Promo | INTO THE NOTHING by BT Urruela

Title: Into the Nothing

Series: Broken Outlaw #1

Author: BT Urruela

Release Date: June 21, 2016

Xander Evans has been on the road for many years. Never settling. Always moving from one place to another, unable to let go of his past. He lived a tragic childhood, spending most of those years in foster care. He's never felt like he's had a home. That is until he stops in the small town of Truman Valley, Missouri, where he meets a woman who will change everything he's ever known.

Paige Watson has it all. A loving family, beautiful home, and a great career. The only thing she's missing....is love. After escaping an abusive relationship, she opens her heart up to a stranger. He is unlike any man she's ever met. He came into her life and turned it completely upside down. Everything is perfect. That is, until one fateful night. 

A night that would tear the Watson family apart, never to be put back together again. 

A night that would send Xander away to prison for life.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Goodreads

BT Urruela was an infantryman in the US Army from August 2004 until February 2011. At the end of a year long tour to Baghdad, Iraq, his vehicle was hit by two roadside bombs, which took his right leg below the knee and the life of his commander. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wounds, an Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman's Badge. He medically retired from the Army in 2011 and moved to Tampa, FL where he currently works as a Director and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, a veteran community sports nonprofit he co-founded in 2012. He also conducts motivational speeches, works as a cover and fitness model and he's a personal performance trainer. He co-wrote the military romance novel A Lover's Lament and will be releasing his debut solo novel, Into the Nothing, on June 21st, 2016.

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

New Release Blog Tour Review | Sweet Soul by Tillie Cole

Sweet Soul by Tillie Cole 

Series: Sweet Home #4

Age group: New adult
Genre: Contemporary romance

Release date: 15th December 2015

Author's Website | Goodreads | Buy the Book On Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

One shy lost soul.
One silent lonely heart.One love to save them both.

Life has never been easy for twenty-year-old Levi Carillo. The youngest of the Carillo boys, Levi is nothing like his older brothers. He isn’t dark in looks or intimidating to everyone he meets. In fact, he’s quite the opposite. Haunted by a crippling shyness and the tragic events of his past, Levi spends his days with his head buried in his books, or training hard for his college football team. Too timid to talk to girls, Levi stays as far away as possible and completely on his own… until he saves the life of a troubled pretty blonde, a troubled pretty blonde that might just be the exception to his rule.

Elsie Hall is homeless. Or at least that’s all anyone ever sees. Everyday is a fight for survival on the cold streets of Seattle, everyday a struggle to find food and keep warm. Alone in life—a life that’s dangerous and cruel—her will to keep going is an ever-losing battle. In her world of silence, Elsie has given up hope that her life will contain anything but constant struggle and pain… until the beautiful boy she has severely wronged comes to her rescue at precisely the right time.

New Adult novel—contains sexual situations and mature topics. Suited for ages 18 and up.



My Thoughts....

Let me first just say, I am SO thankful Tillie lengthened this to a full scale novel instead of keeping it a novella as originally planned. Levi and Elsie's story is a story so powerful, it just couldn't be cut short. I fell in love with Carillo brothers back in 2014 and I am so happy to see them finally get their happy ever after. They each overcame so much, dealt with so many demons, it is a relief to see them all happy and loved. 

Being the baby of the Carillo boys, Levi isn't like his brothers. He isn't  hard and reserved like Axel, or a partyboy like Austin. He's quite, compassionate, and shy. Calling Levi "soft" may sound like a negative thing, but I mean it in a naturally innocent type of way. Even though he was extremely young when tragedy struck his family, Levi still experienced the pain; the pain of losing a brother, losing a mother, and almost losing himself. He did things and saw things no child should have to ever see or do, and even after leaving it all behind, the past still haunts him. 

Elsie is probably the most genuine, most beautiful, most humble female character I've ever had the pleasure to meet. Born into a world that doesn't understand her, Elsie has no choice but to fend for herself. Life on the streets hasn't been good to her and she's hobbling around on her last leg. When Elsie is forced to steal food in order to eat, she knows she has reached the end of her rope. She has no home, no friends, and no family. Just when she is sure life has no meaning and is ready to throw in the towel, Levi Carillo is there is remind her why she must keep fighting. What started as a courtesy call, Levi and Elsie's story becomes a life long commitment.

Sweet Soul isn't like the rest of the series; it's soft. Again, by soft I mean that it doesn't revolve around life's hard edges. In terms of candy, Sweet Soul is the caramel gooey center of a hard nutty truffle. I think it was a perfect ending novel to the series, because it sums up the amount of love and adoration this family deserves. Be prepared to cry; I did from like the 10th page on. The amount of gentleness this novel seeps will absolutely melt your heart. My heart broke for Elsie and Levi, but was sewn back together by their love story. As always, Cole does not disappoint

Victoria ♥


*Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.*

Blog Tour Review | Reap by Tillie Cole

Reap by Tillie Cole

Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin

ebook

Author's Website | Goodreads | Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Raised as a prototype for the Georgian Bratva's obedience drug, 221 fails to think, act, or live for himself; he's his master's perfectly-crafted killing puppet. Standing at six-foot-six, weighing two-hundred-and-fifty pounds, and unrivaled in to-the-death combat, 221 successfully secures business for the Georgian Mafiya Boss of NYC, who rules the dark world of the criminal underground. Until his enemies capture him.

Talia Tolstaia dreams to break from the heavy clutches of Bratva life. She dreams of another life--away from the stifling leash of her Russian Bratva Boss father and from the brutality of her work at The Dungeon, her criminal family's underground death-match enterprise. But when she stumbles upon her family's captive who is more monster than man, she starts to see the man underneath. A powerful, beautiful, damaged man whose heart calls to hers. But sacrifices must be made--blood for blood...life for life...souls for scarred souls... 

What I Thought....

Oh my goodness.....If you thought Raze was good, Reap will take your breath away. Cole combines two very unlikely souls and breaks our hearts with them. Between the suspense, action, and down-right dirtiness of it all, we understand the organized chaos. After all is said and done, I don't think this novel could have been any more well written.

In Raze, we were introduced to Talia Tolstaia as Brooklyn's Bravata Princess. Sister of Luka, AKA Raze, Talia has only ever known the life of a Mobster. She is the only daughter, heir to the legacy, and is considered a prize possession. She's beautiful, intelligent, and fearless. She know's what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. However, after taking a break from the city on the coast, little did Ms. Talia know how one night could change her world forever. He was ferrel. He was mean. He was dark and determined. He was a cold blooded killer. Yet, he held her world in his hands. One night was all it took and he had her.

221 only knows how to do one thing: kill. He has been medically perfected to take down any target, friendly or foe at the drop of a command. There is no one can beat him. So, when he is taken hostage, 221 doesn't know how to react. Chained and sectioned off in a dark prison, 221 is left to detox alone....or so he thought. She was a light in his dark path. Her touch was that of a butterfly, soft and steady. For the first time in 221's life, someone wasn't afraid of him.

I know this review has been vague, but I couldn't say much more without giving out some major spoilers. I will say, the journey this novel takes us on is a rocky one. Be prepared for some heartbreak and for some mayhem. Whip out the tissues and hold on, because by the end of the novel, you'll be lucky if you're still standing. As always, Cole does not disappoint.

Victoria ♥

Dual Blog Tour Review | Lux by Courtney Cole

Lux by Courtney Cole
Published October 28, 2015
Self-Published through Amazon

Author's Website | Goodreads | Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

LET THERE BE LIGHT. 
My name is Calla Price and I’m broken. 
My pieces are all around me, floating on the wind, even as I desperately try to grasp them. 
Who is dead? Alive? Insane?
What is the truth?
I don’t know. 
I do know this: The darkness is strangling me. With every breath, I choke on another lie. 
My mind has protected me, but that shield will soon be lowered. 
All will be revealed. Every answer to every question. 
It’s all been leading to this. 
Don’t be afraid. Be terrified.

Victoria's Thoughts....

For anyone who has read this series, you know how greatly anticipated Lux was. Scheduled to release first in April of 2015, then August of 2015, and now October, we were all getting antsy. Let me just say, the wait was worth it! At first, I was angry after reading Lux. I was confused and a bit miffed at the ending. However, after re-reading it, I found beauty within its pages. We are all in charge of our own destiny and Lux was meant to show us that.

The triangle of Calla, Dare and Finn already had us on our toes in Nocte and Verum, and now it has us out of our seats with Lux. Originally, I was going to go into more depth of how they evolved as characters, but decided not to, as it would have given too much away. All I can say is that be mentally prepared for a mind explosion. You don't see the end coming until it is too late. We see a completely new side of Calla, a side that was slightly reveled in the novella before Lux, but still was mostly hidden before. It will take you on an experience like no other. Again, hold on to your seat, it's about to get bumpy.

