Blog Tour - Used by Lynetta Halat

 

Title: Used

Series: Unlovable #1
Author: Lynetta Halat
Genre: New Adult Romance
Release Date: January 19, 2014

 

 

I am a slut. No worries. I've come to terms with it, and you will too. I’m not one of those girls who thinks she’s too plain, too fat, too skinny, too shy … no, I don’t have that kind of luck. I’m the girl who knows she’s just right for everyone. — Denver

A reputation as a manwhore–with–a–heart–of–gold tends to precede me. But, I don’t do girls with issues, that is until this girl. It's this girl I want to fix. This girl I want to protect. And maybe … more. — Ransom

Being in love with the same girl your entire life isn't all it's cracked up to be. She uses me in every way imaginable. How does she see me? I am her perpetual one-night stand. No strings, no attachments. Just mind-numbing sex ... for her anyway. — Greer

Feeling like the life is being choked out of her in the small town of Anaconda, Montana, Denver Dempsey craves the escape that college offers … even if that means leaving her “best friend with benefits” and looking for a new way to forget. Thinking she's found the perfect hookup in Ransom, Denver's outlook on college is bright. That is, until Greer shows up looking for a second chance, and Ransom's interest turns to hatred.

Love. Hate. Triangle.

Who's using who?

 

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****4 I’m Torn Hearts****

Friendship, Love, Sex, Slut, Whore, First Love, Lies, Betrayals, Cowboys, Pain, Hurt, Romance,  Self Worth and Love Triangles pretty much summed up USED by Lynetta Halat.

USED by Lynetta Halat left me feeling used and torn.  I rarely read books that have love triangles because of the angst and it always messes with my emotions. And usually the one I’m rooting for always gets the short end of the stick. I’m one of those readers that likes everyone to get their happily ever after. So when I decided to read USED, I will first say the blurb caught my attention and my curiosity was piqued especially as the heroine Denver Dempsey classified herself as a slut.    

What can I say about Denver Dempsey but I really feel bad for the girl. She has major mommy issues, toss in some daddy issues that has a major impact on her feeling unworthy of love and self-worth. Her life growing up was not pretty since her life involved a revolving door of new step dads. The only person who truly LOVES Denver is her childhood best friend, Greer Tanner. Personally, I believed that he loved her so much that it drove him to do anything in his power to just make her his. When Greer thought he could finally get Denver to love him back, John Ransom enters into the picture. Ransom was the top collegiate bull rider whom Denver couldn’t stay away from.  She was attracted to him and vice versa.  So who does Denver pick? Team Greer? Team Ransom?

 

My thoughts:

Used has left me feeling torn. I started out really loving Greer and wanted him to get Denver. I just wanted to shake Denver and say why can't you see and hear what Greer's been trying to get through to you. Then 65% into the book, I started to like Ransom. Ugh this is why I hate love triangles!!!! One thing is for sure, Denver is simply a HOT MESS!! Denver was the real problem for me... It just bugged me that she couldn't see her self worth and I really wanted her to see what Greer and Ransom have been trying to get through her. I know majority of the readers will favor Team Ransom especially towards the end. Personally, I do admit that with the new shocking revelation in the book, it has me leaning towards favoring Ransom but I still have hope in Greer. I will not excuse what Greer did but that letter just about killed me and I truly believe that he really really loves Denver and plus I have always been drawn to the best friend to lovers relationships.

Personally, I thought this book had too much rodeo stuff and I would have preferred if it wasn’t so prevalent. I can 100% say that I love the secondary characters Maggie and Austin. These two help relieved the angst and tension of the brewing love triangles between Denver, Greer, and Ransom.  

I really hope in FREED that redemption can be found for Greer and that Denver can finally find her self worth. I really hope that she can be finally free with all this negativity she has about herself. As for Ransom, I really do believe that he cares for Denver and who knew this bull rider was a little Alpha D!! I do see that he might be the one to help Denver. This is why I can't do love triangles...the angst and the guy that I always root for always ends up not getting the girl. So I'm hoping that in Freed, that Ms. Halat can shock her readers and maybe this time the guy I favor ends up getting the girl. Or maybe Denver doesn’t have to end up with either one. I truly believe that Denver needs to be able to love herself first before she can give her heart to either men.  

**There is a cliffhanger ending. Not a major cliffy but will have you wanting to know what Denver will decide.**

~ Review by Michelle

 

 

 

For as long as she can remember, Lynetta Halat has lived to read and has written countless stories and plays since she was a young girl. A teacher by day and an avid reader and closet writer by night, she has always dreamt of penning books that people could connect with and remember; and her first novel, Every Rose, is the perfect catalyst to launch her into the world of publishing. Her love of the English language prompted her to pursue a master's degree in English from Old Dominion University in Virginia. A self-proclaimed "Coast Girl," she lives in Mississippi with her adorable husband, two amazing sons, and two loveable dogs. She is currently at work on her second book.

 

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Release Day Blitz - Because of Kian by Sibylla Matilde

 

 

Title: Because of Kian

Author: Sibylla Matilde

Release Date: April 8, 2014

***** Mature Content, Abuse, Sexual Situations, Adult Situations, Strong Language *****
 

I know I’m twisted. Growing up in a perfectly well-adjusted home, I don’t really have an excuse. But no matter… I realize how messed up I am. And therapy can only do so much.

 

I pushed my boyfriend to violence, a violence he couldn't control. Sickly, I almost liked it. So I pushed him more. Before long, the pain outweighed the pleasure and the loss I sustained shattered me. So I ran. I’m now a bit shell-shocked harboring a lot of guilt. My boyfriend is now my ex and wants revenge. He wants me to pay for turning him into the monster he’s become. And I still have a deviant yearning that I don’t understand. My own monster inside… my own demon to battle.

 

I can’t get close to anyone. I can’t give in and scratch that itch. I can’t wreck someone else.

 

And now there is Kian… my rescuer on a dark, painful night. He sees through my pretense. He tries to pull me from my frightened isolation, to keep me from becoming a victim. He forces me to face my warped desires and shows me that pain doesn’t really have to truly hurt.

 

He wants to show me a way to serenity. But I am afraid… Will I ruin a good man?

 

 

 

***3.25-3.5 KIAN Stars***

 

 

When I first read Sibylla Matilde’s first book, Little Conversations, I was hooked with her writing and I knew I had to read more of her works. I loved her second book In the Firelight and so when I saw she had a new book titled Because of Kian, I knew I had to add this book on my TBR. So when Ms. Matilde offered me a gifted copy, I was so happy to dive right into reading this book.

 

The story starts off with Brynn Ashton, who ran away from her abusive ex-boyfriend, Evan. She’s living in a new town and has very few friends. One night after exiting a bar, her Evan attacks her but luckily for her, Kian was there to save her. He happened to witness this horrific ordeal and was ready to save and protect Brynn from her attacker. Safe and sound, Kian offers to teach Brynn a private self defense class in which she happily accepts. Brynn right off the bat is deeply attracted to Kian. She feels safe with him. As for Kian, he was attracted to Brynn from the first time he laid eyes on her. He was drawn to her innocence and beauty. As they slowly get to know each other, their  relationship moved from friendship to something more. Their sexual chemistry was HOT but Brynn had to put a halt on their fast pace romance . With her insecurities, fears, and ex still lurking around, Kian and her relationship had to face the ultimate test. How far will Brynn push away her chance at happiness and love?

 

Because of Kian was definitely different than her previous books. This book explores the emotional state of the heroine, Brynn and how that has affected her life when it comes to opening up her heart and love. Kian, the hero in the book was the driving force of the storyline. He made the story in my opinion and without him the storyline would have fell flat. Kian was the protector, the lover, the best friend, and the hero of the book. As much as I loved Kian, I wished I knew more of him and his past. I wanted to know what made him interested in Kinbaku. As for Brynn, I couldn’t connect to her as much as I wanted to. Yes, I was saddened by her emotional well being but her thought process bothered me. There was an element of depth and connection that was missing in the storyline that I felt was a crucial. Don’t get me wrong, I love Kian and Brynn as couple. I knew that they were perfectly matched for each other but Brynn’s decisions were at times frustrating. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her Kian is not like your ex-boyfriend. He’s different and you already know that so open up to him and let him in. If you already trust him with your body, then trust him with your heart.  

 

Overall, I enjoyed Because of Kian. Ms. Matilde knows how to write a hot steamy scene for sure. Because of Kian had the sexual chemistry down in their storyline but a hot scene can’t be the only thing in the book. Personally, I needed more details  of Kian and Brynn’s past and I wanted to know more of Brynn’s relationship with Evan. These missing details and the fast storyline was the missing element from taking this book from good to great.

