Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway: Take Two by Laurelin Paige

Take Two (Lights, Camera #1) by Laurelin Paige

Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Samhaim Publishing
Pages: 264
Format: eBook
Source: Review Copy for Tour
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He’s ready for his close up, but she’s the one calling the shots.

On the night of her graduation from film school, straight-laced Maddie Bauers fell completely out of character for an oh-my-god make-out session with a perfect stranger. Complete with the big O.

Seven years later, that romantic interlude is still fresh in her mind. That stranger is now a rich and famous actor. And she’s one very distracted camera assistant working on his latest production. She might consider another tryst…if he even remembers her.

Micah Preston does indeed remember Maddie. Too bad he’s sworn off Hollywood relationships. He allows himself as much sex as he likes—and oh, he does like—but anything more is asking for trouble. For the woman, not for him. Yet knowing Maddie could want more than a movie-set fling doesn’t stop him from pursuing her like a moth drawn to hot stage lights.

But as the shoot nears its end, it’s decision time. Is it time to call, “Cut!” on their affair, or is there enough material for a sequel?

Warning: Contains a dreamy movie star hero, a focus-pulling heroine, off-the-charts instant chemistry, steamy sex in near-public locations, and a new use for lip gloss.


Most who are familiar with Laurelin Paige know of her Fixed series. While I enjoyed those books as well, Take Two was very different. I'm sure a lot of the Hudson die-hards will be disappointed, but I found Micah to be just as enjoyable. Maybe even more so, in some ways.

The story is very character-driven, something I tend to enjoy in the books I read. Maddie is the kind of strong female character that's extremely enjoyable to read about. Her determination, commitment, and confidence are sure to make you proud of her as a character. Not only was she devoted to her profession, but she also knew what she deserved from a relationship and wasn't willing to accept less than that. Micah was just as stubborn, but in a less endearing way. He struggled greatly to move beyond his relationship hang-ups—which, in his defense, were not completely unfounded—and it got in his and Maddie's way time and time again. But, despite his being their own worst enemy, I couldn't help but fall for the sexy, gentlemanly, caring guy.

The chemistry between Micah and Maddie was intense intense from the start. The 7 year hiatus did nothing to quell that. The story itself was pretty obvious and there wasn't a lot I didn't see coming, but their characters and relationship made up for it.

Take Two was a short, fun read with fun characters and a healthy dose of steam. It's a perfect read for a weekend/vacation heading into summer. Micah and Maddie are sure to keep you entertained!

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About the Author

Laurelin Paige is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She's 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.

Review: Reservation by Rachael Wade

Reservation (Preservation #2) by Rachael Wade

Release Date: March 6, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Rabbit Hole Press (Discern Publishing House)
Pages: 207
Format: eBook
Source: Review Copy from Author
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A sequel to the Amazon bestselling romance, Preservation, told from Ryan’s point of view.

Old Habits Die Hard.

Ryan Campbell is not only leaving his title of Professor behind to move on to bigger and better things at Simon and Warden Publishing, he’s also become Seattle’s rising literary star. Sitting on the overwhelming cusp of newfound fame, he learns soon enough that being popular has its downside.

Attracted to the buzz surrounding his new career, former lovers begin to creep back into his life, and potential ones emerge with enticing advances. While he works to juggle reserved, yet stressful, wedding plans with Kate and his new public image, he has enough to manage without worrying about Carter and Dean—Kate’s loveable albeit eccentric friends—and their latest shenanigans.

Surrounded by a lifestyle that includes temptation at every turn, Ryan finds himself immersed in a world full of scandal and lies, where his oldest weaknesses thrive and his ghosts return to haunt him. Questioning whether his life with Kate is his best path, he must discover if he’s still capable of being the man he aspired to be when she first became his, or if happily ever after is only an illusion.


Just like in Preservation (Book 1), my feelings about Reservation are conflicted.Parts of this book were seriously painful. Not in a "this is bad" way, or an "I'm not enjoying this" way. But in an "for the love of everything, please just talk to each other" way. Obviously, I have a lot of feelings, even if I'm not quite sure what they are.

Kate and Ryan are back on track and engaged, but still operating long-distance since the end of the last book. Obviously, this will inevitably be difficult. Coupled with Ryan's burgeoning fame and the media fallout that corresponds and their inability to talk it out with each other (a problem that persists from the early stages of their relationship), it edges toward downright disastrous.That's where the pain comes from. Something would happen that could be eased or fixed by honest, open communication and still nothing.I wanted to rage over that more than once.

