To Jillian Dodd-

Jillian Dodd

An Extraordinary Woman

 Don’t you just love surprises? 

Well, a certain Jillian Dodd has no idea that 99 authors are going to blog about her today or that reader bloggers have jumped on board too to help us thank her for what she has done for us. 

Jillian Dodd is a best selling author of fabulous young adult fiction. Her writing is pure entertainment, which has found thousands of fans… but more about that it a minute. 

I first stumbled across her in a large group of writers and it didn’t take me long to realize that Jill’s one of those people who steps up to help others navigate the stormy and ever changing seas of self publishing. 

So why am I telling you all this, I hear you cry?

 

On the 21^st of December 99 authors were part of a promotional activity to sell 99 EBooks for 99 cents. Jillian had come up with a marketing plan while chatting to other writers about the best way to bring their books to the attention of the reading public. So when I was invited in November to participate with a book that was low in the charts and priced $2.99 or above I leapt at the chance. 

Like a General she assembled the troops, issuing clear step-by-step instructions on what we had to do, how and when we had to do it and we all responded in a good and timely manner.

At the end of the 21^st December, ten of us were in the top 100 in the Kindle store. By this time Amazon had leapt aboard to assist in the 24hr price drop and helped us with the Kindle Daily Deal and the majority of us found our rankings soar. Many of us sold hundreds of books. Many were in the top five of their specific category genres. Readers were ecstatic, authors were excited and Jillian stayed up with virtually no sleep for forty-eight hours to make sure the whole thing went smoothly and to keep a beady eye on the numbers. 

And let me tell you it was a thing of beauty! 

But back to her books! 
 

Did you guys ever watch Gossip Girl? Or Beverly Hills 90210 in the early days?

Well, if you enjoyed those, you’re going to love the steamy Keatyn Chronicles. Readers have gone wild for Keatyn and her complicated life, never mind her even more complex love life.

Jillian’s ability to write such a fabulously drawn character has readers coming back for more again and again. Keatyn may look as if she has it all, but she hasn’t and she has the smarts to know it too. This is no timid little doormat. This is a girl who’s on life’s journey to understand herself, her sexuality, to figure out where she fits in to a complex world and how she deals with being separated from all she holds dear. 

It’s the sign of a great author when he/she deals effortlessly with a protagonist’s flaws. And Keatyn has plenty, which made me laugh out loud at times and brought a lump to my throat, too. 

The secondary characters are incredibly well written, especially the guys. The men are so drool worthy, fans of Keatyn are busy on social networking sites posting photos of who they think should play them in a film or television series. And right there is the magic. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a television series in the books’ future. 

There’s plenty more to come and I cannot wait. 

Book one is Stalk me and it has garnered over 138 five star reviews. 

 

Here’s the blurb:
 

Gossip Girl meets Hollywood in this steamy new series by That Boy author, Jillian Dodd.

Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She's popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most-coveted lunch table.

She's just not sure she wants it anymore.

Because, really, things aren't all that perfect.
Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam.
Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to.
It's exhausting always trying to look and act perfect.
And, deep down, she isn't sure if she has any true friends.

To add to the drama, her movie star mom has a creepy stalker.
A hot, older man flirts with her and tells her they should make a movie together.
And she's crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating him would mean committing social suicide.

So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony.
But little does she know, there's someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn't happen.

 

Book two of The Keatyn Chronicles is Kiss Me. Since it’s release on the 26^th of November, it has 157 five star reviews.

Here’s the blurb: 

I’ve always written scripts for my perfect life.
But no way could I have ever scripted this.
My life is so far from perfect, it’s not even funny.
All because of a stalker.

I’m at a boarding school, where I have to lie about who I am.
I can’t see my family.
I’m tutoring a hottie god that tortures me with his smile.
The most popular girl already hates me.
But there’s this boy.
This hot, sweet, sexy boy.
So I’m going to stop trying to script my life and just live it.
Because who knows how long I have left. 

The stories might be categorized under young adult. But I can highly recommend them for anyone who loves to be entertained by a truly memorable character and adores a rip roaring rock and roll read. 

 

 

Jillian  Dodd website
http://jilliandodd.net/ 

Jillian Dodd facebook
http://www.facebook.com/jillian.dodd.3 

Jilliand Dodd goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4833990.Jillian_Dodd?auto_login_attempted=true

 

 

 

 

Review: Feral Sins by Suzanne Wright

There are no words. …And I’m not saying that because this book was so amazing that it rendered me speechless. I literally mean that I don’t even know how to begin this review without coming off as too critical or harsh. I think my best bet is to just accurately show you guys how I must have looked the entire time I was reading this book: 

I seriously just didn't get what all the hype was about when it came to Feral Sins. For starters, I couldn't picture any of the characters- I didn't really feel like the author gave her readers any detailed descriptions of them, which in turn had me imagining a wolf for everyone... 

