Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

I really, really wanted to love this book.  But, I just didn't.  I thought it might be because I had just read it right after the awesomeness that was Slammed and Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover, but I know that's not true.

To be honest, I haven't really been excited over the Sookie Stackhouse books for a while.  I started reading this series right when True Blood came out.  I can't quite remember which came first for me, the show or the books.  I think it was the books, because I remember thinking how closely the first season followed the first book, and then it all went to shit, in a good way - I love the crazy turns the show takes.

After I began the series, I devoured it, reading every book that was out.  I loved Sookie, and every nightmarish situation she got in.  But then I ran out of books, and sat around forever, anxiously waiting the arrival of the newest release.  When it finally came out, it was good, but not as great s the ones before it.  And that started the pattern of every book since.

I don't know what it is, but I feel like every book since the birth of the TV show has had a slight decline to it.   I still hear Charlaine's voice in the books, and still love the way she writes...but I find myself bored.  Like, really, really bored.

In this last book, the last of the series...I think I raced and skimmed through the majority of the book, trying to get to the end, just to find out who Sookie ends up with.  That was my only motivation for finishing it.  I did like how Charlaine brought back each of Sookie's lovers and allowed her to have a special moment every one.  But, those were the only parts that interested. me.

And the ending!  Totally let me down.  I'm not going to go into detail, but wow...I didn't see that coming, and I don't mean in a good way.  I feel like she took an easy way out and made a random connection that was totally out of left field.

I still love the world Charlaine's created.  I will always hold a special place in my heart for Eric, and especially Quinn - seriously....when are they going to bring him into the show?!  I want to see him live and in living color!!  But I wish she would have done more with the ending.  I did see there is a follow up to the ending?  Kind of a dictionary with every character, and a synopsis of what their future beholds.  That idea I kind of like since so many story lines were left wide open.

So, do I recommend it?  As a stand alone?  No.  If you are a Sookie fan?  Yes.  I mean, you need to finish the series right?  And you at least need to find out who she picks!!

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Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

I could literally sum this book up in one sentence.  

It was amazing.  

Okay, I'm done.  Thanks for reading.  :-)

No, seriously...this book was great.  But, it's Colleen Hoover so I mean, should you expect anything less?  

Point of Retreat is the sequel to Slammed, and takes place about a year or so after the events at the end of the first book.  

Knowing that this review follows right after my review of Slammed, I don't want to give too much away, in fear that I might ruin Slammed for anyone stopping by to read that review.  So, I guess I'll just say that things are going well for Lake and Will, for the first time in a long time.  But it's a book, and obviously things can't stay that way...otherwise it would be a very short, boring book.  The twists and turns in this book are heart wrenching.  Colleen literally takes you in a hundred different directions, tugging your heart strings at every turn.  But, that's kind of her thing, and she's really, REALLY good at it.

“My heart pounds against my chest. Not because I'm nervous. Not even because I want her worse that I've ever wanted her before. It's pounding against my chest because I realize I've never been so sure about the rest of my life than I am in this moment. This girl is the rest of my life.” 

When I started this book, I was curious as to why she named it "Point of Retreat", and I soon found out. There is a definite reason.  And it's a point of, let's say....frustration in the book. I don't know how many times I would be reading thinking to myself "Yes, nice....Yes!! NO! NO!  STUPID BOOK!" and then it would start all over again.  Don't worry, you'll understand when you read it.

There are so many great lines in this book.  I could write nothing in this review but quotes from the book, and that would be enough to hook you.  Point of Retreat is written from Will's POV and I love being inside his head, hearing his thoughts and hearing his words.  It's beautiful, and totally hot.  

“I love you because of you. Because of every single thing about you.” 

So, please...do yourself a favor and read this book.  It's beautiful, romantic and makes your heart swell.  It's a testament to why we all fell in love with Lake, Will and Colleen Hoover.

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Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Can I first start by saying I heart this book.  I heart this book so hard...

Okay, I had to get that out.  Thanks.  I feel better now. :)

No wonder Colleen Hoover has become such a success.  This book is absolutely amazing.

