Cecily's Book Review : May 2015

Saturday, May 30, 2015

Blog Tour: Review for Behind the lens by Heather Dahlgren

Title: Behind the Lens
Series: The Sexy Series # 1
Author: Heather Dahlgren

Synopsis

The only thing Kallie Gregory ever wanted to do was take photos. She’s been doing it for as long as she can remember. Having succeeded in becoming an up and coming photographer, she is living her dream daily. She’s not willing to risk anything to ruin what she’s built.

Jax Burke has been living his dream. He’s one of the most sought after male models with his sexy look, muscular body and brilliant tattoos that are becoming increasingly more recognizable. He has no problem getting anything that he wants, including the ladies.

When Kallie and Jax meet there’s an instant connection. They become fast friends and spend the majority of their time together, both realizing how much they have in common with their dreams and goals. The closer they get to each other, the stronger their attraction becomes.

Only problem is, Jax is willing to risk it all for a chance at love, but Kallie is not.

Is it possible for Jax to convince Kallie to see what is behind the lens?

Excerpt

“It was one hell of a shoot today.” I close the door and lean on it, copying his position.
“Thank you. I couldn’t have been happier with the way things went.” I look at him and he smiles. “Well, minus the Melanie incident. Again, I’m so sorry about that. Nothing like that has ever happened with any of my models before. I hope that doesn’t deter you from working with me in the future.” He laughs, and I find myself joining him.
“Kallie, believe me, a little cock grabbing isn’t going to keep me from working with you. I am looking forward to the next time. You are definitely one of the most intriguing photographers I’ve ever worked with.” The compliment feels amazing, especially coming from him. He’s worked with some of the biggest photographers I know
“This is my life, everything I’ve ever wanted. So when you say something like that, it truly is a huge compliment. Thank you.” He is searching my face, for what, I have no idea. I blink and look away though because it’s feeling too intimate. “I really need to get going. I have plans tomorrow, so I need to get these photos uploaded tonight.” He pushes off the Jeep and stands in front of me. Not as close as earlier, but too close none the less.
“What plans do you have tomorrow? Dinner with your boyfriend?” I can’t help but burst out laughing. It catches me completely off guard. He rises his eyebrows and gives me that smirk.
“Shit I’m sorry. No, no dinner plans with the boyfriend. No boyfriend. I have a shoot with my brother and his family.” He becomes completely serious, searching my face again. I really wish he’d stop doing that shit.
“Why is it so funny that I’d ask if you have a boyfriend?” I straighten my back and clear my throat, feeling like I need to defend myself.
“You’re a nosy little shit. If you must know, most guys are jealous, insecure pricks that can’t handle what I do for a living. What I do is so much more important than a relationship anyway. I really need to get home Jax. Thank you for helping with my bag and for being part of this today.” I open my Jeep door, and he puts his arm against the truck, trapping me in place. I have my back turned to him, and I’ve no intention of turning around. I feel him move closer and my heart pounds in my chest.
“You just haven’t found the right guy, that’s all. Good night Kallie.” He doesn’t say another word, and I hear his feet crunching on the rocks as he makes his way to his car. I never once turn around. I climb into the truck and slam the door. The only sound is my heavy breathing and the frantic beating of my heart.

My 4 Star Review

Reading this book was like my best friend telling a story. I actually put the book down and thought…omg this can totally happen to someone. That is what made me love this book, well that and the characters.

Kallie is this super crazy adorable girl who has a mouth like a sailor and I love it. (Reminds me of my own potty mouth) She is also living out her dream and that is super cool.

Then you have Jax who is the leading man of this story and let me tell you he can be the leading man in my life too. Once you pick up this book and meet him...you will be saying the same thing and or fighting me for him.

Please keep in mind that there are more characters in this story that are just as lovable as Kallie and Jax. Like Kallie's brother...I need him in my life too.

Now if you read my reviews you all know that I am a huge geek and I am always getting something out of the books that I read and yes it happened with this book too. There is a part of this book that had me an emotional girl wreak. I am talking about a certain video. (And that is all I will say to you)

This book pulled at my mini heart-strings...the story made me think about how much I really do care about how and what people think and feel about me. So now I am going to follow in the footsteps of this book and just live and be happy. I mean really if I am happy then that is all that really matters...right?!

Heather Dahlgren you did a fantastic job with this book and please for all that is sparkly please tell me that Jax is real...No wait don't.( He is real in my mind) In all seriousness you are a very talented author and I am sold!! I can't wait for book two!

I am 36 years old. I am married to my high school sweet heart. We have been married for almost 12 years and have 3 amazing kids. I’m a stay at home mom and my kids definitely keep me busy. I live at the Jersey Shore and love all there is to do here. I love nature, birds especially. I enjoy hiking and fishing with my family.

I have always loved to write. In high school I used to write stories, poems and a lot of love notes! I absolutely love to read. I love the way I can get lost in a book and forget about the world around me. Now that I am writing books, I feel the same way, only it’s my book I’m getting lost in.

As for now, I am loving this journey of becoming an author. It has been more then I dreamed it would be.

You can always find me online. I love social media, so please feel free to interact with me.

Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter

Friday, May 29, 2015

Review for Wash me Away by Wendy Owens

Buy: Amazon - Nook - Kobo - iBooks

Synopsis:

Monsters have a way of following you.

Immersed in a new world at boarding school, Addy Buckley learns she’s not the only one with secrets. While trying to navigate the minefield of painful lies that seem to be rattling around her family’s past, she meets soft on the eyes and heavy on the heart, Napoleon Blake. When faced with the darkness, Addy must decide to cling to her new life and friends or let the monster carry her away. The choice is hers, sink or swim.

My 4.5 Star review

Wash me Away is my first read by Wendy Owens. I have to say that she is damn good and this will not be my last.

So I loved this book and it is a 5 star read but I am a selfish woman and I am giving it a 4.5 star because I didn't want it to end. I need to know what happens next in her life. I feel emotionally invested in this story...Trust me you will feel this same way once you have finished this book!

Addy is the main character and she has had a very rough childhood and now she is free from all of that and now is living with her aunt and uncle. She is very closed off and she doesn't want to let anyone in because she is afraid of what they might say once she tells them the truth.

Then one day she goes into her aunt and uncles attic and finds letters that her mother wrote to her uncle before and after she was born. Those letters contain some very important things and now she is going to uncover the biggest secret/truth of all.

Then you have Leo and let me tell you if I was only a couple of years younger, this young man is so unique and not your normal so to speak book boyfriend...Yes I said book boyfriend, once you read it you will just know. I am so happy he say her in the window of that office while he was skateboarding.

While reading this book I had an idea of the traumatic childhood Addison had to endure but in the end I had no clue how bad she really had it. This character is strong, fierce, loving, special, beautiful, and so damn broken.

There is a part of this book that had me in tears and I wanted to climb in my kindle and just be there for her when her whole world came crashing down around her. The author did an amazing job writing this book and she will make you envision this particular heart felt part of this story.

Excerpts from Wash Me Away

Excerpt #1

My heart leaps into my throat, and time has lost meaning. The entire car leans up on two wheels as it travels to the left, rather than straight ahead. My body presses into my father’s, and I wish more than anything I could hold myself away from him. He reaches for the door handle, but his efforts are futile, as the water has already risen to his window. We continue to move with the current, until it completely picks up the car. The metal tomb flips and turns onto the driver’s side door, snapping off the mirror. I don’t think. I struggle to unbuckle my seatbelt with one hand, the weight of my body pulling the strap taut, and crank down the passenger window with the other. Like a seamless and rehearsed dance, everything happens perfectly. The window is down, the buckle releases its grasp, and I grab on to the edge of the open window. Using the edge of the steering wheel, and my headrest, I push myself up and out the opening.

The car slows, but it’s still moving with the flow of the water, rocking from side to side as the muffled sounds of metal scraping against the earth fill the vessel. “Addy Mae,” he cries up after me. It’s a tone I’ve never heard from him, or at least I don’t recall. I look down at him; his eyes are wide with fear. I feel sorry for him, the need to help him overwhelming me.

I drop to my knees, readying myself to extend a hand. The car jerks unexpectedly, and I fall to my stomach, gripping the rim of the window for support. A cracking sound echoes from inside of the car. I look down to see a large rock has wedged itself firmly into the windshield, cracked glass splintering outward.

“Goddamn it, Addy, you better get me the hell out of here,” he shouts. There he is, I think. The father I know. My hand is halfway extended when I pause and pull it back. “What the—” The windshield gives way, and the shards rush inward with a gush of water. His expression, his words—they all disappear in an instant, beneath the murky, churning waters.

About Wendy Owens

Wendy Owens was born in the small college town, Oxford Ohio. After attending Miami University, Wendy went onto a career in the visual arts. After several years of creating and selling her own artwork she gave her first love, writing, a try. Her first novel flowed from her in only two weeks time. That moment was when she knew she had found her calling as an indie eBook author. Wendy now happily spends her days writing the stories her characters guide her to tell, admitting even she doesn’t always know where that might lead. Check out her New Adult Romance and Young Adult Fantasy books.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL: Sacrifice by Adriana Locke

Title: Sacrifice

Author: Adriana Locke

Cover Design: K23 Design

Release Date: July 13, 2015

SYNOPSIS

My life changed forever the night my husband died.

I was left with a shattered heart, a heap of bills, and our daughter, EVERLEIGH. I don’t want to rely on anyone, least of all CREW GENTRY. He’s my first love and the man who almost destroyed me, the man who has let me down every time I’ve needed him.

But when tragedy strikes a second time, Crew just might be my only hope.

My life changed forever the night my brother died.

I was left with a guilty conscience, a pile of mistakes, and little else. I take care of JULIA GENTRY, my brother’s widow and the love of my life, and their daughter. I know she doesn’t want my help, but she gets it anyway. I owe her that.

When another disaster hits, I’m given the opportunity to make things right. I’m taking it. I'm willing to sacrifice it all.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25307607-sacrifice

EXCERPT

“She’s been missing him a lot lately.”

Julia’s voice is barely a whisper and my chest constricts. Our conversations don’t normally make it to discussing Gage unless we’re already arguing. The fact that she just brought it up shocks me and I’m not comfortable with it. I don’t know how to take it. I feel my jaw pulse with frustration and scramble to change the subject again. “Why is it so chilly in here?”

Her smile disappears and she tugs her sweatshirt nervously. “I didn’t know it was.”

“How can you possibly not know?” I start to the thermostat across the room when she clears her throat.

“The heater isn’t working right. I asked Lane to come by and look at it earlier this week.”

“And he hasn’t been here yet?” I shoot her a look and she shakes her head. “He’ll be here tonight.” I dig my cell outta my pocket.

“Crew, don’t. Please. The last time you called my landlord he was a complete jerk to me for a couple of months. I just got on good terms with him again.”

I scroll through my contacts list, looking for his name.

“Crew ...” I know her doe-eyes are pleading with me. I also know if I look up at her, I’ll be somewhat inclined to give in.

So I don’t.

AUTHOR BIO

Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

Adriana resides in the Midwest with her family. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. She loves to be outside in the sunshine and always has a piece of candy in her pocket.

Her first novel, The Exception, was released in 2014. The followup, The Perception, was released in March 2015. Both books follow the same characters, but can be read as standalone novels.
Sacrifice, a novel unrelated to the others, will go live on July 13, 2015.

Please contact Adriana at www.adrianalocke.com. She loves to hear from readers.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.adrianalocke.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradrianalocke

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorALocke

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke

Instagram: https://instagram.com/authoradrianalocke

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authoradrianalo/

Spotify: http://www.spotify.com/adrianalocke

GIVEAWAY

There is a giveaway for 2 ARCS of Sacrifice

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ba3ffd55366

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Release Blitz Afraid to Fly by S.L. Jennings

Meet Dirty Dom in this fantastic stand-alone!

AVAILABLE NOW!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PKCcwq

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1cgpYcq

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/AfraidToFly_BN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1F8nbsV

Blurb

I’d like to tell you that I’m ok.

That the meaningless sex with countless women has somehow numbed the pain. That it’s deciphered the constant confusion in my head. Eased the self-hatred that sinks into my gut every time I look in the mirror.

I’d like to tell you that time heals all wounds.

That we evolve and grow into well-adjusted, stable adults, set on a path to right the world’s wrongs. That we are not our past…we are not our pain.

I want to tell you all those things. Hell, I want to believe all those things. But I’d be lying. I’m good at that. Living a lie is the only way I truly know how to survive.

But the day I saw her, I stopped surviving. I stopped existing. And for the first time in 24 years, I started living.

She brought me back to life. Set me free and sent my soul soaring. Made this useless shell of a man feel like…something. Something whole and real and good.

She saved me.

Although she believes I wasn’t even worth saving.

This story chronicles the journey of Dominic Trevino, a character from Fear of Falling. However, it can be read as a standalone.

Excerpt #1

I approached her slowly, letting my eyes take in her soft, feminine curves. That’s what I loved the most about women—their softness, their delicateness. It made them appear breakable, just like me. And it made me appreciate that vulnerability, in hopes that someone could—and would—one day, appreciate mine.

That’s why even though I never offered more than a few hours of toe-curling pleasure, I assured each second was spent tending to their sexual desires and making them feel treasured. Just because I was a whore, it didn’t make me callous or uncaring. If anything, it made me more aware of my humanity.

I pushed it all away, trading my own hang-ups and idiosyncrasies for the mental numbness that sex could provide and did what I do best: Fuck. I was good at this part—touching, kissing, licking. And when we were both ready—too ravenous with desire to consider my aversions—I drove into her slowly, all the way to the hilt. Until her body completely covered mine and soothed the ache of loneliness with wet warmth. This was the feeling I had been chasing since I was just a child, barely a man. That sweet oblivion that only mindless sex could provide. I was made whole by emptying myself into another, and for the barest of moments, I became separate from my pain and anger. I became the type of man that could look himself in the mirror and not see the horror of his past standing behind him, its razor sharp claws cutting into the skin of his shoulders while it smiled in that sinister way that still made my skin crawl.

I had seen that malevolence in my dreams every day since as long as I could remember. Sometimes it was in the form of a smile, a laugh. Sometimes it wore the face of ecstasy and passion. But it was always terrifying.

I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling long after Alyssa had passed out in blissful exhaustion. She came twice, once by my tongue, the other with her ankles on my shoulders. She was a screamer, and I kept wondering if Angel would bust in here, wondering if I was fucking or killing the girl. Then, if Alyssa was up for it, she’d join, like she had just this past weekend with Cherri. It wasn’t that we wanted each other in that way—oh hell no. We were just better…together. It made it even easier to get out of our heads and lost in the movement of our bodies.

It was co-dependent like a motherfucker. And unhealthy. And unconventional. But it was all we knew.

Excerpt #2

Velvet sucked me until I was on the brink of release and for a quick moment, I thought about just getting it over with. But I needed more. I needed that physical connection. I yearned for her touch, her kiss, her smell. It reminded me that I was not like him. I was not what he had hoped I would be. It stated that just because I had been violated, that didn’t make me…it didn’t make different. It didn’t make me gay. I didn’t want that. I wanted this.

Spreading those shapely, toned thighs and filling her up until I pulsed in her womb validated me. Every stroke was a confirmation, and the deeper I went, the more whole I felt. But the moment it was over, the moment I pulled out of her, my latex-sheathed cock wet with her gratification, the doubt began to claw its way back in. Telling me that I was dirty—stained. Used. Useless.

She smiled lazily at me, the dark kohl outlining her eyes smudged along the apple of her cheek. I brushed it tenderly with the pad of my thumb and told her she was beautiful.

“Oh, Dom. You’re such a sweet gent. Too bloody sweet for this shit,” she giggled, looking soft and girlish. I liked her better that way, untarnished by the hardness of life.

“You think so?”

“I know so. Good guys like you shouldn’t be fucking strippers in the middle of the day. I mean, I’m not complaining—I can still feel you inside me, for crying out loud—but, I don’t know. You deserve better.”

I winced at her words, and how much I longed for them to be true. She was just feeding me more lies, and I was ingesting them like candy.

Except this one. This one I knew would never be true. Even if it was the one I wished for the most.

“Nah, I don’t. They don’t call me Dirty for nothing.”