Review: Lifeless by J.M. Larocca

Synopsis:

After graduating from the University of South Alabama, Scarlett Moore discovers her boyfriend of five months is actually married with a child on the way. Feeling used and heartbroken, she decides it’s time to take her best friend Jules’ advice to move to Atlanta and live with her. There, Jules helps her get a job at Entertainment Atlanta, where she works as an entertainment insurance agent. It’s not Scarlett’s dream job, but it’s better than not having a job at all, and who would mind working with famous people, right?

Then she gets assigned to EA’s newest client, Kade Evans, rock star turned actor. Not only is he a drug addict, he’s also known for never dating the same girl twice. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, has an amazing voice, and good acting skills, but he’s also arrogant and intense.

At their first meeting, the chemistry between them is undeniable.

The love that comes later is unexpected.

But Kade’s life is full of secrets. His past has now intruded on his present and when Scarlett finds out what his secrets are, the real deception begins.

Part 1 of 2


Nicky's Review

4 Stars

Characters-  They were really diverse and well written. I loved them :)
Plot/Storyline- Wow! Great plot and story. This story will keep you hooked and then will slap you in the face with twists you can't figure out just yet. Can't wait to read the next book!!
Steam Factor- Smeltering Steamy!! Kade is one hot SOB and Scarlett is definitely a woman who knows what she wants.
Cover- Wish the models looked as young as the actual characters. Kade is in his 20's and Scarlett is only 22. The models on the cover look much older and Kade is supposed to be sex on a stick. This guy is cute, but not Kade hot :) Sorry, J.M. La Rocca, but you wrote a man too hot to be portrayed in real life :) XOXO
Cliffhanger- Yes! But book 2 is out :)
Overall- I really enjoyed this book. It isn't a typical Rock Star romance and I love that!! I get my hot rock god but I also get a bit of suspense and hot as hell sex!! Winner winner! :) 
 
Ok, this book was nothing that I thought it was going to be. I started reading it and was really happy it was a story involving a Hot Rock Star!! I mean, who doesn't like a sexy man who can sing to you? Anyway, I was ready for some band drama and jealousy that comes with most rock star romances but... Not this book.

You get a taste of the rock star romance with the sex god, Kade, who is the lead singer of the band, Perfectly Damaged. You meet the members of the band and they are all sexy and funny, but you don't get too much interaction with them after the initial meeting of them.

Scarlett meets Kade at a Grand opening of a club and then events happen that cause them to see each other again. Heat sparks and then a full blown explosion occurs. There is a bit of an insta love aspect to this story but it was well done and not annoying like I've experienced in other books. 

Their relationship grows as time goes on but the physical connection hits immediately. The sex is hot and Kade knows how to please a woman. Not to mention, Scarlett is very demanding in bed with no coyness really present. She says what she wants in the bedroom.

That's another thing I liked about the story. Scarlett is a straight talker. If she has a question or concern, she'll voice it. I can't stand books where the girl keeps secrets and just makes for a lot of drama, miscommunication, and unnecessary stress.

The story becomes more of a suspense when you start to break away the pieces to Kade's secrets and the people around him, Scarlett included, become affected and put in danger. This book ends with a sad cliffhanger ending but I'm hoping the next book will pick up all the broken pieces and make a come back HEA. I'm a sucker for HEAs :)

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. Both Scarlett and Kade have skeletons in their closets that come rattling out causing problems in their present lives. This book will keep you guessing and the unique twist on a Rock Star romance is really appreciated :) All of the characters are great: Kade, Max, Scarlett, Jules, Brett, Bryce and all the other supporting characters. Great job J.M. La Rocca!! I will definitely read another one of your books :) You sure know how to write a sexy as sin alpha male rocker, that's for sure. And I loved every minute of him :) xo

Favorite Quotes:

MY FAVORITE QUOTE is the My Beautiful song that Kade sings. It's AMAZING and sweet, but I won't ruin that moment for you. Its a great song and every girl would probably wish for it to be written for them... Swoon!

"That evening, I lay in my bed curled up in a ball, holding my tear-stained pillow. My chest hurt so badly from crying. I never thought that would happen to me: that I would be that girl. I ached to know why he did it to me, but I knew it didn't matter. He was a selfish asshole."

"She knew I was a hermit. I'd always been. I never had money to go out when I was in high school or college, and I definitely didn't have anyone to go out with, not until Trey. We all knew how that turned out. I'd rather have stayed home and read. What was wrong with that? I had many book boyfriends to keep me company."

"'I'm no angel,' I said softly, tilting my head up more in invitation. 'You're an angel compared to my darkness,' he said as he brought his mouth down to mine and sucked my bottom lip into his mouth."

