New Update!

Hello everyone. All of my Reviews, that I have yet to write, will be posted sporadically during the summer. After the end of this summer, I will not be posting on here anymore, as you will see the info on the right side of the blog.
Thanks for your understanding.

Friday, August 31, 2012

The Unofficial Zack Warren Fan Club By: J.C. Isabella *Excerpt*Review*Giveaway*

Hello! Thank you for stopping by today! I want to thank Reading Addiction Blog Tours and Author J.C. Isabella for letting me participate and providing a review copy! You will see an Excerpt, my Review, and a Giveaway where you have the chance to win 1 Free E-Copy of this Novel! 


Book Description
Welcome to the big leagues. To secrets and scandals. It's all about the game. Who's playing. Who's not. Who has no idea about the game. And...wait, what game are we playing?

I'll leave that for you to decide.

Where to start is the big question for Chloe Baker. How was she supposed to explain to Zack Warren that she started a fan club for him when she was a kid? It was just a game. A way to make friends and have fun. She never thought it would spiral out of control. And never. In a million, gazillion years, did she think it would follow her to college. How could she tell him her best friend Lana kept the club alive? That she had nothing to do with the craziness?

Chloe didn’t understand why she cared so much about Zack's opinion of her. She hated him. He hated her. They had very mutual feelings of dislike for each other. So he'd just hate her even more when or if he found out.

And that's totally fine...she thinks.

Zack Warren had a soft spot for Chloe Baker. He likes the way she walks. He likes the way she talks. If he was poetically inclined, he’d write a sonnet about her ass.

It's Zack’s junior year of college. He’s got things to worry about. Scouts from the major leagues. Baseball games. Contracts. Grades.... His father ran away to Vegas with Chloe's mother. He didn’t have time to worry about a girl. But he did. He worried about Chloe a lot, especially with that jerk Max sniffing around her. It's weird though, to like your stepsister, right?

But Zack could argue that he saw Chloe first. Way before his dad met her mom. He was too young to stake a claim. But just didn’t care anymore.

He’s done playing games.


Excerpt
(Chloe's POV)
He let out a breath. “I like you Chloe.”
This was repetitive progress, but progress nonetheless.
“Thank you, and what exactly do you like about me?”
He was quiet for a minute. “For starters, you’re hot.”
I smacked his arm. “Be serious.”
“I am. Have you seen your ass?”
“Zackary Andrew Warren, if you don’t cut the crap, I’m going to throw you out of my room.” I crossed my arms and stared at the ceiling as best I could in the blackness.
“I’m sorry, Chloe Ann Baker.”
I glowered at the ceiling now. “Who told you my middle name?”
“A little birdie.” He whistled. “Chloe Ann. It’s kind of pretty.”
“I’m going to sleep, good night.”
“I’m not finished.”
“Fine.”
“You seem to really go for the Hallmark stuff. I’ll mush it up a bit, okay?” He cleared his throat. “When you are happy, I am happy. Your smile makes my heart flutter. And my tummy feels warm and gooey, like melted butter.”
“That’s it, that’s all you’ve got?”
“No, there’s more.” He continued. I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. “Oh, Chloe, dear Chloe, I love it when you are near. My heart goes pitter patter, and it makes me feel…”
“Queer?”
“No, that’s not what I was going for.”



Review 
This was a nicely done, written story! This story had a great concept. Who has not had a childhood crush, even a small one? This story might get you to remember that type of memory.  Chloe and Zack are both likable characters, believe me, you will be rooting for these two. At first, they really do not like each other, knowing each other since they were young kids, but now, they have to even force each other to make some sort of conversation, because well...their parents just got hitched! Yup! Zack's Father and Chloe's Mom eloped, so now they are step-siblings. But, hey, they actually become good friends and want to spend more time together, more than they both want to admit, but is that so wise? Since they are sorta related, not by blood, but are a part of the same family. Also, you're probably wondering about this Fan Club? Well let's just say that Chloe once upon a time had a massive crush on Zack in Elementary School and with a friend, created a fan club, all about him. Hmm well there is an event that makes Chloe not want to be a part of the club any longer, and that is way before their parents got married, so all of this, you are going to have to find out yourself, and I think you will absolutely love this story, from beginning to end!