I did, however, like the fact that we got into Ryan's head. While there were times I wanted to pummel him, I felt like I gained a better understanding of his character and came to like him more. And then the end was kind of a shit-show in Ryan's case, but I digress.

Kate was actually more of a prop for a lot of the book since she was in St. Lucia and only popped up in a significant way a couple of times. I would've liked a little more of her because I still think there's more to learn about her, but I also understand that this is truly Ryan's book. even if it rubbed me the wrong way a little that Ryan's development was such a huge part of Kate's book, but hers wasn't of his.

Overall, Reservation was an enjoyable look into the head of our male lead as the relationship from book 1 progresses from the honeymoon to the real. Just...be prepared for a lot of feelings (not all good) at the end.

About the Author

Rachael Wade writes edgy New Adult and Adult romance and science fiction. She is the author of the Amazon bestselling Preservation series, The Replacement, and Love and Relativity, as well as the paranormal romance series The Resistance Trilogy. When she's not writing, she's busy going to concerts, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. She's an avid Brandi Carlile fan and loves all things Tim Burton. Visit her at RachaelWade.com and LightsOnLove.com, and come chat with her on Twitter @RachaelWade.

Review: Preservation by Rachael Wade

Preservation (Preservation #1) by Rachael Wade

Release Date: April 8, 2012
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Rabbit Hole Press (Discern Publishing House)
Pages: 272
Format: eBook
Source: Review Copy from Author
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Fear is sabotage's sweetest weapon.

Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can't afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else's complicated baggage.

When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell's creative writing class, he is only "Mr. Campbell" to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor.

But underneath Ryan's abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can't stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they're willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That's if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don't pummel their efforts first.


I have a hard time trying to sum up my feelings about Preservation. I enjoyed reading the book, but there were also several elements that I really didn't like for one reason or another. For starters, the complete lack of communication between Kate and Ryan. Or the fact that they both seemed determined to remain self-serving. Or, while I usually love a good professor/student romance (and this one even took care of squiggy age differences!), the idea of a professor who constantly has affairs with students, with almost zero subtlety to boot, before finding "the One" was less than endearing. There are more, but there were also enough things that kept me interested to have me pretty confused within myself by the end.

As far as the characters go, there was also a bit of a split. Kate, overall, I liked (despite the fact that she worked the commitment-phobe thing very hard and that tends to bother me more than a little). Her back story, although interesting was vague at times and I think missed out as a result. A more concrete understanding of her past could've really packed a punch, if you ask me. But still, she's confident at times, lost at others, stubborn, a little bit snarky, and loyal. These are all qualities I can get behind.

Which brings us to her male counterpart. I really wanted to like Ryan, but the fact that he doesn't seem to like himself at all made that difficult. There was so much self-loathing that the only things that kept me interested were the forbidden love element (I'm a sucker, what can I say?) and the chemistry between Ryan and Kate (which I actually did enjoy, even if I wasn't particularly fond of their characters). As we neared the end, I would say I'd definitely grown to like him more, but one of the twists at the end really tested that. In the end, I more-or-less liked him, but it certainly wasn't a clearly positive opinion.

The most entertaining characters for me, by far, were Carter and Dean, Kate's best friends. They're awesomely lovable, all-things-British-obsessed, nerdy goofballs and I adored them. I was less fond, however, of the "we're both in love with Kate!" element of their characters (less so Dean, but it was still there). I wanted to see them get over it and just be awesome, and it seemed like one of them had, but the other remained firmly entrenched. Sadness. But these guys were awesome—lovable, supportive, so freaking loyal, and sweet.

So, despite my mixed feelings, I did enjoy reading Preservation. This is the kind of book for true romance fans, where you can find enjoyment in the progression of the story almost in spite of the characters, at times.

About the Author

Rachael Wade writes edgy New Adult and Adult romance and science fiction. She is the author of the Amazon bestselling Preservation series, The Replacement, and Love and Relativity, as well as the paranormal romance series The Resistance Trilogy. When she's not writing, she's busy going to concerts, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. She's an avid Brandi Carlile fan and loves all things Tim Burton. Visit her at RachaelWade.com and LightsOnLove.com, and come chat with her on Twitter @RachaelWade.

