Breathless Ink » NA

Author Cassandra Giovanni

Dylan — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 12:04:52 +0000

Title: Finding the Cure

Author: Cassandra Giovanni

Published by: Show n’ot Tell Publishing

Date published: June 18, 2015

Genres: NA Contemporary Romance

Book Length: 349 pages

Author Cassandra Giovanni

Ellie Abela’s life has been anything but easy. Tragedy follows her where ever she goes, and she’s been a lot of places. At twenty she’s lived in over ten different states, all because of her dad’s career in medical research. His career is just another list of the causes of tragedies in El’s life. He’s dying, and with every breath he takes closer to Heaven, Ellie dies a little bit inside too.

At twelve she lost her mom in a drunk driving accident, and in a matter of months she fears she’ll lose the last person she has in the world to cancer.

While Ellie’s life has been rife with sadness, Trent Wentworth’s has been a challenge. A drug-addicted mom and a dead-beat dad meant at twenty three he was the adoptive father of his two year old sister. Now at twenty five he’s working his way up the corporate ladder and a struggling single parent.

Each is searching for a cure to the things in their lives dragging them down.

Not all cures are black and white; not all cures save us–and sometimes saving isn’t what we need. Sometimes we just need to realize how lucky we are to be alive, at least for this moment.

Conquering Fears Through Writing

Being an author is a challenging path to travel down, and sometimes I find myself wondering why exactly I am doing it, and sometimes I find myself wondering exactly why I am writing a particular piece. Over the past two years I’ve come to terms with exactly why I chose to be an author, because it was that, a choice. At the beginning of every year I force myself into a self-evaluation. I look at what I wanted to accomplish, what happened and what I want to accomplish this coming year. In 2014 I set wild goals, that didn’t seem so wild at the time and those goals set me up for failure as an author.

I felt my books I published in 2014 were failures.

I felt I was a failure as an author.

I was frustrated and mad at the whole process, until I sat down and forced myself to really think about why I was so angry. Low and behold it had nothing to do with writing, and it had everything to do with money.

I hate to say it, but my husband was correct when he warned me in vehemence that I needed to stop watching numbers and just be writing. He warned me if I kept down that path I would end hating writing like he did music. Thank goodness I have him to put me in my place. He reminded me of the seven year old me giddy from wining a writing contest holding my freshly won Samantha doll to my chest while reading my chapter in a live book and knowing I was born to be an author; of eighteen year old me who sat at a laptop and wrote because she wanted to (rewrite a popular novel *cough*); of the twenty three year old me that published because I was going to write it anyways and why not share it with the world?

So this year, I promised myself nothing. I told myself if I reached one reader that was enough, and I stopped thinking about the fear I felt about publishing tons of novel with no readers to read them.

But I didn’t stop fearing anything. In my opinion, fear is what makes an author a good one.

Consequently, when Breathless Ink approached me and gave me a few ideas for guest posts, she suggested I write about why I wrote Finding the Cure. I kind of laughed to myself, because there were a lot of times my husband asked me exactly that about this novel. Then I came upon it, fear.

As an author I write to conquer my fears, and to understand human nature. With this novel I spent a lot of time crying as I wrote it. I distinctly remember one night where my husband pulled the laptop away from me because I was sobbing so hard and I just lay in his arms for an hour crying. I was attempting to conquer and understand one of my biggest fears—losing a loved one in a very painful way. I start the novel by having the main character, Ellie saying this:

I used to wonder if it was harder to know you’re going to die, or just dying without the ability to say goodbye.

Ellie actually has to go through both, and I forced myself to really feel what Ellie felt. At the end of the novel, I felt not only had my character grown, but so did I.

I’m not quite sure I conquered my fears, because I’m pretty sure if the things that happened to Ellie happened to me I would probably melt down completely. I think I did them justice, though, and I cannot tell you how amazing it was to have someone who went through a struggle similar to Ellie tell me I did it justice.

Another fear conquered.

Cassandra doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has write an essay for me more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character’s stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. Besides being a writer, Cassandra is a professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

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Waiting to Lose

becca — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 14:13:33 +0000

Title: Waiting to Lose

Series: The Contest Series #2

Author: Dawn L. Chiletz

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 24, 2015

What happens when you win a love you don’t think you deserve?

Long distance relationships are tough and there are two sides to every story. No one knows that better than Jake Morgan and Madi Ryan. It’s not just about falling in love; it’s about staying together when everything in the world wants to tear you apart.

When Madi’s attacker is released on bail, Jake decides he’ll to everything in his power to protect the woman he loves, even if that means keeping secrets. Strange emails and photos appear on Madi’s computer, warning her that Jake is not what he seems. Madi’s faith in him begins to waver, especially when Jake becomes linked to beautiful actress, Allison Gregory. Although he promises there is nothing between them, outside forces push Madi’s trust in him to the breaking point.

Jake is willing to move heaven and earth to prove to Madi just how much she means to him. But when everything in their lives comes crashing down, will Madi be able to trust her heart or will she lose the only man she’s ever really loved?

Can two people stay together when one of them is always waiting to lose?

