Archive for May 2014

COUNT THE CAST

Friday, May 30, 2014 0 Comments A + a -






Title:MAKE IT COUNT
Author: Megan Erickson
Publish Date: June 3rd 2014
Summary:
Kat Caruso wishes her brain had a return policy, or at least a complaint hot-line. The defective organ is constantly distracted, terrible at statistics, and absolutely flooded with inappropriate thoughts about her boyfriend's gorgeous best friend, Alec...who just so happens to be her brand new college math tutor. Who knew nerd was so hot?

Kat usually goes through tutors like she does boyfriends--both always seem to bail when they realize how hopeless she is. It's safer for her heart to keep everyone at arm's reach. But Alec is always stepping just a little too close.

Alec Stone should not be fantasizing about Kat. She's adorable, unbelievably witty, and completely off limits. He'd never stab his best friend in the back...

But when secrets are revealed, the lines of loyalty are blurred. To make it count, Alec must learn messy human emotions can't be solved like a trigonometry function. And Kat has to trust Alec may be the first guy to want her for who she is, and not in spite of it.
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 *CHARACTER CARDS*

The Student
"No rush. But by the time I leave tonight, you will give me a kiss, Alec Stone."

The Tutor
"Don't you feel it? All that negative crap I'd been holding inside is gone because of you. And the good I'm filling it with? That's you."


BUY LINKS
Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Google Play  | Avon


*AUTHOR CARD*

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5'3" on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf.

She's got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators, and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can't reach the stupid top shelf.

Author Links



Guys. Y'all NEED to read this book because its different from what you're used too and IT'S AMAZING!
-Vangie

Waiting On Wednesday (10)

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 0 Comments A + a -




Title: Ruin and Rising

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publish Date: June 17th 2014

Summary:The capital has fallen. The Darkling rules Ravka from his shadow throne.

Now the nation's fate rests with a broken Sun Summoner, a disgraced tracker, and the shattered remnants of a once-great magical army.

Deep in an ancient network of tunnels and caverns, a weakened Alina must submit to the dubious protection of the Apparat and the zealots who worship her as a Saint. Yet her plans lie elsewhere, with the hunt for the elusive firebird and the hope that an outlaw prince still survives.

Alina will have to forge new alliances and put aside old rivalries as she and Mal race to find the last of Morozova's amplifiers. But as she begins to unravel the Darkling's secrets, she reveals a past that will forever alter her understanding of the bond they share and the power she wields. The firebird is the one thing that stands between Ravka and destruction—and claiming it could cost Alina the very future she’s fighting for.

Why should you read this beauty?
HOLY SHUCKS ON BRICKS. I am not ready for this one. Let me tell you, if you have not read this series PLEASE PLEASE DO. You may regret it because all the pain you'll go through BUT THIS SERIES IS AMAZING and I don't want it to end. Soon you will understand me.


With more book to be waiting on
-Vangie

Be WIth Me by J. Lynn

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 0 Comments A + a -


"Oh sweet Mary mother of all the babies in the world, this was going to be awkward."

Title: Be With Me

Author: J.Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)

Published Date: February 4th 2014

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Summary:Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she's in love with her big brother's best friend, but he hasn't spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, life-changing kiss. Then she got out of a terrible relationship. Now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It's time for plan B: college. And maybe she'll have a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.
Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he's not telling anyone—especially not his best friend's incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn't have time for a relationship. But it doesn't help that all he can think about is kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.
As they're thrown together more and more, Jase and Teresa can't keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they're willing to risk to be together and what they're willing to lose if they're not. . .

