Fictional Candy: November 2014

Sunday, November 30, 2014

The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews (Review & Giveaway)

Title: The Future Without Hope
Series: The World Without End #3
Author: Nazarea Andrews
Published: November 2014 A&A Literary
Format: Ebook received for review

Separated from Finn, captive of the Order, Nurrin has no hope left. But she has survived twenty years of zombies--and she has the unshakable faith that Finn will find her.

But Finn is a long way away. The Order's influence runs deeper than was ever suspected, and politics are shifting--and zombies may not be the most dangerous thing she's facing.

Finn always thought the war stripped him of all he had to lose. But with Nurrin missing and doors closing in his face, he realizes there is always more for the world to take--and he will drag the remains of civilization down with him before he gives up on the only promise that matters.

This series is just awesome. A bit dystopian, a bit horror, a great twist on the zombie apocalypse. Nazarea Andrews really ups the ante with The Future Without Hope, and I loved every minute.

Stay by Emily Goodwin (Review)

Title: Stay
Series: Stay #1
Author: Emily Goodwin
Published: May 2014
Format: Personal Purchase
Pages: 327 pages

“I felt like I was walking to the end of a plank precariously hanging over shark-infested water. When I jumped, sharp teeth would rip into me and the cold water would steal my breath away. The monsters would take everything from me, leaving me shivering and naked in the water. The only difference was that tonight I would be pulled from the icy darkness and forced to do it again. There would be no release from death, only pain.”

Home after her first year of college, Adeline Miller is looking forward to a stress free summer filled with reading, working on her blog, and spending time with friends. But all that changes in an instant when she is witness to something terrible, something she wasn't supposed to see.

Beaten, drugged, kidnapped.

Adeline Miller is ripped from her innocent and carefree life and thrust into darkness, into a world full of pain and horror. As a sex slave, she is forced to do horrible things, and have horrible things done to her. One of her captors has a past as dark as the world she is now living in. Will getting close to him mean freedom? Or will he pull her deeper into the shadows?

I just recently finished Stay by Emily Goodwin, and wow. Up until this, I'd only read her zombie novels - and I don't know which is scarier. This book definitely pushes the limits, and is s-c-a-r-y. Emily Goodwin, of course, writes it well, and you can tell that she's definitely done her homework. Every page feels real, painfully real.

Entangled Black Friday Sale!

Happy Thanksgiving....a bit early

I don't really have any posts scheduled for this week! I will probably post a review or two, but I'm not sure which day yet. I'm reading Stay by Emily Goodwin, and I am just blown away, so I will probably post that up...

I hope that everyone has a terrific Thanksgiving. And to those outside of the US... happy last full week of November :) I plan on eating way more than I should, and loving every minute of it!

Thank you so much for reading Fictional Candy, I appreciate every one of you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

*Liz

Friday, November 21, 2014

Min by Lola Rayne (Review)

Title: Min
Series: Standalone
Author: Lola Rayne
Published: 2014, Wicked Fierce
Format: Ebook provided for review

Min Thompson has a problem.

Her best friend of basically forever, Taylor Lane thinks her boyfriend of umpteen years is dumping her. Only thing is, Min knows he’s not. So while Taylor wants to go out and do something stupid in retaliation, Min has to try and prevent her from doing something she’ll regret, all while trying to appear supportive.

A lifetime of being known as “the quiet one” never prepared her for this.

Faux Valentine has a solution.

Sheer luck lands Faux right in Taylor’s chosen venue for revenge. While he has no interest in the pissed off princess herself, he’s always had a thing for her best friend. The one who desperately needs his help. Now that he’s got his little mouse where he wants her, what is he willing to do to keep her there?

Nothing could have prepared him for her.

Warning: This book contains foul language, allusions to underage drinking, circumventing the legal drinking age, and sexual situations.

This week I read this awesome novella by Lola Rayne - and it was awesome!! I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'd read Lola Rayne before and loved her work, so I was excited. This book is completely different from the other book I read from her, but it was so perfect.

Skip To The Good Part! Giveaway and Release Blitz!

Today we have the release day launch of Skip to the Good Part, a sexy new collection of the hottest scenes from 20 phenomenal authors. I am so excited to share it!!!

Find your next red-hot read in this sizzling collection of sexy scenes from top authors including New York Times and USA Todaybestsellers.

The collection features a British alpha who wants to turn a good girl bad, a woman realizing her impetuous marriage to a stripper isn’t all bad, a bad boy boxer who could use a large dose of sexual healing, a carnie who has found new and inventive uses for fun house mirrors, and a rocker who wants to woo the girl who got away: his high school sweetheart.

This excerpt collection features 20 of the best steamy scenes in contemporary romance and erotic romance today. Each scene in this 250-page collection will get your blood pumping, your heart racing, and your skin tingling.

You’re sure to discover a new favorite.

Due to the graphic nature of some content, this collection is recommended strictly for mature readers.

New York Times best-selling authors:

USA Today best-selling authors:

Christine Bell | Rebecca Shea | Andrea Smith

Featuring:

Amazon | iBooks | Kobo |Barnes & Noble

Enter the fantastic giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews - Release Blitz & Giveaway

Today we have the release day launch of The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews. I am so excited about this sexy zombie romance. Nazarea is sharing an exclusive excerpt and a awesome giveaway. Be sure to enter and check out all the book details!!

Off Limits by Ruby Dixon (Review)

Title: Off Limits
Series: Bedlam Butchers #1, Motorcycle Clubs
Author: Ruby Dixon
Published: October 1, 2014

He shouldn’t touch me, but he does.
Late one night, in the middle of danger, he makes me feel things I shouldn’t.
And I know I shouldn’t want more…but I do.
Because hooking up with me? It could cost him his life.

Lucky…isn’t. In fact, she’s considered ‘off limits’ to the Bedlam Butchers because she’s caused them nothing but bad luck in the past. As a bonus? She’s also the president’s kid sister. Single and lonely? That’s Lucky’s way of life. Now, the Eighty-Eight Henchmen are harassing her and they’re out for blood.

Solo…is. In a club where pairing up with a brother to watch your back is mandatory, Solo still hasn’t gotten over his partner’s death two years ago. The club’s pressuring him to name a second Treasurer, but he has to trust that person in bed and out. And it’s damn hard for Solo to trust.

But when he rescues Lucky from the Eighty-Eight, maybe it’s time for Solo to find a partner, and time for Lucky’s luck to turn around…

These books in the Motorcycle Clubs series have been so good - and I've found three new authors that I'm just loving to pieces. This week I read Off Limits by Ruby Dixon, which is also book one in the Bedlam Butchers series. And the Butchers have a twist to them that's a bit different from other mc clubs. If you are anything like me, I think you'll love it!

The Laws of Seduction by Gwen Jones (Guest Post & Giveaway)

The Laws of Seduction

Gwen Jones

When Rex Renaud, the COO of Mercier Shipping, is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, he knows he'll need a miracle to clear his name … and sassy lawyer Charlotte Andreko is the perfect woman for the job.

Charlotte has built her career defending pro bono clients against womanizers like Rex Renaud, and she'd much rather let him sweat it out in a jail cell than defend him in court. Yet Rex swears he's been set up, and when he offers her a shocking sum of money in exchange for her legal counsel, the financial security is too tempting to resist. The court dubs Rex a serious flight risk—how many people have their own jet?—and he's released on one condition: Charlotte's his new jailer, and he's stuck with her until his arraignment.

But when a bomb threat sends Rex and Charlotte on the run, neither is prepared for the explosive chemistry and red-hot passion that flare between them as they hunt for the truth about his arrest.

Good morning! Hope everyone is having a great day today (and staying warm!) This morning I have a guest spot from Gwen Jones, herself, and a giveaway! Hope you love it, and good luck!

For Now by Chelsea M Cameron (Review & Intl Giveaway)

Title: For Now
Series: Rules Of Love
Author: Chelsea M Cameron
Published: Nov 6, 2014
Format: Ebook received for review

Two people. A relationship with no commitment. What could go wrong?

Javier Cruz definitely isn’t relationship material, but that suits Hazel Gellar just fine. She’s not a girlfriend girl and doesn’t plan on ever being one.

But after a mind-blowing, bed-breaking night, she knows once isn’t going to be enough. Fortunately, Javi feels the same way. And it's not just the sex. Javi is funny and complicated and Hazel loves being around him, even when he drives her nuts.

Will she and Javi make the choice to be together for longer than just right NOW? Or will their hangups about romance be the end?

Sigh. This book. This series. The whole thing makes me do a big dreamy contented sigh. Chelsea M Cameron really brought it home with For Now, which focuses on the roommates, Hazel and Javier, of the couple from For Real, Shannon and Jett. If you like new adult, romance, and just being happy, this is for you. It's not filled with all of the gut-wrenching angst that we normally see in new adult, but they are college age students. I don't know, I just loved it.

