Blog Tour: Manic by J.A. Huss ~ ARC Review & Giveaway

I have the blog tour for Manic by J.A. Huss, hosted by Xpresso Book Tours, on the blog today and I am squeelng with excitement to share it with you. I LOVE this series and I have a review, plus some awesome photo quotes and a giveaway to share!

To follow the rest of the tour, click on the tour banner above.

Manic

Rook & Ronin #2

Author: J.A. Huss

Publisher: Science Future Press

Publication Date: August 1, 2013

Genre: New Adult

~Synopsis~

TRAGIC is over and Rook is ready for the future—Spencer Shrike and the STURGIS contract! 

It’s three months of body art modeling! That means three months of Spencer Shrike’s paintbrush all over her body, three months in front of Antoine’s camera, and three months of twenty-four hour filming for Spencer’s Biker Channel reality show.

Wait a minute…what reality show? Maybe she should’ve read that STURGIS contract a little closer? ;)

Sure, Rook’s bank account is almost overflowing, but Ronin is angry, Clare is trying to escape rehab, Antoine is a worried mess, and Elise is just trying to hold everyone together. Her new family is about to fall apart before she even gets the chance to enjoy them.

Add in a mysterious man from her past, a road trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a final show in front of the entire world where all her good are on display, and you’ve got Manic—a new adult contemporary romance that will definitely make your summer sizzle!

~Prelude~

I LOVED Tragic so when I saw the tour sign up for Manic, I was on it. I absolutely couldn’t wait for the continuation of Rook & Ronin’s story. I love the unique world of erotic modeling that J.A. sets this story in and it is even better in the second installment. This review may contain small spoilers for Tragic.

~Review~

Manic picks up where Tragic left off, with Rook getting ready to start the Sturgis campaign with spencer. She is regretting she ever signed that contract and it has definitely caused some tension between here and Ronin. Not surprising since it requires her to be completely naked and allow Spencer to paint her body for the shoots. On top of that, there is a new guy in town trying to drive a wedge between Rook  & Ronin and her past comes back with a vengeance.

“I’m pretty sure my relationship with Ronin is over. Because no man, I don’t care what kind of Catholic saint he is, would ever put up with this arrangement.”

I love Rook! She is super strong and she knows how to take care of herself. She has been through some rough times in her past that would normally make a woman weak and submissive but she doesn’t allow it to control her life. She hates having to do this shoot and being naked in front of all the guys and the cameras but she sucks it up and handles it like a champ. She’s got a saucy attitude and she isn’t afraid to use it with the guys. However, she is still fragile and insecure and Ronin seems to be clueless while Ford definitely plays off of it.

“If this is my end, I’d rather just go out fighting like a ballsy street bitch and not whimper and fade away like some pathetic loser.”

I like Ronin, I always have. He is a good guy to Rook and he knows her past and wants to protect her and shield her. However, I feel like sometimes he is a little to possessive and over-bearing. He can be a little insensitive to Rook’s feelings and he always thinks he knows what’s best for her. That’s what got them in the Sturgis contract mess in the first place. I do love that he would do anything for her and he does do some amazing things to prove his love for her.

“And while the heady, lustful passionate shoots are fun and say I want to jump your bones right now, this one is soft and sexy in a very tender way that says I want you to be a part of my life forever.”

I think Spencer is really freaking awesome and I love him. He is so laid back and fun. He likes and respects Rook. He sees something in her and he knows she is perfect for the Sturgis gig. He is a fantastic artist and he really makes Rook feel comfortable with the nudity. Ford is new and I had mixed feelings about him. He was a total dick but I kind of liked him. The more we got to know him, the more I liked him. However, I am still skeptical of his motives and even though it seemed he put them aside towards the end, I’m not convinced.

“Ford is either an evil genius for reminding Rook, that I left her last week, or a clueless dumb fuck. I think we’ve already established with of those he is.”

I loved the Sturgis campaign and felt like J.A. did such an amazing job setting the scene and describing the photo shoots. I really felt like I could imagine the outfits that spencer painting and the photo shoots that took place. I liked the progression of Rook and Ronin’s relationship and found the trials they faced to be very realistic. As fast as they moved, they still had a lot of obstacles to overcome and they each had to get past their insecurities. Rook’s past came back into play and it was a really exciting sub-plot. It gave us a glance into the friendship that is Ronin/Spencer/Ford since they clearly have an intricate past but they have major issues with each other. Ronin has a past that is revealed and I know will be focused on more in Panic. I can’t wait to delve into it and see how it affects his relationship with Rook.

“Because in the last twenty-four hours, I’ve thought about breaking up with Ronin twice and that’s not a good sign as far as potential long term relationships go.”

Overall, Manic was a really great middle book to the series. Sometimes they can fall flat but I didn’t feel that way about this one. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love the erotic modeling scene and I think it helps make this book what it is. J.A. is such a versatile writer and I have yet to read a book I didn’t like. I can’t wait to read Panic, book 3, and find out if Rook and Ronin get their happily ever after.

~IPOD Picks~

“Both of Us” By B.O.B

“Breakdown More” by Eric Hutchinson

“Almost Lover” by A Fine Frenzy

AUTHOR BIO

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Also, Tragic is on sale for $.99 so pick up a copy today!! Click on the banner below to purchase from Amazon.

*An e-ARC of this book was provided to me by the author & Xpresso Book Tours for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.*

Thanks J.A. and Giselle!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature & Follow Friday Blog Hop #22

Feature and Follow Friday is a weekly meme/feature hosted by Alison Can Read & Parajunkee.

This week's topic is:

How do you handle a book you don't like? Do you DNF or do you power through?

Usually if I don't like a book, I don't finish. I will try to power through in the beginning in hopes it will get better but if I get to the half way point and I am struggling to finish, I will DNF. I have way too many unread books and books on my TBR to waste time with a book I can barely stand to read.

Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Safe With Me by Kristen Proby

I have all of the "With Me in Seattle" books and I am excited that she is coming out with another one! I mean I live in Seattle and I LOVE reading books set in the city I live and love.

Hosted by Inkslinger Pr

Keeping others safe is what Caleb Montgomery does. He’s never had a problem taking on an assignment, whether it was during his dangerous SEAL days or his most recent job of training war mercenaries. But being assigned to keep Brynna Vincent and her adorable daughters, Maddie and Josie, safe from an unknown threat has thrown Caleb off his axis. Hot for the tall brunette since she came back to town more than a year ago, being close to her day in and day out is cracking Caleb’s resolve to keep his hands off her gorgeous body and his head in the mission.

Brynna is sick and tired of being afraid. All she wants is a normal, quiet life for her and her precious girls. Just as she’s settling into her new home in Seattle and feeling safe again, Caleb shows up on her doorstep insisting the danger is as high as ever. But whether she needs to be sheltered from the threat in her past, or from the intense emotions she feels for the sexy, protective man sleeping in her home, remains to be seen. What will happen if Brynna and her girls fall in love with a man so broken he may not be able to protect them from the danger that threatens, much less himself?”

SAFE WITH ME is the fifth book in the With Me In Seattle series, and continues to follow this tight-knit, loving family through life’s trials and tribulations with humor, passion and everlasting love.

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

Kristen is the author of the Amazon and USA Today bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

EXCERPT:

“Deny it if you want to,” Meg smirks and glances out the back window. “Damn,” she whispers.

“What is it?” Nat asks and rises from the table to see what Meg is looking at. Her eyes widen and she glances back at me and then outside again. “Holy shit.”

I know exactly what they’re watching.

Or, who.

And yes, it is a sight to behold.

“How do you ever get anything done around here?” Meg asks as I rise and lean against the sliding glass door, coffee cradled in my hands, and watch the sexy man in my backyard. “I’d just stand around and watch him all day.”

“Uh, Meg,” I glance over at her and laugh. “You have one of these at home,” I remind her, referring to Caleb’s pro-football star brother, Will, who is also Meg’s live-in boyfriend.

“And it’s a good thing he’s gone most of the day or I wouldn’t get anything done either.”

“It’s starting to rain,” Nat observes, but it doesn’t seem to faze Caleb. He lifts two thick, heavy ropes in both of his hands. The ends are attached to Nat’s photo studio out back. With a firm grip on the ropes, he begins to wave them up and down, quickly, the rain pounding down on him, causing his shirt to cling to every muscle as it flexes and moves with the motion of the exercise.

“Hot damn,” Nat whispers and I silently agree. He continues to pump his arms furiously, effortlessly. “What does that exercise do?” Nat asks.

“Works his arms, back and abdomen, and it’s cardio too,” Meg responds and takes a sip of coffee.

Just then, Caleb drops the ropes, bends down to grab onto a medicine ball and lowers his tall body to the sit-up position.

“Maybe he’ll bend over again,” I murmur, earning giggles from the other two women.

“It’s a good thing Jules isn’t here,” Nat mutters and licks her lips as her eyes watch Caleb hold the medicine ball over his head and easily raise and lower his torso in smooth sit-ups. “She’d never let us watch him like this.”

“Jesus, that medicine ball is fifty pounds,” Meg whispers, amazed.

“Watch this part,” I urge them as Caleb tosses the ball to the side like it’s a beach ball and assumes the push-up position and begins to perfectly execute the push-ups, easily completing more than a hundred of them in two minutes.

“Why aren’t you sleeping with him again?” Meg asks and I choke on my coffee.

“I might be,” I whisper and feel their astonished gazes on me, but I avoid them. “Don’t you dare breathe a word of that to anyone.”

“Who can blame you?” Nat asks just as Caleb stands and returns to the ropes. “Look at those back muscles.”

“Look at that ass,” Meg counters.

“You should see it naked,” I respond and we all giggle again.

“Should I be grossed out by this?” Nat asks, tilting her head to the side. “He’s practically my brother.”

“But he’s not your brother, Nat.” I remind her with a grin. “And the Montgomery men are freaking hot.”

“That’s no lie,” Meg agrees. “Aren’t you going to be late for work?” She asks me.

“I have a few minutes,” I murmur and feel the familiar pull low in my belly as I watch Caleb lay on the ground again and execute more perfect sit-ups with his medicine ball.

It would be the perfect position for me to ride him. I might have to suggest that tonight.

“He’s hardly panting,” I observe. “What kind of physical training must he go through to work that hard and have it hardly phase him?”

“Oh girl, you have no idea the rigorous training they go through to become SEALs. It’s not natural.” Nat shudders. “All of the boys have always been athletic.”

“Obviously,” I murmur sarcastically. “It’s a bit intimidating.”

“Caleb can be the scariest person on Earth if he’s pissed off,” Nat informs us, her eyes still glued to him. “He’s just big and strong, and damn intimidating.”

“You should see him with the girls.” I grin, remembering our movie night last week. “He’s funny and sweet.”

I realize the room has gone dead silent. I look over to my friends to find them looking at each other and then staring over at me. “What?”

“You’ve got it bad,” Nat remarks and snickers. “Welcome to the club.”

“What club?”

“The ‘I Love a Hot Man’ club, sweetheart.” Meg laughs and salutes me with her mug just as Caleb approaches the sliding door, frowning at me. I step back in surprise as the girls giggle.

“What’s wrong?” Caleb asks, is hair and clothes soaked and a little muddy from the rain and grass.

“Nothing,” I reply and shrug.

He narrows his eyes at me, watching me closely, then turns his gaze to Nat and Meg.

“What’s going on with you guys?”

“Nothing at all,” Nat replies with a huge grin. “Just girl talk.”

“Uh huh.” He props his hands on his lean hips and watches all three of us for a moment and then shrugs and saunters to the fridge to pull out a cold bottle of water. “We have to leave soon,” he reminds me.

Cover Reveal: Not Your Fault by Cheyanne Young

It is no secret that I am a lover of New Adult and Contemporary novels. This book is right up my alley and I have to say, I love the cover! So glad I can help Cheyanne spread the word!

Not Your Fault by Cheyanne Young
Publication Date: September 12, 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Cover Designed by Clarrissa at bookcoversale.com

Delaney has a job she loves and a boyfriend who loves her. Working the night shift at a local gym has given her buns of steel and enough endorphins to deal with the ninth anniversary of her brother’s death. When a new owner takes over the gym, Delaney’s forgotten past comes somersaulting back at her. Kris Payne isn’t just her new boss, he’s her ex-boyfriend from high school and he’s got a smile that’s as cocky as he is gorgeous.

Delaney has no business being attracted to the womanizing, muscular man from her past. She tries to ignore his flirtatious nature, and the fact that she has a boyfriend isn’t the thing she feels guilty about. In fact, being in a relationship bothers her a lot less than it should. After all, she can always ditch the boyfriend, but she can’t ditch Kris’ involvement in her brother’s death.

AUTHOR BIO:

Cheyanne is a native Texan with a fear of cold weather and a coffee addiction that probably needs an intervention. She loves books, sarcasm, nail polish and paid holidays. She lives near the beach with her daughter, one spoiled rotten puppy and a cat who is most likely plotting to take over the world.

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter  

Review: Tidal by Emily Snow

Tidal

Author: Emily Snow

Publisher: Touchstone

Publication Date: June 4, 2013

Genre: New Adult

~Synopsis~

Now that Willow Avery is out of rehab, she's got one chance left to prove herself before she’s officially on every producer’s shit list. At least, that's what her parents and agent are claiming. She doesn't really give a damn if she never makes another movie or not—she just wants to get on with her life, get back to her friends, and find her next escape. But Willow is broke. And whether she likes it or not, acting is the only job she knows how to do.

When she accepts the lead in a beach drama, Willow finds herself in Hawaii. And in Hawaii, she finds Cooper, the gorgeous surfer hired to train her for her new role. With the bluest eyes she’s ever seen and the sexiest Australian accent she’s ever heard, Cooper’s different from the men she’s used to. He doesn’t want to use her. And he refuses to let her fail. But when an old friend re-enters Willow’s life—a friend whose toxicity she’s been drawn to time and time before and whose presence brings about the painful memories she's tried so hard to suppress—Willow will have to choose between the girl she was and the person she’s becoming. The lifestyle that helps her forget the pain and the guy she’s falling hard for.

~Review~

Tidal was definitely a surprise to me and I wasn't expecting it to be as deep as it was. While I have read a lot of new adult books that are way more emotionally intense, I was expecting the emotions that I felt while reading this book. It was definitely deeper than I gave it credit for from the synopsis.

I really liked Willow and found her to be a likable character. As a drug addicted actress, she had the potential to be a self-entitled bitch, much like her friend Jessica. Instead, she was down to earth and emotionally scarred. At one time, she did love acting but after all she had been through, it became more like a chore for her and she used drugs as a means to cope. She is instantly attracted to Cooper, and who wouldn't be? Sexy hot surfer with Australian accent, I need to get me one of these. However, a relationship is the last thing she needs as she tries to overcome the obstacles of her addiction.

Cooper has some hidden demons and secrets of his own. He was instantly attracted to Willow and felt this pull to her. He had this desire to take care of her and keep her safe. He came on pretty strong and I was impressed with Willow's ability to hold him off for as long as she did. I think as much as Willow needed help and support, Cooper needed her just as much. 

My heart really went out to Willow because she was so torn and broken inside. She had been through so much and in turn used drugs to numb the pain. Even after 6 months in rehab and being clean, she still struggled everyday. She desperately wanted to feel loved and cherished and the rejection from everyone in her life was painful. I think that was why she was so guarded with Cooper and skeptical about his advances. No one had ever loved her unconditionally before. Her own best friend was un-supportive of her desire to be clean and stabbed her in the back the first chance she got. Luckily, she got to know Eric and Paige and they turned out to be really good friends that she could count on. For the first time, she had people in her life who didn't want anything in exchange. They just wanted to be there for her.

In the end, I was super proud of Willow for letting Cooper in and making the right decisions. Her parents really surprised me too and I was happy that they finally showed their love to Willow in all the right ways. The ending was emotional and perfect. 

~IPOD Picks~

"All at Once" by The Fray

"This is Your Life" by Switchfoot

*A paperback copy of this book was provided to me by the author and Courtney Brach at Touchstone for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.*

Thanks Emily & Courtney!

Book Blitz: Now or Never by A.J. Bennett ~Author Interview

Today, I have the book blitz for Now or Never by A.J. Bennett, hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. I am excited to share an author interview with you all!

~Synopsis~

Twenty-one year old Grayson Alexander finally breaks away from an abusive relationship and finds herself free for the first time in three years.

Determined to enjoy her new-found freedom, Grayson is intent on sticking with ‘no strings attached’ relationships—one-night stands, and steamy sex.

But she didn’t plan on Derrick.

Her attraction to the sexy man in uniform quickly turns into an unhealthy relationship. They both try to resist the pull, but neither can stay away.

When tragedy strikes, Grayson realizes it’s now or never—walk away or make it work.

Now or Never  by A.J. Bennett 

Publication date: June 19th 2013

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Interview with A.J. Bennett

1.  Coffee or tea?

I have to choose one? I love coffee in the morning and tea anytime during the day.

2.   Morning or Night person?

Night owl. I do most of my writing at night. I also love to stay up late reading a good book.

3.  Favorite season?

Fall. I love sweaters.

4.  One thing you can’t live without?

My macbook air. It’s my lifeline.

5.  Favorite dessert?

Ugh, this is a tough one. Cheesecake? Brownies? Cookies? Depends on the day I guess.

6.  Do you ever write in your PJ’s?

All the time. I love christmas pajama’s for some reason. It’s the middle of July and tonight I’m wearing snowman pajama’s.

7.  Do you believe in soul mates?

Yes! I believe there is someone out there for everyone. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes longer than we’d like to find them.

8.  Do you believe in magic?

Of course! Life is magic.

9.  Favorite bumper sticker?

I saw one the other day that made me laugh. It was 0.0 instead of the marathon distances.

10.  Love at first sight?

That’s a tough one. I do think there is an instant attraction but that’s more about sexual chemistry. The love part comes later. 

 

AUTHOR BIO:

A.J. Bennett lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and bulldog. She’s addicted to coffee, popcorn and books. Becoming an author has been a lifelong dream, and she’s extremely excited about her debut novel Now or Never.

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Cover Reveal: Torch by Cambria Hebert

Torch by Cambria Hebert
Series: Take It Off
Genre: New Adult Contemporary 
Published by Cambria Hebert
Release Date: August 23, 2013
Format: Ebook and Paperback 

If you can’t take the heat… stay away from the flame.

Katie Parks has been on her own since the age of fifteen. All she’s ever wanted is a place to call her own—a life that is wholly hers that no one can take away. She thought she finally had it, but with the strike of a single match, everything she worked so hard for is reduced to a pile of smoking ash. And she almost is too.

Now she’s being stalked by someone who’s decided it’s her time to die. The only thing standing in the path of her blazing death is sexy firefighter Holt Arkain.

Katie’s body might be safe with Holt… but her heart is another story.

As the danger heats up, sparks fly and the only thing Katie knows for sure is that her whole life is about to go up in flames.

***This is a new adult contemporary novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers.***

Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com

“Like” her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cambria-Hebert/128278117253138

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/pins/

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298677.Cambria_Hebert

Cambria’s website: http://www.cambriahebert.com