Release Event + ARC Review & Giveaway: Worth the Chance by Vi Keeland

Posted in 4 hearts, Giveaways, Reviews, Spotlight by Lacey

RELEASE EVENT
WORTH THE CHANCE
A New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance
NYT Bestselling Author Vi Keeland

Worth the Chance by Vi Keeland
Series: MMA Fighter #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: February 17th 2014

Meet Liv Michaels
It may have been seven years, but I’d know him anywhere. Sure, he’s grown, filled out in all the right places, but his captivating blue eyes and cocky grin are exactly the way I remember. Even though I’d much rather forget.

Liv Michaels is almost there. She’s smart, determined and weeks away from landing the job she’s dreamed about for years. Time healed old wounds, even her broken heart from the devastation of being crushed by her first love.

Meet Vince Stone
Women love a fighter, especially a good one. Lucky for me, I’m damn good. But there’s one woman that isn’t interested. Not again, anyway.

Vince ‘The Invincible’ Stone is every woman’s fantasy…strong, sexy, confident and completely in control. Growing up surrounded by chaos, he’s learned never to get too attached. Love will drag you down. He adores women, treats them well, puts their own needs before his own…for the night anyway. With the biggest fight of his life coming up, his focus should be on training.

When fate brings Vince & Liv back together again, there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. But can Vince erase the old scars their past left behind? Or will Liv hurt him instead?

Buy Links:
Amazon • B&N • Kobo • iTunes • Smashwords

Woohoo! I LOVE fighter romances, and Worth the Chance was a perfect read for me! This is my first time reading Vi Keeland (I know–I really should’ve read Worth the Fight first, but I will now, I swear!), and I had SUCH a great time reading! I loved the writing, and Liv and Vinny are amazing!

Liv and Vinny met back when they were in high school together, with Liv as Vinny’s English tutor. The two of them are so adorable together, but there was always an underlying tension between them. Liv has a huge crush on Vinny, but he broke her heart one day when he abandoned her.

And now seven years, they reunite. Yes, it’s a SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE!! One of my absolute favorite genres! And add the whole fighter thing–perfection. Vi Keeland perfectly captures the hurt Liv still has, the history between Liv and Vinny, and the HOT chemistry they still have. I was totally grinning like a fool when they see each other again. Because they’re hot for each other all over again. And while Liv tries to keep her distance because she doesn’t want to get hurt again, Vinny is a persistent man and won’t let Liv go a second time.

“Guess you have to decide. Is he worth the chance? The chance that maybe if you let him in, he’ll stay this time?”

Liv has some big dilemmas to contemplate. Can she give Vinny a second chance? Or will she have to protect her heart from him? I totally LOVED Liv! She was a great heroine–she’s funny, sweet, and can hold her own against Vinny and his commanding ways. She and Vinny are so great together. They easily fall back into their friendship, but the sexual tension between them now is heightened. I was literally just waiting for them to give in to each other, and when they do, wow, it’s explosive! So, so hot. Vinny ~~the sexy beast~~ is commanding in and out of the bedroom. 😉

And another problem Liv has? She’s a intern/writer at the Daily Sun Times, and the story that can make or break her career is to expose Vinny’s past and hurt him. So… can she do it? Can she give up the chance at love to get the job she’s always wanted? Or will she take that love and tell the job to shove it? You HAVE to read this book to find out! It’s not going to be easy for Liv, but her and Vinny’s story is so freaking gooood.

We get both Vinny and Liv’s POVs, and we get to see them fall in love with each other more and more every day. Vinny is a total alpha–male, but he’s also so sweet to Liv. I was swooning so much at the things Vinny does for her. Just–AH! I love the sweet sides of alpha males, and Vinny is just the sweetest.

I highly, highly recommend Worth the Chance. I loved it! I couldn’t put it down and I didn’t want to end. 4 hearts!

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: MMA Fighter series

#1 ~ Worth the Fight: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Worth the Chance: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Worth Forgiving: Goodreads (Aug. 21, 2014)

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting New York Times & USA Today Best Selling smut author by night!

Facebook • Website • Twitter • Goodreads

(8) Sets of “Bookchick glasses” and 5 custom wine charms, one of each of Vi Keeland’s book covers – International

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3Feb2014

Blog Tour + ARC Review: Coming Home by Priscilla Glenn

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to follow the tour!

