Book Signing + LA Times Book Festival 2016

Hi everyone! I thought I'd do something different today and talk about the book events I attended this past weekend.

The first event was Linda Thomas Sundstrom's book signing and release party at the Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego, CA on April 9. I love coming to the bookstore because of the intimate setting. I also love that they always have sweets whenever someone is signing!

Linda Thomas Sundstrom is known as the literary girl of paranormal romance because her books are so rich. A fun fact about her is that she also teaches Pilates and some of her students came to support her during the event.

Linda talked about having no control on her covers, and she told stories of which covers she preferred and even compared covers from different countries for the same book.

I might have fangirled a little bit when she mentioned me by name at least twice. Thanks for the shoutout, Linda!

Lastly, she mentioned that the most recent book she released and signed at the event, Immortal Redeemed, was one of her favorite books out of the 28 that she had already released. Congratulations on a successful writing career, Linda!

On April 10, me and my friend drove to USC in Los Angeles to attend the LA Times Book Festival. It was my first time and I honestly had a great time, even though I only went to a few booths and spent only an hour at the event.

I was mainly there so I could meet Carlene Love. We had previously chatted on Twitter and I was excited to finally meet her. She writes contemporary romance about rockstars and exotic dancers thrown into the real world apart from their careers. She was such a sweetheart and a joy to chat with.

The next author I met was Tracy Reed. She was very passionate about her books and really believed in them. It was quite inspirational to witness an author's pride about her books. We chatted for a long time and laughed as well. It was a pleasure to meet her and hope that we'll meet again soon--online or in person.

Overall, I enjoyed my time at the book festival. If you want to see what else I got up to plus interviews of the authors mentioned here, check out the video below!

Have you been to a book signing or a book festival before? 

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Review: What You Want

Hi everyone! Today, I have a very lovely story to share. I love the 1Night Stand stories so when I saw that the author was looking for reviewers, I jumped at the chance. Check out my review below.

Title: What You Want
Series: Desperately Seeking Submissive, #2
Author: Landra Graf
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Release Date: March 25, 2016
Pages: 60
Buy Links: Amazon | ARe | Kobo | Smashwords | BN

Blurb:

When her sister gets sick on the night of her 1Night Stand date, Laney Malcolm is asked to fill in and pretend to be her twin. Treating it as a lark, she looks forward to an adventurous event with a free dinner and not much else. She isn’t prepared for the fierce attraction nor the urge to help the Hawaiian, tattooed submissive she’s introduced to. 

Kanoa Mahelona has spent the last year trying to find himself, but he’s tired of random hook-ups and women who only want him for his bad-boy image. Madame Eve helped his boss, so he turns to her for assistance. Attractive and damn good at breaking through his barriers, the blonde Domme challenges him in a way he can’t seem to turn down. 

Only she’s not who she appears to be, and, once the truth comes out, it may be too late to go back. 

Romantic and straightforward. If there was such a thing as softcore BDSM, this would be it.

I love a good twin story. To be honest, I've always wanted a twin because it would be fun to fool people sometimes. This time around, it was necessary. Laney agreed to pretend to be her sister for one night, not knowing how the date would go. Wow, she was definitely in for something exciting.

I'm usually not into island men, but hey, Kanoa sounded really hot. He had a lot of tattoos and each of them had a story. I loved his explanation for his tattoos, but what I enjoyed most was the fact that Laney was interested in each of them.

The chemistry between the two characters were apparent from the beginning, and I loved that they didn't beat around the bush. Straight to the point and honest. I really enjoyed their conversations.

As for the sex itself, it wasn't as intense, but I certainly enjoyed reading it. It was like BDSM injected with love. Overall, I can't wait to read more of this author's books! I do love discovering new authors :)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Landra Graf has been crafting stories since the tender age of too-young-to-watch-rated-R. When she finally got old enough for adult material, she believed adult meant anything besides the smexy. Then she discovered erotic romance and all things kinky. Since then it’s been a journey down a rabbit hole. Landra writes BDSM erotic romance and historical erotic romance, among other less smexy offerings.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon

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Review: Heated Match

Ready for another amazing book that will totally rock your socks off? Check out Heated Match! Lynne Silver is re-releasing the whole series and this time around, I was lucky enough to read the first book to review!

Title: Heated Match

Series: Coded for Love, #1

Author: Lynne Silver

Release Date: April 5, 2016
Publisher: Beyond the Page
Release Date: April 4, 2016
Pages: 249
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | Kobo | ARe

Blurb: 

The Program: an organization of elite soldiers with superior strength, agility, and intellect. These men put their lives on the line to execute the government’s most dangerous missions.

Journalist Loren Stanton wants nothing more than to break a big story that will catapult her career. But the only item that’s caught her eye lately is Adam Blacker, a soldier whose rugged sexiness sets her pulse racing. When rumors surface that he’s part of a classified government program, Loren has every excuse she needs to get as close to him as possible, no matter what it takes.

As team leader of a covert ops group, Adam steers clear of all journalists, but there’s no denying the blazing passion Loren stirs in him. A scorching night together convinces him their connection is more than skin-deep, still, he’s not ready to let down his guard—his genetic enhancements make him an exceptional soldier, but what woman would want to commit to his high-risk life?

When a dangerous enemy from Adam’s past resurfaces and Loren insists on joining the fight rather than running, he’s forced to face a dark truth. This courageous, loyal woman moves him in ways he never imagined possible. And now that Adam knows she has his back, he also knows that he has to win.

Such a fun read with unexpected twists and turns and an explosive romance!

This book reminded me of why I love Lynne Silver. At first, I was a bit thrown off by the term "genetically enhanced" and I thought the soldiers weren't human. Eventually, I understood the concept and everything was like an adventure since then.

Although the main characters were Adam and Loren, I was instantly hooked by Xander. Something about him was so intriguing, but I would have to wait and read his book later.

I loved the humor. It felt like a light read, but with the intensity of a romantic suspense. Does that make sense? Basically, it's my perfect book. Adam and Loren couldn't keep their hands off each other, and to be fair, I didn't want them to ;)

I loved the strength that the program represented, but also the mystery. What woman could resist that? It's hard to explain without spoiling the book, so you'll just have to take my word for it. This book is brilliant and will keep you reading until you reach the end. 

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ARC Review: Trapped

Title: Trapped
Series: Condemned, #1
Author: Alison Aimes
Publisher: Orchid Publishing
Release Date: March 1, 2016
Pages: ~197
Buy Link: Amazon

Blurb:

Cadet Bella West has one simple objective when she joins the scientific mission to Dragath25, the notorious penal planet housing Earth’s condemned. Earn the credits necessary to save her family from starvation. But when her shuttle crashes and the majority of her crew perish, her simple mission becomes complicated fast. Now, to stay alive she’ll have to depend on one of Dragath’s own. But such protection doesn’t come free. 

Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, 673 has become more beast than man after eight grueling years on an unforgiving, hazardous planet of dirt and rock—and even more treacherous inhabitants. He doesn’t look out for anyone but himself and he certainly never grows attached. So when the bold female offers him pleasure in return for protection, he takes the deal without hesitation. He never expects how her touch will alter him. Or the growing realization that saving her may be the key to his own salvation. 

But as dangers mount and their ‘simple’ deal unravels will he prove to be her surprise savior or her ultimate downfall? Because caring for someone on Dragath25 may prove the greatest hazard of all. 

A tale of unbridled desire, stunning sacrifice, and unwavering love, Trapped is an action-packed, sexy sci-fi romance that takes you to the brink of oblivion on a planet where only the strong survive. 

Brilliant, just absolutely brilliant!

I don't usually read sci-fi stories, but when the author approached me about reviewing this book, I read the blurb and decided to give it a try. I was only too glad that I did! This book was absolutely amazing, especially for a debut novel! The imagery was literally out of this world, but it was so easy to picture in my mind. 

Cadet Bella West was a headstrong and stubborn woman who cared a lot about her colleagues. She would die for her siblings and she had a big heart. Although her stubbornness became annoying at times, I appreciated that it was part of her personality. She was truly a well-rounded character, filled with flaws and endearing qualities.

Dragath25 prisoner 673 was different from the very beginning. Unlike other prisoners in the planet, he wasn't vicious or murderous or a total beast. He was only there to survive. Being alone for eight long years, he thought himself closer to a beast than man, but Bella clearly had other ideas.

Their chemistry was simply explosive. I also appreciated that this book was not at all predictable. I kept trying to guess what could have put 673 on that planet, but I couldn't have guessed it, besides that he was framed and wrongly accused. 

Overall, the characters in this book were all well-developed, which is what made this book such a joy to read. If you're looking for that one book that could get you out of a reading slump, I would suggest this book. Bear in mind that this wasn't a clean, sweet romance, though.

*I was lucky to have edited this book.

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ARC Review: Break My Fall

I have an exciting book to share with you if you like military romance!

Title: Break My Fall
Series: Falling, #2
Author: Jessica Scott
Self-Published
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Pages: 227
Buy Links: Amazon | iBooks | BN | Kobo

Blurb:

Violence. 

I'm addicted to it. It's how I feel alive. It's the only thing that's real any more.
And now I have to sit around and discuss it like it's physics or calculus. I can't do it. I can't pretend that it's some sterile academic topic. Violence isn't sterile. It isn't calm. It's pulsing. It's alive.
It's my drug.
Until I met Abby, I never wanted anything beyond the next fight. Never considered that I might finally find a way back to the land of the living.
Now? Now I find myself dreaming of a woman with golden eyes.
But I can never be with her. Because I am not whole. And I never will be again.
But I cannot stay away.
And loving her might finally be what breaks me.  

Gritty, dark, and full of heart. Jessica Scott had done it again!

There was something addicting to the tortured soul that was Josh. The fact that he could explode any minute was what drew me to him. At the same time, I also liked that no matter how much violence he was capable of, he wasn't a threat to the people in the college he was attending. 

This story was different from all the other in that Abby was also tortured inside. She was strong on the outside, but she hid painful memories as well. They might not have been the war, but her struggle was just as traumatizing. Watching her bond with Josh was fascinating. It was like a magnetic pull that neither of them could escape. 

If you were in the market for a new adult military story, I would recommend this book. The feelings were real, and so were the hardships. 

Jessica Scott is an Iraq war veteran, an active duty army officer and the USA Today bestselling author of novels set in the heart of America’s Army. She is the mother of two daughters, three cats and three dogs, and wife to a retired NCO. She and her family are currently wherever the army has sent her.

She's also written for the New York Times At War Blog, PBS Point of View Regarding War, and IAVA. She deployed to Iraq in 2009 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/New Dawn and has had the honor of serving as a company commander at Fort Hood, Texas twice.

She's pursuing a graduate degree in Sociology in her spare time and she's been featured as one of Esquire Magazine's Americans of the Year for 2012.

Jessica is also an active member of the Military Writers Guild.

Connect with Jessica at: Website | Facebook | Twitter| GoodReads | Amazon | Instagram

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Promo/Giveaway: Cowboy, Mine

Hi everyone! Today, I want to share with you a boxed set of cowboys! Oh my gosh, who doesn't love a good cowboy romance?

Title: Cowboy Mine
Boxed Set, Self-Published
Release Date: October 15, 2015
Pages: 824
Buy Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print

Blurb:

Texas Haven Kathleen Ball 
Can love shine through the clouds of treachery and misunderstanding?

Advertising for a wife seems like the answer to all of Burke Dawson's problems. He wants a wife and kids without emotional attachments, but he has no idea how much havoc one woman can cause. 

Annie Douglas has her heart set on her hunky cowboy's love and she isn't about to stop until she gets it. 


Take Me Home, Cowboy by Krista Ames 
When tragedy strikes, will building tension and pride destroy a growing attraction or show them the way home?

Ally Kincaid returns to Rock Creek, Wyoming, to see her father after a two year absence. Anticipating a quiet family reunion, she finds herself butting heads with Matt Gentry—her father’s foreman—instead. The man’s arrogance and sexy drawl push all her buttons, making her wonder what he’s hiding beneath his cowboy swagger. 

When tragedy strikes, will building tension and pride destroy their growing attraction or show them the way home? 


Honeymoon Ranch by Cheryl Gorman 
Can two reluctant partners ride off into their own blissful sunset on Honeymoon Ranch? 

When wedding planner, Summer Conroy, discovers she has inherited half of Silver Creek Ranch, she is stunned to learn the other half is owned by sexy cowboy, Bryce Jericho. Her idea of turning the ranch into an exclusive wedding and honeymoon destination is met with a wall of resistance from Bryce who doesn’t want his ranch ruined with a bunch of wedding nonsense. He is determined to conceal his vulnerable heart that beats in fear of being betrayed again.

Will this woman with dreams of happily-ever-after in her eyes transform his fear into love everlasting? 


Chalkboard Romance by Melissa Keir 
Will a One Night Stand prove to be their disaster or their salvation? 

Lauren Walsh, a divorcee and elementary teacher, wants to feel sexy again after her ex tosses her aside for a younger woman. Her best friend encourages her to sign up for The Playhouse--a renowned dating agency. Forced to stay away from his young son, Mac Thomas lost the ability to trust. After the death of his wife, he returned to care for his son but his sister wants more for him. She sets him up with The Playhouse. 

Passion ignites but Mac’s a parent of one of Lauren’s students. A teacher and a parent dating could cost Lauren her job and her chance at happiness. Will Mac be able to convince the school and Lauren, that love is the most important thing? 


Until You Fall in Love by Lyssa Layne 
Can a longtime friendship suddenly blossom into love?

Single mom Jordan Glastetter doesn't know how she'd survive without her best friend, Abram Tomko. He's the father her son never knew and he's the rock she's always leaned on. 

When Abram's father suffers a heart attack, it's Abram's turn to depend on Jordan, finally seeing her as the woman she's become and not the little girl he grew up with. 

Will they risk their friendship for a chance at love? 


The Cowboy’s Baby by D’Ann Lindun 
Cat wanted to keep her baby: Tanner insisted she give it up...can they find common ground seventeen years later?

Cat O’Brien left her heart in Granite, Colorado, seventeen years ago—her first love, Tanner Burke, and the baby girl she gave birth to at sixteen. Suddenly, both Tanner’s high school sweetheart and the teenage daughter they gave up for adoption are back in his life. 

Cat is adamant their daughter keep her baby; Tanner isn’t as sure. Just like seventeen years before, he and Cat are butting heads over the fate of an unborn child. 



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