Blog Tour: Bad For Me by Codi Gary | Top Ten List + Giveaway: win a Kindle Paperwhite and a Set of Signed Rock Canyon Romances!

Title: Bad For Me

Series: Rock Canyon #5

Author: Codi Gary

Publication Date: April 7, 2015

Publisher: Avon Romance 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Callie Jacobsen isn't about to open her heart to just anyone. Not so very long ago, trusting someone changed her life forever—and not in a fun way. Now she's better off focusing on her career, her friends, and her dog. So when former Marine Everett Silverton takes an interest in her, Callie's more than a little wary. No matter how charming he is, men are a bad idea. In fact, she's got the scars to prove it. But Everett isn't convinced Callie should shut everyone out—especially not him. He may be a hero to the people of Rock Canyon, but he's got his own demons, and he bets they're not that different from Callie's. Still, he knows it's going to take more than chemistry to get her to let her guard down. Everett will do whatever it takes to show her she's safe with him. All she has to do is take a chance, take a step … and take his hand.

Avon Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

More books from Codi Gary

Top Ten Book Men You Swoon Over

I love reading books as much as I do writing them. Here are my Top Ten Book Men I Swoon Over!

1. Colin Bridgerton from Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. He’s as funny as he is sexy, and I read his book at least once a year.
2. Nial Burke from Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small.  Nial was a fiery hot Irish man, and as much as I loved Adam, I had wished Skye and Nial had lived Happily Ever After.
3. Reece from Foreplay by Sophie Jordan. Yum. That’s all I’m going to say.
4. Colin of Berkhamshire from Lynn Kurland’s From This Moment On. Sure he may be stinky, but he is such a big adorable softy, I love him!
5. Harrison from For The Roses by Julie Garwood. When he goes after the men who hurt Rose, it is so hot!
6. Angel from Johanna Lindsey’s Angel! He is bad to the bone and yet, so sigh worthy!
7. Ethan from Something Blue by Emily Giffin. He is so sweet, and such a good friend. Totally love him!
8. Kiernan McClean from Lost In Your Arms by Christina Dodd. I love when he gets mad and his accent thickens.
9. James Wyndham from The Valentine Legacy by Catherine Coulter. He is one amazingly passionate man!
10. Garret Langham, the Earl of Mayne from Pleasure For Pleasure by Eloisa James. For such a confirmed Rake and bad boy, he sure can’t hide his good side with Josie.

About The Author: Codi Gary

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter   Goodreads | Pinterest | Avon Romance 

An obsessive bookworm, Codi Gary likes to write sexy small-town contemporary romances with humor, grand gestures, and blush-worthy moments. When she's not writing, she can be found reading her favorite authors, squealing over her must-watch shows, and playing with her children. She lives in Idaho with her family.

Giveaway: The prizes are a Kindle Paperwhite and a Set of Signed Rock Canyon Romances! 

 Please use the form below to enter.

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Book Review: Bring The Rain by Lizzy Charles

TITLE: Bring the Rain
AUTHOR: Lizzy Charles
eARC > 199 pages
PUBLISHER: Author
RELEASED: February 17th 2015
GENRE: YA > Contemporary Romance

One summer to make the choice of a lifetime…

Everything is waiting in Paris for Autumn—her new home, her mom, the Louvre, and a life where she can experience art, and not just look at it. But to get there, she'll have to survive the summer in the least colorful place she can imagine — her father's Oklahoma cattle ranch.

Autumn finds the perfect summer distraction in Colt, the one cowboy hotter than the July sun. But Colt is her father's ranch hand, and he won’t go for the Manhattan-style fling that she's used to. The closer they become, the more she questions which side of the ocean she belongs.

Then her father reveals an unforgivable secret, and Autumn’s illusions shatter. Will the secret destroy everything? Or could Oklahoma hold the greatest masterpiece of all—a love that could mend her heart?

 Purchase: Amazon

Bring the Rain was one of those rare contemporary romances that pulled at my heartstrings. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Lizzy Charles’ main characters, Autumn and Colt! From the beginning, it was easy to figure out how emotionally wary and detached Autumn was from her father. She always seemed to keep him at an arm’s length when it came to how close she would get to him. At first, it was a little puzzling why she acted that way towards him, but as the pieces started coming together little by little, it was understandable what she blamed him for; abandoning her at such a young age when she needed him most and giving up on their family so easily. Now a teenager, Autumn had to learn the truths and overcome them at a slow pace, as well as learning to trust in her own heart instead of what she thought she wanted. I couldn’t get attached to Autumn right away as a character, but as she faced feelings that were hard to confront, she started to grow emotionally stronger in her own way. Instead of acting like the snobby girl who moved away to New York at nine years old, she became the sixteen-year-old girl who admitted her faults and appreciated simple living with her dad. The girl that lost herself at nine years old grew up and matured in each and every chapter, and I was thankful that Lizzy could showcase that so well.

Something’s changing. Every knot in my back releases, and my palms are sweat free. For the first time I can remember, I’m okay simply being here. What has this cowboy done to me? (ARC 99)

When Colt appeared in the story, I didn’t really know what to think about him. I thought his first appearance was very comical, especially with the way he approached Autumn, but I still had to learn a lot about him. For a while, I fell for him being the “perfect” guy Autumn thought he was, but as the chapters passed, I began to question if even the nicest guys could really be perfect. My gut instinct proved to be right when a plot twist I never saw coming appeared out of nowhere, and I instantly felt my admiration for him dissipate. Even when Colt proved to be a very kind and honest guy, he had his moment where he was also keeping secrets and not being so nice. I think at first I wished Autumn had confronted him more for those answers she sought, but now I realize that the distance she put between them was for the best. It momentarily gave her a new perspective and allowed her to mature in a different way. For the first time, Autumn admitted that she was at fault too and accepted that even someone like Colt could have a history of his own mistakes. This growth they dealt with while being apart ultimately brought them closer together at the end, and gave them a chance to learn from assuming the best from each other right away.

As his heart pounds in my ear, I fight to be mad at him. He has no right to say such things, but with his warm hands wrapped strong around my lower back, I let myself be. I let my feelings be, and he rocks me close while I cry. I don’t know how he tricked me back into his arms but I do know one thing—this is where I want to be. (ARC 94)

I think Lizzy did a fantastic job of pacing the story well. There weren’t any moments that I felt were hindering the story or speeding it up unnecessarily. The plot twists could sometimes be predictable, but there was one that caught me totally off guard and it kept my interest up for the remainder of the story. I admired how Lizzy could create such different personalities and voices for her characters, even the ones I didn’t like at all, and I could picture every moment vividly in my mind. One of the secondary characters I just couldn’t like from the start was Autumn’s supposedly best friend, Gina. She had a huge personality, but she also had this dark and crazy side to her that bothered me so much. There was also a moment where she betrayed Autumn’s trust I would have found hard to overcome and forgive her for. Autumn’s mother was also another character I found myself disliking. The way she treated her daughter as if she were a minor responsibility in her life made her seem careless. Thankfully Autumn didn’t grow up too bad and stayed on a good path.

Sometimes the worst happens and all you have left are the ashes. Literally. Get up. Rebuild. Make an effort. You’ve got to fight for the things and people you love. (ARC 128)

Overall, Bring the Rain by Lizzy Charles was an enjoyable read, providing a unique and fresh setting to the story and differentiating it from other YA contemporary romances out there. The characters were able to convey emotions that drew the reader in from page one and also allowed readers to view their quest to maturity and forgiveness. I was glad at how Lizzy ended this story, leaving none of my questions unanswered. I was able to cheer for her characters almost from the start, and now they hold a special place in my heart. I definitely look forward to future stories by Lizzy Charles and can’t wait to see what she’s up to next! Totally recommend Bring the Rain to fans of contemporary romances!

Totally Awesome! I loved it, would read again.

Blog Tour: Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl by Leigh Statham | Guest Post + Giveaway!

Hi everyone!

Welcome to The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl by Leigh Statham blog tour! Today is my stop on the tour where I will be sharing all about the book, an author guest post and a giveaway!

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To check all the stops on this tour, click the image above.

Title: THE PERILOUS JOURNEY OF THE NOT-SO-INNOCUOUS GIRL

Author: Leigh Statham

Publication date: March 17, 2015

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Genre: YA - Science Fiction > Steampunk 

Lady Marguerite lives a life most 17th century French girls can only dream of: Money, designer dresses, suitors and a secure future. Except, she suspects her heart may be falling for her best friend Claude, a common smithie in the family's steam forge. When Claude leaves for New France in search of a better life, Marguerite decides to follow him and test her suspicions of love. Only the trip proves to be more harrowing than she anticipated. Love, adventure and restitution await her, if she can survive the voyage. 

Purchase: Chapters Indigo | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | TBD 

Leigh Statham's Hopes and Dreams

I hope my toddler lets me sleep through the night tonight.

I dream of writing something beautiful that humanity as a whole can enjoy (see Harper Lee).

I hope America starts to fix the public education nightmare that we are living with today.

I dream of children everywhere being able to go to school.

I hope my kids like what I make for dinner tonight.

I dream of having a personal chef.

I hope Steampunk is the next Vampire craze.

I dream of laying around by the pool writing with perfect hair like Stephenie Meyers.

I hope my books help a kid somewhere feel better about themselves.

I dream of a world where compassion is king and bullies use their strength for good.

I hope I don't gain anymore weight or else I'll have to buy new jeans.

I dream of being an Olympic marathon runner. 5 minute mile. 5 minute mile!

I hope I don't twist my ankle before my next race. 11 min mile. ugh.

I dream of having grand kids.

I hope my kids grow up to be happy, whatever they choose to do. Whomever they choose to love.

I dream of the day when my husband and I are retired and can sleep in late and sit by the ocean all day if we want to.

