Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Tested Release Day Blitz & GIVEAWAY by Janelle Stalder

 

Blurb...
 
Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye.

Faced with the scariest decision of her life, Missy is going behind enemy lines to save the rebel that seems to haunt her every dream. Finding courage is one of the hardest things she’s ever done, especially when she comes face-to-face with a terrifying reality. The green eyes that have fascinated her, no longer gleam with recognition. Now Missy must find a way to not only get them out alive, but to save the mind of the man who is quickly capturing her heart. And she must do it all without getting caught. Put to the test, will Missy be able to rise above her fears and find love, or watch it all blow up in smoke?

*This book is for mature audiences due to sexual situations, violence and strong language.

Purchase Links:
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1wdawql
 
 


Excerpt

 
TESTED
Janelle Stalder
 
She was going to be sick. Missy followed the heavyset woman in front of her down a hallway that
was so stark and white it made her want to reach down and tear her shoes off, just in case she
happened to be bringing dirt in with her. It was eerily silent too, except for the sound of their
footsteps. The woman, Margaret, led them into a small office. One look at her desk and Missy could
tell the same sanitary standards from out in the hall did not apply here.
Old coffee cups and wrappers littered the surface amongst the mounds of paperwork. How
the woman managed to accomplish anything was baffling. Taking a seat, Missy tried to keep her
focus on Margaret as she made her way around to her own chair, rather than on the disaster between
them.
“Thank you for coming in on such short notice,” said Margaret. The bland, abrupt tone of
her voice suggested otherwise.
Plastering on her best fake smile, Missy said, “It was my pleasure. I was very excited to hear
I’d been called back.” That wasn’t a lie.
After the disaster of finding a way over into the eastern ghetto, (something she never wanted
to experience again), and navigating her way around the other side of the city all alone to locate
Bridgette’s old apartment where she was currently staying. Then approaching this place to present
her resume and afterward having to wait a whole week without hearing back, she was way beyond
excited to be sitting where she was. A huge part of her had been starting to think all her effort had
been for nothing when she hadn’t heard back from them.
When the nice woman who lived next door, Karen, passed along the message that someone
from the Institute of Medical Advances had come around looking for her, Missy had literally jumped
for joy. The message simply stated that they wanted another meeting with her. Hopefully this meant
she was getting a job. Otherwise she was going to have to figure out a way to get back into the
western ghetto. She shuddered at the thought.
“We’ve recently become rather short staffed and are looking for someone to help with our
evening shift,” she said. “Would you be available for something like that?”
Considering she was alone in an area she knew absolutely nothing about, the answer was a
resounding yes. Getting her sister to finally let her leave had been more than difficult, even though
Michael had given Missy his phone in case they needed to contact each other. She’d never realized
just how stubborn Phoenix could be. Or how ridiculously emotional, if her constant crying on the
day Missy had left was any indication. However, when Missy had actually arrived in her new
apartment, a massive step forward for her and an incredible act of independence, she’d instantly
regretted fighting so hard to leave.
Not that she’d been suffering her from usual panic attacks. Those had surprisingly been few
and far between. Most likely that was due to the fact that Missy hadn’t really need to leave the
apartment, other than to get food when she ran out. No, it was more because of the unnerving quiet
in the place. She was just so used to having people around. The girls had been a constant presence,
and all of them loud and rambunctious. Well, except Pixie. Now she had no one to keep her sane,
and as she had waited to hear back from the institute, she had realized just how nice it was to have
the people she loved around her.
But she was doing this for Tyler. She had reminded herself of that constantly as the hours
ticked by and her anxiety grew. Any time she’d had the urge to call her sister and beg to come home,
she’d reminded herself that Tyler could be experiencing horrible things under the instructions of
Douglas Hatcher. She was finally doing something to actually help her sister and the others, and she
wasn’t about to back out now.
“I’m available for whatever you need,” Missy replied.
“Perfect.” Margaret slammed a thick folder on the table, making Missy jump. “We need you
to handle the dinner shift, as well as any blood samples we might need, and anything else that might
come up throughout the night. How do you feel about needles?”
“I don’t mind them if they’re not poking me,” she answered honestly.
The other woman actually smiled at that. “I know what you mean. That’s good then. The
evening shift starts at six and ends at six. It’s not easy but you’ll be well compensated.”
Missy nodded. She couldn’t have cared less about the money, since she wasn’t planning on
sticking around long enough to really earn much. As soon as she found Tyler, she was getting them
out. If she found Tyler.
“I’ll need you to read over the rules before you start. I’m also going to provide you with a
uniform.”
“Rules?”
“Regarding the patients,” explained Margaret. “We do very specific, unique testing here at
the institute. Some of our patients are rather…dangerous.”
“Dangerous?” Missy gulped, her mouth quickly going dry.
The woman laughed at her horrified expression. “Don’t worry, dear. All the patients are
secured in individual rooms. They won’t be able to get at you. Each door has an opening where you
can slide their dinner trays through. It’s perfectly safe.”
“What about when I need to take blood?” Missy asked. She was starting to wonder if this
was as good of an idea as she’d originally thought. Just find Tyler quickly, and none of this will matter, her
inner voice said.
“Our male technicians will have them properly restrained when that happens, not to worry.”
Easy for you to say, thought Missy.
She passed a single sheet of paper over. “These rules just state that you’re not to enter the
rooms, under any circumstance. Some patients will try to trick you into opening their door. For no
reason are you to do that, do you understand?”
Missy nodded.
“There are also some points there about any interaction with the patients. Some might try to
speak with you, but we advise you to keep any communication brief and limited with them.”
“Okay…”
Margaret smiled, standing up. “I’ll go retrieve your uniform while you look it over. When is
the earliest you can start?”
Missy looked away from the paper to stare at the other woman. “Whenever you need me,”
she said.
“Great, you can start tomorrow.”
Her feet hurt, her back hurt, if it were possible she’d even say her hair hurt. For two nights now
Missy had been following her co-worker, Heather, around, learning everything there was to know
about the institute. It was practically a jail, except the sounds from the prisoners were possibly
worse. She’d never been in a prison, but Missy couldn’t image anything being more disturbing than
this place.
Her job was simple really – deliver food through a small slot, and move on. So far she hadn’t
had to have any actual interaction with the faceless people behind the doors. Heather was nice
enough. She liked to talk and Missy had no problem simply listening.
However, she was getting increasingly more frustrated. Not because of the other girl, but
because she hadn’t had one glimpse of Tyler in the entire time she’d been there over the last couple
of days. Considering she hadn’t seen anyone, period, she was starting to wonder what the chances
were that she was even going to be able to find him in the extensive building.
The doors had no windows in them, so it was impossible to even try and get a peek inside,
unless she were to bend down and try to look through the meal slot, but that would look weird and
suspicious. And since she’d been stuck with Heather the entire time, there was absolutely no way of
doing something like that even if she’d wanted to.
What if he wasn’t even here? There was absolutely no way for her to tell for sure. And
working nights was starting to take a serious toll on her body. Working until the wee hours of the
morning was hard enough, but then she had to go home to a place she wasn’t quite comfortable
with yet, and try to sleep when daylight lit the room. Thankfully Bridgette had some dark curtains to
block out most of the light, but it was still difficult. Her body wanted to be up when the rest of the
world was. Her sleep was off, her eating habits were starting to become atrocious, and overall she
just felt like crap. Having no progress in what she was meant to be doing here wasn’t helping.
Sitting at the nurses’ station, she let her head fall down onto her folded arms to have a quick
minute of rest. The dinners had already been given out, so it would be another twenty minutes or so
before they had to make the rounds. Their ‘inspection rounds’ were a joke. It consisted of them
walking down the hall and calling out to each patient through the door. The patient responds and
they move on. Missy had asked what happened when they didn’t respond, and Heather just
shrugged her shoulders saying, “We just keep going. We’re not allowed to go in the room and check
on them, in case they’re tricking us.”
A tapping sound had Missy lifting her head, her body stiffening at the sight of a man
standing on the other side of the counter. He wore a similar outfit to the ones they wore, plain white
scrubs, so she knew he worked here. That didn’t help ease the discomfort at having a man she didn’t
know so close. Even though she knew there was nothing to worry about. They were in a workplace,
where other people were. What was the worst that could happen? Of course, her mind was never
quite rational in these situations.
“Evening,” he said with a smile. She didn’t like the feeling his smile gave her, or the way his
eyes took her in slowly.
“Hello,” replied Missy.
“I have a patient that needs some blood taken for the doctors. I was told to come and get
the new girl,” he explained. “All the other nurses are busy. And since I don’t recall ever seeing you
before, I’m going to assume you’re the new girl.”
She nodded.
“Geoff,” he introduced, reaching out a hand.
“Missy,” she said, shaking his hand quickly before pulling her hand away. “I haven’t taken
blood yet. Do I need to bring something with me?”
“Heather set the tray up for you over in room B. I’ll walk you over.”
Palms sweating, Missy stood up and followed him down the empty halls.
“I’m warning you,” he said, breaking the silence, “this one is a bit aggressive, but don’t let
him scare you. There’s no way he can hurt you.”
She had to consciously force her feet to keep moving while every nerve in her body
screamed for her to turn and run. This was overwhelming and her heart was likely to beat right out
of her chest any moment. By the time they reached the room, she was sure she was about to have a
heart attack.
Wiping her hands on her pants, she looked down at the needle and vials laid out for her, and
forced herself to calm down before entering the room. Holding on to the tray, knuckles white, Missy
followed Geoff into the room where two other male technicians stood in front of a third restrained
to a chair. They parted at their entrance to reveal a very pissed off looking, and disturbingly
breathtaking as he pulled at his restraints, Tyler.
Their eyes met and her hands instantly started to tremble. Without her realizing it, Missy had
completely stopped moving. She stood, staring at him with a mixture of horror and relief that she’d
finally found him. Those clear green eyes swept down her slowly before rising to meet her gaze once
more.
She felt trapped and spellbound by that stare that pinned her to where she stood. Even her
lungs seemed to have stopped working as she held her breath at the sight of him. Silently Missy
prayed that he wouldn’t let on they knew each other. Obviously he would realize she was there to
save him, so they needed to play it cool before any of the other three men in the room suspected
something was off.
A low growl vibrated from Tyler as he slightly curled back his upper lip, his sights still locked
on her. Missy instinctively took a step back. When he spoke, it was only one word, said so darkly
and huskily she almost missed what it was.
Mine.”

 
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Saturday, August 23, 2014

The Donor by Nikki Rae ~ Release Blitz

The Donor by Nikki Rae ~ Release Blitz
 
This is a New Adult romance novella (Rated PG-13)
 
 
Book Blurb...
 
When Casey joined MYTrueMatch.com, she never imagined she would meet a man who not only helps her pay the bills, but has been nothing but a gentleman.

As the nose bleeds make way for worse symptoms, Casey can’t help the feelings she has for Jonah, despite how he may never return them. And he’s been keeping things from her. Big things. How does he make his money, and who is that girl in the picture?
With the clock ticking, can she find the answers she’s looking for?
 
 
CHECK THIS ONE OUT!
 
 
The Donor Part 1 is free for a limited time.The DONOR Part 1

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Always Conall (Bitterroot #2) by Sibylla Matilde

Always Conall (Bitterroot #2) by Sibylla Matilde
 
This is an adult contemporary romance (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Conall Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
***** Mature Content, Sexual Situations, Adult Situations, Strong Language *****

To him, I was only just Sage, Matt Nichols’ little sister. But I've worshiped Conall my whole life. My brother's best friend. My secret crush. My first and only love. Always hoping he’d really see... me.

And then, a torrent of circumstances ripped through my life. One by one, my family began to crumble. My dad's heart attack. My brother's tragic death. My mother's slipping sanity. And then Conall's abandonment. He took my heart when he left, but he gave me a reason to grow up fast, to be strong, and to live.

Now, just when things finally start looking up, he's back in Bitterroot. Standing before me, not the boy he once was, but a man. Just when I’m on the cusp of living again. Just when I’m starting to feel like I could let go of the past and be happy without him, the feelings I set aside for all those years are raging once again through my veins. My tight control is slipping. The future I've so carefully mapped out now seems so uncertain.

He’s changed, but he hasn’t. I hate him for leaving, but I love him for coming home.

But will he stay? And do I really, truly want him to after he shattered me before?
 
 
My Review
 
This story reminds me of mistakes we all make as teenagers. And honestly, most of us don’t have the opportunity to correct those mistakes.
Here we have a couple destined to fail with all the odds against them. And this story is the unlikely meeting between two people with baggage a plenty.  The question is can they come to an understanding? Can they beat the odds? And watching it unfold is the beauty of the story.
We’ve got a single mother and a solider returning home. What’s not to love in this one?
My book boyfriend is Conall.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opposition (Lux #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
 
This is a young adult paranormal romance novel (Rated R)
 
 ♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Lux Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can't believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.
 
 
My Review
 
The End. I hate those words at the end of a book I totally enjoyed. I hate it worse when it’s the end of a series. It sucks eggs to say goodbye to a series you love.
The last book had EPIC moments and a cliffy that spelled EPIC for the end of this series. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I think my expectations were way too high. The Covenant series ended EPICally, so I expected the same.
It wasn’t as EPIC as I hoped. The ending felt a bit rushed and everything wrapped up way to easy. Without giving away spoilers, my question is with the help that was received, wouldn’t that help take advantage once they had the advantage? If you’ve read, maybe you understand my cryptic words.
I still have questions and maybe there is a spin off in the future. And Dawson. Many of you know I prefer Dawson over Daemon. Call me weird. I pick my book boyfriends for many reasons. But I will say, I grew to love the ass the Daemon was and appreciate who he either came to be or revealed himself to be.
In the end, this series is a must read for YA paranormal lovers. It has it all, love, romance, angst, and hotness.
However…
Audio Review
Justine Eyre and Rob Shapiro almost destroyed the enjoyment of this book because they couldn’t pronounce Daemon. I mean logically Dae (two vowels the first one has the long sound Kindergarten reading). They pronounce Daemon -> Demon, completely ignoring the A. And Justine Eyre also makes a story sound so damn depressing. I still haven’t finished Archangel’s Storm or moved forward with Nalini Singh’s series simply because of Justine Eyre (and maybe the writing too).
My book boyfriend Daemon.



 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back (White Trash Zombie #4) by Diana Rowland

How the White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back  (White Trash Zombie #4) by Diana Rowland
 
This is an adult urban fantasy novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥1/2
 (Three and a Half Zombie Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
READERS HUNGER FOR ANGEL CRAWFORD...

It’s zombie versus zombie as the Saberton Corporation declares war against the Zombie Mafia, kidnapping several of their party. It falls to Angel to lead the remnants of her gang halfway across the country to claw their way through corporate intrigue, zombie drugs, and undead trafficking to rescue her friends—and expose the traitor responsible for their abduction...
 
 
My Review
 
Let me just admit that I’m a Marcus fan. So there’s that. For those that read, would understand how I feel. I won’t say anything for spoilers.
The story was pretty slow. And unfortunately, that meant that it was an easy read to put down and forget. Thus I really wasn’t excited to read this one and not only because of the romance part of the book. A book doesn’t need romance for me to like it. Nor does a love situation have to go my way for me to love it. Hell I was team Gage (I think that was his name) in the Hunger Games and I gave each book in the series five stars I believe. It just wasn’t all that good of a plot/storyline.
And the ending to the story didn’t inspire me to hunger for the next book. I will read it though. Would I recommend this book? The jury is still out.
I will say I like Nick. I’m not for Angel’s baby zombie, Phillip, though and I’m glad how things worked out there in the book.
Audio Review
Allison McLemore did a really good job at narration. She makes me believe the characters are real.
Anyway, who is my book boyfriend… Nick I guess.

 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.

Friday, August 8, 2014

Freeing Her (Hart Brothers #1) by A.M. Hargrove

Freeing Her (Hart Brothers #1) by A.M. Hargrove
 
This is an adult contemporary erotic romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥♥
 (Five Freeing Hearts)
 
 
Book Summary
 
Freeing Her (A Hart Brothers Novel, Book 1)

• This novel contains mature content and it not intended for younger readers.

This is the beginning of a story... the story of two people who were meant to be together. Why? Because unknown to them, they shared terrifying pasts and the cruel circumstances of their births doomed both of them to a life of hell.

Two strangers ... one night ... one accidental meeting that changed their lives forever.

Gabriella Martinelli, Manhattan psychiatrist had only one goal in life—to help abuse victims avoid the horrors she’d experienced herself. She worked late, volunteered, and donated her services to anyone who needed them. Life was good ... until her nightmare resurfaced. He found her, and began stalking her, and she knew he wouldn’t stop until he destroyed every ragged piece of her.

Kolson Hart, Manhattan’s most eligible bachelor, was ruled by his dark past. He liked control, from the boardroom to the bedroom and didn’t care to be involved with someone whose life was just as screwed up as his was. But one look at Gabriella short-circuited everything. Want ... desire ... need ... will sometimes drive a man to do things he swore he never would.

He freed her from a life of fear ... When he couldn’t even save himself.
 
 
My Review
  

I love mystery, crime, thrillers, and police procedurals. While this book doesn’t really fit the total of any of those categories, we do get a taste of each. In the end, this book is an erotic romance. There is angst, steaminess and an alpha male. But there are also many secrets to keep you intrigued.
As the title suggest, this story is more about Gabby and what’s she’s going through. And as promised, this book delivers in finding a resolution to her story arc. So there won’t be disappointment there.
What the story hints at is Kolson’s history. Although he’s a developed character, there are hints there is more to him than meets the eye. I’m looking forward to his story, Freeing Him, which is expected to be released next month. So there is no need to wait in reading this one because dare I say there is a HEA here.
Anyway, if you like your romance with spice and a bit of mystery, this one is for you. Don’t wait. Go pick it up.
My book boyfriend is Kolson.


 
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*Disclaimer - I am not the owner of this picture. I found it on the web for causal fun use on my blog for which I receive no compensation. If this picture belongs to you (you are the copyright owner) please let me know and I will remove it.