Blog Tour: The Gamble by Xavier neal

Book: The Gamble

Author: Xavier Neal

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Book Link

Synopsis

3 friends. 2 players. 1 bet.

When Luca Larson makes an expensive wager, guaranteeing the bedding of his only real female friend, he's expecting the situation to go as smoothly as sleeping with any other woman would. It doesn't take long before he realizes his usual plays won't work. She knows them too well. She knows HIM too well. If Luca wants to win, he'll have to do things he's never done before. Friendships will be challenged. Hearts will be broken. Lives will be inevitably changed. But one question will remain. Was it all worth the gamble?

Buy Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon AU

Amazon CA

Author Bio

Xavier Neal lives in Texas where she spends her time getting lost in writing, reading, or fandoms she recently discovered. Whether she is enjoying books or movies, she continues finding inspiration at every turn to bring more exciting stories to life.

Social Links

Facebook

Twitter: @XavierNeal87

Amazon

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Meagan' Review:

This book was interesting for me because for the longest time I would have swore that a man wrote it. Luca's point of view has been the best guy view that I've EVER read. I give mad mad props for Xavier Neal because she is awesome!!!  With that said OMG I HATED Luca. From the very beginning to almost the end of the book and then all of a sudden there was a switch and  I was okay with him and then the end of the book I was still okay with him. It's hard to describe because I like his character because he stayed true to his character....but at the same time I hated him for it. I truly hated him. So Luca makes this bet with his room mate and best friend Warren that by the end of summer he is going to bang their other best friend Alexxa. Now it should be said that Luca is the biggest man whore I've ever read about....like no shame what so ever. So Warren takes this bet and things get interesting because all of Luca's charms don't work on Alexxa. I mean she is a best friend and know about the open door policy with Luca and women. Now as a woman, my thoughts are different than men, but still, one would think that if you are going to try and bed your best friend you'd quit having sex with other women. But no not Luca....still goes at it like a rabbit and even when Alexxa is in the apartment. That part was kind of weird for me because it didn't faze him at all and then he'd come out and be like what's up sexy let's go on a date. Like ewww I wanted to smack him a lot because just eww.

Well eventually the chemistry between these two starts to change and one thing leads to another and they start "dating" and fooling around and things get interesting for both of our characters....well actually all 3 of them. I think the biggest weird thing for me was Warren. I couldn't get a feel for him and his feelings for Alexxa. It seemed like once this bet started that he tried to start having feelings for her and yet he didn't. But it got to the point where Luca started getting jealous and kind of turned into boyfriendish with his jealousy. Now I don't know if Warren did it on purpose or he wanted to try and date her too....we never really find that one out.  Anyways things start to happen and then it becomes too late for Luca to tell Alexxa about the bet and how much of an idiot he is and we all know secrets eventually come out. What will happen if and when Alexxa finds out? Can Luca change for his best friend? Will Alexxa ever be just enough for him to not stray to other women? You'll have to read to find out. Ohhh and if you want a good laugh this is a great book too because the banter and crude humor are pretty great too. 

               

Soul Fire

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Blog Tour: Into the Fire by Meredith Wild

Into The Fire by Meredith Wild

Genre: Contemporary Romance

********OUT NOW********

The Bridge Series follows Cameron, Darren, and Olivia Bridge, three siblings living in New York City. Desperate to break away from the crushing expectations of their wealthy and privileged and equally broken family, they carve out a new path together. But can they find real love along the way? 

Each book follows a different sibling’s journey and can be read as a standalone.

Synopsis

Darren Bridge is living a bachelor’s dream. When he’s not running into burning buildings with his crew, he’s training the flavor of the week at his brother’s gym. Few women have ever been off limits...until Vanessa. Smart, beautiful, and legs for days, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. Too bad he’s sworn to leave her alone.

