Sneak Peek: Hard Glamour (The Glamour Series, #1) by Maggie Marr
SNEAK PEEK
HARD GLAMOUR
NEW SERIES BY MAGGIE MARR
New Adult Contemporary
Releasing January 14, 2014
Sneak Peek Excerpt
Lane
My eyes fluttered open. I kicked my foot out from under the silk down comforter on my bed. I had trouble falling asleep when I got back to the house. I flipped over my cell phone and glanced at the time, it was 2:07 am and I was wide awake.
Kong lay curled up on the pillow beside me while Scorsese and Spielberg slept at the foot of my bed. Bernie lay lengthwise beside me like a human. I ran my hand across Bernie’s thick fur. My heart hurt. Last week I felt bad for Dillon. I felt bad that he was trapped in a horrible place between his parents and his brother. Parents that from what it sounded like wouldn’t accept Choo for who he was but yet still wanted to be a part of Dillon’s life.
But tonight?
Tonight I didn’t feel bad for Dillon. I felt angry and hurt and shocked at how intense all my feelings were. There were two Dillons and I kept ping-ponging between them. There was the guy who humiliated me when I was lost, and then made me feel embarrassed again tonight. Frustration spiked through my chest as the feeling of embarrassment flooded through me with the two memories.
Then there was the other Dillon. The guy who rescued four dogs. The guy who smiled and gave me the keys to his car. The guy who was sexy as hell and seemed interested in what I had to say. That was the Dillon my heart hurt for. That was the Dillon I wanted to know and be around. That Dillon seemed to pop out, be wildly nice, and then immediately disappear. Maybe I was lucky that the sweet version of Dillon wasn’t around more. The jerky version I could work for and ignore–but the sweet version, him I could definitely fall for.
I was so torn. I was attracted to him, as was every woman in the world. Heat ripped through me when I looked at Dillon. Just when I thought I had him figured out he did something like today; either acted like a complete ass or was a really stand up amazing guy. Which one was he? And why did it matter?
I wasn’t his type. He wasn’t someone who wanted a relationship. Already, I’d seen him with a multitude of different women. Dillon MacAvoy wanted me to walk his dogs and read his script. I brushed a stray hair back from my forehead. Something about Dillon pressed hard against my heart. I was drawn to him. Tonight, when he grabbed my arm heat had jolted through me. When he whispered in my ear, even with the awful words he said, I still couldn’t catch my breath with him so near. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to feel those giant hands on my body, stroking over me where no one had stroked before.
“Oh yessss.”
A moan drifted up from the yard. When I got home I took two ibuprofen and pulled open my balcony doors before I went to bed. I’d hoped the fresh air would cool my body and my mind.
“Please yesss.”
My heart clenched and I scrunched my eyes closed. A hard sick feeling lodged in my belly. The voice was female. There was only one man in this house who could cause a woman to moan like that.
“Yes, please, Dillon, please.”
I didn’t want to hear this. I couldn’t stand to hear this. I slid my foot to the floor beneath my bed. I wouldn’t look. Looking would be so bad. I pressed forward across the floor to the balcony doors. I would pull the doors closed and then please, hopefully, I wouldn’t have to hear the things that I definitely didn’t want to hear.
I placed my hand on the knob of the door, but instead of pulling the door closed, my body moved forward. My heart accelerated as though it would burst through my ribs. What would I see? My foot stepped out on to the balcony. Every good part of me screamed don’t do it, don’t look down, but every part that was curious had to peer over the balcony. I had to see.
About the Author
Maggie Marr grew up in the Midwest and made the move to Los Angeles to work in the movie business. She was a motion picture literary agent for ICM before becoming a full time writer. She’s written for film and TV and ghostwritten for celebrities. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and children.
Cover: Wish For You (Boys of the South, #4) by Marquita Valentine
COVER REVEAL
WISH FOR YOU
By Bestselling Author Marquita Valentine
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000038_00071]](http://www.ataleofmanyreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/WishForYou.jpg)
A Boys of the South Novel
Releasing January 20, 2014
New Adult Contemporary
Cover designed by Okay Creations
There’s only one place in the world where I feel normal—the roller derby track. When I put on my skates and fasten my helmet, I’m powerful and in charge. I know exactly what to do and what to say. The rules are clear and everyone does exactly what they’re supposed to, penalties are enforced for those who don’t.
But in the real world, I’m far from powerful and in charge. I never know exactly what to do and say. For years, I counted on one person to be exactly who he said he was—my best friend -Wyatt Tanaka.
Only he’s changed. Being a Marine and serving in a war has made him different. Now I want to help him, but I also want to kiss him. And that’s not something best friends do.
Neither of us, it seems, is content being just friends anymore. If we cross that line, change the rules of our relationship, it could be wonderful and everything I’ve ever wanted.
But it might also mean I’ll lose the one person I’ve come to rely on and I don’t think my heart can take it.
About the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, writes sexy heroes that make you swoon and sassy heroines that make you laugh. She’s the author of the bestselling contemporary romance series, Holland Springs, and the new adult romance series, Boys of the South.
Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man—and if that doesn’t work, they can console themselves with cheesy tatertots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children.
Cover Reveal: Unwrapped by the NAturals
COVER REVEAL
A New Adult Romance
Six different novellas
by the NAturals
Laurelin Paige, Gennifer Albin, Melanie Harlow, Sierra Simone, Kayti McGee Downey, and Tamara Mataya
Release: December 23, 2013
Cover designed by Tom Barnes Design
Six romance authors present six very different novellas in this anthology of new stories: Ménage a tango lessons. A bride DYING to say, ‘I don’t.’ A horny college boy at a purity rally. Time-traveling graduate students meet Victorian playboys. A rugby player who’s as dirty off the field as on. And kissing under the mistletoe with a Scottish exchange student. Something for everyone, the NAturals present sweet, funny, and erotic tales of new adults meant to be Unwrapped all year long and not just at Christmas.
About the Authors
Laurelin Paige, Gennifer Albin, Melanie Harlow, Sierra Simone, Kayti McGee Downey, and Tamara Mataya are the six authors who blog for TheNaturalAuthors.blogspot.com. They each write romance and adore pushing the boundaries of the genre. Above all, they love reading smut, looking at pictures of hot men, and making up names for the band they’re always talking about forming.
Review & Giveaway: Ink My Heart by Jean Haus
Luminescent Juliet, #2
Stand alone novel in a series
Publisher: Skyscape
Release: November 12, 2013
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Recommend: Jennifer says, “I’m looking forward to more from this series. “
Except for one.
Tattoo artist, Allie Landon, rarely dates, and especially not men like Justin. Though he’s hot enough to melt off permanent ink, she’s done with the bad boy type. But when the ex who broke her heart wants to reunite, desperation has Allie introducing her latest client as her boyfriend. Justin’s more than happy to play the part. He’s completely intrigued by the sexy artist and college student.
However, Allie’s life isn’t what it seems. There’s little room in it or her shattered and confused heart for Justin. But as Justin remains persistent, ignoring the growing attraction—both physical and emotionally—between them becomes more difficult than tattoo removal.
*New Adult. Recommended for mature readers due to language, drug references, and sexual situations.
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for honest thoughts/opinion about the book.
Jennifer’s Review
When I read In the Band in November 2012, I knew I wanted more. It may be a year later, but I got my wish. Ink my Heart was just what the doctor ordered. It had the characters I loved in the first book and a fantastic story line. I loved getting to know Justin, but had to re-evaluate my first impression of Romeo, since in this story I found him to be such a hard-ass. Maybe he always was and I was looking at him with love hazed eyes. I mean in the first book he was winning over Riley so my focus was on all his good deeds and determination. I digress. This was Justin’s time to shine and did he ever.
Justin comes off as a player most of the time, but that’s just a cover for the issues he has with nonexistent parents that left him alone most of his life. He has money, good looks, and his band. With all that he still feels empty until he decides to get a new tattoo. I have a new appreciation for tattoos. Now that I have some personal experience, it’s not hard to see the draw. Allie is a tattoo artist with her own shop. When he meets Allie he is drawn to her like a moth to a flame. It’s about to get interesting. Allie has a past that just won’t go away, mainly Trevor. She has responsibilities that leave no time for nonsense. She pegs Justin as someone that she just doesn’t have time to waste on.
