Excerpt from Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin with Giveaway

Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin will be releasing October 14th, but first I have some exclusive content to share. Each week, FINNClub team members, such as myself, will be sharing special details from the book, and series, in order to share their excitement for the new novel.

Today we have an excerpt from FRACTURED LINES! Watch out, it's spicy!

EXCERPT:

I lowered my face even more. “I need you so damn bad. Let me kiss you. Let me make it better. I know how to make it all better.”

I brushed my lips across hers gently, testing her reaction. She kissed me back. So soft I barely felt it, and yet I somehow felt it down to my soul.

With a small groan, I closed my mouth over hers, crushing her against my chest and holding her so tightly I might have broken a rib. Man, I’d been waiting for this moment. For her to stop shutting me out. For her to want me as much as I needed her.

And now it was happening.

I slanted my mouth over hers, taking full control of the kiss. Backing her up against the wall, my tongue glided inside her mouth at the same time I slipped my leg in between hers. She gasped and opened her mouth wider, granting me full access.

Without hesitation, I took it, and then I took some more. Like the greedy asshole I really was. Part of me knew I should stop kissing her until I was better, but the other part of me wanted her too damn badly to give a shit about anything else. When I closed my hands around her hips, my fingers digging into the soft sides of her ass, she broke off the kiss and took a shaky breath.

I latched onto her neck, biting with just enough pressure to sting. It had been too long since I’d had her. Too long since I’d held her. Too long for everything. My injured leg protested against the weight I put on it, but I ignored the cry of protest it gave. Any pain I had to suffer was worth it, as long as Carrie was in my arms again, making those small sounds that drove me fucking insane.

BOOK BLURB:

The lines we once crossed so easily have widened and torn us apart…

Once upon a time I thought Finn and I would live happily ever after, but real life doesn't always have a happy ending. He's testing my trust, and I'm losing faith in the man I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with, and there’s nothing I do can stop it. He’s the one I trusted to keep me safe, but now he’s the source of my greatest pain…

Forgiveness is fragile, and some fractures never fully heal...

One mistake—a slip in a moment of weakness—might cost me everything I've worked so hard for. The thing about trust is that it's a lot easier to lose than it is to build. Just as I'm about to give up and surrender to the demons from my past, an unexpected threat reminds me what I'm best at: protecting the woman I love. Whether or not she wants me, I will fight for Carrie and our daughter, and I will keep them safe—no matter the cost.

Even if I have to put my life and my heart on the line.

PRE-ORDER SALE

FRACTURED LINES is now up for pre-order on amazon! If you purchase the book before its release day it will be just .99 cents! This is for pre-orders only! Grab it while it's on sale.

Amazon Pre-order Link: http://amzn.to/1r4c81A

Kobo Pre-order Link: http://bit.ly/1CB7bB4

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy New Adult books. Under her pen name Diane Alberts, she is a multi-published, bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, released September 6 2013, and hit the New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website: http://dianealberts.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6921962.Jen_McLaughlin

Inspired by features from The Sunday Post from Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Sunday Summary from Book Twirps.

I am in desperate need of redesigning my blog. I just don't have the time! I've looked for new templates, but I can't find anything that I like that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Why does it have to be so difficult? (She said with a whine...)

Now that I found recipes online, I won't be needing to buy Pumpkin Spice Lattes anymore. They were buy one, get one free last weekend, so my husband and I treated ourselves to hot ones. Then he surprised me with this beauty the following day.

Pay no attention to the man in the corner. He's my inspiration while I am sewing. This is only one of many that I rotate on a regular basis. It's in my sewing room (obviously) so no one sees it except me. The kids bought me a bunch of them back in the day, so I sort of feel obligated to accessorize with them. Ah, what I wouldn't do for my kids.

Speaking of kids, today is my son's 20th birthday. Last Tuesday was my daughter's 17th birthday. They are getting so old! But they are still cute and cuddly to me. We spent family time together last weekend going apple picking because that's what the kids wanted to do.

And now to the books!

I won this bad boy from the wonderful Jessica at A Great Read.

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick

My current read is this one that I borrowed from the library.

Sway by Kat Spears

Now and Forever by Susane Colasanti

Publication Date: May 20, 2014
Page Count: 272
Published by: Viking Juvenile
Source: Borrowed from Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

What if your boyfriend was the world's biggest rockstar?

Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star.

When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity-and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.

