Cover Reveal & Pre-Release Review: Salvation by Stephanie John

March 8, 2015sydneygen 2 Comments

Title: Salvation

Author: Stephanie John

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Series: The Heal Me Series, Book 1

Synopsis

A chance meeting turned my world inside out.

Intelligent, sexy, and rich. With a dash of roguish charm and a cocksure smile, Nathan Blake is the ultimate fantasy. He can have any woman he wants with only a glance.

And he wants me.

My past has left me broken and humiliated, wary of men like him.
I cut myself off from the pain, moving thousands of miles away to escape every reminder, determined to start anew.

I’ve been second best before. It isn’t happening again.

One kiss and I’m caught under his spell, drawn to him with every breath I take.

I can’t resist.

The passion that explodes between us becomes an intense connection

neither of us thought we’d share. Or need.

The suffering inside me reflects his – a pain I know he feels, but can’t bring himself to reveal.

I have no idea his love can heal me – that mine can heal him…

…if only I can let down my guard for him and trust.

Excerpt

Nate prowled behind me, his body heat making mine hum with anticipation as I blindly awaited his next move. He stroked a finger lazily down my bare back, scattering goosebumps across my flesh. “So creamy and soft,” he murmured. “I’ve longed to taste your skin for weeks.” His lips grazed my shoulder, working up to my ear and whispered, “But I imagine you knew that already.”

My breathing shallowed, my body swaying as Nate played this tantalising game of seduction. The straps of my dress fell down my arms, his hands leaving a trail of fire on my skin as he eased it off. His breath hitched. “No underwear?”

“No bra,” I corrected. He eased the dress over my hips and down my body, and tossed it to the side.

“Your legs are spectacular.” His breath tickled the back of my knee. Warm hands and soft lips mapped their way leisurely up my thighs until Nate regained a standing position. Taking both my hands, he wrapped them around the back of his neck and deliberately trailed fingertips down my arms, making my skin tingle.

“Feel what you do to me, Kara?” he rasped, both hands splaying above and below my navel, urging me flush against him. His erection strained against his fly, pushing against my arse.

Unable to respond coherently, I whimpered and nodded. Realising Nate was so hot for me was enlightening. I arched my back, moving both hands to his hair.

“So incredibly sexy.” His thumb skimmed the lace top of my panties, then he slipped his hand inside, moving down until his finger found my clit. My body jolted and I gasped. “I can’t wait to bury myself inside you.”

Pre-Order Links!

You do not want to miss this novel … or deny yourself your next book boyfriend. So why wait? Pre-Order Salvation today! And the best part? It’s ON SALE until Release Day!

Amazon US ($0.99)
Amazon UK (£0.99)
Amazon AU ($1.27)

First off I’ll start by saying that I won a copy of this book. I am not sure I would have picked it up, because sometimes you can read too much of a genre (think hot, billionaire male leads) and think, I’ll give this a break…

WELL… I AM GLAD I didn’t ignore this book! If you’re looking for a Contemporary Romance then I think Stephanie John has nailed it with “Salvation”. Right from the get go, the small details of what the character was doing as they were speaking and interacting with the others, was a wonderful addition to assist the brain processing what was happening. It was really non-invasive and had me immersed into the story, immediately.

There were times I could have really throttled Kara, and her need to sabotage things, or keep things from Nate, but all was forgiven when throughout the book it’s revealed what she has kept secret, and why she did. Allowing Nate to break down those walls just makes him so much more swoon-worthy. Instead of getting lost in an arrogant, dominant, billionaire, the reader actually get a gorgeous, handsome, intense, billionaire who has secrets of his own. Secrets that make him the way he is, but all for the better. The use of minor character, Mai, Kara’s assistant and best friend, was a great way of breaking up the storyline and ensuring it wasn’t just about the two main characters.

Nate —- what can I say? A man in a suit, who can command a boardroom…SIGN ME UP! It really works that he isn’t arrogant or aggressive. He has just the right blend of intensity and intrigue that makes him all the more attractive, and Kara a very lucky lady!

A warning…the heat level in this book is OFF the Richter scale! Be prepared to put the fan on and swoon a little. The man knows HOW to please his woman, and boy…that comes across on the page! Luckily for the reader, with so much heat between the pages, Stephanie John makes it interesting and fresh, and ensures that it’s not cliché and repetitive. You may need to start the cold shower, because reading about Kara and Nate and their chemistry is sure to make you need a little breather!

