Cover Reveal & Announcement: Spiral of Bliss series by Nina Lane

We've got a post packed with awesomeness for you today! We're so thrilled to be sharing new covers for Nina Lane's bestselling Spiral of Bliss series - and an exciting announcement!

The fourth book in the series, ADORE, will be releasing on February 9th! If you've been dying to get back into Liv & Dean's world, you are definitely going to want to preorder a copy! Personally, I'm thrilled, because I love this series. What an awesome surprise to get a new book!! Can't wait!

The first three books in the series, AROUSE, ALLURE, and AWAKEN will also be receiving some awesome bonus content - more on that soon.

Check out the stunning new covers below, with more about each book below the new covers, in case you missed the previous books! (And if you did, now is definitely the time to dive in if you're looking for a passionate contemporary romance to fall in love with!)

Covers designed by Victoria Colotta, VMC Art & Design, LLC (www.vmc-artdesign.com)

Aren't the covers incredible? You can find out more about each book in the series below!

You can click on the covers below to view each cover in a larger size..

About AROUSE

(Spiral of Bliss #1)

"Come here, beauty," he says. "You need to be kissed."

He's right. I need to be kissed, and he's the one who needs to kiss me.

He is Professor Dean West, a sexy, brilliant scholar of medieval history and the love of my life. He is my white knight, my rock, the keeper of my dark secrets. He taught me the meaning of both love and erotic pleasure. He has slayed monsters for me and alongside me. He knows he has all of me.

And then...I discover that I don't have all of him.

BOOK ONE in USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane's sexy, passionate SPIRAL OF BLISS series. This contemporary erotic romance about professor Dean West, a protective alpha male, and his cherished beauty Olivia will melt your heart, turn you on, and enchant you with the power of a love to end all loves.

Purchase AROUSE: Amazon | iBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play | Goodreads

About ALLURE

(Spiral of Bliss #2)

BOOK TWO in USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane's sexy, intense Spiral of Bliss trilogy. Liv and Dean West's passionate romance is put to the test again as they struggle with an unexpected family crisis.

"We both want this so badly. I can feel it resonating between us like the hot pull of our first attraction, tangible and intense."

After lies and betrayal almost destroy their marriage, Dean and Olivia West reignite their blissful passion. The medieval history professor and his cherished wife are determined to fix their mistakes and fall madly in love all over again. But when Dean is forced back into a feud with his parents and siblings, he and Liv must battle events that could damage them in ways they had never imagined.

Purchase ALLURE: Amazon | iBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo| Google Play | Goodreads

About AWAKEN

(Spiral of Bliss #3)

"I love that you love me, professor."

"I love loving you, beauty."

Since their intense, passionate beginning, Professor Dean West and his wife Olivia have fought dark secrets and betrayal in order to save their marriage. Now reeling in the aftermath of a personal tragedy, Liv and Dean are driven further apart by a vindictive threat to Dean's career. The tumultuous journey that began in AROUSE and continued in ALLURE now comes to a breathtaking conclusion as Liv and Dean battle to protect each other and their love.

Purchase AWAKEN: Amazon | iBooks | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Google Play | Goodreads

About ADORE (Spiral of Bliss #4)

Liv and Dean West have always fallen together, but this time they might fall apart...

Liv and Dean have everything…almost. With a rambunctious toddler, crazy work schedules, and too many responsibilities, they’ve lost sight of their passionate, intimate marriage. And Professor West is none too happy about that.

Determined to lure his wife into hot new adventures, Dean struggles with his need to have Liv all to himself and the reality of sharing her with the world.

Then he gets an opportunity that could change their lives…and Liv is faced with the prospect of her white knight going places where she can’t follow.

ADORE releases February 9th. Preorder it now (more links coming soon): Amazon

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About Nina Lane

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nina Lane writes hot, sexy romances and spicy erotica. Originally from California, she holds a PhD in Art History and an MA in Library and Information Studies, which means she loves both research and organization. She also enjoys traveling and thinks St. Petersburg, Russia is a city everyone should visit at least once. Although Nina would go back to college for another degree because she's that much of a bookworm and a perpetual student, she now lives the happy life of a full-time writer. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | Newsletter

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Mountain Charm by Sydney Logan

Today we’ve got the cover reveal for Sydney Logan’s Mountain Charm! I love this cover so much, and I love the sound of Sydney’s paranormal! Check it out and grab your copy on Jan 30^th.

 

Title: Mountain Charm 

  Author: Sydney Logan 

  Genre: Paranormal Romance 

  Release Day: January 30^th

“True love and sweet whispers, till death do us part; Send someone to love my Appalachian heart.”   

 At the age of thirteen, Angelina Clark followed in the footsteps of her ancestors by casting an Appalachian love spell, which promised she would find her true love. A young Angelina had been thrilled to participate in the ritual, but through the years, her father’s untimely death and her mother’s illness have shaken Angelina’s magical faith to its core. Now, as her twenty-first birthday approaches, she refuses to practice her supernatural gifts and no longer believes in the love charm. 

 That is, until Dylan Thomas arrives on her front porch. 

 Dylan, a Nashville writer, travels to the mountain town of Maple Ridge to unearth the family’s supernatural secrets. While her clairvoyant mother is convinced that Dylan is her daughter’s soul mate, Angelina refuses to see the nosy reporter as anything more than a nuisance. 

 The two grow closer just as her mother’s health takes a turn for the worse. Faced with mounting medical bills, Angelina is faced with selling the family’s music shop to make ends meet. Desperate to help the woman he loves, Dylan explores his own family tree and finds support from an unlikely source. 

 Can Dylan prove his love is real—spell or no spell? 

 

 There are moments in a person’s life that absolutely shake them to their core. Moments that make them re-evaluate their every thought, their every decision. 

 This was Angelina’s moment. 

 Through the mountain mist, she took a long look at the black vehicle parked in her driveway. 

 With Davidson County plates. 

  Nashville. 

 In an instant, the moment was shattered. Her short-lived astonishment gave way to something far more familiar—something bitter and suspicious and just downright pissed. 

 Feeling ridiculous, Angelina furiously slammed her car door and stalked toward the porch. This had nothing to do with that stupid spell. Not at all. This was that snooping reporter from Nashville, and he was at her house, on her porch. 

 And petting her dog. 

 The man’s eyes widened as she approached, and by the time she reached the steps, he was already on his feet. Cash, traitor that he was, gave an unenthusiastic bark and rushed to Angelina’s side. 

 “Who the hell do you think you are?” 

 The man looked a little stunned. 

 “I’m Dylan Thomas.” His eyes were a deep brown and his voice was kind. Thanks to her rage, both features were fairly easy for Angelina to ignore. “You must be Celia’s daughter. Wow, I heard you were beautiful, but—” 

 “Dylan Thomas?” Angelina muttered coldly, interrupting his compliment. “What kind of person names their kid after some drunken Welsh poet?” 

 “I don’t know. Maybe the same kind of person who names their dog after their favorite country music singer.” 

 Angelina’s eyes narrowed. 

 “Oh, Angelina, you’re home!” Celia’s voice cut through the tension as she carried a tray out onto the porch. “I was just getting Mr. Thomas a slice of your birthday cake.” 

 “Mrs. Clark, please. I’ve asked you to call me Dylan.” He smiled at the woman before sitting back down in the rocking chair with his plate. 

 Cash seemed torn, looking between the stranger and his owner, before finally releasing a resigned whine and plopping down at Angelina’s feet. 

  The man has charmed both my mother and my dog. 

 “Dylan has driven all the way from Nashville to meet us,” Celia said. 

 “Dylan is here to write a story about our family. Did he tell you that? Did he tell you he’s been all over town, asking questions about us?” 

 “He mentioned it, yes.” Celia smiled at the man before turning her attention back to her daughter. “You know, it’s getting a bit chilly. I think I’ll go find a good book and crawl into my warm bed. Give you two the chance to get acquainted.” 

 “Mom . . .” 

 Celia’s eyes danced with happiness, and it tugged at Angelina’s heart. There was no mistaking the hope there. 

  Stupid spell. 

 “Happy birthday, Angelina.” 

 Dylan leapt to his feet, thanking Celia again for the cake and holding the screen door open as they said good night. Angelina had to admit the man was good. Those intrinsic good manners were going to charm the pants off many of the women he would encounter throughout his life. 

 But not her. 

 “It’s your birthday?” 

 “Yes, and it was blissfully uneventful until you showed up.” 

 “Beautiful and infuriating,” Dylan muttered. “Look, Angelina, I was just given this assignment yesterday. I don’t have a clue about Appalachian magic tricks or devil worshipping or whatever it is you do up in these mountains, but I have a story to write. Just let me interview you and your mom, and I’ll be back on the interstate before you can say abracadabra.” 

 Instead of pointing out just how ignorant he sounded, Angelina decided what he truly needed was a strong dose of fear. 

 “Actually, I do have something you need to see. A family heirloom. Wait here?” 

 Excited for any useful information, Dylan’s eyes lit up and he nodded enthusiastically. Once again, those good manners kicked in, and Dylan opened the door for her. 

 Angelina raced inside the house. She hadn’t touched it in years, but she still remembered where her father kept the key to the case. She grabbed what she needed and quickly made her way back out to the porch, letting the screen door slam behind her. 

 Dylan jumped out of his chair. “What the hell?” 

 Angelina lifted the rifle and pointed it straight at him. He didn’t need to know the safety was on—or that the chamber was empty. 

 “This is a Remington, passed down from my father and his father, also known as an Appalachian magic wand. Just watch. It’s going to make you disappear.” 

 Angelina thought it was almost comical, hearing him curse and watching him leap off the porch. All the commotion caused her dog to chase after him, which only made Dylan sprint faster until he reached the sanctuary of his vehicle. 

 “Are you insane?” Dylan yelled. 

 “I tend to get a little crazy when someone trespasses on my property. Leave my family alone and don’t come back!” 

 He slammed the door and had to do some fancy maneuvering to get around her car, but within seconds, the only sounds Angelina could hear were Dylan’s squealing tires, Cash’s noisy bark, and her mother’s hearty laughter. 

Sydney Logan is the bestselling author of six novels. She has also penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. A lover of music, she fills her playlist with everyone from Johnny Cash to Eminem. Sydney holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and spends her days surrounded by kids and books. A native of East Tennessee, she enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.

  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads 

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Review: Lightning Kissed by Lila Felix

Lightning Kissed by Lila Felix

(The Lucent Series #1)

January 4, 2016

275 pages

Clean Teen Publishing

Genre: Paranormal YA/NA

Contains: some language (no f-words)

Source: eARC for Honest review

Colby Evans can leap from one country to the next in a heartbeat. She can see every sunset in every time zone in the same day. She can travel across the world in a flash. She defies gravity and physics with every breath she takes. She's tested her abilities and found them limitless.

She is the lightning. She is Lucent. And nothing can stop her.

Except him.

Theodore Ramsey isn't supposed to be able to flash like Colby. The power of travel is passed on from mother to daughter in their people. Except once in every hundred generations.

Theo is the one.

He can flash like Colby. And it makes him a target to their enemies and to himself. His abilities change everything he knows about life and throws his future into an uncertain tangent. In fact, the only thing certain in his life is the love he feels for Colby.

Their love defies time and space and has been the only constant thing in their lives since childhood. But even their infallible love will be stretched to its limits.

She will risk her life to protect him. But he will risk everything to protect them all.

'Lightning Kissed' was an exciting start to this new series by Lila Felix. The whole story was really fascinating. Just the ability to travel to another country in the blink of an eye alone is incredible. To consider the pros and cons of this ability is a book in itself. But then adding in the romance and the corrupt governing body, and you have an even better read. Now, this story was a bit info-dumpy in the beginning, so it took me a few chapters to get into it. But once the story started progressing, I really enjoyed all the angles Felix took to explore this story.

I particularly liked the character development with Theo and Colby. We know that they are not a couple in the beginning of the novel, but that they were in the past, and the whys of the break up are revealed. But for Theo and Colby, destiny has its own plans for them, and their love is as endless as space and time. So what we get is a wonderful exploration of who Theo and Colby are as individuals as well as how they are as a couple. Seeing Colby grow in her character was one of the highlights of this story. Her going from completely self-absorbed to humble was thoughtfully executed. Theo, as well, grows in tremendous ways. He's still the thoughtful, humble guy he's always been, but the weight of responsibility also brings out his confidence and leadership. I really loved these two.

Of course, a great story like this needs romance, and we get that in spades. But what was particularly special was that this wasn't a new relationship. This was a bond forged over years, and nothing - even themselves - could break it. Theo and Colby are really sweet together. But they are also fierce together. They've learned the importance of having the other in their life, and you can see how that changes and matures them for the better. They are also passionate, but respectfully so, and that makes them even sweeter to read about. There were many moments I was truly worried for them, and that's because they really dig into your heart. If this series doesn't give them a happy ending, I will be heart-broken.

And then there's the suspense and drama. This is no simple romance. Theo is learning who he is, and that knowledge holds great and pressing responsibility. There are enemies that want to use him, destroy him, or be him. His position is no picnic, and Colby is right there by his side. As the story progressed, my nerves increased. There's no knowing who or what is lurking around the corner. But it's an exciting ride. I was worried because I was told there was a cliffhanger at the end. And there is, but it is not nearly as bad as I expected. I won't tell you what I expected, but I was envisioning all the ways we hate authors leaving us in suspense. This ending just makes you excited for the next book, because once again, I don't know what to expect, but it looks like it will be exciting.

Side note: This is a "Clean Teen" publication, so the language surprised me. It wasn't excessive, and there were no f-bombs, but I still wasn't expecting it considering the "Clean Teen" label. This just shows you that a "clean" read is still subjective. And if you are concerned, there is kissing and some making out, but no sex or heavy petting. If you are curious about Clean Teen Publishing's standards, you can find them here: http://www.cleanteenpublishing.com.

I really enjoyed 'Lightning Kissed.' With the fascinating Lucent world, the exciting and nerve-wracking drama, the heartfelt and endearing characters, and the sweet and timeless romance, this story was a winner. I can't wait to se what is in store for Theo, Colby, and the gang next.

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: BUILT by Jay Crownover

  

 BUILT is a Contemporary Romance novel being published by HarperCollins, and it is the 1^st full-length novel in The Saints of Denver Series, a spinoff of her New York Times bestselling Marked Men Series. This amazing book releases on January 5^th!

Built by Jay Crownover

(Saints of Denver #1)

January 5, 2016

352 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Contains: strong language, explicit sex

Source: eARC for Honest review

 Amazon US ** iBooks ** Barnes & Noble ** Kobo

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes an electrifying new spin-off series, Saints of Denver, featuring all the characters fans have been dying to read about. 

Sayer Cole and Zeb Fuller couldn’t be more different. She’s country club and fine-dining, he’s cell-block and sawdust. Sayer spends her days in litigation, while Zeb spends his working with his hands. She’s French silk, he’s all denim and flannel.

Zeb’s wanted the stunning blonde since the moment he laid eyes on her. It doesn't matter how many smooth moves he makes, the reserved lawyer seems determinedly oblivious to his interest—either that or she doesn't return it. Sayer is certain the rough, hard, hot-as-hell Zeb could never want someone as closed off and restrained as she is, which is a shame because something tells her he might be the guy to finally melt her icy exterior.

But just as things start to heat up, Zeb is blindsided by a life altering moment from his past. He needs Sayer’s professional help to right a wrong and to save more than himself. He can’t risk what’s at stake just because his attraction to Sayer feels all consuming. But as these opposites dig in for the fight of their lives, battling together to save a family, the steam created when fire and ice collide can no longer be ignored.

I have been looking forward to Zeb and Sayer's story since the moment we met them in Rowdy's book from the Marked Men series (which you do not have to read before reading this book). The reserved lady lawyer and the contractor with a criminal past intrugued me to no end, and their story coming to fruition did not disappoint.

I loved how layered Zeb and Sayer were. They had some really great nuances that made them special. Because let's be honest. There are tons of romance books out there, which can make it really difficult to find something unique. But that's why I like Jay's books. She brings her unique viewpoint into her stories and characters, as well as a ton of heart, and I have yet to read a book of hers I didn't like.

Zeb was this mountain of a man with a heart of gold. He wasn't afraid to go after what he wanted. He also wasn't afraid to own up to his mistakes or past. He worked hard, loved hard, and was completely real. I loved that he didn't give up on Sayer, but also wasn't a doormat. As for Sayer, this girl's childhood really screwed her up. Man did she have a lot to wade through in her psyche. She couldn't even recognize the genuine, kind heart she had. This is perhaps why she grew the most. And I loved Zeb and Sayer together. There was no way these two could avoid the chemistry, trust, and connection pouring off them. They brought out the best in each other, fortifying each other, inspiring each other.

I can't get into more specifics about the story, because I loved finding out the special circumstances on my own, and I would encourage you to do the same. But let's just say I loved the direction of the story. It took some great turns and sucked me right in. With the big story, I also loved the little things and the way Sayer and Zeb not only grew together, but particularly how they had to grow individually. Plus, we get to see a few characters from the Marked Men series, which was a super special bonus. But we are also introduced to new characters we will be seeing in this new series, and they are extra intriguing.

My only negative is that this story had a little more inner monologue than I prefer. I'm used to Jay's style, and like how well-fleshed-out and deep her characters are. This one just seemed a touch too much on the telling not showing side. I would have liked to have read some of the dialogue that was referred to. And perhaps more interaction outside of the bedroom. But honestly, I loved Zeb and Sayer and their whole story, so still a solid, wonderful read, and I'd read it all over again.

Overall, this was a fantastic start to a new series. Zeb and Sayer are a solid couple, and I fell in love with them. I'm looking forward to any and all upcoming couples in this series. 

     

“One battle at a time, Zeb. That’s all we can tackle, okay?”

He was quiet for a long moment, but I could hear him breathing and then finally he grunted a little bit and replied, “Well, then the battle I need to tackle right now is those g*d-awful walls. Thank you for talking me off the ledge. It’s impossible not to hope for the best when I talk to you.”

Maybe it was the overwhelming quiet of my house or it was the wistfulness in his voice. Or maybe it was really the fact that no matter how hard I tried to keep a clear divide between the two of us, I was always going to be too eager to cross over it when an opportunity presented itself. Like a g*dd**n fool.

Calling myself every kind of name there was in the book, I blurted out, “I’m not doing anything tonight, and Poppy went out with Rowdy, so if you need an extra set of hands to help with the paint I can swing by the house.” I wanted to groan. I was the least handy person in the whole world and I don’t think I  had ever even held a paintbrush, but the idea of getting to spend some one-on-one time with him was just so tempting that I ignored all of that and secretly hoped he would ignore it, too.

He chuckled a little. “Are you serious?”

I shrugged even though he couldn’t see it. “Sure. Why not?”

“Well, I’m not going to turn down free labor, especially when that free labor looks like you. Do you even own anything that you won’t be pissed to get paint on, Say? What I do tends to get dirty.” His voiced dropped a little bit and there was a husky timbre to the words that made me shiver.

There was a double entendre there that was impossible to miss and it made all of my skin heat up from the inside out. Not to mention no one had ever shortened my name before. I wasn’t exactly the cutesy nickname type. My father wouldn’t have approved and as such I was always just “Sayer.” Zeb’s shortening my name felt intimate. It felt far more familiar than I should be allowing myself to get with him. Still I didn’t say anything other than “I’m sure I can find something.”

 

And don’t miss the previous novella in The Saints of Denver Series!

LEVELED

The Saints of Denver Series:

Leveled (#0.5) Amazon * My Review

Built (#1) Amazon
coming January 5, 2016

Charged (#2) Pre-Order Amazon
coming May 24, 2016

  About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men and The Point series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.        

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

BUILT Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads

 

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Sunday Post: Weekly Wrap-Up (01.03)

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It's a chance to share news, recap the past week on your blog, showcase books, share upcoming news, etc. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme. 

This Week's Happenings:

I hope you are having a great start to your new year. We ended 2015 with a great snow skiing day. We started 2016 with a soccer tournament for my middle son's all-star team. They won their game on the 1st, so an excellent start for us. But then they lost their two games Saturday. Oh well. Better luck next weekend.
My Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2016

What I Read Last Week:

Built by Jay Crownover

My Reviews Last Week:

No reviews this week. I'm taking over teaching a small high school literary analysis co-op, so I've been bogged down prepping for that. But once I get past the stress, I can see that it will be lots of fun!

What I'm Currently Reading:

Embraced by Jus Accardo
(I don't know why this book is taking me so long to finish. But I am resolved to finish. Almost there!)

Stacking The Shelves (142)

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

eARC Excitement:

Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid

For My Kindle:
  
Work of Art collection by Ruth Clampett
Untouchable Darkness by Rachel Van Dyken
Capture by Rachel Van Dyken

My Most Anticipated Releases For The First Half of 2016

My Top Ten Fifteen Most Anticipated Releases For The First Half of 2016

(In order of expected publication)

Built by Jay Crownover

January 5th

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

January 5th

Written in Fire by Markus Sakey

January 12th

Love in the Light by Laura Kaye

January 12th

Happily Ever Ninja by Penny Reid

January 19th

Staked by Kevin Hearne

January 26th

Starflight by Melissa Landers

February 2nd

Perfekt Control bt ST Bende

February 9th

The Consequence of Seduction by Rachel Van Dyken

February 9th

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

March 8th

The Other Side of Gravity by Shelly Crane

March 15th

The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

April 5th

Dirty by Kylie Scott

April 16th

The Last Star by Rick Yancey

May 24th 

Charged by Jay Crownover

May 24th 

Honorable Mention:

Thief of Hearts by LH Cosway

~only an "honorable mention" because there is no set release date, but I expect it to be in the first half of the year~