Life Before Damaged volume 2, by H.M. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Following the traumatic and steamy events of volume 1, volume 2 sees Gina trying in vain to go through the motions of everyday life, questioning herself at every turn. It's a clear case of coming of age, breaking free from the expectations of others and finding who you are, who you want to be and which values you want to abide by. That's what the 20's are all about.

This book lays down the groundwork for the story and you get insight into who Gina is, who are the people surrounding her and what kind of life she's lived up until now. Volume 2 is her backstory. New and interesting characters are introduced. Filled with funny comments and sassy comebacks.

A story is a journey. Sometimes there are steep hills to climb, sometimes there are thrilling hills to go down at breakneck speed, there are also valleys and plains and sometimes there are bumps in the road. This volume is part of that journey.

Psssst! The ending will have you swearing for more and wanting volume 3 right away! :-)

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Synopsis:

BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR HM WARD

Guilt ravages me, swallowing me whole. It steals my sleep and knots my stomach. I was the princess, the perfect Granz heiress, but no longer. That part of my life went up in flames, taking my future with it.

What remains is a shadow, a girl with no future and a terrible secret. There's only one soul who knows the extent of my sins, and I can't shake his beautiful face from my mind. The memories of being near him that night are charged. They linger, but going after Pete is like trying to catch smoke in my hand.

The pull toward this sexy man is unreal, and that's what I keep telling myself—the Pete Ferro I saw that night doesn't exist. There is no poet, no philosopher, no artist. He's a player and I’m his newest toy.

Genre: New Adult Romance

This story unfolds over multiple volumes

Length: Approx. 130 pgs 

About the Ferro family:

There are multiple series set within the Ferro family world: The Arrangement (Sean Ferro), Damaged and Life Before Damaged (Peter Ferro Granz), Stripped (Jonathan Ferro), The Proposition (Bryan Ferro), The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro) and Secrets and Lies (mystery Ferro). Each Ferro family story is made to be read on it's own but if you like H.M. Ward's books, you may want to read all of them (see note on suggested reading order below). The Ferro Family books are contemporary "new adult" romance stories involving characters mostly in their 20's.

Suggested reading order:

Each series is stand alone & can be read in any order. However, if you are planning on reading all of the Ferro Family books, I recommend reading them in the order suggested below to avoid any confusion or spoilers from one series to the next. For the ultimate Ferro fan, I have also included stories that are related to the Ferro family saga (Scandalous: the main male character is mentioned in Stripped; The Secret Life of Trystan Scott: Trystan and Mari make appearances in various Ferro books and Trystan becomes an important character in The Arrangement plot at some point, Second Chances: there's a small Ferro cameo in one chapter).

Suggested (Ferro) reading order:

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)

The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters in Ferro books)

The Arrangement 1 - 6 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 1 & 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)
The Arrangement 7 - 11 (Sean Ferro)
Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)
The Proposition 1 - 4 (Bryan Ferro)
The Arrangement 12 - 14 (Sean Ferro)
The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)
The Arrangement 15 -17 (Sean Ferro)
The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 1 - 2 (mystery Ferro)
Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)
Life Before Damaged 1 - 5 (Pete Ferro)

Books in order of publication date:
(This order jumps from one series to the next more often. Could be confusing if you are not familiar with the various characters and storylines)

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)

The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters in Ferro books)

The Arrangement 1-4 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 1 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 5-7 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 8-9 (Sean Ferro)

Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)

The Arrangement 10-11 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 1 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 12 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 2 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 13-14 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 3-4 (Bryan Ferro)
The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)
The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 1 (mystery Ferro)
Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)
The Arrangement 15 - 16 (Sean Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 2 (mystery Ferro)
The Arrangement 17 (Sean Ferro)
Life Before Damaged 1-5 (Pete Ferro)

About H.M. Ward's serials:

Serials are shorter books (1/4 to 1/3 of a full-length novel). They start off abruptly from where the previous book ended and end with a cliffhanger. Being shorter books, serials don't recap events that occur in previous volumes, so it's best to start off with book 1. I read at an average speed and each volume takes me about 1 to 2 hours to read.

Mai Tai'd Up, by Alice Clayton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another funny, romantic read by Alice Clayton.

Mai Tai'd Up is the 4th book in her Cocktail series but it is a standalone novel that intertwines a bit with the other Cocktail novels. You can easily read Mai Tai'd Up without having read any of the other Cocktail novels.

The Cocktail series starts out with Wallbanger and Rusty Nailed which follow the hilariously romantic ups and downs of Caroline and Simon. Then comes Screwdrivered, where we get Viv (Simon's long-time friend from high school) and Clark's story.

Mai Tai'd Up follows Chloe, Clark's cousin, as she ditches her fiancé at the altar and starts a new and exciting life, befriending the sweet and lovable (and sexy) veterinarian Lucas.

Alice Clayton is known for her lovable characters, her witty comedy and her sexy romance. Mai Tai'd Up encompasses all three once more. Many moments made me smile, a couple made me laugh out loud and one hot and sexy shower scene that had me swooning. A light-hearted and feel-good rom-com that I most definitely recommend.

Around the 25% mark, I had trouble putting it down.

View all my reviews

Synopsis:

Looking for the perfect mix of smart, sexy, and sassy? Mai Tai’d Up continues New York Times bestselling author Alice Clayton’s Cocktail series, which began with Wallbanger and continued with Rusty Nailed and Screwdrivered.

The gossip mill in the seaside community of Monterey is churning about Chloe Patterson, the newcomer who is starting a sanctuary for rescued pit bulls. It’s rumored that she’s a former beauty queen (true) who ditched her fiancé the morning of their wedding (also true). And that while she’s not looking for a new man, the good-looking local veterinarian has his eye on her. Absolutely, positively true.

When Lucas Campbell isn’t at the family veterinary clinic, he’s paddle boarding in Monterey Bay. Recently single, he’s definitely not in the market for a new relationship, but he still can’t resist taking a second, third, and fourth look at the recent arrival of Miss Golden State.

Neither Lucas nor Chloe has any interest in being tied down. Being tied up, however—now there’s a thought. But are a few Mai Tais, a moonlit night, and the music of Frank Sinatra enough to allow them both to forget their past? Let’s hope Ol’ Blue Eyes knows what he’s doing.

Mix one part tiki, one part kinky, and a splash of old black magic matchmaking, and it’s time to be . . . Mai Tai’d Up.

Life Before Damaged, volume 1, by H.M. Ward

BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR,

HM WARD

Money. Power. Sex. 

The trifecta every man strives for and very few attain. I had these things and walked away from the endless stream of women, from the family fortune, from everything. It was all mine in a life long forgotten. The past can't stay buried forever and hiding mine from Sidney is getting harder. I'm not the guy she thinks, and if she knows the truth I risk losing her.

The thing is, I feel those old ways pulling me back, and if Sidney is part of my life she has to know. If she doesn't it could destroy us both.

The truth won't set me free. No matter what my name is, I'll always be a Ferro. But Sidney has a choice and I won't steal it from her.

Genre: New Adult Romance
This story unfolds over multiple volumes approx. 125 pages each.

About the Ferro family:

There are multiple series set within the Ferro family world: The Arrangement (Sean Ferro), Damaged  and Life Before Damaged (Peter Ferro Granz), Stripped (Jonathan Ferro), The Proposition (Bryan Ferro), The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro) and Secrets and Lies (mystery Ferro). Each Ferro family story is made to be read on it's own but if you like H.M. Ward's books, you may want to read all of them (see note on suggested reading order below). The Ferro Family books are contemporary "new adult" romance stories involving characters mostly in their 20's.

Suggested reading order:

Each series is stand alone & can be read in any order. However, if you are planning on reading all of the Ferro Family books, I recommend reading them in the order suggested below to avoid any spoilers from one series to the next. For the ultimate Ferro fan, I have also included stories that are related to the Ferro family saga (Scandalous: the main male character is mentioned in Stripped; The Secret Life of Trystan Scott: Trystan and Mari make appearances in various Ferro books and Trystan becomes an important character in The Arrangement plot at some point, Second Chances: there's a small Ferro cameo in one chapter).

Suggested reading order:

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)

The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters in Ferro books)

The Arrangement 1 - 6 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 1 & 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 7 - 11 (Sean Ferro)

Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)

The Proposition 1 - 4 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 12 - 14 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 15 -17 (Sean Ferro)

The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)

Secrets and Lies 1 - 2 (mystery Ferro)

Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)

Life Before Damaged 1 (Pete Ferro)

Books in order of publication date:
(This order jumps from one series to the next more often. Could be confusing if you are not familiar with the various characters and storylines)

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)

The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters in Ferro books)

The Arrangement 1-4 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 1 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 5-7 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 8-9 (Sean Ferro)

Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)

The Arrangement 10-11 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 1 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 12 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 2 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 13-14 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 3-4 (Bryan Ferro)
The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)
The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 1 (mystery Ferro)
Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)
The Arrangement 15 - 16 (Sean Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 2 (mystery Ferro)
The Arrangement 17 (Sean Ferro)
Life Before Damaged 1 (Pete Ferro)

About H.M. Ward's serials:

Serials are shorter books (1/4 to 1/3 of a full-length novel). They start off abruptly from where the previous book ended and end with a cliffhanger. Being shorter books, serials don't recap events that occur in previous volumes, so it's best to start off with book 1. I read at an average speed and each volume takes me about 1 to 2 hours to read.

