Release Blitz: Songbird Freed by Lisa Edward

The 3rd and final book in the Songbird Trilogy by Lisa Edward is now LIVE!!!

My name is Tara O’Connell, and I’ve always believed we control our own fate. That life is a journey with many roads, and the choices we make can shape our future.

Life has presented me with two paths and I’ve chosen one.

Was it right? Did I make the best decision?

After the uncertainty of the last twelve months, my destiny is now crystal-clear to me. I have a man I love more than words can express, a thriving business, and the best friends anyone could ask for. But just when I thought I could put the turmoil of my past behind me and move on, a life-changing phone call has rocked me to the core and turned my life upside-down once more.

To make matters worse, influences outside my control have taken hold and are shattering my perfect world.

But some things are worth fighting for.

Dreams can come true and I’ll do everything in my power to make them happen. But dreams can also be smashed into tiny pieces, and no matter how hard we fight or how hard we wish for something to be, sometimes with the hand we’ve been dealt, we can never win.

"If you love someone, set her free.  If she comes back she is yours.  If she doesn't, fight like hell for her"

This has been one of my most anticipated reads and it completely fulfilled my expectations.  I went into this knowing that I was going to be battered about the head and heart a bit, I was right!

When I finished reading Songbird Caged I could not stop thinking about it, it stayed with me for so long and I was really worried about what was going to happen after the way it ended, with everything up in the air.  I know what I wanted to happen to the characters but it was up to the author to decide, not me :)

Tara is finally with Cole, in every way and I just freaking love these two together.  She brings out the sweetness in him, it was there all along but he didn't know what being in love felt like until he met her.  There is something about Tara that just draws people in.  Her and Cole have so much in common and are just so right for each other.  If the story stopped at 20% they would have rode off into the sunset together and lived happily ever after.  Life isn't a fairytale though!

"I am completely and hopelessly in love with you.  Whether you want me or not,

you have my heart, always" - Cole

After receiving the news that Riley is alive, Tara knows she needs to face him and their past if any of them have any hope of moving forward.  The scene where they first see each other again is just so heartbreaking, Riley is a broken man and not the Riley she remembers.  His feelings for Tara have never wavered in their time apart but will he be able to accept that she has changed in his absence?

There is of course the matter of Cole's interfering mother and that annoying woman Prue.  Tara gets so frustrated with Cole about how he lets his mother manipulate his life and control his future and there is that moment where I was so bloody angry with him, I wanted to crawl into the story and slap some sense into him.  This is a real turning point in the story where Tara really begins to question her decisions over the past year.  What does she want?  Is she happy with the choices she has made? 

Only way to find out is to take some time to explore what she is feeling and it will bring a lot of tears and heartache (I'm talking about my tears and heartache!) with some big changes for everyone.

There are so many things going on in this story, secrets will be revealed, hearts will be broken, lots of tears flow but all under the umbrella of a beautiful love story.  Just when you think you have been put through the wringer there is an amazing epilogue that will leave you with a lovely warm feeling in your chest and a sense of peace.  I got all the feels reading this and it completely consumed me - this to me is the measure of a great book and a very talented author.  Loved this series!

I give this 5 stars.

I can't end this without some Cole Michael's (Hotbod) naughtiness:

"I've decided," he said, now focusing on the other breast, "that tomorrow is a no-clothes day.  From now on, every Sunday is Stripper Sunday.  The only thing you can wear are stilettos."

 

Songbird (Book 1)

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Songbird Caged (Book 2)

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Songbird Freed (Book #3)

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While Lisa Edward has called Melbourne Australia home for her entire life, she has lived and worked in England, and travelled through most parts of Europe and the United States. She loves nothing more than spending time with her husband and beautiful daughter, or curling up into the early hours of the morning with a great novel. By day, Lisa works in the analytical IT field, so relishes the opportunity to foster her creative side through writing. Her deep appreciation for literature was nurtured from a young age, being taught to respect books and get lost in their stories. She enjoys reading honest and realistic novels that are relatable, thought provoking and leave a last in impression. She can’t write without music playing, using the emotions from different songs to invoke that of her characters. Lisa takes inspiration from her own life experiences, the people around her and those she has met in her travels.

 

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REVIEW: Bright Side by Kim Holden

Bright Side by Kim Holden

Released: July 4th, 2014

Secrets.
Everyone has one.
Some are bigger than others.
And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you ...
And some will end you.
Kate Sedgwick’s life has been anything but typical. She’s endured hardship and tragedy, but throughout it all she remains happy and optimistic (there’s a reason her best friend Gus calls her Bright Side). Kate is strong-willed, funny, smart, and musically gifted. She’s also never believed in love. So when Kate leaves San Diego to attend college in the small town of Grant, Minnesota, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with Keller Banks.
They both feel it.
But they each have a reason to fight it.
They each have a secret.
And when secrets are revealed,
Some will heal you …
And some will end you.

5 HEARTS out of 5
Genre: New Adult Romance
   
My my my…what a read! Slow easy beginning, AMAZINGLY beautiful ending! I did not give this book 5 STARS it SNATCHED the 5 STARS right out of my hands.

Kate Sedgwick has faced many adversities in her young life thus far; having a mother who was not so motherly and in addition a sister Grace, to care for all on her own... Instead of cowering in fear at the cards life dealt Katie did what she had to do, she grew up fast. When the book starts Kate is about to start college in the small town of Grant Minnesota; leaving behind her best friend Gus and the sunny skies of San Diego, California.

As Katie adjusts to Grant she moves into the dorms and makes a new friend along the way, Clayton. Whom by the way I LOVE!!! Eventually she decides to seek out coffee to feed her daily addiction. Her search leads her to Grounds where she befriends the owner. With his help she lands a job that same day.

 It’s not long before I realize that there is something special about Katie. She has the power to change a person…an atmosphere… I can’t even explain it. I guess the best way to say it is that Katie impacts lives. You don’t meet her without a mark being left. Her presence is almost enchanting because the second she opens her mouth she has your attention with her witticisms and sass.

It's not long before one trip to Grounds changes everything. Katie meets Keller Banks an easy going extremely HOT guy working the counter. A semi flirty verbal spar over coffee ensues. Eventually after spending time as friends Keller makes his intentions clear in a very sweet and swoon worthy way.

“Keller. What is this, birthday week ? This isn’t necessary. You took me out for dinner last night, remember?”
He shrugs. “That was from all of us .” He smiles sweetly . “This is from me.”
 I open it. It’s a twenty-dollar gift card to Grounds. “Thanks. It’s perfect.” Thinking back to our conversation a few weeks ago at the flower shop, I add, “Is this blackmail or bribery?”
“Neither. It’s insurance.”
“Insurance?”
“Yeah. That’s twelve cups of coffee . Twelve trips to Grounds . Twelve chances to see you.”

Soon Katie finds herself falling for Keller; and as much as she tries to keep it platonic between them he still breaks through her walls and gains entrance to her heart. Seeing that her defenses are ineffectual towards him she gives in.

After enduring hardships no one should have to face Katie’s optimistic outlook in life had her coined as Bright Side by her best friend Gus. Gus is very protective of Katie and with good reason; she has one of the biggest kindest hearts you could ever come across. So when you realize that she is hiding something important you feel a bit slighted.

Only she’s not the only one holding secrets…Keller has a few as well.

Life changing secrets…

Just when you think you know someone, they change. Or you change. Or maybe you both change. And that changes everything.  -Keller


FAVE SCENE

'He’s not yelling at me, he’s yelling with me.' -Katie
(You have to read the scene to understand let’s just say I wept right here)

There is also a scene with Gus and Keller that I LOVE!!!

My Thoughts
HUGE SHOUT OUT TO Donna at The Romance Cover and Jenny at Totally Booked for recommending this to me!

OH MY GAWD! Where to start? Kate, let’s start there. In one word I would describe Kate as jovial, always of good cheer and humorous at heart. The second she speaks people listen whether they like what is coming out of her mouth or not. She's also ballsy, which I loved! She has the lovingly precious friendship with Gus that just melted my heart. There is SO MUCH I want to say about him but I won’t. You need to meet him for yourself, trust me he will not disappoint.  If I know anything I know this.  Readers will want MORE OF GUS!!

The Writing -The book has a slow start as you go through the everyday small routines of a college girl. HOWEVER in these small mundane daily tasks Katie is causing these small tremors in the lives of those she comes in contact with. It may be small, like a song choice that pulls a smile out of someone who rarely smiles. OR it could be big and courageous like standing up for what’s right in a world filled with people who prefer to duck and look the other way.

At a certain point the book will take the air right out of your lungs rendering you BREATHLESS. Don’t let that stop you, keep reading.

I like Kim Holden’s style; she’s always saying something or maybe I should say relaying something about Kate in her writing when you’re not looking for it… its genius really. Pay attention tell me if you catch it. Watch the impressions Kate leaves on those around her. Yeah…I really dig Kim Holden’s writing style. Her words are well thought out and served with a purpose. Am I the only one who caught that? (Question is posed to readers)

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable, Sweet, Endearing and HOT
Writing Style- Strong and Methodical, which most won’t understand but it is, EVERY word served a purpose as I previously stated.
Plot/Storyline- A girl leaves Cali to go attend college in a small Minnesota town where she makes new friends and finds LOVE.
Steam Factor- High/Very Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 8 BTW, the steam came out of nowhere. HIT ME LIKE A HUGE WAVE OF FLAMES!
Entertainment Level- Lo-Med-Hi I say Medium, the book held my attention, pulled out a few laughs and caused some big grins to spread across my face.
Overall- I LOVED IT! I HIGHLY Recommend you read it!

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

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Cover Reveal: WHATEVER YOU DO by Stephanie Smith

Title: Whatever You Do (Try Again, #2)

Author: Stephanie Smith

Release Date: January 15, 2014

Genre: Contemporary Romance

 

How do you trust someone who is everything you’re trying to avoid?

 

Harper Lindell is having a bad day. You know, if a bad day consists of getting fired from your cushy job and then catching your boyfriend red handed playing hide the salami.

Sick of meeting the same guys over and over, Harper decides to try her luck at Internet dating. How bad could it be? Right?

Tate Washington wasn’t looking to meet anyone. Still dealing with the consequences of his one serious relationship, all he’s interested in is revamping his family’s behind-the-times café.

He didn’t plan on seeing the beautiful receptionist from Argo again, walking into his life to use his café as a dating hub, and using him as a BFF.

Can Harper really trust Tate, who is everything she thinks she needs to steer clear of?

Can Tate wait while Harper works through her insecurities and fears?

 

“Andrew?” I question as I reach the table.

“Yes. Harper, hello.” He shakes my hand and the first thing I notice are his warm eyes. They are gentle and sincere and I feel instantly comfortable with him. “Take a seat, please.”

He gestures to my seat before pulling it out for me to sit in. I smile up at him in thanks for the chivalrous action as I slide into the chair.

During our emails back and forth this week, Andrew and I had figured out that we are from similar small towns not far from each other. We laugh about all the misguided town folk and the classic ‘types’ every town has. The town clown who has thought of every invention under the sun, the do-gooder mayor, the old lady gossip group, and the crazy minister and his family. Of course I didn’t laugh at that last one, as true as it is, being the daughter of a minister and all.

“So what do your parents do?” Andrew asks.

“Umm.” I stall looking for a distraction, not wanting to make to him feel bad.

“What can I get you guys?” Tate offers and I’m grateful for the interruption.

“Oh gosh I haven’t even looked yet,” Andrew says as he picks up the menu from the table.

“Just the usual for me please.” As my eyes reach Tate’s his are wide with horror. I sit upright at the urgency in his expression wondering what the hell is going on.

He nods his head in Andrew’s direction and I glance over. Andrew is studying the menu oblivious to mine and Tate’s silent conversation.

I look back at Tate giving him a ‘what’ look as he scratches his head then stiffly nods back in Andrew’s direction.

I sigh frustrated and look back at Andrew. He looks up from his menu and smiles at me before turning to Tate and placing his order.

I still don’t see a problem and look back to Tate with a ‘just fucking tell me’ look.

He begins running his hand through his hair as he harshly nods in Andrew’s direction again. I don’t even bother looking at Andrew again, knowing I’m not going to see anything different than before.

With wide eyes and a clenched jaw, I get out through gritted teeth, “I think that’s all.”

Tate sighs heavily, clearly frustrated and storms away from the table.

I shake my head and when I turn back to Andrew he is staring at me in confusion. “Sorry,” I giggle embarrassed he witnessed that final interaction between Tate and me.

“No worries.” He is sweet but his voice is wary. Tate and I probably looked like two mute idiots. How humiliating.

Andrew seamlessly continues our conversation. I use this opportunity to study him and search for the meaning of Tate’s irrational display.

I didn’t really focus on Andrew’s features before. He’s not ugly, but he’s definitely not in the same calibre as Tate or Glenn.

Now that I’m looking closer at him, there is something off about his looks. I can’t put my finger on it but something doesn’t fit. It has to be something small like his eyes aren’t in line or his facial features are too far apart, maybe bad teeth or ears that are too big or small, but I can’t see any of that. All his features seem symmetrical and in proper proportion to his face, but something is definitely not right.

Out of the corner of my eye I see Tate flailing his arms about. I shoot a glance his way trying not to be noticeable only to see he is frantically running his hand through his hair before tugging on the ends. No, tugging is too tame, he is pulling hard on his hair.

I glance around the café and no one has seemed to notice Tate’s complete and mental breakdown. He’s lost it. Maybe it’s all the coffee fumes, they are really strong in here.

When I look back towards Tate he is on his way over to the table carrying our hot drinks. I roll my eyes at his determined stare and wonder what antics he has planned for us this time.

Tate doesn’t falter as he strides towards the table and proceeds to drop a hot cup of coffee all over the table and into Andrew’s lap. I gasp in shock at what is unfolding in front of me. Andrew jumps from his seat, squealing like a small girl. I watch horrified as his hair falls off his head and lands on the table in front of me.

My mouth drops open as I just stare at Andrew’s toupee lying in spilt coffee. Glancing up at Andrew I see the heat rising on his face and shiny bald head. I smile awkwardly at him as I pick up his hairpiece and hold it out to him as if it’s a pair of dirty underwear and I can’t stand to touch it.

He quickly swipes it from my hand and places it on his head, but not before I notice his whole head, bright red in mortification. It’s like a beacon calling in planes for landing. Andrew stares at me, his hairpiece on backwards and coffee leaking from it, dripping all down his face.

“I’m so sorry Andrew,” I whisper, as I place both my hands over my mouth. Shit, I can feel the laughter rising.

“No, I’m sorry Harper.” My gut churns on his behalf at the humiliation he must be feeling. The silence of the café surrounds us, lucky it’s not overly busy at this time of night. Andrew glares at Tate who smiles and raises his hands innocently, before Andrew storms out of the café not breathing another word, just leaving a trail of coffee in his wake.

“You’re welcome,” Tate says casually as he pulls a clean chair up to the table, before relaxing back into it and crossing his ankles in front of him.

 

Wherever You Will Go (Try Again, #1)

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I'm first & foremost a reader & fangirl, I will always be first & foremost a reader & fangirl. I am on street teams, I pimp and I brag. I LOVE my Authors!!

 

I have recently started writing as a way to relax and spend some time for me. My first novel Wherever You Will Go is due to release later this year. I'm having so much fun writing my first story and I'm looking forward to the journey it is taking me on.

 

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Cover Reveal: Take Me With You by K.A. Linde

We are so excited to share with you the cover for book 2 in the Take Me Series by K.A. Linde - Take Me With You, scheduled for release January 27, 2015!

Cover Designed by Najla Qamber Designs

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Grant
All of my demons are coming to head.
I thought Ari could push them back.
I thought I could conquer my vices with her at my side.
I thought wrong.

 

Aribel
Fear is my new constant.
I thought I could conceal it, contain it, control it.
I thought that now that I had Grant the worst was over.
I thought wrong.

But if we’re going to survive, wherever you go…take me with you.

 

I’d never given much thought to falling in love.

For someone like me, it seemed an impossibility. Why dwell on something that would never happen? I had no interest in chicks for more than what they could give me in one night. Fuck ‘em and then show ‘em the door.

There were always clinger groupies, who claimed to love me. But they loved what I could offer them. Sex. A one-night stand. A story to tell their friends about how they slept with a rocker. With Grant McDermott.

I was a name. A symbol. Nothing more.

 

 

Pre-Order on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/take-me-with-you/id934072278?ls=1&mt=11

 

  USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde has written the Avoiding series and the Record series as well as the new adult novels Following Me and Take Me for Granted. She grew up as a military brat traveling the United States and Australia. While studying political science and philosophy at the University of Georgia, she founded the Georgia Dance Team, which she still coaches. Post-graduation, she served as the campus campaign director for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An avid traveler, reader, and bargain hunter, K.A. lives in Athens, Georgia, with her fiancé and two puppies, Riker and Lucy.

 

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♥READ THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL♥

TAKE ME FOR GRANTED

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