Review and Giveaway: Nearly Broken by Devon Ashley

 

Title: Nearly Broken

Author: Devon Ashley

Release date: June 4, 2013

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Age Group: New Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Synopsis:

We’d both gone missing at one point, but Claire had one thing I didn’t. Someone to notice. So why was I the one still here and she the one still gone?

Nineteen year old Megan Smith has spent the past year working in a small town diner in the middle of nowhere. Life is quiet, simple, safe. Then comes the news that her look-a-like has gone missing.

Claire.

Still damaged both physically and mentally, Megan's not looking to be noticed. Wherever she goes from here, it's a road she needs to take alone. But when Nickolas Ellis takes the job as the new nightshift cook, it scares her how easily her defenses crumble down, down, down for him. But there are secrets she can't bear to share with just anyone, unspeakable acts that continue to haunt, and when the similarities of Claire’s abduction couples with the fear of an unwanted visitor in town, the urge to run before it all happens again intensifies, threatening the only happiness Megan's ever found.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Realistic Fiction

Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

 

My Review:

 

I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nearly Broken. You have ripped my heart out. This is not your usual butterflies and rainbows read. I know, I’ve said that in the past, right? But seriously. This. Is. Dark. It’s definitely a romantic suspense that kept me until the very last page. And I wanted more.

Megan Smith is waitressing in a small town and trying to stay under the radar. She has survived something tragic. She is numb to life and does not want to get close to anyone. That is, until Nikolas Ellis shows up as the new cook at the restaurant. The walls she has built around herself seem to crumble around Nick. As her secret is revealed, she learns so much more. There were things in this book that unfolded that I didn’t see coming. So many twists and turns and just when you think everything is normal, there’s another twist. I seriously could not put this book down.

Nick Ellis. You are dreamy. Let me count the ways. Sigh. He has definitely worked his way up on my book boyfriend list. I loved his character in the story. Megan. Seriously one of the strongest females I’ve ever read about in my life. Like I said, this is a dark story. Some things are offensive and are not for the light hearted, however the author wrote an amazing story, and if you are a fan of romance and suspense, this is a MUST read!

This book was nothing like I expected, and I love when that happens! It was gut-wrenching and I felt every emotion while reading it. I connected to every character throughout this story. I think the author brought to light a subject that is not talked about enough, even though it happens every single day. I am hoping there is more to Megan and Nick's story.

I’ll be honest that I was worried about writing my review. I was not sure how to put in to words how much I enjoyed this book. I want everyone that reads this review that although dark, this book is worth it. Stop second guessing and read it!

About the Author:

I’m a mom, wife, a lover and a fighter, coffee addict, wicked knitster, Microbiologist, baker of fine yummy treats, and someone who will fight you to death for that last twinkie bag of M&Ms during the zombie-apocalypse. Seriously, my addiction is that important to me. Oh yeah, and writing is cool too!

Connect with Devon:
Facebook / Website / Goodreads

 

Purchase Nearly Broken Now!

Amazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

**Giveaway!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Review & Giveaway: Elsker by ST Bende!

Title: Elsker (Elsker Saga #1)
Author: ST Bende
Age Group: New Adult
Publication Date: April 22nd 2013
Published by: Entranced Publishing

Synopsis:

You don’t win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies along the way.

Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr.  Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting.  He’s an honest to goodness Norse God - an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth.  Kristia’s crazy visions are the only thing that can save their realms.  Her orderly life just got very messy.

 

 

My Review: 

I was fortunate enough to "meet" ST while we were both campaigning for our guys in the NA Crush Tournament. Bianca and I are advocates for Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless and ST, of course, was Team Ull! She's super sweet and was generous enough to get me a copy of Elsker! Reading the post that his advocates wrote up for the tournament had me sold on him and I was really excited to read this one! It did not disappoint one bit!

 
Sometimes when reading books that have a lot of mythology woven into them, it's easy to get overwhelmed with it. At least for me. This wasn't the case with Elsker. There was just enough to keep my attention and create a really interesting and exciting story, but not so much that I had trouble wrapping my head around it, especially considering that I knew nothing about Norse Mythology going into this novel. Well, unless you count drooling over Chris Hemsworth as Thor.
 
