Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

RELEASE BLITZ - The End Zone by L.J. Shen


The End Zone, a sexy friends to lovers romance from L.J. Shen is available LIVE! 

Jolie Louis is a smart girl.
She knows that her best friend, Sage Poirier, is a bad idea.
He’s a walking, talking cliché. The Adonis quarterback with the bulging biceps and harem of fangirls trailing behind him on campus like a stench you can’t get rid of.
Sadly, it is also the very reason she can’t seem to stay away from him.
No, wait. That’s not fair. They’re also roommates, at least until May, when they graduate from college.
Jolie is already straddling the line between friendship and more when Sage comes to her with an offer she cannot refuse: be his fake girlfriend and live for free for the rest of the semester.
She tells herself that she can handle it.
He’s just the boy she saved ten years ago, right?
Wrong. So very wrong.
He is a man now, and she is his captive
Heart, body, and soul…

** THE END ZONE is now available with an extended epilogue and surprise bonus content that will blow fans of L. J. Shen away! **


Don’t miss out! 

Download now or read today FREE in Kindle Unlimited! 


Amazon Universal: mybook.to/TheEndZone 


Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2HOo83N

About L.J. Shen:
L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat. Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets people’s birthdays and never sends Christmas cards. She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

Connect with LJ Shen: 





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Monday, August 8, 2016

RELEASE BLITZ - Rounding Third by Michelle Lynn


Title: Rounding Third
Author: Michelle Lynn
Genre: New Adult

Release Date: August 8, 2016

Blurb

I was destined for stardom.
From the age of seven, I was an all-star.
Parent’s praised me, coaches worshipped me.
As I got older, girls begged for me.
I was Beltline’s baseball God, guaranteed to put this small town on the map.

Then, after one night, that future vanished.

The legend was laid to rest.
I gave up my scholarship.
I fled from Beltline.
I left behind the girl.

Now, I’m back.



Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK

B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS


Trailer


Excerpt

Jogging up the stairs to the second floor, I sneak into the back row of the classroom. I pull out my laptop and quickly catch up with the professor’s lecture. The guy a couple seats down passes a syllabus over, and when I turn to thank him, I’m reminded that nothing comes easy in my life.

“Is there a reason you were holding my girlfriend’s hand?” Ella’s boyfriend whispers, sliding into the open seat between us.

Well…shit.

“She won’t be your girlfriend for long,” my cockiness answers for me. My arrogance is a great intimidator that’s always worked in getting me what I want.

“Who are you?”

As his beady eyes try to daunt me, I get an up close look at him. I can see why El might have fallen for him. He’s a safe bet. Probably riding the coattails of his family’s money, paving his way with his arrogant little bitch frat brothers. It only assures me of one thing. I don’t have to fight him for El. This guy wouldn’t start a fight if I fucked her right in the middle of his bed. El is just a trophy to him. He doesn’t love her like I do.

“I’m just an old friend. We have a long history together.” I glance at him from the corner of my eye, offering him a quick wink.

His knuckles whiten as he clenches his pen. It couldn’t be more satisfying, knowing I’m getting under his skin.

His annoyed expression tells me that Ella hasn’t been so open about her life and her past. This guy doesn’t have a shot.

“She’s taken, so keep your hands to yourself.”

A few heads flip around after his voice heightens.

Not needing a professor to hate me on day one, I lean in closer to whisper in his ear, “I can’t make any promises. It’s nothing personal, believe me, but technically, she’s always been mine.” I ease back against my chair right as the professor’s eyes catch mine.

Liam’s head whips around, and I wait for him to ask me to take our discussion outside. But he cowers, like I knew he would.

“Try to steal her away from me, and see what happens,” he says.

“I’m not going to have to try hard. Your time with her was over the moment she saw me.”

The professor forcefully clears her throat, eyeing us. If we don’t end this conversation soon, we’ll both be kicked out.

“Don’t be so cocky, asshole. The fact that I don’t know anything about you, and the fact that she’s never mentioned your name, show what she really thinks of you.”

“You two”—the professor points, and a hundred pairs of eyes turn in our direction—“since you’re so chatty, maybe you should be conducting the lecture this morning?” She crosses her arms over her purple blouse and waits for our answer.

“Sorry, Professor Knight,” Douche Bag says.

“Sorry,” I say.

She nods and starts the lecture back up again, her eyes continuing to linger on us.

He slides over to his original seat.

I strike my earlier thought. I have no idea what El sees in this weak shithead.

I lean over the now vacant chair, testing my luck one final time. “Don’t worry. I’ll be around. We can continue this conversation soon.”

He scoffs me off, shaking his head. His fingers start tapping on the keys of his laptop as he accepts his defeat for this round.

Author Bio


Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around two kindergarteners all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

Author Links



Giveaway

Monday, August 1, 2016

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - The Summer Games: Out of Bounds by R.S. Grey

Title: The Summer Games: Out of Bounds
Author: R.S. Grey
Release Date: Aug 1, 2016
I despise Erik Winter.
He’s arrogant and cruel—a man I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy—and by some twisted turn of fate, he’s my new Olympic gymnastics coach.
I’ve had to contend with gruff coaches in the past, but Erik is far worse. His stern demeanor complements a body built for intimidation, and his reprimands come from a mouth so cunning, I know it could strip me of my defenses—if I let it.
Though each of us would love to be rid of the other forever, we are bound to each other by need and necessity. I’m his rising star, his best shot at proving himself to his critics. And without a coach, I have zero chance of winning gold in Rio.
The easiest way forward would be to wave a white flag and make peace with the man I’ll be sharing close quarters with for the foreseeable future, but he is intent on war.
Fine. By. Me.
If he pushes me, I’ll push back harder. If he wants to test me, to play with my head, I’ll show him just how many boundaries I’m willing to cross. Because I know it’s not a choice between winning or warring—not if you can have them both. At the end of it all, I plan on leaving Rio with gold around my neck and his icy heart in the palm of my hand.


Love love love this book! If you read The Summer Games: Settling the Score, be prepared to realize that this book is NOTHING like TSG:StS. Having read every R.S. Grey book, I can say that this book has a different feel than her previous stories, but I like that we are getting to see how Ms. Grey is evolving as an author by the experiences she writes for her characters and how those characters handle those experiences, both positively and negatively.

I'll do my best to review this without giving away spoilers, but this story is more angsty than what we've come to know from Ms. Grey. But that's because both Erik and Brie already have their own issues to deal with, and they just compound once Brie has relocated to Seattle for training. There's a lot of back and forth between them, like seeing how far they can push the other, but there's never a definitive end to their games. It seems almost compulsory, like an addiction because neither one wants to the be one who loses. We readers can see how it will play out, but for Brie and Erik, they can't seem to stop, even knowing the risks of what could happen.

I loved that we get Erik's insight with this story, and why he acts so hot and cold when it comes Brie; not that I excuse it, but at least we get to see the rationale, so to speak, behind his actions. Another point in favor of this story is that we get to see the buildup of their relationship before they even leave for Rio, so this isn't a "we met during a highly stressful time, yet managed to fall in love in 14 minutes" romance. Rather, a behind the scenes look at the unusual start of a relationship that either benefit both Erik and Brie, or be the downfall of them, both personally and professionally.

Kudos to Ms. Grey for another outstanding book!!!!

ARC provided in exchange for honest review.
I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way, I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things... everyday.
I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I'm a comedy geek and love all things "funny". Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

EXCERPT REVEAL - Balance by Lucia Franco


Blurb


Adrianna Rossi is no stranger to the rigorous demands required of her body. Years of pain and determination make her one of the best. Olympic glory is the ultimate goal, and she'll do anything to achieve it. Even if that means leaving home to attend World Cup Academy of Gymnastics, a training center that serves one purpose—producing champions. 

Perfection, precision, and dedication are required of his athletes. When two time Olympian Konstantin Kournakova is persuaded into training the young hopeful, he immediately regrets it. She doesn't come close to his high standards. As the relentless pursuit of her dream keeps her striving, a passion is ignited within him.

Kova's power and domination, coupled with Adrianna's fierce tenacity, reveal there is more for her body to learn. Every interaction can be misconstrued, but there’s no mistaking the darkening of his gaze, the lingering of his touch, or the illicit image of his bare skin pressed against hers. Integrity is on the line. One toe off the beam and their forbidden desires could ruin everything they’ve worked for, throwing it all off balance. 


WARNING: This novel contains explicit content.

Expected Release: 

To Be Announced

Special iBooks Pre-Order 



Excerpt

Kova turned around to face me, his broad shoulders pulled back, one hand propped on his hip and the other clenched around his water bottle. "Do you think you are the first gymnast to show wear and tear on their hands from bars? You are not in Palm Beach anymore, malysh—" 

Kova visibly tensed, stopping short from his last word. Since I didn't speak a lick of Russian, I didn't have a clue as to what he said. But judging by the alarmed look on his face and the thick air between us, whatever he said couldn't have been good. 

Snapping his head to the side, he cracked his neck. "I am not going to go light on you. Get used to it. Nobody said it was going to be easy, it only gets harder from here on out. You need to learn to toughen up and take it. Remember what I said earlier? Prove it to me. Every time you step foot into that gym—make it count. I do not care if your hands hurt or your back is sore or you are running on two hours of sleep. Prove it. Champions are not made by complaining. They are made by the endless pursuit of their dream despite the obstacles they are faced with. Push through it and do it."

I took a minute to let the weight of his words sink in. While an outsider would think they were laced with malice, I knew they weren't. That was the furthest thing from the truth. I knew he was pushing me to be better. Not only to prove it to him, but myself as well. Without a doubt, Konstantin Kournakova was one hundred percent right.

Slowly nodding, I looked into his eyes and said, "You're completely right, but I never expected you to go light on me. That's not what I wanted. That's not why I came here. I want the challenge. I want to be better. It's why I pour every ounce of blood and sweat into a sport that gives me so little in return. The truth is, I've never been challenged by a coach the way I have by you, so I'm learning to adjust to it." I held up my hands and showed him the bloody blisters threatening to pop under my palms. "You won't hear a complaint come from me again."

Kova's shoulders loosened and he blew out a ragged breath. His gaze openly traveled the length of my body, taking in every inch. The way his eyes pierced mine, like he was pleased with my response, made my heart rush against my chest with satisfaction.

About Lucia Franco


A competitive athlete for over ten years, Lucia Franco currently resides in sunny South Florida with her husband and two boys. Paranormal romance was her first love, but she has a soft spot in her heart for small-town and reunion romance stories.

When Lucia is not hard at work on her next novel, you can find her relaxing with her toes in the sand at a nearby beach.

Find out more about Lucia at authorluciafranco.com. Make sure to join her newsletter to receive exclusive updates and more!

Instagram: lucia_franco_
Twitter: @lucia_franco_



Amazon page:  http://amzn.to/28YmMWy



Monday, July 11, 2016

COVER REVEAL - The Baller's Secret Baby (Barnes Family #1) by Normandie Alleman


Title: The Baller's Secret Baby
Series: Barnes Family #1 
Author: Normandie Alleman
Genre: Sports/Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Mayhem Cover Creations
Images: LoveNBooks 

Release Date: July 20, 2016 

Blurb

He may be a player, but this stud’s not shooting blanks.

NICK

I'm nobody's baby daddy.
I don't care how many stunning women throw themselves at me,
looking to turn one hot night into an eighteen-year paycheck.
I've got way too much on the line to throw it away for one night of pleasure.
Ball is life, and basketball is my first priority.
I've got a championship to win.
But when I see that familiar face shaking her pom-poms on the sidelines,
I’m transported back to childhood,
Back to the days before a fiery plane crash ripped us apart,
forcing us to grow up overnight.
Those were the days when Eden Evans stole my heart.
This time, I might be ready to give it right back to her.

EDEN

I have no interest in a man who comes with groupies.
With a rock legend for a father, I’ve seen the toll fame takes on a marriage.
The last thing I need is a guy with more Twitter followers than Justin Beiber.
So when Nick Barnes dribbles his way back into my life,
my heart and head go into battle.
I can't fight my desire for the sexy baller with his eight-pack abs
and panty-dropping charm.
And when that little stick shows an unmistakable plus sign,
suddenly, everything is on the line.

With a secret baby on the way, will Nick realize that having the home court advantage is what he's wanted all along?



Pre-order Links

AMAZON US / UK


Excerpt

I ordered for us both and we settled into an easy conversation. Being with her felt like slipping into an old pair of comfortable shoes—if those shoes were the hottest kicks ever, and they made your stomach do a flip when you wore them.

The champagne arrived, and I made a toast. “To old friends.”

“To old friends,” she repeated and clinked her glass against mine. “I probably shouldn’t be drinking this.”

“Why is that?”

Then she told me about the scrutiny she was under from the cheerleading director of the Scorpions.

“I hear you. I don’t drink much during the season myself, but tonight seems like a special occasion.”

“Oh, it is. I agree with you! And I am having the fish.”

“You are. What a good girl.” I wanted to offer to help her work off some of the calories later, but I behaved myself and only thought it.

She giggled. “Okay, so I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

She smiled before continuing. “I heard these girls talking about how you have bunnies… What does that mean?”

It was my turn to smile. “It’s like saying someone has hops—like they can jump.”

Her face lit up. “Oh, so it’s like how Charles Barkley calls you Air Apparent because you can dunk so well.”

“Yes, exactly like that.”

“How do you do it—dunk I mean?”

I shrugged. “Practice. Lots of practice.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I was afraid they were talking about Playboy bunnies.”

We both laughed.

“Not quite. I steer clear of that place.”

“The Playboy Mansion?”

“Yeah. That scene is a trap for guys like me.”

“In what way? Seems like guys like you would love that sort of, ahem, environment.”

“Nah. Maybe if we could stay incognito, but once people recognize you, know you’ve got money, they all want one thing from you.”

“And I’m guessing it’s not your hops?”

“Nope. Everybody wants a payday, a piece of you. When you’ve got money you can’t trust anyone.”

She shook her head. “Especially if you’re famous. I do well with my medical business, but it’s not the same.”

I stood corrected. Damn, I needed this girl. She brought me back down to Earth.

Taking her hand across the table, I held it, the warmth of her skin felt so good in my hand that for a moment I forgot all the outside pressures, the untrustworthy people and the users in the world. Everything else melted away and it was just me and Eden, who’d known me when I was a boy. The girl who was my friend before I became a household name or signed my first contract for millions. When it was just us blowing bubbles during the hot summer days and chasing fireflies at night.

Holding hands with her like this—it felt like home.

Author Bio 


A former psychologist, Normandie has always been fascinated by human behavior. She loves writing quirky characters that are all too human. Fiber arts, baking, and Pinterest are a few of her favorite pastimes. A shamelessly proud basketball mom, Normandie lives on a farm with a passel of kids, an adorable husband, and a pet pig who’s crazy for Red Bull. If you’d like up to the minute new release info on Normandie’s books text RACYREADS to 24587 (Use all CAPS).

Author Links



Giveaway 

Want a FREE audiobook from the author? Normandie will be giving away an audiobook (while supplies last) to everyone who wants one via Audible's "Send a Book" program! All you have to do is fill out the form HERE!

Thursday, June 30, 2016

RELEASE BLITZ - Deep In You (The Phoenix Series #1) by David S. Scott


Title: Deep in You
Series: The Phoenix Series #1
Author: David S. Scott
Genre: Erotica

Release Date: June 30, 2016

Blurb

My name is Alexander Phoenix. You’ve probably heard of me, most people have. I’ve won 
numerous awards and medals all over the world, including the last two Olympics Games. Outside gymnastics, I’m untamable. Many have tried, none have succeeded. They’ve called me a playboy, 
a philanderer…

Until a chance meeting in a bar with her almost proves to be a disaster for both of us. She’s hot, fascinating and, despite the fact that she poses a risk to me because she’s a tabloid reporter, I can’t help but feel drawn to her.

What are her secrets? Who wants to hurt her?

I’ve never shied away from challenges. Why should I start now?



Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA


Excerpt

I swooped down and kissed her, cutting her off. I knew what she’d seen, what they’d all seen. I didn’t want to talk about gymnastics now. Don’t get me wrong, I love it. I like being able to control my body to do these things, enjoy the admiration I get. It just wasn’t my focus here in the club. My interest was only in the beautiful woman in front of me. I captured her mouth with mine, claiming her. She was delicious; sweet with a slight taste of martini. My tongue caressed hers, danced with hers. My pulse increased to dangerous levels as she moaned and matched me stroke for stroke. I retreated slightly before driving into her again, our mouths a mimicry of what I wanted to do to her with my body. Everything else fell away–the club, the people pressing into us from all sides, the noise, all of it. It was just me and her, doing positively indecent things, uncaring of who saw us. Unable to resist, I roughly groped her breast outside her shirt. She pulled back, her eyes dark, hooded. We both breathed heavily, and my head spun. I felt drunk off her pheromones. She took my hand and led me off the dance floor through the club’s exit.

