Saturday, September 28, 2013

Review of Emi Lost and Found Series by Lori Otto

 
 
 
Synopsis:
 
Emi Lost and Found Series  

LOST AND FOUND (book one) - When artist Nate Wilson falls in love, he falls hard. The problem is, he’s only been in love once, and the girl of his affections is his best friend, Emi Hennigan. In high school, the two bonded over painful breakups, and swore off a relationship to save their friendship. Thirteen years later, Nate has had more than his share of emotionally-unfulfilling, sexual relationships with beautiful women to distract himself from his true romantic feelings.


When a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity takes Nate away from his friend and his comfortable lifestyle, he is forced to reflect on the distinct void that Emi’s absence leaves in his life. To Nate’s surprise, Emi has a similar experience; but as the friends embark upon their journey toward happiness together, destiny reveals other plans for Emi.


TIME STANDS STILL (book two) - Depression threatens all the relationships in Emi Hennigan’s life after a near death experience leaves her injured and feeling alone in a world she barely recognizes. On a night that is supposed to signify a new beginning in her life, she loses everything she loves.


It’s on that very same night, though, that Emi has a chance meeting with a man from her past who has the power to bring her more happiness than she’s ever known. Jack Holland is on a mission to rescue Emi from the pain that’s been consuming her, but his patience is tested as Emi holds on to the memory of the only man she’s ever truly loved.


NEVER LOOK BACK (book three) - Jack Holland finally has everything a man could want. After a lengthy courtship that has required persistence and self-restraint, Emi Hennigan– the woman Jack has been fantasizing about since college– has fallen in love with him. Together, the couple sets out to create their own happily-ever-after.


It’s only when Emi delivers some unwelcome news that Jack begins to question everything about the woman he loves. It will take a considerable amount of understanding and sacrifice for Jack to accept the future Emi can offer him– a future he never imagined for himself.
 
 



Synopsis: 
 
Not Today but Someday:
After the 3-volume Emi Lost & Found series was published, readers wanted more. This is for the readers – the story of how Nate and Emi met.


In December of 1994, when she was a junior in high school, Emi Hennigan discovered her father's infidelity. Forced to transfer schools mid-year, she wasn't trying to make new friends. In that same month, sophomore Nate Wilson's girlfriend broke up with him. Searching for someone to fill the void left by his first love, he meets Emi in his art class. Nate knows he wants Emi from the moment he sees her. Emi knows she needs Nate after one night together. A life-long friendship is born, and a pact is made to ensure that nothing will come between them. This novella is the prequel to the Emi Lost & Found series.


Review:
 
We give the Emi Series: a 5 I have lost and found my panties rating!
 
 


Mindy:  YAY!! I HAVE FINALLY MET ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE SERIES!!!!  It has seemed like it's been forever that I have had a serious book hangover...This did it!


Sarah:  This series left me in the mother of all book hangovers!! I needed therapy to just be able to function daily!  I mean, after reading these books I couldn’t even make myself read anything else!! I just wanted more.  
 


Mindy: Well a friend recommended these books to me a while back, and for whatever reason, I kept putting them off. I could kick myself for doing that!


Sarah:  I know exactly what you mean!! I had these and just kept skipping over them.  I could literally whip my own ass for not reading these sooner.  Think of that time with Nate that I missed out on!!


Mindy:  This series sucked me in at the very beginning with Emi and Nate.  Without giving any details away, I loved the way their relationship was already established and how it grew throughout the first book.
 


Sarah:  It sucked me in for sure! And honestly, I don’t know if it will ever release me from it’s hold.  The dynamic relationship between Emi and Nate just has such a natural flow, it keeps you hanging on their every word.  


Mindy:  I was warned to have a box of tissues handy. Even with that warning, I really had no idea what I would be in for! I just ended up snotting all over my comforter instead because of the amount of tears.
 
 


Sarah:  A snot tsunami!!!! That’s what I would call what happened to me while I was reading!!  I knew going in that something emotional was going to transpire, but I was so not prepared for the emotions that overtook me!


Mindy:  I certainly don't want this to stop someone from reading this though. There are so many happy moments and characters that you will absolutely fall in love with.


Sarah:  This series is totally different from anything I have read before.  It deals with true love, and the different ideas/thoughts the characters have about the meaning of “true love”.  


Mindy:  Ok, so once we see the exciting relationship blossom between Emi and Nate, we meet Jack.  Just when I think that I have fallen for Nate, I fall for Jack!
 
 


Sarah:  Jack…….ahhhhh Jack!! What’s not to love?? This man comes with the whole package, and then some!! Maybe a bag of chips too!


Mindy:  Jack is just one of the most understanding, caring, and lovable heroes I have ever read!


Sarah:  That man rode in on a whole herd of white horses!  BEST KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR EVER!!!


Mindy:  Emi is an amazing heroine who goes through tremendous highs and lows. Jack is always there to help her pick up the pieces to her life and to help her to live it fully.


Sarah:  Even through all the ups and downs of Emi’s life, I never really disliked her.  There were times I wanted her to wise up sooner than she did, but she never veered into bitch slap territory.  
 
