Promise Me This (4.5 stars) and Promise Me Forever (5 stars) by Sarah Ashley Jones

About Promise Me This

Welcome to the South—where the tea is sweet and the accents are sweeter. This Southern way of life is all Charlie has ever known. It’s not until she loses the only person who pushed her to break free of the Southern Belle mold that she starts living the life she needs and not the life her parents forced on her.

Jhett has lived on the edge for as long as he could remember - constantly teetering back and forth between being a rock star and living a normal life. His rebellious and sometimes arrogant attitude is known to get him into trouble, especially with the girls who hang on his every move.

Charlie never thought that a trip to pack up her brother’s apartment would leave her feeling even more unsettled about the grainy details of her brother’s death. Her quest for information leads her straight to his old hangout and into arms of Jhett, who suspiciously knows more about her situation than he ever should.

Only a few questions remain: Can you trust someone based on their word alone? And if you make a promise, how far will you go to keep it?

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Review

On the surface, Charlie and Jhett have nothing in common. She's the good girl to his experienced bad boy. But they share an intense bond--the loss of someone very important in both their lives. Cameron was Jhett's best friend and Charlie's brother. 

Charlie has come to Southern California to clean out her brother's apartment and try to find some closure before returning to Tennessee and her parent's wishes. Jhett is drawn to her at first glance. Sparks fly. But can what they find mend two broken hearts?

Trying to sum up what you love about a book in a way so as to encourage others to read it is quite difficult. But here goes nothing...

First, I loved the characters. Charlie is lost, but not just because of the devastation over losing her brother. It's because she hasn't had the opportunity to realize her own dreams. She needs to find her strength, even though she's full of spitfire. Jhett is strong, but still damaged. Their romance is the perfect blend of sweet and sexy--a trait I adore and one I've found a bit hard to find in NA contemporary romance.

What I loved most was the depth of emotion. Both of these characters are in pain. They don't wallow in it, but they are honest and hurting. Both have family, but they are reeling from their own pain. Finding each other is what they both needed. Although their journey to love is bumpy, it is real and it's worth rooting for.

If you are looking for a New Adult romance with tingling romance and a poignant storyline, please take a chance on Promise Me This. It's a real winner. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

About Promise Me Forever
Promise Me Forever, #1.5 (a novella)

Charlie Jennings and Jhett Hudson knew that a single moment could change everything.

It took them one song to find each other, one question to give them a chance, one kiss to fall in love, and one night to almost lose it all. But they had one thing other couples lack—pure, unconditional love—and that takes more than a moment to walk away from.

Falling in love is only the beginning. Forever is what happens next.

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Review

What a treat to get to read these two books back to back. When Promise Me This ended with "to be continued", I almost cried. I desperately wanted to know how Charlie and Jhett's love story turned out. Book one ended with hope, but I wanted more than that.

I have an intense sweet tooth. No matter how great a meal is, I often feel cheated without an equally great--if not better--dessert. That's what Promise Me Forever is... the perfect dessert.

Every word spoke to the heart of these characters, without prolonging drama or conjuring up some out-there conflict to throw one last wrench into potential happiness. It was everything I hoped it would be. Sorry to be vague, but I want readers to experience this gem for themselves.

Bravo to Sarah Ashley Jones for a pair of excellent reads.

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

Sarah Ashley Jones was raised in San Diego, California, but currently wrangles her husband and three dogs in Clarksville, Tennessee. When she’s not writing she works in a pottery studio and comes home covered in paint on a daily basis. She has a slightly unhealthy obsession with cupcakes and chapstick. She is an eternal optimist and can often be found dancing and singing to music at any given time. It’s rare to see her not smiling or laughing, but if you do, just bring her a cupcake and it will cheer her up. Her huge imagination was always in overdrive as a child and now she is beyond excited to put it to good use as an adult. She plans to write as long as she has stories that need to be told.

Connect with Sarah:

Giveaway

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Thanks to Grapevine Book Tours for including me on this tour. Please visit other stops on the Promise Me This blog tour page.

Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert -- New Release & Giveaway

Welcome to the Playing Pretend release event, organized by Grapevine Book Tours! Meet the author, Juliana Haygert, read a teaser, and enter to win a gift card or eBook copy. Don't forget to visit the event page for a list of participating blogs with excerpts and more teasers!

Playing Pretend
by Juliana Haygert
Publication: March 3rd, 2014
New Adult Contemporary Romance

As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.

Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance (17+)**

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Grab your copy today! From now until March 9th, Playing Pretend is only 99 cents!

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• Welcome, Juliana! Your newest NA Contemporary Romance, Playing Pretend, has just released! How are you feeling?

Yay! I’m excited and very nervous!

And scared. I’m scared because my readers might think they are in for a book in the same style of Breaking the Reins and this isn’t true. Playing Pretend is VERY different from Breaking the Reins. Playing Pretend is light and sweet and cute, while Breaking the Reins is deep and emotional and heartbreaking.

Even so, I hope readers enjoy Playing Pretend :)

• Summarize Playing Pretend in one sentence.

In a game of playing pretend, girl falls for the wrong boy during spring break.

• Describe the romance—what can the readers expect?

Playing Pretend is a sweet, smexy book. With lots of sexual tension, and a tiny bit graphic. Just a tiny bit ;)

• What inspired the idea behind the book?

Well, to be honest, I saw a publisher asking for a sweet spring romance, short novella length a couple of years ago. It didn’t specify anything about spring break, but that’s what came in my mind so I wrote it at once. However, I didn’t send it out. I found it too short, and the end felt rushed, so I decided to hold on to it so some day when I had more time (I was working on another book at the time) I would rework and extend it.

Fast forward to mid 2013, an urge to go back to that story hit me hard, so I picked it up again.

• What was the most challenging part of writing it?

To me writing is never the problem. What I actually have to force myself to do is to revise. I know it’s a VERY IMPORTANT and necessary evil, so I do it, but ugh, if I could, I would skip it.

• What did you most enjoy while writing the book?

The sweet moments between Charlotte and Mason :)

• Your favorite line (or scene) from Playing Pretend:

“I cupped her cheek and kissed her. I was upset, yes, but nothing could keep me away from her during these last few hours. I wanted her. I needed her. And I showed her just how much when I deepened the kiss, threatening to break unspoken social rules of how to behave in public.”

• Are you currently writing another book?

Yes, I’m writing Breaking Fences, which is a companion novel to Breaking the Reins. And when that’s out with my editor, I’ll work on The Everlasting Circle, book 3 of The Everlast Trilogy.

• Besides writing, what other artistic talents do you have?

None.

Actually, dancing. I was a ballerina for a long time and won a few competitions here and there – until I ruptured two tendons on my foot and can’t use pointe shoes anymore :(

• Best piece of advice you've received and give to aspiring authors?

Only one? Can I give a few? Lol

Know all the rules very well before breaking them. Never give up and never stop learning. Oh, and be humble, always!

Flash Q&A ...
• Current Obsession:

Kpop. I love me some South Korean singers/dancers :)

• Last thing you Googled:

stock photos for Breaking Fences cover.

• You’re stressed. What’s the first thing you do or reach for?

I reach for anything that plays music—my iphone, ipad, ipod, laptop, etc–turn it on and let my mind wander through things I like or through ideas I’m excited about.

• You write best with __MUSIC AND COFFEE__ while __MY KIDS IS AT SCHOOL__ and in your __HOME OFFICE, WEARING YOGA PANTS__.
• Inspiration hits, but you're not home or near your computer. You _____.

I reach into my purse and grab my notepad and pen.

