Review Tour + Giveaway: Only for You by Genna Rulon

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

Title: Only for You
Series: For You #1 (full reading order below)
Author: Genna Rulon
Genre: New Adult
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent. It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!“

All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.

When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar by her best friend, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, a tempestuous relationship is born.

Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate–that fickle shrew–continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant. The only complication… Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.

Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption–brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.

Note: Although this is series, each novel can be read as a stand alone.

Purchase Links
Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon UK

AH–it’s a friends to lovers romance! Off-the-charts sexual tension? Check! AH–it’s a new adult mystery! Intense, thrilling, and suspenseful? Check! AH–Hunter! A totally hot, sexy, protective alpha-male? Check! Okay, so if you’re into any or all of what I’ve just listed, then you have to read Only for You!

I had a great time reading this book. Not only was there a fantastic–if at times, frustrating, romance–there was an exciting mystery going on! I loved how Genna Rulon integrated both the romance and the mystery, and the story flowed so well. I was impressed with the writing, and I felt the characters were very mature (maybe a little TOO mature sometimes…) for their age. And it was good that they were mature, because at the university where they attend, an attacker is on the loose. Someone on Hensley University has been attacking and brutalizing women, and the violent crimes escalate even further. Because of this, the school has offered free self defense lessons, which is where our heroine comes in.

It was impossible to explain what it was like to be a woman under the best of circumstances, the awareness of out vulnerability, the inherent wariness. And in these extraordinary circumstances–he could never fathom the effects of living every day under the threat of assault, the constant vigilance required for self-preservation, doubting every man we encountered whether stranger or friend.

Everleigh is in her last year of college, and her best friend has just signed her up for self defense lessons. And the instructor of these lessons is the über-sexy, delicious Hunter Charles. And what I loved about Everleigh was that even though she drools a little over him, she’s still her snarky, witty self. She doesn’t fall head over heels for him on sight. In fact, things get worse right at the beginning of the lesson, and Everleigh and her smart mouth are kicked out but none other than Hunter.

But then Hunter shows up on the first day of school in one of Ever’s classes, and she’s less than thrilled. The two of them have such a snarky, hilarious rapport together, and even though there’s an intense attraction between the two, they eventually become great together as friends. And Everleigh cements this strong and steady friendship when she (hilariously) believes Hunter is… gay. Hunter doesn’t know Ever thinks he’s gay, and we certainly know Hunter is far from gay, but it’s the perfect setup for the both of them to remain just friends. And they become best friends, sharing so much of each other that it would seem that they are in a relationship.

In the meantime, the attacker at Hensley University is getting bolder and more daring. More girls are getting hurt and by more violent means. Ever and her best friend continue to learn how to defend themselves as the mystery gets bigger, and as Hunter and Ever move closer to passing the friend-zone.

The romance was a tiny bit slow for me, but I ended up enjoying it very much in the end. If you love alpha-males, Hunter is totally your man!

“I already knew, for me there is only you. No matter what happened between us in the future, it would only ever be you. I was made for you–only for you.”

Did you see that? It was the title of the book in that quote! Gah, I just love it when books do that (heehee). And yeah, swoon!

Only for You is the perfect blend of romance and mystery/suspense. I enjoyed reading it very much, and I’d definitely recommend this book for fans of either of those genres. And now I’m so excited to read the second book in the series, which is about Ever’s best friend, Sam!

4 hearts!

Reading Order: For You series

#1 ~ Only for You: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Pieces for You: My Review • 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

signed hardcopy of Only for You
$25 Amazon gift card
3 ebook copies of Only for You
5 signed bookmarks

a Rafflecopter giveaway

14Dec2013

ARC Review: The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: December 6th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

High school senior Liv Evans has one rule: No attachments. She’s lost enough in her life and has vowed to do whatever it takes to make sure she never again feels the emptiness of losing someone she loves. Boys are a fun distraction, but a serious relationship is something she’d rather live without. Her determination for a future free of pain and heartbreak is put to the test when she meets–and quickly forms an unexpected bond–with Logan Tanner.

Logan has always been a free spirit, but ever since a life-changing event took place, which left him doubting the integrity of those who are closest to him, he’s taken that term to a whole new dangerous level. Learning the hard way that life is too short for worries or work–and that women can’t be trusted–Logan has exchanged steady work for street racing. When Liv walks into his world, everything he thought he knew about life and women is challenged.

In The Fine Line, Liv and Logan will discover if it’s possible for true love to have a future, or if history is destined to repeat itself.

Ah, what a book! I had the best time reading The Fine Line. It has a wonderful set of characters, a fantastic story I was hooked onto from the first page, and one delicious street racing boy named Logan. It’s not the most perfect book, but if you want an exciting, heartfelt contemporary romance, then I highly recommend The Fine Line.

Olivia Evans is a high school senior who doesn’t do relationships. Like, at all. Sure, she’ll make out with guys and just have fun, but she won’t have a boyfriend. Because her whole life, people who she loved always left her. The people she grew to love and care about would always leave her in some way, making her devastated, and then one day, she decided it was enough. She wouldn’t let anyone get close to her heart again, because then, it wouldn’t matter if they left or not, and she wouldn’t be hurt. But then things change the second Liv meets Logan.

“You can’t live your life based on ‘what-ifs,’ Liv. And change is inevitable. It’s the one thing you can always count on. Stop worrying about what might or might not happen and follow your heart. How can you expect to ever be happy if you don’t?”

Oh, and did I mention I was really impressed with the writing? It flowed so well and smoothly. And I loved the little bits of humor that popped up here and there. The Fine Line made me laugh and grin, but then it would make my heart hurt, and I loved that.

When Liv and Logan meet, sparks fly. But… they don’t do anything about it. Neither of them are relationship type people and so they become friends, even with the tension building up between them. And throughout most of the book, it’s the whole, When will they finally get together? But even though I was just waiting for Liv and Logan to explode and get together, I really enjoyed reading their time together as friends. They get a little jealous over other guys and girls, but when they’re friends, Logan and Liv are so darn sweet together.

But no matter how hard Liv tries to push Logan away, he worms his way past her wall and into her heart. And Logan is just the sweetest! Here we have this badass boy who street races, and he’s so loving to Liv. My heart hurt so much for Logan, because he loves her so much, and yet Liv is so resistant to the idea of being in a relationship. Still, Logan doesn’t give up.

“Liv, I’ve never felt this way before. I’ve never wanted another human being as much as I want you. And I don’t just mean like this. I want to make you happy.”

There’s heartache and heartbreak along with the sweet and loving, and there is never a dull moment in The Fine Line. Liv learns to let Logan into her heart, even though there’s always a risk of losing him. Their journey towards finding happiness together is wonderfully written. And for those who like a little excitement and thrill in their romances, the ending part of the book won’t disappoint. I enjoyed reading this book so much! Thanks to the author for providing a copy to review!

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

12Dec2013

Blog Tour + Review & Giveaway: Left Drowning by Jessica Park

Posted in 5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Left Drowning by Jessica Park!

Left Drowning by Jessica Park
Series: Left Drowning #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: July 16th 2013

What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?

Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning.

*This book is intended for mature audiences due to strong language and sexual content, and is recommended for Ages 17+

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Book Depository

I’ve just finished reading Left Drowning, and I… I can’t even form coherent thoughts right now! What. a. book! It was a thrill to read Left Drowning. It was beautiful, heart-wrenching, gutting, and every other feels word that exists. Because truly, you feel everything as you’re reading this book. As soon as I read the first page, I was hooked. And I couldn’t put the book down–I finished in a freaking day!

Bless this book. Left Drowning is beyond words! It’s gorgeously written, and its got the best, snarkiest heroine ever. And I love snarky heroines. They make everything better, more fun, and more hilarious. Blythe (which is such a pretty name!) is a senior at Matthews College, and she is not a happy person at the beginning of the book. At first, I thought, Oh god, it’s another broken heroine with a tragic past, but then as I kept reading, Left Drowning gets to be so much more than that. It becomes a story of family and love and healing and acceptance. And I truly loved reading this beautiful, captivating story.

“What’s a little risk now and then, huh?” … “It makes you feel alive. It brings you crashing into the here and now. Keeps you alert and grounded.”

Blythe has no social life, and nor does she want one. She’s been stuck in depression for years after her parents died, and the only family member she has is a little brother who resents her. She can’t get out of this never-ending cycle of drinking and feeling like crap in the morning, until she meets one of the Shepherd siblings, Sabin. He’s hilarious, sweet, obnoxious, and goofy, the perfect counterpart to Blythe’s dark, depressing humor. And with the lovable Sabin comes his three other siblings: Christopher, and the twins Estelle and Eric.

When Blythe meets Chris, they have this visceral connection with each other. It could be lust, which is definitely there, or it could be something deeper, but Blythe knows that it’s real and it’s there. But Blythe and Chris don’t act on their lust, and instead, become friends. Jessica Park does an incredible job writing this all-encompassing, heartfelt friendship Chris and Blythe form. They grow to lean on each other, when neither of them has ever relied on another person, and they love each other… but only as friends. Right?

Well, yeah there’s that awesome, tingling sexual tension between the two, but the friendship is where they start. And Blythe becomes friends with all the Shepherd siblings, becoming part of their family. I absolutely adored the Shepherd family dynamic. They all love each other so, so much, and they’d do anything for each other. And they are so freaking hilarious! I don’t know how many times I laughed, mostly because of Sabin, but it was a lot.

The romance in Left Drowning is just as important as the family and love the Shepherds and Blythe have for each other, which I love. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean the romance is any less. Chris is so, so incredible and sweet. He’s the perfect guy, except for the fact that Blythe knows that he has a past that scarred him. But still, as Chris and Blythe spend more time together, they can’t not be together, and when they do–wow, it’s explosive.

“Stop looking at me. It’s annoying.”
“I can’t.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
Chris takes an eternity to respond. “I can’t stop thinking about you, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

Eep, Chris makes me swoon so hard!

But Chris and Blythe both have their own problems they haven’t faced yet, pasts that continue to haunt them everyday. And because of this, they can’t form a relationship. They know that it’ll be a dysfunctional one, and they remain friends, or at least try to. And here is where the heartbreak begins. AH! My heart was hurting so much for Blythe and Chris, because they belong together! They fit each other so well, and Blythe has such a wonderful relationship with the entire family. But as truths come out, things also start taking a more devastating, darker tone. Because Chris’s past is so incredibly painful and heart-wrenching, and my heart went out to him.

Left Drowning will make you feel sad, depressed, and horrified. But it also will make you laugh and giggle and smile. So read this book. It will leave you gutted, in the best way possible. If you want a book that makes you feel, Left Drowning is perfect. And can I just say, it’s got one of the best endings I’ve ever read. I loved everything about this book!

And, the quote that I think perfectly embodies this beautiful book:

“This is all sorts of fucked up.”
“I know, baby. I know. But the best kind of fucked up.”

Reading Order: Left Drowning series

#1 ~ Left Drowning: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Restless Waters: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

Check out the Left Drowning book trailer!

Jessica is the author of New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE, RELATIVELY FAMOUS, and the NA novel, LEFT DROWNING. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

Signed copy of Left Drowning (US only)
***Any contestant that uses dummy or contest only accounts to enter will be disqualified.***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE
Dec 2nd – Chapter by Chapter
Dec 3rd – Cuzinlogic
Dec 4th – Same Book, Different Review
Dec 5th – Books Over Boys
Dec 6th – What She Reads

Dec 9th – A Southern Girl’s Bookshelf
Dec 10th – YaReads
Dec 11th – Rumpled Sheets Blog
Dec 12th – Booklovers For Life
Dec 13th – Kimberlyfaye Reads

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

Subscribe to Blog via Email

9Dec2013

Early Review: Elect by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by Lacey

Elect by Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Eagle Elite #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 10th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Forever) in exchange for an honest review

Would you die for the one you love?
Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the We’vlove of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family’s enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him.

Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family’s sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend… But Trace isn’t ready to give up on a future with Nix–and if he won’t fight for them, she will.

In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . .

Okay, the first thing you should know about Elect is that it’s told in alternating POV! It was such a lovely surprise for me, because I had no idea that Rachel Van Dyken was changing things up a bit in Elect. We get to read from Nixon, Chase, and even Phoenix’s POVS! Hurray for male POV’s, and incredibly written ones at that.

There will be spoilers for those who haven’t read Elite, just FYI!

We found out in Elite that Tracey, Nixon, and the gang are all involved with the mafia in one way or another. And we finally get to know more about the mafia and dangerous people in it. If mafia/mob books are your type of thing, or you want to start reading those types of books, I highly recommend this series. Rachel Van Dyken skillfully integrates the mafia world into her book, and then suddenly you’re thrust into the world and you don’t want to leave. I had a fantastic time reading Elect. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and so much fun to read. I couldn’t put the book down!

Since we get Nixon’s POV, we obviously get more information about the way the mafia works. Nixon is the leader of the Abandonato family, and he’s in charge of everything–the people, the money, etc. He doesn’t have a clean past, but he wants to be good enough for the love of his life, Tracey. And he’s the most caring, wonderful boyfriend in the world. He puts her above himself and all others, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe and alive–even if it means he can’t have her.

As we get more POVs from Chase, Nixon’s cousin, right-hand man, and best friend, we also get to know Chase’s feelings for Trace. Because Chase is in love with Trace too. He feels guily for loving her, but he can’t stop. Chase is in charge of Trace’s safety, which means he’s around her all the time, and he can’t stop his love from growing. I felt so sad for Chase, because we know that Nixon and Tracey are it. They’re perfect together and they belong together, and it’s so painful for Chase to watch them that my heart was hurting for him.

But then… dangerous people become involved in their lives, and Tracey and everyone’s lives are in danger. We are introduced to the mafia family from Sicily, who are powerful people, and there’s a great mystery involved with Trace’s parents deaths. Unforeseen circumstances tear Nixon and Trace apart, and Chase is there to pick up the pieces. But is Tracey willing enough to let Nixon go and take a chance with Chase?

“Choose me,” I whispered. “Because my heart? My soul? My damn existence? Has already spoken, and it wants you, and only you–forever.”

Oooh, who could it be? Who does Trace choose? Nixon? Chase? AH! I really liked this love triangle. It helped that I didn’t need to read Trace’s POV, because if there were any chapters in her POV, then I would have gotten tired of the love triangle fast. There was no “Which one should I choose?” dilemma that I had to read. We only read from the guys’ POVs, and their POVs are so amazing! I was swooning and sighing a lot in this book.

“I feel lost.”
“Let me find you.”
“I feel sick.”
“Let me heal you.” I kissed her head.
“I feel sad.”
“Let me be your happiness.”

I was Awwwing so hard here! Nixon is just so. damn. sweet.

But anyways, besides the great romance in the book, Elect had so many twists and turns that had me reeling and being so enthralled in the story. There are things that Phoenix is hiding, and once the truth is set free, it changes everything for the characters. And as bad as Phoenix was in Elite, he really had a change of heart in Elect, and he’s such a complex, incredible character.

For fans of Elite, you don’t want to miss Elect. It has everything you’d expect from a mafia romance and more. 4 hearts!

“Besides, romance isn’t something you work at–not when you find the right girl. When you fall in love, when you take that leap, it’s as natural as breathing; it’s as simple as that. I’m romantic because my heart demands I be nothing less than one hundred percent, for you, day and night.”

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

Reading Order: Eagle Elite series

#1 ~ Elite: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Enforce: Goodreads (Dec. 2014)
#2 ~ Elect: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Entice: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Elicit: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ember: Goodreads (Feb. 2015)

9Dec2013

Blog Tour + ARC Review & Giveaway: Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase

Posted in 5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by Lacey

Holy Frigging Matrimony by Emma Chase
Series: Tangled #1.5 (full reading order below)
Release Date: December 5th 2013

What does Drew Evans have to say next? Find out in this forty page short story, filled with his sexy charm, unique advice and hilarious one-liners.

Marriage: the final frontier. Steven went first. He was kind of our test subject. Like those monkeys that NASA sent off into space in the fifties, all the while knowing they’d never make it back.

And now another poor rocket is ready to launch.

But this isn’t just any posh New York wedding. You’ve seen my friends, you’ve met our families, you know you’re in for a treat. Everyone wants their wedding to be memorable. This one’s going to be un-frigging-forgettable.

Holy Frigging Matrimony takes place about a year after Tangled’s end and is from Drew’s POV.

Buy Links:
Amazon US • Amazon UK

You can’t not love Drew Evans. He makes you laugh, smile, roll your eyes, and ultimately, he makes you love him. For fans of Tangled, you have to read this short story. It’s just as hilarious as Tangled, and so much fun to read. It has Drew’s hilarious narrative, and… there might even be a fist fight at a wedding? So yeah, if anything, you should reading Holy Frigging Matrimony for that.

“I don’t even know what to say to you.”
I squirm – just a little. “He started it.”
Her eyes narrow. “Are you serious?”
I think about it for a minute. “Kind of.”

Holy Frigging Matrimony is only 40 pages, but you won’t be able to stop smiling or laughing the whole time you’re reading. It takes place after Tangled, and everyone from Tangled is there for a wedding. Whose? You’ll have to read and find out 😉

Billy, Kate’s ex, is at the wedding, and jealousy ensues. The bantering between Drew and Billy will have you laughing until your sides hurt, and it gets even better when their fighting makes others, like Kate, pissed. Drew is such an ass, but he’s a charming, lovable one, and everything you can expect from him is in Holy Frigging Matrimony. Hot sex, Drew’s crude, sarcastic humor, and one pissed off bride–you don’t want to miss HFM. I had the best time reading this book. Loved it!

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

Reading Order: Tangled series

#1 ~ Tangled: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Holy Frigging Matrimony: Ebook • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Twisted: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Tamed: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Tied: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads

By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother of two who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she is a keyboard crusader, toiling away the hours to bring her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine. Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

Website • Twitter • Facebook

ebooks of Tangled and Holy Frigging Matrimony
a SIGNED paperback of Tangled

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FOLLOW BOOKLOVERS FOR LIFE ON:
✦ FACEBOOK • TWITTER • GOODREADS • PINTEREST • BLOGLOVIN’ ✦

	Unlocking the Magic… on Review: A Promise of Fire by A…
	Lucas Middleton on Blog Tour // Review + Excerpt:…
	Van on Blog Tour + Release Day Review…
	Amber Elise @ Du Liv… on Audiobook Review: The Stand-In…
	daisyknox on Release Day Review: Tryst Six…

Booklovers For Life

Falling in love with romance one page at a time

Tag Archives: contemporary