I Like to Write:: 2018 and my thoughts

I keep writing my reviews and short stories but I don't write my thoughts like I used to. I used to write down what was happening, what was going on going on in my head. I don't do that anymore. No real reason. I think a lot in the car. You cant really write down your deep thought process while driving. I think in 2018 I need to get back to writing those thoughts. I need to get them out. I need to not lay with them in my head for so long. I can't let them fester. Not that what I have to say may be important but I think it is a great way to get your head straight.
After this weekend's events it looks like I might have some time to write. I might be able to get it all in word instead of just talking to myself in the car on the way home. 
I started some healthy habits this year. At least I believe they are healthy habits. I am trying to be more considerate of others. Shocker I know, but I need to step back a little. I need to let people decide that their decisions might be wrong, even if I can see that wrong decision being made. That will also include not allowing myself to take care of those so much. I am really quick to say "I can, I will, let me help" but you rarely get it back these days. Taking care of others I believe is a thing of the past, its sad. Respect is out the window.
I have been following a path for the last few years that has developed a stronger relationship with my faith. It's like working out and exercise, you don't become knowledgeable and full of your faith over night. It has taken a long time to come to terms that life isn't really in my hands. That there is a higher power. As any sinner though I know that my journey will never be over I can always improve. I continue to study and learn. I think my church family has helped enormously with that. I have gotten close to some pretty awesome ladies that are on my path and have helped me with my faith. It's amazing how just talking to someone about a certain subject can change your whole prospective.
I have been reading and reviewing for over a year. I am in love with this hobby. It helps me escape, it helps me remember that I am NOT just a mom and wife. You might not think so but it does. The stories I have the privilege of reading take you to a world that isn't yours. They can erase a bad day, a sad feeling, or just take you on a journey for a little bit. The reviewing was new at first but has gotten easier. I've developed some pretty solid friendships in the book world.
Mommy world is still full time and still my heart. My girls are growing, learning, and doing so much now. As busy as life gets sometimes, there are moments I sit back and thank God that he choose me to guide these little people.
There is plenty in this world I don't understand. There is plenty of hatred and jealousy and meanness but I really try to step back and not get pulled in. I try to stay positive. I try to keep my temper in check. I try to think of all sides, although sometimes that is the hardest. I am really good at ignoring the bad to bring out the good.
So 2018, trying to write more, trying to get more off my chest, and trying to continue working on me. Life was not made to be easy, it was made to be worked for and I am up for the challenge. Thankfully I have a solid marriage, great kids, and a great family with friends who are around for all of this. 

Release with Review:: THRIVE by Aly Martinez

Today we are celebrating the release of THRIVE by Aly Martinez. Thrive is the second book in the Guardian Protection series and it can be read as a complete standalone.

You can grab the ebook or paperback on Amazon.

Download the audiobook at Audible or iTunes.

 

 

Thrive by Aly Martinez (Guardian Protection, #2)

Purchase the ebook on Amazon (Kindle Unlimited)

Purchase the Audiobook | Purchase the Paperback

Synopsis:

Technically, you aren’t supposed to fall in love with your best friend’s girl.

When I was nineteen years old, I was faced with a choice that changed my life.

Keep the safety of what I already knew or risk losing everything with the young, hotheaded soldier who stole my heart.

I chose the wrong man, and for seventeen years, I paid in tears, blood, and shattered dreams for that decision.

Now, there’s a man in my house, holding a gun to my head on the order of my ex-husband—given from his prison cell.

That hotheaded soldier I was too afraid to choose? He’s now a six-foot-three wall of muscle who works at the country’s most premier bodyguard agency. I’ve always wanted him, but now, I’ve never needed him more.

It’s the call I’m terrified to make.

I’m sure he still hates me… Even though I’ve never stopped loving him.

Add Thrive to Goodreads

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Review: 

This was a good, suspenseful and romantic second chance. This story has a lot of different characters, many different places and different timelines within the story. Pay attention or you might miss something. If you enjoy the gut wrenching, plot twisting, not sure if everyone is going to live stories, than this one is for you. 

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Purchase the previous book in the Guardian Protection Series

SINGE is the first book in the Guardian Protection Series and is FREE in KindleUnlimited

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

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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Cover Reveal:: Living Out Loud by Staci Hart

Living Out Loud, an all-new emotional standalone from Staci Hart is coming February 1st!

Title: Living Out Loud

Author: Staci Hart

Publishing Date: February 1st

Cover Designer: QuirkyBird Designs

Photographer: Lauren Watson Perry, Perrywinkle Photography

When Annie Daschel arrives in New York City, the only thing she can control is her list.

Not her father’s death or the loss of her home. Not the hole in her heart or the defective valve that’s dictated so much of her life. But she can put pen to paper to make a list of all the ways she can live out loud, just like her dad would have wanted.

See the city from the top of the Empire State Building: Check.

Eat hot dogs on the steps of The Met: Check.

Stand in the middle of Times Square: Check.

Get a job at Wasted Words: Check.

Two things not on her list: Greg Brandon and Will Bailey. And just like that, she finds herself caught in the middle of something she can’t find her way out of, with no clear answers and no rules.

List or no list, she realizes she can’t control anything at all, not even her heart.

Not the decisions it makes, and not the moment it stops.

Inspired by Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2rcBm5Z

About the Author

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. From roots in Houston to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.

Connect with Staci:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hv5OA5

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/imaquirkybird

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/imaquirkybird/

Website: http://stacihartnovels.com

Newsletter: http://stacihartnovels.com/get-the-newsletter/

Join Her Reader Group Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stacihart/

Release with Review:: On the Edge of Regret by Kate Squires

ON THE EDGE OF REGRET by Kate Squires is available for purchase!

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON AU

New Adult Romance

Brix Kelley is a typical, small-town girl, who grew up with scraped knees and dirty fingernails. Nash Cooper was the defiant teen of the town, who’s been in trouble with the law, practically from birth. The two have been friends for longer than they can remember, and somewhere along the way, a flame ignited.

They were inseparable. Then, suddenly, when she was just 15 years old, Brix left town, leaving behind everyone she’s ever loved, in search of a fresh start. She cut off contact with all five of her closest, childhood friends, never intending to return. But, when a tragic event forces her to go back six years later, she’s hesitant and unsure of what kind of reception she’ll receive…especially from Nash.

Still tortured by the ghosts of his past, Brix finds Nash as rebellious as ever, but for the first time since they met, his anger is aimed at her. Just when it seems as though things might be looking up, secrets, which have been long held and deeply buried, begin to surface, throwing them both into a tailspin.

With all the outside forces meant to keep them apart, can they find their way back? Was the love they shared as teens strong enough to bond them again as adults, or will the secrets from the past cause irreparable damage?

TBR ON GOODREADS: http://bit.ly/OnTheEdgeOfRegretTBR

GRAB YOUR COPY!

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON AU

EXCERPT:

The corner of his mouth twitches ever so slightly, as he takes a step closer to me.

“Have you told him you love him?” he says, taking another step. My heart beats wildly, as I look anywhere but at him. He steps closer again, until he's just inches away. “Have you?” I turn my head, but his hand touches my chin, steering it back to center. “Brix.” His voice is soft, seductive, and I’m not sure how much longer I can take being this close to him. “Look at me and tell me.” I finally find the courage to look at him, and it’s as if his eyes pierce through to my soul. “Have you told him you love him?” I open my mouth to speak, but I can't say the words. He sees my hesitation and goes in for the kill. With his hand still on my chin, he lets it slide around to the side of my neck. His fingers easily glide into my hair, and his thumb rubs gently back and forth against my cheek. “I need to know,” he says, just above a whisper. I close my eyes, my lips part fractionally, and my heart is about to leap from my chest. I can feel his warm breath against my cheek, as his lips graze my ear. “Yes or no, Brix?” A sharp intake of breath fills my lungs, before I exhale in desperation.

“No,” I say, and it’s as if I've just confessed every sin I’ve ever committed. The relief is profound, but now I know I've opened up an enormous gate. I feel him smile against my cheek and hear his satisfaction as he hums his exhale.