As previous stated, I was frustrated with the ending of Lux, because I felt like with all the hype for the novel, it was a bit over-done. It's a great series, especially if you love a good thriller/psychological roller coaster, but I felt like it was rushed. Also, this isn't a novel that can be skimmed, it must be read with close attention, or you'll be confused from the beginning. Over all, I give it a solid 4 stars. I believe Cole accomplished what she set out to do. 

Victoria ♥

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.*

Shelly's Thoughts...
I gave this book 3.5 stars on Goodreads and I fully stand by that rating.  I was one of those readers that didn't come across this series until probably last April and I was excited that the the final book was due to come out right away.  Let's just say I was a little disappointed when the date kept getting pushed back.  I am going to (sort of) disagree with Victoria about the wait being worth it.  I didn't dislike the book by any means, but there was so much anticipation built up with the wait that I expected more than what was delivered. 

This series has been very confusing from the very first book and it continued to be so throughout this book.  In fact, I think it's safe to say that this one was probably the most confusing.  The repetition was not my thing.  Not only did Calla continuously repeat words and phrases (which I get due to the nature of her "condition"), but there were multiple, multiple scenes that were repeated from the previous books as well as this book.  Actually, I would venture to say that probably close to 40% of this novel was repeated information and that's what I had a problem with.  There were times that it was necessary to further the story and the way that she was directing the plot, but other times it seems as if a fresh approach could have been taken to make the scenes less repetitive.  There were many times I felt like Calla as she had an episode of deja vu.

I am not going to talk about the plot at all because it's just too hard to do so without spoiling anything.  Also it's a little hard to articulate what was going on most of the time.  I will say that if you haven't read the novella that was released recently you need to read that before this one.  It may not seem like it's relevant to the current story, but you need that information to piece it all together. This isn't a series that I see myself reading again, but I did enjoy it even though there were times I was wondering what the hell was going on!  I do think that she ended the book well and I was pretty happy about that....otherwise this would probably be a very different review.

If you like stories that make you really think about what's going on then this is a series that you will want to read.  If you like a nice. light easy read then it's most definitely not!

XOXO, Shelly

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.*

Blog Tour Review | Finding A Way by T.E. Black

Finding A Way by T. E. Black
Published September 28th, 2015
eBook

Author's Website | Goodreads | Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

I am finally free.
This is my chance for a fresh start. 
My chance to live the way I want to. 
Boston is my destination.

Just when I think things are going to get better from here, I meet him.

Malcolm Davis.

He is the image of masculinity, with rough edges I would love to soften. Although I wonder what it would be like to be with a man like him, I know it would never work. But, I do know two things, ever since I met him, I’m happy and he makes me feel safe. Both of those things lured me into taking a chance. I mean what’s life without taking any chances? It’s not much of a life without the risk of getting your heart broken.

I imagine that for Malcolm Davis, falling in love with someone would be akin to a hurricane; anything that stands in the path of what he wants; gets demolished.

Well, I guess my theory will be put to the test.


What I Thought....

I have to say, for a first time author, this book was fantastic! Black does a great job of introducing well-rounded, complex characters that evolve steadily throughout the novel. This was a clean, no cliff-hanger, adorable romance novel that captured my interest from the very first page. 

Callie Matthews has had a rough start to adulthood. When her ex-fiance Derrick is killed because of a drunk driving accident, she struggles to stay above the surface. With any bout of depression, Callie does unspeakable things that eventually led her to hospital stays and therapy. However, three years later, she's headed to Boston University with her best friend and is ready to make the most of whatever life has to offer. 

Malcolm Davis is your picture perfect bad boy. Tatted up, with a sailors mouth, he couldn't be much more delicious, or more different then what Callie was picturing for herself. After Callie's best friend enlists a couple of men to help them move, she gets her first up close and personal interaction with Malcolm, or Mac, as he prefers her call him. What Callie doesn't realize is that meeting Mac is the beginning of a very long road of recovery. He very well may be just what the doctor ordered....

In order to understand the full relationship between Callie and Mac, this novel is a twice read due-over. I read it once, then again to make sure I didn't miss anything, then a third time just because I was that connected to the characters. The only negative thing I have to say is that the last fourth of the novel is a bit rushed; especially with character feelings. I felt like it could have been more drawn out, but it still did not take away from the novel. As always, if you haven't purchased this yet, do it! You won't regret it!

Victoria ♥

Blog Tour Review | QUICKSAND by Carolyn Baugh

Quicksand by Carolyn Baugh
Thriller/Mystery/Crime Published September 29, 2015
Forge Books
Author's website  |  Goodreads  |  Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The beginning of an engrossing new suspense series featuring Philadelphia policewoman Nora Khalil

Officer Nora Khalil is used to navigating different terrains. As part of a joint task force set up by the Philadelphia Police Department, the FBI, and the local sheriff’s offices, she works to keep Philly’s mean streets safe from gang violence, while trying to honor the expectations of her traditional Egyptian-American family. She can hold her own against hardened murderers and rapists, and her years as a competitive runner ensure that no suspect ever escapes on foot.

Nora tries to keep her professional and personal lives separate, but when a mutilated body is discovered in a tough section of town, Nora must rely on both her police training and her cultural background to find out whether this is another gang-related killing or the grisly evidence of something even darker and more disturbing.

My Thoughts...

I have to say that I really enjoyed this book.  I started it one day while I was on my lunch break at work and because of all my school work wasn't able to pick it back up for 4-5 days, but once I did I finished it in one sitting.  I was pretty much hooked from the 2nd chapter and now I am going to have a hard time waiting for the next book in the series to come out.  What I really liked about it is that this book is pretty much a self contained story, but a tiny thread of romance that will hopefully be the "thing" that carries over to the other books in the series.

Nora Khalil is a young police officer who has been tapped to join a special gang task force that's been set up with the FBI.  John is her older more experienced male partner who loves her like a daughter while at the same time teaching her what she needs to know to survive her job.  She's Egyptian and her family is very strict in their beliefs and traditions.  She's falling in love with Ben, one of the FBI officers that she works with, and vice versa, but inter-racial dating/marriage is not something that's looked on kindly in her family so she keeps him at arms length.  Nora and John, along with Ben and his partner are working on a case where a very young girl is murdered.  They believe it's gang related and it pulls them in to a much bigger and potentially deadly situation.  Some of the key players in this case are Muslim and Nora's language skills and her cultural knowledge and background are the things that help to crack the case wide open.  At the same time, she is finding out things about her own family that will aid her in decisions that she must make about her own life and future, both personally and professionally.

I felt like this novel was very well paced and pretty much action packed from start to  finish.  The whole of the case plays out over the course of about a week, maybe a little more.  All of the characters are very well developed, especially Nora and John.  You can't help but feel for Nora and what she's going through and when she stands up for herself and her beliefs you feel the need to root for her.  This is the first Carolyn Baugh book that I have read, but it definitely won't be the last.  I think that she has tapped into something that is possibly lacking in this market.  Her knowledge of the Egyptian and Muslim community is extensive because of her education and I think that her choosing to use it in this way is excellent.  It's a lighter way to bring topics such as these to peoples attention.

XOXO, Shelly

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

Blog Tour Review | Sucking in San Francisco by Jessica McBrayer

Sucking in San Francisco by Jessica McBrayer
Published September 8th 2012 by Mess of Geckos

Author's Website | Goodreads | Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Working at a Suicide Prevention Center in San Francisco, Lily Goodwill thinks she’s heard it all—then she gets a call from a man about to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. Something about the caller, maybe his yummy British accent or Lily’s ability to understand his crushing ennui, makes her break all the rules and rush to meet him. After all, she is a vampire and if she can’t talk him down she can glamour him.

But things don’t go according to plan. Her caller glows with blue fire and turns out to be a vampire-hating Djinn. Suddenly, for the first time in centuries he’s found something intriguing. Is Lily really a vampire with a conscience and an obsessive-compulsive disorder, involving Handi-wipes and Lysol, or is she just another bloodsucker? 

Add in another vampire, with a history of female lovers stretching over three centuries, who swears he’s reformed and declares his undying love for Lily. Stir in a mean pair of witches and a vicious warlock, who are staking vampires around the city and you have a recipe for riotous adventure of supernatural proportions. 