Overworked with no end in sight, Vanessa Hawkins hasn’t had a vacation in nearly two years. When Cameron and Maya’s destination wedding takes her out of the office for a much-needed break, she finds herself struggling to resist her attraction to the best man. Darren is dangerously good-looking with enough charm to make any hot-blooded woman want to drop her panties and enjoy the ride, no matter how long it lasts.

When they return to the city, Darren realizes the single life has lost its glimmer. But with everything else on her plate, Vanessa doesn’t have room in her life for a man, let alone a player. Can Darren find his way into her heart and convince her that he’s worth the risk?

**********************

The Bridge Series follows Cameron, Darren, and Olivia Bridge, three siblings living in New York City. Desperate to break away from the crushing expectations of their wealthy and privileged and equally broken family, they carve out a new path together. But can they find real love along the way? 

Each book follows a different sibling’s journey and can be read as a standalone.

          
  BARNES & NOBLE All buy links: http://www.meredithwild.com/book/into-the-fire/

About the Author

Meredith Wild is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of romance. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast with her husband and three children, she refers to herself as a techie, whiskey-appreciator, and hopeless romantic. When she isn’t living in the fantasy world of her characters, she can usually be found at www.facebook.com/meredithwild.

Other Books in the series:
On My Knees (The Bridge Series #1)         

Meagan's Review:

The first books I ever read by Meredith were from the Hacker series and I fell in love with her. To no one's surprise I loved this book just as much. I should also say that this is the second book in the story and some parts took a bit to fully understand since I didn't read the first book, but overall, it wasn't completely necessary. I really loved this story of Darren and Vanessa. Of course Darren is this amazing sexy bachelor who doesn't do relationships, but does get around....a lot. And Vanessa....well she's not about just a one night stand with anyone...she's a relationship kind of girl. Of course these two have amazing chemistry and everything, but what they look for in the other just isn't there. Or is it? It doesn't help that Darren has been told Vanessa is off limits at all costs and Vanessa again just isn't that type of girl. So what is Darren's bright idea??? For them to hook up on this destination wedding to get it out of their systems and move on because that doesn't have bad written all over it. Well apparently the chemistry and passion was just too much for Vanessa because these two find themselves in each others arms. Will this destination wedding open up eyes for the both of them, especially Darren to see that one nights aren't always the best answer. Or will Vanessa get burned by the sexy fireman? You'll have to read this book to find out. It is so worth it and just know you won't be able to put it down once you start. So make sure to get your copy today!!!

                    

Incinerate

 All buy links: http://www.meredithwild.com/book/on-my-knees/

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Release Day Blitz: Into the Fire by Meredith Wild

Into The Fire by Meredith Wild

Genre: Contemporary Romance

********OUT NOW********

Synopsis

Darren Bridge is living a bachelor’s dream. When he’s not running into burning buildings with his crew, he’s training the flavor of the week at his brother’s gym. Few women have ever been off limits...until Vanessa. Smart, beautiful, and legs for days, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. Too bad he’s sworn to leave her alone.

Overworked with no end in sight, Vanessa Hawkins hasn’t had a vacation in nearly two years. When Cameron and Maya’s destination wedding takes her out of the office for a much-needed break, she finds herself struggling to resist her attraction to the best man. Darren is dangerously good-looking with enough charm to make any hot-blooded woman want to drop her panties and enjoy the ride, no matter how long it lasts.

When they return to the city, Darren realizes the single life has lost its glimmer. But with everything else on her plate, Vanessa doesn’t have room in her life for a man, let alone a player. Can Darren find his way into her heart and convince her that he’s worth the risk?

**********************

The Bridge Series follows Cameron, Darren, and Olivia Bridge, three siblings living in New York City. Desperate to break away from the crushing expectations of their wealthy and privileged and equally broken family, they carve out a new path together. But can they find real love along the way? 

Each book follows a different sibling’s journey and can be read as a standalone.

          

  BARNES & NOBLE All buy links: http://www.meredithwild.com/book/into-the-fire/

About the Author

Meredith Wild is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of romance. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast with her husband and three children, she refers to herself as a techie, whiskey-appreciator, and hopeless romantic. When she isn’t living in the fantasy world of her characters, she can usually be found at www.facebook.com/meredithwild.

Other Books in the series:

On My Knees (The Bridge Series #1)         

 All buy links: http://www.meredithwild.com/book/on-my-knees/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Idol by Kristen Callihan

   

 

Libby

I found Killian drunk and sprawled out on my lawn like some lost prince. With the face of a god and the arrogance to match, the pest won’t leave. Sexy, charming, and just a little bit dirty, he’s slowly wearing me down, making me crave more.

He could be mine if I dare to claim him. Problem is, the world thinks he’s theirs. How do you keep an idol when everyone is intent on taking him away?

Killian

As lead singer for the biggest rock band in the world, I lived a life of dreams. It all fell apart with one fateful decision. Now everything is in shambles.

Until Liberty. She’s grouchy, a recluse—and kind of cute. Scratch that. When I get my hands on her, she is scorching hot and more addictive than all the fans who’ve screamed my name.

The world is clamouring for me to get back on stage, but I’m not willing to leave her. I’ve got to find a way to coax the hermit from her shell and keep her with me. Because, with Libby, everything has changed. Everything.

AMAZON / iBOOKS

Excerpt:
        

“You know,” I say conversationally, as I kick back, “I want to fuck you right now.”

Libby jerks as if pinched and sits a little straighter, before getting a hold of herself and slouching as if she’s completely chill. Cute.

She gives me a smirk and sips her water before drawling, “And what? Mark you territory? Assert your manly dominance?”

“Yep.” I slide my gaze to hers. “But mostly I just want to fuck you all the time.”

God, I love the way her lips part and body flushes with heat. So subtle, but there all the same. It makes me hard as steel, my balls squeezing tight. I don’t look at her but pretend I’m observing the room. The lights are dimming for the movie now, the empty chairs in front of us obscuring our lower halves.

Slowly my hand falls to space between us and smooths along her hip. She delicately shivers as my fingers trace down her thigh.

“What about you,” I murmur, lightly toying with her skirt in the darkening room. “You want to fuck me, baby doll?”

“Right now, I want to kick you,” she gets out between clenched teeth. “Keep your hands to yourself. There are nosy ass people everywhere.”

“They’re all watching the movie. Not us.” Focusing on the screen, I keep my expression neutral as I ease my hand under her skirt. Her skin is smooth and warm. The movie starts in a blast of music and the familiar old logo as I trace over her knew and up her soft thigh. “And that wasn’t a ‘no.’”

She makes a cute growl in the back of her throat, but her legs part just enough to give me room to delve between them. Her inner thighs are hot and damp, and my cock twitches.

The storyline rolls along, my touch idly roams. Libby remains utterly still but I can practically feel the tension vibrating within her. When the tip of my finger skims the crease where her thigh meets her lip, her breath catches, legs parting wider.

“Have I mentioned how much I appreciated this new skirt-filled wardrobe?” I whisper, lightly drawing circles along her skin.

“Brenna’s idea.” Her hips shift just a bit, following my touch. “Right now, I’m missing my shorts.”

I smile, my eyes on the screen, my fingers drifting to the edge of her panties. “Later, you can put them on and we’ll play ‘Fuck the Farmer’s Daughter.’”

She grunts, a stifled laugh, which turns to a strangled whimper when I pluck her panties. Her voice turns breathy. “I’m trying to watch the damn movie. I’m not interested in fooling around.” She moves a tiny fraction, nudging against my finger.

In the dark, I grin, heat and lust pulling my abs tight. “I’m sorry,” I saw, not sorry at all, “But I don’t believe you. I’m gonna have to check.”

 

About Kristen Callihan:

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she’d rather be. She is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice award. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine’s Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Meagan's Review:

OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! First I love the name Killian and it fit his character so perfectly. I love that the opening scene is Libby using a water hose to "drown" a man, who crashed his motorcycle into her yard, and fell asleep on her lawn drunk. Seriously could you imagine meeting someone this way?? And Libby being the woman she is, she hoses him off a bit more and then helps him get himself together. From here these two have an instant bond of friendship and easiness. Although they are both attracted to each other they don't act on it for a bit. Killian doesn't tell Libby who he is and she doesn't recognize him at first. For Killian I think is more important than anything because he get's to be himself without all the fame and Libby likes him for who he is. Killian is good for Libby because he pulls her out of her shell and helps her enjoy her passions and Libby is great for Killian because she grounds him. They write music together, they play together, they sing together....they become a unit. It's amazing to read about. And then the sparks fly...sort of. They start to fly and then some complications take place and then Killian has to leave because his band is getting back together.

Killian eventually talks Libby into coming out of her shell and on tour with him. This is the part of the book that is most real for me. People always wonder about famous people. They want in their lives and personal space and as much information as possible. But this book gives you a good look into what the stars go through and how rough road traveling can be. Killian and Libby decide to keep their "relationship" between the two of them because of what the tabloids and people in general would say and think. It's an ugly world. But somehow Killian and Libby make it work for them....for a time. I love that Killian calls the audience the Animal. It's very fitting. I love that he's afraid of Moth's. Yes you read that right. Moth's. One of my favorite scenes was when Killian is yelling at Libby to kill the moth. These two apart are amazing because Libby has a sharp lip and I love her for it and Killian is a protector and is thoughtful and very funny at times, but these two together are even better. But will the road be too much? Can they keep their relationship a secret? What happens when one person wants to tell the world, while the other doesn't? Is dating a rock legend too much? You'll have to find out in this awesome book!!! Make sure to get your copy of Killian and Libby's story. 

                    

Incinerate

Blog Tour: Without Benefits by Nicole Tone

  

  About Without Benefits: 

Emma will always be a New Yorker at heart, even though she has a perfect life in Seattle. She has a prestigious job fundraising for the Seattle Symphony, a handsome boyfriend who adores her, and a Belltown apartment with views of the Sound. It should be more than enough to keep her pain from not playing the piano, and her 9/11 nightmares, away. But when her old college crush, Owen, comes back into her life, it’s more than just spending time with him that’s causing cracks in her picture-perfect life. As she steps back on stage, and back into the spotlight, her connection with Owen and his world, dredges up old memories that Emma worked hard to forget. Emma’s past comes back to haunt her, forcing her to face the truth about more than just her fears of returning back to New York. As her once perfect life begins to burn down, Emma is forced to figure out what she really wants: her fundraiser and cocktail party-filled life with her boyfriend, or forging a new future with the one thing, and one person, she’s ever loved–even if it means returning to New York.  

  Amazon BN   

  Exclusive Excerpt:   

 The piece of sheet music had sat untouched for a decade, tucked away in other sheet music, left at the bottom of a box. It was poor timing, finding it now. Really poor. Emma’s friends would say it was fate. Her mom and sister would say that she should sort through her things more often. Emma had to agree with her family on this one. Her thirtieth birthday coming and going sparked a nesting spree of sorts. This had to be the only reason behind finding it. Starting in the front room of their apartment and working her way back, she went through everything: cleaned off bookshelves, cleaned out closets, dusted, touched up, changed out artwork. There were some things—like the pile of sheet music that now sat on her kitchen table, the piece of sheet music that she couldn’t stop staring at—she wasn’t sure she’d be able to part with. This binder of hand-written music, work, the e-mail, and the wedding coming up—she just couldn’t escape Owen any longer. The longer time went on, the harder it was getting. Wasn’t it supposed to be the other way around? It should’ve been easier by now. But it wasn’t, and that’s why she had an e-mail drafted. Well, sort of—it was blank still, but at least it was open. “I don’t even know what to say to you,” Emma said out loud, reading over Owen’s latest e-mail. It had landed in her mailbox a week ago with an invitation to dinner and she still hadn’t given him an answer. She closed doors on everything in her past, always. She’d left New York, and the empty spaces in the skyline, and didn’t look back. She couldn’t—it hurt too much. Emma never spoke to ex-boyfriends after the relationship expired. But Owen wasn’t an ex. Maybe it was best to rip the Band-Aid off now, privately, instead of in front of at the engagement party in front of all of their college friends. She typed up a quick, one line response: Dinner tonight? Hitting send, excitement and guilt crushed her. She hadn’t even considered her boyfriend and his feelings into the equation.    

