Sorcha O'Dowd's Blog, page 51
February 11, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘In Pursuit� by Olivia Luck.
In PursuitÌýbyÌýOlivia Luck
Publication date: February 11th 2014
Genres:ÌýContemporary,ÌýNew Adult,ÌýRomance
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Synopsis:
Eddie Neff needs space. Not the type that country stars croon about,Ìýbut physical distance from her emotionally distant father and theÌýtatters of aÌýbroken relationship. So when the opportunity to relocateÌýher life and interior design business arises, the answer comes easily.
Adjusting to life with Claire, her gregarious new roommate, is moreÌýthan simply testing comfort limits. With just one meeting, Eddie findsÌýherselfÌýunable to resist the draw of Harris Grant, Claire’s brooding andÌýoverprotective older brother.
Harris doesn’t fit her idea of a safe relationship. He pushes EddieÌýto face her deepest insecurities and fears of abandonment. And HarrisÌýholdsÌýon to his own painful loss, unable to overcome personal demons.
Eddie and Harris must learn to conquer their internal struggles. ButÌýas they navigate their new love, outside forces fight to drive themÌýapart.
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Excerpt ~ ‘In Pursuit� by Olivia Luck.
The next week begins uneventfully. Claire and I go about our normal work routines, and things are peaceful. I know that this won’t be a long term living situation for me, but this existence works for the time being. Of course, the absence of Harris probably has made her more relaxed. I haven’t seen or heard from him since Saturday evening. Now, Wednesday night, I’m antsy for another encounter. Sarah’s right, I need to get his number and make things happen.
I’m working on dinner when the front door opens and closes more softly than usual. I’m in the middle of singing to myself, On my Own from Les Miserables, when he starts making his way into the condo. I do not hide my voice from him, instead I work through the words of the song, emoting the loneliness held in the lyrics.
Before I see him, I feel him. The way my heart starts galloping in my chest, the knife becoming slippery in my damp palm. My skin starts to tingle, still humming in appreciation from his earlier touches. I sing softly to myself, the words slipping out. I don’t feel the usual rush of shyness. He should see this side of me.
When our eyes connect as he enters the kitchen, I know he’s feeling something, too, by the way that his eyes soften at the sight of me and his lips flicker upward for a half second. I cut the song short, ending before the singer professes her love.
Neither of us speaks as he crosses the galley kitchen. I avert my eyes back to the task in front of me as he moves behind me. He places one palm on either side of countertop, caging me in.
I concentrate on my breathing, but it doesn’t help the racing of my heart or the butterflies of excitement fluttering in my stomach. We’re not physically touching, but every pore of my body hums with energy.
“Do you feel that?� he asks huskily.
“Yes,� I breathe.
His cheek brushes against my hair in an achingly tender gesture.
“G´Ç´Ç»å.â€�
His arms drop and he puts distance between us, his features oddly calm.
Wow.
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Enter below for the chance to win an ebook copy of ‘In Pursuit�.
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Olivia Luck
Olivia Luck lives in the middle of America with her loving husband and her obsession with writing. She wrote her first romance novel at age eight. When she’s notÌýreading, editing, or writing, you can find her in the kitchen learning to cook. Olivia loves to travel and spend time with her family.
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Book Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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February 10, 2014
Blog Tour ~ ‘Undying� by Valerie Grosjean.
UndyingÌýbyÌýValerie Grosjean
(Undying #1)
Publication date: September 29th 2013
Genres:ÌýParanormal,ÌýYoung Adult,ÌýZombies
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SYNOPSIS
This is a story of love . . . and zombies.
When eighteen-year-old college freshman Christian discovers hisÌýdormitory is crawling with the living dead, he knows he has a problem.ÌýButÌýonce he learns the whole country is overrun by the flesh-eatingÌýhorde, he must race to protect what matters to him most.
Sixteen-year-old Iris, the girl he loves, is stranded eighty milesÌýaway, alone and completely unaware of the gruesome threat surroundingÌýher.
Christian’s plan is to evade the zombies, drive the distance toÌýrescue Iris, and get them both to his family farm—where there are guns,Ìýfuel, andÌýeverything else they’ll need to survive. His mission seemsÌýsimple: Get the girl, get to the farm, and stay alive.
Things get complicated when Christian is forced to make anÌýunthinkable choice between Iris and his family. Someone he loves mustÌýdie, and heÌýmust decide.
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Book Review ~ ‘Undying� by Valerie Grosjean ~ 5 Stars!
You hear that spluttering and insane rambling and giddy squealing? That is me expressing my love for this book! Wow! What a thrilling read! One of my absolutely favourite books ever! This was my first forage into the world of Zombie apocalypses, because whilst the idea had always intrigued me, I always worried that I would be disappointed by what I encountered. I don’t mind the blood and guts in these apocalyptic stories, but I knew that I needed something else that would really make me connect to the book.
Valerie Grosjean did that to perfection.
I needed to see the way that faith and desperation to protect loved ones helped the survivors continue to fight through their worst nightmare, I needed to see what made those not yet infected fight to keep each other safe, and to keep hope that they could survive this, and I wanted to see how such a dangerous situation, so scary, so life-threatening could turn people against each other, as escaping the apocalypse with their lives becomes the most important thing.
This book tied all these desires up with a nice little blood-thirsty bow, and I was in awe of the story long after I finished it, eagerly awaiting the second book in the series to know what happened to the characters I had connected to so deeply, as though I was depending on to help protect my own life.
Christian was an absolutely wonderful hero. I really enjoyed reading this story from a male perspective, as it made it clearer that whilst men put on an outward facade of strength and certainty, the fear still crawls inside them. It broke my heart when he was left to travel alone, having lost his roommate to the zombies after a bloody fight, and how his guilt piled up at not being able to save any of the other uninfected dorm members. I really loved his determination to get to his family, his strength and utter desperation to save his family although he couldn’t save his friends.