As far as Ull goes, I loved him. I loved his chivalry, his protective nature, and his romantic side. I especially like his tight sweaters and church waffles (he eats them with jam, and he shares... you'll see). I also loved Kristia. She was real and relatable and extremely brave, the kind of girl I could see myself being friends with. As far as the supporting characters go, they were all wonderful. I was especially fond of Inga, so I'm really excited to start reading the prequel, Tur.
 
I won't go into too much detail about the plot because I would hate to spoil anything, but I will say that there are quite a few little surprises! There are laugh-out-loud moments and I was pulled right in from the very first page. This book was nearly impossible to put down and I'm dying for the sequel. There isn't a cliffhanger in this one, but it will definitely leave you wanting much, much more. The next book in this series, Endre, is due out in September!

 

About the Author:
Before finding domestic bliss in suburbia, ST Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and Europe… where she became overly fond of the musical Cats. Her love of Scandinavian culture and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired the ELSKER series. She hopes her characters make you smile and that one day pastries will be considered a health food.
Email: STBende@gmail.com
Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Website

 

**Giveaway!**

ST Bende has been kind enough to offer a giveaway for a digital copy of Elsker to one lucky winner!

 

Giveaway will run until 7/14

 

Winner will be contacted on or shortly after 7/15

Good luck!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Veiled Shadows (The Age of Alandria: Book Two) by Morgan Wylie!

Title: Veiled Shadows (The Age of Alandria: Book Two)
Author: Morgan Wylie
Genre: Fantasy
Published by: American Majestic Entertainment
Release Date: TBA

ABOUT VEILED SHADOWS:

Shadows linger where light is obstructed, and truth is veiled.

Evil is an untreated disease in the once beautiful realm of Alandria.

Kaeleigh is faced with a revelation that she must reconcile. She will decide if discovering the truth is worth the unknown consequences to both herself and her friends.

Daegan, the Ferrishyn warrior, is conflicted by more than his loyalties, and is confronted with emotions he doesn’t know how to deal with. A choice must be made. A choice… that may cost him more than he ever wanted to give.

The Droch-Shúil—enforcers and servants of the ancient darkness—continue to cast their shadow over Alandria seeking those who can be turned to their side.

The magic of The Orchids is growing, but not everyone will survive what is to come.

Veiled Shadows is the second installment in The Age of Alandria series: the story of the Sol-lumieth’s quest for freedom of self and the power to battle the evil of the Droch-Shúil.

ABOUT MORGAN WYLIE:

Morgan Wylie has been writing on and off throughout her growing up years, but started seriously working on her first novel in the Spring of 2009. 7 months pregnant with her first child, she didn't start off with a lot of focused writing time. But Morgan had an epiphany, if you will, and the story flashed before her so she began to write. And she’s still writing. Her debut Young Adult fantasy, SILENT ORCHIDS, will be out this summer.

LINKS:

Twitter: MWylieBooks
Blog:www.morganwylie.blogpost.com
Web: morganwylie.net
Friend Morgan on Facebook or Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Every Shattered Thing by Elora Ramirez

Title: Every Shattered Thing
Author: Elora Ramirez
Genre: Mature Young Adult/New Adult Contemporary
Expected Release: Late Summer 2013
Cover Design: Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations.
Synopsis: 

Stephanie fights reality every day. The voices inside, the ones declaring her worth, deem her broken, used and dirty. She is an object. A toy. Something to be tossed aside when bored. Who will believe her if she whispers the truth about her wrecking ball of a family? Eventually, her secret explodes and the person who means the most to her knows just how shattered she is and why she's so afraid. But rescue is closer than she realizes. Hidden in plain sight, her horror hasn’t been ignored by everyone. Racing against the truth of what she faces, forces are joining together and developing a plan to free her from the hell in her own backyard. And while she’s at her lowest point, she’s hit with the beauty of love at any cost - redemption in the face of ruin. Will it be enough?

*Warning: Contains mature content that may not be suitable for younger audiences*

About the Author

Elora Ramirez lives in Austin, Texas with her chef-husband. At the age of four, she taught herself how to read and write, cutting her teeth on books like Dr. Suess and writing anywhere she could find the space—including her Fisher Price kitchen set, the pages of picture books and Highlights Magazine. Since then, she's grown to love the way words feel as they swell within her bones. Writing holy and broken is her calling, and pushing back the darkness and pursuing beauty through story is her purpose. She loves hip-hop, wishes she lived by the beach and cannot write without copious amounts of coffee, chocolate, and her husband's lavender liqueur.

