Review Tour: THE DEAD OF WINTER by Julie Solano and Tracy Justice

Title: The Dead of Winter (Seasons of Jefferson #2)

Author: Julie Solano & Tracy Justice

Release Date: Nov 24, 2015

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For one group of teens, a cruel, twisted fall changed everything.

Relationships. Trust. Destiny. 

Now, living with the harsh consequences of their choices, is there hope to mend what fall has left broken? 

Find out as the story continues.

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I wanted to give you everything. You were the first girl that I ever wanted to call back. The first girl I was proud to let wear my jersey. The first girl I ever stopped myself from crossing the line with. You were too good for that. Too good for me... I loved you with everything in me.

REVIEW

I thought book 1 was good but authors Julie Solano and Tracy Justice have taken their writing style to a new level in this book and it is nothing short of exceptional.

The descriptions of every location are so clearly written that I can envisage them in my mind. The intensity at the start was needed to get us all from that cliff edge we were hanging on. I had tears because of Peyton's suffering. I am hoping we see her find herself again. Jenna, we all need a friend like her, someone who can ease the most tense situations with humour and compassion. I love her. When she dressed as a nurse and threw those girls into the hospital fountain I was laughing. She is a wonderful character. Avery or Tangles - I love this nickname, and her connection to the storyline was a total surprise to me. I had guessed she had some connection but I wasn't sure what. I could go on but it will spoil your enjoyment. But believe me when I say, this book is brilliant, it kept my attention throughout and the suspense is still on going, although I have some guesses. You haven't left us hanging quite so dramatically this time so thanks for that. Please take time to be proud of this book. I award this exceptional book 5 stars!!

When Fall Breaks (#1) – Released: March 5, 2015

Kaitlyn Woodley is a beautiful, determined, high school senior, who embraces her small-town roots and country life. She’s studious, musically gifted, and headed for a successful career in swimming. Aside from a catty group of jealous girls, who taunt her mercilessly, Kaitlyn’s dreams are well within her reach. That is, until she becomes tangled up with the handsome Pistol Black, a rodeo cowboy, who not only turns every girl’s head in the county, but also turns her perfect world upside down.



Kaitlyn’s overprotective twin brother and best friends, begin to see signs that make them question Pistol’s subtle control over her. As secrets are unveiled, they intervene to save her from a possible path of destruction. To their surprise, when best friend Brody steps in to protect her, newly discovered feelings complicate an already volatile situation. Soon, everything begins to change. Old feelings die, new feelings emerge, and the once beautiful path they had traveled over summer, begins to alter with the season.





Will Kaitlyn’s closest friends be able to pull her from the destructive path she’s been led to follow? As the winds of time blast through their lives, the loyalty toward their best friend will remain stronger than ever. They are determined to protect her, even if one of them ends up getting hurt in the hunt for safety. One thing is for certain, none of this close group of friends will be left untouched when fall breaks. 

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Julie Solano has lived in far Northern California, nearly her entire life.  She graduated from CSU, Chico, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Child Development.  She later went on to Simpson University where she obtained her multiple subject teaching credential.  Julie enjoys life in the “State of Jefferson” where she lives with her husband and two children.  As a family, they spend their time tromping around the Marble Mountains and Russian Wilder-ness.  They also take pleasure in rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, off-roading, campfires, and living it up in the great outdoors.  When she’s not with her family, Julie spends her days teaching next door to her co-author, fellow prankster, and partner in crime, Tracy.  The most recent of their crazy adventures was to take on the challenge of writing this silly, little novel about life in their neck of the woods.  They hope you have fun reading this story which was inspired by their small town, rural upbringing, and the personalities of their four children.



Born and raised in Northern California, Tracy Justice is a wife, mother, and full-time teacher. She graduated from CSU, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. One of her fondest memories growing up was herding cattle in the Marble Mountains with her family. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, riding horses, running, hiking, swimming, and of course reading. After some encouragement from Julie, she decided to add “Coauthor” to her ever growing bucket list. She never knew how much fun it would be to write a book with her best friend. She hopes you enjoy reading this story as much as they enjoyed writing it.

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Review Tour: JOCK by CM FOSS

Title: Jock

Author: CM Foss

Release Date: Nov 2, 2015

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CLICHES

She can't stand them.

Hates them.

Refuses to be one.

But...



Tessa Brooks is strong-willed, sassy, and determined, on the brink of dominating in the testosterone-fueled sport of horse racing. She’s spent her life avoiding the norm, staying true to herself to achieve her ultimate goals.



Her relationship with Jace Hitchen, her brother's best friend, just might be the biggest cliche of all. Over the years, he’s been her protector, her annoyance, her confidante, her crush. But giving in to what she's really wanted for the last ten years could be the very thing that destroys everything she's worked for and wanted. Can Tessa achieve her dreams for the future, but still hold on to the past?

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I started and finished reading this book in one sitting as it really caught my attention. I enjoyed the setting, this is the first book I've read set in the horse racing world. This makes a very unique book in my opinion. Tessa is a wonderfully strong female, determined to make it as a jockey. I love that it is the woman's career that causes problems, usually it is the man's, again a unique feature! Jace has loved Tessa since he first held her as a baby, alongside his best friend and Tessa's brother, he vowed to be her protector. He comforts her in times of sadness, and laughs with her and at her but can they became more than friends and occasional lovers? I really enjoyed the other characters, they added depth. Overall a really enjoyable read and with 4 stars is certainly worth one clicking!!

CM Foss is a hopeless romantic with a love for the written word. When she was little, her mom would ration her books so she wouldn’t go through them too quickly. It didn’t matter, she would just re-read. She’s always been an avid equestrian, competing in the top levels of Three Day Eventing by age seventeen. CM now resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and kids where they own and operate their own equestrian business, as well as raising grass-fed, sustainable meats. She doesn’t have this thing people call “free time”, but she does spend a weird amount of time writing, reading, playing with her kids, milking goats, and drinking wine, while avoiding bananas at all costs. Other books by CM Foss include Shiver, Swoon, and City Beautiful.

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Review Tour: 8 SECOND DECISION by H.J.Bellus

Merek Slatter is the wild card on the Silver Star Ranch in Texas and always has been. He’s blessed with his granddaddy’s love of the ranch yet haunted with chasing that gold buckle eight seconds at a time.

Tensions are high on the ranch when circumstances threaten to take it under. His dad and brothers pressure him to stay home and become an active cowboy on the ranch. However, Merek is addicted to the road and rodeo. He’s home anytime he can be and provides plenty of money to keep the family ranch afloat, but sometimes it takes more than what’s in the bank to protect tradition.

Now home on a three-month break, Merek finds himself all tied up with the new girl in town. She’s quiet and reserved but there’s something about Challis’ green eyes and feisty attitude that makes her irresistible. When he runs into her at a rodeo and catches a glimpse of her on horseback all hopes of leaving her alone flies out the window.

There are several rumors floating around town about her, however that doesn’t stop Merek from going after what he wants. He knows she’s off limits and only full of trouble, but Merek thrives on trouble and adrenaline.

Then the road calls again and it’s time to leave.

Eight Seconds

Gold Buckles

And the high…

What will he choose?

It’s nearly dusk as the light clouds whirl around in the sky. My head begins to spin even faster and I feel my back sink down the side of the trailer. I slip off the ledge I was halfway sitting on and take a chug from the bottle. My ass hits the ground with a thud and I laugh out loud. Fuck, even my laugh sounds slurred.




“You okay?”




I look up into the most beautiful face I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, it’s attached to Merek’s body.




“I’s fineeee.” I draw out the word fine to cover up why my speech is so slurred. I stiffen into an upright position trying to act as sober as possible.




Merek kneels down in front of me.




“Wants a drink?” I hold out the bottle to him noticing there’s only about a swallow or two left.




“Challis, did you drink all of this?”




I just shrug my shoulders.




“You’re going to be one hurting cowgirl in the morning.”




I watch as he sets it down at his feet.




“Drink,” I yell. His eyes flash between me and down to the bottle.




“What?” I try to stand on my feet. “Am I not good enough for you?”




“Challis.” His hands grip my shoulders as I tumble forward.




“I just set a fucking record in that arena. Beat all the hometown girls with their daddy’s money behind them and you won’t drink my wisskey?”




Merek has me wrapped up in one arm while he chuckles at me, which only pisses me off even further.




“Don’t.” I pound into his chest.




“Okay, sorry. Sorry.” He bends down, snagging the bottle from the ground. “Is this what you want, Challis?” He dangles the bottle in front of my face.




“I want you to have a drink with me.” I clutch the bottom of the bottle and help guide it to his lips.




“Okay, okay, calm down.” He parts his lips just enough for the opening of the bottle to rest on his bottom lip, and I pour all the liquid into his mouth.




I feel him backing us up until my back smashes into the side of the trailer, and it’s not until this moment that I realize I have one hand wrapped around his neck and the rest of my body pressed up against his.




“Happy now?” He crooks an eyebrow at me.




I let out a giggle.




“What’s so funny, Challis?”




“You’re cute, Merek Slatter.”




“You’re fucking wasted, Challis Jones.”




I shrug my shoulders. “This is my first rodeo since my daddy died.”




Tears fall down both cheeks this time as I hold nothing back nor have the willpower to hide the pain anymore.




“Come here.” Merek guides my head down on his shoulder and my tears flow down the crook of his neck. I feel his hand rubbing circles on my back in a soothing motion and I don’t fight any of it.




A long time passes before either of us move or even talk to each other. I allow my body to melt into his and let him hold me as I try to calm the wild stream of tears.




“Merek.” We both look up to see the blonde once again and it’s as if all my senses snap right back into place.




“Go. I’m sorry.” I push back on his chest. “I’m fine.”




Merek takes a step back from me and I feel my body sway. My feet try to find steady ground, but none ever comes and then my body is free falling to the ground. I feel Merek’s hands on me again and pulling me right back into his chest.




“Fine, uh?” He brushes a stray hair from my cheek. “I’m going to introduce you to Madison.”




“No.” But before I can put up more of a fight, the nosy bitch is standing feet away.




“Challis, this is Madison, and Madison, Challis. Madison and I were best friends growing up.”




I listen to the bullshit flying from his mouth but don’t react.




“Nice to meet you, Challis.” She runs her hands down the front of her short shorts, then turns to Merek. “I’m leaving, just wanted to tell you nice ride tonight.”




She steps up and places a peck on his cheek with me cuddled in his arms. I wipe at my eyes, making sure I just witnessed the scene that went down.




“You have a ride home? I know you’ve been drinking.”




She turns and points to a tall and lean cowboy talking to Merek’s brother.




“Fuck, you picked a roper out of all the cowboys around to take you home.”




“Yep, see ya, Merek.” She slaps him on the ass and bounces off.




Merek turns back to me and must see the obvious stunned look on my face.




“I thought…I thought…I mean, isn’t she your girlfriend?”




“No, longtime best bud and fuck buddy.”




I throw my spinning head back while I let Merek still hold me up. “Good lord, I need another drink.”




“You got it, cowgirl, but no more whiskey. Let’s just keep this drunken state up.”




“Thanks, Champ.”




“I hate it when you fucking call me that.”




“Good, I’ll keep calling you it.” I tilt my head back down and tap him on his nose.




My lips lightly brush his and he doesn’t pull back. The sweet and masculine taste lingering on them intrigues me and makes me want more. This time my lips linger on his, nuzzling from side to side, then my tongue darts out absorbing his delicious taste into my mouth.




“Kiss me, Merek.”




He doesn’t back away and talks on my lips. “Sober Challis wouldn’t like this at all.”




“Sober Challis worries too much. Please kiss me, Merek.”




Reservation fills his eyes, but then he clenches them shut and attacks my lips. My back is pressed up to the trailer again. Both of his large hands grab the sides of my face as he kisses me hard. I wiggle my way up to him and throw all of my body into him. After several seconds of his lips attacking mine, I play back and begin kissing him, not missing the moans of pleasure he releases in my mouth.




His taste is nothing I’ve experienced before and damn near addicting. My tongue laps up every ounce of it. A few hoots and hollers fill the air and I know they’re directed right at us. I remove Merek’s hat and cover our two faces with it, blocking out our little make-out session.




“I see you’ve kissed a cowboy a time or two,” he mumbles into my mouth.




“Maybe.” I shrug. “Or just watch a lot of western movies.”




“Which is it, Challis?”




“Shut up and kiss me, Champ.”




His lips are back on mine, kissing me even harder if that’s possible, as my one free hand tugs and pulls the man closer into me. Once sealed together, I trail it down the front of his shirt and search for the top of his jeans, and once I find his buckle, I flip it undone with ease.




Merek begins shaking his head side to side. “Nope, not tonight.”




“C’mon.” I nod toward the front of my trailer.




He grips both sides of my face and forces me to look up at him. “Challis, you’re going to hate me in the morning for just kissing you.”




I drop my head and mumble. “Yeah, go for the skanks anyway. I ain’t no buckle bunny.”




Merek doesn’t respond. Instead, he hoists me up and over his shoulder, slaps my ass, and begins limping. I can tell he’s in pain from the way my body sways side to side, and I feel as if I’m going to slide right off his shoulder.




“Merek, put me down now.”




He doesn’t listen to me, and when I look up I see the back of his pickup and feel him stop and slide me down his chest. He settles in on the tailgate of his truck and leaves me staring dumbfounded at him. He holds out a hand to me, but I don’t grab it and soon feel his grip on my forearm as he tugs me into his lap, twirling me around first. I settle nicely between his legs and look around to all the staring people.




I struggle a bit to get free, or at least turn and face Merek, but he keeps my hips firmly planted.




“Here, Sis. This will help.” His brother hands me a drink. “Maverik, by the way.”




“Yeah, thanks. I’ve waited on you in the bar.” I grab the drink and pound it, welcoming the burning whiskey. “Another.”




He chuckles and walks away. Looking back at Merek, I’m relieved he’s deep in conversation as my drunken state has begun to wear off a bit. Maverik hands me another solo cup and I slam it and then nurse the beer he handed me.




Merek’s telling tales of traveling up and down the road and the different buckers he’s been on. I sit and listen to him and almost feel like I’m back home with my rodeo crowd just bullshitting after a rodeo. I relax back on Merek’s solid chest, laying my head on his shoulder, gazing up at the star lit night sky.




“Too much whiskey?” he whispers in my ear.




“Yeah, I’m fucked up.” I reach up and lightly pet the scruff on his jawline. And even in my drunken state I know this has gone way too far already.




I remember his iced leg from earlier. “Hey, are you okay? What did you hurt?”




“I just tore some…”




My eyelids become heavy as his words slur together in my head, swirling around until my eyes finally shut and a welcoming darkness takes over.

 

A hot cowboy book written by a kick butt author is what you get when you read 8 Second Decision by HJ Bellus. I loved all the Silver Star Ranch boys, with Grandad being just as entertaining as any of the hotties!! Merek and Challis are a feisty pair apart so together sparks certainly fly. The suspense element is building throughout the story and I'm already looking forward to book 2 to see how this plays out and what excitement HJ has planned for the Slatter boys!! I award this book 5 stars!

 

 

                

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I'm just a simple girl who loves the country life.. .oh yeah! & a good corn dog! Throw in a little Vanilla Ice, and shits bound to get crazy! Be brave...

-Loves country life & music

-Gets the case of the "eff-its" often

-Loves Big

-Hurts Big

-love corn dogs & candy.... & (sex & candaaay)

-My heart is happy writing!!!

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Review Tour: RYKER by Cheryl Douglas

Title: Ryker

Series: Steele Brothers #1

Author: Cheryl Douglas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: September 10, 2015

Mackenzie Steele assumed she’d be with her husband forever. He's still her best friend and the father of her children. But when weeks turn into months without intimacy, she realizes she's too young to feel so old. She wants to feel desirable again, to find the woman Ryker fell in love with twenty years ago. And there's only one way to do that… by asking him to move out.

Ryker's blindsided when his wife tells him she wants to separate. He knew they’d hit a rough patch, but he’d never allowed himself to imagine his life without her. Now he has no choice. She seems happy without him, living life on her own terms, and he knows if he doesn’t find a place for himself in her new life, it will be too late to save his marriage.

 

 

“This story sucked me in and didn’t let go. I was hooked from the first heartbreaking scene and after real life intervened, I was anxious to get back to this story. I had to see what happened. I needed to see Ryker and Mackenzie and their boys happy.” ~ A is for Alpha B is for Books

“This was so far up my street I could have been neighbours!!! Holy Moly what an absolute stonker… loved it! It took me just one chapter to fall head over heels for this book and one day to finish what is one of the most realistically pitched stories that I have engaged with for a while.” ~ Books Laid Bare

“Wow! What a way to start a book off —the moment I read that sentence, geez the prologue, I was hooked! Hooked in the sense that I finished this book in one day. I couldn’t put it down.” ~ Smut- Brarians

This book is awesome because it is totally unique. For a start the main characters McKenzie and Ryker are older (slightly) than most, they have life experiences and we see this in the book. They are a married couple with teenage sons. Yes they are going through a tough spell but they don't give up on true love. Ryker is one hot man!! He is a bad boy who has turned his life around, but he still oozes danger and excitement!! McKenzie has to learn to love herself, she has devoted her life to her family but has lost herself along the way. I loved the introduction of the other Steele brothers, who are all HOT alpha males. This book is wonderfully written and I can't wait for book 2! 5 stars ~ Rosie

When one door closes, another one opens. I closed the door to my business for the last time in 2011, which left me with a decision. What now? Find another location and move my nutrition business, go to work for someone else, or take a chance on my dream? I chose the latter and I’ve never looked back! 

I’ve always loved reading and writing, but it wasn’t until I jumped in with both feet and decided writing would be my career, instead of just a hobby, that my muse woke up from her deep slumber. 

It was like someone flipped a switch inside my head and stories just came pouring out. At the end of the day, I would often look at the keyboard and wonder, ‘Who the heck wrote that? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me!’ 

I don’t write books. I tell stories, or rather, I allow my characters to tell their stories through me. I’m not a plotter, never have been, never will be. Why? Because I have no idea how the story will evolve and it’s not my place to manipulate it. My job is to get to know these characters, figure out what makes them tick, then follow their journey wherever it takes me. 

When I’m not writing, I’m daydreaming. Thankfully, I have an understanding husband and son who know I’ll re-join the land of the living just as soon as my muse decides it’s quitting time. I don’t work for myself. I work for her. She’s the boss. And I’m okay with that.

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