Book Blitz: Leap of Faith by Jamie Blair

Title: Leap of Faith  

Author: Jamie Blair
Published By: Simon & Schuster BfYR
Publication Date: September 3rd 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Can true love be built on lies? A teen on the run seeks relief and redemption in this gripping, romantic read.

Leah Kurtz has finally found a place to call home, a town where she and baby Addy can live in peace, far from the drug-infested place she grew up. Chris is one of the best parts of her new life, the only person who’s ever made her feel safe. And now that she’s found him, there’s no way she can tell the truth:

Her real name is Faith, not Leah. She’s seventeen, not nineteen. And the baby isn’t hers—Faith kidnapped her.

Faith’s history catches up with her when a cop starts asking questions and Chris’s aunt spots her picture in the newspaper. She knows it’s time to run again, but if Faith leaves, she’ll lose Chris. If Chris is in love with a lie, though, did Faith ever really have him in the first place?

Excerpt

Halfway to 356 Maple, a black pickup truck pulls into the driveway.  Music blares from the open windows.  Chris’s hair blows around in the breeze. 

My heart jumps to life. 

How have I become so hooked on a guy I met yesterday?  But watching him park his truck and hop out, I know how.  Nobody’s ever done half as much for me, and he doesn’t even know me.  He’s a good person, and I haven’t known many of those.

On his way to the front door, he stops when he spots us.  “Hey!” His smile’s genuine, and fills his whole face.  He jogs across the yard to meet us. 

After seeing his room, I half-expect him to be wearing a superhero t-shirt, but there’s none today, just a plain white t-shirt covered in dirt.  He’s filthy.  “All moved in?” he asks.

“Yeah.”  I watch his tall frame moving toward me, his jeans shifting with each stride, his shirt hugging his chest.  I stop the stroller as he reaches us.  “I love the paint color and the privacy wall.  Thanks.”

He bends down, leaning his head in the stroller.  His fingers wrap around Addy’s arm. “You’re welcome.  Listen, I’m really sorry about what happened.  My dad can be…I don’t know what’s wrong with him sometimes.  Do you need help moving anything in?” 

I ignore the jab in the pit of my stomach at the mention of Chris’s dad.  “No, we’re good.  We don’t have much, so it wasn’t difficult.”

He unbuckles Addy and lifts her out of the stroller. “Is it okay if I carry her in?”

I cringe at the dirt on his shirt, but he’s already got her pressed against his chest.    “Sure.”  I can always give her a bath.

She turns her head toward his neck and snuggles into a ball.  Somehow she feels what I do with him. 

Safe.

Secure.

Home.

Guest Post: Jamie Blair

Justified Kidnapping?

Is kidnapping ever justified?

In Leap Of Faith, the main character, Faith, kidnaps her newborn sister, Addy, in order to give her a better life. Faith’s mother is a drug addict. Faith has grown up in a neglectful and mentally abusive home, often with no food to eat. In her mind, there is no way she can let this baby grow up the same way she has.

I was approached by a woman who had a very similar situation in her family, so the question I never expected to be asked and never even considered when writing Leap Of Faith was asked: Is it ever okay to kidnap a child from an abusive or neglectful parent?

Approaching the topic from a fictional standpoint as I had, I felt that Faith was justified in her actions, but it was illegal, so I can’t in good conscious say it’s a measure that should be taken in a real-life situation. On the other hand, a child should never be left with an abusive or neglectful caregiver. There are steps to take, authorities to involve—it might take a while and be frustrating to wait for a resolution, but kidnapping can’t actually be an option, can it?

Is there ever a time when it’s justified? When a child you love is in danger? What are your thoughts? 

Purchase Leap of Faith, Now!

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         About the Author 

Jamie Blair spent most of her teen years choreographing moves for her dance team routines, kissing boys on the couch after her mom went to bed, and pondering the mood enhancement qualities of Lemon Heads when consumed with Diet Coke. Writing under Kelli Maine, she’s the USA Today bestselling author of Taken. Leap of Faith is her debut New Adult novel.

Connect with Jamie

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

One (1) swag pack (signed postcard and Leap of Faith guitar pick). 

Open to US addresses only.