“Good. I can work with that.”

Review:

Brix has been gone for six years and returns to attend a funeral. When returning, she is very nervous since she left without a word. She hurt people. She left scars. She left her love. 

Nash is still Nash. Working and living life. He hasn't forgotten his love but he is hurt. This hurt is rehashed when Brix returns. 

I loved the way this story was told, bringing them all back together, showing that friendships can last years without words. Nash and Brix have plenty to work out and with the help of their friends they get the time they need. 

MEET THE AUTHOR:

Kate Squires was born and raised in Ohio, where she still resides with her husband and children. She has always loved writing but never, ever thought her life would lead to sitting in front of her laptop, for hours on end, creating stories other people would read some day. As a child, she was a book hoarder, but hated reading, until a certain trilogy turned that all around for her. Now, she can’t get her hands on enough books. Kate has dabbled in all sorts of odd jobs, ranging from dog groomer to dance instructor, but her true passion is creating characters out of thin air and making them do her bidding. Her published works so far are, That Kiss, That Promise, I Will Catch You, Tracing Hearts, When Love Breaks, When Love Walks, and On the Edge of Regret. Visit her website for more information about her books and upcoming events. www.KateSquiresAuthor.com

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | GOODREADS

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Release with Review:: Someone in the Way by Rachel Del

Title: Someone in the Way

Series: Someone in the Way #1

Author: Rachel Del

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 10, 2018

Lily Gardner thought she’d found her soul mate when she met and married the handsome and well-off Thomas Gardner. But now, thirty, with a four-year-old son, Lily finds herself wading through the messy waters of divorce and single motherhood, crying herself to sleep at night wondering if she’s just lost her only chance at love—and herself in the process.

Nathan Trainor always falls for the wrong women—and Lily is no exception. But now that she’s practically single Nate knows this could be his only chance to prove history wrong. 

When Lily and Nate are assigned the task of signing a bestselling author who is rumored to be seeking new representation, Lily must put her troubles aside and do whatever it takes to get the job done. And Nate might just get his chance to write his own happy ending.

At once heartbreaking and hopeful, Someone In The Way captures what it feels like to be given a second chance at life—and love.

Someone In The Way was previously published as Finding Lily, but has been entirely re-written and will be re-releasing January 2018.

Someone In The Way is a standalone but can also be read as book 1 in the series.

Review:

Before I begin I only have one question from this book, Rachel, girl, were you musing The Grinch when writing the ex husband, his heart is 3 times to small and he needs an attitude adjustment real quick. 

Now to the lovely and incredible story of Lily and Nathan. Lily is my new best friend. She is strong but tears apart, she is a great mom that loves wine, and she portrays that all together but crumpling inside lifestyle. Real. This is real life. It doesn't happen the way you plan. There is always something that makes that fork in the road face you and make you decide. Lily decided a better life for herself and her son. Although she has questioned it for months, she is sticking to it. 

Nathan has sat on the sidelines. He has watched Lily, became her work friend and began a routine of loving coffee together. He got my heart, he is so sweet and I think that Rachel showed a man that was raised by a great mom and older sisters. I think little boys are always protected more by having older sisters. They are also more in touch with what females go through because they are around them from birth. 

When these two are given a task to complete, that puts them in each other's faces, that makes them see each other at face value, it gets real. It puts all the emotions up front. It shows that because you fail once doesn't mean you will fail again. It shows you to that your past makes you stronger. It gives us hope if we are or have been in this situation that you will be good. Rachel guides us through a journey of loneliness, a journey of passion, and life tries us over and over. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rachel Del is a head-in-the-clouds introvert, homebody and thirty-something writer currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and son. Originally from Ontario, Canada she works in publishing and enjoys a cold glass of Chardonnay, road trips and singing in the shower.

Rachel started writing in 1991 with her first journal … and never stopped. She wrote her first novel in the 6th grade, something hopelessly sappy and laced with spelling mistakes.

When she isn’t working or writing, you can find her chasing after her son, reading or sipping on black coffee.

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Read:: Loving Lucas by Lily Ryan

This one started off with promise. I loved how they met, a little mishap that brings them together. A bossy man that needs coffee to make up for a ruined suit. Then the relationship begins. That's where it goes downhill for me. These two are supposed to be adults. Lucas has a short temper. He gets mad about everything and is suspicious of everything Olivia does. Poor girl can't seem to get it right. Sad part is that if he would have voiced what made him upset, he would have known what she was doing and could have put that energy towards something else. His ex really did a number on him, if you didn't know any better you would think that he was still caught up on her. He allows the ex's actions to dictate how he and Olivia hold a relationship.

I like a little of drama and a little hold your breath until they figure it out but every other page was them arguing then getting right back together. Where is Olivia's backbone because it isn't here. She allows Lucas to continue to blow up then come right back with a hug and a kiss, it's all forgotten.

This book would be great for someone who loves the ups and downs. Who loves the drama and twisted storyline. The writing and story telling wasn't an issue, the author did a great job.

Buy Now

Lucas is as dysfunctional as he is beautiful.
Olivia is as cynical as she is sweet.
Together they are beautifully broken

Lucas –
Broken. Shattered into tiny shards of glass. That’s how love left me.
I’m done with love.
I have no place for it in my life.
Sex- now that’s a different story.
There’s always room for sex and a willing participant nearby.
Until I find myself in the middle of the street with egg yolk dripping off me.
In this moment, everything changes.
All I want is to spend every minute of every day with the woman who came crashing into me.

Olivia-
I’m a romantic at heart.
I read romance novels, and watch the epic movies.
Too bad it’s all make believe.
I know better than to trust in fairytales or believe in happily ever after.
Lucas scares me. He smashes through my defenses and forces his way into my life. Once he’s there, it’s only a matter of time before he takes possession of my heart.
He’s been hurt and betrayed.
He doesn’t trust me and I’m scared to death of him.
When love has so much against it, can it find a way to survive?

Release with Review:: A Perfect Fit by Zoe Lee

Are you ready for a sweet small town romance with feels?! A Perfect Fit by Zoe Lee IS NOW LIVE!

"A Perfect Fit is a heartwarming love story that will make you swoon and laugh from page one. Perfect for readers who love their romances sweet but with a hint of spice. I can't recommend it enough!" - Author Karen Ferry

Amazon → http://amzn.to/2BgRBQ4
FREE with #KindleUnlimited

Two big hearts, one big messy ride.

Daisy Rhys is trying to sneak away from a wedding reception, when Dunk McCoy—the sexy high school football coach and guy known for a good time—comes to her rescue. He's sweet, nice and keeps putting his foot in his mouth. Daisy is totally delighted. A quick rescue turns into a full on press of a different kind. Their chemistry is something different than Daisy has ever experienced but it looks like one-night was all that was meant to be.

The next morning, Dunk McCoy wakes up after the best sex dream of his life. But when his friends point out that he’s sporting a hickey, he’s adamant that his Cinderella could be perfect for him. He’s determined to find her, and his laughing, disbelieving friends are only too happy to send him on her trail.

Can he convince her that he wasn't just trying to score? Or will Dunk's attempt at true love be benched for good?

Review:

Daisy and Dunk's story was a cute quick story. They have known each other a long time. They come from a small town. Everyone knows everyone's story, no matter how humiliating it might be. They begin dating but the question is can Dunk hold a grown up relationship. They find out and much more about each other during their time together.

About the Author:

Zoe has been writing since she was a little girl, growing up north of Chicago. Since then, she's lived in Ohio and San Francisco, and now lives near Boulder. She has a job that she loves, but it doesn't sound exciting to anyone else. She does yoga and takes dance classes when she can. She has a husband, who reads her romances, and an amazing little girl, who is way too young to read what Zoe writes (yet). She's inspired by her family and friends, books and art, and all of the places she's traveled.

Connect with Zoe!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZoeLeeBooks Twitter: www.twitter.com/zoelee_books