Blog Tour + Review: Five Reasons to Go by Candace Knoebel

We are thrilled to be bringing you the release of FIVE REASONS TO GO by Candace Knoebel. FIVE REASONS TO GO is the second standalone in the Risky Hearts duet. If you love your contemporary romance emotional and angsty then grab your copy today!

 

About FIVE REASONS TO GO

One day a week. That was his rule. And it was also our downfall.

My marriage to Hank was one of convenience. When I got pregnant at sixteen, he took me in and kept a roof over my naïve head. We had an agreement—we could sleep with whomever we wanted so long as our children were kept in the dark. It worked great… until it didn’t.

Cocky Jack Swanson was never supposed to be mine. His marriage was open, but his heart was guarded… until he slowly let me in, revealing an alluring man with a painful past. With him, I felt what love could be. I felt wanted… needed. I’d never wanted to fall in love… but then I did.

And now… the rules have changed.

Jack isn’t the same man I fell for. Broken and gutted from his divorce, he’s a shell of who he once was. Sullen and worn down. I know I can bring the good in him back out, if only he’ll let me in. If only he’ll just stay, instead of giving me all his reasons to go.

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REVIEW

Candace Knoebel is one of my go to author's. I don't even have to read the synopsis of a book she's written and I already know I'm going to walk away an emotional wreck; whether in tears or feeling all light and tingly.

And this book did not disappoint. Although it could be read as a standalone, I would suggest reading the first book in the duet, only because I think it would be a great introduction to the characters found in this one, also giving more backstory. If you don't, you may find the start of this book to be a bit rushed. 

The idea of an open marriage has always been strange to me, but I also believe that sometimes we're with someone just long enough until we find our soulmate. This was very much the case for Corinne and Jack, and even Jess. She fell head over heels at such a young age and this story tells of the repercussions that may have.

My heart went out to her every time she was made to suffer in a loveless marriage, whether emotionally or physically. At least she had the joy of her kids to lift her spirits, but again, as so often it happens, people put their own happiness aside and make sacrifices that leave them in hell, almost costing them their own sanity.

Thankfully this was a heartwarming story, so even though there were tough moments endured, there was a rainbow that led right to pleasure and justice.

Don't miss the first book in the Risky Hearts duet!

TEN REASONS TO STAY | FIVE REASONS TO GO

 

About CANDACE KNOEBEL

Candace Knoebel is a hopeless romantic with an affinity for whiskey and good music. Her love of words began when she met the boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs. She’s a self-proclaimed Lost Girl. Words are her mirror. With two completed series, her work ranges from paranormal to contemporary, all centered heavily around romance. Currently she lives in Florida with her husband and two children, and has just completed her fifteenth novel, Ten Reasons to Stay. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | BookBub | Reader Group

Blog Tour: Review + #Giveaway: Lies That Bind by Diana Rodriguez Wallach

What do you do when you learn your entire childhood was a lie? 

Reeling from the truths uncovered while searching for her sister in Italy, Anastasia Phoenix is ready to call it quits with spies. The only way to stop being a pawn in their game is to remove herself from the board. But before she can leave her parents’ crimes behind her, tragedy strikes. No one is safe, not while Department D still exists.

Now, with help from her friends, Anastasia embarks on a dangerous plan to bring down an entire criminal empire. From a fire-filled festival in England to a lavish wedding in Rio de Janeiro, Anastasia is determined to confront the enemies who want to destroy her family. But even Marcus, the handsome bad boy who’s been there for her at every step, is connected to the deadly spy network. And the more she learns about Department D, the more she realizes the true danger might be coming from someone closer than she expects… 

Buy links: https://entangledpublishing.com/lies-that-bind.html

REVIEW

If you are looking for a thrilling twisted adventure with betrayal, secrets and a dash of romance, this is the read for you.

Proof of Lies was an action-packed espionage thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and, Lies That Bind, although not as fast-paced, was just as nail biting. The story begins where the first book ended. Ana and her friends have uncovered some terrible family secrets, and this only means more danger for the entire group. Many questions hang in the air, waiting for answers, and I was eager to find out every sordid detail. 

This book was intense and exciting, with the beauty of Europe as the backdrop to all the tragedy and turmoil keeping these characters from living normal lives. On top of all the Department D drama, Ana had many personal decisions to make and she was faced with a reality that could very well see her losing the only person she'd ever had a romantic connection with, but if it meant keeping her sister safe she was willing to do so. It showed a level of maturity that I really liked about her. She wasn't all sappy teenager, she stepped up to the plate and made difficult choices.

While a bit of the plot line was kind of expected, after everything that happened in book one, there were a few new twits thrown into the mix and they certainly lit this book up. 

I did feel that there were a few loose ends, though, and without giving too much away, I think the Antonio situation was dealt with far too easily, and I still had many questions about a certain female associate of his, as well as things with Regina. Having said that, I still thoroughly enjoy this book from start to finish.

Looking forward to more intrigue and suspense as the journey continues for Anastasia Phoenix.

About Diana Rodriguez Wallach

Diana Rodriguez Wallach is the author of the Anastasia Phoenix Series, three young adult spy thrillers (Entangled Publishing, 2017, ’18, ‘19). The first book in the trilogy, Proof of Lies, was named by Paste Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Best Young Adult Books for March 2017.” Bustle also listed her as one of the “Top Nine Latinx Authors to Read for Women’s History Month 2017.” Additionally, she is the author of three award-winning young adult novels: Amor and Summer Secrets, Amigas and School Scandals, and Adios to All The Drama (Kensington Books); as well as a YA short-story collection entitled Mirror, Mirror (Buzz Books, 2013).

She is an advisory board member for the Philly Spells Writing Center, a school-based Workshop Instructor for Mighty Writers in Philadelphia, and has been a Writing Instructor for Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth since 2015. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from Boston University, and currently lives in Philadelphia.

Author Links:

Author Website: www.dianarodriguezwallach.com

Author Blog: http://dianarwallach.tumblr.com

Author Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dianarwallach

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianarwallach/

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Blog Tour: Review: The Brightest Sunset by Aly Martinez

Today we are sharing the release for The Brightest Sunset by Aly Martinez. This is the conclusion of a must-read contemporary romance duet, and is it available to read for FREE on KindleUnlimited!

Be sure to follow Aly's newsletter for exclusive news about the duet.

    

The Brightest Sunset (The Darkest Sunrise Duet, #2)

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Add The Brightest Sunset to Goodreads

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Bullshit.

Words destroyed me.

“I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.”

“Daddy, he can’t breathe!”

“There’s nothing more we can do for your son.”

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Lies.

Those syllables and letters became my executioner. I told myself that, if I didn’t acknowledge the pain and the fear, they would have no power over me. But, as the years passed, the hate and the anger left behind began to control me.

Two words—that was all it took to plunge my life into darkness.

“He’s gone.”

In the end, it was four soft, silky words that gave me hope of another sunrise.

“Hi. I’m Charlotte Mills.”

REVIEW

I didn't think it was possible for this story to get any more emotional than what it had in the first book, and I didn't think it was possible to fall more in love with Porter, but I was wrong on both counts. This story had even more ups and downs. It tore my heart into pieces and built it back up with love and hope.

The turmoil these characters had to go through after the revelation at the end of book one was heartrending. As much as I was happy for Charlotte, I was devastated for Porter. He was such an amazing guy, with a big heart and plenty of love to give, and he was being punished for something he had nothing to do with.

When things started to fall into place, I knew it was too good to be true. There was no way Brady would accept things as they were, and I had to wonder how Char and Porter would get over that particular hurdle. Add in the pain and fear as they tried to keep it together for Travis, and it was too much. 

This book made me feel many things, but that moment in the courtroom, before they received a certain message...that moment was the breaking point for me. I cried like a baby! And then I cried some more towards the end of the book when I thought the worst had happened. 

Charlotte and Porter's story was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. It has been a while since I drowned in the feelings a book evoked, but this duet was worth every tear, every smile, every second of heartache. It was a beautiful read.

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The Darkest Sunrise (The Darkest Sunrise Duet, #1)

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Add The Darkest Sunrise to Goodreads

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You won't want to miss this amazing series!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children. Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person. She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.     

AUTHOR LINKS:

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Blog Tour: Review + #Giveaway: The Taste of Her Words by Candace Knoebel

Today we have the blog tour for The Taste of Her Words by Candace Knoebel! 

Check it out and grab your copy today!

Title: The Taste of Her Words

Author: Candace Knoebel

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Andrea was my first taste of love.

She was there throughout my childhood and into adulthood. Her words were a secret I wasn’t supposed to know. Truths and pain bled onto papers that shredded my innocence and carved a hole in my heart only she could fill.

Her words were my first kiss. They were the uneven breaths I took when I saw her, and my hands between her thighs inside the dreams she haunted. She was my best friend’s older sister and, even though she didn’t know it yet, she was the pen that would ink our destiny into the stars.

Dean tempted me to cross a line I never thought I would.

It had been so long since someone looked at me the way he did. Five years since his starry gaze caressed my words and I ran from a kiss I couldn’t shake. He was everything I should stay away from, but how could I resist the beautifully broken man whose touch stoked a fire within my soul?

       Dean was the missing words to my fairy tale. The parchment I could safely put my most intimate thoughts to. But when secrets from the past catch up with us, how could our perfectly plotted ending survive?  

Get Your Copy Today!

 

Review

This book! THIS. BOOK!!
All the words! All the feels!!

I have been a fan of Knoebel's from the very start of her career. She is a master at delivering stories that suck you in and keep you entertained, even for hours after you have finished reading them, but this book has to be my fave. For me, it is her break out story. This is the book that is going to really make people stand up and take notice (if they haven't already), and I want to share it with everyone I know because it is just that freaking brilliant.

Andrea and Dean's tale of romance is sweet and seductive, with a little bit of darkness and a whole lot of sensuality mixed in to make this a stellar read. There are not enough words to accurately express the emotions that consumed me as I read this book but let me just say that it gave me chills, it had my heart racing, and the butterflies whipped up a tornado in my belly with each flip of the page. When two characters steal your heart from the very first moment you meet them, you know you'll be rooting for them every step of the way. Dean may have had anger issues and his past seemed to follow him, but knowing his motivation behind it all and knowing he was really the good guy in all of it made me fall for him even more. Andrea is my girl crush. Her words alone had me swooning, but she was an amazing character, too; a strong woman who was just trying to make the best of her situation, she had her own demons to face, and my heart went out to her.

I did not want this book to end. I wanted to live in these character's world and be privy to their lives for the rest of my days. I wanted Andrea to voice her thoughts every second of the day, and for Dean to be the sweet, caring man that he was. This one is definitely going on my shelf of most loved books of all time!! Spectacular from start to finish.

About Candace Knoebel

Candace Knoebel is a hopeless romantic with an affinity for whiskey and good music. Her love of words began when she met the boy who lived in the cupboard under the stairs, and has found an outlet in over twelve novels. With two completed series, her work ranges from paranormal to contemporary, all centered heavily around romance. Currently she lives in Florida with her husband and two children, and has just completed her thirteenth novel, The Taste of Her Words.

Author Links:

Website: www.candaceknoebel.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candaceknoebel

Twitter: https://twitter.com/candaceknoebel

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6458922.Candace_Knoebel

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Candace-Knoebel/e/B009CW4K30/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candaceknoebel

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/candace-knoebel

Review Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/233401687123003/

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Release Blitz + Review: The Broken Puppet by Amo Jones

Title: The Broken Puppet

Series: The Elite Kings Club #2

Author: Amo Jones

Genre: Dark Romance/Romantic Suspense

Release Date: July 18, 2017

Blurb

“I thought I knew who I was, but I was wrong.”

The Silver Swan

1. A girl who is tarnished. Tainted. One who does not fit into the confinement of legend.

The Silver Swan

2. Madison Montgomery.

I was lied to.

I was cheated.

Resigning to pick up the scraps of empty memories and disarrayed thoughts, I left. After finally cutting the strings of manipulation, I resorted to do what I’ve done since I was a child, something my father drilled into my brain since I could handle my first rifle.

Run.

I’m a mere shadow of the girl they all knew.

Lies and deceit change you. They alter your entire outlook on life.

I’m Madison Montgomery, and I want to play a game.

Here’s what happens when I win.

Riddle me this, Mads.

What goes bump in the night,

but is something you can’t see with sight?

You may run, and you may hide.

Our happily ever after will be like Bonnie & Clyde.

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Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Review

The Silver Swan was one of my favorite books. It was intense and dark, and I could not wait to get my hands on the follow-up, but I have to admit that The Broken Puppet didn't quite live up to my expectations. Perhaps I enjoyed the games the Kings played with Madison in book one a little too much, and I was hoping for more, but even though this book is as dark and twisty as the first, there were times when it fell a bit flat.

I didn't quite get into the story until I was a few chapters in. There were times when I felt that certain elements within the opening chapters could have been eliminated and it wouldn't have made much of a difference to the story. I get that Jones wanted to show Bishop's power and global reach, but I just wasn't sold. 

Once Madison was back in the f'd up life she discovered in book one, then things started to get interesting again. I was left with so many questions about the role of the Silver Swan, and I was intrigued to find out more. But, just as I was getting a hang of what was going on, Jones threw in even more deceit and lies, which I loved. 

The Kings are still there with their sexy, brooding, bad boy-ness, but they seemed to take a step back as Madison uncovered secrets that made the entire scenario she found herself in all the more twisted and dangerous. It was heartbreaking, the atrocities that she'd gone through in the past, and to have to deal with them and the person who put her through it all, on top of everything else, would have broken anyone, but Madison showed courage in the face of it all. Bishop showed a different side of himself - although he's still very much the alpha dominant that had me swooning in the first book - and I'm glad that he was there for Madison, even when he was giving her hell. 

By the end of this book I had a ton of new questions burning a hole in my brain, the suspense of not knowing WTF is really going on it killing me, and I need answers now.

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS

Author Bio

Amo is a full-time writer from New Zealand who loves long romantic walks to the wine cellar. 

She loves to write like how she lives, hanging on the edge of insanity with a wine glass in one hand and her morals-or lack thereof- in the other.

Those are not my monkeys, I swear....
Oh those hellhounds? Yeah, those are mine.

Author Links

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK GROUP

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Blog Tour: Review: The Darkest Sunrise by Aly Martinez

Welcome to our blog tour stop for The Darkest Sunrise by Aly Martinez. It is the first book in a contemporary romance duet, and is it available to read for FREE on KindleUnlimited.

You can follow Aly's newsletter for exclusive news about the duet.

   

The Darkest Sunrise (The Darkest Sunrise Duet, #1)

Purchase it now:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Whoever coined that phrase is a bald-faced liar. Words are often the sharpest weapon of all, triggering some of the most powerful emotions a human can experience.

“You’re pregnant.”

“It’s a boy.”

“Your son needs a heart transplant.”

Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.

Lies.

Syllables and letters may not be tangible, but they can still destroy your entire life faster than a bullet from a gun.

Two words—that was all it took to extinguish the sun from my sky.

“He’s gone.”

For ten years, the darkness consumed me.

In the end, it was four deep, gravelly words that gave me hope of another sunrise.

“Hi. I’m Porter Reese.”

Add The Darkest Sunrise to Goodreads

   

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REVIEW

This book tore my heart out!

Porter and Charlotte were two broken souls seeking a way to break through the darkness that had consumed them for far too long. Thankfully, they found each other and I had hope that they'd be able to pick up the pieces and put each other back together. Although Porter seemed to have more strength when it came to dealing with his devastation, and he was always ready to save Char, it didn't make his loss any less horrific, and I think this was kind of the message (one of them, anyway) in this book. We never know what demons someone is fighting, and no matter how bad our own lives are, we should never judge people or make their "hurt" feel less than ours. We all react differently to situations, and even though Porter and Charlotte went through two completely difference ordeals, their pain and heartache have never left, and they each lost a part of themselves.

I just want to say that it was soooooooo wonderful to have a normal, decent guy in a book for a change. Trust me, I love the bad boy with a heart of gold or saving the bad boy romances, but Porter was just a sweet, great guy, who was juggling a life of chaos the best way he could. He's not brooding, neither is he dangerous - unless it's trying to barbecue - and this just endeared me to him so much more. 

I loved the banter between Porter and Char. They had REAL chemistry, and it flared into something more, but in a much more relatable way. As they slowly built trust, enough to pour their hearts out to each other, so their tales of love and loss unraveled...and then the final blow was struck, and it was one I did not see coming. I felt like someone had smacked me in the chest with a sledgehammer. All I could think was NO! NO! NO! but also YES! YES! YES! Would Char finally find peace? And what would this mean for her and Porter? 

This was a heartrending story that dug deep into my soul. It was one filled with so much sorrow but also so much hope. I need the next book STAT!

The Brightest Sunset (The Darkest Sunrise Duet, #2)

Coming July 27th

Pre-order it Now

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Add The Brightest Sunset to Goodreads

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You won't want to miss this amazing series!

---------------------

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children. Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person. She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.    

AUTHOR LINKS:

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