Slammed is one of the big titles in the new category of romance called "New Adult".  I heard an editor classify it as the "Beverly Hills 90210 - The College Years" of romance.  And I guess I sort of agree, with one caveat   New Adult feels grittier to me.  It has a raw and emotional feel to it that a soap opera can't pull off.  Kelly and Dylan had their ups and down, but I didn't cry when they broke up or scream when things didn't go their way.  Authors in this genre have a way of sucking you into their stories and making you feel, and bleed for the characters they create.  I don't think I've been so stressed, cried or been so angry over a book more than a New Adult novel.

In Slammed, you meet Lake, or Layken who recently lost her father and is moving from Texas to Michigan with her mother and younger brother to start a new life.  She's utterly depressed about the move, and makes it clearly known to her family.  Her opinion is completely reversed when she meets her neighbor Will.  He's older, totally hot and Lake finds herself forming an deep and instant connection to him.  They both free-fall for each other, until their world's are rocked, and they discover the connection they feel can be no longer.  But how do you walk away from your destiny?

I love New Adult, but I must admit, it's an interesting category in romance.  In most categories of this genre, as a reader, you know what you're getting out of a novel.  In YA - teens, with little to no sex.  Paranormal, well...that does really require an explanation.  Erotica - full out banging, lol.  But New Adult...it's kind of all over the place.  I've read some books in this category that mimic a contemporary romance novel, and the characters happen to be younger.  I've also read New Adult books that edge closer to YA, with fade to black sex scenes or none at all.

"His breath becomes heavier as his lips slowly move across my shoulder and onto my neck.  The room starts to spin, so I close my eyes.  His lips make their way to my jaw and closer to my mouth.  When I feel him pull away, I open my eyes and he's watching me.  There's a slight moment of hesitation in his eyes just before his lips close over mine."  

Slammed is closer to YA I think.  There is no sex in this book.  But I think this is where Colleen's talent as a writer kicks in, because there is no lack of heat.  Will Cooper is H.O.T.  When he gets on that stage and reads poetry (I know, right?!  Poetry!) it's flat out sexy.  The movie rights have been sold for this book, and I CANNOT wait to see these slam poems done on stage.  It's hard to imagine the flow when you're reading them on the page, so seeing and hearing them will be every Hoover fan's dream!

“So you keep your ocean, I'll take the Lake.” 

I loved this novel so much.  I devoured it in an afternoon...and moved into the sequel, Point of Retreat, right away.  I highly recommend it.  There is a third book also called "This Girl" which is a retelling of Slammed from Will's POV.  I haven't read it yet, but I definitely plan to.

“I got schooled this year by a boy. 

A boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, and undeniably in love  

with.And he taught me the most important thing of all... 

To put the emphasis  

On life .” 

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Virtual Teasers!

As you know, before I was a writer, I was an avid, devoted (obsessed) reader.  Teaser’s are, by far, one of my favorite things to look forward to while waiting patiently (0k, not so patiently) for a book to come out.  So, knowing there are probably at least a few book crazies out there like me, I try to fill the habit by supplying as many sneak peaks of “When You’re Ready” as I can.

Today, I decided to go the visual route and add some graphics!  Oooohhh, pretty!  I know, I’m so talented.  Ok, I confess…I didn't do them.  My husband did.  He wasn't so excited about editing graphics of half-naked men, but he agreed, because he loves me.  :-)

So here there are, a few brief teasers.  Hope you enjoy!

(Oh!  And I've started reading again!  My book is with the editor, so while I'm twiddling my thumbs, I'm reading!  So, I've got about three books to review!  Stay tuned!)

Facebook Giveaway!

Visit my Facebook Fan page, or enter below for a change to win a $10 Amazon Gift card!!  I'll give away 2 when my page reaches 200 "Likes"!!  Gooooood Luck!!!

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Over The Edge by Suzanne Carroll - BLOG TOUR!!

I am pleased to be part of the Over the Edge Blog Tour today, presented by The Writer's Coffee Publishing House!  

For those of you who may not be familiar with this book, I've included the book summary to bring you up to speed.  So go on, and read it.  It's ok.  I'll wait.  :-)

In six weeks Zoe Harper will marry Dan Costi in an over-the-top Sydney society wedding, complete with fire-eaters and belly dancers. But when she receives an unexpected gift from her future mother-in-law, Zoe realizes she’s making a huge mistake. In a blazing sidewalk argument, she breaks up with her fiancé, and his mother—who has joined the fight via conference call.
Following the advice of friends and co-workers, along with some inspiration from late-night-television self-help guru Dr. Pam, Zoe sets out to find the life she thinks she should be living. Always a planner, she makes a list of goals: travel, career, tattoos, and no romantic entanglements. It’s all carefully laid out, until she meets Angus Creed.
Angus is supposed to lead the opening waltz at a charity ball in New York City. Only problem is the handsome billionaire construction magnate with the tabloid past can’t dance. Not one step.
Tainted by gossip and with a well-publicized failed engagement behind him, Angus has become a master at keeping an emotional distance. Until he meets Zoe.
What starts as dancing lessons, slowly becomes something more. Angus begins to let down his guard and open his heart, even when his past makes an unexpected and unwelcome return. As Zoe discovers the real man behind the headlines, she questions where her new choices are taking her. Her goals look good on paper, but are they what she really wants? And by the time she realizes where her heart lies, will it be too late?

As you can see, Over the Edge is a wonderful novel by Suzanne Carroll.  Who is Suzanne Carroll?  Well, I happen to have her author profile right here!!

"Suzanne lives in Sydney with her husband and children.  By day she works in an office where she sneakily scribbles plot ideas on yellow sticky notes and hopes they don't accidentally end up on the departmental monthly report.

One such sticky note has turned into her first novel, Over the Edge."


Now, on to my review!!!

Here is the review I posted a few months ago, when I was an advanced copy for review.  

Whenever I read a book by an author I'm not familiar with, I always run to google, or stalk them on Goodreads.  I like to know what other books they've published, if the book I have my eye on is the beginning of a series and what kind of reviews are out there.  When I found Suzanne Carroll on Goodreads, I was dying to know if she had anything else I could get my hands on.  I quickly discovered that Over The Edge is her debut novel!  I was blown away.  This book is damn good, and feels like its been written by a seasoned pro.

Over the Edge immediately draws you in, as you find Zoe Harper, the heroine, in the middle of a full blown panic attack in the ladies room at her workplace.  She's realizing, or has been realizing for months that her wedding has turned into a full-blown circus.  Her crazy bitch mother-to-be has taken over and she can't seem to stop it all from happening.  She calls her fiance, Dan, for comfort and as a reader, you quickly discover he's kind of a douche, not to mention a total Mama's boy.  Soon, Zoe comes to realization that she is basically engaged to Dan, and his mother.  She puts her big girl pants on and dumps both their asses to start a new life. 

Zoe works for Creed Construction.  The CEO, Angus Creed, is a self-made billionaire who turned his father's small construction company into global empire.  Everyone fears him.  He is known for being a hard ass in the boardroom and a player in the tabloids.  His failed engagement a few years back was all over the news and he's become a bit of a recluse ever since. 

After a chance, totally hillarious encounter one weekend, Zoe offer Angus dancing lessons for an upcoming charity function he must attend.  What starts out as a friendly gesture to the boss, turns into something more and the two find themselves feeling a deeper connection that goes way beyond their working relationship. 

I love books that are written in first person.  It's like giving you a first class ticket into the characters brain.  There is a certain writing style I love.  I guess you would call it witty humor. 

"My plan is to get in and out before he knows I'm here, so I tiptoe across the carpet.  I am the Secretary of Stealth."

Zoe's inner monologues are hilarious   She's not over the top funny, but just enough to make you laugh out loud in certain situations.  Also, this book is set in Australia, which makes the writing style slightly different.  Reading Australian phrases and slang made the book ever better. 

The build-up in this book is slow, and concise ..but it still gives you goosebumps.  Considering Zoe has just broken off an engagement, she is reluctant to move past friendship, especially with her CEO.  The only downside I found about this book was its quick ending.  I felt so happy and elated in the last few pages, and I then turn the page and realize its over.  It just felt very abrupt.  An epilogue would have wrapped it up a little more neatly.  Also, this book is tame, and would be perfect for someone who likes romance, but doesn't necessarily want anything too steamy.

Don't miss out on this fantastic love story from down under!  ;-)


Purchase Over the Edge from The Writer's Coffee Shop

Small Break...

I'm going to be taking a little break...I know, it's sad.  Get the tears out.  It's ok, I'll wait..... :-)

Anyway, the reason?  My book. (When You're Ready by J.L. Berg - check out my website!)  It's almost done!  I've got a few chapters left to write that I will hopefully finish up in the next few days, and then I begin rewrites/edits.  So, between that and keeping my kids alive, and my house from falling apart, there will be little time left for reading and blogging.  But I hope to be back by the end of the month.

I will, however, be posting re-posting my review for Over the Edge by Suzanne Carroll on Tuesday, May 9th as part of her blog tour, so be sure to stop by for that!!

Now, on to the last point of this post.  If there is anyone who would like to post a book review on my blog, please contact me.  Maybe you've read a good romance recently, and want to spread the word.  Or you really want to try out blogging, but don't have the time or courage to start one on your own?  Get your toes wet and take mine for a test drive.  I'd be happy to feature you!

If interested, you can send me a private message on my Facebook page.

Lover At Last by J.R. Ward

Ok, so before I slay her book, I would first like to say that J.R. Ward is still one of my favorite authors and even if she wrote a book entitled "This book seriously sucks" I would still buy it.

That being said, Lover At Last was not one of my fav's in the Black Dagger series.  And no, it's not for the reason you are thinking.  Yes, this book is about a gay couple, but that was the least of my worries regarding the book.  It was actually one of the few parts I enjoyed about the book.  But more about that later.

The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of my top favorite series of all time. I can't tell you the number of people I have gotten hooked on this series from my endless rantings.   The last book, Tohr's book - I was actually pissed going into it.  How could she re-mate him?  Don't they only get one?  But I LOVVVED that book.  It was beautiful and had me in tears.  When J.R. announced her next book was on Blay and Qhuinn, I  had to give her mad props.  Let's all be honest.  We all know why we read a J.R. books.  They have a great plot, and she's a kick ass writer, but come on...  The real reason we all pay major bucks to crack open her book the minute it comes out is because the woman can write a sex scene like no other.  So when the reigning Queen of sex scenes decided to dedicate an entire book on two gay characters, what did her fans do?  They jumped up and down with glee!  It just goes to show how awesome and devoted we are to the series and J.R. Ward.

So the reasons the book was just "eh" for me.  First, it was long.  Like really, really long.  I don't mind a long book, but combined with several other reasons, I felt like it was endless.  Secondly, I've noticed this pattern taking place in the series.  I don't know if its always been there, or new in the last few books, but she seems to have books with just one main plot, and others that are have a ton of set up going on.  In Tohr's book, there was one main plot.  Most of what happened in that book revolved around Tohr and Autumn.  In Lover At Last, there are about fifty different things going on.  New characters are introduced, other's are made more prominent.  She's setting the ground for future books, which is great.  I'm glad the series will be continuing on.  But I felt like it took away from Blay and Qhuinn.  I wanted more of them, and their story and I felt everything else was a distraction.

Speaking of Blay and Qhuinn...I know you must be asking...how did she, you know??  Well, let me just say that the Queen does not disappoint.  Only J.R. Ward could write a romance novel for women, take two men, throw them in a room and make it totally hot.  I mean, come on...it's Blay and Qhuinn!  I'd still prefer a scene with V and Belle, or Wrath and Beth, but it was still pretty hot.

So, if you're a fan of the Black Dagger Brothers, I already know you're going to read this book.  You're already addicted, and there's no hope for you.  So, go buy the book and just know it's a long ride.  But the HEA for Blay and Qhuinn is worth it.

If you haven't read a single Black Dagger book....don't let this one be your judge.  Go out and pick up Dark Lover - Wrath's book.  You won't be sorry.  And then you'll be a junkie like the rest of us.  ;-)

Purchase Lover At Last: Black Dagger Brotherhood - Hardback Edition
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New Website!

J.L. Berg (that's me!) now has a home!  

Come take a look at my fancy new digs!

www.jlberg.com

When You're Ready Teaser #1!!

As a reward for getting 60 "likes" in less than 24 hours on my brand new author Facebook page, I released the very FIRST teaser from my debut novel, When You're Ready!

This is from the unfinished version, and is still a work in progress!


Note to Viewers: This post includes adult content. ;-)

A knock on the door marks the entrance of yet another person.  As I turn my head, I find myself face to face with the real-life version of Dr.McSteamy entering the exam room.  Holy hell, I think I just whimpered a little.  Tall and built like a swimmer, he’s the sexiest thing I've ever seen in a pair of scrubs.  Like the sky right before a summer storm, his eyes border between gray and blue, and I can’t help staring into their thunderous intensity.  His hair, dark brown that edges near black, has that "just fucked" look to it.  The kind of hair that makes you constantly want to run your hands through it.  How do guys do that?  Do they spend time creating that look in a mirror, or is it really a product of being fucked?  I suddenly wanted to know.
Oh shit, was I drooling?  Did he say something?
He’s looking right at me, waiting.
“Are you the mother?", he asks.  His eyebrow arched, forming a question.  A really hot question.
Seriously, Clare...get your mind out of the gutter.  "Uh, yes.  I'm Clare Murray.  This is my daughter Madilyn, uh, Maddie." I say trying to cover up the fact that I had probably been standing there for an ungodly amount of time, lamely staring at him and forming my own mini puddle of drool, while he tried to get my attention back on my sick daughter.
Yup, best mother ever.
“Nice to meet you Ms. Murray, I’m Dr. Matthews.”  Turning to Maddie, he says “And this, must be the Princess.”
Calling Maddie a Princess earns him major brownie points, and I think I even hear a faint giggle.  She immediately looks up, her big brown eyes connecting with his as he begins the examination.
Dr. Matthews bends down, leaning over her tiny frame, and runs his hand over Maddie’s head.  I know he’s checking for any bumps or abnormalities, but his gesture seems protective and my heart does a little flip flop seeing my daughter in the arms of another man.
He settles himself at the end of the hospital bed and motions for me to take a seat in the chair positioned next to Maddie.  It’s a small room, making us all very cozy.  I can feel the heat radiating off his body.  His really, really hot body.  His eyes linger on mine briefly, and I can feel the blush starting to creep up my cheeks.  I see a quick smirk flash across his face before he begins speaking.    
 "Well, your nurse already gave me some of the details on what lead to Maddie’s injury this afternoon.  Sounds like you had an eventful day.” he says, giving Maddie a gentle smile.  She looks up at him like he’s the king of the world, which surprises me.  Maddie’s generally not a fan of men, having never been around many.
“But it looks like a classic concussion.  Her skull feels normal, and I don’t see any signs of swelling or bleeding.  But I’m going to go ahead and order a CT just to rule out anything major and  make sure we've covered all of our bases.  But more than likely she’ll be back to her old self in a few days.” he says reassuringly.  
I nod absently, those stark white walls starting to feel tighter around me.  It’s not the fact that he wants a CT that sends me into an instant panic attack.  I understand the precaution.  I’m glad Dr. Matthew's taking the time to do so, and appreciate his thoroughness.  It was the way in which he said it.  The exact phrasing.  One sentence, and the memory comes back to haunt me, flooding my mind and taking over my senses.   

Ethan sits down next to me on the bed.  He looks at me with those dark brown eyes and concerned, loving look on his face.  He knows I always worry about everything.  "Baby, I don't need any more tests.  The doctor says there only migraines."  he says.  "The CT came back normal which rules out anything major.  I don't want to fight with the insurance company to get an MRI.  You know they aren't going to pay for it, so why bother?"  He pulls me down onto the bed so we are both laying side by side, his hand gripping my waist.    "It's going to be fine.  So, please.  Stop worrying."  He grins, leaning in to kiss me slowly, desperately trying to change the subject.  He pulls away, looking at me with a devious grin plastered on his face.  "Besides, we have more important things to think about right now." he whispers, looking down my body slowly and appreciatively. "Oh, yeah?  I can't think of anything."  I fake a yawn.  "I think I'm going to go to sleep.  Night!" I try and keep my face steady, but I can't help the grin that escapes, and before I can cover my mouth to hide it, he attacks and I’m squealing with laughter.  He straddles my body, pinning me to the bed with his knees, trapping my wrists above my head in his tight grasp.  "Shhh!  This is the first night in weeks the baby has been asleep for more than an hour at a time, and you're going to ruin it with your squealing horse laugh!"  he says, leaning down to kiss me, chuckling."I do not laugh like a horse!"  I pout.  The annoyance in my voice is already melting away, as he leans down and kisses my neck, making his way to my shoulder, taking the strap of my nightgown with him.  He pulls my body firmly against his and slowly makes his way back to my mouth and finally, he kisses me, and I forgot all about tests and headaches.   

If only I had been more persistent, more demanding...taken him to more specialist...
"Are you sure the CT will be enough?  Nothing will be overlooked?  I ask, as I pull myself out of the memory.  The fear is evident in my voice.  I know everything is fine, and what happened with Ethan was rare, but the irrational panic is there nonetheless.
Maddie is not Ethan.  Maddie is not going to die.  I silently chant, slowly beginning to feel myself calm.
I look up at Dr. Matthews, and he’s watching me, with concern and confusion painted all over his face.
Awesome.
Good job Clare.
Now the hot doctor thinks you're crazy. 

When You're Ready
By J.L. Berg
Coming August 2013

Isn't he cute?!

We had family pictures last week, and just got the proofs back.  This just became my new favorite picture ever.  You have to understand my husband never smiles in pictures.  As you can see he has a gorgeous smile, but get him in front of a camera and...nothing!  I saw this picture and was like, FINALLY!  Someone capture that super hot smile I get to see every day.  He's probably laughing because his hands are snaked around covering up my ass from the rest of the park.  Nothing like hiking up your dress, jumping your husband and exposing yourself in front hordes of children.  It was for art, I swear.
Anyway, I had to share.  He's my HEA, my hero and my rock.  Here's to hoping everyone finds their real life book boyfriend.

Photo by Studio FBJ

Suicide Note by Teresa Mummert

"You can't force love. you can't control how someone else feels. You just have to enjoy it while it lasts and hope the ride doesn't end."

I read this book in a day...the majority of it on a bus filled with about fifty eight-year old kids. I'm pretty sure it's the only reason I kept my sanity. Suicide Note is a quick read, but it's entertaining and keeps you engaged and flipping the pages until the very end.

Don't let the name deter you.  No one actually commits suicide in this book.  I can't explain why the book is called what it is without giving something away, but know that there is a reason...just not the reason you fear.  All is well at the end of the book.  ;-)

This book is written in my favorite style - first person with the perspective switching between the two main characters.  This is how I'm writing my book, and I personally love it because it gives you the chance to dive into both characters heads and see the world from their own unique perspective.  Third person gives you this, but only to a certain extent.  An author can do so much more with first person... monologues are stronger, the character's inner voice is louder, and when that perspective can switch between the female and male character, it feels like an invisible circle is completed.  I was a psych major in college, so it's no surprise I like getting into peoples heads, and I guess book characters are no different.  

Suicide Note is about Shane, a soldier on a two week leave from deployment overseas, and Jenn (nice name, hehe), a young woman who recently suffered the ultimate betrayal in her relationship with her fiance.  Both are bruised and battered from recent breakups when they stumble into each other, and find that sometimes life gives you what you need the most at the exact right moment.

“When I met her, I saw her as someone else who needed saving but she had saved me. She had given me hope when I had given up on everything in my life.” 

I loved the flirty interactions between Shane and Jenn in the beginning of this book.  Their courtship was very cute.  They were drawn together so swiftly, it's almost like they're addicted to each other, but yet they're able to hold back and establish a connection before they become physical.  It's very intense, and yet playful at the same time.  There were so many scenes I absolutely loved.  The scene in the arcade when they play air hockey, yum.  The many scenes during her sisters wedding rehearsal when he put her ex in his place, also...yum.

 “You can be a cocky asshole to me. I deal with little pricks like you all of the time. But you leave Jenn the hell alone or the next time you take a piss, it will be through a fucking tube. Do we understand each other?” 

I loved watching their love grow, and the connection between them become stronger with every page.  Even with the obstacles they faced, and there were several, they still managed to become stronger in their love for each other.  And after all, isn't that what a romance novel is suppose to be about?  Love overcoming all?  :-)

This is a nice quick read.  Perfect for an lazy afternoon without kids, or husbands.  :-)  Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and take a few hours and enjoy some Shane time with Suicide Note.

Purchase Suicide Note - Kindle Edition
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Cover Reveal for Gabriel's Redemption!

Gabriel's Redemption has a cover!  And it's yummy!  The third book in the Gabriel's Inferno series comes out December 3rd and I seriously can't wait!

If you haven't read this series, you really should.  If you are a Fifty fan, this is the next series for you.  It has the same dark, forbidden flavor to it, with a different twist.

Here is the synopsis for Gabriel's Redemption:

From the author of the New York Times bestsellers Gabriel’s Rapture and Gabriel’s Inferno comes the epic conclusion to the captivating romantic trilogy.
Professor Gabriel Emerson has left his position at the University of Toronto to embark on a new life with his beloved Julianne. Together, he’s confident that they can face any challenge. And he’s eager to become a father.
But Julianne’s graduate program threatens Gabriel’s plans, as the pressures of being a student become all consuming. When she is given the honor of presenting an academic lecture at Oxford, Gabriel is forced to confront Julianne about the subject of her presentation—research that conflicts with his own. And in Oxford, several individuals from their past appear, including an old nemesis intent on humiliating Julia and exposing one of Gabriel’s darkest secrets.
In an effort to confront his remaining demons, Gabriel begins a quest to discover more about his biological parents, beginning a chain of events that has startling repercussions for himself, Julianne, and his hope of having a family.

Pre-Order Gabriel's Redemption - Kindle Edition  

Pre-Order Gabriel's Redemption - Paperback Edition

Sylvain Reynard links:

http://www.sylvainreynard.com

https://twitter.com/sylvainreynard

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSylvainReynard

Ten Tiny Breathes by K.A. Tucker

 

"Just Breath, Kacey. Ten Tiny breaths. Seize them. Feel them. Love them."

Holy freaking hell. This book blew me away. I finished it last night, and my head is still spinning this morning. It was amazing. Everything you expect from Atria, and this wonderful new genre that is New Adult.

 K.A. Tucker just became one of my new favorite authors. She's now in my hall of fame with authors like Jamie McGuire, S.C. Stephens and Abbi Glines. These authors write characters we fall in love with, and can't seem to shake. We think about them days after, their lives branded to brains, twisting their ways to our hearts. We find ourselves returning to their books time after time, just to be close to the characters again, to hear them "speak" and to feel the connection they share with each other. It's why we, as readers, read. To feel emotion, and connections. And when an author is able to capture both of those so perfectly, we are helpless but to fall captive.

Ten Tiny Breathes is a roller coaster of emotions, dealing with two sisters, Kacey and Livey, who move to Miami, FL to start over. Kacey, 20, is a broken shell of her former self, after recovering from a horrific accident that left her and Livie alone in the world. Her only goal in life is to make a better one for Livie. Until she meets Trent, a new neighbor who skates the line so perfectly between bad boy and savior, Kacey can't tell which side to trust.

"He stops what he's doing to glance over his shoulder, blazing eyes leveling me with a look that makes me want to do things to him  for him, with him.  His attention drags down the length of my body, unashamed.  This guy is a contradiction   One second sweet, the next second brazen.  A mind-blowing hot contradiction."

 I loved every character in this book.  Each one of them was expertly crafted and had a specific role and duty in the story-line.  Seeing life through Kacey's heartbroken eyes was difficult at times.  You wanted to cry for her, bleed for her and sometimes, knock her upside the head and say "Really?"  It seemed like every time she took a step forward, she took two back, no matter who was there trying to guide her.

"What?  What did you think?  You don't know the first thing about what I've gone through and you...what, think you can swoop in, give me an orgasm, and follow it up with a survivor's group full of fucking cyborgs who talk about their supposed loved ones like everything's all right?"  

But Trent...he's my favorite.  I think he's my new book boyfriend.  He's some kind of hot.  I love how K.A. Tucker describes him as the perfect balance of bad boy and Good Samaritan because isn't that what woman love about romance novels?  The bad boy who will only soften for the right woman?  It's why we pay for book after book, and spend hours reading.  It's that perfect balance between the boy next door and the guy who's gonna slam up against a wall and take whatever he wants.

"When the gaze lifts back to my face...whoa...it it has just the right mixture of anger, frustration, and smoldering heat to make me bite my bottom lip.  And that's all it takes to push him over the brink.
'God, Kacey' he growls and takes two quick steps in tho slam against my body, his hands seizing my biceps as his mouth claims mine.  Dipping my head back, he forces his tongue into my mouth, demolishing me with a depth of need I've never experienced before.  This is the real Trent.
Unleashed."  

Seriously, if that quote doesn't make you go out and buy this book, then I've got nothing.  There's obviously something wrong with you.  ;-)
This book is raw, emotional and just plain...wow.

It's about two people experiencing more trauma and emotions at a young age than most people experience in an entire lifetime.  It shows how a single event can shred you, and shatter your entire life.  How do you recover?  Can you?  And what do you do with the pieces that are left?

I don't give ratings on my blog.  Authors are worth more than numbers or gold stars.  All I can say is this book is stellar.  Probably the best book I've read all year.  Read it.

Purchase Ten Tiny Breaths: A Novel - Kindle Edition
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Purchase Ten Tiny Breaths:A Novel - Nook Edition

Happy Birthday Abbi Glines!!

TODAY is YA/New Adult Author Abbi Glines Birthday!!

To celebrate, AToMR Tours has organized a huge Bloggers celebration!  So, book nerds of the world unite! And let's wish Abbi a big "Happy Birthday" as she's busy promoting her books in the UK!  (lucky dog!) 

As part of the celebration, we were told to create something unique and creative for our post.  Since my blog is titled "The Working Mom's Book Blog", I could see only one fitting option - exploiting the cuteness of my offspring!

So, without further ado...I give you the Berg girls...singing Happy Birthday to a very special author!
(sorry about the video orientation...apparently I have no idea how to shoot a video.)

Cute, Right?  My hubby and I make pretty cute kids.  It just goes to show that children will do just about anything...they seriously had no idea who they were singing to, or who the hell "Abbi" was when I told them to make that sign (which says "Happy Birthday Abbi" if you can't see it).  They just said "Ok Mommy!" and played along.  

Anyway...AToMR is also giving away SWAG, aka FREE STUFF, to celebrate!  You could win one of the following!  Just Enter Below!!

Event Giveaway:

• (1) Print copy of The Vincent Boys - International - shipped from The Book Depository to eligible 
• (1) Print copy of Fallen Too Far - International - shipped from The Book Depository to eligible countries.
• (5) 'Vintage' Swag Mini-Packs: includes the original promotional bookmarks for Predestined and The Vincent Boys, plus an Existence book plate, all signed by Abbi. - International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Abbi Glines links:
Website - http://www.abbiglines.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/abbiglinesauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbbiGlines
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/abbiglines/