The Arrangement 17, by H.M. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a word: INTENSE!

If you are looking for a highly addictive, highly emotional read, get on board The Arrangement train and witness first hand the hot, sexy, twisted mess of a man that is Sean Ferro!

Oh H.M. Ward! You are going to give me a heart attack at this rate! This story just keeps getting better and better! Still unpredictable, still gut wrenching and still oh, so sexy hot and frustrating all at once.

This is not the last book of the series but you get more and more answers (along with more and more questions). Pieces are falling into place but questions of What? How? Who? Why? surface and are left unanswered. This story goes much deeper than your typical romance story. Story lines of money, power, corruption and massive, massive scheming.

Another Arrangement, another cliffhanger and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Each volume takes 1 - 2 hours to read. You must start with number 1. This series intertwines with other Ferro titles by H.M. Ward yet each series is written in a way that they can be read separately.

View all my reviews

About the Ferro family:

There are multiple series set within the Ferro family world: The Arrangement (Sean Ferro), Damaged (Peter Ferro Granz), Stripped (Jonathan Ferro), The Proposition (Bryan Ferro), The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro) and Secrets and Lies (mystery Ferro). Each Ferro family story is made to be read on it's own but if you like H.M. Ward's books, you may want to read all of them (see note on suggested reading order below). The Ferro Family books are contemporary "new adult" romance stories involving characters mostly in their 20's.

Suggested reading order (see 2 lists below):
Each series is stand alone & can be read in any order. However, if you are planning on reading all of the Ferro Family books, I recommend reading them in the order they were published (see below) to avoid any spoilers from one series to the next. For the ultimate Ferro fan, I have also included stories that are related to the Ferro family saga (Scandalous: the main male character is mentioned in Stripped; The Secret Life of Trystan Scott: Trystan and Mari make appearances in various Ferro books and Trystan becomes an important character in The Arrangement plot at some point, Second Chances: there's a small Ferro cameo in one chapter).

Books in order of publication date: 

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)
The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters in Ferro books)

The Arrangement 1-4 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 1 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 5-7 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 8-9 (Sean Ferro)

Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)

The Arrangement 10-11 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 1 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 12 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 2 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 13-14 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 3-4 (Bryan Ferro)
The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)
The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 1 (mystery Ferro)
Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)
The Arrangement 15 - 16 (Sean Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 2 (mystery Ferro)
The Arrangement 17 (Sean Ferro)

Simplified reading order:

This order clumps more books of one same series together, reducing the amount of skipping from one series to the next. It respects the chronological order of events and prevents spoilers.

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)
The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters in Ferro books)
The Arrangement 1 - 6 (Sean Ferro)
Damaged 1 & 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)
The Arrangement 7 - 11 (Sean Ferro)
Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)
The Proposition 1 - 4 (Bryan Ferro)
The Arrangement 12 - 14 (Sean Ferro)
The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)
The Arrangement 15 -17 (Sean Ferro)
The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 1 - 2 (mystery Ferro)
Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)

About H.M. Ward's serials:

Serials are shorter books (1/4 to 1/3 of a full-length novel). They start off abruptly from where the previous book ended and end with a cliffhanger. Being shorter books, serials don't recap events that occur in previous volumes, so it's best to start off with book 1. I read at an average speed and each volume takes me about 1 to 2 hours to read.

Sweet Filthy Boy, by Christina Lauren

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Book 1 in the Wild Seasons series BUT IT IS A STAND ALONE STORY. This is one of the things that I love about Christina Lauren's novels. Even if they are part of a series, they are also stand alone, focusing on a single couple within a group of friends that you follow from one book to the next, as secondary characters. Wild Seasons introduces a whole new set of friends, although CL have been hinting that the gang from the Beautifuls will cross over into this series at some point. 

Sweet Filthy Boy is another wonderful read by Christina Lauren! Two words: Ballet and Paris!

There are so many reasons to read and love and swoon along with Mia and Ansel! True to their form, Christina Lauren pack this novel with everything I love in a romance novel: laughs, good friends, hot sexy loving, smart characters, sweet and tender loving moments, relatable situations (the airplane ride... just that alone... I can't even!). Ansel is so different from what I was expecting and he surpassed my expectations. He is filthy but he is SO SWEET!!!!! This just goes to prove once more that you don't have to be alpha to be sexy (Max, Will and Ansel all the way!).

Another reason to love Christina Lauren: EVERY BOOK IS DIFFERENT! Every single C.L. book has it's unique feel and flavour and all the characters are different. In a time where romance novels and authors are coming out of the woodwork everywhere, I find that many authors cling to one form of character and story line, just changing the names from one book to the next, making it feel like you're reading the same book over and over again. Not Christina Lauren. They come up with new and interesting situations and scenarios and themes every time! Kudos!

Oh, and the French is spot on this time!

(why the 0.5 deduction? Simply because I found it easier to put the book down this time around... no sleepless nights, no messy house, no frozen pizza for 5 meals in a row because I was too busy reading, no arriving late at work because I just had to read another page... other than that, I loved it!)

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Secrets and Lies 2, by H.M. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You need to read Secrets and Lies 1 before reading Secrets and Lies 2. You don't have to read the other Ferro books to understand the contents of Secrets and Lies but I highly recommend it as we are starting to see some crossovers (for Ferronutters, this volume doesn't give us any hints as to when the story occurs in relation to the Ferro timeline).

Funny, upbeat, sexy, young, hot, surprising, shocking, smart and... OH! THE ENDING!

Set in a college setting, specifically in an art school, this series is young and bright and filled with all the things we've come to love from H.M. Ward's books: lots of sass, comedy relief, urban lingo to make you go hmmmmm, crazy animal interludes, a strong leading lady, a sexy male counterpart and steamy sexy scenes... oh, and let's not forget the cliffhanger. C'mon! It's not the last book in the series. Of course she won't end the book on a conclusive note. I loved the parts in art school. H.M. Ward is an artist at heart and it shows. Her way of describing art (how to see it, how to create it) is beautiful.

And the mystery Ferro is.......... (drumroll) ...........Ha! I'm not saying if we get the answer to that question or not yet! You'll have to read to find out.

View all my reviews

About the Ferro family:

Secrets and Lies is a Ferro Family story about a mystery member of the Ferro family. As of volume 2, we still don't know who the Ferro is. Other Ferro Family titles are The Arrangement (Sean Ferro), Damaged (Peter Ferro Granz), Stripped (Jonathan Ferro), The Proposition (Bryan Ferro) and The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro). Each Ferro family story is made to be read on it's own but if you like H.M. Ward's books, you may want to read all of them (see note on suggested reading order below). The Ferro Family books are contemporary "new adult" romance stories involving characters mostly in their 20's.

About H.M. Ward's serials:

Serials are shorter books (1/4 to 1/3 of a full-length novel). They start off abruptly from where the previous book ended and end with a cliffhanger. Being shorter books, serials don't recap events that occur in previous volumes, so it's best to start off with book 1. I read at an average speed and each volume takes me about 1 to 2 hours to read.

Suggested reading orders:
Each series is stand alone & can be read in any order. However, if you are planning on reading all of the Ferro Family books, I recommend reading them in the order they were published (see below) to avoid any spoilers from one series to the next. For the ultimate Ferro fan, I have also included stories that are related to the Ferro family saga (Scandalous: the main male character is mentioned in Stripped; The Secret Life of Trystan Scott: Trystan and Mari make appearances in various Ferro books and Trystan becomes an important character in The Arrangement plot at some point, Second Chances: there's a small Ferro cameo in one chapter).

Books in order of publication date: 

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)
The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters appear in Ferro books)

The Arrangement 1-4 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 1 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 5-7 (Sean Ferro)

Damaged 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)

The Arrangement 8-9 (Sean Ferro)

Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)

The Arrangement 10-11 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 1 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 12 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 2 (Bryan Ferro)

The Arrangement 13-14 (Sean Ferro)

The Proposition 3-4 (Bryan Ferro)
The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)
The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 1 (mystery Ferro)
Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)
The Arrangement 15 - 16 (Sean Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 2 (mystery Ferro)

Alternate (simplified) reading order:

If you are afraid of confusing characters and plots by constantly switching from one series to the next, you may want to read the series in this more simplified reading order which respects the chronological order of events and avoids spoilers:

Scandalous 1 & 2 (not Ferro / mentioned in Stripped)
The Secret Life of Trystan Scott 1 - 5 (not Ferro / characters appear in Ferro books)
The Arrangement 1 - 6 (Sean Ferro)
Damaged 1 & 2 (Peter Ferro Granz)
The Arrangement 7 - 11 (Sean Ferro)
Stripped (Jonathan Ferro)
The Proposition 1 - 4 (Bryan Ferro)
The Arrangement 12 - 14 (Sean Ferro)
The Proposition 5 (Bryan Ferro)
The Arrangement 15 -16 (Sean Ferro)
The Wedding Contract (Nick Ferro)
Secrets and Lies 1 - 2 (mystery Ferro)
Second Chances (not Ferro / Ferro cameo)

The Arrangement 16, by H.M. Ward

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

***** THIS IS A SAFE REVIEW (no spoilers) *****

I'm a sucker for all things Ferro but The Arrangement always holds a special place in my heart and on my ereader (especially when Peter makes an appearance... and what an appearance it is!!!).