The romance was beautifully entwined throughout this novel, and Iris became my favourite character. She was mature beyond her years, yet still held the youthful charm and hope that really struck with me. I wished throughout the book that Christian’s feelings for her would be reciprocated, and growled with Christian when he discovered that Iris was held up in the house of her high-school crush. I couldn’t help but laugh though as it gave some light relief to the terror and suspense of the story as we see that even in a Zombie apocalypse, little bits teenage angst still ran-through, like ‘what if she liked this guy more than me?�
This is an absolute gem of a story, and I adored reading Christian and Iris� journey, and what they did to sacrifice themselves for those they love. It was heartbreaking, shocking and yet still hopeful throughout, with the end leaving me hanging with a squeal, excited thump of my heart, and immediate research into when the next book was to be released.
5 Stars and a definite recommended read. Even if you don’t think the Zombie apocalypse story is your sort of thing, I really think that this book will appeal to all romance lovers.
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Enter below for the chance to win some great prizes!
Prizes (US/Canada Only)
~ 1 signed paperback
~ 1 bookmark
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Valerie Grosjean
Valerie Grosjean is the author of the young adult novel UNDYING. SheÌýgrew up on a Nebraska farm. After college, she married and moved toÌýNorthern California, where she lives with her husband and their twoÌýyoung children. Her obsession with zombie movies inspired UNDYING, herÌýfirst novel and the beginning of the Undying series.
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Tour organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
Click the banner above to follow the ‘Undying� Blog Tour.

February 8, 2014
Blog Tour ~ ‘The Couple on the Green� by Avie Bennett.
Welcome to the The Couple on the Green Blog Tour!
Come and take the emotional journey that is The Couple on The Green and find out about the book readers are raving about.
What they say:
‘The course of true love never did run smooth, but is holding onto true love worth a lifetime of pain? Isobel and James are the couple everyone wants to be; wildly in love, compatible in every way and caught up in the sexually adventurous haze of young love, but just as they accept this life as theirs forever it is torn away from them. Theirs is the tale of an all-encompassing love-of-a-lifetime and the excruciating pain that so often accompanies it. This is the story of the love we all search for, but few can hold onto. James and Isobel get a second chance, but is it ever possible to get a happy ending?�
Book Review ~ ‘The Couple on the Green� by Avie Bennett ~ 5 Stars!
Have you ever readÌý a book where you just are in complete and utter awe at the journey you have just been on? Have you ever felt so many emotions; anger, fury, sadness, devastation, happiness, humour, all at once only to do a complete 180 in a matter of pages. Few authors can pull off this amount of emotional whiplash in one book as well as Avie Bennett. I mean, wow! I had to leave this review for a week after I finished reading the book because I was in such a state of emotional turmoil, every little incident magnifying in my mind, making me squeal, sob, laugh and scream when I thought back to it.
Well done Avie Bennett. You have succeeded in making me an emotional wreck! My hat is off to you!
‘The Couple on the Green� is an emotional rollercoaster of a story, that just swept me away. So often I had to remind myself that this was a story as I kept putting the book down, close to breaking down. My poor Cat had so many sob-filled cuddles from me throughout the course of me reading this fantastic story, he himself will probably need therapy.
There is so much about this novel that I love, as well as so much that still makes me sob when I think about it. We are introduced to Isobel and James when they are in their early teens, and from then on we are witness to the development of the most beautiful, loving, heartbreaking and dangerous relationship. Avie Bennett did an incredible job with the pace of this novel. By introducing the reader to our main characters at such a young age, and right at the start of their relationship, watching the way that their love unfolds, the highs and lows of it through their younger years really made you root for them. It is different when we are just told of a romantic love story by a character in their present day, and then begins the battle for their lost love, and whilst I enjoy this sort of story too, by having experiences every moment of James and Isobel’s beautiful, heartfelt and true first love as they experienced it, it made their futures, their separation and their future relationships so much more poignant. When we see James and Isobel finding other loves, I felt my heart break, and tears streamed down my face as though it was my own first love that had moved on. The author did such an incredible job at twisting my heart, giving it only the smallest space to beat with hope, which it began to do in earnest as we began to see James and Isobel come back into each others lives.
I really want to avoid spoiling anything about this novel because it is something that you have to experience as you read it. Nothing I say will solidify the beauty of Isobel and James� journey as, without a doubt, you will witness it when you read this book, but I will mention a few of my favourite parts of this book in a rather vague way
Your heart will break when you see how Isobel spirals after she loses James. I was torn between empathy and fury at how she could throw her body away so easily, and the way that we are later told how this relates to her psychological state after her loss, I just felt so broken for her. Isobel was such a strong character, and I was heartbroken that she had to go through so much loss.
Which brings me to James.
I love James, I really do. But with that fierce love comes hate, just like Isobel felt. You see how conflicted my feelings are here? I wanted to scream at him when his behaviour changed, how he forced Isobel away and moved on immediately, with the girl he’d ruined his and Isobel’s relationship for, completely oblivious to the hurt he’d caused. And then my heart broke for him as the story came out. I loved how genuine he was, how brave he was, how he let himself feel the guilt for his part in the breakdown of his and Isobel’s relationship. But I hated him for being so strong, for being the martyr, for giving up on the best thing he’d ever experienced because he wanted the best for her. ÌýI wanted him to be selfish, to grovel, to explain the reasons why he’d acted as he did, that it wasn’t entirely his fault, because it broke my heart to know that Isobel and James could have had so much more time together if he had fought for their love.
This is the most beautiful, heartwrenching and just�.PERFECT masterpiece. It is literary genius with the simple, yet powerful prose with which Avie Bennett writes, with the gorgeous story of having a second chance with your first love.
Thank you Avie Bennett for this gem of a story�. Any chance I could send you the bill for my therapy sessions?
Note: It should be noted that since writing this review, my cat has recovered the trauma of too many hugs without the need of therapy, however does eye me warily when I start up my Kindle.
5 Stars!
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WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER
‘This is really an excellent debut, perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks and lovely romantic (even heart-breaking) stories.�
- Marina, This Chick Reads
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Avie Bennett
Avie Bennett started writing at the age of fourteen and never really stopped. She’s had her work published in magazines, journals and newspapers but says she ‘never really thought� to write a novel. That is, until recently when a burning desire bound her to do so.
Avie lives with her husband and children in Hampshire, England. When not writing, she can be found enjoying other creative pursuits such as art, music and photography.
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February 7, 2014
Blog Tour ~ ‘The Replacement� by Rachael Wade!
The ReplacementÌýbyÌýRachael WadeÌý
Publication date: January 27th 2014
Genres:ÌýContemporary,ÌýNew Adult
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SYNOPSIS
*Contains sexually explicit content and mature subject matter, including language and elements of abuse.*
A gritty New Adult drama about a young woman’s self-destructive quest to find purpose, self-worth, and love in a brokenÌýworld.
My name is Elise Duchamp. I’m twenty-three years old and I’m known as the town whore.
No, not the kind who exchanges sexual favors for money. The otherÌýkind. The kind who gives it all away for free, whenever andÌýhowever sheÌýlikes. I am that girl. The one everyone whispers about and the one noneÌýof the girls seem to like, because all of theirÌýboyfriends either wantÌýto sleep with me or already have. Promiscuity is my thing—the kind thatÌýslowly, violently turns my insidesÌýblack, but gives me something I need.
All things considered, I’m not completely reckless. I’m safe, andÌýcontrary to popular opinion, I do have a heart. I live in a world ofÌýcareless choices, and with those choices come careless people. I cannotÌýjudge them, because I am one of them. I too bow downÌýto the altar of theÌýself-serving. I am not a good friend. I am not and never could beÌýanyone’s girlfriend. I’m convinced anyÌýgoodness in me shriveled up andÌýdied long ago.
But IÌýamÌýa replacement. That is something I know how to be, and this is a story of the lengths I’d go to in order to keep it that way.

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ÌýBook Review ~ ‘The Replacementâ€� by Rachael Wade ~ 5 Stars!
‘The Replacement� is one of those books that will just knock you over the head with its genuine heartfelt beauty and heartbreak. Rachael Wade has created such a wonderful story, with real issues and characters that broke my heart and then put the pieces back together again with a little bit of glue known as Ryder.
My adoration for Elise’s character shook me from the start. If you look at me and then at Elise, we would be the complete opposite of each other. Her actions and manner had me wincing, yet I was so desperate to know more about her, to understand what had caused her self-destructive behaviour, and to really know what it was that made Elise feel that only sex could give her a piece worth. I just had to know. And so started the incredible journey that is ‘The Replacement�.
I liked that whilst there were many other characters and faces in this story, the story was, in its essence, about Elise and her journey to self-discovery rather than further self-destruction. It was a hard journey to read, and at times I had to put the book down, take some deep, calming breaths, remind myself that this story was fictional, and then feel prepared enough to return to the story. But every second I was away from my Kindle, my thoughts returned to Elise, really concerned for her well-being, wishing with all my heart that she would get to the light at the end of the tunnel.
There were a number of recurring characters that made the journey all the more difficult. Christian in particular made me want to scream due to his high handed ways and the way that he hurt his wife to be with Elise. Although Elise was just as much to blame for their relationship, it was Christian’s dishonesty to his wife that made me most angry. Elise doesn’t seduce as much as she takes a man when he shows interest. That Christian at one time felt the desire to cheat on his loving and emotionally unstable wife had me spitting with fury.
And then we come to Ryder. The glue that stuck my heart back together.
I wish with all my heart that there is a Ryder out there for me. Ryder was the most gentle, kind-hearted and honest man that had ever come into Elise’s life (romantically I mean, as her boss, Tim, was a complete and utter sweetheart and deserves the gold star father-figure award).Ìý His completely untainted view of the world and his desperate desire to help Elise see the good in the world and herself, was just so heartwarming to read. He made no demands of her, and was there for her through everything, no matter her behaviour because he wanted to make her the best she could be. Elise’s actions when it came to Ryder broke my heart at times, her own fear of love causing her to throw any chance of it away recklessly, yet I loved that despite her many setbacks, the way that in her every action, the reminder of Ryder’s belief in her made her want to change and be a better person, and gave her the strength to move on from her past and make the best future possible for herself.
This review was purposely vague so as to not spoil anything about this amazing story, so I’ve just realised that this is a rather rambling review about my feelings, but it is the beauty of this book, Rachael Wade’s gorgeous and honest writing style that invoked such strong rambling emotions in me, and that is why this book is a must read, because trust me, you want to feel these emotions too because they are damn good ones!
5 Stars and a definite recommended read!
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Enter below for the chance to win:
* 1 signed paperback (US only)
* one ebook copy (INTL)
* signed postcard swag (US only)
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Rachael Wade
Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The PreservationÌýSeries, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, TheÌýKeepers Trilogy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy learning French,Ìýwatching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and theÌýenvironment. Visit her at andÌý, or come chat with her on Twitter viaÌý@RachaelWade
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Blog Tour organised by ‘Xpresso Book Tours�.
Click the banner above to follow ‘The Replacement� Blog Tour.
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Release Day Blitz ~ ‘Wind Chime Café� by Sophie Moss.
Wind Chime Café by Sophie Moss
Wind Chime #1
Genres: Adult Contemporary Romance.
Release Date: February 7, 2014
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SYNOPSIS
When single mother, Annie Malone, purchases a quirky Main Street caféÌýon Heron Island, she thinks she’s finally turned her dream of opening her own restaurant into a reality. Hearing rumors that a developer is about to build a five-star resort on the sleepy Chesapeake Bay island, she plans to transform the café into a premier upscale bistro. But Navy SEAL, Will Dozier, has no intention of selling his grandparentsâ€� property to a developer. Back on Heron Island for the first time in ten years and secretly struggling with PTSD, Will decides that a fling with the new girl is the perfect way to help him “get his head straight.â€� The last thing Will expects is to fall in love…with his hometown and with Annie. But Will’s life and career are in San Diego with the SEALs. Can Annie’s love and the healing magic of the island be enough to convince him to stay?
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Book Review ~ ‘Wind Chime Cafe� by Sophie Moss ~ 5 Stars!
As a Psychology graduate, my love for books that raise the nitty gritty psychological aspects of human behaviour and illness is pretty much common knowledge. But it isn’t so much the raising of these issues that makes me love a book, it is the very real way in which the issues are dealt with and how the fallout affects many people, not just those who are suffering from the first hand experience. Sophie Moss has done it again as she writes this truly heartfelt story about the struggle a young single mother fights to keep her daughter safe following a tragic shooting at her daughter’s school.
Annie was the most wonderful character. I usually find that romance is my favourite part of novels, but with the authors incredible creation of Annie Malone, I just knew from the start that the relationship that would heal my heart the most was that of her and her daughter Taylor.Ìý I adored Taylor and Annie, and after having a bad day, just thinking about these two just made me smile and gave me hope for the world. There were some pretty horrifying circumstances that resulted in Annie and Taylor’s move to Heron Island, and I commend Sophie Moss for her absolutely thoughtful and delicate approach to the school shootings, something that we’ve been hearing about on the news recently. Taylor’s PTSD following her being the only survivor in her class, was written perfectly. I loved how real her coping and recovery was to read, and I didn’t doubt for one moment that this is how a young child may act when suffering from PTSD. This was brilliantly tackled as PTSD in children isn’t understood as well as in adults, but Taylor’s coping strategies and setbacks were written to perfection.
And Will. Oh Will you gorgeous man! I loved his attraction to Annie and although I was firmly on Team Girl Power, I loved the sarcastic flirtation going on between them, as Annie tried to keep herself away from him. His devotion to Taylor and helping her overcome her PTSD, as well as Taylor helping Will heal from his traumatic experiences in Afghanistan, was so genuine and touching that I just wished there was a Will out there for me. His gentle nature when it came to Taylor was his most attractive quality, and you could see the effect the little girl had on his own emotions and healing process. It was truly a beautiful thing to read, and I felt for Annie when her protective nature over Taylor could only go so far after she saw the benefit that Will had on her daughter.
And thank you, thank you Sophie Moss for creating the wonderful dogs of Heron Island. I’m an animal lover, and as soon as I saw the devoted nature of Will to his friends dogs, I just knew he was a keeper. I think you can always trust a man when he treats his fellow animals well!
Sophie Moss has an extraordinary talent when it comes to setting the scene. As with her Seal Island Trilogy, I was just swept into the beautiful landscape of the story. I could see myself there on Heron Island, and I could feel the sea wind in my hair as I read scenes set on the boat. I just wanted to be there for real, and I wanted to taste the gorgeous sounding creations that Annie serves at the Wind Chime Cafe. The place felt so real to me, and I know that if I needed a break from the real world I could return to ‘Wind Chime Cafe� and escape in the beauty of Heron Island.
A gorgeous, heart-warming read with some brilliant suspense and drama thrown in. This is a must-read, and a sparkling gem of a book.
5 Stars!
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Prizes:
- $50 Amazon Gift Card
- Three Signed Paperbacks (ebooks if winners live outside US & Canada)
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Sophie Moss
Sophie Moss is an award-winning author of four full-length romance novels. Known for her captivating Irish fantasy romances and heartwarming contemporary romances with realistic characters and unique island settings, her books have appeared twice in USA Today. As a former journalist, Sophie has been writing professionally for over ten years. She currently lives in San Diego, California, where she’s working on her next novel. When she’s not writing, she’s walking the beach, testing out a new dessert recipe, or fiddling in her garden. Sophie loves to hear from readers. Email her at [email protected] or visit her website at .
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Release Day Blitz ~ ‘Lifers� by Jane Harvey-Berrick.
LifersÌýbyÌýJane Harvey-Berrick
Publication date: February 7th 2014
Genres:ÌýAdult,ÌýContemporary,ÌýRomance
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SYNOPSIS
After eight years in prison, twenty-four year old Jordan Kane is the man everyone loves to hate.
Forced to return to his hometown while on parole, Jordan soon learnsÌýthat this small town hasn’t changed since he was carted off to juvie allÌýthose years ago. He is the local pariah, shunned by everyone, includingÌýhis own parents. But their hatred of him doesn’t even come close to theÌýloathing he feels every time he looks in the mirror.
Working odd jobs for the preacher lady, Jordan bides his time beforeÌýhe can leave this backwards town. But can distance erase the memoriesÌýthat haunt him? Trapped in the prison of his own mind Jordan wonders ifÌýthe pain of living will ever subside?
Torrey Delaney is new in town and certainly doesn’t behave in a wayÌýthe locals believe a preacher’s daughter should. Her reputation forÌýcasualÌýhook-ups and meaningless sex is the talk of the town. Add that toÌýher budding friendship with the hardened ex-con handyman, and the goodÌýReverend is less than thrilled with her estranged daughter’s path.
As friendship forms, is it possible for two damaged people who areÌýafraid to love take their relationship to the next level? Can TorreyÌýlive withÌýJordan’s demons, and can Jordan break through Torrey’s walls?ÌýWith the disapproval of a small town weighing heavily on them, will theyÌýfindÌýtheir place in the world? Can they struggle against the odds, orÌýwill their world be viciously shattered?
Is love a life sentence?
Due to scenes of a sexual nature, not recommended for under 18.

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~ Interview with Jane! ~
Do you write full time or do you have another job?
I have the best job in the world � I write full time, and have done for a year now.
What did you use to do?
I worked for a sexual health charity, an art gallery, and I trained as a high school teacher. I used to run a drama group for kids, but that was for fun.
Tell me about your screenwriting- have you written anything we might have seen?,
Nothing for screen yet (although I’ve got several scripts for movies and TV knocking around), but I have a play that will be touring the UK later on this summer. It’s a serious story about an ex-soldier suffering from PTSD. I’ll have more details soon.
Who or what inspires you?
Readers. Their feedback is more important than they realize. Also, I was in London for the veterans Remembrance Day parade last November. I met a lot of soldiers and ex-soldiers. Their stories were incredibly inspiring.
What is your biggest ambition as a writer?,
To always feel like I’ve written to my best ability and that each book brings something different. Oh yeah, and to have one turned into a cooool movie!
What are you working on right now?
At Your Beck & Call. It’s about a male escort � I’m at second draft stage.
Who is your favorite character you’ve created?
Great question! Impossible to answer. It’s usually the one I’m working on, but then I go back and re-read my books and fall in love with those characters again. It sounds ridiculous, but they’re family. I can’t choose one. Can’t. I’m very fond of ‘Hulk� in Lifers even though he only has a minor role.
What scenes are you most excited about seeing come to life in the movie of Fifty Shades of Grey?
Ooh, another great question. Well, the first time Ana sees Christian. I want that gut-churning feeling. And I’ll be very curious to see how they deal with the first sex scene. I want to see Christian prowl. I want to see the predator in him, as well as the lover. Oh yeah!
Enter below for the chance to win!
Prize: (1) ebook copy of Lifers
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Jane Harvey-Berrick
I started writing contemporary romance two years ago. Before that, I didn’t think I could write a sex scene. Turns out I can!
My lucky number is 13 because I was born on the 13thÌýand live near a haunted castle by the ocean. My number one past-time is watching hot surfers get changedÌýinto (and out of) their wetsuits.
My husband doesn’t read my books. My mother does.
Writing is my love, my hobby, my total addiction. All my characters are important to me and whisper their stories, even when I’ve finished writing their books.ÌýThat’s why you’ll often find bonus chapters/out-takes from various books, because those voices just won’t be quiet.
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Release Blitz organised by Xpresso Book Tours.
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February 5, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Chasing Wishes� by Nadia Simonenko.
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Chasing WishesÌýbyÌýNadia Simonenko
Publication date: Winter 2014
Genres:ÌýContemporary,ÌýNew Adult
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SYNOPSIS
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“I wish I didn’t have to go home. I wish I was someone else � someone with a future…�
For sixteen-year-old Nina Torres, it feels as if life is nothing but aÌýdead end. Despised by her rich classmates and afraid that she’ll becomeÌýjustÌýlike her drug-addicted mother, Nina’s future seems to get dimmerÌýevery day.
There is one bright spot in her life though�
Sitting beside her one night, the only person in the world who caresÌýabout her makes a promise. No matter what happens â€� no matter howÌýmuchÌýIsaac’s wealthy family disapproves â€� he and his girlfriend Nina will beÌýtogether forever.
Fate plays a cruel trick on Nina, though, and a visit from ChildÌýProtective Services the next morning turns Nina Torres into IreneÌýHartley, aÌýwoman with a future but who will never see her beloved IsaacÌýagain.
Nine years later, a blind and incredibly handsome young entrepreneurÌýhires Irene to be his personal assistant. Terrence Radcliffe reminds herÌýso much of Isaac that she can hardly believe her eyes, and she’sÌýfalling for him fast. Irene knows that fairy tales don’t come true, butÌýshe allowsÌýherself one last wish. She wishes that she could finally sayÌýgoodbye to Isaac and let herself take a chance on Terrence.
What she doesn’t know is that Terrence is also searching for someone:Ìýa shooting star who streaked through his life nine years ago, and heÌýwon’t give up until he finds herâ€�
Chasing Wishes is a powerful contemporary tale of lost love and wishes come true, recommended for ages 17+ due to adult content.
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An Excerpt from Chasing Wishes by Nadia Simonenko�
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“Hello everyone!� I exuberantly greet the children as I sit down in front of them with my legs crossed. “I’m so sorry I’m late, but I promise I have a great story for all of you today!�
Every month, the crowd gets smaller and smaller. There are only eight children here today, and one of the boys is playing a game on his cell phone. Here I am counting myself as lucky that my ancient cell phone can actually send text messages while a five-year-old has a data plan. Why does a five-year-old even need a smart-phone when he can barely even read? At least the rest of the children look excited.
“Hmm� I think today’s story needs something special,� I tell the children with a wink, and I pull a long, blond costume wig out of my backpack and put it on my head.
“Anyone know who I am?�
“Rapunzel!� squeal several of the little girls in the front row, and they all crowd around me to look at the illustrations as I read. I’m glad that at least someone is still interested in books; techno-boy still hasn’t looked up from his phone.
“Once upon a time, there were a man and a woman who had long desired a child,� I begin.
Reading hour at the Groton library is always the high point of my week. I get to watch the children’s faces glow as I read to them, and I get to forget about everything but the story. My overdue bills don’t matter when the three little pigs are dealing with the wolf. A handsome prince is trying to wake up Sleeping Beauty, not a disgusting, overweight cafeteria manager with more hair on his neck than his head. Nothing matters except giving the children something special.
I can’t help but smile at the enraptured looks of wonder on the children’s faces as I read. This is what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. My degree says I’m a voice actress, but my student loan bill says I’m whatever the hell I can get. Right now, I’m the girl at the sandwich station at the Verta Pharmaceuticals cafeteria.
One of these days, I’ll get my big break. I just know it.
“The witch locked Rapunzel away in a tall tower in the woods,� I tell my wide-eyed audience. “No doors! No stairs! Just a tiny window at the very tippy-top of the tower, and whenever the witch wanted to come in, she’d stand at the base of the tower and call out…�
Just as I’m about to put on my witch voice, I see him walk into the library.
Jesus. Christ.
The sexiest man I’ve ever seen just walked into the library, and I’m doing my witch impression while wearing a long, ratty wig and a mustard-stained cafeteria uniform. I always give great first impressions.
“Rapunzel, Rapunzel! Let down your long hair!� I cry out in an embarrassingly nasal voice, and the red-haired toddler leaning against my knee giggles.
The man is tall and trim, and he has disheveled blond hair that probably hasn’t seen a comb in days. No� I take that back. It’s completely intentional. He’s combed his hair straight back and just let it go ‘poof� and fly off to wherever it’s going to go. It’s the most orderly-looking haystack ever to grace a guy’s head. I’d never have imagined the haystack look could actually work for someone, but it totally does on him—he’s projecting a mixed aura of “too busy to care� and “too gorgeous to care,� but that second one might just be my infatuation.
Standing beside him is an older man, completely bald and wearing a long white coat, and� and he’s hooking elbows with Mister Sexy. Well shit. It’s practically cradle robbery and, more importantly, completely unfair.
The young man leans over the counter in the lobby, talking quietly with Susan, and a brief pang of jealousy hits me. This is ridiculous. What am I jealous of? It’s not like Susan’s getting him or anything—his arm is firmly entwined with his septuagenarian sugar daddy’s. It’s one hell of an arm, too. He’s struck the perfect balance between toothpick and gym meathead, and I’m a little envious of his physique. There’s no way in hell my shift manager would screw with me if I had arms like that.
“Then Rapunzel let down the braids of her hair, and the witch climbed up to her.�
You’re not being fair, I chide myself, now telling the story completely by memory and staring at the handsome man instead of the book. What if that’s his father and he’s just helping him walk?
The elderly man wanders off to the new releases shelf, leaving his delicious young companion leaning over the counter and spoiling my attempt to give them the benefit of the doubt.
The little redhead sitting beside me jabs me in the thigh with her elbow, drawing my attention back to the children and away from my eye candy before I started drooling. Children always have the sharpest elbows.
Right� the kids. Reading. That stuff. I force myself to look away from Mister Sexy up at the counter and return to Rapunzel’s story.
“And then on the same day that she cast out Rapunzel, the wicked witch took the girl’s chopped-off braid and waited for the prince to visit. When he arrived, he cried up to the tiny window in the tower…�
I gesture to the children with a smile, and they shout out Grimm’s trademark line.
God, they’re so adorable, I think. The kids are so cute while they bounce around excitedly that I can’t help but start laughing.
The young man’s head snaps up at the sound my laughter and he catches himself against the counter with both hands as if to stop himself from falling. He’s staring at me—his bright green eyes drilling into me—and� and all my words are gone. His eyes are so green that I can see the color from all the way across the library.
They’re so familiar.
Oh God, they’re just like Isaac’s.
My face is suddenly hot and I can feel myself begin to sweat. No, it can’t be Isaac. He’s long gone and I’m never going to see him again. I tried to find him two years ago and it was hopeless. All I could find out was that he severed ties with his family after high school and then disappeared into thin air. He just vanished.
He’s still staring right at me, his gaze so intense that it’s almost overpowering. I feel as if I can’t look away. No� it can’t be him. There’s no way he’s Isaac. Isaac was handsome, but even as gorgeous as my memory’s built him up to be, he was nothing like this guy. They may have the same eyes, but this guy is built like a Greek god and Isaac was so thin that you could mistake him for a talking string bean.
“Are you okay, Mister Radcliffe?� asks Susan, her voice drifting into the children’s section as she stares at the young man in alarm.
Isaac’s last name was Preston. It’s not him.
Even though I knew it couldn’t have been him, my heart sinks all the same. I can’t keep doing this to myself every time I see a man who reminds me of him.
You need to grow up, Irene, I tell myself. He’s gone forever�
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Enter the giveaway below for the chance to win some fantastic prizes!
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Giveaway is open Internationally!
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Prizes:
1x $50 Amazon Gift Card
3x Chasing Wishes Ebook
2x Chasing Wishes Ebook + Bracelet Book Charm
1x Chasing Wishes Ebook + Lost & Found Complete Series Ebook
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Nadia Simonenko
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Nadia Simonenko is a scientistÌýand author currently living in Pennsylvania with her husband, two catsÌýand a dog.ÌýWhen she isn’t writing, sheÌýdevelops new drug compounds andÌýdreams about someday painting her office to look like a forest.
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Book Blitz organised by ‘Xpresso Book Tours�.
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Book Blitz ~ ‘Chasing Angel� by J.L. Weil.
Chasing AngelÌýbyÌýJ.L. WeilÌý
(Divisa #3)
Publication date: January 3 2014
Genres:ÌýParanormal,ÌýYoung Adult
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SYNOPSIS
Chase Winters is one of a kind.
That doesn’t mean he still doesn’t get on my nerves more days thanÌýnot, but his arrogance is starting to be sexy. Together our bond growsÌýstronger, and so do we.
Just as we hurdle one obstacle, two or three more pop up. Go figure.ÌýIt isn’t enough that Emma once again hates our guts, now Travis hasÌýdecided to go all demon-zoid on us. I could hardly blame him though; heÌýhad lost the girl of his dreams—again.
After everything that we have endured, I am not the same girlÌýanymore. Not since the day I met Chase. The icing on the cake—there is aÌýnewÌýplayer in town, and he is not human. Hell has decided to pay SpringÌýValley a visit, and Chase and I are their first stop. Our quiet littleÌýtown wasÌýabout to shatter.
Of course there is also our rare bond to factor into all of this, andÌýthe pesky last piece. Or maybe it isn’t as pesky as it is combustible.
Soul. Heart. Body.
Oh dear God�
Don’t miss Saving Angel, book one in J.L. Weil’s The Divisa series!
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Chasing Angel
Chase Winters was made of stuff that was written in books—seen in movies—not quite real. He was a different breed of hotness. He skated a fine line between good and bad, constantly having to suppress the demon that lived inside him. I think I loved him more because of it.
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And he was mine.
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Well, almost all mine.
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There was just this one teeny, tiny thing we’d been avoiding, or more like Chase had been avoiding. We didn’t talk about it, but it was there, in the room with us, always on the back of our minds. At least on my mind, and I assumed on his. He was a guy after all. They are supposed to think about it 25-8, right?
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It.
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Sex.
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Just the idea of it stole my breath; the third part that would bind us together in crazy ways I didn’t understand. The only thing I was sure of was it had something to do with our bodies. And that was kind of hot and alluring. It was also frightening. He might be resisting the temptation, but we both knew in the end, it couldn’t be helped. There was an undeniable attraction between us, pushing us together by forces I could barely comprehend. This whole “being bound to someone� took some getting used to, and I still didn’t fully understand how it worked, but it made me feel fuzzy inside.
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I wasn’t really even sure how I felt about this whole binding triforce stuff. Was it something I should want? Was it going to change me? Mutate my DNA more than it already had? Each time we bound ourselves deeper, I became less human and more…I didn’t know what, but regardless the wheels had already been set in motion. There was no stopping, only prolonging.
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³§´Ç³Ü±ô—c³ó±ð³¦°ì.
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J.L. Weil
I am the author of New Adult & Young Adult Paranormal Romances, Post-Apocalyptic and Fantasy novels including the Amazon Best Sellers LuminescenceÌýTrilogy and The Divisa series.
Most of my books are for ages 16+. They usually have what I consider the good stuff—sexual content (oh yeah) and swearing. You have been warned
I reside in the Windy City with my husband and two awesome boys. I am a book lover of epic proportions and usually favor romances, fantasies and happily everÌýafter’s. I have a serious addiction to Love Pink clothes and raspberry mochas from Starbucks. (yum!)
To seal my geekdom, I am a gamergirl. Skyrim, Guild Wars 2 and Call of Duty are my current game obsessions. My boys think I’m a noob. I am a total camper, andÌýproud of it.
I hope you enjoy my world!
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Book Blitz organised by ‘Xpresso Book Tours�.
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February 4, 2014
Book Blitz ~ ‘Almost Bad Boy� Series by A.O. Peart.
Almost Bad Boy seriesÌýbyÌýA.O. Peart
Genres:ÌýComedy,ÌýContemporary,ÌýNew Adult.
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This contemporary romantic comedy blends humor, sensuality, and angst, with zany characters and witty dialogue.
***Warning: contains sexual situations (some quite vivid!),Ìýprofanity, and a high dose of sarcasm. Oh, and there is a lot ofÌýappletini andÌýbeer drinking.
May not be appropriate for readers under 18 years old. Not intended for prudes and killjoys with no sense of humor***
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Almost Matched (Almost Bad Boys #1)
SYNOPSIS
Would you take another shot at love? Or just settle on a friend with benefits?
THEIR HEARTBREAKING PAST WILL MOVE YOU. THEIR PASSION WILL MAKE YOU BLUSH. THEIR ANTICS WILL MAKE YOU LAUGHÌýOUT LOUD.
Twenty-five-year-old Natalie Davenport lugs substantial baggage. OneÌýboyfriend after the next has been a total disaster, leaving NatalieÌýdistrustful toward the male population in general. So when Colin HamptonÌýcrosses her path, she’s cautious. Her heart (and some other bodyÌýparts!) nudges her to go for it, while her head wants her to run for theÌýhills.
Colin is one of those gorgeous guys who attract women, no matter theÌýage or marital status. With a successful career at a popular SeattleÌýradioÌýstation, hard body, and charming personality, he is the completeÌýpackage. But something dark lurks in the corners of his soul; some murkyÌýexperience that has changed him—maybe for the better, but maybe for theÌýworse.
Will he steal her heart and stomp over it like other guys did?
Will she let him into her heavily fortified world despite herself?
Or will they settle somewhere in the middle—establishing the emotional boundaries to protect them from falling in love?
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Almost Broken Up (Almost Bad Boys#2)
SYNOPSIS
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How far would you go to protect the one you love?
Edge-of-the-seatÌýsuspense and zany wit are key elements of this comedy-mystery thatÌýcombines crime and mayhem with romance andÌýhumor.
TheÌýterrors of Colin’s past are revealed and accepted by Natalie. HerÌýdoubts about letting him into her life are finally disbanded andÌýreplaced byÌýa sense of security and commitment. But Natalie doesn’t knowÌýthat Colin’s past hides more dark secrets unknown even to him.
WhenÌýa delusional psychopath threatens Colin’s life, things quickly becomeÌýcomplicated. Natalie’s stubborn character and desire to kick assÌýwon’tÌýlet her step aside and allow the authorities to handle the danger. SheÌýgets herself tangled up with street hoodlums, befriends a RussianÌýmobster’s high-maintenance girlfriend, and becomes expert at pickingÌýlocks and hiding evidence.

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Before I even open my eyes again, I feel a certain change around me. It startles me. I look up and see the Black Leather dude standing in front of me, hands in his jacket pocket, feet wide apart. I instinctively look around before snarling at him, “Hey, what’s your problem?�
I start to stand up, but he pushes me down. I hit my head on the building wall and shriek, “Fuck off! Help! Somebody, anybody! Help me!� I swat at his arm and kick him hard in the shin. I kick again, but he side steps. I make sure he can’t get close to me again. I have strong legs that can do a lot of damage when needed.
There are two couples at the end of the street, about twenty yards away. They turn, and I see the guys running toward us, the girls following behind.
“Tell that fucking boyfriend of yours that Razor is back,� the Black Leather hisses through his clenched teeth. His hands are curled into tight fists. There are letters and symbols on each knuckle. “This is just the beginning. He will pay for what he did to her.�
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My voice gets stuck in my throat.ÌýÌýHe did to whom? Her? Who? Colin? To whom?ÌýBut my brain must be working overtime, because I lift my hand that clutches my cell phone and snap the picture of his snarling face. He swears and tries to grab the phone, but I kick again, and the guys who heard me yell for help are getting close, shouting, “Hey, what’s going on?â€� They are only a few feet away.
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A.O Peart
Angela Orlowski-Peart is the author of the Young Adult and New AdultÌýfiction novels, including YA paranormal/urban fantasy romantic thrillerÌýseries, Forged. Angela writes in multiple YA and NA genres, includingÌýparanormal, fantasy, urban fantasy, contemporary, sci-fi, and shortÌýstories.
She was born and raised in Poland. She now lives in the Seattle area with her family and a chronically curious cat.
Angela describes herself as European born, American by choice.
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Book Blitz organised by ‘Xpresso Book Tours�.
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February 3, 2014
Blog Tour ~ ‘Coming Home� by Priscilla Glenn.
Coming Home by Priscilla Glenn.
Release Date: 21st January 2014
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
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SYNOPSIS
Leah Marino hasn’t been on a date in two years. After discovering the man she loved had manipulated and deceived her, she refuses to even entertain the idea of a relationship. Instead, she focuses her attention on taking care of her family, a role she’s assumed since the death of her mother and the one place she knows her kindness won’t be taken advantage of again.
When a nostalgic trip back to her childhood home results in a chance encounter with Danny DeLuca, a smart-mouthed mechanic who’s as attractive as he is mysterious, Leah’s carefully cultivated walls begin to crumble. She finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Danny, despite his unreliable behavior and mixed signals.
But Danny has a secret�
One that could shake Leah’s already precarious foundation and bring her world crashing down around her. Suddenly, she’s faced with an incredibly difficult decision–is she willing to risk everything for the chance at finding the love she’s always wanted? Or are some obstacles just too big for the heart to overcome?
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Book Review ~ ‘Coming Home� by Priscilla Glenn ~ 5 Stars
Coming Home is one of those books that just surpasses perfection with its gorgeous prose, realistic characters and situations that not only break your heart but are, tragically, very much common in today’s society.
Leah was an absolute gem of a heroine. Her devotion to her family, the deep emotions she carries but doesn’t let control her, and also her beautifully genuine character made her so likeable and very relatable to other young girls. She was strong and passionate and stood by those she cared about no matter the cost to herself.
I really liked how Danny and Leah’s relationship developed throughout this novel. I liked how it came about quite slowly, not just a heart-stopping first meeting and then the rest is history, but how their friendship came about first, and only once they let themselves feel the sparks did they then become more intimate.
I really admired Leah for not pushing Danny for any information about his past, assuring him that she would give him time, yet expressing her desire to know. She had been through a bad breakup and I liked that she was protective of her heart. As much as I have enjoyed some stories where the heroine goes through guys like tissues after a bad breakup almost in retaliation to a cheating other half, I always admire characters slightly more when they their self-worth for their body and their hearts. I also liked how her ex-boyfriends harassment story unfolded. I liked that she didn’t fall into his trap and instead stayed strong and refused to let him intimidate her.
Danny’s storyline was exceptionally written. Not once did I guess what his secret was before it came to light. I rolled everything around my head when his odd sentences mentioned not being around in a few years. Did he have cancer? A terminal illness? Was he on someone’s hit list? The theories kept coming to me, becoming more and more ludicrous each time, and when his secret was finally revealed, I felt both so relieved and desperately heartbroken. I won’t say what the secret is because just reading up to this confession was absolutely breathtaking and I don’t want to spoil it, but wow was it a clever, original and gobsmacking secret.
I adored how Leah stayed by Danny throughout it all, and really felt for her when she tried to hide her emotions so as not to remind Danny of what was awaiting him. In turn I loved Danny’s reassurances to her that nothing would change how he felt about her, and I was just swept up in their beautiful, passionate and life-changing relationship as they spent their last few weeks in a blissful, yet desperate romance as they have to rethink their whole futureÌý to accommodate each others needs.
Over all, this was the most beautiful, heartbreaking and breathtaking book. I was just swept up in the beautiful prose, the gorgeous and devoted characters and the wonderful storyline that gives you the poignant message that true love really will conquer all.
5 Stars!
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There are 3 signed Print Copies of Coming Home up for grabs!
Enter the giveaway below for the chance to win.
Open Internationally
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Priscilla Glenn
Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three children. She has been teaching English at the middle and high school levels for the past twelve years while moonlighting as a writer, mom, coach, student, and professional laundry-doer.
If you catch her when she’s feeling sophisticated, she’ll tell you her favorite things are great books and good wine. In the moments in between, she’ll admit her love for anything Ben and Jerry’s, UFC fights, and Robert Pattinson.
Glenn is the author of the contemporary romance novels Back to You, Emancipating Andie, and Coming Home. You can contact her at [email protected]
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Tour organised by ‘ATOMR Book Blog Tours�.
Click the banner above to follow the ‘Coming Home� Blog Tour.
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