Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Conflict by M.S. Willis




Conflict
By: M.S. Willis
 
 
 
***Content Warning - This is a new adult fiction with mature themes. It contains graphic sexual situations, mature language and explicit description of sexual violence.***

Conflict is the second book in the Control series. This description contains spoilers for those who have not read book one in the series, entitled Control.

Private Investigator, Paige Stone has always appreciated the independence of her life, however, her world was pitched upside down when she and her roommates were attacked and nearly killed. As a result of the attack by Chris, Paige now finds herself dependent upon Daemon Pierce for a place to live as she hides from Chris. Paige has never lived with a man before and demands that Daemon consider her a "roommate" only, even though it goes against her own desires.

Strong-willed and arrogant, Daemon Pierce has been working hard to protect Paige from Chris and from herself. Letting go of his life as a womanizer, Daemon tries to prove to Paige that she can trust him, even though he refuses to enlighten her as to his past. Daemon struggles to comply with Paige's ridiculous demand to be "roommates" and quickly finds that he has fallen in love with the girl who does nothing but push him away.

Chris is still on the loose and Paige becomes impatient at the amount of time it is taking the authorities to apprehend him. Paige takes it upon herself to hunt Chris down, while still refusing to ask for Daemon's assistance. When Paige discovers a message left by Chris, she devices a plan to locate him while keeping Daemon in the dark as to her plans. Paige's emotional journey once again places her in dangerous situations and when secrets are revealed and decisions are made, Paige has no choice but to look deep within herself to see if she can finally trust the man who will stop at nothing to save her.
 
Minor Spoilers -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4 STARS out of 5
Genre:Romance Erotica
NOTE: If you have not read book one in this series, Control, then you should probably not read this review because it may contain spoilers.

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“I’m going to fuck that sassy little mouth of yours, Paige. It’s something I’ve wanted to do since the first time you told me not to call you ‘Damsel.’ ~Daemon

THAT is one of my fave lines!LOL!! LOVES me some Daemon!!!

M.S. Willis definitely takes it up a few notches in Conflict, the second book in her control series. And I am not just referring to the steam. The suspense and Intensity definitely had my emotions going in every direction.

My girl Paige Stone is used to her independence free unrestricted life. But now she is stripped of her ability to live life and ride her bike free because a psycho serial rapist stalker (Chris) is after her. And though the police are looking for him so far he seems to have evaded them.

In the mean time Paige is staying with Daemon and for some reason she would prefer that he treat her as a roommate and nothing more. The phrase bitch please came to mind when she said that tid bit.LOL! This whole strictly roommates thing causes some seriously pent up sexual frustration to take residence in her body. Both she and Daemon battle out their lustful cravings for one another and let me tell you, that roommate only crap does NOT last long. 

Once they finally give in…
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Hot steamy sex won’t keep a girl happy forever. Being stuck in Daemon’s house is not good for a free bird like Paige. Nope, in fact she starts to get increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress the cops are making. That’s when the story itself picks up. Paige gets a disturbing message from Chris. That ALONE incites her to come up with an idea and she puts her investigative skills to use to find the psycho serial rapist (Chris) herself. Then she goes and enlists David to help her.. To my surprise he does.

In between all of the good sex and how to catch a killer scenes Paige gets a phone call and she goes to see Annie. For those who have not read this series yet and skipped my note without spoiling it (Annie is her roommate who is dealing with some horrific issues from an incident in book 1). The scene between these two women is ABSOLUTELY HEART WRENCHING.

I have to admit it’s not her smartest move but a girls got to do what a girls got to do. Paige and David move forward with the plan she concocted to catch the serial rapist. Things quickly heat up and I do not mean in a good way as Chris and Paige come face to face.
And a secret that finally ties up the loose end from book one is FINALLY REVEALED.

My thoughts
I enjoyed the flow of this story more than I did the first. It was good to see the vulnerable side of Paige.

I didn’t like those scars. They made me feel weak somehow, like I was vulnerable enough to be taken captive.’

 For me personally she came off a little too strong in her 'I am woman hear me roar’ attitude. I enjoyed how Daemon tamed her wild spirit by letting her know the threat to her life was real and that to be scared is normal. I very much enjoyed the dynamics between Daemon and Paige. Daemon being the only one who can tame the lioness that is Paige; very nice touch Willis. It’s almost as if she held off on commitment and love because she was waiting for Daemon.

I also love the roles both Alex and David played, they are awesome friends! I look forward to book 3!
Special note: This does not end in a cliffhanger

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable
Writing Style- Sexy, with a touch of suspense and at times emotional
Plot/Storyline- Keeps you turning the pages
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy
Overall- I liked it! READ IT!

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it!

*Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
 
 
My head fell back under the spray of the water and it soaked my hair.  My eyes were shut against the rivulets of water running down my face.  Eventually, I lifted my head to let the water travel down my back and when I rubbed it from my eyes, I opened them to find Daemon standing in front of me.  He was completely naked and his eyes seared into mine.  I gasped from the intensity of his gaze and my body jumped in reaction to my surprise.  Every defined muscle on his body was tense and his hands were clenched into fists.  Water continued pouring down my body and I couldn’t will myself to speak.  I was frozen in place staring at what was probably the most powerful person I had ever known.  Both physically and mentally, Daemon had absolute command over, not only himself, but everything around him.   He demanded respect whenever he entered a room and he carried himself in such a way that the potential threat within him did not go unnoticed.  Yet, for as hard and authoritative as he was, he could still be soft and compassionate.  There was this playful, boyish side to him that lit the entire room around him and all that stood nearby.  
                With one long stride he moved under the spray of the water with me.  The water ran down his tanned skin, leaving little drops that would eventually slide along the outline of his perfect lips, his broad chest and down along the muscles of his abdomen.  My body trembled at his proximity and I jumped at the sudden sound of his voice.
                “Take it out on me, Paige.”
                My brows pulled together in confusion at his request and he stepped closer before explaining.  He was barely brushing up against me when he said, “Your anger, your frustration, your pain...take it out on me.  Let me be your outlet.”
                I was knocked back by his words.  What did he want me to do?  I didn’t understand the strange request he was making and I remained quiet as I tried to make sense of what he was saying.   His close proximity put me at eye level with his smooth chest and I had to look up to catch his eyes. 
                “I don’t understand what you want me to do, Daemon.  Do you want me to fight you?  Somehow I think that could be dangerous while we are both naked and soaking wet in the shower.”  My voice was husky and raw and my body was absolutely on fire for him.  Just staring at the water as it streamed along the ridges of his muscular body was igniting within me such desire, that the anger and frustration that had earlier consumed me was being smothered and extinguished.
                Daemon reached down, grabbed my hands and placed them flat against his rock hard chest.  I could feel the strong, rhythmic beat of his heart.  He held my hands in place as he said, “Scream at me, hit me, scratch me, kick me, fuck me…it doesn’t matter as long as I can help take some of that pain and frustration out of you.  I don’t care what you do to me, Paige, just as long as you’re with me.  Use me anyway you need, just never leave.”  He leaned down to place a kiss on the top of my head.  His forehead rested on mine when he continued. “Promise me, Paige, that you’ll never let me go.  I don’t think I could survive it.”
 
 
Conflict Links:



Control Links:
 
M.S. Willis is a romance novelist whose debut novel, Control, was released in 2013.  Although currently writing in the romance genre, Willis has plans to expand her literary pursuits into multiple genres and has no fear conquering difficult subject matters in her writing.  Willis is a native Floridian who is also a photographer and musician.  When not absorbing herself in written, visual or musical expression, Willis is an adrenaline junkie, a ‘closet’ video game enthusiast, and an avid outdoors person and nature lover.
Visit M.S. Willis on her author page:  www.facebook.com/mswillisbooks
Find her on GoodReads here:  www.goodreads.com/book/show/17912005-control
 
Cover Artist Bio: Jason L. Lee

Jason L Lee is a Florida Native. The arts have always been a big part of his life. Science, nature, and spirituality have been inspirations to him. He started displaying his work in 1993. In 1996 he started to venture from drawing& photography into acrylic painting. This led to painting live with local bands starting in 1998. His paintings are now created mainly at home. He uses a combination of impressionistic and illustrative painting techniques to create fantastical imagery. He is currently a Scenic Artist working for The Nassal Company and Co-Founder of the Arts Hub Organization.

www.facebook.com/JasonLLee

www.facebook.com/JasonLLeeArt

www.twitter.com/JasonlLee8



Dragonfly Necklace Creator:  Verita Bolin

  I started making jewelry in the 80's. In middle school I sold bracelets. In 2004 I started selling my jewels to the public.  I went to The William Holland School of Lapidary Arts to learn stone identification, wire wrapping, and chain making. In 2009 I met Jason L Lee, an artist and curator.  He liked my jewelry and invited me to display in Creative Spirit Art Gallery, at 1st Friday Art Strolls and on Orange Ave.  I have a company with my mother, Tita. We set up all over Florida, have an Etsy store, and Facebook page. People around the country own my jewelry.


VeritasTreasures.Etsy.com


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8224306/





 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 




Blog Tour Promo & Giveaway: Break Me by Jo-Anna Walker

 
 

Break Me
 
 
 
 
Tori McLeod moved to the big city to get away from her mother—and her past. Her new routine is destroyed when she meets a mysterious stranger who won’t take no for an answer. Sebastian intrigues her, but his eyes hold secrets she would rather avoid. Sebastian Chelios, a hard-as-nails enforcer, is a new-in-town loner. He has to have her. Control her. Possess her. But he can’t—won’t—lose control, even though Tori’s innocence fascinates him. The last thing he’s going to do is love her, even after he gets her in his bed.
 Losing control is dangerous, especially when someone from Sebastian’s past covets Tori, putting more than just her heart in danger.
 Can Sebastian protect Tori from Jose’s sadistic obsession? If he gets his hands on her, will she make it out in one piece?
 
 
“I needed to know.” His voice raspy as the pad of his thumb ran over my bottom lip before he placed a soft kiss on my swollen lips.
I frowned, confused. “Know what?” I panted, gripping his shirt in my hand.
“If your lips tasted as good as they looked.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Promo Blitz: Sweet Thing by Renee Carlino

 

Title: Sweet Thing
Author: Renee Carlino
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Age Group:  New Adult
Event organized by: AToMR Tours
 
 

A USA TODAY bestseller, Sweet Thing tells the story of Mia Kelly, a twenty-five-year-old walking Gap ad who thinks she has life figured out when her father’s sudden death uproots her from slow-paced Ann Arbor to New York City’s bustling East Village. There she discovers her father’s spirit for life and the legacy he left behind with the help of an old café, a few eccentric friends, and one charming musician.
 
 
 
 
Will Ryan is good-looking, poetic, spontaneous, and on the brink of fame when he meets Mia, his new landlord, muse, and personal heartbreaker.
 
A story of self-discovery and friendship, Sweet Thing shines light on the power of loving and letting go.
********
What reviewers are saying about Sweet Thing. . .
 
Maryse's Book Blog - "It gave me every emotion and in just the right amount. My perfect read. . . 5 stars PLUS!!!!"
 
Jelena's Book Blog - "Her writing style is so fresh, the tone, the dialogue, the plot, the characters.... everything... just everything was marvelous she is definitely an author to watch out for."
 
A Love Affair With Books - "If you are looking for a new author, a new read or might want a bit of a cry, I highly recommend SWEET THING"
 
 
Book Addicts - "This book made me FEEL; it made me yearn for a happily ever after."
 
 
The SUBCLUB Books - "I was hooked and hanging on every word from the Prologue all the way to the Epilogue, I had a hard time steering my eyes away from the story it had a fierce grasp on me and I happily obliged to ride the journey alongside the characters."
 
 
Shh Moms Reading - "This is 5 HUGE stars ~ a soul searing beautifully written book that now owns a piece of my heart."
 
Rushing onto the plane, I looked down the aisle and spotted my seat right away. And then I saw her. I saw her…
She appeared to be sleeping; she had ear buds in and a travel pillow around her neck. Right before I approached, she glanced up at me and that’s when I blurted out, “Hey!” I paused, searching for words as I stared directly into her eyes, her really gorgeous eyes, the kind you just want to dive into and swim around in. “Do you want the window seat? It’s all yours if you do.”
She scowled. “Huh? Uh, no thanks.”
 
I think I pissed her off. Man, this girl was cute, pretty, no… beautiful. She had a bunch of silky, dark hair wrapped in a bun on top of her head. I never get nervous around women, but in that moment I was more nervous than I had been in my entire life.
“I’m a terrible flier,” I told her. “Please, I need to be in the aisle. I’m sorry, do you mind? I’m Will, by the way…”
She stood abruptly and grabbed her things. Without making eye contact, she stuck her hand up and mumbled, “Yeah, fine, you can sit there. I’m Mia.”
  Rearranging the overhead compartment, I startled her when I threw her bag on my seat. She looked up at me. Man, those eyes.
“Sorry, baby, I’ve got to make room for her.” She shrugged and pretended to ignore me, but seconds later I caught her staring at me out of the corner of her eye. I was totally getting to her.
I plopped down in my seat, looked over at her, and smiled. My eyes were immediately drawn to her blushing mouth with its naturally pink, pudgy little bottom lip. I wanted to suck on that lip.
“Why didn’t you request an aisle seat?
 
“Well, you see, sweetheart, I like to be right behind the emergency exit. I’ll hop over this seat, jump out the door, and be down that super slide in a split second.”
“Then why not request the exit aisle?”
 
“I am not the person for that job, trust me.”
 