  About the Author:

 Nicole Tone is a freelance editor, MFA student, traveller, pet collector, binge-watcher, and a self-proclaimed coffee snob. She lives in Buffalo, NY with her husband, three cats, and two very large dogs. She cheats on Buffalo with Seattle as often as she can.

  Social Media Links: http://www.twitter.com/nicoleatone http://www.facebook.com/authornicoletone http://www.instagram.com/n_tone11 http://www.pinterest.com/nicoleatone   

Meagan's Review:

Okay so I really had mixed emotions about this book when I first started reading it. I HATED Conner the stupid boyfriend/fiancee/all around douche. Owen was an interesting character that I wanted to unveil and learn as much as I could about. And then we have our main character Emma. I really kinda hated her because the life she currently was living was her own fault and she questioned things and I wanted to just smack her and be like really? Wake up and make a change. I am not an outloud
"feminist" by any means but I am one of those women who doesn't believe in giving any of your dreams or aspirations up for any man. If he doesn't like what you do then he either needs to get over it or move on. This is probably the one of the many reasons I hated Conner. Emma is/was a pianist and an amazing one at that. I can't imagine the hours and sweat and tears and sacrifices that have to go into what she went through, but it was her passion. And along with that passion came Owen. Conner was super super super super super jealous of Owen and forced that onto Emma....even years later. Because of the drama and travel and long hours that came with being an amazing pianist she gave it up and settled for a job to be with Conner. 

So okay I can slowly let that one go...sorta...maybe...not really but let's just say I do. One of the first scenes we come into with Emma and Conner is that Conner is going out to dinner with Rachel.....his ex girlfriend who cheated on him. The ex girlfriend who he projects onto Emma and constantly accused her of cheating with Owen because Rachel cheated. Let me say....I've been cheated on by a boyfriend before....and I dumped him as soon as I found out and if he called me up today to go have "dinner" or whatever else do you know what I'd tell him.......well that is if I'd even answer the phone, but to lose my number and don't talk to me ever again. You don't constantly go out with her or help her or anything with her. His excuse....well she doesn't have any friends or needs help and she doesn't know anyone. Well who's fault is that? It's not Conner's responsibility to take care of Rachel....his EX!!! And she keeps showing up everywhere.....and where is Conner....not at Emma's side...nope he's hanging out with Rachel. Like OMG I kept getting so angry at the book and Emma...no woman should puts up with that crap. Anyways......some drama happens with that little bubble....which come on who wasn't expecting that. But what killed me more than anything is Emma's decision. I think I threw my Kindle very forcefully on the couch because I wanted to punch her in the face. **Btw this book made me kind of angry** 

By the end of the book I felt better about it as a whole and the characters. I think my biggest surprise of characters was Owen. I really thought he'd be super stuck up and all about him and full of himself instead of seeing the bigger picture. But he really surprised me....especially at the end of the book...his gift...ahhh *heart melt* Overall, even though I was angry at Emma a lot, I liked the journey she took and the direction she takes with her life....because she makes it her life. Not Conner's life. Not Owen's life. Not anyone but her. Some of the transitions between present and past took me a moment to figure out what was happening, but it didn't take away from the book or the story line. I loved that we got a lot of backstory that was relevant to what was currently happening. Emma has another big demon in her past and a personal story to 9/11 and if she is going to finally deal with it or not. I really did enjoy this book because it brought so many emotions out in me and those are always great books because it engages the reader so much that they kind of live through the character and that's what this book did. I give it mad props!!!

               

Soul Fire

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