The characters were nicely developed including Kyle, Zack's best friend, who happens to be dating Chloe's best friend, Lana, whose is an interesting character herself... There was good writing here, a really great flow. I've heard there will be a second book in this series, but a different story, with new characters to concentrate on, so I definitely look forward to that! All in all, this is an excellent romantic and humorous read, and I hope you read it! :)
My Rating: 4.2/5
I say a little more Mature PG-13 Rating (Slight More Mature YA)  
Author Bio 

J.C. Isabella is the author of Chasing McCree and The Unofficial Zack Warren Fan Club. Ever since she discovered romance novels in high school, she has been a self proclaimed fan. This led to penning her first YA . When she isn't thinking up new recipes for the cookbook she hopes to one day write, she is brainstorming a new novel and listening to country music. She lives in the tropics of Florida with her big fat Italian family and ornery feline companion.


Her Links



*Giveaway*
(Please be honest with your entries, thank you!)


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising* 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Eyes Die Last By: Teri Riggs *Book Spotlight & Giveaway!*

Hi everyone! First I want to thank Sage's Blog Tours for letting me participate! Today I am hosting a Book Spotlight for The Eyes Die Last By: Teri Riggs! This is a Mysterious, Romantic Thriller! I am also hosting an International Giveaway via Rafflecopter! Here you have the chance to win:

- 1 Free E-Book Copy Of The Eyes Die Last!
- A Canvas Tote Bag that has this novel's cover printed on the front!

*I hope you enter, and also take a look towards the end of this post, as you have another Giveaway opportunity...and it involves a Gift Card...* 
Thank you for visiting! :)



Book Description


The Las Vegas Mayoral race is heating up, and the incumbent doesn’t have a prayer. Wealthy real estate speculator Nick Campenelli, who wants to legalize prostitution in Clark County, and former pastor Louis St. Louis, running on a 'clean-up-Vegas-by-getting-rid-of-the-whores' platform, are the front runners.

They’re also front runners on the suspect list for a string of murders. Kennedy O’Brien, four-year detective with cop blood running in her veins, and her partner Wilder “Wild Thing” James, a veteran, are determined to find the man who’s murdering prostitutes who work the wrong side of the street, and they don’t care how important or politically active he is.

The killer is a man with a mission. He stalks the women before he kills them, leaving a “BEFORE” photo on their bodies, and sending an “AFTER” shot to the local news hound. Ed Hershey, an aging newscaster with just the right amount of grey in his hair, is determined to turn this story into a network gig, and his interference, along with the LVTVS legal team, are making Kennedy and Wilder look bad. Campenelli’s good looks and charm, and St. Louis’ vitriolic hatred of prostitutes are muddying the waters too, and now the killer seems to have taken a liking to Kennedy.


Author Bio
Teri Riggs was destined to be a writer.  As a small girl she didn’t read bedtime stories, she made up her own.  Who needed Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs when there were so many great tales bouncing around in her head?  When she grew up and became a mother to three little girls, she continued the tradition of making up bedtime stories.  On the occasions she chose to tell conventional fairytales, Teri usually gave them a bit of tweaking here and there or added a new ending.  Her girls loved it.
After her daughters had the nerve to actually grow up and leave home, Teri discovered she had a passion for writing and jumped right in.  It came as no surprise she chose to write mysteries and happily-ever-after’s since that’s the genres she loves to read.
Teri lives in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, one of her daughters and two dogs that seem to think they rule the world.  And some days Teri thinks maybe they do.
Teri still frequently tells herself stories as she falls asleep.  The only difference now is she wakes up the next morning and turns her bedtime stories into books.

Her Links




*International Giveaway*
(Please be honest with entries, thank you!) 

