Aestas Book Blog

SIGNED GIVEAWAY — COMPLETE “UP IN THE AIR SERIES” (including MR. BEAUTIFUL) by RK Lilley

October 13, 2014 by Aestas · 158 Comments

Here’s a HUGE signed giveaway!!!

To celebrate the release of Mr. Beautiful, a male POV continuation of the Up In The Air series, author RK Lilley is generously offering to giveaway a signed set of all 4 books in the series!!!

Enter at the Rafflecopter below. Good luck everyone 😀

❤ UP IN THE AIR SERIES ❤

This whole series is a delicious blend of heart-clenching emotion, fan-yourself hotness, make-you-blush kink, combined with an engaging plot that keeps you flipping the pages.

❤ SIGNED GIVEAWAY ❤

Open Internationally. Void where prohibited by law. Must be over 18 to enter.
1 winner will a signed set of the complete UP IN THE AIR series.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review — Gravity by L.D. Cedergreen

October 12, 2014 by Aestas · 8 Comments

“It was as if gravity had pulled us both here, to this place at this exact time, and I couldn’t seem to defy the force of it. I couldn’t ignore the significance.”

Wow!!

This was SUCH a good book! An unconventional romance with a powerful emotional impact. I loved it!!

I honestly don’t know how to describe this story to you though without it being misleading because there is a huge twist that literally changes everything you know!! Like, really — woah!! Technically, even the blurb actually makes make you “think” the story is something it’s not. So it’s hard to talk about…

PS – this whole review page is spoiler-free.

I’ll admit that I actually knew the twist before I started and here’s the thing: There are many different kinds of readers out there. Some of you love going into books completely blind and being taken by surprise by the twists… and there are others who like to know exactly what to expect from this kind of story.

Just for me, personally, I’ll be honest and say that if I had been taken by surprise by this twist, I would have disliked the book. This is not a fault of the author or the way the book is presented, it is just a reflection of the type of reader I am. This isn’t me telling you what you will or won’t feel, just me saying that for this kind of big, game-changing twist, I prefer going in with an understanding of what to expect because it gives me a sense of security. Knowing what to expect did not in any way dull the emotional impact of the twist. Guys, I CRIED. Over and over and over again, even though I knew what was coming.

And also… again, just for me, the minute I heard what the twist was, it made me want to drop everything and read the book NOW. So finding out was actually the thing that made me read the book!

So, I’m not telling you what to do. If you want to go in blind, do it!! Many readers recommend doing that, in fact. However, many other readers have told me that they are so grateful that they were told in advance and that knowing the twist made them able to love the book. So the choice is YOURS.

If you want to know the twist (full spoilers), click this link here.

____________

Ok, I should probably actually review this a little now, huh? (still spoiler-free!)

I really enjoyed the story right from the start — that prologue was heart-wrenching! I think it especially helped my anticipation because I knew the direction it was heading in. Honestly, I did find the first half of the book though to be a little slow — no crazy emotions or anything like that — it just seemed like a normal story. But I knew what was coming and I knew what was really happening and so that kept me flipping pages as fast as I could because I wanted to experience the impact of the twist and when it hit, I totally fell apart! Big crocodile tears just streamed down my face. Then I’d be okay for a few pages and then tears would start all over again!! And it was real mascara-running, throat-closing-up, cant-see-the-page crying.

I LOVE BIG EMOTIONS. I want to feel the stories I read in my heart and oh boy did I ever feel this one.

This wasn’t just a simple “boy meets girl” romance. The relationship dynamics between past and present and between the different aspects of her life were quite complex. There were secrets that had been hidden for years and a lot of drama and big life choices that felt very “real”. And I really appreciated that because real life isn’t always simple, it isn’t always clear, it isn’t always fair and I loved seeing the characters work through these issues. This story was undoubtedly unconventional but I applaud the author for stepping outside the box and writing this story because it left such a strong impression on my heart!!

Definitely a new favorite!!

Rating: 4.5 stars!! Standalone Contemporary Romance.

SALES, NEW RELEASES, RECOMMENDATIONS, & PRE-ORDERS

October 7, 2014 by Aestas · 6 Comments

Here are this week’s latest new books!! It was quite an epic release week actually. TONS of new books that I either adored or can’t wait to read so be sure to check them all out!! Happy reading everyone 🙂

*** #1 TOP RECOMMENDATION ***

Becoming Calder & Finding Eden by Mia Sheridan.

If you only get one set of books from this whole list, get these #1 Becoming Calder (Review) + #2 Finding Eden (Review). This 2-book series is just BREATHTAKING!!! Absolutely EPIC, unique, and unforgettable. Calder & Eden’s intense, passionate, forbidden love story captivated me and had my heart racing from the first word to the very last. 6 STARS!!!!

Click here for FAQs about the series.

“Calder kissed me in a way that made me believe I had not only always been his, but I would be his forever. In this life or any other. In his kiss was the promise that wherever he and I existed, we would belong to each other.”

*** LATEST NEW RELEASES ***

Ace’s Redemption by A.C. Bextor — $0.99 New Release!!

EX-BIKER ALERT!! This is only $0.99 and has high ratings!! The hero leaves behind his MC and takes a woman from that life with him to help her get her son back… And she has a hope that “one day he’d love me for who I was, not the broken girl he tried so desperately to save.”

This is the first standalone in a new series that is a spin-off of this MC series (you do not need to read this series first): Book 1, Book 2, Book 3.

Fighting Temptation by K.C. Lynn — Reader recommendation!!

BAD BOY ALERT!! This is actually a series of 3 standalones with crazy HIGH ratings and they’ve been recommended to me several times!!! Each book is about a different couple and has a happy ending. ➜ “If you like hot tattooed bad boys who are possessive with major alpha personalities then this is the book for you.”

#1 Fighting Temptation, #2 Sweet Temptation, #3 Resisting Temptation.

Burying Water by KA Tucker — New Release!!

I love the sound of this one and can’t wait to read it!! The story begins with a young woman who wakes up in a field without any memory, but who somehow recognizes the sexy but mysterious next-door neighbor who is secretly hoping she doesn’t remember him…

This is a standalone. There will be 4 standalones in this series.

Echoes of Scotland Street by Samantha Young — New Release!!

The heroine has sworn off men, especially bad boys. And the hero is exactly who she wants to avoid. He’s gorgeous, tattooed, charming, and cocky. But his rough exterior hides a good man who’s ready to find “the one” and he’s determined to win her heart… — This is a standalone novel in the On Dublin Street series. (#1 On Dublin Street, #1.5 Until Fountain Bridge, #2 Down London Road, #2.5 Castle Hill, #3 Before Jamaica Lane, #4 Fall From India Place, #5 Echoes of Scotland Street.)

Shame by Rachel Van Dyken — New Release!!

This is the highly-anticipated final book in the Ruin series!! Each book in this series can be read as a standalone. The first 2.5 books are bundled together on sale and this new one can be read alone.

“Falling in love with my professor was a bad idea. But I was powerless to stop myself… You think you know my story, but you don’t.”

Reaper’s Stand by Joanna Wylde — New Release!!

Biker fans!! The hero is the Club President and “after losing his wife, he knew he’d never love another woman. And with two daughters to raise and a club to manage, that was just fine with him… He definitely doesn’t want to waste his time on a glorified cleaning lady… Too bad he’s completely obsessed with her.”

Series: #1 Reaper’s Property, #2 Reaper’s Legacy, #3 Devil’s Game, Reaper’s Stand.

Tied by Emma Chase — New Release!!

This is the fourth sexy romance in the Tangled series!! Drew and Kate can’t wait to tie the knot… — The road to this day wasn’t all rainbows and boners… there were some unexpected incidents in Vegas last weekend that could have been a problem. I know what you’re thinking — what the hell did you do this time? Relax. Let’s not judge, or call for my castration, until you’ve heard the whole story.

Full series reading order: #1 Tangled, #2 Twisted, #3 Tamed, Tied.

Bigger Than The Sky by Harper Bently — Recent Release + New Review!!

“Five years ago, I left my fiancé, hotter than hot Navy SEAL Kade Kelly, at the altar. No, I’m not an idiot. Yes, I had my reasons… Upon returning to my hometown, I find that Kade’s now home for good… He scares the crap out of me. He thrills me. He used to tell me our love was bigger than the sky…. I always knew ours was a once-in-a-lifetime love. So how can he be so sure it can happen again?”

This is the first standalone in a series of standalones. Read my Review.

Raine by J.C. Valentine — $0.99 New Release!!

This looks good! The heroine is a shy, quiet girl who is shocked when the most popular guy in school takes interest in her. But when a betrayal rocks her world and she finds comfort and love in an unlikely place… with his older brother. He’s the black sheep of the family and from what I’ve heard, he’s very swoon-worthy.

This appears to be a standalone (and there’s a pregnancy storyline).

Tyler’s Undoing by LP Dover — $0.99 New Release!!

Fighter Alert!! All 3 books in this “steamy, romantic suspense” series about “hot and sexy MMA fighters” are $0.99 each!! The first book is a prequel, the next 2 books follow a hero who “not only fights in the ring, but fights against his desire for the one girl he can’t have.”

Reading order: Book #1, Book #2, Book #3 (no cliffhanger).

Loving You Always by Kennedy Ryan — New Release!!

If you’re a fan of love triangles, check this series out! Two of my favorite authors recommend them! The story is about a woman who is engaged to a man who is nice but they have no passionate connection… But then she meets his best friend. She’s “the soul mate he never thought he would find. The problem is, his best friend found her first…”

Reading order: #1 When You Are Mine, #2 Loving You Always.

Apolonia by Jamie McGuire — New Release

This is a New Adult sci-fi romance! Very different than our usual! It is described in the blurb as an “action-packed roller coaster” set in a “dark and sexy” world.

The heroine survived her own murder and trusts no one, not even the beautifully dark, mysterious boy in her class… But when he gets abducted by soldiers in the night, she goes after him.

Immortal by JR Ward — New Release!!

This is the latest book in the Fallen Angels series by the author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. Each book is a standalone but they should be read in order and there are fallen angels, bad boy bikers, black ops soldiers, detectives and more…

Reading order: Covet, Crave, Envy, Rapture, Possession, Immortal.

Ruin: Part 1 by Deborah Blahdon — New Release!!

This new release is the first instalment of a new 3-part serial (it has a cliffhanger) and it’s $0.99 right now. The next 2 parts will be released within the next few weeks.

Oh, and the hero is a sexy doctor… The blurb says ➜ “Sitting next to a stranger on a flight from Boston to New York City alters the entire course of her life…”

Promise Me This by Christina Lee — New Release!!

This new standalone is about a privileged, playboy hero with a dirty family secret who doesn’t trust himself to do relationships but begins to fall in love with a strong, independent, tattooed, blue-haired girl who he craves…

Other standalones in the series (can be read in any order, or alone): All Of You, Before You Break, Whisper To Me, Promise Me This,.

Side Swiped by Lia Riley — New Release!!

This New Adult romance series has a “brooding surfer” hero and the second book (this one) was just released! “Even though she is back in his arms… she can’t stay forever. And the remaining time they have together is ticking by way too fast…”

The books must be read in order: #1 Upside Down, #2 Side Swiped.

Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick — New Release!!

This is a sexy romantic thriller set against the treacherous backdrop of the mountains of Wyoming. Falling in love should never be this dangerous…

The heroine finds chilling evidence of a series of murders that have taken place there… and in uncovering this, she may become the killer’s next target. But nothing is as it seems, and everyone is keeping secrets, including Mason, one of her kidnappers. His kindness is confusing Britt. Is he an enemy? Or an ally?

Click here for last week’s new releases list!

*** CURRENT SALES ***

…

BECOMING CALDER & FINDING EDEN by MIA SHERIDAN — A POWERFUL, CAPTIVATING, EPIC LOVE STORY!! 6 STARS!!

October 6, 2014 by Aestas · 19 Comments

SQUEE!!!! These 2 incredible books were just released and please trust me when I say that it’s worth it to drop everything that you’re doing to read them!!! This love story is one-of-a-kind and absolutely EPIC!!!

My heart was racing from the first word to the last. This story was breathtaking!!!!! The pure, raw, heart-wrenchingly powerful emotions, the exquisite writing, and the way every single piece of the story came together was perfection. It was passionate, intense, and quite honestly unforgettable. Mia Sheridan’s flawless writing is something every reader should experience, and this story truly makes you believe in undying, unconditional love. It is one of the very BEST series I have ever read. 6 STARS!!!

Buy BOOK #1 — BECOMING CALDER (Read my review)
Buy BOOK #2 — FINDING EDEN (Read my review)

There is a place in modern day America with no electricity, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences. In this place, there is no room for dreams, no space for self-expression, and no tolerance for ambition.

In this place, there is a boy with the body of a God and the heart of a warrior. He is strong and faithful and serves his family honorably. But he dares to dream of more.

In this place, there is a girl with the face of an angel and a heart full of courage. To her family, she is the vision of obedient perfection. But she dares to want that which she has been told can never be hers.

Becoming Calder is the story of good versus evil, fear versus bravery, and the truth that the light of love has always found its way into even the darkest of places… From the beginning of time, to the end of the world.

Finding Eden is a story of strength, discovery, forgiveness, and undying love. It is about believing in your destiny and following the path that leads to peace.

BOOK #1 — BECOMING CALDER
Buy for Kindle | Read my Review

BOOK #2 — FINDING EDEN
Buy for Kindle | Read my Review

The answers to some frequently asked questions about this series:

There are 2 books in this series, BECOMING CALDER and FINDING EDEN. They are Part 1 + 2 of the same story and have to be read together. They are both full length novels (about 300 pages).

These 2 books together tell a complete story (with a gorgeous epilogue!!)

The story is a Contemporary Adult (HOT!) Romance. There is nothing paranormal, mystical, or futuristic about the story. It takes place in modern-day America … but the setting itself is very unique.

This story is not related to the other books in the Sign Of Love series.

I hope you guys are excited to read these books!!! You’re going to fall in love with Calder!!! ♥

If you have other questions, just comment below and I’ll answer.

Book Review — Bigger Than The Sky by Harper Bentley

October 5, 2014 by Aestas · 4 Comments

“When we were together… Kade had always said our love was bigger than the sky.”

Buy BIGGER THAN THE SKY (Kindle)

As a huge fan of second chance love and Alpha male romance, I could not resist reading this book after I read the blurb. Here, I’ll just show you so you can see for yourself:

“Five years ago, I left my fiancé, hotter than hot Navy SEAL Kade Kelly, at the altar. No, I’m not an idiot. Yes, I had my reasons… Upon returning to my hometown, I find that Kade’s now home for good… He scares the crap out of me. He thrills me. He used to tell me our love was bigger than the sky…. I always knew ours was a once-in-a-lifetime love. So how can he be so sure it can happen again?”

The entire story is told to us from Amelia’s POV and the tone of it is actually quite light-hearted! It’s a full-length novel but a very fast read and I found myself easily breezing though the pages. Overall, I’d say that it was a fun read with a sexy romance that tugged my heart strings mixed in with some small-town drama.

Kade was the highlight of the book for me. I totally loved him. He was a sweet Alpha male. Very dominant, broody and possessive, but not in an overbearing way. That poor guy really had his heart broken when she’d left. But, being the big badass Alpha that he was, he was determined not to lose her a second time.

“Every night, babe, closed my eyes, saw your face.”

It was kind of a classic storyline. He loves her, he wants her back, so he rescues her, brings her to his home, protects her, wants to rekindle their romance… while there wasn’t anything really surprising about the storyline, I still totally bought it. Kade made me swoon and I loved seeing him work to get his girl back.

Amelia was funny. I liked her ‘voice’ and she gave the whole story a fun vibe. To be honest, the drama did get “over-the-top” at times but for some reason, it mostly just worked for me. I wasn’t trying to take things seriously, and just found myself loving their romance and overall feeling quite entertained by the story.

“My emotions have been flipping out since the moment I saw him and the I’m-really-sorry-I-left-your-gorgeous-ass-at-the-altar-five-years-ago-I-dont-know-what-else-to-do-but-apologize-but-now-you’ve-killed-me-by-buying-the-house-I-loved-which-makes-me-want-to-stab-you-repeatedly-but-would-you-mind-so-much-if-I-fuck-you-first-before-murdering-you thing I’ve got going is wearing me out.”

There’s plenty of steam in this this book! They’d had years of history together and once they rekindled their romance, things got quite hot… many times… in many places… and many positions 😉

“Open your eyes,” I hear his gravelly voice call to me.

When I do, my eyes lock onto his, which are so full of intensity… so full of pride because he knows he’s made me come hard… and so full of love.

There were a few things that had me rolling my eyes (especially that extra bit of drama at the end – omg! O.o) but I honestly just went with it. For whatever reason, things that might otherwise have turned me away, actually just worked for me here. I think the main reason was the fact that the romance was so strong and so heartfelt that it just kept the story very centered and I really appreciated that.

“Loved you a long time. Never stopped. Was lost without you those five years. Don’t even know how I kept breathing, but somehow I did. And now here you are.”

Kade and Amelia’s story was completely wrapped up at the end of this book with a HEA and a really sweet epilogue, but there is a secondary side story (involving their friends) that leads you right into the next book. And I actually really love that story set up — it sounds deliciously heart-wrenching — so I’ll definitely be reading the next book in the series whenever it comes out!

Overall, I found this book really entertaining — I swooned. It was hot. Cute. Funny. Romantic. Steamy. As I said, it got to be a little ‘much’ at times, but it wasn’t that big a deal and I’m really happy I read it!

Oh, and also, I seriously love the cover and the way that the title ties in with the story.

Rating: 4 stars. Standalone (first in a series of standalones).

Buy BIGGER THAN THE SKY (Kindle)

SIGNED GIVEAWAY — Burying Water by KA Tucker

October 3, 2014 by Aestas · 141 Comments

To celebrate the brand new release of KA Tucker’s new romantic suspense novel, Burying Water, I have a fun signed giveaway for you to enter!!! Just scroll down to the bottom of the post to the Rafflecopter. 😀

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?

Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.

The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

❤ SIGNED GIVEAWAY ❤

Open to anyone with a US or Canadian address to ship to. So, if you’re international, but have a friend or family member you can send it to, then you can still enter.
Void where prohibited by law. Must be over 18 to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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