Cover Reveal! The Hazards of Sleeping with a Friend by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards of Sleeping with a Friend (Hazards #5) by Alyssa Rose Ivy 

Genre: New Adult (Contemporary Romance)

Published: March 26, 2015 

Publisher: Self

Warning: Sleeping with a friend might change your life forever.

Sleeping with Kyle was never in the plans. Pretending to be his girlfriend was one thing, but letting our relationship become anything but platonic was another. The problem with mixing friendship with sex is that inevitably feelings get involved, and when that happens there's no turning back.

When Kyle's life fell apart around him, I needed to help, but doing that meant opening myself up to the most terrifying thing in the world—falling in love.

The cover is designed by Once Upon a Time Covers, and the Cover Model Photography is by K. Keeton. 

If you haven't done so already, you need to check out Alyssa Rose Ivy's books!! She's an amazing storyteller, and one of my favorite authors. While you're at it check out my reviews too!

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

To read more about this author, visit Alyssa Rose Ivy's Blog and Website. You can also find her on Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

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Tour! A Review & Excerpt of The Wife Maker by Karey White

The Wife Maker (The Husband Maker #3) by Karey White 
Genre: Adult Fiction (Contemporary Romance)
Date Published: February 14, 2015
Publisher: Self

Charlotte has spent years as the husband maker, sending every guy she dates off to enjoy marital bliss with the next girl he dates. But things have now changed, and she's determined to use her husband-maker abilities one last time -- on herself. And she finally knows exactly who she wants.

Angus has loved Charlotte since they were teenagers, but he's tired of waiting for her to realize how good they could be. She's broken his heart one too many times, and it's time to move on with his life. Maybe a position halfway across the country will be just what he needs to get over her. But when Charlotte won't let him go without a fight, Angus has to decide if he's willing to let her in again or if she's too late.

The Wife Maker is the third and final book in the Husband Maker Series by Karey White. This was a truly fun and enjoyable little trilogy. Angus has been my choice from the start, but now he's ready to put his love for Charlotte behind him and move on with his life, and move on he does. Meanwhile, Charlotte has finally realized what she wants has been right in front of her. I wanted to slap both of them around a few times for their silliness through this book, but I loved how it ultimately played out. It was a fitting finale to a cute and entertaining story!

The ARC of The Wife Make by Karey White was kindly provided to me by I'm a Reader Not a Writer for review. The opinions are my own.

My phone rang before six the next morning. Who would call that early on a Sunday? I rubbed my bleary eyes and looked at the screen. The number was unfamiliar and a strange configuration. I almost shut it off, but on a hunch, I answered the call.

“Charlotte, it’s Flynn.”

“Flynn? Is everything okay?”

“Aye. I think we should talk. Turn on your computer and call me.”

Ten minutes later, Flynn appeared on the screen of my laptop.

“What’s going on?”

“I think you should move to Kansas City.”

I laughed. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t laugh. I’m not jokin’.”

“I can’t move to Kansas City. My job’s here. My family’s here. And I don’t think Angus would even want me to.”

“Ah, he’d say he doesn’t want ya to, but I’d wager that what he wants and what he says he wants are two different things.”

I shook my head. “You’re crazy. This is what you wanted me to call you for at this hour of the morning?”

“Aye. And hear me out. I’ve been chewin’ on this all day.”

I was touched that he’d been trying to figure out a way to help me, but this idea was insane. “I’m listening.”

“You say you’ll wait for him to come back.” I nodded. “What about him? You might be willing to wait for ten years, but what about Angus? He’ll be meeting new people. He won’t be waiting around. If ya want to cook a chicken, ya have to put him in while the water’s boilin’.”

I snickered. “I don’t even know what that means, Flynn.”

“Sure ya do. If ya wait ‘til the water’s all cooled down, good luck cooking the bird. Right now the water’s boilin’.”

“No it’s not. He doesn’t want anything to do with me.”

“That’s ’cause the water’s boilin’. If it weren’t, he’d talk to ya all day long. He’s just tryin’ not to get burned.”

There was an absurd and comforting logic to what he was saying. “Keep going.”

“There’s not much more to say. Move to Kansas City.”

“That’s easier said than done, Flynn.”

“Tell me this. What needs more attention? The things in San Francisco? Or the thing in Kansas City?”

I didn’t answer him. I didn’t know what to say.

“Charlotte, give him a grand gesture. Show ’im he’s more important than the things you’ve left behind.”

“Wow. I should never have answered the phone this morning.”

We laughed. “Think about it. It might work.”

“It might not. And then I’ll be two thousand miles away from my family and I’ll have given up the best job in the world and . . . It’s all so scary.”

“But you’re brave. And if it doesn’t work out, you can go back.”

“I thought you were my friend.”

Flynn didn’t say anything right away. He just smiled. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft. “I am.”

Check out my reviews of the other books in this trilogy!