I hope I always remember these crazy days of small children and writing deadlines.

I dream of having perfect grammar.

I hope no one finds out how terrible I am at spelling.

I dream of being a NYT best seller.

I hope one person's life is made better by reading my words.

Thank you for having me on your blog!

cheers!

Leigh Statham

About The Author: Leigh Statham

Website |Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Leigh Statham was raised in the wilds of rural Idaho, but found her heart in New York City. She worked as a waitress, maid, artist, math teacher, nurse, web designer, art director, thirty-foot inflatable pig and mule wrangler before she settled down in the semi-quiet role of wife, mother and writer. She resides in North Carolina with her husband, four children, five chickens and two suspected serial killer cats. If the air is cool and the sun is just coming up over the horizon, you can find her running the streets of her small town, plotting her next novel with the sort of intensity that will one day get her hit by a car.

Giveaway Information:  Winner will be drawn April 13, 2015

• Three (3) winners will receive a physical copy of The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl by Leigh Statham (INT)
• Three (3) winners will receive a digital copy of The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl by Leigh Statham (INT)

Good luck everyone!

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Book Spotlight: CHASING BRISTOL by Shane Morgan

Hello my wonderful readers!

Today I am thrilled to be able to share all about an amazing new novel CHASING BRISTOL by Shane Morgan! Shane is not only the author of this book but is a book blogger and tour site owner. You may know her from her blog, Itching for Books. You can also find out all about her other books by checking out her author website, here. I hope everyone will enjoy learning all about Chasing Bristol in this post. It sounds super awesome and the cover is simply breathtaking! 

What do you do when your freedom and privacy is threatened?

Chasing Bristol by Shane Morgan

Series: The Finding Trilogy #2

Number of Pages: 187

Release Date: April 20th 2015

Publisher: TSW Books

Genre: NA - Contemporary Suspense

Bristol is trying to move on from a cheating ex. The last thing she wants are roses, gifts, and suggestive notes popping up at her apartment and at work.

When Bristol meets Mason—a charming and sweet guy who wants a chance with her—she’s convinced that he is the mystery guy trying to capture her heart. The thought fizzles when what appeared to be harmless turns into something much more terrifying, and Bristol realizes that Mason isn’t capable of such things. Not in his position. 

Bristol’s secret admirer is determined on having her for himself, no matter what. Will she have the courage to fight when control and privacy is being taken from her?

PRE-ORDER LINKS: 

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon FR | Amazon AU

Shane Morgan is a Amazon Bestselling author of contemporary romance, suspense, and urban fantasy. She lives in Rhode Island with her amazing husband, who doesn't mind being surrounded by so many books or inspiring the male characters in her stories. Aside from writing, Shane enjoys blogging, helping other authors, reading, listening to music and watching movies.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Cover Reveal: SIGNS OF LIFE by Selene Castrovilla + Giveaway: win a signed copy of Melt & $25 Amazon GC!

I'm so excited to take part in the cover reveal for SIGNS OF LIFE (Rough Romance #2, sequel to MELT)! Check out the cover below, enter the giveaway, and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

SIGNS OF LIFE (Rough Romance #2) by Selene Castrovilla

Publisher: Last Syllable Books 

Release Date: November 10, 2015

Genre: Contemporary Romance

No good deed goes unpunished… The tables are turned with a vengeance in this tour de force sequel to MELT. Now it’s Dorothy who is fragmented and lost, while Joey keeps the promise he made her to better himself – even though she’s gone. Joey tells his story “now ”—nearly a year after the shocking conclusion of MELT. Dorothy tells what happened “then”— in the moments and hours after the Glock dropped. This time the stakes are even higher, as Joey forces himself to move forward while Dorothy is frozen in place. But when he learns of a devastating decision, Joey races to find her before it’s too late. Truth, consequence, repercussion and modern medicine collide as pieces converge in this psychological, thrilling story, which begs the question: Can love really conquer all?

What do you think of the cover?

Be sure to add SIGNS OF LIFE to your TBR on Goodreads!

Haven't started this series yet? Check out book one below and grab a copy today!

Based on true events, MELT is both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance. MELT will hit you like a punch in the face, and also seep through the cracks in your soul. MELT is a brutal love story set against the metaphorical backdrop of The Wizard of Oz (not a retelling). When sixteen year old Dorothy moves to the small town of Highland Park, she meets, and falls for Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism? Told in dual first person, Joey’s words are scattered on the page – reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason – until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

About The Author: Selene Castrovilla

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | Pinterest

Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning teen and children’s author who believes that through all trends, humanity remains at the core of literature. She is the author of Saved By the Music and The Girl Next Door, teen novels originally published by WestSide Books and now available digitally through ASD Publishing. Her third children’s book with Calkins Creek Books, Revolutionary Friends, has received numerous accolades. She is also a contributing author to UncommonYA. Selene holds an MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons. Visit her website www.SeleneCastrovilla.com for book excerpts and more information! 

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