Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Four Years Later by Monica Murphy

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Four Years Later by Monica Murphy, hosted by Inkslinger PR. I am in love with this series and Four Years Later did not disappoint. Check out my review and enter the giveaway.

Four Years Later

(One Week Girlfriend #4)

Author: Monica Murphy

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: March 4, 2014

Genre: New Adult

Source: eARC via Inkslinger PR

~Synopsis~

Over. That about sums up everything in my life. Suspended from my college football team and forced to cut back my hours at The District bar because of my crappy grades, I can’t keep turning to my sister, Fable, and her pro-football playing husband, Drew, to bail me out. I just can’t seem to find my own way. Weed and sex are irresistible temptations—and it’s messed up that I secretly hand over money to our junkie mom. A tutor is the last thing I want right now—until I get a look at her.

Chelsea is not my type at all. She’s smart and totally shy. I’m pretty sure she’s even a virgin. But when she gives me the once over with those piercing blue eyes, I’m really over. But in a different way. I won’t deny her ass is killer, but it’s her brain and the way she seems to crave love—like no one’s ever given her any—that make me want her more than any girl I’ve ever met. But what would someone as seemingly together as her ever see in a screwed up guy like me?

~Review~

I have been looking forward to this book since I read One Week Girlfriend several months ago. I am absolutely, unequivocally in love with this series and Owen and Chelsea give Drew and Fable a run for their money in terms of favorite couple. Owen and Chelsea are so different from one another but they bring out the best in each other. This is what makes them so perfect together.

Chelsea is quiet, shy and a bit awkward. She’s a prodigy and a college junior at the age of 19. Between school, working at a diner and tutoring, she doesn’t have a lot of time for fun. While her roommate and best friend, Kari, tries to get her out of her comfort zone, Chelsea isn’t having it. In fact, she’s a bit uptight. Owen is having a little too much fun. Instead of going to class and studying, he’s drinking, partying, smoking weed and enjoying the ladies. However, if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s bound to fail his classes and be kicked off the football team. When Chelsea becomes Owen’s tutor, they both get more than they bargained for. However, Owen’s keeping a few secrets and Chelsea has some of her own. Will they trust each other enough to fully open up or will the secrets ruin everything before it really starts?

I loved the chemistry between these two. Chelsea doesn’t trust men and has never really been attracted to a guy before; until Owen walks in. She is instantly taken with him and she is definitely surprised by this. I really liked her inner turmoil as she tried to deny the blossoming feelings that she developed for Owen. Considering everything she’s dealt with concerning her mom and dad, it’s understandable that she would be skeptical about love so falling for Owen is the last thing she ever thought would happen. Owen doesn’t really believe in love and he’s never given any woman a second thought beyond getting them into his bed; until he meets Chelsea. She gets under his skin instantly and I think he was more than surprised by that. The moment he met her, no other girl would do. When they are together, they have this amazing connection and Owen opens Chelsea up to so much she was missing in life. He shows her pleasure and feelings she never knew existed. In turn, she helps Owen see that he is worth something and that he is capable of loving someone and more importantly, being loved by someone.

Watching Owen and Chelsea fall in love was so fantastic because they truly complimented each other. Owen brought out the fun and spontaneous side of Chelsea and she made Owen want to be a better man. He has really struggled with his desire to please his mom and despite the way she treats him, Owen can’t help but continue to secretly help her and crave her love. His mom is truly a terrible person and I felt so bad for Owen that he had to deal with her. I think discovering love and true happiness with Chelsea showed Owen that he didn’t need his mom’s love and that she didn’t deserve his. I felt like Chelsea had to be the adult when it came to her mom and she was always holding her together and supporting her when her mom should have been the one being strong for Chelsea. I think this is why being with Owen excites her so much. She gets to be young and have someone else take care of her for a change. Together, these two are just so right and they really steam up the pages as well.

When I finished Four Years Later, I wanted more Owen and Chelsea. That is what Monica does with her writing. She does such amazing job of making you fall in love with the characters that you just don’t want to say goodbye. The plot flowed so smoothly that I was engrossed from the beginning to the end. I’m gonna need an “Owen and Chelsea Forever” book.

~IPOD Picks~

“Human” by Melina Carry

“Lightweight” by Demi Lovato

“Use Somebody” by Boyce Avenue

PRE-ORDER LINKS:

AMAZON US | BARNES AND NOBLE

About Monica Murphy:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Website: http://www.monicamurphyauthor.com/# 

Blog: http://missmonicamurphy.blogspot.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsMonicaMurphy 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor 

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy  

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Murphy/e/B00AVPYIGG

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FOUR YEARS LATER Blog Tour

February 27

Romance Addict-Review Only
Love Between the Sheets-Review Only

February 28

Starbucks N Books-Review Only
Bibliobelles-Review Only
Movies, Shows N Books-Guest Post

March 1

Tarheel Bibliobabe-Excerpt & Review
The Boyfriend Bookmark-Review Only
Cocktails & Books-Review Only

March 2

Books to Breathe-Review Only
Nose Stuck in a Book-Guest Post
Madison Says-Review Only

March 3

Anna’s Book Blog-Review Only
Lovin Los Libros-Author Interview
Give Me Books-Review Only

March 4

A Bookish Escape-Review & Excerpt
Romancing Rakes-Review Only
Waves of Fiction-Review Only
Hesperia Loves Books-Review Only
Becca the Bibliophile-Dreamcast & Review

March 5

Lustful Literature-Review Only
Reviews by Tammy & Kim-Review Only
Stuck in Books-Character Interview & Review

March 6

Stories & Swag-Review Only
The Hopeless Romantics-Review Only
Carver’s Book Cravings-Review Only

March 7

Reality Bites! Lets Get Lost!-Excerpt & Review
A Nook for Books-Review Only
Reader Girls-Excerpt

March 8

Roxy’s Reviews-Playlist & Review
Must Read Books Or Die-Review Only
All Romance Reviews-Review Only

March 9

Shh Moms Reading-Excerpt & Review
Stuck in YA Books-Guest Post
The Indie Express-Review Only

March 10

The Geekery Book Review-Guest Post
Down the Rabbit Hole-Review Only
Kindle and Me-Review Only

March 11

True Story Book Blog-Character Interview
Holly’s Red Hot Reviews-Review Only
Bound by Books-Review Only

March 12

HEA Bookshelf-Review Only
Mommy’s Late Night BookUp-Review Only
Bestsellers & Beststellars-Review Only

March 13

Three Chicks & Their Books-Review Only
Book Addict Mumma-Fun & Different Idea! & Review
Naughty and Nice Book Blog-Review Only

March 14

The Book Goddess-Guest Post & Review
Wolfel’s World of Books-Character Interview & Review
Tyhada Reads-Review Only

Release Day Launch & Giveaway: The Hazards of a One Night Stand by Alyssa Rose Ivy

We're so excited that Alyssa Rose Ivy's THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND is finally here!!! THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND is a New Adult contemporary romance and is a part of Alyssa Rose Ivy’s Hazards Series. It is priced at just $.99 right now. This will last for a limited time only to celebrate the release!

~Synopsis~

 One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay... 

 Hooking up with your high school crush is a bad idea, a really bad idea. It was only supposed to be one night, one brief departure from my real life, but nothing ever works out exactly the way you plan. Colton Waters was everything from my past that didn't fit into my present, so why did he have to show up at my college and pledge the one frat I couldn't avoid? Because nothing is ever meant to happen just once. At least not the life changing things that mean the difference between falling apart and falling in love. 

~Excerpt~

Colt wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer. “No. I’d rather bother you.” There was something kind of sexy about the motion, something more confident than his usual goofy flirting. His hand felt nice resting on my hip, so I let it stay. Was this really the same Colt? Since when did his touch have that kind of effect on me? “When did you get back to town?” “About two hours ago.” “You didn’t wait long to come out.” I took a big sip of the drink. It was starting to taste a lot better. “I took time for a shower.” “That was thoughtful of you.” “Planning on getting close to me tonight?” He watched me intently. “Maybe.” The flirtatious word flew out of my mouth without me realizing it. The alcohol and that smile of his was making me forget where I was. “Sorry.” “Why are you sorry?” He moved his hand, turning me and wrapping his other arm around me so my body was pressed against his. “Colton…” “Mallory…” I laughed. “What are you doing?” “What am I doing? You’re the one telling me you might be getting close to me tonight.” His hand slid down slightly, settling below my hip. His touch felt so good. “Your birthday passed, right? You’re nineteen now?” He laughed that deep, throaty laugh of his. “I’m going to take it as a good sign that you’re checking to make sure I’m old enough.” “I’m not supposed to be into younger guys.” “I’m three months younger than you. I can’t help that my parents held me back a grade.” He leaned back against an old oak tree, pulling me along with him. The motion had me leaning into his chest. “You’ve gotten hotter.” I couldn’t believe I’d said the words out loud. I also couldn’t believe I was thinking about Colton that way again. He laughed once more. “So have you, although I wouldn’t have thought it was possible.” I took another sip of my drink. “When did you get this cute?” “Are you implying you haven’t been ready to jump me for the last five years?” “I’ve never thought about it before tonight.” The words weren’t exactly true, but I hadn’t thought about it in a while. “But you are thinking about it now?” He grinned, moving his hands even lower so they cradled my ass. “Maybe.” His hands sent a thrill through me, reminding me of just how long it had been since a guy had touched me that way. “That’s the second maybe you’ve given me. How am I supposed to make that into a yes?” He took the bottle from my hand and dropped it down on the ground next to his empty cup. The remaining liquid seeped out onto the dirt. “I don’t know. It’s your job to figure that out.” I ran my now free hand down his chest. It was firmer and more muscular than I expected. “My job, huh? I like the sound of that.” His lips tickled my ear. “I like the sound of anything involving you.” He took my hand and led me further into the grouping of trees. It wasn’t a dense forest or anything, but I knew he was looking for privacy. I didn’t object when he gently leaned me back into another tree. I closed my eyes, ready to feel his lips and hands on my body. I was horrible at knowing what to do in those situations. I needed the guy to take control. His lips brushed against mine as he rested his hand on my stomach. He slipped a few fingers underneath my shirt. “Am I earning a yes, or do I have more work to do?” he whispered with his lips right next to mine. “You have more work.” I kept my eyes closed, taking in a breath as his hand moved further up my shirt. 

Buy Links: 

  Amazon | Barnes and Noble    

 Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio:

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
Links: 
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ AlyssaRoseIvy 
 Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/ 5047249.Alyssa_Rose_Ivyhttps://www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ alyssaroseivy/ 
 Website: http://www.alyssaroseivy.com/
 THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/ 19045155-the-hazards-of-a-one-night-stand?ac=1 
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ AlyssaRoseIvy?fref=ts

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Swoon Thursday: Four Years Later by Monica Murphy

Swoon Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by YA Bound.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! We want to know :-)

This week my swoon moment is from Four Years Later by Monica Murphy.

"His lips firm, delicious, and precise. He kisses me as if he knows exactly what I like, knows exactly what I want. His tongue slides into my open mouth and dances delicately with mine, sending a flurry of shivers throughout my naked body. I clutch him close, devouring him right back, and I hope he knows how much this moment, this kiss, in a dark hotel room with minimal barriers between us, means to me."

Monica Murphy is one hell of a writer and I have loved everything of hers that I've read. Four Years Later ROCKED and I adore Owen and Chelsea. Come back tomorrow to check out my review as part of the blog tour.

Cover Reveal & Teaser: First Night and Night after Night by Lauren Blakely

We are extremely excited to share the covers for the wicked hot Seductive Nights Series, Lauren's first erotic romance series. The first novel in this erotic romance is NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, releasing May 12 and can be read as a standalone romance. The prequel novella releasing with it called FIRST NIGHT is a reworking of the previously released ebook FIRST NIGHT AND EVER AFTERS. It's no longer available on retailers, but will be republished in its new form in May and we can't wait!! Don't miss the beautiful covers below and the giveaway!

  Message from Lauren: I am having a blast writing Clay and Julia's love story. They are a super sexy and feisty couple and I cannot wait to share them with readers! Clay is all alpha male hot guy in a suit with a tender heart, and Julia is one of my favorite heroines. I do feel I should warn readers -- he's my dirtiest of my dirty-talking heroes, and if you've read Playing With Her Heart that's saying something :)  

 An erotic novella from the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Lauren Blakely... It was only supposed to be one night... 

 When the sexy-as-sin lawyer walked into her bar in San Francisco,Julia Bell simply wanted a break from the troubles that kept chasing her. That escape came in the form of sinfully handsome Clay Nichols, a man who captivates her mind AND turns her inside out with pleasure.The attraction is electric and they share one scorchingly hot night together, but they also discover there is more than just off-the-charts chemistry; the connection between them runs deep. Clay never thought he'd return to New York with this woman still on his mind. But he can't get her out of his system, and he needs more of her...He wants more than just the first night... 

 *This is a prequel novella to the erotic romance NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.  

A sensual, emotionally-charged erotic romance from the New York Timesand USA Today Bestselling author Lauren Blakely... 

He plays to win and isn't afraid to break all the rules... 

 Fiery bartender Julia Bell has been hit on by her fair share of customers, but has never been tempted to dip so much as a toe in that particular dating pool. She wants a man who can claim her body AND captivate her mind. Enter Clay Nichols, a lawyer with a dirty mind and a mouth to match. Confident, sexy, and commanding, he takes Julia to new heights of pleasure. And after one unforgettable weekend together,he craves more of her. 

If only she hadn't taken off without saying goodbye... 

 Julia has no room in her life for commitment, not while she has serious trouble breathing down her neck, thanks to the criminal dabblings of a former flame. She doesn't want to involve anyone she cares about in the kind of danger that's chasing her and that's the problem with Clay-she's falling for him. Hard. He makes her heart race, and sets her body on fire. He's determined to keep her in his life, no matter the cost. She's the woman he desires in every way. But when the past threatens to destroy any chance at a future, she has to make a choice -keep running, or give love a shot with a man who can hold her imagination, and her heart, night after night...

  NIGHT AFTER NIGHT TEASER: 

Her eyes darkened with lust as she stared at him. Her reaction madehim hotter, harder. "I'm being punished for turning you on?" Another shake of his head. "No. You are being rewarded for turning meon. But we're doing it my way.   You teased the f*&k out of me, and nowI want to watch you squirm. Crawl up on my bed and get on your hands and knees." She held up her wrists, a sexy wink in her eyes. "I've been waiting for this." "Go, woman. And leave your shoes and stockings on."

  Preorder: iTunes 

About Lauren Blakely: 

 Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.  
 Links: 
Website: http://www.laurenblakely.com/ 
Blog: http://laurenblakelybooks.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ LaurenBlakelyBooks Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3 
NIGHT AFTER NIGHTGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19300203-night-after-night 
FIRST NIGHTGoodreads: https:/ /www.goodreads.com/book/edit/19052161-first-night 
Lauren Blakely Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6860216.Lauren_Blakely

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Excerpt Blast: Unconditional by Melody Grace

We hope you're ready for the excerpt and teasers we have for you today for Melody Grace's UNCONDITIONAL, because YOWZA! UNCONDITIONAL is a contemporary romance, and it is the most heart-wrenching and latest novel in The Beachwood Bay Series. It is being released on March 18^th, 2014, so add it to your TBR pile now!

Fall in love with Beachwood Bay in Melody Grace’s USA Today and internationally bestselling series! 

 "I’ve spent my whole life chasing perfection: perfect looks, perfect man, perfect home. But in one brutal moment, I realized it was all just a beautiful lie…" 

 Carina MacKenzie is fleeing from her past. Picking up the wreckage of her shattered dreams, she seeks comfort in the only place she’s ever felt safe: Beachwood Bay. Garrett Sawyer isn’t looking to be anyone’s savior. Scarred by old betrayals, he’s sworn never to put his heart on the line again -- especially not for a damaged, high-maintenance girl like Carina. But passion knows no logic, and soon, their reckless chemistry is making him forget his bitter vows. Two damaged hearts. The hope of true love. As their passion blazes out of control, Carina and Garrett struggle to escape their legacies of hurt. But can you ever outrun the past? And when everything is on the line, can they trust enough to build a love that's unconditional? 

 *This book contains adult situations and explicit content. 17+* 

~Excerpt~

A noise comes. A shadow rears up in the dark. I scream.

            “What the hell?”

            Panic claws my chest and I scream again, reaching blindly for something to fight him off. Squatters and junkies and all kinds of dangerous men fill my mind as my hand closes around something solid on the hall table and I swing with everything I’ve got.

            “Goddamn!” The figure reels back, stumbling against the wall.

            “Get away from me!” I cry, shaking. My heart is racing so fast I think it might beat right out of my chest. I grip the object in my hand tighter. “Don’t touch me!”

            “I’m not trying to touch you!” the man roars, angry. “I just want to know what you’re doing breaking into my goddamn house!”

            The light flips on. I reel back, blinded by the sudden glare, but as the daze clears and my eyes flick back into focus, I see the man in front of me for the first time.

            I stop breathing.

            He’s half-naked, that’s the first thing I notice. Jesus, his body is like nothing I’ve ever seen before: tanned bronze and chiseled like a Greek god, but not like the guys I’ve dated, all waxed and pumped from hours at a fancy gym. This guy is real, raw, all muscle and power, with a web of dark tattoos snaking over the bicep of his right arm. I feel a flush roll through me, hot with prickling awareness, but I can’t look away as I take in his tight, sculpted six-pack abs, and the trail of dark hair leading down to the waistband of his navy briefs…

            “Don’t mind me, darlin’,” his voice comes. “Any time you’re done looking…”

            I snap my eyes up to his face, blushing. Then I look at him for real and it all clicks into place.

            “Oh.” My heart clenches in my chest as I recognize him for the first time. “It’s you.”

            Unshaven face. Messy bronzed bed-head hair. And a pair of stormy ocean-blue eyes scowling at me like I’m the last person on earth he wants to see.

            And, I can say, the feeling is entirely mutual.

            “It’s me,” Garrett Sawyer agrees in a low, Southern drawl. He strides over and snatches the vase from my hand, setting it down on the table with a thud. “Now, you want to tell me what the hell you’re doing creeping around my house at three in the goddamn morning?”

             I catch my breath, the flush of desire mingling with irritation. I nearly had a heart attack trying to get in here, and he’s the one with an attitude?

            “It’s not your house,” I snap, my heart still racing. “It’s mine.”

            “Well, if you wanna get technical, it belongs to Emerson,” Garrett corrects me, glaring. “But I’m the only one here with permission to stay.”

            “Why do you need a place?” I try to pull myself together, smoothing back my hair and yanking down my dress. “Don’t you live above that dirty old bar?”

            “Nah.” Garrett paces closer, his full lips stretching into a lazy grin. “Usually I just go straight out back and roll around in the filth like a pig.”

            His smile is heart-stopping, a whiskey smile, honeyed and dangerous and just inches away from me now. Despite my irritation, I feel another wave of heat roll through me, automatically rising to his nearness like a magnet spinning off its axis to find true north.

            Damn.

            I ignore the kick of my pulse and fold my arms across my chest. “You’re disgusting,” I retort, ignoring the shiver in my bloodstream.

            “And you’re trespassing.” His gaze hungrily drifts over my body. I glance down, and see the rip has torn the skirt to the top of my thigh. I blush, yanking it shut.

            “Look, I’m tired, OK?” I exclaim, self-conscious. “I’ve been driving all night, I didn’t know anyone would be here. I just need a place to sleep. Can we save all your territorial bullshit for the morning?”

            Garrett raises an eyebrow at me, like he’s amused. I brace myself for more arguing, but instead, he gives a casual shrug. “Why not?”

            I exhale with relief. “I’ve got a suitcase out front,” I tell him.

            He smirks. “Then you better go get it. Spare bedroom upstairs, I’m sure you know the way.”

            My mouth drops open, but before I can complain, there’s a noise from above us.

            “Garrett?” a female voice sounds, and then a woman appears at the top of the stairs. She’s wearing an oversized T-shirt that barely skims her tanned thighs, her dark hair mussed up, makeup smudged around her eyes. “What’s going on?”

            “Nothing, honey,” Garrett calls up to her. “Go back to sleep.”

            “But it’s cold.” The woman pouts suggestively. “I need you to come keep me warm.”

            Real classy.

            I roll my eyes, watching as Garrett flashes her one of his easy grins. “I’ll be right up, sugar. And then I want my T-shirt back.”

            “Come and get it.” The woman giggles, then disappears back to the bedroom, leaving us alone in the foyer again.

            “Honey?” I challenge him. “Sugar? Why not just admit you don’t even know her name?”

            Garrett smirks at me. “Sure I do. It’s Lauren, or Laurie. Or maybe it was Lorna…” He frowns, pretending to think, and even though I know he’s just doing it to get a rise out of me, I can’t help but make a dismissive snort.

            “Must be true love.”

            Garrett narrows his eyes. “What I do with my life is none of your goddamn business. So why don’t you quit bitching and let me get back to sleep.”

            I blink, thrown by the sudden change in his tone. “I’m not the one standing around giving me a hard time,” I retort. “I’d be asleep by now if you hadn’t come prowling around, trying to play hero.”

            “Whatever you say, darlin’.” Garrett turns away and starts climbing the stairs. Then he pauses, turning back to me with a wicked grin, and says, “But you might want to wear earplugs. Lorna likes it loud.

iTunes Pre-Order: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/unconditional/id772155884?mt=11

ABOUT MELODY GRACE: Melody Grace is the USA Today bestselling author of UNBROKEN and UNTOUCHED. A small-town girl turned SoCal beach-lover, she spent years with her nose in a book before deciding it was time to write them for herself. She loves bad boys, good books, and pistachio-flavored ice-cream.

LINKS: Website: http:// melodygracebooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melody-Grace/329573187160227 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ UNCONDITIONAL Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18773628-unconditional 

 Melody Grace Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6926290.Melody_Grace