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

To learn more about Karey White and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Book Review: Cursed Beauty by Dorian Tsukioka

Cursed Beauty (A Fairy Retelling #1) by Dorian Tsukioka

Genre: Young Adult (Fractured Fairy Tale)
Date Published: November 15, 2014
Publisher: Self

A pair of glass slippers that can change her life? When something is too good to be true, it usually is... 

Adelaide has lived her entire life cursed with a birthmark that makes people shy away. When an invitation to the Elder Prince’s ball falls in her lap, she knows attending would only cause people to shun her more. 

A fairy godmother feels her pain and offers her a pair of glass slippers that not only transform her ragged dress to an elegant gown, but also removes the mark that covers her face. However, Adelaide soon learns that the beautiful slippers can steal away more than just her birthmark, leaving her cursed in a far worse way. 

This retelling of the classic Cinderella story will resound with readers of young adult fiction who love paranormal fantasy, fairy tales, and a splash of romance. 

Cursed Beauty is the first book in the A Fairy Retelling series by Dorian Tsukioka. This story put a whole new spin on the Cinderella story we all know and love. For such a short story, we are given a whole lot of information on Adelaide and the Prince's history. Yes, they have a history of sorts way before the ball ever happens. With a birthmark covering her face, Adelaide isn't your typical Cinderella, and as you read, you'll find there's more to some of the other characters too. I enjoyed this book a great deal, and I'm looking forward to more in this new series!

Cursed Beauty by Dorian Tsukioka was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

Dorian Tsukioka was born in Iowa, but lived most of her childhood in the heart of America, in Kansas City, Missouri. After college, she lived in Japan, in Nagasaki Prefecture. There, she met her her husband and got her crazy last name.

She and her husband lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, Durango, Colorado, and Colorado Springs, Colorado until her first born child came along. Then, the lure of free babysitting brought her family back to Kansas City, where you can go to the opera, see a major-league ball game, and go cow tipping all in one night. Dorian does not suggest anyone go cow tipping.

Dorian is a full-time elementary school teacher and late-night writer. She loves writing young adult fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction stories. She thinks they rock.

To learn more about Dorian Tsukioka and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E.L. James

Genre: Adult (Contemporary Romance/Erotica) 18+
Date Published: May 25, 2011
Publisher: Vintage

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

This book is intended for mature audiences. 

Fifty Shades of Grey is the first book in the Fifty Shades trilogy by E.L. James. I never planned on reading this series. Way back when this was a Twilight fan fiction, friends were telling me to: "Read it! Read it! Oh you have to read it!" So, I gave in and read the first few chapters. I wasn't impressed. Then it gets published, and even more people tell me to read it. No thanks. That's okay. Not my thing. But then, it had to get a movie deal. Well... you know I have this crazy need to read a book before I see the movie. Why do I even want to see the movie? No clue. Dumb curiosity I guess, but now I have to read the book first. So, here I am.

First of all, how is this book not plagiarism? Does it get excused because it started out as fan fiction? I don't know, so for now I'll just assume Stephenie Meyers' people would have taken care of things if there was a need to. Not my monkeys.

I don't like book characters to be messed with by anyone other than the author. So, needless to say, I don't like fan fiction as a general rule. With that being said, this book wasn't as awful as I expected it to be, but it still wasn't great. The story itself was okay, but the writing style bothered me quite a bit. Mostly because of the repetition. Ana's internal monologue is full of "He's so hot." and "My inner goddess did this." and "my subconscious said that." It was distracting and yes, very annoying.

The best parts were the banterings and conversations back and forth by email. Those emails kept the story going.

Christian's lifestyle is not one that I find remotely appealing, but I get that some people are into it. Ana, clearly isn't, but she likes him so she gives it a try. He had his tender moments. Many of them actually. And I loved that about him, but he needs to be in control and have his room of pain. Thankfully, there wasn't as much of that as I expected, (the way my friends talked... they never left the red room. So, I was glad that wasn't the case.), but what there was didn't set well with me. At times, Ana tried to grow a back bone, but then she'd give in. One step forward, four steps back. And just when I thought: "Yay! She's finally growing a pair!" Well.. she disappointed me again. I know we all have this need to fix the wounded bad boy, but it should never be at the expense of our own self worth, and it certainly shouldn't make us feel how Ana felt. I think that's what bothers me the most. It's great if everyone is having fun.. otherwise? Not so much.

Will I read the next book? Probably. Why? Because now I want to know what happens.

After watching the movie: I wrote the above review before seeing the movie. I watched the movie last night, and I have to say, I enjoyed the movie a lot more than the book. The movie eliminates all the repetitive internal monologues. There were no chatty subconscious or inner goddesses to sit through. Ana was much more likable as a character too. If they make more movies, they need to keep this screen writer.

