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Friday, June 30, 2017

Book Blitz: 50 Hours

50 Hours Tour Graphic
50 Hours
About the Book:
Title: 50 HOURS
Author: Loree Lough
Genre: General Fiction
Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press
Publication Date: June 30, 2017
Synopsis:

A broken man, a dying woman, and a friendship that changes them both.
Franco Allessi is a broken, lonely man who wants nothing more than to outrun the ghosts of his past. For years, he tries to numb the pain of his wife's death with cheap beer and whiskey. When he's convicted of drunk driving, the judge revokes his license for six months and orders him to serve fifty hours of community service. Franco chooses Savannah Falls Hospice for no reason other than it's walking distance from his dilapidated house trailer.
On his first day on the job, he meets Aubrey Brewer, a woman whose time on earth is quickly ticking to a stop. Their unusual connection teaches powerful, life-changing lessons about friendship, acceptance, and the importance of appreciating that precious treasure called Life.
Loree Lough is an exceptional author, and that's why I approached her about writing the novel for my Feature film, 50 Hours. But I had no idea how wonderful her novelization would be until I read it. Loree was able to dig so deep into my characters. She unearthed and richly developed the film’s skeletal characters and give them three dimensional lives. I am so happy with the book!
- Kevin O’Neill, writer/director/actor/producer

Praise for 50 Hours by Loree Lough

50 Hours is a moving story about love, loss, friendship, and last chances. It’s a reminder that our lives are precious stories, no matter how long or short. This is a must-read for all of us who have been touched by cancer – victims, caregivers, family, and friends. This poignant and touching tale will inspire hope in the midst of even the darkest hours.
- Cerella Sechrist, author of the popular Findlay Roads series from Harlequin
50 Hours 3D
You'll laugh, you'll cry... 50 Hours is an unforgettable tale of healing, redemption, and the cost of true love. With a delicate pen, author Loree Lough writes an honest and poignant view of what cancer patients face with commendable bravery. A must-read for readers of every kind!
- Rachel Muller, author of bestselling World War II series, Love & War, and the newly released, Phillip's War
Loree Lough took a difficult subject and turned it into a compelling read with light humor to soften the inevitable sadness that comes with a depressing disease.
- Emma Gingerich – author of Runaway Amish Girl; the Great Escape
50 Hours is a book you won’t be able to put down, and its messages of love and compassion will linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
- Kate James, award-winning author of Sanctuary Cove, Silver Linings, and The Truth About Hope
The novel is a reminder that life is indeed short, but always worth living. And almost always… one life will touch many others. Great job Loree!
- Robin Bayne, author of Reunion At Crane Lake. www.robinbayne.com
Emerson said, "To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded." Aubrey and Franco succeeded. Believe me when I say, THIS IS THE KIND OF BOOK THAT WINS PULITZER PRIZES.
- Catherine Lanigan, author of Romancing the Stone, The Jewel of the Nile, and over forty-five novels and non-fiction
To read the complete praises and accolades, visit the 50 Hours Book Page at Book Unleashed.