It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. Not that it was completely bad, I just didn't think it was 'all that'. I've read plenty of Susane Colasanti's books, so I knew what I was getting into. I had been anticipating reading this for a while, so I guess I was just expecting more.

When we first meet Sterling and Ethan, they are already a couple. A newly established couple, but already committed and enjoying their relationship. I felt a little cheated out of the 'getting to know you phase.' A lot of what we learn about Ethan is told to us, but I would have preferred seeing it firsthand so I could form my own opinion about him. I really thought Sterling, Ethan, and their friends were all shallow and immature. I hate to say that's how I felt about them. I don't think they were meant to be portrayed that way, it's just how they came across to me.

I didn't enjoy the 'Ethan is a rock star' aspect. All he ever wanted was fame, and he wasn't too particular about how he got it. The whole storyline wasn't believable because there is no way he went from total obscurity to superstar practically overnight. Releasing an album within months, and selling out stadiums on a major tour. Also, he danced, had choreography, and backup dancers, so to me that rings more like Pop music than Rock. Am I being nitpicky? You betcha. Any way you look at it, all of it together was difficult for me to fathom. I usually like my contemporary books to be realistic and make sense, and this one didn't.

I think my main problem with this book was that I didn't really like Sterling or Ethan, so I didn't care what happened to them. This story is from Sterling's POV, but I thought her perspective was skewed because she was too close to see things clearly.

You should give Now and Forever a chance if you can get past lines like "I. Am. Melting." in the doorway, in the hall, on the couch, or in the car - wherever her virulent boyfriend happened to kiss Sterling senseless. I quickly grew tired of Sterling's 'I can't believe MY BOYFRIEND is the world's biggest rock star' attitude. Even though Sterling and Ethan were high school seniors, this book seems like it is geared more towards young teens. And it's a pretty clean read, with only references of hooking up.

This book really had so much potential, but the characters and story just fell completely flat. I needed to feel more for the characters and the story, and it just didn't happen. I'm giving this one 3 stars, but only because I'm feeling generous today.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Very Bad Things by Susan McBride

Expected publication: October 14th 2014 by Delacorte Press

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Katie never thought she'd be the girl with the popular boyfriend. She also never thought he would cheat on her - but the proof is in the photo that people at their boarding school can't stop talking about. Mark swears he doesn't remember anything. But Rose, the girl in the photo, is missing, and Mark is in big trouble. Because it looks like Rose isn't just gone…she's dead.

Maybe Mark was stupid, but that doesn't mean he's a killer.

Katie needs to find out what really happened, and her digging turns up more than she bargained for, not just about Mark but about someone she loves like a sister: Tessa, her best friend. At Whitney Prep, it's easy to keep secrets…especially the cold-blooded kind.

This sounds really good! I didn't even realize this was a local author until I was doing this post.

What are you waiting on this week?

Fractured Lines by Jen McLaughlin will be releasing October 14th, but first I have some exclusive content to share. Each week, FINNClub team members will be sharing special details from the book, and series, in order to share their excitement for the new novel.

Today I have an author guest post from Jen McLaughlin explaining why she chose to continue the series by bringing in an adult title.

Finn and Carrie — Adult Style

When I decided to write another Finn and Carrie book, I knew where I had to pick up the story. At the end of OUT OF MIND, we fast forward seven years. So if I wanted to give the readers what they wanted—which was more Finn and Carrie—that’s where I had to pick up.

To take a NA book and turn it into an adult book is (to my knowledge, anyway) not something that’s been done before. It’s a bit daunting of a prospect, but I knew that it was something I wanted to try anyway! And I have to say, it’s been so much fun to take these NA characters, make them grow up…and put them through hell all over again, so to speak, lol.

I’m hoping that by taking these younger characters and turning them into something new and fun, in a way, it can let people who haven’t experienced these characters as NA characters to enjoy them as adults. And on the flip side, it will let the readers who came along on their earlier journey experience a new side of Finn and Carrie…their mature/adult sides.

What do you think of this concept? Would you like to see other NA characters turned into adult books?

PRE-ORDER SALE

FRACTURED LINES is now up for pre-order on amazon! If you purchase the book before its release day it will be just .99 cents! This is for pre-orders only! Grab it while it's on sale.

Amazon Pre-order Link

Book Synopsis:

The lines we once crossed so easily have widened and torn us apart…

Once upon a time I thought Finn and I would live happily ever after, but real life doesn't always have a happy ending. He's testing my trust, and I'm losing faith in the man I thought I'd spend the rest of my life with, and there’s nothing I do can stop it. He’s the one I trusted to keep me safe, but now he’s the source of my greatest pain…

Forgiveness is fragile, and some fractures never fully heal...

One mistake—a slip in a moment of weakness—might cost me everything I've worked so hard for. The thing about trust is that it's a lot easier to lose than it is to build. Just as I'm about to give up and surrender to the demons from my past, an unexpected threat reminds me what I'm best at: protecting the woman I love. Whether or not she wants me, I will fight for Carrie and our daughter, and I will keep them safe—no matter the cost.

Even if I have to put my life and my heart on the line.

GIVEAWAY:

Enter to win an ebook set of the OUT OF LINE Series! International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/726d2572199/

Adrenaline Crush by Laurie Boyle Crompton

Publication Date: September 23, 2014
Page Count: 192
Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When a daredevil teen pushes herself too far, she must choose between two boys: the one who wants to keep her safe, and the one who dares her to return to her old self.

Seventeen-year-old Dyna comes from a family of risk takers and is an avid thrill-seeker herself, until the day she splinters her ankle in a terrible fall. Her whole life goes from mountain biking and rock climbing to sitting at home and attending group sessions at the bizarre alternative healing center that her hippie mother found. The boy who witnessed Dyna’s accident believes her injury is a wakeup call and he encourages her mild new lifestyle, but a young Afghanistan War veteran she meets at the healing center pushes her to start taking chances again. Forced to face the consequences of her daredevil impulses, Dyna finds herself in danger of risking the one thing she’s always treated with caution—her heart.

Have you ever started a book and immediately disliked the protagonist? And then spent the rest of the book trying to find something - anything - to like about them? Yeah, that's pretty much how I felt about Dyna in Adrenaline Crush.

I immediately thought that Dyna was very selfish and self centered. I didn't like that she came off as a major tease who made a point of messing around with guys and letting things go too far, only to put on the brakes and leave the guys hanging. She was also a real adrenaline junkie who was completely reckless in her behavior. She never thought beyond the next thrill. Or at least she didn't until she pushes herself too far and suffers a horrific injury in front of her latest boy toy, Jay.

Jay was a super nice guy. He was really TOO nice, almost to the point of being annoying in his perfection. He was all of the things you think you want in a boyfriend - attentive, thoughtful, considerate, making you feel like their number one priority. But that can come off as being overbearing and clingy, and in this case, it wasn't a good thing. I just never got behind the insta-relationship that they 'fell' into. Get it? Fell? Ha. (Pun intended.)

When Dyna's mother enrolls her in a new age wellness center to rehab from her injury, she is forced to examine her behavior and the actions that caused her injury. I thought the wellness center was whacked! The director encouraged the patients to confront their injuries head on to get over their fears and begin the healing process.

The wellness center is where Dyna is introduced to Pierce, who I thought was pretty complicated. He had been through a lot in his short life, and he was still dealing with how to get back to normal. I thought he was the most interesting character in the story, but unfortunately, he was the least developed! I was really curious about him and I wish I had gotten to know him better.

The romance wasn't the focal point of the story, but I thought it was lacking real emotion between the characters. It didn't seem like Dyna had real feelings for either love interest. I know that I wasn't feeling any of it!

I ended up liking this book well enough, but it was too short to get to know any of the characters very well. After getting over my first impression of Dyna, she did improve the tiniest bit by the end of the book, but that was only because her injury quelled her foolhardy adventures. While the writing was good, there didn't seem to be a strong plot, the characters were not developed, and the romance really fell short. I hate that this book wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

On the Edge by Allison van Diepen

Expected publication: November 25th 2014 by HarperCollins

Synopsis from Goodreads:

From Allison van Diepen, author of Snitch and Street Pharm, comes a sexy, dangerous novel about a teen who witnesses a murder and gets caught up in the seedy world of Miami’s gangs.

Maddie Diaz never should have taken that shortcut through the park. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have seen two members of the Reyes gang attacking a homeless man. Now, as the only witness, she knows there’s a target on her back.

But when the Reyes jump her on the street, Maddie is protected by a second gang and their secretive leader, Lobo, who is determined to take down the Reyes himself. Lobo is mysterious and passionate, and Maddie begins to fall for him. But when they live this close to the edge, can their love survive?

On the Edge is a compelling story about fighting for what’s right and figuring out where you belong. The novel showcases a gritty, realistic voice and earth–shattering romance that will intrigue readers of Simone Elkeles and Paul Griffin and captivate fans of Allison van Diepen's other novels.

I didn't know anything about this book until I saw it on Edelweiss one day. I liked the cover and read the synopsis and decided that I wanted to read it. I haven't read this author's previous books, but I am looking forward to reading this one.

What are you waiting on this week?

Today I get to share with you the cover reveal for FRACTURED LINES by Jen McLaughlin. This is the highly-anticipated adult standalone novel that is part of the New York Times Bestselling OUT OF LINE series. The book will be released on Tuesday, October 14th.

BOOK BLURB:

PRE-ORDER SALE

FRACTURED LINES is now up for pre-order on amazon! If you purchase the book before its release day it will be just .99 cents! This is for pre-orders only! Grab it while it's on sale.

Amazon Pre-order Link: http://amzn.to/1r4c81A

SPECIAL GOODREADS CONTENT:

Add FRACTURED LINES to Goodreads and help release the first pages of the book!

- Once the book gets 500 adds, Jen will release the first 5 pages.

- Once the book gets 1000 adds, Jen will release the first 10 pages.

CLICK HERE TO ADD FRACTURED LINES TO GOODREADS

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday

Publication Date: September 9, 2014
Page Count: 288
Published by: EgmontUSA
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A romantic, historical retelling of classic Gothic horror featuring Edgar Allan Poe and his character Annabel Lee, from a New York Times best-selling author.

Summoned to her father's home in 1820's Philadelphia, a girl finds herself in the midst of a rash of gruesome murders in which he might be implicated. She is torn romantically between her father's assistants-one kind and proper, one mysterious and brooding-who share a dark secret and may have more to do with the violent events than they're letting on.

Of Monsters and Madness was a very quick read and a pretty good story. I thought it started off quite slow, and not much happened for the first 50 pages or so. But then it started getting darker and more interesting and I was able to become more invested in the story.

We meet Annabel as she arrives in America for the first time after being summoned by her estranged father. She is surprised by the dark and dreary city that she is met with, and shocked when she learns there is a serial killer on the loose. Annabel is scared in her new surroundings, and she has to learn how to cope with a house full of occupants that are strange and secretive.

I liked Annabel. I thought she was strong willed and capable, yet very naive at times. I liked that she was interested in medicine during a time when women were not allowed to be doctors. Her Grandfather was very welcoming towards Annabel and showed her love and affection. Her father was compulsively secretive and very harsh towards her at times, and he spent most of his time in his laboratory. Her father's two assistants - Allan and Edgar - were complete opposites and the most complex and interesting characters. I was hoping for more of their background to be included in the story.

Of Monsters and Madness was creepy and suspenseful enough for me, but I can understand how it might not be enough for fans of the horror genre. I loved the historical setting, and I enjoyed the many references to Poe's work. This turned out to be an entertaining read despite the story and the characters not being fleshed out enough. I thought the storyline was quite predictable, so nothing really came as much of a surprise to me.

Overall, I though this book was an okay read. It was well written with just enough angst and gore to keep me interested. I wanted to get behind the love triangle / romance, but it felt too forced for my taste.

I don't quite know what to make of that ending. Is this meant to be the first book in a series? If so, I would be interested in reading more from this author.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Inspired by features from The Sunday Post from Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Sunday Summary from Book Twirps.

I don't do too many update posts, but I really felt the need to do one this week because I'm just a little bit excited. I have some great new books that I can't wait to read.

Look what I won from Maggie's Blog!!!! An arc of Blue Lily, Lily Blue that came in the mail yesterday! Isn't it pretty? I was absolutely shocked when I received the email from Maggie. I might have freaked just a bit. Alright, I freaked a LOT. BUT... it was very early in the morning, so any squeaks and squeals that I may have made were justified.

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Received for Review:

Complete Nothing (True Love #2) by Kieran Scott

photo LoveAndOtherTheories_zps83af62e8.jpg

Love and Other Theories by Alexis Bass

Forsaken by Sarah Ballance

Borrowed from the Library:

Isla and the Happily Ever After (Anna and the French Kiss #3) by Stephanie Perkins

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly anticipating.

Wednesday is my absolute favorite day of the week because I get to share the books that I am super excited about and can't wait to read.

Perfect Couple (Superlatives #2) by Jennifer Echols

Expected publication: January 13th 2015 by Simon Pulse

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Can your heart be put to a popular vote?

As yearbook photographer, Harper is responsible for capturing those candid moments that make high school memorable. But her own life is anything but picture perfect. Her parents' bitter divorce has left her wondering what a loving relationship would look like. And ever since the senior class voted her and star quarterback Brody the “Perfect Couple That Never Was,” her friends have been on her case to ask Brody out.

Brody doesn’t lack in female admirers, but Harper can't see herself with him. He seems confused about why they were matched together, too. They’re total opposites—the last people in the world who would ever be compatible, let alone the “perfect couple.” Yet ever since the class paired the two of them, they've found themselves drawn together--first by curiosity, then by an undeniable bond.

The trouble is, though they're very attracted to each other and both of them admit this, they have a hard time getting along or even communicating clearly. If they’re the perfect couple, this shouldn’t be so difficult! Soon it becomes clear their class was wrong, and they throw in the towel. But after they walk away, both of them feel so changed from making the effort that they can’t forget each other. What if that means this match made in hell is the perfect couple after all?

I thought the first book in this series, Biggest Flirts, was cute and adorable. I can't wait to read this one! I read pretty much everything Jennifer Echols writes. I know that contemporaries aren't everyone's thing, but I love them.

What are you waiting on this week?

The Boy I Love by Nina de Gramont

Publication Date: September 2, 2014
Page Count: 288
Published by: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Source: eArc received from publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sixteen-year-old Wren has been content to stay in her best friend Allie’s shadow. It doesn’t bother her that Ally gets the cutest guys, the cutest clothes, and even a modeling gig—Wren is happy hanging with the horses on her family’s farm and avoiding the jealousy of other girls. But when Tim, the most intriguing guy in school, starts hanging out with Ally and Wren, jealousy is unavoidable, but not the kind Wren expects. Because even though Ally is way into him and Wren hasn’t flirted, not one little bit, it becomes increasingly clear that Tim prefers Wren’s company above anyone else’s.

Tim’s unexpected devotion comes at the exact time Wren’s home life is about to be turned upside down. But at least there is Tim...always a gentleman and ever dependable. But as his own seemingly perfect world comes spiraling down around him and he tells Wren his biggest secret, Wren must decide what she’ll really do for love.

I really kinda loved this book. From Tim navigating his way through a tough time and trying to be true to himself, to Wren and her emotional attachments, this story really had a lot of heart.

The characters are what made this book so special. I really liked Wren. She had such a big heart and was a strong character despite struggling with the weight of her family's many problems. Wren was dealing with some important changes in her life, but all she really wanted was for everything to stay the same.

Is it okay if I admit that I loved Tim just as much as Wren did? He really was the perfect boyfriend. Well, except that... you know. He was an all around nice guy and well liked by everyone. I felt sympathetic towards his situation, and I can't imagine how difficult it was for him to keep things inside. I just wanted him to feel free enough to be himself without any repercussions.

I never did like Wren's friend Allie. Her unpleasant disposition and petty jealousy made her a terrible friend. She came off as selfish and immature, and I felt that Wren was better off without her.

Family was a very important part of this story. I was glad to see both sets of parents present, even though I wanted to run Tim's parents out of town for the horrible way they treated him.

Tim and Wren found each other at exactly the right time. Their friendship came about because they both needed someone they could be themselves with. Tim was able to trust and confide in Wren, and his confession to her helped ease his burden. Tim was able to be there for Wren when she felt that her entire world was being upended.

This is a beautiful story about being yourself and finding your place in life. It might not be the most unique story, but I loved the complexity of this emotion filled LGBT book. It felt incredibly real, with all of the pain and heartbreak that goes along with being a teenager.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

☆ ✮ ✯Are you ready for Rhett in Love☆ ✮ ✯

What happens when two best friends fall in love??

Rhett in Love is a new standalone book by J. S. Cooper coming September 30th.

Pre-order Rhett in Love:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes

I completely gave up on reading in August. I don't know what it was, but I just couldn't get into a really good reading groove. So.... now I need to refocus and read my September review books that I didn't get to in August. I also have a couple of books from the library that I have been dying to read. I just don't have enough hours in my day! I'm cutting down on my September reading plans so hopefully I won't feel inadequate if I fall behind in my goal yet again.

Books read in August: