BOOK REVIEW: Phenomenal X (Hard Knocks, #1) by: Michelle A. Valentine

Title: Phenomenal X (Hard Knocks, #1)
Author: Michelle A. Valentine
ASIN: B00JS9YJPQ
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: NA, Contemporary Romance
Theme(s): Professional Wrestler
Length: 335 pgs
Binding: E-book, Paperback
Published: 22nd April 2014
Buy: Amazon, B&N

Synopsis:

Good Girl. Notorious Bad-Boy. One Phenomenal Love.

From the mean streets of Detroit rises the newest superstar of professional wrestling, Xavier Cold, better known as Phenomenal X. His muscular physique makes men cower before him and women lose their minds with desire.

Anna Cortez is fresh out of college and naive to the harsh realities of the real world. Tired of living under the thumb of her conservative family, she defies them when she accepts a job as the assistant to wrestling’s most notorious bad-boy. Phenomenal X has an animalistic nature that even good girl Anna finds hard to resist.

One night forced to share a bed in a sold-out hotel, lines blur between them and they quickly learn that one lustful night changes everything and neither one of them will ever be the same.

My Rating:

Phenomenal X...where do I even start? I should start with the fact that as soon as I saw the cover, it was added to my goodreads TBR pile without even knowing what it was about. I knew I just HAD to read it. When I finally did check out the blurb, I wanted to drop everything I was doing and start it immediately. Phenomenal X by Michelle A. Valentine was surprisingly original in the sense that instead of another story about an MMA fighter, we finally have the first book (that I know of) that gives us an inside look at the world of Professional Wrestling. Being a huge wrestling fan when I was a kid, I couldn't contain my squeal at this unique spin on an otherwise overtaxed plot device. Sting, Ultimate Warrior, "Macho Man" Randy Savage-- these were the big, muscle bound, testosterone driven men I used to watch pound each other in the ring every week. Now I get to add Xavier to my list of favorite wrestlers =D.

The story definitely starts out strong. Anna, our heroine, is on a plane, leaving behind her old life in Portland to make a new one in Detroit. As she sits and frets about her angry father who definitely does not approve of her moving away, she becomes aware of a tall, broad shouldered, tattooed man moving through the plane to first class. They lock eyes and Anna knows he has "bad boy" written all over him, the kind of man mothers tell their daughters to stay away from. Startled at her own visceral reaction at the site of this stranger, she tries to focus on what awaits her in Detroit. But she can't help her curiosity when the kids in the seats in front of her start waving their hands, trying to get the man's attention, calling out, "X! X! Back here! Can we get your autograph?" Then the whole plane is abuzz, excitement in the air that "Phenomenal X" is actually on the plane. If only Anna knew who the hell this "Phenomenal X" guy actually was. In an interesting turn of events (don't want to give the whole beginning away), she suddenly finds herself sitting beside him in first class. And that's when sparks start to really fly! I really did enjoy how Anna and Xavier aka "Phenomenal X" first meet. The author did a decent job giving us a different way for the main characters to meet without dragging it out. Within two pages, I was hooked.

Anna starts off as a strong heroine, very likeable in the beginning. I can only imagine how stifling it must be to be raised by a controlling parent/parents, to have every single moment of your life micromanaged, every single dream not your own, but someone else's. That being said, sometimes change is scary, especially when you are used to having someone else make all your decisions for you, so I commend Anna for telling her father enough is enough and getting on that plane. Once she arrives in Michigan, it is almost like a culture shock for her. Between trying to fight her attraction to Xavier, keep up with her vivacious cousin Quinn, hold her own at a new job that she knows nothing about, and ignore her father's constant hounding states away, Anna has quite a lot on her plate.

Xavier definitely had that mysterious bad boy persona going on and he is 110% Alpha =D. Valentine has a gift for writing strong, sexy, dominant men with an edge. I could tell by some of the teaser quotes before reading the book that X was going to be on my list of favorite alpha male characters. He might not be at the tippy top of my list, but he at least made it. Xavier also suffers from the tortured hero syndrome that many authors use, but again, I give Valentine credit for trying to give us a different take on the wounded hero. I felt quite a few pulls on my heart strings as Xavier's painful past is slowly revealed. No child should ever have to go through what he did and understanding his past makes sense as to why he is constantly telling Anna he is no good for her. But it doesn't mean he heeds his own words. He can't stay away from her, she's like an addiction, one of the only people that isn't trying to use him because of his celebrity status. One of my favorite scenes is when Xavier stops a guy from potentially date raping Anna. Oh man, X is even more incredibly sexy when he is pissed off and all of his protective instincts are on full alert. (I included this scene as an excerpt below).

Together, Xavier and Anna were a hot couple and the chemistry was scorching. There was a nice build up in sexual tension and I like how Xavier went from trying to get Anna in his bed, to him respecting her enough to want to try being friends. They come up with these ridiculous, yet cute "rules" to keep things completely platonic. This was a great way for the author to create sexual tension and give the characters time to get to know each other without them automatically jumping in bed together (or at least the illusion of time since the time frame of the story spans only a few weeks if that). Xavier does have quite a few sexy lines in the book, like here:

“I don’t typically beg, beautiful, but if begging gets me access between those creamy thighs, I will. Just give in to your desires.”

I also like Anna's spunky attitude towards Xavier when he makes her angry. He gives her permission to use his real name, Xavier, and hates it when she refers to him as "X" like everyone else does. It's her way of putting him in his place which was cute. On a more serious note,  I like how she tries to be there for him during his horrible nightmares--he doesn't like her seeing him in such a vulnerable state, but she handles him with care.

The secondary characters were also a treat in this book. Once Anna lands in Detroit, she moves in with her eccentric Aunt Dee and her beautiful cousin Quinn who she views as more like a sister. Quinn helps her get a job as a waitress at the bar she works at. I really liked Quinn. Usually, authors make the naive heroine have a promiscuous, slutty sidekick which is so irritating. But Quinn is not like that. Yes, she is more outgoing and wants to help Anna loosen up and date, but she is far from a slut. I also adored Nettie and Carl, a black couple that owns a diner where Xavier frequents when he is in town. They play a very important role in X's life, especially for becoming the successful, humble man he is now. I'll leave it at that so I don't get tempted to give away any spoilers.

Valentine also switched up the use of POV in the story. It starts out with Anna's name at the top of each chapter, which prompted me to believe that the perspective was going to switch back and forth between her and Xavier. It's not until chapter 10 that we get to see things through X's eyes. I'm still unsure how I feel about that. I didn't completely hate it and it kept me on my toes because I never knew when his perspective would pop back up again. But I guess you could say that I wished to see more of the story through his POV.

There were a few things that kept Phenomenal X from getting a 5 star rating. The first thing that bothered me was when Anna loses her job at the bar. She convinces her boss to fire her instead of her cousin when Quinn is accused of stealing (I'm being vague on purpose). When Anna goes home, nothing is mentioned by Quinn about the drama at work. Wouldn't you apologize or thank the person who saved your job?

While Anna started out as a strong heroine, she began getting on my nerves towards the end of the book. I felt that she was way too pushy about X revealing his past. If someone spends their whole life never telling a soul about their past, it's going to take time for that person to open up. He kept telling her to back off, but she wouldn't listen and kept pushing. There were also a few awkward scenes in the bedroom, revolving around "protection". I don't want to spoil anything but yeah...you'll understand what I mean. Anna also becomes a little clingy and makes a few unwise decisions near the end of the story that causes a whole bunch of drama and puts X's career in jeopardy. What the hell happened to the independent girl from the beginning of the novel?

While I absolutely loved that X was a wrestler, sadly, that was the only original aspect of the book. The story felt contrived in many places and the plot was very predictable. Don't get me wrong, I am okay with authors using the same formula, but if that is the road you're going to travel, then you need to find ways to make it feel fresh. Valentine can definitely write a good story, she knows how to write a sexy as hell alpha male, but it's the plot devices that felt a bit forced or way too obvious. They should be seamlessly written in. It's almost like I could hear the author saying, "oh, I am going to throw that in there so this will happen."

Phenomenal X was a solid, addictive read, a great start in the Hard Knocks series. I might as well warn everyone that the story does end on a major cliffhanger. I have high hopes that book 2 will smooth out some of the kinks.

best wishes,mia

Excerpt

He grabs the drink from my hand and slams the plastic cup down on the floor, splattering its pink liquid all over a group of guys standing a little too close watching the action unfold. With a sharp tug he pulls me behind him, effectively putting a wall of muscle between Jared and me.

Xavier stars down at Jared, his fingers flexing into fists at his sides. It's like he's ready to rip into my would-be dance partner. "You think I didn't see what you put in her drink back there, motherfucker? There's no way in hell I'm going to allow a little pecker-stain like you to attempt to drug this girl and get away with it."

All the blood drains from Jared's face, leaving his skin pale,and his mouth hanging open in shock. But more frighteningly, he doesn't deny the accusations. Xavier shakes his head in disgust. "You just gave me the green light to end your fucking world."

Jared raises his hands in surrender and takes a step back. "Hey, man. I don't know what you think you saw, but I don't want any trouble."

Xavier rolls his shoulders. "You should've thought about that a few minutes ago because trouble is my middle name, and my foot has been twitching all night to kick your fucking ass."

"I'm sorry, okay." Jared's voice shakes as his eyes flit to Brad, who seems content on staying the hell away. "We'll just go."

Xavier shakes his head and laughs darkly. "Go? You think I'll let you just leave after that shit? You must be out of your fucking mind."

Jared turns to leave but Xavier grabs him by the bicep, turning him back around before drawing back his fist to crush every bone in Jared's skull. The instant I realize what's going on I gasp.

I can't let this happen. He can't get into trouble over me.

I wrap both my hands around his elbow, clinging on for dear life as I scream, "No!"

Xavier jerks his gaze to me, his thick eyebrows knitted in confusion. "You don't want me to pound this punk?"

I shake my head vigorously. "I don't want you to get into any trouble. He's not worth it."

"He's not, but you are."

The intense connection that always pulls me to him assaults me full force and I can tell he feels it too.

I stare into his eyes as I cling to him, my fingers woven together so tightly that they're numb, while he waits for me to give the word to destroy Jared. I have to remain calm and try to defuse the situation before things get ugly and Xavier gets arrested for murdering a man while defending me.

"Let him go and we'll leave."

His hard eyes soften a bit. "Together?"

I nod. "Anywhere you want to go."

A wicked smile cracks his face, and a weird tingle erupts in my belly. Maybe I shouldn't have promised that--who knows what's on that naughty mind of his. But if that means walking out of here without Xavier in handcuffs, I'm game.

About the Author

Michelle A. Valentine is a Central Ohio nurse turned New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of erotic and New Adult romance. Her love of hard-rock music, tattoos, and sexy musicians inspired her erotic BLACK FALCON series.

Connect with Michelle

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram

Giveaway

Enter for a chance to win 1 of 2 e-copies of Phenomenal X by: Michelle A. Valentine. Worldwide giveaway! Anyone can enter. Ends 6/14. a Rafflecopter giveaway

good luck,mia

BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY- Wolf by: Jim Ringel (Blog Tour)

synopsis

Johnny Wolfe carries his dog Sindra in a vial that he keeps in his pocket. He carries her out of loyalty. He carries her out of guilt. He carries her because there are no more dogs in this world. And he carries her to connect to her feral nature, so that he might take her inside himself and feel her animal wildness.

Johnny’s life is in shambles. His sales career at Bulldog Enterprises is on the blink. On his way to work one day he comes across a colleague who is killed by a dog. But with dogs now extinct, how is this possible? Going through his colleague’s dead body, Johnny discovers the colleague is carrying a rather sizeable sales order. Figuring “he’s dead, I’m not”, Johnny decides to place the order as his own.

Except he can’t figure out what product the colleague is selling. As he gets closer to understanding the product, Johnny starts to realize it has more and more to do with why the dogs might be returning, and why they’re so angry.

Then he starts to wonder if maybe the dogs know more about him and Sindra, and if maybe they’re angry with him.

teaser excerpt

Johnny stepped into the hall and looked down it. "Who’s there?" he whispered.

His words echoed in the silence, and no one replied.

Johnny turned back to the failed printout. The roll of paper it had spit out flopped from the tray like a dried tongue lapping for water. He walked the hall and tipped his head inside Jackson’s door.

"Who’s there?" he asked.

Again, no answer.

Johnny stepped into the office and rounded the desk. He stared at the monitor. It winked Print Job canceled. Resume?

Johnny pulled the mouse across the computer screen. His heart wheezed empty. He minimized the print request, and saw now, the JPEG was no longer on the screen.

Johnny sat and leaned back into Jackson’s chair. His back ached. He brought the print request back into display and clicked Yes. The icon disappeared, and then popped up again, mockingly. Print Job canceled. Resume?

An itch crept down Johnny’s forehead. It burned like a thousand heated needles being pushed into his face. The computer screen stared, quiet and empty, and in its silence he heard panting. He opened up the Evergreen folder on the desktop once more, but the spreadsheet–it too had been erased. And now he felt certain―he heard panting, and the panting came from the corner of the room.

Johnny tipped the desk lamp. The light outlined two extended ears, the gleam of salivating teeth, sitting obediently alongside the conference table.

book info & buy links

Title: WOLF

Author: Jim Ringel

Genre: Literary Horror

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Release Date: 13th May 2014

Buy Links

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo

about the author

Jim Ringel lives in Boulder. When not writing fiction, he can be found hiking, biking, and skiing in the Colorado mountains, or sitting still and meditating at home. He also does a lot of reading, and is a long-standing member of Denver’s Lighthouse Literary Workshop.

Connect with Jim

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

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COVER REVEAL- The Fox's Mate by: Elaina M. Roberts

synopsis

Alpha Draike Weatherby has enjoyed many years of peace in his districts. He’s made agreements with the various shifter races as well as the Vampire Lord of London to keep crime down and their existence safe from human knowledge. Until now. A loyal gang of nonhuman runaways are systematically losing members. Rat shifters have grown bold, increasing crime in his area and risking their secret. Then there’s Olivia. Naked, bleeding, and fleeing a trio of unsavory characters, she runs straight into his arms…and stirs his most protective instincts.

As he digs deeper, he discovers an interconnecting web with a single common thread: Olivia. To uncover the truth, he must gain the trust of the terrified woman who entices his fox. But she guards a secret that could destroy or save her.

book info

Title: The Fox's Mate

Author: Elaina M. Roberts

Genre: Urban Paranormal-Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Taliesin Publishing

Organized by: The Muses Circle

Release Date: 5th June 2014

teaser excerpt

“Any leads?”

“Not since the cook from The Phoenix turned out to be a dead end. Literally. Max and I remained at the club after it closed for the night and found him, or rather, what was left of him. He lay in a pool of his own bile and blood behind a garbage bin. Deep bruises on his upper arms. Hamstrings and Achilles tendons sliced through. Disemboweled. Nearly beheaded. The stench of river rat was all over him. We suspect it was Clay and his buddies, but it could have easily been random and unrelated. He was also missing his wallet and his genitals.”

Franklin winced and covered his groin with his hand. “Fuck me sideways! Leave a bloke some dignity. Surely you don’t believe it was some nutter collecting fuzzy bollocks? There were too many rats in The Phoenix for it to be unrelated.”

“Correct, I don’t. I believe the rats are a key part of this, whatever this is. They saw us in the club and tipped off Clay. That had to be how he knew to come back for the cook. He then eliminated a potential liability. What I don’t know is what they hope to gain from all this.”

“What does the Den Master say? He stands to take a financial hit to his businesses should your agreement turn sour.”

“He claims ignorance of their encroachment, and his fear encourages me to believe him. We could be dealing with a splinter group, though I don’t know what purpose they’d have.”

“I’ll see if anyone knows of a bruiser going by that name, though it’ll be hard without a description. Are we assuming he’s a shifter?”

“For now.”

Franklin nodded. “I’ll do what I can. The rats are a harder thing to question them about. I’ll ask about new gangs coming in from the river. They seem the type to fight over turf and make it bloody. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”

“Just be careful. The rats know you and know you work for me. If they’re striking at me, they may choose to go through you. I’d rather you get a choice about turning, son.”

“I’ll watch my arse, sir. Being a rat ain’t my idea of a good time. Don’t care for cheese. Anything else?”

“In her delirium, Miss Olivia mentioned two names: Percival, whom she called uncle, and someone she simply called Loomis. I assume it is a surname.”

“I can ask around. If she’s American, it’s unlikely anyone here’ll know her or her uncle.”

“Perhaps, but it can’t hurt to ask. I’m running out of options. Until she’s willing to provide me with details, I’m operating under the assumption she was being held somewhere in the neighborhood. She couldn’t have been able to run very far in her condition.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a money clip, and tossed it to the young man. “A little something to help your friends’ memories. No.” Draike shook his head when Franklin tried to return it. “I’d rather they earn some money for a bit of talking than thieving. Safer for them, better for me.”

“Not everyone’ll want to take it, but I’ve still got the lightest fingers in the district. It’ll end up in their pockets one way or another.” Franklin closed his right hand around the money clip, tapped his fist with his left, and then opened them both to show they were empty.

“Whatever works, lad. I need you to get on this as soon as you can. Barring a downturn in Miss Olivia’s recovery, I’m going out tonight to see if Marko and the lads have any further information.”

“I’ll see what I can get during the day, but most of the guys won’t hit the pavement until later tonight. I’ll let you know what I find out, if anything.”

“Thank you, Franklin.”

Draike watched the boy leave the study then returned to his chair and his silent study of the Commons. No one disappeared without a trace, yet there had been no sign of any of the boys since they went missing. Two days after he discovered The Phoenix’s murdered cook and gained a guest, he paid a visit to the rat’s Den Master. Under a threat of expulsion from the fox’s protection, he was quick to cooperate in the investigation. They spent most of the night searching questionable cargo containers and interrogating shady barge captains. Nothing had surfaced as of yet. Though it was impossible, the boys had vanished.

Meanwhile, Maximus looked into the influx of the vermin gangs into his section of Draike’s territory. Since they squatted in the vampire’s buildings, it was a legitimate concern. He barely tolerated it when his own kind chose to squat instead of going through proper channels. Few would find it surprising if he aggressively pursued a nest of rats doing the same.

Lastly, there was the enigma of his current houseguest, Olivia. She was mysterious, lovely, and entirely too appealing. There was something about her unique scent, a spiciness interwoven with the earthy scent of female human, which intrigued and enticed his vulpine form unlike any other. It was more than mere pity for her circumstances, or even physical attraction for her understated beauty. There was just something about her that drew him.

Her injuries infuriated him to a surprising degree. He had seen others, mostly females but some males, treated poorly during his lifetime. After years on the streets as a child, and later as an adult once he’d joined the Hunters, he had seen the many and inventive ways humans and nonhumans alike could hurt one another. He had been moved to anger by the unfortunates’ plights and torn apart the perpetrators with his fangs and claws, glad to watch their blood flow into the gutter.

This level of pure, raging fury was different. The wounds inflicted upon Olivia brought out his most protective instincts. Protective and predatory. It had been too long since he’d had a proper hunt, and this was unlike any other. His prey would suffer for laying a hand on his mate.

His mate?

Draike bypassed the cooling cup of coffee and grabbed the decanter of brandy and an empty glass. Pouring a generous measure, he tossed back half of the smooth, amber spirits.

Mate? He paced the small room. His claws tapped the crystal glass. A low growl rumbled in his chest.

Mate? He stared across the park as he turned the word over in his head. Her scent tempted and intrigued him, but he didn’t know her. Their interests and personalities could clash. They were from different countries. There was a good chance she would return to the United States once she healed. He drained the glass and suppressed a bark of protest. His fox wanted her stay. If he was honest, so did he...

about the author

Elaina Roberts grew up in the wilds of Alabama, wearing garments sewn of squirrel hides. She saw her first motorized vehicle at age ten and was amazed and terrified at the giant, iron behemoth that ate and spat out people with impunity. She also makes up a lot of stuff, which propelled her to become an author.

Truthfully, though, Elaina did grow up in a rural area just outside the city limits of a small Alabama town. She spent many long afternoons running through untamed woodlands, even if she doesn’t care for squirrel regardless of how you cook it. As the youngest of four, there were few luxuries purchased by her textile factory parents, but they provided her with something even better: an intense love of reading. Her early loves were the mysteries of Earle Stanley Gardner, the fantastic worlds of Edgar Rice Burroughs, and the action-packed adventures of Don Pendleton. When she discovered romance, she sought books that combined the genres she already loved with this new promise of happily ever after. Not long afterwards, she began her own tentative steps into writing.

Today, she writes Urban Fantasy with a romantic flair, the genre guaranteed to offer her the greatest opportunity of creating fantastic words of action, adventure, and mystery, coupled with romance’s heart-lifting happily ever after.

Connect with Elaina

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

best wishes,mia

Author Interview: INVINCIBLE (Expanded Edition) by Alana Albertson (Blitz Tour & Giveaway)

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Title: INVINCIBLE (Trident Code, #1)
Author: Alana Albertson
ISBN: 0062279874
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense
Theme(s): Navy SEALS, Sex Slavery
Length: 269 pgs
Re-Release Date: 8th June 2014
Organized by: IndieSage PR
Add It: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I’ll be honest with you—I'm no hero. Sure, the media tries to brand every Navy SEAL as some kind of Batman dressed in cammies. There’s even a line in one of our cadences: “Superman is the man of steel, he ain’t no match for Navy SEAL.” You've seen the movies—we’re indestructible, invincible. But that night, the one you read about in the papers … all I really wanted to do was get laid.

One harmless fuck with a Curaçao whore, no strings attached. I picked her out of a lineup—wild, dark hair, long legs and a crooked smile. After she sucked me off, I relaxed back onto the creaky, cum-stained cot, thankful for the blissful moments she gave me when I actually forgot for a second the faces of my buddies who died because I made the wrong call, the tears of the children I couldn't save, and the eyes of the enemies I slaughtered during their last seconds of life.

But before I left, her hazel eyes peered into my soul. She whispered in a distinct Californian accent, “My name is Annie Hamilton. I'm an American citizen. I was kidnapped from a cruise ship five years ago. You're my last hope. Please save me.”

One desperate plea. This wasn’t a Hollywood blockbuster or a New York Times best-selling thriller. I knew that this time there was no room for excuses, no margin for errors. I had one chance to put the cape on and be her hero.

Author Interview

In Invincible, Patrick is an active Navy SEAL who rescues Annie from sex slavery. What kind of research did you do in order to make these important/heavy themes feel authentic for the reader?

ALANA: For the SEAL research, as I said I dated a Navy SEAL in my 20s. We dated off and on for two years and I spent a lot of time with his buddies- including a former NFL linebacker (some reviewers said that wasn’t plausible but I assure you there are many in the Teams). I really wanted to portray the real men who do this amazing job and the challenges of how their career affects their relationships.

As for the sexual slavery, I’ve read a ton of books about sex trafficking, recovery, and drug addiction. Especially when the women are free, Jaycee Duggard, Elizabeth Smart, the ladies in Ohio. Can they find love again? Can they heal? And don’t they deserve to be happy?

We might as well address the elephant in the room. The 1st edition of Invincible, which was released in March, did not have an overall positive response. In fact, after doing some digging, I noticed that some readers and bloggers were down right nasty in their reviews. Most authors would have hid under a rock or cave into the negativity. But you did the complete opposite, maintaining poise and dignity (hmm, I think your dancing background is shining through!). What have you taken from this experience? Is this what inspired you to revisit Invincible and make changes?

ALANA: Thanks for asking this question—I did want to address this. I put my heart and soul into Invincible – and I would never release a book that I didn’t think was great. The original version Invincible had been edited by my long time editor, Deborah Halverson, author of the upcoming Writing New Adult for Dummies, and had also been beta’d by over a dozen writers and bloggers. All the feedback had been positive, except one beta didn’t connect with the material. So I felt confident that Invincible was a solid book when I released it.

Of course I was devastated, and well shocked, by the reviews. And yes, some were just plain cruel. But I kept coming back to the reviews that were kind, saying we love the blurb, we want this to succeed, please try again. So I did it for the fans. I also thought it would make a great point to the Indie community – that instead of getting angry, try to hold back the emotion, listen to the fair honest constructive criticism and become a better writer. I don’t regret releasing the old version for a second—maybe I could’ve written a slightly better version of the book then, but it would no way be the version that I have written now. All the constructive reviews changed my vision of this book and it’s now so strong and heartfelt and I owe it all to the critical reviews.

Speaking of changes, the new edition of Invincible has gotten a huge face lift, makeover-- you get the point! The book is longer and while the 1st edition only was in Patrick's POV, this new version features Annie's POV as well. Can you talk about some of these additions? What else is different about this new extended edition?

ALANA: It is: 

• 15000 words longer
• Has Annie’s POV
• Changed Rescue scene
• Changed how Annie returns home to the US
• Changed Pat’s characterization
• Changed entire relationship time line
• Added 3 HUGE twists that change the entire story
• Added an epilogue

Basically I rewrote the entire book. I tapped into the emotional aspect of the characters, and tried to go deeper into their relationships.

I had originally written Annie’s POV in the first edition – but my editor and I decided to take it out – we felt it was spoiling the readers journey by knowing where Annie was at all times and we wanted it to be about Pat. This was a HUGE mistake. So adding Annie’s voice really helps the connection to the characters that the first edition lacked.

Why should previous reviewers/bloggers give this new version of Invincible a chance? 

ALANA: Well of course I’d be honored and it would mean a lot to me to be given a second chance. But because I really rewrote it with all the changes that were asked for. I tried to make it the book that the blurb deserved. I hired 3 new editors, new betas. I poured my heart and soul into this book. And I think it would show how much power bloggers have to help authors become better writers.

Thank you Mia!

About the Author

Alana Albertson is the former President of both Romance Writers of Americas’s Young Adult and Chick Lit chapters and the founder of Academe Advantage, a college admissions & test preparation company. Alana Albertson holds a Masters of Education from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Stanford University. A recovering professional ballroom dancer, Alana currently writes contemporary romance and young adult fiction. She lives in San Diego, California, with her husband, two young sons, and four dogs. When she’s not spending her time needlepointing, dancing, or saving dogs from high kill shelters through Pugs N Roses, the rescue she founded, she can be found watching episodes of House Hunters, Homeland, or Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.

Connect with Alana

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blitz Tour Giveaway

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good luck,mia

Muses Picks of the Week! New Releases for the Week of 20th May 2014

My Picks of the Week

Hello, Muses! 

First, I want announce the winners of the UNSURPASSED e-book giveaway by the amazing award winning author Charity Parkerson. And the winners are...

Christine L.

Janet F.

Congrats, ladies! And thank you, Charity, for helping me make the giveaway happen and a success!

There are many interesting posts to come this week, starting off with an exclusive interview with award winning author Alana Albertson. She is getting ready for the re-release of her novel INVINCIBLE. It's longer, it's edgier, and even contains Annie's POV which was completely left out in the original. It's an interview you definitely don't want to miss! 

Later in the week, keep an eye out for a Cover Reveal, Book Blitz, and a possible review (if I have enough time!).

I just want to note that I am aware that there are a few books in the adult section that do not have buy links yet. As soon as they are available, I will add them.

Last, but not least-- want to win a $200 Amazon gift card AND an Amazon Fire TV unit? Well, here is your chance! Go HERE to enter. 

Enjoy these new releases! 

best wishes,mia

Books

adult books

Bad Girls Don't Marry Marines (Rock Canyon Romance, #3)
by: Codi Gary

The bad girl who stole his heart …

Valerie Willis has done it all: tattoos, one-night stands, even strip poker. And now she can add getting a messy public divorce to that list. Back in her hometown of Rock Canyon, Val just wants to bury her head and wait for the scandal to pass. But when she suddenly finds herself at a singles' weekend face-to-face with former flame Justin Silverton, hiding from her heart—and the sexy Marine—won't be that simple.

Is just too good to let go …

It's been ten years since Justin kissed Val, but he still remembers the way they just seemed to … fit. Since then he's served his country and helped his father keep their ranch intact, but he's never forgotten Val or her wild ways. So when a twist of fate brings him the chance to chase her across state lines and spend a weekend winning her heart, Justin's all in. Because when he sees something he wants, he fights for it. And he's ready to fight for the right to call this bad girl his one and only.

Release Date: 20th May 2014

Website | E-book | Paperback

Better Deeds Than Words (Words, #3)
by: Georgina Guthrie

Aubrey and Daniel’s vow to pursue their dangerous romance despite university regulations takes them down a path of secrecy and lies. With only six weeks left to the end of term, they’re under the constant watch of David Grant—Daniel’s “Dean of Students” father. If that weren’t enough to pressure them, Daniel’s checkered past also casts a shadow over the young lovers who continuously tempt fate until one wrong move leads to an inevitable disaster. Can they salvage a relationship when everything seems to be conspiring against them and even the people closest to them believe that their relationship is doomed?

Release Date: 20th May 2014

Website | E-book | Paperback

Blackmailed by the Billionaire Brewer
by: Rachel Lyndhurst

Piper Reilly is in trouble. She needs a cash infusion, and she’s just left a scorching hot man in Florida to get her life in Colorado back on track. Then her surfside one-night-stand turns out to be her new boss, billionaire Matt DeLeo, with an offer she can’t refuse – agree to be the face of his brewery’s newest concoction or lose her job. A few weeks modeling for the billionaire playboy and her money worries are over, and she can definitely resist Matt’s gorgeous smile and muscular, tattooed arms. It’s strictly business. Right?


Matt DeLeo is in trouble. He’s found the perfect woman to sell Passion Creek Brewery’s newest brew, but if he wants her on his posters, he’ll have to keep his hands to himself. His problem? All he wants to do is drink in Piper. It will take more than blackmail for Matt to get his way.

Release Date: 19th May 2014

Website | E-book

Dark Surrender
by: Alyssa Morgan

Some sins are unforgiveable…

Every time the planets align, Lucifer has a chance to break open the Gates of Hell. The only thing that stands in his way is the fallen angel warrior, Kyriel. Banished to Earth, Kyriel must atone for his sins of pride, envy and lust. His entry back to heaven is dependent on him finding the Ring of Melchior—which is currently in possession of gorgeous Head Curator Dr. Jillian Whitmore…

Jillian has always considered herself immune to the charms of even the most irresistible of men. Afraid of her own desires, she had hidden in her family’s museum poring over ancient relics. Until she met the inscrutable Mr. Smith. She feels an invisible pull to this mysterious man, but he is on a quest to uncover a missing artifact, one she had in her possession until it was stolen.

Jillian and Kyriel must find the ring before the next planetary alignment or risk losing the world they call their own—as well as an illicit love they are just starting to discover…

Release Date: 20th May 2014

Website | E-book

Ghouls Rush In (Peyton Clark, #1)
by: H.P. Mallory

Do you believe in love after life?

Looking for a fresh start, Peyton Clark becomes the proud owner of a piece of New Orleans history: an Antebellum-era two-story house in the Garden District. It’s going to take time and a fat wallet to restore the fixer-upper to its former glory, but after her recent divorce, Peyton could use the distraction.

It’s not long before Peyton discovers she’s moved into the haunted home of a flirtatious paranormal prankster. She’s receiving kisses from unseen lips and caresses from a ghostly hand, and soon she begins to have vivid dreams, bringing her face-to-face with the incomparably handsome ghost of Drake Montague.

When Peyton grows closer to her general contractor, Ryan Kelly—who is as charming as he is alive—the chill in the air could only suggest Drake’s jealousy from beyond the grave. But even though she’s definitely attracted to and interested in Ryan, Peyton also can’t get Drake out of her dreams, or her heart, as she begins to uncover the frightening truth behind his death a century ago…

Release Date: 20th May 2014

Website | E-book | Paperback

Goddess Born
by: Kari Edgren

Pennsylvania, 1730

Selah Kilbrid keeps a dangerous secret: she has the power to heal.

A direct descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid, it's Selah's sacred duty to help those in need. But as the last of the Goddess Born living in the New World, she learned from an early age to keep her supernatural abilities hidden. The Quaker community of Hopewell has always been welcoming, but there's no doubt they would see her hanged if her gift was revealed.

When a prominent minister threatens to try her with witchcraft unless she becomes his wife, Selah has only one hope--that her betrothed, a distant cousin from Ireland, arrives as planned. Marrying Samuel would keep her secret safe, preserve her sacred bloodline, and protect her from being charged as a witch.

But when news of Samuel's death reaches the Colonies, Selah is truly on her own. Terrified, she faces an impossible choice--forfeit her powers and marry the loathsome Nathan? Or find an imposter to pose as her husband and preserve her birthright?

Release Date: 19th May 2014

Website | E-book

BLOG TOUR STOP- Ryder's Redemption (Dueling Dragons MC, #2) by: Rose Dewallvin

synopsis

Ryder thought this last run was going to be simple, but little did he know that what was about to happen would not only test him but test the whole Dueling Dragons MC.

Follow along with the MC and Ryder as they are pinned brother against brother, leader against leader and lastly lover against lover. Will Ryder find his way out of this to get back to Faith? Or will he be left to ride alone again...

**NOTE** Ryder's Redemption is book TWO in the Dueling Dragons MC series. It is best enjoyed if Faith's Temptation, book ONE, is read first. See below for details.

teaser...excerpt

Ryder's POV

I am broken, and my life is no longer what it once was. I am a changed man. In the past few months, I have visited Hell and returned with a new conviction about myself; and the man that I am. Either she understands, and promises to stand behind me, and the choices I have to make in life; or she move on without me. I have a responsibility to the Dueling Dragons brotherhood first and foremost now.

I can still hear her parting words: that she hates me, burning through me as she walked out the door. Out the fucking door without a look back.

Fuck this. I need to work out this frustration and feel the inner pain. I decide to go for a ride and then hit up the gym in town. I need to feel my fist hitting flesh. I need that adrenaline high I get from fighting. It makes me feel alive and in tune with myself. I need to feel the wind at my back and just get away. It’s been months since I rode hard.

book trailer

book info & buy links

Book: Ryder's Redemption (Dueling Dragons MC, #2)

Author: Rose Dewallvin

Genre: Motorcycle Romance

Publisher: Wolf Paw Publications

Cover Designer: Double J Book Graphics

Cover Model: Jason JC Kurtis

Photographer: Jason Hanscom

Organized by: Enticing Journey Promotions

Release Date: 6th May 2014

Buy Links
Amazon  | Amazon (CA) | Amazon (UK)

where it all started...

Faith's Temptation (Dueling Dragons MC, #1)

Faith Ann has always lived a simple life as the farmer's daughter until one day something happens that will change her life forever. Now faced with the choices of flight or fight, she leaves home and doesn't look back. Setting out on the journey of a lifetime.

Ryder Porter is the golden child of the DDMC. Thought to be a bad boy, he is also known as a teddy bear to the women that he lets in. Which are few and far between. Ryder is used to getting what he wants, so when fate intervenes and shows him something he wants, he goes for it. Though Faith is not his usual easy conquest.

Faith has never been one to give in to anything, but will Ryder be able to persuade Faith to give in to this temptation?

Buy Links

Amazon | B&N

about the author

Growing up in a small town close to Seattle, Rose saw many different walks of life. But growing up around bikers and rockers, she experienced most things people only dream of.

Now a thirty’s something wife, mother, sister, aunt and best friend –she is devoting her time and energy to bringing these experiences and many more to you in her books.

Connect with Rose

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

best wishes,mia