"'I'd like to thank all of you for coming out to watch these assholes play tonight, while I grace you with my awesome voice.' Everyone laughed while his band mates let out a series of boos."

"'Kade, we don't even know each other. I'm not like the girls you're used to. If something were to happen between us, I wouldn't be in it just for the sex with you. I'd be in it for real.' [...] Kade stood up and looked down at me with a smile. 'I'm not a bad guy, Scarlett, despite what you might have heard or even read. Have lunch with me today, and we can get to know each other the.' He walked toward the trailer door. 'Oh, and, Scarlett? I'd be in it for real too.' He smiled that sexy grin and walked out before I had a chance to respond."

"'Fuck,' he groaned. I could feel him pulsing, and then a moment later I could taste the salty semen he shot into my mouth. I had no choice but to swallow, which I'd never done before. I'd been told by many people that swallowing while giving a blow job was supposed to be really erotic and that men loved it. But this was utterly disgusting. I wanted to gag and spit it out, but it just kept squirting in the back of my throat. Why did people find this appealing?"

Purchase this book:

Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Lifeless-1-J-M-Rocca-ebook/dp/B00DQAG226/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1388438196&sr=1-1&keywords=lifeless

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lifeless-jm-la-rocca/1115915629?ean=2940016454290

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Blog Tour and Giveaway: My Beautiful by J.M. La Rocca

 

Synopsis:

It has been eight months since Scarlett Moore last saw Kade Evans. After being left hurt and confused she tried to forget about him, but he wasn’t easy to forget. She found herself thinking about him often. Even her best friend Jules did her best to get him off her mind by pushing her toward Bryce, the one person Scarlett was not sure she wanted to be involved with. When a new job opportunity is offered to her and Jules, they jump on it. The idea of starting over again and forgetting the past is enticing to Scarlett even if it moves her to Los Angeles, the same place Kade lives.

Kade Evans’ life revolved around his band, alcohol, drugs, and women…until he met Scarlett. She is the light to his darkness, his beautiful; the one that makes him see what the future might hold. That is, until his past came barreling back into his life, ruining everything. Hurting her was the last thing he wanted to do, but he did what he had to do to protect her. His plan is to find a way out of his new life before he tries to win her heart back. But life has a plan of its own and unexpectedly, Scarlett walks back into his life.

When they meet again, the fire she thought burned out is reignited and the plans he made are rearranged.

Just when things start to fall into place, they all seem to fall apart and the one person they think they can trust turns out to be the one to hurt them the most.

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~Excerpt~

 

I slowly walked up to her, lifting my hand up to caress her cheek. “I still can’t believe I’m here with you.” “Me too,” she sighed as she leaned into my hand. Lifting my other hand, I ran my fingers through her hair. I pulled the elastic band out and grasped her hair into my fist, then my mouth was on hers. She let out a soft moan as our lips finally connected, our tongues teasing and our teeth biting. My breaths were coming rapidly and I couldn’t contain my own hums of approval as she explored my body with her hands. Letting my hands drop, I found the tie that held her robe closed. I untied it and pulled it apart. My hands started to do their own exploring; it didn’t take long until I discovered she wasn’t wearing anything underneath. I groaned and my cock twitched. I was now hard as a rock. I had to slow down before it was over faster than it started. I wanted to savor every moment. Slowly, I pulled my lips away and looked at her beautiful face. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips swollen and red. Just the sight of her in front of me all flushed and breathing heavily with her robe gaping open, made me want to throw her on the bed and fuck her into oblivion. But it would be over too soon for me. I wanted to taste every inch of her. Memorize every curve of her body, every moan that escaped her lips. I wanted to make her come until she begged me to stop. Only then would I succumb to my own needs. I lifted my hands up to her shoulders and gently pushed the robe back making it fall in a lump at her feet. “Go lay on the bed and spread your legs for me.” She hesitated for only a second. I said I would let her have control, but tonight I needed it. I had no control over anything else in my life at that moment, so right then, I needed the control. Especially after the night I had. I walked to the end of the bed as she got comfortable, resting her hands on her sides as she spread her legs for me. I could see goose bumps on her body as she bit her lower lip and gazed at me with hooded eyes. She was wet for me and I licked my lips in anticipation. I had to hold myself back from diving right in. Not once did I go down on anyone else while Scarlett and I were apart. Her taste and her smell were burned into my receptors and I didn’t want anything else to fuck that up. And right then, I needed a little reminding.

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About the Author

J.M. La Rocca

 

Facebook / Goodreads / Amazon

 

J.M. La Rocca was born in Chicago, IL. At an early age, her family relocated to lower Alabama where she began her love for writing. She currently resides in Pensacola, FL with her husband and twin sons. As a stay at home mom, La Rocca was able to pursue her love for writing. It was always an unrealized dream to write her own book. With the encouragement of her mother, La Rocca began to set to paper her ideas for her first book.

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Cover Reveal: Who I Am (FireNine #3) by Shanora Williams

Title: Who I Am (FireNine #3)

Author: Shanora Williams writing as S.Q. Williams

Release:  Early 2014

 

Goodreads Link:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18681557-who-i-am?from_search=true

 

Synopsis:

 

Some stories aren’t easy to tell.

Some situations aren’t easy to relive.

But I was raised to be strong—to hold my own. Because of it, I was hurt, torn down, beaten and even had my heart snatched right out of my chest.

But I’m ready now. It’s time for me to speak up. You want to know what really goes on inside my head, well I’m right here.

Real. Raw. Intense.

This is all me. Roy Sykes. This is my story, and trust me… its far from pretty.

 

 

Author Bio:

 

S. Q. Williams was born and raised in Matthews, North Carolina. She's the author of the New Adult series, OBTAINED and the Best Selling New Adult novel, Hard to Resist. Her upcoming mature New-Adult/Adult novel, Who He Is, will be released in July of 2013.

When she's not writing, she's happily reading or watching cartoons like the big kid she is. She has a wonderful family that you will hear her brag and talk about all of the time. Whenever she just wants to get away from the words for a while, she'll spend some time with her loved ones, eat gummy bears, or drown in Coca-Cola and anything else caffeinated.

 

Social Media Links:

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShanoraWilliamsAuthor?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shanorawilliams

Website:  http://shanorawilliams.com

Goodreads:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6476392.S_Q_Williams

 

Excerpt:

Without another second to waste, I open the door and hop out. Loads of screams fill my eardrums, and I fight a smile. I guess, after a while, it feels good to be wanted. To be appreciated. I can’t ask for more enthusiastic fans.

Deed climbs out with his so-called “lucky drumsticks” in hand and waves at the wild girls behind the ropes. They holler at the top of their lungs, clambering over each other, wailing, and stretching their arms for a feel of us as we walk by.

“Roy, you’re so fucking hot! I love you!” one girl says. I don’t know who says it, and I don’t bother looking to find out.

“Deed! Let me have you!” That one isn’t for me, so I keep chugging.

“Roy! Please! Let me touch your hair!” Okay. I admit that one makes me laugh, but again, I don’t look.

“Roy Sykes… remember me?” For some reason, that calm, familiar voice catches my attention. I jerk my gaze up, and as soon as I meet the sky blue eyes I never thought I’d see again, I stop dead in my tracks. The girls continue to holler and reach for me, but I’m in the middle of the runway, shocked… stunned.

She looks the same—actually better. Her hair is longer, her face still flawless. She’s wearing a shimmery silver dress, revealing her long, creamy legs, with heels to match, and seeing her like this—hotter than ever before—leaves me completely speechless.

Taking one last step forward, close enough to see her clearly among the thick crowd, I part my lips, a part of me not wanting to say her name ever again, but a part of me yearning to roll it off my tongue. “Rose?” I murmur.

I’m sure she can’t hear me over the screaming, but I know she’s read my lips because she looks from them to my eyes and nods. “Yes,” she says, thrilled. “It’s me, Roy. Rosemarie Beretta.” 

Buy Who He Is (FireNine #1) Now:

 

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE

 

Goodreads Link:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17564054-who-he-is?from_search=true

 

Buy Who We Are (FireNine #2) Now:

 

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO

 

Goodreads Link:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18231624-who-we-are?from_search=true

Review: My Skater Boy by Kay Manis

                                                                                            Synopsis:

Find out the dramatic conclusion to Book 1 of the X-Treme Boys Series, Skater Boy.
For the first time in her life, Hindley Hagen has something she’s always looked for, unconditional love. As the attorney and sports agent for X Games golden boy, Rory Gregor, she’s worked hard to help him make a comeback in a professional sport that isn’t always so forgiving. This time, he’s won more than just a gold medal, he’s captured her heart. But now, she’s trapped, caught in the snare of a man playing a deadly game. She must choose, protect the one man who’s made her come alive for the first time in her life or risk losing everything she’s worked hard for, including him. To save them both, Hindley must do the unthinkable or face a life without the one thing Rory Gregor has finally given her; hope. But protecting them means her own demons may surface and from that, there is no recovery. Hindley must learn the hard way, in love and life, there is no such thing as a safe secret.
Trust isn’t something that comes naturally to Rory Gregor. Even his own professional achievements as an X Games multi-gold medalist can’t wash away a childhood filled with abuse, which has left him with a lifetime of insecurities and self-loathing. But now, he’s finally found a woman who makes him feel the one thing in life he never thought possible-smart. With Hindley Hagen by his side, he’s skating better than ever, securing deals that could make them both rich. Yet something is off. Just as he gets inside the walls she’s constructed to guard herself, she pulls away again. She’s hiding something. But then, so is he.
As their need to protect one another grows to escalating heights with deadly consequences, will Hindley and Rory finally find the future together they so richly deserve? Or, will they discover the one thing that could destroy them both forever is actually each other? Find out in this exciting conclusion to the first book in the X-Treme Boys Series, Skater Boy.







Nicky's Review

4.5 Stars

Characters-  Awesome, Real, a great mix of funny, angst, sweet, and bitchy. Loved them all!!
Plot/Storyline- Story line was a great continuation and transition from Skater Boy.
Steam Factor- Holy Sex God! Rory is like a freaking Mini Christian Grey!! And I will NEVER look at Hello Kitty stuff the same. LOL!!
Cover- Holds true to the skateboarding aspect, but I would still really like to see an image of the main focus of the story: Rory and Hindley :)
Cliffhanger- NO. This is the end of their story and the Epilogue and awesome and completes the story perfectly :)
Overall-  I REALY enjoyed this book. It was a lot darker than Skater Boy. There are some sensitive topics in this book that may be too hard to read, but it made for a great story and allowed me to understand Hindley's character a lot better. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a complex relationship with lots of ups, downs, challenges, sex, love, devotion, and beauty found in the broken.  Great job Kay Manis!!!

WOW! This book took me by surprise! I knew we were going to delve into Hindley's past issues which cause her to be so insecure and broken, but man! I was not expecting all the baggage this girl was carrying. This just made me respect her so much more as a character because you see her as this strong, intelligent, beautiful girl and then you see the person she is inside and the events that have molded her into this person we see and its just crazy to see how strong she is.

As Hindley exposes her demons to Rory, he is so freaking in love with her I think if she said she gave birth to unicorns he'd still be cool with it. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Rory?! What a great lead male character.  He is flawed and will never be perfect when written on paper, but his tortured soul and the man he has grown into from his past transgressions is just breathtaking.  I love when the lead guy is so smitten and committed to the lead female that you wish he was real and you yourself have fallen for him.  That's where I was with this book.

Rory and Hindley face many challenges in this book: Rory's jealously and protective nature when it comes to Axel, Michael, and the new football client, Hindley's family (her mother and sister mainly), Hindley's past demons (past job and college trauma), blackmail, and the struggle with keeping their relationship secret.  It was one rollercoaster of a ride, but I'd totally stand in line for 4 hours to ride it again.

What happens to Hindley is unspeakable and made me a little sick to my stomach when it was exposed.  I wanted to cry for her, hug her and tell her that she may never be fully ok but that's ok. Luckily she had Rory to provide her with the love and devotion she needed.  The manner in which she dealt with what happened to her in college was very sad too. But enough with the sadness because this book does have a HEA and it was PERFECT!! The Epilogue served it purpose of making the reader happy, then happier and then completely satisfied.

I only had one issue and that was when the secret of her past job came out. I was all ready to see this bomb drop and watch the warfare afterwards, but then it wasn't what you thought and I thought to myself, "Really?! That was such a dumb secret. It wasn't even worth adding to the shelf of past demons." It was... anticlimactic and a bit of a let down... BUT!!! I thanked God after I continued reading it because good grief! This girl's shelf couldn't have supported another past demon. So, to you Kay Manis: THANK YOU!!! Fantastic story with perfect layering of hot sexiness, humor, drama, sweetness and angst! WELL DONE!! I will definitely read another one of your books. XOXO :)

 
Favorite Quotes:

"Bring love into it and he'll run for the hills faster than Lindsay Lohan to rehab."

"'Perfectly imperfect.' She was right. Separate, we were broken vessels but together, we were whole."

"'I may take you up there right now if you keep licking those pouty lips like that.' She giggled and my one eyed soldier suddenly signed up for active duty, read to do battle on the front lines."

"'We're both broken, can't you see that? We're both weak. But together, we'll be strong, for each other and for ourselves. Together, we'll make each other whole. Please, Hindley.' he begged. his voice barely above a whisper. 'Please. Just come back to me.'"

"He ran his nose along my jaw line, planting kisses just under my ear. 'I can smell you.' Instantly, I froze in place. What the fuck was he saying? That was gross. I smelled? He pulled away from me. 'What?' 'No girl want to hear that you can smell her. That's gross.' 'What are you talking about?' he laughed, totally oblivious to my humiliation. [...] 'Hindley,' he explained. 'The scent of your arousal is the most aromatic perfume I've ever smelled. I would bottle it up and carry it with me everywhere I went if I could.' Oh. Well. That sounded kind of creepy, but kind of hot too."

"'Umm hum,' she buzzed as she licked her lips. Fuck! My dick filled up like a Sumo wrestler at a Chinese buffet."

"'I mean it, Geneva, you say one thing, one thing to upset her and I'll kick your as out of here so hard you won't be able to fuckin' walk through the mall without sucking on your own shit.'"


 
Purchase this book:

Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Skater-X-Treme-Boys-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00F28IKXY/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-skater-boy-kay-manis/1117503358?ean=2940148987963

CAST

Review: Skater Boy by Kay Manis

Synopsis:

For 25 year old attorney, Hindley Hagen, life is all about staying one step ahead of the game. Avoiding surprises and keeping people at a distance is the only way she has to protect herself from the painful scars and shattered memories of her past. When Hindley is offered a new position at her prestigious Austin law firm as sports agent for pro skateboarder, Rory Gregor, she’s ready for the new challenge but completely unprepared for the man who captures her heart. Suddenly, Hindley is thrust into a world where protecting all their secrets could cost her everything; her family, her career, and maybe even her life.
Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. But after two years of bad decisions and one-night-stands, he’s having to make a comeback he never anticipated. Hiring a new agent may be what his team thinks he needs to rebuild his career, but what if it costs him his heart in the process? Just when he thinks he’s posed for a comeback, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love. In a sport where trust means everything, this time... it may not be enough.

**Find out the dramatic conclusion to Rory and Hindley' story in My Skater Boy (X-Treme Boys Series, Book 2), available now.














Nicky's Review

4 Stars

Characters-  I loved them. Hindley is really likeable and real. I loved how Rory is a badass but when it comes to Hindley he becomes sweet, protective and discombobulated.
Plot/Storyline- The story was really well thought out. I like how their worlds collide and their relationship slowly progresses. The constant questions of both their pasts keeps you turning pages for sure.
Steam Factor- HOT! This book is not extremely detailed but just wait for My Skater Boy. Oh My!!!!
Cover- Cover portrays a skater boy, but I would LOVE to see a pic of sexy Rory with his side tat exposed holding a skateboard. Yumm-O!!
Cliffhanger- YES. The story literally just stops. No warning. Thank goodness the next book was out when I read this because I think I would have been screaming profanities.
Overall- I really enjoyed this book. The story flowed, the secret pasts keep you really interested, the chemistry is great, the characters are awesome and the whole story comes together nicely. Can not wait to read My Skater Boy!!! :)

Skater Boy was a great escape after a long disappointing reading spree I'd been on. I was so happy to
finally get into a book and thoroughly enjoy it. From the characters to the story, I was drawn in. I have never read a book about a skate boarder so it was already an interesting and unique read. I also really enjoyed the inner dialogue of the main characters because it just added more depth to the situation and a realistic POV because we all know we have our own inner dialogue in our lives but no one hears it.

 

Let me start with Hindley, first off: AWESOME name!! I know it's from Wutherring Heights, but its definitely a name that could make a huge come back :). Anyway, sorry for the veer in thought, back to the story. Hindley in an awesome girl with a jaded past. A past we still are blind to even after the end of the book. You get little bits of her past but nothing to add up. I can not wait for that AH HA! moment that will hopefully occur in the next book. Hindley is independent, responsible, intelligent, slightly insecure and beautiful. What's not to like?

That's the exact question Rory has. He finds nothing about Hindley unattractive. He's drawn to her as she is to him. I love their coy interactions and their full on sexy interactions. But let's start with how freaking awesome Rory is, at least in reference to Hindley, because he has been pretty much a sex whore douche with every girl that has crossed his path up until Hindley. Rory is so sweet and cocky, but also insecure when it comes to Hindley. He has a jaded past and a secret that would definitely warrant insecurities.

We, and Hindley, discover Rory's issues but we still don't know what Hindley's secrets are... And I can't wait to find out! I'm only hoping Rory doesn't let his ugly jack-assy head rear when he finds out. Yes, Rory is sweet most of the time, but he can also say rude things and just plain stick his foot in his mouth. 

All in all I would totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a contemporary romance with a strong female lead, a sexy guy with just the right balance of humor, sweetness and cockyness, a great plot that will keep you guessing about their issues, and an all around great story.  I will definitely read anotherr Kay Manis book without question. She has done a great job of laying out a story and piecing it together so flawlessly that you ever have that "yawn moment." Kudos Kay!! On to My Skater Boy. Eeeeep!!! XOXOXO

Favorite Quotes:

"'Did you ever stop to think maybe this girl needs you?' 'She doesn't need anything, Kara. She's rich, and beautiful, and smart.' 'Maybe she needs more. Maybe she needs purpose, confidence, and self-assurance, just like you. Maybe you can give that to each other.'"

"I let my head fall back on the head rest and closed my eyes, trying to will his comment out of my head but all I could hear was my stepfather saying I was a piece of shit and the only thing anyone would ever do with a piece of shit was flush it down the toilet."

"This guys is a dom, a fucking dominant. He likes to be in control. Shi, girl, you are in trouble, real trouble. I'd read about dominants and S&M and stuff, I mean Fifty Shades of Grey had pretty much put that crap out on the open market for chicks to talk about in the grocery store check-out line."

"'What the fuck did he just say to you because I thin you just had an ear-gasm?' I shook my head, trying to make sense of what just happened. 'What?' I heard Dana's voice but I couldn't comprehend what she'd said. I was too lost in Rory's trance. 'He whispered something in your ear that mad you come right here in from of God and all these spectators, no question about it!' 'Shut up!' I half shouted. 'It's true, isn't it? I be you probably need to go change your panties, don't you?'"

 
Purchase this book:

Kindle  http://www.amazon.com/Skater-X-Treme-Boys-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B00F280LTK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387860210&sr=8-1&keywords=skater+boy+kay+manis

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/skater-boy-kay-manis/1117650950?ean=2940148939320

 
CAST

 

 

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Skater Boy and My Skater Boy by

 

 

Skater Boy Synopsis

 

For 25 year old attorney, Hindley Hagen, life is all about staying one step ahead of the game. Avoiding surprises and keeping people at a distance is the only way she has to protect herself from the painful scars and shattered memories of her past. When Hindley is offered a new position at her prestigious Austin law firm as sports agent for pro skateboarder, Rory Gregor, she’s ready for the new challenge but completely unprepared for the man who captures her heart. Suddenly, Hindley is thrust into a world where protecting all their secrets could cost her everything; her family, her career, and maybe even her life.

Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. But after two years of bad decisions and one-night-stands, he’s having to make a comeback he never anticipated. Hiring a new agent may be what his team thinks he needs to rebuild his career, but what if it costs him his heart in the process? Just when he thinks he’s posed for a comeback, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love. In a sport where trust means everything, this time... it may not be enough.

 

My Skater Boy Synopsis

 

Find out the dramatic conclusion to Book 1 of the X-Treme Boys Series, Skater Boy.

For the first time in her life, Hindley Hagen has something she’s always looked for, unconditional love. As the attorney and sports agent for X Games golden boy, Rory Gregor, she’s worked hard to help him make a comeback in a professional sport that isn’t always so forgiving. This time, he’s won more than just a gold medal, he’s captured her heart. But now, she’s trapped, caught in the snare of a man playing a deadly game. She must choose, protect the one man who’s made her come alive for the first time in her life or risk losing everything she’s worked hard for, including him. To save them both, Hindley must do the unthinkable or face a life without the one thing Rory Gregor has finally given her; hope. But protecting them means her own demons may surface and from that, there is no recovery. Hindley must learn the hard way, in love and life, there is no such thing as a safe secret.

Trust isn’t something that comes naturally to Rory Gregor. Even his own professional achievements as an X Games multi-gold medalist can’t wash away a childhood filled with abuse, which has left him with a lifetime of insecurities and self-loathing. But now, he’s finally found a woman who makes him feel the one thing in life he never thought possible-smart. With Hindley Hagen by his side, he’s skating better than ever, securing deals that could make them both rich. Yet something is off. Just as he gets inside the walls she’s constructed to guard herself, she pulls away again. She’s hiding something. But then, so is he.

As their need to protect one another grows to escalating heights with deadly consequences, will Hindley and Rory finally find the future together they so richly deserve? Or, will they discover the one thing that could destroy them both forever is actually each other? Find out in this exciting conclusion to the first book in the X-Treme Boys Series, Skater Boy.

 

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Skater Boy

My Skater Boy

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Buy Now

 

 

Amazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

 

Amazon / Amazon CA / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

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~Excerpts~

 

SKATER BOY (X-Treme Boys Series, Book 1)

--Hindley--

Sensing my anxiety, Skater Boy headed toward my bedroom door but I didn’t want him to leave, not yet. I had an overwhelming need to touch him so I reached out and caught him by the arm. His muscles were defined and hard and I held on longer than I should have. His eyes looked down at my hand then back up to me.

“Hey, I just wanted to say thanks for last night. I really appreciate you taking care of me,” I said. I could see him working hard, trying to figure out if I was telling the truth or not. I’d been right about his height. He was tall, over six feet, but my five foot eight stature seemed to match his perfectly.

“Why do I feel like that might have been one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to do?” I raised my eyebrows in disbelief, shocked at how well he already knew me. I prided myself on not needing anything from anyone, so words of gratitude from me were few and far between.

“Probably because it was,” I answered, pushing past him and through the door on my way to the bathroom, feeling every bit as vulnerable now that I was fully dressed as I did lying next to him in nothing but my underwear. Somewhere deep inside, I wished I was back there, though, back in bed with him, relishing how beautiful he was.

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MY SKATER BOY (X-Treme Boys Series, Book 2)

--Rory--

Today was the day I’d dreaded forever, the day I realized I was the source of Hindley’s pain and anguish. It truly was me I had to protect her from, not all the others threatening to harm her. The only way I could do that now was to leave her alone. I bolted out of the elevator, running to my room as fast as I could, afraid I may actually vomit in the hallway before getting to the bathroom. Losing Hindley wasn’t an option, but the choice wasn’t mine to make. Suddenly, that one realization, the fact I was no longer in control, scared me more than anything I’d ever known.

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~Playlist~

Come Sail Away, Styx

Wherever You Will Go, Charlene Soraia

Awake My Soul, Mumford & Sons

Magic, Colbie Caillet

Pour Some Sugar on Me, Def Leppard

I Won’t Give Up, Jason Mraz

My Letter to You, Kimberly Manis (http://www.kimberlymanis.com/listen.html)

The Remedy, Kimberly Manis (http://www.kimberlymanis.com/listen.html)

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About the Author

 

Kay Manis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Links: Facebook / Goodreads / Website / Instagram

 

Kay Manis lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, daughter and five pound Chihuahua affectionately named "Tiny." When not writing or researching you'll find Kay reading a good book, eating out with friends or napping.

Kay's biggest goal in writing is to amuse, inspire and entertain. If she's done that for you then she says she'll always consider herself a success.

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~Giveaway~

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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Review: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

Synopsis:

Ambrose Young was beautiful. He was tall and muscular, with hair that touched his shoulders and eyes that burned right through you. The kind of beautiful that graced the covers of romance novels, and Fern Taylor would know. She'd been reading them since she was thirteen. But maybe because he was so beautiful he was never someone Fern thought she could have...until he wasn't beautiful anymore.
Making Faces is the story of a small town where five young men go off to war, and only one comes back. It is the story of loss. Collective loss, individual loss, loss of beauty, loss of life, loss of identity. It is the tale of one girl's love for a broken boy and a wounded warrior's love for an unremarkable girl. This is a story of friendship that overcomes heartache, heroism that defies the common definitions, and a modern tale of Beauty and the Beast, where we discover that there is a little beauty and a little beast in all of us.
















Nicky's Review

5 Stars

Characters-  One word: BEAUTIFUL!
Plot/Storyline- Flawless, breathtaking, honest, pure and raw.
Steam Factor- There was a hint of steam but nothing really past slight hand wandering and kissing, but this story did not need it.
Cover- Perfect
Cliffhanger- No Cliffhanger. There is a HEA ending :)
Overall- Highly recommend this book to everyone young and old.  The story is amazing! The characters are so well written that you truly feel a part of the story and you can relate to a lot of the events that occur. It was a cathartic experience and one that I will not soon forget. Read this book. You will not regret one sentence of it.

Have you ever read a book that you just wanted to highlight pretty much everything written because the context is like beautiful poetry that you want to keep and save as a token of knowledge you hope to remember and grow with? A piece of written artistry that you want to catolog in your mind so you can go back to it whenever you can because the words speak to you in a way that lets you know "You're not the only one," or "You are special and beautiful because you are you."  That is what this book provided for me.  This story is so beautifully told and provides the reader with some great advice, wonderful perspectives and a beautiful message that will forever hold a place in my heart and mind.

Making faces is about a girl, Fern, who grows up as "the ugly girl" and falls in love with "the Adonis" of the school.  Fern is described as awkward with flaming red curly hair, freckles and crooked teeth; which she gets braces for only making the nerd effect stronger.  She falls  in love with Ambrose, the 6'3", body of a God, looks of a model, dark hair and dark eyes and brains of a poet guy.  Her love didn't start in High School, it actually started when she first met him when they were 10 but she was so far off his interest radar due to her mediocrity.

In this story, we watch Fern and Ambrose grow as characters. Their one common friend is Bailey. Bailey is Fern's cousin and the son of Ambrose's wrestling coach.  Fern and Bailey have an inseperable and beautiful relationship.  Fern takes care of Bailey and Bailey takes care of Fern; that's their way.  They are silly and immature, but that's what makes them amazing.

Bailey has Muscular Dystrophy and becomes wheelchair bound by the time he is 11.  Fern is by his side all the time, not out of pity, but out of love and friendship.  Fern is a beautiful soul and so is Bailey. They do everything together.  Bailey has always wanted to wrestle but due to his handicap, he is unable, so he makes the best of it, which is his way in all situations, and participates at every match on the sidelines.  The team treats him as part of them and so he and Fern are always at the matches. This allows Fern to admire Ambrose, THE CHAMPION of wrestling, from afar.

Certain events happen after High School that changes the path of Ambrose's life.  He comes back to town after this life altering event and that's where we get to see Fern and Ambrose's relationship shift and transition. This is a story about love, TRUE LOVE.  Not superficial love, but the love of another human being for who they really are, not the vessel that carries them.  I want to say so much more about this story, but its for you to read and experience like I did. I will not take that beautiful experience away from you with my words.  Just trust that you will love this story and cry tears of sadness and happiness.  You will come away from this book appreciating the life you have, the person you are and realize that YOU are a main character to someone, which will make sense if you read the book. 

Amy Harmon... Where do I start? Thank you seems to be the best way.  Thank you for creating Fern. For making her so real, so loving, so innocent, so ordinary and yet so extraordinary.  She is definitely a character that we can all relate to.  Thank you for creating Ambrose. The externally beautiful boy that just so happens to be as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside. Just wow! Thank you for your beautiful words of wisdom and love.  I will never look at a cookie can the same way and I will always remember that story every time I see someone who doesn't fit the superficial standards of beauty.  Getting a little emotional here, but that's what you do to me.  I believe something so beautiful had to come from a beautiful soul and how lucky was I to read a piece of your heart and make it a piece of my own.  I will be looking forward to reading all of your work and will probably read this book again and again. I will pass it to my daughter when she is of age to read it because it truly is a story that holds so many truths and so much beauty. Just: THANK YOU AMY HARMON!! XOXOXO :)

 

Favorite Quotes:

"Ambrose Young had a voice fitting of the package it was encased in. It was smooth and deep and impossible rich. If dark chocolate could sing it would sound like Ambrose Young."

"Fern was born seven months later, an unexpected miracle, and the whole town celebrated with the well-loved couple. Fern found it ironic that she was once considered a miracle since her life hand been anything but miraculous."

"Father in Heaven, we're grateful for everything you have created. We loved watching this spider. He was cool and made us happy for a minute before Ambrose squished him. Thank you for making even ugly things beautiful. Amen."

"Every living thing dies, Bailey. Some people live longer than others. We know that your illness will probably make your life shorter than some. But none of us ever know how long our lives are going to be."

"In the days and weeks following 9/11, life returned to normal, but it felt wrong, like a favorite shirt worn inside out- still your shirt, still recognizable, but rubbing in all the wrong places, the seams revealed, the tags hanging out, the colors dulled, the words backwards. But unlike the shirt, the sense of wrong couldn't be righted. It was permanent. The new normal."

"'What if you say something like, 'Even when you're not around, you're all I see. You're all I think about. I wonder, is your heart as beautiful as your face? Is your mind as fascinating as the play of muscle beneath your skin? Is it possible that you might think about me too?' Fern paused and looked at Rita."

"'You just need to acknowledge it. Face the shit.' Bailey's voice grew stronger, strident even. 'Accept the truth in it. Own it, wallow in it, become one with the shit.' Bailey sighed, the heavy mood lifting with his insistence on profanity. Swearing could be very therapeutic. Fern smiled wanly. 'Become one with the shit?' 'Yes! If that's what it takes.' 'I've got Rocky Road ice cream. It looks a little like poop. Can we become one with the Rocky Road instead?' 'It does look at little like shit. Nuts and everything. Count me in.' 'Sick, Bailey!'"

"If God makes all of our faces, did he laugh when he made me?"

"Fern grieved for the boy she had always loved. She wondered how it would feel to be beautiful and have it taken away. How much harder would it be than never knowing what it felt like in the first place?"

"Because terrible things happen to everyone, Brosey. We're all just so caught up in our own crap that we don't see the shit everyone is wading through."

"'Have you ever stared at a painting so long that the colors blur and you can't tell what you're looking at anymore? There's no form, face, or shape- just color, swirls of paint?' [...] 'I think people are like that. When you really look at them, you stop seeing a perfect nose or straight teeth. You stop seeing the acne scar or the dimple in the chin. Those things start to blur, and suddenly you see them, the colors, the life inside the shell, and beauty takes on a whole new meaning.'"

Purchase this book:

Kindle  http://amzn.com/B00F0XL3B2  

Nook  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-faces-amy-harmon/1117181228?ean=9781492976424

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