Review ~ Giving You Forever (The Forever Series #4) by Ashley Wilcox

Title: Giving You Forever (The Forever Series #4) 

Author: Ashley Wilcox

Published: June 19th 2013

Pages: Approx. 296

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Erotica

Source: Review copy

My Rating: 3 / 5 stars

* Due to sexual situations, I recommend this book to readers 18+ *

Add to Goodreads 

~ Synopsis ~

From the moment Nolan Pratt walked into Alexa Arnold's life everything was forever changed. After a year of dating, the ring was on her finger, the house was purchased, and life was heading down Pleasantville lane. Everything was perfect. 

Or so they thought.

With help from his parent's inheritance, Nolan takes on a new business adventure, utilizing all his free time. What was once their life - carefree with minimal responsibilities, is no more. When Alexa starts to feel the pressure from school, wedding planning, and lack of help from Nolan, exhaustion kicks in and feelings get hurt, testing the strength of their relationship. But, if there is one thing that Nolan will never compromise, it's Alexa's happiness. There's nothing Nolan Pratt won't do to make sure Alexa is well taken care of, loved, and happy.

When Nolan's past resurfaces - a past that Alexa didn't know existed - will it all be too much? Will Nolan's devotion to Alexa's happiness cost him their relationship and lose him the only thing that has ever mattered in his life? Or will Nolan discover that his past doesn't determine his future and he is worth the happiness he doesn't think he deserves? 

~ My Thoughts ~ 

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book I've read in this series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I might have have liked Nolan more if I had read the previous books. I didn't end up liking him, though, and was close to wishing Alexa would find someone more worthy of her. They're written as being perfect for each other, but Nolan has an ugly temper and can be rude. I wouldn't be as understanding as Alexa if my fiance was downright rude to people while we were out in public together. Not to mention the way he treated her friend.

While the issues they faced in their relationship were completely realistic, I had a hard time buying that after three years they were still going at it like rabbits. Don't get me wrong - the sex scenes were smoking hot - but it seemed like every two seconds they were ripping each other's clothes off. I was worn out, and I was just reading the book!!

With the stress of Nolan starting up his own business and Alexa finishing college all while planning a wedding, Nolan's past rears its ugly head and throws more stress at them to deal with. The way Nolan dealt with his problems towards the end of the book just made me not like him even more. His reaction caught me off guard, and I thought Alexa deserved better from him after all they had been through.

I did enjoy the author's writing style, I loved Alexa, and like I said earlier, the love scenes were hot! I loved the way Alexa fit in so well with Nolan's family, and there were twists in the story I didn't see coming. I plan on reading the other books in this series. I'm interested to see how Nolan and Alexa's relationship began and what it was like back then.

~ Purchase Links ~ 

Amazon  | Barnes & Noble 

~ About the Author ~ 

Through my addiction for reading, I've discovered my passion for writing. I'm a hopeless romantic, and love reading and writing about it. 

~Read to love, and love to read~

~ Author Links ~ 

Website | Blog  | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook 

Feature & Follow #24 ~ Share What You've Learned

I'm so excited to join Feature & Follow Friday!! This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a blogger with an interview and also have a question or activity for all bloggers to participate in answering. Please click the links above to follow the hosting bloggers and the featured bloggers and enter the link to your own post in the linky. Hop around to as many blogs as you can - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. Mingle and make some new blogger friends! :D

I would be so happy and ever so grateful if you'd follow me any way other than GFC, especially by Bloglovin' or email (to the left) and Twitter. Thank you! <3





 Q: Share something you've learned about book blogging or just blogging in general in the last month. 

I learned that it is totally possible and totally not cool to overwhelm myself with signing up for like fifty blog tours in one month (of course I'm exaggerating a bit, lol - there were nine blog tours, all reviews). July was a stressful month, and I've learned my lesson. 

Every blog tour I sign up for, I ask to do a review. The only exception is when I sign up for book blitzes or cover reveals where there are no chances for review at that time. My family wasn't happy with me reading and writing all the time. My husband was complaining about not getting to spend enough time with me, and my kids needed more of my attention. 

I just need to learn to cut back a bit because it doesn't do anyone any good to take on too much. I suffer, my family suffer, the blog tour organizer suffers, you guys as my readers suffer, and the author suffers. And that's a no win for everyone. 

What have you learned in the last month? Have you ever overwhelmed yourself like I did but didn't want to admit to yourself like I did? 

Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway: Dreamscape (Netherworld Book 1) by Christie Rich

Hey guys! Welcome to my stop on the Dreamscape Blog Tour hosted by CBB Book Promotions. Click here for the tour page with the schedule and links to the other stops. :D 

Title: Dreamscape (Netherworld Book 1)

Author: Christie Rich

Genre: Fantasy

Age Group: New Adult age 14+

Published: July 23rd 2013

Pages: Approx. 350

Source: Review copy

Blog Tour organized by: CBB Book Promotions

My Rating: 4 / 5

Add to Goodreads

~ Synopsis ~ 

Every night before Amelia falls asleep she makes a wish to dream of him - the man who calls her to their beautiful private oasis, her sanctuary where she is free of her greedy landlord's threats. But tonight, he will not call Amelia to him. Tonight, another man will step into her world to claim her. Tonight, Amelia's shattering reality will crumble - and disappear into the Dreamscape...along with her freedom.

When Amelia dreams tonight, her nightmare becomes her new world where Seth is her captor and anything is possible...except escape. Seth needs Amelia to break the curse that binds him to the Dreamscape. He must convince her that she was made to free him, that she was made to join him.

For if he fails, he will never escape his prison, and he will lose Earth to the Netherworld where the evil Erobos wait to consume the human realm and everything in it. If he fails, Seth will lose the one thing that matters to him: Amelia.

~ My Thoughts ~ 

This is a beautifully written book with brilliant characters. Mythology and ideas about dreams and nightmares and where those come from are interwoven to create this story about Amelia and Seth fighting to keep Earth safe from the Netherworld. Amelia and Seth are two people you will definitely want to read about as well as the world they live in.

When I first began reading, I found some things that were confusing to me, but the further along I read, the more things began to fall into place. Christie Rich has built a world so intricate that I was blown away with its richness and complexity. What I loved most about this book besides the characters was the mythology and ideas about dreams. Both have always intrigued me, and the way they were woven together was unique and different from any mythology stories I've read. 

Amelia is such a kick ass character. She has been through a lot of pain in her short life, starting with the fact that her parents weren't fit to raise her. Eventually, she's taken in by Justine, a woman I pictured to be a grandmother-like figure to Amelia. Justine has recently died and Amelia is about to be evicted from Justine's apartment when the book begins. You'd probably think this would make Amelia fragile, but the opposite is true. It only made her stronger, and her instincts for survival kick into high gear. 

What I loved most about Amelia was that she doesn't instantly fall in love with Seth. She doesn't know him, he has captured her, and now she must help him. Though she admits to herself he's definitely attractive, she doesn't just let him sweep her off her feet, which I really admired. The relationship takes time to develop and grow, and I was very thankful for that. Amelia doesn't just let in anyone, and she has every right to be cautious. It makes complete sense to be hesitant towards someone who captured you and lets you know there is no escape!

The only thing that bugged me was the number of times Seth told Amelia he has much to teach her and tell her. I wanted him to stop talking about it and just do it. ;) 

Overall, I really loved this book and am eagerly awaiting the next one. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Seth and Amelia and delving back into their world. 

~ About the Author ~ 

I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day, a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or reading, I enjoy family time with my husband and two children. My family and I live in a quiet community in Northern Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.

~ Connect with the Author ~

Website |  Blog  | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads  

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Think Out Loud #19 ~ Double Date

Have something you'd like to get off your chest? Want to talk about anything? Join this meme hosted by Thinks Books ! Get to know your fellow bloggers outside the bookish realm. Click here for the 411. The posts go up every Thursday or whenever you'd like. :D

~ The Sad Anniversary ~ 

Last Thursday marked two important events in my life - one happy, one sad. On August 8, 1995, eighteen years ago, I lost my mom to brain cancer. She had just turned forty in June. I had maybe three weeks until my first day of high school as a freshman; my sister was going into fourth grade. My dad had a week until he turned forty. 

I list all of those numbers because I think it makes a huge point - that we were all too young to deal with the disease that was thrust into our lives. My mom was way too young to die. My dad was way too young to be a widow. My sister was way too young to remember our mom, and she barely has any memories of her. I was way too young to lose my mom right when I was on the threshold of needing her more than ever. 

Early that morning, a severe thunderstorm blew through, hitting my dad's CB tower, and a hole ended up being burned into our carpet. When the storm lifted, my dad, sister, and I spent the morning picking up pieces of the fiberglass that had been blown around the yard. I went inside afterward and took a nap on the couch. My mom was lying comatose in a hospital bed in our living room, an oxygen machine breathing for her. 

That machine lulled me to sleep most nights, except for the times I'd run out into the living room at all hours of the night to make sure she was okay and still alive. I didn't want her to die alone while we were all asleep. Eventually, I just started sleeping on the couch in the living room with her so I wouldn't have to keep getting out of bed. 

While I was napping on the couch, I had a dream that she died and that I called my friend, Brandi, telling her I had a dream my mom died. I woke up, and the very first thing I did was look at the clock which read 11:45 AM. I glanced over at my mom, and I knew she was gone and that maybe my dream was her way of preparing me for the inevitable. 

I never mentioned the time or the dream to anyone until well after the funeral. Then I saw it. In her obituary, the time of death was listed as 11:45 AM. I was so shocked, I had a hard time breathing, and my heart felt like it was going to burst from my chest. That couldn't be a coincidence, and so to this day, I believe my mom and I were so connected that she knew her death was going to hit me so hard and wanted to prepare me. To this day she still visits my dreams once in a while and gives me advice, which I always take because I know she's always right. 

~ The Happy Anniversary ~ 

On the flip side, the same day also happens to be the day me and my husband's relationship became official when we began dating. We've been together for twelve years now. Our wedding anniversary is coming up on September 14th - we'll have been married for six of those twelve loooong years, lol. ;D My husband doesn't count the August anniversary since we're married, and he says that is the real anniversary. My opinion is that if there hadn't been an anniversary in August, there most likely wouldn't have been a wedding. Duh! On our tenth anniversary, I guilted him into going on a trip, and we chose Vegas. 

So, twelve years, two kids, and three pets later, we're still together. We've traveled over some rocky roads, we've sailed along smoothly at times, and other days are just ordinary ones. 

Now we're getting ready to move on to another stage - we want to sell our house and buy a bigger one. That means we need to get our house ready in the hopes that someone will buy it, and then when we find a sucker home buyer, we can start looking at houses seriously. The bad thing is that the other day we found a few houses we loved only to find out we can't let my sister rent our house. We're actually gonna have to sell it, and who knows how freaking long that's gonna take.

We just want a family room and a basement basically. We're all living on top of each other. There just isn't any room. The way our house is set up is basically like an apartment - we have no dining room, and the kitchen and living room are pretty much the same room. It's crazy. So yeah, we're hoping to move sometime this century. :D  

Cover Reveal ~ Bad Boy Rock Star by Candy J. Starr

Title: Bad Boy Rock Star

Author: Candy J. Starr 

Publication Date: November 2013

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Cover Reveal organized by: Xpresso Book Tours 

Cover Designed by: Go On Write 

Add to Goodreads

~Synopsis~

Hannah Sorrento is a princess, the toughest obstacle she's ever had to face is finding shoes to match her outfit. Then her father disappears and she's been left with nothing more than the money in her purse and a contract for the management of hot, indie rock band, Storm. 

She thinks she can use them to get some fast money but the lead singer, Jack Colt, has his own ideas and, from their first meeting, sparks fly. 

Author Bio:

(No author photo) 

Candy J. Starr used to be a band manager until she realised that the band she managed was so lacking in charisma that they actually sucked the charisma out of any room they played. "Screw you," she said, leaving them to wallow in obscurity - totally forgetting that they owed her big bucks for video equipment hire. 

Candy has filmed and interviewed some big names in the rock business, and a lot of small ones. She's seen the dirty little secrets that go on in the back rooms of band venues. She's seen the ugly side of rock and the very pretty one. 

But, of course, everything she writes is fiction. 

~ Author Links ~

Website

I really like the synopsis, and the cover makes me want to read this one right away! What do you think of the cover? :D 

Review ~ There Comes a Prophet by David Litwack

 

Title: There Comes a Prophet

Author: David Litwack

Release date: September 25th 2012

Pages: 282

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy

Source: Kindle copy for review 

My Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Add to Goodreads

~ Synopsis ~

"But what are we without dreams?"

A thousand years ago the Darkness came - a terrible time of violence, fear, and social collapse when technology ran rampant. But the vicars of the Temple of Light brought peace, ushering in an era of blessed simplicity. For ten centuries they have kept the madness at bay with "temple magic" and by eliminating forever the rush of progress that nearly caused the destruction of everything.

A restless dreamer, Nathaniel has always lived in the tiny village of Little Pond, longing for something more but unwilling to challenge the unbending status quo. When his friend Thomas returns from the Temple after his "teaching" - the secret coming-of-age ritual that binds young men and women eternally to the Light - Nathaniel can barely recognize the broken and brooding young man the boy has become. 

And when the beautiful Orah is summoned as well, Nathaniel knows he must somehow save her. But in the prisons of Temple City he discovers a terrible secret that launches the three of them on a journey to find the forbidden keep, placing their lives in dire jeopardy. For a truth awaits them there that threatens the foundation of the Temple. But if they reveal that truth the words of the book of light might come to pass:

"If there comes among you a prophet saying 'Let us return to the darkness,' you shall stone him, because he has sought to thrust you away from the light."

~ My Thoughts ~ 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the Read It & Reap program through the Shut Up & Read group on Goodreads.

I was blown away by Mr. Litwack's writing and imagination! I'm planning on reading all of his books, and as a matter of fact, I have another book of his, Along the Watchtower, all set to read.

This was a fantastic story about three childhood friends, Nathaniel, Orah, and Thomas, who set out to change their world. The odds are stacked against them, but they're much more resourceful than their oppressors realize. They live in a small village governed by a group of people called vicars, who are of the "Temple of Light." These vicars have been in power for a thousand years, claiming to have brought the people out of the darkness to the light. They're a religious governing body with people worshiping the "light" as though it's a god and strict rules the people must follow.

One of these strict rules is that one in every three young people who come of age are called for a "teaching." They're shown ultimate darkness in order to scare them into serving the light and fighting the darkness from returning. The three friends, Nathaniel, Orah, and Thomas, are shocked when Thomas is called for a teaching. They're all too familiar with the aftereffects - when someone comes back from a teaching, he or she returns with a broken spirit and ends up withdrawing from family and friends, never to be the same again.

Orah was called for a teaching right after Thomas returned home from his, and I think this was a turning point for Nathaniel where he switched over from dreaming about change to actively seeking a way to make that change happen. Nathaniel and Orah have always been the dreamers of the trio, while Thomas is grounded in reality, not completely happy with the way things are but not wanting to rock the boat either. While Thomas wasn't my favorite character, I still liked him and understood where he was coming from.

Nathaniel is brave and has always dreamed of a life of greatness where he frees his village from the Temple of Light's tyranny. Orah has a fierceness and determination about her that sometimes rivals Nathaniel's bravery. She's intelligent and said to be the smartest person in the village. She thinks outside the box and comes up with creative solutions to the most difficult of problems. Thomas might seem apathetic, cowardly, and lazy, but I saw underneath all of that to what makes him tick. He'd rather go back to the life he once had before his teaching without trying to change something he sees as unchangeable.

There Comes a Prophet is a creative mix of dystopia, science fiction, and fantasy with an epic journey that made me think fondly of The Talisman by Stephen King. I loved this book and the main characters. I loved the world building and what Nathaniel, Orah, and Thomas set out to do. The elements of the story came together in an intriguing and unique way. I'm excited to see more from David Litwack!

~ Purchase Links ~ 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

~ About the Author ~ 

The urge to write first struck when working on a newsletter at a youth encampment in the woods of northern Maine. It may have been the night when lightning flashed at sunset followed by northern lights rippling after dark. Or maybe it was the newsletter's editor, a girl with eyes the color of the ocean. But he was inspired to write about the blurry line between reality and the fantastic. 

Using two fingers and lost of white-out, he religiously typed five pages a day throughout college and well into his twenties. Then life intervened. He paused to raise two sons and pursue a career, in the process becoming a well-known entrepreneur in the software industry, founding several successful companies. When he found time again to daydream, the urge to write returned.

There Comes a Prophet was the first novel in this new stage of life. His second, Along the Watchtower, will be published in June 2013.

David and his wife split their time between Cape Cod, Florida and anywhere else that catches their fancy. He no longer limits himself to five pages a day and is thankful every keystroke for the invention of the word processor. 

~ Author Links ~ 

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | LibraryThing 

Cover Reveal ~ Girl of Fire and Lightning (Kaybree the Angel Killer #3) by Harrison Paul

Title: Girl of Fire and Lightning (Kaybree the Angel Killer #3)

Author: Harrison Paul

Expected release date: August 13th 2013

Cover Reveal organized by: BB Book Tours

Not on Goodreads yet...

~Synopsis~

While Kaybree continues to defend the city against the Angels, she also investigates her mother's secret society. She wants to believe that her mother will use the Witch's power for good, and wants to trust her heart and conscience to Galen. But are the Angels oppressors as he claims, or are they trying to prevent her mother's inventions from destroying the world? Kaybree's fate hangs on her ability to trust Galen, but as he takes charge of the city's defense and navigates its political currents with a manipulator's touch, she wonders which face he shows is his real one.

When the next Angel prepares to send a legion of monsters against the city, she journeys into the depths of the forest to stop the attack. The battle for humanity begins, and Kaybree must learn the truth of her mother's inventions or risk plunging the world into darkness and ruin. As she confronts the true villain responsible for the Angel attacks, she must also make a decision that will determine the future of all Nordgard.

~Purchase Link~ 

Amazon

~Kaybree the Angel Killer Series Description~

Kaybree is a teenage girl from Nordgard, an alternate history Scandinavia where mythical beings called Angels have protected and guided mankind for millennia - until they started attacking fifteen years ago. Her mother's organization, the Vormund Order, defeated the first Angel attack and has been guarding the borders by the forest ever since.

When Kaybree is called to the city and discovers her ability to transform into a being of fire and lightning, she realizes she is her mother's secret weapon against the Angels. Her mission is to defend humanity from their former protectors while her mother perfects a series of inventions meant to create a better world for everyone. But she soon realizes the situation isn't as simple as her mother wants her to believe. The Angels want to protect humanity as well, and her mother's inventions - or Kaybree's own dangerous powers - could be the reason for their attacks.

Joined by her friends - a bard, a scholar, a reindeer, and a mysterious border guard - Kaybree must battle the Angels while investigating her mother's organization and studying the ancient relics that allow her to use her powers. She knows that there must be a way to reconcile with God's holy messengers, and is determined to find the truth before a war erupts that could end civilization.

~The first two books in the series~ 

  

Title: Kaybree versus the Angels (Kaybree the Angel Killer #1)

Author: Harrison Paul

Release Date: June 10th 2013

Add to Goodreads

~Synopsis~

Kaybree has grown up hearing stories of the Angels, mythical beings who used to defend Nordgard from the creatures of the forest. After leaving mankind without guidance for centuries, they returned fifteen years ago, leaving a fiery swath of destruction. 

When Kaybree is called to the outpost by the forest, home to her mother's mysterious Vormund Order, she stumbles into the latest Angel attack. Soon she learns that she has the unique power to fight them: the ability to transform into a radiant being of fire and lightning. 

As she delves deeper into her mother's organization though, she starts to wonder: why would Angels, holy messengers of God, attack people? Every answer she finds only sparks more questions. Because Vormund holds a deadly secret - one that could change Nordgard and the human race forever. 

~Purchase Link~ 

Amazon

Title: My Very Own Witch Hunter (Kaybree the Angel Killer #2)

Author: Harrison Paul

Release Date: July 26th 2013

Not on Goodreads yet...

~Synopsis~

Kaybree is a Witch, a being born once a century with the power to break the world - a power which she wants to use to cure disease, alleviate suffering, and build a better world. But the Angels, mankind's holy guardians, have the sacred calling to eliminate Witches before they can use their power for evil. 

As the Angels continue their mission to destroy her, they begin striking at her classmates. As the attacks escalate and a Witch Hunt breaks out in the city, she must balance her need to protect her friends with a strict set of rules to keep herself from harming innocents.

But even with good intentions, can a Witch ever use her power for good? Or is she fated to become the monster that the scriptures prophesy?

~Purchase Link~ 

Amazon   

~About the Author~

Harrison Paul is the author of KAYBREE VERSUS THE ANGELS, the first volume of a young adult fantasy series set in alternate history Scandinavia, where a teenage girl must battle Angels to protect her town. Subsequent volumes are set to be published this summer. 

Harrison has worked as a heavy metal musician, a Chinese translator at Nanjing University, a morning custodian, and a math and science tutor. He also served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Taipei, Taiwan. He currently teaches high school Mandarin.

~Author Links~

Twitter | Facebook  |  Amazon 

Have I been living under a rock? How did I not know about this series until now? It sounds fantastic! How about you? I'd love to know what you think!

Cover Reveal ~ The Devil's Tattoo by Nicole R. Taylor

Title: The Devil's Tattoo

Author: Nicole R. Taylor

Publication date: September 1st 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Cover Design by: Paper and Sage Designs

Cover Reveal organized by: Xpresso Book Tours

Add to Goodreads

~Synopsis~

Zoe Granger picked up her first guitar the day her heart was smashed into a billion pieces. It was a way to keep her mind off her inevitable downward spiral, but music soon became her escape. She's been burned too many times to tell and is just happy to coast through life, never putting herself out there. That's until her best friend Dee suggests they start a band and suddenly she finds herself not just a part of it, but fronting the whole outfit.

They call themselves The Devil's Tattoo and when they release their debut EP, it rockets to the top of the charts and it's like an overnight fairy tale. Contracts, photo shoots, royalties and interviews are heaped onto the shy Zoe and it's like she's finally found her place. Then comes the phone call that changes everything. They've been asked to co-headline a tour with one of the hottest bands of the moment, The Stabs and Zoe will never be the same again.   

Will Strickland is one fourth of the hottest indie rock band to ever grace the airwaves. He's the bass player in The Stabs, hot as hell and could have his pick of any girl that flings herself at him. But he's only got eyes for Zoe and she has no idea why he'd bother. She's got one hell of a trust issue and an attitude to boot, and Will seems to be the one who wants to tame her, but is he game enough?

Check out this really awesome book trailer! Love it! <3

I love these photos with quotes! I think they're super cool, and the guys and girl are hottt! I can't wait to read this book! 

 

~About the Author~

Nicole R. Taylor is an Australian born paranormal, fantasy, and contemporary fiction author. She is a graduate of the University of Ballarat Professional Writing and Editing programme and is a former music memorabilia sales person and grocery merchandiser.

She currently lives in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia with a two year old rescue cat named Burger. She enjoys reading, writing (of course!), traveling and a little too much chocolate. One day she hopes to sky dive but has to work up the courage first.

The first in her new paranormal fantasy series, The Witch Hunter Saga is available in e-edition and print from March 20th 2013.

~Author Links~

Website | Goodreads | Facebook  | Twitter  

                                                                                                                                         

Cover Reveal ~ I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1) by S.R. Grey

 
  Title: I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1) 
  Author: S.R. Grey
  Expected release date: September 12-19, 2013
  Genre: Contemporary Romance
  Age Group: New Adult
  Cover designed by: Damonza  

When it comes to tattooed bad boys, Chase Gartner is the real deal. Partying, engaging in meaningless sex, getting into fights---Chase indulges in it all during his late teen years, thus firmly solidifying his status as a heartbreakingly gorgeous but way-too-dangerous-to-trust guy in his hometown of Harmony Creek, Ohio. Then, following one fateful night of reckless decisions, Chase's actions finally catch up to him and land him in prison. 

Now, four years have passed and Chase finds himself a free man. He returns to Harmony Creek, ready to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding his shattered life. 

Things are off to a promising start when he meets Kay Stanton, a young woman with a tragic past of her own. Despite a powerful attraction, Chase and Kay are naturally hesitant to become involved. That's why friendship feels like the safest option. But when passions ignite and love blossoms, a relationship that is destined and meant to be can only be resisted for so long. When Chase and Kay finally succumb to their feelings they realize being together feels more right and true than anything they have ever experienced. 

But their love is soon tested. Chase's wild past still haunts and tempts him, and Kay is keeping a secret that could tear them apart. 

I Stand Before You is a journey of hope and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past and moving forward. But mostly it's a story of two damaged people who take a chance, open their hearts, and find true love. 

New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres. First in a series.

  ***Warning: contains graphic sexual situations, drug use, some violence, and profanity**

  

  About the Author

S.R. Grey is the author of Harbour Falls and Willow Point, first and second novels in A Harbour Falls Mystery series. She is also the author of I Stand Before You, first novel in the Judge Me Not series (New Adult/Contemporary Romance), to be released September 2013. 

Ms. Grey resides in western Pennsylvania. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Robert Morris College, as well as an MBA from Duquesne University. She is currently working on Wickingham Way, the third installment in A Harbour Falls Mystery series, to be released in January 2014. Other interests include reading, traveling, running, and cheering for her hometown sports teams.

Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads 

I love romances like this! I've added it to my TBR - have you? :)

  

  

Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway: Dawn of the Apocalypse by E.S.P.

Dawn of the Apocalypse

by E.S.P. 

Release Date: 08/09/13

Summary from Goodreads:

January 1, 2000.
May 21, 2011.
December 21, 2012

These are just a few of the days humans prophesied as bringing catastrophic events that would end the world. We predicted nuclear warfare. Drastic climate change. A call from God.

We were wrong.

Cue the gargoyle invasion—laboratory bred mutants designed to slaughter humans. When the government goes AWOL and gargoyles are swarming by the hundreds, it's up to the citizens of the United States to regroup and save themselves.

Meet Cliff Matthews, a teenage boy separated from his entire family with the exception of his younger sister, whom he is desperate to keep alive. Along the quest to save their lives, he encounters people who aren't all that they seem. Everyday's a battle, but if he can't trust his own species, where does that leave his family?

And we can't forget the man who may be willing to sacrifice Cliff's life, if it means world domination.

In terms of doomsday, no one could've seen this coming. The dawn of the apocalypse…

About the Author

Being the daughter of an accomplished author, E.S.P. grew up listening to stories and telling her own to classmates. After writing for several years and even publishing some short works, she finally decided to take the plunge to write (plus finish!)a full length novel. Thus, Dawn of the Apocalypse was born. When she's not writing, she's either reading books, blogging at whoistheserialreader.blogspot.com, or watching eighties movies.

   

Omigod...a gargoyle invasion??? That sounds too good to be true - for me to read, not the characters being invaded. ;)
Check out the intense excerpt below!

Excerpt #2:

It was barely a second after she locked the door before it pounded on it. And then the screams began.

The scream was so high pitched and devilish that it turned her insides out. She dropped to her knees, sobbing in agony. The screams ripped through eardrums and strummed against her soul. Warm tears flooded through her eyes like rivers.

Angel screamed, flailing around in Hunter's arms. It took all her strength to restrain her. As she bit her lip, she tasted blood.

Now she knew why the gargoyle screamed like that. It made a person willing to kill themselves. It made her willing to sacrifice her life, if only the torture would discontinue.

She choked as something gushed down her face. She put her hand under her nose. When she brought her fingers from her face, they were covered in blood.

If she stayed here any longer, she would die. And so would Angel.

A force heavier than gravity was pulsing through the air, pushing Hunter towards the ground while she tried to get up. It was bone crushing. She felt her insides melting.

The tears continued to slide down her cheeks, though her screams had stopped. She was hollow.

She picked herself up, pushing through the weight of the air. The room was small, she could tell. There had to be some type of exit...some way to get out. She blindly felt the walls with one hand. There needed to be an exit door or an escape hatch or maybe just a window. There had to be.

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