Release Day Blitz and Review: Raw by Belle Aurora

Title: Raw

Author: Belle Aurora

Genre: New Adult Dark Romance

Release Date: January 3, 2014

Hosted by: Love Between the Sheets Promotions

Synopsis

*Author Note: This is not a love story. This is a story of love gone wrong.*

Growing up the way I did, you’d think I’d be more screwed up than what I actually am.

Soon as I turned sixteen, I left that bump in the road I called home and took my chances on the street.

Best decision I ever made.

Now, at the age of twenty six, I’m educated, employed and damn good at my job.

My friends have become my family. Like me, they know what it’s like to grow up unloved.

But the saying is true.

The world makes way for those who know where they are going.

That’s me.

I know where I’m going and I’ll get there eventually. On my own terms and at my own pace.

But then there’s him.

I feel his eyes on me. I see him hiding in plain sight. He watches me.

He makes me feel.

It’s unconventional.

But it’s real.

I’m sure you’re wondering how a person falls in love with their stalker.

So am I.

This isn’t a story.

This is my life.

Buy the Book

Amazon US • Amazon UK

**** 4.5 Star Review by Sarah

Holy mother… this book was so good! It was a page turner for sure, I couldn’t put it down! Ugh! I don’t even know how to write this review without giving anything away. Lexi and Twitch have the most messed up, precious, hilarious, sweet, insane relationship I’ve ever seen!

When we first meet Lexi you can’t help but fall in love with her. She’s adorable, sweet, has a huge heart and is funny. But, then she reveals that she’s had this stalker for the last year- oh and she likes the idea of having a stalker… weird, right? Just wait, it gets even crazier. She’s never seen his face or heard his voice, she has no clue who he is only that he is always there watching her. She fantasizes about him, dreams about him. Then one day she gets to meet her stalker up close and personal.

“Monsters don’t always lurk in the shadows…  Sometimes they hide in plain sight.”

Enter Twitch. Twitch is super a sexy, alpha, rich, bad-boy. He’s a drug dealer with a sordid past, but damn it if I didn’t want him just as much as Lexi did. Twitch seems to have some sort of vendetta against Lexi but we don’t know why; all we know is he plans on hurting her, not necessarily physically, but emotionally. He wants to use her for his sexual pleasure (which he does and it’s hot!) and then crush her heart. But, WHY? This is the question we ask ourselves the entire flipping book!

Oh, but wouldn’t it be fun if they fell for each other? Twitch is so emotionally damaged, I’m talking insane and terrifying so it was fun watching him try to navigate his feelings, and the fact that he actually had feelings to begin with; and Lexi is a problem solver, a fixer- but did she bite off more than she can chew with Twitch?

I heard somewhere that a king only bows down to his queen. And I’m bowing down to Lexi.

As always, Belle delivered an awesome, page-turner, that will leave you dying for more. By the end you’ll be so torn up you won’t know what to do; you’ll want to scream and cry and laugh and go back to re-read the epilogue to see if you missed something. You didn’t.

Mini Teaser

Staring down at my chest, she takes a step closer to me and whispers miserably, “I’m here to let Brad fuck me.” My cheek ticks and head implodes. She steps closer to me to add, “He’s going to fuck me. Fuck me til I forget you. Til I forget I ever met you. He’s helping me drown you out and I like when I’m not thinkin’ about you.”

She looks into my eyes and repeats on a whisper, “You’re poison.”

About the Author

Belle Aurora is twenty six years old and was born in the land down under.
At an early age she fell in love with reading. Boredom one summer had her scouring the bookshelves at home. She stumbled across Sandra Brown’s Breath of Scandal and fell in love with romance.
Having been brought up in a loud and boisterous family of Croatian descent, she developed a natural love for dramatics and humor. Only some years ago had she discovered a new love.
Humorous romance novels.
Kristen Ashley and R.L. Mathewson had opened a brand new world where she could lose herself yet feel safe and at home in their stories. Belle has been known to become a screeching banshee while anxiously awaiting their newest titles.
Belle never thought she would write. It had never interested her until recently. Friend-Zoned began to form and in February this year Belle typed the words Chapter One. And she fell in love.
With words.
With writing.
With a creative imagination she never knew she harbored.

