Releasing Now: Hard Love by Meredith Wild

Posted in Books I love, Releasing Now Book Addicts, Review Post by mkcooke

HARD LOVE by Meredith Wild

(September 15, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback; The Hacker Series #5)

Days after their wedding, Blake and Erica Landon embark on their honeymoon-a journey that deepens their bond and promises to fade the scars of their past. Just when their troubles seem safely behind them, scandal surrounding would-be Governor Daniel Fitzgerald’s election threatens their newfound peace. Back home, Blake finds himself at the center of the controversy, haunted by the transgressions of his hacker past that he has no wish to relive.

With Blake’s freedom at stake and their future in peril, Erica will stop at nothing to clear his name. But when Blake defies the authorities and refuses to seek the truth, their world gradually begins to crumble. Will he let his past win? Or can Erica convince him that their life together is worth fighting for-now more than ever…

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We walked the now familiar path back to our hotel, through the dark uneven streets out of Dublin’s city center. A hint of rain and the lingering scent of the fresh flowers that had been sold on the streets hours earlier filled the air.

I held Blake’s hand, admiring the details of the building architecture framing the old streets, greeting the bright-eyed faces that met us on the sidewalk. It was almost midnight, but our schedule was a mess and I was in no rush to be anywhere as long as we were together. Seeing my old professor again had been a flashback to a simpler time in my life. So much had happened since that first meeting in the Angelcom boardroom that he’d arranged with Max’s initial support. I could have never known then that I’d fall head over heels for the cocky investor sitting across from me…that I’d be his wife. But here we were, bound together as closely as two people could be.

Blake caught me closer to his side and brushed a soft kiss over my cheek. “I like Brendan. I can see why he’s become a friend.”

I smiled. “It seems odd to call him that, but it’s true. He encouraged me to build the business when I had so many doubts. He’s the reason I took the path I did.”

“A path that led you straight to me.” He squeezed my hand. “Lucky me.”

I was lucky too. I couldn’t deny it. But I could have never imagined traveling the road I had.

“You’re quiet. What are you thinking about?” he asked.

I blew out a breath and shook my head. “The business, I guess. I can’t help but feel like I…failed somehow.”

He glanced down at me. “You didn’t fail. You learned.”

I scuffed the sole of my boots against the stones as we walked, avoiding his stare.

“I’ve been around the block a few times, you know. You should trust me.”

I smirked. “That’s why I married you, of course. For your business acumen and wealth of knowledge.”

He lifted an eyebrow.

“And your mountains of money,” I added quickly.

He frowned. “You’re trying to tell me you didn’t marry me for my dashing good looks? I might be insulted.”

I pursed my lips, trying to look serious. “If I had to pick one thing that tipped the scales, I’d say it was your exceptional skills in bed. I think that’s where you really excel.”

“Well then”—he laughed, his eyes twinkling—“at least my purpose is clear.”

He gave my ass a firm squeeze. Laughing, I pushed him away as we approached a street performer who was crooning for the barest of audiences. A small group of French-speaking tourists stood nearby, and an older man, dirty from the streets, sat on the opposite side of the street with a sloppy grin.

We slowed to listen as the tourists dispersed. The song was sad, but rich with love—raw and emotional the way he delivered each verse. Blake turned me to him, bringing us chest to chest. Our fingers laced, his breath warm against my hair, he led us into a simple nameless dance. I swayed toward him and closed my eyes, clinging to his muscular frame the way I clung to every magical moment between us.

Straining for the lyrics through the singer’s thick accent, I caught the verses.

When misfortune falls sure no man can shun it.

I was blindfolded I’ll ne’er deny.

Now at nights when I go to my bed of slumber,

the thoughts of my true love run in my mind.

Another moment passed as the young man’s voice faded into the night. The song was a somber one, made light only by his passionate delivery of it. Like so much of life, the pain was what you made it. He’d made something sad beautiful.

I sighed, still tight against Blake’s chest. His body emanated warmth. His heartbeat was a steady reminder of his support, his love—a force that had saved me, changed me, and healed me in ways I’d never thought possible. He tipped my chin up, the glint in his eyes matching the passion in my heart. He parted his full lips, but hesitated, a wordless moment passing between us.

“I’m going to show you the whole world, Erica.”

“I can’t imagine enjoying a minute of it without you,” I whispered.

He stilled our slow dance, tracing a fingertip over my lips, his countenance now serious in a way that threatened my next breath.

“And I’m going to make you fall in love with me all over again. Every morning and every night. In every city and at the edge of every ocean. I’ll remind you why you’re mine and why I’ve always been yours.”

I drew in an unsteady breath, feeling his promise all the way to my soul. Swallowing hard, I found my voice. “I think you’re on the right track.”

I arched toward him until our lips met. Soft and slow at first, the kiss went deeper, stealing every thought that didn’t revolve around his taste and touch.

We broke apart slightly when a gravelly voice interrupted us.

“Go make love to her, lad, before she changes her mind already.”

Behind us, the man who’d made his home for the night in the entryway of a high-end store offered an imperfect grin, pairing his words of wisdom with a friendly tip of his small bottle of liquor.

I smiled, and Blake, by the dark look in his eyes, seemed to immediately accept the stranger’s challenge.

“I plan to,” he murmured, his tone all velvet and delicious threat. My skin tingled and he took my mouth again with a kiss that promised so much more.

Listen to a clip of the Hard Love audiobook below!!

(Click the link for more information on the Hard Love audiobook! https://soundcloud.com/audible/hard-love)

5 UNFORGETTABLE STARS

Hard Love was the absolute perfect conclusion to Meredith Wild’s captivating and utterly phenomenal Hacker Series. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending book for Blake and Erica and their breathtakingly emotional love story. This series is one of my all-time favorites, and what Meredith Wild gave me in each of these books, but especially in Hard Love, left me in true literary awe. As I sit here writing this review, I still can’t believe that Blake and Erica’s story is really over, but what I got from those two dynamic characters in this book is something I will never forget.

Meredith Wild weaves her distinctive writing magic once again in a gripping story that has you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end, has you feeling and fully experiencing every thoughtfully crafted emotion and feeling, and has you realizing once again why Blake and Erica’s journey together is beautiful, authentic, and utterly unforgettable to say the least.

Hard Love is an enthralling, superbly intense, and emotionally breathtaking read that I loved every word of. It’s a beautiful love story, brimming with raw, vulnerable, consuming love that’s depth truly has no boundaries. While reading Hard Love you will breathe in the fierce love that Blake and Erica share, and that love will fill you. It will melt and simultaneously ignite you. It will mesmerize you with every word, and have you feeling every ounce of this book in the most remarkable way. There is something so special and wonderful about the love that Blake and Erica share, and Meredith Wild gives you one last outstanding chapter to relish in all of that love.

The entire time I was reading Hard Love, I was enraptured with Blake and Erica and what they were going through in this story. I felt for them. I loved them so fiercely, and I connected to them on such a real level because of how fantastically Meredith Wild creates and captures their characters. I just got them one hundred percent. I understood them, their thoughts and feelings, their desires, their flaws, and everything that made them the wonderfully distinctive characters that they are.

The events of Hard Love are engaging in every way, and Erica and Blake are faced with one last fight, and one last hurdle to overcome in order to be together. There were so many times while reading where I didn’t know where the next page would take these two, and Hard Love had so many fantastically shocking moments that just pulled me in all the more. The many intense and varied events brought out so much in their characters, and truly allowed me to understand them on completely new level. Obviously I’ve known their characters since Hardwired, and I’ve had the phenomenal chance to see them evolve over the course of the series, but in Hard Love you really get them.

You get them at their most vulnerable at times, and at their fiercest at others. You get the real, honest and raw them, and getting them on that level is spectacular. That allows you such an immense understanding of their characters, their motives, and just how far they will go to be with one another. It brings out such an exceptional level of fight and determination and will power from them both that will have you feeling them every single breathtaking step of the way. Having that well rounded and magnificently crafted understanding of them sets this chapter of their story in a league of its own.

In Hard Love you get to see Erica’s sheer strength and fight come out full force once again. There is such a power to her character, such a determination that defines her in the best way, and a stubbornness that makes you smile, but really exemplifies so much about her. The level of fight Erica has is remarkable, and is just one of the many things I love about her character because she never gives up, she never stops giving it her all, and she never stops fighting for the love that she and Blake share. The events of Hard Love definitely throw her for a bit of a loop in more ways than one, but through it all Erica keeps trying with all her might to get her and Blake to the place they both want to be. I heart that girl something fierce for her unwavering fierceness, and she is hands down one of my favorite female characters ever.

Blake Landon is one of the most intense and dynamic characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. There is such a force and presence to him that just emanates from these books. You feel that fully once again in Hard Love, but what was even more amazing in this book was that you got to see an entirely new side to Blake. You get to see a more vulnerable side, a more raw and visceral side that just pulls at your heart again and again. You really get to see how his past is affecting his present and future, and what that all adds to the story. There are so many remarkable layers to his character, and you get to delve heart first into each and every one of them, allowing you the phenomenal opportunity to see Blake Landon in a way you’ve never seen him before. He’s still the Blake you know and love, but in this chapter of the story you get more of him, and that more is the best.

Along with Blake and Erica, you get one last chance to spend time with the wonderfully distinctive supporting characters that help make this series the spectacular thing that it is. I loved getting to spend time with each and every one of them, even the ones who I sometimes wish I could shake for the things they were doing. They added a magnificent layer to everything that I was reading, and their interactions with Blake and Erica had me feeling and thinking and experiencing so much. I loved each and every one of them for different reasons, but mostly I loved them all because they were them through and through, they brought so much to the story, and they brought out so many immense and incredibly immense things from Blake and Erica. I’ve also got my fingers crossed that at some point in the future we’ll get a little bit more from some of them, because they truly were something else.

One of the many reasons Meredith Wild is a top favorite author of mine is because she creates and evokes so much varied, vibrant, and exceptionally crafted emotion and feeling in her writing that you whole heartedly experience. In Hard Love Meredith Wild gave me so many different moments with Blake and Erica that had my heart melting from all the feels and the depth behind them, had my heart racing from the shocking and riveting turn of events, had it squeezing like crazy at all that they went through, and certainly had it filling with the immense level of love and desire and passion being shared between them. While reading this book, I laughed and I cried, I also smiled more times than I could count, while thinking and wondering so much, and through it all I felt.

I felt the immense level of love and trust that Blake and Erica had for one another. I felt what it was like for them to go through everything that came there way. I felt their fierce level of fight and determination they both had to end up exactly where they wanted to be. I felt and experienced it all because Meredith Wild’s magnificent writing allowed me to feel every single amazing word of what I was reading.

Like I said, Hard Love is the perfect conclusion to this series. While reading this book everything just felt very full-circle and extremely meaningful. Erica and Blake’s hard fought journey together culminates in this extraordinary book, and Meredith Wild hit is out of the park with what she gives you from them as their story epically concludes. Through everything that you read you realize how far these characters have come and evolved from where they started, what it is that they share truly offer one another, the immense level of trust they fought to have, and why their love is so worth fighting for with everything that they’ve got. Hard Love is Blake and Erica and their insurmountable love, and it honestly doesn’t get much better than what you get from them in this book.

I could honestly continue on for with so many more words about how much I loved Hard Love (Hacker Series #5) by Meredith Wild, and why this series will remain a favorite of mine forever. The moment I finished this book, in the wee hours of the morning I might add, I cried. Not because I was sad or because I was so exhausted, but because I realized fully in that moment when it was all over, how much I literally got from Blake and Erica. I got them, who they became individually and together, I got all of their fight and the meaning behind everything they did and said and felt, but most of all I got their love. Their breathtakingly beautiful love that shows the amazing things that can really happen when two people take a risk, throw that caution to the wind, and give themselves fully to another person.

Feeling that so completely and meaningfully after reading Hard Love was nothing short of superb to experience, and is one of the many reasons The Hacker Series is one of the best series I’ve ever read. What you get from this fantastic book, these brilliant characters, and this phenomenal series is every positive adjective under the sun rolled into one extraordinary book that I guarantee will leave you fully satisfied, and in literal awe of every wondrous thing that it so fantastically gave you.

Check out the other AMAZING books in The Hacker Series:

HARDWIRED by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback; The Hacker Series #1)

Determined to overcome a difficult past, Erica Hathaway learns early on how to make it on her own. Days after her college graduation she finds herself face to face with a panel of investors who will make or break her fledgling startup. The only thing she didn’t prepare for was going weak in the knees over an arrogant and gorgeous investor who’s seemingly determined to derail her presentation.

Billionaire and rumored hacker Blake Landon has already made his fortune in software, and he’s used to getting what he wants with very little resistance. Captivated by Erica’s drive and unassuming beauty, he’s wanted nothing more since she stepped into his boardroom. Determined to win her over, he breaks down her defenses and fights for her trust, even if that means sacrificing a level of control he’s grown accustomed to. But when Blake uncovers a dark secret from Erica’s past, he threatens not just her trust, but the life she’s fought so hard to create.

Buy the book!

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Read My 5 Star Review of Hardwired

HARDPRESSED by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback; The Hacker Series #2)

Despite Blake Landon’s controlling ways, the young and wealthy hacker finally won the trust of the woman he loves. Internet entrepreneur Erica Hathaway broke down the walls that kept her from opening her heart and her business to Blake. Ready to start this new chapter in her life, Erica is determined not to let anything come between them, even if that means giving Blake back some of the control he craves in and out of the bedroom. But when demons from her past threaten their future, Erica makes a decision that could change their lives forever.

Buy the book!

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Read My 5 Star Review of Hardpressed

HARDLINE by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback; The Hacker Series #3)

Software mogul Blake Landon has met his match in headstrong Erica Hathaway. While his controlling nature and her independent spirit continue to battle, Blake has no intention of letting her out of his life again. Erica has given Blake her trust and her love, determined that they will conquer any challenges together. But when he demands more and tests the boundaries of her commitment, she is forced to face the dark desires he’s kept hidden. As their bonds grow tighter, their enemies close in. With Erica’s start-up in danger, Blake’s frustration grows as he tries to protect her from those who would ruin her only to get to him. Can their relationship survive when Blake’s enemies cross the line and threaten more than her livelihood?

Buy the book!

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Read My 5 Star Review of Hardline

HARD LIMIT by Meredith Wild (May 12, 2015; Forever Trade Paperback; The Hacker Series #4)

Blake Landon is a man who has everything-wealth, good looks, and the love of Erica Hathaway. The power couple has been through hell and back, and when life has torn them apart, somehow they have always found their way back to each other, more in love and stronger than ever. On the verge of making the ultimate commitment, Erica uncovers an unsettling chapter of Blake’s history. As she makes peace with her own past and the family who left her behind, she presses Blake to tear down the last walls between them. Determined to know the man he once was, she opens a door to a world beyond her wildest imagination-a world that has her questioning the limits of her own desires. As danger lurks and dark secrets come to light, will the past destroy their promise of forever?

Buy the book!

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Read My 5 Star Review of Hard Limit

Meredith Wild is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of romance. Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast with her husband and three children, she refers to herself as a techie, whiskey-appreciator, and hopeless romantic. When she isn’t living in the fantasy world of her characters, she can usually be found at www.facebook.com/meredithwild. You can learn more about her upcoming projects at www.meredithwild.com.

Social Media Links:

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Click the link below to enter the giveaway!!

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3Sep2015

Promo Post: Ethan Walker’s Road to Wonderland by L.J. Stock

Posted in Releasing Now Book Addicts by mkcooke

Blog Tour 1^st September – 5^th September

Day 3 features Ethan Walker

Book: Ethan Walker’s Road to Wonderland

Author: LJ Stock

Genre: New Adult

At nineteen, the world has so many possibilities.

Ethan Walker was a typical teenager in that respect. He was happy, living at home with his family and partying when the mood struck. He was in no rush to grow up. His life was a blank page just waiting to be written, but that couldn’t last forever.

Unfortunately, reality came knocking at Ethan’s door, forcing him to face truths he’d never allowed himself to see in the past – truths that soon robbed him of his innocence and youth. With the life he’d always known gone forever, Ethan found himself battling demons in disguise, only to find his own weakness was his worst enemy.

When temptation turned to indulgence, and the ghosts of his past encouraged him to dig deeper, Ethan sought salvation in the form of violence. His fists and fortitude became his bread and butter, but the new turn in his life rejected the familiar and opened the door to more evil.

Inevitably, the darkness tried to sink him, and there was only one constant light that somehow seemed to shine brighter than the promise of escape: the mystery girl with the golden hair.

In order to survive, Ethan had to dig deep and find a strength in himself not even he was sure existed. Only when he found himself on a path to Wonderland did he start to see a future beyond his past. All he had to do to get there was learn to breathe and not get himself killed in the process.

Road to Wonderland Series book 5 (all books are standalone reads)

From a young age L.J. Stock was led by her imagination. From the moment she could read she fell into worlds where trees could talk and little girls could move things with their minds.

In no hurry to grow up, she found stories all around her, in the forests of Plym Bridge, the moss covered hills of Dartmoor, then, as she grew older, the wide spread city of Houston, where she currently resides and works. A constant daydreamer, she hopes that one day, her passion can become something more than just a hobby for her.

Still led by her imagination, the worlds have slowly grown from childish adventures to urban fantasies and romances. With inspirational authors such as Enid Blyton, Roald Dahl, Judy Blume, John Grisham and Stephen King guiding her through her life so far, L.J. Stock has finally decided that it is time for her to go for gold and try land herself on someone else’s future list of favorites.

Putting words on paper is as essential as breathing to her, but on the rare occasions that she isn’t writing, she can be found with a video game remote in hand or curled up on the couch with her pup and a good book. Music is also such an important part of her life, it’s a wonder there isn’t a background soundtrack playing wherever she goes.

A good girl to most, a bad girl to a few, L.J. believes that every genre should be attempted and is more than likely to have tried to release three hundred series’ ranging from vampires and werewolves, to dystopian and even classic romance, before she reaches even middle age. At least, that’s the plan for now.

Social Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LJStockAuthor?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/L_J_Stock

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9833142.L_J_Stock

Wonderland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RTWSeries?fref=ts

The Road to Wonderland Series

Available as ebooks and paperbacks

The Road to Wonderland Series:

Izzy @ Amazon US Paris @ Amazon US Ethan @ Amazon US
Izzy @ Amazon UK Paris @ Amazon UK Ethan @ Amazon UK

Max @ Amazon US Add to your TBR

Max @ Amazon UK Releases 16th October

H.A. Robinson interviews L.J. Stock

*Plonks down on your super insanely comfy couch and rustles a bag of crisps to steal the love and snuggles of your hound before plucking out a notebook and pen and rounding on you.*

Soooooo… How are you, Miss Author Lady?

You’ve had rather a prolific year with the releases of four books since last December. As somebody who works full time AND makes all the graphics for the other books in the series, how on earth do you manage to create so many amazing words? Are you secretly superwoman?

*Pulls legs up under me and pulls hair up in an attempt to look studious.* I wish. I’d have a better figure and get things done in half the time. *Giggles* Truth be told, though, I don’t think about it anymore. I have a to do list, and I chip away at it in between a full time job and my writing. It needs to get done, although I do have to say it sucks when I sit down to put my feet up and feel guilty as sin for doing it, but I wouldn’t change a thing! *Looks up and grins*

Oh and I’m very well thanks. That was rude of me. *Slaps forehead*

*Snickers* Yeah, so rude. Honestly. I’ll have to get Jared in to sort you out.

Your books feature an insanely diverse array of characters, from a grieving young man from Manchester who turns to drugs, to a young woman working three jobs to support her younger brother after losing loved ones and getting caught up in a Motorcycle Club in Texas, right through to a bubbly, submissive woman living in Louisiana. Where do your ideas come from and how on earth do you keep track of all those voices in your head?

*Rubs forehead and smiles* You missed out a couple, but I thank you for not giving away spoilers *winks* It’s hard to say where they come from. I’m going to dig a bit deeper into Ethan here for a minute so bear with me. Essentially, Ethan was a pre-existing character from the mind of Victoria L. James, and I was gifted him to shape him into something. He was actually an exception that proved a rule for me. From the moment I took him on, he was an extraordinarily loud voice in my head. He flung images at me and wouldn’t shut the hell up. He was so layered and detailed that it was like he took the steering wheel whenever it came time for him to appear.

With other stories, it’s a lot more complex. They come from dreams or daydreams, music or pictures. Then these sudden characters make dynamic appearances and paint very vivid pictures in my head. It’s chaos, and as much as I’d like to say it’s organized, it’s really not.

It sounds like your mind is an insane and wonderful place to be. I wouldn’t mind a sneaky peek into that brain of yours. As this is a Wonderland blog tour, I’m going to ask a couple of questions about Ethan Walker. In his story, you wrote some pretty heavy scenes fuelled by the drugs he finds himself addicted to. The scenes are stunningly written. As a writer, did you have to do a lot of research in order to write those scenes and how emotionally draining was it to write something so dark?

I actually agonized over those scenes. *Grins and shakes head.* I’ve never tripped a day in my life, unless you count the really good drugs they gave me when my gallbladder got infected. I did do a lot of research, though. I also watched a lot of documentaries, and pulled from some personal conversations I’ve had in the past. Put it together with my vivid imagination and it’s basically what you end up with in the book. I’m still not sure how close to reality it actually is, but it felt real when I was writing it. I had a pounding heart and a headache after I’d finished, and I took a few days off before I went back to writing.

It sounds like it was a real challenge writing such heavy scenes. I know when some actors play roles, they totally immerse themselves in the characters in order to create the role more convincingly. When you write, how much do you lose yourself in the moment of what you’re creating and how hard is it to come back to the real world when you’re done?

This is a brilliant question. For me, it depends on a couple of things. The first, my surroundings, and the second is the music. If I am in a setting where there are going to be no interruptions and no distractions, I can lose myself completely in the moment. If the right music is playing, then immersion is a guarantee. I think I lost almost six hours once, living in a completely different dimension, surrounded by their scenery. By the time I resurfaced, it took me two hours to snap out of it. I was so spaced out I didn’t even answer to my name. It doesn’t happen often, but in the right conditions I quite happily let myself go.

You talk about music a lot, and you know I love your Facebook song of the day posts and playlist. Can you write to any sort of music or are there specific genres or bands that you return to again and again?

I do talk about it a lot, don’t I? lol *grins* I can write to any sort of music, but the trick for me is what I’m writing. I have a broad, eclectic taste in music that ranges from classical to death metal, but it has to fit the scene. Everything I write has its own playlist, mainly because it sets the tone for that particular world. For Ethan, there was a lot of music that *scratches head* this is going to sound ridiculous *laughs* but it made me feel a little spacey and disconnected. A lot of his book – no spoilers, I promise – was about him finding himself. It was about his growth as a person and learning to accept his faults. So rather than letting myself slide into it comfortably, I kept the music eclectic, moving from high to low, fast to slow to shake me up. *Snorts* If you didn’t already think I was six shades of squirrel crap, you do now, huh?

*Laughs and pokes her with a toe then snuggles back with the dog* I don’t know about squirrel crap but you definitely have the markings of a creative genius. So far, you’ve released books in several different genres and nailed each one. Is there a genre that you’re the most fond of writing, and is that genre reflected in what you enjoy reading?

You’re so kind, but I’m starting to think you’re crazier than I am! *Sticks tongue out* I love writing in general and I pretty much follow where the characters go. I’ve actually started a manuscript not knowing where the hell it was headed. I know that’s probably breaking every rule out there or something, but I like to think you go where you have to in order to get the story told. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be fantasy. You get to make up your own laws, your own rules, and in some cases, your own worlds. Keeping track of that is much more complicated than writing a romance because you have to make your own parameters, and then remember them all and keep them relevant. In the end, though, I think you have this intense satisfaction. You have a globe and cast of characters that couldn’t have possibly existed without your imagination.

Though the problem with that is also having to survive some of the choices and deaths. You have to commit to it sometimes, even when you really don’t want to!

Ah, yes, character deaths. As an avid reader, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve cursed authors for killing off my favourite characters. (*Coughs* J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin, I’m looking at you, people!) As an author, when it comes to having to put those words on the page and bring an end to a life that you’ve created entirely inside your head, do you feel it as keenly as the reader does? Or even more so? These are, in effect, your word children. That’s got to hurt. How do you deal with that and move forward with writing?

You’re killing me with these questions, H. *Scrubs face with hands and laughs* I can only speak for myself here, and it’s not as easy as you’d think to answer. I have had character’s deaths plotted from the beginning before, and some that only occurred to me just before it happens. I think for me, it hurts worse to write it than it does to read. I have a lot of unreleased manuscripts, so I’m going to tread carefully here, but I’m a notetaker and I will sometimes play a scene over in my head for days before even attempting to get it down on paper. I was driving home one day when inspiration hit for one death scene and I voice noted it, and you can hear me crying. It broke my heart to do it.

When I finally did get it on paper, I think i stopped every couple of minutes to blow my nose, then when I was finished I watched Step Mom, and ate a tub of ice cream.

I’m gonna go right ahead and lighten the old mood up at this point. I know you live in Texas where the sun shines all the damn time and you melt the moment you walk out of the door in summer. If you could go to any place in the world, free of charge, where would you go and why?

Oh man, loaded question. Yes, this is the one I flounder on… If it was just for me, and not taking account of all the people I want to visit and spend time with, I would say the redwoods in California. To see those giants rising above and disappearing into the sky, I can’t imagine it. Forests have always held a mysticism for me anyway, but giant trees? I’m so there.

I know you recently went on a trip to Colorado and came home all fired up to write your next story set there. Do you find seeing different places and interesting people fires your imagination and are you as bad at people watching as I am?

Very fired up, and very loud, too. *Rolls eyes* I think there’s inspiration in everything. Colorado was beautiful. It had everything that I love – trees, mountains and formations of red rocks that have no rhyme or reason to them. I think being able to remove yourself from where you’re most comfortable and experiencing new things really can help with writing. Especially when you’re writing something like urban fantasy. When you’re used to the people and scenery around you, I feel like elements of that bleed into your work and your characters, so expanding your horizons and seeing new things can help shape new worlds and give characters more depth.

Wow, it’s been absolutely incredible to get a sneaky peek inside that amazing brain of yours. You’re an absolute inspiration to me and I know you are to many others, too. For the last question, I’m gonna go generic and do a few quick fire questions to round the interview off.

Favourite colour? Besides Black? Purple

Favourite food? Spag Bol

Favourite flower? Lily

Favourite movie? Poltergeist

Favourite book? Pass

Favourite pastime? (When not writing!) Binge Watching TV shows or photoshop (It’s a tie)

Favourite drink? Iced Tea

Favourite quote? “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

Biggest phobia? Spiders/clowns… If there’s ever a clown spider or a spider clown I’m done for!

And what the piss do you want for your damn birthday? *Snickers* Now you have to answer me! PASS *Smirks*

6Aug2015

It’s a Cover Reveal: Unlawful Desire by Chelle Bliss

Posted in Books I love, Cover Reveal by mkcooke

Title: Unlawful Desire
Series: ALFA PI Book #2
Author: Chelle Bliss
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Cover Photo by: SC Photography
Cover Models: Lance Jones & Brit Love

My fiancée ripped a piece of my heart out when I caught her with another man. It made me jaded, and I swore off relationships. But as with any plans, life had a way of making me its bitch.

When a way too young bombshell walked into my world, my heart began to beat again. Georgia asked me for one night—nothing more—and with no strings attached.

Our night of passion turned my universe upside down.

When she almost slipped out of my life, I knew I had to make her mine. Willing to do anything to protect her, I took justice into my own hands. My feelings for her brought out a side of me I thought I’d left behind.

I had to lose myself to be found again.

SPECIAL PRE-ORDER PRICE $2.99

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ALFA PI Book #1 is NOW AVAILABLE

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Chelle Bliss, USA Today Bestselling author, currently lives in a small, west coast town near the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. She’s a full-time writer, time-waster extraordinaire, social media addict, and coffee fiend. Currently she’s written thirteen books and has three series available. She loves spending her free time with her boyfriend, 2 cats, and her hamster.

Before becoming a writer, Chelle taught high school history for over ten years. She holds a master’s degree in Instructional Technology and a bachelor’s in history. Although history is her first love, writing has become her dream job and she can’t imagine doing anything else.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER

Want to get a text notification when Unlawful Desire releases?
Text BLISS to 727-202-5528

Click here to learn more about other Chelle Bliss Books

30Jul2015

Releasing Now: Torn Hearts by Claire Contreras

Posted in Uncategorized by mkcooke

Free, free, FREE! Torn Hearts follows Mia and Jensen’s story in the beginning. Like many of our own stories, theirs is not complete. Their story will continue in Paper Hearts releasing September 10th!

Start Mia & Jensen’s Story for FREE at the following retailers:

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

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1I9jPby

iBooks: http://apple.co/1I2ldPy

Goodreads Link: http://bit.ly/1DMjMnZ

I met a boy once.

He made my heart go into a frenzy every time he looked at me, and my knees go weak whenever he touched me. Our love was so beautiful that even its demise was bittersweet.

I met a girl once.

Her world, full of possibilities, made me feel like even I had a chance at being someone. She believed in me. She loved me. We were so secure, that even our breaking point seemed hazy.

Until we reached it.

Claire Contreras graduated with her BA in Psychology from Florida International University. She lives in Miami, Florida with her husband, two little boys, and three dogs.

Her favorite past times are: daydreaming, writing, and reading.

She has been described as a random, sarcastic, crazy girl with no filter.

Life is short, and it’s more bitter than sweet, so she tries to smile as often as her face allows. She enjoys stories with happy endings, because life is full of way too many unhappy ones.

Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter

28Jul2015

Summer of Series: The One Night Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Posted in Books I love, Review Post by mkcooke

So for my next choice in my Summer of Series, I decided to read The One Night Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas. I absolutely loved her This Man series, so I figured I would probably love these books too, but I was not prepared for how much I would LOVE these books. I loved every single phenomenal word of them. They were everything. This series is definitely one of the best series I have EVER read. It completely consumed me from the moment I started it, and I never wanted to these books to end.

This series gave me a truly incredible and breathtaking love story that I know I will never forget.

This series follows Olivia Taylor and Miller Hart aka “M”, and what starts out as a promise of one night of immense and unforgettable passion, quickly turns in to something neither of them expected. One night changes everything for Livy and Miller, and I mean everything. One Night Promised, One Night Denied, and One Night Unveiled follows these two on their incredible and utterly emotional, passionate, and captivating journey as they try to figure out where their immense connection and feelings for one another could lead them, if they only give it a chance. It follows them as that one night becomes something so epically more. As that one night becomes everything.

The One Night Series was consuming, intense, and mesmerizing as all get out. My heart was so completely invested into this story and to these characters, and because of this author’s outstanding writing, I got to fully experience every lick of this amazing series. It had the most superb level of passion and heat, darkness and light, emotion and feeling. It truly had every single thing that makes a book and series extraordinary to read and experience.

This series and Livy and Miller fulfilled me so remarkably. They made me feel alive when I was reading these books and experiencing their story. They gave me it all, and I basked in every single thing they gave me because it was extraordinary, magnificent, and the perfect balance of everything. These books had and were everything.

I think The One Night Series may have even surpassed the This Man series, which is definitely saying something because I loved Jesse and Ava something fierce, but Miller Hart and Olivia Taylor just completely stole my heart. They made my heart feel alive, they made it melt and squeeze, and they made it break and hurt quite a few times too, but the completely took it in this series. I honestly think they’ll always hold a some piece to my heart, because after reading these books I know I will always remember their dynamic, distinctive, and truly wonderful characters, and the epic love story they shared together.

Livy and Miller’s characters were both phenomenal, thoughtfully crafted and layered, and just so enrapturing. Throughout this series you get to peel back those layers and see the real them, which is nothing short of wonderful because let me tell you, Livy and Miller are a force to be reckoned with and there is so much to know about them. Livy is sassy and spunky and has such a fire to her. She’s also got past filled with hurt that has lead her to the present of this book and to one Miller Hart. Miller hart is enigmatic, possessive, intense, and just everything that makes a male character swoonworthy. Along with Livy’s character , he’s got past laced with more demons and pain than you can shake a stick at.

They’ve both experienced more than their fair share of hurt and darkness, but what they feel and experience together is nothing but light and heat and spark filled, and you will bask in everything you get to experience with them as they try to figure out what to do with all that their feeling. That was honestly one of my favorite aspects of this series. Getting the chance to see two authentic, dynamic, and fantastically complicated characters come together and attempt to overcome that darkness that has ruled their lives for so long. Experiencing their fight and determination will make you love their characters immensely, and will have you wanting to give it your all too in hopes that they can find a way to be together.

Their journey together will make your heart race more times than you can count, and be prepared for some tough emotional moments that will have you reeling, but also be prepared for a love story that will completely leave you in awe.

It’s been 2 days since I finished these books, and I am still in awe. That is a true testament to the shear amazingness and talent of Jodi Ellen Malpas and the stories, world, and characters she so superbly created. Along with Miller and Livy, Jodi Ellen Malpas creates wonderful and distinctive supporting characters that I just loved. They were incredible, and Livy’s Nan is just about the best person ever. She’s a true gem. Her writing is truly exceptional and beautiful, and just allows you to live through this series with Livy and Miller, and to feel every ounce of what these books have to offer.

I felt every raw and honest and exceptionally crafted emotion. I experienced every moment of wonder and hope, every moment of passion and heat, every moment of heart melting triumph and visceral heartbreak. Every moment of laughter, tears, shock, fight, feeling, and intensity. Every. Single. Glorious and real and brilliant all-feel consuming thing.

After reading this series, so many phrases will hold new and utterly wonderful meanings. Every time you read “The Special One”, or the word fascinate, or Miller and Livy’s thing, or the phrase “Just…Fucking…Perfect”, or the word habit, you will smile or melt or both. These phrases and their meanings are just one of the many aspects that makes this series the truly phenomenal thing that it is.

The One Night Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas will give you everything and more. It’ll give you Livy and Miller and their breathtaking, emotional, and unforgettable journey together. It’ll give you an enthralling story you can’t put down, and truly don’t ever want to end. It’ll give you every aspect that makes a book and a series exceptional, because that’s what this series is. Exceptional.

When all of the distinctive and extraordinary pieces of this story and these characters fully come to light, you will be blown away by the wondrous, awe-inspiring, and beautifully breathtaking thing you just experienced. You’ll just love it whole heartedly, feel it so deep in your bones, and you’ll have no doubt that Miller and Livy’s story is everything.

Keep reading for more on the consuming, mesmerizing, and utterly superb One Night Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas

**Please be aware that all of the books in the series are featured below. While the synopsis’, quotes, as well as my reviews for each book are as spoiler free as possible, you might find out more than you want to about Livy and Miller’s story if you read too much. If you plan to read this series, and I HIGHLY recommend that you do, start with One Night Promised and go from there with Livy and Miller.**

~One Night Promised~

Amazon | KOBO | B&N

“His eyes are smiling, and then like a sun breaking through the gray clouds on an overcast, smoggy day in London, his mouth smiles, too—his perfectly straight, white teeth on full display, his eyes sparkling wildly. He accepts me. All of me.”

Synopsis:

ONE NIGHT WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH . . .

Livy notices him the moment he walks into the coffee shop. He’s heart-stoppingly stunning, with a blue-eyed gaze so piercing she’s almost too distracted to take his order. When he walks out the door, she thinks she’ll never see him again. Then she finds the note he left on his napkin . . . signed M.

All he wants is one night to worship her. No feelings, no commitment, nothing but pleasure. Every defense mechanism Livy has adopted during her solitary life is at risk of being obliterated by this confounding man. He’s obnoxious but well-mannered. He’s a gentleman but aloof. He’s passionate but emotionless. Yet the fascination is so powerful, Livy can’t deny him . . . or herself.

M awakens something in Livy, something deep and addictive that she never knew existed-and that she fears only he can satisfy. But she senses that behind the fast cars, fancy suits, and posh apartment, he’s aching inside. To have him, body and soul, she’ll have to brave his dark secrets. Delving into his world and breaking down his defenses become her obsession-an obsession that could shatter her heart beyond repair…

Read My 5 Star Review of One Night Promised

~One Night Denied~

Amazon | KOBO | B&N

“We’re more broken if we don’t have each other. Let me put us back together again. I need you, Olivia. Desperately. You’re making my world light.”

Synopsis:

The passion that burned between Livy and Miller in One Night: Promised may end up destroying them both in this new novel of overwhelming desire and shocking discoveries…

He’s amazingly wealthy, sinfully gorgeous, and can bring her to heights of pleasure she’s never before known. For Livy, there’s no turning back. She’s determined to be the light in Miller Hart’s dark world. Yet this new life comes with a steep price…

Miller knows that the power he possesses hasn’t come without sacrifices-but he won’t let Livy be one of them. Though he wants nothing more than to have her in every way, his first duty is to protect her at all costs…from his sins, his enemies, and especially himself.

But as their insatiable affair intensifies, the two attract the attention of an obsessive-and dangerous-third party. Discovering new revelations about Miller that rock her to the core, Livy will have to decide whether he’s ruined beyond repair. And he must face his fear that in order to save her, he may have to lose her after all…

Read My 5 Star Review of One Night Denied

~One Night Unveiled~

Amazon | KOBO | B&N

“You possess every part of me, Olivia Taylor. For all of the wrongs I have done and all that I am yet to do, I’m asking for your mercy. Only your love will see me through this hell.”

Synopsis:

A life without secrets and a passion without end . . .The story of Livy and M’s passionate love affair comes to a stunning conclusion in the final book in the One Night trilogy!

Livy has never known pure desire like this. The gorgeous Miller Hart captivates her, seduces her, and worships her in deliciously sinful ways. He knows her innermost thoughts, drawing her ever deeper into his dangerous world.

Miller will do anything to keep Livy safe, even if it means risking his own life. But his dark history isn’t the only thing that threatens their future together. As the truth of Livy’s family legacy unravels, an unsettling parallel between past and present comes to light. Her world spinning out of control, Livy finds herself caught between the rapture of an all-consuming love—and a deadly obsession that could destroy them both …

Read My 5 Star Review of One Night Unveiled

Be sure to check out more about these utterly wonderful books and the amazing Jodi Ellen Malpas at the following links!

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Website

23Jul2015

Sinful Intent by Chelle Bliss

Posted in Books I love, Releasing Now Book Addicts by mkcooke

Title: Sinful Intent
Series: ALFA PI Book #1
Release Date: July 14th
Author: Chelle Bliss

AMAZON – BARNES & NOBLE – ITUNES – KOBO

The moment I saw her, I wanted her.
I tried to resist her, but Race had other plans.
One night, in a moment of weakness, I gave in to my desires.
I still had a job to do before her world collapsed.
If I failed at finding the person behind the threats, I could lose her forever.
Temptation can be dangerous.

“You’re really purdy,” she slurred with a lopsided grin, running her finger down my cheek.
“That’s it. No more drinks for you,” I said, dragging the glass away from her.
“No! I’ve only had three,” she said as she lurched forward, pulling the drink out of my hands.
“I’m enjoying myself. I’ve had a bitch of a week and I deserve to let loose a little.”
I held my hands up. “You’ve actually had four martinis, but anything you want, princess.”
Her eyes grew into little slits. “I’m not your princess,” she slurred, sounding completely adorable.
My cheeks hurt as I smiled. “I’m going to take you home now. I think you need to sleep it off.”
“Last time I checked,” she said before hiccupping, “you’re not my daddy.” A slow smile crept across her face. She scooted closer and whispered, “Unless that’s your thing.” She tried to wink, but both eyes closed, one after the other.
I leaned into her space, a breath away from her lips. “It’s not my thing, but I’m happy to act out your fantasies. But I don’t think you want to cross that line. Once you go there, there’s no going back.” I stared into her eyes.
“Oooh.” Her eyes grew wide. “Is that supposed to scare me, Mr. DeLuca?”
I didn’t move. “I’m just giving you fair warning. You’ve had a few drinks, and I won’t take advantage of that. I’m just telling you how it is.”
“You’re full of yourself.” Her warm, sweet breath caressed my lips as she spoke.
All I wanted to do was reach out, pull her face to mine, and kiss her full, beautiful lips. “I’m sure of myself and confident in my abilities, yes. That’s entirely different than being full of myself.” I licked my lips, testing her.
Her eyes dropped to my mouth as her lips parted.
“Another?” Lisa interrupted.
“We’re good,” I replied, keeping my eyes pinned to Race and waving Lisa off.
“Pfft,” Lisa scoffed, stomping away.
Race glared in Lisa’s direction. “She wants you,” she whispered.
Was she jealous?
“I don’t want her.”
“She’s a sure thing though.”
I leaned closer, leaving very little space between us. “I never liked easy.”
“All men like easy.” Her body swayed, moving so close our lips almost brushed.

Purchase Sinful Intent
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Unlawful Desire – ALFA PI #2 is available for pre-order
**Special pre-order price of $2.99**

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Click the link below to enter the giveaway!

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Chelle Bliss is a USA Today Bestselling Author of the Men of Inked series.She loves to write happily ever afters filled with alpha males and sexy women.Chelle spends her days writing, chatting on Facebook, and working on her craft.The ALFA PI series a spin off of her Men of Inked series and she’s excited
to introduce a new world of characters to readers.

WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – TWITTER – GOODREADS – NEWSLETTER

6Jul2015

Summer of Series: The Blackstone Affair by Raine Miller

Posted in Books I love, Review Post by mkcooke

I am so excited that my Summer of Series has finally begun! I couldn’t be more thrilled with the first series I chose to read because I practically devoured it (in 2 days!). So without further ado, let me introduce you to The Blackstone Affair by the utterly fabulous Raine Miller.

This series was breathtaking, all-consuming, and had the perfect balance of emotion, feeling, and intensity.

It also had me ready to catch the very next plane to London in hopes that I could find my very own Ethan Blackstone, because let me tell you he will totally steal your heart and win you over about 2 seconds after you meet him. Not to be outdone, Brynne the main lady of the hour, will have you rooting for her, loving her, and feeling so authentically connected to her just as quickly. The Blackstone Affair follows these two dynamic and exceptionally developed characters, as they try to overcome their own trauma laced pasts in hopes of seeing what could happen if they explore the majorly intense connection they share.

What I think I loved about this series the most was that I got to experience everything so fully with both Ethan and Brynne, and I truly got to feel and see their evolution as characters as their relationship progressed. I got to see them at their highest, and I got to enjoy that immense joy and elation right along with them. I felt and saw them at their lowest points, and my heart broke just like theirs did with what they went through in both the past and present. I was also their with them through all the twists and turns and ups and downs that came their way as they tried to make their relationship work.

I loved that this series gives you two extremely authentic, strong willed, and multifaceted characters who had their flaws right along with their strengths. Two people who had experienced darkness, and were still working through that with everything they had. What Ethan and Brynne both individually went through will make your heart go to them, but it will also make them feel very very real to you as you get to know and fall in love with them.

I also had the phenomenal opportunity to experience how hard Brynne and Ethan fell because I fell right along with them, heart first into everything that they were sharing. I got their passion, their heat, and their seriously spark filled relationship. I melted at their words. I swooned with them more times than I could count. I also felt all of the heartbreak that came along with those heart melting moments.

These books are written and developed exceptionally. Raine Miller’s outstanding writing allows you to fall right into the story with Ethan and Brynne. Her writing also makes it possible to become as captivated by Brynne and Ethan as they are by each other, and throughout each book in this series you will become more and more connected to them both. You will feel for them, you will care for them, and you will fight like hell for them and for what they’re fighting for. That extraordinary level of connection to this story and book is all possible because of Raine Miller’s magnificent writing. The world she creates in this series through her incredible storytelling and writing feels wholly real, and the minute you begin these books you will be imagining, feeling, and experiencing everything that enchanting and utterly mesmerizing world has to offer.

I felt every word of these books. I experienced every single thoughtfully crafted and varied emotion weaving its way through these mesmerizing books. I was whole heartedly captivated by these extraordinary characters and their unforgettable story.

The Blackstone Affair was a superbly balanced and beautifully written love story that gives the perfect amount of love and joy, heartbreak and hurt, passion and intensity, and more charm and swoon than you can shake a stick at, as Brynne and Ethan explore the power and beauty of the connection and feelings they share for one another.

Ethan and Brynne, and their story together will blow you away. It’ll leave you in awe with what you get to experience with them. You will love their characters, be rooting for them like crazy along the way, and relishing in all of the fight and determination these two have to be together.

I promise you that this series will consume every part of you. It will steal your heart, and give you so much to feel and experience. It will enrapture you within its magnificence, and you will not want it to end. Ever.

So if you’re ready, keep scrolling below for more on the breathtaking series, The Blackstone Affair by Raine Miller.

**Please be aware that all of the books in the series are featured below. While the synopsis’, quotes, as well as my reviews for each book are as spoiler free as possible, you will probably find out more than you want to about Ethan and Blaire’s story past Naked. So if you’re planning to start this series start with Naked, the first book in the series, and go no further until you finish that amazing book.**

~Naked~

Amazon | KOBO | B&N

“That picture changed everything. I was not the same after I saw it and I couldn’t go back to the man I’d been before seeing it either. Not after we met that night on the street. My whole world altered because of a photograph. A photograph of my beautiful American girl.”

Synopsis:

The first book in the bestselling Blackstone Affair trilogy! Naked desire. Secret Satisfaction. An affair you’ll never forget.

Brynne Bennett has left scandal in her past and is living the good life. An American grad student at the University of London and part-time photographic model, she’s getting back on track with lots of hard work and focus on a career in art conservation. When successful and charismatic London businessman Ethan Blackstone buys her nude portrait, he wants to possess more than just her image. He wants Brynne in his bed, serving him in every way possible. He has no trouble voicing his desires, and he isn’t taking “no” for an answer.
At first, his dominant nature captivates her, but it isn’t clear if the force of his powerful desire will ultimately awaken or dispel the demons Brynne is carrying inside. There are secrets on both sides of this relationship—huge ones. Can Ethan erase the scars of Brynne’s past so that she can reveal her true self to him? Or will the shadows cast by Ethan’s own mysterious former life destroy their chance at happiness?

Naked is the sizzling, unforgettable story of what happens when a strong woman meets the one man powerful enough to strip away all her defenses, leaving her standing naked and perfect before him.

Read My 5 Star Review of Naked

~All In~

Amazon US | KOBO | B&N

“I have no intentions of letting you go.” I swallowed hard. “If you come with me you’re signing on for all of me, Brynne. I don’t know any other way to be with you. It’s all in for me. And I want it to be all in for you too.”

Synopsis:

The second part in The Blackstone Affair series! Looming danger. A love worth fighting for. A man who’ll go all in.

Ethan Blackstone has a problem on his hands. He’s broken Brynne’s trust and she’s left him. He’s unwilling to live without her and isn’t giving up—he’s dead-set on getting his beautiful American girl back. The passion between them was explosive, but the secrets they hid from each other are dark and chilling and are powerful enough to destroy their shot at a life together.

With political threats now directed at Brynne, Ethan is running out of time and he’ll need to gather all his strength and agility to protect her from the dangers that could take her away from him forever. Will Ethan be able to save Brynne from a past that keeps her locked in fear? Will he ever feel the warmth of her touch, the solidity of her trust again? This is a love-struck man who is willing to do whatever it takes to possess the heart of the woman he loves. He’ll go to any lengths to protect her. He’ll go all in.

Here is the fiery story of what happens when two people surrender to a love so great it can heal the scars of the past and give way to a life of pure, rapturous ecstasy.

Read My 5 Star Review of All In

~Eyes Wide Open~

Amazon US | KOBO | B&N

“The one who had the power to take me apart was also the only one with the power to put me back together again.”

Synopsis:

The third part in The Blackstone Affair series: A love on the brink of being destroyed. The fight of a lifetime to keep it alive.

Big surprises are on the horizon for Ethan and Brynne as they struggle to adjust to what life has thrown at them. Demons from the past are threatening to destroy the passionate bond they’ve forged despite their vow that nothing will ever keep them apart. A truly devastating loss coupled with the promise of a new hope opens their eyes to what is most important, but is it possible for the lovers to move on from the painful histories that continue to haunt them?

A stalker is still lurking in the shadows, plotting evil amidst the distraction of the 2012 Olympic games in London. Brynne and Ethan are on the cusp of losing everything as the stakes rise. Will they yield to circumstances beyond their control or will they give every ounce of fight they have left to save each other and win the ultimate prize of a life together?

Eyes Wide Open is a passion-wrought story that shows us what pure love can achieve when tested and what the heart can accomplish despite danger and adversity.

Read My 5 Star Review of Eyes Wide Open

~Rare and precious Things~

Amazon US | KOBO| B&N

“I knew more happiness and love than I’d ever experienced in my life, and now understood how precious it was to have that love.”

Synopsis:

The fourth part in the New York Times bestselling series, The Blackstone Affair: A bright beginning for two damaged souls fighting for their hard-won love, and the promise of a new hope to secure their happily ever after.

Fresh from an idyllic honeymoon along the Italian coast, the Blackstone’s prepare for the birth of their precious baby and the challenges of settling into a new home. But things get complicated when specters from the past reappear to threaten the very foundation of their relationship.

Ethan and Brynne will have to fight harder than ever for each other. Rare and Precious Things is the story of two people who both need the other in order to be complete, but learn just how “rare” their brand of love is when they have to risk everything in order to hold onto it.

Read My 5 Star Review of Rare and Precious Things

Be sure to check out more about these books and the fabulous Raine Miller at the following links!!

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Website

Summer of Series

Well it is officially summer!

Okay, well technically it’s only Memorial Day, but you catch my drift. This is the day that along with being a day of remembrance, signifies the beginning of summer.

I for one could not be more ready for summer, especially after this horrid winter. I love me some summer something fierce, which may or may not have something to do with the fact that I get 8 weeks off from the tiny humans.

That’s neither here nor there, but suffice to say, summer is one of my favorite times of year.

It’s when the cookouts start, it’s when you spend your nights seeing more lighting bugs than you can count, and it’s when the pool or beach becomes your home away from home.

It’s also when I get to read until my heart’s content.

In the summer, much of my day or night is spent between the pages of a good book, and that makes me happier than a clam, since we all know I am a book addict.

Now you all know that I hoard paperbacks along with a crazy amount of Kindle books. That’s kind of my shtick. It’s also the whole reason behind this blog’s name, because my book basket is truly never ending.

Well this summer I’ve decided to make a dent in that basket. I’m really going to do it! Or, I’m going to give it the good ole college try, because that basket is insane right now.

Now while I obviously have a plethora of unread paperbacks in my never ending book basket, what you might not know unless you’ve perused the book basket page of this blog, is that I have a ton of unread series.

19 series to be exact.

I own every single book in those 19 different series, some in e-book, but most in paperback. I’ve seriously been dying to read them all because I seriously love me a good series. Always have, always will.

There’s just something about a good series that I just love. Whether the series is 3 books long or 8, whether it focuses on one character’s story or more than one, I adore me a series to pieces.

The series are a random mix of books across a few genres from both traditionally and independently published authors. Most are a wide array of romance, but there’s some young adult thrown in there for funsies too. I’m ashamed to admit that a lot of those books have been calling my book basket home for years, and that many of them are well loved favorites that came out years ago.

I’m so epically behind.

So this summer I am making it my goal to read through some of these series. I am hoping to get through at least a third of them. (Big dreams I know.) What can I say, I’m an optimist!

I’m even being kitschy about it, and giving this endeavor a name: Summer of Series

Along with some cover reveals, release posts, and some other reviews that I can’t wait to share with y’all, this summer will be entirely focused on my Summer of Series endeavor. Each series will have its own post filled with my reviews, teasers, and some of my favorite quotes from the books. To go along with these posts I’m also going to be giving away some books from some of my favorite series ever, so be sure to stay tuned for that too!

Basically, I am devoting this summer to FINALLY reading these book series that have been shouting at me for years! I hope y’all are just as ready for this as I am because I know these series are going to be nothing short of fantastic.

If you can’t tell, I am so effing excited for this summer, and these Summer of Series blog posts!

Expect tons of reviews, some giveaways, and plenty of fun and craziness on here this summer with this series of blog posts.

I have a feeling it’s going to be one helluva summer, so let’s get it started people.

Bring on the series!

p.s. If you have a series from the picture that you would recommend me starting with, please feel free to comment with your recommendation!

Listed below are the series pictured that will be part of Summer of Series. Click the series title to head to Amazon for that series, and click the author’s name to head to their website.

The Sea Breeze Series by Abbi Glines
The One Night Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas *Read My Review*
The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth
The Night Owl Series by M. Pierce
The Losing It Series by Cora Carmack (I read and LOVED this series. I didn’t do a blog post for it, but if you check out my Goodreads, you can find my reviews there.)
The Rusk University Series by Cora Carmack
The Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott *Read My Review*
The Blackistone Affair Series by Raine Miller *Read My Review*
The Beautiful Bastard Series by Christina Lauren *Read My Review*
The Wild Seasons Series by Christina Lauren
The Beautiful Series by Jamie McGuire (This also includes The Maddox Brothers Series books too)
The Rose of Thorne Series by Mia Michelle
The Tradd Street Series by Karen White
The Ten Tiny Breaths Series by K.A. Tucker
The Wait for You Series by Jennifer Armentrout (I read and LOVED this series. I didn’t do a blog post for it, but if you check out my Goodreads, you can find my reviews there.)
The Out of Line Series by Jen McLaughlin
The Beautiful Mess Series by T.K. Leigh
The On Dublin Street Series by Samantha Young
The Modern Love Story Series by Daisy Prescott

And the one series that wasn’t even in my Summer of Series originally…

The Edge of Never Duet by J.A. Redmerski *Read My Review*

12May2015

Releasing Now: Echo by E.K. Blair

Posted in Books I love, Releasing Now Book Addicts by mkcooke

Echo by E.K. Blair

It’s been said the longest echo ever measured lasted 75 seconds, but I can assure you, this will last much longer. The bang deafened the world around me, muting everything into nullity, allowing the reflection of its destruction to live far beyond its intended life.

It will follow me forever, destroying me—destroying you.

You want answers?

So do I.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21860884-echo?ac=1

Echo trailer: https://vimeo.com/127163305

http://amzn.to/1PgBVRx

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/echo-ek-blair/1121904393?ean=2940151501750

E.K.’s media links:

Facebook: htt ps://www.facebook.com/EKBlairAuthor?fref=ts

website: http://www.ekblair.com

5May2015

Review Post: First Came You by Faith Andrews

Posted in Books I love, Releasing Now Book Addicts, Review Post by mkcooke

First Came You (Fate series #0.5)

Faith Andrews

Buy It Now!!

http://amzn.to/1EbbdhM

First comes a nickel,
Then comes a shove,

Then comes loss only conquered by his love.

This is the story of my first true love. The story of how the boy next door protected me, became my best friend, stole my heart, and rescued me from my darkest despair.

Tommy

Loss. The recurring theme of the last few months.

First it was her parents—my second parents. They treated me like their own even if they had their doubts about my not-so-pure feelings towards their young daughter. Their death crushed me. I couldn’t let Gabriella see it because I had to be her rock. But my heart still clenches tight with hurt when I think about Mr. and Mrs. Rossi no longer living on this planet.

Then came the slow and gradual loss of the girl who means more to me than anything. I watched as all happiness and joy disappeared from her life with that one single phone call. She hasn’t been the same. She’s so distant and cold. Not just to me—to Gina too. We talk about it all the time. How much we miss the old spunky, vibrant Gabby. How we worry about her. How we have to let her go through the grieving process in her own way.

That part’s the worst because I can’t fucking stand watching her push me away. She’s dying inside—broken—and all I want to do is piece her back together. But she won’t let me. She won’t let me do what I know I can. So I bite my tongue and take my anger out on the basketball court or the boxing bag. Seeing me angry won’t send her running back into my arms.

But tonight? This rejection is the worse loss yet.

I’ve managed to smother her—her words—by caring for her. My selfish need to keep her close and protect her have caused her to let me go. For the first time in my life, I understand the pain of a broken heart. She’s the only girl who’s ever owned it, and without her I’m not whole.

When I get back to my house, head hung low like a beaten dog, I toss the red box on the table and watch it skid in my father’s direction.

“You were right. Happy?” I growl.

Swallowing back his beer, he arches a brow. “Told you so.”

Three words I never like hearing—especially from my smug asshole of a father. Instead of pounding my fists into his gray-bearded face, I turn my back to start off to my bedroom. I can make better use of my time by packing.

My old man stops me with a gruff, patronizing laugh. “Boy, your need to fix things don’t work on the unfixable. She’s damaged goods. Don’t waste your time.”

I suck in a deep breath, and tighten my fists so hard my nails dig into my palms. Do not deck your father, Tommy. He’s not worth it. Turning to face him, I stare hard into his bloodshot eyes. “You don’t know shit about me and Gabriella. And I would never give up on her because she’s not a waste of anything. And maybe it seems like things are dark right now, but there’s nothing damaged about the beautiful girl she is and the incredible woman I know she’ll become.”

He takes another pull of his beer, slamming the empty bottle down on the table. “Suit yourself. Throw your life away before it’s even begun.”

Rushing toward the table, I get within inches of his face and growl, “Just because you’re unhappy with the way your life turned out doesn’t mean you have to take it out on me. Stay the hell out of it and save your misconstrued sense of wisdom to yourself. I’ve never needed it before and I don’t count on needing it ever again.”

I stalk off to my room, grumbling under my breath. He’s a misery. Has been for as long as I can remember, and the fact I’m doing things he never could at my age makes him resent his own flesh and blood and the struggles of being a lesser man. And my poor mother is just a naïve victim to his shit.

I’m over it.

I can’t wait to get the fuck out of here. Away from their scrutiny, away from their disapproval. My parents never appreciated my passion for Gabriella and our future. They always told me I was being stupid with my heart by giving it away too soon. They didn’t want to accept that I’d found a kind of love in Gabriella and her family that I lacked here. My parents are decent people, just not loving people. The Rossi’s gave me more.

As I toss shit haphazardly into boxes, I replay so many Gabriella memories in my head with tears burning at the back of my eyes. The beginning—when we were kids and would laugh all day while we played man hunt in the scorching summer sun. The middle—when I admired Gabriella as she grew into a beautiful girl with curves that made my mouth water and lips that made my dick think things it shouldn’t be thinking at that age. The end—is this the fucking end?

5 AMAZING STARS

Even before I started this novella, I knew that I was going to be in for one gloriously emotional story that would probably make me cry, feel a lot, and just experience everything this story had. First Came You made me do all of that and more, and I couldn’t be more happy about getting all of that. It was nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful to experience. Even the tears and heart squeezes this story gave me were oh so worth it because of what they let me experience with these characters.

I’m not going to lie that there was a very small part of me that was a tad apprehensive about reading this story because I knew where it would eventually lead, as I read and LOVED every single phenomenal word of Feel Again, the book that this novella prequels.

Though I did know where Tommy and Gabriella’s story would eventually take them both, First Came You offers the extraordinary opportunity to see where it all began with them. You get the beginning where their magic started. Where their pathways crossed and began weaving together, and where this unforgettable story with these exceptional characters began.

That beginning is wondrous, phenomenally emotional, and life changing in every way.

I loved, and I mean loved every single piece of this novella. Faith Andrews is one of my favorite authors for a reason. Not only does her writing allow you to slip right into the magnificent world that she creates in her books, the way she writes and develops her stories and characters allows you the exceptional chance to feel what you’re reading. You’re not just going to read this story, you’re going to feel it with every ounce of everything you’ve got, and that just pulls you and connects you into everything.

It brings it to life. It makes you feel and think and experience everything right along with Gabriella and Tommy. You feel their joy, their wonder, their longing, and their butterflies. You experience the heartbreaking moments, you cry for them, and you break for them. You also get the incredible opportunity to get them. To understand them, and to love and care for their characters with all that you’ve got. That is everything, and it’s a huge part of why I loved every word of this story.

What Faith Andrews gives you in a story allows you the chance to connect to wholly unique and endearing characters while becoming fully enraptured in their world and enthralling story. First Came You was no different, and just reiterated why I love this author’s books so much.

One of my favorite things about this story was getting to know Tommy and Gabriella better. This novella allows you the amazing chance to see them at so many different points in their lives and relationship. You see them grow and develop and change. You get to see how their feelings for one another evolve and deepen, and that just amplifies everything that you’re reading. It also invests you more and more in the both of them. You will truly feel how deeply these two feel and care for one another. When you meet them and read their story in First Came You, you will just want more of them, more of their magic, and more of the thoughtfully crafted feelings and emotions that come with them.

Gabriella’s character was simply wonderful. She was real and so easy to relate to, and I loved getting to know about how her character came to be who she was in the past and present. Reading about this part of her life was just phenomenal, and I have to say that it connects so well into the story that comes after this one. Gabriella goes through so much in this novella, and experiencing that with her hurt my heart at times, but then at other moments, especially those with Tommy, it made my heart melt right along with hers. Gabriella is such an endearing character that you will emotionally connect to the instant you begin this story. You will love and care and feel for her immensely throughout every page of this story and the next. (This goes without saying, but you must read the next one!! You simply must read Feel Again!!)

Now Tommy’s character pretty much stole my heart from the moment I met him. I shouldn’t be surprised at that though because Faith Andrews knows how to create a male character I practically want to marry the instant I get to know them. Tommy was no different. He was just an all-around good guy with a heart of gold that shined brightly and seamlessly throughout this story. I was just enamored by his character, and I loved getting to know him even though it was immensely bittersweet. My heart broke for him at times in this story, but through all the ups and downs this story threw at him and Gabriella, my heart mainly just went to him and all that he was doing for her. He fought for like crazy for her, he believed in her and in them, and he never stopped pushing for everything he knew they wanted and deserved.

This novella gives you the incredible chance to get to know his character and to realize why he is so important to Gabriella and to the story itself, while also giving you the beautiful foundation to these characters and their stories and their lives. It also just gives you the chance to love Tommy’s character, and even in the moments when my heart almost hurt because of how much I loved his character, it was all worth it because he was so worth it, and Gabriella and Tommy together were so brilliantly worth it.

First Came You is a novella that gives you so much. So much thoughtfully crafted emotion and feeling that you’ll feel deep in your heart. So much love and connection that will grow and grow the more you read. So much of everything that makes a story simply wonderful. This novella gives you it all, and when you reach its end, you will just want to keep feeling and experiencing all of its amazingness.

Faith Andrews gives you one heck of a story with Gabriella and Tommy. It’s breathtaking and beautiful and emotional as all get out, and that is just a fraction of what makes it utterly outstanding. The writing, characters, and story itself will just enrapture you within it all, and in the end you will be thrilled with every wondrous thing it gave you.

First Came You gives you Tommy and Gabriella’s emotionally beautiful journey together. It’s a story that will have you feeling and thinking and experiencing many things, but most of all, it’ll have you believing whole heartedly in the power and beauty of all consuming, deep in your heart, love. And there’s nothing more perfect or wonderful than experiencing and believing in that. Trust me.

Buy First Came You Now!!

http://amzn.to/1EbbdhM

Feel Again

(Fate Series #1)

Only $.99—>http://amzn.to/1AkSxym

About Faith Andrews

Faith Andrews lives in New York where she is happily married to her high school sweetheart. They have two beautiful daughters and a furry Yorkie son, Rocco. If she isn’t listening to Mumford and Sons or busy being a Dance Mom, her nose is in a book or her laptop. She’s a sucker for a happily ever after and believes her characters are out there living one somewhere . . .

Listen to a clip of the Hard Love audiobook below!!

*****5 UNFORGETTABLE STARS*****

Check out the other AMAZING books in The Hacker Series:

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Keep reading for more on the consuming, mesmerizing, and utterly superb One Night Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas

~One Night Promised~

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~One Night Denied~

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~One Night Unveiled~

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So if you’re ready, keep scrolling below for more on the breathtaking series, The Blackstone Affair by Raine Miller.

~Naked~

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~All In~

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~Eyes Wide Open~

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~Rare and precious Things~

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Echo by E.K. Blair

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First Came You (Fate series #0.5)

Faith Andrews

~~Buy It Now!!~~

*****5 AMAZING STARS*****

~~Buy First Came You Now!!~~

Feel Again

(Fate Series #1)

Only $.99—>http://amzn.to/1AkSxym

About Faith Andrews

Connect with Faith

Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter

Giveaway

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5 UNFORGETTABLE STARS

Buy It Now!!

5 AMAZING STARS

Buy First Came You Now!!