Lily Goodwill is a quick thinking, smart-talking vampire who’s still figuring out how she feels about dining al fresco in the City by the Bay

What I Thought:

I am going to keep this short, because unfortunately I wasn't a fan of the book. It had great potential with some of the themes that are present, but overall it just wasn't realistic. 

Lily Goodwill is probably one of the softest vampire characters I've ever met. She is compassionate, down to earth, and a bit naive. Aidan on the other hand, is a much darker, sarcastic character. When he phones in to a suicide prevention call center, Aidan doesn't count on a vampire being the volunteer. Just to goad Lily, Aidan makes an outrageous claim that if Lily doesn't meet him at the Golden Gate Bridge, he's jumping. Here is where I first had a bad taste of the novel. Nothing about this scene is realistic. Granted, Aidan isn't serious about committing suicide, because as a djinn, he can't die the way a real human being could. Putting that aside, it still messes with the mood of the scene,which in my opinion was the beginning of the decline of the entire novel. 

Next, we are introduced to Sebastian, Julian, and Helena, vague friends of Lily's. We see through the novel that Sebastian has romantic feelings towards Lily, but she's more or less stuck in a love triangle that never really goes anywhere. Also, I felt like half the novel was taken up by the two witches, Iris and Indigo. Don't get me wrong, Iris and Indigo and their clan was a very interesting topic, however, I didn't think so much of them belonged in here. Again, the overload of characters and separate experiences overrides the intended main theme. 

Overall, it just wasn't for me. I felt like there was too much going on to get a clear picture of feeling from this novel. Sometimes, less is more. 

Victoria ♥ 

Blog Tour Review | Alphas Love Curves (Curve Envy #1) by Scarlett Avery

Alphas Love Curves by Scarlett Avery

Published June 11, 2015 
Absolutely Naughty Publishing

eBook

Author's Website | Goodreads | Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

After partying her head off to forget yet another bad boyfriend, curvy girl Candy Westerman accepts her best friend’s invitation to brunch on a sunny Sunday morning hoping to shake off the latest drama in her dating life.  

Little did she know a debonair and dangerously sexy stranger would turn her world upside down the second she lays eyes on him.   

Although she’s instantly attracted to the ruggedly handsome hunk, she chooses to brush off the chance encounter as a one-time thing and does her best to erase the stranger’s devastating smile from her memory. 

Determined to move on with her life, she loses herself in her daily routine and the work she loves. 

It’s business as usual until a date to have drinks with her out of town cousin Trish puts her unexpectedly face-to-face with her mysterious admirer. 

When Max Keller, a domineering Billionaire Alpha Male, catches sight of Candy’s luscious curves, all best are off.  

How can casual drinks turn into a night of unspoken raunchiness on the forty-first floor of a swanky New York hotel?

What I Think.....

As always, when I sign up for a blog tour, I always scope out the potential material on Goodreads, just to get an idea of what the novel is about. With this, I was stoked! I absolutely adore it when writers go out of the norm and write about bigger woman. I think it's beautiful and must be done just right, in order to be complimentary. Coming from a bit of experience, I believe there is a certain eloquence that must be present in BBW literature, so anytime I can get a hold of some, I do!  

Candice Westerman is an exquisite individual. She is extremely smart, working in the plus size fashion industry, and beyond talented with her blog. Not to mention, she's got curves for daysssss! It's such a shame though, that she fails to see her own beauty. She is very insecure in her weight, as well as appearance, which causes some problems later in the novel. So when she is approached by a sexy stranger in a coffee shop, she has absolutely no idea how to react. Candy know's that there are other women far more beautiful then she for this delicious stranger, but what she doesn't know is that he only has eyes for her. 

Max Keller is one of a kind. Tall, rich, deathly handsome, he's has the world at his fingertips. Or so he thinks, until he meets Candy. She's everything that makes his blood boil. He's always loved BBW, and Candy is his idea of perfect. Once he knows what he wants, he gets it.... usually. Who knew one woman could be so difficult?

Even though this novel was shorter then what I was expecting, I really liked it. Again, I'm fascinated with how author's create such unique characters out of a concept that is a major hot topic in today's society. I feel like BBW do not get nearly enough attention as they should, since having curves seems to be a bad thing. Avery does a fantastic job of expressing real women doubts and fears but as well as real life experiences. My only negative comment is that sometimes the word choice for a particular scene doesn't fit. I felt like certain words were overused, but I think that's to be expected with new writers. Again, love the series! You know what they say, real women have a little meat on their bones ;) 

Victoria ♥

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Blog Tour Review | A Pirate's Command by Meg Hennessy

A Pirate's Command by Meg Hennessy
Historical Romance published July 28, 2015  
Entangled: Select Historical
Author's Website | Goodreads | Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

His secrets could destroy her... 

New Orleans, 1817

Colette Kincaid once knew such love and delicious passion in the arms of her pirate husband, Donato de la Roche. Yet Colette could not continue to live as the wife of a pirate, when reunited with her family. So she fled, taking their son with her and reconciling herself to never seeing her husband again...

Until their son is taken.

Donato is convinced his wife is behind his son's disappearance-just as she is convinced he is the villain. Now they're unable to leave each other's side as they seek their child, forced to confront the desire that still smolders between them. But Donato knows that soon he must face the secret about Colette he's been hiding for so long. And it's a secret for which there is no forgiveness...

What I Think....

If you are looking for a historical romance novel that is passionate, exciting, and overflowing with love, this is the book for you! I'm a sucker for pirates, so when this tour came available, I thought, "heck yes"! I wasn't familiar with the author, but I still wanted to give it a try and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. To say I enjoyed this novel is an understatement!

Hennessy brings to life two very diverse, intense characters, that can only be satisfied with each other. Colette Kincaid is the type of woman you don't take for granted. She's humble, compassionate, and loyal to almost a fault. Which is why she is living in New Orleans with her brother Jordan instead of her husband, Donato de la Roche. She loves Donato, but won't risk their son Enio's safety for her love of a pirate. Donato is a wanted man, known all over the ocean as a fearless warrior who shows no mercy in battle. She cannot be expected to raise their son in an environment like that. However, when Enio is abducted, Donato and Colette must work together to make their family whole again. Wild seas, dark nights, and deep hidden secrets are the least of their worries. True love is the only way they can piece back the broken pieces of their relationship. 

Now, what I loved most about this novel is the amount of love that seeps out of each page. Seriously, every motive, every choice, every single situation is handled with love in this novel. There were no ulterior motives behind any hidden doors that I found. It was just breathtaking to see such devotion from such a diverse family. Being a parent myself, I really connected with Colette and just adored her character. Donato was also a great example of a "family man". Today, we don't see nearly enough reputable men being written about and so this was definitely a seller for me! 

Hennessy does a great job with incorporating both the Spanish and the French customs into the novel, as well as accurate historical information. My only negative comment is that the pace was a bit slower then what I would have preferred. I felt like there could have been more "pirate-y" events and less lengthy descriptions. Nevertheless, I still loved it! 

Victoria ♥


{The reviewer was given an ARC  for an honest review}

About The Author

Meg Hennessy read her first historical romance when Rosemary Rodgers', Sweet Savage Love, swept the college campuses. She won't admit how many years ago that was, but was forever hooked on the genre of happy-ever-afters. Meg grew up immersed in the culture of her father's old Southern family and writes with a Southern flavor. It was her sense of wonderment when visiting her grandmother's home as a child that now bubbles upward into her writing of today, creating steamy nights of intrigue and romance.

She had been writing for years, but seriously pursued publication in 2009. Seeking authenticity for her first novel, she researched hundreds of books, visited numerous battlefields, and toured antebellum homes. When it came to putting pen to paper, Meg found her story-telling voice, as her heroine simply stepped into Shadows of a Southern Moon, winning the 2010 EPIC Award for best Historical Romance and launching her writing career.

Meg lives amid the beautiful rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin. Besides writing and spoiling her much-loved horse, she enjoys backyard birding, nature walks, and admits to being a gardening addict. Having spun stories for years, she enjoys seeing her dream come true as her characters spring to life and step within the beautifully bound pages of a romance novel.

Blog Tour Schedule

August 10- undercover book reviews– Spotlight

August 10- Coffee Books & Art– Excerpt

August 10- girlygirlbookreviews– Review

August 11- Books That Hook– Excerpt / Spotlight

August 11- A Bookaholic’s Fix: Feeding the Addiction– Excerpt / Spotlight

August 12- Nerd Girl Official– Excerpt

August 12- A Dirty Book Affair– Excerpt / Spotlight

August 12- Mythical Books– Excerpt / Spotlight

August 12- Indy Book Fairy– Spotlight / Excerpt / Playlist

August 12- Bellas Book Bag- Excerpt / Spotlight

August 13- deal sharing aunt– Spotlight

August 13- Warrior Woman Winmill– Review

August 14- Literature Litehouse– Excerpt

August 14- Whispered Thoughts– Excerpt / Playlist

August 14- Jacklynn Love’s Reading– Excerpt / Spotlight / Playlist

August 14- Romantic Fanatic– Review

August 14- {Dive} Under The Cover– Review

August 14- Rose’s Book Blog– Review

August 14- The Chronic Romantic– Review / Excerpt / Spotlight

August 14- purpinkrosesbookcorner– Review / Excerpt

Blog Tour & GIVEAWAY | THE MOMENT OF LETTING GO by J.A. Redmerski

The Moment of Letting Go by J.A. Redmerski
New Adult Romance Published August 11, 2015
Forever Romance Publishing
Author's website  |  Goodreads  |  Buy the Book on Amazon

Synopsis from Goodreads:

You can follow the rules or you can follow your heart...

THE MOMENT OF LETTING GO

Sienna Murphy never does anything without a plan. And so far her plans have been working. Right after college, she got a prestigious job and gained the stability she'd always craved-until work takes her to the sun-drenched shores of Oahu and places her in the path of sexy surfer Luke Everett. For the first time, she lets her heart take control. Drawn to his carefree charm, she makes a spontaneous and very un-Sienna-like decision to drop everything and stay in Hawaii for two more weeks.

Luke lives fast and wild. When he meets Sienna, he's convinced that some no-strings-attached fun is just what she needs. As their nights quickly turn from playful to passionate, Luke can't deny the deep connection he feels. But there's a reason Luke doesn't do long-term. He can't promise Sienna forever, when the enormity of his past has shown him just how fragile the future can be . . . 

My Thoughts...

I loved this book maybe even more that The Edge of Never and that's saying a lot because I really loved that book.  For me this was a very emotional and compelling story.  There is nothing better than reading a book and having deep feels for the characters that you are reading about.  Redmerski is one of the best at creating these kinds of characters.

Sienna is young and ambitious.  At 22 she already has a job that she enjoys and that provides her with a great income.  Is she following her dreams?  Not really, but she's making money and she's able to help her parents out when they will let her.  She is making sure that she is secure in the now.  Her job as an event coordinator takes her to the island of Oahu for a wedding.  It's an expense paid weekend in a place she's never been before and even though she's terrified of flying she's embracing the opportunity to leave the mainland for the first time.  The wedding doesn't necessarily go according to plan and while Sienna is "taking a break" from the chaos she meets Luke.  Luke is a surfer who appears to live life to the fullest and he tells Sienna that her life will change for the better if she can learn to let go of her fear and just live.  She confides her true passion to Luke and he makes her promise that she will pursue it in some degree when she goes back home the next day.  The problem is, the more time she spends with him the less she wants to leave. Luke and Sienna each feel that there is something deeper connecting them and neither of them are ready for their time together to be so short.  

Over the weeks that they spend together they get closer, but do they really know each other well enough to sustain something long term?  Sienna has issues with fear that she needs to resolve and Luke goes a long way to help her, but he's not without his own issues.  When their issues clash they have to decide if what they are feeling for each other is worth the risk.

This story was very emotional and I definitely needed the tissues handy for a good part of the last 1/4 of the book or more.  I loved both Sienna and Luke from the very beginning and there is a handful of supporting characters that just bring the story full circle.  This book is done in alternating first person POV through the eyes of Sienna and Luke and I have to say this is my favorite way to read a story.  I feel like it's the best way to really get to know the characters.  There are some sexy love scenes in the book because this is a New Adult Romance, but they are tastefully done and not overly descriptive and not at all crude.  If you have never picked up a book by J.A. Redmerski then I highly suggest you start with this one!

XOXO, Shelly

*Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of this book courtesy of the publisher in exchange for my honest review.*

About the author:

J. A. Redmerski, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her three children, two cats and a Maltese. She is a lover of television and books that push boundaries. 

Connect with the author!

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!

Here are the rules:

1. You must live in the US and have a Street Address (NO PO Boxes) to enter (per the publishers request)
2. You must be 18 to enter 
3. You must contact me within 24 hours of being notified that you are the winner or I will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway