{Book Blitz} Breaking Free (Others of Edenton #4) by Brandy L. Rivers

Breaking Free (Others of Edenton #4) 
by Brandy L. Rivers
Release Date:  10th June 2014

Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

*18+

They say that dreams can come true, but as a Dreamwalker, Devlin had yet to experience anything but nightmares. Then again, the druid had been held by sadistic vampires and dark mages for twenty years, forced to do their bidding. Newly escaped, he stumbles upon a dreamrealm where he can’t resist a little werewolf.

Jamie just wants someone to call her own. She feels like she’s been waiting for an awfully long time, when a man who teases her memory begins to visit her while she’s dreaming. From the moment she feels his turmoil, she’s drawn in, wanting nothing more than to heal his broken soul.

Before Devlin can decide what to do, he has to make a trip to Edenton. His first goal is to make sure someone who can’t remember him is safe and happy. The little werewolf of his dreams happens to live there, and she’s even more irresistible in real life. 

When you’ve been taught all your life to run, what will make you change? Can Jamie convince her mate to stay and fight? Will he risk everything to have what he needs? Or run to save them all?

Excerpt from Breaking Free! 

The moon shone bright over a crystal clear lake. Thousands of stars were reflected, like floating diamonds sparkling. The breeze blew gently through red cedar, pine, and maple. The clean mountain air reminded him of camping with his family when he was a boy. It had been so long since he had the liberty, and desire, to enjoy nature. The water called to Devlin. Carefully, without a sound, he pulled the clothes from his body and placed them on the stump beside him. With a slow breath, he walked into the gentle ripples, creating larger crests of his own. Warm water greeted him. He dove under, swimming deeper. A splash caught Devlin’s attention. He broke the surface to find nothing, and no one. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his senses. A lone werewolf was close. Panic flared through him, and he started for the shore, but a woman surfaced before him. A slow smile spread on her face when he flailed back, splashing her in his surprise. “Your heart’s pounding.” Amusement sparkled in her pale blue topaz eyes as she placed one small hand over his chest. Warmth washed through him offering a calm he couldn’t remember ever feeling. Yet, he was terrified the Dales were tracking him. A dream, nothing more than a dream. They can’t find me, he reminded himself. “You startled me,” Devlin replied. “Hmm.” Her foot brushed against his calf, sending a shiver through his entire body. She tapped her finger to her chin. “You remind me of someone, but I can’t figure out who.” Intrigued, and certainly heading toward aroused, he asked, “What makes you say that?” One corner of her shiny pink mouth lifted impishly. “Don’t know, but you do.” Her voice had taken on a husky purr which effectively made his blood pump faster. A dream, just a dream, he told himself. Then he did something bold, something he hadn’t done in so long he was sure he’d fail, even in a fantasy. “What’s a sweet little wolf like you doing out here all alone?” Her giggle was melodic as her already dazzling eyes lit up. “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” As if on cue, his resistance broke. Her tiny waist fit perfectly in his hands, her hips flared in a way that made him groan. Devlin propelled them closer to the shore, until his feet touched bottom. Before he could make his move, her legs locked around his hips and her fingers caressed up his shoulder and neck to delve into his hair. She grazed her lips over his. Afraid to take things too far, he slid his hands up her back, pressing her full breasts against his chest. Needing more of her taste, he deepened their kiss. Devlin felt more alive than he could remember. A dream, just a blasted dream, his brain chimed in. The knowledge didn’t stop him from sweeping his tongue into her mouth when she opened to him. Her body undulated in tune with his, and her heated core slid against his hardened length. The urge to bury himself in her was too much. Pulling back, he panted, “Your name? Need your name, Precious.” “Precious?” She licked her lips as she stared back at him with something like awe in her big blue eyes. He tipped his forehead to hers and breathed in her wild but seductive scent. “You’ve set me free of my old life. You’ve given me something to look forward to.” He didn’t know where the words came from, but he didn’t dare take them back. They felt right. “Jamie Abrams. You better come to me.” There was a command hidden in her sweet sassy voice, one he truly wanted to obey. “I’ll be waiting.” He nodded, rolling her name through his head like a fine wine over his tongue.

