Review Blitz: Cruel Fortune by K.A. Linde

Lose yourself to the dark and glamorous underbelly of the Upper East Side in the second book in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde's new billionaire romance Cruel Trilogy.

I finally have everything I ever wanted--fame

and fortune and literary success.

Only one problem: I lost my muse.

He was tall, dark, and handsome. Broody,

enigmatic, alluring, and right for me in every way.

Until he wasn't. Until I lost everything.

And I can't lose it all again. I'll do anything

to keep it.

Even seeing him again...

AVAILABLE NOW

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My Review

How can something be so wrong seem so right? Well let me tell you about Cruel Fortune by K.A. Linde, the second book in the Cruel Trilogy. In this installment, Natalie's writing career is definitely on the upswing, but her love-life is a plain ole cluster flock. With so many things happening in this second installation, I didn't even know who I was rooting for when it came down to Penn and the Upper East Side clique known as the Crew. 

Things are nothing how they appear, where  up is down and left is right. There is so much confusion and a sinking realization that the Crew needs therapy. Like they are seriously cray-cray to a point where they give zero f*cks about no one or nothing besides what they want to do and who they want to do it to. From sex to drugs and all things in the middle, this story is going to take you on an emotional ride that will have you either cussing or gasping at all of shenanigans that unfold.

I digress. After reading this book I am shooketh, because there is no other word that can adequately describe the feels I have after reading this story. AS such, I am going to give this read 4-stars and suggest you jog and read Cruel Fortune, by K.A. Linde, because if you like drama that's a combination of Cruel Intentions and Pretty Little Liars, you will enjoy reading this series. I can't wait to read the final book in this series, Cruel Legacy this summer! 

Lose yourself to the dark and glamorous underbelly of the Upper East Side in USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde's new billionaire romance Cruel Trilogy.

She was supposed to be a one night stand.

A way to sate my sexual appetite.

I let her glimpse the man I am. The face that I hide behind my carefully cultivated life.

But she ripped open that divide--and there's no going back.

Now, she's here. In my city.

I don't care that I'm Manhattan royalty and she's the help.

Only that she's living in my summer home. With me.

And I want more.

AVAILABLE NOW

✦ Amazon US ✦ iBooks ✦ B&N ✦ Kobo ✦ Google Play ✦ Paperback

About the Author 

K.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of

more than fifteen novels including the Avoiding series and the Record series.

She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia,

was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of

the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, geeking out over Star Wars, binge-watching Supernatural, and dancing in her spare time.

She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband and two super adorable puppies.

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM / BOOKBUB

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Release Blitz: SWEET SIXTEEN by: Brenda Rothert

Sweet Sixteen by Brenda Rothert is having a really exciting release! This book is available for FREE! You can read an episode each week on the INKLO app and react in real-time and chat with your friends! All you have to do is download the app and follow Brenda and the book Sweet Sixteen. Make sure to click "follow" on the book page so you will get a notification of each chapter's release on the app!

To follow Brenda, go to the bottom of the Sweet Sixteen main book page, click on "More from Brenda Rothert" and then click "follow". You will get notifications when Brenda releases new titles on the INKLO app!

Sweet Sixteen

 by Brenda Rothert

A contemporary title available to read for FREE on the INKLO app! 

Check out INKLO and read how to download the app!

Children of Vice by: J.J. McAvoy

About Children of Vice

I, Ethan Antonio Giovanni Callahan, first son of the former head of the Irish mob, Liam Alec Callahan, and former head of the Italian mafia, ex-governor, Melody Nicci Giovanni Callahan, solemnly swear to ruthlessly protect our family name, business and way of life, no matter the cost to me or anyone else. I shall show no mercy, I shall offer no forgiveness, there will be no peace for those who stand against me.

I will live for my family.

I will kill for my family.

I will marry for my family.

I, Ivy O'Davoren, the only daughter of Shay O'Davoren, solemnly swear to ruthlessly and mercilessly exact revenge on the Callahans and all those who betrayed my father and family.

I will live for revenge.

I will kill for revenge.

I will marry for revenge.