*Now here is another Giveaway Opportunity*
- Author Teri Riggs is offering her fans the chance to win a...$25 Amazon Gift Card! Yes, that's right! She will be awarding this prize to anyone who purchases a copy of her novel, The Eyes Die Last! Just leave your Name and E-mail below, and Teri will draw a winner at the end of the tour which is September 14th!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Painted Blind By: Michelle Hansen *Book Spotlight & Giveaway!*


Title: Painted Blind
Author: Michelle Hansen
Date Released: May 3, 2012
by Createspace 


Book Description
Seventeen years old and agoraphobic, Psyche Middleton vows her dad will never see the risquĆ© photos she took during a summer modeling stint abroad, but one of them ends up on a billboard in her Montana hometown. Now everyone—especially her dad—can see it. And yet, somehow, those are the mundane things in her life because she is about to fall unexpectedly, head-over-heels in love with Erik, a mysterious young man who rescues her from a crowd of admirers, and who she’s never actually seen because…he can make himself invisible.

As strange as this may seem, it’s about to get even stranger. Erik takes her to his palace in an idyllic kingdom, and she is swept into the beauty and culture of his world, but his affection has one condition: she may not see him. Overtaken, intrigued, and still not wholeheartedly believing he’s real, Psyche is going to have to decide if she can love him blindly; because if she can’t, she may lose him forever. 


Author Bio
Michelle A. Hansen was raised in southeastern Washington. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in English teaching from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and taught high school English for six years. She and her husband have four children. 

Links


*Giveaway!*

(This is International!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Blog Tour Stop: Never Say Never By: Kailin Gow (Review)

Hi everyone! I just want to thank SupaGurl Book Tours and Kailin Gow for letting me participate in this tour, and thank you for providing a raw copy of this great novel! 


Book Description
(From Goodreads) 


What girl wouldn't want to be surrounded by the sexy guys from the hottest teen rock sensation in the country? 18-year-old Never "Neve" Knight, not only is surrounded by the hottest boys to hit the music charts, but she is the band's lead singer. As the band's lead singer and manager, Never formed and shaped the band to where it is today, a band on the rise and on the brink of being signed by a label. As one of the guys, she knew each of the band members since they were all snot-nose ten-year-olds. While her boys were the cutest guys and they would protect her like knights, she couldn't date any one of them and ruin the chance at being signed with the record label of her dreams.

That changes when one of the band members suddenly drops out of the band, and in walks Danny Blue, with his dreamy blue eyes, hot body, and British accent. Suddenly, Never's solid world has turned to mush, and her rule for not dating one of her band members is seriously challenged. Can she keep her head straight and get her band signed with a label without losing her heart?


YA Mature/New Adult


Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Never aka 'Neve' Knight is in her first year at USC.  She also happens to be in a punk/rock band with three to four of her best friends, whom happen to be guys, and they are described as hmm gorgeous! But to Neve, they are like brothers, but do they think the same way?... Anyways, Neve is the daughter of a multi international famous musician, but she is a determined and strong willed young woman, who does not want to be known as the daughter of a famous rock star; she wants to make her own name, her own career in what she loves, music. After a hasty situation, the band needs to find a new guitarist that will play for them for a while, and that role is then taken by Danny Blue, another gorgeous, talented, and I must say British musician, whom happens to be a T.A. for one of Neve's classes. There actually might be a dilemma now, because Neve has always been firm on not dating anyone from the band, but can she still keep that decision? Well, you are just going to have to read and find out for yourself...

As I said, I really liked this story. There were good qualities here. I liked reading the different characters, especially Neve. You read from her POV and she seems like a stronger type character for a young college student. She's determined and just wants to be noticed for her talent; not for being a Rock Star's daughter. The other bandmates were all described pretty well, and I really got the concept that they have been very good friends since they were young kids and their dream was to play in a band together, and now as they are older, they are getting noticed, for their musical talent. Danny Blue was also described and developed very well. There's a mysterious element to him, and you will see what that it is. I for sure was rooting that he and Neve would get together, and I think there were realistic traits in their explicit friendship or do I say relationship?... Yeah I don't want to give too much, but this story had a good pace, beginning to end. This is my first time reading a novel by Kailin Gow and it definitely will not be my last. This story is book 1, so there is a book 2! Yes!! I got really excited at the end of the book, that there was going to be a continuation of Neve's story, so I really, really look forward to it! :)