Things to know: This is the 16th volume in a series of novellas and it is not the last (there is no pre-determined number of volumes to this series). They each take me about 1.5 to 2 hours to read. They are all approximately the same length. For the newbie Arrangement reader, you have to start with volume 1. There are multiple Ferro series out and each can be read separately but The Arrangement is like the glue that binds them all together. Sean Ferro is just EVERYWHERE!!!

The Arrangement 16: The Ferro Family: Another great volume in the series! This is a crossroads for many of H.M. Ward's series and story lines. It's crossover central! There's mention of the events in The Proposition and The Secret Life of Trystan Scott (and upcoming Broken Promises) and winks at Damaged and Stripped. Sean and Avery's story continues to progress and their characters are evolving by leaps and bounds (character evolution is a must for me), each figuring out who they are and what they want. There's a lot of new information to process in terms of plot and intrigue but there's a feeling of everything finally starting to make sense and coming together, as if all the loose ends that have been scattered since the start are gradually being tied up. My emotions were, once more, running wild while I read. Every time I get a new Arrangement volume, I feel like I'm reunited with close friends. <3 data-blogger-escaped-br="" data-blogger-escaped-peter="">

I was given a complimentary reviewer's copy in exchange for an honest review. 

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My Last Season With You, by S.V.C. Ricketts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my. This novella is pure emotion. It made me cry, it made me smile, it gave me the feels. There is nothing in this book that I don't love.

If you are looking for great quality writing, look no further. S.V.C. Ricketts is a beautiful writer. Her ability to describe surroundings, characters and emotions is stunning and captivating. Quality, beauty and elegance!

As for the story itself (read synopsis below for summary), get ready for a story of lifelong friendship, true unprejudiced love, struggle for survival and music! Oh! The music! The characters are all so wonderful as well. I fell in love with Desi and Reggie. So different but so perfect for each other!

Is it sad? Yes, it is but don't let that deter you from reading My Last Season With You because it is also filled with beauty and happiness.

Need another reason to buy this novella? Part of the proceeds go to Free2Luv, an anti-bullying nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating individuality through arts and entertainment. Their mission is to support individuals globally to freely express themselves, spread kindness, stand up to bullying and support equal rights.

I was truly touched by this novella and highly recommend it. Congrats to S.V.C. Ricketts on your debut book and I look forward to reading a lot more from you in the near future!

Stand alone novella.

View all my reviews

Synopsis:

“Dealing with your own terminal illness is easier than telling your best friend that you’re in love with her. Just sayin’.” – Regina Callahan 

Reggie Callahan has come to terms with her prognosis of less than a year to live. She’s been dealing with it all summer thanks to blacking out and falling off her horse back home in Wisconsin. Instead of starting her junior year, she’s only back at New York University to tie up loose ends. One of them is breaking the news to her childhood friend, actress and model, Desi St. Clair. For Reggie, telling her that she is sick, and leaving the city is harder than learning you’re going to die. 

Until Desi kisses her. 

This isn’t a story about gender preference or about living with cancer. Plain and simple, it’s about love and what people are willing to endure to live without regrets and savor every moment. 

Portion of all sales will go to Free2Luv, a non-profit charity that supports anti-bullying & the freedom of expression. 

**This is a STANDALONE novella. It is not part of a series, and does not contain a cliffhanger. This book is intended for mature audiences. Does NOT contain explicit or graphic sexual scenes. **

The Arrangement Instant Video series Kickstarter project, by H.M. Ward

H.M. Ward's Kickstarter project is now live. The Kickstarter is to crowdsource fund her "The Arrangement" series of books into Instant Video. Almost a year after the launch of the petition, she has decided crowd source fund her project to "control everything from the script to the director". The goal is to raise $2 119 000 by October 22nd 2014 to the get the project underway. 

As an incentive to get people to donate money to this project, H.M. Ward has come up with exciting rewards such as AN EXCLUSIVE BOOK FROM SEAN FERRO'S POINT OF VIEW (only available through the Kickstarter project) and the possibility to be a on the set either as an observer or as part of the cast (as an extra or as a one-line actor).

Link to H.M. Ward's Kickstarter project to bring "The Arrangement" to video:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hmward/the-arrangement-instant-video-series

Spread the word!

Spread the word and share the link above and let's help make this happen!

A word from H.M Ward:

H.M. Ward Facebook Post:

Post by H.M. Ward.