Coming Home
by Priscilla Glenn

Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 21, 2014

Leah Marino hasn’t been on a date in two years. After discovering the man she loved had manipulated and deceived her, she refuses to even entertain the idea of a relationship. Instead, she focuses her attention on taking care of her family, a role she’s assumed since the death of her mother and the one place she knows her kindness won’t be taken advantage of again.

When a nostalgic trip back to her childhood home results in a chance encounter with Danny DeLuca, a smart-mouthed mechanic who’s as attractive as he is mysterious, Leah’s carefully cultivated walls begin to crumble. She finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Danny, despite his unreliable behavior and mixed signals.

But Danny has a secret…

One that could shake Leah’s already precarious foundation and bring her world crashing down around her. Suddenly, she’s faced with an incredibly difficult decision–is she willing to risk everything for the chance at finding the love she’s always wanted? Or are some obstacles just too big for the heart to overcome?

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble

This is my first time reading Priscilla Glenn, and I wholeheartedly LOVED Coming Home! I fell in love with the writing, and while it took a while for me to warm up to the main characters, soon I was swept away by them and their romance. Coming Home is heartfelt, emotional, and so very romantic, and I’m so impressed with Priscilla Glenn’s writing.

“Leah,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “I could suffer through anything if you were my reward.”

Leah and Danny both have baggage, but when they meet, they’re so perfect together. Their characters slowly build throughout the novel, and I found myself completely hooked onto their story pretty soon into the book. Leah is a kind, compassionate, and although hesitant to love another man after being betrayed by one, she very much loves her family. Leah I found myself a bit hard to connect with in the beginning, but as I kept reading and knowing more about her character, I soon admired her for being such a strong woman. And she’s so witty and fun with Danny! I loved what Danny brought out in her. I would be smiling so much at the interactions between them, because they’re so freaking sweet!

“Do you have any idea how perfect you are?” he whispered.
Leah dropped her eyes. “I’m far from perfect.”
She felt his fingers under her chin, lifting her gaze back to his.
“You’re perfect for me,” he amended.

Danny was such an intriguing character. He’s one of the good guys, but his past kept making a jerk out of him. He’d be completely into Leah one moment, and then abrupt and rude to her then next. It was very back and forth, BUT the more you find out about him, the more you fall in love with. He’s the kind of guy you would totally marry–he’s loyal, loving, hard-working, and can be so charming when he wants to. I really really wanted to find out his secret, but really, I just wanted more Danny, because he’s just so sweet and charming.

Leah and Danny are just perfect together! Like I said before, I loved ALL their conversations and interactions. In the beginning, when they first get to know each other, it’s a very slow buildup of their romance. They’re shy, they’re cute, they’re sweet–they made me smiling so much! I was swooning madly at their romance. And when they finally get together, it’s very deep, sensual, and emotional–which I love!

“I need you,” he said hoarsely. “I need you, Leah.”
“I’m yours,” she promised. “Always.”

Danny’s secret creates a rift between Leah and Danny, but I loved the way the both of them handled their troubles. They are very mature people, and because Leah is so compassionate, she’s able to accept Danny for who he is, baggage and all. Their romance was absolutely beautiful. The way they give each other the love and support they both need, especially once Danny’s secret is out, is so heartfelt. Danny’s secret broke my heart. Here, the story was so poignant and moving, and I even cried as I got swept up in the emotions.

Coming Home won over my heart. The writing is brilliant, and Priscilla Glenn has created a wonderful set of characters. I highly recommend reading this.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three children. She has been teaching English at the middle and high school levels for the past twelve years while moonlighting as a writer, mom, coach, student, and professional laundry-doer.

If you catch her when she’s feeling sophisticated, she’ll tell you her favorite things are great books and good wine. In the moments in between, she’ll admit her love for anything Ben and Jerry’s, UFC fights, and Robert Pattinson.

Glenn is the author of the contemporary romance novels Back to You, Emancipating Andie, and Coming Home. You can contact her at priscilla.glenn3@gmail.com

Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

(3) Signed Print Copies of Coming Home – International

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28Jan2014

Release Day Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi
Series: Under the Never Sky #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 28th 2014
Purchase: Ebook • Hardcover
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (HarperCollins) in exchange for an honest review

The earth-shattering conclusion to Veronica Rossi’s “masterpiece” Under the Never Sky trilogy and sequel to the New York Times bestselling Through the Ever Night (Examiner.com).