Johns has written in an easy-to-read manner that draws you into the story and will have you hanging out until the end. Speaking of the end… jawdrop … that was it!?!??!! I only JUST read that it’s a part of a series, and boy am I glad I did, otherwise I’d have to seek out Ms. Johns and ask some very serious questions! This looks like it will be a really great series and I commend Johns on her upcoming release.

About the Author

Most days, you’ll find Stephanie John on a yacht, wearing a very skimpy bikini, drinking champagne, eating chocolate and never gaining weight.

When she isn’t asleep and dreaming, in real life you’re more likely to find her at the school gates, wearing whatever she dragged on that morning, drinking copious amounts of coffee. She still eats chocolate, though — everyone has their vices, right?

Somehow, amidst the chaos of full-time mummy duties, she manages to write. Contemporary romance has always been her favourite genre to read for as long as she can remember (age-appropriate, of course).

Never in a million years did it occur to her to write one of her own. Now, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Links

Follow Stephanie’s Author Page on Goodreads

Social Media

Blog Tour & Review: Hope is Lost by Emma James

March 3, 2015sydneygen 1 Comment

SYNOPSIS

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
-Jimi Hendrix

Keanu Lee, the funny man, finds himself on the sticky end of a night out with his best friend Levi.

Keanu’s life is about to take another unexpected, sharp turn. New friends will be found under the most unique circumstances.

Hope Walker is a lost soul, and Ajax, the street performer, is her unspoken protector. Together, they survive the streets of Ocean Beach.

Life has a way of righting wrongs when you least expect it.

Come join this sexy crew as they show you that, even though life may take from you, it can also give back when you least anticipate it.

The Ocean Beach series continues with the brotherhood, passion, and laughter you have grown to love, and through the eyes of these survivors, you will realize love can truly heal.

The past will never be forgotten, but there is hope if you just allow yourself to have a little faith.

BUY LINKS:

USA

AUSTRALIA

EXCERPT – Keanu Pov

“Do you want to come join us, Keanu? I just realized you were sitting over here by yourself.”

I look over at Slade and then back over at Phoenix. “So, kids, what’s up with you two?” OKAY, so I’m starting to slur a little.

“Sounds like you’ve had enough alcohol for the night,” Phoenix says.

Slade grunts and pretends he’s busy, wiping the bar down, even though he has wiped the same place in front of Phoenix several times. Phoenix turns her back on Slade and aims her boobies in my face, which I think is funny, so I start getting that drunk man-giggle going. Wanting to annoy Slade, she pretends I’m not being a little school boy, but she’s doing it with the wrong person. I am not getting in between those two.

Slade clears his throat. “Is there an order you’d like to put in for you and your friends?” The friends bit is said not so friendly.

“Oh, hey, Slade. I didn’t see you there,” she quips over her shoulder at him.

How could she not see him? He’s huge. I think I’m seeing two of him, which makes me chuckle.

“I’ll be right with you. Keanu and I are talking.”

Ooooh, she did not just use me to make Slade wait. On that note, I decide I shall move on home and slam my hand down a little too hard on the bar.

“Okay, guys, sorry to be a pooper, but I’m heading on home, and I will leave you two to whatever this is you two are doing.” I lean over and give Phoenix a kiss on the cheek and catch the possessive glare being directed at me from Slade. “I think I will call a cab.”

“I’ll do it for you. You go wait out front, and there will be one with you shortly,” Slade growls out to me.

Somebody is a bit grouchy.

“Thanks, bro. Enjoy the rest of your night, and same to you, too, Phoenix.” I shake Slade’s hand and head off to take a piss before I leave.

I’m wearing the doppelganger tonight, so I’m a bit slower with taking a leak. After what happened with Levi today, something inside me just wanted to make me feel a bit more normal tonight, so I chose to wear the doppelganger prosthetic under my loose fitting long sleeved t-shirt. I should have fought the insecurities which had decided to rear their ugly head and just worn the ‘big gun.’ Sometimes, I let them creep up on me and take over then wonder if I’m whole enough for somebody to love me.

I zip my pants up and think, Fuck it! I’m quite a catch. Then I have another chuckle to myself.