Purchase Links

Available now. Grab your copy today.
50 Hours Teaser

An Excerpt from the Book

Take an inside look at 50 Hours with this sizzling excerpt from the book.
DURING THE DRIVE BETWEEN THE COURTHOUSE AND MAMA’S BOY DINER, David Gibbons barely spoke. Even now, seated at their table near the windows, he remained quiet. Except for reciting his breakfast order, he hadn’t said a word, but Franco knew it was only a matter of time before he let him have it with both barrels, as his grandpa used to say.
Finally, when the waitress was out of earshot, he stared hard at Franco.
“Well?”
A-a-and there it is, he thought, running shaky hands through his hair. “Okay. Look. I know I should have called before all hell broke loose, but . . . but I was testing myself.”
David grabbed the sugar dispenser. “Testing yourself.” He sounded more like a disappointed dad than an AA sponsor.
“I thought maybe I could get through it on my own this time.”
“Bull.” He let the white granules stream into his cup. “You didn’t think. If you had, you would’ve given a thought to what happened last year. And the year before that.”
Franco knew he’d messed up. Again. And that he had nobody to blame but himself. Head pounding, he rubbed his temples as David’s spoon clanked against the sides of the mug. Had he ever met anyone who made more noise stirring coffee? He didn’t think so.
David pointed at Franco’s swollen lips and the bloody butterfly bandage a nurse at the jail had taped over his left eyebrow. “So, who cleaned your clock?”
“Well, there was this pool cue, see . . . ”
“Real funny. I notice you’re favoring your right ankle. I suppose the pool cue did that, too.”
“No. That was the work of the biker, attached to the pool cue.” Franco chuckled, then gripped his aching ribcage.
“Busted ribs too, huh?”
“Probably.”
“Probably? You mean they didn’t take you to the ER?”
“They offered. I said no.”
“Idiot.”
David couldn’t call him anything he hadn’t already called himself.
“You’re gonna have one heckuva scar when you peel that bandage off your forehead. Maybe it’ll serve as a reminder, help you really think next time you decide to, ah, test yourself.”
“You’re all heart, David. All heart.” He smirked. “Except for your mouth, of course. That’s more like another part of your anatomy.”
David waved away the insult. “You know how frustrating it is, watching you get this close to earning your one-year chip,” he said, thumb and forefinger an inch apart, “and then you go and bungle it by pulling another dumb stunt? Every. Single. Year?”
Franco didn’t have a comeback for that one. He’d screwed up. Royally. At least no one got hurt, other than himself. David knew it, too.
The men sat in stony silence as the waitress delivered their food.
David peeled back the top of a tiny jelly container. “When was the last time you went to a meeting?” he asked, smearing its contents on a wedge of toast.
It had been more than a month, but Franco didn’t want to open himself up to another firestorm, so he stuffed his mouth with food and shrugged.
David counted on his fingers: “Pushing your limits. Breaking the rules. Avoiding tough questions.” He salted his eggs. “You remind me so much of my kid, it’s almost scary.” He used his fork as a pointer. “And that shouldn’t come across as a compliment, since he’s ten.”
Touché, Franco thought, gulping his OJ. He winced when it stung the cuts inside his mouth.
“Maybe this community service stuff will finally shake some sense into you.”
He’d been acting like a fool for so long, it had become a habit. And yet he said, “Maybe.”
“How long did the judge give you to choose your community service project?”
“Twenty-four hours.”
“Well, it just so happens I have an idea.”
Franco stopped chewing. “Yeah?”
“There’s a hospice, a half-mile or so from your trailer— which is lucky for you, since you can’t drive—and I happen to know they’re in need of a gardener.”
Before Jill’s death, his landscape business had kept the wolf from the door. In the three years since, the only garden tool he’d touched had been the shovel Clayton kept out back for scooping up his dog’s poop. It might be nice, working hard again. Working so hard that he fell into bed too exhausted to have nightmares about the wreck that took Jill from him.
“You know the old saying, ‘If it seems too good to be true’?” Franco lifted one shoulder in an indifferent shrug. “But you’ve got my attention.”
David explained that his sister-in-law had spent her final days at Savannah Falls. “So I know for a fact that it’s a great place. I can take you over there, make introductions.”
“I dunno, Dave. A hospice center? You know better than anybody that I’m not exactly a people person. Dealing with sick people?” He winced again.
“Oh, quit your bellyaching. You’ll be outside, mowin’ and hoein’, and the patients will be inside—”
“—dying.” Hungry as he was, Franco shoved his plate aside, because it hurt to chew, and the bacon and buttery eggs burned the cut on his lip. “I dunno,” he said again.
“You’ll do fine, if you just do your job and keep your big yap shut. For a change.”
Franco grinned despite himself. Had it been good luck or bad that put him together with a guy who never sugar-coated anything?
David slid his cell phone across the table. “Call your lawyer, find out how we go about informing the judge that you’ve decided to get back into the posie-planting business. Cause last thing you need right now is to violate courthouse protocol.”
Franco slid Carlisle’s card from his pocket, and as he dialed, David said, “When you’re through there, I’ll call Mrs. Kane, the director, arrange a meeting between you two. She’s a good egg, but she doesn’t take any guff, so I’d watch my step if I were you. With any luck, she’ll put you to work tomorrow.”
“I have a job, y’know.” At least he hoped he had a job. Clayton might tell him to take a permanent hike once he heard . . . everything.
It only took a minute to run the hospice idea past the young attorney, and less than that to find out that a phone call from Carlisle would get things straight with Judge Malloy.
He returned David’s phone. “The kid said I should get over to Savannah Falls and sign up ASAP. Said the judge’s office wouldn’t waste any time checking up on me. And that I need to keep track of my hours, so that when the paperwork comes through . . . ”
Phone pressed to his ear, David wasn’t listening, because he’d already connected with Savannah Falls. Franco picked up a slice of cold bacon, and took care not to let it graze his sore lips when he bit off a chunk. He slid the plate close again. Hard to tell when he’d have the time—or the money—for another meal, so he did his best to clean his plate, listening as David explained the situation to the takes-no-guff Mrs. Kane.
“She can meet with you this afternoon,” he said, dropping the phone into his shirt pocket.
It was all happening too fast. Way too fast for Franco’s taste. “But . . . but I need to figure out how to get the Jeep out of the impound lot. And get over to the garage, see if Clayton can find something for me to do that doesn’t involve a driver’s license.”
“I’ll chauffer you around today. But first things first. I’m taking you home so you can clean up your boozy self. You need a shower. A toothbrush. And a change of clothes.” He wrinkled his nose. “You look—and smell—like something my cat puked up.”
“Cat puke, huh?” Franco smirked, even though it hurt to do it. “People can call you a lot of things, Gibbons, but tactful isn’t one of them.”
“Tact!” David got to his feet and tossed a twenty onto the table. “Who has time for tact with you falling off the wagon and going ballistic every couple months?”
Ordinarily, a crack like that would have set Franco off. For some reason, it struck him as weird penance, because he knew he had it coming.

