PURPOSE

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ARC Review: Covet by Tracey Garvis-Graves

From the author of the New York Times bestseller On the Island.

What if the life you wanted, and the woman you fell in love with, belonged to someone else?

Chris and Claire Canton’s marriage is on life support. Downsized during the recession and out of work for a year, Chris copes by retreating to a dark place where no one can reach him, not even Claire. When he’s offered a position that will keep him away from home four nights a week, he dismisses Claire’s concern that time apart could be the one thing their fragile union can’t weather. Their suburban life may look idyllic on the outside, but Claire has never felt so disconnected from Chris, or so lonely.

Local police officer Daniel Rush used to have it all, but now he goes home to an empty house every night. He pulls Claire over during a routine traffic stop, and they run into each other again at the 4th of July parade. When Claire is hired to do some graphic design work for the police department, her friendship with Daniel grows, and soon they’re spending hours together.

Claire loves the way Daniel makes her feel, and the way his face lights up when she walks into the room. Daniel knows that Claire’s marital status means their relationship will never be anything other than platonic. But it doesn’t take long before Claire and Daniel are in way over their heads, and skating close to the line that Claire has sworn she’ll never cross.

Release Date: September 17, 2013

Four Stars

On the Island is one of my favorite contemporary romance books. When Tracey Garvis-Graves announced she was writing something new and that it was going to be women's fiction, I was rather intrigued. I enjoy reading books in this genre. I find certain struggles women go through to be fascinating. Ahhh, but Covet turned out to be so much more. It turns out anyone...women, men, married, single, young-at-heart or old can relate to the strong messages conveyed in Covet.

When I first read the summary for this book, I knew it was going to be hard to read. Did I really want to read about a crumbling marriage? However, when I was given the opportunity to read an early copy, I jumped at the chance! I adore this author's writing, but mostly I was so curious at how she would handle certain subjects.

The gist of this story centers around Claire and Chris Canton's failing marriage. When you meet them in the beginning, Chris is about a month into working at his new job. The toll the year of unemployment has had on their marriage is pretty obvious. Now their marriage is tested more than ever with Chris traveling for work several days during the week.

We've become like the proverbial two ships that pass in the night. No time for connecting, fixing, rebuilding. Just as I'd feared. I wonder how many marriages are fractured and damaged beyond repair by complacency rather than any single traumatic event.” loc 2044 eARC

One of the things I liked about Covet is that we get Claire's, Chris's and Daniel's POV. Reading about Chris's feelings and struggles just made my heart break for him. We do get glimpses of happier times which is why seeing Chris and Claire go through their current situation makes it all the more difficult. It just made me sad to see a once happy marriage falling apart, especially when there are children involved. Then there is Daniel, who is such a genuinely good person and friend to Claire. I was rooting for his happiness, too!

Maybe that's how it starts. You stumble upon something that helps you cope, fills a void. Makes you feel something different than what you currently feel. You know in the long run it probably won't be good for you, but you do it anyway. Tell yourself you can handle it. And before you know it you're in so deep that you can't find your way back out.” loc 1339 eARC

I found Covet to be quite the page turner! Tracey Garvis-Graves has a knack for writing women's fiction. She handles various topics and emotions with tender loving care. The heartache, loneliness, and desperation can be felt throughout the pages. Covet had realistic situations that many can relate to, and some may even see this story as a wake-up call with many lessons learned. Covet reminds us all not to take loved ones for granted. Also, human beings are truly resilient creatures. We have the strength to adapt and change during hard times to reach the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you, Ms. Garvis-Graves for a very moving and touching story!

* A complimentary copy was provided for an honest review. *



Cover Reveal & Review: Have Gown, Will Wed by Killian McRae


COVER REVEAL INFORMATION

Release date: September 25, 2013

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours 

Add to your TBR on Goodreads

Book Description:
Back in college, the bras-before-bros sisterhood decided to live for achievement in the boardroom, not the bedroom. Rosalind Betters embraced that philosophy, pursuing her career and little else. But when her last single friend, Kamakshi, announces her engagement in of all things, an arranged marriage, Rosalind reevaluates the merits of matrimony. In her typical gung ho fashion, she names a date, books a venue, hires a caterer, and picks out a dress, all before finding a groom. Taking a lesson from Kamakshi and too busy to do otherwise, Rosalind hires San Francisco's best headhunter, Xavier Hommes, to find her better half for her.
At first, Xavier thinks Rosalind is one of the eccentric personalities for which the city is famous. As the search starts, however, Xavier finds himself hating his task for reasons he never would have suspected. If Rosalind really wants a man who will make her happy, she need look no further. As W-Day approaches and Rosalind starts falling for someone Xavier himself headhunted, he walks the line between professionalism and passion, trying to decide if competing to become Mr. Betters is worth the risk to his commission, his reputation, and Rosalind's happiness.