I head on out, yelling goodbye to Slade as I leave and waving to Phoenix.

Slade raises one arm in the air to wave at me yet doesn’t take his eyes off Phoenix, whom he seems to be having a heated discussion with. Those two kids need to just give into each other.

Almost as soon as I walk outside, a cab pulls up, and he calls out to me through his open window. “Are you Keanu?”

I move towards the back passenger door. “The one and only.”

PLAYLIST

This book was a perfect next edition in the Ocean Beach series. You can check out my review of the first book: A Little Faith here. I wasn’t always a fan of switching POVs but Emma James has changed my mind. She manages to switch character POV at just the right time in just the right way that the story flows flawlessly and each character has a voice of their own. In this book I feel like James has improved her technique, and it’s easier to blend into the characters and distinguish their personalities. I think that being able to write so many different characters and their voices is a huge achievement and I commend the author on being so brave! I don’t think it’s going to be a style that will suit every reader, but the story line makes up for any inconveniences that may achieve. Whilst the endings leave the reader saying “WHAT…. WHAT… WHAT.. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT ONE?!?!” it’s definitely not a reason to wait to pick up the series. Start reading now and fall in love with the humour, the mystery, the intrigue, the closeness, the family that the characters are, and enjoy the guys and gals of Ocean Beach.

AUTHOR BIO

Emma James lives in Queensland, Australia with her smexy husband, three children and a big black Labrador. Life is busy and most entertaining in the James household.Writing has been a part of her life for many years. Life was getting on and it was time to put her fears aside and do what she does best. It was time to show readers what she was made of, take that leap off the diving board and see where it takes her.Emma is a creative person at heart. She loves to read as much as write, devouring books into the wee hours of the morning.Who needs sleep, right?Photography is another great passion of hers.A Little Faith is the first book released in the Ocean Beach series and proved to be quite the surprise read of 2014 for contemporary romance lovers with Hope Is Lost following closely on.Emma James is one determined snowflake who is here to make her imprint in the writing world.

AUTHOR
LINKS

There is a giveaway for a $10 Amazon gift card and 3 ebooks (direct to Kindle) of Hope Is Lost

Click below image to enter

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Amazeballs Book Addicts

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6th March

Literary Misfit

7th March

Books Laid Bare

10th March

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The Rest Is Still Unwritten

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14th March

Page Flipperz

15th March

Charlie & Mel’s Book Reviews

Book Review: Outside the Ropes by Ashley Claudy

February 22, 2015sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: New Adult. Romance. Suspense. Action.

Regan Sommers spent her life fighting. Fighting foster parents, kids in the group home, and classmates. But the night she has to fight for her life changes everything.
Now, she’s fighting for money in the ring, and from the first punch she’s addicted. Every addiction has a price though, and this one is the gym’s star boxer, Gage Lawson. He may come in an enticing tattooed package, but his demands are more than she can handle.
The responding officer from that night, Anthony Fields, comes with no demands. He want’s whatever she’s willing to give, and Regan can handle that. She can definitely handle him.
But no help comes string free, and Regan’s not the only one with a hard past and scars to cover. The life she was trying to escape is nothing compared to the danger she’s in the middle of now, and she can’t fight her way out.
***Reader please be aware: Story contains mature content such as: Drugs, sex, abuse, and explicit language that may be upsetting for some.****

The author does a great job weaving multiple story lines through out this book, suspense and action included. There were a few angles that I wished had been resolved by the end, or had a little more depth put into them, but for the majority of the book I wasn’t worrying about that.

Regan’s character was likable, a strong female, who also has enough vulnerability that the reader can relate to her. In some of the ways she acted she showed she wasn’t the complete tough girl, which added depth to her character. The way she craves attention didn’t make her less likable, in fact it shows that being damaged allows her to get through life the way she has.

At first I was confused by Gage, but at the same time intrigued and sucked into his demeanour and appeal. Throughout the story he remains a mystery, but at the same time you also feel like whatever his motivation is, it’s for the best. Who doesn’t love a hot boxer who knows goes all protective, but not in an aggressive and possessive way!?

I was hoping some of the loose ends would be tied together, but I compliment the author in giving the reader an experience that will have them hanging for the next installment. In the end, I really couldn’t put the book down and now I really can’t wait for the next book! *warning, there is a bit of a cliff hanger…..

BUY LINKS: AMAZON

About the Author:

Mother. Wife. Teacher. Proud UMD Terp. Perpetual learner. Wild imagination fueled by coffee. Occasional runner. Late night book junkie. Daytime dreamer.

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: It’s Not Me, It’s You by Mhairi McFarlane

February 16, 2015sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: Women’s Fiction. Adult Literature.

Delia Moss isn’t quite sure where she went wrong.

When she proposed and discovered her boyfriend was sleeping with someone else – she thought it was her fault.

When she realised life would never be the same again – she thought it was her fault.

And when he wanted her back life nothing had changed – Delia started to wonder if perhaps she was not to blame…

From Newcastle to London and back again, with dodgy jobs, eccentric bosses and annoyingly handsome journalists thrown in, Delia must find out where her old self went – and if she can ever get her back.

This story had me aching with the intensity reserved for stories that really touch my emotions. The beginning had me gasping and being all of the sad, but it set me on a path that throughout the book I was rooting for Delia to get through life and make good choices. There were many times were I didn’t know where the author was going to go in regards to relationships in the book, and it made me even more excited and anxious to keep reading. This book was a great read, and will leave the reader on an emotional roller coaster, but fear not, you’ll get to the end and be ready to ride again! I vote this book as very enjoyable, clever, smart, funny, and emotional. Get on it! This is McFarlane’s third novel and I’m now on a mission to read her first two, especially if they’re as clever and easy to read as this one was.

Buy Links:

Find a local bookseller

About The Author:

Mhairi was born in Scotland in 1976 and her unnecessarily confusing name is pronounced Vah-Ree.

After some efforts at journalism, she started writing novels. It’s Not Me, It’s You is her third book. She lives in Nottingham, with a man and a cat.

Author Page on Harper Collins Twitter Goodreads

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Book Review: Trade Me by Courtney Milan

February 14, 2015sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: New Adult

Tina Chen just wants a degree and a job, so her parents never have to worry about making rent again. She has no time for Blake Reynolds, the sexy billionaire who stands to inherit Cyclone Systems. But when he makes an offhand comment about what it means to be poor, she loses her cool and tells him he couldn’t last a month living her life.

To her shock, Blake offers her a trade: She’ll get his income, his house, his car. In exchange, he’ll work her hours and send money home to her family. No expectations; no future obligations.

But before long, they’re trading not just lives, but secrets, kisses, and heated nights together. No expectations might break Tina’s heart…but Blake’s secrets could ruin her life.

I’m not going to lie, I grabbed this book because of the cover! Don’t judge me (or do, it’s okay!)!!!!!!!! I certainly haven’t read many books, if any, that had an Asian immigrant as a main character and it was something that had piqued my interest in the book. Not to mention a hottie billionaire that was off-limits. The interesting thing about this book is Blake, who struggles with being in the spotlight and having the pressure of a family company on his shoulders. The author does a good job of revealing this throughout the book, and the chemistry between Blake and Tina is thrown together with a few surprises that I wasn’t expecting. I liked the subtlety of the character traits that made it a bit more than a boy meets girl and girl swoons and falls all over the guy type of book. Tina’s mum had me laughing out loud with inappropriate mum-isms and her honesty and bluntness (no daughter wants her mum talking about wrapping it and condoms at the dinner table, right!?!!!!). The ending turned a little bizarre for me as I felt Tina’s character digressed into a strange alternate world, but in the end it was wrapped up in a sense that an ongoing series is. Read this New Adult romance if you are after a clever written story of love between opposites. Also, this author has written multiple historical romances, so if that’s your thing, be sure to check them out at her website.

Click the image to read the first chapter

Buy Links:

About the Author:

Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat.

Before she started writing books, Courtney experimented with numerous occupations. She has trained dogs, written legal briefs, sold newspaper subscriptions, and written computer programs. Having given up on actually being able to do any actual things, she’s taken to heart the axiom that “those who can’t, teach.” When she isn’t reading, writing, or sleeping, she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom.

Courtney loves hearing from readers. You can visit her on the web and find out more about her and her newest releases at http://www.courtneymilan.com.

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*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an
 honest review

Book Review: Operation: Valentine by Loretta Hill

February 7, 2015sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: Romance

From the author of the bestselling The Girl in Steel-Capped Boots and One Little White Lie, comes a laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about dating in the modern world…

“Once upon a time, there was a young girl called Sarah Dubert who needed to fall in love in six weeks . . .”

Thanks to food poisoning, broken dates, airport malfunctions and even death, Sarah Dubert has never had a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. However this year she’s determined to break the curse and snare herself a man before Big V. Signing herself up to the online dating site soulmates.com, she begins eliminating possible candidates through dates at her favourite bar, The Blue Saloon . . .

Owen Black, the handsome new owner of The Blue Saloon, likes his women fast, experienced and temporary. A woman on a mission to find love – particularly one with a six-week deadline – would normally have him running for the hills. So why is he so uncharacteristically interested in Sarah’s search? And, more importantly, the success of her dates…?

Transparent_Heart_with_Red_Bow_PNG_Clipart_Picture

It’s the month of luuuuurve so I thought I’d review luuuurve stories this month!

Whilst the cover wasn’t the most favourite one I’ve seen, the book itself was well written and fun to read. Being a Valentines theme story I definitely wasn’t expecting anything serious or crazy. What I got was a cute, definitely predictable story that I really did like reading. The predictability didn’t diminish the lovely way it was written at all. I was entertained with a few laughs along the way Sarah always seemed to be having a tough time catching a break, while Owen sat back watching, waiting! This was a nice clean romance perfect for a sit down with a cup of coffee. Enjoy! You’ll have it read in no time! I look forward to checking out some of her other books as well!

BUY LINKS:

About the Author:

Loretta always wanted to be a writer. As a kid she filled pages of exercise books with stories to amuse her friends. Her father, who never wasted his time on fiction, didn’t see much worth in this pass time and pushed her to pursue a ‘sensible’ career. Fortunately, she had inherited some of his talent for numbers and decided to give it a go. She graduated from the University of Western Australia as structural engineer and took her first job with a major West Australian engineering company.

A few years later she met a lawyer at a Black Friday party hosted by a friend. She was dressed as the devil and he just came as himself. They are now happily married and living in Perth with their two young sons and infant daughter.

Despite her career in engineering, her interest in law and her journey into motherhood, Loretta continued to write. Not because she had a lot of time but because it was and always had been an addiction she couldn’t ignore.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Review: Cover Story by Rachel Bailey

February 1, 2015sydneygen 1 Comment

Genre: Contemporary Romance. Romance. Women’s Fiction.

Tobi Fletcher’s career is going places. Just ask her. Any day now, she’s going to write the story for her Sante Fe newspaper that will Make A Difference. Of course, Pulitzer prizes and the like will soon follow.

Unfortunately, her editor doesn’t have the same vision. His vision has her investigating a series of gnomicides. Yes, gnomicides the wanton murder of garden gnomes.

It’s a nightmare for Tobi. She’s spent her life working towards a career she can be proud of and proving she’s nothing like her mother. She’s intelligent, independent and so uptight she can’t even let go to sneeze properly and, unlike her colleagues, she certainly can’t appreciate the funny side of the situation. She wants to work on the big story a cover-up in a senator’s office.

Reluctantly, she interviews Simon, the man who reported the ‘incident’ to the newspaper clearly a lunatic his four-year old daughter, and the other residents of the street. Each has their own theory about the murderer, ranging from the slightly possible to the ludicrous and Tobi, unfortunately affected by her pollen allergy and having to repress sneezes regularly, writes the story.

Her editor loves it and demands more; interstate papers pick it up and reader feedback is overwhelming. Apparently, she’s not going anywhere just yet and, dammit, that means facing her pesky attraction to Simon. Along the way, Tobi discovers there are many truths and secrets to be uncovered other people’s as well as her own. The question is, will the truth really set her free?

By far one of my favourite reads of 2014. The gnome puns kept me smiling throughout the book, and the relationships of the street meshing together made for a gnomely (read: homely rhymes with gnomely!!) feel. I enjoyed the relationship / romance build up of the main characters, and it was nice to read a female character who was in control, but not obnoxiously so. Watching her unravel and release that control without realising it was a delight, and I loved the way it all wrapped up in the end. This book proves you don’t need R rated scenes to create a love/suspenseful/mystery story. The author did a great job giving each of the multitude of characters their own story and background without going overboard. It’s a story that shouldn’t be taken too seriously. A great, fun, clean read for the summer.

Buy Links:

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon UK (Kindle)

Barnes and Noble (Nook devices)

Google Play (All devices except Kindle)

iBooks Store (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac)

Kobo (All devices except Kindle)

Print (Dead Tree Book)

About the Author:

Rachel Bailey developed a serious book addiction at a young age (via Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck) and has never recovered. Just how she likes it. She went on to gain degrees in psychology and social work but is now living her dream writing romance for a living. Her books have hit the USA Today bestseller list, are published in over twenty-six countries and have been translated into sixteen languages. She lives on a piece of paradise on Australia’s east …

Author Website : Facebook : Twitter :

*I received a copy of this book from NETGALLEY in exchange for an honest review

Book Review: Too Loud by Alexia Haynes

January 20, 2015sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: Erotica. New Adult.

Sophie is afraid that loving someone will only bring pain. After dating a guy she couldn’t care less about, she decides that a safe, boring date for her parents’ social events isn’t enough for her. She longs to live life out loud. When she lays eyes on Logan, she knows she has to risk her heart by getting to know the sexy drummer better.

Logan’s new band, Feral, is a perfect fit, but it brings up nightmares from his past Since he’s the new guy, he isn’t in a position to make demands.

Sophie and Logan struggle to mesh their different worlds. Can Sophie commit to Logan or is his life TOO LOUD?

I’m usually all for hot guys in rock bands and hooking up with them..waitwhat.. I mean, I’m all for READING about them *grin*. Unfortunately I couldn’t get into this book. I’m wondering if it’s because I didn’t read the first one in the series, called Too Fast. I think I wanted more from it. I can’t quite tell you why I didn’t like it, but it didn’t grab me. Have you read it? Did you like it? I’d love to know! It’s got a great cover going for it..all mystery man with the tattoos. I can imagine him playing the drums in a band.

Buy Links:

Amazon

Author Facebook Page : Author Website : Twitter

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review*

Pre-Release Review: Call Sign Karma by Jamie Rae

January 1, 2015sydneygen 1 Comment

Genre: Romance. New Adult Romance. Contemporary Romance.

Love in the no-fly zone…

Distraught over the loss of her brother in a fighter jet accident, Tinklee Pinkerton decides to follow in his footsteps and prove the tragedy wasn’t his fault. But when she’s chosen as the first woman to fly the Air Force’s F-35, her plan for a life that revolves around work is thrown off course by a handsome, mysterious stranger…

Thanks to Locke’s seductive British accent, sweet nature, and one too many beers, Tink is soon inspired to throw caution to the wind and herself into his arms. She thinks maybe love can heal after all—until she discovers Locke is her superior officer. Tink has no problem risking her life in the air, but with everything on the line, is she brave enough to risk her heart on the ground?

I absolutely loved this book. It kept me awake all night reading it. I laughed, I gulped, I sobbed, I sighed. An emotional roller coaster of a read. I was a bit sad and slightly annoyed that the main character was so bent on beating herself up, but in the end I really liked how the author managed to play it all out. Tinklee, a female fighter pilot has to be one tough chick, in the middle of a boys world, I found the characters emotions of strengths and weaknesses came through well on the page. The two main male characters, Locke and Ash, were worthy of a starring role, and were believable hotties to drool over. It also helps that one of my all-time favourite movies is Top Gun, and it was just on tele the other night! Something about a uniform, a fighter pilot, and managing to handle all that expensive equipment…. *proceeds to fan self* Recommend this book as a great summer (or winter, autumn, spring) read. This book had it all – tension, laughs, and love. Out on January 5th be sure to grab this pre-order now! It’s worth it!

Buy Links:

Amazon : Barnes & Noble : Book Depository : Kobo : iBooks : Google

About The Author:

JAMIE RAE is a New Adult and Young Adult author. She writes with one goal in mind–to create stories with a positive message that will stay with the reader long after they’ve finished reading.

Jamie is an avid reader and loves discovering stories with a great hook, though she will not eat, sleep, or speak until she reaches the end. The Harry Potter years weren’t pretty!! Convinced that her Hogwarts letter was lost in the mail, she keeps a watchful eye for owls hoping her children will have better luck!

In her other life, Jamie Rae enjoys creating smiles that will last a lifetime as an orthodontist and keeps her heart overflowing with love as a mother of three. She has perfected the art of nomadic living as a military spouse and Air Force veteran. Jamie has a passion for critters of all shapes and sizes and you can often find her sneaking them into her own home or volunteering for rescues.

Dream~Write~Inspire

Author Web Site : Good Reads : Facebook : Twitter

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Blog Tour: A Little Faith by Emma James

December 20, 2014sydneygen 2 Comments

Cover Design : Jemina Venter
Book Nerd Fan Girl Designs

Genre: Contemporary Romance. New Adult Romance.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the
only choice you have.”

~ Bob Marley

Faith was nearly fifteen when her life was torn apart, she sheltered herself from knowing anything about that fateful day.

Six years later she is older and stronger and has decided to confront this sexy brotherhood of hot men she ignored for her own survival.

Harley, Keanu, Text, Levi and Retro will reveal to Faith all is not what it seems and she will discover the level of strength these friends possess.She will come to realize the secrets they have all been shielding her from in humorous and emotional ways.

Faith isn’t going back to Dallas in a hurry, not until she can help those that need her the most.

This is a story of new beginnings, a strong brotherhood of sexy guys and a love that has been lost along the way. It is a story with twists and surprises that will tug at your heart as well as make you laugh.

Humor is a weapon that can only last so long until life peels the layers back and what is underneath and hurting shows through.

Faith wasn’t there for them when they needed her, but she damn well will make sure she is now.

Welcome to Ocean Beach.

Sometimes you just have to have A Little Faith.

REVIEW:

This book was a little different for me. Each chapter is written in a different point of view and often I feel quite put off when that happens. Luckily for me, Emma James was able to create a rhythm and tone that allowed the reader to slip into each character as their chapter came up. From the first page of this book I was immersed into the world of the boys of Ocean Beach and after the first chapter, there was no way I could pass this book up. I was not expecting the events and characters of the first chapter to be the way they were, but it is a well set-up chapter to begin the story.

I enjoyed the way the author portrayed every character and their interaction, it was really what made the storyline weave together, knitting the struggles, the dreams that haunt them, and the underlying guilt that’s binding them all as one. I really feel Faith comes into the story as a bit of a heroine, and saviour to all of the boys. Give it a read if you’re after a storyline that will most likely make you gasp, laugh, cry, and feel like you can’t wait until the next book in the series comes out.

I commend James on her bravery with her writing style, and wish her wonderful things for the future.

EXCERPT

FAITH POV
I’m swiveling back and forth, searching the crowd for Harley.

“Hey, short stuff.” A deep voice slices into my thoughts from over my right shoulder.

I slowly turn around, meeting Harley’s smiling face. I may have been short once, but now I am five-foot-eight, not exactly below-average height.

I take in Harley. He’s tall—six-four, at least—and gorgeous with light brown, short hair; tanned skin; and does he have some ink work on his arms? I’m normally very curious about tattoos, but now isn’t the time to look.

I know I’m looking him up and down, but it’s been so long, and he has changed. The softer boy features have been replaced by a big, muscular, chiseled man.

I swallow.

“Wow, is that really you, Harley Madden?” I’m drinking him in. I don’t remember Harley being so big and buff. His charcoal t-shirt molds tightly to his chest like a second skin. He wasn’t this muscular the last time I saw him. His belted, black jeans and boots complete his handsome look that has quite a few people in the crowd appraising him. He looks a little dangerous in his dark clothing. He would make Will purr like the cat who got the cream. I must admit, even I’m a little taken back.

He leans in and grabs me in a bear hug, lifting me off the ground, leaving me a little breathless. My face is nestled in his
neck, catching his scent of cologne and soap.

Wow.

“Okay, big guy, you can stop squeezing the life out of me now,” I try to breathe out. He loosens his hold and slowly let’s go
while I take a step back.

“You look amazing, Harley.” I find myself smiling. It feels good. I was worried about feeling awkward meeting Harley again after so long, but something just clicks. He was my brother’s best friend, and I’ve known him all my life. “It’s been a long time.”

“I could say the same about you. I might have to start calling you Faith.” He flashes me an amused grin, showing me perfect, white teeth and a dimple.

The baggage carousel starts up and everybody squeezes in tighter, trying to jockey for a position to get their luggage when it appears.

“Whoa!” I’m already beginning to feel less nervous having Harley here with me when I’m suddenly knocked off balance.
Harley’s left arm snags me around the waist, bringing me up against his hard side. He shoots the person beside me a dirty look. Some people really do need to chill out when they travel.

I step away from him when I notice my case coming towards me.

Harley stops me with a gentle, firm hand on my arm. “I’ll get it for you, which one?”

With one, bright blue suitcase and camera bag in his hands, Harley walks me out the sliding doors of the airport and we cross to the parking garage.

The sun is shining, and my grey hoodie jacket is making me too hot. I unzip it, taking it off as I’m walking, revealing a tight white tank top. Much cooler.

Harley is staring at my chest and nearly trips over. I roll my eyes. You can never take the boy out of the man.

“Harley, are you finished staring?” I laugh a little at the look on his face. “So I grew up.”

“You certainly did,” he mutters and looks away. I could have sworn I heard him swear and mumble something about guard duty.

As we approach his vehicle, I’m stunned. wow! Harley has a black Hummer. I do my best to hide how surprised I am.

Harley stows my luggage in back, and then we climb in and set off.

The Hummer suits Harley; he is such a big, masculine guy.

“Beautiful car. Where to James?”

Harley slides on a pair of vintage aviator Ray Bans, giving me a superstar smile that is a heart stopper. “La Jolla. I have a
place up on Vista De La Playa.” Harley then assures me we will be at his place in less than half an hour with the lunch time traffic.

The radio is playing Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” with Nelly. I put my sunglasses on, roll my window down, prop my right arm up on the open window, and hold onto the outside of the car. I can’t help tapping my fingers and nodding my head to the
beat, quietly singing along as the breeze blows my hair free.

I can see Harley out of the corner of my eye, stealing glances and smiling.

We don’t talk, although it’s not uncomfortable. I think we both have a lot swimming about in our heads. I’m simply taking it
all in, while he knows why I’m here. He knows this isn’t easy for me. I pull my phone out of my bag, take a quick snap of the coastline, and text Mom and Dad, attaching the pic. I let them know Harley has me, and we are heading to his place now. I then send Will a text and tell her I’ll chat in a couple days when I have something to tell her. I don’t hear back straight away.

Holy shit is all I can think the closer we get to Harley’s place. The view of the beach is incredible. As we drive higher, I’m itching to get my camera out and ask Harley to pull over so I can take some photos. We are driving past some beautiful homes, overlooking the coast. It’s not long until we make a turn, and then he drives up a long driveway towards an unbelievable looking place.

“You sure you got the right address?” I know my mouth is gaping open.

Harley looks over at me then reaches out, gently pushing my chin up so my mouth closes.

“What did you do? Rob a bank!”

Harley lets out a full blown belly laugh, which makes me turn and stare at him. “No.”

Wow! The Hummer and now the house, or what I would call a freakin’ big, two-story, contemporary mansion. It’s beautiful.

And the view!

This is when I realize I don’t really know anything about Harley and where these guys have all ended up.

He sobers up, and I see him looking at the black and chrome Jeep Cherokee parked farther up the drive. His hands grip the steering wheel while his jaw tenses.

What now?

Something tells me I’m going to be meeting the guys sooner rather than later.

“So, is this the girlfriend, the ex-girlfriend, or the guys?” I joke because that’s all I know how to do when I feel cornered.

*I saw this pic as I was reading it and I am pretty sure I wiped some drool off my chin!

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About the Author:
Emma James lives in Queensland, Australia with her smexy husband, three children and a big black Labrador. Life is busy and most entertaining in the James household.

Writing has been a part of her life for many years. Life was getting on and it was time to put her fears aside and do what she does best. It was time to show readers what she was made of, take that leap off the diving board and see where it takes her.

Emma is a creative person at heart. She loves to read as much
as write, devouring books into the wee hours of the morning. Who needs sleep, right? Photography is another great passion of hers.

A Little Faith, the first book released in the Ocean Beach series is proving to be quite the surprise read of 2014 for contemporary romance lovers. She hopes you will join her and her sexy brotherhood of characters.

Because…sometimes you just have to have a little faith.

Goodreads Book Link : FACEBOOK: TWITTER: GOODREADS: AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:

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