Giveaway

WIN
50 Hours Giveaway Graphic
Prizes up for grabs:
$10 Amazon Gift Card
50 Hours (eBook Copy)
50 Hours (Print Copy)
Contest runs from June 30 - July 8, 2017.

Loree Lough

About Loree Lough

Bestselling author LOREE LOUGH once sang for her supper, performing across the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from her 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes novels that have earned hundreds of industry and "Readers' Choice" awards, 4- and 5-star reviews, and 7 book-to-movie options. Her 115th book, 50 Hours, is her most personal to date. Recently released, The Man She Knew, book #1 in her “By Way of the Lighthouse” series from Harlequin Heartwarming.

Official website: http://www.loreelough.com/

Connect with Loree Lough on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest



Book Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour from June 30 - July 8, 2017.
Discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and other extras on the tour.
To check the latest tour schedule, visit the 50 Hours Book Page at Book Unleashed.

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Thursday, June 29, 2017

Blog Tour: Broken Little Melodies



About the Book:
Title: Broken Little Melodies
Author: Jennifer Ann
Genre: Contemporary Rockstar Romance
Release Date: June 26, 2017

Synopsis:

Star-crossed lovers…

Deep among the Jeffrey Pines of Lake Tahoe, Isabelle Martin and Roman Stone find comfort in each other at a summer camp for musically gifted teens where their love grows stronger every year. But they couldn’t be more different. She’s an orphan from the West Coast running with the wild crowd, and he’s a rich kid from New York hiding the scars of an abusive home. When their worlds finally collide, the future they planned comes crashing down around them and Belle is forced to cut Roman from her life without any explanation.

Five years later…

Roman’s on top of the world. His successful rock band is preparing for their first headlining tour, but when he unexpectedly runs into Belle, old feelings for her come rushing back, and his new found bravado fails him. 

Belle has learned that some things in life have the power to break your spirit, and trying to forget Roman has made her bitter—she’s merely a waitress headlining a bar-band, and he’s had everything handed to him on a silver platter. Seeing him again makes her question whether time can mend a broken heart. 

Their struggles brought them together, and their differences tore them apart, but now that they’re together again, can they repair the broken pieces and get a second chance at love?

Find out more at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

 Excerpt:
A sleek black sedan pulled up to the curb and somehow, I just knew. I took slow, nervous steps toward the car. When the back door opened and I saw the top of Brooke’s blonde head, my stomach dropped to the sidewalk. Roman had warned me ahead of time that they’d once again be sharing a car, but it made me ugly jealous when I remembered how much time she would’ve spent with him the last nine months since their fathers were close. Thankfully she didn’t see me when she headed to the trunk to meet the driver.Then I saw Roman slipping from the car. My heart stopped before I kicked it into a full-on sprint. I landed awkwardly in his arms, pressed up against something hard.“Belle!” he cried, gently pushing me back. “You’re going to crush my guitar!”My face was on fire when I took a step back to look at the giant case I had crashed into. “You never told me you play guitar!”“That’s because I just started taking lessons this spring.” He pulled me with one hand and hauled the guitar in his other over to the sidewalk. After setting the guitar in the grass, he lifted me off the ground, squeezing me tight. “That’s better!”I think his chest was a bit broader, and he had grown at least an inch. He was wearing a strong men’s deodorant that tickled my nose. My Roman had changed, but I still felt the same when safely wrapped in his spindly arms.In that moment I realized he would always be my Roman. I didn’t get to see him nine months out of the year, but even in those unbearably long months, he was still mine.“Let me get a look at you, Belle,” he said, setting me back down on the sidewalk.While he was checking me out, I did the same to him. His hair was a bit longer, his jaw was slightly more squared, and his Adam’s apple was more pronounced. Otherwise his face hadn’t changed. Well, except for the way his starry eyes seemed to take my slightly larger curves in with appreciation. An electric current ran through me from his gaze, making it clear things were different.“I like the haircut,” he said, taking a chunk between his fingers and pulling lightly. “But you kind of look…girly.”I made a face and set my hands on my hips. “What’s wrong with girly?”One of his shoulders lifted. “Nothing, I guess.”“Why didn’t you tell me you were taking guitar lessons?”“I wanted it to be a surprise. I get bored in the spring without any sports, so I thought I’d try something new. I’m not the best, but…” The smile he first gave me over the campfire the year before stretched across his lips, and joy spread through every inch of me. It felt like coming home. “Com’ere, you!”He grabbed my shoulders and drew me closer. My heart jumped against my ribs when I thought he was going to kiss me.
About Jennifer Ann:

Jennifer Ann is the author of ten contemporary romance novels with complex love stories. Like her characters, she's in love with the city of New York, trips on airplanes or the back of her husband's Harley, and everything rock and roll. Sometimes you can catch her driving a tractor alongside her husband in southern Minnesota while trying to keep up with the madness of their four active children.

You can connect with her online at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads

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~Cassie

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday #105

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

A Map for Wrecked GirlsCassie's Waiting On: 
A Map for Wrecked Girls by Jessica Taylor
Publication Date: August 15, 2017

Synopsis:
We sat at the edge of the ocean—my sister Henri and I—inches apart but not touching at all. We'd been so sure someone would find us by now.

Emma had always orbited Henri, her fierce, magnetic queen bee of an older sister, and the two had always been best friends. Until something happened that wrecked them.

I'd trusted Henri more than I'd trusted myself. Wherever she told me to go, I'd follow.

Then the unthinkable occurs—a watery nightmare off the dazzling coast. The girls wash up on shore, stranded. Their only companion is Alex, a troubled boy agonizing over his own secrets. Trapped in this gorgeous hell, Emma and Alex fall together as Emma and Henri fall catastrophically apart.

For the first time, I was afraid we'd die on this shore.

To find their way home, the sisters must find their way back to each other. But there’s no map for this—or anything. Can they survive the unearthing of the past and the upheaval of the present?
 


I have heard some great things about this book already, so I'm greatly looking forward to reading this one. I feel like this will be a good story about sisterhood, survival, and remembering the love we have for those closest to us.  Add in a little romance (which hopefully doesn't take over the story), and this is sure to be a great read!

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 
Feral Youth by Shuan David Hutchinson 
Publication Date: September 5th, 2017 


Synopsis:

At Zeppelin Bend, an outdoor education program designed to teach troubled youth the value of hard work, cooperation, and compassion, ten teens are left alone in the wild. The teens are a diverse group who come from all walks of life, and they were all sent to Zeppelin Bend as a last chance to get them to turn their lives around. They’ve just spent nearly two weeks learning to survive in the wilderness, and now their instructors have dropped them off eighteen miles from camp with no food, no water, and only their packs, and they’ll have to struggle to overcome their vast differences if they hope to survive.

Inspired by The Canterbury Tales, Feral Youth features characters, each complex and damaged in their own ways, who are enticed to tell a story (or two) with the promise of a cash prize. The stories range from noir-inspired revenge tales to mythological stories of fierce heroines and angry gods. And while few of the stories are claimed to be based in truth, they ultimately reveal more about the teller than the truth ever could.
 


Mr. Hutchinson's novel, We Are the Ants is absolutely beautiful. I can only trust his judgement as he complies a novel written by several authors. Plus I LOVE The Canterbury Tales. I can't wait until I get a chance to read this one!

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Book Review: Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2)

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra ClareAbout the Book:
Title: Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pub. Date: May 23, 2017
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 701
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis:

Would you trade your soul mate for your soul?

A Shadowhunter’s life is bound by duty. Constrained by honor. The word of a Shadowhunter is a solemn pledge, and no vow is more sacred than the vow that binds parabatai, warrior partners—sworn to fight together, die together, but never to fall in love.

Emma Carstairs has learned that the love she shares with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, isn’t just forbidden—it could destroy them both. She knows she should run from Julian. But how can she when the Blackthorns are threatened by enemies on all sides?

Their only hope is the Black Volume of the Dead, a spell book of terrible power. Everyone wants it. Only the Blackthorns can find it. Spurred on by a dark bargain with the Seelie Queen, Emma; her best friend, Cristina; and Mark and Julian Blackthorn journey into the Courts of Faerie, where glittering revels hide bloody danger and no promise can be trusted. Meanwhile, rising tension between Shadowhunters and Downworlders has produced the Cohort, an extremist group of Shadowhunters dedicated to registering Downworlders and “unsuitable” Nephilim. They’ll do anything in their power to expose Julian’s secrets and take the Los Angeles Institute for their own.

When Downworlders turn against the Clave, a new threat rises in the form of the Lord of Shadows—the Unseelie King, who sends his greatest warriors to slaughter those with Blackthorn blood and seize the Black Volume. As dangers close in, Julian devises a risky scheme that depends on the cooperation of an unpredictable enemy. But success may come with a price he and Emma cannot even imagine, one that will bring with it a reckoning of blood that could have repercussions for everyone and everything they hold dear.

Review:

“Everyone is afraid of something. We fear things because we value them. We fear losing people because we love them. We fear dying because we value being alive. Don't wish you didn't fear anything. All that would mean is that you didn't feel anything.” 

It's been several weeks since I finished this book and I still don't know what to do with my life after that ending (and really the entire book). Before reading this, I was warned about the insane and heart-stopping cliffhanger that I can only tolerate from select authors...Cassie Clare being one of them...and the fact that it's going to be 2 years (2 YEARS PEOPLE!!!) until the next book is released. But did that stop me? Heck no!! I definitely slowed down my reading a bit to savor the characters, the story, and the Shadowhunter world a bit longer, but I had to read this and have Cassandra Clare's words affect me like no other author can. I put myself through the emotional turmoil and the rollercoaster feelings that are associated with any book set in the Shadowhunter world, and now am still wondering how can other books compare to something this EPIC!

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I could go on and on for days about how amazing this book is, but given the current overall rating of this book and the 2000+ reviews stating the same thing, I think you get the gist that it's freaking awesome! Cassandra Clare has come a very long way in her writing since her first novel set in the Shadowhunter world, City of Bones, and it is clearly evident on each page how much she cares and loves these characters as if they are her own children. She wants the best for them, but she knows that they can't have the best unless they go through trial after trial of suffering and not getting what they want. Plus, that's the thing about life...it doesn't always give you a happily ever after. This is one thing that I have always loved about Cassandra Clare's writing. She doesn't shy away from brutally ripping your heart out and making you suffer along with the characters. Her stories are realistic (to a certain point obviously, since this whole series deals with supernatural/paranormal elements), and she seeks to remind us with every story that at the end of the day, her characters are human. 

“There is truth in stories,” said Arthur. “There is truth in one of your paintings, boy or in a sunset or a couplet from Homer. Fiction is truth, even if it is not a fact. If you believe only in facts and forget stories, your brain will live, but your heart will die.” 

This entire book is gorgeously written and it comes through the most in her characters. Emma is becoming a stronger and stronger Shadowhunter and is never afraid to take on the seemingly impossible mission. She doesn't back down from a challenge and is willing to go to any length to protect the ones she loves the most. I honestly love Emma so much, and to see how much she has grown since she was featured in TMI is mindblowing. Her relationship with Julian is both heartbreaking and wonderful. You can't deny the chemistry between them, and even though it doesn't seem like there is any way for things to work out between them (unless they do the unthinkable that is), I'm still rooting for them to be together. I want Cassandra Clare to come up with a way for them to be together that doesn't involve tragedy and complete disruption of the Shadowhunter world...but this is Cassandra Clare, so there's bound to be some sort of tragedy involved in making their relationship be okay. 

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Julian, while only 17, seems so much older. He carries himself as an adult, and that's largely due to his situation growing up. However, in this one, we see more of how that weight he is constantly carrying, is affecting him in multiple parts of his life. Just like Emma, Julian is also willing to do anything, be anything, and sacrifice everything to ensure his family is safe. Honestly the characteristics you admire about him the most are also the most heart-breaking aspects of his character. If any character in this series deserves a happy ending, it's Julian (and I'm not just saying that because my love for him knows no bounds).

“I need to be whole again. Even if it doesn’t last.”
“It can’t last,” she said, staring at him, because how could it, when they could never keep what they had? “It’ll break our hearts.”
He caught her by the wrist, brought her hand to his bare chest. Splayed her fingers over his heart. It beat against her palm, like a fist punching its way through his sternum. “Break my heart,” he said. “Break it in pieces. I give you permission.” 

Kit Herondale, aka the lost Herondale, is a stand out character in this novel. I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to like his character all that much, but Cassandra Clare really made me love him. I am very interested to see where his character goes in this story. Kit doesn't just accept his role as a Shadowhunter. No, he questions everyone and everything. He makes is clear that this is not at all the life he wants. He goes along for the ride though because he's hoping for some sort of loophole to get him out of it. But, over the course of the book you see him begin to shine as a Shadowhunter. You see him become more and more immersed in this world and realize that this is the life he belongs in after all. His relationship with Ty is absolutely extraordinary and one of my favorite pairings in this book. I personally love that Cassandra Clare has a character with autism in this book, and Ty is phenomenally represented. She does an amazing job at writing Ty's character, and it brought tears to my eyes because this is not something that is easily done. For someone who does not let many people become close to him, Ty allows Kit into his world, and it is seriously one of the best things in this entire novel. 

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Clary, Jace, Magnus, and Alex all play roles in this story as well. I missed Simon and Isabelle, but it didn't really make sense for them to be in this installment in TDA. Cassandra Clare has said they will play a larger role (similar to the role Magnus and Alex played in this one) in The Queen of Air and Darkness, which is something that I'm very much looking forward to. Even though I didn't think it was possible, Cassandra Clare expands on the Shadowhunter world even more, and you could definitely see some parallels to the current situations going on in our world and nation. 

“When people die, our dreams of what they could be die with them. Even if ours is the hand that ends them.” 

The entire conclusion of this book blew me away and left me on the edge of my seat. Sure, there were plenty of twists and turns throughout the book, but seriously....the ending was just a wham bam thank you ma'am ending with twists and turns coming left and right! And then that cliffhanger...why do you do this to us Cassandra Clare?!?! Why do you mend our hearts and give us hope, only to destroy all of it with a couple words?!?! 

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Read this book as soon as you can because you will not want to miss out on the epic journey that Emma, Julian, and the rest of the gang go through during this book. I still don't know how I'm going to make it until 2019 for the third book in this series, but it's going to be a LONG wait is all I can say! 

Happy reading :)

~Cassie

Friday, June 23, 2017

ARC Review: Deliciously Bitter (Naked Brews #3)

Deliciously Bitter by KB JacobsAbout the Book:
Title: Deliciously Bitter (Naked Brews #3)
Author: KB Jacobs
Pub. Date: June 23, 2107
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 306
Rating: 5/5 stars


Synopsis:
Three years ago, my perfect life ended. I got trapped inside a burning Army MRAP and watched my friends die. I was the only one to survive, if you can call this survival. 

Now I’m the beast of nightmares. Horrific scars mean I don’t leave my house...ever. 

But my best friend made sure I continued to live when all I wanted was to give up. I owe him everything, and now he needs me for two weeks. 

Two weeks with strangers who I’ll never have to see again. I can do this. I can ignore the stares and revulsion. 

But what I can’t ignore is the stunning beauty next door who sees past my scars. 

She’s Hollywood royalty. I’m a recluse, a hermit. Her life is glamour and paparazzi. My life is NOT. No matter how much I want her, I’m no good for her. 

Beauty and the beast was a romantic fairy tale, but this is real life and she deserves better... 

Review:

I have no words to describe how amazing this book is!! You need to pick it up as soon as it is released! KB Jacobs have written an excellent conclusion in the Naked Brews trilogy by not only wrapping up the mystery that has been plaguing these characters since the very beginning, but also giving us the most romantic love story between Damian and Alex. I've been begging to find out more about these two characters in particular, so it was a bittersweet way to end the series for me. 

Once again, KB Jacobs has crafted excellent main characters and given them so much life you feel as if you're friends with them. Since the get go, both Damian and Alex have been very mysterious characters...Damian more so than Alex however. Which means his character is full of surprises and new discoveries throughout the entire book. My heart broke for Damian and all of the suffering he has gone through, but his change from this hermit/recluse to being open and trusting of others was HUGE. One of his scenes towards the end of the book truly brought tears to my eyes because of how far he had come since the start. And while some of his growth was from his own choices and feeling like he belonged with the Naked Brews crew, a large majority of this growth came from Alex. She was more incredible than I ever could imagine! I loved her for her constant support and caring nature towards Lake and Melissa, but this extends to Damian and is taken to a whole other level. Honestly, the respect, care, and love she showed him is very rare these days, and it was exactly what he needed to break out of his self-made hermit shell. 

I was rooting for Alex and Damian from the very first chapter, but together the sparks fly off the page!! Reading their story was so spectacular and amazing, and I never wanted it to end! Even though Damian is reluctant at first, he can't help but open his heart and home to Alex. And boy oh boy do the pages heat up when they are together. Every scene between them was beautifully written and made your heart melt. 

All loose ends are tied up, and I definitely didn't expect the culprit behind everything to be the person it was!! It was shocking for sure! I highly recommend reading this is book if you are a fan of the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, I think the story means so much more when read the series in order. It's hard knowing that this is the last in the Naked Brews series because I don't want to say goodbye to these characters yet!! I hope it won't be the last we see of them (hint hint KB Jacobs....give us some novellas please), but KB Jacobs definitely went out with a bang and ended this series perfectly!


Happy reading :)

~Cassie

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Blog Tour: Thicker Than Blood

Thicker Than Blood Tour Graphic
Thicker Than Blood by Anne Marie CitroAbout the Book:
Title: Thicker Than Blood (Sistas Book 3) 
Author: Anne Marie Citro
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult Romance
Publication Date: May 5, 2017
Synopsis:

Every paramedic’s worst nightmare is to arrive at the scene of a horrific accident and find out that the victim is someone they love. Or, in Caden Ross’s case, the woman he used to love. It took two years to finally get over Dakota and move on with his life, or so Caden believed, until he has to face the thought of a world without her. Nothing could have prepared the handsome, headstrong off-duty paramedic for the emotional upheaval of keeping the woman he once thought would be his forever alive.
Dakota Martineau appeared to have the world in the palm of her hand. She is beautiful, kind, has an adoring family, including her best friend and identical twin sister. She has a passion for incorporating her love of life, family, and her cultural background into her dream job with special needs kids. Then, in a life-altering crash, she discovers just how fragile life is. Thankful to be surrounded by an incredible group of friends who will help heal, not just her body, but also her soul, she knows she should be happy she is alive and on the mend, but Dakota is still tormented by the loss of her one true love.
How can you feel safe with the one person who hurt you the most? What road will Caden and Dakota take when they discover fate wreaked havoc on everything they thought was true?
I adore all of Citro's books.
This book keeps you reading. It's a journey that takes you through overcoming tragedy, overcoming lots and lots of heartbreak from family and lovers, and it teaches you the power of friendship and trusting with your heart.
- Kristin Campbell, Goodreads Reviewer

Purchase Links

Available now for $2.99 only. Grab your copy today.
Thicker Than Blood Teaser

Other Books by Anne Marie Citro

Don't miss the other books in the Sistas series:
Under Her Wings
UNDER HER WINGS (Sistas Book 1)
Have you ever wondered why you were so lucky? Then you wake up to find every you cherished is gone. You don’t fit into your life without the people who defined it. So, you run. You run as fast and as far as you can. Then you smash into them!
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
"This book is for the hopeless romantic, who believes everyone should get their happy ending. Even when happiness seems unattainable."
- Amazon Customer, Amazon reviewer
Related Links
Lyrics Heart & Soul
LYRICS HEART & SOUL (Sistas Book 2)
Can the misfits of society considered substandard and their child/ youth worker teach a broken man that has no heart how to love? Can love and trust be taught? Ryder has what every person strives for yet it isn’t worth having if you have no one to share it with.
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks
"Beautiful Story...A 2017 Summer Beach Read Not To Be Missed!"
- Annette Cosentino, Amazon reviewer
Related Links

Excerpt from Thicker Than Blood
Caden saw she was about speak and stopped her by placing a bandaged finger to her lips. “Do you love me, Dakota?” he asked, needing to hear only that from her lips.
Closing her eyes, she responded by nodding. “I never s-stopped, even after I thought—”
“No,” Caden stopped her again. That was all he had needed or wanted to hear for tonight. “I don’t want to talk tonight. We have both dealt with enough for today. I want to be with you. If you are strong enough, I want to make love to you. I need to be in your body. I need to reconnect with you on the most basic level, for my sanity and my soul.”
She knew he was struggling as deeply as she was. They had lost so much, hurt so deeply. Was this a gift she could give to him, to both of them? Physically, she was not the same woman he remembered, and she was feeling self-conscious. Her body was no longer strong. Dakota hadn’t shaved her legs or under her arms in months. She was convinced she was half monkey.
Caden saw a look of disgust cross her face. “If you don’t want to make love yet, I get it. We’ll get there. We don’t have to rush. Just let me hold you tonight.”
Dakota saw the look of rejection on his face. He had misinterpreted her reaction. She wanted it so badly. It was her modesty that was the problem.
“I want to … I j-just wish I felt more like myself. My body doesn’t w-work the same way it used to. I’ll be aw-awkward and won’t feel like a w-woman.” Her face was red with embarrassment.
Caden was confused. He had no doubt he could make her feel like a whole woman.
He tipped her head up. “We are starting fresh. No more keeping things to ourselves. We are open and honest about everything. Do you understand there isn’t anything we can’t talk about? Please tell me.”
She knew he was right. They had to move forward. The only way for it to work was with total honesty, even if it was embarrassing as hell.”
“I want you to look at me like you used to. My body hasn’t fully recovered, and I haven’t shaved in “months.”
Caden lowered his forehead to hers and cupped her jaw in both hands, shuttering in relief as he breathed out. “Aw, baby girl, you are the sexiest woman alive. It’s very important to me how you feel about yourself. I’m going to help you. Let’s go.”
Her eyes widened as she tried to dig her feet in. “No, please. I don’t know if I can. I only recently got some of my dignity back. It was awful having to rely on nurses to bathe me, put on my deodorant, or even wipe my butt. I couldn’t do anything about it before, but …”
Giving her shoulders a gentle shake, he said, “Hold on, Dakota. I know you’ve gone to hell and back. Just to remind you, I am a professional and deal discreetly with people’s bodies every day. I understand your need for discretion. Trust me, baby; I’ll be respectful.”
 Review:

When I was given an advanced copy of this book, I wasn't actually aware that it was the 3rd book in the series, however I quickly fell in love with the story, as well as Ms. Citro's writing. Although it is the 3rd book, it can be read as a standalone. It's safe to say I'll be checking out the rest of the books in the series though because I need to find out more about the other characters featured in this book. Thicker Than Blood is a book that keeps you hooked until the end and is one that you never want to stop reading. You instantly fall in love with the main characters and are rooting for them throughout the entire book. Ms. Citro's writing is fantastic and truly sweeps you away.

Dakota and Caden are excellent leads for this story. Both characters are easy to love and extremely relatable. After a devastating accident, Dakota's life is turned upside down, and that is the moment when she (and Caden) realize certain things about their lives. Once upon a time, they were madly in love, but one event shattered that leaving both of them heartbroken. However, when they find their way back to each other and learn that everything that happened is not what it appeared to be, their romance becomes magical. My heart broke for both characters at how much time they lost due to a misunderstanding and petty jealousy. 

I honestly loved Dakota's character. She was very much in tune with her ancestry and heritage, and this added a lovely element to the book. I liked how Ms. Citro wove Dakota's beliefs and ancestry into the story because it made me love the book even more. Dakota is a wonderful free-spirited woman and is the perfect match for Caden. Caden is very swoon-worthy. He's down-to-earth and romantic. Caden is also loyal to a fault and even though at the beginning of the story things aren't very good between him and Dakota, he stays by her side through it all. It was in these beginning moments that you see just how much he still cares for and loves Dakota. 

As I said, I definitely want to find out more about the side characters because they played such important roles in this book and I would love to find out their backstory. However the one character I absolutely hated...Dakota's sister. She is absolutely despicable and I couldn't stand her. You'll understand why I say that when you read the book, but just know that you will hate her from the get go.

I would highly recommend reading this book right away!! With fantastic writing and a cast of characters that is easy to love (with the exception of Dakota's sister that is), you will quickly find a new favorite series!! I do think the story would have meant more to me if I read the previous 2 books prior to this one, however you can definitely read this as a standalone and not be confused. This book takes you on a journey through heartbreak, friendship, and love...and it is a journey that you will want to take again and again.
                                          

Happy reading :)

Giveaway

WIN ON OF TWO
$20 AMAZON GIFT CARD
Thicker Than Blood Giveaway Graphic
Contest runs from May 17 - June 24, 2017.

Anne Marie Citro

About Anne Marie Citro

Anne Marie Citro grew born and raised in the greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada. She grew up in a large, loving family. Anne Marie is married to a very patient man. He is the love of her life. They have four very cool sons, and the girls they brought into their family that have become daughters of her heart. She has been blessed enough to finally have a beautiful granddaughter after four sons. She has her own personal gaggle of girlfriends, who enrich her life on a daily basis and make her laugh. Caesar Friday is her favorite day of the week. Caesars with the girls and date night with her hubby. She works with special-needs teenagers, that have taught her how to appreciate life and see it through gentler eyes.
Anne Marie was encouraged by her husband to follow her lifelong dream to write. She loves the characters that take over imagination and haunts her dreams. She loves the arts and she has tried her hand at painting, wood sculpting, chainsaw carving, wood burning, metal and wire sculptures. Yes, her husband is a very patient man! Anne Marie is an avid reader and enjoys about three books per week. But nothing makes her happier then riding on the back of her husband's Harley and throwing her arms out and feeling the wind race by. Anne Marie and her husband take a few weeks every year to travel to spectacular destination around the world. Anne Marie is excited and can't wait to see what the next chapter holds for her life.
Official website: http://annemariecitro.com
Connect with Anne Marie Citro on social media:

Book Tour Schedule

Follow the book tour from June 12 - 24, 2017.
Discover more features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and other extras on the tour.
To check the latest tour schedule, visit the Thicker Than Blood Book Page at Book Unleashed.


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