Connect with Elora

Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads

Cover Reveal Organized By

Book Blitz: Inseparable by Missy Johnson

Inseparable

by Missy Johnson
Release Date: 05/14/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Can you imagine losing your twin?

Nineteen year old Lily is still struggling with the death of her identical twin, Abby, a year later when she moves away from home for college. Even in death though, their bond is still strong, with Abby visiting Lily in her dreams.

When a chance encounter with Twenty-One year old Dane Hansen changes Lily’s life, Lily’s friends warn her off becoming involved with Dane. He’s bad news, according to the rumors, anyway.

Dane has experienced loss himself, he understands Lily, and the more time he spends with her, the harder he falls. There is something he hasn’t told her though, something almost nobody knows, and it’s something that might stop Lily from feeling the same way.

Abby holds the key to something that will change Lily and Dane's life forever, but how do you get someone else to believe something you don't quite understand yourself?

Available from:

    

Author Links:

    

***Excerpt #1***

The worst thing, apart from the obvious, was seeing my sister fade away before my eyes.

Looking at Abby was like looking into a mirror, identical in every way, from our long blonde tresses, right down to our emerald green eyes and our curvy silhouettes.

After her diagnosis, the weight dropped off her, her eyes lost their sparkle, and her hair slowly fell out leaving a shadow of who she once was. I’d look at Abby and I’d feel guilty.

Why wasn’t I sick? Why had Abby been given such a horrible sentence?

Why did she deserve to die and not me?

Every day following her death, I’d look in the mirror and see Abby. I’d see the Abby I knew before she got sick. The Abby that was full of life, stuck deep inside her sick exterior right up until the moment she died.

***GIVEAWAY***

One signed copy of Inseparable and 5 e-book copies of Inseparable (INT) 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

Voting is OPEN For Today's NA Crush Tourney Matches!

So today is the day! Voting is officially OPEN for today's matches over at NA Alley! Our favorite D-Bag, Kellan Kyle is up today against Will Cooper from Slammed! Yes, we all adore Will, but today is all about Kel! Please, please share this post, tweet about it, share it on facebook, encourage your friends to vote-- whatever you have to do, to help bring our guy a big WIN! We've already had help from a LOT of you and we're so thankful that you've taken the time to vote and to spread the word about Kellan's match. You're awesome. You rock. Seriously. But we're not done yet!

 

Voting is only open for 24 hours-- that's TODAY ONLY, and you can only vote ONCE per match, so make it count and vote #TeamKellan!

 

Be sure to show your support by using #TeamKellan and #NACrushTourney on Twitter!

 

To vote, click HERE!

 

Below is our NACrushTourney post for our favorite rock star! ;) Let's show everyone how much we love Kel!

 

Hi! We are Brittany and Bianca of Brittany and Bianca Blab Books! Brittany is a wife and a Mommy to the most beautiful and fun three year old. Bianca works in higher education but would much rather spend her time with her nose in a book. We’ve bonded over our love for books! Our crush is the one and only Kellan Kyle, lead singer of the D-Bags and the star of the Thoughtless Series by S.C. Stephens! With the help of some special friends and #TeamKellan, we are determined to see Mr. Kyle straight through to the winner's circle in the NA Crush Tournament!

For those who have never heard of Kellan Kyle, climb out from under that rock and be prepared to swoon… Sit back, relax, and get ready to hear all about our crush!

What makes Kellan such a catch?

Looks: So is Kellan gorgeous? Sexy? Drool-worthy? All of the above! I mean, just check out this picture.

Go ahead... Drool a little... We'll wait...

“No one would be able to overlook him—He was drop-dead gorgeous. He had intense eyes… His light, sandy-brown hair was a thick, wild mess. It was longer on top with shorter, shaggy layers all the way around… it was alarmingly attractive on him…”

Pair that delicious description with an unbelievably sexy smile and a “fabulous” body, and you have a perfect ten!

OK, so he is SEXY. What else is there?

 Personality: Of course, looks aren’t everything. What does Kellan Kyle have going on behind that beautiful face? He has a fun and playful personality. He is fun to be around and a great friend to his band mates. He has had his share of pain to endure in the past, but when he loves, he loves with his whole heart and soul. He is a bad boy that believes in true love. He’s compassionate and laid back. He loves his guitar, his Chevy Chevelle, coffee, lounging in the park, love note scavenger hunts, and Denver omelets.

Talents: Yes, we said talent! Our boy is a triple threat; the whole package! As we said, he is the lead singer of the D-Bags, a popular, local band in Seattle that just might hit it big one day *wink* Yes, he’s the star… But how good is he, really??

“His voice was melted sex. Yes, melted…sex.”

Melted sex?! I mean, come ON. You can’t top that… Unless you add on the fact that Mr. Kyle also plays guitar. Who doesn’t love a rock star?!

And a sentimental one, at that *sigh*

"...my life was empty before you stepped into it. I thought I had everything I needed, but only because I didn’t let myself want anything. And then I saw you, and you burned a hole straight through me. I have never wanted anything more in my life."

Oh, Kellan we love you too. And to show our love for our favorite crush, #TeamKellan came up with a little something special, entitled...

Crushin' on Kellan

 

Kellan Kyle is so wild,

He'll make you melt with just a smile.

Kellan Kyle: sex on a stick,

You'll want a taste, you'll want a lick.

His caresses will take you to the moon,

But that's not all that will make you swoon.

He'll always make sure you have a good MORNIN'

He's so addictive, he should come with a warning!

You'll fall for him over a cup of coffee,

And if you're good, he'll serenade you softly.

He's Seattle's resident rock god,

A voice that sexy should be outlawed!

Just look at him and try not to drool,

That body will make you wet in other places, too...

That screw-me hair, those bedroom eyes,

Mmm, he'll have you hypnotized!

We're sure you'll agree, he's so swoon-worthy.

Now help him WIN the NA Crush Tourney!

And on that note…

We believe you should vote for Kellan Kyle because he is the ultimate book boyfriend. He is a talented, sexy singer and a complete hopeless romantic.

“You finally get it.”

“Get what?”

“That I'm yours... that you can take me... anywhere, anytime, anyway. That you own every piece of me.”

He loves with his whole heart and more. He is passionate, eager, and intense about music, life, and most importantly, love. And he definitely knows how to make you feel special, like you’re the only girl in the world.

“And he was the reason I felt it. His gaze, his touch, his smile, his laugh, no one had ever made me feel... worshiped... quite like he did.”

Any lady would be lucky to have him, this is why he is our #1 CRUSH!

We think we’ve made our case. But if you still need convincing, check out this video with some of our favorite Kellan quotes, featuring Devin Paisley as Kellan Kyle. We’re sure you’ll find him just as swoon-worthy as we do! And be sure to support our favorite rock star and get everyone you know to VOTE #TeamKellan on July 2nd when he's up against that pesky Will Cooper from Slammed! ;) Come on, Kellan lovers! We need your help to WIN!


   

Would you like to join #TeamKellan and help our favorite D-Bag WIN the #NACrushTourney? Join our street team on Facebook HERE!

Use hashtag #TeamKellan on Twitter to show your support!

And don't forget to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

How to NOT Get Over Him in Eight Ways! Guest Post by Whitney G., Author of Mid-Life Love!

Today at Brittany and Bianca Blab Books, we have a guest post from Whitney G. She's the author of the newly released Mid-Life Love! If you haven't heard of this one yet, here's a little about the book!
 
Title: Mid-Life Love
Author: Whitney G.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 28th 2013
 
Synopsis:
 
If you'd asked me what love was two years ago, I probably would've said, 'It's this amazing feeling that obsesses and possesses you; it's what me and my husband currently have.' If you ask me that same question today, I'll say, 'Please get the hell out of my face.’

Claire Gracen's life is picture perfect. Her career as a marketing director is on the brink of being legendary, and her marriage to her high school sweetheart has never been stronger. No, wait. It has. It used to be amazing and fulfilling, but one day Claire realizes that she's been living a lie and her best friend and husband have committed the ultimate betrayal.

Broken and depressed, Claire is in need of something new—new city, new job, new friends.

When she happens to attract the interest of the sexiest man she's ever met, a man significantly younger than her, she immediately turns him down—only to later discover that this man is Jonathan Statham, self-made billionaire and CEO of Statham Industries. Her boss.

Jonathan Statham is unlike any man she's met before. He's used to getting whatever he wants—whenever he wants, and he isn't about to take no for an answer.

Sexy, unpredictable, and charmingly clever, Mid Life Love is a story that will captivate you, entertain you, and force you to fall deeply in love with the characters.
 

 

In a topic appropriate to this novel, Whitney gives some big no-no's when it comes to getting over a man who has broken your heart!

 

**How to NOT Get Over Him in Eight Ways**

 

You know that moment when your relationship is finally over? That moment when your heart starts to fracture because it knows that this time is the time, and there will be no more making up after this?

 

Well, I’ve unfortunately experienced that moment plenty of times. To prepare for it, I keep my fridge fully stocked with chocolate chip ice cream, and I have all the feel-good chick-flick DVDS lined up in alphabetical order—ready and waiting for whenever it comes.

 

Yet, despite all my preparation, I almost always do the same shit after a break up, shit that does not help at all. From one heartbroken woman to another, I'm going to give you my top eight ways on how NOT to get over someone you love:

 

8.) Cry. All the time. At work. In your car. In line at the grocery store. YES. Cry like no one is watching you, like you don’t have a single shred of dignity.

 

When people ask, “Are you okay?”—because you're making them worry, that's your cue to cry some more. I mean, how else can they expect you to get over him if you don’t cry 24/7? Come on!

 

7.) Constantly bring him up in conversations with your friends. Yeah, the topic of discussion is "How hot Christian Grey is," but that doesn't matter. Interrupt their fan-girling and say, "Well, I thought [insert your ex's name] was pretty hot too...until HE DUMPED ME!!!"

 

Repeat step one right after you say that.

 

6.) Reminisce all the time—and don’t you dare think about the bad times, like when he forgot your birthday, or when he showed up drunk to your parents' summer party, or when he took you to Pizza Hut on Valentine’s Day. Oh nooo. Only reminisce about the GOOD times, the times when he drove ten miles in the blizzard just to bring you some soup, the time when he surprised you with your favorite perfume, or the time he gave you a promise ring and told you, “One day this will be an engagement ring.”

 

5.) Text him every now and then just to say, “How are you?” When he doesn’t respond with, “Terrible without you,” text back in a rage: “I know you’re not really fine, but I AM.” “Yeah, I can have another you in a minute!” “I’m better off without you too!” “You’re going to miss me!”

 

**Side-note: When he starts ignoring your texts, use Twitter.

 

4.) Stay away from fun activities that would keep your mind off of him. No movies, no tennis, no Girl’s Night Out with your closest friends. Just mope and wait until someone asks what’s wrong with you…You already know what to do when they do...

 

3.) All those personal mementos he gave you? That promise ring (that you later found out came from his younger sister’s jewelry box), that charm necklace, and those cheap, fluffy teddy-bears? Keep them neatly arranged in your room so you can wonder “what could have been” every time your eyes glance that way.

 

2.) Show up at the places you know he’ll be. Put on your best dress, your best heels, and ignore him the entire night. When you realize that he’s not paying you any attention because he’s moved on and he has another date on his arm? Well, just head to the nearest bathroom and wipe off your mascara before you do the inevitable. Crybaby.

 

1.) Refuse to believe that you’re capable of finding someone else more compatible, more compassionate, more complete. Wallow in your misery, thinking that the loss of your “first love” means that you’ve lost your only chance at love.

 

In closing, yes, some of these idiotic things are things I did when I dated people in college. (Don’t you dare judge me! I was DUMB and I’m well aware of it, okay?) That said, the only true way to get over someone is to start living your life without them.

 

Change your habits, change your thought process, and remember, there will always be someone else. Always.

 

Now, if you’ll excuse me…I have a carton of ice cream to finish and some old teddy bears to burn,

 

Whitney Gracia

 
Bianca and I would like to thank Whitney for this post and we definitely can't wait to read Mid-Life Love!

Purchase Mid-Life Love NOW!

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author:

 

A self diagnosed candy addict, travel junkie, and hypochondriac, Whitney Gracia Williams LOVES to write about characters that make you laugh, cry, and want to (in the case of Selena Ross) reach through your Kindle and slap them.

She is the "imaginary bestselling" author of the Jilted Bride Series, Mid Life Love, Wasted Love, and Captain of My Soul.

When she's not locked inside her room, feverishly typing away on her laptop, she can be found here:http://www.whitneygracia.com

She also loves getting emails from her readers, so if you want to tell her how much you loved (or hated) her stories, email her at whitgracia@gmail.com

Connect with Whitney:

Facebook / Twitter / Website / Goodreads