Eliza's Review: Kyland (A sign of love novel) by Mia Sheridan

                                                 

Title: Kyland

Series: A sign of love 

Author: Mia Sheridan

Release date: 24th January, 2015

Rating: 3-3.5 "bobcat protection" stars

Cliffhanger: Standalone

[ Yes (hide spoiler)]

Dirt poor. Hillbilly. Backwoods hick. Mountain folk. 

Tenleigh Falyn struggles each day to survive in a small, poverty-stricken, coal mining town where she lives with her sister and mentally ill mother. Her dream of winning the college scholarship given to one student by the local coal company and escaping the harshness of her life, keeps her going.

Kyland Barrett lives in the hills, too, and has worked tirelessly—through near starvation, through deep loneliness, against all odds—to win the Tyton Coal Scholarship and leave the town that is full of so much pain.

They're both determined not to form any attachments, but one moment changes everything. What happens when only one person gets to win? When only one person gets to leave? And what happens to the one left behind? 

Kyland is a story of desperation and hope, loss and sacrifice, pain and forgiveness, but ultimately, a story of deep and unending love.

What I enjoy most about Mia Sheridan’s storytelling is her ability to find beauty in the most tragic of situations. I found Kyland to be a story of loneliness, isolation, loss, sacrifice but above all the beauty of the human heart.

"You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone forever . . . I have loved none but you,"

I found it an incredibly sad story, Kyland and Tenleigh come from an impoverished community, the harsh winters reflect the harsh realities of life and the only chance they have of making it out brings them both heartache and pain.

Even though it has a happy ending, I couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of sadness for Kyland after I’d finished. Although he does not achieve what he deemed success in his youth he still has the future he daren't have wished for.

Tenderness filled her expression and she brought her hand up to my cheek as I leaned in to her caress and she ran her thumb over my cheekbone. "Is it enough?" she whispered. I leaned forward and kissed her, never in my life feeling more sure about anything. I whispered against her lips, "It's more than enough . . . it's so much more than I ever dreamed."

It was an enjoyable read and my rating is reflective on the fact that, they both had hardship heaped on them their whole lives and I would have liked to have spent more time with them being explicitly happy.

ARC kindly Provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank You!!

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The Lady Vanishes by Nicole Camden

Title:The Lady Vanishes

Series: The Billionaire Tricksters of Boston #1

Author:Nicole Camden

Release Date: February 9, 2015

Rating: 3.5 stars

Cliffhanger: No

Billionaire tech genius and inventor Milton Shaw never had life easy. Losing his brother at an early age, his only escape was into the world of magic, studying Houdini and perfecting the art of sleight of hand. Too smart to fit in, and isolated from his peers, he vowed that one day he would be so powerful that no one could touch him.

Stern doctor Regina Burke hates nothing more than attention and trickery. In fact, she went into science to feel in control of her world. Yet when her work brings her into contact with the sexy tech superstar Milton Shaw, she finds her body warring with her idealism…and her desires shifting from unlocking the magician’s secrets to unlocking his heart.

This book is a standalone with no cliffhanger, but it was told from the third person POV, which right away I had a hard time with. I think out of all the books I read last year, only about two of those were 3rd person POV. I've gradually drifted away from anything other than first person, single/dual. It's just easier for me to sink into the story, I find myself struggling to really identify with any of the characters when I feel so removed from them. But hey, that's just my personal tastes.

Milton is a very wealthy computer genius, inventor, and magician in his spare time. His inventive mind comes in handy with all his tricks, especially his disappearing undergarment acts...*wink, wink*. (Although, it would have been a little more sexy if we didn't see him learning how to pull off the trick by practicing on his female friend. It kind of lowered the cool factor, IMO.)



Anyhow, I loved that Milton had a big heart and volunteered his time with the children at the hospital, bringing happiness and smiles to them during the difficult time in their lives. He was a very giving and humble guy and he just wanted to be treated like anyone else rather than judged for his wealth and possessions. My first impression was that he had that whole reclusive, computer geek thing going on, but he really surprised me with his hidden kinky side and his exciting pursuit of the heroine. He's pretty much hooked on pursuing her from the first time he meets the serious, yet beautiful doctor Regina Blake. He's determined to get an opportunity with her, and he isn't above impressing her with his charm and tricks. Anytime a hero is so relentless in the chase, I just eat it up, so that was a clear positive for me here.



Regina isn't having any of it though. She's decided she's not going to get into a serious relationship with anyone, and especially not Milton, since he has ties to the hospital and his position lands him the attention of the press. After her father's scandal from her childhood, that's the absolute last thing that she would ever want. A boyfriend that's a public figure is at the very bottom of potential boyfriend traits. (Not that she even wants one.) I liked Regina's independence, her perseverance after her father's betrayal was admirable. She became a parental figure to her sister and took on all the responsibilities at a young age that she never should have had to deal with. But she never complains or lets things stop her from her goals. Her intelligence and strength made her a heroine that I could really enjoy so no complaints on that front.



I liked the sexy times, they were decent and abundant, I liked the unique plot with the fresh character combination, yet I would have liked to have seen more character build up for Milton's business partners who are getting their own books. There wasn't enough time spent on them in order to build excitement for their own stories, so I'm afraid I can't find any enthusiasm for finding out what's to come for them. There was a little bit of a lead-in with one of them, but for the most part, they were background figures that made brief appearances in the story here. I felt like they could have been more fleshed out and more present than what they were.

What immediately drew me into trying out this book was the fact that it's an erotic book about a magician and a straight-laced doctor. The fact that the premise is something you don't commonly see was a huge selling point for me personally. I think I've only read one other book with this type of hero and that was L.H. Cosway's Six of Hearts. That book is one of my all-time favorite books, so unfortunately, I have to say, I probably did some unconscious comparisons and those are some hard shoes to fill. If I read a book about an illusionist or magician, it has to really standout. I can't say I found an excessive amount of issues with the plotting of the story or the characters, it came down to the fact that the story was just okay for me. Don't let my average rating dissuade you if you're considering reading it, you may end up loving it much more than me.



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Release Day Blitz: Intoxicate by Tessa Teevan

      Intoxicate, Book # 4 in the Explosive Series
Can be read as a standalone

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Day: January 29, 2015

                                                                      

Blurb

Marry me.  Two words Kalli Montgomery never expected to say out loud to Xavier Cruz, even though she's been in love with the sexy, single father for as long as she can remember. Unfortunately, she hasn't just been friend-zoned for the past ten years. No, even worse, he's treated her like a little sister, no matter how hard she tried to prove she could be so much more. When she agrees to spend the summer as the caregiver for his daughter, Lily, she knows it's her last chance to finally make him take notice.  As unexpected circumstances threaten to disrupt his home life, Xavier's desperate to keep his family together. He'll do whatever it takes, even if it means marrying a woman he doesn't love. For Xavier and Lily, Kalli will do just about anything, even at the risk of getting her heart broken in the process.  Little does she know, sometimes love isn't quite as unrequited as one may think. Xavier sees her-he always has. And the vow he made all those years ago never to go there with his best friend's little sister is wavering, and it's wavering fast. When they come up with a plan that leads to wedding bells, it's a no brainer.  This marriage of convenience has one rule: absolutely no falling in love.  Easier said than done. Throw together a girl who believes rules are meant to be broken, and a man whose whole career revolves around following orders and you get a recipe for disaster. What could possibly go wrong?  

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Excerpt

Shooting a glare at him, I throw my hands up in exasperation. “Are you telling me that this whole anticipation thing is one-sided? Is it that easy for you to resist? I really need to step up my game.” Xavier’s eyes fall to my lips for a quick moment before he looks back up at me. I see the desire in his expression, and without him even saying a word, I know he wants this, too. So why is he making me wait? “You have no idea how much I want to kiss you right now. How many times I’ve thought of doing just that. Every time you were curled up against me on the couch, I wanted to kiss you. Every morning when you showed up, I wanted to kiss you. Every time you said goodnight to Lily and then slipped out my door? I wanted to kiss you before you left. It’s not a new development. The first time I ever saw you, Kalli, I wanted to kiss you. And I’ve wanted to ever since.” His admission floors me. He’s told me before that he “saw” me, but I had no clue it was from the very beginning. I’m not really sure how to process it. In fact, he beats me to the punch. “So now you know. This will be just as hard for me, but it will be so damn worth it. Because when you’ve wanted something for as long as I’ve wanted you? It’ll be the best feeling in the world when I finally get it.” “Our first kiss will be that epic?” “A first kiss to rival them all,” he quips, grinning at me. He holds his arms out wide. “Now, we’ll start with a hug and work our way up.” “I feel like I’m sixteen again,” I tell him as I wrap my arms around his waist. His hands come down to my back and he gives me a big squeeze, my head pressing against his firm chest. I love this feeling of being in his arms, him holding me close. There’s nowhere on the planet I’d rather be than right here with him. As much as I want him, I know he’s right. I don’t care when it comes. Because when it does, our first kiss will be unforgettable. His chest rumbles as he chuckles. He squeezes me tight one last time before letting me go. “And it’s only just the beginning,” he tells me. “Have a good night, crazy girl.”

Ignite (Explosive #1) | Incinerate (Explosive #2) | Inflame (Explosive #3)

 

About the Author

I'm a twenty something book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats. If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.  

nect wi'm a twenty something book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and have been married to my own book boyfriend for over seven years. We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats. If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter.  

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Email | Goodreads

 

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Cover Reveal: Turbulence by Whitney G.

Title: Turbulence 

Author: Whitney G.

 Publication Date: TBA
Genre: Erotic Romance

Fuck me recklessly

Kiss me harder.

Take me again and again…

He and I met under a cloud of clichés:

Boy meets girl. Boy charms girl. Boy fucks girl.

Our story was supposed to end right after the orgasms, right after we went our separate ways.

But then we saw each other again…

And neither of us could walk away.

Our rules were simple.

Our passion was scandalous.

Our hearts were supposed to be safe…

But when you find something so all-consuming—something so intoxicating and inescapable, you’ll risk everything you’ve ever had, even if you’re destined to crash and burn.

This is us.

This is our messed up love.

This is turbulence.

Find Whitney on Social Media

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Release Day Blitz: Mendacious by Beth Ashworth

Mendacious by Beth Ashworth

Release Blitz: January 27, 2015

Hosted by Everything Marie Tours

BUY LINKS:

➜Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1yY5pu2

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➜Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1yKPuz3

➜Amazon AUS: http://bit.ly/1ENh9jH

MENdacious
men|da¦cious

1. Not telling the truth; lying.
2. Based on lies.

At the young, naive age of twenty-three, Alex Lewis believed in the deepness of his love and the strength of his marriage to, Libby, his teenage sweetheart. Married for three years, but struggling financially to keep a roof over their heads, Alex thought his wife would stand by him till the bitter end. But she didn’t. His world crashed down around him.

Fast forward seven years, we meet Alex Lewis again. In the time since his divorce, he has matured significantly. Now the founder and domineering CEO of A L Investments, a multimillion-pound Investment and Management Company, he couldn’t be more different. The high-flying career he has managed to carve conceals a raw and vulnerable side just under the surface. The scars from his ill-fated marriage run deep, leaving him distant, cold, and alone.

So when his path with Libby crosses and an opportunity for revenge presents itself, Alex jumps at the offer. His mind is determined to make Libby feel the pain he has suffered over the last seven years… but his heart and conscience are fiercely battling against him.

The love of his life is back once again, but who can win in this mendacious game of revenge?

(18+ This book is intended for mature readers. Strong language and graphic sex scenes)

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK 

But what can I say? I’m Alex Lewis after all. The multi-millionaire with a jackhammer-sized cock. There’s not a woman alive that doesn’t want a piece of this. And that’s the fucking problem. I don’t want any of them.

All because of one girl. She ruined everything by burning her mark deep inside my chest. She was the girl I’d trusted with my life, and in return, royally fucked me over. I had decided there and then I’d never let it happen again. Every move would be calculated precisely. Each encounter would be strategised to perfection.

Beth Ashworth was born in Manchester in 1990, but shortly moved to the modest city of Coventry where she was raised and still resides now.

As an avid reader from a very early age, Beth has always been keen to put her words onto paper. As a child she was always found with either a book in her hand, a pen and notepad or a computer games controller.

Starting off by initially writing alternate endings to her favourite Jacqueline Wilson books from around the age of ten, Beth has continued to grow and love her passion for books.

Eventually, after many unfinished books and short stories, she finally decided to follow her passion and write books that she hopes people will love.

When she isn't reading or writing, Beth loves to spend time with her husband and friends.

Contact Beth

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7338255.Beth_Ashworth

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Beth_A_Ashworth

 

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Release Day Blitz, Giveaway & Eliza's Review: Pawn (Pawn, #1) by Maya St. James

Happy Release Day to Maya St. James and Book 1 of her 3 part serial - PAWN! Make sure to enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a $50 Gift Card! Good luck!!

