Monday 25 May 2015

REVIEW: My Time in the Affair by Stylo Fantome



~Mischa~
I made a conscious decision to cheat on my husband.
Now, before you judge me, hear my story. Hear how much I'm like you, how similar my thoughts are to your own. Yes, I'm a horrible person. Yes, I've done horrible things. Yes, I don't deserve forgiveness. Yes, bad things happened because of my actions.
But I'm willing to bet I've done things that maybe, just maybe, you have thought of doing.
Maybe, just maybe, you're not as innocent as you'd like to think.
Or maybe I'm not so guilty ...


WARNING: This book involves CHEATING. The word AFFAIR is in the title. The main character has an AFFAIR. In the synopsis (directly above), she states that she intentionally has an AFFAIR. If you don't like CHEATING, then you have been VERY WELL warned. Also, this book is primarily written in the third-person narrative.





Review

RATING:





(Originally posted on Goodreads)


First, this is a first Stylo read for me even though her previous books are lined up on my TBR. Second, I'm not a fan of cheating/love triangle unless I'm reading non-romance fiction. Third, I realized the first 2 things did not matter at all after I finished reading this, as I came to really enjoy this one.

This is quite an emotional journey... sigh...

Mischa's one unhappy wife who made a decision to cheat by having a one-night stand and ended up getting more than what she bargained for. To a degree, I get it. Some marital decisions are not that easy. On the other hand, the next most natural question was why not just a divorce. If that's the case, then this would've been a totally different story, right? Sooo, like I said, with that decision she made, her life took this path that she did not think she'll take, especially as it got more windier than what she expected.

Then there's Tal, the other party in Mischa's time in the affair. I thought Tal was just this arrogant prick in the beginning, who appeared to be masking a lot of shady things. BUT despite all that, there was just something about him that one can't help but gravitate towards. For starter, he was the perfect yin to Mischa's yang, and along the way, he just kept showing this side of him that took charge and took care of her/things. So slowly but surely, I just fell in love with him whether I wanted to or not. I said 'whether I wanted to or not' as he was part of this illicit relationship after all. BUT, again, he was just too delish and swoon-worthy for words, that in the end, I felt there was nothing to forgive at all and I just wanted him to get his happy ending. HEART TAL!!!

Mischa did frustrate me at times despite the injected humorous self-deprecation here and there. How much can one berate oneself, really?! YET, I couldn't fault her completely. As a married woman myself, with many married girlfriends, I realize that some things in marriage are not immediately black and white. And boy, is it ever so not black and white with Mischa and Michael, her husband!! This whole marriage thing can get really complicated and given their history, and what they went thru throughout the story, I can probably keep discussing this like there's no tomorrow. But I won't.

All that's left to say is that just read it. Please don't let the cheating part stop you and that whole judgy non-judgy thing. Yes, it's about marriage/relationships but it even came with a twist. It'll make you frown, it'll make you laugh AND cry, it'll make you think (without a doubt!), and surprisingly or not, it'll make you swoon. At least that's what it made me...



Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie


Friday 22 May 2015

REVIEW: Daily Painting by Carol Marine

Hello, everyone! I thought I'd give Leftie a break and do a short book review. This is another one of those books that got me so excited as soon as I finished reading it.

RATING:





Daily Painting by Carol Marine is a gem I discovered while on an art forum. As a new oil painter (just started early this year after concentrating first on drawing), I was looking for inspiring books that will help me not just with the basics but also for ways to actually be more creative in terms of my choices on what to paint and how to go about it. Looking at that big white canvas is daunting most days. With this book, Ms.Marine explains why doing small paintings often is the way to go.


Daily Painting not only gives great tips and techniques on each chapter such as value and composition, she also explains why doing small paintings everyday (or as much as you can) is a great way to free your creativity. No pressure.....just do what you feel like doing. She encourages you not feel bad about making mistakes, and even tackles how to deal with artist blocks. (This chapter includes awesome insight from other daily painters as well.)


Even if you don't follow her own specific style of loose painting, there is so much to learn from this book. Above all, she really inspires everyone not to be afraid.


 I recommend Daily Painting to anyone who deals with any sort of creative endeavour (whatever medium you use). Carol Marine's message is "to love what you do", and this really applies to all of us, right? :)


Rightie

Thursday 21 May 2015

REVIEW: Falling for His Best Friend (Out of Uniform, Book 2) by Katee Robert



Avery Yeung’s biological clock just went off early. Thanks to her family’s medical history, she’s running out of time to get knocked up. And the only guy within donating distance? Her overprotective—and irritatingly hot—best friend. So clearly she needs an anonymous donor…
Anonymous donor? Over Sheriff Drew Flannery’s dead body. While daddyhood will never be in the cards for a man with his past, Drew won’t let Avery shop for a “popsicle pop.” He’ll do what’s right for his best friend by doing his best friend. But only if they do it properly.
But there’s nothing “proper” about it. Between the bed, the kitchen counter, and against his squad car, Avery and Drew are having the hottest sex ever. They can’t get enough of it—or each other. And without knowing it, they’ve crossed the one line that could ruin their friendship forever…



Review

RATING:
*Complimentary ARC received from publisher via Netgalley*

I admit, I'm confused every time I read one of Katee's books. While they end up mostly just right of middle of the road for me, I can't help but keep coming back for more. I suppose while the execution is not always stellar in my mind, there is something in her story lines that always pulls me in, all the time. 

This trope, the childhood friends to lovers, while not new, appears to be a fave flavour among writers recently, along with the stepbrother one, not sure why... Avery and Drew have been friends since childhood.  They've always been there for each other, esp during times of crisis. Drew, being the "good friend" he is, stepped up to the plate and offered to be the sperm donor, which moved their friendship to unknown territory.

Avery was facing issues that no woman should in my ideal world, and for her to take charge of her life the way she did, despite personal, medical and cultural challenges, shows a lot of courage. It is commendable. Drew had a rough upbringing who was forced to grow up really fast. Luckily for both of them, they had each other. And as the story moved along, not only can you see how good a friends they were, but you can also feel their connection. I thought so anyway. It was nice to see a touch of multiculturalism and the interracial aspect with those 2, which really, to me, is more reflective of today's society. 

I did wonder how Katee will move those 2 from childhood BFFs to lovers. To a degree, she made it work. Where it might not have worked successfully in my mind was the indecisions and inner struggles of those 2, especially Drew, which probably could've have been prevented if there were more dialogues between them. Drew with his waffling tired me out a bit. In my mind, I was ready to bop him in his head and the way I saw it, only "the" grand gesture would've saved him/story itself. In the end, I suppose he did sorta do that. Let's just say Avery was more forgiving and understanding of the whole thing,

And hey, this is Entangled Brazen after all, so just like I've come to expect at all times, there is always scorching scenes, just saying... teehee...


Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Wednesday 20 May 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Shuttergirl by CD Reiss






Are you ready for a different kind of love story? 
Meet Michael & Laine in this Hollywood themed second chance romance by CD Reiss!

NOW AVAILABLE!

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1d3hzub
Kobo - http://bit.ly/1bBO020   


ShutterGirl Book Trailer:






Blurb

ONE movie star on the cusp of greatness
ONE broken girl who touched him
TEN years to forget her
A MILLION stories in Hollywood


I am not hurt.

I don’t need a second chance with him, or a life I thought I had.

While he was out forgetting me to become a movie star, I was building a career out of nothing. A career as a paparazzi, but a career. For a foster kid who bounced around every home in Los Angeles, that wasn’t easy.

This camera is all I have.

He’s nothing to me. Every time I take his picture and sell it, I remind myself that I did it all without him or his approval, his cinnamon smell or his clear green eyes. He lights up the screen like a celestial body, but he’s nothing but a paycheck to me.

He can throw my camera off a balcony, and nothing has to change. We can stay king and queen of the same city, and different worlds.

Except this is Hollywood, and here, anything can happen.



Excerpt

I stroked his hair, waist deep in peace, all worry gone for the moment, and floating in no more than an ocean of gratitude. I must have been more vulnerable than I realized, or he’d reopened some wound with his kindness, because though my sweet reverie stayed, as the minutes passed, a layer of need fitted itself on top of it.
I needed to tell him, if not the details, the outlines of who I was.
“I want you to know,” I whispered, starting somewhere small, then everything I didn’t want to say spilled out. “I have stuff. I’ve never been to jail, but you know, it’s stuff, and it’s ugly, and it scares me. Because, I mean, you’re so perfect, and I’m… I’m just a mess. I’m not whole. I’m a bunch of pieces of a person I cobbled together.” My eyes got wet when I thought of the comparisons between us and that picture in my silverware drawer. “So if you have to move on when you realize that, I’ll understand. You have an image, and if anyone understands protecting a career, it’s me. I mean, I’ll be mad, don’t get that wrong, but also.” I swallowed and blinked, shifting my head so he wouldn’t feel the tear on his forehead. “I won’t blame you.”
I waited for an answer. Anything. A change in position or a word on any subject. The weather. Sports. Something. But all he did was breathe.
I smiled so wide, tears fell into my mouth. He was sleeping.


Review

RATING:


*Complimentary ARC received from author*

(I also own a copy)

If you’ve only known CD thru her erotica books, then this is a departure from that. What’s not a departure is the quality of her writing. I know this already, I may have said this before in previous reviews, but I just want to say it again anyway. CD Reiss can write anything!

CD paints a world for you then layers it with her prose and what you get is film noir quality in a book. In this case, it’s a world set in Hollywood with its movers and shakers and everyone else that drives the cogs of its publicity wheel.

Laine and Michael couldn’t have been any more opposite in their upbringing and the worlds they inhabit. It so happens that their paths crossed in their childhood, and as it turns out, it left an impact that neither one forgot. Whether it was apparent immediately or not, that dictated their interactions as adults, again, in 2 opposing ends, one behind the lens and the other, the subject of the lens.

Laine has such a harsh past which made her the way she is. Michael is like royalty in the movie industry. Laine has a lot of rough edges to her. Michael, whether he wanted to or not, was raised to be at everyone’s good graces. That is until they re-connect and somehow, Michael started showing more bite to him and Laine slowly started exposing her vulnerable side that just calls out to people’s good nature.

Laine and Michael together are like the stuff of romance. Second chances, star-crossed… against all odds type… and at the very heart of it, when stripped down, it all becomes about undeniable smoldering connection and all about love conquering all… sigh…


I practically highlighted the entire book. There is so much emotion in every page. There is such poignancy in every introspection and interaction. I really tried to read this as slowly as I could as I want to savour every word, or sometimes, the words strung together just force me to savour it regardless. I felt every bit of Laine’s and Michael’s struggles. I felt every bit of their tiny slices of happiness. I felt every bit of pain and frustration, and of hope at the same time, And I felt every bit of love. I’m not sure why but the whole time I was reading this, there’s a melancholic feel that didn’t quite leave me. As a matter of fact, it's still with me even after days of finishing it. And I say that in the most complimentary way, truly. 

The city itself plays such a character, and I loved it. I also loved how CD infused it with settings/characters that are familiar from her previous works and real people from the indie writers’ world. See, that’s just another way of how she pulls you in and get you entangled and enmeshed in her fictional world... that good feeling that you're privy to something, almost like a privilege...


There are so much more words to say, to write… sigh… Oh, Christine, I’m just such a slave to your words… what’s next, pleeeease?






ABOUT THE AUTHOR



CD Reiss

CD Reiss is a USA Today and Amazon bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn’t pick up, she’s at the well, hauling buckets.

Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master’s degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere, but it did embed TV story structure in her head well enough for her to take a big risk on a TV series structured erotic series called Songs of Submission. It’s about a kinky billionaire hung up on his ex-wife, an ingenue singer with a wisecracking mouth; art, music and sin in the city of Los Angeles.

Critics have dubbed the books “poetic,” “literary,” and “hauntingly atmospheric,” which is flattering enough for her to put it in a bio, but embarrassing enough for her not to tell her husband, or he might think she’s some sort of braggart who’s too good to give the toilets a once-over every couple of weeks or chop a cord of wood.

If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram



GIVEAWAY & NOTE FROM AUTHOR


I am so happy with the response to Shuttergirl, and I cannot wait to send Michael and Laine out into the world, because who doesn’t swoon over a second chance at love?


It’s a new genre for me, and I’m exploding with excitement, so I’ve dropped some fantastic reasons for readers to get the book right away.



TREAT YOURSELF LIKE A MOVIE STAR!



$500 Spa Gift Card



If you could get an hour, or ten away from the daily grind of paparazzi and interviews (or the job and kids), what would you do?



Get a foot rub/slash/pedicure? A massage? Maybe something called a Sleep Treatment that right now sounds better than sex?



Maybe you’d bring a friend or two, or maybe you’d just get a manipedi when you wanted one. Because the life of a megastar ain’t for the weak-willed or lazy, and running from paparazzi can really wear down a girl’s nails.



Woodhouse Spas are no joke. They’re all over the country and they’re….sigh. Fabulous. But if you don’t live near one, we can do Burke Williams, Halcyon Days or Red Door.



HOW TO ENTER


Take the fun SHUTTERGIRL READER QUIZ!


The link to the quiz is in the back of the book, and yes, that’s the ONLY place to find it! There are bonus questions relating to Jonathan and Antonio for extra prizes. You have until June 3rd to enter! That gives you a solid two weeks to read the book and get your chance at a $500 movie star spa treatment!



If you are a paperback reader, email me and we’ll work it out .



Thank You!



Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Tuesday 19 May 2015

BLOG TOUR: Capture (Elements of Chemistry, Book 3) by Penny Reid

CaptureTour

Publication Date: May 16, 2015 


Tour: Capture by Penny Reid 

AmazonNookKoboiBooks

Elements of Chemistry: CAPTURE is the third part in a three part series; it is 70k words. Part 1 (ATTRACTION) will be released April 9, 2015. Part 2 (HEAT) will be released April 30, 2015. Part 3 (CAPTURE) will be released May 16, 2015.

One week.
Manhattan apartment.
Super-hot ex-boyfriend.
…What’s the worst that could happen?
It’s been nine months since Kaitlyn Parker has seen or heard from Martin Sandeke—nine months and five stages of matter. She’s lived through the worst of first-love heartbreak, and is most certainly stronger (and less likely to hide in science cabinets) than ever before.
But now Martin is back. And he wants to be friends. But he’s sending mixed signals to the Bunsen burner in Kaitlyn’s pants.
Will Martin re-capture Kaitlyn’s heart? Can Kaitlyn and Martin ever be just friends? Or, despite an abundance of chemistry, are some bonds just too unstable to endure?




Add to Goodreads

About Penny Reid


Author-Photo-Penny-Reid-300x300
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing). By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Friday 15 May 2015

BLOG TOUR: Black Rainbow by JJ McAvoy

BlackRainbowTour

Black Rainbow by J.J. McAvoy 
Publication Date: May 15, 2015 

BlackRainbow


Buy: Amazon - Nook - Kobo - iBooks

Synopsis: 

A sweet and steamy New Adult Romance from Amazon bestselling author of the Ruthless People series, J.J. McAvoy…

After an erotic one-week fling with a musician she meets in a bar, Thea Cunning never expects to see Levi Black again. Then Monday morning comes around, and she discovers that her former lover is not only her professor, but he’s also one of the top criminal lawyers in the state of Massachusetts. 

With everyone in class vying to be one of the twelve disciples—a group of twelve students that Professor Black takes under his wing—tensions run high. Thea considers dropping his class, given their passionate week together and their undeniable chemistry. After all, there are other (less infuriatingly sexy) law professors on campus.

But to accomplish her goal and get her father out of prison, Thea knows she needs to learn under the best of the best—and that’s Levi Black.

But can she learn under the best, without being under the best?



Add to Goodreads



REVIEW

RATING:

*Complimentary ARC received from publisher via Netgalley*

I've read most of JJ's Ruthless People series (which reminds me I have to finish that still) and that was one crazy ride of a read what with its story line. Black Rainbow is not like that at all. And I appreciated that even more.