My Rating: 4.2/5
I say a strong PG-13 Rating as there are Sexual Situations


Author Bio
(From Goodreads)

Kailin Gow uses her author platform to bring awareness to issues affecting young adult and women. She has appeared on national radio as a regular guest on topics such as body image, self-esteem, dating and sexual relationships, bullying, and more; often brought up in her fiction books for young adults and women. She has won multiple awards from the International Book Awards and the Green Book Festival. Selling over half a million books, Kailin Gow has been a bestselling author of over 100 distinct books which includes the Desire Series, PULSE, Wicked Woods, and the Frost Series. She has been professionally published since 2001. She was one of the first authors for young readers to write books for girls with supernatural elements. Her first book series about extraordinary girls guided by an angel in 2001, was a success, selling thousands of print copies in days, and inspiring girl book clubs around the U.S. In 2003, she came out with more series, including The Fairy Rose Chronicles, about fairies in Feyland. Her books have been recommended by PBS Kids, US Mental Health Association, the PTA, and homeschooling associations in the United States.

Her Bitter Frost Series, PULSE Series, and other book series are being developed into MMO Games by SEE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, one of the foremost entertainment developers in the world, known for developing world-reknown blockbuster films into games. The Frost Series and PULSE MMO Games are set to release late 2013 or early 2014.

She is a graduate of the Annenberg School for Communications Masters in Management program in journalism, marketing and publishing at the University of Southern California.


Print/E-Book
  


Monday, August 27, 2012

New Novels On My Shelf *6*

To get a better understanding of this feature Click Here! 
Want to say thank you to the Authors/Publishers that provided me a copy of the Novels you see below. Also, click the Title underneath the Picture so you can read more about that novel and you can perhaps add it on Goodreads :)



Future Blog Tours I Will Participate In
(I'm so excited to be participating in these upcoming Blog Tours and I hope you follow them as there will be Reviews, Guest Posts, Giveaways and other cool stuff, so stay tuned!)

I will be hosting Sophie's Turn on September 10th! You will see a Guest Post, Review & Giveaway

I will be hosting Taking Charge on September 4th, so that's next week! You will see a Guest Post and Review

Pulled will be here on September 23rd! This novel sounds am-az-ing! I have read and reviewed Take This Regret, so I think I'm ready for an Emotional Romantic Read. When I host, you will see an Excerpt/Guest Post/Review & Giveaway! Don't miss out; hope to see you back here! 

I will be hosting a Review & Giveaway on September 18th!! 


Kindle Freebies & Deal



I sooo look forward to this!! I've heard many good things! 
It was for one day, on sale for $0.99!! 
I could not pass up on that opportunity!! :) 


*Goodreads First Reads Giveaway*
(I'm so thankful for these Three Novels, and look forward to reading them in the future!!)  

Lucky Bunny By: Jill Dawson
Grace Grows By: Shelle Sumners
Personal Effects By: E.M. Kokie 

**Also, want to mention these Titles I am sharing, I will Review in the future or in the upcoming months and I will give a truthful Review. I do all of this with my free time, and love it!**

Sunday, August 26, 2012

For Ever By: C.J. Valles *Guest Post - Review - Giveaway*


Book Description
(From Amazon)

For Ever starts now

Sixteen-year-old Wren Sullivan doesn’t want to know what other people are thinking about her—because most of the time it sucks. Too bad since that’s what happens every time she looks into someone’s eyes.

When she moves to Portland, Oregon, after her parents’ divorce, Wren’s just hoping to get through the rest of her junior year unscathed. Instead, before the end of her second day in school, she wakes up in the hospital after her very own freaky demonic-possession incident. Wren can’t remember much. But soon she finds out that her “episode” happened right after she locked eyes with the one classmate who happens to have gone missing.

Wren starts digging through people’s heads for the truth about him, and finds … nothing. Godlike hotness? Yep. But nobody knows who Ever Casey really is. Even weirder, they don’t seem to care that he just disappeared. So, when he randomly shows up again in her first period class, she’s determined to get some answers. He may be perfect on the outside, but with one look into his eyes, Wren discovers his mind is also perfect … perfectly empty.

Or is there something he doesn’t want her to see there that will put her and anyone near her in danger?

When For Ever ends, Never begins.
Never, the second book in The Ever Series, is coming soon.


Guest Post 
(Pretty Cool, thanks C.J.!) 




For Ever, The Casting Call

Which actors do I see as the characters in For Ever? When I first read the question, my heart started racing. Eeek! I have no freaking idea, because they have been inside my head for so long!

The really funny part is that I’m on IMDB all the time looking at actors’ bios and stuff, and I still don’t know. I do think one challenge that authors face when “dream casting” (especially for YA) is that the actors who seemed perfect at some point are way too old now! I’m putting in a couple of different options in some cases, because I can’t decide. My MC is the biggest challenge. And some of my choices might seem really off the wall. I know I’ve groaned a little bit at other people’s dream casting for other books! What do you think? If you’ve read the book, are there better choices?

Wren Sullivan: For Ever’s MC, she is 16-going-on-17, shy and less than thrilled with being able to read people’s minds. She’s pale, has long, dark hair, expressive green eyes, and is a wallflower until she gets to know people. Then, she’s sharp and not afraid to express her emotions, which are plain to see on her face. Wren is my wild card, so I’m just throwing a bunch of craziness out there: ChloĆ« Grace Moretz, Lily Collins, Saoirse Ronan, Emily Browning. … Tell me what you think after you’ve read the book!

Ever Casey: He’s Wren’s main mystery when she gets to Springview High School. He looks 18, maybe older. He’s very tall and drop-dead gorgeous, but not in a really conventional, boyish way. His otherworldly green eyes have a distant quality to them. Likewise, he keeps everyone—including Wren—at bay. My choice here is going to seem really bizarre, but there’s something both charismatic and distancing about Aaron Johnson (from Kick-Ass). You’d have to lighten his hair for this, which I’m not sure would look right. From the look he has in his IMDB page, I would almost say Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson & The Olympians), but at 5’8”, I think he’s too short. ;-)

Iago: He’s introduced way late in the story and sort of seems like a generic throwaway villain. (Big surprise coming with this character in the sequel!) He’s arrogant and pompous, but in a debonair way. He’s good looking, with copper hair and black-as-night eyes. He’s also shady and manipulative—and Ever’s mortal enemy. I saw the preview to House at the End of the Street awhile back, and as I was writing this Max Thieriot popped into my head. He’s good looking, but does a really great creepy/conflicted character. What do you think? Him with copper hair? Would it work?

Caroline Sullivan (Wren’s mom): She’s kind of Wren’s foil, with golden hair, smiling blue eyes and a golden California complexion. She’s a great mom, but she’s coming off of a divorce and is a little wounded and flighty. Jennifer Aniston, only maybe older, fits the description well, but I don’t know if she can pull off mom-ish. (She’s too sexy!)

Chasen: He’s another late but important addition to the story, and is part of the beautiful trio that includes Ever and Audra (below). He’s sort of superman-ish with dark, short-cropped dark brown hair and copper eyes. He looks—and acts—like he would just as soon kill you as say hello to you. I’m basing this on an IMDB picture of Adam Gregory, though I’m not entirely sure he can pull off the ruthless, menacing quality I imagined in Chasen.

Audra: She is the warrior princess to Chasen’s warrior. Blonde with bright blue eyes, Audra is supremely beautiful and absolutely deadly. There are so many ways to go here, but I see Teresa Palmer as having the bad-ass quality I’m looking for. Based on the previews of I Am Number Four (never saw it!), she could pull off the cold, calculating aspect of Audra.

