Tag Archives: Sports

Cover Reveal: Fighting Shadows (On The Ropes #2) by Aly Martinez

Posted on June 4, 2015 by AmyB

Fighting Shadows

Add Fighting Shadows to your TBR list on Goodreads!

RELEASE DATE: July 7th

Blurb

I come from a family of fighters. I always thought I’d follow in their shadows, becoming unstoppable in the ring. That changed the day I saved the life of a woman I loved, but could never have.

My brother hailed me as a hero, and my reward was a wheelchair.

Paralyzed, my life became an inescapable nightmare.

Until I met her.

Ash Mabie had a heart-stopping smile and a laugh that numbed the rage and resentment brewing inside of me. She showed me that even the darkest night still had stars, and it didn’t matter one bit that you had to lie in the weeds to see them.

I was a jaded asshole who fell for a girl with a knack for running away. I couldn’t even walk but I would have spent a lifetime chasing her.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.

Fighting the shadows of our past.

Fighting to reclaim my future.

Fighting for her.

Fighting Shadows Excerpt

Prologue

Ash

“Where the fuck have you been?” a man’s voice growled as soon as I entered the conference room.

My eyes flashed to his for only a single second before I recognized them. The door had barely clicked behind me but I already wanted nothing more than to bolt. My heart raced and my mouth dried.

I had to get out of there.

“Um…” I stalled, giving myself time to formulate a plan.

“Sit. Down,” he ordered, pushing out the chair next to him, but there was no way I was getting that close.

“I’m good,” I said, taking a step backwards toward the door.

“Don’t even think about it,” he snapped. “I swear to God, if you so much as open that door…” His words may have trailed off, but the threat was clearly stated.

I swallowed hard, and slowly walked to the chair farthest away from him, perching on the very edge—waiting for just the right moment to escape.

He looked down at the name badge around my neck and quirked an eyebrow.

“Victoria?”

“You can call me Tori if it’s easier.” I tried to fake a smile, but it only seemed to infuriate him. He took several calming breaths, which did nothing to dampen the blaze brewing in his angry eyes.

“I’ve been looking for you, Ash.” He snarled my name.

“Oh, yeah? Well, mystery solved. Here I am.” I pushed back to my feet, but was halted when his fist pounded against the table. I jumped as my whole body flinched from the surprise.

When the room fell silent, I slowly looked back up to find him staring at me with a murderous glare. Even sitting down I could tell he was huge, and as he held my gaze, the tense muscles in his neck and shoulders strained against the cotton of his grey Henley. He blinked at me for several seconds before finding his voice again.

“You live in a homeless shelter,” he stated definitively, as if the words told a story all of their own.

And maybe they did.

“I work at a homeless shelter,” I quickly corrected.

Only he corrected me just as fast. “In exchange for a permanent place to live…In. A. Homeless. Shelter.” He enunciated every single syllable.

I looked away, because it was the truth.

A truth that I hated.

But the God’s honest truth nonetheless.

Tears welled in my eyes and I battled to keep them at bay.

My life was hard, but him being there made it infinitely harder. If I could just escape that room, I could disappear again. It wasn’t ideal, but neither was him showing up.

“I want you to leave.” I lied with all the false courage I could muster.

“I can’t do that. You stole something of mine.”

“Look, I don’t have your book anymore.”

A knowing smirk lifted one side of his mouth. “Liar,” he whispered, reaching into the chair beside him, revealing the tattered book and ceremoniously dropping it on the table.

My eyes went wide, and without a conscious thought, I dove across the table after it.

That was mine.

Not even he could have it.

Just as quickly as the book appeared, he snatched it away and grabbed my wrist.

I slid off the table and tried to pull my arm from his grasp. It was a worthless attempt though because even if he had suddenly released me, his blue eyes held me frozen in place.

“Three fucking years,” he seethed.

“I had to,” I squeaked out as the tears streamed down my cheeks.

“Three. Fucking. Years, Ash. You took something that belonged to me.” He released my arm and pushed to his feet.

My mouth fell open and a loud gasp escaped as he took two impossible steps forward.

Pinning me against the wall with his hard body, he lifted a hand to my throat and glided it up until his thumb stroked over my bottom lip. Using my chin, he turned my head, and dragged his nose up my neck, stopping at my ear.

Sucking in a deep breath, he released it on a gravelly demand. “And I want her back.”

My breath hitched.

I’d waited years to hear those words.

If only I could have trusted them.

“Flint, please.”

About The Author

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Book Tour: Sweet Ache by K. Bromberg

Posted on June 2, 2015 by AmyB

Meet Hawke & Quinlan in SWEET ACHE – the newest Rock Star stand-alone in the Driven Series by K. Bromberg!

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1JhAg96

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1FNdJll

Nook: http://bit.ly/1FhaaNN

Kobo:http://bit.ly/1FLmEk5

iBooks:http://apple.co/1cqgKdH

Mass Market Paperback: http://amzn.to/1JasNdz

Blurb

The New York Times bestselling author of Slow

Burn turns up the heat when a sexy bet turns into so much more….

Hawkin Play, the bad boy rock star with a good guy heart, has lived a lifetime of cleaning up after his twin brother’s mistakes. Hunter’s most recent screwup could land Hawke in jail and risk the band’s future. Hawke agrees to guest lecture at a local college to stay in the judge’s good graces—and a bet with his bandmate to seduce his sexy teaching assistant is icing on the cake.

Quinlan Westin is harder to bed than Hawke imagined. She knows his type and is determined to avoid the rocker at all costs—even if their attraction runs deeper than simple lust.

Just as Hawke might finally be winning over the girl, his brother has other plans. When Hunter realizes his twin finally has a weakness, he’ll stop at nothing to take advantage….

EXCERPT

Hawkin

Well, shit. Guess there’s not going to be any calm before the next storm. I look at my brother and sigh.

I hit the road, drive for what feels like hours. I don’t know where I’m going or what I’m looking to find, but as long as I keep moving, my past can’t catch up to me.

At least it’s a good idea in theory because I can’t outrun this shit. The stuff I want to and the stuff I don’t want to.

I end up the one place I used to go to be alone, to think, and as I stare at the Hollywood sign from my seat on the grass at the Griffith Park Observatory, I love the feeling that I’m this little person in this big world. The idea comforts me some. The notion that on the grand scale of things my problems are minute. Someone out there has it way worse.

And no one expects a rock star to be here so with my hat pulled low on my head, I’m able to disappear.