• Best writing resource:

Blogs—I follow a bunch on bloglovin—fellow authors, and a closed NA group on facebook ;)

• Guilty pleasure:

Hm, eating too much chocolate? lol

• Automatic buy-list author:

Richelle Mead, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarra Cannon, Alyssa Rose Ivy …

• Character you wish was real so you could meet:

Only one? Damn. My own Micah from The Everlast Trilogy, then ;)

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Juliana Haygert

Her Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads

While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

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• One (1) $10 Amazon or B&N gift card {INT}
• Two (2) eBook copies of Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert {INT}

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Strength (4.5 stars) & Courage (5 stars) by Carrie Butler

About Courage

Rena Collins never thought she’d long for the past—back when affection from Wallace, her freakishly strong boyfriend, was the most dangerous aspect of her life. But now that the human-altering organization known as ERA has gone on the offensive, nothing is safe. Her bloodline is exposed, her relationships torn apart, and just when it seems like things can’t get any worse, ERA ups the ante. To save mankind from forced evolution, Rena will have to mend her broken ties and form a resistance... hand-in-hand with the one she hurt most.

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Review

As if loving Wallace wasn't dangerous enough, now Rena must face a terrifying evil. One that could destroy everything. Plus, Rena discovers that Wallace isn't the only one with powers. There are so many factors at play, and so much Rena can't control.

After all, what is strength without courage?

Wow. It's not very eloquent, but it's the perfect word to describe how I felt about the second book in the Mark of Nexus series. From page one, you jump right into an amazing story with well-developed characters. Not only were all the characters I loved from Strength back, but their roles were amped up. Corynn, a girl whose power has major implications for Rena and Wallace, is introduced. Right away, I wanted to know her story. I suspect she will continue to play an important role in book three.

But my favorite addition to this story was the changing point of views. Although I love Rena as a character, there was an added intensity with Wallace's perspective. Now I just need some Cole thrown in. I'm Team Wallace, but Wallace's brother is piquing my interest more and more.

It's been a while since I felt this connected to a story--lost in it from page one of book one and seamlessly through book two. Book three can't get here soon enough.

Rating: 5 stars

About Strength

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, she’s stunned. Wallace Blake is everything she’s ever wanted in a man—except he can’t touch her. His uncontrollable strength, a so-called gift from his bloodline, makes every interaction dangerous. And with a secret, supernatural war brewing among his kind, there’s no time to work it out. To keep Wallace in her life, Rena will have to risk a whole lot more than her heart.

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Review

What if you fell for a man with secrets, a man whose touch could cause you pain? Would you have the strength to love him anyway, even if it meant you'd be in danger?

Rena Collins has no clue she'll be facing these questions when she runs into the hard body of Wallace Blake. He is hiding from everyone, but he feels drawn to Rena.

Soon, Rena is deep in a world she doesn't understand. What is she willing to sacrifice for love?

Rena is headstrong and determined, traits I love in female characters. She doesn't turn and run in fear. The heat between Wallace and Rena is palpable, but their deeper connection is what I found more captivating. Plus, huge kudos to Carrie Butler for an intriguing new species in the paranormal genre. I was captivated not just by Wallace, but by his family and the mark of Nexus.

I wasted no time moving from Strength straight to Courage, especially with a promise Rena has to make. One that is destined to bring even more danger into her life. This book left me with so many questions? But more importantly, a burning desire to know more.

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author

Carrie Butler daydreamed her way through college—until they thrust a marketing degree into her hands, slapped a summa cum laude seal on the corner, and booted her out into a less-than-stellar job market. Instead of panicking at the prospect of unemployment, she used her Midwestern logic to steer into the skid and point her life in the direction she really wanted to go: writing out those daydreams.

Her passion for New Adult fiction led her to co-found NA Alley—a widely recognized informational hub for the category. She is the author of STRENGTH (Mark of Nexus #1) and COURAGE (Mark of Nexus #2).

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Thanks to Grapevine Book Tours for including me on this blog tour.

Visit more stops on the Courage blog tour page.

 

 

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.