Coming Soon


#2 Deeper In You – Coming July 5, 2016

I’ve lost everything …

And I mean everything. Once a household name, now just a broken shell. Lily has left me and taken my entire future with her. I just want to sleep and never wake up. Forget love, forget passion. All of it. I’m done.

My Name is Alexander Phoenix, former Olympic gymnast. I was once known as the X-Wing, as the man who flies. Make that flew…

Can I salvage my future and reclaim my place as the man I used to be? Or does fate have something else in store? Haunted by ghosts of the past, I must find the strength to move on and find my path. Broken hearts still beat, right?

I’ve never shied away from challenges. Why should I start now?

Pre-order Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA


Author Bio


David S. Scott is a new author of erotica and erotic romance novels. He is currently working on his upcoming release Deep in You and its sequel Deeper in You. He is in his mid-thirties and happily married, and has a bit of a wicked sense of humor. When not writing, David can be found reading a variety of genres or playing “nerd games” like Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. He loves surfing and shark-tooth hunting on the local beaches, and hopes to one day fulfill his dream of writing full-time. David loves interacting with people and meeting new friends, so please be sure to follow him on his author page.

Author Links



Giveaway
DOUBLE RELEASE DAY BONUS 

When you order the ebook “Deep In You” on June 30th you will receive the prequel “Dreams and Dreamers." A Kindle email address will be required for this giveaway. To receive your copy please email your kindle address as well as proof of purchase to Melissa Ann at kopekatt@gmail.com. Please add kopekatt@gmail.com to your accepted list on your kindle. Not only will you receive the prequel but you will also be entered into a draw for a $25 Amazon Gift Card. The winner will be randomly chosen and contacted by email within 48 hours.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

COVER REVEAL - Rounding Third by Michelle Lynn


Title: Rounding Third
Author: Michelle Lynn
Genre: New Adult
Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative Covers

Release Date: August 8, 2016

Blurb

I was destined for stardom.
From the age of seven, I was an all-star.
Parent’s praised me, coaches worshipped me.
As I got older, girls begged for me.
I was Beltline’s baseball God, guaranteed to put this small town on the map.

Then, after one night, that future vanished.

The legend was laid to rest.
I gave up my scholarship.
I fled from Beltline.
I left behind the girl.

Now, I’m back.



Author Bio


Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around two kindergarteners all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

Author Links



Giveaway

RELEASE BLITZ - Midwest Fighter (Kendall Family #2) by Jennifer Ann


Title: Midwest Fighter
Series: Kendall Family #2 
Author: Jennifer Ann 
Genre: Contemporary/Sports Romance 

Release Date: June 29, 2016 

Blurb

James Kendall has spent his entire life being protective of those he loves. When unforeseen tragedy strikes, he finds solace in the boxing ring. But when the pressure of being the family leader causes his anger to spiral out of control, hurting those he vowed to always protect, his rockstar brother-in-law sends him to New York to cool down and train with a boxing legend.

New York socialite Sharlo Rockford was raised in the lap of luxury, but with an absent dad and drug addict of a mum, she can hardly classify her childhood as happy. Still, she’s able to remain upbeat as well as a loyal friend even after her last boyfriend was unfaithful, she was traumatized in a home invasion, and her flatmate married America’s hottest rockstar. With so much going on in her life, it’s a miracle Sharlo can still be the rock everyone around her needs.

Following a chance meeting, James and Sharlo are unable to shake each other from their thoughts. When they reunite, it’s with a bang…literally. But when James feels an obligation to return home to run the family business, he questions if his feelings for Sharlo are strong enough to fight for, or if he’d be better off throwing in the towel and admitting defeat.

Little does he know, fate is about to deliver one helluva sucker punch.

Warning: This book involves the whirlwind love affair between a brooding boxer and a strong, witty British heroine. If you’re looking for an entertaining read with knicker-melting sex scenes, then sit back and enjoy the ride.



Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK


Author Bio

Jennifer Ann is the pen name used by Jen Naumann when writing steamy romance novels with complex love stories. Like her characters, she's in love with the city of New York and can often be found either there or at concerts, rocking with the best of them. On the rare occasions she realizes she's no longer a spring chicken, you can catch her driving a tractor alongside her husband in southern Minnesota while trying to keep up with the madness of their four active children.

Jennifer also writes YA paranormal under Jen Naumann.

Author Links


Giveaway