Mindy:  I understand what you mean. I felt like she really had good reasons to make a lot of decisions that she had to make because of the situations she was in.


Sarah:  Yes! If anyone ever had a right to be the whiny heroine, it would be Emi.  Maybe that’s part of the reason I enjoyed this series so much, Emi handles everything thrown at her!
 


Mindy:  I honestly don't know what I would have done in her position in many of those circumstances.


Sarah:  I would’ve been admitting myself to the nearest nut house…...She handles her situation with a maturity beyond her years.  But then Jack is there to help her along the way, and her amazing family support system.  


Mindy:  Oh I just love all the family members and how they are such an important and supportive part of the lives of the main characters.


Sarah:  The whole series does a wonderful job of weaving all of the characters together.  The backstory of how everyone’s lives intertwine makes for an interesting read.


Mindy:  It was recommended to me to read the Prequel after reading the trilogy, and I agree!  There is a little bit of foreshadowing there.


Sarah:  I definitely agree on the foreshadowing.  Not only that though, but I feel like the story held more meaning by reading the Prequel last.  Knowing what is going to happen in the future makes each interaction with Emi and Nate in the past that much sweeter.  
 

Mindy:  Well I'm going to Pay It Forward and scream from the rooftops that people MUST put this series at the top of their TBR lists!


Sarah:  I’m not one for fighting, usually I’m a lover….but if you’re not reading this series, you need a swift kick to the rear!! Get in where you fit in peeps!! Pick this one up ASAP!  


About the author/links:
 
After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Lori Otto worked in the billboard industry for ten years. Frustrated with trying to communicate entire messages in “seven seconds or less,” she decided to leave outdoor advertising and return to her love of creative writing.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase link:
 
 
 
 
 
We are giving away an ebook copy of the Lost and Found series...go get your Otto on! The Otto Lotto is about to commence!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Friday, September 27, 2013

Review of Love Interrupted by A.J. Warner

Welcome Sassters!  Today we are reviewing the debut novel from A.J. Warner, a fellow Texan/Southern gal. 
 
 
 
Synopsis:
 
Logan Brooks and Andrew Eastin shared a once in a lifetime love. After losing her parents and overcoming many obstacles, she could not handle the possibility of losing him, too. She loved him enough to walk away, for both of their sakes.


As tragedy strikes again, Logan is on a downward spiral. Andrew knows she needs protection from herself, and he needs to love her through it, even if only from a distance.


When fate intervenes and allows them a second chance at love, will Logan and Andrew risk it? The Attraction is undeniable. The sexual tension, relentless. She is everything he has ever wanted. He sweeps her off her feet, renewing all that was lost.


Andrew promised her forever, but can words ever be enough? Can love prevail when life has different plans—bringing on more pain and emotions than imaginable? When lies and deceit corrupt the one thing sacred to them, plans will be ruined, promises will be broken, and hearts will be shattered.

What happens when the unknown threatens all of their dreams? Will Logan and Andrew survive their love, interrupted?
 
 
Review:
 
We give Love Interrupted: a 4 Southern hotness panty rating!!
 
 
 

 

Sarah:  I’m putting out an All Points Bulletin here and alerting everyone that there’s a new Book Boyfriend in town! His name is Andrew Eastin, and he is H-O-T, HOT!

 

 
Mindy: I mean, really?? Who doesn’t love a hot, sexy, Southern boy?

Sarah: And it doesn’t hurt that the boy is banking, he’s a billionaire to boot! But he’s also got some good ol Southern boy manners that would make any girl swoon.  

Mindy: I always love to read about young love and how it develops over the years.  Logan and Andrew have a very special relationship early on and it just keeps getting better throughout the story.
 


Sarah:  That’s what makes this story so different though.  Andrew and Logan have an early relationship, that Logan ends for reasons she keeps from Andrew.  She sacrifices her feelings to keep him secure in his future.

Mindy: It was pretty upsetting to read about all the issues this poor couple had!  They go through a lot of shit!

Sarah:  Yes they certainly did! Logan has a lot of loss very early on in her life, and I think that makes her very withdrawn and emotionally closed off.  I will have to admit that in the beginning I had some dislike going on for Lo.  

Mindy: Logan and I have some serious problems that we need to work out.  Why did I not fall in love with her as much as I did Andrew?? Help me, Sarah!!

Sarah:  From the beginning of this book to the end, I felt like I watched Lo “grow up” some.  She began to shed all of her emotional baggage and realize that she needed to live for herself.  That she deserved a shot at that once in a lifetime love.  

Mindy: I think one of my biggest pet peeves while reading is when characters do not communicate.  I feel like if they just talked some shit out, a lot of their problems could have been resolved pretty quickly.

Sarah:  Girl you hit my thoughts spot on! Communication was the key that was found lacking here.  Or maybe Lo just deals with things differently than I would…….hmmm my hubby would probably jump for joy if I kept quiet as much as she does. lol

Mindy:  Well, they sure made up for lack of communication with orgasmic make-up sex!!!  I could have read that for days!
 


Sarah: Ms. Warner is not shy about penning a hot sex scene, and the sexting……...oh my the sexting!!!!

Mindy: There is a mystery element to it that kept me on my toes. I really can not wait to see how this story unfolds!
 
Sarah:  Somebodies got some splanin to do in the next installment!!!! I love a good cliff though, it keeps me coming back for more!

 
 
About the Author/Links:
 


A.J. was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas. Four years ago, she relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband and four wonderful children, Hayden (15), Jacob (13), Riley (11), and Isaiah (10).
A.J. is passionate about working with people with disabilities, and has a long time love of working with munchkins. She currently owns and operates a childcare facility in North Central Texas.
When she is not busy breaking up fights about who is mom’s favorite, or who ate the last bowl of Fruity Pebbles, A.J. enjoys reading and writing. She also likes chatting and laughing with her book club friends. Love Interrupted is her first book and she is currently working on her second and third novels.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchase link:
 
 
 
 

 

Author Interview with A.J. Warner

Today I'm sitting down with the lovely and talented A.J. Warner.  Ms. Warner just released her debut novel, Love Interrupted. 
 
 
 
 
What sparked your interest in becoming a romance writer? 

I’ve always written, but put it on hold when I had children. My daughter actually encouraged me to pick it back up.

What was the first romance novel you read that made an impression on you?

Everyone says Fifty Shades, and I have to admit it rekindled my love for reading.

Tell us 5 surprising things about yourself.
  1. I’m thirty years younger than my husband. 
  2. I’m training for my first 5k. 
  3. I work in a tiny closet space like Harry Potter. 
  4. Some of my closest friends I’ve met online. 
  5. I don’t own cowboy boots.

 

What is your writing environment?  

Picture Harry Potter’s closet.

One of your favorite quotes. 

It is what it is.

Who is your perfect hero? And why?

My Perfect hero, my daughter, Hayden. She’s wise beyond her years. She’s only 15 and has the heart of an angel, loves wholly, purely, and unconditionally. She constantly puts others before herself. Secretly I want to be her when I grow up.

Which authors have caught your interest lately? Why?

Althea Romig- Her books Consequences and Truth took me for a ride, and I’m dying for Convicted. MJ Carnal’s books are awesome! Then there’s Sarah Dosher’s  Haven from The Storm…LOVE! There are so many.

What type of book have you always wanted to write?

I’ve always wanted to write a murder mystery. Very twisted.

Who are your dream dinner party guests?

That’s a tough one. I’d have to say all authors, and their muses.

What’s the last movie you watched and loved? 

Safe Haven.


Top Three Things on Your Bucket List

  1. Kiss my husband at the foot of the Eifel Tower
  2. Surf in Hawaii, and no joke
  3. make the New York Times Best Sellers list.

 

How did you get the idea for this particular novel?  

I had an Andrew once. I wanted to give him the life he never got to have. Not just the hearts and flowers, but the chaotic and crazy too.

What is your favorite scene in your new release? 

Definitely the sexting scene.

If you could be one of your characters - Who would you be? And why?

That’s another tough one, I would love to say Jen, because she’s strong and independent. But I’m going to have to go with Logan, because she gets to have more time with Andrew.  


Flirting Questions

Which actor or book character do you have a crush on?  

Josh Duhamel, he’s one sexy funny man.

What’s your favorite body part of the opposite sex? 

I’m going with two, arms and chest.

What does love feel like? 

Overwhelmingly emotional, extremely peaceful yet angsty. It feel intense, lumps in your throat, flutters of excitement in your tummy.
Love feels intense and overwhelming, flutters in your tummy, lumps in your throat.

Hey, baby! What’s your sign? 

Scorpio

When was your last kiss? 

This morning

What’s an absolute no-no in a relationship?

Unfaithfulness. Hands down…no cheating!

How did you meet your significant other? 

Through a family friend.  

What’s your idea of a perfect date? 

Picnic by the lake, with no one else around.

If you could take a romantic trip, where would it be?

 Paris

Do you believe in love at first sight? 

Absolutely

Flirting Quickies:


Boxers or Briefs?  

Boxers
  
Facial hair or clean shaven? 

Clean shaven

Alpha or Beta? 

 Alpha

Planner or Panster? 

Panster


White wine or red? 

Red

Coffee or tea? 

Coffee


Vanilla or chocolate? 

Chocolate


Sweet or salty? 

Sweet

Sleep in or get up early? 

Sleep in 

Laptop or desktop? 
Laptop
Beach or mountains? 
Beach
Winter or summer? 
Summer
Cat or dog?
Dog
Twilight or Fifty Shades?
50
Spotlight or In the Shadows? 
Shadows
City or Country? 
A little bit of Both
Clubbing or candlelight dinner? 
Candlelight dinner
Backpacking or luxury hotel?
Hotel
Morning or night person? 
Night
Christmas or Halloween?
Christmas
Optimist or pessimist? 
Optimist
 
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