Stacking the Shelves #128 and $75 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews and features books you've added to your shelves, both physical and virtual.

Enter my new release giveaway below for your chance to win a $75 Amazon gift card!

For Review:

Reckless Hearts by Sean Olin

Doing It for Love by Cassie Mae

A Change of Plans by Robyn Thomas

Lies We Live by Brenda St. John Brown

Killing Monica by Candace Bushnell

Led Astray by Kelley Armstrong

A Dark Lure by Loreth Anne White

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Review: Come Back to Me by Mila Gray

Summary:

In this heart-wrenching tale of love and loss, a young Marine and his best friend’s sister plunge into a forbidden love affair while he’s home on leave.

When a Marine Chaplain knocks on her door, Jessa’s heart breaks—someone she loves is dead. Killed in action, but is it Riley or Kit? Her brother or her boyfriend…

Three months earlier, Marine Kit Ryan finds himself back home on leave and dangerously drawn to his best friend Riley’s sister, Jessa—the one girl he can’t have. Exhausted from fighting his feelings, Kit finally gives in, and Jessa isn’t strong enough to resist diving headfirst into a passionate relationship.

But what was just supposed to be a summer romance develops into something far greater than either of them expected. Jessa’s finally found the man of her dreams and Kit’s finally discovered there’s someone he’d sacrifice everything for.

When it’s time for Kit to redeploy, neither one is ready to say goodbye. Jessa vows to wait for him and Kit promises to come home to her. No matter what.

But as Jessa stands waiting for the Marine Chaplain to break her heart, she can’t help but feel that Kit has broken his promise…

Riley or Kit? Kit or Riley? Her brother or her boyfriend? Who’s coming home to her?

Publication Date: December 8, 2015

Military romances have been a new type of novel I’ve been reading lately and I’m really enjoying the drama and heartache involved in the stories. Come Back to Me drew me in from the first page and I couldn’t stop reading to see what would happen with these characters I began to fall in love with.

Kit and Jessa were very sweet characters. Jessa is very innocent and sheltered and Kit is the first guy who catches her eye. They have a forbidden romance because Jessa is the sister of Kit’s best friend Riley. Also, Jessa’s dad doesn’t like Kit and her dad is very difficult to live with because of his own issues with PTSD.

I liked reading from the perspective of a girl who is surrounded by military men. The author did a good job of portraying the heartbreak of not knowing if the man you are falling in love with will make it back home alive. The prologue is a tearjerker and that tension over whether Riley or Kit will be a war casualty is present throughout the story.

The romance was very slow building and it worked for the story. I liked that Kit was a nice guy but his character didn’t always grab me in the same way Jessa’s did. I did enjoy how committed they seemed to one another early on and how they tried to see each other as much as possible before Kit’s deployment.

The ending was very emotional and gut wrenching. The author has a great writing style and I can’t wait to read more of her work.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

New Release and Giveaway: The Ex Trials by Heather Topham Wood

The Ex Trials is finally out in the world! Don't wait and grab your copy today! It will be only $0.99 through September 2 along with the two other standalones in the series: Falling for Autumn and Pretending Hearts. I'm also hosting a giveaway for a $75 Amazon gift card so be sure to spread the word for extra chances to win!

Summary:

One dream vacation in paradise.
One co-ed bachelor and bachelorette party.
One week marooned with my ex.
Six months ago, Casey Silvers ended her scorching romance with sexy rocker Cole Caldwell. None of her friends know the true reason behind her sudden change of heart. Despite her claim of their chemistry fizzling out, her feelings for Cole had never gone away.

After receiving the invitation to her best friend's co-ed bachelor and bachelorette getaway, Casey knows she must once again face Cole. For one week, she'll be forced to party alongside the man who has come to despise her. The tropical cruise is meant to be a trip to paradise, but Casey is certain it will turn out to be a vacation from hell.

But as the ship leaves port, past secrets are revealed--secrets that could change the fate of Casey's romance with Cole. With forces keeping them together, Cole and Casey soon discover that the passion between them has yet to extinguish.

***Standalone New Adult Romance-Ages 17+ Due to Strong Language and Sexual Situations***

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ex-Trials-Falling-Autumn-Book-ebook/dp/B014K8ZWO6

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Trials-Falling-Autumn-Book-ebook/dp/B014K8ZWO6/

Excerpt:

“I’m sorry,” I managed. “I know you probably don’t believe me, but I am so sorry that things turned out the way they did—”

His cheeks reddened and I could instantly tell he hated the pity in my tone. Although I was sincere, Cole would think I was patronizing him. “It’s over and like I said, that’s fine. It would’ve never worked anyway. But I do want us to be friends. I don’t want it to be weird when ever we’re in the same room together.”

“I want that too,” I said hoarsely.

He nodded although his tone remained dry and unfriendly. “You should have fun on the vacation. And if you want to hook up with someone, don’t feel awkward about it… I’m not planning to be a saint on the trip either.”

I could see the knife he had just used to cut out my heart—the serrated edges dripping with fresh blood. Hope had damned me to my own personal hell. Because as tough as I had played it for my friends’ benefits, the god’s honest truth was I had wished for him to see me and feel something again. Like he would look into my eyes and see directly into my heart.

His dangling of our renewed friendship was only a ruse. This was his true purpose. He wanted me to know I’d have to bear witness to him fucking whomever he wanted on vacation. I’d hurt him and he was outlining his plans for revenge against me. For the next seven days, I’d have my heart stomped on each time I saw him with another girl.

“Thanks, but I’ll pass,” I said lifting up my chin. I was certainly at fault for our breakup, but I had to draw the line somewhere. I made mistakes, but I punished myself enough for the both of us.

He frowned. “You pass on what?”

“Your offer of being friends. I considered what you could add to my life as a friend and I’m politely declining,” I said and began to turn away. There had been safety in the fog; why was I allowing his words to penetrate?

His fingers wrapped lightly around my wrist and I stilled. Although I was trying to leave with my dignity intact, I had to admit his hand felt good against my skin. Besides playing guitar, Cole was a union steelworker. The combination left his hands rough and callused. There was something so intoxicating about how masculine his hands felt when he grasped at my bare skin.

“Casey, you were the one who said months ago that neither of us were ready for a commitment. I’m not being an asshole here. I could’ve told everyone about why we broke up, but I didn’t. I let them assume you just wanted to walk away and I didn’t stop you.”

I patted his shoulder heartily. “Thanks for being so grown up about it, Cole. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

He folded his arms across his chest and looked me up and down. I didn’t like the smug look on his face as he caught my eye. His face and posture reminded me of the arrogance that had withered away once we became serious about one another. “Okay, Casey. Game on.”

“What?”

His eyes were unreadable. “I figured if we were friends, we could show each other some respect. Not rub any hookups in the other person’s face. But since you so rudely swatted away my outreached hand—”

I rolled my eyes. “Were you this annoying when we dated? Because I’m surprised we lasted as long as we did.”

He leaned down and whispered in a low rumble, “You still want me. I know you. I know you. I remember how you get defensive when you want to hide what you’re feeling. I get that your pride will keep you from telling me the truth about what really happened between us. And I know that by the time this boat docks back in port, you’ll be in my bed, asking for a another chance.”

I flushed and said in an affronted voice, “In your dreams, creep.”

“Like I said, Casey, game on.” He planted a quick, affectionless peck on the side of my head before sidestepping around me. He walked away confidently back toward our group. Meanwhile, my legs were unable to function. I was very close to collapsing into a feeble puddle on the deck. How was I going to last a week with Cole? Would I win the worst friend of the year award if I abandoned ship right that second?

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Review: Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray

Summary:

Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse—even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared. 

The second book in the Firebird trilogy, Ten Thousand Skies Above Youfeatures Claudia Gray’s lush, romantic language and smart, exciting action, and will have readers clamoring for the next book.

Publication Date: November 3, 2015

I read A Thousand Pieces of You last year and loved it. LOVED IT. I was so happy to revisit the world Gray created and reconnect with my favorite characters from the first book. Although I’m not sure I loved this book as hard, I still found myself hooked from the very first page.

I would recommend a quick reread of the first book before beginning Ten Thousand Skies Above You. I found it much easier to get invested in what was happening in all of the parallel universes that Marquerite visited. In the first book, Marguerite only visits a couple of worlds while she hops around much more in this book.

The world building was much stronger in this book. We learned more about the villain Conley’s plans as well as how many differences could be found in the parallel universes. It was interesting to read about how some worlds were practically in the dark ages while others were technologically advanced.

I liked Marguerite in this book again, but she can be a little judgey. I felt like she was pretty harsh to both Theo and Paul at times, especially in regards to making them feel responsible for acts committed by their parallel selves. I was a huge Paul fan from the first book, and I hold onto my crush steadfastly, so I wasn’t thrilled with the love triangle aspect. But I was happy that Marguerite seemed to grow throughout the book and realize her mistakes.

The ending was crazy!!! I was bowled over and I am so excited to read the next book. I wish it was coming out tomorrow. Fans of YA time-traveling romances will adore this series.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review: Shy Kinda Love by Deanna Eshler

Summary:

When I was eleven, my best friend died in a car accident. When I was twelve, my mom walked out, leaving only a note to say goodbye. When I was eighteen, I was forced into witness protection.

My new name is Shyanne Adams. To protect myself, and painless existence, I do not live. I do not laugh. I do not love. For the last three years, the only meaningful thing I’ve done is care for the horse I rescued.

But now, at the age of twenty-one, the one person from both my past and present is pushing me to start living. Before I know it, I’m moving in with new friends who make me laugh. And next door is Kade Cross, the guy who wants me to love.

Kade knows that I will complicate his life, but he welcomes the challenge. He sees that I’m broken, but he doesn’t try to fix me. When he knows I’m trying to push him away, he braces for the impact.

What Kade doesn’t know is that I could have to relocate at any time. So I have to decide: is experiencing love for a short time worth the pain of losing it?


This New Adult Romance is an emotional journey through pain and healing as Shyanne decides to start living again, but never forgetting she could lose this life… just like her last one.

Publication Date: February 4, 2015

I liked Shy Kinda Love. I was looking for a good New Adult romance to get swept away with and this book satisfied my reading appetites. The middle was a little slow for me, but the book definitely ends with a bang.

Although I read the story before of the broken girl with the ugly past, Shy’s story really touched me. I think the author did a good job of making me feel connected to Shy and everything she has gone through. I never felt annoyed by Shy or her choices, she really gave the book it’s “heart.”

Kade was charming and I liked he wasn’t the typical reformed bad boy love interest. Their relationship is every endearing and sweet. Although this book is New Adult, there’s not a lot of sexy time in it. But the innocent romance worked well for the characters.

The beginning and end of the book was the strongest. The first chapter pulls the reader into the story while the last chapter ties everything up nicely. Definitely a good read for fans of college-age romances.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Review Bad for You by Abbi Glines

Summary:

Innocence isn’t meant for the addictive…The next sultry affair in the New York Times bestselling Sea Breeze Collection by Abbi Glines is unstoppably steamy.

Addiction is part of Krit Corbin’s nature—and women have always been his favorite obsession. But that’s the life of a lead singer in a band. He can have any woman he wants—anywhere, anytime. Well, except for one.

Blythe Denton is used to being alone. The minister’s family who raised her never accepted her as their own, and the cruel minister’s wife made sure Blythe understood just how unworthy she was of love. So when she finally gets the chance to live by herself, Blythe takes it and moves into an apartment building with a loud upstairs neighbor who keeps throwing parties all night long.

It’s during one such party when Krit opens the door to find his new neighbor standing there. Blythe wants him to turn down the music, but he convinces her to stay. She’s nothing like the women who parade in and out of his apartment, but Krit can’t resist her—her brown hair, cute glasses, and sexy innocence is too much for him to ignore.

Determined to win Blythe over, Krit Corbin may have just found his biggest addiction yet.

Publication Date: May 26, 2015

I always enjoy a New Adult romance by Abbi Glines and Bad for You was no exception. The plot was pretty formulaic: bad boy rocker finds love with innocent virgin. I was able to guess a lot of the plot before it happened, but I still find myself swept away in Krit and Blythe’s romance.

Krit was a good male lead although he made a lot of questionable choices, especially regarding women. But that is to be expected since Blythe is the only girl who makes him believe in true love. Blythe is shy and awkward, but Krit finds her intriguing. They begin as friends before realizing they feel something much more. I liked Blythe for the most part, but she was a little too weak at times. Like I wanted to yell at her to stop apologizing for the most ridiculous things.

The sex scenes were spectacular. Abbi Glines is a master at writing a good love scene. I really felt the emotional and physical connection between Krit and Blythe. It was also fun to see Krit help Blythe discover her own sexuality.

The pacing was good, so I flew through the book. There was a good amount of drama, although some of the subplots were a little annoying. But I really loved the conclusion, I liked that both Krit and Blythe found a way to be happy. Bad for You is a solid entry in the Sea Breeze series and can be read as a standalone.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the novel for review!

Cover Reveal: Ward Against Destruction by Melanie Card

Ward Against Destruction
(Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer, #4)

by Melanie Card

Release Date: 10/05/15

Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

Ward de’Ath used
to the think that nothing could be more terrible than death. Now he realizes

there are worse
things. Like his never-ending hunger for blood. Even if he conquers the

unbearable
cravings that drive him headlong toward destruction,he’s a wanted man with a
bleak

future.

Assassin Celia
Carlyle learns she is the only one who can protect Ward from disaster. She
loves him–she wants to help him, but no one can tell her how to save him from
himself. And the confusing voices in her head scream to let him go.

But Ward's dark trials
keep mounting. A malevolent evil is rising in the land, threatening to

unleash horror
upon the world. The only way Ward can defeat it, and have the chance to marry

Celia, is by
accepting his fate and becoming the one thing he swore he would never become..

 

***Books in this series***

Ward Against Death (Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer #1)

by Melanie Card 

Release Date: 08/02/11

Entangled Teen

306 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Twenty-year-old Ward de’Ath expected this to be a simple job—bring a nobleman’s daughter back from the dead for fifteen minutes, let her family say good-bye, and launch his fledgling career as a necromancer. Goddess knows he can’t be a surgeon—the Quayestri already branded him a criminal for trying—so bringing people back from the dead it is.

But when Ward wakes the beautiful Celia Carlyle, he gets more than he bargained for. Insistent that she’s been murdered, Celia begs Ward to keep her alive and help her find justice. By the time she drags him out her bedroom window and into the sewers, Ward can’t bring himself to break his damned physician’s Oath and desert her.

However, nothing is as it seems—including Celia. One second, she’s treating Ward like sewage, the next she’s kissing him. And for a nobleman’s daughter, she sure has a lot of enemies. If he could just convince his heart to give up on the infuriating beauty, he might get out of this alive…

Ward Against Darkness (Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer #2)

by Melanie Card 

Release Date: 08/27/13

Entangled Teen

352 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

The last thing Ward de'Ath wants is more trouble. On the run from both the law and the criminal underworld, Ward and Celia flee Brawenal City only to stumble into the mansion of a powerful evil necromancer. And when Ward discovers the man possesses a dangerous grimoire, his duty leaves him no choice. He can't allow the necromancer to keep the grimoire.

But the mansion is filled with monsters--human and undead--and Ward has no way of telling who's friend or foe. The only person he can trust is Celia who dominates more of his thoughts and feelings everyday. But there are still laws in the way of anything but friendship. She's still dead and he's still alive . . . for now.

Ward Against Disaster (Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer #3)

by Melanie Card

Release Date: 01/19/14

Entangled Teen

276 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Ward de'Ath should be dead by now. Instead, he’s chasing after a soul-eating creature—that he unleashed— and is bent on stopping her before she slaughters more innocents. Fortunately, Celia Carlyle remains by his side, a nobleman's gorgeous and deadly daughter, who is…well, dead.


Celia claims she’ll champion Ward wherever he goes, even when she thinks his quest is hopeless. He can only hope her pledge comes from her heart, and not because she’s bound to him through his magic.


When they enter Dulthyne, they stumble upon a dark power that threatens the entire town. Ward, with his unreliable necromancy, is determined to help but finds himself ensnared in the lure of white-hot magic…blood magic he struggles to resist. But if Celia’s love is a lie, it might just doom his soul to the dark arts forever. 

About the Author

I have always been drawn to story telling. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t telling a story in my head or on paper. In grade school, we had journal writing time which I turned into story telling time, weaving tales of magic and adventure that mimicked the fairy tales and myths that I loved to read. It was there, with the help of two very special teachers, that I nurtured this love and started my journey as a writer.

I write fantasy, paranormal romance, and everything in between, seasoned with a good dash of adventure and mystery. Join me on my tales of magic, adventure, and romance.

Author Links: