Friday, February 28, 2014

Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Seeing Stars by J. Sterling

We are so excited to be sharing this beautiful cover with you for J. Sterling's new standalone book SEEING STARS scheduled for release on March 13th!
Seeing Stars
 
Walker Rhodes is a hot singing sensation who never settles down, spends too much money gambling and gets in trouble on the daily- at least if you believe all the tabloids.

Madison Myers is a hard working talent agent assistant thrust into the spotlight one day after Walker pulls her on stage during one of his concerts. She tries to stay away from him, but he keeps chasing her. She is strong in her resolve and he is relentless in his pursuit.

The question is... WHY?!?!

Tabloid Headline Reads: Walker Rhodes pulls woman on stage during LA concert and serenades her with stars in his eyes and we watched as the sparks flew! But just who is this mystery woman who has stolen Walker's heart? And will she be the one to finally tie down our favorite womanizing gambler?

Our readers poll: 80% say no way!

The other 20% wish they were her!

Read more inside...
 
Walker sat on one of the stage steps, his chin in his hand as he spoke to the screaming crowd. “I need a volunteer for this next part.” His head raised slowly, his eyes scanning the crowd.
Keri jumped up and down like a crazy person, waving her arms and screaming his name. I laughed at her antics and sat perfectly still, not wanting to bring any more unwanted attention to myself.
Another tap on my shoulder caused my irritation to bubble as I turned to what was sure to be that annoying overly made-up stupid girl again.
It wasn’t. 
I came face-to-face with a giant of a man wearing all black and holding a walkie-talkie. Intimidated, I took a half step back and looked around for Keri.
“Come with me.” His tone implied a demand, not a request, and I suddenly wondered what I’d done wrong. 
Who the hell was this guy? He’s not the boss of me. He’s not going to tell me to come with him and think I’ll just obey. I frowned and said quickly, “Uh. No, thanks.” 
He flashed his VIP backstage pass in my face as if it were the only credential he needed. “Miss. It’s part of the show. Can you come with me, please? You’ll be onstage with Mr. Rhodes.” 
Oh.
Well, shit.
I guess he could be the boss of me, after all. 
I shot Keri a surprised look before I was quickly hauled off in the direction of an almost completely darkened backstage area. We walked through a black curtain before we were hit with lights and blaring music. 
“I’m going to bring you onstage.” 
“And then what?” I asked, suddenly nervous. Not to be around Walker Rhodes, but nervous at the thought of standing in front of thousands of screaming people with cell phones ready to record my every move. 
I started to tremble. Afraid my legs wouldn’t hold me up any longer, I begged the security guy to help me out there. He smiled at me and gave me a little shove.
Thanks, you dick. 
Next thing I knew, I was standing onstage, my face mere inches from Walker’s. Walker no-human-being-should-be-anywhere-near-this-gorgeous-in-real-life Rhodes.

J Sterling
I got fired from my last job.
It's true.

I know you're sitting there thinking, "Jenn, how could anyone in their right mind fire someone as amazing and awesome as you are???" And i'd love to give you a good reason, but the truth is... being This! Awesome! is clearly very scary to other less awesome people. :)

So I said screw them and started writing my first book. And you know what I realized? Writing books that mean something to me is a million times better than working my ass off for someone who doesn't really care about anything other than the bottom line.

My soul feels more satisfied.
My heart, more full.

So thank you for reading, loving and recommending the stories I write.
I think you're awesome- and not only am I not scared of other awesome people, I want them on my team!

Click HERE to read a post where I talk about how you all have changed my life. :)
 



PRE-ORDER BUY LINKS
*Please note that SEEING STARS will also be available at the following retailers - Smashwords, Kobo, IBooks, B&N - no pre-order available at time of cover reveal.*


 

Cover Reveal, Excerpt & Giveaway: Blissful Surrender by BJ Harvey

Blissful Surrender ( Bliss #3)
By: BJ Harvey
 
 
 
This is a story of Sean Miller, a dom that will have your panties diving for cover with an eyebrow quirk. That will have even the strongest woman dropping to their knees in submission with a piercing stare, and Samantha Richards, a female cop who’s tough, seemingly impenetrable shell is strong enough to resist everyone except the one man it was build up to protect her against. 

**Disclaimer – If you thought the first two Bliss books were hot, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Creative use of handcuffs, batons, a club scene you have to read to believe, and a tough as nails dominant who is blindsided by the one woman strong enough to threaten his resolve not to let his past dictate his future.**

Like the other books in the Bliss series, this book can be read as a stand alone. There are common characters in the books but it is not necessary to read the first two books in the series to read this one.
 