*** I’m going a little long here, so the following are tacked on with space and time allowing. ***

Extras (Friends, Enemies, and Frenemies)


Ashley: She’s the first person Wren meets at her new school. She has a good heart, but is a little unsure of herself. She’s also the glue that holds together the social sphere Wren joins. I saw pics of Jennifer Stone and Georgie Henley on IMDB that fit the idea in my head. Whether or not either could portray and nervous but exuberant quality of Ashley, I can’t say since I haven’t seen either of them act (Sorry! Not even Chronicles of Narnia!)

Marcus: He’s Ashley’s love interest. He’s the easygoing counterpart to her rattled and neurotic. He’s good looking, but not a jerk about it. He’s effortlessly athletic and best friends with Josh. When I saw a picture of Titus Makin Jr., I thought he’d be able to pull off good-looking and easygoing.

Josh: He’s kind of a goofball. He falls for Wren, mostly because she’s new, while overlooking the girl who has been pining after him—Taylor. Chase Ellison or Jason Dolley look about right. In some ways, I see Josh as the female version of Ashley. They’re both funny and likable but intensely insecure. (I had one actor down originally before I found out he’s like 36! Some people look crazy young!)

Taylor: She’s the quiet one of the group. She’s sweet, but doesn’t get much talk time, thanks to Ashley and especially Lindsay, who takes up most of the attention. Casting this one I’d need some help with. I’d say Danielle Campbell (Prom), but I don’t know if she projects the same innocence and vulnerability I see in Taylor.

Lindsay: With dyed pinkish hair, she’s the kind of crazy, in-your-face girlfriend who drives everyone a little nuts sometimes, because she’s always being dramatic, loud, and over-the-top. She teases a lot, which can come off as insensitive sometimes. I’m going with Aly Michalka or Ashley Benson, both with pink dye-jobs.

Emily Michaels: She’s the resident mean girl Wren encounters her first day of school. Emily’s character doesn’t get much screen time, but she kind of sets Wren up for feeling like she’s swimming with sharks. Emily is the reason why Wren’s so relieved when she gets inducted into Ashley’s little group! I’m going to say Emily Osment (with strawberry-blonde hair), especially if she’s puts on a horrible scowl!

Jeff Summers: Jeff Summers, Emily’s boyfriend, is captain of the football team/pitcher on the baseball team. Good looking in a generic, he-knows-he’s-hot way. He’s basically a jerk who hides his insecurities beneath a faƧade of sarcastic comments. He thinks he should get all the attention and is intimidated by Ever, who doesn’t seem to notice that the entire female population of the school is drooling over him. I saw pix of Glenn McCuen and Alexander Ludwig and thought—hey, these guys can totally give off that I-know-I’m-hot vibe!

Matt: The guy from Wren’s Art class. From a small town in Oregon, he feels like he has to hide who he is, just like Wren does. I see him as someone like Austin Macdonald


Review
This was a pretty good book! The characters were nicely written! I liked reading from Wren's POV. It really helped me to understand her situation, from moving from one state to another, from moving to one school to another, and that's not an easy transition. I can relate to one of those scenarios; to have that feeling of starting a new school, and at first it could be hmm awkward or nerve wrecking, but Wren, whom is sorta shy at first, comes out of her shell, when she meets the right type of friends. Now...Ever, yes, that's the male interest, and I must say, I believe the name suits him. He was described pretty well and I can feel his standoffish demeanor, but when his emerald eyes first meet Wren's, well actually Wren doesn't quite remember because she wakes up a day or two later at the hospital. Interesting much? Apparently she had a scary but weird incident, that has to do with Ever, and after that, Wren has got her mind on some cute guy whom she can't see what he thinks of her. For her, that is a first, and oh I forget to mention that huh? Yeah, Wren can hear what other people think around her; she has to look into their eyes, but almost all the time, she does not have any interest in hearing what people have to say. All in all, I think this was a nice written story, with interesting events that keep you turning the pages, and when you're done, you are going to want to read the next book in this series, so look out for that one, when it comes out soon! :)

My Rating: 3/5


Author Bio
C. J. grew up in Southern California before moving to Northern California for college, where she majored in English and psychology. A professional writer for more than a decade, she finished her first novel in 2008 for fun and practice.
For Ever isn’t that novel.

When she isn’t writing fiction, C. J. works as a freelance public relations writer. She lives in Portland, Ore., with her husband, the saint who spent an entire weekend reading For Ever





*Giveaway*

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Love Like Krazy By: Kristen Beairsto *Review & Giveaway*


Title: Love Like Krazy
Author: Kristen Beairsto
Publisher: Self
Length: 122 pages
Genre: Romance
Sub-Genre: Contemporary

Available At:


Blurb

Most women would probably be offended at being mistaken for a stripper, but Kit Conner finds the situation rather comical. But despite Kit’s outward appearance of being able to handle just about anything, few are aware of the dark secrets Kit harbors and the demons she hides by cloaking herself in a wall of crazy antics and an outrageous fashion sense. As she returns to her hometown to play the role of maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding, Kit’s determined to hold on to those she holds dear for as long as she can. The only thing standing in her way is the absurd attraction she feels for Benjamin Mathews.

Benjamin Mathews is a guy who appreciates things to be slow, steady, and safe. Ben knows many consider him to be boring, but he’s happy with his life and loves the horse ranch he runs with his brother. The only thing he worries about is surviving the planning of his brother’s wedding.

With a wedding between Kit’s best friend and Ben’s younger brother fraying the nerves of everyone involved, Kit’s return home brings out her dark secrets into the light. The emotional overload starts to weigh on Kit and she begins to see Ben as an anchor. As their relationship intensifies, Kit struggles to believe they might actually have a future and soon finds herself fighting for the love she never thought possible.


Excerpt
Ben and Greg arranged things so everyone could relax for the first few hours before the real entertainment showed up. Ben glanced at his watch and noted the stripper would show up in about an hour.

As he grabbed a beer for himself, he started to head towards the poker table. As he moved passed the front window, he heard the music before he saw its source. Loud blaring techno music nearly drowned out the country music behind him. It came from within a black Cadillac convertible pulling into the driveway. The New York plates said KRAZYLV.

The music suddenly died as the occupant in the Caddy turned the engine off. The driver’s head was covered in a red zebra stripped cowboy hat obscuring their face. As the driver climbed out, however, he had no doubt in his mind she was female.

Ben first saw the flame red cowboy boots step out of the car. She turned to close the car door and turned her back to him. Above the boots, red leather pants hugged every curve of two very long legs and wide hips. From there, a red tank top clung with a plunging neckline covering her torso, which included a flat stomach and large breasts. Long blonde hair curled at the ends around her breasts. But as she turned her back to him, Ben discovered the top only covered the front of her and a few crisscrossed strings held the top on in the back, exposing smooth skin. She bent over to grab something from the backseat of the car and displayed a very nice view Ben greatly appreciated.

When she turned to face him fully, he saw she still wore sunglasses despite the sun being almost completely set. Even from the distance he stood, Ben could see the deep red lipstick she wore, the heart shaped mouth practically invited a kiss. But between the sunglasses and hat brim pulled down, he still couldn’t see her face clearly.

She was an hour early, he mused, but he would forgive her since she was sure to stir the party up.

Outside, Kit pulled her backpack from the backseat of her Caddy, turned and glanced up at the two-story house where her best friend lived. She grinned, studying the exterior of the home. Apparently, her best friend was well on her way to becoming a Matthews.

The Matthews were one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the small California town. Raymond Matthews, Greg and Ben’s father, was a banker and venture capitalist. His wife, Loren, up until recently was a highly successful businesswoman and now, from what Kit understood, spent her extra time with her philanthropy. But unlike most of the rich people she came to know and meet, the Matthews were genuine people.

Of course, Ray and Loren Matthews weren’t above using a regal demeanor when the moment called for it, she mused.

Yep, Anne was well cared for, Kit decided as she started up the drive towards the front door. As she stepped closer, Kit realized she heard the low hum of country music and remembered the bachelor party Anne told her about. She smiled in anticipation as she wondered whether or not the stripper arrived yet.

Before Kit reached the door, it opened and Ben stepped out.

He still looked the same, she decided. Tall and handsome, with wide shoulders screaming lean on me, and those piercing midnight eyes.

Kit sighed inwardly as she felt the familiar flutter in her stomach. Damn, she was still attracted to him. Oh well, she dealt with it as a teenager, she could deal with it as a grown woman.

“Hi, you’re early, but that’s all right.” He looked down at her backpack and frowned. “If you don’t have a stereo or anything, that’s fine, but I hope you have your own music. I don’t think you’d like dancing to the stuff we have.”

Kit frowned, confused.

Ben watched her heart shaped mouth frown, the rest of her face still obscured from view. The backpack she carried didn’t seem to carry much. He certainly hoped she had her own music, for the price they were paying, the least she could do was provide her own music.

After a moment, a seductive smile slipped across her mouth. There was something oddly familiar about her, but unable to see the majority of her face because of her hat, sunglasses, and the dark, Ben wasn’t sure how he might know her.

“Don’t worry, sugar,” she offered in a husky tone, “I’ve got my own tunes.”

He gave her a friendly smile and nodded. “Good. Why don’t I announce you first?” He turned, opened the door and stood in the doorway, blocking the view inside the house. Ben asked someone to turn off the stereo. “Now, gentlemen, I would like to introduce the real entertainment of the night,” Ben announced.

Moving aside, Ben turned and motioned for Kit to step inside. The seductive smile stayed in place as she stepped over the threshold of the door. A few men whistled in appreciation, a few others gave catcalls.

Smugly watching his buddies’ reactions, Ben saw her mouth curve from the corner of his eye. Glancing down, Ben noticed she had yet to remove the sunglasses. Seeing her seductive smile change, something else nagged his brain.

“Honey, no offense, but what’s your costume?” Ben whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

Ben watched the amused smile spread fully across her lips. Pulling her sunglasses down the bridge of her nose, she turned slightly so the light in the room fully illuminated her face. She looked at him over the top of the glasses with familiar wide pale blue eyes dancing with mischief.

Ben felt his stomach hit the floor.

Her lips parted to reveal white even teeth. “A maid of honor,” she drawled with a knowing wink. 


Review
This is a wonderful story. I really liked reading Kit and Ben's story. Kit is a successful Author, but was not always that way. Even now, she feels like she does not deserve to be loved and this realization has always stuck with her, since she was a little girl. I felt for her, as on the outside, she shows a side of herself that is pretty confident and she just seems to have a winning personality and is outgoing, but in the inside, that is something she does not reveal to anyone, even to her crush for so many years, Ben. Now, he seemed all around a good guy, and did not even know of Kit really, until they are both in their late twenties and are getting ready for a wedding of two people they know and love very much: Ben's younger brother, Greg and Kit's best friend, Anne. As Ben and Kit get to know each other, well it's not an easy journey. There are definite emotions, and I believe they were good ones, to really understand the characters, and connect with them. There was frustration, tension, jealousy, but oh there was... desire. Some of the events were realistic, and to me, that just makes me like a story more, including this one. They are many elements that contribute to this story, and by the end, I was pretty content on how everything worked out. Beairsto has written a beautiful story, and I hope you read it! 

My Rating: 4/5
I say R-Rated (Mature Adult Content)


Author Bio
An avid reader since she first learned to read, Kristen discovered romance novels as a teenager. And what can she say? She was a goner. Kristen discovered she’s a sucker for a good love story, strong characters, and that all-important happily ever after. She wrote her first novel length story at the age of eleven and after falling in love with romance novels, her writing started featuring romantic elements.

When Kristen’s not reading or writing, she’s hanging out with friends, family, her two rambunctious daughters, and her exceedingly tolerate husband. She’s also a huge New York sports fan.



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