Impossibly Love - Excerpt Reveal + Giveaway

Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan

Release date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: TSW Books
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Available in Paperback, Kindle

Buy it on Amazon Kindle HERE 

All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn't have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn't believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it. 

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.
A selfless romantic who's had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya's personality and hopes to develop something real with her—a connection so strong it'll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.

Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

New Adult novel about finding love and oneself.

***

EXCERPT

The first kiss – Branden’s POV

Moya’s eyes widened when I spun her around to face me. It was obvious what I was about to do and I knew very well she wouldn’t let it happen without a fight. Her attempts at being freed were futile as my hold increased the more she squirmed in my arms.

      “Let go!” she demanded.

      I blew hard, eager to drown myself in the sweetness of her lips. Dismissing her protest—and the little voice at the back of my head telling me not to—I shoved my mouth to hers and kissed her hungrily.

      Moya lifted her hands to my chest and pushed tentatively, and just as fast they began to lower. I knew she couldn’t resist the deep passion evoking between us. Finally, she yielded, and I wrapped my arms even tighter around her as Moya parted her lips and allowed me to enter.

      We groaned as our tongues collided, touching each other wildly as if the kiss was not only our first but our last. Moya placed her hands on my lower back, touching me sensually with her fingertips as she worked her way up my spine. She caressed the back of my neck, and then combed her fingers seductively through my hair.                                                                                                                              

      By the time the kiss ended, we were both panting, trying to breathe steadily.

      Moya wobbled as she backed away. “I have to get to class,” she whispered shakily as if under a trance.

      I released her with regret and watched as Moya turned and started up the path, staggering along the way.

      Afterwards, I dragged my thumb lightly along my lips, eyes fastened on Moya as she walked away. I could still feel the heat of her skin on mine, giving light to a fire of pleasure that threatened to make my hands shake in memory of her taste.

      Motivated by the promise of her presence, I walked up the path as well, following behind the girl I was indisputably falling hard for and fast.

***

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shane Morgan is a lover of "interesting" books. Her imagination is always running wild so it's best to collect and organize them into separate stories. 

Shane's love for writing started the moment she picked up a Nancy Drew book. At a young age, she began writing short stories, delving into a variety of genres: from comedy and drama, to horror and contemporary romance. Shane's quite intrigued by the otherworldly or things otherwise deemed "impossible." Well, in her opinion, people never really grow up, do they? 

***

GIVEAWAY TIME

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Catch by Michelle D. Argyle--Book Review + Dream Cast

Hi guys! Welcome to Michelle D. Argyle's "Catch" Blog tour's stop on my blog.

Title: Catch
Author: Michelle D. Argyle

When eighteen-year-old Miranda chases a purse snatcher on the Las Vegas Strip, the last thing she expects is for the pursuit to turn into an extended game of hide-and-seek. All Miranda wants are the old black and white photographs buried at the bottom of her purse. They’re the only things she has left of the grandmother she never knew. But how much is she willing to put on the line to save them? And is it possible she’s falling in love with a thief?

***

This was an easy, light read and I immensely enjoyed it. You know when it's rainy or you're traveling and all you want to do is be cooped up with a good book? This book is perfect for that.

This is the story of Miranda who's always been  a sucker for safety and who has had her fair share of heartbreaks in the past. Miranda meets Ollie--strong, sexy, hot Ollie. The only catch is that Ollie stole her purse. Now what has the stars in store for them? That's what Miranda finds out.

I think the best thing about this book is that it's never complicated--even if the plot is the way it is. This is the kind of book that will make you smile, laugh, and warm your heart in more ways than one. I'm telling you, you would not be able to put it down. And because of this, I want to go read Miss Argyle's other books, too.

Very. Well. Done.

***

DREAM CAST

Demi Lovato as Miranda

Liam Hemsworth as Ollie

Chloe Moretz as Julia

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. She adores cheese, chocolate, sushi, and lots of ethnic food, and loves to read and write books in the time she grabs between her sword-wielding husband and energetic daughter. She believes a simple life is the best life. Michelle writes contemporary Young Adult and New Adult fiction (and other genres when she feels like it).

visit her blog HERE.

***

GIEVAWAY TIME!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Twixt by Diane J. Reed (Review)

Let's go to the Twixt place--where sea and sky meet land. 

I don't know how Diane Reed found me, but thank the faeries, she did.

Twixt by Diane J. Reed

As a lover of anything that has something to do with faeries, fairy tales and the like, this was a book that really captured my attention. What I really liked about it is the fact that the story sucks you deep into it. You'd feel like you're a part of the story because of the genuine imagery and the great characterization. For me, a book can be considered good if it has great characterization and if the imagery is so there that you really will feel like you're part of it. 

I like books that makes me imagine. The author was really able to describe the characters and the setting and so it made it feel alive. Also, reading this book reminded me of one of my favorite TV shows: Once Upon A Time!  Also, I like the whole Irish magic thing. Just like Cecelia Ahern's "If you could see me now", this book is full of everything magical and faeriesh that it will just make you smile. 

Reading this book also made me want to try some Pansy-Walnut fritters, wish with all my heart, look for faeries and visit the Rainbow's End Cafe. In this day and age where everything is so fast-paced and modern, sometimes, we need books that will remind us of the child inside of us--the child we should always get back to; it will remind you of innocence; of good things. It's a great book to escape to and definitely one great read that you should try.

One concern I have with this book though is that the cover is not that flattering. But anyway, you guys know not to judge a book by it's cover so go ahead and try this. You won't regret it.

All together now: "I do believe in faeries! I do, I do!"

Cass and Jin Eats: Cheezy Bacon Mushroom + Ultimate Burger Steak

Cheezy Bacon Mushroom Box (tee-hee) P165 with Fries and Coke

Hello you guys. Just a quick update. So, yesterday, I was pretty happy because my favorite Cheezy Bacon Mushroom is back and in Champ form! yay! and okay, okay, I should've taken a picture but I was so excited that I ate it right away and I'm pretty sure that you wouldn't want to see my clumsily half-eaten burger so might as well just take a photo of the box. Anyway, if you don't know what I'm talking about, here's a photo from Jolibee:

It's P120 ala carte, and P165 with Fries and drinks. Add P95 and you get to have a 1GB Thor Collectible Flash disk!

I really loved how nice the fact that the bacon was not too salty and that it blended well with the cheese. Plus, the mushrooms were perfection. What can I say? This comfort food is perfection.

Anyway, my guy tried Jolibee's Ultimate Burger Meal and it's here:

Ultimate Burger Meal. P119 with free Coke Go Large!

At P119, you get good value for your money because it comes with rice, fries an egg and you can even upsize your drink for free! Truly one yum-yum experience! <3

Impossibly Love by Shane Morgan--Trailer Reveal

Title: Impossibly Love
Author: Shane Morgan

Release date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: TSW Books
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Available in Paperback, Kindle

All Moya Douglas wants to do is study hard, maintain her scholarship, and make her mother proud while attending college. She doesn't have time for a boyfriend or going on dates arranged by her best friend. Moya doesn't believe in love. And she has no intention of ever finding it. 

Branden McCarthy is determined to change her views.
A selfless romantic who's had his heart broken in the past, Branden is fascinated with Moya's personality and hopes to develop something real with her—a connection so strong it'll open her heart. But just when things start to work between the two, Branden’s secret threatens to get in the way.

Will Moya finally do the impossible and give love a chance with Branden, or will fear keep them apart?

Watch the Trailer HERE

Just a few things..

Turning 25 brought with it a couple of things--the realization that you really can no longer go back; the realization that you can do so much more; the realization that you can still be who you want to be.

