COUNT THE CAST OF MAKE IT COUNT BY MEGAN ERICKSON

Kat Caruso

The Student

“No rush. But by the time I leave tonight, you will give me a kiss, Alec Stone.”

Alec Stone

The Tutor

“Don’t you feel it? All that negative crap I’d been holding inside is gone because of you. And the good I’m filling it with? That’s you.”

MAKE IT COUNT

Series info: Bowler University Series #1

Category/Genre: New Adult Romance

Publisher: William Morrow Impulse/HarperCollins

Release Date: June 3

BLURB:

Kat Caruso wishes her brain had a return policy, or at least a complaint hot-line. The defective organ is constantly distracted, terrible at statistics, and absolutely flooded with inappropriate thoughts about her boyfriend's gorgeous best friend, Alec...who just so happens to be her brand new college math tutor. Who knew nerd was so hot?

Kat usually goes through tutors like she does boyfriends--both always seem to bail when they realize how hopeless she is. It's safer for her heart to keep everyone at arm's reach. But Alec is always stepping just a little too close.

Alec Stone should not be fantasizing about Kat. She's adorable, unbelievably witty, and completely off limits. He'd never stab his best friend in the back...

But when secrets are revealed, the lines of loyalty are blurred. To make it count, Alec must learn messy human emotions can't be solved like a trigonometry function. And Kat has to trust Alec may be the first guy to want her for who she is, and not in spite of it.

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Preorder Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Google Play | Avon Romance 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Megan Erickson grew up in a family that averages 5’3” on a good day and started writing to create characters who could reach the top kitchen shelf.

She’s got a couple of tattoos, has a thing for gladiators, and has been called a crazy cat lady. After working as a journalist for years, she decided she liked creating her own endings better and switched back to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. And no, she still can’t reach the stupid top shelf.

 WHERE TO FIND MEGAN ONLINE:

Author website | Facebook | Twitter 

MONICA MURPHY COVER REVEAL: OWNING VIOLET

We are so excited to share Monica Murphy's cover for her upcoming sexy contemporary romance, OWNING VIOLET, coming from Random House Bantam. Check out how gorgeous it is! 

  ABOUT OWNING VIOLET (NOT THE FINAL BLURB. BLURB WILL CHANGE): The Fowler sisters are New York City’s darlings, heiresses to the Fleur Cosmetics Empire. Quickly put up on a fame hungry pedestal only for the media to lie in wait, eager to tear them down, these three very different young women soon find love in the most unexpected places…

OWNING VIOLET coming December 2. 

 Violet Fowler is the good sister. She works hard at her family’s cosmetics company, is faithful to her boyfriend and never causes any trouble. Until Zachary disappoints her yet again with a promotion that will take him to London—and away from her. His leaving sets a new fire within her. What’s the point in being so good when no one else ever is? Someone within Fleur Cosmetics wants that London promotion and will do anything to get it, including throwing temptation in the path of the not-so-faithful Zachary. Ryder McKay came from nothing and has fought every step of the way to his position at Fleur. And now the mysterious charmer has set his sights on Violet. If it worked for Zachary, it could work for him. Seducing the good Fowler sister is easy. What Ryder doesn’t count on is how much Violet makes him feel. What started out as revenge soon becomes something deeper. Can Ryder go through with his plans to deceive Violet? Or is he only deceiving himself? Other books in series: STEALING ROSE coming spring 2015 TAMING LILY coming summer 2015 (tentative release dates)

  PRE-ORDER LINKS: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Owning-Violet-Novel-Monica-Murphy-ebook/dp/B00KK0PJCO/

 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/owning-violet-monica-murphy/1119221091?
ean=9780553393262

ABOUT MONICA MURPHY: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

Links:
Website: http://www.monicamurphyauthor.com/#
Blog: http://missmonicamurphy.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsMonicaMurphy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Murphy/e/B00AVPYIGG
OWNING VIOLET Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21965297-owning-violet

BLOG TOUR: FINDING HAVEN BY T.A. FOSTER

Power. Money. Control. Love.

He has all but one.

When movie star, Evan Carlson, discovers his girlfriend’s picture with another man splashed on the cover of gossip magazines, he decides he’s had enough of his fishbowl life and attempts to outrun the media frenzy his relationships have become. Driving until the road stops, he ends up on the remote and quaint Perry Island, where a heartthrob can blend in like the locals and be a beach bum as long as he wants. All that changes when Evan meets Haven Owen, aspiring songwriter and the girl he just can’t get enough of. A summer romance turns into something much deeper and Evan gets tangled in his own web of lies to keep Haven in his life. But when his ex tracks him down, Evan learns there are some things you just can’t outrun.

Is the cost of love, losing all control?

Buy Links 

Amazon | B&N | Smashwords | iTunes

T.A. Foster's Top 10 List

By now you probably know I grew up on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I spent my summers on the beach or a boat. There’s a reason I write so much about the water—it’s a part of my childhood and a part of who I am. It makes sense that somehow that loves comes through in my characters or in the setting. In honor of the hot summer that is upon us, good beach reads, and our vacation getaway dreams, here is my top ten favorite beach list (in no particular order). 

1.     Ocracoke Island, NC  The beaches stretch for miles with no sign of buildings or boardwalks. It’s pure sand and ocean bliss. (Also, the inspiration for Perry Island in Finding Haven.)

2.     Coquina Beach, NC  I love this beach for shell seeking. It’s one of those beach spots where you can sit all day and watch fishing boats cruise past, fill up your bucket with treasures, and sink your toes in the sand.  

3.     Cape Lookout, NC It’s a little harder to access Cape Lookout than some of the other beaches. You have to go by boat or passenger ferry, but it’s worth it! Beautiful blue water, the lighthouse, and marsh ponies in the distance await. Look for this beach to appear in one of my upcoming releases.

4.     Kaanapali Beach Maui, HI  I honeymooned in Maui so maybe that’s why I fell in love with this beach. It’s absolutely enchanting whether you’re having a private dinner, snorkeling, or spending the day in a cabana. It’s hard to find a more romantic beach than this.

5.     South Padre Island, TX  You might know Kissing Eden took place in SPI and I love it for how it combines everything Texas with everything beachy. There are great bars, restaurants, and remote beaches if you’re looking for spots away from the big crowds.

6.     St. Augustine Beach, FL  This is one of the pretties beaches with flat white sand and the most unique shell collections.

7.     Holden Beach, NC  My favorite college couple London and Beau from London Falling went to HB for spring break. It’s a great summer getaway with the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and the ocean on the other.

8.     Hilton Head Island, SC  My friends and I did a girls’ weekend at HH and had the best time. The resorts, beaches, and restaurants are awesome. Everywhere you drive is gorgeous. I’m planning another trip!

9.     Coronado Island, CA  My husband and I love the Hotel del Coronado and spent a lot of time at the hotel’s beach when we lived in San Diego. The sunsets are absolutely amazing!

10.  Emerald Isle, NC  The water is a perfect blue-green every day of the summer and you’ll love the southern sunset.

What are your favorite summer spots?  

About the Author

T.A. Foster is a Southern girl whose heart and spirit are connected to the beach. She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children and two canine kiddos. 

Her long love affair with books started at an early age and as soon as she was able, she transformed imaginative stories into words on paper. T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University.  When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing or planning her next beach trip.

Author Links:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY:

Win a $20 Fandango Gift Card, a $10 Amazon Gift Card, and a SIGNED copy of KISSING EDEN (US Only) 

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HAPPY RELEASE: ON THE ROCKS BY ALYSSA ROSE IVY

We are stoked for today's Release of Alyssa Rose Ivy's ON THE ROCKS!! ON THE ROCKS is a contemporary romance and is a part of Alyssa Rose Ivy’s Mixology Series. It is priced at just $.99 right now. This will last for a limited time only to celebrate the release!!  

