For the Love of Books

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Blog Tour: In the Lyrics by Nacole Stayton Review, Teasers, Playlist and Giveaway

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?

DANIELLE'S REVIEW:

5 I WANNA CUDDLE COLBY SO HARD STARS!!!!

WONDERFUL!!
HEARTBREAKING!!!
FRUSTRATING!!!!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK!!!!!!

I had the privilege of being a beta reader for Nacole during her entire writing process and what an amazing journey it was! I love her writing and knew she would deliver another amazing story! Trust me, she did NOT disappoint me.

Knowing that she was writing a book with not only a GORGEOUS cowboy, but one who sings as well, was super exciting. So exciting that I wanted to do this around my living room

But I knew I would fall flat on my face, so I didn't even attempt it. Instead, I chose to let Nacole put the hurting on my heart through her words. I knew she would make me cry, she's good at that. Personally, I know she gets a thrill out of it!

Now for the hard part. How do I even begin to review a book that I hold so near and dear to my heart? No, I won't give you any major details. No, I won't give you any spoilers. And a HUGE NO, to those of you who think you can stake claim on Colby. Back up ladies, because I HAD HIM FIRST!!! Yes, you heard me right...

Well, since the first order of business it taken care of, let's get down to business. If you've read any of Nacole's other books, you already know that she likes to play with your emotions and In the Lyrics is no different. I LOVED everything about this book. Like I previously said, I'm a HUGE fan of her writing, so I knew she wouldn't let me down.

The feelings that this book brought out of left me exhausted at times. There were times that I felt like I was being whiplashed because my emotions were all over the place. My heart soared with these characters, but it also broke immensely. I found myself happy one minute and so mad the next that I wanted to scream. I went from smiling and laughing to full fledged sobbing. There was SO much love and just as much heartache. And lots of WTF moments. Yeah, this was me more than once...

AHHHHH!!!!!! I was SO MAD it was insane at times!!! Nacole received plenty of messages from me along the way...I may or may not have threatened her more than once. Whoops, my bad! HA...

With all that being said, after all the OMG moments and the tears, Nacole left me with a VERY happy ending!! Don't judge me, but I cried again!

Colby

HEEEELLLLOOOO COWBOY!!!!

Colby is stunning! Absolutely breathtaking!! I'm talking complete swoonfest over this man!!! Oh and he's got dimples to die for!!!! Quick, somebody get me a fan, because he is that HOT!!!!!

Not only is Colby gorgeous, but he is the true definition of a Southern gentleman! Even with the hard life that he was living, he never forgot what his mama taught him and that was to be respectful at all times. Did he have his moments where he slipped? Sure, we all do. But when it came to love and his actions towards a woman, he never forgot the proper treatment.

Let me tell you, it wasn't always hearts and rainbows for Colby. He was dealing with something that crushed my heart. I literally felt sick to my stomach once I found out the details. And then add on his alcoholic father...UGH!!!!! I wanted to just hug him, and kiss him and squeeze him to make it all better! But Noooooo, Nacole had to throw Hensley into the mix. How dare her!!!!

The minute Colby lays eyes on Hensley, he is completely smitten with her. I mean why wouldn't he be? She's gorgeous!! She refused to make it easy for Colby and that intrigued him even more. Again, his mama taught him that the easy girls weren't the ones who should capture his heart, so he was up for the chase.

Colby has a dream of landing a recording deal in Nashville. He has very distinct reasons to why he wants to achieve these dreams. He never thought anyone or anything would come in between those plans, but boy was he wrong. The road for these two was far from smooth. This is where a lot of my anger came in with Nacole for writing what she did, but I understand it was necessary to make this story a success. My heart absolutely SHATTERED for Colby because of Hensley's choices and actions. But I think more so because of how dedicated he was to her and she was too blind to see it. Again, Colby, come to mama, I'll take care of you!

Awwww!!!! I wanna cuddle you too, Colby!!! <3

Hensley

She's simply, stunning. Hensley was the type of girl that was more comfortable in her own skin than painting her face with makeup and wearing fancy clothes to be somebody she wasn't. Sadly, she was such a torn soul. She lived in her mother's shadows daily. Hensley wanted nothing more than to get out of the town she grew up in and make it big. The pressure she carried on her shoulders was enormous.

Let's be honest here, Nacole knows how I feel already, so there is no harm in me sharing with you. Hensley was downright selfish and bratty at times. But again, I get it. It's how she was raised. Her mom pushed her so hard not to make the same mistakes she did growing up, that she forgot how to listen to her heart.

Hensley has sworn off love because it will only hold her back. Oh, but that all changes when Colby pops up in town. The minute she sees him, she experiences things she has never felt. She won't admit it at first and frankly, she comes off as a bitch during their first meeting. Again, Hens, I'll take Colby any day, Sunshine!

She PISSED me off so bad with the choices she made!! I'm talking I wanted to full force twat throttle her! I seriously yelled at her out loud several times! She really needed to get it together! This was me in regards to Hensely's choices...

Dusty

Dusty, oh Dusty!! I ADORED him!!!! He is Hensley's best friend and has a heart of gold but tells it how it is. He's the gay best friend that every girl craves! Well, at least I know that's true for me. Even though Dusty and Hensley have the friendship they do, that didn't stop him from taking Colby's side when the time came. Actually, those two became like brothers and I loved that about them! I hurt for Dusty at times too because Hensley's behavior also affected him. It was just baffling that she could do certain things to him of all people. But Dusty being who he is, didn't hold it against her. See, told you, the best friend a girl could ask for.

So, can Colby and Hensley overcome the obstacles that Nacole threw in front of them or will they cave under pressure? Can love truly conquer all or is it sometimes not strong enough? Is forgiveness always the best policy or are some things better left letting go and forgetting about?

YOU REALLY NEED TO READ THIS BOOK TO FIND OUT ALL THE DETAILS!!!!

My final thoughts on Nacole's newest release...

A heartwarming story of how love overcomes the hardships that arise with fame. Through their passion of music, this fictional Tim and Faith bare their souls and reveal their love for one another In the Lyrics.

TEASERS:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

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.

PLAYLIST:

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please be sure to check out all of the other stops along the way!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Blog Tour: A Blue Tale by Sarah Dosher Reviews, Dream Cast, Teasers, Playlist and Giveaway

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.

DANIELLE'S REVIEW:

5 STARS

AMAZING!

OMFG!!

I. AM. IN. LOVE!!!

I had the privilege of reading an Advanced Release Copy of this book. Can you imagine my excitement before reading? No, well here you go...

Once I started, I was hooked. Yep, you read it right...hook, line, sinker, DONE!!!!!

I never doubted I wouldn't want to binge on yet another one of Sarah's books, because I'm already a HUGE fan of hers! A Blue Tale is a lot different from her previous books and she took some really big leaps with this one, but in true Sarah fashion, she NAILED IT!!!

This is hands down one of the BEST books I have EVER read!!!! I felt every emotion possible while reading it. One minute I was happy, the next I was EXTREMELY pissed off!! I felt the love and the confusion the characters went through. I felt their insecurities and uncertainties. And boy did I feel their pain. I cried so hard that I was left unable to see my screen and my chest was trembling from the gut wrenching sobs that were escaping me. This was me:

ABSO-FUCKIN-LUTELY DESTROYED!!

Even though my heart was breaking into a million tiny pieces, I knew Sarah wouldn't leave me hanging out to dry like this. Okay, I lie, maybe I told her I was beginning to question our friendship just a teeny tiny bit! I may never get over what happens in this story, but I have been able to forgive her because she did leave me with a very beautiful, happy ending. And yes, I cried some more.

Eli Blue

She's gorgeous, humble and hard working. You would never guess she was the daughter of a late rock star because she doesn't come off as most "famous" children would. But Eli hasn't lived a life that is full of hearts and rainbows. She has horrible secrets that she reveals about her childhood; a childhood that her father once rescued her from, but sadly, ended up forcing her to return to. Although Eli experienced things that would cause most to give up on loving others, she did the exact opposite...she loved HARD!!

Shaw

Ex boyfriend.

Lifelong best friend.

Family.

He made a horrible mistake that would haunt him daily. A mistake so fierce that if I were Eli, I don't know if I could have ever forgiven him. Now with that being said, I loved Shaw and even found myself rooting for him at times but I think it was all for the history that he and Eli shared. They were a safety net of sorts for each other. I don't doubt one bit that he loved Eli with every ounce of his being. He would do anything for her. Yes, at times his behavior was rather possessive, but I believe it all had to do with the way they grew up living life on the road with their famous fathers. No matter what, Shaw always had Eli's back and I loved that about him.

Deacon

RAWR!!!! Hello, Alpha male! Deacon's all "Me Tarzan, you Jane." Swear, I had moments where I wanted to throat punch him, but I loved him deeply. Deacon was a very lost soul. He lived a life that no child should have to live growing up. He was forced to turn to the streets for the love and protection that he so desperately needed. Deacon loved Eli more than words could ever express and for reasons that she wasn't even aware of. He felt as though he owed his life to her.

The road that Deacon and Eli had to travel was full of twists and turns and things definitely didn't always play out in their favor. They are tested beyond belief. They endure fear, betrayal, love and loss together. They learn so much along the way, not only about each other, but about themselves as well. They experience enough guilt that could move mountains. They have to learn how to heal in order to move on with their lives, whether it's together or apart. Regardless of how the stars align up for them, they must first let go of their pasts and live for the present, while hoping for the future.

A Blue Tale made my Favorite Reads of 2013 list. Congratulations, Sarah, on another job well done! I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!!

HEATHER'S REVIEW:

Wow!!!! 5 AMAZING Deacon Stars!!!!!

I was given an Advanced Released Copy of this book for an honest review :)

First off, I'll start by saying I just want to give Sarah the biggest bear hug for writing such a beautiful book, the day I meet her I just might!

Ahhh!! This book had me up all night and I couldn't put it down. No matter how tired or exhausted I was, I just couldn't shut the kindle off. I was hooked from the very first page to the very last page and I didn't want it to end! I'm still on a book hangover!

I NEED more Deacon, PLEASE!

This book is hands down one of my favorite books I read in 2013! Talk about a year blow out! I've read a lot of great books this past year, but Sarah completely blew me out of the water with this one!!

Deacon, Eli and Shaw's story was beautifully written and truly amazing! Sarah did an outstanding job and deserves a huge pat on the back! I fell in love with the character's, and what they were going through was believable and what they were feeling, I was feeling. Sarah broke my damn heart, I just sat there looking at my screen like OMFG! She smashed it, hell, she put it in a meat grinder!

And then out of nowhere she mended my poor heart back together with her beautifully written words. This was my first book I've read by Ms. Sarah and I will definitely be reading more of hers in the future <3

DREAM CAST:

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|Facebook|Twitter|Goodreads|Amazon

PLAYLIST:

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please be sure to check out all of the other stops along the way!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

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