You also realize that you no longer need to try to ask for people's affection or attention; that you don't need to try to become what they want you to be; that you can be yourself--even though there are complications, even though there are consequences.

You don't need people in your life who'd only make you feel bad about yourself. You don't need their approval. At the end of the day, it's your life, not theirs.

Filipino Friday: Kids and Books

What were your favorite books as a kid or while you were growing up? Do you still read children’s books? If you could give your younger self a book to read, what would it be?

Well, I started reading Fairy Tales, thus this whole "Princessy" personality. My favorite was Cinderella and The Little Mermaid--the sad, original version where she became foam on top of the waves. Yeah, was fatalistic even as a kid. 

I also grew up reading Goosebumps. I had like, a LOT of those books and a few years back, was able to tweet RL Stine about it and he. replied. it. was. awesome. Then, when I was in Grade 5 (I think), I started reading the Harry Potter books--before it became big. That was ages and ages ago.

Yep, I still read children's books. Just recently, I reviewed Guardians of Tradition  and it was amazing. I also read "Velveteen Rabbit" and "Winnie the Pooh" this year. Classics. I like children's books because they're colorful and yeah well, such a kiddo at heart so...

And, if I'm gonna ask my younger self to read something...hmm...I think it would be..I don't know? haha. Maybe "Alice in Wonderland", or...I really don't know. Oh, wait. The whole Grimms' Fairy Tales collection. Yep, that would be awesome. 

Guardians of Tradition by Mae Astrid Tobias-- Book Review

Hi Everybody! It's my last day of being 24 and I'll end it with a bang with the Guardians of Tradition book tour's stop on my blog.

Title: Guardians of Tradition--The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan

Author: Mae Astrid Tobias 
Illustrated by: Rommel E. Joson
Photos by: Renato Rastrollo

Who are the indigenous and folk artists of the Philippines? Guardians of Tradition by Mae Astrid Tobias and illustrated by Rommel Joson is full of facts about 11 of the best Philippine master weavers, folk musicians, performing artists, mat weavers and metal smiths whose talents and skills have earned them the title Manlilikha ng Bayan. Designed to help children recognize native Filipino ingenuity and creativity, the book includes fun activities to promote appreciation for culture and arts. Guardians of Tradition has a fun and colorful design that appeals to young readers. 

Special Note: For the duration of the Guardians of Tradition Blog Tour (Oct 13-19, 2013), Guardians of Tradition is available at discounted prize at the Adarna showroom in Scout Torillo corner Scout Fernandez Streets, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City 1103 Philippines(Trunkline: (632) 352-6765, Fax: (632) 352-6765 local 125, Email Address: adarnahouse@adarna.com.ph)

For international readers and Filipinos abroad, an ebook version is coming soon.To order paperback copies online, visit http://adarna.com.ph/authors/mae-astrid-tobias.html

***

"All over the country, you find people who love to sing, dance, paint, write, play musical instruments, and create the most beautiful things--there are also special people who spend their lives making sure that these traditional arts are not forgotten." 

When I first heard about this book, I thought, "Okay, it's a children's book...but why not try?"  So, I signed up for the blog tour and thank God I did because I got to read this gem of a book.

Guardians of Tradition is more than just a children's book--it is something that is full of information about the Filipino Culture and about our unsung heroes--the Manlilikha ng Bayan or the Guardians of Tradition. These people are those who have devoted their lives into honing their skills and imparting these skills to others so that the legacy wouldn't end.

In this book, you will get to know more about the Manlilikha ng Bayan namely Ginaw Bilog (a Hanunuod Mangyan Poet), Masino Intaray (Pal'awan Musician), Sumaon Sulaiman (a Maguindanao Kutyapi Player), Lang Dulay (T'boli Weaver), Uwang Ahadas (Yakan Master of Instrumental Music), Federico Caballero (Panay-Bukidnon Epic Chanter), Alonzo Sadag (Kalinga Traditional Performing Arts), Haja Amina Appi (Sama Mat Weaver), Eduardo Mutuc (Kapampangan Metalsmith), and Darhata Sawabi (Tausug Tapestry Weaver). Their lives, their passion and elgacies are tackled, plus there are also some instructions that you can follow as to how to create things that are somewhat similar to what they have done. This way, you'll get to understand more about them and why their chemistry is important. The photos of the artists are also crisp and give light to who they are and what they do.

I also appreciate the fact that some really lively and colorful illustrations were used because it made the book more interesting and entertaining. Kids and kids at heart will surely enjoy learning more about our guardians of tradition because of this book's characters: Kiko, the smart, fun loving kid and Banog, the ever reliable Eagle.

The book is light and easy to read. It is not only educational and informative but very entertaining, as well, which I think are very important characteristics of a book.

I personally think that this book can be used as a supplement to aid in better learning when it comes to MAPE/SIBIKA/.HEKASI subjects. I think students will be more inetrested in learning if they are exposed to books such as this.

This book is something that should be heard of. It is such a shame that most of us Filipinos have no idea about these local true artists of ours and it's high time that we try to learn something about them.

After reading this book, I felt prouder of being a Filipina because I've learned so much and now I feel inspired and hope that one day, I get to leave a legacy just like these people did. They maybe unsung heroes for sure, but they are real heroes for me.

And so are the people who worked so hard on this book.

**Special Thsnks to Maricris Tobias for providing the review copy of this book; NCCA for the Sumaon Sulaiman CD; and to Dia of Book Junkie Blog Tours for organizing this awesome tour.

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 MAE ASTRID TOBIAS (1979-2009) was a Palanca-award winning author of children's books. In addition to Guardians of Tradition, her books include Blue Bananas (Crucible), BayongngKuting (Lampara Books), My Forest Friends (Haribon), Bakawan (Adarna Books) and two books retelling the Ifugao traditional chant, hudhud. These are Halikpon: A Retelling of an Ancient Ifugao Chant and Pumbakhayon: An Origin Myth of the IfugaoHudhud. Both are finalists for children’s literature and best design in the 2006 National Book Awards of the Manila Critics Circle.

She also spent several years in the field of children’s television. She served as the Manila Bureau Manager of Kabataan News Network, a project of UNICEF and Probe Media Foundation that trains young people nationwide how to produce their own broadcast quality documentaries. She also also wrote episodes for children shows like Sirit!, and ABS-CBN and Eskuwelang Bayan, as well as worked for Philippine Junior Inquirer and Shell Foundation. She was a member of KuwentistangmgaTsikiting  (KUTING), an organization of Filipino writers for children.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

ROMMEL JOSON is a painter and an illustrator. He graduated magna cum laude and College Valedictorian from the University of Philippines College of Fine Arts. He was also a Merit Scholar and a recipient of the Dean's Awards for Visual Awards from the Ateneo de Manila University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. He worked in the advertising industry for several years before devoting his time fully to painting and illustration. He has received awards and citations for painting, illustration, comics, and design from various organizations such as the Philippine Board of Books for Young People (Honorable Mention), the Shell National Art Competition (3rd Place Oil/Acrylic Category), the Neil Gaiman/Fully Booked Graphic Fiction Competition (3rd Place in the Graphic Fiction category), the Adobo Design Awards (Silver) and the Philippine Araw Awards (Silver in Art Direction) and the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence Competition (Semifinalist in Oil). He is currently an active member of AngIlustradorngKabataan (Ang INK).

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

RENATO S. RASTROLLO, is a photographer, graphic artist, book and exhibit designer. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Advertising from the Philippine Women’s University. With over 25 years of experience in the field of documentary photography, his works have appeared in national and international publications. Presently, he is a culture and arts officer  at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. 

Twisted by N.L.Greene -- Book Review + Soundtrack

Hello and Welcome to N.L. Greene's "Twisted" blog tour's stop on my blog. 

Title: Twisted

Author: N.L. Greene

Growing up isn’t always easy. But for most teenage girls, they can rely on their best friend to help them get through the process. A BFF is something that is truly treasured and completely irreplaceable. You share all of your secrets, and are loyal and honest with each other, even when you’re acting just a little bit crazy. You have each other’s backs no matter what and you form a bond that is virtually unbreakable.

At least that’s what normal teenage girls experience.

Nat and Mel have been bestie’s since childhood and Nat has followed her blindly ever since. But as Nat’s friendship with Mel begins to lead her down the wrong path, she starts to question the sincerity of their relationship. Nat starts to see Mel’s manipulative, deceitful ways become more focused on her. Will Natalie hold on tight to the friendship she’s had her entire life, no matter what it cost her? Or will she let her heart lead her to a relationship that’s not so twisted.

***

This book is perfect for every tween or teen out there who's been going through turmoils with regards to friendship. Trust me, I've been there, done that, not going back. What's good about this book, though, is that it delves through the deeper, bolder, more twisted world of teens these days. While it's true that some of the issues here are quite taboo, I have to say that it's realistic and that it could happen any day, to anyone.

I think this book is great for those youngsters out there. You'll learn and you'll think about the friends that you have in your life and you'll know how to think things through and choose who's right for you.

***

SOUNDTRACK

1. Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

2.  Cornflake Girl by Tori Amos

3.  Imagine Dragons - Radioactive

4.  Breakeven - Script

5.  We Can’t Stop - Miley Cyrus

6.  Brass Monkey - Beastie Boys  (I know I’m totally showing my age here, but I cannot imagine a high school party without the Beastie Boys!)

7.  Blurred Lines - Rob Thicke

8.  Friend of Mine by Lily Allen

9.  Little Lady by Ed Sheeran

10. Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Ray

11. Roar by Katy Perry

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

N.L. Greene, who is 1/2 of the author duo Riana Lucas, has decided to venture outside of the Fantasy world that she and her best friend created with Poppy and The Deadly Flowers Series to write a few books on her own.  While she loves working with her best friend, writing solo has allowed her to explore interest that had solely been her own.  She spends a lot of time reading her favorite authors which range all over the place and in every genre, but spends just as much time with her husband and two daughters, traveling, shopping, and playing video games.  Nichole was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in Florida, where she and her high school sweetheart live with their two children.

Facebook HERE
Goodreads HERE
Twitter HERE
Website HERE

***

GIVEAWAY TIME!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Link- http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjVhMDE3YTEwNjQ1M2Q4YzVlNjEwYmY5ZWQ2ZGE1OjM5/

The Holdout by Laurel Osterkamp -- Book Review + Dream Cast and GIVEAWAY

Hello and Welcome to Laurel Osterkamp's "The Holdout" book tour's stop on my blog. I enjoyed this book immensely and I know, you will, too.

 

Title: The Holdout

Author: Laurel Osterkamp

Robin wanted to win The Holdout, a cutthroat reality TV show, so she gave it her all, challenge after challenge. Then she fell for Grant, with his irresistible eyes and heartbreaking life story.

But Grant was only using Robin as they competed for a million dollars. Once home, Robin wants to hide from the humiliation as episodes of The Holdout are aired, and she worries her family was right all along; she’s not a survivor.

Yet she could surprise everyone, and have the last laugh.

Besides, Robin now has jury duty. And as she forges ahead, confronting her demons about bravery, justice, and romance, Robin will come to decide which is more important: the courage to stand alone, or the strength to love again. 

***

I think (and i'm not just saying this because I have to review this book) that this is one of the best books I've read this year. It's entertaining, it's hard to put down and the story is timely, catchy and amazing. Plus, the fact that the Philippines is one of the settings of this book made it all the more awesome. See? It really is more fun in the Philippines. :)

So, this is the story of Robin Bricker who took the chance of a lifetime by joining "The Holdout", a reality TV show pretty much based on Survivor. While there, she has to learn how to play the game. But unfortunately, the game of love comes into play with the help (or not) of the castaway Grant who seemed to be so charming. But charming could also mean deceitful and that's what Robin found herself face to face with. And then of course, there's also her life outside, and after the show and the possibility of rebuilding her life...and love life, as well.

I like the fact that The Holdout delved into the scheming world of reality TV and how it showed Robin as a person with heart, integrity and naivete because it made her real and easy to relate to. Another thing I like about this book is that the characters are so well done. You'll love some, you'll hate some, and it's like you'd feel that you're a part of the story, as well. Maybe as a spectator, yes? 

If you like books that are engaging, easy to read and well-written, then you must must must read The Holdout. It's fresh, it's fun and it's one hell of a ride that you won't soon forget.

***

DREAM CAST

Nina Dobrev as Robin Bricker

Matt Bomer as Grant

Hayden Panatierre as Klemi

Darren Criss as Henry

Seth Rogen as Jack

Beveryly Mitchell as Beth

Adam Brody as Nick/Ten

***

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Laurel Osterkamp’s award winning novels have been hailed as funny, intelligent, snarky and poignant. She is the author of four novels and two novellas, including the November Surprise series, which, like The Holdout, features the Bricker family. Laurel was recently on a federal jury, and she loves watching Survivor.
Tweet her at: http://twitter.com/LaurelOsterkamp

visit her website: http://laurelosterkamp.com

*GIVEAWAY TIME*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In Countenance

In 4 days, I'll be older. Maybe, none the wiser but older. Big, old 25. Definitely in my quarter-life now.

Funny, isn't it? When you're young, you feel like when you turn 25, you'd be on top of the world. You'd be accomplished. You'd be this, you'd be that. Reality check, people: For some of us, it's not that way.

Does that make us any less than those of you who have accomplished everything at 25? Maybe. But not having everything at 25 also means that we have more--so much more to look forward to.

I've been through hell and back this past year. I've loved much and been loved in return. I've had many mishaps. I took a lot of roads less traveled. I lied. I told the truth. I gained weight. Lost weight. Tryin' to gain weight again. I left the place I grew up in. I went back, then left again. I moved somewhere new--way different than where I grew up in. I had a bit of a culture-shock thing. I tried to fit in. Tried to live simpler. Met new people. Took care of a lot of cats. Lost cats. Read a lot of books. Wrote. Wrote again.

Felt all these emotions. Knew people who knew all my shit and still loved me (here's to you my beautiful, crazy ones). Knew people who didn't even know half my shit and judged me relentlessly (I've nothing to say). Lost friends. Kept only the reliable, non judging but real ones. Had down times. Had fun times. Had nothing to do. Had so much to do. Rebuilt my faith (again, FAITH, not religion. Yeah, I'm agnostic, deal with it.) Questioned myself. Learned that some things will never change.

I've donned a lot of hats the past 24 years: Everyone's favorite girl. Little genius. Smart, promising kid. Shy girl. Kontesera. Nerd. Miserable child. Crazy child. Lost girl. College girl extraordinaire. Jobless bitch. Busy girl. Selfless. Selfish. Good girlfriend. Bad girlfriend. Bad friend. Good friend. Too unsure of herself. I've been this, been that, more so, I've been me--whatever that means.

I'm turning 25 in 4 days. I've dealt with so much harsh realities. I may not have the answer to the question "How do you see yourself 5 yrs from now?" but does that even matter?

What I know is this: No matter how many times I've fallen, somehow, some way, even if it takes me a long, long while, I always, always try to get back on track. My track. Not yours, but mine.

I've dealt with shit--I've been shit. But sometimes, life and I get along just fine. Right now, I'd say I'm gettin' back on track. Maybe it's the unconventional kind. But I'm rolling with the punches and sometimes...sometimes my heart just says that I'm in the right place. That I'm okay. That it's still all good.

I'm turning 25. I'm embracing it. I'm in the now.

"I'm lost but I'm hopeful, baby...I'm broke, but I'm happy, I'm brave but I'm chicken shit...and what it all comes down to, is that everything's gonna be fine fine fine..." --Alanis Morisette, "Hand in my Pocket"

Filipino Friday: What Kind of Reader Are You?

 

What Kind of Reader Am I? Well, based on this infographic, let's see...

Please include attribution to Laura E. Kelly with this graphic. (Click to view at original large size.)

Visit Laura-e-Kelly.com for more about books, reading, and authors.

I'm compulsively a Book Worshipper slash Immersive Reader.  My books are my life and it always makes me happy whenever I see them stacked on my shelves or when I see all the e-books I've accumulated over the years. It gives me this sense of pride. I'm an immerse reader because sometimes, some books are just too good and what can you do but give them their time of day and just read them all the way through, right? It's better that way--makes you feel more a part of the story.

I'm also a "It's Complicated" reader. I read mostly everything. Everything, as long as the story's good, as long as I like the author, as long as the cover is oh-so-gorgeous, I'll give it a try. Also a bit of a professional reader, now, yes, because well, I review books and I love it.

P.S. I'm also an underliner and scribbler, a re-reader slash comfort reader and a sharer screamer. shameless, yes.

What about you? What kind of reader are you?

Alluring Turmoil by Skye Turner (Review + Playlist and Author Interview)

Hello everyone! Welcome to Alluring Turmoil's stop on my blog.

Title: Alluring Turmoil (Bayou Stix #1)
Author: Skye Turner

Amazon Kindle Amazon Paperback Smashwords

Alexia Sloane is the twenty-six year old owner of the highly successful Louisiana coffee shop/bakery, Java and Sweeties. The past couple of years have been all she’s dreamed of and her business takes all of her focus, all of her heart. 
Jude Delecroix is the lead singer of one of the most famous rock bands in the country, Bayou Stix, and the man who broke Lexi’s heart. 
Lexi and Jude have a past. 
When Jude comes back to town eight years after leaving to fulfill his lifelong dream of being a famous musician and comes face to face with Lexi, forces collide, old hurts are brought to the surface, and life as these two have been living it will never be the same. 
There are two sides to every story, and what happens when the things you believed to be concrete suddenly crumble like ash and fade away? 
What happens when two people afraid to face the past, become involved in the present? Can they hope for a future?
Welcome to Louisiana where humidity and passion are high and things are not always what they seem.

***

The first installment of the Bayou Stix series, this is the story of how Jude Delecroix--everyone's favorite rockstar comes back into Lexi Sloane's life. Jude and Lexi had a strong but tumultuous past. They both think that the other broke the other's heart and so refused to speak to each other for a long, long time and definitely avoided one another however they could. 

But fate has another plan and so Jude finds himself back in Louisiana and back in Lexi's life. Truths rise up. And they have to choose whether to be in each other's history and just stay right there or to be part of each other's life again, and this time, for good.

This book is soooooooo sexy. I mean, soooooo sexy. Like, you'd really have to catch your breath while reading it because it'll give you so.much.chills. Plus, who does not want to read about rockstars havin' errm...doing sexy stuff? Haha. It's so much fun. 

I also like how this book is also about friendship and taking care of the ones you love in your life. It's about making choices and being yourself through it all. It's about taking a leap of faith and giving love a chance again.

If you love music, and you love sexy, romantic books, then this one's for you. 

***

AN INTERVIEW WITH SKYE TURNER

1. What's your inspiration for "Alluring Turmoil"?

I’ve been an Indie Editor for 3 years, one day this summer, I finally decided to just sit down and take the story that had been pushing closer and closer to the front out of my head and onto the laptop.

Why is Jude a rock star? I have no idea. Probably because all women have the “bad boy with tattoos” somewhere in their line-up of what they find sexy. Add a motorcycle and a voice that melts your heart, and Jude was born.
Lexi owns a coffeeshop/bakery because it’s actually a dream of mine and I felt it would add a nice aspect to the story.

Alluring Turmoil is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and you will find a lot of Louisiana locations and flare in the book. The location was a no brainer for me, since Louisiana is home and I always tell authors through my editing to “write about what you know.”

2. As a writer, what's the biggest problem that you've encountered?

I think the biggest hurdle for me was approaching blogs and trying to get them interested in taking a chance on me and my work, since I’m an unknown. But I have to be honest, for the most part blogs and authors have been so supportive and willing to help.

3. As Jude is a rock star, who's your favorite rock star? And what do you think makes rock stars so hot?

My personal favorite rock star is probably Adam Levine. I know that’s a little cliche, but he’s just so intriguing.

Personally, I think rock stars touch a chord with people because they are personified as “bad boys”. Most have the “devil may care” attitude, tattoos, cocky smirks, and panty melting voices. Put all of it together and it’s a man you shouldn’t even like, but you can’t help but want.

4. How did you move past your worst heartbreak?

My worst heartbreak… well for a while, I went a little wild, but then I met the “right” person (my husband) and things just fell into place. Bottom line though, is I had to keep living. Waiting and wallowing in depression is not healthy and changes nothing.

5. Any message to your readers?

I’d like to thank my “fans” and the readers who may become fans for taking the time to take a chance on me. I fell completely in love with my characters and I hope that all of you will as well. And I’d like to offer up some unwarranted advice… If you have a dream, take a chance. If you don’t try, you’ll never know true success. You might fail, but if you don’t try, you’ll always wonder, and you just might surprise yourself… and others. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Skye Turner is an avid reader and an editor turned writer. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University and Louisiana State University where she majored in Mass Communications, centering her studies in Journalism. She lives in small town Louisiana with her husband, 2 children, and 4 fur babies. When she's not chained to her laptop pounding out sexy stories she can usually be found playing Supermom, reading, gardening (playing in the dirt), listening to music and dancing like a fool, or catching up on her family oriented blog.

Check out her Website and her Twitter.

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Check out the Alluring Turmoil Playlist HERE.

Songs:

Clarity- Zedd

Scream- Usher

Dance

Me to the End of Love- The Civil Wars

All or Nothing- Theory of a Deadman

You and Me- Lifehouse

Rockstar- Nickelback

It‟s Not Over- Daughtry

So What- Pink

Asking Too Much- All That Remains

I Can‟t Stay Away- The Veronicas

Wanted You More- Lady Antebellum

One More Night- Maroon 5

Blow Me (One Last Kiss)- Pink

If I Didn‟t Have You- Thompson Square

Home- Michael Bublé

Not Over You- Gavin DeGraw

Why Do You Love Me- Garbage

Photograph- Nickelback

Broken- Seether, Amy Lee

Desperately Wanting- Better Than Ezra

Blame- Cavo

Come & Get It- Selena Gomez

Everybody‟s Fool- Evanescence

If I Ever Get Around To Living- John Mayer

Fortune and Pain- Kyle Turley

I Could Not Ask For More- Edwin McCain

Thanks To You- All Time Low

Trying Not To Love You- Nickelback

Cruise- Florida Georgia Line

When You Were Mine- Lady Antebellum

You Don‟t Know Her Like I Do- Brantley Gilbert

Lost In You- Three Days Grace

You Lie- The Band Perry

Screwed Up and Beautiful- Better Than Ezra

Who You Are- Jessie J

ALLURING TURMOIL ARC: THE ENIGMA OF HERSELF

Something To Talk About- Bonnie Raitt

Someone Else Calling You Baby- Luke Bryan

The Man Who Never Lied- Maroon 5

First Time- Jonas Brothers

After All- Cher and Peter Cetera

Think Twice- Eve 6