Blog Tour Toxic by Meghan Quinn Excerpt and Giveaway

Title: Toxic

Series: Addiction #1

Author: Meghan Quinn

[ Yes (hide spoiler)]

“You’re an addiction I can’t overcome, no matter how hard I try.” – Rook Tyler

His life consists of his best friend, Jack Daniels, his favorite drug of choice and women. Rook Tyler lives for performing at night and wasting the rest of his days washing away the pain from his childhood so he doesn’t have to feel anything...ever. The only people he trusts are his band mates from Shattered Souls and he wants to keep it that way. His life was completely under control and simple until he heard the voice of Maisy Madison filter through The Tavern speakers.

Growing up in the foster care system with her two other band mates from Twisted Perfection, Maisy finds herself doing pretty much anything to get her and her band noticed but nothing seems to be working. One lucky night, Shattered Souls, the most popular band in the country, decides to show up at their little concert and luckily signs them on the spot. But the arena venues and massive amount of fans isn’t what has Maisy shaking in her heels. It’s the deep baritone voice of Rook Tyler that has haunted her dreams for years which has her wondering if she can actually go through with the tour.

The force is almost too strong. He can feel her everywhere he goes and no matter how much he tries to resist her, he finds himself gravitating towards Maisy, wanting to hold her, kiss her and touch her. He knows he shouldn’t get involved. He knows no matter what, he will end up hurting her but he can’t help it, his soul is connected to hers and the pull is too strong for him to resist.

Rook warned her time and time again but she doesn’t listen, she doesn’t want to listen. She needs him and she doesn’t care that she knows deep down in her heart that their relationship is going to end in disaster.She refuses to acknowledge that no matter what they do, their love is toxic.

Rook watched Cruz walk away and then turned and smiled at Maisy. She didn’t think she could handle the new Rook. She liked it better when she was considered a piece of mold on a garden gnome’s ass to Rook, it was much easier to handle her feelings. Now that he was being sweet, she didn’t know how to hide her infatuation that he so blatantly pointed out a while ago.

                “Did you have fun?”

                “What?” Maisy said trying to think about what the hell he was talking about because the only thing she could focus on was the way his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed. When did a damn’s Adam’s apple become sexy?

She loathed herself.

                He chuckled at her inability to focus. “The photo shoot, how did it go?”

                “Oh, good.” She felt herself flush.

                “Care to elaborate.”

                “Not really.”

                He nodded his head as he looked around.

                Damn this was awkward.

                “Maisy, come on.” Pete said while waving her toward a room in the back. Kaid and Willow were already walking away.

                “Ok.” She said while getting off her chair and walking past Rook. He grabbed her arm and turned her around so quickly she lost her balance and had to catch herself on his chest. She stood up quickly and brushed off her skirt which she had no clue why, it just seemed like the right thing to do at the moment.

                “Go out with me tonight.”

                “Excuse me?” If it was lady like, Maisy would have cleaned her ear out with her finger, cupped her ear and tilted her head toward Rook so she could hear him better, but she refrained herself.

                “We have an off night and I want to take you out.”

                “I don’t think that’s a good idea. The media…”

                “Won’t be involved.” Rook finished for her. “I don’t plan on going very far. Say yes.” His soulful blue eyes pleaded with her and she knew there was no way in hell she would be able to deny him tonight. 

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Review: Cupcakes and Ink (Clipped Wings Prequel) by Helena Hunting

Title: Cupcakes and Ink

Series: Yes. Clipped Wings #0.5 (Doesn't have to be read before Clipped Wings)

Author: Helena Hunting

Release Date: February 3rd, 2014

Rating: 4 stars

Cliffhanger: No

Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn’t as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it’s the gorgeous, dark-haired tattoo artist who captures her interest. There’s something about his severe beauty that captivates her—and not just in her waking hours.

Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people’s skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He’s got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he’s concerned, that’s all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to know the girl under her skittish façade.

But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.

Capcakes and Ink is a short novella that will introduce you to Tenley and Hayden and show you a little bit of both of them; just enough to make you want crack open the full lengthened novel, Clipped Wings the same minute it’ll come out. It’s just a quick taste of how awesome could be their story and I devoured it in matter of one hour.

In only sixty pages, Helena Hunting made me fall in love with both of her characters. I guess, I just have a thing for sexy tattoo artist with facial piercings, though Hayden has a great perspectives to not be only tattoo hottie stereotype. I think we’ll get to see more of him and I can’t wait to do so.

Anyway, Cupcakes and Ink was a great glimpse into his mind and I adored every second of it. There is something in Hayden that made my hormones go overdrive ;)

I also quickly connected with Tenley. She’s one of those relatable heroines that didn’t annoy me.

It was amazing how good this sixty pages were to hook me. I found Cupcakes and Ink to be a great little teaser for what is going to come next. I officially am looking forward to getting to know these characters more.

*ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for honest review*

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Review: Song Of the Fireflies by J A Redmerski

Title: Song Of The Fireflies

Series: Standalone

Author: J A Redmerski

Release Date: February 4th, 2014

Rating: 1.5 stars

Cliffhanger: No

[Yes (hide spoiler)]

New York Times bestselling author J.A. Redmerski brings us a stunning and heart-wrenching new novel about a couple who find each other in their darkest moment.

Since they were kids, Elias Kline and Brayelle Bates have been inseparable. When Bray moves to South Carolina, separating the two for the first time, they both at last realize that their innocent childhood friendship has developed into something much more. So when Bray finally returns to Georgia—and to Elias—things between them couldn’t be more perfect…until one fateful night changes everything.

Desperate not to go to prison for a terrible accident, Elias and Bray decide to run. As they try to make the most of their freedom, the two find themselves relying on a rebellious group of people who tempt the duo into a wild and daring new life. But they can’t run from their troubles forever.

As the consequences of their past catch up to them, the couple must finally face reality. Even if they can make it through the unimaginable, Elias knows the truth about Bray’s painful history, and in the end he may not be able to save Bray from herself…

I found it difficult to review this book. Though, I've loved previous books by this author, this one was not for me. I didn’t like Song of The Fireflies and if I’m being entirely honest, I kind of hated it. I totally didn’t feel connected to the story and characters. And what’s worse, for the most part of the book, I felt disgusted by the main couple.

I can’t believe, I’m even writing this here, but I had a moment of complete disbelieve that J Redmerski actually wrote Song Of The Fireflies. Her other books were beautiful, subtle and sensual, however this novel was a complete disaster that literally was falling apart with every chapter.

Elias and Bray were best friends for as long as they remember. Every memory from childhood involves one another. They were inseparable. Through middle school and high school to college, Elias and Bray were always together, day after day, experience after experience. But when they reached their twenties and gave themselves a chance in true relationship, everything fell apart. Bray screwed up everything and left Elias with broken heart.

Now, almost five years later without seeing each other, Bray and Elias decided to try one more time. But despite the time that passed, Bray still has some serious issues.

One terrible night shortly after Elias and Bray got together, she made a appalling mistake. Fearing consequences and prison she and Elias had to run away.

Song Of The Fireflies isn’t a book, that I would recommend for readers who expect mesmerizing tale of friends to lovers romance. This story was bordering on insane. I felt very uncomfortable while reading some parts and I had a dozen of problems with the content.

Firstly, I was turned off by the ‘party scene’. Lots of drinking and drugs that totally cheapened the book and were the biggest portion of the plot. Actually, it made me disapproving toward characters and finally made me dislike them both. I was shocked and horrified by the constant drug’s using, which happened in almost every chapter.

Secondly, Bray was horrible character, I was appalled by her behavior. She was destroying this story and I was quickly hating her guts. As much as I tried to be understanding toward her, because of her history and everything she suffered from, I wasn’t very forgiving. I just couldn’t be. She rapidly made me loathe her, her endless drama and tantrums and while the action always was centered around her and her foolishness, there was no way for me to enjoy this book. (view spoiler)[ I tried to not be judgmental, as Bray had serious mental problems and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, but I couldn’t handle it more. (hide spoiler)]

I also wanted to like Elias. I really wanted to see the good in him. As wonderful it was to read about his love for Bray, I couldn’t stop thinking about his horrible actions and perpetual partying. What’s more, I quickly had enough of him being Bray’s knight in shining armor. I was under the impression, she was only weighing him down and destroying his chances. I desired he finally grow some balls and kick her in her ass, just like her parents. I was very sick of her.

Summing up, Song Of The Fireflies was exhausting novel. Reading it was like trying to decipher manuscript written in foreign language. I was wishing the book had less pages, so I could finish it quicker and be done with it.

I really liked other Redmerski’s books, so if you share the same sentiment and are not afraid of some partying or madness, you could really enjoy reading this standalone novel.


* ARC provided by publisher, Grand Central Forever, via Netgalley in exchange for honest review *

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Review: More Than Him by Jay Mclean

Title: More Than Him

Series: More #3

Author: Jay McLean

Release Date: January 28th, 2014

Rating: 5 stars

Cliffhanger: No

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us." - Marianne Williamson

We live in a world of darkness and shadows,
where monsters hide and aim to ruin.
And they did.
They ruined us and turned our dreams into nightmares.
But now we're back.
And we're fighting.
Not just for us, or for each other, but for our light.[ Yes. (hide spoiler)]

Jay McLean made me cry, swoon, laugh and feel so many different things in this beautiful and incredibly romantic story I feel emotionally overwhelmed. Logan and Amanda story will definitely be close to my heart and I don’t think that I will ever forget how much I adored this novel. It definitely was better than first part of Logan and Amanda’s journey. Why? Because it bleeds true feelings: heartache, pain, love and tear jerking moments are constant reminder why I admire Jay McLean’s writing. Not only did I feel close to the characters, I felt like I was part of this story also.

More Than Him starts exactly where the previous book left off. Logan left Amanda and she has to nurse her broken heart. She doesn’t have any idea how she’ll be able to live without the love of her life. Still, Amanda tries to pick up the broken pieces of her soul and slowly come back to life. Even if she has to fake ‘normalcy’.

When one year passes, Logan and Amanda’s paths cross again. And despite what he did, Logan still loves Amanda with all his heart. Now he has to fight for his girl and apologize for all of his mistakes. He has to make Amanda trust him, love him, forgive him, be with him.


"But I'm going back, and when I do, I'm going to fight for her. It could take me days, weeks, months, years. It doesn't fucking matter."





Logan is no longer a boy we met in More Than Her . He finally became a man, which I could see while reading his journal. He has terrible nightmares, suffers from anxiety and frankly he’s broken. The only light in his dark world is Amanda.


"In a life full of shadows, and darkness, and monsters, you're my light. When the blackness fades, and the memories subside, you'll be there. You're always there."




Writing that Logan and Amanda’s journey was beautiful is not enough. There are not words that can describe how wonderful it was. Yes, they had lots of obstacles to overcome and they made even more mistakes but when they were together it was like whole world stopped existing. I was mesmerized by how stunningly McLean’s finished their book.


"Because I love you. I’ve always loved you. I’ll always love you. And I hope that that’s what you feel when you think about this moment. Loved."

I LOVED this book. More Than Him is a solid five star read. From the first page to the last I was hooked. I got everything I needed from this book. Perfect mix of angst, drama, heartbreak with plenty of sweet, swoon worthy and laugh out loud moments. It was just ideal read for me. It was funny. Sexy. Amusing. Cute. And all kinds of steamy. Did I mention it was perfect?

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Cover Reveal: FIRE OF STARS AND DRAGONS by Melissa A. Petreshock

Title: FIRE OF STARS AND DRAGONS

Author: By Melissa A. Petreshock

New Adult Romance

Releasing April 2014

Publisher: Swoon Romance

Following the death of her vampire uncle, twenty-one-year-old CAITRIONA HAYDEN finds herself in the midst of a trio of quintessential alpha male suitors in 22nd century sovereign America where human females should be seen and not heard.

Theo Pendragon claims her as his ward, ordained to guard her through to a long-awaited destiny unbeknownst to Cait, but finds more than he expected when passion ignites within the dragon for the first time. Always drawn to the pursuit of knowledge rather than the heat of desire, powerful demigod Dante cannot deny everything his future holds in Caitriona. America's monarch, ancient vampire Corrin, has no interest in the frivolity of love, yet marrying Cait could be the answer to his continued survival.


Soon, Cait goes from studying for college exams to choosing a husband in seven days, knowing the consequences are eternal, the love undying, and the bond timeless.

 

Melissa lives on a small farm in rural Kentucky with her genius husband, exceptional children, and their feline overlords. When not inhaling or exhaling words, she subsists on unnatural doses of coffee, sarcasm, and music. To date, no dragons have been found in the woods surrounding her house, but she continues to hold out hope.

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Cover Reveal: He Belongs With Me by Sarah Darlington

 
Title: HE BELONGS WITH ME

Author: Sarah Darlington

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 4, 2014

Two girls. One Leo.

Identical twins, Maggie and Clara Ryder, both grew up with Leo Maddox, billionaire playboy, apparent alcoholic, and heir to his grandfather's world-famous Maddox hotel empire. Their roles were cemented long ago: Maggie, as his best friend and Clara as his childhood nemesis.

But when a simple twist of fate changes everything and both girls start to fall for the lean, mean, ridiculously sexy and seemingly spoiled Leo... which girl will win his heart?

Throw in a little mischief, drama, and one smoking-hot bartender and lines are sure to blur. But one thing's for certain, neither good-girl Maggie nor rebellious Clara will be satisfied until they each figure out where they belong.

*NEW ADULT ROMANCE. Recommended for 17+ due to sexual situations and adult language

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Sarah Darlington is obsessive by nature.  When she gets an idea in her mind, it becomes impossible to shake.  Take her debut novel, HE BELONGS WITH ME, for example.  Before deciding to write New Adult Romance, she wrote three different versions of the same Young Adult Novel where her main characters were teenage superheros from an alternative universe.  It never worked.  It drove her crazy.  Then she dropped the superhero bit, added some spice, and suddenly everything started to click.  She found her niche.  And if it hadn't been for her obsessive nature she never would have learned how to write in the process.

Sarah lives in Virginia, is married to her high school sweetheart, and is currently spending her days chasing around a very active toddler.  When she gets a chance to breathe, she writes.

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