Beach Reads in August Giveaway Hop

Oh the beach...how do I love you...let me count the waves...

1.  the warm sand on my toes
2. the sound of the waves crashing against the shore
3. the smell of salt water and suntan lotion
4. reading outside

I do so love to read outside on the beach.  There are so many options for a great beach read.  Speaking of great reads Silver Shadows released this week and it was a finish in one night kinda read.  For this hop I will be giving away a copy of Silver Shadows.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Beach Reading is the best and there are some great finds on this hop.  Have fun hopping along.

Swoon Thursday (30) Silver Shadows

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

"I've had love that burns in every fiber of my being, that drives me to be a better person and empowers me through each moment of the day. If you've ever had something like that, you'd hold on to it with every bit of strength that you had."

Silver Shadows by Richelle Mead Kindle Location 1195

I love this declaration that Adrian makes. I love that after missing Sydney for so long he still remembers what it was like with her around.

Waiting on Wednesday (30) Sacrifice

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW!

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure. 

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way. 

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice. 

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war. 

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…

Why am I waiting?

Finally, after four novels we get Michael’s story. How will he protect his brothers? How will he protect Hannah? Who will die? These are the questions going off in my head today.

Teaser Tuesday (30) Four The Traitor

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Her hands touch my waist, and she pulls herself against me, or pulls me against her. I can't tell which. Her hands move over my back, and I want her, in a way I haven't felt before, not just some kind of mindless physical drive but a real, specific desire. Not for "someone," just for her.

Four The Traitor by Veronica Roth Kindle Location 644

I adore Tobias in the Divergent series. It has been great getting inside his head- seeing things from his point of view. This scene in particular was extremely sweet.

Review: Best Man with Benefits

Author Samanthe Beck
Format e-book
Print Length 229 pages
Publisher Entangled Publishing (Brazen)
Published June 9, 2014

How far can one favor go…

Logan McCade arrives at his best friend’s wedding overworked and in desperate need of a vacation, only to discover his best man duties have been…expanded. He must coax Colton’s sister out of her shell, or risk her hiding in her room all week. Logan figures he can handle one introverted bridesmaid, but he’s not expecting how much he enjoys “handling” Sophie…or how much she enjoys being handled.

Socializing has never been web designer Sophie Brooks’s strong suit, but she’s determined to shed her wallflower image and embrace the “New Sophie”—a feat made easier with the supremely sexy Logan McCade tempting her to explore all her forbidden fantasies. If she’s not careful, she just might fall for the best man.

Sophie’s sweet, sexy, and delectably awkward demeanor brings much-needed calm to Logan’s hectic life. With the nuptials only days away, Logan is forced to face the possibility that his favor to a friend might have become something else entirely…and that he’s not willing to let Sophie go. Ever.

My Opinion

This is a mature book- as in 18 and older mature book.

Colton Brooks’ best man is Logan McCade the Logan McCade. A workaholic whose family and friends are worried will only have time for his business. As the best man he is given the task of babysitting Colton’s shy little sister- Sophie. As Colton’s old college roommie, Logan remembers Sophie as the shy sweatshirt wearing awkward teenager that would visit Colton sometime. Unfortunately for Logan Sophie has grown up. Sophie is still an introvert- but that is something she is working on. As a computer programmer, she does not have a lot of interaction with other people. So socializing is not her strong suit.

I enjoyed this book- I liked that Sophie admits that she has body image issues- I like that it is something that she is working on. I like that she is realistic in comparison to the other bridesmaids. I like that Logan’s work keeps interrupting him. I like that he is attracted not to the slimmer girls but to the girl that has a figure. I like that he realizes that his work has taken over his life. I like that he knows he needs to do something about it but doesn’t know how.

My favorite thing about this book though is how Colton brings Sophie out of her shell. He doesn’t let her sit in the corner and do nothing. He gives her adventures- even if she doesn’t really want them.

There were moments in this book where I literally blushed (southern gal here). There were moments where I was like oh no she didn’t (the um phone call scene). But there were other moments where I was like totally something I would do (falling off the bed). If you are in the mood for a quick read with lots of humor and feels this is the book for you.

My Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Have you seen your butt in jeans? Until you have, you’re not qualified to comment.”

Other People

Colton- the groom, Sophie’s big brother, Logan’s best friend
Regan- another bridesmaid- likes the looks of Logan
Kady- the bride

Book Boyfriend (28) Lord Maccon

• Join the Book Boyfriend meme
• Pick your book boyfriend for the week
• Current read or not
• Tease us with something about your boy
• Don't spoil the book
• Link up with us

He does not share his gal's sense of humor, which is a good thing.

She laughed. "My lord, you could not possibly think I have set my cap for you?"

"And why is that such a laughable idea?"

Alexia's eyes sparkled in merriment. "I am a spinster, long on the shelf, and you are a catch of the first water. The very notion."

Lord Maccon marched out the door, dragging her behind him "Don't ken why you should find it so devilish funny," he muttered under his breath.

He knows how to keep his gal quiet.

The earl grabbed Miss Tarabotti's chin with one big hand and the small of her back with the other, pulling her toward him hard. He slanted his mouth over hers almost violently. She jerked back. "What are you...?"

"Only way to keep you quiet," he grumbled, taking her chin in a firmer grip and planting his mouth atop hers once more.

He will protect her even from her own momma.

Lord Maccon, faster than anyone's eye could catch, suddenly appeared next to Mrs. Loontwill, a steel grip about her wrist. "I would not do that again, if I were you, madam," he said. His voice was soft and low and his expression bland. But there was a kind of anger in the air that was all predator: could, impartial, and deadly. The anger that wanted to bite and had the teeth to back it up. This was a side of Lord Maccon that no one had seen before- not even Miss Tarabotti.

Lord Maccon and Alexia have an interesting relationship- one that starts off with a hedgehog.  He tries to court her like a werewolf, which doesn't go over every well.  It does make for an entertaining tale though.

Review: Search

Author Alyssa Rose Ivy
Format e-book
Print Length ?
Publisher self-published
Published April 17, 2014

Casey isn't human. The revelation should terrify her, but it doesn't. Instead it excites her. Too bad not everyone is as excited as she is.
Torn between two lives, the only one she's ever known and her life as a paranormal princess, Casey has to decide whether she can trust the man she loves.
Sometimes being a princess isn't all it's cracked up to be.

My Opinion

Search is the second book in “The Empire Chronicles” which is a spin-off of “The Crescent Chronicles”. If you have not read the first book in the series Soar than you may want to avoid this review.

At the ending of Soar Casey finds out that she is a Pteron- in reality not just any Pteron but Levi’s little sister. That is right boys and girls she is the long lost sister of the new King of the Pterons. Once her grandma Georgina finds out who Casey is she decides that Casey needs to be living like the princess that she is and swoops in to save the day. Georgina is a character and a half one in which the reader will come to love.

In Soar, we had a love triangle- Casey, Toby and Jared. I have always been a Jared fan so I was cheering for him in Soar. In Search he acts like such a donkey I just cannot be on his side anymore. Once her parentage is revealed, Jared treats Casey like any of his previous girls. Pretty much like crap which leads her back into Toby’s arms. Toby for his part takes her back and doesn’t really seem to mind all the crap that she did at the beginning of their relationship.

Casey is intent on finding her sister Vera- who is with some bear Pterons. Will she like what she finds? Is her sister who she thinks she is? Is Murphy really that big of a threat or is there a bigger one in the horizon? Someone will betray them, but who?

Soar ended in a cliffhanger and a love triangle. In Search the love triangle seems to be resolved but there is another cliffhanger. This cliffhanger threw me for a loop. I was not expecting the big baddie to be who it was. I was literally thrown. It even took me a minute to re-call the person in my head.

Search was a noteworthy sequel to an enjoyable book. The cliffhanger leaves the reader wondering when Stay will be published. What will happen to our favorite shapeshifters?  How much trouble is Jared, Levi, Allie and Casey in?

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Please find a way to forgive yourself. That’s the one thing I can’t do for you, and you know I’d do anything for you.”

Other People

Levi- Casey’s big brother
Allie- Levi’s fiancé
Hailey- Allie’s best friend
Owen- Levi and Jared’s best friend

Swoon Thursday (29) The Boyfriend App

The fabulous girls over at YA Bound created this super HOT meme. Here's how it works.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering. 

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! I want to know & so do the gals at YABound!

His lips touched mine and we melted into each other. His lips were so soft. They opened, and his kiss grew stronger and more insistent until I felt his body tighten against me. I couldn't catch my breath. It didn't matter how many times I'd fantasized about making out with him- it was so much better than anything I could've imagined.

The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise Kindle Location 3154

I am a huge Aidan fan. He is such a sweet and gentle soul. I love that he is unsure of himself and how to move things forward with Audrey. I love that he is awkward.

Waiting on Wednesday (29) Red Blooded

Hey y'all, thanks so much for stopping by my WoW! 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

After Jessica's brother is kidnapped and taken to the Underworld, she will stop at nothing to get him back. But before her grueling training is finished, Jessica's power mixes unexpectedly with the circle and she's dropped into the Underworld without protection or her escorts.

Why am I waiting?

I really want to know what happened to Jessica’s brother. Will she be able to save him? How will her mate do with being separated from her?

Teaser Tuesday (29) Queen of Hearts: A Sin City Collectors Novella

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

She smelled warm and flowery with the slightest hint of something earthy, the way all animal shifters did. He was acutely aware of how close they were.

Queen of Hearts Kindle Location 199

He cupped her face, planted his mouth on hers and kissed her hard. The kiss was angry but relieved, ans it softened almost instantly into the kind of heated insistence that dispelled every thought in her head except for one: She had to save this man.

Queen of Hearts Kindle Location 817

Jason is one hot gargoyle and Claude knows it. Thankful she also knows that all is not what it seems. Will she be able to save him? I can't tell you that.

Review: Ready to Wed

Author Cindi Madsen
Format e-ARC
Print Length 350 pages
Publisher Entangled: Select
Published July 22, 2014

Dakota Halifax loves to be in love. In fact, as one of Las Vegas’s premier wedding planners, she’s built a whole career around romance. Which is why her own wedding has to be nothing short of perfect. And then her fiancé jilts her. While she’s waiting in her wedding dress. On a cruise ship already out at sea. Once back on dry land, Dakota tries to pour her heart into her business and weekly wedding advice column, Get Ready to Wed. But how can the heartbroken celebrate others’ true love? When she reconnects with her childhood best friend, surprisingly sexy and all-grown-up casino bouncer Brendan West, Dakota wonders if maybe she can fall back in love with being in love.

But then her ex reappears, begging for another chance, and suddenly Dakota questions if she’ll ever understand love. Can someone once-burned and twice-shy ever find her way down the aisle again?

My Opinion

Ready to Wed is a light-hearted and fun contemporary that will leave you believing in happily ever after.

Dakota did not have a normal upbringing- her momma walked away from her and her daddy when she was young. One would think that being raised by a football coach would make her tom-boyish. Instead she comes out on top of the girly girl cake- as a wedding planner. A great wedding planner. One who can pull off just about anything: hair mishaps, animal mishaps even family mishaps she can handle. Her own groom MIA is a little bit harder to handle.

She dusts herself off and gets back to work. This is suppose to be the busiest wedding season of her career. She cannot let her own heartbreak her job. Even if she is hating everything and anything to do with happily ever after. Grant isn’t helping matters by trying to talk to her, explain his situation. Begging her to come back to him.

Her childhood bestie, Brendan moves back to town and looks her up. Speaking of looks, he is smoking HOT! Even better than that he understands what she is going through and he is there for her yet again. Just like he was when her momma abandoned her.

I loved the easy relationship that Brendan and Dakota have with each other. Jillian, Dakota’s bestie will call a spade a spade which is refreshing. Dakota has a lot to figure out. Brendan knows this and doesn’t rush her or expect anything from her. But most of all, I like how Dakota is confused about her feelings for Grant- how she cannot just hate him for standing her up on their wedding day.

This is a book that brought tears to my eyes, had me laughing out loud and at times yelling at the characters. Overall, a fabulous read that I would recommend to everyone.

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote He says he needs me, and the fact of the matter is, my feelings for him didn’t just turn off because he didn’t show up on that beach.

Other People

Grant- Dakota’s fiancé, leaves her at the altar
Phoebe- Newspaper columnist who hates Dakota and writes about her life
Jillian- Dakota’s no nonsense bestie

Book Boyfriend (27) Brody

• Join the Book Boyfriend meme
• Pick your book boyfriend for the week
• Current read or not
• Tease us with something about your boy
• Don't spoil the book
• Link up with us

He knows how to examine a hug.

She's so cold, but hugging her freezin' skin doesn't bother me.  It feels good.  The stomach twists begin as I breathe in her hair.  Hot damn!  This!  This is what a hug with a girl should be like.  This stuff in my chest goin' crazy and noticin' everything about the person I'm holding.

He wants to prove her wrong.

"You okay?"

No.  I'm not okay.  I got a girl who refuses to believe anyone could fall for her because she's fat, and she refuses to fall for anyone else because she doesn't want to get hurt.

I don't ever want to hurt her.  I want to be with her.  Hold her and show her she's freakin' wrong.

He tells her she is wrong.

"You are so beautiful.  Inside and out.  I don't just need you.  I crave you.  Everything about you.  You are the only person I've felt this way about."

Brody and Hayle are a unique pair.  They don't start off together- in fact she is schooling him on how to get another girl.  But something happens.  And then he has to convince her that she is worthy of him, so sweet that he doesn't give up on her.