*BLOG TOUR* BEFORE YOU BREAK by Christina Lee: Excerpt + Review + Giveaway!

Welcome to my blog tour stop for Christina Lee's latest novel, Before You Break! This is the highly anticipated second novel in The Between Breaths Series, which releases in ebook form on February 18th, 2014 and in trade paperback print on October 14th , 2014. 

Check out an excerpt, my review, and then enter the giveaway!!

Before You Break by Christina Lee
Publication Date: February 18th, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:
A sexy, emotional New Adult romance about a bad boy on the edge and a good girl about to lose control…

A college baseball star isn’t supposed to have skeletons in his closet. But Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Except there’s something about gorgeous, studious Ella Abrams that goes beyond the electric attraction between them—something that makes him want to open up.

Ella has suffered enough heartache and guilt to fill one of her psychology textbooks, but she keeps that part of herself hidden behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working a suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore.

Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their deep and revealing hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him—or to stop herself from falling too far…

And how about a super cute, yet steamy excerpt?

At the theater, we bought popcorn, Milk Duds, and large sodas. After we settled in our seats in the crowded room, I opened the box of chocolate caramel confections and dumped them in the large tub.

“Um,” Quinn said, scratching his chin.

“Sweet and salty—it’s a must-have for movie watching.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes, seriously.” I picked up a Milk Dud, flanked it with two pieces of popcorn, and then brought it to his lips. “Here. I guarantee you’ll fall in love. You’ll never watch a movie without them again.”

“If you say so. . . .” He dragged the sweet and salty mixture into his mouth but kept my fingers enclosed between his lips. I held in a gasp while he ran his tongue over my thumb and then sucked on my forefinger before releasing my hand and chewing what remained.

“Agree,” he said around a mouthful of popcorn. “Wouldn’t want to be without them ever again.”

Quinn’s gaze latched on to mine. It felt like a bundle of feathers had been let loose in my stomach. “Guess you’ll have to come to every movie from now on. So I don’t forget.”

Speechless wasn’t even the word for what I felt in that moment. Dumbfounded might have been more like it, or maybe just struck stupid, because I couldn’t even move my lips to form any coherent words.

When the movie previews began, he turned toward the screen and reached for my fingers, interlacing our hands. Then he leaned close to my ear and said, “I expect you to feed me just like that the entire movie.”

And now for my review:
*Spoiler-Free* REVIEW: Before You Break by Christina Lee
Publication Date: February 18th, 2014

*DISCLOSURE: ARC was provided in exchange for a fair and honest review

Review:
With her second novel, Christina Lee has shown that she is not just a one hit wonder, but an extremely talented author with a unique voice that is here to stay. Before You Break deals with a very delicate and heartbreaking issue of teen suicide. But it is important to note that its place in the novel is not just there as a vehicle for the plot line. It is handled gracefully and, most importantly, with an aura of hope surrounding it.  Christina Lee strikes a perfect balance with this very difficult topic, one that could slide a book right into a depression filled void. She manages to effortlessly offset the sadness with the hopefulness, the sweetness with the incredibly steamy. 

This book has a little bit of everything, so please don't be turned off by what some may feel is a depressing topic. In the end, this is a love story: a beautifully touching and chemistry laden love story. 

Rating:

About the Author: 
Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives near Cleveland with her two favorite guys. She's addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything.

New Adult/Young Adult author.  Repped by Sara Megibow. 

Also the creator of Tags-n-Stones (dot com) jewelry.

Where to purchase & learn more:


       

FINALLY it's GIVEAWAY TIME!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

all the best, dear readers!

*BLOG TOUR* Jill Shalvis's ONCE IN A LIFETIME Author Interview + Excerpt + Review + Giveaway!!

Welcome to my blog tour stop for Jill Shalvis's (aka one of my favorite authors EVER) newest Lucky Harbor novel, ONCE IN A LIFETIME (aka one of my favorite books of the series).
I have Jill at the blog today for a little Q&A.

Then, stay tuned for an excerpt, my review, and a giveaway!!

Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis
Publication Date: February 18th, 2014
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:
SOMETIMES WRONG IS OH-SO-RIGHT

After a wrenching loss, Ben McDaniel tried to escape his grief by working in dangerous, war-torn places like Africa and the Middle East. Now he's back in his hometown and face-to-face with Aubrey Wellington, the hot-as-hell woman who is trouble with a capital T. Family and friends insist she's not the one to ease his pain, but Aubrey sparks an intense desire that gives Ben hope for the future.

Determined to right the wrongs of her past, Aubrey is working hard to make amends. But by far, the toughest challenge to her plan is sexy, brooding Ben - even though he has absolutely no idea what she's done . . .

Can this unlikely couple defy the odds and win over the little town of Lucky Harbor?

Q&A with Jill Shalvis

What scene did you have the most fun writing?

Oh I have quite a few from this book! When Aubrey throws her drink in Ben’s face, when she runs and hides out in an AA meeting and makes friends with the pastor, when Ben figures out she’s writing a list of people she’s wronged and he wonders that it’s not a lot longer than it is, when Aubrey gets a little tipsy and throws rocks at Ben’s window like a scene right out of the Say Anything movie …

Describe Aubrey a sentence

Aubrey: her heart’s in the right spot but she doesn’t like to lead with it, if that makes any sense.

Aubrey inherits a cat named Gus, who has quite the personality—was he inspired by a real life cat?

He was inspired by my own Satan—er, Sadie, who believes she is the queen of all humans.

Aubrey has some scandalous photos from her college days surface in her ex’s tell-all. Is there are anything from your past you wouldn’t want to see the light of day (but that you’re willing to share with us)?

Alpha Man has a photo on his phone that he snapped just as I was flipping him off. I’m not super proud of that moment, which of course is why he has it as my photo id when I call him…

What can your fans look forward to next in the Lucky Harbor series?

Next up is a Lucky Harbor trilogy for this coming summer and fall, It’s In His Kiss, He’s So Fine, and Once In A Million, the stories of the three sexy hot guys who run Lucky Harbor Charters.

And how about a super steamy excerpt?

“You’re incredible, Ben, you know that? You’re an insensitive, first-class jerk, and–”

He leaned in. “And what?” he asked, voice dangerously low.

“And…” Stymied at her ridiculous and constant reaction to him, Aubrey put her hands to his chest to give him another shove, but somehow got her wires crossed and she fisted his shirt instead.

“Dare me,” he said softly.

Oh, how she hated how well he knew her. “I dare you to kiss me,” she whispered, and then to make sure he did, she put her mouth on his first…

And now for my review:
*Spoiler-Free* REVIEW: Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis
Publication Date: February 18th, 2014

*DISCLOSURE: ARC was provided in exchange for a fair and honest review

Review:

Jill Shalvis's Lucky Harbor series is by far my favorite Adult Romance series. EVER. And I feel that that is really saying something. Shalvis manages to strike a perfect balance of steamy shmexy times, laugh out loud humor, and emotionally resonating storylines. Essentially, Jill Shalvis makes you laugh, makes you cry both happy and sad tears, and in between, makes you head in for a cold shower.

Not every book in the series is 100% perfect. But there is something so captivating and charming about each and every one that I revisit them all over and over again.

Once in a Lifetime, Ben and Aubrey's story is damn close to perfection for me. Aubrey is know as the "bitchy one" the one to stay away from. But her story line of trying to make amends for her past is so relatable and heartwarming that you can't help but want to have her as a friend.

Ben is a strong, sexy, intelligent alpha man that suddenly finds himself entangled with this woman that everyone, including himself, warns him to stay away from. Yet, he gets sucked in by the person he glimpses beneath the public perception.

This may sound like many other romance novels, and this is may be true. But what separates it out from the pack is the fantastic writing, characters you fall in love with almost instantaneously, and the uncontrollable grin you'll have by "The End".

Highly, highly recommended. See why Ben is one of my favorite Lucky Harbor heroes...

Rating:

About the Author: 
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Where to purchase & learn more:

FINALLY it's GIVEAWAY TIME!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

all the best, dear readers!

*RELEASE DAY* J. Lynn's BE WITH ME! Excerpt + Giveaway!

THIS BOOK. I was fortunate enough to be able to receive an ARC, and let me tell you...we all know Jennifer L. Armentrout knows how to write sexy hotness incarnates....She really breaks the mold with Jase Winstead.  Not only that, but the story is just exciting and wonderful and happy inducing. So, celebrate this release day! Read this excerpt, enter the giveawy, then use the links to order your copy.  You won't be sorry. TRUST.

Be With Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout, writing as J. Lynn
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Publication Date: February 4th, 2014

From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Wait for You

Do Teresa and Jase have a real shot at getting together or will life get in the way?

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she's in love with her big brother's best friend, but he hasn't spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, life-changing kiss. Then she got out of a terrible relationship. Now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It's time for plan B: college. And maybe she'll have a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he's not telling anyone—especially not his best friend's incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn't have time for a relationship. But it doesn't help that all he can think about is kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they're thrown together more and more, Jase and Teresa can't keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they're willing to risk to be together and what they're willing to lose if they're not. . . .

And now....an EXCERPT:

* * * * * * * EXCERPT * * * * * *

“You got a visitor, Tess.” He rested his chin atop my head, which caused my pulse to try to outrun my heart. “Two of them to be exact.”

“Okay.”

There was a pause. “Are your eyes closed?”

“No.”

His chin slid off my head and then his chest rumbled as he laughed. “Your eyes are closed.” He laughed again. “Open them up.”

Cursing under my breath, I pried one eye open and then jerked against him. His arm tightened. “Oh wow …”

The black-and-white horse was the closest, standing mere feet away from me. The brown one wasn’t too far, shaking its head and making soft snorts. My eyes were wide as they bounced between the two creatures. “They’re not carnivorous, right? Because at their size, they could eat me.”

Jase laughed deeply as his hand shifted up, resting in the center of my stomach, just below my breasts. “Horses do not eat people, you little idiot.”

I started, eyes narrowing. “There’s always a first.”

The lips pulled back on the black-and-white horse as if it was smirking at me.

“This one right here? Mr. Friendly? Jack calls him Bubba One,” he said in a quiet, calming voice. But air hitched in my throat when his thumb moved in a slow circle over the thin material of my tank top, hitting against the wire in my bra. “And the brown one is Bubba Two.”

Mouth dry, I wetted my lips. “That’s good for remembering names.”

He chuckled as his pinkie and forefinger started to move up and down, reaching my belly button and then sliding back up. It was almost as if he was unaware of what he was doing, or the electrifying response the tiny motions were dragging out of me. “I think so too, but his real name is Lightning.”

Said horse shook his head, tossing the shaggy mane.

“Lightning seems to be a more suitable name,” I admitted, relaxing as the seconds passed. Maybe that was his intention. Distract me with the soft, almost innocent touches. It was working. “What about Bubba Two?

“Ah, the one who is staring at the pail like it’s the holy mecca of grain?” His cheek grazed mine as I laughed. “That’s Thunder. And we’re going to feed them. Together.” The friction his fingers created with my shirt sent tiny shivers up and down my back.

“With our hands?”

His answering laugh tipped the corners of my lips up. “Yes. With our hands.”

“After checking out the choppers on them, I’m not so sure about that.”

“You’ll be okay.” He slid his hand off my stomach and wrapped it around my wrist.

Slowly, he lifted my hand out in front of me. “Hold still.”

My heart lurched. “Jase—”

Lightning trotted forward and pressed his wet nose against my hand. I cringed, waiting for him to eat my poor fingers. The horse didn’t. Nope. It nudged my hand as it whinnied softly. He guided my hand up over Lightning’s jaw, all the way to the pointy, twitchy ears.

“See?” he murmured. “That’s not too bad, is it?”

I shook my head as my fingers curled along the soft coat. Lightning seemed to anticipate the direction of the petting, pressing his long head against my hand as my fingers tangled in his mane. It wasn’t bad at all.

Jase shifted behind me, and in an instant all thoughts of the horses evaporated. His hips lined up against my backside, and I bit down on my lower lip as I focused on the white splotch covering Lightning’s muzzle.

I could feel him—feel Jase. And there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that he was affected by how close we were standing. That knowledge and the hard length of him left me dizzy, just like it had done that Saturday night. An all too warm flush spread down my neck. In the back of my head, I was rationalizing his physical reaction. He was a guy. Our bodies were pressed together. If a wind blew on a guy’s private area, they got hard. So I should just ignore it, but my body was so not on board with my head. My body was operating on a different playing field. An ache centered low in my stomach. A sharp and sweet yearning raced through my veins.

“Not so scary, right?” His voice was deeper, richer. “They’re like dogs. Well, like a dog that can carry around two hundred pounds, if not more.” Hand sliding off mine, he stepped back, and the sudden emptiness of his body was like a cold shock. “Trust me.”

Then he smacked my ass.

About the Author:
# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout 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.

Where to purchase & learn more:

AVAILABLE FOR ORDER NOW!


Well, don't just sit there! Those buy links up there are SO Convenient! *wink*

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all the best, dear readers!