Review:
"A drunk man's words were a sober man's thoughts."
I really enjoyed this book, probably just as much as I liked Wait For You. The atmosphere that surrounds this book is soul filling. Jennifer has a way of writing our thoughts and showing them to us and us realizing that she understands us.
"Damn, I was hoping I was going to get some dirty details and live vicariously through you."
Teresa is one of the most loveable characters out there despite what life has put her through. And boy has she been through a lot. While I was reading, I couldn't help but put myself in her shoes, and I know for a fact that I would've mostly likely given up on life. Teresa doesn't though; her friends and, especially, her family provide the strength and the hope that she needs. It's through their help that she has a different view.
"Someone needed to step up because I knew personally that when no one did, it only got worse."
Jase is my favorite character (he may even be beating Cam by a few millimeters). the way he is around his family is what should be sought for in a man. If he can treat his family well, you know you're going to be cherished. There's a lot of NA books out there were the girl goes out with the jerk, and a jerk that nothing but a jerk, that to me is very off putting. So when I read this book and Jase was in the scene my heart floated because this is the kind of character that girls should strive for.
"Pushing the tractor from behind was Jase, and even though I could barely hear him, I was sure that he was making engine noises... Jase laughed as his little brother shouted, 'Faster! Go faster!'"
Teresa and Jase's relationship was definitely like a roller coaster.They had these awesome moments that had me squealing, and then, BAM, I'm screaming because these two are being tontos and not listening to each other and just GAH! But all in all this couple was adorable, as was the book (which I suggest you read because you don't want to miss any of J.Lynn's books).
"Sometimes some really good things come from something unexpected."
With more books to be read
-Vangie

Matthew 45:20

Forever Ours IS LIVE

Tuesday, May 27, 2014 0 Comments A + a -


Title: Forever Ours

Author: Cassia Leo

Published Date: May 27th 2014

Summary: Sometimes, it takes more than love to mend a shattered heart.

After eight years of being tossed around from one home to another, never forming any meaningful friendships or bonds with her foster families, Claire's caseworker gives her an ultimatum: Behave or your next home will be a halfway house.

When fifteen-year-old Claire arrives at the home of Jackie Knight and meets Jackie's fifteen-year-old son, tattooed guitarist Chris, she fears she'll be seeing the inside of that halfway house soon. But Chris isn't like any other guy Claire has ever encountered and he soon gains her trust through his music and unwavering patience.

Claire has finally found her forever home and she and Chris soon find themselves falling in love.

But Chris’s dreams of musical stardom and Claire’s need for a stable home soon put their love in jeopardy. Chris struggles deeply with his plans for the future, entirely reluctant to leave Claire behind; until Claire does something that may break their love — and the only home she’s comes to know — forever.
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Whisper To Me Blog Tour!

Thursday, May 22, 2014 0 Comments A + a -














Title: Whisper To Me

 Author: Christina Lee

 Publish Date: May 20th 2014

 Summary: At college, Rachel has a reputation for being a sarcastic flirt with a thing for star athletes. No one at school knows that she'd had her heart ripped to shreds by her high school sweetheart, who'd driven them both off the side of the road on a borrowed motorcycle, and then abandoned her. No one knows the real Rachel Mattson--except one person...

Ever since he helped nurse his sister's feisty best friend back to health, pierced bass player Kai Nakos has been head over heels in love. But the supposed bad boy can't risk letting Rachel know the truth--especially now that the two of them are back in their hometown for the summer, together for the first time since the months following that fateful night. Never mind that Rachel's ex is back, groveling for her forgiveness.

Shaken by her ex's return, Rachel finds herself turning to the one guy she knows she can trust. Kai is willing to hide his feelings for her, just to have Rachel touch him again. After all, this is only a temporary fling. Until it becomes something more. But maybe it had been more all along...

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Buy Links:
Amazon | Kobo | Nook | iBooks

 Author Bio and Links: Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son--her two favorite guys. She's addicted to lip gloss, salted caramel everything, and believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.



GIVEAWAY


Waiting On Wednesday (9)

Wednesday, May 21, 2014 0 Comments A + a -


Title: City of Heavenly Fire

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publish Date: May 27th, 2014

Summary: Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian—but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance…

Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world will change. Who will survive the explosive sixth and final installment of the Mortal Instruments series?

Why should I read this beauty?
I'm literally scared shitless when it comes to this book. I have yet to see spoilers because I want this book to be new in a sense. I know I'm going to need some Hot Cheetos (my comfort snack) and a buttload of tissues to keep my sanity after this book. The fact that this is the last book with some of my all time favorite characters already has be crying. Let's just say that nothing can prepare me for this book.

With more books to be waiting on
-Vangie

Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 0 Comments A + a -


"What if the truth isn't to your liking?"
Title: Don't Look Back

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published Date: April 15th 2014

My Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary:
Samantha is a stranger in her own life. Until the night she disappeared with her best friend, Cassie, everyone said Sam had it all-popularity, wealth, and a dream boyfriend. 

Sam has resurfaced, but she has no recollection of who she was or what happened to her that night. As she tries to piece together her life from before, she realizes it's one she no longer wants any part of. The old Sam took "mean girl" to a whole new level, and it's clear she and Cassie were more like best enemies. Sam is pretty sure that losing her memories is like winning the lottery. She's getting a second chance at being a better daughter, sister, and friend, and she's falling hard for Carson Ortiz, a boy who has always looked out for her-even if the old Sam treated him like trash. 

But Cassie is still missing, and the facts about what happened to her that night aren't just buried deep inside of Sam's memory-someone else knows, someone who wants to make sure Sam stays quiet. All Sam wants is the truth, and if she can unlock her clouded memories of that fateful night, she can finally move on. But what if not remembering is the only thing keeping Sam alive?

My Review:
"And I knew right then, when he looked away and a muscle popped in his jaw, that he didn't believe what he was saying."
Holy smokes. I loved this book. If you're interested in mystery/horror and love YA, I HIGHLY suggest you read this. 
"A yearning to go back to that time filled me."
Sam was an awesome character (most of the time). Learning more about her past self let the me really appreciate her present self (and boy did i love her present self all the more). My favorite thing about Sam would probably be that she finally realized how wrong she was toward her peers "before" everything and that she changed from their view.
"Fear and popularity go hand and hand."
Her family GAH dang it her family. I hated the whole lot of them except Scott. And that's good because Jennifer wrote them that way to where they weren't to be liked but that you could still see the love, if only a little bit. 

"The past is in the past. It's done. Let it die."
Fudging Carson man. Golly man, he was just loveable the whole way through. So were Scott and the other supporting characters that weren't Sam's past (bitchy) friends. They were skeptic about Sam's new attitude, which made these character much more believable, and yet they were accepting, making them more real friends than any of the ones Sam had before.
"I knew that my life - as screwed as it was - had to be better than no life."
The only thing that was a little off was the ending. But now thinking about it, there was really no other way to have ended this awesome book, so I'm content.
"Ignore the feelings - they aren't real."
With more books to be read
-Vangie
Romans 8:31

Just Call Me Ninja Blog Tour!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014 0 Comments A + a -



Title: Just Call Me Ninja

Author: Clare Haltom

Publish Date: April 27th 2014

Summary: A guide to lies, high school, and saving the world... 
Sophomore Callista Trent is used to being the anonymous new girl. But when her mother's nomadic job finally keeps her family in one place long enough to force Callista to settle in, she wants none of it. She doesn't expect it to last, anyway--it never does. 
She also doesn't expect to stumble across a group of shinobi, modern-day ninjas who also happen to be high school students. Or for them to claim destiny sent her to join them. Or for the hot, harmonica-playing loner from her chemistry class to claim to be one of the instructors. 
For once, she starts to think that maybe she could belong somewhere. But she quickly learns her new friends aren't running some casual karate school. And when Callista's assigned to a dangerous mission they say only she can complete, she begins to suspect it wasn't destiny that brought her to the shinobi at all but a carefully laid plan. Oh, and the worst part? The boy she thought she could trust may have known the truth all along.

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Author Bio and Links: Clare Haltom lives in sunny southern California. She can usually be found jumping over waves at the beach, eating Pringles salt-side down, and trying to avoid ninja assassins. 