I stare down below to the city where as a little boy, scared and traumatized, I wondered how all of the dreams inside my head could ever see the light of day when I felt like I had the responsibility of the world on my small shoulders. But I did. And I made it.

So why do I feel like I’m still not enough? For my brother? To make my mother better? For Quinlan to even want me beyond the killer sex we have? For the fans who scream and sing my lyrics like they live them when they have no fucking clue the meaning behind the words?

I scrub my hands over my face, needing a drink, craving an ice cream cone, and wanting the feeling of Quinlan’s arms wrapped around me as she silently sits there and just is with me.

My mind veers to Hunter. I push the guilt away, hold on to my gut check rationalization that he deserved it, and realize that’s the trouble I’m having here. Going with my gut versus going with the bullshit promises I’ve lived by forever.

My stomach churns and my head feels like Gizmo’s banging the hell out of it with his sticks. I shove up off the grass, needing to get the fuck out of here, my heart and head in conflict and for the first time in forever I dare to think what could happen if my heart finally won for once.

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K. Bromberg is that reserved woman sitting in the corner who has you all fooled about the wild child inside of her—the one she lets out every time her fingertips touch the computer keyboard.

K. lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. When she needs a break from the daily chaos of her life, you can most likely find her on the treadmill or with Kindle in hand, devouring the pages of a good, saucy book.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Her debut novels, Driven, Fueled, and Crashed of The Driven Trilogy were well received and went on to become multi-platform bestsellers as well as landing on the New York Times and USA Today lists. Her other works include a short story, UnRaveled, and a companion piece to The Driven Trilogy titled Raced. She is currently working on three stand alone Driven novels, Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, and Hard Beat. She also plans to release a novel addressing the 10 year gap at the ending of Crashed in late fall 2015

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Posted in Adult and tagged Musicians, Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Pucked by Helena Hunting

Posted on May 3, 2015 by AmyB

With a famous NHL player for a step-brother, Violet Hall is well acquainted with the playboy reputation many hockey stars come with. She’s smart enough to steer clear of those hot, well-built boys with unparalleled stamina. That is until she meets the legendary team captain—Alex Waters.

Violet isn’t interested in his pretty, beat-up face, or his rock-hard six-pack abs. But when Alex inadvertently obliterates Violet’s previous misapprehension regarding the inferior intellect of hockey players, he becomes more than just a hot body with a face to match.

In what can only be considered a complete lapse in judgment, Violet finds out just how good Alex is with the hockey stick in his pants. But what starts out as a one-night stand, quickly turns into something more. Post-night of orgasmic magic, Alex starts to call, and text, and e-mail and send extravagant—and quirky—gifts, making him difficult to ignore, and even more difficult not to like.

The problem is, the media portrays Alex as a total player, and Violet doesn’t want to be part of the game.

My Review

Pucked was a quick and entertaining read for me. From the moment I was introduced to Violet and Alex, I was hooked. Violet tells you like it is and has absolutely no filter. I mean she literally puts her foot in her mouth so many times, it’s hilarious. I found myself laughing and shaking my head so many times. And I just loved how equally awkward Alex was. I loved the chemistry the two of them shared. I think they balanced each other perfectly. The two of them together were a riot.

The only complaint that I had was that as much as I loved the awkward and witty banter between the two main characters, sometimes, it seemed a little too over the top. At times, really embarrassing and there is one scene towards the end, that while yes, it is totally something that Violet would do, it kind of put me off. I think it was just too over the top for me. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story.

Pucked is a fast paced, fun read. The characters and their banter is funny. The chemistry is great. The drama is light. Pucked made me laugh and swoon. This is my first book by Helena Hunting, and I’m definitely looking forward to checking out her other books.

*I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Romance and tagged Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Blitz and Review: Kissing Madeline by Lex Martin

Posted on April 27, 2015 by AmyB

Title: Kissing Madeline (Dearest, #3)

Author: Lex Martin

Release Date: April 27, 2015

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Cover Design by: Krista Ritchie

Blurb

What’s the worst thing about wanting a sexy NFL football player? Everyone else wants him, too.

After catching my boyfriend getting deep-throated by a skanky cage girl, I’ve learned my lesson – never date a professional athlete. Never. Besides, I have more important things to worry about, like not blowing my shot to make it as a broadcast reporter. I won’t let anything get in my way, not even the new “it boy” of the NFL and my hot-as-hell neighbor.

What’s the worst thing about getting death glares from his new neighbor? It doesn’t make him want her any less.

I’ve worked my ass off to make it to the pros. The last thing I need is the complication of a relationship, especially since my last one was a total train wreck. But I can’t stop thinking about the feisty girl next door with the smart mouth. And I’d love nothing more than to show her what to do with that mouth.

Friends with benefits might be the best idea he’s ever had. Or the worst.

Kissing Madeline is a companion novel to DEAREST CLEMENTINE and FINDING DANDELION. Each book is a stand-alone.

My Review

“Everyone has baggage, Daren.”….It’s learning not to make the same mistakes that matters”

Lex Martin has done it again! I am giddy, happy and just so excited! Kissing Madeline was such a fantastic read. I have been waiting for Daren’s story for a long time. His character has grown so much since we first met him in Dearest Clementine.

Kissing Madeline is Maddie and Daren’s story. After Maddie catches her boyfriend in a compromising situation, she vows to never date another athlete again. Her career is now her primary focus. Sounds good, right? What she didn’t plan on was her new neighbor Daren…. Daren has worked hard to make it as a pro football player. He lives, breathes and exists for football. He doesn’t do relationships. That is until the girl next door gets under his skin. Now his thoughts are no longer consumed with football. He has Maddie on his mind all the time…… What starts out as just friends friends with benefits, quickly turns into something more. But, being in the spotlight isn’t easy. Will Daren and Maddie be able to handle the pressures of their jobs, but also being in a real relationship?

I loved everything about Kissing Madeline. As soon as I read the synopsis for this story, I knew it was going to be a good one, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. This story starts off with one heck of a bang. I was hooked from that instant and had to read more. I was captivated and did not want to put this book down! I loved Daren and Maddie together. They shared such excellent chemistry and balanced one another perfectly. Maddie was just the woman that Daren needed. Someone who understood just how important his career was and didn’t crucify him over mistakes he made as a younger man. And Daren, he loved and supported Maddie, even when he was in denial about the way he felt. I was in awe of his strength and love, especially towards the end. Read it, you’ll understand!