Their love and their leadership have been tested. Now it’s time for Perry and Aria to unite the Dwellers and the Outsiders in one last desperate attempt to bring balance to their world.

The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe-haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do-and they are just as determined to stay together.

Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. And when Roar returns to camp, he is so furious with Perry that he won’t even look at him, and Perry begins to feel like they have already lost.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble a team to mount an impossible rescue mission-because Cinder isn’t just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival, he’s also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her stunning Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close.

Into the Still Blue is the EPIC conclusion to the fantastic Under the Never Sky series by Veronica Rossi, and wow, it didn’t disappoint! I had high hopes for this book, and it was nearly perfect. Perry and Aria are so dear to me, after reading their journey that was filled with action, romance, and thrills. I had a wonderful time reading Into the Still Blue, but I have to admit, I’m incredibly sad to be leaving Perry, Aria, and their world.

It had been a while since I last read Through the Ever Night (which is my favorite of the series), so I couldn’t remember much about what happened before Into the Still Blue, but luckily, Veronica Rossi is a brilliant storyteller. She managed to have me catching up quite quickly and effortlessly. It’s so easy to get sucked into this dystopian world, to get hooked onto Aria and Perry’s journey toward the Still Blue. There’s action in every scene, and the book kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time while reading. I just couldn’t put the book down! I was hooked on every word, every page, and I just can’t get over the storytelling! The writing is phenomenal–Veronica Rossi writes in dual third-person POV, and she works it. She’s probably one of the few authors I actually really like and am impressed with who write in this style.

Perry and Aria are put to the final test–they have to unite the Outsiders and Dwellers and get everyone to the Still Blue, all the while trying to get back Cinder from Sable, the evil Blood Lord who killed Perry’s sister and who wants total control of all Outsiders and Dwellers. Sable kidnapped Cinder, who is the only known person who can combat the deadly aether that ravages their world. There is just so much that goes on in this book, but it’s also so easy to keep up. All of the characters go through hell and back all to find a better future–friendships are put to the test, there are betrayals that shock the hell out of you, revelations that you never see coming, and SO MUCH MORE! I can’t even describe how heart-pounding and exhilarating it was to read this book.

I LOVE the characters! Perry, Aria, ROAR(!!), and even Soren are the ones who make this book, this series, special. You feel all the emotions that they feel as well, and you cheer for them over and over again. Each character is unique and complex and so real. They come alive off the pages–Veronica Rossi has created the most incredible cast of characters that I will miss dearly! And one of the top things that I will miss too? The BROMANCE between Perry and Roar. 😉

And have I mentioned how much I love Aria and Perry? They were wonderful in the first two books, and it’s no different in this final one. I loved them even more in Into the Still Blue, where they’re actions really show how much they’ve grown. As I was reading, it all came back to me how much I really cared for these two characters. They’ve endeared themselves to me, through their actions, words, and love. God, I just love the romance between Perry and Aria. The love they have for each other is rock-solid, something that strengthens them and gives them hope for a brighter future, and it’s just beautiful. And yet at the same time, Aria and Perry are brilliant as individuals as well. But still, who doesn’t love a good romance? And this one is sooo good!

“What I was trying to say,” he whispered, “is that I see you in everything. There isn’t a word for you that means enough, because you’re everything to me.”

Perry makes me swoon so. freaking. hard.

I never wanted the book to end–but when it did, I was smiling so hard. I LOVED the ending! It was so beautiful and heartwarming and believable. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed with this brilliant final book. And if you haven’t read this series yet, you must! The Under the Never Sky series stands out in the dystopian genre, and is a must read.

4 hearts–loved it, but I can’t give a 5 because it didn’t have the same oomph as the second book!

Reading Order: Under the Never Sky series

#0.5 ~ Roar and Liv: Ebook • Goodreads
#1 ~ Under the Never Sky: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Through the Ever Night: Ebook • Hardcover • Paperback • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Brooke: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Into the Still Blue: Ebook • Hardcover • Goodreads

23Jan2014

Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Pieces for You by Genna Rulon

Posted in 4 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Click the banner to follow the tour!

