Review & Giveaway: Unattainable by Charity Parkerson Blog Tour

 

BOOK INFORMATION

Title – Unattainable 

Series – No Rival 

Author – Charity Parkerson 

Genre – M/M Erotica 

Publication Date – 08/27/2014 

Length (Pages/# Words) – 130/ 43,000 

Publisher – Ellora’s Cave Publishing Inc. 

Cover Artist – Publisher

   

BOOK SYNOPSIS  

Book 5 in the No Rival series

A career-ending injury leaves Brian reeling. With no clue what he’ll do now that his dream of becoming an MMA champion is over, he is shocked at an unexpected offer of help from a former champ.

Terry has seen the top and is happy with his life in retirement. However the chance to help a fellow fighter regain his dream is something he can’t resist.

When Brian accepts Terry’s offer, the sexual magnetism between them catches Brian off guard. Keeping his attraction hidden becomes a bigger challenge than regaining his strength. Plus, Terry’s mixed signals leave Brian frustrated and confused.

Though Terry is just as hot for Brian, he has secrets that could tear their budding romance apart. But he simply cannot resist the pull Brian has over him or the heat between them. Through it all, both men discover that love really can conquer all.

Inside Scoop: This male/male romance will leave you hot but most definitely not bothered. A Romantica® contemporary gay erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

UNATTAINABLE BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle US – Amazon Kindle UK - Goodreads Link – Ellora’s Cave

 EXCERPT (18+)

“I never drink and you’re going to make me drink alone?”

A grin tugged at Terry’s lips at Brian’s sullen comment. “You need the fortification while I’ve had more than my fair share for one lifetime.”

Brian’s speech was already beginning to slow down. “It’s not right to leave a man hanging.”

“I have to drive you home and I don’t drink and drive.”

Brian slipped down an inch in his chair. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stared at Terry through his lashes. “I could stay here.” Although Terry doubted Brian’s proposition was intended the way he would’ve liked, it still caused his cock to lengthen. “It wouldn’t be the first time I slept in a chair.” That statement might have taken the bite out his arousal if Brian’s tone hadn’t gone sultry. Not to mention, his eyes darkened. Terry shifted in his seat to hide his erection. The expression on Brian’s face was hot as hell.

“I wouldn’t let you sleep in a chair.” He hoped Brian was now wondering where he would allow him to sleep. Of course, the answer was nowhere. If Brian stayed, neither of them would get any rest.

Brian tossed back another shot before straightening in his seat. “If I’m not staying then I’d better go home. I’d hate to pass out on you and like I said, I don’t drink often.”

With a nod, Terry stood. Brian attempted to follow suit but swayed on his feet. Racing forward, Terry caught him before he could hit the ground. The motion left them chest to chest. A nervous sounding chuckle vibrated from Brian. Terry could feel it against his skin. Their gazes met. The sound died.

“You’re very bossy,” Brian said, surprising a chuckle from Terry.

“You’re very drunk,” Terry countered.

Brian didn’t move away. Neither did Terry. “I’ll get over being drunk, you’ll always be bossy.”

“I have a feeling—if you remember any of this tomorrow—you’re going to be horrified.”

Brian was staring at his mouth. He shook his head. “Nope. I haven’t done anything to be embarrassed about...yet.”

Terry marveled over the way Brian’s eyes gave away his every emotion. They seemed to flash from light to dark brown and back again as he visibly struggled against his desire. Unable to keep from doing so, Terry gave him an extra shove. Using his voice against him, he allowed a hint of his growing lust to seep into his tone.

“Do you intend to?” With his gaze still locked on Terry’s mouth, Brian nodded. “Do it,” Terry taunted. The words barely passed his lips before Brian claimed his mouth. For Terry, it was like tossing gasoline on already raging bonfire. It was everything he’d fantasized it would be with an extra helping of expertise tossed into the mix. The way Brian’s tongue stroked the roof of his mouth before slipping away and reappearing again left Terry with no choice except to chase after it. The moment he thought he had him, Brian sank his teeth into Terry’s bottom lip, tugging gently. Terry gasped. He couldn’t remember a time he’d been this close to coming in his jeans, especially from nothing more than a kiss. At the sound, Brian turned his face away, resting his forehead on Terry’s shoulder. His shoulders heaved as he visibly struggled to catch his breath.