Kissing Madeline was everything that I wanted and more. I laughed, I swooned, fell in love and even had some tears in my eyes. This story also had some great twists. I had a few ideas about who was behind the things that were going on and loved watching how it all played out! By the time, I got to the end of the story, I had the biggest smile on my face. This story had the best possible ending and wraps up the series as a whole in the best possible way. I know this book says that you can read it as a stand-alone, and you totally can. But, if you have the time, I would recommend that you read the first two books, just for maximum impact. I have been a huge fan of Lex Martin and the Dearest series, since I first read Dearest Clementine. I can not recommend this series enough. If you’ve been thinking about reading this series, this is one that should not be missed.

* I received an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

DEAREST CLEMENTINE (Dearest, #1 – Clementine & Gavin)

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Paperback

Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out…in the name of research, of course.
As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.

FINDING DANDELION (#2 – Jax and Dani)

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Paperback

When soccer all-star Jax Avery collides with Dani Hart on his twenty-first birthday, their connection is instantaneous and explosive. For the first time in years, Jax isn’t interested in his usual hit-it and quit-it approach.
But Dani knows better. Allowing herself a night to be carefree and feel the intensity of their attraction won’t change anything when it comes to dealing with a player. So when Jax doesn’t recognize Dani the next time he sees her, it shouldn’t be a total shock. The fact that he’s her new roommate’s brother? That’s a shock.

Dani doesn’t regret that night with Jax, just the need to lie about it. Since her roommate has made it clear what she thinks about her brother’s “type” of girl, the last thing Dani wants is to admit what happened.

Jax knows he’s walking a fine line on the soccer team. One more misstep and he’s off the roster, his plans to go pro be damned. Except he can’t seem to care. About anything… except for the one girl who keeps invading his dreams.

Despite Jax’s fuzzy memory of his hot hookup with his sister’s friend, he can’t stay away from her, even if that means breaking his own rules. But there are bigger forces at work–realities that can end Dani’s college career and lies that can tear them apart. Jax realizes what he’s losing if Dani walks away, but will he sacrifice his future to be with her? And will she let him if he does?

About the Author

Lex Martin writes new adult novels, the sexy kind with lotsa angst, a whole lotta kissing, and the hot happily ever afters. When she’s not writing, she lives a parallel life as an English teacher. She loves printing black and white photos, listening to music on vinyl, and getting lost in a great book. Bitten by wanderlust, she’s lived all over the country but currently resides in the City of Angels with her husband and twin daughters.

Connect with Lex

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Posted in 5 Stars, NA and tagged Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Blog Tour and Review: Intercepted by Emma Hart

Posted on April 15, 2015 by AmyB

Release Day April 13

INTERCEPTED EMMA HART ITUNES EBOOK COVER

Four people. Four goals. Four endings. In the third and final book of the USA Today bestselling By His Game series, the rules of the game no one knew they’d have to play are blurring, and when the past becomes the opposing team, hearts aren’t the only thing at stake of being lost…

Finding naked pictures of her best friend on her boyfriend’s phone wasn’t in Everleigh White’s five year plan. Neither was moving back to Los Angeles, the city of dreams that never managed to make hers come true. There’s only so many years you can be in love with your best friend before you realize he’s never going to love you back, after all. If only her ex would stop showing up at the gym where she works, she’d be much happier.

Being a father at nineteen wasn’t how Reid North, the Vipers’ wide receiver, imagined his life going, but when his ex-girlfriend tricked him into parenthood, he accepted it. Eventually. Now, with his ex on the verge of being released from prison, he’s holding onto full custody of his seven year old son, Leo. Football and Leo have left Reid no time for dating… Until Everleigh comes back.

His best friend his whole life, Everleigh never knew Reid loved her. She left before he could tell her. Now she’s back in front of him, and he’s not letting go. Even if all he gets is her friendship again. But in a city like L.A., dreams come true when you’re least expecting it.

So do nightmares.

With their exes beating down their doors with demands and explanations, their hesitant and building relationship is threatened at every corner. They’re at serious risk of being intercepted by the past, and that’s a ball Reid is determined to catch.
Except desperation can lead to stupidity—and Reid soon realizes he can’t catch every ball, no matter how perfectly it’s thrown to him. This time a fumble could cost more than a few points.

It could cost him everything.

(INTERCEPTED is the third and final book in the By His Game series and can be read as a standalone, although it is advised to read BLINDSIDED and SIDELINED before, in this order.)

ADD TO GOODREADS

My Review

Intercepted follows the story of Ever and Reid. Ever and Reid have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Over time, their feelings for one another progressed, but neither one of them acted on their feelings because of their age difference. One of Ever’s biggest regrets was leaving town without saying goodbye to Reid. Now, four years later, Ever is coming home.

Reid’s life hasn’t gone as planned. He should be out living the high life, enjoying being famous and young, but life had other plans for him. Tricked into parenthood by his ex, Reid is now a single father. He’s trying to do the best he can, but parenting isn’t easy. The last thing he expected was to run into Ever.

Now that they’ve been reunited, their attraction is even stronger. It feels as though no time has passed. But will feelings and misunderstandings cause them to miss out on what’s always been in front of them? What will happen when their ex’s won’t go away? Will Reid and Ever get the HEA that they’ve always dreamed of?

I really enjoyed Intercepted. I love, love the friends to more story-line and this one really knocked it out of the park. I felt the connection between Reid and Ever immediately and was so sad that they lost out on so much time together. Their emotion

s and attraction were so palpable. I just couldn’t wait to read more. I did find myself frustrated at Ever sometimes, because she was just so stubborn, but Reid being a total alpha male, did an excellent job of pushing past her stubbornness and not letting her go.

And I just adored Leo. Such a sweet, loving boy, but also a total smarty pants. I found myself laughing so many times when kept asking if Reid and Ever were giving each other cooties!! Kids have no filter sometimes! I love it. I would definitely be into seeing Leo get his own story down the road. Just putting that out there 😉

Intercepted is a great friends to lovers/second chance romance. From the moment I read the first page, I knew this was a story I was going to get lost in. I fell for the characters instantly, even the side characters. Intercepted gave me everything I was looking for and more. I loved the angst, drama, romance, steam and suspense. The story also had some really great twists and turns. I was so intrigued with the story-line and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. This book can be read as a stand-alone, however I do recommend that you do read Blindsided and Sidetracked first.

* I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

EXCERPT

I follow him down the sidewalk, feeling a little antsy. I mean, he looks like Reid. Okay, an older Reid, but still Reid. He sounds like Reid, he acts like Reid, but he… feels like someone else. He doesn’t feel like the guy who dragged me out from behind curtains at parties and forced me to the dance, or the guy who begged me to go to his high school and college football games because he insisted he always caught better when I was there.

He feels… rawer. Realer. Rougher.

And I’m terrified.

He was always the one person I struggled to say no to. It was his eyes, and his smile, and the fact that I was crazy fucking in love with him. I’m afraid that now, although four years have passed, that I won’t be able to say no, either

That much is obvious by the fact I’m standing outside a sandwich shop I’ve never seen in my life.

“Trust me,” Reid says, smiling as he pushes the door open.

I stare at him flatly. Still, I follow him in like a little puppy because I’m always game for a good sandwich.

“Two meatball subs,” Reid orders. “Both toasted with cheese, but one with extra cheese. No salad or sauces on either.” Order done, he looks back at me and winks.

God. He even remembers the sandwich.

“This isn’t good for my diet,” I mutter, following him along the counter to the register.

“Or mine.” He smirks, glancing at me and running his eyes over my body. “And for what it’s worth, you could probably have another cheat day without it making a difference.”

I hit his arm again. “Shut up. You can’t perve on me. It’s wrong.”
“That’s what you think.” He hands over twenty bucks and raise his eyebrow at me. Then, leaning in, he whispers, “My cock thinks different, Ever.”

I swallow. Well, shit. How am I supposed to respond to that?

I’m not. That’s right. I’m not.

I take my warm sandwich from the counter and grip it tightly, heading toward a table in the corner. I slide into the seat against the wall and unwrap my sandwich at a snail’s pace. Each crinkle of the paper surrounding it seems ten times louder than normal as I studiously ignore Reid’s bulky, muscular form sitting opposite me.

Dammit. I shouldn’t be attracted to him. I shouldn’t consider being attracted to him.

Sure, I was before. In the ‘you’re handsome, be my Prince Charming’ kinda way. Now, though? Now it’s a, ‘holy crap, rip off my clothes and ravish me on your backseat!’ kinda attracted.

I’m not saying either way is bad. I’m just saying that I would prefer for the first type of attracted.

I bite into the sandwich so I don’t have to talk to him. But, apparently, he doesn’t get the message.

“I didn’t know you worked at the gym.”

I swallow. “You say it like it’s the only gym in Los Angeles.”

“It’s just… the gym.” He smirks. He studies me for a second before the curve turns downward. “Why’d you leave, Ev?”
“You knew I was going.”

“Sure I did. I just didn’t know you were going Casper on my ass and fucking off without a word.”

My eyes fall and I focus on my sandwich. Carelessly, I pick at the top of the bread. “I had my reasons, okay? It was easier for me if the media didn’t follow me so intently. You know they thought I was going to star on Broadway instead of college.”

“God, you’re a damn shit liar, Everleigh White.”

“It’s the truth, Reid, okay? They were all up in Dad’s business because of the Hartman movie, and when those Broadway rumors started it was bullshit. I ran without anyone knowing so they wouldn’t follow me. It lasted a week, but I didn’t have them timing my pees on the plane so there we go.” I glance up. “Believe me, okay? I’m not lying.” Not entirely, anyway.

“Whenever you’ve told me you’re not lying, you’ve been lying.” The force of his gaze makes me look up. “I still fucking know you, Ever. You haven’t changed a single damn bit.”

“And you still can’t control your f-bomb,” I shoot back.

“Says the girl who drops it like she drops the word ‘hi’ at a high school reunion.”

“Kiss my ass.”

“You offerin’, firecracker?”

“You taking me up on it?”
“I could flip you over this table in a second and you know it.”

I narrow my eyes and grab my half-eaten sandwich. Standing, I reach toward the trashcan and slam the screwed-up package into it, leaving the lid to slam down as I turn on my heel and head for the door.

Reid says nothing. But he follows me. I hear his footsteps against the tiled floor of the sandwich place, and he grabs the door the second I let it go, stopping it from slamming.

My feet pound against the sidewalk. Jesus, I don’t remember him being this so fucking infuriating before. Was he this demanding? Or frustrating? Or goddamned annoying?

Hell to it all. Was he this fucking sexy?

No, siree. No, he was not.

And that’s the frickin’ problem.

Buy Links:

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/InterceptedUS

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/InterceptedUK

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/InterceptedB-N

iBooks: http://bit.ly/InterceptediBooks

From Emma Hart, the New York Times bestselling author of the

Game series, comes a brand new series where the game is realer, the tension is
tighter, the sex is hotter, and the stakes are the highest of all…

Two people. Two agendas. Two games.

What happens when the out-there It-Boy of football meets the
secret It-Girl of fashion?

As the daughter of Hollywood’s sweetheart, Leah Veronica
can’t even buy a coffee without finding her face on a magazine stand, so it’s no
wonder she’s launching her first fashion line in secret. With it debuting at
New York Fashion Week in just under a month, extra time in the spotlight is the
last thing she needs.

The son of the best quarterback the league has ever seen,
filling legendary shoes as the L.A. Vipers’ quarterback was inevitable for
Corey Jackson. So was meeting Leah Veronica—the first girl to hand him his ass
without putting a hair out of place.

Getting the handsome, prickly blonde into his bed becomes
his number one goal. But getting the sexy, over-confident footballer the hell
away from her becomes Leah’s—at least until she realizes the best way to do
that is to give him what he wants.

If only it was that simple.

When Corey discovers who she is, and private photos of
Hollywood’s finest find their way online, everything they thought they knew is
thrown into disarray.

And when secrets are exposed and hearts are shattered, they
have to figure out if they’ve been blindsided by love or reality, and if it’s
worth running the extra yard to win the game they never meant to play.

AmazonUS

AmazonUK
Barnes & Noble
iBooks
AmazonAU
AmazonCA

Three people. Three motives. Three reasons.

When the game leaves the field in the second book in the USA Today bestselling BY HIS GAME series and mixes with sex, lies, and betrayal, the future isn’t the only thing on the line…

Macey Kelly has sworn off men. Unless they’re going to zip in and out of her apartment—and her vagina—quicker than they can give her an orgasm, she’s not interested. Finding out her boyfriend of three years got her cousin pregnant was a total confidence knock. Luckily for Macey, confidence is

something she has in abundance, so all Mitch’s asshole move did was make her pretty cynical toward men.

The last thing Jack Carr needs at the start of the season is for a dark-haired, sexy as sin, gyspyesque beauty to be consuming his thoughts. Football is his life, which leaves no time for girls. Unless they’re the love ‘em and leave ‘em girls. Becoming one of the best running backs the league has ever seen by racking up the yards is his top priority… not bedding Macey Kelly, despite her affinity for blow jobs and total sexual abandon.

Avoiding each other is the perfect solution, but when your best friends are in a serious living together kind of relationship, that isn’t always an option. Sometimes, sex on tap is the easiest option. And the sweetest.

Until Mitch shows up with a bombshell that could shatter Macey’s perfectly carved out life. It’s been a year, but he isn’t giving her up, not now he has a chance at winning her back. And he knows her buttons. Every single one of them.

Unfortunately for him, Jack Carr isn’t a loser. The star running back has his eye on the Vince Lombardi—and on Macey. But seeing her hanging between them both isn’t something he’s down with, not when he discovers why she’s so against anything more-ish, as she puts it.Macey quickly realizes she’s the ball being passed between two desperate yet opposing teams, and that only one of them can score the touchdown. But will the winner be the guy she lived with and loved for three years, or will the winner be the guy who understands her and makes her body come alive?

In this game, someone will be sidelined, and calling the play isn’t always as easy as it seems.

(SIDELINED is a full-length, standalone novel. It’s not necessary to read BLINDSIDED before this book, but it is advised.)

RELEASE DAY: MARCH 2, 2015

ADD TO GOODREADS

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies – usually wine – and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy – unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

NEWSLETTER FACEBOOK TWITTER GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Cover Reveal!!!! Kissing Madeline by Lex Martin

Posted on April 13, 2015 by AmyB

Title: Kissing Madeline (Dearest, #3)

Author: Lex Martin

Release Date: April 27, 2015

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Cover Design by: Krista Ritchie

Blurb

What’s the worst thing about wanting a sexy NFL football player? Everyone else wants him, too.

What’s the worst thing about getting death glares from his new neighbor? It doesn’t make him want her any less.

Friends with benefits might be the best idea he’s ever had. Or the worst.

Kissing Madeline is a companion novel to DEAREST CLEMENTINE and FINDING DANDELION. Each book is a stand-alone.

Lex is giving away an ARC-A-DAY in her fan group until Kissing Madeline releases on April 27. You can join here http://on.fb.me/1oJN3mZ

DEAREST CLEMENTINE (Dearest, #1 – Clementine & Gavin)

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Paperback

Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn’t mind being called bitchy and closed off. It’s safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.
Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out…in the name of research, of course.

As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.

FINDING DANDELION (#2 – Jax and Dani)

Amazon | Nook | Kobo | Paperback

But Dani knows better. Allowing herself a night to be carefree and feel the intensity of their attraction won’t change anything when it comes to dealing with a player. So when Jax doesn’t recognize Dani the next time he sees her, it shouldn’t be a total shock. The fact that he’s her new roommate’s brother? That’s a shock.

About the Author

Connect with Lex

Giveaway

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Posted in Cover Reveal, NA and tagged Football, Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Blog Tour and Review: Sidelined by Emma Hart

Posted on March 2, 2015 by AmyB

Three people. Three motives. Three reasons.

When the game leaves the field in the second book in the USA Todaybestselling By His Game series and mixes with sex, lies, and betrayal, the future isn’t the only thing on the line…

Macey Kelly has sworn off men.

Unless they’re going to zip in and out of her apartment—and her vagina—quicker than they can give her an orgasm, she’s not interested. Finding out her boyfriend of three years got her cousin pregnant was a total confidence knock. Luckily for Macey, confidence is something she has in abundance, so all Mitch’s asshole move did was make her pretty cynical toward men.

The last thing Jack Carr needs at the start of the season is for a dark-haired, sexy as sin, gyspyesque beauty to be consuming his thoughts. Football is his life, which leaves no time for girls. Unless they’re the love ‘em and leave ‘em girls. Becoming one of the best running backs the league has ever seen by racking up the yards is his top priority… not bedding Macey Kelly, despite her affinity for blow jobs and total sexual abandon.

Avoiding each other is the perfect solution, but when your best friends are in a serious living together kind of relationship, that isn’t always an option. Sometimes, sex on tap is the easiest option.

And the sweetest.

Until Mitch shows up with a bombshell that could shatter Macey’s perfectly carved out life. It’s been a year, but he isn’t giving her up, not now he has a chance at winning her back. And he knows her buttons. Every single one of them.

Unfortunately for him, Jack Carr isn’t a loser. The star running back has his eye on the Vince Lombardi—and on Macey. But seeing her hanging between them both isn’t something he’s down with, not when he discovers why she’s so against anything more-ish, as she puts it.

Macey quickly realizes she’s the ball being passed between two desperate yet opposing teams, and that only one of them can score the touchdown. But will the winner be the guy she lived with and loved for three years, or will the winner be the guy who understands her and makes her body come alive?

In this game, someone will be sidelined, and calling the play isn’t always as easy as it seems.

Sidelined is a full-length, standalone novel. It’s not necessary to read Blindsided before this book, but it is advised.

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24279519-sidelined

My Review

Just when I think I can’t possibly love a character more, Emma Hart gives me Jack Carr and proves me wrong!

Sidelined follows the story of Jack and Macey. Thanks to her cheating ex-boyfriend, Macey has sworn off men and relationships. The only way she allows a man in her life is for a one-night stand. The last thing she planned for was Jack Carr…Football is Jack Carr’s passion. After finding his girlfriend (at the time) in bed with someone else, he’s made football his priority. Only having time for women if it’s a one-night stand. Everything changes once Macey enters the picture….She throws him off his game. Suddenly one night with her won’t be enough. But, neither of them are ready for more. They try to avoid each other, deny what they are felling. But it’s not easy when their best friends are seeing each other.

So, the two of them devise a plan. They will only sleep with each other. Nothing more, nothing less and once one of them starts feeling differently, things will end. Sounds easy enough, right? What could possibly go wrong? Everything seems so right, until Macey’s ex comes back into the picture. He drops a bombshell that has the power to change everything. Now everything isn’t as easy as it seems. Macey is now stuck with two men vying for her attention. She’s suddenly finding herself having to make a choice that she’s not prepared for. In the end, who will come out on top???

Sidelined was a fantastic read! To say it takes you on one heck of an emotional roller-coaster ride, would be an understatement. There certainly was never a dull moment. There is so much push and pull. Angst and frustration. And I loved every second of it.

Macey and Jack were so fantastic together. Both of them had been hurt by their ex’s so badly, that they were blinded by what was in front of them. Oblivious to how happy they could both be, if they would just open their eyes. I loved the banter between the two of them and the push and pull of their relationship. They both frustrated me so much, but again, I loved every second of it. Jack Carr was one over the top alpha male. I loved Jack’s persistence and his chase of Macey. He didn’t give up on her no matter how many times she tried to fight him. Their chemistry was undeniable and scorching. I couldn’t wait for them to just give into one another and see how amazing they could be.

Sidelined was a quick and easy read for me. I fell in love with Jack and Macey instantly. The characters in the is story were all fantastic. They were all so much fun and easy to connect with. I loved how real all of Macey’s friends were and the advice and tough love that they would give. Sidelined was just the read that I needed. It made me laugh, it frustrated me, made me swoon and fall in love. Sidelined is a great follow up to Blindsided and a wonderful addition to the His Game series. I can not wait to see what will happen next!!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

EXCERPT:

“You’re not goin’ anywhere, baby.” He steps closer, his fingers twitching, his breath ghosting across my neck. “At least, you ain’t fuckin’ moving until you’ve told me why you’re avoiding me.”

“Isn’t it obvious? You and I are cut from the same cloth, Jack. We don’t do the post-sex thing.”

“Yet here we are.”

“It’s unfortunate.”

“That what you call it?” he laughs, low and husky.

“Yep.” I drink.

“Put the drink down, M,” he whispers. “It’s fucking with you.”

“Really? I thought that was you fucking with me,” I respond, turning to him and pressing a hand against his chest. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Like, right here. Literally.

“It’s my best friend’s birthday.” He smirks. “Why’ve you been staring at me all night like you wanna suck and bite my cock simultaneously?”

“I assure you it was the latter.”

“Sure it was.” Jack steps closer to me again, and I grab my glass with the hand closest to him so I don’t grab his ass or something, ‘cause, shit. He has a sweet-as-hell ass.

“It was.” I drink. Again. Where the hell are my girls? “I feel like dancing.” I finish the glass and twist my body away from his.

His hand finally falls from me as I stalk toward and then down the stairs. I slip into the moving crowd, but I’ve barely moved my hips when two large, strong hands clasp me and tug me backward. The wall of muscle my back slams into is solid, and I exhale on a whoosh even as I close my fingers against the ones clasping my hips.

“Nice try, baby,” Jack says into my ear. “Run if you want. I’m a running back. I’ll chase you and catch you every fuckin’ time.”

“Sounds like a promise you can’t keep, doll,” I reply, my breath catching when he moves my hips against his.

“Sounds like a promise you’re afraid of.”

SIDELINED PURCHASE LINKS:

US: http://bit.ly/SidelinedUS
UK: http://bit.ly/SidelinedUK
iBooks: http://bit.ly/SidelinediBooks

Barnes: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%2Fw%2Fsidelined-emma-hart%2F1121308406%3Fean%3D2940151456067&h=8AQHZhmAw

BLINDSIDED:

From Emma Hart, the New York Times bestselling author of the Game series, comes a brand new series where the game is realer, the tension is tighter, the sex is hotter, and the stakes are the highest of all…

Two people. Two agendas. Two games.

What happens when the out-there It-Boy of football meets the secret It-Girl of fashion?

As the daughter of Hollywood’s sweetheart, Leah Veronica can’t even buy a coffee without finding her face on a magazine stand, so it’s no wonder she’s launching her first fashion line in secret. With it debuting at New York Fashion Week in just under a month, extra time in the spotlight is the last thing she needs.

The son of the best quarterback the league has ever seen, filling legendary shoes as the L.A. Vipers’ quarterback was inevitable for Corey Jackson. So was meeting Leah Veronica—the first girl to hand him his ass without putting a hair out of place.

Getting the handsome, prickly blonde into his bed becomes his number one goal. But getting the sexy, over-confident footballer the hell away from her becomes Leah’s—at least until she realizes the best way to do that is to give him what he wants.

If only it was that simple.

When Corey discovers who she is, and private photos of Hollywood’s finest find their way online, everything they thought they knew is thrown into disarray.

And when secrets are exposed and hearts are shattered, they have to figure out if they’ve been blindsided by love or reality, and if it’s worth running the extra yard to win the game they never meant to play.

BUY LINKS:

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/BLINDSIDEDAmazonUS
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/BLINDSIDEDAmazonUK
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/BLINDSIDEDbn
iBooks: http://bit.ly/BLINDSIDEDiBooks
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/BLINDSIDEDAmazonAU
Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/BLINDSIDEDAmazonCA

Author Bio:

She likes to be busy – unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

LINKS:

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/YQvfn

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaHartBooks

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmmaHartAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6451162.Emma_Hart

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Emma-Hart/e/B00A3QSV0M/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1410362990&sr=8-2-ent

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Posted in 5 Stars, NA, Romance and tagged alpha males, Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Blog Tour and Review: Fighting Silence by Aly Martienz

Posted on February 27, 2015 by AmyB

Meet Till & Eliza in Aly Martinez’s newest fighter series!

NOW AVAILABLE

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1CF0YEq

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Lhhn62

Sound is an abstract concept for most people. We spend our lives blocking out the static in order to focus on what we believe is important. But what if, when the clarity fades into silence, it’s the obscure background noise that you would give anything to hold on to?

I’ve always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn’t have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I met Eliza Reynolds, she was always mine. I became utterly addicted to her and the escape from reality we provided each other. Throughout the years, she had boyfriends and I had girlfriends, but there wasn’t a single night that I didn’t hear her voice.

You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.

They both happened anyway.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.

Every night, just before falling asleep, she sighs as a final conscious breath leaves her.

I think that’s the sound I’ll miss the most.

Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.

My Review

Fighting Silence follows the story of Till and Eliza. Till has always been a fighter and had to grow up way too fast. His parents did care about him and he was barley able to keep his little brothers out of foster care. He’s always taken what life has given him and tried to make the very best out of it. The one saving grace he had in life was Eliza. The two of them meet one fateful night and that starts the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Eliza fell in love with Till the moment that she met him. For years, she pretended that it was ok to just be friends. It hurt her that he didn’t acknowledge her at school, but Till thought he was doing the right thing by not drawling attention to her. As time goes on, it seems as though the two of them are headed in different directions. Eliza is working hard to finish school and Till is barley making the grade. Till is in love with Eliza, but doesn’t want to jeopardize what they have. Until one night he decides that he will give into the fantasy life that he’s always wanted. Who knew that the fantasy had the power to change everything?

Six months later, Till and Eliza are reunited. Just when Eliza had mended her broken heart and was finally moving on, Till is back in the picture. Till still feels as though he is unworthy of Eliza and that he can only offer her friendship. He’s still struggling with all the curve balls that life has handed him. He’s trying to work and take care of his brothers. He just doesn’t want to struggle anymore. Will Till finally open his eyes to the reality that’s been in front of him this entire time?

Fighting Silence is a beautiful story. It is a story of romance, strength, the fight to handle what life throws at you. It’s about family, not giving up and the joys in life that no money could ever bring. Fighting Silence is frustrating and will have you screaming and tempted to throw your kindle. The characters are real, and complex. Their struggles difficult and dreams of something better.

I loved Eliza. She was strong, and determined. She supported Till no matter what. Even when things were at their worst, Eliza was always there for Till. She gave Till the family that they both dreamed about and made him see that he was worthy of good things. If only he could open his eyes.

Till……He had so much thrown at him. He had so many responsibilities at such a young age and just made the best out of every situation. He didn’t throw in the towel, when many would have. My heart broke for him as his medical condition took a turn for the worse. His emotions and frustrations, so real. He had such a big heart and fought for what he wanted in life.

Overall, I really enjoyed Fighting Silence. I found the story to be captivating. I loved the characters, especially Till’s brothers. I really hope we’ll see more of them in the future. There were also some cameos from a few familiar faces. Fighting Silence is the first book in a new series by Aly Martinez and I’m can’t wait to see where the story will take us next!

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Excerpt

“That wasn’t yours to take away,” he exploded into the otherwise silent night. His words echoed off the surrounding buildings, each wave slicing me to the quick all over again. “That was our place. Not yours.” His voice cracked right alongside my heart.

“Yeah, well, there was a lot of stuff that wasn’t yours to take either.” I held his gaze, desperately trying to be strong, but as his eyes grew wide, I whimpered.

His long legs strode forward, stopping only inches away from me. He was crowding me, but he still leaned in closer to my face. “There is nothing in this world that was ever more mine than you,” he stated. Though it was the absolute truth, I wished with all my heart that it were a lie.

“Till,” I cried, swiping the tears from my eyes.

“Why!” he shouted, causing his muscles to tense under the force. “Goddamn it! I needed that place.”

Porch lights flashed on from the surrounding apartments, illuminating not only the dark but also my rage.

I shoved my hands into his chest. “What about what I needed? You left! I waited in that fucking apartment for weeks.”

He didn’t budge, but my bare feet slipped, sending me toward the ground. Impossibly fast, Till’s hand snaked out and caught my arm. I didn’t let his chivalrous gesture douse my fire. I had six months’ worth of words to say to the man I was irrevocably in love with.

“You took what you wanted. Then you left me.”

“Doodle,” he whispered.

I had been perilously close to the edge of insanity, and with one single word, he’d pushed me over.

I lost it completely.

Pounding my fists against his chest, I screamed at the top of my lungs, “It’s Eliza! My name is fucking Eliza! Not Doodle!” I spun to march away, but Till’s arms folded around me, lifting me off my feet to restrain me.

I was miniscule compared to him. There was no use in fighting, but I still kicked my legs, irrationally desperate to get away from him—but only because I knew I couldn’t keep him for forever.

“Stop it!” he growled into my ear. “I know your Goddamn name—probably better than I know my own.”

About the Author:

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of

job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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$50 AMAZON GIFT CARD (2 Winners)

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Excerpt Reveal: Fighting Silence by Aly Martinez

Posted on February 20, 2015 by AmyB

Fighting Silence

*Excerpt*

“I swear to fucking God,” I snarled as I stomped a pattern around Eliza’s hospital room. She had just been wheeled out, but my anger and anxiety filled the room in her absence.

“Calm. Down,” Slate said from the doorway. “It’s no big deal. I’ll get it back.”

“Fuck you.”

“You’re welcome. Now, get your shit together and remember who the hell you are talking to.”

Eliza didn’t have insurance, and she had freaked when the doctor told her that he wanted to run a CAT scan because of the trauma to her face and head. She’d flat-out refused, spouting off some crap about not going into debt by racking up a huge hospital bill she’d eventually have to pay. She’d sworn she was okay, but I’d absolutely not been anything even resembling okay.

So I’d lost it. I’d snapped at her like a fucking asshole. Then I’d shouted at the doctor for reasons that didn’t even make sense. In turn, he threatened to call security, which only pissed me off more. It was a clusterfuck in that room until Slate came in and physically pinned me against the wall. While I was

trying to get my shit under control, Erica was apparently informing administration that she and Slate would be financially responsible for Eliza’s hospital visit. While I was relieved as they wheeled her out of the room, I was sick and fucking tired of feeling like a broke-ass, worthless dick all the time. As it often was, my anger was aimed in the wrong place, and Slate was the only man in the room.

“Get my shit together?” My heart pounded in my chest, and every muscle in my body strained under the mounting stress. “I’d like to see how the hell you’d react if Erica looked like that and there wasn’t a fucking thing in the world you could do to help her.”

Slate’s eyes turned dark as his jaw clenched. “It was different. But I’ve been there,” he stated matter-of-factly. “It was the worst day of my life. I wasn’t even the one who got to make the piece of shit pay either. But honestly, Till, sometimes you have to accept that it’s not the way things get done or who does them. As long as, in the end, they are done. She’s getting that CAT scan right now, and you can sleep easy tonight knowing that she’s okay. It doesn’t matter one bit who signs the check that pays for that kind of peace of mind.”

“It matters to me. You have no fucking idea how it

feels to be so goddamn helpless all the time. I can’t do this anymore. I’ve only truly had her for less then twenty-four hours and I’ve already failed to fucking protecting her and provide for her. My boxing trainer had to pay for her medical bills. It’s embarrassing!”

“It’s only embarrassing if you let it be.” He shrugged and settled into the chair next to the door.

I continued to pace. I couldn’t get over the heavy weight of failure compressing my chest. “Why the fuck would she want to settle for someone like me? I failed out of high school. I work sixty-three hours a week for minimum wage so that I can barely pay the bills on a shithole apartment. For fuck’s sake, I have two brothers I want to give the world, but last week, she had to buy us groceries. Oh, and there is always that fun fact that I’m going deaf. One day, she really will have to take care of me! I can’t handle knowing that she has to settle for a future filled with struggles just to be with me. I love her. I really fucking do. But at what point do I let her go because I know she’d have a better life with someone else?” I finished my rant on a yell.

“Wow. You have a really gone off the deep end. She’s not some puppy you can find a better home for.” He stretched his legs out and crossed them at his ankles.

If possible, it managed to piss me off more. I was in emotional upheaval and he was getting comfortable.

“Just leave me alone. I can’t deal with your shit right now.”

“You want to go pro?” he asked randomly.

“What I want is for you to leave.”

“Is that a no?” He crossed his arms over his chest.

“What the fuck are you talking about? Nothing has changed. I still don’t have the time. Honestly, I think I need to give up boxing altogether. Maybe try to find another job or something.”

“I’ll bankroll eight hundred a week. Quit your jobs and come work for me in the ring. It comes with health insurance for you and the boys too.”

I stared at him, awestruck. That was double what I was bringing home each week.

I’d always heard that you couldn’t judge a man’s character by the balance in his bank account. Thank fuck for that because character might be the only place I wasn’t overdrawn. And right then, Slate’s offer sounded a whole lot like pity. No matter how appealing it sounded, I wanted to make it without having to rely on anyone else. I couldn’t afford to sacrifice character.

“Why are you doing this right now? What part of that conversation confused you? I don’t want your

charity.”

“It’s not charity. I’m gonna make a shit-ton of money off your ass. This isn’t a free ride. I’ll get all of your winnings until you’ve paid me back. Then anything you make over that, I get thirty-three percent. Erica’s been eyeing this condo on the beach in Florida. I’m hoping you can help me out and buy that for her.”

Outstanding. Slate wants to buy a condo on the beach and I just want to keep the electricity on.

“It has to be hard being you.” My voice dripped with sarcasm, but it only made Slate smile.

“I guess you won’t know until you try. I made every single penny I have from boxing. If you think money will solve all your problems, then put whatever preconceived notions you have about my motives aside and take my offer. But if you decide to refuse, you should know I won’t make it again.”

“Why now? Less than a month ago, you told me I wasn’t ready. Where was your offer to bankroll me then?”

“I’m not going to lie to you. You’re not ready. Not if you want to be great. But with enough time, I can get you there. You’re raw right now, and despite whatever you think, you’re driven by something greater than the almighty dollar or dreams of stardom.” He stood up and walked over to me. “To

answer your question about why now, I was wrong. You’re not hungry for more in life. You’re fucking starving. I can work with that.

“Did you even listen to yourself while you were talking? Not one single thing you said was because Till Page wanted more money or a nicer car. You were concerned about Eliza and the boys…but never Till.” He poked my chest right over my heart. “I’m making an investment in you, Till. It’s no handout. I believe you’re going to set the boxing world on fire, because every time you put on those gloves, you’re doing it for them. Say yes. Accept the offer. Quit your jobs. Take a week off to take care of her. Then get your ass in my ring.”

I had no words. If I spoke, I was going to look like a sniffling little bitch. So I nodded instead.

“Good. I’m going to find Erica and get some coffee. I’ll send over the contracts and your first paycheck in the morning.” He turned and headed for the door.

I stood in the middle of an empty hospital room where my fantasy and reality had collided. Finally, I had the break I had dreamed of, but it had taken almost losing Eliza to get it. I would forever remember the way I felt in that moment. Cracking my neck and shaking out my arms, I decided I was done letting the world run over me.Slate had just handed me my one chance to make a better life, and I was going in with gloves blazing. For the first time in my fucking life, I was climbing through the ropes.

Pre-order Fighting Silence

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1CF0YEq

RELEASE DATE: February 23rd, 2015

You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.

They both happened anyway.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.

Fighting for my career.

Fighting the impending silence.

Fighting for her.

Every night, just before falling asleep, she sighs as a final conscious breath leaves her. I think that’s the sound I’ll miss the most.

About the Author:

Aly Martinez

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Posted in Excerpt Reveal, NA and tagged Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Book Review – Scoring Wilder by R.S. Grey

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Kristal

I wasn’t sure about Scoring Wilder when I read the synopsis. Sports romances aren’t really my thing. But if I HAD to choose a sport to base a romance read around then soccer would be it. Especially after watching the world cup recently! Have you SEEN some of those soccer players?? Reow!

What started out as a joke— seduce Coach Wilder—soon became a goal she had to score.

With Olympic tryouts on the horizon, the last thing nineteen-year-old Kinsley Bryant needs to add to her plate is Liam Wilder. He’s a professional soccer player, America’s favorite bad-boy, and has all the qualities of a skilled panty-dropper.

• A face that makes girls weep – check.
• Abs that can shred Parmesan cheese (the expensive kind) – check.
• Enough confidence to shift the earth’s gravitational pull – double check.

Not to mention Liam is strictly off limits . Forbidden. Her coaches have made that perfectly clear. (i.e. “Score with Coach Wilder anywhere other than the field and you’ll be cut from the team faster than you can count his tattoos.”) But that just makes him all the more enticing…Besides, Kinsley’s already counted the visible ones, and she is not one to leave a project unfinished.

Kinsley tries to play the game her way as they navigate through forbidden territory, but Liam is determined to teach her a whole new definition for the term “team bonding.”

Ok, this book was love at first line for me –

“Cheat on me once, shame on him. Cheat on me twice… what the actual fuck is going on?”

Hah!! I love it! This pretty much set the scene for the whole feel of the story. Kinsley had so many awesome one liners. She was quirky and cute and sooo funny. I love a spunky heroine that’s well written and R. S. Grey did an amazing job with Kinsley.

“I wanted them to say, “I thought she’d be good, but that girl is on fire.” They’d have no choice but to compare me to Katniss.”

And Liam…oh Liam. Swooooon. He was the hottest of the hot and even better – he totally had his shit together. Liam and Kinsley has a shaky start to their relationship but once he committed to being in a relationship with her, he went the whole way. There was no backing out or changing his mind. No wishy washy behavior. He manned the f*ck up and sorted his issues out so they were free to be together.

“That grin should be tucked away and brought out only for special occasions – where heart defibrillators would be present and accounted for.”

Of course, their relationship wasn’t without its trial and tribulations. There were the ‘mean girl’ type villains that were plotting to tear them down, and a ridiculously persistent ex-boyfriend that just could NOT get the message, but Kinsley and Liam were too cool for school. They just kicked ass and moved on (eventually).

Scoring Wilder was a light and fun read about breaking the rules and following your dreams. The plot was refreshing and the characters were a blast! This was the first book I have read by R. S. Grey but it definitely will NOT be the last.

***Note: All imagines were sourced from the authors Goodreads page for Scoring Wilder. ***

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Posted in 4.5 Stars, NA and tagged hot hot hot, LOLs, Sports, spunky heroines. Bookmark the permalink.