Title: Pieces for You
Series: For You #2 (full reading order below)
Author: Genna Rulon
Genre: New Adult 18+
Publication Date: December 15, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

“The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune’s spite; revive from ashes and rise.” -Miguel de Cervantes

Samantha Whitney survived unimaginable tragedy only to discover she had been betrayed by a man who claimed to love her. Shattered, Sam spends months at a safe haven trying to piece herself back together. Ready or not, the time has come for her to return home.

As Sam struggles to resume a life that no longer feels familiar, she finds unwavering support in an unexpected, familiar face. Confronting Sam’s raw emotions and open wounds head-on, Griffin manages to take two steps forward for every step she retreats.

But when Sam is once again threatened, Griffin must decide how far he is willing to go to protect the woman he wants…knowing the cost of her safety is the risk of losing her.

Pieces For You is a captivating journey of survival, healing, and sacrifice—teeming with honesty, humor, unexpected twists, and love’s unsurpassed endurance.

*Though Pieces For You is a part of the For You Series, the book can be read as a stand alone.

Purchase Links
Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon UK

I really enjoyed Genna Rulon’s Only for You, and I was SO excited for Pieces for You, which is Samantha’s book, and it didn’t disappoint! The story was exceptionally well done, and I was really impressed with how the author chose to portray Sam after what horrifyingly happened to her at the end of the previous book. Pieces for You is similar to Only for You, with the heart-warming romance and the totally hot and sweet alpha male main character, but I liked book 2 even more because of how touching and emotional it is.

“You’ve been dealt one of the shittiest hands imaginable; most will never be challenged with a fraction of what you have. You are one of the few with the bravery to walk through the fire, let it burn you to ash, and rise again, changed but all the more beautiful for it.”

At the beginning of the book, Samantha is recovering from her brutal attack and rape. She’s a tough girl, but that attack broke her, and she has a hard time coming to terms with what happened. Reading her POV, going through her thoughts was heart-wrenching to read. However, slowly, but surely, Sam heals. It’s a long process, but one she’s able to get through and make it to the other side. I loved how even though Sam is broken, she’s also fierce and stubborn and her quirky self. She’s so easy to like, so easy to relate to, that I enjoyed this book even more than I thought I would. Sam is a fighter through and through, and even though she still has bumps along the way of her road to recovery, she doesn’t give up. She wants to recover; she can’t go back to normal, because she doesn’t even know what normal is for her anymore, but she wants to be able to overcome her fears, and I admired her for that.

What Sam never expected was to find Griffin along the road of her recovery. Sweet, sexy, supportive Griffin, who puts Sam first over everything, who has loved Sam from afar for so long. I was totally rooting for him in Only for You, because it’s obvious to everyone but Samantha how much Griffin really cares for her. Griffin was devastated when he learned of Sam’s attack, and vowed to do everything he could to make her life better. And he does, so much. He’s been waiting for her for so long, and no matter how long he has to wait for her, he will wait for her. And during this wait, he does everything to take care of Sam and to support her.

As the two of them spend more and more time together, Sam learns to trust again. It’s a painful path, not an easy one, but through Griffin, Sam is able to heal. Samantha is so strong and brave, and it was so heartwarming to read how Sam learns to trust Griffin, and even love him.

I had a wonderful time reading Pieces for You. It’s heart-wrenching and emotional, and it’s also sweet and moving. Samantha and Griffin’s story is heartfelt and touching, and I was smiling and laughing through most of the book. It’s an uplifting book, for sure, and one I won’t be forgetting soon.

4 hearts!

Reading Order: For You series

#1 ~ Only for You: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Pieces for You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Temper for You: Goodreads (Sept. 24, 2014)

Genna Rulon is an up and coming contemporary romance author.

During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations of writing her own novels.

Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly! Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

Facebook • Twitter • Website • Goodreads • Pinterest • Tumblr

$100 Amazon Gift Card
2 SIGNED paperbacks of Pieces for You
2 SIGNED paperbacks of Only for You
10 signed bookmarks of Pieces for You & Only for You

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21Jan2014

Release Day Review: Believe by Erin McCarthy

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Believe by Erin McCarthy
Series: True Believers #3 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: January 21st 2014
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (InterMix) in exchange for an honest review

Robin used to be a party girl… until she got black out drunk and woke up in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend. Now she’s faced with being THAT girl, and couldn’t be more disgusted with herself. She can’t even tell her friends the reason for her sudden sobriety and she avoids everyone until she meets Phoenix—quiet, tattooed, and different in every way that’s good and oh, so bad…

Phoenix is two days out of jail when he meets Robin at his cousin’s house, and he knows that he has no business talking to her, but he’s drawn to her quiet demeanor, sweet smile, and artistic talent. She doesn’t care that he’s done time, or that he only has five bucks to his name, and she supports his goal to be a tattoo artist.