What I really loved about this book was that the characters were solid. Justin was just so awesome. He took the time to learn about Allie. He also took the time to dissect his own feelings and emotions. He knew that he had one shot to get it right and wasn’t going to mess it up. Allie didn’t stand a chance, once she started to see what he tries to hide. She tried to resist. Justin was just too irresistible. When Justin sings “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls to Allie, she gets it. She knows he hides behind his image. She sees glimpses of someone else. Someone she is willing to take a chance on. As I read this part it brought me to another book. In the book Real, Remy Tate plays this song to Blaire to communicate to her that there is more to him than what everyone sees. I totally get it. “Iris” is a great song.
The other character in this book that gripped my heart was the drummer, Gabe. Tall, maybe just over six foot. He’s all wiry muscle, with piercing eyes and a jaw so hard it’s like someone cut it from marble. He has a home life that is questionable and has been in trouble with the law before. I was intrigued with all the information coming my way about Gabe. I think I loved his character just a little bit more than Justin. There is so much more that I want to know about him.
Jean Haus wrote a story that, in my opinion, surpassed the first one. I felt like this story had more depth. I’m looking forward to more from this series. Maybe Gabe will get a story next. He sure has piqued my interest.
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Break It Up by E.M. Tippetts
I’ve reviewed and really enjoyed the Someone Else’s Fairytale series by E.M. Tippetts. Break It Up is a spin-off and I am anxious to read it! Due to recent family events, I wasn’t able to finish the book in time for a review on this tour, but I did want to share the book and giveaway information with you!
Released Nov. 12, 2013
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Kyra Armijo is making a few changes in her life. One of them being, she’s no longer going to give it up to every guy who looks at her twice. And she’s putting her hopes and dreams for her future first. When the aspiring photojournalist gets the opportunity of a lifetime to tag along with international boy band sensation, Triple Cross, she can’t pass up the chance.
The only problem is that she’s in love with one band member, dodging the unwanted attention of another, and desperate to keep her turbulent past under wraps. Triple Cross have “nice guy” appeal, approved of by parents the world over, but have just let go their longtime manager, who controlled their clean image and media exposure with an iron fist. When Zach Wechsler, the object of Kyra’s affection, begins to show interest, she has to be careful.
Surely one girl can’t destroy a band that’s been together for ten years… only what if she can? Kyra knows she’s one bad decision away from ruining everything she’s worked for, and taking the hottest act of her generation down with her.
About the Author
Emily Mah Tippetts writes romance as E.M. Tippetts and science fiction and fantasy as Emily Mah. She is a former attorney with degrees in philosophy, politics and economics from Oxford University and business law from UCLA, and currently lives in her lifelong home state of New Mexico with her family.
Sneak Peek: The Boy From The Woods by Jen Minkman
SNEAK PEEK into…
THE BOY FROM THE WOODS
By Jen Minkman
Expected release: December 1, 2013
Young Adult Contemporary/Paranormal
Romance
Julia has been in love with Michael for years. He’s the hottest guy in school, and she can’t believe her luck when they finally hit it off during Senior Prom. Her dream doesn’t last, though: after a few dates, he callously dumps her out of the blue. Summer vacation starts with Julia feeling heart-broken and miserable.
But then she rescues Michael in the woods when he has a motorcycle accident in a heavy thunderstorm. From that point onward, her life is turned upside down. Michael has changed completely after the blow to the head that nearly killed him… and he wants her back. But why is he so different? And will she be able to trust him this time around?
Can the boy who broke your heart ever win it back again..?
Sneak Peek Excerpt
Julia wiped the raindrops from her cheeks and trudged doggedly on. The rhythm of the song spurred her on and made her run faster, her heart beating wildly in her chest, tapping out an indeterminate fear. Her hands clenched into fists and her eyes squinted against the rain falling from the sky. Only a few more minutes and she’d be home.
