Review Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin by Mariana Zapata

Title: Rhythm, Chord & Malykhin

Author: Mariana Zapata

Series: Standalone

Release Date: August 21st 2015

Synopsis

Twenty-six-year-old Gaby Barreto might be a lot of things (loyal, sarcastic, one of the guys and a pain in the butt depending on which family member you ask), but dumb isn’t one of them. When her twin brother invites her to go on tour as his band’s merch girl, she isn’t exactly screaming at the top of her lungs with joy.

With no job opportunities pounding on her door, an ex-boyfriend she would still like to castrate, and no end in sight to moving out of her parents’ house in Dallas… it would be dumb to say no to the chance of a lifetime. Two bands, three continents, one tour. Spending the next ninety-plus days with three beloved idiots and eight complete strangers shouldn’t be a big deal, right?

If only the singer of the headlining band didn’t have tattoos... a great personality… a fantastic body… and if he wasn’t so funny….

Let’s be real: Gaby never had a chance against Sacha Malykhin.

Goodreads 

Buy Link

Amazon 

 Author Bio

Mariana Zapata began writing love stories soon after she learned how to spell. She probably shouldn't admit that she started sneaking romance novels from her aunt's bookshelves way before she was old enough to even understand what it meant when a man flipped up a woman's skirt. (Don't tell her mom.) Luckily, she learned to love the process of two people falling in love instead of all the other juicy stuff.

Mariana lives in Houston, Texas with her longtime boyfriend and two beloved (and emotionally manipulative) Great Danes, Dorian and Kaiser. When she's not pretending to write, she's reading. You can usually find her burning somewhat edible experiments in the kitchen or cracking jokes at the expense of her family members.

She also loves to hear from her readers!

Blog 

Facebook 

Twitter 

Author + Character Interviews 

I really love MZ's writing style. It's so funny and realistic; her characters talk about every-day things without any shame, whatsoever.

Gaby's life as she knows it, ended. Boyfriend dumped her, she was unemployed and homeless. She moved back in with her parents but something had to give. That something was her brother, inviting her on tour, with his band and another she never heard of.

Gaby grew up with her twin brother and his two best friends. It wasn't her first tour and she missed them all, so she decided to do it.

Best decision she's ever made, if you ask me.

Sacha... Well, he's not the intense type of hero - like Dex or Kulti - but he's still pretty darn perfect! Who doesn't want a guy that has the voice that makes you melt, is tall, tattooed, funny and loyal?

So, with all those qualities, what's a girl to do?

This book is a romantic comedy that will have you laughing a lot, swooning in some places and cringing in others. Because, after all, one girl stuck with ten guys? It's bound to be cringe-worthy, sometimes.

I'm totally #TeamMZ, will forever be #TeamMZ and can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve!

4.5 stars and I want to thank MZ for this copy, that wasn't given in exchange of an honest review but because she's awesome!  

"You're special to a lot of people, but especially to me."

Other books by Mariana Zapata

Lingus 
Under Locke 
 Kulti
 

Reviews Blood and Bone series by Tara Brown

Title: Blood and Bone

Author: Tara Brown

Series: Blood and Bone #1

Release Date: July 21st 2014

Synopsis

Listen, listen to the wind and stone.
Listen, listen to the sounds of old.
Listen, listen as my hopes are drowned.
Listen, listen to the sounds that bullets make of blood and bones.
Where will you run today?
How will you ever get away?”

This is NOT a romance. This is a ride.

Blood and Bone

The hollow sound of a casing hitting the floor.
The clicking of heels walking in a misty alley.
The ability to tie a cherry stem with her tongue.
A haunting song no one else knows.
That's all that's left of Jane's memories.

What would you do if the life you lived was a lie, and everyone knew but you?
Where do you run when there is no one on your side?
Jane discovers that deep inside her mind there is a map.
What she doesn't know is that there is also a man who will do anything to get it.

But what he doesn't know is that Jane hasn't always been honest about the things she remembers.
There are paces inside of Jane that even she doesn't like to go.

What would you do if the secret you kept was the only thing keeping you alive?

But keeping it meant someone else had to die.  

Goodreads 

Buy Links

Amazon 

Audible 

Bookdepository 

Teasers

"(...) we found one another in the dark, Jane, but we made light for one another. You are my light and I am  yours."

"You fell in love with a monster."

"It's boyish and sweet, but he's a monster. He's my monster."

Whoa, baby!

The first question is, what did I just read? It was mind-boggling!

It's hard to write a spoiler-free review of this amazing book, because you just HAVE to experience it on your own. So, here goes nothing!

Our heroine's life changes when she's stopped on the street by a total stranger. She's Jane, he calls her Sarah. She doesn't know him, but he knows her. Or, at least he knows Sarah.

Jane can't stop wondering who Sarah is so, she starts looking her up on the internet, as would any one of us do. What she finds makes her second-guess everything and everyone in her life. Her job, her friends, her perfect fiance.

Now, this was a pretty intense books, that kept ME guessing and second-guessing everything and everyone, just like Jane does. My mind was reeling from everything; I didn't know what or whom to believe anymore. Exactly like Jane. One moment, she believes and trusts Derek, the next, she doesn't. Of course, I kept hoping Derek wasn't the bad guy because you can't help but fall for him. Tara Brown seems to have the gift of make me fall for her anti-heroes. It has happened before.

So, just when you think you know what's going on, what has happened, what caused everything, you get smacked with a dose of what-the-heck. The biggest is towards the end.

If you feel confused or frustrated or it's giving you heart palpitations, don't worry, just keep on reading because the ending WILL make total sense.

5 stars because what can I say, it's brilliant.

Title: Sin and Swoon

Author: Tara Brown

Series: Blood and Bone #2

Release Date:  August 11th 2015

Synopsis

Not even the warning label on the experimental project could have prepared Jane Spears for the nightmare she would walk into when the Ashley Potter case landed in her lap. Deep inside the victim’s mind, Jane finds clues hinting at the worst crimes she has ever come upon. But the bread crumbs don’t lead anywhere, and in the waking light Jane discovers nothing is as she believed. The conspiracy goes deeper than she can reveal, and the crimes are too hideous to leave unsolved. But can she stop it all in time, or will she be sucked in—trapped by the deranged mastermind?

Goodreads 

Buy Links

Amazon 

Barnes&Noble 

Audible 

Bookdepository 

Teasers

"When it comes down to it, human nature means we will betray one another to survive. It's the basest instinct we have, survival."

"Nothing matters in this world but this guy."

My first thought was, "Is this one better than book 1, or just as good?"

I'm still deciding on that one.

But seriously, after everything made sense at the end of book 1, book 2 is easier to follow. Oh, don't get me wrong, it's still mind-blowing and mind-boggling, and it still has you guessing and second-guessing everything.

So, Jane is Jane whenever she's not analyzing patients, victims that are in a coma. When she's not hunting down psychos, she's a woman that has a hot doctor for a fiance, one that loves her and would die for her. I have to tell you, Dash/Derek has stolen my heart, that perfect British bastard.

But nothing is as it seems. Both in Jane's professional and personal life. Who's the psycho that did gruesome and horrible things to eleven girls, how did it all start and is it someone Jane knows? Plus, what secrets does Dash/Derek keep from Jane? Who is he, really?

I am so going to reread both of these books, before the third and last one is out! Loved it. Brilliant x2. 5 stars.

Author Bio

Tara Brown writes in a variety of genres, under different pen names. She enjoys writing dark and moody tales involving strong, often female, lead characters who are more prone to vanquishing evil than perpetrating it. She shares her home with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and a wolfhound. 

Facebook 

Goodreads 

Pre-Order Blitz The End Game by Kate McCarthy

Title: The End Game

Author: Kate McCarthy

 Release Date: September 8, 2015

Blurb

“Professional athletes are pillars of their respective communities. They are heroes in the eyes of boys and girls and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that positively represents their community.”

The public loves a good scandal. Seeing someone fall from the pinnacle of success makes a great headline. No one knows that better than I do. What started out as a promising career in college football, spiraled into scandal and shame.

But being a hero is easier said then done. Especially when there are those who expected to see the great Brody Madden fail. I craved nothing except being the best—willing to do anything to prove them wrong. But I went too far, and I tried too hard, and it broke me.

“At the time of going to print, Jordan Elliott was unavailable for comment.”

I met Brody Madden in my senior year of college. An Australian native on an international scholarship, I was the female soccer sensation with stars in her eyes and no room for a hotshot wide receiver with a chip on his shoulder.

But a heart bursting with ambition and a driving fire to succeed isn’t made of stone. I became his strength, his obsession, and the greatest love of his life. Only I wasn’t there when he needed me most.

This is a story about love and a game that takes everything. Where the path to glory is paved with sacrifice. Where pressure makes you, or breaks you, and triumph is born in the ashes of failure. Where two people’s end game will change everything.

ADD TO GOODREADS

READ THE PROLOGUE NOW

Pre-order Links

99c

AMAZON US / UK / AU
SMASHWORDS

Author Bio

Kate McCarthy is an Australian, living in the pretty sunshine state of Queensland with her two kids and two dogs, Rufus and Pete.

She loves to bake sweet stuff and eat it too. With an exciting degree in business, she works as an accountant by day, and an author by night. In between family life, she is most often found in bed reading, or at the beach, still reading.

Author Links

FACEBOOK
TWITTER
WEBSITE
GOODREADS

Release Day Launch ~ Heart Shaped Hack by Tracey Garvis Graves

 

When Kate Watts abandoned her law career to open a food pantry in Northeast Minneapolis, she never dreamed it would be this difficult. Facing the heartbreaking prospect of turning hungry people away, she is grateful for the anonymous donations that begin appearing at the end of each month. Determined to identify and thank her secret benefactor, she launches a plan and catches Ian —a charismatic hacker with a Robin Hood complex—in the act. Ian intrigues Kate in a way no man ever has. But after learning he’s snooped around on her personal computer, she demands retribution. Impressed with her tolerance and captivated by her spirit, he complies and begins to slowly charm his way past her defenses. Time spent with Ian is never boring, and Kate soon finds herself falling for the mysterious hacker. But Ian has enemies and they’re growing restless. In the hacking world, exploiting a target’s weakness is paramount, and no price is too high to stop an attack. And when Kate learns exactly how much Ian has paid, she’ll discover just how strong her love is for the man who has hacked his way into her heart.

Add to Goodreads

AMAZON Barnes & Noble iBooks

© 2015 Tracey Garvis Graves

Heart-Shaped Hack

EXCERPT

“Oh, hi,” she said. “Imagine running into you here.” “This is quite a coincidence.” “It’s not a coincidence at all. I knew you were following me.” “You did not.” “I spotted you hiding behind the plant when I walked into the bank. Plus I could smell your perfume as soon as I stepped out here.” “Did you”—she used her fingers to make little air quotes—“appropriate money from this bank?” she whispered. “Of course not. I do all my work from the Batcave. Believe it or not, I actually bank here. I was just signing some papers.” Kate had never seen a man look so utterly scrumptious while wearing glasses. There was something about the combination of his hair, his scruff, and the semi-rimless designer frames that made him irresistible. “Are the glasses a disguise? Because I totally knew it was you.” “The glasses are real. I often suffer from eyestrain since I spend so much time on the computer, and I was up late last night, working.” “They make you look very smart.” She took a moment to imagine how his scruff would feel rubbing against her skin if he were to kiss her. “I am smart, but I think you mean devastatingly handsome. More so than normal, that is.” “You’re so humble.” “Ready?” He walked to the door and held it open for her. “Yes.” “Follow me.” He looked at her and laughed. “That shouldn’t be a problem for you.” They took the elevator to the basement, and when the doors opened to the parking garage, Kate followed Ian to a row of cars. He stopped beside one and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. She gasped. Ian smiled. “It’s a—” “1964 Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe.” “’65. But color me impressed.” “My brother Chad was obsessed with this car. He used to have a poster of it on his bedroom wall. There were only six built between 1964 and 1965.” “A bit rare indeed.” The last authentic Shelby had sold at auction for around seven million. Ian’s was obviously a replica, of which there were quite a few, but it was still a very notable vehicle with a price tag that started in the low six figures. “Helena called it an old blue car.” He grinned, looking contemplative. “Technically, that is correct.” Kate could not resist running her hand lightly over the Guardsman Blue paint and the white racing stripes on the hood. The Shelby was unmistakably race-car-like in appearance with its aerodynamic design and unique body style. Chad was going to be so jealous. “For someone who values his privacy, isn’t this a bit ostentatious?” “How so?” “Rakishly handsome playboy who makes grand philanthropic gestures and drives a flashy car. Any of this ringing a bell?” “Rakishly handsome playboy?” “Well, if the Prada loafer fits. Wouldn’t you fly under the radar more easily in, say, a Ford Focus?” she asked. “A Ford Focus? You want me to tool around town in a Ford Focus? Jesus, would I still have my balls?” “No, they cut them off when they hand you the keys. Of course you’d still have your balls. What kind of question is that? This conversation has gotten way off track.” “You mean because we started out talking about my car and now we’re talking about my balls?” “Are we?” “I believe so.” “Maybe we should go back to talking about your car.” “You want to drive it, don’t you?” “Why would I want to drive your car?” “Why wouldn’t you want to drive my car? Can you handle a stick shift?” “Yes, and rather competently I might add.” “That’s an enormous turn-on. Truly.” She pretended not to hear him. “This is not a good car for Minnesota winters.” “Horrible, I agree. My other car has four-wheel drive, but it’s not nearly as fun to operate as this one.” Ian dangled the keys in front of her. He was right. Kate was dying to drive his car and couldn’t wait to see how it handled. She took the keys, opened the door, and reached over to unlock the passenger side for Ian. They belted up, and she started the car. “Please note that I’m already making good on my promise, Katie. Because I assure you, driving this car will be the opposite of boring.”

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Tracey Garvis Graves is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Her debut novel, On the Island, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into twenty-seven languages, and is in development with MGM and Temple Hill Productions for a feature film. She is also the author of Uncharted, Covet, Every Time I Think of You, and Cherish.

Tracey loves to interact with her readers and can be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Goodreads Amazon Author Page

RELEASE DAY BLITZ ~ FALLEN CREST UNIVERSITY BY TIJAN

Sam & Mason return in Fallen Crest University!

Now Available!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1UZh70y

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1WKCWCB

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1LqaWkl

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1NBi64P

iBooks: http://apple.co/1NLEciP

Blurb

Fallen Crest is back with a vengeance!

Samantha, Mason, and Logan are all together and united with one common enemy: Park Sebastian, the king of fraternity douchebags.

With professional football scouts eyeing his every move, Mason Kade has to walk the line for the first time in his life. Any move he makes against Sebastian has to be perfect and under the radar. One mistake, and his career is over.

Sebastian has other plans. Mason’s career isn’t his target—not even close. Wanting to destroy Mason completely, Sebastian knows he must hit him where it hurts the most: Samantha, who doesn’t give a rat’s ass that she’s the target.

Sam is bound and determined to protect Mason herself, no matter the cost, but what if the cost is beyond her imagination? What if this time, the villain wins?

Excerpt

In ten.

“I’m not sure if you’re aware of this threesome dynamic,” Logan started.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed. Logan was too cocky, too sure of himself. Sebastian’s head lifted to the side as he kept skirting among all three of us.

Nine.

I was next to my brother. They came from the basement section of the bookstore, so Sebastian was blocking his friends from us. His three friends were down a few steps, too far but close enough where they could catch Sebastian.

Eight.

Logan continued, “But the three of us…” He gestured to all of us. “Well, technically, it’s the Fearsome Foursome with Sam, but she’s not here.” His tone lowered, growing more serious. “And she’s not a part of this, so I guess, right now, you can call us the Threesome Fearsome.”

Seven.

Sebastian was almost ignoring my brother. He was solely focused on me. Fine. I let him see the threat in me and murmured, “My brother’s not kidding, you know.”

Logan quieted, edging back so that I was now in the front.

“About what?” His tone was clipped.

Sebastian knew. He was remembering Logan’s threat.

I reminded him. “Your sister. Your girlfriend.”

Six.

“I don’t have either one of those,” Sebastian shot back.

Logan piped in, “But there’s someone.”

I added, “There’s always someone.”

Sebastian grew silent, looking between the two of us.

Five.

Nate spoke up, “They’re talking about who’s vulnerable to you, Sebastian.”

“You shut up,” Sebastian snapped at him. “You left the house. You don’t deserve the right to talk to us.”

His three friends got riled up at that. They moved forward, and I started eyeing the big one closest to Sebastian. He was a big motherfucker.

Four.

“Nate never should’ve been with you,” I said, commanding all of their attention. We were close. The camera would rotate back. I wanted their focus on me, not Logan. “That was a mistake he rectified.”

Three.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed to slits. “I’m going to make both of you sorry that you came back here.”

“What about me?” Logan smirked at him.

No. I wanted Sebastian watching me.

He turned. “I already tried to get your acceptance revoked.”

Well, holy shit, I hadn’t expected that response.

Two.

Logan opened his mouth. His eyes flashed in anger, and he was going to say something to piss Sebastian off. I blocked him. I needed Sebastian and friends’ eyes on me.

“Time’s up,” I said calmly, quietly.

It worked. They all turned to me, and Sebastian’s eyes widened. He started to rear back—

One.

I rushed forward.

*****************************

Teaser

“Sounds good.” She waved before leaving. “Toodles, Sam…and her superhot boyfriend.”

Mason scowled, but it lacked any heat. “She shouldn’t talk to me like that.”

Putting the package on the desk, I went and curled up in his lap. “She’s a fan. She’s getting over it.”

“Still weird to me.” He studied me for a second, his hand went to my mouth.

"You protect. You take care. You shield those you love. Yes, you’re ruthless. Yes, you go to lengths others don’t, but you do it so that no one—and I mean, no one—can hurt you or even try to hurt you. That’s why you do what you do. That’s why you’re who you are and why you’re loved by me and wanted by so many others. That’s why you’re respected. You protect and you love and you don’t let anyone take that away from you.”

*****************************

Haven’t read this series yet?

Find the series reading order here: http://amzn.to/1PrkA40

*****************************

Author Information

I didn't begin writing until after undergraduate college. There'd been storylines and characters in my head all my life, but it came to a boiling point one day and I HAD to get them out of me. So the computer was booted up and I FINALLY felt it click. Writing is what I needed to do. After that, I had to teach myself how to write. I can't blame my teachers for not teaching me all those years in school. It was my fault. I was one of the students that was wishing I was anywhere but at school! So after that day, it took me lots of work until I was able to put together something that resembled a novel. I'm hoping I got it right since someone must be reading this profile! And I hope you keep enjoying my future stories.

Stalk Her: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

$50 AMAZON Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway