{Cover Reveal} Afraid to Fly by SL Jennings

Afraid To Fly

The Fearless Series: Book Two

S.L. Jennings

Synopsis

I’d like to tell you that I’m ok.

That the meaningless sex with countless women has somehow numbed the pain. That it’s deciphered the constant confusion in my head. Eased the self-hatred that sinks into my gut every time I look in the mirror.

I’d like to tell you that time heals all wounds.

That we evolve and grow into well-adjusted, stable adults, set on a path to right the world’s wrongs. That we are not our past…we are not our pain. 

I want to tell you all those things. Hell, I want to believe all those things. But I’d be lying. I’m good at that. Living a lie is the only way I truly know how to survive.

But the day I saw her, I stopped surviving. I stopped existing. And for the first time in 24 years, I started living. 

She brought me back to life. Set me free and sent my soul soaring. Made this useless shell of a man feel like…something. Something whole and real and good.

She saved me.

Although she believes I wasn’t even worth saving.

 

Excerpt

I was already loosening my tie as I stalked toward her and said, “Clothes off, boots on and get on your knees.”

Velvet didn’t waste a second. She slipped out of her one-piece in a swift movement and sank to the floor. The moment I felt her take me into her warm mouth, it was like a thousand pounds had been lifted from my shoulders.

A long time ago, long before I should have, I learned to separate the physical from the emotional and mental. I told myself that just because my young body had been stolen from me and manipulated in ways that would make even the toughest man cry out in agony, I didn’t have to feel it. Not deep down inside. I didn’t have to accept what was being done to me. So I pretended to be somewhere else. I pretended to be someone else. I let my mind drift to thoughts of my parents, imagining what they may have looked like, dreaming about happy smiles and warm hugs and kisses on my cherub-like cheeks. I painted pictures of family vacations at Disney World and barbeques in the backyard. I told myself that we would have a dog named Buddy. Mama would tie bandanas around his neck, and Papa and I would take him for walks and play Frisbee with him at the park.

I had built an imaginary fortress, and in it, nothing could touch me. I was safe. I was happy. And I was loved. That was what I told myself, and that was what I held onto everyday since to survive.

As I grew older, and was no longer held captive by the physical pain, I was left to face the emotional hurt that no one could see. I was like a pariah to the family that had taken me in. We were related but they didn’t know me, and what they did know about me was deviant and disgusting. Too awful to talk about. So I suffered silently in my mind until it became necessary to tell myself lies.

Lies like the ones I was telling myself right now.

I want this. I need this.

I’m totally normal.

There’s nothing wrong with me.

Being a man means having sex with as many women as possible.

These women desire me because they need me. They love me.

They love me.

She loves me.

It was the only way I could keep doing this. The only way the shame and disgust and self-hatred didn’t keep chip-chip-chipping away at the fragments of that broken boy. The boy that had grown up to be a shattered man. The man that couldn’t be mended.

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Fear Of Falling

The Fearless Series: Book One

S.L. Jennings

 I can’t remember the last time I felt completely safe. Security seemed more like a luxury to me, reserved for those who were fortunate enough to have picture perfect childhoods. For those who didn’t bear the ugly scars that keep me bound in constant, debilitating fear. I’ve run from that fear my entire life. But when I met him, for once, I couldn’t run anymore.

He scared the hell out of me in a way that excited every fiber of my being. It wasn’t the tattoos or the piercings. It wasn’t the warmth that seemed to radiate from his frame and blanket me whenever he was near. It was just…him. The scary beautiful man that threatened to alter 23 years of routine and rituals, and make me face my crippling fear.

 My name is Kami and I am constantly afraid. And the thing that scares me the most is the very thing I want.

“Don’t worry,” he smiled, pulling me into the hard warmth of his chest. “I’ve got you. I’ll always catch you when you fall.”

And just like that, Blaine had staked his claim on the untouched part of me that no living soul had ever moved. He had captured every fear, every reservation, and crushed them in the palm of his inked hand.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/FearOfFalling

About the author

S.L. Jennings is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance, reality TV junkie, obsessive coffee drinker and collector of crazy.

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{Review} The Best Medicine by Elizabeth Hayley

Lauren Hastings is finally ready to enter the real world. At twenty-six, she’s about to get her master’s in psychology, and she’s well on her way to beginning the career of her dreams—until she suffers public humiliation and has to endure something she thought she’d never have to deal with again: a part-time job.

A gig at Trinity Hospital isn’t exactly Lauren’s definition of a good time, but Dr. Scott Jacobs quickly changes her mind. He’s straight-up gorgeous, and he always gets what he wants. And that includes Lauren. It’s an ideal arrangement for both of them. No strings. Just fun—at least at first.

But feelings quickly begin to run deeper than either Lauren or Scott is willing to admit, causing issues neither of them want to confront. After all, who wants to risk the perfect relationship on something as terrifying, as messy, and as unpredictable as love? 

This book was expected from this dynamic writing duo. It had strong characters, amazing wit, banter, and humor. 

Oh, and of course, the sex and almost sex scenes made me want to take my kindle into the bathroom for some bath tub reading. 

Dr. Scott was very alpha, with a twist of anxiousness. He had a vulnerability that made him more real to me. He wasn't Mr. Perfect in control and I expected him to whip out his red room of pain but was pleasantly surprised to see the authors take him in another direction. 

Lauren was what I love in a heroine of a story. She doesn't take shit from anyone and can banter with the best of them. She's strong, even with all the shit that happened in her life, she rose above it and became the person she is today. 

I lourved the secondary characters almost as much as the main ones. They brought more to the table than just being there. They gave the book more substance than it just being about Scott and Lauren. But they also didn't deter from the main characters where they shined more than the main ones. 

I laughed at a lot and the anticipation leading up to the first fuck scene had my poor little waffle turning blue. I was screaming at the characters to just fuck already but of course they didn't listen to me. But the anticipation was fun because the real thing was worth the wait...

The book was a little predictable but the ending was different in how it unfolded and the very end was hilarious and came full circle, which made it epically cheesey, in a good way. My black heart smiled a little... 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was pretty fast paced and even when it lagged a little I was still invested and wanting to read more. 

I give this a 4 "My poor Blue waffle" Stars... 

You can pre-order below... 

{Review} Overruled by Emma Chase

As a DC defense attorney, Stanton Shaw keeps his head cool, his questions sharp, and his arguments irrefutable. They don’t call him the Jury Charmer for nothing – with his southern drawl, disarming smile and captivating green eyes – he’s a hard man to say no to. Men want to be him and women want to be thoroughly cross examined by him.
Stanton’s a man with a plan. And for a while, life was going according to that plan.
Until the day he receives an invitation to the wedding of his high school sweetheart and mother of his beloved ten-year old daughter. Jenny is getting married — to someone who isn’t him.
That's definitely not part of the plan.
***
Sofia Santos is a city raised, no-nonsense litigator who plans to become the most revered criminal defense attorney in the country. She doesn’t have time for relationships or distractions.
But when Stanton, her "friend with mind-blowing benefits" begs for help, she finds herself out of her element, out of her depth, and obviously out of her mind. Because she agrees to go with him – to The-Middle-Of-Nowhere, Mississippi – to do all she can to help Stanton win back the woman he loves. 
Her head tells her she's crazy...and her heart says something else entirely.
*** 
What happens when you mix a one stop-light town, two professional arguers, a homecoming queen, four big brothers, some Jimmy Dean sausage and a gun-toting Nana? 
The Bourbon flows, passions rise and even the best laid plans get overruled by the desires of the heart.

Oh Darling, this book gave me so many great feels. 

Stanton gave Drew Evans a run for his money but Drew will still be number one in my heart. 

Stanton's quick wit, southern charm, and remarkable bed skills had my toes curling and my heart melting.

This book started out kind of slow, but as I read more, I was continually loving the ride I was being taken on. Stanton was a classic, arrogant, southern boy that had a way of speaking that all but made your panties disappear.

Sofia was a feisty, ball busting best friend. She knew how to dish out the insults and argue with the best of them. She didn't back down and I loved her from the very first page I met her on. 

Stanton and Sofia together were like this dynamic duo that no one wanted to be put up against. But unfortunately, even though the sex was good, Stanton always had someone back home that would always have his heart. 

It drove me crazy trying to get Stanton to realize what was in front of him!! I was screaming at my book and was annoyed with him more than I liked him...

Men...

But this book had a real laid back, quiet feel to it, which is what really won me over. My grandparents live in the middle of nowhere surrounded by acres of land and the only neighbors are my aunts and uncles. It's peaceful there, where you can sit outside on the huge porch and just enjoy the silence. When I was younger, it drove me crazy bc there was nothing to do but now that I am older, I can appreciate it a lot more than I could before. 

Now,when I sit out on the porch swing, with my own kids running around, I soak in all the peace and the feeling of belonging. But I could never live there because everyone knew everyone else's business and we couldn't go anywhere around town without bumping into someone that my grandparents knew, it is that small. 

Because of that, I felt for Stanton, the split between feeling at home and wanting something more. Wanting to always have a place to ground you but wanting more in life than the small town that he grew up in. I could empathize with him. 

Even when he was acting like a tool, I was rooting for him to get his head out of his ass. 

And just when I thought the ending was going to be predictable, Emma surprised me. I fell more in love with the book by the end because of that conclusion. It wasn't what I was expecting but at the same time, it was everything I wanted. 

I give this cocky, southern read a 4.5 "I need a gun-toting, granny" Stars!

Here is the link to Pre-Order this novel by the ever-funny Emma Chase... 

{Review} Sea of Stars by Amy Bartol

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.

A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars. 

I love Amy Bartol... LOVE HER... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE HER!!! 

If I was a little more psychotic, she'd be trapped in my basement while I demanded her to type out all the glorious words, sentences, paragraphs, and chapters that leave me feeling book-gasmic... 

So glorious that I make up words just to describe what her books do to me!!

I don't say that to just any author, just the ones that leave me with all the feels. 

To prepare for this book I had to do a reread of Under Different Stars. When I say I "had to," what I really mean is, I wanted to because I missed these characters and this way, I got to experience them longer than I would have if I jumped into book 2. 

Kricket is back, right where she left off but if you thought things would smooth out once she was on Skye, you are truly mistaken. 

There was so much action in this book, every single page had something happening, someone dying (WHAAAT)... fighting, blood, guts, and gore. I was riveted in every aspect, I wanted to learn more, meet new people, and discover the truth of what was really happening. 

But nothing really gets settled, if anything more secrets get divulged and I am salivating for the next book in this series. I need it like I need my morning cup of coffee to make me feel less like a homeless woman and more like a citizen of society (sometimes).

Where Amy left this book, had me wanting to track her down and scream at her like a lunatic... How dare her leave us like that, how dare her do that to ME!!! I know what she is doing, she did it in her Premonition series, where she had you sympathizing and liking the antagonist but I can't do it... I can't!!! 

Brennus can suck it as much as Kyon can!! 

Kyon has to go somewhere else, HAS TO!! I don't like him, I am totally team Trey and maybe a little bit of Giffen (you meet him in this one)... And I can't love him like I love Trey, nope, don't even try it lady!!!

(That above statement made me sound like a total teen fangirl but whatever, I don't care... Judge away)

Ugh... Anyway, this book is just as spectacular as the first one, if not more so. I loved it and I officially don't like Amy so you know she did an amazing job if I am salivating for the next book and hating the author at the same time...

If  you have not discovered Kricket and her story yet, then you are truly missing out!! I 10000000% recommend this book to anyone who loves a great adventure, another world, love, and fuckedupness... 

It has everything and you will not be disappointed!!

I give this a 5"I love Kricket so hard, but Amy is a butthead" Stars!!! 

Look below for the links to this amazing series... 

{Review} Bound by Duty by Stormy Smith

Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she's an Elder but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she's betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and she doesn't even know his name. 

Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky Southern girl and to fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is and not what she'll be.

As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head or her heart win the battle?

I am going to be honest, this book was really hard to get into and keep reading. The very beginning was interesting and it sucked me in and then as I kept reading, I got really bored but I wanted to find out what Amelia was and learn about her powers, so I kept reading. As I got towards the end, I was still struggling but I was still interested so I took that as a good sign. 

When I got to the end, I was hugely disappointed to not get enough information. I was left with more questions than answers. I know authors do that to get you to read the next installment but I think some questions could have been explained and people would have still picked up the next one because of the weird love angle in this one... 

The biggest thing that irritated me was the protagonist. I wanted to shake the shit out of her because she was such a whiner!! I wanted to scream, "Grow the fuck up and put on your big girl panties, stop running away from the truth, if you want it so bad!!!". 

And a lot of this story is her internal babbling, there wasn't enough time to really digest. She was constantly complaining or thinking about something without resolving anything. It drove me bat shit crazy!!

Also, this book needed a good edit job. The flow was off and there were parts that were repeated. Such as, when they were on the beach and she said they stood up brushed the sand off and then a couple of sentences later, she said she stood up expectantly... She was already standing up, how did she stand up again? There were a few other areas but I can't remember them right this second...

BUT... 

Other than those things, I enjoyed the story itself. It was different and creative, something that isn't the same as any other story. Not much of a romance, I'd say it is paranormal with a little bit of romance woven in. The passion was missing, I needed more stolen glances and date nights, rather than pushing each other away in order for me to really feel it. 

I want to continue the series but probably when all the books are published. I heard the next installment ends on a cliffy and I will probably want to twat kick the author if I read that one and I am left hanging... 

(Kidding...sort of...)

Overall, I give this book a 3/5 "Original and creative paranormal" Stars... 

If you want to check it out for yourself the link is below... 

{BlitZ} Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle

WHERE
SEA MEETS SKY

KARINA HALLE

A new adult novel that perfectly captures the
existential angst of your early twenties with raw wit, fresh insight, and true
feeling from a critically adored USA TODAY bestselling author.

Joshua Miles has spent
his early twenties spinning his wheels. Working dead-end jobs and living at
home has left him exhausted and uninspired, with little energy to pursue his
passion for graphic art. Until he meets Gemma Henare, a vivacious out-of-towner
from New Zealand. What begins as a one-night stand soon becomes a turning point
for Josh. He can’t get Gemma out of his head, even after she has left for home,
and finds himself throwing caution to the wind for the first time in his life.

It’s not long before Josh is headed to New Zealand with only a backpack, some
cash, and Gemma’s name to go on. But when he finally tracks her down, he finds
his adventure is only just beginning. Equally infatuated, Gemma leads him on a
whirlwind tour across the beautiful country, opening Josh up to life, lust,
love, and all the messy heartache in between. Because, when love drags you
somewhere, it might never let go—even when you know you have to say goodbye.

BUY NOW!

AMAZON    BARNES & NOBLE   iBOOKS     BLIO    BOOKS-A-MILLION

GOOGLE EBOOKSTORE    IndieBound

UK LINKS:

 Waterstones      Foyles     Amazon    Google Play       Kobo     Nook      iTunes

eBooks by Sainsbury

AUS/NZ LINKS:

iBookstore      Amazon     Bookworld

EXCERPT

There’s nothing but me and Gemma. It feels like we’re the only people left in the world. And it scares me, because she’s all I have to hold onto. I can’t be sure she won’t let go.

There’s no official camping at the lighthouse, so Gemma takes the bus off-roading, much like we did yesterday, and we come to a stop in a small valley in the middle of a field of cows. They all swivel their heads to stare at us with dark, inquisitive eyes. There’s a small house up on the hill but we can barely see it. Horses graze on the hill’s terraced grooves.

Beyond the hills, there’s nothing but ocean. I breathe in deep, feeling strangely nervous and shaky. I don’t think it’s just about being on the edge of nothing, though.

I think it’s that I’m on the edge of something.

We go to bed early, our alarms set for the early morning hour, pre-dawn. Even though the ocean looks to be about a ten-minute walk, I pack a bag with my camera, my phone, my sketchbook and the pastels.

I can’t get enough of her. Our love-making is slow and lazy but necessary. Being inside her feels like being home, it feels like being in love, it feels like everything sweet and beautiful and nice in the world. Every time I come in her I hope I’m making a home for myself, a place where I belong.

The alarm on my phone goes off way too early. In my sleepy stupor I nearly turn it off but Gemma is patting my arm, then punching my arm, telling me to get up. The world around us vibrates with the sound of mooing cows and I wonder how the hell I slept through them.

Even though the days are hot, the mornings by the ocean are cold, and I can barely get on my jeans and hoodie in time. Armed with the pack and flashlights, we jump out of the van. The air snaps at us as if we’re wind-blown flags.

Hundreds of cattle spread out in all directions, bound by the green hills to the south and the lighthouse to the north. I look east, to where the hills part and the sky is a paler shade of dawn. It seems to be growing lighter by the second, and our chances of catching the sunrise are dwindling.

We take off toward the light, cautiously creeping under barbed wire fences and avoiding the epic cow pies dotting the land. The cows, for the most part, seem to be ignoring us, but their piles of shit are like hidden landmines in the dim light. A meandering, narrow stream cuts across us and we have to head up into the terraced hills where wary horses eye us. I get the feeling that we’ve chosen the most difficult route to see the sunrise, and from our vantage point I can’t even see the lighthouse anymore.

Just as the sky seems to grow frighteningly light, we reach the crest of the hill and I nearly collapse, out of breath from the quick, steep hike. A lone filly bolts at the sight of us.

Below us lies an empty beach, laid out like a sheet of velvet. Aside from the occasional hoof print and driftwood, it looks totally undisturbed, like it has been waiting for us all this time. The South Pacific is spread out at the horizon’s feet, a royal blue tinged with saffron edges. The sun is not up yet. We still have time.

We run down the hill and I nearly eat shit, several times, my shoes slipping on the dew-slicked grass, until sand sinks beneath my feet. I grab Gemma’s hand and we run over to the water’s edge just as the sun peeks its glowing crown over the wavering line.

I look at her and smile. We made it. We’re standing on the easternmost point in the easternmost habitable country. We might even be the first people on this whole fucking earth to see this fiery sunrise. Only thousands of miles of rolling water lies between us and the southwest coast of Chile.

And yesterday.

Don’t miss Karina’s next book, RACING THE SUN, on sale July 28^th!

With her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term "Hybrid Author." Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she's a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA...whenever possible.Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiancé and rescue pup.

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{Review} Hero by Samantha Young

The emotional and unforgettable new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of the On Dublin Street series.

Alexa Holland’s father was her hero—until her shocking discovery that she and her mother weren't his only family. Ever since, Alexa has worked to turn her life in a different direction and forge her own identity outside of his terrible secrets. But when she meets a man who’s as damaged by her father’s mistakes as she is, Alexa must help him.

Caine Carraway wants nothing to do with Alexa’s efforts at redemption, but it’s not so easy to push her away. Determined to make her hate him, he brings her to the edge of her patience and waits for her to walk away. But his actions only draw them together and, despite the odds, they begin an intense and explosive affair.

Only Caine knows he can never be the white knight that Alexa has always longed for. And when they're on the precipice of danger, he finds he’ll do anything to protect either one of them from being hurt again…

GAAAHHHH!!!

I loved, loved, loved this book so hard!!! 

I was on a weekend book bender trying to catch up with all of my reviews and this one was number three in the long list of books I was reading. 

I. DID. NOT. WANT. TO. PUT.IT.DOWN!!!

It reminded me a lot of Fifty Shades without all the whips and chains and crazy props. Just clean, beautiful, sex that had me clenching my thighs and taking a break from the action so I could cool down my libido!! 

Not wise to read such an explicit book when I can't do anything to cool the ache between the legs, while there are children running around... Just FYI...

The relationship, the banter, the push and pull, the frustration... Every single word, sentence, paragraph was exhilarating!! My little book worm and inner whore was satisfied with every detail, even when I wanted to shake the shit out of both of the characters. 

There were parts where I would have liked if they had been left out because some of the push and pull was a little redundant and it got to be annoying but those parts were small and they were more towards the end when I was ready for the happily ever after and I wasn't getting it fast enough for my liking... 

It happens, I'm impatient and want things when I want them and not a moment later!!

But the real star of the show were the main characters. Mr. Caraway was an egotistical asshole that I spent half the book hating and loving him at the same damn time. I wasn't sure if I wanted to bury him 6ft under or have my dirty, dirty way with him. He was one of those complex characters that I knew one thing but he was fighting it and then he just kept being a dick but at the same time, I saw something in him and still wanted to root for him and have my wicked way with him...

Alexa and I could have been BFFs. We would trade sarcasm for sarcasm and people wouldn't know if we hated each other or were just that witty... I LOVED her and I don't say this often enough but she is my favorite female character. I usually root for the male and love him all over the place but this time, I was so team Alexa, les-be-honest... She had a wicked sense of humor, quick on her feet, and SHE WASNT A WHINY CHARACTER!!!!! YAY!!!! I hate female leads that whine more than they breathe, it drives me BAT SHIT CRAZY!!

Also, Effie, was astonishing... She reminds me of me when I turn 70.. I can already predict my future and I will be her...

Overall, as anyone reading this can see, I LOVED this book! I recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with some unexpected drama (you will not be able to guess this drama, I GUARANTEE it!!!), and anyone who loves a smartass, with a killer personality! 

I give this book a 4.5 "I want to have Alexa's book babies" STARS!!!!!!!

Link to book on Amazon...