The heroine supposedly had a head full of a million shades of blonde hair… Yet I only pictured this:

The hero is supposedly the biggest, strongest, and hottest Alpha around yet all I picture was this:

...Let’s face it: That’s not attractive.

On a more serious note though, the story did nothing for me… The characters did nothing for me …And the “steamy scenes” did nothing for me. This isn’t typically the type of book I would normally pick up- But after reading so many amazing reviews and seeing such high and impressive ratings, I thought I’d give it a shot. I’m a big fan of overly protective Alpha heroes, and after hearing that this book had one in spades it really sealed the deal for me about buying this book. However, what I got was a huge disappointment and another reminder of why I should probably just stay away from books that wouldn’t typically call to me. 

I was never able to understand why anyone would think the steamy scenes in this book were… Well… Steamy. Trey’s “dirty talk” is supposed to be sexy, I guess. However, being called "my little bitch” during sex isn’t really my cup of tea. Now don’t get me wrong... I’m no prude. I love a good steamy novel just like the rest of you. That isn’t what my issue was with this story- But the sexual interactions between Trey and Taryn were absolutely ridiculous and deserved more than a few eye rolls. For starters, it got old having to consistently read about her fighting him for dominance in the bedroom. The name calling… The scratching… The growling… Having sex fifty times a day… It was all just too much and way too unrealistic.

Taryn eventually grew on me, but I still wouldn't go so far as to say that she was a likable heroine. I think the author attempted to make her seem funny, witty, and intelligent but instead she came off as the complete opposite. There were only so many ”La La Land” and "Flinstone" references that I could stomach before I thought that I was back in junior high. As for Trey being a protective, honest, and possessive Alpha male? Well, that image was destroyed when he agreed to share her with all of his buddies- It was just so contradicting to his character and a complete turn-off.

There were so many scenes that had no relevance and felt like a constant filler- So much could have been eliminated in this story, but even then I don’t think it would have held that much more potential. Everything just felt so repetitive. I think we all got the fact that Taryn was such a sensual and dainty woman next to the giant, impressive, and almighty Trey the first fifty times it was mentioned.

Sadly, nothing about this story rang true to me. I got bored with the constant repetitiveness… The constant sex… The constant snarky comebacks… Everything that makes reading a good book a completely enjoyable reading experience was just missing for me. Perhaps I’m just being a bit biased since I wasn't a fan of snarky alpha heroines or paranormal romance to begin with, but it’s safe to say that I won’t be reading anymore books from this series anytime soon ever again.

Review: Futures and Frosting by Tara Sivec

Warning: This is probably going to be the shortest and lamest review that I've ever written. ...But what can I say? Waking up early for work to sneak behind my bosses backs and read page after page of this book from start to finish, takes mad skill which really took its toll on me.


This book was genius. Pure genius. 

Futures and Frosting definitely measured up to its predecessor, Seduction and Snacks! (Not that I had any doubts in the first place.) This book had everything in addition to its hilarity- An amazing supporting cast, incredibly crude and dirty behavior, mind-boggling conversations, sizzling scenes, and a sweet love story behind all the humor!

I’m not going to go into any detail in this review, only because it will more than likely just be filled up with nothing but hilarious quotes from the story! Just know that the best and only advice that I can give you is if you loved Seduction and Snacks, then you’re going to love this installment to the Chocolate Lovers Series! It was the perfect sequel and conclusion to Carter and Claire’s love story and I can’t wait to see what more is in store for these characters!

Oh, and a little PS for the author Tara Sivec…

Review: Reflected in You by Sylvia Day

This review will be short and to the point. If ya loved Bared to You then you'll love this story. If you're not a fan then get gone. 

Reflected in You is appropriately named for Gideon and Eva. Reflected in each other is Obsession, Jealousy, Possession, Love, Addiction and Heartbreak.

Gideon has STAMINA! I could never tire on how "big" his STAMINA is. Once again, I love the visuals my mind conjured up. 

Ms. Day writes awesome sensuality and smokin' sex scenes...in the shower(my fave), at a concert(oh boy), limo(very intense) or joining the mile high. She takes us to another level in their relationship whether it was good or bad, I enjoyed the ride. Other characters new and old come into play and maybe we can get side stories on them. 

Favorite lines/moments:

Gideon woke up ready to conquer the world, and liked to start that domination with me.

He was my drug, and I had no desire to kick the habit.

"You can be good for me, Gideon," I told him softly. "I don't know how I could ever forget that. Even for a minute."

"See something you like?" he purred, pleasuring himself. 
"Oh my God," I breathed, riveted. "You are so fucking hot."
The gleam in his eyes told me he knew what he was doing to me. His free hand slid slowly up his ridged abdomen and squeezed his pectoral, making me jealous. "Could you come watching me?"

Me thinking to myself...Fuck Yeah!

Reaching for my hand, he lifted it to his lips and kissed my fingertips. "I love you."

"I'm obsessed with you, angel. Addicted to you. You're everything I've ever wanted or needed, everything I've ever dreamed of. You're everything. I live and breathe you. For you."

All in all...I effin loved it! 

Review: The Perfect Game by J. Sterling

  

★★★★Over-all rating? A solid four stars!★★★★

I seriously can’t believe how fast I finished this book- It was that good! I had never intended to read this story until I heard from a friend that the hero had major jerk potential… 

Botta.

Bing.
Botta.
Boom. 
...SOLD!

...That's all it took for me to immediately buy this novel- Lord knows I’m a sucker for that type of hero. (In the book world, at least.) This story had everything that I love in a romance novel: 

-A gorgeous bad-boy hero with commitment issues? Check.
-Emotion? Check.
-Angst? Check.

What’s not to love? Both the heroine and hero had family issues from their past that made it difficult for them to open up and trust people. Cassie liked Jack, but she hated everything he represented- His good looks and track record with women was a major red flag for her, so she did the one thing she promised herself she wouldn’t do… She fell in love with him. I could relate to Cassie’s character and insecurity… After-all, I’m a woman- But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to wanting to throttle her when her insecurities got in the way of her relationship with Jack.

Jack… Jack… Jack… *sigh* …The man was a total womanizer- Every man wanted to walk in his shoes and every woman wanted his heart- But for Jack, it was one thing to hook up with someone and then call it a day, but to be off the market completely was something he had never dealt with before. He had never been with a woman who actually took the time to get to know him on a personal level emotionally- It’s always been strictly physical with any type of relationship he ever had and nothing or no one had ever swayed him to want to be any different... Until Cassie. She didn’t care that he was an athlete; She cared about him as a person. The man might have had jerk potential, but he was truly so sweet at heart.

The supporting cast in this story was wonderful as well- I absolutely adored Cassie’s best friend and felt so humbled by Jack’s sweet brother, Dean. I’d love to see either character’s book in the future! This was my first novel by J. Sterling and it most definitely won’t be my last- The only negative thing that I can really say about the story is it lacked in length and was a tad bit predictable, although I definitely had my shocker moments. All-in-all though, I honestly can’t say enough good things about The Perfect Game- The character development really helped readers to experience the good and the ugly side of Jack and Cassie’s relationship and the hoops and hurdles that they both had to jump through to get their happy ending. No relationship is perfect in the real world, so it was so refreshing to read a story that not only teaches us the importance of love, but forgiveness as well. It may be possible to pitch a perfect game, but relationships don't work that way- And J. Sterling was definitely gifted with the talent to show her readers through her words and writing that it takes commitment, wrong decisions, heartache, and tough times to really appreciate all that you have in life.

Review: Running Wild by Linda Howard and Linda Jones

I’m finding myself having a hard time writing a review for this one. I liked this book but I found it predictable. There weren't any surprises or twists to the story and I REALLY wanted some!

This story has the perfect set up! Hot alpha-male cowboy, beautiful girl who’s been terrorized but decides to take a stand, small town that takes her in like she’s one of their own, and a sizzling love affair. We even had the creepy stalker. Like I said, perfect set up for some twists and turns.

I liked Carlin. She’s a beautiful woman who’s been through hell and is on the run. She lives off the grid and does what she must to stay alive. She lucks into a job at the ranch, owned by Zeke. While at the ranch, she realizes she’s not living just surviving. This is when she decides to take a stand and not run anymore. She finally has something to live for……Zeke.

Zeke is the hot alpha-male cowboy. He takes care of those he cares about. He’s willing to live without Carlin if that means she can be free, so he decides to risk it all…..for her.

I would have liked to have seen some twists and turns in the story. The final resolution was a little too neat and tidy for me. There wasn’t much build up and tension, I like a lot more tension and build up to the final showdown.

The romance/sex scenes always started out hot but then when it started to get really good, it was glazed over. All the good and juicy bits were left out. They were pretty much a fade to black.

Overall a good story and I’m looking forward to the others in the series!

Cover Reveal: Running on Empty

Wow...another book that will soon be released...and it looks soooo good too! The cover is stunning, too!

 

I've come to the conclusion that I need to quit working and read full time. There has to be a job like this somewhere here in New York where I can get paid for reading. I mean, New York has it all, right?

 

 

 

 

Blurb:

I had the perfect life. Beautiful and loving husband. Three gorgeous little girls.
Successful career. The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence.

Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse.

But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.

There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down. Absolutely no way.

The question is…

How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?


Click here for link to authors site 
Release Date: January 2013

99 Books!! 99 Authors ONLY 99 cents!!!

Holy Smokes! Merry Christmas to myself!

 

These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

 

Cover Reveal: Redemption by H.D. Gordon

The final test is here. The war is no longer a worry of tomorrow, but a reality of today. Turning back is no longer an option. Maybe it never was. It is time for Alexa Montgomery to look fate in the eyes. Death waits there for certain. The only question is... for who..

 

    

H. D. Gordon is the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga. Blood Warrior, the first book of the Alexa series was her debut novel and has held a spot in the top 100 fantasy bestsellers for over a month. Half Black Soul is the second book in this series and H. D. plans to complete Alexa's tales by the end of 2012. In June of 2012, Joe, a fantasy novel about a young clairvoyant, was released as well. H. D. is a lifelong reader and writer, a true lover of words. When she is not reading or writing she is raising her two daughters, playing a little guitar, and spending time with her family. She is twenty three years old and lives in the northeastern United States.

Blog Tour & Scavenger Hunt: Anya Millar

 

 

Hello! Welcome to My Secret Romance!! Louie, I'm so happy Anya allowed you to be here today for an interview. :)

Thank you for inviting me into your space, Taryn. It’s lovely.

Louie, can you tell us a little about your story- twitter style 160 or less. Go!

Twitter style? How quaint.
Ex-lover and fully bound servant to Anya, one of the most deadly yet loving immortals in existence. We don't agree with the diet but I will serve her wishes, always.

Where do you live? Can you describe it to us? Is it where you call home?

I now live in at the House Millar. Mistress Anya bought a large bed and breakfast and converted it for our needs. My lover Simon and I stay there on the grounds. It is the first place I have truly called home in well over a century.

It’s a larger Victorian mansion on the outskirts of Ithaca, NY. Instead of trying to describe it, I will let you see it through Anya’s eyes.

The ornate oak doors opened into a small foyer leading into a large living room with a flagstone fireplace and cooking hearth. The wrought iron tools included a quaint little pot hook that would swing out. The flooring was all in light oak with a large rug in the centre. Looking around we noticed the leaded glass upper half of the double windows and a high vaulted ceiling, making this room inviting, to me at least. The grand staircase caught my attention as the newel post at the bottom of the oak banister had an intricately carved lion at the top, with claws at the bottom. The stairs were hardwood with a runner down the middle, held in place by polished brass rods at the back of each step. Off the main living space was a cute open access room with huge windows.

I started up the stairs but Nicholas grabbed my shoulder.

“Love, shouldn’t we check things like the dining and cooking areas? It’s important for Declán.”

“True, it’s just all so beautiful.”

The formal dining area held a large oval, dark maple table with ten high back chairs. The accents were two moderate wrought iron chandeliers above the table and a buffet built into one wall. The kitchen was moderate in size with a separate pantry off to the side.

There was a small staircase here leading up to the second floor as well, useful. There were many other rooms including, to my joy, a library.

“Can we go peek upstairs now?” I teased lightly. “I think we may have found what we need, mo mhuirnín.”

Upstairs was a long hall with four bedrooms, each with a private bath. There was also a sitting room between the two smaller suites and a curving staircase up to the third floor. There were three more suites there with a small common area. “This can be our area,” Nicholas suggested. “One for each of us with a group area for hanging out together or having the girls over.”

I sighed happily. “That sounds wonderful!” Just need to check the basement and then meet back up with Jonathan. “Oh, wait. On the way back down I want to take pictures of the different rooms and areas so the others can see and start planning their makeovers.” I could not help the grin that seemed permanent; things were working out nicely. A beautiful home, all three humans in college – worked out well since they are not in the same one but both are in the same town – and tons of beautiful natural areas for hunting.

“Sounds perfect. Let’s go tell Jonathan.” I had to keep a hold of Nicholas when we got back down to where the human woman was as he was so excited he was moving a tad too fast.

Are your senses more highly developed than others?

As a vampire, yes, my senses are more developed. However, there are some of my kind that are more than me and others that are less. But, I can hear your heart race from hear and smell the taste of your blood in the air, if that’s what you mean. Don’t worry, cher, I don’t harm humans so you are safe from me and the others in our House.

Would you say you are a pessimist or an optimist?

Depends on the decade ;) For the most part, I am an optimist, but living as long as have tends to show me the depravity not only of my kind, but of yours as well. The human capacity to harm your own kind, is terrifying if you truly think about it. But I believe that humanity, on the whole, is still good and worthy of being protected.

Trust is not something that comes easily for me. How do you learn to trust those around you?

I do not trust many, never have. I am an artist and a political power in my world, so I know how often a smile means they are simply trying to distract so you miss the knife they are trying to place in your back. However, I have learned to follow my heart and let it lead me. So far, so good.

I trust Anya, Simon, and our extended family. But then, all that serve her and are part of her House are bound by her power to not betray us... makes trusting them a little easier, lol.

What's your biggest fear?

Loosing Simon or Anya. Having lost her once before, I know that pain already and have no wish to ever suffer it again. Loosing Simon would be just as bad. I can’t even fathom loosing them both!

Can we change the topic now please?

What is something we wouldn't know about you, Louie?

Ha-ha. There are many things you wouldn’t know about me, cher. But, something you don’t know... It was quite difficult to be around Nicholas and Declan right at first because they had the love of my Anya, while she had been gone from me for over a century. The fact I have my own lover now, a male I love very much, did not lessen the pain of watching them be happy while I had to be only a lesser friend—one she didn’t remember from her past.

Do you have your eye on anyone at the moment? What is it about her that attracts you?

LOL, No! I think Simon as my mate and Anya as my mistress are more than enough for any being. There is no way to answer your second question. It would be easier to explain what does not attract me to either of my loves. They are who hold my heart. Simple as that.

Louie, do you believe in happily ever after?

Oh, yes. I don’t believe it happens often, sadly, but I believe it happens. It has to me. I have my mate and my mistress and both love me in return. That is my fairytale come true.

If you were to come with a warning label, what would it say?

My fangs are the least of your worries. Beware of my loyalty, for it shall eviscerate all who seeks to harm my loves.

Do you think redemption is possible? If so, can anyone be redeemed, or are there only certain circumstances that can be?

I am not sure what you believe I need redemption from, Taryn. I know some believe vampires are evil, and many are, but I protect those I can. I know when you first meet me in the stories, my eyes are the black-voids of the killers, but that is not completely true. I only killed and fed upon the wicked among your kind. The murders, rapists, child abusers, and the like... never the kind, good, beloved ones.

I do not even feed on the wicked now, Anya forbids it, but even so, I do not believe killing evil is something for which I need redemption.

Thank you so much for being here today!!
Thank you, my cher! It was lovely stopping by, and your site has given me many great ideas ;) I hope you and your readers have a wonderful holiday, no matter which they celebrate.

*Louie takes Taryn’s hand, bends over it and brushes his lips against the back lightly.* Until next time, cher.

Geas Publishing is proud to present the House Millar series Scavenger Hunt & Book Tour. Some of my favourite blogs have come together to hunt to all the items on the scavenger hunt list. At the end of the hunt you will have 25 items to enter into the Rafflecopter.

How to Play: This is how it works… all the blogs below will post a bit about one of the books along with a guest post, interview, character interview, spotlight, etc. along with their token on their scheduled date. You are looking for the special image included somewhere within the post that you will need to then enter into the Rafflecopter at the end. Make sure to enter your answer into the right slot on the Rafflecopter ;)

We are giving away a nice set of prizes – including free eBooks from the series; gift cards to Amazon, B&N, or ARe; swag; and more…

So, enjoy, hunt along with the various posts, and have fun. Best wishes to all!

Meat and Potatoes of the post (no pointing out I’m a vegetarian, lol)... Rafflecopter code: a Rafflecopter giveaway Schedule:

Cover Reveal: Fight With Me

Jules Montgomery is too busy and content with her life to worry about
a man, especially one Nate McKenna. If growing up with four brothers
has taught her anything, she knows to stay away from sexy men with
tattoos and motorcycles. That goes double if he's your boss. During
the one incredible night they shared, he violated the no
fraternization policy...among other things, and it won't happen again.
Jules won't risk her career for mind-blowing sex, no matter how much
her body and her damn heart keep arguing with her.

Nate McKenna could give a shit about the no fraternizing policy. He
wants Jules and he'll have her. The rules could bend around them, or
be damned. He's not a man to be taken lightly, and Jules Montgomery is
about to find out just how he responds to being pushed aside after the
best night of sex he's ever had. She can fight all she wants, but
he'll have her in his bed in the end.

FIGHT WITH ME is the second novel in the With Me In Seattle Series.



OMG! How HOT is that cover!!!! I love it. Absolutely love it. If you didn't by now, now you do- I'm a cover whore. I would totally buy that book based it's the cover. BUT my reviewer, Nadine, LOVES this series. When I told her that the author emailed me asking if Nadine would consider reviewing the book, I told her that Nadine went wild. Wild and Crazzzzzy over reviewing this book! She was cursing and yelling in the email, that's how much she wanted it! So now I would buy the book and read it even more!!!

Blog Tour: Forever My Girl

“I know she hates me.

I hate me.

I ruined her life. That is what her voice message said. The one I've saved for the past ten years. The one I've transferred from phone to phone just so I could hear her voice when I’m at my lowest. I can recite every hateful word she said to me when I was too busy to answer and never found the time to call her back.

Never found one second to call and explain to her what I had done to us. She was my best friend and I let her slip through my fingers just to save myself from the heartache of hearing she didn't want me anymore.

I had dreams too.

And my dreams included her, but she would never have gone for it. I’m not living her American Dream. I'm living my own. My decision destroyed everything.”

Do you believe in second chances? Can love be redeemed after it's been thrown away so callously? Can love heal old wounds that have been inflicted by the one that broke your heart? Forever My Girl by Heidi McLaughlin is a story about second chances and redemption. It’s a story about how love can stand the test of time. It's sad, sweet and heartwarming. Leaving you with a feeling of hope that no matter what will happen, LOVE can conquer all. (YES, I am forever an optimist; the idea of love makes me all gushy. ;))

“When you love someone, you just know." 

Liam is living the Hollywood lifestyle. He's a huge rock star who has everything he could ever want and need at his fingertips. It turns out that Liam's life is anything but a fairy-tale, he's extremely lonely and suffering from a bad decision he made ten years earlier. Liam destroyed the most important relationship that he’s had with the only girl he's ever loved. He torments himself daily with thoughts of whether the choice to live his dreams was worth the sacrifice of leaving his family, friends and one true love behind. When confronted with the sudden death of his best friend Mason, he decides to go home and pay his respects. The need to see Josie his former love one more time is inescapable. He wants to convince himself that he made the best decision by leaving her behind.

“I thought for sure we'd spend forever together. I thought our love was one of a kind. I would almost be okay if he had met someone else and fallen in love, but he didn't. He just left. He said he was suffocating.” ~~ Josie 

Josie is trying to move on from the past. They say time heals old wounds but Josie has never been able to fully recover from the shattered heart that Liam left her with. Working as a florist in a flower shop that she also owns, Josie is raising her son Noah with Nick her boyfriend of six years. Sad and dealing with the grief from the death of Mason her long time friend and best friends’ husband, Josie is trying to keep it all together, that is until Liam shows up. Liam’s return brings old feelings to the surface that Josie thought she had buried a long time ago and a situation Liam didn't know anything about brings them back together in a whole new way.

Their first encounter with each other after ten years apart is emotional and moving. The chemistry is palpable and you want them to work through all the hurt and scars that the time apart has created. I loved their story and the way it was written. It gives you hope and leaves a smile on your face until the very end. I look into his eyes, his forehead rests upon mine. His mouth drops open when my fingers trail down his body, pushing him deeper.
"You're so perfect," he kisses me in between the words, showing me how much he loves me.
"I love you, Liam"
"You're forever my girl." 

Liam and Josie are both incredibly lovable characters. I felt throughout the book they tugged on my heartstrings, making my heart melt. They weren't the only characters that caught my attention though. Katelyn, Josie's best friend, was amazing. Facing the death of anyone is tough but she lost her husband that she shared two children with. I loved the way her friends rallied around her and took care of her. 

Overall this is a great book if you are looking for something a bit more emotional. Heidi does an amazing job taking you through the trials of death, broken hearts, and the hope of a second chance at love. I adored it and would highly recommend picking up this great read.

 

Guest Reviewer Angie***

 

 The first 200 people to purchase FOREVER MY GIRL will get a free download of the song PAINKILLERS! Just e-mail your proof of purchaseto thebeaumontseries@gmail[dot] com.

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Blog Tour: A Song for Julia

Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn’t ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.


Not what I expected (Julia) Excerpt:

It was funny, I thought, as we paid the bill and left the restaurant. Crank was … different. Easy to be around, and he made me laugh. But I was never going to see him after tonight, and that made me kind of sad. For a brief second, I thought of seeing him when we got back to Boston, but seriously? Bad idea. My life didn’t have room for someone like Crank. And from what he’d said, his didn’t have room either. This was all a little off-key, out of place, almost as if it was someone else out to dinner with him, and I was playing a role. I almost never go out with guys. And I never let my emotions get ahead of my brain.

But tonight, as we tried to wave down a cab to head toward Georgetown, I was feeling a little out of control. The way his shirt gathered around his arms, the easy strength in them, the easy grin … I was attracted to him in a way I hadn’t been with anyone in a long time. 

I’ve never liked feeling out of control. Not like that. I’d gone there once, head over heels in love, and it did so much damage to my life I didn’t think I’d ever recover. No way I’d ever go there again. Whatever else happened, I was in control of my life. No one else. Certainly not some formless emotion and lust that can take away who you even are. I was fourteen when it happened, almost eight years ago, and the consequences and damage were beyond anything I could have conceived. What I learned was this: letting myself be at the mercy of hormones and brain chemicals and emotions can be deadly.

A cab pulled up, and we got in. I thought of tossing away caution and telling him I wanted to go home with him. One night wouldn’t be so dangerous. One night could be okay. One night could be free and fun and not go anywhere.

The cab driver took a hard right turn, accelerating to get through the light before it changed, and in the process I was pushed across the back seat toward Crank. He put his arm around me, an automatic reaction I’m sure, but I stayed there.

“You all right?” he asked.

“Fine!” I said. “Where are we going, anyway?”

“No idea. Aren’t there a bunch of clubs in Georgetown?”

“I think so. I didn’t get out much when I lived in the area.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Why not? Don’t take offense, but you seem like you were probably one of the popular girls.”

“You couldn’t be more wrong. What makes you think that?” I asked, giving him a challenging stare.

“First impressions, I guess. You still look very professional in that outfit, kind of preppy. Sexy as hell.”

I’m not a blushy sort of girl, but that made me blush. “It’s not exactly club attire, is it? But I don’t want to take the time to go back and change.”

“No worries, Julia. It’s just us, anyway.”

I swallowed and then leaned against him. What had gotten into me? 

Lust. That was the only explanation. I could feel the hard muscle of his shoulders and thighs pressing against me, and my body was responding to that—no matter what my mind said. 

The cab came to a halt, and the driver muttered something. I leaned forward. Nothing but red taillights ahead of us for blocks.

“What’s going on?” Crank asked.

“Construction,” the driver said. “Bad. You want me to let you out here?” He looked anxious to dump us out of the cab as soon as possible, to avoid being stuck in the westbound traffic.

I took a breath. My chest was tight, my whole body tense. I rubbed my hands on my skirt, closed my eyes and thought, Screw it. I can do this. It’s just one night, anyway.

“Do you want to…” he asked, just as I started to say, “Let’s …”

We both stopped, and he laughed.

“You go first,” he said.

I bit my lip, and I could feel my cheeks heating up again. “I was going to say …” and my voice trailed off.

“You were going to say?”

He grinned. It was a crooked grin, the left side of his mouth slightly higher than the right, and it made me want to melt into my seat and pull him right after me.

I took a breath and closed my eyes. “I was going to say, where are you staying?”

I kept my eyes closed another fifteen seconds or more. And, let me tell you, fifteen seconds is a long, long time. Finally I opened them, and he was looking at me with an expression I couldn’t interpret. For someone who was always joking, always making snide remarks, he looked serious. Too serious. More serious than I was comfortable with. I didn’t need serious in my life.

I saw his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed, then he said, “I’m at some dump in Arlington. Sharing a room with Mark.”

“Oh,” I said, my voice unnaturally tense.

“What about you?” he asked. He spoke very slowly, carefully.

“Um … my parents have a condo in Bethesda. I was planning on heading back there tonight.”

“I don’t want to say goodbye,” he said.

I couldn’t get control of my breathing. I felt lightheaded. Out of control. “Come back to my place.”

He titled his head, leaned close and whispered, “Are you sure?”

I found myself chewing on my lower lip again. “Yes.” 

I dropped my eyes and leaned forward, putting my hand on the back of the taxi driver’s seat. “Can you take us to Bethesda instead? Wisconsin Avenue and Montgomery.”

Suddenly it was quiet in the cab. Tense, awkward. I couldn’t believe I’d done this. I did not do one-night stands. But here I was, half-hyperventilating, with this guy I’d only known for eight hours sitting beside me in the cab. And I guess if it was just for now that was fine, but what if he wanted to see me again? What if he wanted to date? What if?

I didn’t think I could handle that. 

This was so stupid. Things were so much easier with Willard, before I broke up with him. I was always in control. There was no passion there, true. There wasn’t anything there. But it was comfortable. Easy. I wasn’t afraid.

Crank, though: he made me afraid.

The cab cleared the traffic and turned up at Massachusetts Avenue, and we were speeding out of downtown DC. 

“You’re awfully quiet now,” Crank said.

I looked at him, and his eyes were boring into mine, intense, probing. 

“Having second thoughts?” he asked. “It’s okay.”

I leaned a little closer. “No. Just … it’s just tonight. We don’t see each other again. We don’t call each other in Boston. We don’t … anything. Okay? We enjoy each other’s company tonight, and then we’re done.”

He stared at me, surprised. And … his face looked disappointed. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing once in his throat. “I don’t know why, but that’s … not what I expected.”

“Don’t get expectations. Not with me.”

He shook his head. “Usually I’m the one who says things like that.” 

The cab came to a halt, and he paid it, and we were out on the street. A cool wind blew through the streets of downtown Bethesda, and traffic rolled by us. I took his hand and walked to the entrance of the high rise, swiped my access card to unlock the front door, and we walked into the lobby.

The night concierge was sitting at the counter, watching a small television. She looked up briefly, gave us a casual wave and went back to her show. Good. If it had been the day concierge, my appearance with Crank would have been reported back to my parents by morning.

We waited in silence for the elevator. The bell when it arrived on the ground floor was loud.

“Nice place,” he said. “Fancy.”

“My parents bought it a few years back when we were living in the area.” I didn’t want to talk about the year I’d lived with my parents here. I didn’t want to think about it. If there’d been any other place I could have taken him, I would have. I didn’t like having this crazy, free moment mixed with my past.

We stepped into the elevator. It rose, quickly, to the top floor. He followed me down the hall, and we stopped at the door while I fumbled for keys. I was shaking with anxiety, nervousness. The weight of this place made me want to scream. But not enough to push him away.

I unlocked the door and opened it, then started to step in. My heart was thumping in my chest, and my throat was tight. Not just because of him. Because of this place. I had no good memories here. Even with the lights still out, looking inside this condo, which I’d stepped foot in only a few times since the day I graduated high school, shook me to the core and made my skin crawl.

I shuddered and then turned back toward him when he didn’t come inside. He gave me a speculative, questioning look. As if he were curious about me, about who I was. 

But that wasn’t any of his business.

“What?” I asked. 

“You don’t want to see me again,” he said.

I did. But I shook my head no.

“You don’t sleep with guys unless you’re serious with them,” he said.

“I don’t have room for serious in my life.”

He stepped close and brushed my lips with his, then spoke in a low tone. “I want you to be serious about me,” he said. “I can get a girl to sleep with me any time. But there’s something different about you.”

I stared into his eyes. He meant what he was saying. We’d only known each other for a few hours, but I felt a connection too, even if it was only lust. I wanted him. Right now. I felt my breath speed up as I started to speak, “I …”

“Julia,” he interrupted. “I’d love to get to know you better,” he said. “But I’m not going to sleep with you. Good night.”

Then, unbelievably, he leaned forward and kissed me again. Slow. Our tongues just made contact. Wet and warm. Hungry. I wanted to whimper, pull him inside, but he turned and slowly walked back down the hall until he was out of sight.

I just stood there and watched him go, and part of me, a huge part of me, wanted to run after him. But I still remembered. 

I remembered what it was like to have a hot, sexy, charismatic guy want me. I remembered what it was like to lose control, to feel that rush of emotion. To be overwhelmed.

I remembered what it was like to have my heart torn out, to have my dreams smashed, to be bleeding and lost in the back streets of Beijing. To have scandal nearly tear my family apart. 

No matter how much I might have wanted this guy: I couldn’t go back there. Not now. Not ever. If it wasn’t going to happen for just tonight, it wasn’t going to happen at all.

So, I walked in the condo and closed and locked the door. I didn’t turn on the lights. I didn’t want to see the inside of this place. Instead, I made my way to the couch and lay down, alone. 

I didn’t cry. Not here. Never again.

.


Tour Schedule
December 15 Guilty Pleasures The Muse Unleashed
December 16 My Fiction Nook Romance Book Craze
December 17 My Secret Romance Rumor Has It The Book Asylum
December 18 Simply Ali Deea's Journel
December 19 What's On The BookShelf Have Book Will Read
December 20 Hesperia Loves Books Heart Breaking Reviews
December 21 MK Kendall Passionate About Books
December 22 I Love Indie Books JM Harrison
December 23 Melinda Dozier
December 24 Love, Laughter, Friends Queen of the Night Reviews

Charles will be giving away a digital copy of JUST REMEMBER TO BREATHE at each tour stop. Please leave a comment to be entered to win. Thanks!!!

GRAND PRIZE - Charles is giving away a $250 Amazon gift card - this winner will be chosen from all of the commenters throughout the tour by Rafflecopter and announced on 12/26.

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