  ON THE ROCKS Synopsis:  Love is best served on the rocks. My roommates look really good naked. At least one of them does. I’m sure the other one does too, but I haven’t seen him without his pants on. Living with two guys wasn't something I’d ever considered, but the opportunity fell in my lap, and I’d have been crazy to turn it down. College went by in a great big blur leaving me with less of a direction than I had going in. Add in a family that wanted nothing to do with me, and my post-college plans were less than clear. What’s a girl to do when she has nowhere else to turn? She moves to the Outer Banks and learns to bartend. After all, it was my horrible bartending skills that led me to my roommate’s bed and into his heart.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

  EXCERPT: I heard the water in the sink running, and I assumed someone was brushing their teeth. I knocked while pushing open the door. “I just need my—” The rest of my words were lost as Macon turned toward me. There he was holding a toothbrush and wearing nothing. Absolutely nothing. “Oh my god. I am so sorry.” I backed out without finding my brush. “Can I help you?” His voice was amused. How was he amused? “Why are you naked?” “Because I just got out of the shower.” I kept looking down. “But you were brushing your teeth.” “I like to dry off before I get dressed. You should try it sometime.” “That’s what a towel is for.” I heard the ping of the towel bar. I glanced up, half hoping he’d be covered and half hoping he wouldn’t be. He had a towel tied around his waist. “I guess we’re even then.” “Even?” I could barely think straight. I was still picturing Macon naked. “Yeah, I walked in on you in a towel, now you’ve seen me baring it all. We’re good to go.” “I wasn’t naked.” He grinned. “So what you’re saying is now I’m the one with the extra points. Nice.” “You’re crazy.” “I am? You’re the one who opened the door without waiting for an answer, and what did you need anyway?” “My brush,” I answered sheepishly. He was right, I did pretty much barge right in. “Here you go,” he held out the brush. I took it, and my hand brushed against his in the process. Even tiny touches from him got me. “Thanks, and sorry.” “Not a problem, roomie.” “Okay.” “Is there anything else?” “Oh, no. Nothing.” I backed out the rest of the way and closed the door. Could I get more embarrassing?
 

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Alyssa Rose Ivy Bio: 

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.    

  

Links: Twitter Author Goodreads Pinterest Website ON THE ROCKS Goodreads Facebook

NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY: BLURRED LINES BY JENNIFER K. BRAND

Title: Blurred Lines

Author: Jennifer K. Brand

Release Date: May 28, 2014

A stand alone novel

 

Blurb

The moment I met Davide Valenti, I wanted him.

He was alluring in the kind of way that makes good girls like me want to break all the rules.

So I did. I broke my rules for him, and in turn, he gave me what I craved.

Hearts and Flowers.

Yet I wanted more. I wanted to know him, claim him the same way he had claimed me. But you can't claim that which doesn't exist. A mirage. A man who showed me one face while showing the world another. A complicated man. A dangerous man.

Now I'm caught up in his world. Trapped under all that is dark and dangerous. From hearts and flowers to guns and knives.

I want out. But I fear it's too late.    

Buy the Book

US: http://amzn.to/RzNVkB

UK: http://amzn.to/1k0lh7J

CA: http://amzn.to/TSnB7q

AU: http://bit.ly/RzO1J1

     

About the Author

Jennifer K. Brand writes erotic romances with witty curves and dangerous edges. She loves travelling and therefore her stories are set in exotic locales or have exotic male leads. Her stories are those with an element of intrigue or suspense, but wrapped in hot steamy romance.

Her favorite kind of hero is possessive with a dangerous edge, but has a sweet heart beneath it all. Her heroines are strong and witty and can't wait to tame their men. She loves Gin and Tonics, Spain, Monopoly and kittens :) Look out for her new book Blurred Lines, releasing May 28th!

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website

 

Giveaway!

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NEW RELEASE & GIVEAWAY: CUT TOO DEEP BY K.J. BELL

So this is also going on. As a firm believer that more needs to be done to prevent sexual assault as well as bring offenders to justice, KJ Bell is donating a percentage of week one sales for Cut Too Deep to rainn.org. RAINN The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an American anti-sexual assault organization, the largest in the United States.

RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims, and to ensure that rapists are brought to justice.

 http://www.rainn.org

RAINN.org | RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network

SYNOPSIS:

A woman traumatized by her past, beaten, battered, and unwilling to trust.

A man held captive by his greatest failure, lost, and self-destructive.

Letters that unexpectedly bind them together.

Is their bond strong enough to survive each other?

As a web of deceit is revealed, will they be able to determine what’s real, and what’s worth fighting for? Or will they crumble under the weight of secrets that cut too deep?

Can Miller forgive himself and move beyond his fear of failing the one he loves? 

Can Hadley accept the love she desperately wants but doesn’t believe she deserves?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17841294-cut-too-deep?ac=1

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1nqZ2sL

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cut-too-deep-katrina-bell/1119608187?ean=2940149182480

EXCERPT:

Dear Ms. Walker,

I know exactly who you are. You’re the beautiful and intriguing young woman who shakes like a leaf when I get near you, but watches me with heated intensity every morning when I arrive to work as though you would like to undress me.

I’m pleased to learn the little voice in your head won out and you decided to mail your letter. Perhaps with distance between us, I won’t intimidate you, and we can get to know each other properly. I would very much like to know more about you.

I am receiving many letters, but let me put your mind at ease. I’m not opening any of them. I’m not interested in words from strangers that are obviously looking for ten tiny minutes of fame. Yours, however, spiked my curiosity. I wasn’t sure if it was the same Hadley Walker that brightens my mornings until I smelled the delicate perfume on the outside of the envelope, and knew with certainty it was you.

You would like to know what I miss the most about home. I’m a man. Your answer, Ms. Walker, is sex. I’m accustomed to having a woman in my bed. There are no women here, and it’s lonely.  Would you be willing to keep me company? Fucking through words can be very erotic. Chances are, you squirmed in your seat, shocked by what I’ve written. Your panties are wet, and you’re reading the above sentence over again. Perhaps you’re cursing me, but it won’t stop you from reading on. You said you’re drawn to me, and I am rather enamored with you as well. There is nothing for you to be “curious” about. It’s purely sexual attraction that draws you to me and me to you. I’ve wanted to have you since the first time I saw you watching me. The other morning when your big doe eyes peered up at me, and you knew I’d caught you, I wanted to drag you into the elevator and fuck you until you screamed my name so loud, the entire building heard you. I’ve thought about nothing else since. I saw in your eyes that you wanted me to make you come right there in the building lobby. I’m hard thinking about it.

What do you say, Ms. Walker, would you care to have letter sex with me? When I’m free of this shit hole, I promise to deliver the real thing, and then you can determine if I’m still mesmerizing.

Regards,

Miller Genetti

BOOK TRAILER: http://youtu.be/Hto6uSeIVK0​

​

AUTHOR BIO:

K J Bell currently lives in California with her husband and three children. As a mother of three, when she’s not writing, she’s usually carting one of her children to their various activities. 

She enjoys reading, and music, and is equally addicted to both.

Writing is a passion she simply can’t live without.

She loves hearing from her readers and can be found on various social media sites.

Stay connected with KJ BELL:

Website: http://kjbell.com/

Twitter: @ authorkjbell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6994530.K_J_Bell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-KJ-Bell/326538807458760?ref=hl

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00CDWSYXI

Instagram: kjbell_author

RELEASE LAUNCH HOSTED BY:

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

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REVIEW: MENDED BY KIM KARR

MUSIC HAS THE POWER TO HEAL ALL…BUT NOT ALL BROKEN HEARTS CAN BE MENDED.

Always in control, Xander Wilde considered life on the road to be a perfect fit for him. But when disaster strikes on the Wilde Ones’ latest tour, fate intervenes…and a newly single Ivy Taylor, the only girl he has ever loved, steps back into his life.

After moving past her painful breakup with Xander years ago, Ivy was poised to become the next big name in pop music…when suddenly she withdrew from the limelight—the same day she announced her engagement to her controlling agent, Damon Wolf.

Xander knows he should keep his distance. But once they’re on the road, he can’t resist pursuing her for a second chance. Yet a jealous Damon can’t let her go—and he’s keeping dangerous secrets that could destroy them all. 

When the three of them come together, everything falls apart. But if Xander and Ivy can hold tight to the bond that connects them, they just might have a chance at reclaiming the powerful love they thought they had lost forever.

Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Expected publication: June 3rd 2014 by NAL

Source: received from publisher via Netgalley

Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon

OUR REVIEW:

I've been curious about this story ever since I read the first excerpt of it months and months ago. Xander seemed like such an ass in the River/Dahlia books so I wasn't sure what to think.  I too was looking to see if he would be able to redeem himself. 

The novel started in a flashback..to give us some context, I think, about Xander and Ivy..to show us how they felt about each other..then fast forward 12 years and we discover that things aren't great..not even good for them. As their story continues, the reasons for their decisions and feelings become more and more clear. Many times I wanted to kill one of both of them for being so damned stubborn. GAH. And their 'almost' encounters..almost telling each other how they feel, almost touching touching, almost ..almost..almost..until FINALLY. sheesh. And DO NOT even get me started on Damon. And Amy. I was not a fan of either of those two...maybe they should hook up and be miserable together? 

It was hard at first...truly...because so much time has gone by, and it seems crazy that two people so in love would have fell apart for some reason. That reason is a big part of their demise, but don't look for it to be explained for a while. Like Shel said, there is a lot of set up and slow burn to whatever will be happening between them. Lots and lots of tension. It almost killed me there was so much tension. 

So the first 50-ish percent of the novel is really an exploration of Xander and Ivy and their complications from the past and the close confines of the tour. It was a little slow for me and it was harder for me to feel engaged. The last half went faster--a lot of plot was jammed in to the last part. I almost wish more of the plot from the end would've been introduced earlier? I'm not sure why I didn't connect as much with the writing in this novel; the story had so much potential..I just didn't feel as engaged.  I did like the addition of the characters from the earlier novels and having a non-cliffhanger ending was a relief!

I agree. I don't know if it was because we were so connected to River and Dahlia (maybe because we got two books from them) and maybe because Xander was such a dick to Dahlia before that it was hard to root for him. I did...eventually, but there were some things that kept me from being super ecstatic about it. The things that made this so incredibly enjoyable for me: Xander and River have great moments together toward the end. How things turned out the last 25% was very thrilling and made me remember why we're such fans of this series. There were a few details about Ivy that were introduced to the plot, but never got resolved, and unfortunately for me I was bothered. 

Shelley: 3 stars
Courtney: 3 Stars

 Here is the Mended excerpt link to Kim’s blog --> http://bit.ly/1j6lZLH

Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romance, including her sexy New Adult romance series, Connections.  She describes herself as wearing a lot of hats–writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all-around go-to person of the family.  However, she always finds the time to read.  She believes in soul mates, kindred spirits, true friends and Happily-Ever-Afters, and loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.  Kim lives in Florida with her husband and four kids.

Thanks again for participating, and please let me know if you have any additional questions!

Here are Kim’s social media links -->

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kim Karr

• Website: http://www.authorkimkarr.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimKarr
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkimkarr
• Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6644044.Kim_Karr

Here are the buy links -->

➜ AMAZON - http://amzn.to/1ap7Jwn
➜ iTUNES - http://bit.ly/1i9fQkM
➜ B&N - http://bit.ly/1iaTkYS
➜ Paperback - http://amzn.to/1dtnJgJ

Also here are links to Kim’s other books in the Connections series...
AMAZON LINKS:
➜ Connected - http://amzn.to/1fDaywN
➜ Torn - http://amzn.to/18r6puZ
➜ Dazed - http://amzn.to/1hwLS9g
➜ Mended - http://amzn.to/1ap7Jwn
➜ Blurred - http://amzn.to/1mCHwQ1
➜ Frayed - http://amzn.to/1cnBwof

COVER REVEAL: ALEX BY SAWYER BENNETT

COVER REVEAL! ALEX: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel by Sawyer Bennett

Loveswept (Random House) is thrilled to debut the cover of ALEX: A Cold Fury Hockey Novel by USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett! ALEX is the first in a sexy and exciting new series that’s hot enough to melt the ice…

ALEX (A Cold Fury Hockey Novel)

Loveswept Contemporary Romance

Written by Sawyer Bennett

On sale: October 14, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-553-39300-2

About ALEX:

Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn’t afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn’t so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy… not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.
 
As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people—like Alex, who’s been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-risk youth as part of the team’s effort to clean up his image. What she doesn’t expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn’t one to cross professional boundaries—and besides, Alex doesn’t do relationships… or does he? The more she sees behind Alex’s bad-boy façade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

Get your copy of ALEX (A Cold Fury Hockey Novel)

Amazon  |  B&N  |  iBooks  |  Google Play  |  Kobo  |  Other retailers

About Sawyer Bennett

USA Today bestselling author Sawyer Bennett is a snarky Southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. Her husband works for a Fortune 100 company which lets him fly all over the world while she stays at home with their daughter and three big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

Connect with Sawyer

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Connect with Loveswept

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