About the Author


Killian McRae would tell you that she is a rather boring lass, an authoress whose characters’ lives are so much more exciting than her own. She would be right. Sadly, this sarcastic lexophile leads a rather mundane existence in the San Francisco Bay Area. She once dreamed of being the female Indiana Jones, and to that end she earned a degree in Middle Eastern History from the University of Michigan. However, when she learned that real archaeologist spend more time lovingly removing dust with toothbrushes from shards of pottery than outrunning intriguing villains with exotic accents, she decided to become a writer instead. She writes across many genres, including science fiction, fantasy, romance, and historical fiction.

Author Social Media Links:


Four Stars


C’est la vie. Every silver lining had its cloud. One thing Rosalind knew for sure: unlike scores of literary inventions and hallmark movie heroines, no empty place in her heart existed where a widget called “man” would fit. 

I never knew there was such a thing as an intelligently written, humorous romance until I started reading this story. That’s the only way I can accurately describe this story. I knew immediately from the description that this was going to be a one of a kind read and I was spot on. 

“But that’s what gets me, Kam. This is what we allwanted to do? We all said bras and biz before the bros, cash before cocks. What happened to everyone? 

The story itself is a pretty unconventional and very different. We have a very strong, independent heroine in Rosalind who doesn’t need a man in her life to define who she is. She’s beautiful, smart, driven and extremely determined. Back in college, Rosalind and her friends always put their careers first before even thinking about settling down with a man. But as the years went by, her friends slowly started to build their family life and put their careers second. It was only her and her best friend, Kamakshi, left. Then came the dreaded day when even Kamakshi became engaged. This is the day that Rosalind began to see things differently, too. What good is having a successful career when there is no one to share it with? But with her blooming career keeping her busy, she has no time for the complications and time consuming activity called dating. So what does she do? She hires Xavier Hommes. No, Xavier is not a matchmaker per se, but a career headhunter. His company helped Rosalind find her perfect assistant, so she figures he can find her a husband. Yes, it’s unconventional, but Rosalind doesn’t do things half-assed. She’s all in.

“Okay, we have a deal. You agree to provide me with a list of potential spouses, and I’ll commit BetaHouse to Hommes HQ for one year, and your fee will be payable upon execution of my proposal for marriage, regardless of the response of the third party. 

Xavier couldn’t believe the deal he just made, but the question remains: “Why does this beautiful woman need his help in finding a husband?” This is the most outrageous request his company has ever gotten. As much as he wants to say “no,” he can’t. This business her growing company can bring his is just too good to pass up. What he didn’t expect is to slowly fall for Rosalind himself. But will it come too late when he inadvertently found and set up someone else for her? 

Je t’aime 

As I said before, this nonconventional love story is intelligently written. Yes, there are times where the story is pretty predictable, but I didn’t care. I kept flipping the pages because I just adored Xavier and Rosalind and I couldn’t wait for them tofinally get together. There were, however, a few drawbacks to this story. One, I wanted steam! After all the sexual tension, I wanted a massive explosion….yes, pun intended :) Two, the beginning of the story started off a little slow, but once Xavier was introduced, it took on a better pace. Third, I know I’m not dyslexic nor illiterate, but I had the hardest time pronouncing Kamakshi’s name. I know, it’s my problem, but it did hinder my enjoyment…just a tad. Otherwise, I’m happy I had an opportunity to read this ARC and looking forward to more from this author. 

Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review.




ARC Review: I Stand Before You (Judge Me Not #1) by S.R. Grey

When it comes to tattooed bad boys, Chase Gartner is the real deal. Partying, engaging in meaningless sex, getting into fights---Chase indulges in it all during his late teen years, thus firmly solidifying his status as a heartbreakingly gorgeous but way-too dangerous-to-trust guy in his hometown of Harmony Creek, Ohio. Then, following one fateful night of reckless decisions, Chase's actions finally catch up to him and land him in prison.

Now, four years have passed and Chase finds himself a free man. He returns to Harmony Creek, ready to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding his shattered life.

Things are off to a promising start when he meets Kay Stanton, a young woman with a tragic past of her own. Despite a powerful attraction, Chase and Kay are naturally hesitant to become involved. That's why friendship feels like the safest option. But when passions ignite and love blossoms, a relationship that is destined and meant to be can only be resisted for so long. When Chase and Kay finally succumb to their feelings they realize being together feels more right and true than anything they have ever experienced.

But their love is soon tested. Chase's wild past still haunts and tempts him, and Kay is keeping a secret that could tear them apart.

I Stand Before You is a journey of hope and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past and moving forward. But mostly it's a story of two damaged people who take a chance, open their hearts, and find true love.

New Adult/Contemporary Romance genres. First in a series.

***warning: contains graphic sexual situations, drug use, some violence, and profanity***

Recommended for ages 17+

4.5 - 5 Stars


I was smitten with Chase and Kay!



How many times have you wanted someone to just be there for you when you fall? How many times have you wanted someone to just get you and not judge you? In S.R. Grey's I Stand Before You, both Chase and Kay have endured tragic events in their pasts, but it's not until they meet and start to lean on each other for support when each begin to heal their broken souls.


The first thing that caught my attention was the prologue. It's gritty and just reels you right in! You get a good idea how Chase becomes a tattooed, bad boy. The story is written in both Chase and Kay's POV. When you meet Kay, it is at a sad moment. I felt her pain when she reflected on her past. She blames herself for what happened in her life and can't quite move on. A true friendship is formed when their paths cross.


One of the things that I loved about this story is that S.R. Grey takes the time to nurture Chase and Kay's friendship. They tease and laugh. They're playful and so adorable with each other! When they start sharing more and more about their pasts, I could sense that they have great chemistry. I could feel the butterflies fluttering when their friendship turns into something more. When things finally get rolling, they can't get enough of each other...rawr!!! It's “crazy-good!”


The heart of this story includes temptation, redemption and forgiveness. It's about giving someone who has fallen another chance. At the end Kay is consistent with who she is and who she wants to be moving forward. When she finally reveals her secret, I can understand why she was afraid to tell someone. For Chase, well he's pretty darn lucky to have someone as supportive as Kay in his life when things turn ugly.


This is the third title I've read from S.R. Grey, and I loved it! Yes, some parts are raw and violent, but overall, the writing and romance in I Stand Before You has a timeless and classic feel to it, which I simply adored. This book ends with an HEA even if there's a little cliffhanger at the end. If you're a fan of friends-to-lovers stories, if you're a fan of bad boys trying to be good, or stories of redemption and forgiveness, then you may want to give I Stand Before You a try. I know I was completely smitten with Chase and Kay, terms of endearment and all!


Never Doubt Me (Judge Me Not #2) is expected to be published Spring 2014.


* A complimentary copy was provided for an honest review *


Author Links
Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Website 



Breathless by Rose J. Bell


Some truths can leave you breathless...



Two years ago Ree Coleman’s life imploded, when her life was taken away from her. Now Ree is a "living dead girl", trying to survive each day, when it’s just a struggle to breathe. 


After the unexpected death of her father, Ree and her family lose everything. As they are forced to leave the rich Upper East Side, they find themselves living in the slums of Bronx. Ree must figure out ways for her family to get by, and she tries to accept her father’s death. However, his death prompts many questions, including what really happened to him. 

Meanwhile she meets Logan Marquez, a boy with a dangerous reputation. Knowing that boys are dangerous, Ree tries to stay away from him, but Logan insists on trying to earn her trust and friendship. 

Soon, dark and dangerous secrets are revealed, and one explosive secret will shatter both their worlds.

Due to heavy subject matter, graphic scenes and sexual content this book is intended for mature readers.

4.5 Stars



Don’t let your past define your future. 


Wow. Just…wow. I cannot believe that this author is only eighteen years old. First off, I have to say a big THANK YOU to Ms. Bell for offering me a copy of her book to read and review. I was hesitant at first, but in the end, I’m so thrilled I gave it chance. This story is far from typical. It will tear you up, beat you senseless, spit you out and leave you for dead. But no matter how dire things got, you couldn’t help but continue on; you had to find out where it’ll all end. Is there a happy ending? Can there be happy ending? After all the horrid events in her life, can Ree escape the never-ending nightmare? 

Scars are the threads that hold me together. I am scar tissue. 

Ree has been through hell. At seventeen years old, she was kidnapped, tortured and raped. She escaped her nightmare, only to be thrust into a whole new other one. Two years later, she is still hallow inside; she is and never will be the same person she was pre-abduction. Those three months she spent with the man she calls Psycho have reshaped her life, and not in a positive way.

Her trust in men: destroyed. 
Her ability to trust: practically nil. 
Her relationship with her father & family: strained. 
Her life as a whole: empty. 

Ree is not an easy character to like, but you can’t help but feel empathetic towards her. I do not pity her, not even a little. I admire her courage and her strength. I’m going to warn you, your emotions will be put through the wringer. And just when you think there might be a spark of happiness coming her way, she gets thrown underneath a bus some more. However heartbroken I was, I kept going because underneath all the shit she goes through, a spark of hope was there. And his name is Logan. 

“Men breaks hearts. A real man puts the pieces together and would hold your heart like a diamond in his hand.” 

Logan is elite and has earned himself a spot on my ultimate book boyfriend shelf. He is a real man. Only a man like Logan would have the patience to take on someone as damaged as Ree. But then again, his life isn’t all peaches and cream either. He’s lived a tough life, but no matter the curveballs mother nature has dealt him, he still has the ability to see the beauty in being alive. This is what he presents to Ree and this is what eventually breaks through to her. 

“I know that you have been disappointed, but shit and bad things happen, Ree. That’s undeniable. But you don’t live for the bad moments. You shouldn’t let them keep you down. You live and breathe for moments that are beautiful and make you happy. You should live for those moments, Ree.” 

I really enjoyed this book. It was such an emotional and tough read, but it was so worth my time. The story is not straightforward and is not an easy read. It’s one beat down after another. So many twists, turns and new developments always on the horizon. I never knew which way was up. My head and heart were always in a state of panic, but in the overall scheme of things, I wouldn’t change a single thing about this story. If you decide to try this out, just remember to bring your patience. It’ll be worth the ride. 

Author provided copy in exchange for an honest review