Cover Reveal: Pretending He's You, by Stacey Mosteller

Title: Pretending He's You (Nashville Nights, #4)

Author: Stacey Mosteller

Release Date: October 22, 2014

Cover Photography & Design by Sara Eirew @ Sara Eirew Photographer & Designer

 

Synopsis

Olivia Barrett’s always had a weakness for bad boys and Tyler Chamberlain is no exception. His tattoos, his piercings, and even the fact that he has a girlfriend doesn’t keep her away. Interested in Tyler since she first saw him pick up a guitar, she’s been trying to find ways to be with him for years. He’s the one Livvie runs to when she needs a friend, the one who makes her laugh and holds her when she needs to cry. Unfortunately, they are never single at the same time and sneaking around is getting old. Now, tired of making bad decisions, Livvie’s making changes. Her friends are all starting to grow up and she doesn’t want to be left behind. Terrified her friends are moving on without her, she's’s determined to make things work with Emmett, her on-again off-again boyfriend since high school. The only problem? Tyler isn’t ready to let her go. Despite her boyfriend and his girlfriend, these two are drawn together like magnets. When she’s with Emmett she wishes she was with Tyler and vice versa. Will Livvie ever get tired of pretending and pick one guy? Or will she keep bouncing back and forth between the two of them indefinitely?    

Prologue

He makes me so mad! It’s my birthday, and instead of celebrating with my boyfriend, I’m at home, fuming over the stupid shit he always does. Emmett knows today is my birthday, but instead of making plans to spend the night with me, he’s with his teammates. I mean, come on! I bailed on plans with SB, Jess and Lily tonight to spend time with my boyfriend. I was actually planning on giving up my virginity tonight…I figured hell, I’m eighteen now, I’m an adult, sex is my decision right? Wrong, apparently. My bedroom door shuts behind me and I whirl around, thinking he’s followed me in, but no, of course not. It’s Tyler, Chris’s friend and old bandmate. A guy I’ve had a crush on since he started coming around when he first moved to Nashville from London. Looking over at him in shock, because I really didn’t expect to see him, or anyone here tonight. My parents aren’t home, which is par for the course, and my brother…oh shit! Chris is home on leave so that means the rest of the old band is here too. They always hang out and play when he’s home. “What’s wrong Livvie-girl?” His softly spoken words, in the accent that’s not as pronounced as it was the first time I met him, saying the nickname he gave me, bring tears to my eyes. Turning back away from him, not wanting him to see me cry, not over something as stupid as my boyfriend having an away game on my birthday. Trust me, I know the way I’m acting is selfish, but it just feels like everyone has abandoned me this year. My parents are out of town, my boyfriend refused to blow off his game, and I can’t beg my friends to hang out with me because I already told them what my plans were for tonight. If I call any of them, they’ll just feel sorry for me. Tyler’s hands land on my shoulders, squeezing gently before he turns me back around to face him. The concern in his eyes unravels me; I just want to be close to someone, to feel like someone cares. I collapse into his chest, crying softly while he strokes my hair, murmuring sweet words to comfort me. We only stand like this for a few minutes, just until I can get my emotions under control. “Are you ready to tell me what has you so upset, love?” He tips my chin up so I’m looking into his eyes, but I don’t want him to see just how messed up I am tonight. I just want to forget everything, forget how cheated I feel. Tonight was supposed to be the night…my eighteenth birthday, the first time I go “all the way” - which sounds really corny by the way. We’ve done everything but the actual deed so I shouldn’t feel so cheated. It’s just, I’m tired of being one of the only ones in my group of friends who hasn’t done it yet. It’s just SarahBeth and me and she’s waiting for someone who will never, ever notice her like that. I don’t want to end up like her, alone and pining for someone I can’t have. I can’t say any of that to Tyler though, so I just say, “I’m just upset because I’m spending my birthday alone.” There, that should suffice. I shouldn’t have to elaborate on those words. Besides, now that I’m in here, in my room…alone with a boy, a boy that I’ve always wanted to be alone with, I’m getting ideas. Ones I shouldn’t act on, but I’m angry, still feeling the sting of rejection from Emmett refusing to blow off his game. “Ahh,” he says knowingly, “your birthday? How old are you now?” He tilts his head sideways, studying me as he waits for my answer. My smile turns wicked as I trail a finger down his chest, then his really nice abs, stopping just above the snap on his jeans. Looking up at him, I breathe the word, “Eighteen.” His light brown eyes darken until I’m almost unable to tell where his pupils end and the color begins. This so isn’t me, but I like the effect I’m having on him. “Mmmm, that’s a good age, Livvie-girl,” he says, his voice suddenly much deeper. I know I’m playing with fire, but I just can’t help myself. Tyler rubs his thumb against my bottom lip, prompting me to touch the tip of my tongue against it. His indrawn breath makes me feel powerful, like I’m doing something naughty when I shouldn’t be. Which of course, I am. Technically, I have a boyfriend…at least I think I still do. I’m not really sure because I told him that if he didn’t blow off the game, he shouldn’t call me again. It’s not the first time I’ve made the threat and I’ve never followed through with it before, but Tyler’s finally paying me attention. I’ve wanted him to notice me since the day I met him, the broken boy who’d just lost his mom and moved in with a father who didn’t know he’d existed until the day his mom’s will was read. I’m feeling reckless and bold, and I’m not sure if it’s because it’s him or my birthday, or just the idea that I’m doing something I’m not supposed to be. I talk a lot of shit, but deep down, I’m really a good girl. Always doing what my parents tell me, never really getting into trouble. Up to this point, the only rebellious thing I’ve done is putting a bright red streak in my dark hair. My parents freaked about that one until I assured them it was temporary - even though it’s not. Tyler’s free hand strokes down my arm leaving a trail of goose bumps in its wake before settling on my waist. The warmth of his hand seeps through my light shirt and into my skin as I stretch up on my toes to brush my mouth against his briefly. His hand tightens as the other moves from my chin around to the back of my neck, tangling in my hair and holding my head still. Before I can ask what he’s doing, his mouth lands on mine, kissing me roughly. I’ve never been kissed this way, and when I don’t push him away, he pulls back just enough to trace the seam of my lips with his tongue, silently asking for acceptance. I don’t even think of denying him, opening immediately and sucking his tongue into my mouth. He growls, pulling me harder against him and letting me feel his obvious erection against my stomach. I’ve made out with a few guys, but none of them have ever made me feel like this. I feel like I’m freezing and burning up all at the same time. Tyler knows exactly how to touch me to make my body ignite, and I’m wondering why I bother with high school boys when the older ones are so much better.  