And then something caught her eye. She froze. In the light of a bright lightning strike setting the forest ablaze with cold fire, she saw there was someone lying on the ground. The black stain of a person on the edge of the path. A motorcycle on its side, smack in the middle of the forest trail.
Julia came to a standstill, her breath ragged. With trembling, slippery fingers, she fumbled with the player to turn off the music. She’d ended up at her favorite oak tree, the place suddenly looking sinister in the gloom. Her throat turned dry as she peered at the unconscious figure on the forest trail. Step by step, she shuffled forward. Her eyes followed the tire tracks that the motorcycle had made in the muddy soil. Julia’s heart stopped when she came even closer and recognized the Honda bike.
No – this couldn’t be happening. She rushed the last few yards separating her from the boy on the ground. Julia fell down on her knees next to his lifeless body, her stomach filling with dread as she noticed the left side of his face was covered in blood. He’d hit his head on a sharp-edged rock. His head injury looked really, really bad.
“Michael?” she whispered softly, putting a trembling hand on his forehead. “Can you hear me?”
He lay very still, his lips almost blue in the macabre light of the thunderstorm flashing occasionally. If only she could see whether he was still breathing! She couldn’t hear him breathe over the din of the rain and wind in the woods.
With shaking hands, she grabbed her cell phone from her jacket pocket, setting the camera to permanent flash. The bright light illuminated Michael’s face, and tears welled up in her eyes. He looked so lifeless… so vulnerable. For just a moment, she forgot all about the horrible way he’d treated her. She’d wished for all kinds of nasty things to happen to him, but not this.
“Michael,” she sobbed, her voice breaking. “Please, please wake up.”
Her heart skipped a beat when he suddenly inhaled sharply. She took his hand. Very slowly he opened his eyes, green like the forest leaves he was lying under, his pupils dilated and black like the treacherous darkness that had caused him to slip and fall in this severe weather.
“Julia,” he whispered in a soft, yet clear voice.
She swallowed.
Why did he sound so different? He pronounced her name with so much emotion that she could almost believe he was seeing her for the first time.
“I’ll get help,” she managed to stutter before his eyes fell shut again, her words making him smile faintly.
About the Author
Jen Minkman (1978) was born in the Netherlands and has lived in Austria, Belgium and the UK during her studies. She learned how to read at the age of three and has never stopped reading since. Her favourite books to read are (YA) paranormal/fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian and romance, and this is reflected in the stories she writes. In her home country, she is a trade-published author of paranormal romance and chicklit. Across the border, she is a self-published author of poetry, paranormal romance and dystopian fiction. Her books are available in English, Dutch and Chinese.
She currently resides in The Hague where she works and lives with her husband and two noisy zebra finches.
Cover Reveal: Hard Glamour by Maggie Marr
COVER REVEAL
HARD GLAMOUR
NEW SERIES BY MAGGIE MARR
New Adult Contemporary
Releasing January 14, 2014
Cover designed by Okay Creations
A promise to keep….
Honoring her mother’s last wish, Lane Channing vows to follow her dreams. She takes the ‘big risk’ and leaves her small Kansas town behind and heads to LA, the city of dreams. She’s got a stellar job lined up, an old jeep, and 20 bucks to last her to her first paycheck. Her hopes shatter when she arrives to find her job’s been given to someone else. Now she’s broke and will soon be living on the streets if she doesn’t do something fast. Welcome to cutthroat – Lane is most certainly not in Kansas anymore.
On the cusp of success…
Dillon MacAvoy has one goal–to become a star–whatever it takes. Even if it means honing his bad-boy can’t-be-tamed-and-forever-single image. Besides the image isn’t far from the truth. Dillon cares only about his younger brother and his career. He’s on the brink of superstardom if he can just decide on the next right script. But for that, he needs a script reader he can trust.
In a strange twist of fate…
Lane Channing is Dillon’s last chance. If Lane lasts the summer without becoming MacAvoy’s latest conquest, she’s guaranteed a job in entertainment. No problem, as long as she can ignore the heat that pulses through her every time Dillon is in the room. After all, love and commitment with a sweet, hometown girl would only ruin the Dillon MacAvoy brand.
About the Author
Maggie Marr grew up in the Midwest and made the move to Los Angeles to work in the movie business. She was a motion picture literary agent for ICM before becoming a full time writer. She’s written for film and TV and ghostwritten for celebrities. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and children.
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Review: My Date From Hell by Tallulah Darling
The Blooming Goddess Trilogy, #2
Young Adult Romantic comedy/Greek mythology
Recommend: Jennifer says, “ Tellulah is a writing rock star.”
Yeah, right.
With Zeus stepping things up, it’s vital that Sophie retrieve Persephone’s memories and discover the location of the ritual to stop Zeus and Hades. So when Aphrodite strikes a deal that can unlock Sophie’s pre-mortal past, what choice does the teen goddess have but to accept?
The mission: stop media mogul Hermes from turning Bethany into a global mega-celebrity. The catch? Aphrodite partners Sophie and Kai to work together … and treat this suicide mission as a date. Which could work out for Sophie’s plan to force Kai to admit his feelings for her–if she doesn’t kill him first.
Add to that the fact that BFF Theo’s love life and other BFF Hannah’s actual life are in Sophie’s hands, and suddenly being a teenager—even a godlike one—seems a bit like … well, hell. Whatever happened to dinner and a movie?
The YA romantic comedy/Greek mythology fireworks continue to fly inMy Date From Hell. Love meets comedy with a whole lot of sass in book two of this teen fantasy romance series. Breaking up is easy; dating is deadly.
Review by Jennifer
*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for honest thoughts/review about the book.
I just want to walk up to Tellulah and give her a big hug. She is all kinds of awesome with this trilogy. She grabbed my attention with Sam Cruz, didn’t let go with My Ex From Hell and solidified her standing in my top 10 kickass authors. Tellulah is a writing rock star.
Why is this book so awesomely amazing? I’ll tell you why! Tellulah wrote strong characters that make this story exquisitely snarky, laugh out loud funny, tantalizing, and just outright fun with nothing but written words. She’s a rock star of words. The mixture of ordinary life and Greek mythology makes this one of the best mash-ups ever. Kai and Sophie steal the show with all the bantering and innuendos. The other characters; Theo, Fee, Hannah, Pierce, and Bethany are just as fantastic. They all have such witty comebacks for each other. It’s priceless.
When dealing with the Greeks it goes without saying that there will be quests, challenges, gods, demigods, and a prophecy. Sophie and Kai are destined to save the world, if only Sophie can gain the memories of Persephone. Thus starts the journey to unlocking those memories. Feelings intensify for Sophie and Kai. Love is in the air for Sophie’s friends, as well. Challenges are set before them with one being Kai asking Sophie on a date. Their whole quest is one long date. Butterflies form in my tummy with the words of that smooth talking Kai. I can’t resist and Sophie struggles to stay aloof when her heart is screaming for Kai. The ending totally threw me for a loop. Unexpected is an understatement. So much happens in one event that I’m left reeling.
The next installment can’t come soon enough. I just want more and like Veruca Salt I want it now! This is a 5+ star book trilogy.
To see other reviews and posts for the tour, visit the tour site or click the banner below.
Sarra Cannon’s 3 Year Indie-versary Bash!
We are celebrating three years of Indie publishing success with Sarra Cannon, author of the bestselling series the Peachville High Demons. Over the past three years, Sarra has sold over 150,000 copies of her young adult and new adult novels and would like to say thank you to all the fans who made it possible with special book prices, event, news, and giveaways!
Interesting Facts about the Peachville High Demons series
By Sarra Cannon
- When I first started writing Beautiful Demons, the killer was someone completely different. When I got to the end, I gasped in surprise. I seriously had no idea who had killed Tori until the very end of the book.
- I didn’t have the series planned out at all. Every time I finished one book, I would start thinking about the next. It’s really cool how some details, like the blue butterfly and Harper’s demon tattoo, came to mean something really special in the end.
- Demons Forever took me eleven months to write, but that book will always have a special place in my heart because it was the book I was writing when I had my son, Andrew.
- The inspiration for this series actually came from a marathon session of watching the TV show, Veronica Mars. My original idea was to write a series about a young girl who solved murders and mysteries in her town using magic. If you’ve read the series, you know that’s not at all how the series really turned out!
- One of the major themes in this series is TRUST. Just when Harper thinks she knows who she can trust, she finds out she’s been betrayed.
- There are 6 parties/dances in the series and something terrible happens at every single one. I think Harper should just stay away from all parties in the future!
- A second series based on this world will start in Spring 2014 and will be told from both Harper and Lea’s points-of-view.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The next book in the Peachville High Demon series is a novella all about Jackson! This novella is scheduled to release November 4th!
November 4th: 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Sarra is hosting a Facebook event for the release of A Demon’s Wrath! She will be giving away 100 + eBooks, prints, and swag from authors such as H.M. Ward, RaShelle Workman, Shelly Crane and S.M. Reine. Sarra will also announce the title in the new Demon spin-off series! If you would like to attend, please RSVP on the Facebook Event page: http://on.fb.me/1do51uR or simply stop by!
ALSO, right now, the Box Set for the Peachville High Demons series is on SALE!
The Peachville High Demons series, Books 1-3 Box Set. Catch up on this bestselling series and get the first three books for only $2.99.
Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Just in time for Halloween, Sarra has her latest release, Death’s Awakening (Eternal Sorrows, #1), at a special price of .99 cents!
Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes
Releasing November 1st!
New Adult novella set in the Fairhope series!
Part of the 12 NA’s of Christmas: 12 New Adult Novellas by 12 Bestselling Authors
Other titles in the Fairhope series
About the Author
An Amazon Top 100 Best Selling Author!
Sarra Cannon writes contemporary and paranormal fiction with both teen and college age characters. Her novels often stem from her own experiences growing up in the small town of Hawkinsville, Georgia, where she learned that being popular always comes at a price and relationships are rarely as simple as they seem.
Her bestselling Young Adult paranormal series, Peachville High Demons, has sold over 140,000 copies and been featured on Amazon’s Top 100 eBooks for Children & Teens. The first book in the series, Beautiful Demons, will be adapted into a graphic novel by Sea Lion Books later this year, and a spin-off series will begin in 2014.
She is a devoted (obsessed) fan of Hello Kitty and has an extensive collection that decorates her desk as she writes. She currently lives in North Carolina with her amazingly supportive husband and her adorable son.
Cover Reveal: Echoes in the Glass by Cheri Lasota
COVER REVEAL
ECHOES IN THE GLASS
By Cheri Lasota
Releasing December 2013
Publisher: Ever-Sea Press
Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Finnian bears the scar of an unspeakable crime.
McKenna hides the pain of a terrible betrayal.
When all their secrets are laid bare, will the truth rip them apart or forever silence the echoes of the past?
Seventeen-year-old Finnian Bell has been on the run for years, but he finally has a chance to rebuild his life while restoring an abandoned lighthouse on the Oregon Coast.
McKenna Lucas, the lightkeeper’s daughter, is still reeling from the pain of an event that has shattered her innocence. Fear and bitterness have turned her heart from Finnian, but he is determined not to let her go.
The lighthouse harbors dark secrets of its own…
When Finnian and McKenna uncover the story of two teens hidden in the tower back in 1934, they discover a shocking connection that bridges time and death.
About the Author
Cheri Lasota has written poetry and fiction for sixteen years, edited fiction for nine years and recently jumped headlong into design work for enhanced e-books. She has a great love for all things techy, so she finds herself pushing the boundaries of e-book marketing and design at every turn. Her passion for fiction and helping other novelists achieve their goals is without limits.
Her bestselling debut novel, ARTEMIS RISING, is a 2013 Cygnus Awards First Place Winner and a 2012 finalist in the Next Generation Indie Books Awards. Cheri just released her how-to e-book DESIGN AND UPLOAD YOUR EPUB and is currently finishing up her second YA novel, ECHOES IN THE GLASS, set on the Oregon Coast.
CheriLasota.com | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn