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“I want to spend your last semester getting you out of those fucking pearls and on all fours.”

That’s what he said to me when he found out that with one semester of college left, my father—his colleague—had cut me off. Young, wickedly handsome, and deliciously moody, Senator Graham Delaney’s filthy proposition to cover tuition in exchange for one semester of kink was terrifying and thrilling and offensive. Very, very offensive.

If you’re wondering if I told him to go screw himself after he gave me his ultimatum—if the night ended with me slapping that smirk off his face—that didn’t happen.

Instead, I did what I needed to do.

I just didn’t expect to like it.

Book 1 of a 3 part serial. Volume 1 (ebook) : January 27, 2015 Volume 2 (ebook): February 14, 2015 Volume 3 (ebook): February 27, 2015 Vol 1 to 3 Paperback: February 27, 2015

*WARNING: The pages of this book contain filthy words and naughty situations. Reader discretion advised.

He fingers the string of pearls around my neck, and I hold back a tremble when his thumb traces my collarbone. “I know you don’t.” He drops my necklace, backing away from me, and gesturing to a glassed-in balcony with a fantastic view of the city lights and the Washington Monument. Squinting, I see there’s a table set for two out there. “Dinner, Elle, before I decide our time is better suited with my face against your—” Tuning out that last little bit, I walk a little too quickly onto the balcony, but the clench in my thighs makes me stumble. He steadies me, gripping my hips from behind me, and pouring gasoline on the fire his words started. “Are you always so clumsy?” Only when hot men who are a decade older than me threaten to go down on me in lieu of dinner. “No. Do you start all your dates like this?” I retort. “No.” We sit down, and the look he gives me is downright predatory. “I normally fuck first, dine later. I usually prefer the dining to be done alone without all the awkward chit-chat.” Flushed, I glance away from his face, focusing on an elaborate chess table, complete with tan and black marble pieces, sitting in the far corner of the balcony. Does he play? I’d learned from my maternal grandfather as a child, but I’d probably get my ass taken to town now, especially by someone like Graham. And instantly, my thoughts go south, carnal, and I blame his suggestive words. I sigh. “You know, you talk about fucking so much it makes me question—” I release a yelp when he pulls my hand in his under the table and shoves it against his zipper, closing my fingers around the unquestionable—and admittedly very, very impressive—bulge. Wow. “That’s not hard, Elle,” he tells me in a low voice, “but if you’re doubtful of my ability to make you forget your fucking name, how to walk—and everything else but yes, please, and more—it won’t take long for you to get me there.”     

[n/a (hide spoiler)]

Thank you, Maya St. James for bringing me Senator Graham Delaney. He's a self assured, arrogant, sexy bastard and I can't get enough of him.

Eleanor Courtney is near enough perfect. Well put together, well read and well versed in the pressures of having a father in the Senate. Her parents are more concerned with their image and public perception and as a result of a family dispute and her not falling in line, her father sees fit to cut her off financially, leaving her no way of paying tuition for her last semester of college.

Graham Delaney is a member of the same party as her father and for reasons currently unbeknown, her predicament gives him the perfect opportunity to seek revenge against her father. Elle is merely a means to an end, his unsuspecting pawn. He makes her an offer that's hard to refuse and after much contemplation and provocation from him, she accepts.

Politely feral, unashamedly blunt; Graham Delaney knows how to push her buttons. He has a filthy, filthy mouth and the means to back it up. Even so he can't help but acknowledge she affects him too.

“You’re going to be a greedy one, and I wonder if this—” I slide my hand between her thighs, rubbing my fingers over the slick reward her aggravating tights are obstructing. She sucks in a ragged breath. When I trace the column of her throat again, this time with my tongue, she exhales and swallows hard. “—will be just as selfish.”

I completely taken this story so far. I like that Graham is a bit of a grouch, it brings some humour to the proceedings. Although Elle is somewhat quiet and well put together, I don't get the doormat vibe from her at all, further confirmed by the confrontation at the end. Politics may not be my strong point but I'd happily vote for "Senator Sexy-Ass"

Smut addict and hopeless romantic, sometimes at the same time. I have an odd fascination with reality TV, vintage clothing, and Marvel movies. Books are my passion. I'm the author of the upcoming PAWN and INTERTWINED serials.

Let's get to know each other and talk books. Find me on Facebook or email me at mayastjamesauthor@gmail.com.

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