But Phoenix knows Robin has a secret, and that it’s a naïve dream to believe that his record won’t catch up with them at some point. Though neither is prepared for the explosive result when the past collides with the present…

I’m so happy to say that I adored this book! Believe was a great addition to the fabulous True Believers series–it’s got a sweet, sexy romance and relatable, likable characters I couldn’t help but cheer for and care for. I was so stoked to read Believe after reading a little snippet at the end of Sweet, and it didn’t disappoint! Believe was everything I expected it to be and more. I might even like it better than Sweet, but just by a hair.

If you’re looking to read a New Adult contemporary romance, I’d have to tell you to read Believe. It’s nothing exactly new, but the characters bring something refreshing to the story, and I’m a huge fan of Erin McCarthy’s writing. The story and romance in Believe is just so sweet and heartwarming, and the main characters have great depths to them. I had such a warm, fuzzy feeling the whole time reading. Robin and Phoenix are just the most adorable couple ever!

Robin is just a normal girl who parties hard, until one day she takes it too far, gets drunk and sleeps with her best friend’s boyfriend. I’ll admit, after reading this, I wasn’t sure I’d like Robin very much, but she grew on me. She holds such immense guilt over her betrayal towards her best friend, that I mainly felt sorry for her. Robin quits partying, drinking, everything, because of her guilt. She even wants to move out of the place she lives in with her best friends because she can’t look one of them in the eyes, until she meets Phoenix. The thing I liked most about Robin is how relatable she is (besides the whole sleeping with her best friend thing). She’s a lost college girl who doesn’t know what she wants to do in life, but throughout the story, she gets a better grip on who she is, and she’s able to shine through her love for art, and especially for Phoenix.

But what I knew was that he made me feel like I could look people in the eye again. He made me feel like I wasn’t going to break into a thousand pieces at any given moment. He made my hands stop shaking and helped my breathing slow down.
He made me feel like a crumbling wall that has suddenly gotten new mortar between each brick and feels stable again.
And if he could make me feel that way, maybe I could make myself feel that way.

Oh my goodness, PHOENIX!! I’m completely head over heels in love with this boy. He’s just so different from other heroes that I read. Yeah, he’s moody, he’s got tats, and he’s got some intense anger issues that he has (mostly) under control, but he’s just so honest and blunt. He’s got no time for bullshit. And he’s not afraid to show his love for his girl. I swooned madly over him. I was intrigued with him from the very beginning, because he was just released from jail. Why was he in jail? You’ll have to read to find out! But I can honestly say that Phoenix doesn’t have a bad bone in his body. This boy is good through and through, and when he shows his sweet side to Robin, I was smiling so much!

“Robin.”
“Yes?”
“I’m no good for you. And you’re probably no good for me. But we’re going to do this anyway, aren’t we?”
I nodded, because looking into his dark eyes there wasn’t any other answer. I couldn’t walk away from him, and I couldn’t let him walk away from me. “Yes. We are.”

Robin and Phoenix both agree to give a relationship a try, even though both of them believe they’re not good enough for the other. Their romance builds up slowly–Phoenix and Robin get to know each other as friends, and eventually it’s just so easy for them to fall in love with each other. I loved reading their story, their romance. They change each other for the better, they love and support each other unconditionally, and it was just heartwarming and romantic to read.

We all wonder when we will fall in love, wonder how we’ll know that our feelings are real, if someone is the right one for us.
Then it happens, and those questions seem laughable.
Because when it’s real, you feel it in every inch of you, every cell, every vein, every nook and cranny. It moves, it rises with each breath, it’s alive, and the world around you becomes sharper, crisper, in focus.
There is no question, only the answer.

I was delighted to see the characters from the previous books in the series appear and have strong roles. Phoenix is, after all, the Mann brothers’ cousin. There are some intense scenes in the book that had me at the edge of my seat, but overall, this was a slow, beautiful romance between two people who grow and learn more about themselves through each other.

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: True Believers series

#1 ~ True: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sweet: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Believe: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Shatter: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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