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

You can find teasers of Belle’s books here – https://www.goodreads.com/story/list/18164357

Giveaway

Click Here to enter Belle’s HUGE giveaway!

Review: The Sweetest Game (The Perfect Game #3) by J. Sterling

Synopsis

This is the third (and final) installment in Jack & Cassie’s story!

“It’s one hell of a sledgehammer to the chest when your baseball career comes to an end. It’s like you finally realize that baseball never loved you back. All the sleepless nights, the hours spent at the gym trying to stay fit, the conditioning, the training, the mental preparation, the holiday’s missed, the birthday’s passed, the memories you didn’t get to make with your family…all for what? It’s not like baseball lost any sleep over you. She didn’t stay awake for nights on end trying to figure out how to make you a better player. She didn’t care. Baseball’s a business. A sport. A game. And as much as my entire life has been wrapped up in it, it’s time to let it go.”
– Jack Carter

**** 4 Star Review by Sarah

Jack F’n Carter, need I say more? If you thought he was swoon-worthy in the first two books you are in for a treat. We get to see a totally different side of Jack in The Sweetest Game. 

“My Beautiful Kitten. My Heart. My soul. The only thing in this world I loved more than baseball.”

This book left off right where book two (The Game Changer) left off- Jack and Cassie’s wedding day. We get to see the whole day, not just the small glimpse we were left with in the previous book. From there J.Sterling takes us on the rocky journey that is Jack and Cassie’s story.

I don’t want to go into too much detail because I don’t want to ruin the story for you but just know that as is par for the course Jack and Cassie have to fight for their relationship, again, they have to overcome many battles and struggles but it is so worth it in the end.

Jack shows us who he is without baseball, and let me tell you Cassie is one lucky biotch! He made my heart (and my panties) melt on more than one occasion; I loved Jack Carter when he was a cocky, womanizing, cheating jerk in the first two books but he jumped to the top of my book boyfriend list after this book!

If you love this couple you do not want to miss this book; it is the conclusion and the HEA you have been desperately been waiting for since Jack dumped out a bag full of quarters on their date in the diner in The Perfect Game. Thank you Ms. Sterling for another great book, and an even deeper, more emotional side of Jack F’n Carter!

BUY LINKS:

THE PERFECT GAME: AMAZON

THE GAME CHANGER: AMAZON

THE SWEETEST GAME: AMAZON • NOOK

Visit J. Sterling’s Goodreads page for more info on her books!

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Gabriel’s Redemption by Sylvian Reynard

Synopsis
From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.

Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.

But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.

In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

****4 Star Review by Betsy
SR fans have new waiting a long time for more Gabriel and Julia, and Gabriel’s Redemption definitely delivers for fans. If you have not read Gabriel’s Inferno and Gabriel’s Rapture, this is a continuation of Gabriel and Julia’s passionate love story as they make their way through their first year of marriage.

Fans of the first two books will find lots to love in this conclusion, as SR gives us close to 500 pages of Gabriel and Julia, his Beatrice. We also get to see what happens with those we loved to hate, Christa, Simon, and Natalie. Also making an appearance is Paul, the good guy who pined after Julia, and who definitely deserves his own happy ending!

This story is a detailed look at the many ups and downs of Julia and Gabriel’s married life. Not always on good terms, the two navigate their way through uncharted territory. With more than one surprise along the way, we get a glimpse of how these two grow and mature in to a life together and shed their pasts that have been holding them back.

I was a huge fan of the first two Gabriel books, and have been waiting patiently for more. It was different too see Gabriel and Julia as a married couple, as much of the first two books there was a lot external and internal conflict keeping them from being a unified couple. Although they have different ideas about how to handle life’s obstacles in this story, they communicate and try to work together through much of the book. Gabriel’s Redemption shows a definite change in the dynamic of their relationship.

I think fans of the first to books will be pleased with the story’s conclusion, but be prepared to set aside some time to dig in to the book. Much like Inferno and Rapture, Redemption will take you through the ringer, with an ending that will have you hooked and teary-eyed!

Buy Links
Kindle Nook

Author Bio
I’m interested in the way literature can help us explore aspects of the human condition – particularly suffering, sex, love, faith, and redemption. My favourite stories are those in which a character takes a journey, either a physical journey to a new and exciting place, or a personal journey in which he or she learns something about himself/herself.

I’m also interested in how aesthetic elements such as art, architecture, and music can be used to tell a story or to illuminate the traits of a particular character. In my writing, I combine all of these elements with the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of goodness.

I try to use my platform as an author to raise awareness about the following charities: Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation, WorldVision, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Covenant House. For more information, see my Twitter account.

Giveaway
Click here for your chance to win signed SR books or a pair of The Professor’s favorite Louboutins!

Blog Tour: Fighting to Forgive by J.B. Salsbury

Fighting to Forgive

by JB Salsbury

What do you do when everything you avoid, turns out to be exactly what you need?

Easy and predictable, just the way he likes it, Blake Daniels flies through life the way he burns through women: on his terms, no regrets.

With his fighting career in full swing, he’s on the threshold of title contention. But when his training is compromised by injury, the stakes grow impossibly higher. The rage that fuels his punches also chips away at his focus, and he risks losing everything he cares about.

He won’t let that happen. Not again.

Layla’s through with men. After a marriage that never should’ve happened, she hopes to reclaim the pieces of the woman she lost years ago.

Emotional abuse has left her insecure and terrified. A master at faking what she’s not feeling, she masks her self-doubt in false confidence.

She’ll never let another man hurt her. Not again.

Chased by shadows of the past, Blake and Layla know what they don’t want, but their hearts have a different plan. As a web of lies and betrayal threatens to destroy them, they’re forced to make a choice.

Is love enough to heal even the deepest wounds?

**** 4 Star Review by Betsy
After reading Fighting for Flight I have been desperately waiting for Blake’s story and Fighting to Forgive. The impression we got of Blake in the first book is nothing but a playboy. We only got the tiniest hint of something more during all of his antics.

Blake is set in is ways until he happens along Layla. Layla is a single mom, new to town, with a dark and twisted background of her own. Her new job sets her on a journey to cross paths with Blake. Blake sees her as nothing but another conquest, however finds himself drawn to help her and her teenage daughter.

Watching the back and forth between Blake and Layla is highly entertaining (my favorite being at the topless pool… You’ll agree!). I love watching womanizer Blake try and muddle through all of his “feelings”, he is so totally clueless and its hysterical!

Layla is a strong female, making do with what she has as she tries to put her ugly past behind her. Blake and his unpredictable ways are the last thing she needs as she tries to find her own footing after an ugly marriage.

JB Salsbury keeps you on your toes with this follow up book, with plot twists that you won’t see coming. This story kept me engaged and flipping pages quickly as I couldn’t wait to see where the story would take me! I’m definitely looking forward to book three and more yummy fighters from JB!

Purchase:

Fighting For Flight (Book 1) on Amazon

Fighting to Forgive on Amazon

Author Bio:

Bestselling author JB Salsbury lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two kids. She spends the majority of her day as a domestic engineer. But while she works through her daily chores, a world of battling alphas, budding romance, and impossible obstacles claws away at her subconscious, begging to be released to the page.

Her love of good storytelling led her to earn a degree in Media Communications. With her journalistic background, writing has always been at the forefront, and her love of romance prompted her to sink her free time into novel writing.

Fighting for Flight is her first novel in the MMA romance series.

For more information on the series or just to say hello, visit JB on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads.

Follow the Book Tour!

Crash Into Me by Tracy Wolff

Synopsis

Jamison Matthews has lusted after Ryder Montgomery since she was a preteen. But now that Ryder and her brother’s band, Shaken Dirty, has made it huge, she’s just one of many pining for the brooding lead singer. Too bad Ryder still sees her as a little sister. Not that it matters. Her brother would never allow it, and the last thing Jamison wants is to be another notch on a rock star’s bed post. Even if it’s Ryder’s.
Ryder doesn’t deserve happiness. After his fame destroyed his last girlfriend, he swore he’d never fall in love again. So when Jamison, the girl he’s been in danger of loving for years, joins the band on the road, he’ll do anything to deny the sparks between them–even after one hot night together. But Jamison is determined to show Ryder that he’s worthy of love–her love–and that she’s all grown up and ready to play.

**** 4 Star Review by Sarah

I loved this story, Ms. Wolff did a great job creating a story about a rock star but making it different enough that it was interesting and HOT. Sex scenes are plentiful in this book!

Jamison is the kid sister of the lead guitarist of Shaken Dirty (great band name by the way), she has watched all of the guys grow up and grow from a garage band to one of the biggest bands in the world. She hasn’t had it easy in life and in the week before we meet her in particular, she lost her car, job and boyfriend all in one fell swoop. She is funny and smart but my favorite quality about her is she’s a size 12!!! and she still manages to land the rock star!

Ryder is the incredibly sexy, dark and mysterious lead singer of Shaken Dirty. He has been friends with Jamison and her brother their entire lives, he has also turned Jamison down before but now that she is on tour with them, he can’t seem to get her out of his head. He has had a troubled past and is extremely self-deprecating, he doesn’t believe he’s good enough for love, especially not Jamison’s love.

I loved watching the two of them fight to stay away, both too afraid to make the first move. You want to grab them both and shake them and tell them “kiss already, damn it!” But it’s worth the wait; eventually the sexual tension is so high they just explode and it is so wonderful for us as readers- one of my all time favorite sex scenes!

The two of them finally give in to the sexual tension and agree to just have fun, but how long can just “fun” last? You’ll have to read it to find out! We meet and get to know the other members of the band throughout the book, which leads me to believe the rest of the series will be about the rest of the band, and I can’t wait!

Pick up a copy of Crash Into Me for your Kindle or Nook today!

Stop back on October 23, we’re a stop on Tracy Wolff’s blog tour for Crash Into Me! We’ll have a giveaway and an author interview!

Stripped by H.M. Ward

Synopsis

The V Card. Virgin. Most of us want to punch that sucker ASAP, and hide the fact until then, but not Cassie Hale. Three years ago she frickin’ covered hers in glitter and laminated the thing, proudly telling me that she’s waiting for the perfect guy.

So when I see her half naked, tangled together, rolling around on the floor with another stripper, I’m kind of shocked. Okay, that’s an understatement. I’m enthralled. I have to know what cracked her picture perfect world and landed her here, and I hope it’s something horrible-an event that broke her the way she broke me. Because, that’s who Cassie Hale is–the woman who stole my heart and crushed it in her hand.

 

**** 4 Star Review by Sarah

Stripped is the story of Cassie and Jonny, it’s about their short lived romance, their summer fling and the heartbreak that followed them for years after.

I loved the way this story progressed, it started out in the present when Jonny walks in to find Cassie has become a stripper, up to this point you learn that Cassie has had a rough few years but you’re not sure what happened. You also feel how angry Jonny is at her but you’re not sure why.

Then the story goes back three years to the summer the two of them spent together, you learn about the things that made them the way they are. Why he’s afraid to trust and love and why she has no self-esteem. You watch their love for one another grow but it’s a slow process and it’s humorous to watch. Jonny is relentless in pursuing her, I laughed out loud on several occasions at his horribly cheesy pick up lines.

Then BAM flash forward to the present, again you know something terrible happened to their relationship but you don’t know what. Slowly, piece by piece it fits together and you learn about her betrayal and his agonizing heartbreak over it.

“I don’t want things to end this way, but I have no idea how to fix them. You’re married, Cass. I’m in love with a married woman who ruined years of my life. Maybe I have no sense, but I can’t let you go.”

This is my first H.M. Ward book (I know, what the hell have I been doing?) and I was surprise at how much I enjoyed her writing, it isn’t exactly eloquent but instead it’s real, it’s almost as if Cassie and Jonny wrote the story themselves, which made me that much more enthralled. I stayed up all night to finish this book because I just had to know what ended them, what broke them.

I can’t wait for book two… my only complaint and I hope she fixes this in book two is the lack of sex scenes! Jonny is too hot to not have a book full of his naked body! There was only one almost sex scene that was both adorable and sexy, if you can imagine that, but I need more! Give me more Jonny!

Pick up Stripped  today for $3.99 for both your Nook and Kindle. Also, be on the look out later this week for our stop on H.M. Ward’s blog tour… she’s coming with goodies!

H.M. Ward’s Goodreads page can be found here!