 
“Sean, I—”



No. She’s not getting another moment to talk herself out of this, out of us. She’s been running for way too long. This time it’s for keeps. This time, I’m not letting anything come between us—not my brother, not her mother, not her job and not some convoluted idea she gets in her head that she is not the submissive I need her to be. I’m sick of the bullshit, and this time I want what is mine.



And Sam is mine.



Wrapping my arm around her waist, I pull her body tight against mine and slant my head, slamming my mouth to hers as she gasps in shock. My hand grabs her blonde ponytail, holding her in place. Her tight muscles relax when my tongue rolls over hers as I set out to rediscover the beauty that is Samantha Richards. Her taste is intoxicating, and I find myself wanting to consume her, to lose myself inside of this gorgeous woman whose mind continues to deny the connection between us. In this moment, I want to show her everything I am, everything I can do to her, every possible way I can make her feel. I know I’m losing control, but with Sam, I don’t care.



I press my hips into her, pressing my hard as steel cock against the softness of her stomach. I feel her arms move between us, and I expect her to push me away, but she fists my shirt and pulls me closer, thrusting her hips into me in silent invitation.



She may not be able to admit the words, but she can show me with her body, with her actions—she can no longer deny the spark between us.



I pull my head back slightly, raking my teeth against her bottom lip. I scan her face, looking for any remaining uncertainty. If she said no it would hurt like hell, but I’d let her go. Again. But all I can see are swollen, pink lips and half-cast eyes full of want, and I know in that moment that I have my Sammy back. Even if it’s just for a few moments, a few hours, or maybe the night…if that is all I get with her, then I’ll take it willingly.



If this is the only chance I get with her, I’m going to make it count. I’m going to draw it out and make it last until neither one of us can move; until neither of us can breathe.



“You were saying?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.
 
 
BJ Harvey is the Amazon Bestselling Author of The Bliss Romantic Comedy Series and The Lost Romantic Suspense Series. An avid music fan, you will always find her with headphones when writing, and the speakers blaring the rest of the time. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful children, and a full-time university student. BJ resides with her family in what she considers the best country in the world—New Zealand.
 
 
 
 
 
 

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Temporary Bliss (Bliss #1)



True Bliss (#2)
B&N | iTunes


Thursday, February 27, 2014

Blog Tour, Review and Giveaway for Double Threat Series by Julie Prestsater



Double Threat
Spotlight Banner



Series:  Double Threat Series

Author: Julie Prestsater

Genre: YA Romantic Comedy



In this fun-filled, fast-moving young adult novel, sassy fourteen-year-old Megan Miller, and her close-knit friends, begin their four year high school journey. Expectations and hopes are high for their Freshman year. Meggie wants nothing more than to experience all high school has to offer – growing freedom, hot boys, parties, make-out sessions, and did I mention hot boys? Enter Alex Aguilar. At seventeen, he is Carver High’s sports superstar and dreamy superstud. Yet, despite the hype, Alex is undeniably sweet, and Meggie is beyond smitten. But, of course, he is a SENIOR. So, ought to be completely off limits for a ninth grader, right? Age doesn’t always dictate whom you will love, though. So I’m A Double Threat is the start of their journey. Will young love survive the challenges presented them or is friendship all they can only really hope for? Backs will be stabbed, hearts will be broken, tears will be shed. But, despite this, Meggie’s strong-willed determination, loyalty, and zest for fun, will ensure the ride is a memorable one.
 (This book has mature content intended for older young adult audiences.)


Double Threat
My Beep Cover
Meggie begins her sophomore year with one less best friend, and a boyfriend who is over four hundred miles away. Things couldn't be worse, right? Wrong! Crappy grades, a teacher who is out to get her, and being grounded more times than she can count, double threat her bleep. With Alex being gone, Meggie relies on her girls to keep her busy with parties, movie nights, and trips to Denny's. Joining the crew this year is Travis, who is patiently waiting for Meggie to ditch her college boyfriend. While annoying at times, Travis is funny and cute, and may just provide the temptation that Meg can't resist. Confronted with gorgeous college-aged girls in his dorm, distance and typical teenage boy desires, Alex's commitment to his young high school girl is threatened. He is forced to make a decision he doesn't want to make. Can Meg and Alex survive the long distance and temptations? Should they even try? 
(This book has mature content intended for older young adult audiences.)


Double Time
Cover
Megan Miller has done the crush thing, had her heart broken and flirted with a close friend to the point of an almost relationship. She is over the drama of her Freshman and Sophomore years and is ready to be single and to mingle. With Keesha and Steph by her side the girls are ready to rock the single hood in their Junior year. Playing the field, meeting new people, doing different things sounds like the life. But is it? What happens when you are out their working the dating scene but your heart is somewhere else, or better yet with someone else? Can you be tied down and still manage to enjoy not being attached? Meg is about to find out. Sometimes being single takes double time.



High school eventually comes to its end. After three years of broken hearts, parties, exams and fights, Megan Miller and her crew, have finally made it to their senior year. If they can manage to keep drama out of their personal lives, they are ready to rule Carver High, and show what the true meaning of being a double threat is. But, life is never that simple is it? What should have been the year of prom, good memories and more is turning out to be one of unexpected struggles. Meggie starts to crumble under the pressure of deciding what path her future should take. Her life has revolved around her friends for so long. Can she endure her final year and make wise choices that allow her to become independent and secure her hopes for forever with Alex? Are the two possible? Will she be able to choose? 
(This book contains mature content that is intended for older young adult audiences.)




Goodreads
Graphic
So I'm A Double Threat (Double Threat #1)
add-to-goodreads-button31
Double Threat My Bleep (Double Threat #2)
add-to-goodreads-button31
Double Time (Double Threat #3)
add-to-goodreads-button31
Double Threats Forever (Double Threat #4)
add-to-goodreads-button31



Looking for a good YA read? Then you need to read this!
Spoiler Free Review 
Book #1 Double Threat Series
Author to look-out for!!!

Friendships are tested when Sex, drugs, Boys and Betrayal try to drive a wedge in between four freshmen High School females in

My typical teen romance revolves around a teenager who has struggled with a traumatic life experience or has been faced with impossible odds this book however is more of an 'How to Deal' type story. Where you have typical teens with typical everyday problems/issues.
We all remember our first crush.
We all remember our first heartbreak.
Well reading as these teens experience all the drama that comes with going to high school made my brain flood with images....

 Seriously I found myself so caught up with these teens lives that my heart ached when their heart did. The MC Meg is hilarious she is the only child and lives in a two parent home. Meg has three best girlfriends Amy, Steph, and Keesha. All are double threats. A Double threat is someone who has the brains and popularity. All of them are also fun and sassy in their own ways. The book starts with the summer ending and the girls have been invited to their very first high school party. Remember those??
At the party Meg can't wait to see the guy she has been crushing on all summer Alex Aguilar. A high school Senior. Alex is currently dating Steph's older sister Lydia. But Meg is not worried Lydia goes through guys as quickly as the weekly recycle truck! As time moves on sure enough Lydia and Alex break up. That same night following the breakup the girls attend a party. Meg knows this is her night; Alex who has shown some interest in her will finally makes his move. And he does only its with Amy her best friend.

Meg moves on and accepts that she can't have Alex. However when Alex makes it clear that he was interested in her Meg is floored. The two share an obvious attraction to each other. One that does not go unnoticed...

Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book i must admit at first i did not think i would. The beginning was filled with a lot of inner monologue by the mc Meg. But once the other characters came into play the story really picked up. This group of girlfriends rocked i loved their personalities, nationalities and body types. The story flowed at a pretty good pace the character dynamics was good. And the parents are very much involved in the lives of these kids. A WIN in my book!! The only dislike i had was with Alex and his reasons for not dating Meg which i will explain in detail in my characters section. I am a huge fan now Ms. Julie Prestsater!

Meg- I adored her she was hilarious! She had an awesome personality plus she was pretty though she found her size unattractive. It did not seem to bother the boys. Her and Alex had good chemistry. I look forward to reading more of her in book2.
Keesha- Fun, sassy, witty and did not hold back. She gave it to you no matter how it might hurt your feelings. She was a straight shooter. It hurt to see some of the things that changed in her but in the end she found her way.
Amy- Hmmmmmm... This chick was confusing she did things one minute that showed how much she loves her friends and then another second it was like she didn't really care. Needless to say she is a total BEEYOTCH.
Steph- Was cool she seems a lot more self disciplined than the others. She was not swayed to cut school or stray from her goals. I liked that about her.
Alex- As far as i am concerned his reasons for not dating Meg originally was a bunch of BS. I was not trying to hear it. Excuses Excuses. Hmph. Besides that he was a great friend to Meg and a good boyfriend to Amy.
Ben- Came across as a jerkoff at first but eventually he redeems himself so good for him.

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and Witty
Writing Style- Strong and Favorable
Plot/Storyline- Solid, Fun, and Genuine
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I Enjoyed it! Read it!!!

WARNING : This is a Mature YA that deals with sex, drug use and contains the use of foul/offensive language.




Spoiler Free Review
 Book #2 Double Threat Series

I'm telling you this series gets better with each book. It is sophmore year for Megan Miller and her bestfriends Keesha and Stephanie. At last all three girls find love. But circumstances get in the way for each couple causing breakups and heartache.
We get a new character, face an old enemy and mend some broken fences. OH, and Amy is still a BEEYOTCH!

Brief Summary
Finally Meg and Alex are a couple yet the two are miles and miles apart becuase he is up state attending Berkley. Mean while Meg does a double. She must combat all the high school drama that occurs at Carver High and also fight off worries about the buffet of college chicks out to tempt her boyfriend. Sexy older college chicks. As usual Meg rolls out of bed late, again on the first day of school.
Now at school hoping to not be stuck in a class with Amy or Eric is her most pressing issue. However that ends quick because guess who is in her first period class? Amy. But whatever life must go on; and on it goes when a new friend(Travis)is brought into the fold. Travis has one thing on his mind. Making Meg his. He knows she is dating a college guy and that its only a matter of time before the guy either screws up, OR the distance between the two becomes an issue. Whatever the case he let's his intentions be known.

Fave scene
Scene setup: The girls are all having a sleepover at Meg's house when the topic of what to call a penis other that the clinical term "penis". After a few names are tossed into the air Meg thinks of an idea to send a mass text to their male friends to see what they call a penis. Check it out
"Wow, Meg, What are we gonna say? What do you call your penis?"-Steph
"Why not? This should be fun,"- Keesh declares taking out her phone Within seconds text start flying
Replies
excuse me?
wtf
r u guys drunk
want me to show you

Once the girls explain that they are trying to come up with another word instead of calling it a penis new replies pour in
Alex: I'll play along...here's a nice one...stiffy;)
Ben: whatever ladies this is weird but you can call it a flesh wand...lol
Josh: manhandle...dis is wat ur talkin bout at ur slumber prty
Travis: I like to hang out with my wang out...so come ovr at ur own risk...jk
Dominic: i just call it a boner..or a rod...nothin fancy
Jonathan: mines a heat seeking moisture missile...nice 1 huh...u kno u miss me

"They must think we're total sickos,"- Steph
"Yeah but they're loving it and you know they're all calling or texting eachother trying to figure out what's going on over here"- Meg
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Thoughts
OMG I love love love this series i swear this could be a T.V. series on ABC Family. HINT HINT to Disney ABC's parent company;) Book #2 Has Meg and Alex struggling with the long distance relationship plus the three year age gap. Their ongoing battle of what to do was rough to read through. When Keesha and Jon get sudden devastating news that will effect the dynamics of their relationship my heart broke. And it also broke the hearts of all of their friends in the process. I tell you the blow was hard to recover from. Then we have Steph and Dom these two come up with a plan to help avoid heartache. Well Possibly, we'll see how that works out for them in book #3.
As expected the writing is superb and the story lines provide great laughs and big SHOCKERS. The pacing is good nothing drags along.

Alex- I may not agree with his decisions but sometimes you have to do what you think is right. And that is what Alex did. He is a good guy and i like that about him.
Meg- What is there not to love about Meg she ROCKED! Loves her!
Keesha- I think my heart broke the most for her... She recovered, but damn...
Steph-Was her usual plan everything out self. She stuck to what she knows and it works for her. Her and Dominic are sooo adorable together.
Ben-Watchout now the guy is morphing into a man. And its a good look on him. Ben has done a 180 and i love it.
Jon Jon- Oh Jon Jon.... He is such a sweetheart.
Travis- The new kid on the block(pun intended) I loved Travis this guy blends right in with this crew of teens. He was funny, sweet and at times i felt bad that he was all caught up in Meg when she only has eyes for Alex.
The Parents- Once again the parents played a big role in the lives of these teens and i love that. Especially the talk Mr. Miller had with Alex. HILARIOUS!

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and Witty
Writing Style- Excellent
Plot/Storyline- Solid, Fun, Compelling and Favorable
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I LOVED IT!! READ IT!!




Spoiler Free Review
 Book #3 in Double Threat Series

Authentic, Fun, Witty and Savory This book was all those things and then some. Julie Prestsater took the everyday trials of teen life and put it to paper. I fell in love with these characters so much and i cannot wait to read book 4 in the Double Threat series!

It's Junior year for Meg and her crew of friends and they plan to start it off single and ready to mingle.
 When Meg, Keesha and Steph make a pact to be single and date their junior year i don't think they ever imagined all the drama that would follow. Finding dates should be easy right? WRONG. Especially when your heart is with your ex. Meg thinks she has it in control but she dosen't she is far from in control. And her teenage hormones are telling her that everyday. When things heat up between Meg and Travis things also heat up between Travis and Alex. Case in point:

" Word in the hall is Travis knocked king Alex out, is that true?" -Ms. Gelson
"That depends," -Meg
"On What?" -Ms Gelson
"If Travis is gonna get in trouble." -Meg

Oh, yeah it get's physical in this book and in more ways than one if you catch my drift;)  I cannot say much more on the plot without unleashing spoilers. Sorry. But check out one of my fave scenes below.
Scene setup: Meg goes to the the school dance with Brody after she agreed to help him win his ex back by making her jealous. When it's time to hit the dance floor he freezes and tells Meg he does not know how to dance. She tells him that they will dance so he needs to follow her lead. This is after they dance:

"That was fucking awesome" -Brody
" You are such a liar, you can totally dance" -Meg
" I never have before. But watching you helped. Your ass looks amazing when you move." -Brody
"Thanks, I think." -Meg
" That was totally a compliment. I could have watched it all night. No wonder Alex and Travis are fighting over you." -Brody
HAHAHAHAHA!!! I am in geek love with Brody right now!

Thoughts
Double Time provided deep belly laughs and three HUUUUGE JAW DROPPERS. One character leaves Meg spent after making a decision that will leave some readers stunned. Then...OH.MY.GOODNESS. The bonus story when they go camping.... It was very emotional. At the end i cried like a baby as one character unloads life changing information on his/her friends. The writing was stellar as always and the humor came in abundance i found myself laughing out loud often. Book #3 also gives us two new characters whom i both loved. The spunky Andi and the nerdy Brody. Both add their own flavor to this already well seasoned set of characters.

Meg- We really get to see her growth from freshmen year to junior year. OFF with the kiddie fat and on with the women curves. Meg transforms  slowly but surely and her confidence increases. I loved it!!!! Meg proved to be an AWESOME friend too she came through for others when they felt lower than low.
Alex- I could not believe him at first... but he came around. I still love you too Alex!lol!
Travis- Loves him! Travis also showed some growth i was glad he found happiness.
Keesha- Yayyyyy i was very very happy for her. Unfortunately her highs was accompanied by lows. I swear this girl is built "Ford Tough".
Steph- Started to come out of that turtle shell she has been living in. Finally! Yayyyyy*claps hands*
Josh-Freakin Hilarious. Everytime he spoke he brought laughter.
Ben-Hmmmmm.... I honestly don't know what to say i am speechless... I can say this-> I LOVE BEN<3 br="">Brody- This guy was a total geek. But he kept up with Meg thats for sure.*grinning*
Andi-Dude, she rocked. And once she put the girls down with some new technology it was on and poppin!

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable and Witty
Writing Style- Strong and Favorable
Plot/Storyline- Solid, Fun, and Genuine
Steam Factor- Medium/Moderately Steamy
Overall- I Enjoyed it! Read it!!!


Book #4 Double Threat Series

SUPER EXCITED and EXTREMELY SAD for this book.....
 It is always bittersweet when a series comes to an end. :(

Double Threat is an excellent series that gives you teens with real problems/issues such as
-Weight
-Boy's
-Dating
-Boy's
-Friends
-Drugs
-Boys
-Kissing
-Boy's
-Teen pregnancy
-School
-Secrets
-Boys
-Betrayal
-Parents


And did I mention BOY'S!

 
It was a shock to my system when I first read book: So I'm a Double Threat, simply because it was so realistic. I even had a few flashbacks to my high school years. **sighs heavily** So Bittersweet....
This book has one of the BEST EPILOGUES EVER!!!!


So I'm A Double Threat (Double Threat #1)
Double Threat My Bleep (Double Threat #2)
Double Time (Double Threat #3)
Double Threats Forever (Double Threat #4)


Julie Author
Photo
Julie is a high school teacher by day, and a writer by night. She writes both young adult and adult romances. When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her family, reading, and watching football. As a reading intervention teacher, she prides herself on matching her students with great books to encourage them to become life-long readers.
  



FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / TWITTER / WEBSITE / SERIES FACEBOOK PAGE / PINTEREST
Julie has written five young adult books which are all available now:
The Double Threat Series
-So I'm A Double Threat
-Double Threat My Bleep
-Double Time
-Double Threats Forever
You Act So White
Julie has also written six adult romance novels:
Without You
More Than A Friend Request
Against The Wall
-Between The Sheets (Against The Wall #2)
-Straddling The Edge (Against The Wall #3)
-Playing Chase (Against The Wall #4)


Givewaway Graphic
Hosted by:



EJ Button