AUTHOR BIO: Brandy L Rivers is the author of the Others of Edenton Series. There are more Others of Edenton in the works. She is also working on the first couple books in the Others of Seattle series. As an avid reader, Brandy has always loved writing. She became serious about it as a stay-at-home-mother. She has a file full of manuscripts she plans to edit and put out there eventually. She lives in Western Washington with her husband and three kids, where she is already working on the future stories in the series. AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOOGLE+ / PINTEREST / TUMBLR / GOODREADS

 

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{Review} The Queen's Wings (The Emerging Queens #1) by Jamie K. Schmidt

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date: May 27th, 2014

Finished Date: May 20th, 2014
Publishers: Entangled Edge
Genre: Adult, Parnormal, Romance 

Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: 544

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Long ago, the Cult of Humanity sacrificed the Dragon Queen, crippling the breeding process. But now Carolyn hears the voice of that long dead queen telling her that she holds the key to breaking the spell that will free all the female dragons.

FBI dragon Reed's disdain for humans can't mask the magnetic attraction he has for Carolyn, but when she tells him she's going to shift into a dragon he thinks she's crazy. A female hasn't been hatched, or shape shifted, in over a thousand years.

He's proven wrong after Carolyn shifts and is named the new Queen on the block. A never-ending line of suitors forms, but she only wants Reed. Too bad he doesn't want in on the competition. But when the Cult kidnaps Carolyn to sacrifice her in an effort to make the curse against the female dragons permanent, Reed must face his fears—and feelings, racing to save the woman he realizes he can't live without.

The Review: I’ll start straight off by saying – I loved this!
It was different, really funny and I loved the characters, the story – just everything!
As the blurb tells us; Dragon numbers are dwindling and female dragons are scarce, so scarce that there are only 5 in existence and they are revered by all male dragons, put on pedestals, given the world and protected against all others, for their purpose is to breed and keep populating the dragon breed. There has been no female dragons born be it hatched or shape shifted for a thousand years and this is how we meet our main character – Carolyn – who knows she is a dragon, she just hasn’t shifted. No one will believe her, they think she’s crazy and even the tests aren’t showing anything but she knows it’s only a matter of time and that becomes apparent when she is attacked in the embassies offices and ends up spitting corrosive substances onto her attackers – weird!. Then they start to take her seriously because that is a dragon trait and the thing is, if she is a dragon…. She will need protection – enter Reed, a dragon working for the FBI and all round hottie – who would be fabulous if not for his apparent dislike of humans and therefore Carolyn. There is a spark between them but she unknowingly opens up old wounds for Reed and his family and ends up determined to stop the people who have hurt them so deeply, even if she has to use herself as bait…. Cue kidnapping and rescue attempts… and a little romance inbetween as the fight to protect Carolyn hots up.
So, I loved this book. I don’t read a lot about Dragons, especially not shifters but I’m always impressed with what I do read. There is something about Dragons that exudes strength, power, danger & death and you will get all of that in this story. I like the idea that male dragons hold their females above everything else, yeah they might see them as breeding machines for this story but I love the protective side it brings out in them, how they are all queens to be idolised and worshipped on the off chance they can get some and I also love the idea of story based on that. Carolyn was a great character, seriously – she was hilarious! And I just loved everything about her, her attitude, her stubbornness, her humour, her views on everything and even the little glimpses of vulnerability we got from her…. I really connected with her and of course, I was thrilled she went for Reed who is ALL dragon. I loved the way the relationship developed between then, how Reed was forced to re evaluate his preconceptions of humans so that Carolyn could fit in his ‘brackets’ and I loved how Carolyn did not back down to her fate or what was expected of her, she fought all of their ideology about what being a Queen dragon would entail and challenged them at every turn.
I thought the author opened up a really interesting world and it is oozing with potential. We have a world filled with dragons that are out in the open and accepted by most, we get a smidge of magic that could progress into something more and left some questions about who could possess it, we have a situation where the procreating of a species has been cursed and limited, we have murder, we have a cold case,  we have a ready made enemy, we have kidnapping, rescue attempts, in air dragon battles and super hot dragon men ready to lay their lives down for their queen and I loved every second, I could not put this book down! It was such an effortless & fun read, even the pacing was perfect and I can’t wait for more.  

{Feature} Showcase Sunday (#51)

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

For Review:

Graduation Day (The Testing #3) by Joelle Charbonneau

Fireborn (Souls of Fire #1) by Keri Arthur

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfeld

The One (The Selection #3) by Kiera Cass

Sleep No More by Aprilynne Pike

The Giver (The Giver Quartet #1) by Lois Lowry

Eversea (Eversea 1) by Natasha Boyd

Masquerade (Games #3) by Nyrae Dawn

Take Me Under (Dangerous Tides #1) by Rhyannin Byrd

Inside Divergent: The Initiate's World by Cecilia Bernard, Veronica Roth

The Divergent Official Illustrated Movie Companion by Kate Egan, Veronica Roth

Bought: 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Gifted:

Cured (Stung #2) by Bethany Wiggins

Won:

Autumn in the City of Angels (Autumn #1) by Kirby Howell - SIGNED from Book Lover's Life
Divergent Thinking: YA Authors on Veronica Roth's Divergent Trilogy from Pretty Little Memoirs

If You Stay (Beautifully Broken #1) by Courtney - SIGNED from Stuck In Books

eBooks for Review:

A Risk Worth Taking by Heather Hildenbrand 

Thank you to all the amazing publishers who sent me books over the last two weeks - you guys rock! Thank you to Natalie for being an awesome friend, and thank you to Heather Hildenbrand!

And don't forget we have a few awesome giveaways going on right now, signed copies of books and gift cards! Check them out! 

 

{Exclusive Giveaway} Easy & Breakable by Tammara Webber

Easy (Contours of the Heart #1) 
by Tammara Webber 
Release Date: January 3rd, 2013

Publishers: Penguin 
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance 

Pages: 322

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Rescued by a stranger.
Haunted by a secret
Sometimes, love isn't easy...

He watched her, but never knew her. Until thanks to a chance encounter, he became her savior...

The attraction between them was undeniable. Yet the past he'd worked so hard to overcome, and the future she'd put so much faith in, threatened to tear them apart.

Only together could they fight the pain and guilt, face the truth - and find the unexpected power of love.

A groundbreaking novel in the New Adult genre, Easy faces one girl's struggle to regain the trust she's lost, find the inner strength to fight back against an attacker, and accept the peace she finds in the arms of a secretive boy.



Breakable - a companion novel to Easy - told in Lucas's POV!

He was lost and alone. Then he found her.
And the future seemed more fragile than ever.

As a child, Landon Lucas Maxfield believed his life was perfect and looked forward to a future filled with promise — until tragedy tore his family apart and made him doubt everything he ever believed.

All he wanted was to leave the past behind. When he met Jacqueline Wallace, his desire to be everything she needed came so easy…

As easy as it could be for a man who learned that the soul is breakable and that everything you hoped for could be ripped away in a heartbeat.

We fell in love with Lucas Maxwell when we first read Easy, and we're guessing you guys love him too! If you are fans of the series, then we're guessing you'd like to win some exclusive goodies right? We knew you would! 

With the release of Breakable - a companion novel to Easy told in Lucas's point of view, 

thanks to Penguin UK and Tammara Webber, we have SIGNED copies of both Easy and Breakable to giveaway to FOUR winners! Yes, you heard us, FOUR winners! 

The giveaway is only open to UK residents - sorry international peeps, but come back next week Saturday and you will find some more awesome giveaway's happening! 

So UK peeps, want to enter right?

Well here you go! 

Good Luck! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Review} Angelblood (Dark Angel #4) by Hanna Peach

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 6th, 2014

Finished Date: May 28th, 2014
Publishers: Gypsy Publishing
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Romance

Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

Seven days… 

Israel’s life has been saved, but Alyx had to make a deal with the Devil to do so. She has to hand Israel over to Lucifer unless she finds a way to defeat Samyara. But first she has to find him. And the only way she can is by delving deep into the mind of Adere, Israel’s ex-girlfriend and an ex-Darkened. To do this Alyx will need Israel and Jordan, the two men fighting for her heart, to work together. But can they put aside their differences long enough?

Seven days until Israel is sentenced to Hell. Seven days to find Samyara. Seven days to raise an army. 

This will be Alyx’s greatest battle yet.

The Review: Angelblood is the penultimate book in the Dark Angel series and what a ride it was!
A lot of loose ends are starting to get tied up in this and we see Alyx having to deal with the consequences of her actions.
In the last book, Alyx had her memories of Israel and their love stolen from her, giving Alyx the opportunity to fall for Jordan. She found out about it in the end but now that Israel is awake & cured, the guilt is weighing heavily on Alyx – she didn’t mean to fall for two men and can’t choose where her heart lies – both men want her but who will she choose? I wasn’t sure whether I was down with the love triangle that came about, although I had always liked Jordan more as a love interest but things changed in this and the dynamic between Alyx & Israel seemed to change too, I have said throughout that Israel was always in the protected role with Alyx being the ‘protector’ but that changes big time here and I liked that because it put Israel in a new light. He really came into his own in this book and could back himself up, showing Alyx that he was capable and not always a liability and as I said this made a change in their relationship, he became an equal and he became someone who could stand alongside Alyx instead of behind her. I enjoyed the tension between the three of them and was actually glad that Alyx got some more attention as she had had to deal with the ‘Adere’ situation throughout the series, always wondering if Israel’s quest to set Adere free was because he still harboured feelings for her, so it was poetic justice that Israel got some of that back. Jordan was a worthy suitor for her and I thought that whoever she ended up with was a good match.
Obviously, the action is going to be good in this because it’s time for the Samyaza showdown and time is definitely ticking because Alyx has made a deal with a demon that either Samyaza will be dead in seven days…. Or she will hand Israel over to the demon Balthazar. So Adere’s welfare becomes a big issue in this because she alone holds vital information that could help in the war with Samyaza – if they can only repair her mentally and bring her out of her catatonic state – so efforts are made to help Adere fight her demons and it is done with style, I thought it was handled great and brought some good imaginative action to this book, even giving it a different feel – in a good way. Time is ticking and it adds a palpable tension to the story, there is a lot of work to do, recruits to the cause, training and of course a plan to get to Samyaza in the first place. Alyx must put everything on the line as she faces opposition to her plans, threats made on Israel’s life & threats to her heart…. She must put her faith, hope, trust and love to the test and so must those who choose to follow them because the losses they took in book three are still being felt here and not all want to fight. We still make some startling revelations throughout the book as new secrets come to light and redemption seems to be on the menu – all leading to a battle for humanity, a battle to save earth from the rule of a demon…. And what a battle it was!! You may think that this is the end…. But it isn’t as we realise that Samyaza isn’t the only threat to Alyx, Israel, the Free Thinkers and indeed, Earth – bring on book 5!! 

{Review} Take Me On (Pushing the Limits #4) by Katie McGarry

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 27th, 2014

Finished Date: May 11th, 2014
Publishers: Harlequinn Teen
Genre: Mature YA, Contemporary, Romance 

Source: For Review
Format: eARC
Pages: 544

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Acclaimed author Katie McGarry returns with the knockout new story of two high school seniors who are about to learn what winning really means.

Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.

West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping her-fighting for her-is a shot at redemption. Especially since it's his fault his family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.

Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

The Review: I always look forward to a new Katie McGarry book because you are always guaranteed an addictive read, with fantastic characters and trouble which is not too far away, and Take Me On definitely lived up to what I was expecting because Katie McGarry doesn't know how to disappoint her readers! 

This time around we see Haley, a champion kickboxer, who once had it all but now she doesn't have much, not since her father lost his job and her and her family are forced to live with her Uncle who has very strict house rules. Living under his roof isn't easy, and it's even worse with her pysho ex-boyfriend hanging out. It's not until she meets West that she starts questioning what she wants in life. But West is hiding secrets of his own - ones he can't stop feeling guilty about but in Haley he finds someone he wants to be around, so he does his best to find a way - even if they're only faking being boyfriend and girlfriend. Soon they discover that they enjoy faking it, more than they thought, but can two people who have trouble in their lives, come together and make something beautiful?

I can't tell you how much I adore Katie's work and with each book she produces, she seems to get better and better. Even though her stories do have a slight trend - troubled teens finding love, no matter what, I still completely enjoy it and find I can't put the book down until it's finished. What I love is how Katie does try to mix it up a bit, she doesn't always stick to same story but adds something that as a reader, we may not be interested in, like boxing or drag racing. This time, it's boxing and I completely loved it. So it's simple, Katie could write anything and I think I'd love it - she's just that type of author that has an addictive quality to her work.

With Take Me On featuring West - Rachel's brother - (Rachel's from Dare You To) I was wondering how she could make West's story different from Rachel's. It's clear the West family have their own issues, but I didn't know if their issues could warrant another story, but it did. The West family are messed up and I felt as though West got it bad during his story. But then of course, we have Haley's issues too and it's was just as rough for her - if not worse. She's dealing with a lot and it's only when she's with West does she feel like she can start moving on. I've gotta say, it's a lot for teens to be dealing with at that age and at times it's quite simply heart-breaking. I found both stories intense and sad, I loved West and Haley together. They we're super cute and pretty deep. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow in something honest and beautiful and I  could easily have kept on reading once I'd finished.

I'm honestly hoping and praying that Katie doesn't stop here, I still want more in her Pushing the Limits series and I'd really love for Lilah and Logan to get their own stories - especially Lilah, seriously that's going to be one hell of a story. But I still think there are many other characters - like Jax could get their own stories too. I guess time will tell but yeah, I want more!

Overall, it's simply impossible to rate a book by Katie bad, it's just not possible. I love her work and I highly recommend you read some if you haven't.

{Feature} Waiting on Wednesday (#83)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

Ugly Love
by Colleen Hoover
Release Date: August 1st, 2014

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.

Jess's thoughts:

"I love Colleen Hoover. I love her books. They are incredibly enthrawlling. I can never get enough! So cannot wait for this one!" 

Donna's WoW

A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1) by Claudia Gray.
Release Date: November 4th, 2014

Every Day meets Cloud Atlas in this heart-racing, space- and time-bending, epic new trilogy from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray.

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.

Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

A Thousand Pieces of You explores a reality where we witness the countless other lives we might lead in an amazingly intricate multiverse, and ask whether, amid infinite possibilities, one love can endure

Donna's thoughts: 
 It's been too long since I've read a book by Claudia Gray that her series looks perfect! It looks so unique and I'm hoping it lives up to the expectations!

<What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

{Review, Author Interview + Kindle Giveaway} Before He Was Famous (Hot Flush #1) by Becky Wicks

Posted by Donna
Release Date: May 29th, 2014

Finished Date: May 26th, 2014
Publishers: Self Published 
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance 

Source: For Review
Format: eARC

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US

From International Bestselling HarperCollins Author, Becky Wicks, comes a new adult romance that will leave you starstruck. 

***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and mature situations. Not intended for young adult readers.*** 

One guy, one girl. One in the spotlight. One in the shadows.

Falling in love with your best friend isn’t always a great idea, especially when he’s Noah Lockton - the sexiest, most famous new talent on the planet. When 21-year-old small-town photographer Chloe Campbell is offered the chance of a lifetime – to join her celebrity childhood friend Noah on tour as an exclusive blogger for a New York magazine – she’s certain both have put what happened four years ago behind them. But his eyes still burn; his voice is still a jackhammer to her heartstrings; all his songs are about her. Is it possible that that night still haunts them both?

The music industry is a machine, spinning hype and rumors as much as his records. It’s not just Noah’s girlfriends who’ve got it in for Chloe (there’s no stopping the Twitter-obsessed, cat-loving pop-star Courtney Lentini for starters). Pretty soon, the jealousy and media frenzy surrounding these so-called-friends takes a life-changing turn and it seems making love means making enemies at every turn. When tragedy threatens to pull the final curtain on their relationship, both Chloe and Noah must make a choice. As much as this world leaves them starstruck, is living their dream really worth living without each other?

A story of lifelong friendships, love and hope, set in a world of celebrity, fame and social media gone very, very wrong.

The Review: Intense, lovable and seriously sexy, Before He Was Famous is a welcomed addition to the New Adult genre! 

Chloe and Noah have been best friends forever, they know everything about each other and they’d do anything for each other. With Noah destined for fame, it’s no surprise when he stars in a music competition and wins….and Chloe’s right there along with him. The problem is, even though they deny it, their attraction and love for each other is hard to deny. Soon Chloe and Noah find themselves in situations they never though they’d be in, but for Chloe, it maybe a little more dangerous than she ever expected. Can their friendship survive the damage fame can bring?

I absolutely adore best friend turn lover stories, so when I came across Before He Was Famous I knew it was something I would enjoy, and I was right! Becky Wicks has wrote a smouldering story and it’s one that will capture you’re heart. 

I adored Chloe and Noah’s relationship. It’s lovely and really touches your heart to know that these two people – no matter what – can rely on each other without a shadow of a doubt. Together they are strong and can take on anything. The fame that comes with Noah’s lifestyle does cause trouble for them, with that it makes the story at times, very heart-wrenching and a tad emotional. Chloe goes through a lot during this story and she needs the support from Noah. Noah's kind and loving and did I mention hot? Yeah, Noah’s a babe…smoking hot! He’s easily one to swoon over. 

I think what made this story work so well was the dual narratives. Both Chloe and Noah had their own distinctive voice and it was easy to slip into their heads and lives. I would have liked a little less ‘music industry’ in Noah’s story, but I could understand why there was so much. It’s the key to the story, but it didn’t stop me enjoying it. 

In all, this was the first book I’ve read by Becky Wicks and it definitely won’t be the last… bring on more! 

Author Interview with Becky Wicks

What inspired you to write Before He Was Famous?

You know, secretly I’ve always wanted a guy best friend who I could fall in love with, but in reality I’m not sure it happens very often – well, maybe it does but are you ever really just friends with a guy without at least considering something romantic first? Hmmm. Anyway, I wanted to write something emotional and dramatic, but also entertaining, so what better platform than the world of fame? Who doesn’t want to date a rock/pop star?!

How long did it take to write?

