Cover Reveal: The Rules Of Regret by Megan Squires

Title: The Rules of Regret

Author: Megan Squires

Expected Publication: 1 October 2013

Cover Design: Mae I Design and Photography

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

“Life doesn’t come with a blueprint, which makes it hard to have any plans.”

Nineteen-year-old Darby Duncan is finally on her own. Her boyfriend of six years just left for a high-powered summer internship, though in reality he’s been absent for much longer than that. This newfound freedom wasn’t a part of Darby’s plans, but as she’s come to discover, plans only exist on paper, not in reality.

And guys like Torin Westbrook aren’t supposed to exist in reality, either. But he does, with his disheveled curly hair, irresistible dimples, and endearingly quirky habit of reciting quotes from classic movies and ancient thinkers. When Darby meets Torin as a fellow counselor at the survival camp she impulsively applies to, she’s certain his main goal is to turn her world upside-down. 

But Darby’s not sure she can adapt to Torin’s ways of viewing his past and the tragedies he's faced. Because she’s had her own share of heartache, too, and as much as she wants to believe that it’s all been for a purpose, her grief hasn’t allowed her to get to that point. Yet the more Darby is around Torin, the more she craves the freedom to break out of her carefully constructed routine and mindset and fall into something new. 

She’s just not sure that she should be falling for Torin along the way.

Mini Review Monday #2

I have decided to start doing some mini reviews to allow me to tell you what I thought of a book, without the full review depth. The reason why I have decided to do this is because some books have been out of a while and there are plenty of reviews on Goodreads if anyone wants further details already, and the other is that some of the books I've read are actually novellas and I wouldn't be able to write full reviews on something that is generally under 100 or so pages. 
I'm not sure if this will be a weekly, fortnightly or monthly thing. More than likely it will be just when I need to so a short review. I do have a few to do, but I'll space them out of the next few weeks and then take it from there. =)

Title: Crossing The Line

Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing The Limits, #1.5
Published: April 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Source: Free for Kindle promo by Harlequin Teen Australia

Katie McGarry captivated readers with her “riveting, emotional”* Young Adult debut, Pushing the Limits. In this gripping novella, she tells the story of Lila and Lincoln, who discover that sometimes it’s worth crossing the line for love…

Lila McCormick, Echo's best friend from Pushing the Limits, first met Lincoln Turner when tragedy struck both their lives. But she never expected their surprise encounter would lead to two years of exchanging letters—or that she’d fall for the boy she’s only seen once. Their relationship is a secret, but Lila feels closer to Lincoln than anyone else. Until she finds out that he lied to her about the one thing she depended on him for the most.

Hurting Lila is the last thing Lincoln wanted. For two years, her letters have been the only thing getting him through the day. Admitting his feelings would cross a line he’s never dared breach before. But Lincoln will do whatever it takes to fix his mistakes, earn Lila’s forgiveness—and finally win a chance to be with the girl he loves.

My Thoughts

This was a lovely little (it's 67 pages!) novella about Lila. If you read Pushing The Limits, she was Echo's friend who in the end was the only one to stand by her. 

Lila's relationship with Lincoln is built up through letters, and as with Katie McGarry's stories, both have issues within their lives but have each other to depend on. 

You don't need to have read Pushing the Limits before this one. It's would read fine as a stand alone if you wanted. 

Even though it is a very short story, Katie McGarry managers to make fantastic characters and an emotional read. 

★★★★ Really Liked It

Book Blitz: I Breathe You by Lori L. Clark with Excerpt & Giveaway

Title: I Breathe You  
Author: Lori L. Clark 

Publication date:  August 2nd 2013

Genre: NA contemporary romance

Synopsis:

When a tragic accident leaves Rhane Evans — lead vocalist for the rock band Fate’s Crazy — permanently unable to speak above a whisper and kills the love of her life, she moves across the state to pick up the pieces. Shattered, Rhane struggles to understand what happened the night of the accident, an accident everyone blames her for, even though she wasn’t driving the car.

Enter Ian Callahan. He’s the one person who may have a more tumultuous past than Rhane. Though they try hard to deny the sizzling attraction between them, it proves nearly impossible. When Ian’s troubled past threatens to tear them apart, they begin to believe happiness isn’t in their cards.

Because Fate’s Crazy that way…

Buy Links

Purchase link will be found here come release day

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Excerpt

Gwen announces that it's time to eat and we make our way to the kitchen with T leading the way. I stiffen momentarily when Ian's fingertips rest gently against my lower back but soon relax beneath his reassuring touch as he guides me forward.Several times during dinner, I sense Ian's eyes on me, and I glance up. The first couple of times, I quickly avert my gaze to the plate in front of me. But now, a glass and a half of wine later, it's getting harder to shift my attention elsewhere. He watches me through hooded eyes, and I refuse to look away. I reach for my wine and swirl the liquid slowly around in the goblet. I take a long swallow and slowly run my tongue around the perimeter of my tingling lips, teasing him. His eyes darken and the corner of his mouth tips into a half smirk.After we eat, I stand, offering to help Gwen clear the table. Shockwaves of electricity jolt down the center of my back when Ian steps behind me and whispers into my ear. "Thank God you weren't eating a banana or I might have had to excuse myself from the dinner table for a few minutes." I draw my lips between my teeth to keep a mad case of giggles from erupting."I'll go bring in some wood for the fire," Ian offers. Under his breath he mutters low enough only for me to hear, "It'll be the closest thing to a cold shower I can get away with right now.""Do you want me to help?" I whisper playfully."No. You’ve done more than enough already," he shakes his head. Gwen arches an eyebrow at his remark. I understand the meaning behind his words and grin. He shrugs and walks outside with a huge smile on his face.

Author Bio

I read, I write, I run 1/2 marathons for fun. Ten things about me:

1. I’m an only child.
2. I love dogs! 
3. I was born in Iowa City, Iowa and lived in Iowa my whole life until January 2007.
4. I worked as a professional psychic reader for 2 years.
5. I’m a Pisces Sun, Leo Moon with Aquarius rising.
6. I’ve written 5 books and am in the process of brainstorming a 6th.
7. I don’t look or act my age!
8. I ran my first 1/2 marathon at age 50.
9. I love 80′s hair band music.
10. My day job is as a claims payment analyst for one of Fortune 500 Magazine’s “Top 100 places in America to work.”

Author links

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eARC Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Title: Dare You To

Author: Katie McGarry

Series: Pushing The Limits, #2

Publication Date: May 28, 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Description

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...

Review

It took me awhile to get into this book. I don't believe it was the book itself, I think it was just the formatting of the copy I had. The chapters weren't separated other than a few words in capitals and I found it extremely difficult to read as the jump between POV's wasn't clear. I was originally reading it on my mobile, but then I swapped to the kindle for a bigger screen, thinking that might help - and it did. Though I still didn't get the "I can't put this down" feeling I had with Pushing The Limits until I was about 30 - 40% into it. Then I fell in love with the story. 

I felt for Beth. I really liked her even though there were points where I thought "you stupid girl". I still liked her, and I could empathise with her, even in those moments, and understand why she did what she did. 
I wasn't instantly drawn to Ryan, but he grew on me as the story went on. I thought he was good for Beth which is where some of my frustration came from with her. haha.
I liked Isaiah in Pushing the Limits and I liked him even more in this. He is such a great character and I'm dying to read his story in Crash Into You, but I digress. 

Katie McGarry is amazing at writing characters with a troubled background. She makes the story emotional, believeable, and heartbreaking. You connect with the characters, feel for them, and want everything to be better for them. You want the story to have a positive ending, no necessarily a happy ending, just something positive to come out of it for the characters involved. I didn't think it was possible to write a better story then Pushing The Limits, but Dare You To is just was wonderful, if not a little better. 

Dare You To could be read as a stand alone. Pushing The Limits will give you a wider view into some of the characters as well as the connections, but it isn't totally necessary. 

★★★★★ 

It Was Amazing

Book Trailer

Review: Pushing The Limits by Katie McGarry

Title: Pushing The Limits

Author: Katie McGarry

Series: Pushing The Limits, #1

Publication Date: July 31, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Source: Bought

Description

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Review

A while ago Harlequinn Teen offered a sneak peek at Pushing The Limits, the first 2 chapters I believe. I wasn't sure this was going to be for me so I read those 2 chapters. I was instantly draw to the story and purchased the book. It took me a little while to get to read it (and even longer to write the review! o_o  Shame on me) but I definitely loved this story. 

Firstly there is Noah who has lost both parents and is wanting custody of his younger brothers, who are currently with a lovely couple. Unfortunately Noah doesn't believe they are nor does he realise they are the best thing for his brothers. 

Then there is Echo, who has her own tragedies  With the death of her older brother, and scars that she hides from everyone along with the lost memory of how they occurred that night at her mothers place. 

The novel alternates between Noah and Echo's point of views throughout the novel and is engaging this way.   

Both are seeing the school counselor, Mrs Collins, who is actually trying to help them and is a major factor in Noah and Echo getting together, pairing them for Echo to tutor Noah. 

Through their contact they grow and develop into better versions of themselves. 

I loved this book as it is written in a way that you can empathize with them; see and feel them grow and feel their pain, sadness, joy and happiness. I loved both Noah and Echo, and Noah's friends Beth and Isaiah. This is an emotional read with surprising depth and feeling. Another to add to the TBR if you haven't already. 

Also Beth has her story in Dare You To (released May 28 2013), and Isaiah in Crash Into You (expected release November 26 2013). 

★★★★★ 
It Was Amazing

Author Bio

Source

KATIE MCGARRY was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, and reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan.

Katie would love to hear from her readers. 

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Cover Reveal: No One's Angel by Kelly Walker

Title: No One's Angel 

Author: Kelly Walker

Publication date: September 17th 2013

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

Tess used to spend more hours than she’d care to admit playing her favorite computer game, using the nickname Angel. She could pretend her life was different, and she could pretend Arion was just a friend. But a girl needs more to keep her warm at night than pixels and she traded her virtual heaven for a real life hell. Now she’s on the run from a past she won’t talk about, and the only place she has to go is the doorstep of the friend she’s never actually met.

When Angel disappeared from their nightly games, it nearly destroyed Arion. He threw himself into work and women, but he can’t help knowing the one night stands will never compare to the angel who haunts his dreams. At first, when she shows up soaking wet and scared-shitless on his doorstep, he thinks his prayers have been answered.

But the more Arion tries to keep Angel close, the more her fear drives her away. If they are ever going to have a chance for a future, they’ll first have to deal with the past that hasn’t forgotten her any more than she’s forgotten it, and Arion will have to learn how to let her go.

No One's Angel is a New Adult(NA) Contemporary Romance and is recommended for mature audiences only due to language and sexual content.

Author Bio

Kelly Walker was born in Trappe, MD but she now calls Fredericksburg Virginia home. She has an unhealthy appreciation for chocolate, and a soft spot for rescued animals. Her best lessons on writing came from a lifetime of reading. She loves the fantastical, and the magical, and believes a captivating romance can be the most realistic magic of all. Kelly, her husband and her two children share their home with three dogs who walk her, and two cats who permit her to occasionally share their couch.

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Sneak Peek: This Time Around by Ellie Grace with Excerpt

Title: This Time Around 

Author: Ellie Grace 

Genre:  New Adult, Contemporary Romance 

Expected release date: July 15, 2013

Synopsis:
Nora Montgomery left home and heartbreak behind in South Carolina when she moved to New York City after her high school graduation. Now, four years later, she returns home and is forced to confront the past she left behind and the reckless boy who broke her heart. It’s not long before the pieces of her past begin to blur with the present and she realizes that the feelings she had for her first love never really went away. As old dreams resurface and new truths come to light, she begins to question the future she's always planned on. Jake Harris has spent four years regretting the night he let her get away. When she finally reappears in his life, he is determined to win her back and prove how much he’s changed. She might never forgive him for that night, but if he tells her the truth about what really happened it will shatter the world she thought she knew. If he doesn’t, he might not get a second chance. He’s already lost her once and he won’t lose her again. They come from two different worlds that are threatening to tear them apart…can they make it this time around? 

Excerpt

A drop of water landed on my cheek, waking me up and interrupting my moment of tranquility. I opened my eyes and saw that the blue sky had turned grey and mean with the promise of a summer storm. This was a common occurrence around here. Short summer storms would come through on even the most beautiful of days.“Jake, wake up!” I nudged his arm and started packing up the last remnants of our picnic before everything got soaked. He opened his eyes groggily, jumping into motion when he saw the clouds overhead threatening to dump rain all over us.We moved quickly across the water, thanks to his speedy rowing, and were only a few yards away from the dock when the sky opened up and rain started hammering down on us. I shrieked and made a pathetic attempt to cover myself with the cardigan I was holding, while Jake just looked at me and laughed.When we edged up against the dock I practically leapt out of the boat and carried my guitar and the picnic basket back to the shelter of the cabin. I was about to go inside to get away from the storm, but when I looked for Jake I saw that he was still out on the dock. He was leisurely pulling the rowboat up onto the dock and flipping it over, clearly in no hurry despite the buckets of rain coming down over his head.“What’s taking so long?” I said, rushing to the end of the dock where he was still standing, “In case you didn’t notice, we’re getting drenched!”Jake just smiled. “Since when do you care about getting a little wet? The Nora I remember used to love running around in rainstorms.” He strode over to me and ran his hands up my arms. “It’s kinda nice, isn’t it?”I nodded, stepping closer and looking up at him through the sheets of rain. He was gorgeous… especially when he was dripping wet. I reached up and traced his jawline, trailing my finger through the droplets of rain and watched as his eyes turned dark with desire.Within a half a second his mouth was on mine and his hands were at my hips drawing me closer. His kiss started off slow but when his tongue met mine it became needy and impassioned. I slowly ran my hands up his hard chest and over his shoulders, pulling myself closer to him. His grip around me tightened and he moved his hands down, grabbing my bottom and lifting me up. I wrapped my legs around him and held onto him firmly.“I want you,” he grumbled against my lips, “I can’t wait any longer.”

 Author Bio

Ellie Grace is an avid reader, chocolate lover and caffeine addict. When a story popped into her head that she couldn’t seem to shake, she decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a writer. When she’s not writing, she’s usually curled up with a book by one of her many, many favorite authors. 






  

Book Blitz: Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller with Excerpt & Giveaway

Title: Triangles

Author: Kimberly Ann Miller

Release Date: 18 June 2013

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal 

Summary from Goodreads:A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. What could possibly go wrong?

In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.

Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.

She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess?
\Buy Link

   

 Excerpt

“Are you all right, honey?”
I opened my eyes. An attractive young woman with red hair and brilliantgreen eyes was looking at me. What I thought was salt water from theocean must have been tears because my face was the only one nearby thatwas wet. I glanced at her concerned expression and smiled. “Yes, thankyou. I’m fine.” I swiped away a tear with my finger. “Just…everything’sfine.”
She stepped closer and lowered her voice. “This cruise will changeyour life. Nothing will be the same when it’s over, but it will be worth it.You’ll see.” Her emerald eyes twinkled, and she nodded her head once.
I forced a laugh to be polite. “Thanks. Enjoy your cruise.”
What a weirdo. What did that even mean? How could a cruise changemy life? I moved from my spot to avoid more weirdness from her andfound a less populated area at the back of the ship. New York and NewJersey disappeared behind us as we charged toward Bermuda and awayfrom the mess my life had become.
A cloud covered the retreating sun, sending shivers through me. Awhite-haired lady dropped her purse and lots of change tumbled out. Apenny hit my foot and landed on tails.
My cell phone buzzed. I pulled it from my pocket. I had thirteenmessages and thirteen texts. How would Nisha survive the next five dayswithout hearing from me? I took care of the messages and told her I’d callher when we got back to Jersey.
Even though I was not very superstitious, a bad feeling crawled intothe pit of my stomach and took up residence.

I knew what I was leaving behind, but what was I floating toward?

Author Bio

Kimberly Miller received Bachelor's degrees from Georgian Court University and Rutgers University and a Master's degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She is an avid reader and particularly enjoys true crime and young adult novels. She grew up in New Jersey and currently resides in Monmouth County with her husband and three cats. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel to sunny islands where she snorkels by day and stargazes by night. She always takes her Nook with her. 

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Giveaway

(2) $10 gift card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble (INT)

Spencer Hill Press is also doing a giveaway for a cruise!  Click HERE to enter to win!

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Book Blitz: Romancing the R.A. by Ashelyn Drake

Title: Romancing the R.A. (Campus Romance #1)

Author: Ashelyn Drake

Release Date: 05/28/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl. 

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.

But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

Buy Link

 
(only $.99!)

Excerpt

He’s stunned at first and doesn’t move. I start to pull away, thinking I’ve made a huge mistake, but then I feel Andy’s hand on my lower back, pulling me closer. His lips part, and he deepens the kiss.
Every inch of me is on fire. Andy’s an incredible kisser, but the position we’re in is awkward. I reach my hands up and bury my fingers in his hair, which prompts him to lift me onto his lap. Much better. Our bodies are pressed so close I can feel every inch of him. My lungs are screaming for air, but I’m not willing to give in to them. I’ve been dying to kiss Andy ever since he first smiled at me, and I’ll be damned if I’m backing away that quickly.
His hands move up my back to my hair, and he pulls my head back gently exposing my neck. His lips trail down my jaw and to the nape of my neck. I bite my lip to stifle a moan, but it manages to slip out anyway. Andy slowly eases off, opening his eyes to see my reaction. I debate pulling his lips back to mine, but for the moment I drape my arms around his shoulders and just stare into his baby blue eyes.

“Wow.”
He can say that again. “Yeah.”
“I can honestly say that’s the first time I didn’t have to make the first move.”
“And it’s the first time I ever made the first move.”          

He smiles. “Then I’m honored.” He leans forward and places a single kiss on my neck. His hips rise under me, and I know exactly where he’s hoping this is going to lead. My body is screaming for his touch, but I don’t want to be that girl. The one who goes off to college and sleeps with the first guy she meets. As much as I want Andy, I can’t do this right now.

Author Bio

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. Look for her debut New Adult romance, Romancing the R.A., from S.B. Addison Books!

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Giveaway
Signed Romancing the R.A. postcard and $10 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (INT)

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