A Lucky Second Chance 

by Nickie Seidler

This was not an easy read for me at first. I found myself bogged down a lot of the time by very wordy text and an overly descriptive storyline. Lucky for me I gave it a "second chance" and kept going. It was worth the rocky beginning. 

The character of Emma is hard to like sometimes because she is so very insecure and suspicious of people and their motives- she is very emotional and at some times even whiny. Once you stop and realize that she is SUPPOSED to be this way, as a domestic abuse victim, you realize the brilliance in making her character hard to like- she is hard to like herself also. Part of the reason the story is so worth sticking with is you get to see Emma evolve and find out how to love and trust again- not only others but herself as well. She is definitely stronger at the end than she was in the start.

Nate is her rescuer, protector and "Mr. Wonderful" and you will easily fall in love with him and stay there. He has a couple of asshole moments where you will poke your tongue at him but for the most part his only reason for everything is making Emma happy because he loves her so much. 

This entire book takes place over the course of one year, but so much happens with these two people and those in their respective families that you will wonder how they make it through so much in so short a period. It is definitely not ever boring. Lol!

Overall, I commend Nickie for her great storytelling ability and have already told her how much I love her as the great person she is. Where this book may have needed work in better dialogue at times and could have used more editing, it was a terrific first effort and definitely worth a read! I bet her next book will be even better <3 Kellie 

About the Author:

Born and raised in the Chicago-land area, Nickie Seidler is a up and coming young author. Her new-found dream of being a writer has led to the completion of her first book "A Lucky Second Chance". 

Nickie is married, and when not writing, enjoys cooking new recipes for them to try, water aerobics, car racing and spending quality time with family and friends. 

She is currently writing her second book to be released early 2014.

Rafflecopter Giveaway Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/95c05c19/

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17874189-a-lucky-second-chance

Blog Link: http://authornickieseidler.blogspot.com/

TIE ME

By Olivia Cunning

Are you getting a clue as to how much I ADORE Olivia Cunning?  That woman can write a rockstar like no other.  I seriously had just been telling my friends at book club meeting how I had lost my mojo.  I couldn't seem to read anything and enjoy it.  Burnout?  Maybe.  It was disheartening considering reading has always been my thing since I was little.  Last night, I finally loaded Tie Me into Kindle.  OH. MY. GOD.  Olivia Cunning saved me!

Tie Me is the 5th installment of her One Night with Sole Regret series.  Honestly, until Kellen, I had considered Sole Regret to be pale imitators of my beloved Sinners.  While I am not happy with what a pussy Kellen is about his dead girlfriend, I was taken away by the HOT HOT HOT (you get the idea it was SMOKING HOT) monkey love between Dawn and Kellen.  I see them being very good for each other.  I can see a lot of opportunity for the characters to grow and develop.  

Kellen is completely wrecked over death of his girlfriend.  The girl seems like a real piece of work -- made all these stupid "rules" for him when he was obviously a great guy who just wanted to make her happy.  He gave her EVERYTHING while she just limited him.  ANYWAY, he was trying to put her memory to rest and he heard beautiful piano music coming from window next door.......

Dawn is a Grammy winning pianist. She understands a part of Kellen that Sarah never could -- his music. The music brings them together, then they make music together.  

I really recommend this read.  Olivia Cunning never disappoints!  ***ANN***

In A Heartbeat by Hilary Storm

This is a fabulous book from page one. I absolutely fell immediately in love with the intensity of the passion between Talon and Eavan and was hooked right away.

This is not your typical love story but the way that Eavan was able to look directly into the soul of Talon and see him without having to say a word? I loved it! 

Rock stars, tattoos, bad boys and lots of drama and hotness- this book was right up my alley and I think you will love it just as much as I did. As for Talon's twin brother, Taron? Stay away from that guy- he is a panty stealer. ;) <3 Kellie 

Author BIO

Hilary Storm lives with her high school sweetheart and three children in Enid, Oklahoma. She drives her husband crazy talking about book characters everyday like they are real people. She graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University with an MBA in Accounting and has a full time job as an accountant. Her passions include being a mom, writing, reading, photography, music, mocha coffee, and spending time with friends and family. She is the author of the 'Rebel Walking' Series. Book One: 'In a Heartbeat' is due to release in June.

In a Heartbeat (Rebel Walking #1)

Eaven Bennett is a college student with a passion for photography. She has high hopes of completing college and starting a new life as she moves away from her hometown with her best friend, Ivy Adams. Her last boyfriend ruined any chance of her trusting ever again.

Talon Walker is the dark and intriguing drummer for the up and coming band ‘Rebel Walking’. A tragedy in his past has left him empty with no desire for a relationship. That is until he meets Eaven.

One minute your heart is filled with love, the next your entire life comes crashing down. Everything can change in a heartbeat. Can Eaven and Talon overcome the obstacles in their way and find love?

Goodreads-http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18042401-in-a-heartbeat

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hilary-Storm-Author/492152230844841?fref=ts

Website - http://www.hilarystormwrites.com/#

Ambrosia by Erin Noelle

Ambrosia is Book #2 in Erin Noelle's Book Boyfriend Series, with Metamorphosis being the freshman novel released last year. It centers around three main characters, Scarlett, Mason and Ash. Here is the review done by our Admin on My Fictional Boyfriend and Book Whore Page, Amy Davies. 

Blurb

After coming to terms with the tragedy that rocked her world, Scarlett MacGregor has returned to try to pick up the pieces of the broken relationships that she left behind.

Ash and Mason were left devastated and heartbroken following Scarlett’s sudden, unannounced departure. They are both ready and willing to forgive her and welcome her back into their lives with open arms.

However, a lot can happen in 8 months…

Scarlett must learn to overcome the obstacles thrown in her path to prevent the past from repeating itself.

Can she learn to fly with her own wings and discover the secret to eternal love?

Playlist link:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B-MGjI6Smw-LMlZoaExCSVNjcjA/edit?usp=sharing

Character Fun Facts:

SCARLETT

*Plays both piano & guitar

*Born & raised in San Antonio, currently attending Rice University in Houston, major- undecided

*Unconsciously incorporates the color pink in every outfit

*Chocolate-aholic

*Collects flip-flops in every color

MASON

*He and his brother Marcus grew up with their grandparents in Houston

*Loves to cook

*Favorite shoes: Chucks

*Piercings: lip, nipples, ears

*Dips French fries in sweet chili sauce

ASH

*Would illustrate children’s books if he wasn’t studying astrophysics

*owns over 10 pairs of the same khaki cargo shorts… same brand & all

*scratch golfer when he was in high school

*sister nicknamed him “Assy” when he was a kid

*Straight A student K-undergrad

FINDING TRUST

By Natalie Gayle

 Brayden -- what more could you want in a hero? Not only is he a sexy guitarist for a rock band, but he leads a dangerous double life.  For me, he was why I enjoyed this novel.  

If it hadn't been for him, it would have taken me much longer to get into this one.  I was bogged down in the details at first.......I mean, this book is beyond the norm for me.  I don't often read romances with so much action and suspense!  What I found comforting and enjoyable in this read was the more usual plot of Rihanna having to learn to trust again in men/relationships. Finding Trust was so action-packed that I know I would enjoy the movie! LOL  Even when concepts were more in depth than most "romance novels" (terrorists, biological weapons, genetic engineering, etc), the underlying story of true love is still there.  Overall, I would definitely recommend this title to my friends, especially those who complain "Don't they EVER do anything but have sex all the time???" While there is plenty of HOT action, there is more to this one than you would expect.  A nice read!  ***Ann***

Sale Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Trust-Centre-Games-ebook/dp/B00BMHKBDG/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1371985161&sr=8-1&keywords=Finding+Trust

About the Author:

I recently discovered those school vocational assessments are really interesting and probably correct! Who would have thought, hey? You see, I clearly remember taking one of those in Year 11 (for my US friends, I think that equates to junior year in high school). Anyway, semantics. Well, the results came back indicating that I should pursue a career in writing and something else. What that something else was I can’t remember but the writing thing stuck in my mind.

Sure, I’d always liked English and had already developed a ravenous appetite for romance novels by the age of sixteen—but who becomes a writer straight out of school? So to cut a long story short, I went to Uni and studied Business and ended up managing large-scale IT projects shortly after.

I can’t complain: it’s been a great career. I’ve done some awesome projects and met some incredible people and I won’t be giving it up anytime soon. Anyway, I’ve messed around with a couple of “secret” novels over the years and I finally decided to get serious and finish one. Hence “Finding Trust” came about. And about twenty years later, I’ve finally proved a vocational assessment correct, because I love writing!

As to some other stuff about me: I live on the Gold Coast, Australia. I love spending time with my family and friends. When I’m not sitting behind a screen playing with IT or writing, you might find me down the beach playing in the waves on a Jet Ski or a bogey board (both are uber cool). When the weather turns a bit cooler (doesn’t really happen on the Gold Coast), we like to head for the snow. I’ve discovered I have two kids who are kamikaze skiers—they must take after their father. He’s always at me to “release the handbrake.” Apparently I’d ski so much better. I call it a healthy understanding of self-preservation and gravity!

I like to think I can fit in a few workouts and martial arts classes each week. This tends to be a figment of my imagination more than reality, unfortunately. I am trying to remedy this, but those damn characters just keep demanding to have their stories told and, well, there’s always another good book to read!
I hope you enjoy mine.

Please drop me a line. I’m active on Facebook, Twitter, and via email Natalie@nataliegayle.com.au. I’d love to know what you think of my books and well, let’s be truthful—I love talking about books, whether they’re mine or someone else’s. Fiction is just so much more fun than reality!!!

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Leo's Chance......what can I say about this book but I loved it so very much. It is brilliantly written and every page tugs at the heart strings with so much emotion- it is beyond a fabulous read. Leo has loved only one girl from the time he was 11 years old. Having to leave her and move thousands of miles away tore him and Evie apart, only eventually Evie believed Leo was gone and all of her waiting for him was for naught and she moves on with her life. Leo never does- she is forever in his every thought, keeping him from ever truly loving anyone else, and leaving her the way he did and never going back makes him not love himself either. Leo and Evie were bound together with the commonality of being foster kids no one wanted. Until Leo is adopted and moves in with a family he quickly learns will not love him in the way he had hoped.

When Leo finally gets the opportunity, after the death of his foster father, to move back to Cincinnati where Evie is, he does not know what will become of them, only that he must find her, see her, know how her life had turned out after he left. Little does he know that the lies he tells to make her a part of his life again will put her belief in all she has ever believed to be true to the test. This book has some very hard parts to read, including details of child abuse, and although they are not explicit, many people want to know that these details are broached in a story before they read it and are caught unawares, so here is your warning! However, do NOT let the bits of bad that mold Leo into who he becomes deter you from reading this extremely great story. I highly recommend this read, I adored it all. <3 Kellie

About the Author, Mia Sheridan

I’m an avid reader, and now writer! of romance and erotic novels. I live in Cincinnati, Ohio with my husband who is a police officer and my biggest fan (not necessarily in that order).  We have four children here on earth and one in heaven. When I’m not sitting on my couch with my head buried in my Kindle, I can be found writing or doing anything creative from building a patio, to sewing pillows. The wild hairs I get know no bounds. Leo is my debut novel, but my head is swimming with more…

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CONTROL

by M.S. Willis

This is a freshman novel by MS Willis telling us about Paige, an independent young woman.  In fact, Paige is SO independent that she doesn't do relationships AT ALL.  She is surrounded by people who care about her, but we see her going to bars by herself and using a motorcycle as her means of transport so as to be by herself.  All that independence is threatened when she meets Daemon.  

I really enjoyed this story, even though I think the author held back on us.  It is a short read and literally leaves you hanging for second novel, Conflict. (Maybe it was intentionally split from one larger work to make it more marketable? I don't know.  I do know that I will make sure and read Conflict when it comes out.)  As a reader, we are pretty sure that we know what the end result is going to be, but it will be fun to see how it comes to be.  The journey is as much of a thrill as the destination in this case. 

This is a love story propelled by destiny speckled with some HOTNESS.  I definitely recommend this to any of you who go for the more traditional romance. 

MS Willis gave us a well-written story.  It read as smoothly as some presented by much more experienced storytellers. I look forward to seeing what else is to come! ***ANN***

Additional Content:

Control Links:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Control-ebook/dp/B00D379FPS/ref=sr_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370962447&sr=1-1&keywords=control+ms+willis

Barns & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/control-ms-willis/1115450106?ean=2940016677040

Kobo:   http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Control/book-0OhIgbNsfkqmRY3ENN3XdQ/page1.html?s=vIXOijWT7USP9kPe0hU0fw&r=1

Blurb:

***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***

Paige Stone lived anything but a normal childhood. Having been raised around an abused women's shelter operated by her parents, Paige was a constant witness to the tragedy and heartache suffered by women at the hands of the men they trusted. Out of refusal to ever allow that to happen to her,... Paige built walls around her heart at a young age. Those walls were only fortified when tragedy struck on her sixth birthday and took from her the only friend and love she knew. Now at 22 years old, and working as a private investigator, Paige is driven by a deep need for strength, independence and a stubborn refusal to accept help from another person. Surrounding herself with her three best friends, Paige never assumed that the autonomy she had worked so hard to build could be challenged.

That was, until Paige met Daemon Pierce.

Mysterious, strong-willed, and breathtakingly beautiful, Daemon seemed to instantly know Paige better than she knew herself. Paige is disgusted by Daemon's reputation as a womanizer, but becomes intrigued when she is unable to discover his background. Paige's curiosity about Daemon proves to be her downfall as she is swept up in his charming and arrogant pursuit to possess her in every possible way.

For the first time in her life, Paige will struggle for control while Daemon slowly dismantles the walls she has built around herself. Only time will tell who will be victorious in their battle of wills as Daemon teaches Paige the weaknesses within herself that she never knew existed. Paige stays one step ahead in her struggle against Daemon's controlling ways, but when tragedy strikes her life a second time, she has to choose; will she put her life in danger, or will she finally accept a helping hand?

Author Bio:

M.S. Willis is a romance novelist whose debut novel, Control, was released in 2013.  Although currently writing in the romance genre, Willis has plans to expand her literary pursuits into multiple genres and has no fear conquering difficult subject matters in her writing.  Willis is a native Floridian who is also a photographer and musician.  When not absorbing herself in written, visual or musical expression, Willis is an adrenaline junkie, a ‘closet’ video game enthusiast, and an avid outdoors person and nature lover.

Visit M.S. Willis on her author page:  www.facebook.com/mswillisbooks

Find her on GoodReads here:  www.goodreads.com/book/show/17912005-control

Cover Artist Bio: Jason L. Lee

Jason L Lee is a Florida Native. The arts have always been a big part of his life. Science, nature, and spirituality have been inspirations to him. He started displaying his work in 1993. In 1996 he started to venture from drawing & photography into acrylic painting. This led to painting live with local bands starting in 1998. His paintings are now created mainly at home. He uses a combination of impressionistic and illustrative painting techniques to create fantastical imagery. He is currently a Scenic Artist working for The Nassal Company and Co-Founder of the Arts Hub Organization.
www.facebook.com/JasonLLee
www.facebook.com/JasonLLeeArt
www.twitter.com/JasonlLee8

Dragonfly Necklace Creator:  Verita Bolin

  I started making jewelry in the 80's. In middle school I sold bracelets. In 2004 I started selling my jewels to the public.  I went to The William Holland School of Lapidary Arts to learn stone identification, wire wrapping, and chain making. In 2009 I met Jason L Lee, an artist and curator.  He liked my jewelry and invited me to display in Creative Spirit Art Gallery, at 1^st Friday Art Strolls and on Orange Ave.  I have a company with my mother, Tita. We set up all over Florida, have an Etsy store, and Facebook page. People around the country own my jewelry.

facebook.com/VeritasWearableTreasures

VeritasTreasures.Etsy.com

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