Not Until You by Roni Loren (Review & Giveaway)

Title: Not Until You
Series: Loving On The Edge 3.5
Author: Roni Loren
Published: Nov 4, 2014 - Berkley Trade
Format: Galley

Cela knows how to be good. She’s had a lifetime of practice. But on the night of her college graduation, she decides she’s earned one wild night before she has to move back home to her overprotective family. So when the hot neighbor she’s been quietly fantasizing about for a year suggests a game of Never Have I Ever, she’s ready. But what starts out as a simple game takes an unexpected turn. Because Ian Foster doesn’t play games he can’t win.

Foster knows his desires aren’t for the faint of heart, especially not for someone as sweet and innocent as his pretty neighbor. But when Cela shows up at his door with an invitation that surprises him, he can’t resist indulging. Cela has no idea what she’s in for. The secret dark side of this man’s need will both intrigue and terrify her. But Cela has a secret of her own—and a new game to see just how far they’re both willing to go, and how much they’re willing to risk by crossing every boundary of desire.

I just read this book this week, and overall I found it to be pretty enjoyable. Not Until You by Roni Loren is book 3.5 in the Loving On The Edge series. If you look at the series numbers, you can see it's the compilation of a serial, I believe. And if you ask me, it shows in the reading.

Which Hero From Julie Ann Walker's Black Knights Inc. Series Is Perfect For You?

In her Black Knights Inc. series, bestselling author Julie Ann Walker introduces readers to strong, smart, sexy heroes. This group of deep cover military men are good at what they do…kicking ass and taking names. And when they aren’t out saving the world, they’re customizing motorcycles at a Chicago garage that is the perfect cover for men who need to take off at a moment’s notice. The Black Knights have a lot in common — they are all loyal and brave. But each man is unique and offers a different skill set to this elite fighting force. So which of these modern day warriors is right for you? This quiz will help you pick your personal BKI hero.

Uncovering You by Scarlett Edwards Blitz & Giveaway

Uncovering You

Scarlett Edwards

Uncovering You 1: The Contract
When I wake up in a dark, unfamiliar room, I have no idea what's waiting for me in the shadows. My imagination conjures up demons of the worst kind. Reality is much worse: A collar with no leash. A prison with no walls. And a life stripped of meaning. I am presented with a vile contract and asked to sign. It outlines the terms of my servitude. The only information I have about my captor are the two small letters inked at the bottom: J.S. Armed with only my memories, I must do everything I can to avoid becoming ensnared in his twisted mind games. But in the end, it all comes down to one choice: Resist and die. Or submit, and sign my life away.

Uncovering You 2: Submission
I have survived the worst. I have come out of the darkness with my sanity intact. Now, I get to meet the monster holding me here. For the first time since my captivity began, I get to meet Stonehart. Whatever he wants, I'll be ready. The collar may be tight around my neck, but I will not be a prisoner. A prisoner has no choice. A prisoner has no purpose. But a concubine, on the other hand? She always has a choice. And today, I choose to fight.

Uncovering You 3: Resistance
Jeremy Stonehart is a cruel, vindictive man. He wants me to submit. He wants me to give in. I will never give in. I will never yield. No matter what he subjects me to, I will always fight. I will not forget my resolve. Let Stonehart think me broken. I am not so easily deterred as that. No matter what he puts me through, I will always remember my own strength. I will always remember that in the end, I have control of the one thing he really wants: My mind. I will never give him that. I will resist.

Good morning! Just a quick promo today to let you know the Uncovering You boxed set is on sale! Pick it up now, while you can!

Predator's Fire

Gemini Island Shifters, #5

Rosanna Leo

When Nina Suzuki discovers the body of her best friend Janine, her world turns upside down. Things go from bad to worse when Janine’s corpse seems to transform into that of a large, brown wolf. For the first time, Nina is faced to confront all the clues indicating her BFF was not what she seemed. A letter from the dead woman opens Nina’s eyes to a strange, new world. The same letter warns of a sinister group called the Alpha Brethren, and urges her to find Killian Moon of the Ursa Fishing Lodge and Resort on Gemini Island.

Killian Moon is a jaguar shifter and teen mentor at the Ursa Lodge in Northern Ontario. He may be a comfort and inspiration to confused teen shifters, but he also has a fiery past. His past comes back to haunt him when human Nina arrives at the resort, demanding to speak with him. Demanding answers. Can he trust her with knowledge that will not only change her life, but possibly endanger those around him?

As Killian begrudgingly tutors Nina on all things shifter, their mutual curiosity flares into passionate need. Once they touch, once they succumb to desire, there is no going back. Killian realizes Nina is his mate and they both begin to comprehend the terror threatening those on their shifter-friendly island. He is forced to confront the tragedy in his family and determines to protect Nina at all costs.

But can they protect everyone they love from a cult of dangerous shifters, intent on horror and destruction?

Good morning!! Today I have the fantastic Rosanna Leo here for an interview! Her newest release is Predator's Fire, and I'm betting it is hot! I've read Rosanna's book before, and they are always fantastic. Have you read her, or this series? Be sure to check it out, we also have an excerpt after the interview. Thanks for stopping by!

YOU by Caroline Kepnes (Review!)

Title: You
Series: Standalone
Author: Caroline Kepnes
Published: Sept 30, 2017 - Atria
Format: Galley
Pages: approx 430

Love hurts...

When aspiring writer Guinevere Beck strides into the East Village bookstore where Joe works, he’s instantly smitten. Beck is everything Joe has ever wanted: She’s gorgeous, tough, razor-smart, and as sexy as his wildest dreams.

Beck doesn’t know it yet, but she’s perfect for him, and soon she can’t resist her feelings for a guy who seems custom made for her. But there’s more to Joe than Beck realizes, and much more to Beck than her oh-so-perfect façade. Their mutual obsession quickly spirals into a whirlwind of deadly consequences . . .

A chilling account of unrelenting passion, Caroline Kepnes’s You is a perversely romantic thriller that’s more dangerously clever than any you’ve read before.

Have you ever read a book that was so insanely good, you were afraid to write the review because you didn't think you could accurately convey the freaking awesome nature of the book? That's me with this book. I just finished it a couple days ago, and it is still right on the forefront of my brain. This is a book that I need to buy in print so I can have it on my shelf. Maybe all by itself. Not that I'd put it all alone on a bookshelf, cause you know, that'd be crazy. Ahem (cough cough)

When I was ten, my father indoctrinated me into the family.

A brotherhood who would fight, protect, and give their lives for one another. A club whose ties ran thicker than blood, murkier than the dirt and grime that tainted my soul. Stronger than the bonds that connected me to my own family.

A band of brothers where loyalty was kept and paid in a currency of blood.

When I was twenty-seven, I betrayed that brotherhood.

I’ve spent every day since running, avoiding paying back that debt.

My name is Daniel Johnson, and I have betrayed everyone I ever loved.

This is my story—if you’re screwed up enough to want to read it.

Warning: KICK contains graphic violence, profanity, drug use, and explicit sexual situations of a taboo nature. Intended for an 18+ audience only. Not intended for pussies.

Nobody Asked Me... Pantsing and Armor!

So here we are, another Sunday. So glad you all could join me. As I sit here, typing, I'm thinking "Holy Shit, I have no clue what I'm going to type about!" This is often how it is for me, when I'm writing up anything. I'm very much a pantser when it comes to blogging. I have a very loose schedule when it comes down to it. Sure, the tours and stuff are there, but when it comes to anything else - I do it when I have time. And this is working for me. Last year I was scheduling one or two posts every single day. And you know what happened?

Riding Steele by Opal Carew (Review)

Title: Riding Steele
Series: Riding Steel - 6 part serial
Author: Opal Carew
Published: November - December 2014
Format: Galley, St Martin's Griffin
Pages: approx 35 each

Being kidnapped by bikers is a harrowing experience, but for some reason, Laurie doesn’t feel as terrified as she should. The leader’s steely eyes soften when he looks at her, and the others in his gang clearly know she’s hands off. But does that include Steele's hands? Her brain resists him, but her body insists she wants those big hands all over her.

Steele doesn’t know how he wound up in this mess–with a kidnapped woman on his hands and the police hot on their trail. Now he and Laurie are in hiding at an isolated cabin, and Steele has to figure out how to extricate himself . . . and steer clear of his accidental captive whose tight, slinky clubbing attire is making him think all kinds of dangerous thoughts…

This week I read Opal Carew's latest serial, Riding Steele. An erotic serial about bikers? Sounds like my cup of tea. Some of this serial has already been released, but the majority of it releases over November and into December, if you are interested.

Redeemed by PC Cast & Kristin Cast (Excerpt & Giveaway)

Redeemed

A House of Night Novel

P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

In the final electrifying novel in the HoN series, Neferet has finally made herself known to mortals. A Dark Goddess is loose on Tulsa and the world. No single vampyre is strong enough to vanquish her - unless that creature has the power to summon the elements as well as the ability to wield Old Magick. Only Zoey Redbird is heir to such power…but because of the consequences of using Old Magick, she is unable to help. Find out who will win and who will lose in this epic battle of Light versus Darkness.

So today I have an excerpt from Redeemed, which sounds pretty good! I also have a giveaway - sorry, US only! But the giveaway is for a signed House of Night comic! How cool is that?!? Have you read this series? What do you think? This is the last book, too! It's always a bit sad when beloved series ends, right!? Good luck on the giveaway, and thanks for coming by!

One Kiss With A Rock Star by Shari Slade and Amber Lin - Excerpt

One Kiss With A Rock Star

Amber Lin

Shari Slade

Half-Life bassist Krist Mellas is caught in a PR nightmare after his dirty sex video blew up online. His agent has the solution: a fake engagement with sultry pop princess Madeline Fox. Krist can’t think of anything worse than a charade with the bubblegum bombshell…except losing the band.

Madeline knows better than anyone what it means to live a lie in the spotlight. She's determined to help Krist without ever letting him find out what it costs her—or about her girlhood crush on him. But after a smoking hot back alley encounter with him leaves her breathless, she can't deny she wants the snarling bad-boy rocker.

In a world of glitter and diamonds where the kisses are fake but the climaxes are real, their facades start to crack. And the publicity storm may shatter them both.

WARNING: This book contains a scorching threesome, a dirty talking pop princess, and a surly rocker who hits all the right notes.

Good morning!! Where are all the rock star romance fans out there?!? I know you're there! Amber Lin (one of my favorite authors!) and Shari Slade have a new book coming out tomorrow!! This is book 2 in the Half Life series, and I'm betting it is a must read!! Check it out, let me know what you think. Have you read either of these authors before?

Her Secret Pleasure by Ella Goode (Review)

Title: Her Secret Pleasure
Series: The Death Lords Club #2, The Motorcycle Clubs
Author: Ella Goode
Published: October 8, 2014
Format: Ebook received for review
Pages: 90-100 pages, depending on format

Pippa

I love two things--books and bad boys. I'm trying to kick the bad boy habit and hold on to the loving books one. When I take the new librarian position in Fortune, I immediately say yes when the Chief of Police asks me out and deliberately turn my back on the bad motorcycle riding boys that litter the Fortune landscape. After all, my bad boy yen was kick started by the frequent absences of my nomad father. But no one turns down a man like Judge, the president of the Death Lords MC, not even a girl trying to be good.

Judge

When Pippa Lang breezes into town in her little red convertible, the wind blowing out her big red hair, there is no way the dirty Chief of Police is going to keep her. That red hair belongs on my pillow and her hot body between my sheets. And no one, not the Chief, not the town, and not even Pippa, is going to stop that from happening.

This is my first book from author Ella Goode - and I loved it. This is also one of the books in The Motorcycle Clubs novella series, which is several novellas each from three different authors. I seriously don't know how I missed it before, because it only makes sense, but these novellas are all connected. Yep, sure, they are all mc romances, but there's another common denominator - a dangerous one! Now, this book is actually number TWO in the Death Lords series, it would seem I jumped out of order on accident. Ooops! But now I see book one is about Wrecker, who is Judge's son, so I am definitely going back to read that!

A Reaper Made by Liz Long (Review)

Title: A Reaper Made
Series: Standalone
Author: Liz Long
Published: Oct 30, 2014
Format: Ebook received for review
Pages: 197

Grace had finally gotten used to her new afterlife as a “Made” – a Reaper who used to be human. When Made Reapers and souls begin disappearing, however, Grace and her mentor Tully suspect demons. Grace’s worst fears are confirmed when her living family is threatened.

She’ll have to break every rule in the Reaper book to save them, including using a little magic to become temporarily human. With the help of Tully and her witchy friend Tessa, Grace goes undercover to save the fates of kidnapped souls – only to discover that demons aren’t working alone. Betrayal and distrust runs deep and Grace discovers that sometimes even Reapers are prone to humanity.

This is the third book I've read from Liz Long. If you are looking for a terrific Urban Fantasy story, then you should check her out. I've read about a supernatural circus, a serial killer after witches, and now with A Reaper Made, I meet her reapers. I don't know about you, but I love a good reaper story, and A Reaper Made certainly delivers.

Nobody Asked Me #3 - Country Music and Duct Tape

Well I've definitely been on the naughty list as far as posting lately. I bet a lot of you are bloggers, and you just get in a rut sometimes, so you know the feeling. I've had a lot going on in life lately, busy busy busy! So if it wasn't a scheduled post, it probably didn't get put up lately. Hopefully that hectic time is done, and I can get back to business here at Fictional Candy! As for today, I'm keeping it easy - I'm going to share some of my current favorite songs with you!!!