My Review

I am a fan of J.J. McAvoy's Ruthless People series, so when I was given the opportunity to read Children of Vice, I was more than ecstatic! In this novel, we are introduced to an adult Ethan Callahan and his siblings and cousins who were just kids in the Ruthless People series. It was cute and refreshing to learn the paths their lives had taken after the death of Ethan's parents, Liam & Melody Callahan. 

Ethan was indeed ruthless! I think he was an equal blend of both his parents and in Children of Vice his biggest problem isn't just the "family's business", but the family. He wants to start his own, but he also is trying to keep him, his brother Wyatt and his sister Donna, a family. In the process, we meet the new queen of the family Ivy, with all kinds of issues and although she is truly a victim of her environment, she is a woman of action. If Ivy can do anything at all to alter her circumstances, no matter the situation, she acts. I mean they do not give her the name "Beautiful Poison" for nothing. 

This novel has so much good and bad with the world in it and is a read you will think about for days on end after you've read the last word. These character came to life and you could see their complexities and not so complex moments that seemed so lifelike. I was definitely fascinated by the Callahans before, so Children of  Vice just added an additional layer of intrigue.

Release Blitz: Mistrust by: Margaret McHeyzer

Title: Mistrust Author: Margaret McHeyzer 

Genre: Young Adult 

Release Date: July 29, 2016 

BLURB 

From New York Times bestselling author Margaret McHeyzer… I’m the popular girl at school. The one everyone wants to be friends with. I have the best boyfriend in the world, who’s on the basketball team. My parents adore me, and I absolutely love them. My sister and I have a great relationship too. I’m a cheerleader, I have a high GPA and I’m liked even by the teachers. It was a night which promised to be filled with love and fun until…something happened which changed everything.

GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS 

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BOOK TRAILER

  

Unwrapped by: Katie Lane

Synopsis

GOOD THINGS COME IN SEXY PACKAGES . . .
Jacqueline Maguire has a problem tying the knot. After fleeing the altar (again), the runaway bride drives off with no particular destination in mind. Which is how Jac finds herself stranded in a snowstorm with a hot, hard-bodied stranger who treats her to the naughtiest night of her life . . . but come morning, he's long gone.

Contractor Patrick McPherson is deeply committed to his bachelor lifestyle. No strings, no rings. As the Christmas season approaches, however, Patrick still can't quite forget his curvalicious one-night stand. Then Jac shows up unexpectedly, and all holiday hell breaks loose. Because this year, Patrick is getting the biggest Christmas surprise of his life . . .

My Review

This novel was such a treat to read and just in time for the holidays... Honestly, I couldn't put it down. It was the right mixture of hot romance mixed with a good dose of humor and a little bit of fantasy mixed in. I definitely want you to read this novel so I will try my hardest not to give away too much of the little nuggets that made this novel a pleasure to read. Keep in mind that this story is a holiday novel set over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The fantasy part of the story is wrapped into that aspect. We also discover that Jacqueline  or 'Jac' is also a dreamer of sorts and some of her imaginings and thoughts can sometimes go in the direction of fantasy. There were times when I wasn't sure if things being discussed in the story were actually happening - but nothing that would totally confuse me and make me lose interest in the book. Through character dialogue, I was often still grounded in the story. I had to be careful not to think of Jac as a ditz because it could come off that way if you're not really paying attention to the storyline. 

The Reluctant Duchess by: Sharon Cullen

Synopsis

Lady Sara Emerson was jolted out of her dull provincial life by her cousin's murder. Now that the killer seems to be targeting her, Sara seeks help from the man who was once her cousin's fiancé, Gabriel Ferguson, Duke of Rossmoyne. With his towering frame and fiery personality, Ross cuts an intimidating figure. Living under his protection, however, has its own hazards—like the sudden urge Sara feels to take their relationship in new, exquisitely inappropriate directions.

Dazzled by the social graces of his betrothed, Ross never noticed her shy, blushing cousin. Looking at Sara now, though, he's drawn to her lovely eyes and calm disposition. Funny how a year away from the hustle and bustle of the ton changes a man. But Ross has no intention of allowing a woman to interfere with his plan to return overseas. He will simply capture the murderer and set sail once again. The problem is, with her beguiling lips and heavenly touch, Sara makes him never want to leave home—or his bed—again.

My Review

Right off, this novel had me going. The pace was right and the fire between Sara and Gabriel was apparent from the beginning. This is a historical romance so it encaptures certain "rules" of the times while maintaining a level of "steamy-ness" pleasing to us as readers. I enjoyed Sara's character because she reminded me of myself - a shy bookworm who has a feisty and sassy spirit underneath. With that comes just the appropriate amount of tease that Sara apparently only feels comfortable showing to Ross. Ross quickly becomes enamored with Sara and sets his sights on having her to himself. Ross is definitely an alpha male who likes to boss people around and is used to getting his way - Sara is definitely not letting that happen without a little bit of a fight. Ross finds that he is turned on in ways with Sarah that he has never been turned on before. What is really nice about this novel is the subtle way in which Cullen has Sara and Ross engaging romantically. Cullen just barely has Sara and Ross actually engaging in certain scenes, but what's most intriguing and adds sizzle is the possibility of something more happening between the two characters - a look here, a stolen kiss there, the physical signs of arousal, etc. Aside from that Cullen crafted a wonderful back story that is well articulated, believable and has some of the richest secondary characters I've read in romance novel in a while. Very nice indeed. I would definitely recommend this novel.

Ugly by: Margaret McHeyzer

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to see.

If I were dead, I wouldn't be able to feel.

If I were dead, he'd never raise his hand to me again.

If I were dead, his words wouldn't cut as deep as they do.

If I were dead, I'd be beautiful and I wouldn't be so...ugly.

I'm not dead...but I wish I was.

*This is a dark YA/NA stand-alone, full-length novel, which comes with a warning for triggers. Please do not read if abuse of any kind disturbs you.

My, my, my... This book was EVERYTHING! It gave you everything good, bad, and oh so ugly about the human condition. Domestic violence is all so very real for many. It  is a daily norm, a common occurrence, that for anyone who has never experienced a taste of it can not possibly understand the psychological warfare at play in these situations. Ugly by Margaret McHeyzer told the twisted ugly tale of domestic violence and how it transforms a person into thinking right is all wrong and how all the wrong is distorted into being right. This story is told form the point of view of the main character Lily as she goes from adolescent, to teen, and to an adult victim and eventual survivor of domestic violence. 

This story was difficult to read at times. The story begins with a 12-year old Lily and the physical and verbal abuse her father is afflicting on her. As a teen Lily meets Trent, who appears to be her savior and his family takes her in and you quickly see that things are slightly off in this new environment. With Trent's mom having random umps and bruises and Trent's father treating his mother like she is a second-class citizen. But please, don't get me started on Trent's creepy uncle, who can't seem to keep his hands to himself and his mean-spirited aunts. There is no wonder why Trent is the way he is, because being abusive to women is like breathing in his family. 

A Million Miles Away by: Lara Avery

When high school senior Kelsey's identical twin sister, Michelle, dies in a car crash, Kelsey is left without her other half. The only person who doesn't know about the tragedy is Michelle's boyfriend, Peter, recently deployed to Afghanistan. But when Kelsey finally connects with Peter online, she can't bear to tell him the truth. Active duty has taken its toll, and Peter, thinking that Kelsey is Michelle, says that seeing her is the one thing keeping him alive. Caught up in the moment, Kelsey has no choice: She lets Peter believe that she is her sister.

As Kelsey keeps up the act, she crosses the line from pretend to real. Soon, Kelsey can't deny that she's falling, hard, for the one boy she shouldn't want.

Lara Avery delivers a breathtaking story of love and loss that is guaranteed to break your heart and sweep you off your feet.

A Million Miles Away by Lara Avery was a beautiful story about love, loss, and learning to live again. Lara Avery told the tale of Kelsey Maxfield a high school senior who had planned her life around being a party girl, auditioning for the KU dance team, her boyfriend Davies, and completely opposite of her twin sister Michelle. Michelle was a free-spirited intellect that loved the idea of love that was depicted by her numerous relationships that she ended before most could really begin.

Once Kelsey learns that Michelle is finally in for real “like” with her latest boyfriend and he in turn is too, tragedy strikes. Now with one half of herself gone forever, Kelsey along with her grieving parents try to cope as best they know how. Unfortunately, Kelsey decides to grieve by not only crying herself to sleep every night and enrolls in one of Michelle’s favorite classes, but she pretends to be her dead sister. At first, Kelsey claims she is doing it for Michelle’s boyfriend Peter, who has been deployed and doesn’t know that Michelle has passed away, and then she says she is doing it as a tribute for Michelle, but in the end she realizes all too late that her motives had changed and she is doing it for her own heart.

Kelsey really took Michelle’s death really hard and parents were too caught up in their grief that they missed it until she had gone too far. And as at the story progressed you really wanted Kelsey to just do the right thing by herself, by Peter, and by Michelle. But despite the warnings she had gotten from her friend, Pete’s friend, and even her own conscious, she continue along her grief stricken path of delusions and lies. She even broke up with her boyfriend, Davies, of three years.

Paradise by: Pamela Srey

After leaving behind all the good and the bad things of Philadelphia, Bianca Grey has found herself starting a new school and a new job in a brand new tropical place. She went from a lifetime without many friends, to quickly meeting new people and building relationships. With so much to learn and explore, Bianca has her heart set on finding her birth mother, but will she ever find her with so many road blocks that are keeping her from doing so? With all the new relationships being formed, will any of them help her forget the one thing from her past that she desperately misses?

Join Bianca in her journey through love, friendship, and a mysterious past in the second installment of The Bianca Grey Series.

 

I must say that I have waited quite a while to continue reading about Bianca from the YA series called The Bianca Grey Series written by Pamela Srey and I can certainly tell you, that I was not disappointed. The second book in this series which is entitled Paradise, picks right up where Melodies left off, with Bianca setting out on here college journey as well as beginning her path of self-discovery of learning more about who she is and to find her mother that gave her up for adoption as a baby.

From moving in to the dorms, to finding a job at a local coffee shop, to her first college years, Bianca seem wise beyond her years. This could easily be attributed to the fast and hard way she had to grow-up with an adoptive mother that could care less about herself, better yet Bianca. Anywho, Bianca desperately misses her boyfriend Pete Carrara, who is in New York attending Julliard, holds fast to her belief on starting this new chapter of her life alone on her own terms.

Melodies by: Pamela Srey

Seventeen year old Bianca Grey had a not so usual teenage life. Adopted with an abusive foster mother and unpopular at Philadelphia High School, Bianca found peace with her artistic talents. Pete Carrara Jr., had a different life. He was popular in school, musically talented with good looks and brains. Pete had the ideal perfect life with the perfect family and friends. Love had never crossed his mind until one day when he ran into Bianca. That very day, he thought love to be very possible.

Bianca was guarded and had never let anyone get close to her. No one knew she was adopted, not even the school. The more Pete got to know her, the more he fell in love with her. Bianca was not so certain on how much Pete should know about her personal life but the more she learned about Pete, the more she cared for him. With him, her complicated life wasn't so complicated anymore.

Their young romance blossomed through the difficulty of a drama filled high school and a series of mysterious killings in the city. But just when Pete thought that things were perfect with Bianca, her past surface. Can their love overcome the scariest reality out there, the so called life?

Learning to Fly by: Misha Elliott

I must begin by stating that although I work with young adults, on a college campus, reading about them is not necessarily something I seek out regularly. However, occasionally, there is a title that catches my attention and Learning to Fly by Misha Elliott happened to be one of them this week. In this novel, Sophia Marshall is the main character that has had a less than perfect upbringing by her single mother Angie, although she was the mother, at times, appeared to be, just as old as her daughter as she tried to simply try.

 Angie moved Sophia around a lot and on this most recent move something unusual happens, both mother and daughter finds themselves H-A-P-P-Y. Angie, falls in love with their unsuspecting landlord Larry and Sophia is swept clean off her feet by the star QB Alex Matthews. While love is in the air for both mother and daughter, they both come of age and learn to love themselves and then each other. However, although Sophie has broken out of her preverbal cocoon and has metamorphosed in to a butterfly, she has this underlying fear of being like her mother.

 Now there is this Alex. This kid, Alexander Matthews is just as dreamy as any high school quarterback should be with family and friends that love him dearly. His father is overbearing and wants to live out his football dreams through Alex and sees Sophia as a distraction. Driven to please his father, Alex make decisions that brings happiness to everyone else leaving nothing left for himself. So after a few wardrobe, car and name changes, Sophie and the now Zander are away at college and things get a little interesting to say the least.