I Stand Before You

 

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When it comes to tattooed bad boys, Chase Gartner is the real deal. Partying, engaging in meaningless sex, getting into fights---Chase indulges in it all during his late teen years, thus firmly solidifying his status as a heartbreakingly gorgeous but way-too-dangerous-to-trust guy in his hometown of Harmony Creek, Ohio. Then, following one fateful night of reckless decisions, Chase's actions finally catch up to him and land him in prison.

Now, four years have passed and Chase finds himself a free man. He returns to Harmony Creek, ready to pick up the pieces and start rebuilding his shattered life.

Things are off to a promising start when he meets Kay Stanton, a young woman with a tragic past of her own. Despite a powerful attraction, Chase and Kay are naturally hesitant to become involved. That's why friendship feels like the safest option. But when passions ignite and love blossoms, a relationship that is destined and meant to be can only be resisted for so long. When Chase and Kay finally succumb to their feelings they realize being together feels more right and true than anything they have ever experienced.

But their love is soon tested. Chase's wild past still haunts and tempts him, and Kay is keeping a secret that could tear them apart.

I Stand Before You is a journey of hope and forgiveness, coming to terms with the past and moving forward. But mostly it's a story of two damaged people who take a chance, open their hearts, and find true love. 

Review

****I was given an ARC of this book for my honest review****
I Stand Before You was a venture into two broken souls. Chase Gartner gave you the insight into someone struggling with addiction, deep seated depression and anger that he couldn't get himself out of, resentment, all reasons he needs to feel numb, smoke or snort himself into oblivion. He has already paid, in the state's eyes for his crime after 4 long years in prison, but for Chase this is just the beginning. While Kay Stanton didn't deal with the addiction she was just as shattered. Living a mistake that has haunted her for four years and cost her one of the most important relationships in a young girl's life, her mother. She struggles with the guilt and memories of losing her little sister and her part in the accident that took her from this life. When fate brings them both together they find a way to heal each other and welcome joy into their lives that they never expected to have again. While this is labeled a New Adult/ Contemporary Romance it's really an intense story of healing.
Obviously by the 5 star rating, I loved this book. Let's start with the characters. First off, the multiple point of views bring something to the story that you wouldn't have gotten had it only been told by just Chase or Kay's point of view. While all the points intersected the two minds were vastly different with their struggles, and it lead to a depth of character that made these not just on the written page, but so life like, real. They could have been your neighbor, your cousin, the hot couple you passed at the carnival. Chase's mind gave you such a different perspective of an addict's mind that the average person doesn't see. Even if you could never picture yourself doing these things you understood why he did and wanted to push him into recovery. From a more shallow perspective let's be blunt, Chase was hot. What more could you want in a bad boy? And that description, gunmetal blue for his eyes? Thanks S.R. Grey my bill for my spontaneously combusted panties is in the mail. Ok, before I go off on a tangent about my drool I left on my Nook I'll talk about Kay. Kay was just as Chase described her, a sweet girl. Her struggle was all her own but it was emotional and raw just the same. My heart I think broke for her even more, and like the sappy alpha male loving girl I was, I loved when she fought her own demons, but cheered when Chase fought them for her too. (hey feminist don't throw stones). As a reader who often doesn't connect with the heroine, it was nice to read a relatable one  that I connected with on an intimate level.
The story was the two characters coming together and helping each other grow. The ups and downs, imperfections and romance, reopening wounds and healing, you watched both these characters go through so much. The sex was steamy but not vulgar, although I will never look at vanilla ice cream without smirking. After wrapping up the journey in this first book the epilogue was killer. I have a feeling that the adventure truly starts now that our characters have started healing from their struggles. There's still so much story to tell that has this reader anxiously awaiting the next one.

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Burned In Shadows

 

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Royce Zarides has accepted his hand dealt by fate. He's loved and left far too many women. In the bedroom that is. But one kiss from Belinda Raine Ignis was all it took for his eyes to open. Is she really the woman meant for him and his brother Ronin? Or will history only repeat itself? That's the million dollar question he doesn't want to answer. Ronin does not believe that Belinda is for him and his brother. But one night with her isn't enough. Even when he sees her for who and what she really is, Ronin still has a hard time expressing his emotions where Belinda is concerned, and time is running out now that she's to ascend to the status of Matria of the Phoenix Enclave. Belinda (Bells) Ignis is good at ignoring men. She's had her share of heartache. Jilted at the altar by her first love, she's sworn all men off for good. Her mother and Matria of her community has other plans in mind, as well as the Zarides brothers. When faced with the heated glances of Ronin and the smooth tongue of Royce, what's a girl to do? The clock is ticking down for certain members of the Shadow Unit. Draven assumed dead, leaves a sour taste in every ones mouth. Jes' new found abilities make for a great addition to the team. But when things seem to settle, they only get worse, as the team sets out to discover the origins of Mr. Black and the notorious Red Sun Organization. Secrets are uncovered and deals are made that result in a deadly blow to all involved.

Excerpt

“Why do you walk in as if we are familiar with one another? Less than two months ago you treated me as if I was dirt beneath your boots.”

He smirked and moved toward her kitchenette. He didn’t say anything as he forcefully opened her fridge and poured himself a glass of water. The cup was empty before she could even think of something else to say.

“Calm down.” Dietrich cleared his throat. Sunglasses still attached to his head, she could feel the heat of his stare. She wondered if anyone else knew what was behind the shades. His eyes were milky-white, with the smallest of pupils. She knew because she’d looked into those eyes, said things as she stared into what she thought was the heart of him. Things she thought she’d always feel.

“I am calm. Do I look like I’m not?” Belinda moved to the closet and grabbed another pair of yoga pants and a top. She walked over to her dresser and pulled out underwear and headed toward the bathroom.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He said harshly when she’d almost closed the bathroom door. It had been such a long time that the pain had dulled to nothing. She turned and looked over her shoulder. He’d taken off his glasses, and his ghostly stare was focused on her in a way that held her immobile. She didn’t know what she saw as he stared at her far longer than necessary. But she did know he no longer made her feel alive and adored. These were different times, in another life maybe, but not this one.

“It’s in the past. Let’s leave it there, alright?” Belinda closed the door and quickly dressed. She didn’t have to wait long. He was gone as soon as she closed the door. She let out a long sigh, resting her head against the doorframe frame. She knew life was never meant to be easy. She’d figured that out the hard way a long time ago when she’d almost lost her primary.

To a Phoenix, immortality was truly a gift, something that could be taken away at any moment. In a moment of complete stupidity, she’d foolishly left the safety of the Enclave walls. A woman on the street had liked the feathers in her hair and had tried to pull her primary out of her ponytail. Luckily, Ryan had been there, he’d taken hold of the woman and shoved her away. The woman had been human and hadn’t known better, but had she’d taken the primary, Belinda would have been dead long ago.

 

There is really not much to say... I love to write, read, and listen to music. My attempt at a music career sadly ended at the Apollo one warm night in May! LOL (Side note: I was not booed just outdone by two munchkins rapping to Biggy Smalls but they were good!) Military brat extraordinaire; have traveled to a lot of interesting places. The very first time I put pen to paper in story fashion, was in 6th grade. It was called The Case of the Missing Pepperoni. It was a cute mystery where all the ingredients and shop appliances came to life when the store owner closed up for the evening.

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Our Saturdays are normally reserved for the start of our new author of the week, well this week we are not doing it, don't worry next week we will have a new one and we will be doubling the prizes to make up for not having any this week. Today we are doing something completely different than what we normally do on this site, it's not a review, promo or anything like that it's simply my opinion on some of the things that have been going on lately and how I personally feel about them.

Not that long ago Goodreads changed the ToS, I was not happy my first thought was  

I ran over to BookLikes and created an account worried that the changes GR had made would change things, censorship is a slippery slope and where is the line drawn? Once I calmed down I started thinking instead of just reacting.

 

I started looking beyond my group of friends, I don't know if I have been living under a rock or I have just been ignoring things but once I took my blinders off I saw that there was some serious drama going on. There are people attacking authors, authors attacking people and authors fans attacking people while yes I knew this stuff was going on it was more in a abstract back of my mind kind of way because really I wasn't involved in it so why get in the middle of the drama. When looking at things I see some people saying this about authors

 

 

Then I see authors attacking reviewers

 

 

Then we have the peanut gallery get involved, who yes sometimes are trying to help other times not so much. 

 

  

All this combined together created the perfect storm and putting myself in GR shoes I would think this

 

So when I pull myself out of the this sucks and I hate it mind set GR isn't really to blame, it's  not the fault of the moderators of the site it's the fault of the few who ruined it for the majority.  People were bullying back and forth creating problems left then right, there are only so many fires a person can put out before they have to draw a hardline to stop it. 

All that was to come around to my real problem the issue of bullying, everyone is entitled to their opinion and while I may not agree with it I still think they have a right to express it. However, I don't think anyone has the right to verbally bash anyone or maliciously attack them. To go after a someone because you don't agree with whether or not they like your book is not ok, to personally attack an author because of their behavior is not ok. Yes sometimes I feel like this

 

but that does not give me or anyone the right to go out and badmouth anyone and try to drive down an authors sales. If an author is behaving badly or they are fine with their fans attacking bad reviewers I won't read their book, I don't want the hassle and I don't support people who are fine with bullying. 

Then we have the STGRB they are of the mind of an eye for an eye, they think the way to stop bullying is by bullying people who they think are "bullies." At first maybe they were really trying to help but like all other groups that start out with good intentions when things get twisted and your approach changes you yourself turn into the bully. The STGRB has a habit of broadcasting the personal information of the so called GR bullies and violating GR ToS. I can no longer distinguish what the goal of this group and all I can think is

 

That's my two cents on the subject of GR ToS change and all the drama that has been going. As cliche as it sounds two wrongs don't make a right, you can write a bad review without personally attacking an author and retain your integrity at the same time that you're expressing your honest opinion. Authors remember that reviews are subjective just because one person doesn't like your book it doesn't mean other people won't as well, attacking a reviewer or turning a blind eye when your fans do just makes you look bad. Stop bullying each other, the sandbox is big enough for everyone so even if you can't play nice you can at least not throw sand in each others eyes. 

Post by: Jillian

Immortalis Carpe Noctem

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Explore the emotional upheaval that is the transformation from human to vampire. Bleeding to death after brutal mugging on the campus of UNLV, Twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by the cold and aloof, vampire, Lysander. Taking pity on her, he shares the gift-and curse-of immortality. She awakens as a vampire and is soon devastated by harsh realities of her new way of life: An unyielding thirst for blood as well as the loss of her friends, her independence, and her humanity. As if having her humanity stripped away was not enough to make life interesting, Alyssa finds out her "turning," did not go unnoticed by the rest of undead society. Old enemies; an ancient sect of vampire hunters, known as the Acta Sanctorum, as well as a powerful Vampire mistress, each set plans in motion to destroy both Alyssa and Lysander. Only by accepting her new-found immortality, seizing the night, will Alyssa hope to survive. She and Lysander must fight together against two sets of enemies bent on destroying them both.

Excerpt

“Shy, are we, ma chère?” Edmond spoke softly, inching closer. Again, I felt the eerie sensation of his eyes probing me. ”Might I at least have the pleasure of your name?”

“Get the hell away from me,” I snapped.

“Leave her out of this, Edmond, and get to the point of your visit,” barked Lysander.

Edmond’s lips curled at the corners. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

I shuddered. Damn it, I probably should have kept my mouth closed. My chest became tight. My heart raced, pounding like a drum roll.

Edmond took another small step closer, reaching a hand out to me. I flinched.

Lysander stepped in front of me, blocking Edmond’s path. He knocked away Edmond’s hand. “I said, leave her alone.”

“Jealous, are we, Lysander?” He sneered. “Don’t worry. I won’t steal her. I just wish to know her name.”

An odd silence halted their verbal tennis match. It piqued my curiosity. I chanced a look at Edmond. He stood firm in his place. He and Lysander stared at one another as if each was threatening the other to make a move, but no words were exchanged.

Lysander’s face was blocked from my view, but I saw the struggle in Edmond’s eyes. His lips quivered at the corners, but he did not move or speak. His hands twitched, fisting and rising to a defensive position, and then relaxing back to his side.

The odd silence and strange behavior confused me. Lysander’s body also seemed to tense and relax in front of me. I shrank behind him, waiting for something to happen. Tension ran thick in the air. I sensed a fight was about to start. Many moments went by silently before Lysander spoke again.

“Enough mind games, Edmond. Speak your purpose for being here or leave us,” Lysander demanded.

“Fine,” Edmond huffed. “It is precisely this enchanting little urchin you have recently turned that gives us cause to have this chat.” There was a definite note of disdain in his voice.

Me? What do I have to do with anything?

A chill ran down my spine. I wanted to get out of there. I needed to escape.

Lysander’s stance became more defensive. He continued to act as a wall between Edmond and me. “She is none of your—or anyone else’s—concern, Edmond.”

“That may be your opinion; however, there are those among us who do not look too kindly on bastard fledglings turned without permission, and, well, you know the law.…”

“Those laws do not pertain to me,” Lysander said with a snarl. “I am under no one’s rule.”

 “That, too, is a matter of opinion, and it would be in your best interest and the interest of your…lady friend to sort this matter out with Kallisto.”

“I have nothing to discuss with you or Kallisto,” Lysander said. “I am through with this conversation. Leave my presence before I decide to send Kallisto a message of my own, using your corpse.”

Edmond waved his hand at Lysander. “Save your childish threats for someone else.” He turned and walked away toward the elevators. “Consider this your one and only warning. You have thirty nights.”

Katie Salidas is a Super Woman! Endowed with special powers and abilities, beyond those of mortal women, She can get the munchkins off to gymnastics, cheerleading, Girl Scouts, and swim lessons. She can put hot food on the table for dinner while assisting with homework, baths, and bedtime… And, she still finds the time to keep the hubby happy (nudge nudge wink wink). She can do all of this and still have time to write. And if you can believe all of those lies, there is some beautiful swamp land in Florida for sale… Katie Salidas resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mother, wife, and author, she does try to do it all, often causing sleep deprivation and many nights passed out at the computer. Writing books is her passion, and she hopes that her passion will bring you hours of entertainment. 

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Forbidden Surrender

 

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 1/2

“What gives you a thrill Kristen?”
The minute I saw Vincent Sorenson, I knew he was trouble. Billionaire. Bad boy. And dangerously sexy. He was everything I craved, and nothing I needed.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t just avoid him. The higher ups at my company decided they needed his business, and I was on the team to bring him in. Vincent Sorenson didn’t seem as interested in business as he was in me, but I knew that was a door better left unopened. If I got involved with him, it would only unearth the pain I spent years trying to bury.
I thought I had it under control, but I seriously underestimated Vincent’s seductive charm and silver-tongue. I would soon find out how delicious it would feel to let myself fall into this forbidden surrender.

Review

****I was given a copy of this book for my honest review****
Vincent Sorenson, laid back surfer turned CEO when his own invention catapulted him to success, is in the market for a wealth management firm. Kristen, along with her supervisor Richard have been able to schedule time to convince Vincent they are the firm to represent his multibillion dollar company. When a meeting doesn’t go as planned but a surprise run in while drowning her sorrows brings unexpected news, Kristen discovers she may have bitten off more than she bargained for with this tattooed bad boy that isn’t at all what he seems.
This book would have been a 5 star for me but that ending!! I knew it would be a cliffhanger as I got down in pages and there was just so much story left. (Or I was going to be severely disappointed and the ending was going to be extremely rushed). I honestly foresaw a phone call from her roommate or a knock on the door or something, somehow her past was coming back to haunt her, that much was obvious. However, not knowing who (although we assume the roommate) or what the text or message said was a little too open ended. Cliffhangers I’m ok with, this just felt like we were missing a paragraph. However, now that the rant is over I have to say I wouldn’t have nearly been as upset about it if I didn’t LOVE this book. I have a hard time connecting with heroines, maybe it’s my preference for male friends in real life because I hate unnecessary drama and cattiness, and I’m not sure, but I had an instant connection and love for Kristen. She was strong yet not inhuman. I loved that she tripped over her own heels but wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself. She held an important successful job and moved up the ladder without being a total man eater. The hero had his perks as well and has so much potential I can’t wait for the next book! Sexy without being over the top, any intimate scenes were descriptive and dirty but they were valid parts of the storyline, not just thrown in to spice things up. The first chapter instantly described Vincent as a billionaire bad boy and I thought oh here we go, typical story line that’s been so popular it’s tired, but this story had plenty of its own twists and the mystery was a welcome addition. Kristen had a rough time in her past with an ex but she wasn’t damaged beyond function, she held her head up and didn’t need a knight in shining armor to swoop in. Everything stayed very realistic and fast paced. I have to say Priscilla West has found a fan in this reader.

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