“Damn, chivalry is dead. It doesn’t matter anyway; our lives are in the hands of these hopefully sober pilots and this nine-hundred-thousand-pound hunk of metal, so…”
“Can we stop talking about this? I don’t think you understand.” I didn’t want to shut her down, the banter was refreshing. Plus, I love girls with brains and a backbone, but my nerves were getting to me. I took out the rosary I’d bought in the gift shop started to peel the price tag off it. She continued needling me with her melodic little voice. It was hard to concentrate on what she was saying because I was mesmerized by her, completely enchanted by the way she smelled, her eyes, and man, those lips.
After chuckling at another one of her digs, I finally turned toward her and whispered, “Hey, little firecracker, you like taunting me, don’t you?
“Sorry,” she mumbled. I winked at her and watched her reaction. She sucked in a breath, making the tiniest sound, and then swallowed and looked away, but not before her eyes trailed down my entire body and back up.
While I was memorizing the safety procedures, the pilot scared the shit out of me when he came on the speaker to announce that we were cleared for takeoff.
“Jesus Christ! Did he sound drunk to you?
 
With a look of sympathy, Mia turned toward me and in the calmest voice said, “Not at all. Relax, buddy, everything will be fine and you should probably tone down the Jesus Christs, at least while you’re still wearing that thing.”
I asked her to open the screen so I could see us get off the ground and then I leaned over and inhaled deeply. She smelled so clean.
 
“You smell good,” I told her. “Like rain.” She blushed again and then asked me about my guitar. She knew something about guitars, I could tell. When the plane started to take off, I gripped the armrest. She put her hand over mine and just held it there while we continued our conversation. The warmth of her hand was calming. When I would tighten my grip, she would tighten hers. I think it was subconscious. I’m sure she didn’t notice she was doing it, but she comforted me.
When she mentioned that her father had just passed away, her eyes started to well up. I took my other hand and put it on top of hers. I think that was first moment she realized where her hand had been because she yanked it away and wiped her eyes. I immediately apologized for her loss.
“It’s okay, but I’d rather not talk about it right now. Let’s talk about guitars.” She had this really sweet, genuine, but totally pained, look on her face. It was like she was
trying to be strong and hide the hurt, but her expressive eyes and face made that impossible.
We talked the whole length of the flight and I just kept thinking that I had to know this girl. I needed to be in her life, but I could tell she was going through something, so I tried to keep it light.
As we started to descend, I panicked at the thought that we could walk off this plane and never see each other again.
“Mia, we’re going down. I need to know everything about you right now! How old are you, what’s your last name, what street do you live on? If we make it out of this, I think we should jam together, you know, musically or whatever.”
“My last name is Kelly, I’ll be at my father’s café most days—Kell’s on Avenue
 
A. Come and have a coffee with me sometime and we’ll talk music. Oh, and I’m twenty- five.”
It seemed like we had so much in common. I couldn’t believe my luck getting to sit next to her. She was beautiful, but in the humble way, not insecure, humble. She was smart and funny and sarcastic and witty and she loved music, but on top of that she was gentle. She wanted to comfort me, even if she didn’t realize she wanted to, and that’s what she’d done. Maybe it was fate that I sat next to her that day, or serendipity, divine intervention, who knows? However you look at, I got seated next to the first girl to ever really steal my heart. I was in love from that moment on. I knew Mia, with all her grief, sensitivity, and depth would be a challenge, but that made me want her even more.
I lowered my voice. “We both have double first names. I’m Will Ryan, twenty- nine. I live at 22 Mott Street in the storage closet. I work at the Montosh. I’m O negative,

you know, the universal one, and I play in a band called the Ivans. Oh, and I love coffee. It was nice to meet you, Mia.”
“It was nice to meet you too,” she said.
“We made it,” I told her. “You know, they say people who have stared death in the face together are bonded for life?
She giggled. “Your antics are cute, Will.”
“I was going for irresistible,” I said and then I watched her stumble and nervously grab her things. I walked behind her, up the aisle toward the exit. Some dickwad practically knocked her over when he tried to cut into the line. “Hey! Watch it, buddy!” When Mia turned and shot me the cutest smile, I said, “See, baby, chivalry isn’t dead.”
I followed her all the way out to the curb. She didn’t turn around once as she waited for a cab. I lit a cigarette, looked up to the sky, and prayed. Right as her taxi began to pull away from the curb, she glanced over at me. I waved really big and mouthed, “Goodbye, Mia, you Sweet Thing.”
At that moment I wanted so badly to call Dick Payne and tell him about the flight. I wanted to tell him I didn’t think about dying once… All I thought about was living.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Renee’s first friends were the imaginary kind and even though her characters haven’t gone away, thankfully the delusions have. She admits she’s a wildly hopeless romantic and she blames 80’s movies staring Molly Ringwald for that. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on the next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.
 

 
 
(5) Signed Paperback Copies of Sweet Thing and Swag – US/Canada