*EXCERPT TIME*

Nick shoved his hands deep in his pockets but then seemed to think better of it and pulled them back out. “The ninjas have been around since the fifteen hundreds; we’ve annoyed quite a few people.”
It was close enough to an answer that she started walking. “All those samurai haunting you?” She waggled her fingers in a spooky manner.
He looked at her, unimpressed. “The samurai ceased to exist in the eighteen hundreds. Ninjas did not. They went into hiding. They kept their actions more covert—”
He suddenly pushed her though the open door of a FedEx store. His hand rested on her shoulder, stilling her. She was certain he could feel her heart ricocheting around her ribs.
Then he exhaled slowly and released her.
He strolled back out onto the street. “After World War II, the ninjas began to expand their influence around the world. We make enemies doing what we do. And they can be dangerous.”
“What do you do?”
Nick responded with his own question. “What if you could help people?” He led her around two parked cars and across the street.
“I already help people.”
Crap. She had totally forgotten about Princess. She’d have to go back and find the cat later.
“How? Walking dogs and picking cigarette butts off the riverbank?” He opened the door to a sandwich shop, sailed straight through, and out a side door. “I’m talking about real stuff.
Tracking criminals the cops can’t catch. Finding missing people. Gathering information to stop wars. Helping people who have nowhere else to turn.”
He really did think he was a superhero. “You know, I keep meaning to free Tibet.”
“We should compare plans some time.” His voice was so dead-pan she couldn’t tell if he was serious.
She whipped her head around to see his face. But he was turned slightly away from her, watching the street.
“Do you actually get anyone to join with that spiel?” she asked.
“No. Not until I mention that we get paid rather large amounts for running missions.”
Money? Okay, that might have caught her interest slightly. Her mom didn’t believe in things like retirement. Or college funds. “Like how much?”
“A couple missions would pay for college.”
She had to remind herself that she wasn’t going to be in Connersville for more than a few months. Even if this nonsense was true—which it couldn’t possibly be—she wouldn’t be here long enough to become a trained operative. But she was still curious. “Who pays you?”
“Our clients. The people that hire the shinobi.”
“Someone pays a herd of killer teenagers to do their bidding?”
Nick started at that. “What? No. Most ninjas are adults. They’re in charge of our training. There just didn’t happen to be any there when you showed up.”
“An interesting coincidence.”
Nick shrugged. “What do you want me to say? It’s the truth, but apparently you’ve decided to be dubious.”
“Wouldn’t you be?”
He looked tired. “Never really got that chance.” He darted into an alley. The space was narrow and only about fifty feet long.
“Um, dead end,” she felt obligated to point out.
“Um, weapons cache.” He disappeared behind a dumpster.
No way.
With a sigh and much silent cursing of her gullibility, she followed. 

Girl Lost by Nazarea Andrews

Saturday, May 17, 2014 0 Comments A + a -


"I'll fight tooth and nail to be part of now." 
Title: Girl Lost

 Author: Nazarea Andrews

 Publish Date: May 1st 2014

 My Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

 Summary:  Northern was supposed to be a fresh start—a place where people didn’t know who I was or how I had spent years in and out of mental institutes. People didn't know about my parents death or the island no one heard of. But when Peter sits next to me in lit class, I can’t stop the memories, and I don’t want to. He looks too much like the boy from the island, and despite my best intentions, coaxes my secrets from me.

He’s gorgeous, irresistible, a little mad, and completely lost—we are a pair of broken cogs in a world neither of us truly fits into. He is somehow gentle and fierce, heartbreaking in his devotion and savage in his defense.

When Belle, his best friend, shows up, pale and lovely and sick, Peter pulls away from me, a startling withdrawal. It’s a relationship that scares and confuses me. She is at times warm and friendly, and other times is violent and unpredictable.

Peter says that he wants me, but refuses to let himself get close. And there are secrets, surrounding both of us, that border on nightmares. As the memories close in, as Belle gets sicker and more violent, I’m torn between what is true and what I believe, and what this magical boy knows about my mysterious past.
 My Review: 
"Insanity is a very Lonely place to be. Even with the company of my delusions."
This story was a crazy rendition of Peter Pan but a good one. I would have never thought of this but I'm glad Nazarea could. Peter is just gorgeous and endearing. Gwen has you captivated with her thoughts from the very beginning. The way the story is written is awesome. It's a mesh of the present and of flashbacks but there is no confusion. Just give this books a try. You'll find exactly what you're looking for.
"I have been fascinated with one thing for what seems like years."

With more books to be read
-Vangie

Romans 6:23

Waiting On Wednesday (8)

Wednesday, May 14, 2014 0 Comments A + a -



Title: Isla and the Happily Ever After

 Author: Stephanie Perkins

 Publish Date: August 14th 2014

 Summary: From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, Falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren't always forever.Their romantic journey is skillfully intwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Etienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping final to please fans old and new.

 Why do I want this beauty?
Stephanie Perkins has a way with words. Words that attach to the reader long after they've finished the book. I have a feeling this one will be no exception and that it's going to exceed my expectations. And I've waited three years for this beautiful book. I'm beyond excited for this one. (There's going to be cameos of the other couples! *jumping of excitement*)
With more books to be waiting on
-Vangie

Faking It by Cora Carmack

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 0 Comments A + a -


"I'm grateful that the past is in the past, and the future is ours to make."
Title: Faking It

 Author: Cora

 Published Date: June 4th 2013 

 My Rating: FIVE GOLDEN STARS

Summary: 
Mackenzie "Max" Miller has a problem. Her parents have arrived in town for a surprise visit, and if they see her dyed hair, tattoos, and piercings, they just might disown her. Even worse, they’re expecting to meet a nice wholesome boyfriend, not a guy named Mace who has a neck tattoo and plays in a band. All her lies are about to come crashing down around her, but then she meets Cade.
Cade moved to Philadelphia to act and to leave his problems behind in Texas. So far though, he’s kept the problems and had very little opportunity to take the stage. When Max approaches him in a coffee shop with a crazy request to pretend to be her boyfriend, he agrees to play the part. But when Cade plays the role a little too well, they’re forced to keep the ruse going. And the more they fake the relationship, the more real it begins to feel.

 My Review:
"Crying was for moments of such drastic pain that you had to let it out, had to shed your dead skin on your soul so that you could breathe."
All I can say is that I am completely in love with Golden Boy. I aspire to find a man like him and I won't give up. (Thanks Cora for completely ruining my dating life.)

"There was a beat. Another one of those moments when the winds shifted, time turned, and life started again in a new direction."
So this book is actually a reread (4 times). If that doesn't tell you how much I love this book, I don't know what will. Honestly, it's one of the few New Adult books out there that I absolutely love.
"As long as you open your eyes and keep going."
There are many reason why I love this book. 1) Cade is Texan (see there's already a connection there. We're meant to be. HAHA.) 2) FREAKING THEATRE (If you didn't know, I'm in theatre. So yea. It Reinforces our love. :} ) and 3) I love this plotline in any book ... the pretend boyfriend/girlfriend thing and then they end up falling in love. (I mean how do you not?! I know it's cheesy but it's so darn adorable, like pizza! and I really do love pizza.)
"Life isn't ever simple. not until you're dead."
The first time reading this book, I thought "no way can any book be better than Losing it." But (golden) boy, was I proven wrong. The whole atmosphere of this book is so much more lighter, and yet it's not. What Cade is going through is heck of lot, and Max's life is no different. Despite, their troubles and major (I mean MAJOR) differences, they form a connection.
"I'll take my chances against you fickle heart if it means it's mine." 
The way Cora Carmack wrote their story was amazing. She was able to go from fluff to serious moments with one line. There's a particular scene toward the middle where Cade is happy with Max and then *SPOILERS*. But the reader FEELS these emotions coursing through, and you're not just left in awe of what happened to the character, but also what those words did to you.
"'I'm glad you fought for me,'she said.'I'm glad you let me.'"
If you haven't read Losing It, then I highly suggest you do. And then read this beauty and talk to me because I need a reason to reread this book. Once you're at that point, why not read Finding Her (Side Note: it's just as good).
"The future had much to look forward too."
With more books to be read
-Vangie 

Psalm 34:18

All Lined Up Release Day Launch

Tuesday, May 13, 2014 0 Comments A + a -



Title: All Lined Up

Author: Cora Carmack

Publish Date: May 13th 2014

Summary: In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.
Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.
But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.
Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.
Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.
And neither of them know how to walk away from the attraction they feel.


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Buy Links:
Amazon | B&N


Author Bio and Links: Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life-- boring jobs (like working retail), Fun jobs (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dream jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of it. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Page



*EXCERPT AND GIVEAWAY DOWN BELOW*

Excerpt:
There’s only one thing in the world I despise more than football, and he’s making his way down the stairs toward me.

 My eyes flit around me like I’m scanning a battlefield instead of a blowout:fraternity banners, litter of red Solo cups, and a freshman pledge dragging around a trash bag playing reluctant maid. Part of me wants to keep doing that, to pretend like I didn’t hear him.

 But I can’t. If I ignore him, it will only prove to him that he still bothers me.

 I face him as he steps off the last stair, crossing his arms over his broad chest and grinning at me. Levi. My ex.

 He leans his hip against the banister of the grand staircase, and I spy not one but two girls sitting halfway up the stairs, obviously upset that they’ve lost his attention.

 Behind me I hear someone shout, “Ready. Aim. Fire!” and I know the beer guns are back in play.

 “Alcohol and bad decisions, Levi? Can’t say I’m surprised to find you smack-dab in the middle of that.”

 He kicks off from the banister, swaggering a few steps closer. His dark hair and eyes are as striking as always. I’d fallen for him so hard my freshman year of high school: doodling our names together in my spiral, watching him play from the bleachers, wearing that monstrous mum he gave me for homecoming, beaming on his elbow at his junior prom.

 The memory of all that just makes me nauseated now. But as Stella always says, hindsight is a pretentious, know-it-all bitch.

 “You come here to make some bad decisions?” He moves closer, his voice pitching lower. Intimate. His gaze drifts down my body with an arrogant familiarity. “Because you know I can help you with that.”

 Levi Abrams has been the cause of enough bad decisions for a lifetime.

 Stella steps in, her voice colder than I’ve ever heard it. “I’m fairly certain she’d rather sandpaper her own skin off.”

 I nod and plaster on the fakest smile in my arsenal. “And then take a bath in lemon juice.”

 Levi smiles back, and I’m pretty sure the bastard is enjoying this.

 He’s bigger than when I last saw him. Bulked up. I guess that’s the difference between high school and college ball. But it’s not just muscles… he reaches out a hand like he’s going to touch my hair, and as I jerk back, even his hands seem bigger than I remember. A man’s hands, rather than those of the boy I knew. Or maybe his head got so big that his inflated ego overflowed to other parts of his body. Also a possibility.

 I knew Levi was here when I chose Rusk University—hard not to when he’s the starting quarterback—but I didn’t think I’d ever have to see him. Since Dad wouldn’t let me leave Texas, and only a handful of universities here actually have a true dance major, Rusk was the best option out of the schools to which I was allowed to apply.

 Levi lets his hand fall away and turns to leave, but then stops to say over his shoulder, “You don’t have to pretend to hate me so much, you know. I’m here. You’re here. We could start fresh, D.”

 Why does no one get that it’s impossible to have a fresh start when nothing has really changed? God, I knew that better than anybody because no matter how many new coaching jobs Dad took, every school ended up the same.

 Levi is still a douche-bag who only cares about himself.

 Dad still approaches parenting like I’m a member of his team.

 And I… I’m still stuck. In my father’s shadow. In Texas. In this lame state school with a joke of a dance program.

 And now I’m stuck at my first frat party with the ex who broke my heart.

 Yay college.
Giveaway!

Starbright Blog Tour!

Saturday, May 10, 2014 0 Comments A + a -





Title: Starbright (Starlight Trilogy #2)

 Author: Alexandra Richland

 Published Date: May 6th 2014

 Summary:
For starlet Elizabeth Sutton, it’s difficult to tell which has more momentum: her burgeoning film career, or the growing intimacy in her forbidden romance with notorious Hollywood outsider, Aidan Evans.  When the opportunity to costar in a feature film arrives, Beth and Aidan fight to keep their relationship out of Hollywood’s rumor mill and away from the ever-watchful eyes of Starlight Studios head Luther Mertz, who condemns a union between them and threatens the future of Beth’s acting career.  The pressure mounts as the cameras roll. Beth and Aidan navigate the precarious heights of superstardom while exploring their physical desires in secret. Beth grapples between the debilitating nervousness over her sexual inexperience and her unbridled need for Aidan. Meanwhile, the demons from Aidan’s past he thought forever vanquished linger on the fringes of a fragile inner peace . . .

Starbright is the second book in The Starlight Trilogy, a story of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age. 
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Alexandra Richland spends rotating twelve-hour shifts working as a registered nurse at a Toronto hospital, indulging in her love of science and medicine, and caring for patients with their own unique tales to tell.  When she is not on duty, Alexandra escapes into her own imagination. Therein lies a fantasy world of thrilling adventure, gorgeous men, classic Hollywood glamour, exotic getaways, and a seductive dose of romance. Alexandra captures these stories in her popular novels, The Starlight Trilogy and Frontline, her novella, Slip Away, and her short story, Gilded Cage. 

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*AND NOW AN EXCERPT*


Aidan returned to the living room and led Beth into the bathroom with a subtle touch to her shoulder. She draped the blanket over the counter and stood before him, her hands clasped in front of her. He worked a miracle and didn’t look below her face. This was not the proper time for what he desired to happen between them.
“Okay, I’ll leave you to…” The thought of her undressing redirected his mind along a less than honorable route. “And, uh, I’ll find you something of mine to wear.”
“Thank you.” Beth took her lower lip between her teeth. The way she looked at him suggested she had something more to say.
“Is there anything else you need?”
Beth released her lip. “Um… can you unzip me?”
The request traveled on an express ticket from Aidan’s ears down to his groin. He scrounged up a reply. “Uh, yeah. Sure.”
Beth turned around. Aidan released a deep breath and stepped softly against her, appreciating the enchanting curve of her back and behind. He gathered her hair and brought it forward over one shoulder. Unable to help himself, he closed his eyes and bent down to kiss her nape. She shivered. He groaned and backed away.
Aidan gripped the zipper of her dress between his thumb and forefinger and lowered it to her waist slowly, revealing a pearl-colored silk slip underneath. He was half grateful and half disappointed she wore one.
Beth faced him and did something he couldn’t have predicted in a million years. She brought her hands up and slipped the dress off her shoulders. It fell to the floor at her feet in a plush puddle of cream taffeta, leaving her standing before him in only her slip, strapless brassiere, and he hoped for his sake, panties. The more layers covering her skin, the better for his resolve.
Or so he thought.
Beth’s slip was low enough in the front to reveal the swell of her cleavage and a hint of her bra. It draped over her breasts and hugged her trim waist and hips, falling to mid-calf—a sultry display of silk against skin, elegance against beauty.
Aidan’s arousal struck him so hard it was as though it arrived on the tail of a lightning bolt. Using every scrap of sense he had left, he made the agonizing move of turning his back on her so she could finish undressing and bathe in peace.
“Aidan?”
He closed his eyes and tilted his face toward the ceiling. With the exhale of a long and uneven breath, he grappled for the strength to remain a gentleman and depart from the bathroom no matter what.
“Yeah?”
“Please don’t go yet.” 



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