That scares me... you scare me... I am completly caught up in your spell, considering a lifestyle with you that I didn't even know existed until last week, and then you write something like that and I want to run screaming into the hills. I won't of course, because I'd miss you. Really miss you. I want us to work, but I am terrified of the dept of feeling I have for you and the dark path you're leading me down. What you are offering is erotic and sexy, and I'm curious, but I'm also scared you'll hurt me- physically and emotionally. After threee months you could say good-bye, and where will that leave me if you do?

I’m a former TV executive, wife and mother-of-two based in the leafy suburbs of West London. Since January 2012 my life has taken an extraordinary turn with the runaway success of the Fifty Shades Trilogy. From an early age I had always dreamt of writing stories that readers would fall in love with – and my dreams have come true, thanks to you guys. Now that life seems to have settled down a little, I want to crack on and write my next novel – another adult, provocative romance. I do hope you will enjoy that too.

Thank you for all your support. It has meant the world to me. If any one were to ask me for my thoughts about this whole experience, I would say: life is not a dress rehearsal – seize the day and follow your dreams. I wish you the best of luck.

To learn more about E.L. James and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Release Day Blitz! And Forever by Danielle Sibarium

And Forever by Danielle Sibarium
Genre: Young Adult (Contemporary Romance)
Date Published: February 19, 2015
Publisher: Self

“Sometimes being with the one you love hurts more than being without them.”

“There’s nothing you can’t do if you want it bad enough.” This is the mantra Jordan Brewer drilled into my head since the day I met him. He convinced me nothing is out of my reach, not even him.  

I love Jordan, and Jordan loves me, but something always gets in the way. I had to fight tooth and nail to convince him we belong together. Now he’s mine, but I’m not sure our love is strong enough to survive.

I’m away at school and Jordan’s playing drums for a local band. We hardly see each other, and when we do, he’s haunted by demons from his past. I’m struggling to fit in and he’s struggling with his ever-growing mountain of guilt. Will we be able to hold on to each other through the tough times, or will it all come tumbling down around us? 

"Promise me something?"

     Jordan's brows knit together, and there's not a hint of the playfulness we shared earlier. I can't imagine what has him looking so worried.

     "Anything."

     I mean it, too. Because there isn't anything I wouldn't do for him.

     "Promise you won't drink?"

     I hesitate. He takes that as a sign I don't want to agree. "If you want to drink, fine, just wait until I'm with you. This way I know you'll be safe."

     "You don't trust me?"

     "Of course I trust you. You just . . . " He smoothes my hair, "Let's just say you don't always make the best decisions when you drink, and I won't be a few blocks away. That makes me nervous." He pulls me close, and takes a long, deep breath.

     I hug my arms around him, and rest my head against his chest. I'm so lost to the thumping of his heart, I almost don't hear what he says next.

     "I want to know you're safe. That's all."

     Perfect. He is absolutely perfect.

"Okay, I promise. No drinking unless I'm with you. But now I need you to promise something." I look up braving the intensity of his eyes.

     He gives me a crooked smile, raises his eyebrow in a silent question, and my heart flutters just a little faster.

     I look away. He's going to think I'm pathetic; like that isn't something he already knows about me. But he brought up the fact that we won't be a few blocks away from each other, and it terrifies me.

     "What's wrong, Steph?"

     "Promise you won't forget about me."

     "How you could think for a minute I'd be able to forget you is beyond me. Even if I were across the country, across the world, I wouldn't be able to forget about you." He rests his hands at the base of my neck, forcing me to look up at him. "That's why I'm here, standing in front of you. That's why I'm alive, because I can't forget about you. Ever.”

Check out my reviews some of Danielle Sibarium's other novels... 

Danielle Sibarium grew up as an only child of divorced parents in Brooklyn, New York. Her imagination was developed at an early age. Surrounded by stuffed animals and imaginary friends, she transported herself into a fantasy world full of magic and wonder. Books were the gateway between her play world and reality. On any given summer afternoon she became Snow White sweeping and cooking for the dwarfs, or Cinderella waiting for the prince.

Danielle always loved dialogue and in elementary school began writing plays and short stories. This is when she began to understand she could not only bring her fantastical world to life for herself, but she could enchant others as well. And so she wrote. She wrote and wrote and wrote.

Sadly the first piece she ever sent out for publication of any sort was a letter to the editor of The Home News Tribune. It was a piece thanking the first responders for their bravery and selflessness on Sept 11th. It was chosen as letter of the week.

In 2007 Danielle collaborated with Charlotte Doreen Small to write songs for her CD More. Danielle wrote the lyrics for Take My Hand, and Goodbye, while Charlotte contributed the melody.

 In October 2011 Danielle’s debut novel For Always was released. She Has since released Heart Waves and the second book in the Heart Waves series, Breaking Waves. 

Danielle graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University with honors, and currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children. Check out my interview with Danielle!

To learn more about Danielle Sibarium, visit her website. You can also find her on Twitter, Facebook, & tsu.