Release Blitz with Review: Nothing Personal by Karina Halle

It's just business, nothing personal.

 Until you have to work with your ex.

Nothing Personal, an all-new standalone romantic comedy by New York Times Bestselling author Karina Halle is live!

Nova Lane is having the worst week possible. Her latest relationship ended while on her much-needed vacation, then upon her first day back at work, she learns that her beloved boss has quit – and despite having worked so hard for it, she's not being considered for his position.

Who is being considered for the position is none other than Kessler Rocha. Her ex-coworker and ex-lover, Kessler’s the man who broke her heart five years earlier and the reason she moved thousands of miles away, switched jobs, and created numerous voodoo dolls in Kessler’s (very burly, very handsome) liking.

Yup. Worst week ever.

New in town and on her turf, Kessler promises he’s not the same man he was – and considering he’s now a single father to a precocious toddler, he’s telling the truth.

But he’s still an arrogant, devilish and dangerously intelligent man who’s taking over the position Nova feels she deserves. The fact that he’s gotten even more sexy over the years doesn’t help either.

Now Nova and Kessler have the choice to let bygones be bygones, or fight with each other every chance they get, with unresolved sexual tension only adding fuel to the flames, creating a fire that might just burn down the whole office.

In the corporate world they say it’s just business, nothing personal.

Nova and Kessler are about to show just how personal things can get.

Download your copy today!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2rW2gg7

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/NothingPersonalKH

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EzdcJ4

My Review:

Source:  E-galley from Social Butterfly PR which did not influence my opinion

My rating:  5 stars

The first book I read by this author was Smut, and I loved it.  But I also enjoyed The Artists trilogy, even though it was much darker.  This book is back along the lines of Smut, light, funny, and just plain fun.  And once again, I loved it!   I love how realistic the reactions were of the characters to set-backs and problems with each other.  But then there was the ridiculousness of some things that just cracked me up so much.  Like the chicken, and Kessler's fear of them, not to mention how he thought he kept running into the same chicken all the way through.  Then the craziness of how Nova dealt with having the guy who broke her heart back was funny too.  Although I totally went "eww" at her bit about finding Jeff Goldblum sexy, because no thank you, personally anyway.  Kessler's son Hunter was adorable, of course, and he added so much to the story without being the biggest part of the story like kids often are.  Towards the end, something happened to come between them, something I saw coming since the first mention of swimming lessons.  And the way it caused a rift between Nova and Kessler definitely brought tears to my eyes.  But I like the way the author handled the overall situation, and how it helped Nova and Kessler finally be able to admit their feelings freely.  Although that even led to a hilarious use of the word "aloha", with lots of uniquely adjusted quotes from movies to use that word.  One of the final issues of the story was a bit of a surprise, and I love when an author can do that.  I guess I should have seen it coming with the way Kessler just happened to have a house to live in.  

A wonderfully sweet, very sexy, hilarious story from Karina Halle.  I could barely put the book down to do anything else, and that is what I love in a rom-com! 

Meet Karina:

Karina Halle is a former travel writer and music journalist and The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of The Pact, Love, in English, The Artists Trilogy, Dirty Angels and over 20 other wild and romantic reads. She lives on an island off the coast of British Columbia with her husband and her rescue pup, where she drinks a lot of wine, hikes a lot of trails and devours a lot of books.

Halle is represented by the Root Literary and is both self-published and published by Simon & Schuster and Hachette in North America and in the UK.

Connect with Karina:

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

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vo9pq4

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhalle/

Join her Reader Group: https://goo.gl/wpCBSS

Stay up to date with Karina by signing up for her newsletter here: https://goo.gl/Ve4eCh

http://authorkarinahalle.com

Top 10 of 2018: Books I Meant to Read in 2018 with Giveaway

This was actually the first day theme for Kimberly Faye Reads event, but since I didn't join in until after, I put it off for a day I'd already done what the topic for that day was, and today is supposed to be cover love.  You can check out my Cover Love post HERE.  I had a lot of books on my list to read this past year.  A lot that I got ARCs of at ALA in NOLA this past summer that I just didn't get fit in.  A few others I heard so much about, but just didn't get the time to read.  So here are the top 10 I wish I'd had time to read this past year.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

So I have physical ARCs of all but two of these, and of those two, I think I have an e-galley that might still be good to read. But who knows when/if I might get to that.  Physical copies have more chance.  Have you read any of those?  Do you suggest I move any to the top of my TBR?  What book did you mean to read this past year but didn't get to?

Below is today's giveaway.  But I've posted four other giveaways this week on my other Top 10 posts:  Top 10 New to Me Authors, Top 10 Favorite Covers,  Top 10 Favorite Books,  and Top 10 Book Boyfriends.

And hey, there aren't that many entries yet, so you have a good chance!  Go enter!  But share if you can!  Enter today and then come back tomorrow for yet another giveaway!  These will run until the end of 2018.

Giveaway:

Two prizes again, you can choose one of these books if the Book Depository will deliver to you:

1. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
   
2. Grim Lovelies by Megan Shepherd
   
3. Pride by Ibi Zoboi
   
4. Damsel by Elana K. Arnold
   
5. A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
   
6. After the Fire  by Will Hill

Second prize is a $5 gift card to Amazon

 

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Blog Tour with Excerpt and Giveaway: Beneath the Lighthouse by Julieanne Lynch

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (June 26, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1944109188
ISBN-13: 978-1944109189

Praise for BENEATH THE LIGHTHOUSE

“Beneath the Lighthouse grabs you by the nether regions from the word go. Then it squeezes. Hard. With a nailed glove … A truly scary ghost story … a powerful ‘coming of age’ drama … a young man growing into adulthood against a backdrop of despair and quite shocking abuse … unpredictable and ever building. Blood and bone revenge, retribution and salvation. The strength of friendship, the power of love. You feel the dread and the underlying fear … not your typical tale. And what a tale it is.” ―EM Faustus

SOME SECRETS ARE MADE TO BE UNCOVERED.

Sixteen-year-old Jamie McGuiness’s sister is dead. Sinking into a deep depression, he frequents the lighthouse where her body was discovered, unaware of the sinister forces surrounding him.

When an angry spirit latches onto Jamie, he’s led down a dark and twisted path, one that uncovers old family secrets, destroying everything Jamie ever believed in.

Caught between the world of the living and the vengeful dead, Jamie fights the pull of the other side. It’s up to Jamie to settle old scores or no one will rest in peace—but, first, he has to survive.

You can purchase Beneath the Lighthouse at the following Retailers:

  

Photo Content from Julieanne Lynch

Julieanne Lynch is an author of YA and Adult genre urban fantasy, crime and contemporary romance books. Julieanne was born in Northern Ireland, but spent much of her early life in London, United Kingdom, until her family relocated back to their roots.

Julieanne lives in Northern Ireland, with her husband and five children, where she is a full-time author. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University and considered journalism as a career path. Julieanne has several projects optioned for film.

Julieanne is both traditionally and independently published.

Excerpt:

Jamie found himself coming to the spot where Emer had been found. A daily habit, he sometimes visited the causeway twice a day. He felt close to her here, as if her soul was out there, listening to him. He begged for forgiveness, for not being a better brother.

Jamie held on to so much anger and regret. He wished it had been him who died. Then again, who would have stepped up to protect his mother from the drunken, violent wreck his father had become?

He looked out at the rising tide. His mind had been blank since the unexpected weirdness in his room. He would never tell anyone about what had happened. It would be a means to have him locked up in the nuthouse.

Fifteen minutes later, Lenny appeared with a plastic bag in his hand. “A little something for your troubles,” he said, handing Jamie a bottle of Frosty Jacks. “It helps chase the ghosts away.”

“You’re a stupid clart.” Jamie chuckled.

Jamie wasn’t much of a drinker. The best way to rid his mind of his troubles was at the end of a bottle of cider, however. After taking a swig, he handed it to Lenny.

The two of them sat down on the rocks. A beautiful summer evening, the sun’s amber glow hovered over the horizon.

“I don’t know why you keep coming here,” Lenny said, shaking his head and rolling a cigarette. “It gives me the creeps every time I sit here.”

“Not me,” Jamie responded. He looked up at the old tower and squinted. “I wish I knew what went through her head during those last moments.”

“That is some fecked up shite you’re talkin’. Seriously, lad, you’re gonna end up mad like your da if you keep on doing this. Emer’s dead, long gone, and buried. Doing this isn’t going to bring her back. You can’t keep lingering in the past, lad.”

Lenny had a point. Who in their right mind held on to the ghosts of the past? But Jamie couldn’t let go.

“I can’t not think about it,” Jamie said, looking down at his feet. “It’s there every time I close my eyes. Her face and the marks on it, as well as the blue of her lips. Those things can’t be unseen. And the smell …”

“Jamie, I’m not sure if I’ve answers to all this stuff you’re going through, but the way I see it, you’re alive. You have the whole future in front of you. Do you really want to lose it all to something you never had any control over?”

“I know,” he replied, and took another swig of the cider. “I just can’t look at me ma. Every time she looks at wee Sarah’s face, all she sees is Emer. Do you have any idea how much it hurts watching her slowly die, pulling herself apart to keep a man who’s long given up being happy?” Jamie’s voice broke. “It’s not fair, Lenny. They deserve so much more. I deserve something better than this.”

Lenny shook his head, took a drag of his cigarette, and looked out at the ferry sailing by. “Honestly, if it was me, I’d be long gone. But you’re not like me—you have sense. Too much of the stuff, if truth be told. Still, you’re a good person, and it’s what makes you stand out from the crowd. It’s why you think the way you do.”

Copyright © 2018 by Julieanne Lynch 

 

        

PART ONE

DECEMBER 17th MONDAY Sassy Book Lovers TENS LIST
DECEMBER 17th MONDAY TTC Books and More GUEST POST
DECEMBER 18th TUESDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW & EXCERPT
DECEMBER 19th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, and Books EXCERPT
DECEMBER 20th THURSDAY A Dream Within A Dream TENS LIST
DECEMBER 21st FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

PART TWO
DECEMBER 22nd SATURDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
DECEMBER 22nd SATURDAY Sara Is Reading What? REVIEW
DECEMBER 23rd SUNDAY Oh Hey! Books INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 23rd SUNDAY My Book Addiction REVIEW
DECEMBER 24th MONDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 25th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
DECEMBER 26th WEDNESDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
DECEMBER 26th WEDNESDAY Wishful Endings TENS LIST

PART THREE

DECEMBER 27th THURSDAY 100 Pages A Day REVIEW
DECEMBER 27th THURSDAY Lisa Loves Literature EXCERPT
DECEMBER 28th FRIDAY RhythmicBooktrovert REVIEW 
DECEMBER 28th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
DECEMBER 29th SATURDAY My Chaotic Ramblings REVIEW
DECEMBER 29th SATURDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
DECEMBER 30th SUNDAY Book Lovers Life EXCERPT

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Top 10 of 2018: My Top Book Boyfriends of the Year with Giveaway

This year I'm participating in the Top 10 of 2018 hosted by Kimberly Faye Reads.  Now today's actual topic was supposed to be captivating characters or favorite characters, but since I'd already kind of planned to do the same as last year's end of the year top 10, I am sticking with my favorite book boyfriends, which are, of course still characters.  These are in no particular order.

1.

Kip - who I started out picturing as a Jason Momoa lookalike, until it said he had blond hair.  Then I had to change my image a bit.  But what I loved most about Kip was his witty banter and snarkiness.

2.

Okay, that's not him, but Luke from this story is a great guy!  He's that best friend I wish I had, and again, I loved the banter and all the funny jokes and comments they made to each other.

3.

JLA always writes some of the best boyfriends, and Luc is no different.  He's no Daemon Black, but he's pretty close!  I can't wait to read more in this series, to learn just what all Luc is capable of.

4.

So, we didn't get much from his viewpoint, but I just loved Jake.  I think what I liked most about him was how he was able to deal with his love interest's sarcastic side, something that is totally me, something a guy would have to deal with me as well.

5.

Ash is the younger man I wish I could find.  I am a cougar technically because I like younger guys, but I am not a cougar really, because I am not aggressive at all.  So Ash is totally the type of guy I wish for all the time.




6.

Adam - hot and hilarious.  And I love that he give the main character's sarcasm and snarkiness right back to her.  Again, my perfect kind of guy.


7.

Pretty much any guy that K. Bromberg writes is a perfect book boyfriend. But Grayson Malone, hot dad, hot guy, yeah.  Just hot.  While some of the problems in the book were on his side and made me mad, I still would love to have my own Grayson.

8.

As much as I liked the first book in this series, Three Blind Dates, this second book which concentrated on Beck that we met in that first one, is my favorite.  Because, Beck.  'Nuff said.

9.

You've probably noticed this one on all the days this week. Well, of course it only makes sense that Leo is another of my new favorite book boyfriends.  He is just hilarious. The love-hate relationship is perfect. This is a book I can see reading over and over.

10.
Now I've got a tie here for this last one.

Okay, I love both of the boys in this series so far.  I can't decide which I liked more.  Miles, had to love him, how he dealt with his dirty-minded romance author woman.  But then there was Sam from Next in Line, and Sam was all man.  Outdoorsy, hot, hot, ginger, bearded.  Sigh.

RUNNER UP!!!

Okay, if you've followed me for very long, you know that Nate Sawyer from Before Jamaica Lane is tied for one of my three top book boyfriends.  Nate got a little novella this year, so he gets to make the list as a runner up, but I didn't count him as the top 10 since technically I've loved him for years.  

So, those are my top ten book boyfriends this year, top 11?  Top 12 actually?  How about you?  Do you have any new book boyfriends from this year?  Or, maybe in the spirit of the actual theme of Captivating Characters, who was your favorite character in the books you read this year?

Below is today's giveaway.  But I've posted three other giveaways this week on my other Top 10 posts:  Top 10 New to Me Authors, Top 10 Favorite Covers, and Top 10 Favorite Books.  

And hey, there aren't that many entries yet, so you have a good chance!  Go enter!  But share if you can!  Enter today and then come back tomorrow for yet another giveaway!  These will run until the end of 2018.

Giveaway:

Some more rules on this one.  There will be two prizes again. 

• US only - Choose a physical copy of  Wait with Me by Amy Daws, Jock Rule by Sara Ney, Kiss My Ash by Leddy Harper, Four Day Fling by Emma Hart, or ebook from Amazon of any of the above books.
• US or INT - Physical copy of The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Release Day Blitz with Giveaway: The Dating Alternative by Jennifer Woodhull

I am so excited that THE DATING ALTERNATIVE by Jennifer Woodhull is available now and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Jennifer Woodhull, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International, courtesy of Jennifer and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Title: THE DATING ALTERNATIVE

Author: Jennifer Woodhull

Pub. Date: December 26, 2018

Publisher: Jennifer Woodhull

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 288

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

Brie picked the wrong guy—gave him the wrong finger. 

When her fiance walks out three weeks before their wedding, she slowly picks up the pieces with the help of her friends. A serial monogamist, she's not quite ready to start dating again. There are some things she misses about having a boyfriend, though. Her friends convince her to try something more casual. Random hookups have never been her thing. When a guy she has flirted with for a while offers his services to solve her dilemma, she can't help but be intrigued. Now she's trying to keep things casual, but when she's wrapped in his arms, it's hard to remember she's not supposed to be falling for him. 

Max has had a few hookups since he split with his last girlfriend. Lately, though, he feels like something is missing. He has crushed on the girl he affectionately calls Cheese for years, but the timing was never right. When he finds out they're finally single at the same time, he is poised to make his move. Unfortunately, she's only looking for something physical. Of course, Max is happy to oblige, but the more time they spend together, the more certain he becomes that she's the perfect girl for him. 

He pulls out all the stops, and just when he's about to make his move from the friends-with-benefits zone to serious dating, Brie completely ghosts on him. Now he has to figure out if she has really walked away, or if something more serious is keeping him from the girl of his dreams. 

Funny, sexy, and satisfying, The Dating Alternative is a standalone new adult/contemporary romance. 

Chapter 1 Excerpt – Sabrina

As I lay on the bed, wearing my ex-fiancé’s t-shirt and remembering the night he left me six months ago, I realize that tears are slipping silently down my cheeks.

I’ve done reasonably well, too. The first week, I was catatonic. The first month, I was practically a zombie. In those days, even showering on my day off had been a challenge. Within a couple of months, though, I was doing better. By the ninety-day mark, I could be mistaken for someone who hadn’t been virtually left at the altar.

Now, lying on the bed six months after Grant had thrown away our life together, I was almost indiscernible from a normal girl. Looking at me most days, you would never know that my life had been ripped apart by an exotic Olympian named Isabel and my former fiancé, Grant.

I sit up, realizing how far I’d come since that night. I put the back of my hand up to one cheek, then the other. No more. That asshole doesn’t get another single tear from me. Control-G-Delete.

Chapter 1 – F*CK YOU by Cee Lo Green

Chapter 2 – We All Want Love by Rihanna

Chapter 3 – I Don’t Need A Man by Pussycat Dolls

Chapter 4 – I Want You To Want Me by Cheap Trick

Chapter 5 – Me Without You by Gwen Stefani

Chapter 6 – Closing Time by Semisonic

Chapter 7 – Pocketful of Sunshine by Natasha Bedingfield

Chapter 8 – Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by The Police

Chapter 9 – Sex On Fire by Kings of Leon

Chapter 10 – Toothbrush by DNCE

Chapter 11 – After You by Meg Myers

Chapter 12 – Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding

Chapter 13 – Time To Get Closer by Foster the People

Chapter 14 – Bonfire Hearts by James Blunt

Chapter 15 – Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover by Sophie B. Hawkins

Chapter 16 – Waiting for the Weekend by The Vapors

Chapter 17 – Isn’t It Ironic by Alanis Morrissette

Chapter 18 – In Between Days by The Cure

Chapter 19 – Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

Chapter 20 – It’s My Life by No Doubt

Chapter 21 – Freedom by George Michael

Chapter 22 – Halo by Beyoncé

About Jennifer:

Jennifer Woodhull is based in the Southern United States, spending time in her second home of England, and traveling as often as she can. Her love of travel permeates her work, and her characters often find themselves exploring new and foreign surroundings.

A keen observer of human behavior, Jennifer often draws inspiration from something as simple as a fleeting connection, or the glimpse of a unique trait or characteristic. Her favorite place to write is on airplanes.

"The drone of the engine, the scores of people, all traveling to something or from something, and being disconnected from digital distractions are a combination that provide the perfect place to write," she says. "If you see a woman in seat 9F who is balancing her Macbook on her lap because it's time to close your tray table, please have patience. I'm just trying to finish one more sentence."

Join Jennifer’s Newsletter!

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

1 lucky winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

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Top 10 of 2018: New or New-to-Me Authors with Giveaway

So, guess what, I found another blog hosting a Top 10 of 2018 Event!  So, I'm joining in, and on the days I have already done the topic they're doing, I'll do the ones I missed on the days I already did something different, or add one of the original top 10s that might not be listed if I'm not a fan of one of the days.  This one is hosted by Kimberly Faye Reads, so click on her blog name to go join in!  Here are the days scheduled:

Today's topic is the top 10 new or new-to-me authors I read in 2018.  I think all of my books are authors that are new to me, not new.  Seven are romance, and three are teen.  Here is my list, and in no particular order as usual, other than I've separated the teen first, followed by the romance.

1. 

 A Prom to Remember was the first book I've read by Sandy Hall, although I do have a copy of her book A Little Something Different still sitting on my TBR shelf to be read.

2. 

Star-Crossed was the first book I've read by Pintip Dunn, even though I have been hearing about her awesome books for so long!  But now that I've read one, I'm hooked, and can't wait to read more!

3.

The first book I've read by Maria V. Snyder was Navigating the Stars, and I loved it!  She is another author I've been hearing about forever it seems like. And I have to say her fans were right!

4.

I have been following Meghan Quinn on social media for awhile, but I first got to read her this year as part of a tour for her book Three Blind Dates.  Not only is she hilarious on social media, but her sense of humor totally is included in all of her books. But she can also make you cry, as a couple other series I read by her this summer made me do.  Also, I got to meet her at Book Bonanza this summer!

5.

I fell in love with Drumline by Stacy Kestwick, probably in part because the main love interest had a dachshund and so there were some wiener jokes in there that all dachshund owners love to tell.  Of course now I love following her on social media as well, and need more books from her!

6.

Again I actually got started reading J. Kenner with a blog tour for her Man of the Month series, starting with the 3rd one, Need You Now.  I then got to meet her at Book Bonanza as well, and she asked me if I'd read her Stark series, which I hadn't and so she gave me a copy of the first one in that series to try out.  I still need to post my review of it, but I loved it!

7.

So, I totally fell in love with Carmen Jenner after reading her book Cake.  Then I read another book by her, Bittersweet, and she is now one of my most MUST meet authors!

8.

So, I knew I might get to meet J.A. Huss at Book Bonanza, so I listened to the audio of one of her books, Taking Turns. At first I wasn't sure how I'd end up feeling overall about her, but I loved the book by the end, and now am a big fan. And yes, I did get to meet her!

9.

Emma Hart is another author I discovered through blog tours, and like Carmen Jenner above, she is now one of my MUST meet authors, and totally auto-buy.  I started by reading Four Day Fling, and now I am in love with her writing!

10.

I first discovered Michelle Mankin at the Kinky in Kansas City Romance Author convention last spring.  I loved her book that I bought at the time, Rock F*ck Club, and was very excited to get to see her again at Book Bonanza in the summer.

So, those are my top 10 new-to-me authors of 2018.

I've got two more entries from this week, and if you check them out, there are two more giveaways:  Top 10 Favorite Books of 2018, and Top 10 Favorite Covers of 2018.

And here is today's giveaway!

Giveaway:
Unfortunately, due to prices on these books, I am only going to be able to do e-books from Amazon if I want to do all the giveaways I have planned for this week.  So you can pick any e-book from any of the above authors with a few exceptions:  For J. Kenner you need to pick a book from her Man of the Month  series, for Maria V. Snyder, you can only choose Navigating the Stars, and unfortunately, due to the prices again, I am not including any books by Sandy Hall or Pintip Dunn in this giveaway.  I am doing two winners though, so two people will get to pick their e-books. And, each winner gets to spend up to $5. So if one book you want from one of the authors is $3.99, you could pick a $.99 one as well.  If one is $2.99, you could pick a $1.99 as well.  Your choice!  Just enter the rafflecopter below!


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