RELEASE DAY EVENT: THE DEVIL'S CONTRACT BY CLAIRE CONTRERAS

It’s release day for THE DEVIL’S CONTRACT by Claire Contreras! We have an excerpt to share with you today, but we are the SECOND stop of the excerpt chain, so if you haven’t read the rest of the excerpt, stop here and go back. The group’s are listed below.

Title: THE DEVIL'S CONTRACT

Author: Claire Contreras

Age group: Adult

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Najla Qamber

Goodreads

Synopsis:

He gave them a choice.

She took it.

He made her promise two years.

She should have known there was a catch.

EXCERPT

“No need to be scared, Mademoiselle,” the woman said. Her thick, French accent made Amara feel panicky. 

            Amara focused on breathing, swallowed back her fear, and asked the only question she could think of. “Why now?”

            The woman shook her head, smiling. It was just as warm as it was vile, and it made Amara’s skin crawl. “My name is Vivienne LaRue, and I am here to offer you a job. You’ll make a lot of money,” she said, as her eyes darted around the restaurant with distaste. “A lot more than you’re making here.”

            Amara licked her lips. “And if I don’t want another job?” 

            Vivienne raised her penciled, thin eyebrows and twisted her lips. “You made a deal once, as I’m sure you remember.”

            “I do, but it’s been…”

            “Five years.”

            “Right. Five years.”

            “Your parents still live in the same house, correct? Drive the nice cars…maybe your mother doesn’t frequent shops as much, but still has her things. She got her treatment, her medical bills paid. Who do you think made that possible?”

Amara’s throat tightened as she listened to Vivienne. She knew, of course, that she was telling the truth. She just hoped there was something she could do to avoid this situation. When nothing dawned on her, she sagged into the seat behind her.

            “Why now?” she asked again.

            “Why not?”

            “I’ve been saving money.”

            “Not enough.”

            “How do you know?” Amara asked defiantly.

            Vivienne laughed lightly and took out one sheet of paper from her briefcase. She placed it in the center of the table, facing Amara.

To read the next portion of the excerpt, FOLLOW THE CHAIN!

deal sharing aunt            www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

Sassy Savvy Fabulous            http://www.sassysavvyfabulous.com

Prisoners of Print            http://www.prisonersofprint.wordpress.com

Nicely Phrased            http://nicelyphrasedbookblog.com/

Mean Girls Luv Books            meangirlsluvbooks.blogspot.com

GIVEAWAY:

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About the Author:

Claire Contreras graduated with her BA in Psychology from Florida International University. She was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Miami, Fl, where she currently resides with her husband, two boys, and two American Bulldogs. 

Life is short, and it’s more bitter than sweet, so she tries to smile as often as her face allows. She enjoys stories with happy endings, because life is full of way too many unhappy ones.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Follow the excerpt chain!

Group 1

Shh Moms Reading            www.shhmomsreading.com

Books Over Boys            http://booksoverboys.blogspot.com

Bridger Bitches Book Blog            www.bridgerbitchesbookblog.com

Books to Breathe            http://bookstobreathe.com

Keep Calm & Read Romance            http://keepcalmandreadromance.blogspot.com

Group 2

A Bookish Escape            http://www.abookishescape.com

Devoured Words            http://devouredwordsbookblog.blogspot.com

Kindle Crack Book Reviews            http://www.kindlecrack.net

Booklovers For Life            http://bookloverslaceycat.wordpress.com/

mustreadbooksordie            http://www.mustreadbooksordie.com/

Group 3

deal sharing aunt            www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com

Sassy Savvy Fabulous            http://www.sassysavvyfabulous.com

Prisoners of Print            http://www.prisonersofprint.wordpress.com

Nicely Phrased            http://nicelyphrasedbookblog.com/

Mean Girls Luv Books            meangirlsluvbooks.blogspot.com

Group 4

Whirlwindbooks            http://www.whirlwindbooksandreviews.com

Mixed Emotions Book Blog            www.mixedemotionsbookblog.blogspot.com

The Romance Cover            http://www.TheRomanceCover.com

Kindle and Me            www.kindleandme.com

Madison Says            http://madisonsays.com

Group 5

Sassy Mum Book Blog            http://sassymumbookblog.blogspot.com.au/

Group Therapy Book Club Blog & Review            http://www.grouptherapybookclub.blogspot.com

My Secret Romance            http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com/

Bright Autumn Sun            http://www.siren.org

Shelly's Book Corner            http://shellysbookblog.wordpress.com/

 

REVIEW: BANG BY E.K. BLAIR

They say when you take revenge against another you lose a part of your innocence. 

But I’m not innocent. 

I haven’t been for a very long time. 

My innocence was stolen from me. Taken was the life I was supposed to have. The soul I was born with. The ruby heart embedded in a life full of hopes and dreams.

Gone.

Vanished.

I never even had a choice. 

I mourn that life. Mourn the what-ifs. 

Until now. 

I’m ready to take back what was always meant to be mine.

But every plan has a fatal flaw. Sometimes it’s the heart.

**Due to the dark and explicit nature of this book, it is recommended for mature audiences only as some scenes may be particularly disturbing.**

Purchase Bang:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Our Review:

One thing is certain, E.K. Blair does not shy away from anything in her writing. She grabs your face and forces you to see the ugliness of people, of the world, even as it's wrapped in other things...beauty, fear, hate, love...and as you are recoiling in horror at what you see, you read more. You think to yourself, surely there is redemption, goodness, hope..? You keep reading to try to find your way out of the grimness that you've found yourself in. 

We aren't the type to shy away from dark and twisty books, or the realness that comes with it...but to say that this won't probably make you a bit uncomfortable might be an understatement. It is very uncomfortable...So. Very. Dark. But it was beautifully written, even when I wanted to strangle the characters or change what was in the past, present or future for them. Like Shelley said, E.K. has this ability to make these characters seem so very real...and hot damn, The Black Lotus series will be a very hard one to forget. 

We've been asked to be very careful about how to word our review because it would be really easy to ruin a reader's experience with an inadvertent detail here or there..and I agree. If we go too far into character or plot description, it would eventually lead to spoilers. So what that means is that we will focus on some other things instead. Indeed. I was thinking from the beginning that the description left something to be desired. But every single detail, character, and revelation are ones that must be unfolded with each turn of the page. Whew. Sorry, that explanation sucks, but I almost have no words still how I feel about this. 

1. Pay attention to the warning. I absolutely, 100% believe that if you are easily triggered by disturbing scenes, you should think long and hard before you read this novel. This may not be the novel for you. Some of the scenes are graphic and made up of things beyond anyone's worst nightmare. If you decide to read this...steel yourself and be prepared to take breaks. That is a fair warning, and assessment. There were times that I had to put it down. Step away. Then come back with a fresh mind. 

2. Notice in the title that this is a series..and that this is book #1. I haven't seen a release date for #2 ..or #3 so you should know going in that you're going to have to wait to see WTF happens next. And..you will definitely have a WTF happens next moment..If you're like us, you'll be having a lot of theories pop up. I for one have had an absolute blast trying to talk it through with Shelley and Tarah and decide what we all think will happen next. So much fun! 

3. If you decide to read Bang after knowing about the two things just mentioned, you may feel like I did, which was conflicted. Without going into the plot, I'll say that I sometimes hated myself for continuing to read this because I wondered if I was somehow implicitly glorifying the unpleasantness, de-valuing the lives of people who have lived what our protagonist has lived through and I would never want to do that. Sometimes I wanted to push the protagonist to do more (both the good and the bad). Sometimes I felt deeply pained for the parties involved. Gosh...when I look at all of the emotions, very few are even remotely happy. Those happy moments..well, just grab on to them tightly. 

Just like our experience with Fading I don't think we, or E.K, will have devaluing or pitying thoughts toward anyone who has experienced what any of her characters have been through. There is strength in the struggle, and an extreme realness to this story. I'll stop repeating myself though, because Shelley's thoughts are incredible...and I'll just let her tell you more. 

4. Even with my headspace all sorts of effed up, I am extremely curious about how the series will continue. I hope E.K. Blair will fill in some of the questions I still have about the events of the last 10%..and of course, I want to see what she manages to do with her characters next...and I have one tiny hope/wish but I can't say what it is...maybe you'll have the same one when you finish. I'm certain our wish is the same. I can't believe any of the events we have just read, but the structure and pace of the story will keep you guessing and predicting and *squee*ing up until the very last word! 

Courtney and I would love to discuss this with you. Hit us up on Twitter or Facebook or leave a comment below. Yes! 

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and International bestselling author, E.K. Blair takes her readers on an emotional roller coaster with her dynamic and intense writing style. Noted for her ability to create fleshed-out characters that will evoke a realm of reactions, you can be assured that her stories will linger with you far beyond the last word.

A former first grade teacher with an imagination that runs wild. Daydreaming and zoning out is how she was often found in high school. Blair tends to drift towards everything dark and moody. Give her a character and she will take pleasure in breaking them down, digging into their core to find what lies underneath.

Aside from writing, E.K. Blair finds pleasure in music, drinking her Starbucks in peace, and spending time with her friends. She’s a thinker, an artist, a wife, a mom, and everything in between.

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Bang from Novel Idea Inc. on Vimeo.

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TEASER + GIVEAWAY: LOSING CONTROL BY JEN FREDERICK (A FREE SERIAL ROMANCE)

Title: Losing Control

Author: Jen Frederick

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Digital serial via newsletter

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/TCLAaA

Serial Begins Releasing: May 27, 2014

Price: Free

I’d do anything to keep my mother alive.

Anything, including ask Ian Kerr for help. I don’t know much about him, except that he has more money than some small countries. And he’s willing to spend it on me. Just one catch: there’s a string attached, and not just the one I feel pulling me into his arms and his bed. There’s also the plan for revenge he wants my help with.

Every time he says my name, it makes my body shiver and my heart stutter. I know he’s going to wreck me, know there won’t be anything left of me but lust and sensation by the time he’s done with me, but even though I can see the heartbreak coming towards me like a train, ready to crash into me, I can’t get out of the way. I want what he makes me feel. Want what he’s offering.

This may have started out as something to save my mother, but now…now it’s about what he makes me feel. I’m in danger of losing everything that’s important. Worse? Ian's whispered words and hot caresses are making me believe that's okay.

Author Biography

Bestselling author Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She's been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.

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​Enjoy an Excerpt---

“Bad morning?”

The question comes from a rich deep voice to my right. Some stupid actor, probably. The notes of his voice are perfectly modulated as if he spent years perfecting the tone and depth to reach the biggest audience.

“Yeah, what’s it to you?” I challenge because I’m not in the mood to be chatted up by some wannabe in an off, off Broadway production who wants to try out some new lines on a messenger girl.

My sneering gaze melts right off my face when it lands on the owner of the voice. Dark haired and dark eyed, the stranger gives me a slow smile as I take him in. He’s tall, much taller than my five foot four inch frame. I have to trek upward to see the entire package.

And there’s so much to appreciate from his trim waist to the wide shoulders encased in a gray wool suit coat that fits him so well I wonder if he was sewn into it. Tiny stitches on the lapel mark it’s expensive provenance. A dark tanned neck gives way to a firm chin and lush lips.

Bee stung is the description that I’ve heard used to describe the same look on super models. Those lips are about the only soft thing on his face. Those lips and a hollow on the side of his face that appears when those plush lips curve upward. The divot is too shallow and wide to be termed a dimple, but it’s just as devastating.

One hand is stuck in a pocket and his jacket is pushed behind the hand to reveal a flat stomach. No desk paunch on this guy. There’s an intense sexual aura about him. The nonchalant stance, the dark gaze, the lush lips are all an invitation to rip the buttons of his snowy white shirt apart and see exactly what lies underneath all of those fabrics.

I stick a thumb under my jaw under the guise of giving my chin a scratch just to make sure my mouth is closed. This guy? He can practice lines with me all he wants.

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REVIEW: RUNNING BACK BY ALLISON PARR (NEW YORK LEOPARDS #2)

Natalie Sullivan is on the verge of a breakthrough most archaeology grad students only dream of: discovering a lost city. Her research points to a farm in Ireland, but to excavate she needs permission from the new owner: the Michael O'Connor, popular NFL running back.

On TV Mike seems so charming and good-natured that Natalie figures getting his cooperation will be a breeze. So she's not prepared to deal with the arrogant—and adamantly opposed—man she meets in person. Or the way one look from him sends shivers down her spine…

Determined to kick-start her career, Natalie travels across the Atlantic and finds herself sharing an inn with Mike, who has come to Ireland in search of his roots. She tells herself her interest is strictly professional, but the more she gets to know him, the harder it is to deny her personal attraction to the sexy sports star. And when Mike confides why he refuses to allow the dig, Natalie must decide if she can follow her heart without losing sight of her dreams.

Kindle Edition, 229 pages

Published October 21st 2013 by Carina Press

Source: received from publisher via Netgalley 

Purchase: Goodreads | Amazon 

Our Review: 

As we seem to always do, we came into this series midway. HOW DO WE KEEP DOING THIS? Haha However, I didn't feel that it was to our detriment that this was the case, because these are all companions and each story stands on their own. The New York Leopards is a fictional football team that I for one would love to be real! Haha. 

This story is much more than the normal "girl meets hottie football player" then "girl falls in love with hottie football player and they fight, breakup and make up." This story is about so much more than that, and that is in large part to Ireland being a setting for the novel, and also being a huge part of its charm and character. I really enjoyed the parts about Ireland and the archeology and felt that this was all very well researched. There is nothing worse than feeling that a novel isn't researched at all, or that it is pretentious, and I didn't feel that way at all. Y'all might not agree, but I for one bought it! I concur! I loved the Ireland aspect and the history and townspeople and the overall warmth of the book. 

Then, there is Natalie and Mike. They don't get off on a great foot, of course and have to co-exist while Natalie tries to find more out about the history of the land, and Mike finds out about the history of his family. I probably got off on all of the family drama, because I too come from a large Irish (waaayyyy back Irish, I am sure, but large Catholic family all the same)...and I am a major history nerd, so the idea of finding this lost Harbor buried under a farm was intriguing. 

Natalie and Mike. Haha. Their dynamic, even when they weren't getting along, I just found amusing and sweet..and at times perplexing. But mostly, I enjoyed the way they were with each other: supportive and easy to like.

I also really enjoyed the writing. Allison Parr is a new one for us, and I don't think we were disappointed in the least (I'll let Shel make her own observations!) I can't wait to continue this series, and even though I know the outcome, I can't wait to read Ryan and Rachael's story from the first book! Yay! Yes, I enjoyed this novel. A few times I felt it may have been too bogged down in the history or details but that was the nature of this story, I think. I'm interested in seeing what her other novels are like.

Courtney: 4 Stars
Shelley: 4 Stars

About the Author: 

I’m a twenty-something nomadic writer. I’m a chocolate lover. I’m now a coffee lover, too, though I avoided drinking it for twenty-two years (I caved while bartending late nights in Paris).

I grew up in New England and I have an incurable case of wanderlust.

Sometimes I am such a city person that I can’t imagine living somewhere that doesn’t have an affectionate name for its subway system, while other months I end up in villages so small there isn’t even mail delivery, and going to the post office is a social occasion.

I currently have a three book deal with Carina Press. The first comes out in April and you can read about it on my Books tab; you can read about everything else on my blog.

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J.S. COOPER ANNOUNCES A NEW SERIES...

✰★✰Exciting Announcement✰★✰

New York Times Bestselling Author of The Ex Games and The Private Club, J. S. Cooper has a new sexy, suspenseful trilogy coming. The Swept Away series will be published by Simon & Schuster's, Gallery books, and the first book Illusion will be out on October 21st, 2014.

The day started like every other day...

Bianca London finds herself kidnapped and locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, they’re dumped on a deserted island. Bianca has no idea what’s going on and her attraction to this stranger is the only thing keeping her fear at bay.

Jakob Bradley wants only to figure out why they’ve been left on the island and how they can get off. But as the days go by, he can’t ignore his growing fascination with Bianca.

In order to survive, Bianca and Jakob must figure out how they’re connected, but as they grow closer, secrets are revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other.

Preorder Illusion here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JHIDO3G

Add Illusion to Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21927217-illusion?ac=1

Preorder Illusion on Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/illusion-js-cooper/1119128101?ean=9781476791036&itm=1&usri=9781476791036&r=1

Preorder Illusion on iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/illusion/id856185925?mt=11

Add Illusion to Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21927217-illusion?ac=1