BLOG TOUR, REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Revive (Storm MC #3) - Nina Levine

Revive by Nina Levine

Book #3 of Storm MC Series

Cover Designer: LM Creations
Photographer: CJC Photography

Model: Joseph Troisi

Hosted By: Book Empire Promotions

He doesn’t do relationships.  Neither does she.  But they can’t fight the attraction any longer…

Nash Walker hides the demons that consume his soul.  He buries them deep and distracts himself with sex.  Anything to avoid facing a past full of heartbreak and regret; anything to numb the pain that he struggles with daily.

Velvet Carr has spent years fighting her demons.  It’s a fight she’s winning.  That is, until Nash crashes his way into her life and into her heart.  

It started out as a bit of harmless fun between friends; it wasn’t meant to get complicated for either of them.  But when two broken souls come together and arouse unwanted feelings in each other, complicated is what happens. 

Can Nash and Velvet help heal each other and revive the love in their lives that they’ve both been refusing to allow in for years?  Or will they let their demons ruin any chance they may have at happiness?

5 Sweet Thing Stars! 

ARC received from the author for an honest review 

“Men. Sometimes you could kiss them forever and other times you could just take your glittery, red stilettos and jam them as far up their asses as they’d reach.” 

Nina Levine’s books seem to be getting better and better with each new release! Characters and stories develop really well and will hook you right from the start and leave you happy sighing and excited for more. So far, Nash and Velvet’s book is my favorite in the Storm series. It has sweet, it has angst, it has super hot steam, and it has drama. 

Friends-turned-lovers (and enemies-turned-lovers) always gets to me. There’s something so real life about developing deeper feelings for your friend after all the years you’ve spent being each other’s shoulder to lean on. Velvet and Nash has that palpable attraction for each other but knowing Nash is such a huge charmer and Velvet having past self-worth issues, they tried to keep their hands off each other to save their friendship from self-destructing. 

One night with a drunk Velvet with no more inhibitions about their physical attraction to each other and their friendship, she and Nash finally gave in. Nash was pretty adorable trying to be the sober party but of course, he’s had the hots for Velvet for years so did I think he’ll stop? No. And it’s a relief that the morning after was not about a freaked out Velvet. Sometimes all the “what did I just do last night oh my god I can’t show my face to him and this will be awkward” mental pep talk gets old. Nash freaking out though, I sort of expected that but was still hoping he at least stayed the night. But like most playboy, badass males, Nash struggled with the emotions he’s been having for Velvet. 

After the hot sex and the almost fall-out that happened between them, the turn their friendship took was easy. They now know what they want and they’re going for it. No back and forth, no pushing and pulling. I more than like this about these two crazy, funny people. For someone who’s been bullied and sucker punched with harsh words, Velvet is now a fierce woman who stands up for herself and speaks her mind and I like that about her! She’s the perfect woman for someone as womanizing and who keeps everything not sex related to himself like Nash. They bring out the best in each other and it’s obvious with how they act and speak when they’re together especially in the company of their closest friends. 

I also loved seeing them with their own families. I enjoyed all the sexy and funny banters not just between them both but also with their families and friends. Nina Levine managed to include a lot of different aspects into this book; each of their past dramas, their families, Storm-related problems, their love story, but it didn’t drag on or felt like it was too much. It all blended perfectly well. 

Stars: 5 stars! 

Recommended to: Biker bad ass lovers with strong female lead. 

POV: First person. Dual POV. 

Series: Yes. Interconnecting characters. 

Cliffhanger: No. But story continues on with the next characters. 

Extra Comment: I’m curious what will happen to the club after all the things that happened in this book. Looks like it’s going to be action-packed!

SERIES ORDER & PURCHASE LINKS

Book #1 Storm: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | iBooks

Book #2 Fierce: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

Book #2.5 Blaze: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | iBooks

Book #3 Revive - Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | iBooks | Amazon AUS

Book #4 Slay - Pre-Order Now: iTunes

USA Today Bestselling Author Nina Levine, is an Aussie author who writes stories about hot, alpha men and the tough, independent women they love.