I started in December 2013, and finished around March. I was doing other copywriting projects around it, so I’d say all in all it took about five months before I was happy with it. However, I had a lot of scenes written in parts, and in my mind long before that! Originally Noah was called Ben. I changed that after I met a guy called Noah… he looked a lot like the Ben I’d had in my head for so long. It was actually kind of weird.

Do you have a favourite character from the book? 

Denzel! I wrote Denzel’s cockney rhyming slang as a way to further illustrate that both Noah and Chloe have no real clue about the world they’ve fallen into. Everything is new, everything is confusing and in the end, the only people they can really trust… the only people who truly understand them, are each other.

Do you have a favourite quote?

“You have to be the ocean. You have to fight to stay on the shore, no matter how many times it pushes you away.” Madeline says this to Noah when she sees how Chloe keeps distancing herself from him on purpose, out of fear. Chloe’s afraid to love him because she doesn’t want to lose him, and Madeline is one of the few people who tries to open her eyes to the fact that it’s better to love and lose Noah, than to not give herself the chance at all.

Who would you cast in the movie version of this book? Or who do you see playing them?

Interesting! You know, there are so many gorgeous guys out there who could be Noah. I would perhaps have said Zac Effron for Noah a few years ago, but now I think maybe Tyler Posey from Teen Wolf and maybe even Crystal Reed, or Alexandra Deddario (from the Percy Jackman movies) as Chloe. I think Denzel would have to be Russell Brand – that’s kind of who I pictured when I was writing it. 

Do you have any other books that you’re working on that you could tell us about?

I’m working on book two in the HotFlush series already. It follows Chloe’s friend Alyssa into a different world of reality TV as she’s accepted onto a Survivor style game show. There’s plenty of sexual tension and hotness with a guy called Joshua, who may or may not have a secret he’s hiding. I’m planning to release in August or September, depending on how busy I get!

If you could be the star in any released movie, what movie would you pick?

A few years ago I would’ve picked any X Files episode rather than a movie – I was obsessed with it and would’ve done anything to kiss Fox Mulder! There’s something about the drama and tension in terrifying situations that is so sexy! Also I think Shailene Woodley is great – can’t wait to see The Fault in Our Stars. It must have been a hard role to play.

What would we find in your refrigerator right now? 

Yakult, yogurts and Marmite!

List 3 books you have recently read and would recommend?

Out of Control by Sarah Alderson. I love all her books but this one is edgy and faster-paced and has a super hot hero called Jay who you’ll fall in love with. I also read Broken Pieces (Essays Inspired By Life) - by Rachel Thompson, which was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. Lick (A Stage Dive Novel) by Kylie Scott was hot and kept me reading for hours when I probably should have been asleep! I tend to read multiple books at once, depending on the mood. That’s the best thing about having a Kindle, right?

Giveaway;

Becky is kindly giving away an KINDLE FIRE HD and get a character named after you in her next book.  Want to enter? 

If you do, click the rafflecopter link below and good luck!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/94330d1/

AUTHOR BIO: Becky Wicks is a HarperCollins author going indie! 

Before He was Famous is her new adult epic romance about a guy and a girl's struggle to handle the fame he finds through winning a TV talent show. There's plenty of steamy sex and suspense in there, (ah, the thrills of when best friends become lovers) and she's releasing a fantasy romance soon, too. 

Becky Wicks has also written three funny travel books about her time in Dubai, Bali and South America (HarperCollins). Her first book, Burqalicious - The Dubai Diaries, her second book, Balilicious - The Bali Diaries and her third, Latinalicious -The South America Diaries are out now as ebooks - snap them up and make your feet even itchier! 

Becky has also written a comedy romance with author Sarah Alderson under the name Lola Salt, called The Extraordinary Life of Lara Craft (not Croft) which should raise a giggle or two... think Bridget Jones if Jackie Collins had written it!

Feel free to get in touch at beckywicks@me.com or twitter at bex_wicks

{Book Blast, Review + Giveaway} Love Potions by Michelle M. Pillow

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: June 2nd, 2014

Finished Date: May 24th, 2014
Publishers: Entangled Covet
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Romance 

Source: For Review
Format: Ebook
Pages: 200

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / B&N / 

Erik MacGregor, from a clan of ancient Scottish warlocks, isn't looking for love. After centuries, it's not even a consideration…until he moves in next door to Lydia Barratt. It's clear that the shy beauty wants nothing to do with him, but he's drawn to her nonetheless and determined to win her over.

Lydia Barratt just wants to be left alone to grow flowers and make lotions in her small cottage. The last thing she needs is a demanding Scottish man meddling in her private life. Just because he's gorgeous and totally rocks a kilt doesn't mean she's going to fall for his seductive manner.

But Erik won't give up and just as Lydia let's her guard down, his sister decides to get involved. Her little love potion prank goes terribly wrong, making Lydia the target of his sudden embarrassingly obsessive behavior. They'll have to find a way to pull Erik out of the spell fast when it becomes clear that Lydia has more than a lovesick warlock to worry about. Evil lurks within the shadows and it plans to use Lydia, alive or dead, to take out Erik and his clan for good.

The Review: Love potions was such a fun & magical paranormal romance and I loved every page of it!
The synopsis is spot on as we meet Erik MacGregor – an immortal Scottish warlock – scouting out a new home for his clan, before he evens sees the house, he meets Lydia Barratt and sparks fly as they connect in a big way. I love these types of connections, unexplainable but soul deep where you just ‘know’ that person is meant for you, I’m a sucker for all things soul mates so this grabbed my attention straight away and loved that there is indeed legend of such things for our warlock. Erik has every intention of seducing Lydia so that he can buy her house - which is on the mansion’s grounds (that he just bought) - so that the family have complete privacy but he doesn’t bank on his connection to Lydia or the surprises in Lydias’ background. What ensues is so funny and laughable that I spent most of the book with a smile on my face. The characters are just fun and adorable, Lydia is a recluse and by no means forward with regards to men but she can’t seem to help herself around Erik, she does things with him that she’d never dream of doing but little does she know but Erik is helping her along with his magic and when she does find out…. It’s hilarious! Erik is strong, full of himself and used to getting what he wants so rather than make the effort, he urges things forward with spells and he’s in for some fun when he realises just what Lydia is to him, they clash & they argue but they have chemistry and that smoulders off the pages. It was one of those relationships where you want them to get together because they’re perfect for each other, but don’t want them to get together because of the fun and hilarity of them trying to stay apart.
The book also introduces us to the clan MacGregor and there are a few, if Erik is hot and funny, it stands to reason that his brothers, sister & cousins are all of the same ilk…. And they are! I’m really excited by this family, I want all of their stories and backgrounds because they all make an impression. I thought the way Malina (Erik’s sister) helped Lydia was genius and you just know that they have a lot of scheming, plotting & pranks up their sleeves which will give the reader no amount of fun. There is a threat to the ‘soul mate principal’ in this because of what Lydia does to Erik, it sort of turns her into his kryptonite and if the enemy get their hands on her, they can use her to hurt Erik in a big way – which I liked and tied into the immortal warlock thread very well. We also get some real life drama that has nothing to do with the magic going on around town and I appreciated what that brought to the story too. I think the world the author has created was fab! It’s a story filled with danger, mystery, magic, romance & soul mates, with an age old enemy, a stalker (in more ways than one), a meddling ghost and an amazing set of characters that will have you smiling and laughing from start to finish – I REALLY hope this becomes a series because I’m hooked! 

Thank you to Entangled Covet for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

AUTHOR BIO

Michelle M. Pillow, Author of All Things Romance, is a multi-published, award winning author writing in many romance fiction genres.  Ever since she can remember, she has had a strange fascination with anything supernatural—ghosts, magical powers, and oh! vampires. After discovering historical romance novels, it was only natural that the supernatural and love/romance elements should someday meet in her wonderland of a brain. She’s glad they did for their children have been pouring onto the computer screen ever since.

Michelle loves to travel and try new things, whether it's a paranormal investigation of an old Vaudeville Theatre or climbing Mayan temples in Belize. She's addicted to movies and used to drive her mother crazy while quoting random scenes with her brother. Though it has yet to happen, her dream is to be in a horror movie as 1. A zombie or 2. The expendable screaming chick who gets it in the beginning credits. But for the most part she can be found writing in her office with a cup of coffee in pajama pants.

She loves to hear from readers. They can contact her through her website: 

Author Website: http://www.michellepillow.com/
Author Blog: http://www.michellepillow.com/blog/
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichellePillow
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichellePillow
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Michelle_Pillow

Newsletter: http://www.michellepillow.com/newsletter/?p=subscribe

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Review} Under the Satyr Moon (The Cursed Satyroi #2) by Rebekah Lewis

Posted by Melanie
Release Date: April 11th, 2014

Finished Date: May 19th, 2014
Publishers: Entangled Select
Genre: Paranormal, Romance 

Source: For Review
Format: Kindle
Pages: 207

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

Under the Satyr Moon a curse was wrought, and under the same moon shall it be reversed...
...if the Fates allow.

A freelance photography job goes downhill fast when Lily Anders' boyfriend dumps her and disappears from the campsite, leaving her stranded in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Feeling lost, heartbroken, and afraid, Lily follows a mysterious melody through the wilderness. She never would have guessed the source of the music would reveal that legendary figures of Greek mythology really existed, and she could be one of them.

Ever since he was cursed, Ariston has only wanted one thing—to be human again. He has searched the globe for a nymph to free him, but over three thousand years of failure has pushed him into a life of solitude. Ariston believes he's finally found the salvation he's longed for when he finds Lily spying on him in the forest. Unfortunately, he has to convince her to like him first.

What seems to be the Fates bringing them together in time for the Satyr Moon proves to be an elaborate scheme with macabre intentions. Dionysus has sent Ariston's estranged brother, Adonis, to ensure the curse cannot be broken, and nothing tosses cold water over the flame of seduction like a twin seeking vengeance.

The Review: Under the Satyr Moon is the second book in ‘The Cursed Satyroi’ series and this time around it’s Ariston that gets his chance at redemption.
We meet Lily Anders when she is at her lowest, on a freelance photography job that has took her out into the Blue Ridge Mountains with her boyfriend Donovan – little does she know but Donovan is about to dump her not only from his life but leaving her alone in the wilderness too. Needing to find civilisation and a chance to get home, Lily starts her trek through the forest…. Until she hears a tune, a strange melody that calls to her… so she follows and comes upon a man - a goat man?!?- indulging in an encounter with a woman. Feeling embarrassed and voyeuristic she goes to leave, makes a noise and he sees her, is fascinated by her and follows her which then becomes a kidnap situation.
Ariston is cursed as a Satyr, cursed to live the life of a half man/ half goat, complete with horns and an insatiable sexual appetite. He has lived this way for centuries, hiding up on the mountain, tempting campers to sate his needs and making them forget afterwards. The only thing that could save his sorry ass is to find a Nymph and make love to her ‘under the Satyr moon’ and he has long given up hope of finding one especially when they are invisible to his kind but the woman who had been spying on him in the woods, she was the first Nymph he’d seen since Daphne – a nymph who had shared her glimpse of his fate with him – and he wondered if he was finally getting his shot. Lily of course was not happy with this situation and in trying to escape, makes a few friends along the way but as always, with friends always comes enemies and whilst some would be overjoyed to see Ariston’s curse lifted, some would us the chance as an opportunity to break him. Will Lily get to know Ariston and help him regain his humanity? Can Ariston keep his hands to himself and wait for the Satyr Moon? Will it really lift the curse?
This was another enjoyable read in this series and I really enjoy the world the author has created. I loved both our main characters; Lily was awesome and had a great personality paired with a great sense of humour and I liked seeing her blossom from the broken hearted girl in the beginning into a stubborn woman, willing to take on a Satyr. Ariston too was a great character and like Lily had the good personality/good humour going on plus there is the innuendos that would come with having an insatiable sexual appetite which are always fun. He too blossomed from a forlorn Satyr who had lost hope of ever having any love or happiness in his life, resigned to his fate but that all changed with the arrival of Lily and the renewal of his hope. Both together made a really good couple who gelled well and had lots of sexual chemistry that created some very hot moments filled with tension as they try to keep their hands off each other until the time was right.
The storyline was a good progression from book one and even though it has moved on to another couple, we still get a cameo from Pan and Kat which keeps us informed what has happened to them since they got together. Whilst most of the story is devoted to Ariston & Lily’s relationship and will they/won’t they break the curse, Dionysus is still meddling and is still trying to get his hands the ‘sryinx’ and is again using his Boeotian satyrs to do his bidding in the worst way, especially as he pits Ariston against his twin brother Adonis in this, using their hatred of each other to his advantage but as I said – Lily & Ariston have made friends along the way and just as Dionysus is meddling, so are the friends because they really want this for them and they all brought about some comedic moments that include a c*ck blocking horse & lightning bolts. The secondary characters are just as important in this story and from both sides, Hermes is back and hilarious, this time bringing Pegasus who is just as much fun (even if he can’t speak) plus we see a different side to a couple of Boeotian satyrs and see that being at Dionysus’s beck and call is not helping these men. We get a glimpse into Adonis’s life and also Melancton’s which actually leaves me really wanting his story, it will be good to see things from the other sides POV and seeing how they can get their own redemption – will it mean turning from Dionysus’s path and turning to Pan’s? who knows but I’m very curious. So, if you’re looking for a nice romantic tale of mythology, hot Satyr men, naughty nymphs in the making, danger, misdirection & jealousy, filled with humour and sexual tension that can smoulder from the pages all leading up to one make or break moment giving our H &h a possible happy ever after….. look no further.