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Within a few seconds, the need to talk returned and she dashed to find him. Just as she was about to turn the handle, Jake opened the door. They both stopped in surprise. There was something about the way he looked at her. In those brief seconds, he looked angry, frustrated and hot as hell. Before she knew what she was doing, she flew into his arms and locked her lips with his. He grabbed onto her and pushed his tongue into her mouth as his hands gripped her waist. His fingers rushed into her wet hair, releasing the bun. They moved backward with purpose, onto the bed, as Jake deftly stripped her of her jeans, shirt and bra. Before she knew it, she was under him and he was unzipping his jeans. He pushed her underwear to the side as he entered her, as if there wasn’t enough time to remove her panties before he had to have her. She moaned at the feel of him. She clenched her muscles around him as his mouth pressed against hers. He was fucking her and she wanted it. Sometimes, love was slow and deliberate. Other times, it just needed to be thrust into your veins like a drug through a needle—painful for a moment, but worth it for the ecstasy that followed. jetessaywriter.com

A slow, devious grin crept across her lips, and Jake desperately needed to know her thoughts. “Mads, for the love of God, you need to tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”

“Didn’t I just tell you that I wanted the steak?”

Jake’s mind raced back to Madi, standing in red garter belts, drunk out of her mind in his apartment in L.A. He remembered her telling him she’d always had the chicken salad because it was safe. Back then she’d also said she wanted the steak. She said he was the steak. “Are you hungry?” he asked, motioning toward the table.

Madi’s smile widened as she glanced over his shoulder at the table of food. “That’s not the steak I want.”

Jake closed his eyes and smiled, shaking his head. He opened them suddenly when he felt her fingers begin to unbutton his shirt. He followed her trembling hands with his eyes as they deftly stripped his chest. Madi took a deep breath, and Jake smirked as her eyes traveled the length of his torso. She flexed her hand over his pecs before circling the nipples on his chest and running her fingers through the small amount of hair there. She smiled and sucked in her lip as her hand gently examined each one of his stomach muscles. That same electricity they had between them before was present like another force in the room. Her touch sent shivers through him, directly to his manhood.

“You are a beautiful man, Jake Morgan.” She turned behind him, pulling his shirt down his arms. She skimmed her fingers over him, kissing his shoulders.

“I assume you’re satisfied with the cut of your steak?” he asked with a mischievous tone as her hand reached around him and squeezed his stomach. Her tongue and lips kissed the area between his shoulder blades. He could feel a smile in her kiss. Jake closed his eyes and tried to remember to breathe. His mind went back to the morning he awoke with her hand on his stomach. He remembered her saying how tight it felt and how she had wanted to touch him. He also remembered her bare legs wrapped in the covers. He felt a twitch in his pants. They were suddenly becoming a little too tight.

He almost said something, but he couldn’t focus on anything but the way her touch made him feel. He’d denied himself her for so long. He silently promised himself that he would never take a single kiss from her for granted. She continued to press her lips to his back as her hands made their way down to his belt. She quickly unfastened it, undid the button of his jeans, and gently pulled his zipper down. Jake could feel the effect she was having on him and wondered how long he’d be able to stand still. Her hand reached inside his boxer briefs and found him. He couldn’t help the sharp intake of air that left his mouth at the feel of her hands on him. She stood there for a few moments with her lips on his back and her hands knowingly stroking him from behind, as if she could read his inner thoughts and desires. Before he knew it, Madi turned and was on her knees in front of him. “Jesus… Madi…” He could barely get her name out as he panted.

“I… want… the… steak. This piece of steak.”

Dawn L. Chiletz released her debut “The Contest” in October 2014. “Waiting to Lose” is her second novel in the Contest Series. She currently resides in Illinois with her husband, two boys and two dogs.

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Cover Reveal: Unexpected Chance

becca — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:01:52 +0000

Title: Unexpected Chance

Series: Running Into Love #6

Author: Annalisa Nicole

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 20, 2015

Aiden Wellington has it all. He has an amazing, fulfilling job as a lawyer. He has a wonderful family who are all married with children. He has fancy cars, friends, and a beautiful Seattle home. Yes, he has everything a man could ever ask for, everything except the one thing that he desires most…a woman.

Savvy Russell has led an extremely hard life. She’s learned from a very early age that good things just don’t happen to her. She’s convinced karma has it out for her. When she finds something good, ultimately she’s left with nothing except for the shirt on her back. She’s always waiting for her newly found piece of happiness to be ripped away from her.

When life literally throws Savvy into Aiden’s arms can he get past his bitterness and see what is right in front of him?

Will Savvy finally put aside her misguided feelings of self-worthlessness to see what everybody else sees?

Is it possible to replace a lifetime of hurt with something as simple as love?

Unexpected Chance

I am an “Indie” contemporary romance author. I live in California with my husband and two teenage boys. I absolutely love being a stay at home mom.

I never liked reading as a kid. I only started reading romance novels in the past few years. My Kindle and I are inseparable now. A thought occurred to me in December of 2012 that maybe I could write a romance novel. So I went to work with the encouragement of my husband and my sister-in-law. It didn’t take long to figure out that I really enjoy writing.

Today I am a self-published author and it has been an amazing journey.

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Take Me Away Review & Release Blitz

becca — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:00:03 +0000

Title: Take Me Away

Author: S. Moose

Genre: NA Romance

Release Date: April 7, 2015

Cover Model: Gunnar DeWitt

After breaking up with her long time boyfriend, Jackson DeLacey, eighteen-year-old Zara Borzilleri promises herself to focus on school and play the game she loves. Stepping foot onto the lacrosse field, in front of a cheering crowd, pushes aside the pain and reminds her of the future ahead at least until she graduates in four years.

Lacrosse star Treston ‘The King’ Parker dominates the field and to everyone else he has it all. Behind closed doors he’s just Treston Parker- a monster full of secrets, deep, dark secrets only he knows. He won’t allow anyone to get close and for the past two years he’s kept his promises to her, but never his last promise: falling in love again.

One weekend he gives in and everything changes when he meets Zara. The rules change and she sees Treston for who he truly is, not what everyone else sees. But to Treston, meeting Zara means nothing, even though her blue eyes invades his mind.

We can be friends, but don’t ask about my past or where I go.

He draws the lines.

She erases his lines.

Can Zara help Treston escape his painful past before he sinks deeper into oblivion?

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I’ve given away my heart once and only once. Now, I live my life the way I do. I don’t have time to talk about my feelings and get emotional. That shit is for the birds. When you take out emotions you’ll feel a lot better, trust me. Emotions mean feeling and feeling means opening yourself up to get hurt and when you’re hurt, all you can think about is why and what you could have done differently. You blame yourself and think of ways to get her back. When you can’t think of anything, you’re backed up into a corner and feel alone. No one can help you because the only person who can will never be able to. That hurt leaves you feeling broken and you go through hell trying to pick yourself back up. You stop your life, the only life you know, and live in the dark. You’re vulnerable to words and actions. People around you walk on eggshells, scared to make you cry or piss you off. So I’ve taken away my feelings and will never hurt the way I did before. See my point?

For Treston, life is just a shell for him, never letting anyone get close enough to see the real him. That is until he meets Zara, the new star of the lacrosse team at Duke. For the first time in years, he starts to feel again, but feels so undeserving considering what happened to him the last time he loved. They start off as friends first, but the chemistry between the two too strong for either to deny for very long.

Zara, herself is a strong female character. All she wants to do is live life to her fullest, and wants Treston to let her in on the demons he is fighting from his past. But when he won’t, she finally has enough and walks away knowing that unless he lets her completely in, then she won’t ever truly have him. And she sticks to her convictions on that.

Months go by after they have broken up, when Treston finally sees the light as to what he has lost and what is worth fighting for. I was like finally, the light bulb goes off. So many times, I wanted to throttle Treston for what he put both of them through because he was too stuck in his head, and not returning what Zara gave him during their relationship in the beginning, which was everything she could, her heart and soul.

The only real problem that I had with reading it, was the flow of the story. Sometimes, it flowed really well and other times, had trouble following along with what was happening, details were glossed over or things in the story jumped ahead in time. I felt at times like I had whiplash wondering how did it get here in the book when this just happened. And that kept me from being fully engaged in the story. But other than that, I loved the story and the characters I could feel their emotions and the struggles they dealt with on their own and together. It was the first book Ive ever read of S. Moose’s and am looking forward to reading more of her work.

~Catherine B. (Guest reviewer)

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, S.Moose, lives in Webster, NY.

A 2011 St. John Fisher graduate, S.Moose loves to read and write. When she isn’t in her room in front of her computer or a book, she is with her family and friends.

S. Moose is a romantic at heart and loves anything with a happily ever after.

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Age: 24

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Heart of Marley

becca — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:05:20 +0000

Title: Heart of Marley

Author: T.K. Leigh

Published by: Carpe Per Diem, Inc

Date published: Nov. 3, 2014

Genres: Mystery

Book Length: 313 pages

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Marley & Cameron

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“This story is an emotional roller-coaster that will grip you from page one and will not let you go…even after you reach the end.” ~Becca

To the moon and back…

From the stars to the ocean…

That was Marley and Cameron Bowen’s secret code.

Twins born just five minutes apart, they have the perfect life… Until tragedy strikes just weeks after their eighth birthday and their father is killed by a drunk driver. Having trouble coping with the loss of her soul mate, their mother tries to find comfort in drugs and alcohol… And an abusive man with a penchant for underage girls.

No longer able to stand listening to his sister’s screams and cries every night for nearly three years, Cam takes matters into his own hands and they’re finally able to escape the nightmare.

They’re finally able to start over…

But the nightmare still haunts Marley. The years go on and she is forced to put on a smile, making everyone think that she is the perfect, well-adjusted teenager that she is supposed to be… Until she is faced with a painful reminder of her past during her senior year of high school and she’s no longer able to keep on the mask that she has been compelled to wear.

Heart Of Marley is a prequel novel to T.K. Leigh’s Heart Of Light.

RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 18 AND OVER DUE TO GRAPHIC VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, AND SEXUAL SITUATIONS.

Guys…I honestly don’t even know where to begin with my review of Heart of Marley.

This book was so damn raw…

so emotional…

so real and honest and just plain heart-wrenching!

I literally spent the last 20% of Heart of Marley reading through constant tears!! I have not read a book that had such a strong effect on me in a very long time.

The subject matter is deep and dark but sadly realistic. The life that Marley and Cam have lived is more ‘normal’ than anyone would like to believe. Having dealt with abuse as a child, I found parts of this book very therapeutic and some parts extremely difficult to get through. The thoughts running through Marley’s head…the way she wore a mask to hide the truth…I’ve been there and hell even after all these years I still have days where I’m there.

I have to say that I was very surprised by the religious aspect of the book. I loved that T.K. gave a more realistic view of this situation than most books do. The first time I read the line ‘Turn to Him and He will help you through it. God is the only therapy you need.’ (Not word for word what T.K. wrote but you get the gist.) I honestly cringed. I always hate it when books/movies make it seem like therapy is a bad thing. I want to scream at the world and the people that have made that stigma a reality. Some things hurt…some things scar…and there are some things that you NEED to get help for and there is NOTHING wrong with that!

When T.K. took this horrible subject matter and managed to show the world the truth behind the lies…the damage that not seeking help can cause…I lost it. I have never wanted to find an author and thank them so much in my life. Heart of Marley gives girls, boys, women and men a voice and makes it clear that admitting that you need help is not a weakness it is a strength. Bottling your thoughts and feelings inside and hiding the truth from the world doesn’t help anyone. (Hell, just writing this review has me tearing up again….)

I want to stop my review right here and now and say one thing to T.K. Leigh if she reads this…Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your words, for this story, for taking the time to write something so difficult. Thank you for giving me a voice and reminding me that it’s okay to show your scars and it’s okay to ask for help. Thank you so very much for this book (as well as Heart of Light, that was just as amazing).

Okay, sorry for that guys…back to my review.

I’m not going to go into too much detail with the story line because honestly there isn’t much I can say that won’t be a spoiler. Cam and Marley are such amazingly developed characters. T.K. did an excellent job of depicting what someone growing up in this situation would be like. Everything felt realistic and was extremely well written. This story is an emotional roller-coaster that will grip you from page one and will not let you go…even after you reach the end.

Heart of Marley left me bawling and yet so deeply moved that I had to know more. I had to read Heart of Light and see what came next. If you can’t tell already, I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone and everyone that has a chance to read it.

T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is the USA Today Best Selling author of the Beautiful Mess series. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). She always had a knack for writing, but mostly in the legal field. It wasn’t until recently that she decided to try her hand at creative writing and is now addicted to creating different characters and new and unique story lines in the Contemporary Romantic Suspense genre. When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

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Twenty Fun Facts

1. I wear a shirt when I write that has Shakespeare’s face on it and says “This shit writes itself.”

2. I am a middle child. I have a sister that is two years older and a sister that is two years younger.

3. My favorite movie of all time is Casablanca.

4. When I was 21, I did an internship working at Walt Disney World. Best seven months EVER!

5. I met my husband in the parking lot of a Jimmy Buffett concert. He was working. I was drinking.

6. My favorite beer is Blue Moon.

7. I love the Red Sox.

8. Every time I publish a new book, I drink champagne and watch Anchorman and Talladega Nights. It’s a tradition now.

9. When I was moving out to California from Connecticut after graduating law school, the hubs and I drove route 66 all the way from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. It was such an amazing experience, and I think there may be a book in it.

10. My pen name is a play on my real name. My full name is Tracy Leigh Kellam. I don’t think I need to spell out where T.K. Leigh came from.

11. I have a yellow jeep wrangler that I love. Her name is Savvy J.

12. In my opinion, there is no such thing as too much coffee. Or peanut butter.

13. I am a sushi addict.

14. I am deathly afraid of snakes. I can’t even watch a movie with them in it or I’ll flip out.

15. My favorite New Kid on the Block was Donnie. I’m glad I picked one that aged well.

16. I am a huge proponent of “Adopt, don’t shop.” We have a dog and 3 kittens, all of whom we have found on the streets and saved.

17. One of my favorite TV shows is Arrested Development.

18. My favorite book of all time is The Great Gatsby. What can I say. I’m a sucker for a story with no HEA.

19. I currently have 8 works in progress.

20. You will all be seeing Cam and Jolene again.

“Thanks for asking me to come. I mean, tonight… I mean, for asking me to go to the bonfire with you. Not for asking me to come. That doesn’t sound right.” My face flamed red with embarrassment.

He smiled at me and winked. “No but, if you ask me, it sounds good.”

I halted in my tracks, completely frozen in place. I can do this, I said to myself. He was just joking. He doesn’t mean anything by it. It’s just a harmless joke, Marley. Just a joke.

He noticed my reaction and turned to face me on the street. “I’m so sorry, Marley. That was completely inappropriate. I don’t know what possessed me to say that. That’s not the way my mama raised me. I really am a good guy. I normally wouldn’t joke like that. You’ve got to believe that I didn’t mean anything by it. Please.” He slumped his shoulders, the formerly confident Doug replaced by a Doug that was full of remorse. “I understand if you don’t want to come with me.”

My eyes grew wide, more in irony than dread or concern.

“I mean, you don’t have to go to the bonfire with me. God, I really hate that word right now.”

I giggled. “Me, too.” I raised my head and met his pleading eyes. I could tell that he was bracing for me to turn around and walk away from him, but that was the last thing I wanted to do.

“Come. Say it with me. Come…” I said to him. “It feels good.” Throwing my head back to look at the stars in the sky, I shouted to the heavens, “Come!” I raised my arms like an angel and spun around, screaming the word over and over again. I must have looked like a spectacle, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want one word to come between what could blossom into a good thing with Doug.

I slowed my spins, but the sky kept moving even when I stopped. I attempted to regain my balance, but soon found myself tripping over my own feet.

Two arms were around me instantly, preventing me from falling to the ground. “Whoa. Careful, Marley Jane.”

I closed my eyes and basked at the sound of his voice calling me Marley Jane. Cam called me that all the time, but there was something so warm, affectionate, and thrilling about my first and middle name rolling off Doug’s tongue. Focusing my gaze on his, I was met with his brilliant green eyes.

“Hey,” I breathed.

“Hey.”

“You still haven’t said it.”

He scrunched his eyebrows at me. “Said what?”

A grin crossed my face. “Come.”

Are you up for a soul wrenching read? Have you read Heart of Light?

The Year We Fell Down

becca — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 14:19:40 +0000

Title: The Year We Fell Down

Author: Sarina Bowen

Series: Ivy Years

Published by: Rennie Road Books

Date published: March 20, 2014

Genres: Contemporary, Sports

Book Length: 268 pages

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Corey & Hartley

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“These two have a relationship that goes far beyond the physical. Far beyond sex. Corey and Hartley are the definition of soul mates at it’s very core and I happily award them the MFEO stamp of approval!” ~Becca

The sport she loves is out of reach. The boy she loves has someone else.

What now?

She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead.

Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He’s way out of Corey’s league.

Also, he’s taken.

Nevertheless, an unlikely alliance blooms between Corey and Hartley in the “gimp ghetto” of McHerrin Hall. Over tequila, perilously balanced dining hall trays, and video games, the two cope with disappointments that nobody else understands.

They’re just friends, of course, until one night when things fall apart. Or fall together. All Corey knows is that she’s falling. Hard.

But will Hartley set aside his trophy girl to love someone as broken as Corey? If he won’t, she will need to find the courage to make a life for herself at Harkness — one which does not revolve around the sport she can no longer play, or the brown-eyed boy who’s afraid to love her back.

After reading The Understatement of the Year, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the books in this series! I just totally fell in love with Sarina Bowen’s writing style and these characters.

The Year We Fell Down is an emotional roller coaster of a story. While the plot line has been done, friends to lovers, this one was definitely unique and fun! This is one of those books that is sort of hard to review without spoilers…but I’m going to give it my best shot!

From the blurb you know that Corey is in a wheelchair and can’t follow her dream of playing hockey. You also know that her next door neighbor in the “gimp” rooms is the super hot Hartley…who just happens to have a girlfriend.

These two bond and the friendship that blooms between them is inseparable. It’s uplifting. It’s strong. It’s absolutely 100% perfect…except for the longing. The want. Hartley’s trophy girl girlfriend is a total bitch…and the way their relationship is set up with her in Paris is absolutely mind boggling! I can’t believe that he lets himself be in a relationship like this…but I digress…

spoilers…all that jazz! Not going there!

So anyways, where was I? Oh yeah! Their friendship! Seeing these two grow and bond over their “gimpness” is sweet and emotional. I love that Hartley is so damn thoughtful…even though he does have his dumb jock moments that make me want to smack him upside the head! I mean come on man…you had to have known she would…

Crap! There I go again! Sorry rambling into ALMOST spoilers…

Okay back on track Becs!

Lets move on from their relationship a little so that I don’t spoil stuff for ya!

This book has one damn amazing story of not giving up. Of not letting go of your dreams and of reaching for what you want…even if it does seem impossible.

Corey is one of the strongest, most well developed female characters I have read in a long damn time. Just reading this book and seeing the story through her eyes made me realize how lucky I am…how many things I take for granted and how thankful I should be For that I want to say a HUGE thank you to Sarina Bowen!

Be prepared for a lot of tears. A lot of angst and struggles. Oh and I can’t forget to mention that you will need to be prepared for a shit ton of sexual tension! I mean…just damn! There aren’t a lot of ‘steamy’ sex scenes in this book…but honestly there didn’t need to be!

The scenes that are there are written beautifully and don’t feel forced. The characters are so real and so raw that any more would have ruined things. These two have a relationship that goes far beyond the physical. Far beyond sex. Corey and Hartley are the definition of soul mates at it’s very core and I happily award them the MFEO stamp of approval!

If you haven’t given this book…this series a chance yet, trust me, head on over to Amazon and pick it up like right now! No seriously…why are you still here?? Go NOW!

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Sarina Bowen makes her home in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she lives with her family, eight chickens and a large pile of skis and hockey equipment. She is a graduate of Yale University.

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What would you do if everything you wanted was taken from you? How would you handle loving someone that is with someone else?

The Understatement of the Year

becca — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 14:49:56 +0000

Title: The Understatement of the Year

Author: Sarina Bowen

Series: Ivy Years

Published by: Rennie Road Books

Date published: Sept. 29, 2014

Genres: LGBT, Contemporary, Sports

Book Length: 281 pages

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Graham & Rikker

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“I cannot get over how well written this story was. It was so realistic, so raw and so emotional that once I got started reading it I just couldn’t stop.” ~Becca

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexuality from everyone. Including himself.

So it’s a shock when his past strolls right into the Harkness College locker room, sporting a bag of hockey gear and the same slow smile that had always rendered Graham defenseless. For Graham, there is only one possible reaction: total, debilitating panic. With one loose word, the team’s new left wing could destroy Graham’s life as he knows it.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Rikker didn’t exactly expect a warm welcome from Graham. But the guy won’t even meet his eyes. From the looks of it, his former… best friend / boyfriend / whatever isn’t doing so well. He drinks too much and can’t focus during practice.

Either the two loneliest guys on the team will self destruct from all the new pressures in their lives, or they can navigate the pain to find a way back to one another. To say that it won’t be easy is the Understatement of the Year.

THIS BOOK IS A STANDALONE. NO CLIFFHANGERS. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NECESSARY.

Warning: unlike the other books in this series, this heartbreaking love story is about two guys. Contains sexual situations, dance music, snarky t-shirts and a poker-playing grandmother.

This was only my second gay romance novel and I have to say that I adored it! I totally read this series all wrong and absolutely out of order…however, it really didn’t matter

In the Understatement of the Year we meet Graham and Rikker who were best friends during their childhood and adolescent years. They fell in love as teenagers. Unfortunately, something horrible and sadly realistic happens that causes Rikker to be sent away and Graham to second guess everything about himself. Because of this, Graham hides who he is. He forces himself to date girls and lives a very exhausting and carefully planned life. He honestly thinks that he has everything under control. When Rikker, his first, and if he’s honest only, love joins his hockey team he fears that his carefully laid plans and perfectly choreographed lies are about to be thrown out of the window.

I LOVE that this story is told in a dual POV. Getting to see things from both Graham and Rikker’s perspective really adds a whole new level to the story that other wise would have been lacking. Getting to see the team and college life through Graham, who is terrified of even saying the word gay, and Rikker, who was unwillingly outed at his last college, is absolutely epic.

I cannot get over how well written this story was. It was so realistic, so raw and so emotional that once I got started reading it I just couldn’t stop.

The sex….just damn!

These sex scenes are HOT, HOT, HOT with a side of steamy!

The flow of the romance is realistic and believable. It isn’t easy for them and there are some pretty big hurdles that they have to jump over. I have to say that I wanted to beat the shit out of Graham on several occasions! I mean seriously…poor Rikker just kept putting himself out there and Graham just…well yeah I’m not saying more than that because well…spoilers!

Anyways…where was I? Oh yeah…

These two guys are far from perfect and their relationship has it’s flaws and hiccups. However, when they finally do get over their obstacles and give in to the sexual tension that is so strong you can taste it…trust me…it’s something you won’t want to miss out on!

The love that Graham and Rikker have for one another is so amazingly sweet. For two big bad hockey players they definitely have a sweet side that keeps you begging for more.

The way this book ends is just OOOO EEMMM GGGEEE sweet! You will seriously need a box of tissues to stop the tears and snot from taking over your face…yep…gross I know! But trust me, this book is just that damn good! It absolutely rocked my world and made me want more! I was super sad to know that I was done with their story and would like to say that I am totally up for a follow up story for these two!

Sarina Bowen makes her home in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she lives with her family, eight chickens and a large pile of skis and hockey equipment. She is a graduate of Yale University.

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What would you do if an old flame, that could ruin the world you created for yourself, waltzed back into your life?

Drops of Rain

becca — Sun, 12 Oct 2014 19:51:05 +0000

Title: Drops of Rain
Author: Kathryn Andrews
Publish Date: August 11, 2014
Pages: 312 ebook
Series: Hale Brothers

Genres: YA/NA – Contemporary

Steam Rating: Steamy

Main Characters: Ali Rain & Drew Hale

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“I loved this book… It confronts issues that are close to my heart. You will fall in love with Ali and Drew and root for them to break though the heartache that threatens to engulf them. Be prepared ladies… ” ~Jen

Ali Rain

Sometimes I think to myself, “How did I get here?” Then the pain hits and I remember…it’s because she’s gone. I now live in a new town, go to a new school, and I’m supposed to be moving on with my new life.

Only, I no longer know who I am anymore.

Dancing is all I have left and every day I feel completely alone. Silence has become the theme song to my life. She said to find some joy and light, but I don’t know how. Mostly, I feel surrounded in darkness…that is until I meet him.

Drew Hale

I have only one goal, in 298 days I’m going to drive away from this small beach town and never return. People are always watching me closely, too close, and I’m tired of wearing a mask. I need to be free. Swimming is my ticket out of here and I remind myself daily to fly under the radar, stick to my routine, and under no circumstances let anything distract me. I’m not as perfect as they think, most days I am drowning in guilt. I’m not sure I will ever be able to escape the feelings of shame, worthlessness, and just being unwanted…that is until I meet her.

Drops of Rain is a beautifully written coming of age story about surviving tragedy and fighting back. It grips your heart and holds it hostage until the future plays out. What would you do if your life suddenly got turned inside out and was spinning in a vortex you had no control over? Would you succumb to the silence? Embrace the loneliness? Or would you fight to change the future even if the world seemed as though it was fighting against you?

There’s something about him… She can’t quit thinking about his eyes, his taut body, and his oh so soft lips. She wants to be pulled from the depths of her depression… Can Drew Hale be the one to pull her from the silence?

What is it about her that causes his mind to become completely lost in thoughts of her… Her legs wrapped around him, her tiny frame holding onto him, and the sadness in her eyes. Everything about Ali Rain makes him want what he thinks he doesn’t deserve.

I loved this book… It confronts issues that are close to my heart. You will fall in love with Ali and Drew and root for them to break though the heartache that threatens to engulf them. Be prepared ladies… There’s nothing like taking a trip down memory lane – back to your high school days. That’s exactly where Drops of Rain took me… From your first love to your first heartbreak, you will experience an emotional roller coaster that will leave you wanting more.

Over ten years ago my husband and I were driving from Chicago to Tampa and somewhere in Kentucky I remember seeing a billboard that was all black with five white words, “I do, therefore I am!” I’m certain that it was a Nike ad, but for me I found this to be completely profound.

Take running for example. Most will say that a runner is someone who runs five days a week and runs under a ten minute mile pace. Well, I can tell you that I never run five days a week and on my best days my pace is an eleven minute mile. I have run six half marathons and one full marathon. No matter what anyone says, I am a runner. I do, therefore I am.

I’ve taken this same thought and applied it to so many areas of my life:cooking, gardening, quilting, and yes . . . writing.

I have been writing my entire life. It is my husband who finally said, “Who cares if people like your books or not? If you enjoy writing them and you love your stories . . . then write them.” He has always been my biggest fan and he was right. Being a writer has always been my dream and what I said I wanted to be when I grew up.

I have two boys that are three years a part. My husband and I want to instill in them adventure, courage, and passion. We don’t expect them to be perfect at things, we just want them to try and do. It’s not about winning the race, it’s about showing up in the first place. We don’t want them to be discouraged by society stereotypes, we want them to embrace who they are and what they love. After all, we only get one life.

In the end, they won’t care how many books I actually sell . . . all that matters to them is that I said I was going to do it, I did it, and I have loved every minute of it.

Find something that you love and tell yourself, “I do, therefore I am.

** Next Release**

Starless Nights – Beau’s Story
Expected Release – –

November 2014

**Keep your eyes out! **

If you could go back and redo something that may have changed the course of your life… Would you?

Rain Check by Gypsy Rae Choszer

becca — Sat, 04 Oct 2014 03:17:27 +0000

Title: Rain Check
Author: Gypsy Rae Choszer
Date Published: May 28th, 2014
Genre: NA
Pages: 245
Steam Rating: Steamy
Main Characters: Avery & Gabe

Avery clings to her sanity while dealing with his hot/cold flashes – 

Gabe is waging a war within himself…. – Jen

For Avery Montgomery, the devastation of losing her parents in a tragic accident has left her completely shattered. As she begins to pick up the pieces of her once perfect life, she uncovers a secret that will forever change her—she’s adopted!

In a search for answers, Avery ventures to Portland where she rents a room from Jonah, a quirky artist who quickly becomes her best friend. His house puts her in close proximity to the metaphysical shop run by her birth mother, the free spirited Marianna Hutchins. Avery enters The Crystal Moon fully intending to confront Marianna, but instead she chickens out and inquires about a job. She’s hired; yet remains leery about confessing her secret.

As Avery settles into town, she has an embarrassing encounter with Gabe, the incredibly attractive man who works a few doors down. Despite the awkward introduction, there is undeniable chemistry, but after a recent heartbreak all he’s looking for is friendship.

Everyone deserves a second chance. Will Avery get hers with a new family? Will Gabe allow himself a second chance at love? Will they embrace their new relationships, or will they simply decide to take a rain check?

Wow! I really enjoyed this book… It’s hilarious and heartfelt at the same time. This poor girl’s luck just flat out sucks. Avery is a pretty “real” girl by that I mean you can see a little of yourself in her character, ven in the simplest of her actions. From embarrassing herself in front of a hot guy to waging an internal battle on how to reveal something devastatingly important… I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug or hold her hand while her life played out. She is in desperate need of a fresh start! I couldn’t imagine having to go through what she has. I gotta give her credit though, she owns her mishaps and doesn’t let them slow her down. She may rise slowly but she rises with purpose, and that’s really all that matters.

Thank goodness for Jonah! Lmao, everyone has that “one friend” who supports us and doesn’t let us drown in self pity. He’s the cookie cutter gay friend that brightens your day with a simple gesture. A burgeoning artist with a flair for the dramatic, Avery is perfect material for his drama addiction. Who doesn’t need a best friend that will indulge you when you’re down and out? I loved Jonah’s character, he is exuberant and loveable… And just plain awesome! I hope he finds love next!!

(hint hint Gypsy) Gabe Gabe Gabe… You asshat! Ugh! Avery is totally diggin on you and yet you string her along as though the chemistry is not effecting you as well… It’s a good thing Avery loves you ya stubborn ass! He’s aloof and distant and shuts down at the drop of a kiss all while denying his feelings for Avery :/ talk about frustrating! His ex left him broken hearted and damaged, but everything about Avery screams perfection to him. His feelings reciprocate her’s so why can’t he just man up? He takes far too much time figuring his shit out for me I would have told him to take a hike, lol. (Guess it’s a good thing Avery isn’t like me )

The sex is earth shattering and soul deep it grips them both and takes them past the point of no return. Finding comfort in one another comes easily for them Allowing it to happen is much more difficult. Simple touches and sweet kisses undermine their true feelings. Passionately powerful surprise make out sessions leave them both yearning for more.

Avery clings to her sanity while dealing with his hot/cold flashes – Gabe is waging a war within himself….You’ll have to read this book to see if it pans out loves. It’s refreshing and hopeful, while at the same time, sad and desirous. I hope you give this story a shot. Gypsy has turned tragedy into a new beginning with the trials that come with starting anew and it’s an awesome journey!

Gypsy Rae Choszer grew up in the valley below Mount Timpanogos where she watched the apricot trees in her backyard bloom every spring. When she was eighteen she packed her bags and ran away to the exotic locale of Mesa Arizona to begin the work of being an adult.

Gypsy’s love of reading began as a child when her mom would take her to their local library and let her bring home stacks of whatever she wanted. This often lead to Gypsy reading with a dictionary nearby to explain words she intuitively knew her mother wouldn’t approve of. In her spare time she likes to explore photography, make jewelry, eat chocolate, and mix magical potions. When she’s not writing, you can find Gypsy hanging out at home with her husband and best friend, their three children, a neurotic dog, and four chickens. However, Gypsy knows her family will not be complete until she brings home a peacock and a goat.

Have you ever completely embarrassed yourself in front of someone you thought was hot?

The Understatement of the Year: Release Day

becca — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 15:16:35 +0000

I am so excited about this book–I love Sarina’s Ivy Years series, and this male/male romance was so gorgeous and beautifully told.

Today, we have an interview with Sarina about the series, as well as a great giveaway! Be sure to check it out!

What happened in high school stayed in high school. Until now.

Five years ago, Michael Graham betrayed the only person who ever really knew him. Since then, he’s made an art of hiding his sexual orientation from everyone. Including himself.

John Rikker is stuck being the new guy. Again. And it’s worse than usual, because the media has latched onto the story of the only “out” player in Division One hockey. As the satellite trucks line the sidewalk outside the rink, his new teammates are not amused.

And one player in particular looks sick every time he enters the room.

Warning: unlike the other books in this series, this heartbreaking love story is about two guys. Containssexual situations, dance music, snarky t-shirts and a poker-playing grandmother.

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | iBOOKS

Previous books in the series:

#1 The Year We Fell Down (March 2014)

#2 The Year We Hid Away (June 2014)

#2.5 Blonde Date (July 2014)

COMING SOON!

Q: Is Harkness College from the Ivy Years series based on Yale?

A: Heck yes! But it’s based on a Yale which has gone soft and fuzzy in my mind, in all the best ways. So I’ve fictionalized it to avoid the errors and inaccuracies that I’d be likely to make if I tried to get everything just right.

Q: So what parts of Harkness are the Yaliest?

A: The architecture! The turrets and gargoyles, the Harry Potteresque dining halls, the slate footpaths and the creaky oak doors. The iron gates. The courtyards. The window seats, where you perch while you wonder if you’ll find true love. (Or just do your homework.)

Q: Why did you decide to write a book about two guys this time?

A: In the first place, I didn’t really decide, so much as the idea for Graham’s struggle surgically implanted itself in my brain and would not let go. And when I pictured the two of them meeting up again in a locker room after five years of silence, I just got the chills. This became the book that I cheated on all my other books to write. (If my editors of other projects are reading this… sorry! I’ll get back to work now. Probably.)

Q. Why college hockey?

A. Because… duh! Hockey players are hot. And hockey is a fast-paced game where whining is categorically disallowed. Interestingly, fighting is not legal in college hockey, either. At the college level, it’s all about the game. I love that!

Q: How many Ivy Years books do you have planned?

A: Five, if you’re counting the novella. After Rikker and Graham’s book, Bella is going to need her own book. What, you haven’t met Bella yet? Just wait. She steals quite a few scenes in The Understatement of the Year. She is a kick-ass chick in much the same way as Corey, Scarlet and Katie. You’ll love her. You can read a bit more about all the titles on The Ivy Years page on my website.

Q: How did you come to write romance?

A: I’ve always loved novels—all kinds of novels. And my goal is to make the reader do three things when she’s reading my book: cry, laugh, and sigh. Romance is the best vehicle for that goal, and I’ve really enjoyed the ride.

Sarina Bowen makes her home in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where she lives with her family, eight chickens and a large pile of skis and hockey equipment. She is a graduate of Yale University.

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