When she isn't creating with words, she loves to create with paint and paper. Often though, she can be found curled up with a good book and some chocolate.

CONNECT WITH NINA: FACEBOOK | BLOG | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

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BLOG TOUR, REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Deciding Tomorrow (These Days #3) - Renee Ericson

Deciding Tomorrow Synopsis:

What if a love, once lost, came around for a second chance?

After a fated meeting with the one person who captured her heart many years ago, Ruby Miller is taking a leap of faith, right into the arms of her past.

Four years have gone by since the tragedy that tore Ruby and Brent apart, setting them on different paths, battered and searching. Now, this couple divided by time and distance will have to fight for their love to survive in the present, as they try to deal with their past and the decisions that made them who they are today.

Is their love worth it? The same love they gave up on once before?

Can they put everything aside to see what's left of what they once shared?

Following their hearts, their minds, and Deciding Tomorrow.

My Review

4 All’s Well That Ends Well Stars!

ARC received from the author for an honest review

“Second chances only come around once, and I’m not wasting this one with you.” “I want to try, too.”

We’ve met Brent and Ruby when they were in high school, we’ve seen them separate and find their way back to each other, and now we get to be with both of them as they re-discover the person that they loved 5 years ago and the person they are now. Let’s be with them as they fight for their love and work out their relationship.

 “I love you. I never stopped, and I have a feeling I’m going to love you forever, and… I want you to know it.”

After that sneak peek from Forgotten Yesterday, I was left looking forward to the rest of Brent and Ruby’s story. How are they going to work things out? Will their love be the same or stronger than before? These two characters have grown and matured and it’s evident on how they want to handle and move forward in their second chance at love. They are more vocal about what they want and don’t want, more expressive, and I really like that although they’ve both hurt and regret the actions they did in the past, they did not hold on to the pain (hallelujah!). There’s no bitterness and anger but Renee Ericson still effectively made me feel the emotions like I am a close friend of both characters and experienced their pain with them.

When they decided to “try” to give their new relationship a go, amidst the distance, I was happy that Ruby didn’t create drama. I was even more happy that she is opening up her feelings and not bottling it in and I loved how Brent was all willing to do anything for Ruby, it was sweet and very gentlemanly. The pain from what happened in the past was still there but now Ruby is also seeing a new future with Brent, this particular dream she’s had and the last scene in the story were my favorite parts. It’s magical and surreal and very hopeful.

Rating: 4 stars!
Recommended to: Romance fans and second-chance romance saps like myself.
POV: First person. Female POV.
Series: Yes.
Cliffhanger: No. End of series.
Extra Comment:: Love the last chapter!

Purchase

After Tuesday

 Amazon     B&N

Forgotten Yesterday

Amazon     B&N

Deciding Tomorrow

Amazon     B&N

Book Trailers

Deciding Tomorrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWXcVdy68Wo

Forgotten Yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hht1pqX6L0s

After Tuesday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ1IzDjRnwk

Author Bio

Renee Ericson is the author of the These Days series. 

Originally from the Midwest, she now resides in a small town just outside of Boston with her husband and three children. 

Most winters, Renee can be found on the slopes of the White Mountains skiing with her family. During the summer months, she likes to spend every spare minute at the beach soaking up the sea air. All those moments in between, she is talking to imaginary characters and caring for her children.

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COVER REVEAL: Within These Walls - J.L. Berg

We're so excited to reveal the cover for WITHIN THESE WALLS by J.L. Berg, which releases August 18th!

 

About WITHIN THESE WALLS:

Within these walls, he became my solace, my sanctuary and my strength. I am not strong. I am just a survivor of circumstance. Isn’t that what we all do? Survive? Each of us has our own set of circumstances to muddle through. Mine are just more…complicated. Born with a severe heart defect, I’ve seen the inside of a hospital room more than my own bedroom. I was drowning, a prisoner to the illness that owned me, until he appeared. He thinks he’s blocked out the world with his tattoos and hard exterior, but I see the real Jude, the one he so desperately wants to forget. But is he the answer to my prayers or will he break my already damaged heart forever? My name is Lailah Buchanan, and this is our story of hope, redemption and sacrificing it all for the one you love.  

Prologue

Within these walls he became my solace, my sanctuary and my strength.

Like a white knight, he saved me from a life of gray and showed me a world full of color.

Within these walls, I gave myself to a man who said he would always fight for me.

Love me until the end of time.

But sometimes, not even love is enough when life gets in the way.

When your heart is already damaged beyond repair, what is there left to break?

Within these walls, I gave my less than perfect heart to the man I loved.

And then…he walked away.

Add it to Goodreads here! Sign up for J.L. Berg's brand-new newsletter here!  

About J.L. Berg

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.

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ARC Review: Blurred (Connections #3.5) - Kim Karr

★★★★★

5 Ben Covington Stars!

ARC received from the author for an honest review

Release Date: August 5, 2014

“Life presents choices at every curve and it’s the choices we make that pave the way for our future.”

I would start this review by saying I am not a fan of Ben Covington. I don’t necessarily hate him but he’s also not on my favorite persons list. But because I enjoyed the first 4 books in the series, I am more than willing to give Ben a chance. I’m glad I did.

I am always open for authors redeeming their not-so-likeable characters, I’m curious and I’d like to read for myself if the character was redeemable or not. Reading Ben’s story, or a glimpse of it, from Connected was intriguing enough. Now, on Blurred, Kim Karr gave us a more in depth look at who Ben Covington was when he was with Dahlia and is now that he’s back from being “dead”. I think it’s safe to say that this is not a love story. This is a life story. This is Ben’s life story. 

We were finally taken to his way of thinking and all the emotions that he’s been dealing with before and after that decision he’s made years ago that changed everything. He’s still not my favorite, I think I need to read more Ben and see him actually rise to the struggle he has with his life but I appreciate being in his thoughts and I now understand him a bit more than I did at the start of the series. It was not easy for me reading his story, I felt the struggle and pain that he was going through. It was obvious how lost he was and that feeling led him to several questionable decisions and actions. I actually felt sad for him. Again, this was not an easy read for me. If you’re asking “why are you giving it a 5 if it wasn’t easy for you?”, I’ll say, “because even though it was difficult, it made me open up my feelings for Ben and his situation and Kim got my attention”.

You will see a broken, confused man searching for his purpose and a new meaning to life. I liked how Kim did not soften Ben’s edges in this book. She gave us a raw version of him, something that we would be looking forward to for the next book on his happily ever after. Would he have it? How much more struggle would he face to finally reach that finish line for him? So even though Ben is not on top of my love list, I want and am still looking forward to his journey especially since Blurred ended towards that path. Blurred is like an introduction to Frayed which is the next book and will be available on September. Remember earlier when I mentioned Blurred is not exactly a love story? Yes, that’s why. This is a background on Ben’s life, I think this is for us readers to understand Ben before diving into his and Belle’s story. If this is the purpose, then it worked for me.

Stars: 5 stars!
Recommended to: Genuinely curious and open-minded about Ben Covington’s character.
POV: First person. Male POV.
Series: Yes.
Cliffhanger: Not exactly.
Extra Comment:: I understand a lot of readers do not like Ben to the point of hating him. If you consider giving Blurred a whirl, try to look at the bigger picture and step back for a while so Ben can stand a chance to redeem himself or for you to at least enjoy yourself a bit. But if not, it’s okay. We can’t all enjoy the same book. :)

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REVIEW: Welcome To Sugartown (Sugartown #1) - Carmen Jenner

5 Belle's Pies Stars!!!

If you're looking for a funny, sexy, steaming super hot, and emotionally surprising read, Welcome to Sugartown fits the bill perfectly and then some.

I mean, Holy hell! What did I just read?!.

My emotions are all jumbled up from reading Elijah and Ana's story, I can't write a long review like I'm used to when I love the book. At first I was laughing so hard, then I was swooning, then I was mad and heartbroken, and then I was crying.

Elijah Cade is one hot guy I'd face my fear of riding motorcycles with. He. Is. HOT. *hearts*

There was THAT part where it all started to fall apart and as much as I love him I wanted to skin him alive for that stunt he pulled. And then I was back to feeling sorry for the dude but 100% rooting for Ana while she stands her ground and deals with everything on her own - and well, with Holly.

It has to be mentioned that I absolutely loved Holly, the cracknut best friend, and Sammy, the adorable little brother.

Rollercoaster isn't enough of a description for all the feelings I've had. Ms. Carmen Jenner, welcome me to your Sugar Junkies because I am definitely IN.

Wanna see how much of a sugar junkie I am?

Stars: 5 hot damn pie stars!
Recommended to: Hot biker guy with a filthy mouth lovers and extremely funny heroine and her crazy best friend.
POV: First person. Dual POV. (I love dual povs!)
Series: Yes, BUT standalone.
Cliffhanger: No.
EXTRA COMMENT: Prepare to look like a mental patient while reading this because you'll be laughing out loud one minute and then crying like a baby the next!
Carmen Jenner

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ARC REVIEW: Entice (Evolve #3) - S.E. Hall

5 Sawyer Caveman Stars!

ARC received for an honest review

”You can have me.”, he whispers onto the back of my hand, placing a kiss behind his words. “All you have to do is take me.”

I would like to start this by asking, WHERE CAN I FIND A SAWYER AND CAN I KEEP HIM? And I would also like to know if he comes with a “crew”.

Entice is a heartwarming, cute, adorable, challenging, enticing and a little emotional story about a man pining for a girl he never got the chance to know her name and then finally seeing and meeting her in an unexpected and rather (welcome) surprising moment. And about a girl left with no one, no family or friends, and is doing her best to survive and live well given her situation.

Sawyer Beckett is a dirty-mouthed, protective, loyal, supportive and fiercely loving guy not only to this girl he looked for everywhere but didn’t find (and eventually did) but also with his “crew”. He is hard-working but also sort of a manwhore, which he fully admits to himself and reasons out that ”it’s just sex” and “he couldn’t keep his mind off that girl”. But even with his whoring ways, I didn’t find myself frustrated with him or the urge to punch his balls for what he’s doing. Sure, it would’ve been nice if he wasn’t always ready to get laid with any girl he finds but then he wouldn’t be the Sawyer who can show how much he can change because of love.

And speaking of Sawyer and love, here’s Emmett Young, the first love of his life, the one he searched for in every bars and the girl he was pining for for months. She is independent, determined, alone, but very tough. She has some insecurities so although she has accepted her situation, she doesn’t want to burden anyone with it, especially Sawyer.

Their friendship to love story

Sawyer and Emmett’s story started out as strangers to co-workers slash friends to romantic. I loved the transition that Ms. SE Hall made with their relationship. Their friendship was intense but not sexual, their attraction to each other palpable and sizzling, and when they finally got together, it was wonderful and heartfelt.

That situation Emmett is in was a surprise to me. I didn’t see that one coming, and I definitely didn’t expect Sawyer’s reaction to it. It was surprising but touching and it just proved to me how much Sawyer can give to someone he truly treasures and adores.

Their entire story isn’t just about them, but also about their relationship with their friends, the crew. This group of friends that Sawyer has, who eventually also became Emmett’s, is one that every person is lucky to have in life. They are so bonded that they became each other’s family. They support each other, celebrate with and for each other, and readily gives it to someone hard and real when that someone needs a reality check.

This book made me laugh more times that I can count and unexpectedly broke my heart, made me cry, and then put my heart back together, made me smile and then cry happy tears.

Stars: 5 stars!
Recommended to: Lovers of foul-mouthed loving guys with a strong yet vulnerable at the same time heroine.
POV: First person. Dual POV.
Series: Yes. But standalone.
Cliffhanger: No.
EXTRA COMMENT: This is a touching, beautiful story of love and friendship and family and my first read from SE Hall. Now I want to read the first 3 books and excited for the last one that’s coming in a few months!

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