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Cover Reveal: Far Too Tempting by Lauren Blakely

Title: Far Too Tempting  
Author: Lauren Blakely
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Publishing under EDGE imprint
Release Date:
Synopsis: 
Jane Black has written the break-up album of the century, earning her a Grammy, a huge legion of new fans, and the pressure to repeat her success. Sure, the heartbreak from her husband’s unconventional abandonment might have been her inspiration, but it hasn’t done her any favors in the dating department. So when Matthew Harrigan, the toughest music journalist out there, asks for an interview, Jane agrees—as long as her personal life is completely off-limits. 


British, gorgeous, and way too tempting, Matthew’s the first guy Jane’s been attracted to since her husband. As she spends more time with him and their relationship heats up, though, so does her writer’s block. How can the queen of the break-up pen the perfect follow-up when she’s seriously in love?

Pre-Order Far Too Tempting, Now!

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About the Author

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.

Connect with Lauren

Website | Blog| Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

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Blog Tour: Truth or Dare by Ember Casey

Title: Truth or Dare 

Author: Ember Casey

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 26, 2013

Synopsis: 

After their passionate, heated weekend at the Cunningham estate, Lily and Calder have decided to take their relationship to the next level. But love in the real world isn’t all fun and games—especially when it becomes clear that Calder still harbors his share of secrets.

When Calder suggests they hold off on sex for a while, Lily knows something is seriously wrong—and she’s not afraid to pull out the big guns. She makes Calder a proposal he can’t refuse: an ongoing match of Truth or Dare that she hopes will bring them closer together both physically and emotionally.

But as the contest increases in intensity, so do the stakes, and suddenly Lily and Calder have to face the question they’ve both been avoiding: what sort of relationship do they have when they strip away all the games?

Excerpt

Calder yanks me against his body, crushing me to his hard chest. His mouth moves hungrily, desperately, against my own, and mine meets his with equal passion. I revel in the taste of him, eager to drink it all in.

Damn, I missed this.

He’s backing me up against my desk now, and I don’t protest when he pushes me down on top of it. Something falls to the floor beside us. My files? The invoices? Honestly, I don’t care. One of Calder’s hands moves around the small of my back while the other winds in my hair, his fingers twisting and pulling at the strands. He leans over me, nudging my thighs apart so he can press nearer. There’s a clatter as something else tumbles off the desk. Something big this time—probably that dinosaur of a three-hole punch we’ve had since this place opened.

There’s no way Dad didn’t hear that.

I push Calder off of me and sit up, grabbing him by the tie even as my dad’s voice floats in from the next room. “Lily? Are you all right?”

“I’m fine! It’s nothing!” I tug Calder around the desk and shove him down onto the floor. He’s too surprised to resist or argue, and I pray that he catches the warning in my glare. I’m just bending to pick up the three-hole punch when Dad appears in the doorway.

“Is everything okay, honey?”

“Yeah,” I say, waving the beast of a gadget at him. “Just knocked a couple of things off my desk.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Calder raise his eyebrows in surprise. I give him a small kick, hoping he gets the hint.

Dad is looking curiously at me, and I realize suddenly how disheveled I must appear. My hands skim over my shirt, my skirt. And—oh, God—my hair…

“It’s been a rough day,” I say, trying to brush it off, hoping against hope that my face isn’t as red as it feels. Crap, are my lips swollen?

But my dad either doesn’t notice or chooses not to see.

“That Collins woman again?” he says. “She’s been a real trip.”

I nod. “Called and changed her numbers again. I—”

Calder is touching me. His fingers are sliding up my leg—softly, slowly, sending shivers all the way up my thigh. I clear my throat and try to shift away from him, but his hand follows.

“I—I redid the invoices,” I manage, indicating the papers that are still on the floor. Calder’s hand has slipped beneath the hem of my skirt now, and it’s slowly inching its way upward. His breath is warm against my ankle. When I try to gently nudge his face away, he nips at my skin and flicks his tongue sensually along the back of my leg. I try not to squirm.

“How many do they have coming?” Dad asks.

It’s hard to remember the number with Calder’s mouth teasing my ankle and his fingers caressing my thigh. “Two hundred and twelve, I think?”

Dad whistles. “A big one.”

“We need it.” I lean forward and grip the desk, trying to keep my face blank. Calder’s ever-climbing hand is now tickling my strategically-closed thighs, trying to force me to part them. In spite of the situation, my body reacts instinctively to the touch. Heat pools in my lower belly, a contrast to the panicked lump in my throat. I’m having trouble breathing normally, and my face and neck feel warmer with every passing second. I swear, if my dad finds out about us like this, Calder’s going to get it. And by “it” I don’t mean the prize he’s currently seeking between my legs.

I shift again, and this time I feel my heel connect with Calder’s cheek. He sucks in a breath, and I cough to cover up the sound.

Dad’s frowning. Great, he must have heard.

But no—he’s shaking his head. “Didn’t you have dinner plans with a friend?”

“Yes. Yes I do.” I smile. “I was just about to change.”

Dad’s smiling again. “Good. You’ve been working too much these past few weeks.”

“I could say the same of you.”

It’s true, but if I’m being honest, Dad looks the best he has in months. When the Frazer Center for the Arts was on the brink of closing, he was a mess. I’ve never seen him look so old, so tired, so haggard. But now he might be a decade younger. He’s smiling more—laughing, even—and, as cheesy as it sounds, the sparkle is back in his eyes. We’re not completely out of danger yet, but we’re moving steadily in the right direction, and that positive energy has been enough to make Dad excited about this place again.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” he says. “You have fun tonight, honey.”

“Will do.”

No sooner has he turned away than Calder grabs my hand and yanks me down beside him—or, more accurately, on top of him.

Purchase Truth or Dare, Now!

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           About the Author

Website: http://embercasey.blogspot.com/

 Ember Casey is a twenty-something writer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia in a den of iniquity (or so she likes to tell people). When she's not writing steamy romances, you can find her whipping up baked goods (usually of the chocolate variety), traveling (her bucket list is infinite), or generally causing trouble (because somebody has to do it). She is the author of HIS WICKED GAMES and TRUTH OR DARE.

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Blog Tour, Review, & Giveaway: The Darkest Part by Trisha Wolfe

Title: The Darkest Part (Living Heartwood ) 

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 08/06/13
Synopsis:
Pressing the boundaries of both the psyche and the heart, Sam and Holden embark on a dangerous journey that will test the limits of love.

Sam Wintry’s life used to be almost perfect. She was engaged to her childhood best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler Marks, planning an amazing cross-country honeymoon during her college break. But after a hit-and-run leaves her in ruin, she begins seeing Tyler’s fractured, ghostly presence, and her family believes she’s losing her mind. Not until she completes their journey, stopping along the way to scatter Tyler's remains, will Tyler be able cross over. Only...is Sam ready for him to leave her?

When the black sheep of the Marks' family, Holden Marks, returns to check on Tyler's case, Sam convinces him to give her his brother's ashes. Despite their shaky history, she needs him...plus, he owes it to Sam and his brother. What she doesn’t count on is Holden’s relentlessness to go on the trip.
On the road, Holden realizes just how unhinged Sam has become. Dealing with her psychosis forces him to confront his dark past, making it harder to keep secrets hidden that should remain buried. Especially from Sam, the only woman he’s ever loved. And as Sam starts to unravel the truth, she begins to question if the brother she's unwillingly falling for again is in an even darker place than her.

Review

I was provided an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been looking for the type of read that is engaging, well-written, steamy, and emotional. I found all of this in The Darkest Part.

Where to begin with this heart-wrenching read? I loved every minute I spent reading it. It reminded me of why I spend so much of my time reading. What I love most about reading is the journey. I love to get absorbed into the stories and lives of these characters. To get wrapped up in the story so much that you forget time. Not many authors achieve this, but Trisha Wolfe did. I am forever a reader of hers.

This beautiful, gut-wrenching story of second chance love, loss, and forgiveness will stay with me for a very long time.  Sam has an almost perfect life. She is engaged to her best friend and high school sweetheart, Tyler. One night, everything is ripped from her. Tyler dies which makes her world come crashing down.  Soon after, Sam believes she can see Tyler. She believes he won’t be free until she scatters his ashes on a road trip that they planned for their honeymoon. Tyler’s older brother steals the ashes and they both embark on a road trip that will change everything they know and believe in.

Although the synopsis explains that Tyler’s death will happen, it didn’t prepare me any less. Tyler and Sam were a very loving couple. Not many have that deep connection they did. While Tyler lived for a small amount of time, I still connected to his character and was devastated when the death happens.

Enter Holden, and you feel a change in the book.  He’s like this incoming storm that Sam never expected, but needed more now than ever.  Little does he know how much the road trip will change him as it will Sam. Any story about loss is heartbreaking, but this was beyond that. All the characters were hurt. Every single one was suffering in silence. It’s later when we find out their secrets. Love heals. This book attests to that.

I am adding this to one of my favorite books ever shelf. I laughed, I cried, I swooned. I haven’t read such a touching book in a very long time. Every and any NA fan needs to read this book. Not many NA books will be able to top this one.

Purchase The Darkest Part, Now!

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          About the Author

I’m the author of the YA Steampunk DESTINY'S FIRE (Omnific Publishing), ASTARTE'S WRATH NA Historical/Supernatural, and the upcoming YA Utopian FIREBLOOD from Spencer Hill Press, October 2013. My NA Dark Fantasy OF SILVER AND BEASTS available May 2013.

I’m the creator of YA Bound, a promotional site for the Young Adult genre. Also a member of SCWW and The Apocalypsies.

A proud business owner, I'm partnered with my partner, my husband. When I’m not busy doing all of the above, I’m a wife and the mother of a gorgeous teen boy who's the sounding board for my male characters.

Connect with Trisha

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook│Tumblr│YouTube│Pinterest

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Cover Reveal: The Perfect Distraction by Melissa Rolka

  TITLE - The Perfect Distraction (Book #1) 

  AUTHOR - Melissa Rolka GENRE - New Adult 

  EXPECTED RELEASE DATE - October 1, 2013 

  HOSTED BY - Love Between the Sheets 

  GOODREADS - http://tiny.cc/tv6x3w   

  BOOK DESCRIPTION 

When Katherine “Kate” leaves for her freshmen year at college, a grounded and stable piece of her is missing. She pushes away the ghosts of her past, determined to start her college life single, carefree and distracted.

Throughout high school Kate was reserved and shy, with little experience. Now, on her own, with little holding her back, Kate is ready to branch out. She bonds with a tight knit group of friends and even starts casually dating. What starts out as innocent flirting on the tennis courts slowly turns into a friendship and eventually something more complex. Reed comes into her life giving her the distraction she craves more than anything; but is she ready to give her heart away so easily?

Things get complicated when Kate’s ex-boyfriend and first love continues to pursue her. Kyle deeply regrets breaking her heart when he left for college the year before and is now on a mission to reclaim her. Kyle’s persistence and relentlessness is nothing short of obsessive. He will stop at nothing to win her back and prove his love.

Kate finds herself torn between her past and the unknown of the future. Her determination to stay distracted may just be her downfall or the beginning of something new and wonderful.

 

EXCERPT 

 

I don’t even care that there are now three different girls talking to Reed. I sneak up behind him and tap him on the shoulder. He turns around and the look of shock and surprise on his face causes me to start giggling. He turns completely around with his back to the other three girls and gives me a smile that touches his blue eyes. His squared jaw highlights his smile perfectly. In this instant of a moment I decide I want to kiss Reed even if it’s just for fun and to forget.“You’re kidding me. Wow! I can’t believe you came here.” “I told you we would. You didn’t think I would do it, did you?” “Honestly, no, but I was hoping. I never see you out on the weekends anymore, so this is a great surprise.” We stand there for a minute and then he orders me a beer. I take it, but nurse it. I’ve had a bit much already and don’t want the spins. He asks me and Quinn to play a game of pool with him and Matt. Matt wants to play girls against guys, but Reed says no way that he wants me on his team. I warn him that I am not that good, but alcohol may help my case. We play the game and I actually do pretty well. Reed touches me every chance he gets and is very flirty. It’s my turn and I have to bend over to make a shot, but to be honest I forget that I have a dress on. “Shit, Katherine,” he lets out in a bit of gruff tone and walks up behind me to cover me. I laugh at him. “Oops, I forgot about my dress.” “You look good enough as it is and now with a dress on. Jesus, I don’t need to get in a fight.” He is still pressed behind me as I continue to make my shot. I miss completely because to be honest I’m completely distracted. “I doubt anyone noticed, but thanks for protecting me.” He steps back and I turn around. I decide to be bold and kiss his cheek. “Trust me, you were noticed.” He moves a piece of hair from my face and the touch sends a chill through me. “God, you are so beautiful.”  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

 

Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.The Perfect Distraction is her first full length novel. A second continuation of this story is in the works with hopes for a third. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.

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Book Spotlight, Review & Giveaway: The Mourning After by Adriane Leigh

Book: The Mourning After 

Author: Adriane Leigh

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 26, 2013

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Synopsis:

Haunted by a painful past, Georgia Montgomery escapes the memories by buying a beach house on the North Carolina coast. She hopes a summer filled with sun, sand, margaritas and best friends will heal her, but when an unexpected visitor shows up, her past, present and future collide.

Georgia is instantly drawn to Tristan Howell, the bronze-skinned, golden-haired stranger with an easy smile and eyes the deepest shade of green she's ever seen. She tries to deny the depth of her feelings for him, but just like an addiction- one look, one touch, one taste is never enough. With Tristan she loses control of the lonely world she's constructed for herself and learns that moving forward isn't possible while she's still chained to the events of her past.

Before the summer is over friendships will be tested, hearts shattered and lives changed, and waiting for Georgia to find herself may destroy them all.

Review

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Let Go.

Let Me Have It.

Let Me Have You.

Sigh. Where do I begin with this sweet and sexy book? What a perfect story now that the Summer is ending. Shhh I live in Florida, I can still hold on to Summer.  Even if it’s September. J

Georgia Montgomery is over being second best to everything in her  boyfriend’s (Kyle) life. It’s always been school or work then Georgia. They have been together since their younger years, spent time on and off but in the end always found their way back to each other. One day, Georgia was spontaneous and bought a summer house on the beach. Without Kyle’s blessing. This is my kind of girl!

She invites her best friends, Drew and Silas. Drew has a new boytoy, Gavin who also invites his best friend, Tristan Howell. Sexy T. Yes, I called him that. He exudes sexy confidence. You feel the electricity between him and Georgia the moment they meet. They easily connect to each other on a level that Georgia hasn’t felt with Kyle. Their banter is amusing, and watching them try not to fall for each other was heartbreaking.

Georgia and Tristan are both hurting in their own ways, yet bury their feelings. Georgia ignores her feelings. Kyle uses women to cover his feelings. While Georgia is committed to Kyle, there is no denying the strong connection between her and Tristan. Georgia has been so used to the stability of Kyle that this new spark is both scary and enticing. Does she stay with what she knows or take a chance on Tristan, who becomes the air she needs to breathe.

I do not want to give anything away, however I am Team Sexy T! He is an ultimate romantic that has a past with no love, but has so much to give. I absolutely loved his character. Kyle really is a douche, but he gets points for sticking through what Georgia has been through. No person should have had to endure what she did, but Kyle was her rock through it all.

Overall, I loved this story! The main and secondary characters made this story so enjoyable. The only time I stopped reading is when I had to do real world things, like ya know, sleeping and working, but picked up my kindle as soon as I had a free minute. By the end, I was torn. It ended so soon. I cannot wait for book two. Book one does not end on a cliffhanger therefore I recommend it to everyone. A perfect read about taking chances on life and love. 

Purchase The Mourning After, HERE!

                         About the Author

Adriane Leigh is the bestselling author of Steel and Lace and The Mourning After. She was born and raised in a snowbank in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and now lives amongst the sand dunes on the Lake Michigan lakeshore. She graduated with a Literature degree but never particularly enjoyed reading Shakespeare or Chaucer. Adriane is married to a tall, dark and handsome guy, and plays mama to two sweet baby girls.

Connect with Adriane

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 

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