 

Never Wanted More (Nashville Nights #0.5):

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Save Me From Myself (Nashville Nights #1):

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Everything I Shouldn’t (Nashville Nights #2):

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Everything I Need (Nashville Nights #3):

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Also by Stacey Mosteller

Second Chances

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Author Bio

Stacey is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of Second Chances (co-authored with H.M. Ward) and the Nashville Nights series. She is also a wife, mother, writer and self-professed bookwhore - not necessarily in that order! As the mother of three growing boys, her Kindle has become her temporary escape from the insanity of boys, dogs and her husband. Stacey can usually be found curled up with her iPad when she's supposed to be writing or creating endless playlists on Spotify.

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Everything I Need, by Stacey Mosteller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book made me cry happy and sad tears!

Everything I Need is the romantic conclusion (book 2) to SarahBeth and Jeremy's lifelong story in the Nashville Nights series. I highly recommend reading both "Save Me From Myself" (David and Lyric's story) and "Everything I Shouldn't" (book 1 of SB's & Jer's story) before reading this one to get the full blown emotional effect. I cried, I laughed, I swooned, I cringed, I wanted to slap a bitch... basically, it kept me highly entertained and made me go through the gamut of emotions. WIN!

Both characters start off in emotional turmoil after the dramatic events of Everything I Shouldn't. It's a constant struggle between what each of them wants as opposed to doing what is best. Both characters are flawed and have to grow in order to have any chance at a Happily Ever After. The characters evolve at a nice pace. Luckily for them, they are surrounded by wonderful friends to slap some sense into them.

Speaking of secondary characters, they are WONDERFUL! I love how Stacey Mosteller brings her characters to life, each with very distinct personalities. For David and Lyric fans, you will most definitely get your fill! Wyatt and Peyton are also present... Wyatt is such a sweetie!

Lots of hints are dropped throughout the book in regards to the Olivia / Emmett / Tyler love triangle (their book is next). Now I'm all grabby hands, wanting it on my bookshelf NOW!

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Title: Everything I Need (Nashville Nights, #3)

Author: Stacey Mosteller

Release Date: September 4. 2014

Synopsis

SarahBeth Pearson has made mistakes, and I might just be the biggest one of them all. After spending months keeping secrets and lying to everyone close to us, it’s all fallen apart and we are each left alone to pick up the pieces. I’ve loved SarahBeth in one form or another her entire life. The steps that brought us closer together weren’t easy for me to take. After letting her dictate our relationship, I’ve found myself practically homeless and estranged from my closest friends. Now I’m left trying to move on, finding a new place to live and getting everything I need in order, while she’s trying to mend her broken heart. There’s just one problem…SarahBeth’s still keeping secrets - and her secret just might change everything.  

Excerpt

It feels like I'm at confession, getting ready to lay out all my sins and ask what I need to do for penance, "You know my relationship with most of my family is shit." "Yes," she says softly, confusion evident in her voice. "Luckily, you haven't had much interaction with my mother, but she's always getting into and out of trouble. Usually it's something to do with drugs or alcohol, she's been arrested for prostitution because she had to pay her dealer or she begs people for money because she owes somebody. She gets mixed up with people she shouldn’t be associated with at all. This time, the guy demanded names of people she was close to, she gave him my name of course. Constance and Henry will never give her money, and my grandmother doesn't have much to give. Being in my life put you in danger, and I couldn’t allow that. Unfortunately, my fuck up of a mother gave them your name in an attempt to manipulate me, so they're already aware of you. It also means there’s no reason for me to stay away from you, because they already know who you are.” I've kept my gaze locked on her face throughout the entire explanation, watching her face grow more pale, knowing this is what I wanted to prevent. The last thing I want is for her to be scared or upset, but being a part of my life makes her ammunition for my mother. "Did you not think I could handle it?" her voice is resigned, but I can hear the anger just below the surface. "That I'd want to be there for you...with you? We were great together, Jeremy...together we could have handled anything." Not wanting to explain my actions yet again, actions that were meant to keep her safe, I say, "I just wanted to protect you..." Before I can explain any further, she finally turns to face me, her eyes sparking angrily as she glares at me, her temper snapping. "Are you seriously telling me that you stayed away from me just because your mom is a crappy person? You've made my life a living hell for six weeks because you wanted to protect me?" She stands, almost vibrating with fury and hurt. As soon as she stops talking, I cut in, "Yes! It's my job to protect you." Doesn't she get that? All of this was to protect her, from my damn mother's bullshit touching her innocence. "How do you know I couldn't handle it? I'd do anything for you Jeremy!" I stand now, struggling to explain further, because this is the last reaction I expected from her, but she cuts me off, her voice thick with tears. "Did it ever occur to you that I wouldn't care? That I would want to be with you regardless? Do you really not realize how much I loved you?" The fact that she uses the past tense doesn't escape my notice, and my heart clenches painfully at the thought that I've done too much damage for us to come back from this. Before I can think about possible repercussions, I walk over to stand in front of her, my own hand shaking as I cup her cheek and ask, "Baby, what kind of man would I be if I didn't want to protect you? Hurting you hurts me." Bending so I can look straight into her eyes, I say, my voice rough with emotion, "You're the most important thing in my world, Little Bit. The only reason I shut you out is because I love you so fucking much. If something happened to you because of my family, if being with me caused you to be hurt, I wouldn't be able to live with myself. Knowing it was better for you that I stay away was the only thing keeping me from you." SarahBeth closes her eyes, shutting me out now, not allowing me to see what she's feeling. "Dammit! Do you honestly think I'd push you away if I didn't have a good fucking reason?" My voice rises with my frustration. Her eyes fly open, pinning me with her angry stare. Jerking away from me, she spins around, and tries to get herself under control in a way that's all too familiar. I can't help but smile as she faces away from me, her hands balled into fists at her side, she’s breathing heavily as she attempts to calm herself down. Finally, she turns back to me, but takes a step back, keeping her distance. She thinks that putting space between us will keep me away from her, but she's wrong. I've lived six weeks without her; I'm not going a minute longer. "God, you make me so mad," she seethes, looking at me in a way that makes me worry over sensitive body parts and what she might do to them in retaliation. "I can't believe you would do that, that you would just cut me off and take yourself out of my life without even telling me what was going on. I just..." her voice breaks and I watch as she deflates in front of me, no longer the angry little madam, but a sad young girl instead. "If you only knew..." Unable to take it anymore, the distance, the emotions, the whole damn situation, I take the three steps necessary to take her in my arms, refusing to let her go, even when she struggles. That might make me the worst kind of man, but she only pushes against me for a second before relaxing, clutching my shirt in her fists and burying her head in my chest.

Nashville Nights series

Everything I Need (Nashville Nights, #3)

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Never Wanted More (Nashville Nights #0.5) - FREE on Amazon

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Save Me From Myself (Nashville Nights #1) - FREE

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Everything I Shouldn’t (Nashville Nights #2)

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Second Chances

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Author Bio

Stacey is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author of Second Chances (co-authored with H.M. Ward) and the Nashville Nights series. She is also a wife, mother, writer and self-professed bookwhore - not necessarily in that order! As the mother of three growing boys, her Kindle has become her temporary escape from the insanity of boys, dogs and her husband. Stacey can usually be found curled up with her iPad when she's supposed to be writing or creating endless playlists on Spotify.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Email

 

Giveaway!

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