***BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY*** Sanctuary of Mine by S. Pratt

Sanctuary of Mine

By S. Pratt 

Synopsis~

From the bestselling author of RUINED, comes SANCTUARY OF MINE:

When you see someone who looks like they need saving, you save them right?

Mackenzie Deeks is struggling. Outwardly she plays the tough guy and acts like being a young adult with an eating disorder is no big deal. Inside, she's crumbling.

Ever since her parents’ divorce, the only way she has been able to feel in control of her life is by purging the despair that has its grips on her and won't let go.

Tyler Redding knows when someone needs help - he's seen it before. This time, though, he's not going to take no for an answer. From the moment he first sets his sights on Mackenzie, he's unable to think of anyone else. But how can he focus on a football career when all he wants to do is date the most unassuming person he's ever met?

As their lives become intricately entwined, it becomes more than wishful thinking when Mackenzie and Tyler find each other again as adults. With successful careers, a beachside lifestyle and each other’s love to contend with, life should be pretty damn good. But just when they think they’ve found their wonderful kind of normal, their perfect world comes crashing down.

It’s going to take a lot to keep Mackenzie from succumbing to old habits, but Tyler thinks he might just be the one to save her for good.

WARNING: Advised for audiences 17+years.
*Includes a sample of Ruined

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Amy's Thoughts~ 

Before I go into my review. When I was young, I never really heard my parents argue. Mostly because my dad worked out of town and was never home to argue with. Nevertheless, there is one direct memory that sticks out in my mind. I was young, a teenager, maybe 15. I was acting out. I had gotten caught shoplifting cigarettes & lipgloss from a local store. As I was led out of the store in handcuffs - they couldn't reach my mom - I was mortified (yes, I learned a very BIG lesson). I remember sitting at the police station, waiting in a stark white room, waiting for my mother. I recall hearing her talk to the officer. And the only thing I recall hearing her say?.... 

"Why can't she be more like her sister?"

The point of my story? Sanctuary of Mine is the story of a girl who overheard words that spilled from her mother's mouth, and those words caused her so much internal struggle that it affected her nearly all of her life. 

Much like my mother's words did to me. 

Mackenzie is broken. She's been broken since the divorce, she knows she needs help with her eating disorder, she just choses not to do so. She does what she needs to do to feel better about herself. And she has her "system" down pat. Her mom doesn't suspect a thing. 

She's beautiful, he sees it immediately, she can attempt to hide herself all she wants, he still sees it. Tyler also sees her secret. He knows the signs all too well. And while yes, he want to help her. It's not out of pity, it's out of love. He's loved her since the first day he saw her. And he will not stop until he proves it to her. 

Sanctuary of Mine - to me - is ultimately about the consequences of the words that are spoken in the heat of the moment. And how those words can affect ones life. It's also about the boy that was strong enough to cause himself pain to help pull her out of her despair. 

Read this book. If you haven't taken any of my suggestions, take this one. Read.The.Book.

About the Author~ 

S. Pratt is a multi-genre author who lives on the east coast of Australia in northern New South Wales with her husband and two children.

Shelly's breakout novel, Ruined and companion novella, Ruining Angel are contemporary romance fiction books available on kindle and print from the Amazon store.

Sanctuary of Mine is her latest work in the New Adult Romance genre. (Graphic Design by Cover It Designs). Available NOW.

Beloved Soul by Shelly Pratt is available through Amazon and is published through Eternal Press. Please note that Beloved Soul's cover artwork, editing and publication is all done through Eternal Press.

All other novels are written and published by S. Pratt. Editing acknowledgements go to those who are listed on each individual book title.

You can find all the latest information about Shelly and her other books (in different genres) by visiting http://facebook.com/authorpratt or http://shellypratt.net or http://twitter.com/authorprattster

Playlist~ 

Sooner or later - Matt Kearney

Here's to Never Growing Up - Avril Lavigne

A New Day Has Come - Celine Dion

Mirrors - Justin Timberlake

Let Her Go - Passenger

Your Love - Brandon Heath

Super Trooper - Abba

Just Give Me a Reason - Pink

Wanted - Hunter Hayes

Undefeated - Jason Derulo

We Don't Eat - James Vincent McMorrow

When I Look at You - Miley Cyrus

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***Blog tour*** Fixed on You by Laurelin Paige

Fixed on You 

by Laurelin Paige

Synopsis~ 

Stalking and restraining orders are a thing of Alayna Pierce’s past. With her MBA newly in hand, she has her future figured out – move up at the nightclub she works at and marry the manager, David. He’s perfect for her because, although he’s attractive, he doesn’t get her all turned inside out and upside down like some other men have. It’s a safe plan, one that assures she’ll remain in control of her obsessive love disorder.

But what Alayna didn’t figure on is Hudson Pierce, the new owner of the nightclub. He’s smart, rich, and gorgeous – the kind of guy Alayna knows to stay away from if she wants to keep her past tendencies in check. Except, Hudson’s fixed his sights on her. He wants her in his bed and makes no secret of his plans to seduce her. Avoiding him becomes impossible after he offers a business proposition Alayna can’t turn down and she’s drawn further into his universe, unable to resist his gravitational pull.

Soon Alayna’s charmed by Hudson in every way possible and the control over her old behaviors slip. When she learns Hudson has a dark history of his own, she realizes too late that she’s fallen for the worst man she could possibly get involved with. Or maybe their less than ideal pasts give them an opportunity to heal each other and finally find the love their lives have been missing.

Goodreads | Amazon | B & N

Amy's Thoughts~ 

Alayna has issues. She knows it. It's not one of those things she wants to deny or run from. She wants help. So she goes out and gets it. Living the straight and narrow, she knows what signs to look out for, she knows what she wants to do to keep herself busy so as to not fall back into old habits. And she's doing a pretty good job of it. Until Hudson Pierce. 

Hudson Pierce. Holy Hotness. Super sexy, super mysterious. He has a job. For this job, there's only one lady that will do. Alayna. He's captivated by her. But what Alayna doesn't know is that Hudson is caught in his problems as well. He always gets what he wants. Regardless of what he has to do to get it. Whatever it takes. 

Hudson and Alayna are on fire when they are together. The sparks between the two of them fly off the page. And alpha? Oh, Hudson ranks up there with the likes of Damien Stark, & Gabriel Emerson. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that Hudson and Alayna? Oh so sexy. Definitely check out this sexy book. Keep a spare pair of panties on hand, Hudson will make certain you need them. ;)

About the Author~ 

Laurelin Paige is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine. She is represented by Bob Diforio of D4EO Literary Agency.

Author social media links:

Website

Facebook

Twitter 

Goodreads

You can follow the tour to see reviews, guest posts, and excerpts by clicking the button below.

Tour schedule link: http://atomrbookblogtours.com/2013/05/09/arc-tour-fixed-on-you-by-laurelin-paige/

Title: Fixed on You

Author: Laurelin Paige

Release date: June 2013

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

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Cover Reveal for debut Indie Author Isabel Lucero

The Secrets That We Keep

by~ Isabel Lucero

Excerpt~ 

#1 

“I can definitely remind you how big I am, Annabella.” His voice is heavy with desire. “I can’t have you forgetting something like that.” I bite my lip and give him a side long glance; he turns slightly and gives me a sexy smile that shows off his perfect white teeth.

He quickly grabs me by my hips and lifts me up and I willingly wrap my legs around his waist. He puts his hands in my hair and tugs it hard enough to give him access to my neck. His lips and tongue move across the side of my neck and I can feel his stubbly hair against my skin. I rub my fingers through his hair and give it a tug as well. Julian lets out a growl and claims my lips with his. His tongue penetrates my mouth and I start grinding my body against his, I can definitely feel how big he is. I let out a frustrated moan because we aren’t skin to skin. He seems to be in my head because he puts me down on my feet and begins taking off his shirt. He’s now standing there in a “wife beater” undershirt and jeans and looks absolutely delicious. His tanned skin is flawless and every muscle on his body is defined. God, he is perfect. After taking a moment to gawk at him, I start fumbling with the button on his jeans and then move onto the zipper.

#2

“I think somebody was following and watching me,” I say to him quietly.

Julian’s face instantly changes, he no longer has the look of concern and love but instead his face is hardened and he looks pissed. “What do you mean, somebody was following you? How do you know? Did they approach you at all?” The more he asks, the more I can tell he’s having a harder time controlling himself.

“No, nobody approached me, but there was this car that was tailing me when I was driving to meet my clients. I’m pretty sure I saw them hanging around at the park where I was taking pictures, too. They might actually be in some of my pictures!” I practically yell the last part because I had forgotten about those pictures; maybe we’ll be able to see who they are. “Oh and when I met with Jade in the city I saw the same car outside the coffee shop we met at, a little down the block, but it was two guys again and they were wearing baseball caps.”

Julian looks agitated and his legs are bouncing up and down, he’s chewing on his bottom lip as if he’s in deep thought. “What did the car look like?” he asks.

“Umm, it was a dark SUV. That’s all I know.”

“You’re gonna have to show me those pictures, Annabella. I’m not gonna have some assholes following you around. Just know, I’m going to find out who these bastards are and I’ll make sure they never come around you again,” he says vehemently.

His sudden anger and seriousness makes me nervous. “Babe, maybe it’s just a coincidence, maybe I’m just being paranoid. Who would want to follow me around anyway? I’m boring,” I say with a forced laugh, trying to joke and make light of the situation. It doesn’t seem to work.

“Yeah well, we’ll just see about that,” he says as he gets up and stalks off towards the backyard. “Get me those pictures Annabella,” he demands as he pulls his phone from his pocket and slips out the back door.

Well, maybe he’ll figure out it’s nobody. Maybe they were just some bored teenagers with nothing better to do. Then again, maybe he’ll find out something I may not want him to. I knew I shouldn’t have said anything. Dammit!

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Giveaway~ 

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***Blog Tour*** After Tuesday by Renee Ericson

After Tuesday

by Renee Ericson

Synopsis~ 

Family really is a pain…especially when your father is an addict.

For the last two years, high school senior Ruby has been her own rock and solace. She has learned to depend only on herself and hides her family's issues by keeping herself somewhat unnoticeable. Despite her isolation, Ruby has intrigued the affections of someone unexpected. Finding herself loving life once again as his persistence sparks a romance awakening a well-protected heart.

While Ruby’s relationship with her father is constantly teetering, her new-found affection continues to blossom into something more than she ever thought possible. Soon, Ruby comes to realize that opening up your heart means being susceptible to love and disappointment.

About the Author~ 

Renee loves to wear hoodies, is fluent in Yoda speak, and likes to make videos with Lego figures. She is a long time insomniac, but doesn't have the energy to start an underground Fight Club so she settles for writing stories about the characters who plague her mind. She grew up in the Midwest and currently resides in the Boston area, but sounds nothing like Ben Affleck or Matt Damon.

website | twitter | facebook

Amy's Thoughts~ 

Ruby "Tuesday" isn't your normal average teenager. Losing her mother at a young age, she's been raised by her addict father. Addict being the operative word here. He's not just an alcoholic, he's a user. Checking out of reality to escape his life - and his daughter. Ruby works towards making through her senior year of high school. She's not abused, she's not anything. She's left alone to deal with the house, with the bills, with groceries. It's not unusual to her. It's what she does, it's what she knows.

Brent is a great male character with one pretty big flaw. He assumes. And we all know what happens when we assume something. Brent is certainly handsome & is an "all in" kinda guy.

The emotions conveyed in this one are powerful.

Ruby's thoughts "When will someone fight for me?" Haven't we all felt that way before??

Brent - "I want to be with you because I need to be. Those other things don't matter. I can handle all of them...because they're part of you. I want to be with you because when I'm with you, near you, around you, I'm better than any other version of me."

*sigh*

Renee Ericson is simply astonishing in her storytelling. I wasn't ready for the story of Ruby & Brent to come to a close.

amazon

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***Blog Tour & Giveaway***When It's Least Expected by~ Heather Van Fleet

When It's Least Expected

by~ Heather Van Fleet

Synopsis~ 

Recommended for 16+ due to some language, underage drinking, and slight sexual content

Moving on after a tragedy can be impossible, especially when you’ve been dealing with those tragedies for over two years. But it’s her senior year, and Harley Anderson is more than ready to do just that, even though the skeletons in her closet can’t exactly be hidden.

Enter Mason Daniel, the egotistical, sexy, surfer boy from California. A boy with his own hidden demons, and an even bigger secret agenda. Mason isn’t right for Harley. He knows this better than anyone. He’s the epitome of a runner, a guy who takes what he can get, only to split a short while later. But he can’t deny the emotions that Harley brings out of him, so he’s going to break his rules for once.

He should have known what it would lead to…

Two kindred souls, both lost and then found. Will they fail in their search for contentment and happiness, or will they instead find true love when it’s least expected?

amazon | b&n | kobo | all romance ebooks

Amy's Thoughts~ 

When It's Least Expected is a sweet love story about two 17 year olds that have been dealt more tragedy than most people can handle in a lifetime. It's about learning to let go of the guilt you carry around with you. 

Harley has been through her fair share. She's overcome a lot to be able to handle being back at school among her friends. She's optimistic as she faces her senior year. There's only one thing missing - her brother. 

Mason didn't want to move. He wanted to stay in Santa Cruz & pursue his surfing dream.  After a series of events out of his control, he finds himself with his mom and sister in "Small Town USA", Nebraska. Counting down the days until he can get back to Cali and back to the ocean. He meets Harley - and she's his goddess! Immediately entranced by her sarcasm, wit, & beauty. He begins his relentless pursuit of making her his.  All the while, thoughts of being back in Cali are in his head. 

Through their relationship Harley and Mason meet a lot of resistance, a lot of mistrust,  and a lot of miscommunication. Can they open the lines of communication and get rid of their guilt before it destroy's them? 

I really enjoyed this book. As far as angst goes, it was rather light and easy read. Perfect for one of those days when you want something a little lighter. Beware ~ there is slight sexual activity in this book as well as some underage drinking. 

About the Author~ 

Heather Van Fleet currently resides in northern Illinois, with her three daughters, Kelsey, Emma, and Isabella, and her fabulous hubby (and high school sweetheart) Chris, with whom she’s been blissfully married to now for ten plus years. She’s a stay at home mom by day, and an avid and completely obsessive writer and reader by night.

Excerpt~ 

Mason’s heart raced, his hands trembled. His mouth went dry. Finally, she turned around, and shit…there was no way he could tear his gaze away at that point.

Damn, when had he turned into a creeper?

Her profile appeared first as she dug her slender hand into some wallet thingy. And then boom, she finally glanced up at him.

He gaped, and then he blinked. Holy…shit…the girl…was a goddess.

His body numbed, his eyes bugged from his head. The breath in his chest was lost in that stunned sort of way, just as the sexy as sin creature, with the chocolate brown eyes, glared back at him. Mason blinked again, this time his jaw practically became unhinged. He knew he should look away, or maybe at least wipe the drool hanging from his mouth, but he was too frozen in place to a damn thing.

“What the hell are you staring at?” she snarled. Her upper lip curled on one side, Elvis style.

Damn… Who knew grimaces could be so sexy? She owned that grimace – worked it like a sex slave. Like a love sick puppy, Mason found himself grinning back at her, only to get assaulted with more nasty words from that pretty full-lipped mouth.

“Umm, are you going to answer me sometime tonight, pal, or are you just going to stand there, grinning like the idiot you most likely are?” She finished wiping off her hands with some sort of napkin before she moved in closer, stalking him with fierceness in her hateful eyes.

The site of her body coming near should have had Mason running, but he didn’t. Couldn’t was the better word. He needed to be near her. Hell, he needed to touch her… He tucked his hands back in his pockets to keep from doing just that. He had to get control before he did something stupid.

“I couldn’t help but notice your little problem, so I thought I’d be your knight in shining armor tonight…” he winked. God, where did all his game go? He wanted to smack his own face, but he was too distracted by the sudden appearance of her barely there freckles across her cream colored skin. In fact, the closer she got to him, the harder he tightened his fists to fight off the freakish urge to reach out and play connect the dots with them.

He shook his head, clearing his pussy thoughts, taking a breath to steady his voice at the same time. He wiped a damp palm down the front of his face. There was no way some little midwestern girl, with hair that resembled midnight ocean waves, was going to get to him.

“Wow, I’ve got my own very own hero here, Abs. Why ever didn’t you tell me?” She tried her hand at an Alabama drawl, fanning her face at the same time. Her attitude should have turned him off, but damn if it didn’t draw him in more.

“Hey now, no need to get an attitude with me, Little Beast,” he replied, digging the lost key chain from his pocket. Her eyes narrowed down at his hands, reaching out to swipe it from him. He grinned, holding it above his head. No way was he letting it go that easily.

It was play time.

Playlist~ 

I Won’t Let Go: Rascal Flatts

Try: by Pink

Fix You: by Cold Play

Only Exception: by Paramore

Let’s Stay Together: Al Green

Here Come’s Goodbye: Rascal Flatts

Disaster: JoJo

I Hurt Too: Katie Herzig

I’m Movin On: by Rascal Flatts

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Every Breath by Tasha Ivey

Every Breath

by~ Tasha Ivey

EARLY RELEASE 8/4/2013

Amy's Thoughts~ 

***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***

HOLY AMAZE-BALLS...... 

A moment please.... 

I must digest everything... 

Damn... 

Tasha Ivey..... WoW....

Makenna spent the last two years in a fog. Floating through life with a smile plastered on her face. Just enough to convince everyone around her that she is fine. On the inside, she is tortured. Very few nights exist that she doesn't have night terrors. She doesn't date, she has her best friend, her cat, and her kids to keep her occupied. And that is all she needs. Or so she thinks. 

Drew is the hot football coach that is majorly crushin on Mak. She gives into peer pressure and takes him up on his offer for dinner. She falls into her same rut, she plasters on that smile, and convinces herself daily that she's "good to go" in this relationship. 

Sawyer is a soldier. Mak's kids reached out to him in a class project and he returns the favor and enamors the children with daily video chats. Mak & Sawyer embark on a friendship that is effortless. A wonderful friendship that helps the days go by a little faster for the both of them. 

Good Lord this book has it ALL! I had moments when I didn't want to "swipe" the page because I couldn't bear to see what came next. I had moments when I swooned so much it took me a moment and a deep breath to keep going. 

MAJOR BHO (book hangover) when I finished this one. Now I have to ask myself, do I want to savor the hangover for a little bit longer, or dive into the next book awaiting a review? I think I want to savor.....  

Tasha Ivey ~ Facebook

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***Cover Reveal*** Katie Mac's Searching for Tomorrow

Add to your shelf!

Blurb:

What happens when you find the one person who completes you, and then life conspires against you? How do you set your grief and anguish aside? How do you pick up the shattered pieces, put those pieces back together again, and try to move on?

Katie and Tripp met on the playground the first day of third grade when Tripp tried to rescue Katie from Zack, her twin brother. A lifelong friendship that later blossomed into love began that day.

Broken beyond her own ability to repair, Katie boxes her grief up and attempts to raise her three girls the best she can on her own. As time slowly passes, Katie relives her times with Tripp while struggling most days to even get out of bed. She is reminded of him at every turn.

Zack is Katie's twin brother and was Tripp's best friend. Having lost his own love, he dedicates himself to helping Katie put her life back together. Throw in a mother-in-law who torments at every turn and poor Katie can't even find a chance to breathe, much less a desire to somehow search for tomorrow. 

Author Interview:

Tell us 5 surprising things about yourself.

• 1.     I am a PK. If you know what that means, then you know what that means.
  2.     I have always wanted to be a red head with long, beautiful corkscrew curls.
  3.     No matter what I’m doing, I would rather be outside, day or night, hot or cold, rain or shine.
  4.     I was awarded two separate scholarships when I graduated high school. One was a teaching fellowship and the other was for writing.
  5.     I love to cook, almost as much as I like to eat. I spent a couple of years as a private cook for a local family and loved every minute of it
  
  
  What is your writing environment?

At the moment, I have a makeshift office in my pantry! If need be, I can shut the door and cut off part of the noise. I hope to have a more permanent space soon.

One of your favorite quotes.

                  To whom much is given, much is required.          

Random things about my novel.

Just a bit of nonsense. I am Kathryn Anne, and my two sisters are Rebekah Elizabeth and Sarah Margaret. My husband is Channing, and my son is Zachary. One of my daughters is Elizabeth, and I still have to work my daughter Brittany into the book. Highlands is my most favorite place in the world to go when my soul need refreshing. Last, but not least, I actually had a great-grandma Tiddy!

             

Flirting Questions

What does love feel like? 

Warm, fuzzy, secure, safe, sheltered

How did you meet your significant other? 

In the lobby of the bank that I worked in. I was on all fours under a Christmas tree tightening the screws in the base. What can I say? Baby got back!

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be? 

Any trip I take with Hubs is romantic. One of his favorite things to do is to whisk me away to wine and dine me.

Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Absolutely! Ask me how I feel about my grandson Grayson!

Author Links

Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Bio:

About this author If you are reading this, I think you should know that "About me" sounds so very pretentious to me. I guess that is what I am supposed to write about, so here it goes!

Katie Mac is a simple country girl who likes to spend time with her hubba, hunka hubby, her three kids and her friends. She loves to cook and really loves to eat! During the spring and summer, you will more than likely find her outside puttering around in her garden. When the veggies start coming in, she will probably be sweating over a hot canner in the kitchen, canning all the goodies she is blessed with. Katie likes to hike and go camping, and as a Girl Scout leader, she gets to do this pretty often! On cold winter nights, you will probably find her wrapped in a warm blanket, lost in a good book, while sitting in her rocking chair on the front porch!

Katie was born and raised in North Carolina, and while she loves to travel, she can't imagine ever leaving the mountains that she has come to call home. Not a day goes by that Katie doesn't thank God for abundantly blessing her. He has been so good to her, and she is very grateful. She holds Jeremiah 29:11 very close to her heart and believes it with every fiber of her being. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Katie loves flip flops, chocolate, sweet tea and dirt between her toes. As far back as she can remember, she's had a book in her hand. Reading has carried her to places she will never go. It has introduced her to people that she will never meet. When life is great and when it is rough, she's always been able to find a book to carry her through. She finally decided to write down some of the stories in her head (yes, be scared) and heart after dawdling around and wasting years dreaming. She hopes you enjoy reading those stories as much as she loves writing them!/span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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