormal Romance

Synopsis: see Amazon or Goodreads

Rating: 4.3 stars (100+ reviews)

Get Your FREE Kindle Copy Today!  Limited Time ONLY (June 7-11th):

http://www.amazon.com/Stitch-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B008RC3NAM/

 Stitch Synopsis

Her heart races, her muscles coil, and every impulse in Alessa’s body screams at her to run… but yet she’s powerless to move.

Still struggling to find her footing after the sudden death of her parents, the last thing college freshman Alessa has the strength to deal with is the inexplicable visceral pull drawing her to a handsome ghostly presence. In between grappling with exams and sorority soirees – and disturbing recurring dreams of being captive in a futuristic prison hell – Alessa is determined to unravel the mystery of the apparition who leaves her breathless. But the terrifying secret she uncovers will find her groping desperately through her nightmares for answers.

Because what Alessa hasn’t figured out yet is that she’s not really a student, the object of her obsession is no ghost, and her sneaking suspicions that something sinister is lurking behind the walls of her university’s idyllic campus are only just scratching the surface…

The opening installment in a twist-laden trilogy, Stitch spans the genres of paranormal romance and dystopian sci-fi to explore the challenges of a society in transition, where morality, vision, and pragmatism collide leaving the average citizen to suffer the results.

 — Social Media Links —

Facebook: Stitch Trilogy | Author Samantha Durante

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Share the news for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!  (Open Internationally)

Enter the $25 Amazon GC Giveaway HERE!!!

Samantha Durante lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband, Sudeep, and her cat, Gio. Formerly an engineer at Microsoft, Samantha left the world of software in 2010 to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams and a lifelong love of writing. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology, Samantha is currently working full time for her company Medley Media Associates as a freelance business writer and communications consultant. The Stitch Trilogy is her debut series. Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthadurante.com.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Broken Dreams - Dawn Pendleton

Release August 1st, 2013

Dawn Pendleton is excited to announce the cover reveal of her second new adult novel: Broken Dreams!!

Broken Dreams, Book 2 of the Broken Series

Rainey Daniels has been keeping a secret since she left her hometown, three years ago. The death of a friend’s father, though, has her questioning whether or not running away from her past is what’s best for her future. Add sexy Chris Baker in the mix and she’s even more unsure. After all, life is short.

Baker is an all-around good guy with a great sense of humor struggling to keep his new bar afloat. And he always thought Rainey was hot, even when she carried a few extra pounds in high school. Hell, he thinks she’s too skinny now. He knows she’s hiding something, too, but when he pushes the issue, she pushes him away. He tries not to care; she only wants a summer fling, right? But when her life is threatened, he realizes he may just be in love with her… and then he learns her secret.

Can they find love together before it’s too late?

First in the series

For a limited time only, BROKEN PROMISES will be $.99

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Book Blast & Giveaway: Eve Of Samhain - Lisa Sanchez

Paperback, 216 pages
Published May 25th 2010 by Omnific Publishing

As a college senior and server at Hanaford Park's hottest nightclub, twenty-one year old Ryann Pierce's plan was simple: work hard, make lots of money, and avoid the ass-grabbers at all costs. What she never planned for was Quinn Donegan—the living, breathing advertisement for sinful behavior that waltzed into her life.

With an angelic face, a hard body and a butt-load of charm, Quinn had a way with the ladies—a lot of ladies. Cursed with a deadly, addictive touch, his trail of indiscretion blazed across five hundred years. Tired and jaded, Ryann is a shocking revelation Quinn didn't see coming.

Filled with desire, yet unable to touch one another, Ryann and Quinn embark on a daunting journey, battling frustrating physical limitations while exploring their new love. In a race against the clock, Ryann learns she must plead for Quinn's life before…the Eve of Samhain. Determined to end her lover's suffering, not even the danger dogging her every move can keep her from her mission.

“How much do you know about Irish mythology? Faeries, their queen?” He pursed his lips and waited for my response.

I shook my head. “Nothing. I don’t know a thing.”

“I see,” he said, and he sat back in his chair. “I suppose I should begin with a bit of history then. The Fae were an ancient race of beings that came from the great islands of the North. After being defeated in a series of battles with numerous otherworldly beings, as well as the ancestors of those who currently inhabit Ireland, the Fae retreated to the Isle of Apples, or Avalon, as you may have heard it referred to.”

My eyes narrowed in confusion. I’d never heard jack about the Fae, which I assumed were faeries. “Avalon? Like from the Arthurian legend?”

“Yes,” he said with a nod.

Huh … you learn something new every day. “So, uh … where’s that located?”

“Avalon? In the Otherworld, of course.”

I felt like smacking myself on the forehead. Oh, of course. The Otherworld. I should have known! I squelched my sarcasm and let him continue.

“The Fae queen, Morgana, was eternally young and beautiful, and desired by many, including one young and foolish courtier. Exceedingly handsome and gifted with the ability to charm those around him, the young libertine ravished his way through Morgana’s female courtiers, wooing them into his bed one by one. Narcissistic in the extreme, the young faerie cared not for the feelings of the women he took advantage of, and he boasted openly about his conquests to all who would listen. “He was, in fact, so sure of himself, the vainglorious idiot attempted to beguile the beautiful queen, claiming she would be his greatest conquest. Upon hearing his plan, the queen became enraged, cursing the young faerie. For five hundred years he would walk the earth, seducing women, a slave to their passion, driving them to insanity with lust and the illusion of love. His touch brought about a euphoric reaction to the women he courted, filling them with desire and longing.” He stared at his hands as he spoke, as though they were the spawn of the devil, and hastily placed them in his lap, out of his line of sight.

Hot and dizzy, I inhaled sharply, unaware I’d been holding my breath. I stared at Quinn, willing him with my eyes to continue, as my breath came in shallow pants.

“Nothing he did was real; it was all an illusion. Every touch, a lie. Never would he know true love or passion, as every woman he came across fell prey to the magic of the curse.” He paused for a moment and stared off into space as if he were remembering the story firsthand. Darkness flashed in his eyes. “For a time, he became angry, indifferent to the plight of the women. After ravishing them, he left, letting them pine away for his touch. There were a few women who became deadly, killing any other that dared to cross their unrequited love’s path.”

He stopped talking when he heard me gasp, and looked down, refusing to meet my eyes.

“What … what happened?” I asked, my voice barely registering above a whisper. His story was riveting.

“The faerie was unable to live with the destruction that lay in his wake. He discovered he had a few other talents that enabled him to strip the memories of those he seduced, saving them from their inevitable spiral into madness.”

“So he sleeps with his prey, and then erases their memories?” My hand shot up to my mouth.

“Yes,” Quinn replied quietly, his voice filled with shame. His head hung low, and he refused to meet my eyes as he spoke.

I reached out to him, wondering why he was so worked up over a work of fiction. “Quinn, it’s all right. It’s just a myth. Th—”

“No.” He shot up out of his seat, jaw clenched in anger. “It’s not all right. It’s torture.” His voice broke. His whole body shook, throwing off waves of anger, frustration, and sorrow. “To know every moment of your existence is a lie, a farce. To live each day knowing the women you touch will either have no memory of you when it’s all said and done, or suffer mindless insanity is pure, unadulterated agony!” He threw back his chair and stormed off, leaving me shocked and speechless.

My mind reeled. No way, Ryann. Don’t even go there. You like to reside in a little place called reality, where there are no such things as faeries.

His story was so compelling, though. The tale he wove seemed to meet all my unanswered questions about him. Not to mention, he spoke with such conviction, as though he lived it himself.

Could it be?

Purchase your copy today

 

Lisa's lifelong love of writing, coupled with her ability to weave together and intricate and compelling story has led to the release of her New Adult paranormal romance trilogy,the Hanaford Park series (Eve Of Samhain, Pleasures Untold, Faythe Reclaimed).

In her role as a busy stay-at-home and self proclaimed "cheer mom," on any given day Lisa wears a number of different hats. From taxi driver to chef,nurse to seamstress, laundry woman to enforcer, and, of course, writer, Lisa manages to keep everything together while caring for her husband and three children. The few spare moments left in her day are usually spent reading or writing, and if she's really lucky, possibly even catching up on some much needed sleep. Lisa and her family currently reside in Tracy, California.

Lisa is represented by the fabulous Brittany Booker of the Booker/Albert agency, and has two projects on submission and a third in the works.

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads

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Between The Lives - Jessica Shirvington Book Trailer.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: An Easy Dare - Rosalie Rousseaux

Cat loved Gabe from the time she was five years old. She thought it would be easy: fall in love with your childhood sweetheart, get married and live happily ever after. But as the years go on, the fairy tale soon falls apart. At twenty, Gabe – penniless, unable to find work, and drinking himself into a bad reputation – leaves New Orleans, believing that Cat is better off without him.

She doesn’t hear from him for three years.

Not until her bachelorette party, when he sends her a $400 bottle of Champagne the night before she’s set to marry Cort Belrose, a wealthy restaurateur that Gabe despises.

It seems the past three years have treated Gabe well. He’s now mysteriously wealthy and the picture of a perfect Southern gentleman – a gentleman who is quietly seeking vengeance on the man who forced him out of the city and stole the woman he loved.

With Gabe’s return, the sweltering heat of New Orleans becomes even more stifling as Cat struggles with the truth about her malicious husband and her consuming lifelong love for the vengeful and troubled Gabe.

I’m a Louisiana girl who loves to write about strong, opinionated women who go after what they want, even if they make a few mistakes on the way. And usually those mistakes involve MEN! (Sound like your life? Yeah, me too, lol). That being said, bad-ass women and the men they love make for great stories, and that’s what I always aim to bring my readers: A great story with lots of drama. A story you wanna keep reading. And while you’re here exploring, why not check out my Facebook page? http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorRosalieRousseaux

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Book Blast & Giveaway: Change Of Heart - S.E. Edwards.

Persevere.

That's how I've gotten through nineteen years of life. It's what I do every single day—no matter how badly the odds are stacked against me.

Persevere, and survive.

Those are my two guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home. The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that's about as much as I could ask for.

Love? Hah. Don't talk to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped out my heart three years ago.

That's why love is the last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating stranger. Yet everything changes when I'm awakened in the middle of the night by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night threatens to become something much deeper.

All expectations are thrown to the wind as I'm tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I'm about to become his biggest one...

Together, we stumble toward the elevator. Rich breaks away for a second to hit the button. The light doesn’t come on.

“Damn,” he growls, “it’s busted again.”

I’m one step ahead of him. I’d spotted the stairs when we entered. I grab his hand and pull him after me with no hesitation. I start up the cement stairwell, determined to get to his room as fast as possible.

“Penny, wait.”

I look back, confused. “What?”

A devilish smile plays on his lips. “Only this.” Without warning his hands wrap around my waist, and I’m being lifted up as easily as if I were a doll. He turns to the side and presses my body against the wall, suspending me between him and the concrete.

His mouth crashes down on mine again. I curl my legs around his torso, locking my ankles together, and kiss him back with the passion reserved for a lover after ten long years apart. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m getting even more turned on. Rich’s hands move down to grasp the outside of my thighs, and I moan into his kiss as the muscles of my core clench in sinful fashion. I want him so badly. If we don’t get somewhere private soon, I won’t be wholly opposed to jumping him in public.

I gasp as he steps away, freeing me from the wall. I start to fall, but one of his hands darts down to catch me just beneath the knees. The other one cradles my shoulders. Before I know it, I’m slung across his arms like a bride on her wedding night.

“I’ve always wanted to carry a girl up these stairs,” Rich admits.

I laugh, and wrap my arm around his neck. “Oh, you are just the best type of romantic.”

Four flights of stairs later, Rich pushes open the fire door to a dimly-lit hallway. He carries me down the hall and stops in front of an entrance on the right. He sets me down, then fishes around in his jeans for the key. When the door creaks open, he sweeps a hand out in front of him. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

I walk in, curious about his apartment. I tend to side with the camp of people who believe that a person’s living arrangements can reveal a lot about his personality. But, I don’t find much to work with here.

The apartment is sparse and dark. Pale moonlight filters in through the balcony window, shining down on the only piece of furniture present: a queen size mattress lying on the floor of the living room. The red brick walls are totally empty—no girly posters or other things I might expect in a bachelor’s apartment. There are no lamps, no chairs, no couches.

After a moment, I notice a second piece of furniture: a small, old-school CRT TV camped in one corner of the studio apartment.

Rich switches on the light. “So?” he asks, “what do you think?”

I walk past the entrance. There’s one hall leading away from the room. It is filled with brown cardboard boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. “Did you just move in or something?”

Rich laughs behind me. “Yeah, something like that. You want a drink?”

“A drink?” I say. “No, I—”

The words catch in my throat as he grabs my hips and spins me around. I had no idea he’d come so close. He’d moved from the door to me without making a sound. His fingers lock together against my lower back, and he tugs me into him, pressing my belly to his waist. I feel his growing erection right away, and a diabolical excitement builds inside me.

Nothing happens.

For a long moment, Richard just holds me like that, staring into my eyes as I’m left dangling off his arms. His irises are the color of sea mist. I’m hypnotized by the deep intensity I see brewing just beneath the surface. I have no doubt that that type of intensity is mirrored in my eyes.

Then, moving slowly, as if restraining himself, Richard lowers his mouth to cover mine. This time, his kiss is sweet and gentle. Subtle and caring. He explores my upper lip first, then traces the line going to the corner of my mouth. His lips form a perfect mold over mine.

I was wrong before. This is the kiss reserved for a lover you haven’t seen in ten years.

Purchased your copy today

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I'm Scarlett Edwards. I'm a full-time student (2nd year, undergrad) and part-time writer. I hope to switch those around soon!

I'm kind of old fashioned. I write all my stories using paper and ink. At the end of the day, I transcribe them on my laptop. It takes a bit longer, but writing in a notebook really focuses my thoughts.

I love vintage photography. I have an old-school film camera that was my mom's from before I was born. I use it to take pictures almost every day. Yours to Savor is the first full book I worked on. It went through six drafts, and took me ten months to complete. In the two months since getting it done, I finished two drafts of brand new stories. I'm getting faster!

I love hearing from my readers. I love getting feedback about my books. I'm just getting started, and plan on doing this writing gig for a long, long time. I take inspiration from all the indie romance authors. Addison Moore, Samantha Young, Colleen Hoover, Jessica Sorensen, and everyone else…. you girls rock!

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I love hearing from readers! If you read my book and want to share your thoughts, good or bad, email me! Scarlett@ScarlettEdwards.com. I'll be sure to reply!!

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Book Review (228): This Is What Happy Looks Like - Jennifer E. Smith.

This Is What Happy Looks Like

by Jennifer E. Smith 

Publication: 2nd April 2013

Publisher: Poppy

Pages: 416

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Appropriate: Young Adult

If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds. 

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs? 

My Thoughts.

I've only recently started getting into Contemporary Romance books and luckily enough I've read nothing but enjoyable stories with likeable characters, fantastic plots and loveable romances and this book is no exception.

This is the first book that I've ever read of Jennifer's, the synopsis drew me in straight away, because who wouldn't want their favourite actor being your secret pen-pal and then turning up months later to hopefully start a relationship with you?

Of course when our teen heartthrob shows up to shoot a movie in Ellie's hometown he also inadverdently brings along the paparazzi looking for their next big story, but you see Ellie and her Mum have a secret, a big one that they've kept hidden for many years and it's just one appearance on a photo or on tv that will ruin the life that they've been living in their otherwise quiet Maine town.

So after a few misunderstandings and against the wishes of Ellie's Mum they start to spend time together, these two make such a cute couple and you can't help but wish that they'd both sort whatever problems they have out and just get together already!

Add one hot, very popular but lonely movie star and an ordinary, everyday teen girl together and watch the sparks fly.

I really enjoyed this story and I will definitely be checking out 'The Statistical Probability Of Love At First Sight' if this book is an indication of Jennifer's writing.

Highly recommended if you like cute, sweet Contemporary Romances, be sure to give this one a read.

I give this 4/5.