“The room is spinning.”

Terry clamped his back teeth together. His muscles seized tight as he attempted to control his lust. “That’s because the world tilted,” Terry said once he found his voice.

Review - 4 Shocked Stars!

 Between the synopsis (I adore MMA fighters in my novels) and the amazing cover, I really wanted to read this book.  The genre usually puts me off but I really wanted to see if this story would be good.  And by genre, it wasn't the M/M part - I read them, even if they're not my usual romance - it was the erotica label.  And not because I don't like sex scenes or even explicit sex scenes.  It's just most erotica is written porn.  And yes, I know, I know, that's kind what they are.  But I like actual believable storylines WITH said erotica - and believable dialog - and I especially like some romance in it of course.  (That will come in a rant someday on the blog when I'm not in the middle of a review).  So it was with mixed feelings I started this book.

I must say I was very, very pleasantly surprised at the fact this novel was more about story and emotion in between the heat.  In fact, I was shocked at the level of detail to the setting and world outside of Brian and Terry and with their emotions.  After I got over the fact, A. this was decently written, and B. it actually had a plot, I devoured this book in one sitting.

I liked Terry and Brian quite a lot, both were fairly well written with as much depth as one can get in 100-ish pages.  Although the one thing I had problems with was the fact sometimes they seemed a little TOO alike.  Not as if they had a lot in common alike.  As if they had similar enough personalities that one didn't stick out over the other really.

As for the actual writing style, I was again surprised and very happy that my usual writing pet peeves were missing.  The only issue I had was a bit of jumping around in the scenes that wasn't made all that clear, but it wasn't that difficult to get around.

Overall, excellently done!  A very emotionally charged M/M that makes me anxious to read more from Charity Parkerson!  4 stars!

 *Received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*

OTHER BOOKS IN THE NO-RIVALS SERIES

 

 

Book #1 - Unsurpassed

AMAZON - AMAZON UK - iTUNES ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS - KOBO - BARNES & NOBLES

   

Book #2 - Undaunted

AMAZON - AMAZON UK - KOBO - BARNES & NOBLES

   

Book #3 - Unequaled

AMAZON - AMAZON UK - iTUNES ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS - KOBO - BARNES & NOBLES

Book #4 - Unbalanced

AMAZON - AMAZON UK - iTUNES ALL ROMANCE eBOOKS - KOBO - BARNES & NOBLES

AUTHOR BIO

Charity Parkerson is an award winning and multi-published author with Ellora's Cave Publishing. Born with no filter from her brain to her mouth, she decided to take this odd quirk and insert it in her characters.

*2013 Readers' Favorite Award Winner *2013 Reviewers' Choice Award Winner *2014 Readers’ Favorite Award Finalist *2014 Ankh Award Nominee *ARRA Finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance *Five-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath

FOLLOW THE AUTHOR HERE

Amazon Author Page – Website/Blog – Facebook – Twitter Google+ - Pinterest – Tumblr – Networked Blogs Goodreads – Shelfari – Coffetime Romance – Elloras Cave Passionate Ink

 

GIVEAWAY

A “No Rival” t-shirt and a set of 3 autographed bookmarks

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Hosted & Organized by: 

 

Blog Tour: Choisie Series by Lori L. Otto

Series: Choisie
Titles included: Contessa, Olivia, Dear Jon, and Livvy
Author: Lori L. Otto
Released: Feb 2014

 
  Goodreads

 

The Choisie series is a Young Adult/New Adult story following a teenage girl as she struggles to find her footing under the scrutiny of local media and the cautious eye of her overprotective father.

Livvy Holland was adopted by a generous and wealthy couple as a child. Now sixteen, she is a burgeoning artist, encouraged by her mother and inspired by a man she was never able to meet. Feeling estranged from a loving father whose mind works much differently than her own, she questions whether or not she was paired with the right guardians. In her plight for independence, she reconnects with a fellow art student who grew up alongside Livvy.

Jon Scott has led anything but a privileged life. After his father passes away, he is left to care for his two half-brothers while his mother’s alcoholism threatens to tear his family apart. All he wants for himself and his brothers is a better life. His dreams for an Ivy League education are coming to fruition, thanks to a lifetime of hard work and ambition. This is not only important to Jon himself; he also knows that the man who will win Livvy’s heart has to be someone exceptional. Her father would accept nothing less–and Jon believes that Livvy deserves the best of everything, too.

That may be the only thing Jon and Livvy’s father agree upon.

Over the course of their courtship, these two teens will experience the bliss of true love, but their immaturity and differing lifestyles will also threaten to tear them apart. They both begin to question the other’s devotion and commitment; only time will tell if their first love is meant to last a lifetime.

This series, comprised in totality of four books, allows the reader to experience first love for a second time. The first three books–Contessa, Olivia, and Dear Jon–are available now, with the fourth book–Livvy–slated to be released December 9!

Contessa – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes
Olivia – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Dear Jon – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes
Livvy – Coming Dec 9, 2014 – Amazon | iTunes

“I want you to make love to me.” My voice cracks when I say it.

“Why?” he challenges me. Why? What kind of a question is that?

“Because I love you.”

“You wear my ring because you love me. You devote every Saturday night to me because you love me. You answer my calls every day because you love me. Why do you want me?”

“I don’t… I don’t think I understand.”

“Here’s what I want. I want to trail my fingers down the length of your naked body and feel the excitement they leave in their wake.”

I look around quickly, grateful that he’s not speaking too loudly.

“I want to smell the perfume you wear as I nip at your earlobe and whisper things to you I’m too afraid to say when I’m not inebriated by your very presence.”

I can’t believe he’s saying these things to me right here, in the light of day, as if he’s telling me about his classes or what color shoes he decided to wear today.

“I want to hear you pronounce my name with such desperation, supplicating me for more – deeper, slower – like you can’t get enough of me even though you’re holding me so tightly you leave marks on my skin that take days to disappear and underscore the words forever inscribed on my shoulder blade–”

“I’m sorry–” He interrupts my interruption with a surprising kiss, his hand supporting my neck as his mouth moves hard and fast against mine. I gasp when he pulls away, and my eyes are enraptured by the fervency of his gaze.

“I’m not,” he whispers, then shakes his head. “I want the taste of you…” He pauses and nods just so, making sure I fully understand what he’s implying. “…on my lips.”

“Jon!” I nearly shriek, taken aback by his brazenness and indelicate suggestion. Oddly enough, though, I’ve never been more attracted to him than I am in this moment. He laughs at my response.

“And I want to make you blush, just like that.” He touches his thumb to the warm skin of my face. “To see the glow of tamarisk in your cheeks when you’re coming down. There’s not a prettier color in nature.”

I can say nothing, do nothing, except stare at him with my mouth agape.

“And do you want to know why I want these things?”

It takes me a moment to realize he’s asked me a question, that he’s waiting for my answer. “Because you want me to be happy?”

“No.” Now both of his thumbs rub my temples as he stares lustfully at me, through me. My pulse is raging, and I can hear it in my ears and feel it coursing beneath my skin. “Because I’m a selfish man, and every one of those things rouses me and makes me want to take you in ways I never have — ways your virtuous mind has probably never even imagined. You engage me and provoke me and you drive me to the brink of insanity, and just when I think I’m gone, you save me, Olivia. A brush of your hand. A kiss. A whisper.”

Contessa Review - 4.5 Stars!!

Holy freaking crap!  Seriously.  OMG.   <--- that's pretty close to all I have to say about this book.  I'm off to snatch up the rest of the series ASAP (although I may wait until the last one comes out so I can read them all  in one go).

Despite the complete and utter state of awe I am in, I had best put some effort in, no?  Firstly, I want to say, covers for this series are absolutely the best covers I have seen in such a long time.  The artistic quality to them and colors absolute capture this series.  It was a perfect match.  I have absolutely nothing negative to say about those covers.  Amazing.  Great concept and great artistry.

Secondly, the concept of this series, a YA romance that actually has some deep, important coming of age problems that teenagers might face in these situations, wow.  I mean, it was a depth I hadn't seen in YA in a long while.  As always, those concepts and the cover prompted me to do this tour and review.

Now, the characters.  What to say about the characters.  Livvy was amazingly believable - which is actually pretty rare in YA as well.  I mean, I'm a woman.  I was once a teenage girl.  And I did some seriously immature crap back then.  I had horribly immature thoughts.  I was angry, sassy and in my own world half the time.  So yeah, Livvy had her immature moments that did nothing to detract from the story because honestly, she IS a teenager.  Those moments should happen when one has issues at 16.  Livvy has issues.  Enough said.

Jon was amazingly mature for his age and I LOVE that type in my novels.  I can't help it.  Stereotypical but it's true, for me.  In any case, because of his situation, he did mature fast, and very well.  Heck, I'm too old for him and still wanted him for myself.  He was also great guidance for Olivia during a time in which she needed it.  He was perhaps my favorite character.

The supporting characters are also as well done, each with their own separate personalities and such.  The depth of the 'cast' in this novel was excellent.  Very happy with the characterization.

Plotwise, everything fit nicely together.  I mean, I can't say more than that.  The problems Olivia and Jon faced in this novel was realistic and involved, and properly placed when needed.  Well done indeed.

As for the writing, the dialog was pretty freaking fantastic.  It did not make me wince so I'm happy.  It was obviously geared for younger audiences, so I wasn't expecting to read something with a more complex writing style.  It fit the proper genre well, although yes, a little immature for me.  But it didn't detract from the story, and made it so it was easily devoured in nearly one sitting.

Again, overall, excellent start of an amazing looking series.  I am going on to the next book happily!  4.5 stars!

After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.

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Forever Love Series by Megan Smith & Chelsea Landon Blog Tour

Title: Forever Love series
Including: Forever Dark and Forever Light
Authors: Chelsea Landon and Megan Smith
Release Date: Oct 16, 2014
Hosted by: Southern Belle Promotions & Book Plug Promotions

From the lights of the field, to the curve in the road, one shattered breath leaves friendships forever altered. 

The Forever Love Series will submerge you into two novels intertwined together where love and loss can break you down, tear you apart, and even last forever, if you’re willing to let it. 

After a celebratory night for six friends on the cusp of adulthood ends tragically, they’re left learning how to carry on. Years later, through their own struggles and accomplishments, each is left suspended by fears that encase them with such an intense blinding light, and a horrific soul-stealing darkness. Can they find their way out of the intricate web of guilt and deceit? Can they grasp the light amongst the shadows of what they used to be... and manage to be who they should become?

Sometimes the only way to heal is to face the fear of forever.

Forever Dark by Chelsea Landon

In Forever Dark, a novel by Chelsea Landon, you’ll spiral through life’s twists and turns of Cash Bryant, humbled quarterback, living his dream on the brink of fame, and Madison Thomas, a girl who shares the burden of the accident and destined for failure. Two people torn apart by tragedy; fearing that letting go will sever their remaining connection.

Forever Light by Megan Smith

In Forever Light, a new novel by USA Today Bestselling Author Megan Smith, you’ll meet Landon Hayes, an all-star wide receiver who is spiraling out of control after that one fateful night, and Macy Thomas, a college sweetheart who is shy and afraid to come out of her shell since the accident. When the heart-breaking reality sets in, can they find their light or is the past too dark to find their way?

Amazon

Excerpt from Forever Dark

It’s pouring outside, rain pelting my face and soaking my t-shirt. I don’t care. I still walk in the rain. 
Before I know it, I’m on the third floor and approaching her door, my shoes squeaking on the concrete floor. Taking my phone from my pocket, I send Madison a text.

You up?

She answers right away. It’s locked. Hold on.

My shoulder hits the wall, I lean into the door waiting for her to unlock it. A couple holding hands and beer passes by me. I don’t give them the time of day, even though they bump my shoulder and congratulate me on the season though we loss last night. 

Fuck football at this point.

I’m angry.

So fucking angry. 

I know I should have known that she was this girl but the fact that she kept stringing me along, that has me so angry.

I thought it was more.

That’s my problem. I thought.

When Madison opens the door, she’s dressed in my jersey from freshman year… yeah, the one she stole, and it’s a fading fucking reminder of what we used to be. I want to rip it off her body like she rips my heart out. 

When I step inside, she’s not looking at me and she won’t. She barely ever does.

“What are you doing here?” Her voice is low and hushed as she reaches to close the bathroom door.

I step inside raising an eyebrow at her, but I don’t look up, I can’t. The thump is louder, her proximity is suffocating. We don’t touch as I speak. “You don’t want me here?” 

She shakes her head, hopeless eyes fail to find anything they’re looking for. Slumped shoulders give way and she wraps her arms around me bringing our bodies together. Her hands slide over my wet shirt, catching as it clings to my body. She kisses down my jaw until her lips find mine. She captures me, right then, consuming me with her kisses. Our lips never fumble, maybe frustrated we can never get close enough, but they’re sure kisses that designate what we are, for the briefest moment. 

We’re this, right here, right now. 

A three AM text and no questions, only mumbled words of acceptance. 

I’m here for something and she knows it, her mouth finds mine again fisting her hands in my t-shirt, pulling me into her. We stumble, the wall meets her back and I’m dying, falling, soaring into the high only she can give me. I close my eyes and ignore the thump in my chest, ignore the fact that’s she’s never gonna love me the way I love her.

It’s just not going to happen. 

Ever.

Stop beating. Stop believing in anything but never.

The moment her tongue meets mine, I can’t breathe again. I’m screaming in pain that she can’t see what she does to me, how she makes me feel.

Excerpt from Forever Light

I push everything out of my mind and move with determination. It has to be this way. It’s for the best. I throw everything that’s left of me into soul-searing sex between us. My movements becoming harder, faster, my left arm wrapped around her waist, my right hand on her ass moving her against me. Macy’s panting and gently biting down on my neck and it only fuels my fire and sends me over the fucking edge. Macy’s body tightens around me and I push harder into her chasing my own orgasm, praying she’s close because I’m not lasting. 

“Oh Landon,” she cries out. Her body goes limp in my arms as I continue to drive into her. It starts out low in my stomach building rapidly and then it hits like a freight train. 

“Damn,” I grind out still pumping in and out of her slowly as my release hits. 

I rest my head on her shoulder and it’s then that I realize she’s crying. 

Shit. Was I too rough? 

Did I hurt her? 

No, that’s all I’ve ever done is hurt her. This is more. This is her knowing there’s no chance for us. Not when I can’t give myself to her in the ways she needs. I lift her chin and a tear slips down her cheek. Her next words break that last piece that was holding me together. 

“You stole my heartbeat.” I blink, pulling away from her, and the words come out before I can stop them. 

“I can’t steal something you give to me over and over again to destroy."

A stay-at-home mom, Chelsea spends her days drinking entirely too much caffeine, baking sugar-sweet treats she never eats, playing on Pinterest, and jotting down notes for her novels. A dreamer at heart, she’s been creating happily-ever-afters. She’s a lover, a writer, a dreamer, would rather type than speak, wants to remember everything, loves lots of ice in her drinks, and is slightly introverted.

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USA TODAY bestselling author Megan Smith is a New Jersey native managing purchasing for an award-winning business IT and software development firm - and by night creating the memorable characters her fans have grown to adore. Smith's The Love Series introduces readers to MacKenzie Cahill - a hopeful young woman who experiences adversity, challenges and the bittersweet triumph of true, authentic love.

Smith is a wife and mother, who makes time for her family, professional life and the creation of the Cahill's world. Fans of The Love Series - Trying Not To Love You, Easy To Love You, Hard To Love You - are captivated by relationships, special bonds and family ties pervasive in Smith's emotional, energized and engaging work. Smith is also the author of the 2014 releases, Let Me Love You - continuations of The Love Series, Finding Us (Finding Series) and a few top secret projects.

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