Liv's World of Books

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Today's Book Release: The Unwritten Series box set by Lauren Runow

Title: The Unwritten Series

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: Lauren Runow

Release Date: July 12, 2016

Book Description

* The Unwritten Series is the boxed set of Unwritten and Rewritten.*

Charlie Ashley, or Mr. Ashley as his clients know him, is a high-end male escort who gets paid thousands for whatever services his clients require. He’s lived the last ten years alone, not letting anyone in, enjoying his success and provocative lifestyle.

Allison Hayes has no idea the man she is falling in love with is a male escort. She connects with Charlie through their love of music, playing a taunting game asking herself if she loves him, hates him or if she is going to save him.

After meeting Allison, Charlie enters a world where everything he knows no longer makes sense, leaving him too scared to move forward, yet making it impossible to look back.

But can he give up his entire life for love?

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Excerpt:

At five o’clock the next day I walk toward Starbucks to see if Allison will show up. Standing outside the door, I peek in through the window and see her sipping her latte, listening to music. Her hair is softly curled, pulled halfway back showing off her sensual neckline and her soft pink lips. I’m stuck, just watching her like a crazy man.

A strange feeling overcomes me and I start to question myself. What the fuck am I thinking? Why am I even meeting this girl? I can’t date!

I turn to leave just as she looks up and we lock eyes. Slowly a smile comes over my face and like a moth to a flame, I open the door to walk in.

“Fancy meeting you here. Are you waiting for someone by chance?” I jokingly say walking up to her and placing a small kiss on her cheek, before pulling up a chair next to her.

Allison’s face blushes from my touch. “Why yes, this mysterious guy just up and left yesterday and I was intrigued to know why.”

“Sorry, I had an appointment and I was running late. Plus, I wanted to see if you would play along.”

I try to hide how turned on I am by the sight of her but she’s wearing a loose white shirt, short blue linen shorts, with high wedges that make her tan, fit legs look long and delicious and I can’t help it. All I can think about is having those legs wrapped around me and I know I’m in deep trouble when it comes to this girl.

“Oh, so you’re into games, are you?”

“Games?” I pause, touching my finger to my lips, tapping it like I’m trying to think of something to say. “More like playful inquiry. That way I know you’re interested. Which I like… I’m going to get something to drink, can I get you anything?”

“No, I’m good, thank you though.”

I walk up to the counter and ask for a glass of water. I don’t plan on staying here but all of a sudden my mouth is so dry and I need a break from her to calm my nerves.

I look down at my outfit, questioning if I made the right decision by dressing more casual for our meeting. I have on my Varvatos jeans, collared black shirt and leather Chuck Taylors. I always have on a suit when I meet with a woman but it didn’t feel right with her. She’s not a client and for once I wanted to wear what I actually wanted to wear.

I turn around and catch Allison gazing at me and she flushes as I smile and give her a small wink. Ok, I made the right decision.

“You like the view?” I smirk, walking back with water in my hand.

Allison flushes while a small smile escapes her lips. I’m sure I just embarrassed her pointing out that I caught her checking me out and I instantly regret asking the question. I don’t want to be that cocky guy with her. I just want to be me, not someone else I try to be everyday.

When she doesn’t reply I ask, “What are you listening to today?”

“You know, a little of everything. I’m really into Rise Against lately. The Unwritten Law channel on Pandora plays them and they seem pretty cool.”

“Yeah, I’m familiar, Savior is one of my favorite songs. It’s all about trying to figure out if they can still love each other after everything they’ve been through. She doesn’t hate him and she’s just trying to save him but he thinks he can’t be saved.”

“Impressive,” Allison tilts her head in affirmation.

“So, is this love…?” I pause to see her response. Reaching closer, I whisper in her ear, “Because I’m definitely not the answer…”

Perplexed by my tone, she questions, “Hmm, should I take that as a warning, or are you asking me to save you?”

“I’ll let you be the judge of that,” I reply while I sit back, sipping my water and sending a look her way.

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About the Author:

Lauren Runow is the author of two Adult Contemporary Romance novels, Unwritten and Rewritten.

When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music that speaks to her, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field or skatepark with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

Newsletter Twitter Facebook Goodreads Instagram: @lrunow

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Cover Reveal: Provocative by Alex Lucian

Provocative

by Alex Lucian

Series: Tempting Book #3

Release Date: July 21st

(Cover Designer: Najla Quamber; Photographer: Lindee Robinson Photography; Cover Model: Denise Emilia)

Synopsis:

Coming home to a quiet, dark house.

Meals by myself, because she was already done.

Excuses and apologies, they were never enough.

But even with that, when I touched her—when she arched under me and pulled me deeper—

we couldn’t get back to where we needed to be. Where we used to be.

It was all frustration.

Loneliness. Loss.

Because even though she was no longer my student, the chemistry was always there. Adele and I loved each other.

We thought we were unshakeable. But love isn’t always enough. It wasn’t enough when I constantly disappointed her. It wasn’t enough when loss cleaved us in two. And when she left me, love was not enough. She didn’t know yet that I’d never stop fighting for her. But she would.

**Author’s note- Let’s be real clear that this is BOOK TWO of a duet, and you’re going to want to read Tempting before you read this one. Adele and Nathan started their story in that book, and you’ll get the same sex, fighting, and cursing that you did in the first. But if you want it to make sense, read Tempting first. If any of that offends you, please avoid them both.**

Catch up on the series:

Tempting, Tempting Book #1: http://amzn.to/29nIQZ6

Beguiling, Tempting Book #2: http://amzn.to/29zfLtA

About the Author:

Alex Lucian is an author living on the eastern coast of the United States who appreciates being anonymous, for personal and professional reasons. Tempting is Alex's first novel, followed by Beguiling and Provocative.

Facebook / Website / Twitter / Amazon

Monday, July 4, 2016

Book Review: Pure Abandon by Jeannine Colette

I didn’t want to like this book. I really didn’t but I love it and am torn apart by this. This is my first book that’s dealing with the cheating topic and I think it will be my last because I am all the way a HEA person and I don’t do any kind of cheating but I still couldn’t put this book down. It kept me up all night. The writing was excellent and the story compelling.

The story is told from the first-person view of Kathryn Grayson. She made me follow her gut-feelings and I jumped on her train of conclusions. I felt horrible in the end when everything was revealed.

The Story:
Kathryn spent the last year at home managing the household and tending her baby but this isn’t what she always wanted and that’s why she decides to start working again. Her husband Gabe is working hard as a lawyer to provide everything for his family though Kathryn always loved working and is really excited when she starts her new job. Though already on her first day, she meets Alexander Asher and is thrown by this man. Alex always gets what he wants especially since some misconceptions on Kathryn’s part play into his hands because when Kathryn runs into Becca, the blond good-looking woman which seems to know Jackson and Gabe very well, Kat can’t shake this feeling in her gut about what Gabe might be doing behind her back.

Thoughts:
I loved all of the characters because they felt all so real and believable. Besides Gabe (Oh be still my beating heart) and Alex (Yes, I even loved Alex because I don’t blame him for wanting Kathryn.), I loved Kathryn’s mum Gwen. She was there when Kat needed her and she was really supportive and didn’t choose sides.

I understand Kathryn’s actions and reactions but I sometimes wanted to scream at her.

Closer to the end, I have to say that the author had me scared there for a second and I was put through a lot of emotions that are still overwhelming me. The ending itself would have killed me if it weren’t for the epilogue. Oh thank you heavens for the kindness of the author =)

Who Kathryn chose and what happened at the end is somewhat a Band-Aid for my beat-up heart because finally she made the right choice (at least in my opinion because I wished for this all along even though I liked the other guy too). As I mentioned before I am not happy about the cheating and some tiny parts in this book but I think overall it wasn’t too bad for my romantic heart for the damage to be irreparable. =P

Even though I have no comparisons because this was the first book of this kind for me, it was really tastefully written and I loved that about it. I worried at first that it would be a really dirty affair though Kathryn didn’t just jump on any man she could find. It was a lot of circumstances that played into each other and it wasn't like she planned all along to cheat on her husband. I personally hate lying and cheating because I am all the way for an HEA.

I am intrigued to read the next book Reckless Abandon

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author through the Fifty Shades Support Group on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

View full review on Goodreads

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Book Review: A Beautiful Sin by Terri E. Laine and A.M. Hargrove

Terri E. Laine and A.M. Hargrove show us again how believable their well created characters are. They feel so real to me and that’s one of many reasons why their stories are amazing. It’s like I am a part of it.

This is a bittersweet story with a lovely ending.

A Beautiful Sin is told from a dual POV. It’s about finding a way to deal with ones past of abuse, fear and guilt and to find a way to live a life the way it makes oneself happy.
I really liked that these authors didn’t shy away from topics that are mostly taboo in our society or hushed up and wrote about them so sympathetically.
I wasn’t bothered by the religious part in this book even though I am not a religious person myself. I absolutely loved to read Canaan’s story because he seemed so authentic.

Canaan made me believe again in the good in people. I was amazed at how calm and selfless he helped other people, strangers even, despite how messed up he was on the inside. He went through a lot of awful stuff but he never complained or opened up to others, partly because he thought of himself as a sinner. I don’t say it’s the right way to be silent but it showed me his tremendous strength especially because regardless of all he went through he still became this amazing man.

The Story:

Haven had a tough life and so did Canaan, but they both have had different evil done to them. When they meet again after some years, Haven can’t control her anger towards him for sending her away all this years ago, back to her personal hell when all she wanted was help.
Canaan had his reasons for having sent Haven away. He did it because he was afraid that something bad would be done to her by someone. What he kept so long as a secret becomes more and more a burden for Canaan as he learns that his actions took devastating effects on others.
Her growing artistic career brings Haven back to her home town and even though she is furious at Canaan, she can’t help but notice how humble and nice he is, and also really good-looking.

Conclusion:

Oh what I would give to see Haven paintings - they sounded incredible.
I absolutely loved Canaans character. I felt horrible for what he had experienced.
When I finished the book and I passed a church where the mass was just about to start, I had the urge to go inside. I have no idea why on earth I wanted to go inside, maybe to feel closer to Canaan because this story was finished now?! I haven't been to church since… I can't even remember how many years it's been that I have been to a mass. It reminds me of my childhood and my grandmother because I went with her to Christmas children's mass even though I have always been afraid of churches. They creep me out in a way that I can't describe. As if I was being watched from all around inside a church.

Anyway, the ending was lovely but it was something that I probably wouldn’t have chosen myself though I absolutely loved the epilogue.

The rating of this book was not an easy task for me because I really enjoyed reading this story but I did not love it like I did other books by those authors.
I loved the characters and couldn’t put the book down but for me it seemed like not all of the potential of this story was used up especially in the first half of the book. I feel bad for saying that because it's still such a beautiful story.

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

View full review on Goodreads

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/28T5Ejs
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/28Q0hPq

About the Authors:

A.M. Hargrove:

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, USA Today bestselling author, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So she made a quick decision to quit her job and reinvented herself as a Naughty and Nice Romance Author.

She fancies herself all of the following: Reader, Writer, Dark Chocolate Lover, Ice Cream Worshipper, Coffee Drinker (swears the coffee, chocolate, and ice cream should be added as part of the USDA food groups), Lover of Grey Goose (and an extra dirty martini), #WalterThePuppy Lover, and if you’re ever around her for more than five minutes, you’ll find out she’s a non-stop talker.

Terri E. Laine:

Terri E. Laine, USA Today bestselling author, left a lucrative career as a CPA to pursue her love for writing. Outside of her roles as a wife and mother of three, she’s always been a dreamer and as such became an avid reader at a young age.

In her early years, she and her best friend would tell each other stories over the phone when they were bored. They called them their "soap operas" and generally revolved around whatever boy they liked at the time.

Many years later, she got a crazy idea to write a novel and set out to try to publish it. With over a dozen titles published under various pen names, the rest is history. Her journey has been a blessing, and a dream realized. She looks forward to many more memories to come.

Connect with A.M. Hargrove:

Website: http://www.amhargrove.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMHargroveAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amhargrove1
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/amhargroveauthor
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Hargrove/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5338829.A_M_Hargrove

Connect with Terri:

Website: www.terrielaine.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TerriELaineBooks
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/TerriELaineAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TerriLaineBooks
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/TerriELaineAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14299771.Terri_E_Laine
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Terri-E.-Laine/

Monday, June 20, 2016

Book Review: Black Widow by Lauren Runow

Holy shmoly! Where can I get more of this?
Wow. This was an unexpected enjoyable fucking amazing ride. Smokin' hot!

I loved it from the beginning. The characters and their stories were well developed. The concept of the club was awesome. I loved the Greek names Baubo, Eros and Eurydice and how well they fit to the characters.
The first half of this book was so hot. It leaves me wishing I knew a club like that, full of good looking people on the lookout to having some fun.
Preston was some special guy. I loved how he cared for Kamii and that he looked out for her safety.

The Story:
Preston lost his wife to suicide a year ago and wants to satisfy his needs at his sex club without emotions and in anonymity because without emotion and without getting to know the person he has sex with, it doesn't feel like cheating on his dead wife. It is just sex to meet his needs.
Kamii lost her husband 5 years ago when he was killed. She isn't the same person anymore since. Hardworking and without friends she escapes in the fantasies of her books until she meets Becca. Becca introduces Kamii to a whole new world of which Kamii always just dreamed and read about but didn't imagine really existed.
When Preston and Kamii meet, their lives are about to change. And so the story begins.

Thoughts:
I was surprised at the turn of events in this book. I didn't expect any of them though it felt a bit like reading two different books. But I still enjoyed it. I was just so turned on by the first half that I never wanted it to end. I definitely want more of that! =P

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author through the Fifty Shades Support Group on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View full review on Goodreads

Friday, June 10, 2016

Cover Reveal: The Game That Breaks Us by Micalea Smeltzer

THE GAME THAT BREAKS US

by Micalea Smeltzer

Series: Us #3

Genre: New Adult

Release Date: June 27th

Hockey’s bad boy needs to clean up his reputation…

Bennett James has built his career at being the best, on and off the ice, and now it’s come back to bite him. The media has turned against him, and with a near career-ending injury, he needs to clean up his act and prove that he’s serious about the game. For Bennett, working with his old coach at his alma mater feels like a step back, but it might be just what he needs.

…and she’s going to help him do it.

Grace Wentworth has always been the good girl, and she’s tired of that stigma. She wants to prove that she can get down and dirty with the best of them. The problem? She doesn’t know how.

Bennett will teach the good girl how to be bad, if she pretends to be his goody two-shoes girlfriend in front of the media.

But what happens when the game becomes real?

PRE-ORDER

(on sale for a limited time)

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Monday, June 6, 2016

Book Review: Chasing Butterflies by Terri E. Laine

This story pulled at my heart. It's no typical love story but one I will cherish for a long time to come. The characters really got to me.

I enjoyed reading both POVs especially because sometimes they were overlapping in time (but just a small part of it and never in a boring kind of way) and some scenes were interesting to read from both perspectives. It’s like reading both characters story and this helped to understand them better because they both had to struggle with different things while growing up.

Even though I went blind into the story because I didn’t read the full blurb and instantly knew I would like it, I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I do.
This is such a unique story for a unique boy with bicolored eyes. Imagine standing in front of him and looking into those gorgeous eyes of his. *swoon* Kelly is one of the good guys even though he thought different of himself.

I love that the author put a lot of meaningful details into the story and that they fell into place so perfectly. (For example the name Kelley and the nickname Lenny wasn’t picked randomly and you will probably notice what I mean when you read the book. Also the bicolored eyes of Kelley and the butterflies.)

I enjoy Terri E. Laine's writing and how she creates her characters. I already loved her other books Cruel and Beautiful and also A Mess of a Man which she both co-wrote with A.M. Hargrove.

The Story:
I don’t want to spoil anything in telling you too much about the story apart from that it’s about a young boy named Kelley who has no easy life growing up. He has to deal with loss, love, anger and so many more emotions that are especially hard to deal with when you are a lonely kid and not able to share your stuff with someone else. Since his family moved a lot, he didn’t have any friends. What made it even harder for him was that he had to endure the anger of his drunken father. He found distraction and oblivion in meaningless sexy with girls until he meets Lenny.

Thoughts:
I was surprised by how much I loved every part of it no matter how ugly or sweet it was. I couldn't put it down even through the tough parts of it.
I almost read the book in one go and I wish I took more time so I could still enjoy it.

I felt so sorry for Kelly. He had a hard life and so did Lenny. Their childhood was horrible and her life after high school wasn't easy either. I am glad though that especially in that hard time they found each other even when it wasn't a Cinderella-like story where the instant they saw each other everything was perfect. They still had a tough life but they found the perfect match in each other because they knew firsthand how fucked-up life can be.
I envy this love they shared. I think this is a rare love to find but the best one to have. They’re lucky besides all that horrible stuff they had to go through.

Conclusion:
This is no ordinary fairy tale where boy meets girl and they find their happily-ever-after because both characters have some hard stuff to go through. But maybe this is exactly why this is such a special story.

-- I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. --

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

View full review on Goodreads

Purchase Links:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1RGZBtk

iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/zy8rl9f