 

 ~ Review by Michelle

 

 

Sibylla Matilde grew up in the mountain valleys of Southwest Montana exploring the dusty Old West gold country on the back of a horse. She attended a two-room schoolhouse beginning in 1st grade & had the same teacher until she changed schools after 7th. Beginning at about age 12, Sibylla discovered historical romance, feeding off of work of Jude Deveraux & Lisa Kleypas. She loves a book that can make the reader run the gamut of emotions, from the sweet glow of new love to gut-wrenching heartache. She is a true romantic & always has stories floating around in her head, living in a fantasyland until she writes them down to free them.

 

Music is her emotional trigger. Growing up with a Wagnarian-loving mother, Sibylla was raised to treasure music that digs deep into the psyche, drawing out elation, sorrow, grief, desire. The soundtrack to her life includes many genres spanning centuries. She looooooooves Thirty Seconds to Mars (rather obsessively, actually... but, really, how can you NOT be crazy about this guy!? Jared Leto. Shhh. ) & pimps them out to all her friends through Spotify. She also delights in Met Opera HD broadcasts at her local movie theater & hopes (listening Met?) to someday see Diana Damrau reprise her role as Mozart’s Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte. Sibylla lives with her husband and hero who saved her from her own calamitous, young-adult self. He makes her laugh daily, even when things are tough. He's proved to her that love really can heal a shattered soul. In 18 years, they have never had a fight, although argue regularly with their two teenage kids who have, unfortunately, inherited their father’s quick wit (unfortunate as it is a quick wit that Sibylla, herself, definitely does not possess – there is a reason she is a writer & not a stand-up comedian). They live a quiet life with their two weird little rescued Chiweenies. Wait… teenagers & little yap-dogs? OK, maybe not so quiet.

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Blog Tour - Dazed by Kim Karr

Title: Dazed
Series: Connections #2.5
Author: Kim Karr
Release Date: April 1, 2014
 

Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He needs to make a change, and the last thing he’s looking for is love…

Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her stunned, and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about him that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.

To keep from losing the one woman he can’t bear to be without, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…

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I seem to keep coming back for more of Kim's books. I am absolutely IN LOVE with Jagger. Adding him to my BBF list. 
 

I am always hunting for hot steamy sexy reads that catches my eyes. And this was one of those!

When Aerie meets Jagger the attraction is instant. 

Jagger not having slept with anyone else since he had his heart broken by his past girlfriend and a hottie who can cook, made me love him even more. Aerie being clumsy and all was totally cute. Jagger always coming to her rescue when that happens gives me the tingles all over my body like a teenager, all blushing while reading that part of the story. 

 

The story ended with an HEA, which I am a total sucker for. This book was kind of short but gives you all the details of how Jagger and Aerie fell in love. I am looking forward on reading more of Kim Karr's books. The short journey ended how I expected it to end.

 

~ Review by Kathleen

 

 

 

**4 Alice in Wonderland Stars**

Dazed is a sweet novella centering on Dahlia's best friend, Aerie Daniels and River Wilde's cousin, Jagger Kennedy.  I adored this book on its simplicity of connecting two people. The characters were likable and lovable and you couldn't help but connect with them. Jagger is really a sweet guy who helped Aerie to open up and try new things. I love how Jagger called her "Alice," since he took her on adventure of rediscovering herself. The only thing I have to complain about it was that it was too short. I honestly wanted to read more about Jagger and Aerie. Thank you Ms. Karr for another great story... Dazed was a sweet addition to the Connection series.

~ Review by Michelle

 

***4 Sweet Cupcakes and Dazed Stars!***

Dazed is a Connections novella and tells us the story of Aerie, Dahlia’s best friend, and Jagger, River’s cousin.

The scene at the first few pages got me all warm and smiling, it’s so cute and sweet that I imagined it happening like in the movies, or at least in one of those romantic TV show episodes.

Aerie Daniels

The independent heroine, supportive friend, sweet, emotional girlfriend who finally found her missing O. She’s the niece of a former rockstar whose life is going to be in the movies and the daughter to parents who also worked in the entertainment industry.

Aerie is an easy-to-like to heroine, I even enjoyed reading all about her quirks and finding it adorable and funny. She sticks to the familiar, she likes order and organization to the point that she has her closet divided in half for “work” and “play” and she orders the same food in her most frequented restaurants. Aerie doesn’t trust easily and has reservations when it comes to her emotions, especially romantic ones. But when she’s committed to you, she’s fiercely loyal and supportive.

Jagger Kennedy

*sigh* Jagger is the handsome, easygoing, and totally lovable cousin of River Wilde. He is a model-slash-actor from NYC and he was in town to maybe relocate and to audition for the part of Ian Daniels, for the movie, No Led Zeppelin. Jagger is spontaneous, likes to try different things, so imagine how that goes with Aerie’s Type A personality? Amusing!

He’s a also a very funny character but oh so, steamy, like fan-yourself-nonstop smokin’ guy.

The Alice Love Story

I love how Jagger calls Aerie, Alice and I love the scene how that nickname came about. There was no beating around the bushes, drama, frustrating denial of attraction between those two. Their chemistry is just there, open, welcome, all sugary sweet and spicy hot.

 

Their attraction grew into friendship, an easy one, and eventually moved on to something more. I liked how their characters and personalities were introduced to us and that they slowly moved up the relationship ladder instead of diving in straight to being one hot couple without preamble.

I enjoyed reading Jagger and Aerie, their story somehow felt like a full novel to me if only it delved more into what happens in the No Led Zeppelin movie and how Aerie deals with Jagger working with his ex instead of how it ended,. But it was still good and didn’t take anything from Dazed and instead left me hoping for another peek on how their love would grow and face bumps along the way.

 

Stars: 4 stars!

Recommended to: Everyone looking for a good, quick, romantic read. Dazed won’t disappoint!

POV: First person. Female POV.

Series: Yes. But novella and standalone.

Cliffhanger: No.

EXTRA COMMENT: I hope to see them more in the next book!

 

~ Review by Mara

 

 

 

 

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#3 Mended

#3.5 Blurred

#4 Frayed

 

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I've always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don't need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There's nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore--it's time I love and cherish.

I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart. <3

 

 
 

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Release Blitz & Review - Play by Kylie Scott

 

 

 

Title: Play (Stage Dive, #2)

Author: Kylie Scott

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: March 25, 2014

 

 

 

Kylie Scott returns with the highly anticipated follow-up to international bestseller LICK

 

 

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast—at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. Mal doesn’t plan on this temporary fix becoming permanent, but he didn’t count on finding the one right girl.

 

Anne Rollins never thought she’d ever meet the rock god who plastered her teenage bedroom walls—especially not under these circumstances. Anne has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a wild life-of-the-party drummer couldn’t end well. No matter how hot he is. Or could it?  

 

 

 

***4.5 Pumpkin Stars***

 

One of my most anticipated reads of 2014 was Play by Kylie Scott and she did not disappoint her fans. I loved the first book of the series, Lick and I can say without a doubt I love Play too. Ms. Scott knows how to write a rock and roll romance. She did a fabulous job in Play incorporating humor, friendship, family, and love.

Play is Mal Ericson’s story. He is Stage Dive’s drummer and has no problem in the female department. Sex, drugs, alcohol, parties, ladies, and endless groupies is a life for any rockstar. But what if the scene gets old and tiring and the only way to remedy that is a new image. For Mal Ericson, he needs a good girl to clean up his playboy image and Anne Rollins is just that woman.

Anne Rollins is friends with Ev, the wife of David Ferris, another member of the band of Stage Dive. When Anne finds herself at a party hosted by Ev and David, she did not expect meeting her crush rock legend, Mal would end up changing her life. Anne is a good girl. She is too trusting and puts others before herself. When Anne trusted the wrong friend, she is left with a financial burden. Well Mal comes up with an easy solution, he will take care of her finances in exchange she plays the role of a “girlfriend.” Did I also mention Mal moves in with her so they can keep up with the charade of boyfriend and girlfriend? Doesn’t sound bad right? 

One small apartment, two single individuals who are equally sexually attracted to one another could only mean one thing: inevitable romance and friendship. As Mal and Anne get closer to one another, truths are revealed as to why Mal needed a fake girlfriend. Can a romance that started off as fake end up being real? Shakespeare once said “If music be the food of love, play on.” So can will Mal and Anne play the songs to each other’s heart or will the music fade?

Play needs to continue to play on...this book was such a fun, humorous, heartfelt, touching and loving story. I love how Ms. Scott was able to show the depth of friendship between the band members of Stage Dive.  Beyond music, Stage Dive is about friendship, loyalty and brotherhood. Kylie was not only able to weave friendship into this Play but also develop the budding romance of Mal and Anne.  Although Mal and Anne had lots of playful and fun moments, the amount of trust they showed for each other was the highlight of the story. The ability to let someone in and see the REAL you is what makes Mal and Anne’s story special.  So if you are looking for a book where the characters are real, emotions are raw and a rock and roll romance that will leave a smile on your face then go read Play.. <3

 

~ Review by Michelle

 

 

 

 

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Lick (Stage Dive #1)

 

 

 

 

 

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