Blog Tour + Review: Fae by C.J. Abedi

Fae (Fae Trilogy #1) by C.J. Abedi

Release Date: July 30, 3013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Diversion Books
Pages: 431
Format: eBook
Source: Review Copy for Tour
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Caroline Ellis' sixteenth birthday sets into motion a series of events that have been fated for centuries. A descendant of Virginia Dare, the first child born in the lost colony of Roanoke, and unaware of her birthright as the heir to the throne of the Light Fae, it isn’t until Caroline begins a tumultuous relationship with Devilyn Reilly that the truth of her heritage is revealed.

Devilyn is the only Fae who is both of the Light and of the Dark, and struggles to maintain that precarious balance to avoid succumbing to the power of the Dark within him. He is the only one who can save Caroline from those who would destroy her and destroy all hope for unity among the Fae. He promises Caroline that he will protect her at all costs, even when it means protecting her from himself.

Told from the alternating perspectives of Caroline and Devilyn, Fae draws on mysteries, myths and legends to create a world, and a romance, dangerously poised between Light and Dark.


If it's not already clear to you from reading the synopsis, the world of Fae is an ambitious undertaking. Certain elements are common to the faerie arch: Light vs. Dark fae, laws governing their interaction with humans, and even a girl discovering she's part fae and heir to a throne are all devices I've encountered in other stories. In this case, however, there's even more involved. Now, there are a lot of books, movies, etc. that give a back story to Roanoke, and I've read a seen quite a few of them, but I have never before encountered a story that claims faeries as the catalyst. It's an interesting concept to be sure and upon thinking more about it fits with their folklore (luring humans and making them disappear and the like). I won't reveal exactly how it happens in the book, but that was probably one of my favorite elements of the back ground. As far as other things that make the story unique, there are seemingly random aspects of Norse mythology thrown in. For instance, Odin plays an important role. The Valkyries are his warrior goddesses, for lack of a better description. Valhalla exists. These elements were a little less sensical to me and left me very confused at the beginning before I'd settled into the story. But, whether I loved every element of it or not, the premise was certainly ambitious and intriguing.

Our main female character, Caroline, on the contrary, is very much what you would expect of this type of book. She's never fit in. She doesn't realize how beautiful she is. She keeps to herself at school except for her best friend. And suddenly she's finding out that she's not what she thought she was. All of these aren't uncommon in the genre, but it's not necessarily a bad thing. She was likable: kind, relateable, intelligent. She even had just a little bit of backbone that cropped up when dealing with Devilyn that made her fun to follow. So, is she unique? Not particularly. But she's by no means a bad character, either.

Devilyn himself wasn't all that different in a way. He's also rather typical of the genre: dark and broody and times, trying to protect the girl by staying away, struggling with his inner darkness, existing far out of the high school mentality, and perfectly beautiful and otherworldly. The one selling point for him, though, was that it's not as common to be able to see the male character's POV, which not only gave him an edge because it's a little different, but also because we got to see the mythology setup through his eyes rather than having to wait and guess forever. I saw that as a plus.

As far as their relationship goes, it was definitely heavy on the insta-love. It was a scenario that basically explained it by way of making them puppets of a prophecy, but I know that still bothers a lot of people (I'm on the fence and try to decide on how it's executed rather than just it's mere presence). And it was a little rough at times. But there were also some very enjoyable, chemistry-fueled moments.

Fae has gotten a lot of comparison to Twilight. I definitely see the similarities. The main difference, I would say, is the sheer amount of intricacy to the premise of this story. There are a lot more complexities present in Fae, but that's not always a good thing either, because the higher you build it, the more it can fall. Overall, however, Fae is an enjoyable read for fans of YA fantasy and romance, and manages to put some new and interesting spins on the faerie arch.

Check out the other stops on the tour!

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About the Authors

Colet Abedi ran development for ITV Studios and is currently Executive Producer on three shows that run in syndication called Unsealed: Conspiracy Files, Unsealed: Alien Files and Now Eat This with Rocco DiSpirito. She was also an Executive Producer on Posh Tots on HGTV. Prior to that, she was a Head Writer for 20th Television, a division of Fox, for two telenovelas, American Heiress starring Annalyn McCord and Robert Buckley and Fashion House, starring Bo Derek and Taylor Kinney.

Jasmine Abedi is an entertainment attorney, and has worked with entertainment powerhouses such as Fox, NBCUniversal, ABC, MTV and E! for the past 14 years. She has also worn many different hats in the entertainment industry, with Executive Producer credits for the television programs Posh Tots and the pilots Club Bounce (TruTV), Divas (VH-1), and Life With The Clarks (CMT). In addition to writing, she has also partnered with a law school friend to create the natural cosmetic company Generation Klean, Inc. Their products can be found online at www.generationklean.com and at major retailers (Whole Foods, Fred Segal etc.) nationwide.

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Review: Safe With You by Kirsten DeMuzio

Safe With You (First and Last #1) by Kirsten DeMuzio

Release Date: April 27, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 161
Format: eBook
Source: Review Copy from Author
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After overcoming a difficult childhood, Taryn Ross has a fairy tale life—her father is a Senator contemplating a run for President, her mother loves to take her shopping for ridiculously expensive clothes, and she is finishing up her junior year at NYU.

What she doesn’t have is love—the heart pounding, mind blowing, passion filled love that she reads about in her collection of steamy romance novels. But that might change when she accepts a cup of coffee from a sexy mysterious stranger.

Wyatt Hunter has experienced a loss that has him living each day just going through the motions. His world is in dull shades of gray—until the day he meets Taryn. She brings vibrant brilliant color back into his life, and he can’t stand the thought of going on without her.

But Wyatt is holding a secret that could send Taryn running when she finds out.

**This book contains adult situations and explicit content. Recommended for readers ages 18 and older.**


Of all of the books in Kirsten DeMuzio's First and Last series, Safe With You was my least favorite. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it—it was a fun read with all the right elements—but the story was really short, which put everything at an accelerated pace, and predictable. I had read Just One Reason (the second book in the series following Taryn's cousin, Lindsay) first, so I was already aware of the "big reveal," but it really wasn't subtle regardless of my prior knowledge.

Also, insta-love is rampant. I have a bad habit of being able to justify courtships that are a little too fast-paced a little too well, but this felt quick even for me. Within a couple of weeks they're in love and with the one and I just kind of wanted to tell them to slow their roll a bit. The fast pace also meant there wasn't a whole lot in the way of strong character development, so it felt a little bit cookie cutter. You could have put virtually any type of characters in their shoes, and it would've felt about the same. But, despite the rougher bits, it's a fun read with a little bit of sexiness and a sweet HEA that doesn't see a whole lot of opposition or conflict.

Safe With You is a short, simple, sweet—but still enjoyable—romance. If you're in the mood for a very quick romance without a whole lot of surprises or hiccups, this is a a great choice.

About the Author

I am an author of new adult and contemporary romance novels. My husband and I live in Columbus, Ohio with our two young daughters and happy golden retriever. When I’m not spending time with my family, I can be found doing one of my other favorite activities—writing, reading and napping.

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Blog Tour + Review: Flawed Perfection by Cassandra Giovanni

Flawed Perfection (Beautifully Flawed #1) 
by Cassandra Giovanni

Release Date: March , 2014
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Show n'ot Tell Publishing
Pages: 248
Format: eBook
Source: ARC for Tour
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Signed Paperback


Bobby Beckerson was the American All-Star hockey player—he was the spitting image of perfection to his family. Goofy, sweet and undeniably gorgeous, he had everything but the one girl he wanted: River Ahlers.

River Ahlers is successful in everything but love. She's been in love with Adam Beckerson since they were kids. Worst of all she's stuck right in the middle of the brother's dueling over everything and anything, and she doesn't even know she's the ultimate prize.

Adam Beckerson was a boy with a guitar, a smile that sunk girl's hearts and a stone wall around his own. He was anything but perfect, and no matter how hard he tried he was nothing compared to Bobby. Sweet, damaged, with boyish good-looks, nobody thought Adam loved anyone but himself.

Bobby loved River, River loved Adam and Adam only loved himself—or so everyone thought. Then one night everything changes, and as it threatens to destroy everyone involved a tragedy strikes that will break them all...


I'm not really a big fan of love triangles. Sure, I read books where they play a role, and I often even like those books. But an entire plot that is basically just a girl waffling between two guys (because that is really the only way this plot plays out)? Not really my cup of tea. But it's not so much the triangle itself as the waffling. I hate waffling. Figure out your feelings, dammit!

Getting back on topic, Flawed Perfection was a pleasant surprise in this respect. While there is technically a love triangle it's not about "I can't make up my mind" so much as it is everyone loving the wrong person. Those I can get behind. Unrequited love is so much more generally believable and relateable than two dudes all-out warring for the same girl, in my opinion. Not to say that doesn't happen, but it certainly feels more like wish fulfillment on the side of the reader sometimes...

As far as characters go, they kind of span a wide range for me. I was so annoyed by Bobby and thought he was absolutely an asshole for upwards of 50% of the book, and probably one for most of the rest of it, when his motives weren't as clear. His feelings for River were mad possessive and would have been in stalker territory (rage when someone you are absolutely not in a relationship with has feelings for someone else is not healthy) if it weren't for the fact that they'd grown up together, were best friends, etc., etc. River herself was a little lack-luster, with the exception of in her devotion to Adam. At that, she excelled. But despite the fact that she felt a little overlooked considering she was a key player, she was certainly likable where Bobby wasn't. Finally, there was Adam, who I actually really liked. It felt like he got the vast majority of the character development in the story. That also made it clear for me who I was rooting for (even if River always knew who she wanted). The secondary characters fell between Bobby and River on the spectrum: Tara, River's best friend, was watered-down much like River and seemed only to exist to want Bobby's attention at times; both River's (not so much her dad, but still) and Adam/Bobby's parents were all awful, playing favorites, letting each other insult there children, and even more ridiculous things parents probably shouldn't be doing.

Overall, I enjoyed Flawed Perfection. The writing in the ARC was rough and needed editing and the characters were a varying range of quality, but I was with the story right up to the end. If you're looking for a quick, simple read where you already know how the love triangle will end up—because, c'mon, you totally do—check it out!

About the Author

Cassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. In 2012 she became a published Young Adult author, releasing In Between Seasons (The Fall, #1) and the Amazon bestselling thriller, Walking in the Shadows. In 2013 she branched out by using her artistic illustrating talents to publish her first Children's novel, The Adventures of Skippy Von Flippy: Tales of Friendship (Skippy Tales, #1). Cassandra released her first New Adult novel, Love Exactly, which became an Amazon Bestseller overnight in June of 2013. She's currently working on her new New Adult Contemporary Romance, Beautifully Flawed. The first novel in the series, Flawed Perfection is scheduled to be published on March 7, 2014.

Besides being a writer, Cassandra is a professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is the owner of Gio Design Studios Photography and Gio Design Studios Publication Marketing. She is currently studying to receive a degree in Marketing. Cassandra is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with the other loves of her life their dogs, Bubski and Kanga.

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Blog Tour + Review: Bound and Unbroken by Skye Callahan

Bound and Unbroken (Out of Bounds #1) 
by Skye Callahan

Release Date: February 25, 2014
Genre: Erotica
Pages: 222
Format: eBook
Source: ARC for Tour
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Signed Paperback


Lena is about to discover pleasure in the things she can’t control.

To get even with her roommate for dragging her to a sports bar on a Friday night, Lena begins flirting with the handsome stranger who sits at the bar next to her. Their anonymous conversation leads to a shared cab ride, but Lena’s conscience puts a damper on the evening—leaving the near-fling to become a memory. Until she finds him roaming the halls of the school where she teaches.

Will she submit to his desires?

Eric’s only reason for returning to his hometown is to care for his recently orphaned nephew. He knew the return would involve dredging up his past with family and friends, but he didn’t expect a lone girl to capture his interest and offer an escape within his new life.

Will his binds be enough to keep her?

Note: This book contains explicit sexual content (including BDSM themes), graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable.

Bound and Unbroken was a bit slow at the start. The beginning of Eric and Lena's relationship, for me, was a cause for a little it of skepticism—it seems a little unlikely he could peg someone as a submissive the first time meeting her. From that point, the progression of the relationship was quick as a result (it was a short book, after all), but not to an intolerable level. More like unlikely, but still likable.

The premise to the characters was not especially complex—Lena is the loner haunted by a troubled past and Eric is the dominant with a heart of gold. The one thing that was nice is that Eric was much more considerate, understanding, and sweet than counterparts in similar stories. It was easy to like him beyond just the fantasy-fulfillment element. The nature of the relationship didn't automatically mean it couldn't be sweet, which is a rarity in my experience.

Overall, Bound and Unbroken was a short, sexy, and enjoyable read that's worth checking out for fans of erotica and BDSM stories.

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About the Author

Skye Callahan has been coming up with stories for as long as she can remember, and by elementary school she was writing them down to share with friends and teachers. Ghosts and vampires were always her favorite beings to write about and those interests led to her debut novella Fractured Legacy in 2013. With Bound and Unbroken, her characters led her on a departure from the paranormal world and into the realm of BDSM romance.

When she isn’t spending time with the voices in her head, she works to help other women design their own style of freedom as a consultant for Jamberry Nails, and spends time with her husband and ferrets.

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