JJ, I think, managed to put enough twist to the student-teacher romance trope by mixing in Thea's back story so not only did I get smokin' hot romance (wink-wink... teehee) but also a good layer of drama and a bit of suspense.

Thea was an excellent h with a lot of fight in her. She's caring, loyal, feisty, and very strong. Given what happened to her in the past, she broke my heart a few times. She deserves every bit of happiness. Levi is a worthy H to Thea... Hmmm... I usually apply this phrase to a h... how about that!... Anyhoot, he really is. I love how he did his best to be honest about his thoughts, how so tuned he is to her, how he took charge, and how swoonalicious he is! *g*

I love how the story flowed. I even liked how the past was juxtaposed with the present in the first part that highlighted the contrast to their interaction. I love their banter. I love the tender moments, even the bittersweet ones and the painful ones. I love the side characters. Selene was just adorable and really had a good head on her shoulders. Then there were Tristan, Bethan and Atticus... But most of all, I love their chemistry!!

I think JJ just keeps getting better, and for what it's worth, I couldn't be more pleased:D




About J.J. McAvoy

JJ McAvoy

J. J. McAvoy first started working on Ruthless People during a Morality and Ethics lecture her freshman year of college. X number of years later, she is an insomniac who has changed her major three times, and is a master in the art of procrastination. If you ask her why she began writing, she will simply tell you “They wanted to get their story out.”
She is currently working on her next novel . . . so please bug her on Twitter @JJMcAvoy

IndieSage PR
Thanks for dropping by!
~Leftie

Thursday 14 May 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Unblocked- Episode 3 by Marni Mann


Unblocked - Episode 3

Derek Block confronts his past.
Frankie Jordan's past pursues her.
Secrets threaten to keep them apart.
They want to let go of each other, but can’t.
Their passion is too hot to resist.
Things are scorching as real estate gets real…
This is Episode Three of the five-episode Timber Towers novella series.


Now Available!

REVIEW

RATING:



*Complimentary ARC received from author*


So this episode picks up right where the previous one ended. Seriously, I read this so fast, I was finished in a blink of an eye; which goes to show you how vested I was in the story.

We now have more information as to how tangled the lives of Derek and Frankie are even before they realized it, what with someone in Derek’s life playing a part in Frankie’s past. Factor that in with what’s going on presently with their relationship in and out of the boardroom that makes for one complicated situation. Then there’s the ex- too!

Additionally, Derek has his demons to slay and Frankie has her ladder to climb. I’m actually kinda worried how things will play out in Episode 4 given those things as well. But what I’m not worried about is the heat factor between them 2, hawt indeed! *g*

I’m really liking how Derek is not your typical suited bajillionaire yet just as smokin’ hot. And Frankie, I understand her. I’m concerned about some of her thought process but like I said, I get it.

The way this ended, and how fast I finished it, I seriously cannot wait for bk 4!



EXCERPT

“If you want me, if you want this, then you have to tell me. And it has to be now.” I looked at her wrist. The bracelet she knew I liked was wrapped around her delicate skin; it was the one I had once asked her to wear. She had worn it today and that told me everything I needed to know. “Because Frankie, I don’t believe you really want things between us to end.” Her cheeks darkened and her pupils began to dilate with need. “If you tell me you don’t want me, I’ll…” She had to know I would respect her despite what I wanted. “…I’ll put you down and I’ll leave your condo. What happened between us won’t affect what we have professionally. I promise. But if you want me, then—”

Get the other Episodes here:

Episode 1 -



Episode 2 -



GIVEAWAY

Marni’s Social Media Links:



Thanks for dropping by!


~Leftie

Wednesday 13 May 2015

BLOG TOUR: Spencer by Kerry Heavens

Spencer Blog Tour Banner  

SPENCERKINDLEFINAL
   
@TheSpencerRyan exudes confidence,
I mean, have you seen him???
His dark good looks and tattooed muscled perfection are too much.
He's hot. Lickably hot.
And he has a way with words that leaves me breathless.
But cocky doesn't even cover it,
this guy is so arrogant you have to fight back.
But God he's so lickable!
The thing is though, he looks like sex
but he'll taste like jackass.

@OMGJazzyP is a sexy, annoying ball of rage in f*ck-me heels
and she hates me.
Although her niles would tend to disagree.
It's a deadly combination.
She’s a princess.
And when I say princess, I mean intolerable, spoiled brat with a tiara.
Sure she's got that curvaceous goddess thing going on,
but that mouth of hers...
God it needs something in it to shut it up.
#GotJustTheThingRightHere

This is not your average British romance.
It's a tale of high heels, hot tattooed bad boys
and sex oranges, all wrapped up in a coating of chocolate.
It's 'love' in a social media world, where not everyone is who they seem
and where some people’s bios should carry a warning.
#JustSayin


teaser4

Spencer Excerpt 1   The sight and smell that greets me is just the same as it was yesterday. Bowls and utensils everywhere; and an incredible smell of chocolate and trays with neat lines of rolled truffles. Except today, I notice it. How did I miss all this crap yesterday, chocolate usually comes above everything! 
Oh, but yesterday I was on a mission.
Drooling, I head around the counter and pick up a ball of chocolate from one of the trays, savouring it as the flavours explode in my mouth. Dark chocolate with some kind of boozy fruit flavour. God, it’s good.
And she did this?
She’s dangerous.
A woman who looks like her, thinks like her, wears those shoes, gives me shit and makes stuff like this, is a danger.
If I had a heart, I’d be falling in love.
I come to a big bowl of soft looking chocolate goo with a spatula sitting in it. I dip my finger in the gooey goodness and lift it to my mouth.
Holy hell! That is f*cking amazing. It’s ginger and dark chocolate with some alcohol.
Damn. I want to put my face in the bowl. I glance around, then shrug. Lifting the spatula out, with a decent scoop, I lean against the counter and take a good long lick.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she barks as she comes into the kitchen.
“Just having a taste, Princess,” I reply, turning to let her see me take another lick.
She storms over, trying to grab the spatula out of my hand. Good luck with that sweetheart, this is me and chocolate. You ain’t getting it back. 
“You can’t just wander in here whenever you feel like it.”
“The door was open.”
“Give that back!” she demands, catching hold of it. For a second we both pull at it, but then I see an opportunity and let go. Chocolate splatters her face, neck and chest and stops her dead in her tracks.
I choke on a laugh.
She looks at me, mouth open, “You did that on purpose!”
I shrug.
She glances down at the mess on her chest and my eyes follow, locking in on her begging nipples, visible through her dress. She looks embarrassed.
“It’s ok, Princess, I know they like me even if you don’t. Happens whenever I’m around.”
“It does not!”
“Mmmm-ok.”
I step closer. She backs off, but I catch her arm and pull her close. 
"What are you doing?” she gasps.
“I don’t waste chocolate,” I reply softly and then lean in and swipe my tongue over her temple.
She wriggles, but it’s a weak effort. “Get off me,” she demands.
“Hold still, Princess, it's all over you.” I take another lick at her cheek and move down to her neck. “Ok, that’s enough,” she snaps, her breath catching in her throat as I suck in her earlobe.
I lick her neck just below her ear even though there’s no chocolate there and the way her head falls slightly back in surrender makes me swallow hard. “It’s never enough,” I murmur.
What the f*ck?
I shake the sappy shit out of my head before I grow a vagina, and pluck the spatula out of her hand, painting a trail down her cleavage. Dropping the spatula on the floor, I grab her by the arse and lift her so that I can lick it all off. She yelps and struggles and I plonk her down on the kitchen counter, leaning forward and feasting on the stripe I painted between her breasts. Her dress is ruined, shame, I quite liked it.


REVIEW

RATING:

*Complimentary ARC received from author*

Oh to be internet famous!

I have to admit this is not my generation in which one feels it's ok for one's entire life to be practically laid out for the public to see via social media. No, I'm not a complete Luddite as here I am blogging after all and I do FB, IG and Twitter, with limits (lotsa them) but in this day and age, while I don't fully understand it, I get that this is ok to be one's thing, I think...

Spencer is who I think of as kinda' internet famous where enough people on the internet know of him and are interested in him. He's confident and I can see why because there's enough women (let's face it, I'm sure they're all "women") who hangs on to his words, and looks, of course. I want to say he's d0uche-y arrogant too, and not in an endearing way, but I suppose even if I did say he is, it did kinda' became endearing, thanks to having access to his thoughts and his interactions with the people who really know him.  And I do have to add, for all of Spencer's cocky attitude, there's no denying that dude knows how to heat you up with his words, and moves! 

Jazz is your regular chick with regular dreams and neurotic thoughts at times, regular relationship pitfalls, and regular conversations. I get it. I get her. I like her. She's funny, feisty and fab friend. I may not approve it but I totally love that batsh!t crazy thing she did near the end with the pool table:p

Now Spencer and Jazz put together is one heck of a combination. Putting those 2 together, it's antagonistic at times but not off-putting, It's funny with a bit of bite. Their tweets are hilarious! #PsychoCinderella! HAH! And their DMs are sizzlin' smokin' hot! So imagine how it was outside their DMs. Uh-huh!

I thought it was interesting how a real person, who's the cover of this book, is what led Kerry down this path of Spencer. And, oh, yes, this is a first Kerry read for me, even though I've had her Just Human series lingering on my TBR, and glad I got the chance to read this. I did so quite enjoy this one.

Spencer Buy The Book
 
available_on_the_Amazon
amazon UK
     

Spencer Giveaway
 

      Kerry Heavens
Terrible wife
Mediocre mother
Appalling housewife
Fashion graduate
Wedding co-ordinator
Sex toy salesperson
Shop manager
Designer
Font collector
Romance addict
Fancier of nice men
Ok, fancier of almost all men
Awesome cupcake baker
Incessant singer
Film buff
Friend
Writer
Facebook / Twitter / Website


Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Monday 4 May 2015

BLOG TOUR: Heat (Elements of Chemistry, Book 2) by Penny Reid

HeatBlitz

Publication Date: April 30, 2015 

Tour: Heat by Penny Reid

Elements of Chemistry: HEAT is part 2 of a 3 part series (65k word novel) and ends in a cliffhanger.

**Blurb contains spoilers if you haven’t read Elements of Chemistry: ATTRACTION**

Four days left.
Private beach (…and boat).
Not so invisible girl.
And maybe less of a jerk-faced bully than originally thought.
What’s the worst (or the best) that could happen?

Kaitlyn is finding life outside of the science cabinet of obscurity to be quite illuminating …and so are her pants. When things heat up between Kaitlyn Parker and Martin—previously known as the jerk-faced bully—Sandeke, she places her trust in the one person she never thought capable of earning it, let alone keeping it safe. Fortunately or unfortunately for Kaitlyn, where she gives her trust she can’t help but also give her heart. 

But how will the world beyond the sanctuary of their newfound connection react to their relationship? Soon senators, chinless billionaires, and elements beyond Martin and Kaitlyn’s control want to weigh in on the young couple’s future.

Navigating the chaotic inferno of new love might be more than Kaitlyn bargained for, and much, much more than her trust—or her heart—can handle.


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Review

RATING:




*Complimentary copy received from author*

Talk about relationship boot camp indeed!

It picked up right where bk 1 ended. And in a span of few days, these kids experienced a gamut of emotions that we tend to go thru in a longer period. Some of the emotions were intense and may have felt slightly premature but given their history and age, it makes sense as well.

This is now about Martin and Kaitlyn doing the song and dance as they try to move their relationship forward, doing their best to get to know each other better than they did before while they were just lab partners, and learning to see past their assumptions about each other.

Kaitlyn is an adorable h with her nerdy thoughts and guileless words. For me, I can see that she's really trying but given her naivety, I understood her struggles. Martin, well now, that kid sure knows how to light things up *g* He really is the alpha of his pack, no question. We're given more glimpse of his family, no family of the year award there, for sure. His past has shaped the kind of guy he is in the present, and it made sense. Quite sad and unsettling actually... He does appear too worldly for Kaitlyn sometimes. I have to say that he, in a way, has a lot of patience for her. Kaitlyn on the other hand gets Martin. Because Martin trusts her, there is this side of him that only she's privy to... I love their chemistry! (pun intended) The attraction is plain to see.

Towards the end, they're faced with a situation where it looks like one has to compromise. To what degree, to what impact, who knows. These kinds of decisions are a big deal yet it isn't. I want to say yes, it's a big deal given their ages, yet would it have been really a big deal if it was a different time and place? But I suppose that's neither here nor there. 

This ends on another cliffie... I want book 3, pleeease!!!


Excerpt


“What are you doing?”
I lifted my eyes at the sound of Martin’s voice, but not immediately. I finished the paragraph I was reading, then I looked up, holding my place in the book with my thumb.
He was dressed in swim trunks and he was wet, with beads of water dripping down his chest. As such, he looked super hot. However, only the right side of his body was visible as the door blocked the other side. His hand was still on the doorknob and he leaned a tad to one side, into the room.
My eyes wandered over his form and I allowed myself to appreciate the beauty of Martin Sandeke like I might admire the beauty of a cold, soulless statue. Physically, he was a magnificent male specimen: corded muscle, long limbs, and rigid angles. Even his temples were drool worthy, especially since I knew his head housed a giant—albeit mismanaged—brain. Truly, he was one of our finest. His ancestors should really give themselves a big pat on the back.
A little pool of water had gathered at his feet, which made me wonder how long he’d been standing in the doorway. My eyes traveled upward again and I noticed he wore an angry expression. He looked livid.
I started a little at the heated annoyance in his stare. Then I glanced around the laundry room, searching for the source of his anger. I found that I was still alone. Therefore, I surmised his fury must be directed at me.
But, just to be sure, I said, “Who? Me?”
“Yes. You,” he growled, then stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “What are you doing in here?”
I raised the book and tipped my head toward it. “I’m reading.”
Martin exhaled loudly, another growl. “I can see that, Parker. But why the fuck are you in here reading?”
I frowned at his use of profanity, my shoulders bunching with tension. I realized I’d gotten used to it, how often he cussed; I’d accepted it as part of him. But that was before he’d left me standing at the entrance to a party I didn’t want to attend, and that was before I’d seen him kissing a random girl.
“It’s the first sequel to The Three Musketeers. I’ve been meaning to read it. I found it on the shelf in the library—or living room, or whatever room. There are too many rooms in this house, so I don’t know what half of them are called.”
Martin gritted his teeth, and I got the distinct impression he wanted to strangle me. “Parker. This is a party. And you’re in the laundry room? Reading?”
I paused a beat to make sure this wasn’t a trick question. When I could find nothing amiss with his interrogation, I nodded slowly. “Yes. This is a party. I am in the laundry room reading.”
“Why? What is wrong with you?”
My mouth opened and closed but no words arrived, because his questions continued to confuse me. Finally, I admitted, “Martin, I don’t know what you want me to say or why you appear to be upset. I found the book when I was in one of the several rooms with lots of books. I’ve been meaning to read it. So I picked it up and found a quiet place. Why are you so angry?”
He charged at me and I ineffectually scrambled backward on the washing machine. In less than two seconds he’d pulled the book from my hands, slapped it on the counter at my left, and braced his arms on either side of my legs, leaning forward.
I realized he’d made me lose my page in the book. I decided to ignore my urge to vocalize this complaint, because his eyes were beyond heated.
They were incensed blue flames. I braced myself, my gaze wide and watchful, and flinched when he lifted a hand. I relaxed a smidge when he used it to push my hair off my shoulder.
When he spoke, his voice was low, strained, like he was trying very hard to control his temper. “I brought you here as my date. That was our agreement.”
I nodded once. “Yes. I know.”
“And, instead of talking to people or having fun, you’re in here reading a book.”
I kept my voice even and calm, tried to sound soothing. “I am having fun. I’m reading a book.”

About Penny Reid


Author-Photo-Penny-Reid-300x300
SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing). By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

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Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie
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