Blog Tour - "Falling For The Groomsman" Guest Post

Hey everyone, for my stop on the blog tour for "Falling For The Groomsman", I'm doing a guest post, yay!

Wedding Dares

Hello, I’m Diane Alberts, otherwise known as Jen McLaughlin, and I had a new book called FALLING FOR THE GROOMSMAN come out on June 9th! It’s part of the Wedding Dare series with Laura Kaye, Tessa Bailey, Katee Robert, and Samanthe Beck. All of our books (except Laura’s, which is a prequel) take place at the same time, at the same wedding.

In my book, Tyler and Christine have a bit of history. They slept together over eight years ago…and then never spoke again. Like, ever. Quite the backstory, huh? I had so much fun with it!

But, anyway…the heroines in all four Wedding Dare novels make a dare. They each “claim” a groomsman, even though they don’t all make an official announcement about it, and then they set about seducing the men. The best part about this dare? The men are clueless. Absolutely, one hundred percent, clueless!

I’ll give you ONE guess who my heroine, Christine, picks. ;)

Have you ever made a dare and actually followed through with it? I’d love to hear all about it!

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon -  http://amzn.to/1oKQxaJ

B&N - http://bit.ly/1kHt6us

AUTHOR LINKS: 

Website: http://dianealberts.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5081315.Diane_Alberts

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Review: "The Opposite of Maybe" by Maddie Dawson

A heartfelt, funny, and all-together human novel about the best mistakes a person can make. Jonathan and Rosie have been together so long they finish each other’s sentences—so when he (finally) proposes and asks her to move across the country with him, everyone is happily surprised. But when things suddenly unravel, Rosie sends Jonathan packing and moves back home with Soapie, the irascible, opinionated grandmother who raised her. Only now she has to figure out how to fire Soapie’s very unsuitable caregiver, a gardener named Tony who lets her drink martinis, smoke, and cheat at Scrabble. It’s a temporary break, of course—until Rosie realizes she’s accidentally pregnant at 44, completely unequipped for motherhood, and worse, may be falling in love with the sentimental, troubled Tony, whose life is even more muddled than hers. It’s not until Rosie learns the truth about her mother’s tragic story that she wonders if sometimes you have to let go of your fears, trusting that the big-hearted, messy life that awaits you may just be the one you were meant to live.

Thank you to Netgalley and Crown Publishing for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.

This book was just so cute to read.  Rosie thinks her life is going along just hunky dory, when suddenly, it's just not.  Poor Rosie, she's quite lovable, she's got a big heart, but I also found myself frustrated with her wishy-washiness.  She had a really tough time making any sort of decision and preferred instead to let her live-in boyfriend of 15 years do as he pleased and drag her along with him.  It was pretty easy to see that his tea cup collection meant more to him than his relationship with Rosie.

When Rosie meets Tony, it's definitely not  love at first sight.  I really enjoyed watching their friendship develop and gradually build into something more.  And Tony himself is pretty fabulous - he added some much appreciated swoon and comic relief to the story.  Then there's Rosie's grandmother, Soapie - she's a real hoot!  Most of the people I work with are seniors, so I can definitely understand her outlook on life.

I want to say that "The Opposite of Maybe" was lighthearted, but that wouldn't be accurate, as there are some difficult issues presented.  Maybe "hopeful" is a better descriptor.  Whatever, this book will certainly appeal to lovers of chick-lit.

My rating: 

Release Day Blitz and Giveaway!

Falling for the Groomsman by Diane Alberts
June 9, 2014

BOOK SUMMARY:

A sexy category romance from Entangled’s Brazen imprint…

She’s the one that got away. He’s the one she can’t forget.

Photojournalist Christine Forsythe is ready to tackle her naughty little to-do list, and who better to tap for the job than a hot groomsman? But when she crashes into her best friend’s older brother, Christine realizes her list needs updating. And fast. Tyler Dresco took her virginity during the best night of her life, then bolted. Now that they’re trapped together at a destination wedding, she’s going to get her revenge.

Tyler has never forgiven himself for how completely he lost control all those years ago. Being in Christine’s arms had felt right…until he realized what he’d taken from her in the hallway of a cheap motel. And oh, how she’s making him pay for it now. The insatiable heat between them has only grown stronger, but every time things heat up, Christine walks away.

With every encounter, things go a little bit further until Christine’s caught in her own trap of seduction. And before their time’s up, Tyler’s not the only one wanting more…

Grab the rest of the Wedding Dare series!

• Dare to Resist by New York Times bestselling author Laura Kaye
• Baiting the Maid of Honor by New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey
• Seducing the Bridesmaid by New York Times bestselling author Katee Robert
* Best Man with Benefits by USA TODAY bestselling author Samanthe Beck

Buy Links

Amazon - http://amzn.to/1oKQxaJ
B&N - http://bit.ly/1kHt6us

Author Information

Diane Alberts is a multi-published, bestselling contemporary romance author with Entangled Publishing. She also writes New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling new adult books under the name Jen McLaughlin. She's hit the Top 100 lists on Amazon and Barnes and Noble numerous times with numerous titles. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. Diane is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.
Diane has always been a dreamer with a vivid imagination, but it wasn't until 2011 that she put her pen where her brain was, and became a published author. Since receiving her first contract offer, she has yet to stop writing. Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and a cat. Her goal is to write so many fantastic stories that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website: http://dianealberts.com/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5081315.Diane_Alberts
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Review: "Deeper We Fall" by Chelsea M. Cameron

Two years after her best friend was involved in a car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, Lottie Anders is ready to start her freshman year of college. Ready to move on. Ready to start forgetting the night that ripped her life apart. Her plans come to a screeching halt when not one, but both brothers responsible for the accident end up back in her life again. Zack is cruel, selfish and constantly rubbing what happened to her friend in Lottie's face. Zan is different. He listens to her awkward ramblings. He loves To Kill a Mockingbird as much as she does, and his dark eyes are irresistible. His words are few and far between, but when he does speak, she can't help but listen. The trouble is, Zan was the driver in the accident, and now Lottie's discovered he lied to her about what happened that night. Now she must decide if trusting him again will lead to real forgiveness, or deeper heartache.

Thank you to Netgalley and All Night Reads for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book!

Just the book I needed right now.  Something quick and easy to read.  Not too heavy, but not too fluffy or frivolous.  Like Goldilocks would say, juuuuuust right!

We've got alternating points of view here between Lottie and Zan.  Lottie's a bit of a spitfire, and I really liked her for the most part, but I did feel that she wasn't forgiving enough of Zack and Zan in regards to the accident they had with her best friend.  All three people in that vehicle made a conscious decision to get in that vehicle, so laying blame doesn't really solve anything.  Lottie spent a lot of time and energy beating herself up over the whole thing, too, which got a little frustrating for me at times.

Zan was an interesting male lead.  Definitely the shy, silent type, it was almost funny to see his early interactions with Lottie because he got so tongue-tied.  I think the author did a great job of creating that slow burn between these two characters.

The real surprise here was in the supporting cast of characters.  Cameron develops a wonderful family of misfits what with Lottie's twin brother, his gay friend, Lottie's new roommate, and her work friend thrown in with Zan and his buddy.  I'm excited to read more of this series to see where these characters end up!

My rating: 3.5 stars

Review: "The Summer I Found You" by Jolene Perry

All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction. Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Aidan planned on being a lifer in the army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life. When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all?

Thank you to Netgalley and Albert Whitman Teen for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this book!  It captured my attention right from the get-go, and held it the whole way through.  I didn't feel the need to switch over to other books part way through, which is amazing considering I usually have 4 or 5 books going at once!

The book is told in an alternating point of view style, which really allows the reader to get inside the heads of both main characters.  I have to confess, I enjoyed Aidan's point of view more than Kate's.  Kate is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, but she's constantly trying to ignore it and cover it up.  She just seemed really immature about it, but then I grew up watching my dad giving himself needles and checking his blood sugar levels daily, so diabetes never seemed like something to be ashamed or embarrassed about.  Kate is both ashamed and embarrassed, but who am I to say that this is wrong?  Maybe I would feel the same in her shoes.

Aidan, on the other hand, is missing a limb.  His right arm, to be precise, and Perry does a fantastic job of making the reader see exactly how difficult it would be to live with this disability.  Aidan and Kate have an instant connection - Kate is constantly putting her foot in her mouth, but Aidan appreciates her honesty and the fact that she doesn't tippy-toe around his disability.  Both these characters go through some major growth, which is so satisfying to see.  I'll certainly be seeking out more books by this author.

My rating:

Cover Reveal: "Owning Violet" by Monica Murphy

We are so excited to share Monica Murphy's cover for her upcoming sexy contemporary romance, OWNING VIOLET, coming from Random House Bantam. Check out how gorgeous it is!

  ABOUT OWNING VIOLET (NOT THE FINAL BLURB. BLURB WILL CHANGE): The Fowler sisters are New York City’s darlings, heiresses to the Fleur Cosmetics Empire. Quickly put up on a fame hungry pedestal only for the media to lie in wait, eager to tear them down, these three very different young women soon find love in the most unexpected places… OWNING VIOLET coming December 2. Violet Fowler is the good sister. She works hard at her family’s cosmetics company, is faithful to her boyfriend and never causes any trouble. Until Zachary disappoints her yet again with a promotion that will take him to London—and away from her. His leaving sets a new fire within her. What’s the point in being so good when no one else ever is? Someone within Fleur Cosmetics wants that London promotion and will do anything to get it, including throwing temptation in the path of the not-so-faithful Zachary. Ryder McKay came from nothing and has fought every step of the way to his position at Fleur. And now the mysterious charmer has set his sights on Violet. If it worked for Zachary, it could work for him. Seducing the good Fowler sister is easy. What Ryder doesn’t count on is how much Violet makes him feel. What started out as revenge soon becomes something deeper. Can Ryder go through with his plans to deceive Violet? Or is he only deceiving himself? Other books in series: STEALING ROSE coming spring 2015 TAMING LILY coming summer 2015 (tentative release dates)

PRE-ORDER LINKS: 

 Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Owning-Violet-Novel-Monica-Murphy-ebook/dp/B00KK0PJCO/ 

 B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/owning-violet-monica-murphy/1119221091?ean=9780553393262

ABOUT MONICA MURPHY: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend. 

  Links: 

 Website: http://www.monicamurphyauthor.com/# 

 Blog: http://missmonicamurphy.blogspot.com/ 

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsMonicaMurphy 

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor 

 Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Murphy/e/B00AVPYIGG 

 OWNING VIOLET Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21965297-owning-violet

Review: "His To Possess" by Opal Carew

Jessica’s life was in ruins…until she met him. Standing in the rain feeling lost in a new city, with no job and no prospects, she’s about to give up. Until Dane Rainier pulls up in his limo and offers her a ride—and sweeps her into the life of her dreams. Now she has a high-powered job and is having the best sex of her life, exploring her submissive side under the masterful hand of a gorgeous billionaire. But there’s a part of her that’s still holding back. Because the truth is, she’s never gotten over her ex-boyfriend Storm. A heavily muscled, motorcycle-riding rock musician, Storm couldn’t be any more different from Dane… and she just can’t get him out of her head. Now Storm is about to reappear and turn her whole world upside down. Both Dane and Storm make her body burn to be possessed, but will her indecisive heart cost her the love of both men?

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.

I requested this title such a long time ago that when I finally started to read, I'd forgotten the synopsis and really didn't know what to expect.

Things started off well enough with Part I.  The pacing was good and kept me interested throughout Parts II and III.  Then some things started to bother me, like the repetitiveness of the writing.  I got tired of the word "masculine" - I get it, he's a man, he's so big and strong and "masculine"! - and of hearing about Jessica's nipples "peaking" all the time.  The other thing that bothered me was that never once did anyone mention protection.  It wouldn't have taken much to write in a condom here and there.

The characters were okay.  I didn't mind Jessica, but I would have liked maybe just a bit more back story from her.  Dane was good, I liked him, but Rafe/Storm was a total cliche - a wannabe badass, with a motorbike, leather jacket and tattoos.  Oh yeah, and a guitar!  I just wasn't buying it on him.

Then came the end.  It didn't exactly ruin the series for me, but it just didn't seem to fit.  I can't really say more without spoilers, but yeah, it just didn't seem realistic or believable.

My rating:  2.5 stars