Blog Tour: Hostage to Love by Maya Blake

First I would like to give a HUGE thanks to Maya Blake for not only writing this amazing book, but to Kym Roberts and Entangled Publishing for the e-arc and for having me be apart of this blog tour!! There are lots of tid bits in this blog post. Information about Maya herself, as well as ways to stalk her over the Internet. A little blurb about Hostage to Love, a guest post from Belle, my review and a giveaway!!! Sooo many things...so make sure you keep reading!!

About the Author: 

Maya Blake's dreams of becoming a romance author began when she picked up her first romance novel at age thirteen. She eventually realized this dream in 2007 when her first romantic suspense was published. Maya lives in Kent, Southeastern England, with her husband and two kids and an endless supply of romance novels. 

How to Stalk Maya:

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads

Blurb:

*On an idyllic Greek island, danger surfaces...and passion re-ignites.*

During a charity mission to a war-torn African country, Belle Jones is kidnapped by the vicious rebel leader determined to make her his. Belle’s estranged husband, Greek billionaire Nick Andreakos, stages a daring rescue, saving her from the horror.

To hide her from the obsessed kidnapper—-and to repair their broken relationship—-Nick whisks Belle away to his private island paradise. But she still won’t put up with his controlling ways...even if she’s still defenseless against their scorching-hot chemistry. With the brutal killer hot on their heels, Nick knows he must earn Belle’s trust again—-and *fast*. Even if it means risking everything. And losing his heart forever.

Guest Post: An Interview with Belle Winkworth Jones, heroine of Hostage To Love :

From reading the blurb of your story, it looks like your plans to volunteer as a charity worker in Nawaka, Africa, turned into a little bit more of an adventure than you anticipated.

Belle: Yes, it did, much to my surprise. I attracted the unwanted attentions of a rebel leader. Go me! Seriously though, it was quite a scary time.

I bet it was. Was there anything in particular that attracted you to this spine-chiller?

Belle: I think his primary reason for kidnapping me was for ransom. My estranged husband, Nick Andreakos is a Greek shipping billionaire, so I guess I was a juicy prospect for a rebel leader looking to fund his army.

Estranged, you say? How come?

Belle: *gives a sad laugh* Where do I start? Nick has a few control issues that made our marriage very, umm, trying. When it seemed like there was no ready solution to our problems, I walked out.

But now you’re back here, on Althea, yours and Nick’s private island, where I believe you spent your honeymoon? Have things changed?

Belle: Nick rescued me from Nawaka and Charles Mwana but personally, we’re trying to work things out, find the right compromise that works for both of us. I can’t return to England because the paparazzi will be all over me. It’s private here on Althea, and also saver.

You’re working through your issues. That’s great. But Mwana’s still out there. Do you think he stands in the way of your happiness?

Belle: He’s still a threat, certainly. And he’s certainly not to be underestimated. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that Nick is also not to be underestimated. He’s determined, he’s strong, and come hell or high water, he always gets what he wants.

Is that how Nick got you to marry him in the first place?

Belle: He certainly knows how to turn on the charm, plus he’s drop dead gorgeous, and he’s not bad in the sack either.

Whew! *fans self* I believe you. So what happens now?

Belle: Nick and I intend to track down this madman and put him away for good. Then we will work on our marriage. I believe what we have is worth saving, and I don’t intend to give up until I have what I want, which is a loving husband who isn’t afraid to let me in and who meets me on equal terms.

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Now onto my review. This book has a few HAWT factors that happen right off the bat.

Hawt Factor #1 - Nick (and Alex his cousin) served in the United States Marine Corps. So I will say that I am slightly partial to the Marines....especially since my father served as a Marine. They not only top the hot factor of the military for me, I just...I'm not sure how to describe it, but I've always leaned a little more toward them, even though I do have family in pretty much every branch of the military. And of course their core value that all Marines live by; Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful). This bond goes beyond teamwork -it is a brotherhood that can always be counted on. This motto guides Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what. The transformation in becoming a Marine is one that cannot be undone, once made a Marine will forever live by the ethics and values of the Corps. Along with this the other core values that Marines live by is; honor, courage and commitment. This decides how every Marine thinks, acts and fights. (I know that was a little long, but you'll see why that's important later)

Hawt Factor #2 - Nick is the only one who calls Belle by her real name and makes it sound sexy. Belle's real name/title is Lady Tinkerelle Poppy Winkworth-Jones, sixth Earl of Edenhall. And let me tell you I'd change my name to Tinkerbelle if I had a guy who when he said it, it would roll off of the tongue, the way it does in my head when Nick says it.

Hawt Factor #3 - Nick will do anything and I mean ANYTHING to save Belle from danger. Which is why he goes guns blazing, with help, to save Belle's life from a rebel leader in Africa.

Hawt Factor # 4 - Nick speaks little Greek sayings to Belle that are terms of endearment and shows his love for her.

Hawt Factor #5 - Dude is tall, dark, sexy and BUILT!!! O.M.G. the way Nick's body is described....I'm pretty sure I had drool coming out of my mouth...especially when the scenes got pretty steamy!!!!

Anyways back to my review. I'm going to try to not give too much away....I want to give you a little to read or at least it being a surprise when you read it. The book starts out with Belle and a few others walking as prisoners, to meet up with the rebel leader, Charles Mwana in Africa. Once they finally arrive at his camp Belle is separated from the rest of the group and is given her own quarters. She also quickly learns that Mwana doesn't really care if he receives the ransom money or not for Belle, because he is attracted to Belle. Mwana constantly tells Belle different things such as, "Don't underestimate the power of your charms, Belle, or the time and effort it's taken to bring you here." He also wants to come to some type of an arrangement with her. Belle starts to get to Mwana and he warms up to her. For her this is all survival and she says anything and everything to make sure to stay on his good side. During a game of chess Mwana shares a lot of details about his future plans for Africa, what his part will be and how he wants Belle there with him.

Next, we get to read how upset Nick is because Belle has been missing for five days. He takes his cousin, Alex, a fellow marine and a group of men he hired and goes in search of Belle, guns blazing. After they find the camp and after some gun fire, Nick finds his estranged wife and next to her ear says, "Hello, Tinkerbelle" and carries her away from the horrors she recently went through in Africa. The biggest thing about Nick is that he is a HUGE control freak. And when I say control freak that is putting it mildly. Instead of taking her back to London, where her current apartment is (since leaving her husband 6 months ago) he takes her to his island Althea. 

Belle had nightmares at first about her whole experience in Africa and when she awoke, Nick would be right there with strong and protective arms around her. He would whisper in her ear sweet nothings and Greek endearments. It's super sweet....I want a Greek man who whispers Greek romantic things to me; such as glikia mou which means my sweetheart.  The first few days between these two are UGLY!!!! Belle wants to leave the island and Nick wants her to stay. We finally find out why Belle left Nick 6 months ago and we also find out that Nick isn't willing to let her go, no matter what. They got married and that's the end of it. But Nick also makes a proposition for Belle. Nick wants a truce for the next seven days and then they have their "talk" about their marriage and what each of them wants. Or they can have wild, no holds-barred sex. 

So of course which option is going to be the one taken? The wild, no holds-barred sex of course. And O.M.G. they have some pretty steamy scenes. My favorite is when Nick goes for a swim in the ocean and she goes for a swim in the pool and when she gets out she goes to shower off a little and Nick comes in and ahhh......he just loses it!!! 

Belle's biggest argument with Nick is that she feels that he doesn't truly care about her, that he doesnnt love her. He's never said I love you, she doesn't know much of anything about his past or his family, and she feels he married her under false pretenses. More than anything in the world Belle wants children and Nick has a different opinion about children. Furthermore, we also learn that Nick tried to change a lot about Belle when they got married; her job, spending time with family and friends and other little things that add up to big things. 

So while Belle and Nick work on patching up their marriage and surviving on the island without killing each other, Mwana has made it known that he plans on getting what is his back and with that he will get Belle back. Well of course that angers Nick and we see how things play out when Belle's life is threatened right before his eyes. 

The world that Maya creates pulls the reader in right from the beginning and keeps them guessing till the end what is going to happen. There are so many times that I want to smack Belle across her face because again I feel the need to yell at women for not listening to that little voice in the back of their head. Or the one coming from deep in their gut. When little voices or gut feelings come over you, and you're a woman, LISTEN TO THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! With that said the questions that need to be answered are; can Nick ever truly love Belle? Not using Greek endearments, but true love? Does Belle still love Nick?  And if she does can she stay with him knowing he doesn't want children and is a super control freak? What is going to happen if Mwana gets her? OMG what will Nick do? (Although the thought of that type of scene would be interesting). What if they can't catch Mwana? Soooooooo many questions that need to be answered and by the time you get to the end everything is put into place and leaves the reader content and wanting more. I want to know what will happen in the next chapter of Belle's life. So...maybe sometime down the road a squeal? Or a little novella? Just over here wishing for more of these characters because I fell in love with them. Overall, this was a great read and I highly recommend this book to others....so go pick one up and get lost in Nick and Belle's characters. 

Incinerate

Hostage to Love Giveaway:

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My First Crush - Taste the Heat by Rachel Harris

So the next book on my list is by an author that was completely new to me, however, I have fallen in love with her writing style and book and can't wait to read more of her works. My next review is on Taste of

Heat by Rachel Harris. And I can say that I have officially become a new member of Rachel's Flirt Squad!!! YEY!!!! I'm just a little excited...if you couldn't tell. I wanted to give a HUGE thank you to Rachel, Heather Ricco and Entangled Publishing for sending me my wonderful e-arc book, opening me up to a wonderful author and having the opportunity to give an honest review. Also check below for the giveaway. And in this post there is also my First Crush story.

So now onto my first crush....funny thing is my story is similar to Colby's.....well at least in the beginning. My first crush was a boy that lived across the street and a few houses down. His name was Aaron and he was 3 years older than me. I honestly can't remember a time when I didn't have a crush on him....I saw him one day and BOOM it hit me. It wasn't until I was in 5th grade that we actually became "friends" or at least he knew who I was. I'm from Columbus, Ohio, but every year German Village (a little section of the south side of Columbus) has a yard sale and I was at it and remember someone yelling my name and when I turned to see who it was....I looked down the street at a brown hair and brown eye boy waving at me. I was SHOCKED.....I mean we'd never really talked other than "hi" in passing and this boy of my dreams knew my name. *Swooning and sighing* I finally manged to wave a hi back...I didn't want to be rude and from there we just got to know each other.

The fact that he was 3 years older than me.....at the time made it seem like we were worlds apart. When I was in 5th grade he was in 8th....getting ready for high school. Why would a boy his age be interested in someone like me? And yet we were friends. So this is going to sound bad....but I had a few stalker tendencies back in the day....and would spend a lot more time outside than I really needed to....but to have the opportunity to catch a glance, a wave, or a chance to say hi was everything to me.

One summer stands out the most to me over everything. July 4, 2001. I was going into my freshman year of high school and Aaron was going to be a senior that year, he was also turning 18 in December. We sat on his porch for 4 or 5 hours just talking about anything and everything. We talked about me going to high school and apparently how I was going to have to fight off all the boys. About him possibly moving to Georgia to live with his dad, life with his mom and two younger brothers. We listened to music, more specifically D-12's song Purple Pills. Aaron used to smoke cigarettes and he "yelled" at me how I should never pick up the habit because it's bad for you. And then the most memorable moments of my life happened. Up to this point I suspected that Aaron might like me a little more than a friend, but I was never really sure...this added to the confusion. He would start tickling me, telling me how he could never have a girlfriend that wasn't ticklish and ended up pinning me against his front door and in that moment I saw something flash in his eyes and thought he might kiss me and then it was gone and he backed away. When I went to go sit back on the banister he came up to me, put his arms around me and leaned me back jokingly to where it seemed like he might drop me. I had to wrap my arms and somewhat my legs around him to make sure I didn't fall and I remember him whispering in my ear; that I can always trust him and he'd never let anything happen to me. It was the most comforting thing I'd ever heard from anyone. And I realized in that moment the amount of trust that I did have in him.....and it scared the hell out of me.

When I started high school I took the bus to and from school and sometimes on my (5 minute) walk home, he would drive by and ask if I wanted a ride and would take me home. Of course we'd spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour just talking in his car about nothing and everything. There was just always a comfort there and conversation was never forced by either of us. I remember showing him Halloween pictures of me and my friend, I was supposed to be dressed up as Britney Spears in black leather pants and a silver club shirt that tied in the back, but still left my back open. He asked me for one of the pictures of me and put it in his car....and per him, so he could have something to remind him of me and whatnot because he was moving to Georgia with his dad. Of course I gave it over happily!!! *Mentally jumping up and down like an idiot* After this and into the next 3 years meetings became few and far between, but we always managed to spend a little time together.

I finally worked up the courage and decided that I needed to tell him that I liked him more than a friend and that I've had a crush on him most of my childhood. So one morning when I was walking to my bus stop I put an envelope under his wiper on his windshield, with a 5 page letter of sorts telling him that I liked him. I also reminded him of different times we've had together and the memories that I will always hold dear to my heart. At the end of it I finally worked up the courage (well as much as you can in writing a letter) to ask if he happen to have feelings for me; beyond friendship.

We ended up talking through e-mail and finally after a few back and forth correspondences I finally read the words I'd been waiting to hear for over 10 years. Aaron finally told me that he liked me, more than a friend, however, by the time he told me this he was already 18. He felt that this was some school girl crush and that I'd eventually get over it. He also told me that he wanted to do right by me and not take advantage of me, and also the fact that he was 18 and I was only 15. So the "promise" he made me was that when I turned 18, we would see how we felt about each other and go from there. Me of course knowing that I'd still like him then couldn't wait for the years to pass quick enough.

I felt like I was on cloud nine. The man of my dreams finally admitted to me that he actually liked me....like I could be girlfriend material. So I waited 3 years, we kept in touch, chatted, and I went on with my high school life....waiting till I turned 18. On my 18th birthday I was so excited....it was as if everything I'd ever dreamed about was finally going to be within my grasps. It wasn't till that summer that I actually saw Aaron and to find some type of topic to bring up, I showed him my new tattoo that I got for my birthday. We chatted for a moment and that was the end of it and he returned to Georgia. I still held onto hope.....still held on to my dream that I could just get one date. One date with the boy that I'd dreamed and thought about so many nights of my life. When my 19th birthday came and went and Aaron came back up into town and left again....I gave up hope. If he liked me then sometime at this point should have happened and I took it as my answer from him. I assumed it was fate telling me that we just weren't meant to be together. But in the back of my head....I still always had this idea that somehow he would wake up and realize what he'd been missing and come chasing/finding me and we'd live that fairy-tale dream.

It wasn't until 2011 that Aaron and I had spoken again. We ended up talking one night for about 5 hours just catching up and talking like old times. And my feelings for him came back full force. He would constantly anger me because he always told me how pretty I was and that he always had feelings for me, but he could never take me seriously because it was just a school girl crush. Finally, I confronted him and pretty much yelled at him about it. That all I wanted was just a chance or a date or even a kiss to see if there was any kind of spark there. That yes it started out as that school girl crush, but that by getting to really know him and share things with him, it evolved into more. I told him that I wanted to ask him to be my prom date for my senior year, but we weren't talking and I wasn't sure if he would come and I had such high ideals of him that I couldn't take the rejection. His response, I wished you would have asked me and then coming back to the he couldn't take me and my crush seriously.

My romantic side says and hopes that somehow the way we keep coming into each other's lives that eventually we might end up together through circumstances....but of course one never knows. I just wish that I didn't have as much regret to never know what could have been. I'm envious of Colby and Jason.

So after reading all of this....sorry it's so long, I tried to keep it as minimal as possible. When I read Taste the Heat, I could so sympathize with Colby and her crush for Jason, because I've been there. I love that circumstances brought them back into each other's lives and that there was such a strong attraction they both felt for one another that they tested waters to see where it would go. And let me tell you....some scenes were just STEAMY HAWT!!!! Camping, truck rides, fixing burns, dancing in the road, spending the night in a hotel with chocolate!!! See....so many that you can't help but wish for the best for these two.


About the Author:

As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents' walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.

She grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother and staying up late sneak still stays up too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.
reading her mam's favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she

When she's not typing furiously or flipping pages in enthralling romances, you can find her homeschooling her two beautiful girls and loves watching reality television with her amazing husband or taking a hot bubble bath.....next to a pile of chocolate. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!


 
Five Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Rachel . . . But Totally Should:

-- She interned at Entertainment Tonight in NYC the summer before her senior year at LSU. Highlights included the premiere of The Hours, the press junket for America's Sweethearts, a commercial set for Victoria's Secret, the set of Regis and Kelly, and a variety of other celeb locals. Best. Summer. Ever.

-- Also in college, she was a host and producer of two television shows. Sound Check highlighted the local music scene, and Doin' It was a variety show focused on capturing all things collegiate, such as Panama City for Spring Break, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, local hot spots to hit, and game day celebrations

-- Research for her first adult romance, Taste The Heat, required LOTS of eating, some of which was done blind folded. She did not mind this at all.

-- Her husband went to elementary school with Ian Somerholder from The Vampire Diaries. Yes, she has yearbook pictures of him from the fifth grade. And yes, he was hot back then, too.

-- She threw up on her first date. If that doesn't make great fodder for a YA novel, she doesn't know what does.

How to Stalk Rachel

Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Goodreads

Blurb:

One sexy fire captain. One Cajun chef, One combustible kitchen…

When chef Colby Robicheaux returned home to New Orleans to save her family restaurant, the last person she expected to reconnect with was her brother’s best friend and her childhood crush. As tempting as a sugar-coated beignet, Jason is one dish she doesn’t want to taste. Colby is counting down the days till she can leave the place where her distrust of love and commitment originated and go back to Vegas. 

Fire captain Jason Landry isn’t looking for love, either. He knows he should focus on finding the perfect mother for his daughter, but when he first sees Colby, all grown up and gorgeous, he can’t help but be drawn to her. And when she suggests a no-strings-attached fling, Jason doesn’t want to say no. 

As their relationship grows more intense, Colby finds that Jason isn’t as easy to leave behind as she thought. Could turning up the heat on something real be worth the possibility of getting burned?

So where can you buy the book:

Amazon     Barnes&Noble

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Now onto my review of this book. I absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED this book. I loved the story line, the characters and pretty much everything about this book. Honestly, I think this is the hardest review I've ever had to write because I want to include EVERYTHING!!! There were so many amazing scenes and parts to this book that it's hard to just hand pick a few to give you examples of the awesomeness of this book.

The book starts off with Colby returning to her hometown of New Orleans to judge the St. Tammany Parish Firefighters' Cajun Cook-off. Colby left town years ago and become a well renown chef and owns her own top of the line restaurant in Las Vegas. Right off the bat you learn that Colby left town years ago because something bad happened in her past and part of it has to do with her father. **Side note** I learned a new game from this book that I so wish I could have played as a kid. Kiss and Catch....I've never heard of it before, but it would have definitely been a fun game to play with some boys back in the day or to try and play with my childhood crush.
I know this is considered to be a young adult/romance type novel, but I wasn't sure how in-depth of romance this novel would get until we meet Captain Jason Landry. *sigh* Who by the way is single father reading about prepubescent hormones, shaving legs, and PMS. I find this comical because growing up my dad was grossed out at the mention of being on my period let alone any other "girly" type stuff. However, this does raise the question about where his daughter's mother is. Obviously he isn't currently married because he seems to be checking out the judge of the cook-off and thinking dirty thoughts about her. Not realizing who she is just yet.

I love Jason's description of Colby as he first takes her in. "Looking back at the brunette stunner, Jason admitted she was out of his league, too. The woman was five-alarm gorgeous. Her long dark hair hung loose around her shoulders, and her pouty lips were lifted in a contemplative smile. She bit the edge of a polished fingernail, lost in thought, and the effect was like a punch in the gut. His fingers actually itched with the desire to wrap her hair around his palm. He bit his lip, wondering if her mouth tasted half as good as it looked. As Jason's eyes snapped back to the brunette, it was all the prompting his imagination needed to fire up a vision of the kind of panties the woman had on –silk black thong, if he had to guess –and all the creative ways he'd like to remove them. With his teeth". HAWT!!!! What I would give for some hot sexy fireman to think that about me at a first glance. 

The next part is interesting because Colby recognizes Jason right away, especially since she has spent her entire life crushing on her older brother's best friend. Jason and Colby spend a few public moments openly flirting with each other and it isn't until Colby's older brother Cane sits next to her that some puzzle pieces start to fall into place. And of course everyone knows that the little sister of your best friend is a no no. But of course everyone knows that you're still going to chase after her because you can't help it. And thankfully Captain Jason here continues with the chase. Colby and Jason meet a lot by accident and that spark is there every time they are near each other. They are always drawn to each other in a way that every thing in the world disappears and all that is left is the two of them. Colby also shares things with Jason that she's never told anyone before, especially what happened with her father all those years ago and why she left and never looked back.  

The conflict that arises in this story is that something awful happened in Colby's past with her father and she can't stay in her hometown. She is only there for 3 short months to help the family restaurant and then it's back to Las Vegas and her "normal" life. Jason is just as screwed up. We learn that a few years back his wife died and he is looking for a mother for his daughter, who by the way is an adorable child that I would be the step-mother of. But the way he states it is really weird, because he would be with someone who would be a good mother, but not really have a wife. They would live together and be married, but he wouldn't love her and wouldn't really be "in" the marriage. Ohh and both Colby and Jason know that she doesn't really want to be a  fill-in mother and she isn't in town to stay, but he still wants to try and have "something" with her.

So based on that information what is the deciding factor? By dating each other of course....as a no strings attached relationship. So Colby gets to date and sleep with the man of her dreams and Jason gets to get down and dirty with his best friends little sister. What could go wrong? Everything? Nothing? Well so they start this hawt and steamy fling and I love them together and what I find funny is one of Colby's biggest hesitancy's is being a fill in mother of sorts, and yet she is awesome at it. Emma wants to be a chef someday and so her and Colby have a connection from the beginning and it just grows from there. 

Of course the game changes up because Jason realizes that he doesn't just want a fling with Colby, he wants a lifetime with her. So of course he is going to show her an AMAZING time and what she could have...and O.M.G. who isn't going to want what he is throwing out. I will say that after reading in the first chapter how Jason wanted to remove Colby's underwear with his teeth, their first night together fell a little short for me. There was this build up between the two of them, so many steamy scenes to lead up to the big night and for me it was  almost like going up the hill in the beginning of a roller coaster, and it just levels off instead of really going anywhere. Honestly, it isn't like some 50 shades had to be pulled out, but come on this has been Colby's dream for how many years? Even if just touching the subject a little more without having too many details would have worked for me. What is Colby thinking now that this is FINALLY going to happen? Does the sexy fireman have any fun and interesting tricks? What's going through his mind during all of this....he's about to get it on with his best friends little sister. With that being said the idea behind their first night together was still enough to have an imagination, especially with chocolate.

Colby's brother Cane and her sister Sherry play big roles in this book. Cane is the big brother I've always wished I had and Sherry....well she's Sherry. She's the baby of the family and you can bet she lives up to that name. She has some awesome moments and some pretty funny ones too, especially since she is ALL about Jason and Colby hooking up. And I love her character and when some stuff happens to her I want to go beat the crap out of people. 

Now we know somehow drama has to come up and something has to happen for Colby to truly begin to question everything. And of course it does and her past comes colliding with her present. And a lot of questions arise because of this. And some tragedy happens and I was almost in tears at that part, because I was so into the book. Will Colby want to stay? Will she go back to Las Vegas? Does she want to be in a more serious relationship and be a step mom? Can she love and trust Jason? Can he love Colby? So many questions that are answered in this book and trust me when I tell you, you won't be disappointed by this book at all. So go pick up your copy now!!! And spread the word!!! Again a HUGE thank you to Rachel for writing this and sharing so much. She is one of the most interactive author's I've ever come across....love love love you and your flirt squad!!!!

Incinerate

Giveaway:

Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Trailer: Frigid by J. Lynn

 IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!


About the Author:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Blurb:

For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn’t anything new. They’d been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the

years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the ‘man’ in man-whore. He’s never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn’t want to risk their friendship by declaring her love.

Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she’s perfect and she’s everything. But the feelings he has for her, he’s always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have.

But when they’re stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor’easter, there’s nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one.

Where to Buy:

Amazon ~ B&N

Watch the tailer here:

Frigid Trailer

And if that wasn't enough, Jennifer is also hosting a contest on her blog. Follow the link to join in the fun and win an awesome prize!!!!

Frigid Contest

So go buy your book and read because I'm sure it is going to be AMAZING!!!! And check back soon for a review.

Blog Tour: AnguiSH by Lila Felix

AHHHHHH........I LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was my first time reading a book by Lila Felix, but definitely not my last!!! Lila Felix is an AMAZING writer and when I first read the blurb about this book I wasn't sure how I would feel. However, I was pulled in from the very beginning and fell in love with the characters and story line and everything about the world that Lila made.


About the Author:

Lila Felix lives in the swamps of Louisiana with her husband and three boisterous children. She loves coffee, anything cinnamon and loves to cook. She is a big roller derby fan. When she’s not writing, she’s watching 80′s movies, reading, and collecting duct tape.

Where to Stalk Lila:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~ Goodreads

Blurb:

Anguish was the status quo, until she walked in.

Breaker James Collins is confined in a prison of his own making. Scarred doesn't begin to define his hell since finding out his girlfriend had cheated, stolen, and lied two years ago. It led to a single event—one that would blacken his days and his nights from then on. Since then, he hasn't left his house, crippled by fear of people and any social interaction.

Ashland talks too much and has the voice of a meth-laden prairie dog, or so she’s always been told. She’s been called annoying and irritating all of her life and gave up on having friends for a long time. College has given her a new lease on a social life and she’s embraced who she is. But now she’s waiting for the one guy who can take her breath away and put up with her antics.

A simple note pinned to a cork board will lead Ash right to Breaker’s solitary world and she will learn that just because a guy doesn't fit her ideal, doesn't mean she won’t fall head over feet in love.

Where to Buy:

Amazon ~ B&N

Goodreads:

AnguiSH

If you're interested in seeing other blogs on this tour stop they are listed below. A few have already been posted and there are still some to come. Make sure to check them out!!!

July 11

          LeBookSquirrel 

          I Read Indie 

          Read This - Hear That 

July 12

          Jenna's Junction 

          The Alternative Kryptonite 

July 13

Book Geek Unite 

Love All Things Book 

July 14

          Brianna Lee Book Reviews 

          Book Crazy 

July 15

          Book Nerds Across America 

July 16

          Inside the World of Books 

TSK TSK What to Read 

July 17

          Christina's Book Reviews 

July 18

Life between Pages 

          Holly's Hot Reads 

July 19

          A World Of Words 

          One More Chapter 

July 20

          Paperback Cowgirl 

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YEY now my favorite part.....my review of this awesome book. By the way this book was awesome!!! I'm going to have a hard time writing this review without giving too much away. When I first started reading this book I was slightly confused as to what was going on. And I wanted to smack whatever idiot thought calling her boyfriend (who's name is Breaker) Breaky. Ewww....what are we 5? Although I will give Lila credit, the names in this book are awesome!! Breaker, Ashland, and Navy. LOVE IT!!!!

When I first started reading this book I immediately fell in love with Ashland's character. In grade school I didn't really have any friends because I was either too smart or too "sportsy" or my personal favorite too jolly. The girls always made fun of me and I read a lot and hung out in the library during recess. In high school I had a little more room to "have friends" but even with that I was always still kind of an outsider, never really fitting in with any "crowd". I also tend to talk a lot and get yelled at all the time for it. So I can relate in that sense and a few others with Ash soo oooowell. 

I also love that the story goes back and forth between Breaker and Ash to give a-round-about point of view to what is going on in the story. Breaker's story is truly interesting because you never see a guy get so low and seem broken and weak. After Breaker walks in on his girlfriend getting it on in public at his best friends house, his life falls apart. He shuts himself in a house that his parents pay for him to live. He has all kinds of different online chatrooms and goes to school online and NEVER leaves the house or really verbally interactions with anyone outside his parents, Dr. Mavis and Memphis (his supposed best friend). 

What starts this little story off is that Breaker is a slob and never cleans up and his mother has had enough and she decides she needs to hire a live in maid. There are two candidates that are up for the job; and older lady (Lucy) and Ashland. Breaker is all for the older lady because she won't try and talk to him and he can stay in his shell. Although I love the scene when Breaker first meets Ash. Breaker goes to open the door, after ignoring it and getting a phone call from his mother to answer the door:

I pulled it open, aggravated as all hell. "Look, the position has already been fill..." My lungs took notice of her beauty before my eyes could catch up. They constricted and froze. I was complexly dumbstruck.

"Hi," she said, like everything was just peachy, "I'm Ashland, you must be Breaker." Her voice was feminine and sweet, all honeysuckle and sugar. Holly was always trying to make her voice low and raspy. It made me question whether or not she smoked. But in the place I was, even if she smelled like smoke and had one in her hand -I would've believed any lie she told me.

"Um, hi -I'm Breaker." Focus man, focus! "Like I was saying, I've already hired a maid so..."

She came in, ducking under my arm. My eyes closed as she passed, she smelled so damn good. It wasn't any fruit or heavy perfume. She just smelled -clean.

"Your mom said you would say that. She also said you wouldn't let me in; that you would try to dismiss me at the door." 

She looked around, her black hair was tied up in a ponytail. She had on some jeans, dark colored and some kind of white frilly top. And red heels that made me want to question her intelligence status. But damn, they looked so good on her. Sweat beads popped up along my forehead. She needed to leave, and now. 

"It's not so bad around here. It's boy clean, not girl clean. But not too bad." 

"What the hell does that mean?" I spout out defensively. Maybe if I'm rude to her, she'll go away. 

She turned around with a smile, and my lungs seized up again. "You should close the door, you're letting all the bought air out. And you know, boy clean. Boys clean around things, girls pick them up and clean under them too. Like this blender."

And sure enough there was dust under it. And after she left and even until the next day Breaker found himself checking under items to see if there was dust there. Awww...she got to him in like 5 minutes. Well anyways, she ends up getting the job and by Ash just being Ash she slowly is getting Breaker to come out of his shell. She has him wanting to be a better person and a better man. First by helping out around the house and in the yard and working his way out into the world. Another of my favorite lines between these two (who always have smart ass commits to say to one another) is when Ash finally is talking to Breaker about taking a drive in the car. 

"You know, a ride in the car? Vroom, vroom, no people?" 

"Hey, I'm a little nutty, not stupid. No need to make noises."

From here Ash and Breaker have some bumps in their "friendship" because they both like each other and yet still have a hard time finding a right path for the two of them to follow. Eventually, their relationship does take off and it's adorable. Breaker is such a sweetheart and even though he's kind of a shut in...I'd so be his girlfriend. He has that romantic side that every girl would swoon over. And after one of their kisses Breaker has a wonderful explanation, "I didn't plan to kiss her. But I didn't regret it either. She was soft and pillowy. And I was prickly and rough around the edges -we fit together like the two halves that made Velcro." heheh he compared them to Velcro...I love it!!!

One of my favoritest (yes I said favoritest) lines/scenes happens after they lay together and cuddle and Ash says, "You've done such a number on me Breaker James. I came in here revved up to get a job done and mind my own business. But instead you've caught me in your snare. You couldn't get rid of me if you tried." I turned over facing the window since my arm had fallen asleep. His arm snaked around my waist and pulled me flush against him. "Believe me baby, if someone's gonna do the ridding, it's gonna be you." His voice was faint, I didn't know if he was asleep or not.

O.M.G. all I kept saying here was awww....and that's so sweet. Why can't I have a guy like that. I mean seriously if he was asleep and in his unconscious mind that is what he was thinking....that's like the super sweetest thing a guy could say to a girl in this particular type of scene. See again I love Breaker!!!

One last few lines that I was cracking up over was, He held up his hands, "Shut up Ash."

Well didn't that just scratch my glass. 

"What did you just say? Don't you ever tell me to shut up you -you -you weird named boy."

Hahaha she called him out on his odd name. Eventually, heart break has to happen because instead of Breaker really getting better, he begins to use Ash as a crutch. He isn't getting better and that isn't a healthy life that anyone should live through. Breaker has some of his hell yeah moments, especially where skank Holly is involved. But then I had some tear jerker moments and sad moments and happy moments and a lot of funny moments....with his highness. I kept hoping and wishing for true love to prevail. I wanted Breaker to get better so that he could pull the ultimate romantic move and run after Ash and pull her into his arms and be romantic all over her. OMG when she left her job as the in house maid.....my heart was being ripped out. I was soooo involved with these two characters that I just wanted everything to be okay.

Overall, this was an AMAZING read!!!! I'm so thankful for receiving this as an arc...Thank you so much Lila for writing such an amazing book!!! And I'm thankful to be able to read and share it and spread the word for others to join in. I've found yet another author that can be added to my favorites list. So make sure to grab your copy to see if Breaker an break his shell and be the man he used to be and to be the man that Ash needs. Go get your Ash and Breaker on!!!

Incinerate