Heather's 13 Favorite reads of 2013

 

Okay here are my 13  FAVORITE reads of 2013, believe me this was not easy at all!  I've been sitting here thinking of all these greats books I've read and these 13 have really touched me, grabbed a hold of my soul and embedded their stories in my heart forever. I've read alot of AMAZING books by a lot of talented Authors, and I could add hundred more to the list.  I loved these books and everything their beautiful story had to tell. There were some that broke my heart and crushed me and some had me laughing out loud to have people looking at me like I'm a fucking nut!. I cried, yelled and even wanted to break my kindle or whatever I was reading on more than one occasion! I'm so happy I started reading again, it has brought so many new and old friends in my life and I'm forever grateful. I can't wait to see what new stories these Authors have for us bookwhores in 2014!!

 

    The Dark Duet series by CJ. Robert

                                         

     Fear of Falling  by SL. Jennings

                                

           

       Thoughtless series by SC. Stephens

                                                               
         

             Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas

                                                            

                                                         
                                       

           Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

                   
        
           

       In The Company of Killers series by                     JA.Redmerski

                                                              

                      

                     

              Arsen by Mia Asher

                             

                        
             

         Collide series by Gail McHugh

                         

                             
            

        Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

                             

                             
                       

               Real by Katy Evans

                             

               

           The Consequences series by
                 Aleatha Romig

                                        

                                         

            A Blue Tale by Sarah Dosher

                                                                    

          

                          

         A Graceful Mess by Nacole Stayton  

                                                         .           

        .

Danielle's 13 Favorite Reads of 2013

Sitting down and choosing 13 of my favorite reads of 2013 was by far no easy task. Seriously, it was hard. I only have one child, but putting this list together gave me an insight into what it would feel like if I had more than one and was forced to choose my favorites; it's nearly impossible. Trust me, there are still TONS that aren't on this list, but that doesn't mean I loved them any less, these are just some of the books that have really stuck with me even though it has been several months to a year since I have read them. As I'm sitting here writing this, I'm still going back and forth on my list. My inner mantra is telling me to just list 13 and move on. Do you realize how hard that is for a bookworm? Since you're reading this, I think it's safe to bet that you do. In order to be fair, I've chosen to only list an author once, meaning if they wrote a series, I just listed the full series instead of the individual books. With that being said, if you're an author on this list and have other published books, I'm a HUGE fan of yours and love every single one!  I would just like to say a million thanks to ALL of the authors who have provided me with an escape from the real world. I have laughed so many laughs and shed so many tears over the last year because of your books. I have had times where I wanted to throw whatever reader was in my hands at the time across the room causing it to shatter into a million pieces and others where I couldn't hold onto them tight enough. I am beyond grateful for the new friendships and I cannot wait to see what you all have in store for us in the upcoming year. There are so many stories just waiting to be told.

Without further delay and in no particular order, here is the list you have been waiting for:

The Dark Duet by CJ Roberts

A Graceful Mess by Nacole Stayton

The Black Falcon Series by Michelle Valentine

A Blue Tale by Sarah Dosher

The Chocolate Series by Tara Sivec

Hopeless by Colleen Hoover

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

The Blackstone Affair by Raine Miller

Thoughtless Series by S.C. Stephens

Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

Emi Lost & Found Series by Lori Otto

The Proposition Series by Katie Ashley

Suicide Note by Teresa Mummert

Cover Reveal and Teaser: Flirting With Chaos by Kenya Wright

Genre: New Adult Rock Star Erotic Romance

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Release Date: November 19, 2013

SYNOPSIS:

 

Can two mentally unstable best friends have sex and not drown in chaos?

 

Rain's been washing blood off her hands for far too long. After five years, she accepts the fact that she's still a little crazy but feels as if she's finally gotten it all under control.

 

Parties, drugs, and sex flood Jude's life, and music and scandal run through his veins. He's the son of a rock god and grandson of a jazz legend. It's no surprise that his own star is on the rise, and with so many groupies vying for his attention, his childhood best friend Rain keeps him anchored in reality.

 

She's nothing like him--an art student with no idea of her own beauty, who would rather curl up with a sci-fi novel than party in the spotlight. Everything changes when she asks him for a unique favor: she wants him to take her virginity. He's more than willing to oblige, but things get complicated when his pervy father gets involved. Meanwhile, intense feelings rise to the surface, ones neither Rain nor Jude are prepared to deal with.

 

If their relationship has any chance for survival, she must finally confront the demons of her past, and he must face the addictions of the present. When the smoke clears, will they find that sex between best friends was a good idea, or will they discover they had been Flirting With Chaos the entire time?

TEASER:

“Sometimes it’s okay to kill, if you’re saving someone else in the process, Rainbow.” Dad wiped my tears from my face with bloody hands. “Go ahead, sweetheart. Do it for Daddy. Pull the trigger.”

And I did.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kenya Wright always knew she would be famous since the ripe old age of six when she sang the Michael Jackson thriller song in her bathroom mirror. She has tried her hand at many things from enlisting in the Navy for six years as a Persian-Farsi linguist to being a nude model at an art university.

However, writing has been the only constant love in her life. Will she succeed? Of course.

For she has been coined The Urban Fantasy Queen, the Super Iconic Writer of this Age, The Lyrical Genius of Our Generation. Granted, these are all terms coined by her, within the private walls of her bathroom as she still sings the Michael Jackson thriller song.

Kenya Wright currently resides in Miami with her three amazing, overactive children, a supportive, gorgeous husband, and three cool black cats that refuse to stop sleeping on Kenya’s head at night.

Website| Facebook| Twitter||YouTube|Goodreads|Amazon

Cover Reveal, Teaser and Giveaway: In the Lyrics by Nacole Stayton

Genre: New Adult 18+

Publication Date: February 7, 2014 Cover Design: Toski Covey Photography and Sommer Stein of Perfect Pear Creative

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

SYNOPSIS:

Hensley Bradley is the definition of the girl-next-door. She’s kindhearted, beautiful, and talented. Bored with her mundane life, thoughts of fleeing her small town begin to consume her. With aspiring dreams to use her voice as a one-way ticket, she suddenly discovers that music might not be her only passion. After a fallout back home, Colby Grant decides to leave his family’s farm, determined to show his father he’s more than just a wanna-be country singer. With his All-American good looks, it doesn’t take long for girls in his new town to focus their eyes on him. But things aren’t what they appear from the outside, and it isn’t long until Colby feels he doesn't fit into the perfect world that so quickly embraced him. A chance encounter places Hensley in Colby’s path, but it isn’t her natural beauty that first captures his attention – it’s her voice. When love and music mix, will the combination blossom into a beautiful melody or wither into a heart-wrenching tune? 

***WARNING*** 

This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters

TEASER:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christian “Nacole” Stayton is twenty-something years young and currently resides in the Bluegrass state. She spends her days working at a local hospital in the billing department and nights writing vigorously on her current novel. She has a passion for helping others and wears her University of Kentucky gear proudly. While her husband loves all things outdoors, Nacole enjoys the finer things in life like getting pedicures while reading on her Kindle Fire. She is passionate about her faith, family, and The Bachelor. 

Nacole Stayton|Facebook|Twitter|Goodreads|Pinterest|Amazon

 GIVEAWAY:

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Cover Reveal: A Blue Tale by Sarah Dosher Release Date 12/30/2013

Cover designed by Sommer Stein at 
Perfect Pear Creative Covers

SYNOPSIS

The rock legend’s daughter…

Eli Blue Savage doesn’t trust musicians, especially those that idolize her dad. Her heart’s been broken by everyone she’s ever loved. Fairytale dreams and the music she locks inside her heart are all that keep her alive.

The musician with a dark past…

Deacon Chastain plays a blue guitar to match his rock idol, the man that saved him from a path of destruction. His life revolves around music; it’s the only thing that saves him from the darkness.

Hearts beat to the same rhythm…

Broken and scarred by their pasts, can they find a way to heal and move forward? No matter the adversity, even the hardest of hearts can be softened by love – music is easy; life is hard.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sarah Dosher was born and raised in rural Oklahoma where she currently resides with her cowboy husband and twins (one cowboy and one cowgirl).

She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for reading inspired her to write her first novel, Haven from the Storm. The prequel, Before the Storm, was published in August 2013 and the final in the series, Sanctuary from the Darkness, is set to publish early 2014. Dosher's first contemporary romance titled A Blue Tale will be released December 2013.

Sarah Dosher|Facebook|Twitter|Goodreads

Blog Tour: Secerts of a Hart by Elizabeth James Review and Excerpt

SYNOPSIS:

Five years ago, Kendall Hart’s life changed forever. A tragedy forced her to grow up fast and become a responsible adult overnight while her friends were still enjoying high school. She lives and breathes work leaving no time for a social life and her circle of friends is small. She has no room for complications in her life…then Tristan walks in.

Tristan O’Neal is forced to return home when his father becomes terminally ill. Taking care of his parents, dealing with an irresponsible brother, and starting a new job bring challenges to his life. Starting a relationship is the last thing on his mind but when sees Kendall, he finds himself drawn to her...she is so familiar. 

Tristan is what Kendall has always wanted but life isn’t always fair. Sometimes you have to let go of the one person you’ve always loved in order to protect them. Will Tristan be able to break through the wall she’s built around her heart or will Kendall’s secrets consume her and destroy their chance at a life together?

MY REVIEW:

I give this book 4 stars ★★★★ 

I really enjoyed this book! Kendall has a horrible dream reliving the night when she lost the only thing she ever knew. She was always the awkward girl in high school and she always kept to herself, other than her best friend Averi by her side. In high school Kendal fell in love with Tristain and he never knew it. Kendall runs her little bookstore in her small town she lives in and has for the past several years. Kendall has secrets and has had to deal and live with for years. They take control of us, destroy us,and there is always one who knows the truth Sebastian. A night out on the beach with friends, there Kendall caught Tristan's attention but she ran off before he could talk to her. He had no clue who she was and that they had went to school together. Kendall tries to back off and not get involved with Tristan, but she gets sucked into his sweetness and sexy blue eyes.

This book was a quick love story and would definitely recommend it!

EXCERPT:

I heard the sirens wailing as I came through the woods. My heart beat a little faster as I realized they were headed toward my end of the street. I sped up but stayed close to the edge of the woods so no one would see me. I certainly didn’t need to get caught when I should’ve been at home in bed. Suddenly, I caught a whiff of smoke and could hear the crackle of fire. As I cleared the tree line, I could see the flames leaping toward the sky and I instantly felt tears spring to my eyes. It was my house! I could barely breathe as my heart hammered in my chest like thunder. Running toward the house, I saw huge hoses snaking across the lawn all pointed toward the upper bedroom windows. My eyes scanned the crowd of people lined up on the sidewalk and I saw my neighbors but no one from my family. With legs feeling like lead, I sprinted toward the back door but a fireman, who was rounding the side of the house with an axe thrown across his shoulder, saw me and intercepted my attempt to go in. I screamed but with no sound. Fighting him by scratching and clawing, I managed to break free but soon another strong pair of arms wrapped around me like a vise. Tears streaming down my face, I finally managed to scream out, “My family! They’re in there! Help them!” I heard one of the firemen call on his radio to alert the others about possible victims and hearing that word caused me to collapse against the man holding me. There was a buzzing in my ears, my tongue felt tingly, then I spiraled into darkness.
"Nooo!" I cried as I thrashed around in my bed, sweat beading on my forehead, damp sheets tangling around my legs. It was that nightmare again, inspired by my own horrible reality. I could feel every emotion, smell every smell, just as if I was there that night almost five years ago. My heart was pounding, my mouth dry as I lay there panting as if I’d just run the same distance I did that night. With a trembling hand, I wiped my tear-dampened cheeks then reached over to click on the lamp beside my bed to chase away the darkness for at least a few minutes. After my eyes adjusted to the brightness, I could see the tiny tattoo on my wrist. Laying back against my pillow, I traced it with my finger remembering every moment of pain the day I’d gotten it done. The pain I’d felt in my skin couldn’t erase the emptiness in my heart but would be a constant reminder of my loss and guilt. Turning my head, I glanced over at my nightstand and my eyes locked on the simple silver frame that held the only salvageable photo of my family. A fireman had retrieved it from the rubble. It was water-damaged and scorched on the edges but was the most precious thing to me. It was the only physical proof they’d been alive once and that we’d been a happy family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Elizabeth James is the author of the Design Series. She writes contemporary romance set in her native North Carolina. A life-long reader, she began writing a novel at age fifteen, put it away with no hopes of publication, but now has realized her dream as an adult. Inspired by several bestselling authors she began working as a beta reader and her passion for writing once again surfaced. She embarked on a journey to see if she could complete a novel and Love by Design was born. With warm reception to her first novel she is now making this crazy world a part of her life. Elizabeth believes you're never too late in life to realize your dreams and this has opened up a new world of adventures and meeting new people which she loves to do. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina with her husband and their dogs. She enjoys traveling, exploring North Carolina, and spending time with her friends.

Elizabeth James|Facebook|Twitter

Blog Tour: Before the Storm by Sarah Dosher Teasers and Giveaway

SYNOPSIS:

This is not a simple story of first loves, this is an emotional yet touching look at life and how the smallest decisions can shape futures.

What you think you know can change before your eyes. Fathers abuse, mothers deceive, best friends betray, sisters dismiss, love controls, and anger consumes.

After graduating from high school, Easton Grace knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. His goal for the summer includes two things: avoiding his father’s wrath and protecting his sister. His carefully laid plans are quickly changed when a girl comes to town causing him to lose his tight grasp of control on everything, including himself. 

Following years of sorrow, Taylor Monaco returns to a town she never wanted to see again but will forever call home. Her life was eternally changed by the people in this town, especially one boy. Her heart desires someone she’s not sure her soul can handle.

Can Easton and Taylor find their path before it’s too late - before the storm?

Click here to read Danielle's review of Haven from the Storm.

* Full review of Before the Storm to come soon *

TEASERS:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

              

Sarah Dosher was born and raised in rural Oklahoma where she currently resides with her cowboy husband and twins (one cowboy and one cowgirl).

She is addicted to books and The Golden Girls. Her love for characters inspired her to write her first novel, Haven from the Storm. She is currently working on the continuation of the Storms of Life Series. Before the Storm, a prequel novel, will be published August 30, 2013 and will feature Easton, Dean, and Lily. The second novel in the series, Sanctuary from the Darkness featuring Adley and Derek will be published in 2014.

Sarah Dosher|Facebook|Twitter|Goodreads

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