WAITING ON WEDNESDAY ~ RUSH by NYRAE DAWN

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine,that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This week's WoW selection is...

Genre: Contemporary/Sports Romance
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date: 5/14/14

This new adult, male/male romance will capture the audience who fell in love with Nyrae Dawn's Games Trilogy.

Brandon Chase has always defined himself by one thing: football. He loves the game, but struggles with his attraction for his best friend Alec Andrews. Alec thinks it'll work out as long as they're together, but Brandon can't choose between their feelings and his fear of losing his spot on the team. Rather than deal with it, he tells Alec goodbye.

A year and a half later, Alec has finally moved on with his life until he finds out Brandon's been hurt. Unable to deny his feelings for Brandon, Alec offers to help him train for his senior year and push for the NFL draft.

But as they spend the summer together, the two can't deny their attraction--the rush they feel when they're together is even stronger now and neither wants to walk away. Can Alec come out to his family, and Brandon come to terms with being a gay football player? Either way, there'll be consequences both have to be ready to face.

 

Why I'm Waiting ... That sound you hear? It's me, DYING over this cover. I adore Nyrae Dawn's books, and cannot wait to get this baby in my hands!

What do you think of my pick? Be sure to let me know and I will come check out your WoW. 

REVIEW: MASQUERADE by NYRAE DAWN

Series: Games #3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Forever Yours

Publication Date: 1/7/14
Format: eARC
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars

From bestselling author, Nyrae Dawn, comes Book 3 in her New Adult, Games Series!

After his father is put in prison for murder leaving his mother suicidal, Maddox Cross has always put his sister, Laney, first. Now living in Brenton, Virginia, Maddox has no idea what to do with his life, especially since Laney no longer needs him. One thing he does know is for the first time since losing football, he's found something else that's just for him--tattooing. When he meets a feisty young woman in the club where he works security, he has no idea that she has the ability to change his life forever.  Bee Malone has just moved to Brenton to open up her first tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Despite her young success, nothing is ever as it seems. After being kidnapped at a young age, Bee has difficulty being the daughter her parents lost and letting go of the "parents" she was raised with. When she meets Maddox, she's immediately attracted to him and what starts out as a one night stand leaves Bee wanting to connect with him in more ways than one.
Once Maddox finds out about Masquerade, he wants nothing more than to join Bee. But letting him in means trying to figure out who she is and she's not ready for that. And yet, as the two get closer, they find themselves leaning on each other more than they are comfortable with. Will their stubborn nature tear them apart? Or push them closer together?

First Impression ... MADDOX(!) was so intriguing in Facade, and I can't wait to know him better. And Bee, a tattoo artist...badass.

The Story... Maddox is searching. His sister is happy now, and doesn't need him the way she used to. His mom is still a struggle. The guilt over a death his father caused still haunts him. His one passion is his art, and tattooing. The key to his future as a tattoo artist is Masquerade. 

Bee is starting a new phase in her life, opening her own tattoo shop. A complicated and traumatic past has led Bee to a life of solitude, and anonymity. She wants to be left alone, Maddox wants to be her apprentice. 

The closer they become, the harder they fight the friendship and love forming between them. 

The Characters ... Maddox and Bee were strong and powerful characters. Having read Facade, I already knew Maddox's story. Masquerade further examines the guilt he lives with in regards to his dad, and his relationship with his sister Laney and his mom. I loved discovering his passion for art and how unexpectedly, yet completely he falls in love. 

Bee is probably my favorite of all of Nyrae Dawn's female leads; she made Masquerade shine. I feel that Bee's history is a spoiler, so I won't get into the details, except to say, it is NOT sexual trauma. What her story is, though, is very sad and complicated, and its clear that Dawn truly dug deep in her characterization of Bee. 

 

Maddox and Bee together were amazing. They each had their own heavy issues, but weren't about "fixing" each other. Theirs was a reluctant relationship, built on acceptance. They were present for each other, and were all about the emotional support without judgment. 

The rest of the Games crew do show up several times, throughout the story. It was cool to revisit Laney and Adrian, Chey and Colt. Once again, Colt delivered one of my favorite lines from Masquerade.

The Writing .... Nyrae Dawn has an understated writing style, one I enjoy. The characters are full of emotion. The stories are full of passion and angst, romance and love. But it's never in your face. I'm not sure if this is the proper way to explain, but I feel as if the story and characters are there, allowing me to discover and understand them.

The Heat ... One of this series strong points, holding true in Masquerade, is that the characters are sexy, and they have such strong chemistry, and some very steamy moments. But, the story is never defined by the sex. And more importantly, sex isn't the answer to their problems.

Could I Put Masquerade Down? .... True to form for this series, this one snuck really snuck up on me in the last third of the story. I was moving along, enjoying, and suddenly, the emotional tension was upped. I was flying through the pages, searching for Maddox and Bee's happy ending. 

In the End... Masquerade was a great addition to the Games series. Bee and Maddox had a powerful story to tell and Nyrae Dawn did them justice. 

 

Favorite Quotes:

 

  "Bee? As in buzz, buzz?" His question jerks me out of my thoughts. "Did I tell you how much I like honey?"

  Yeah, because I haven't heard that one before. "No, as in the letter B. It's short for 'bitch'. Want me to demonstrate how accurate the name is?" I finish my tirade with the tiniest of wicked grins.

  At that, Trevor smiles and holds up his hands. "I was kidding. Kind of. But seriously, that was hot. I think I'm in love with you."

 

 

  "Stop making me want you." The same heat from his eyes is now in his words.

  "Stop letting me have you," I reply, and it seems to inflame him more.

  He pulls me closer again, right between his legs, as the other hand moves up it cup my cheek. His stare alone is burning me alive.

 

The Games Series

    

Purchase Masquerade

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the author:I am a compulsive · and writer who loves YA fiction.

I love nothing more than writing about young adults. There is something so fresh and fun about it. You can pretty much always find me with a book in my hand or open document in front of me.


I live in Southern California with my husband and two children.

Connect with Nyrae:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads

TEASER: MASQUERADE by NYRAE DAWN

I am happy to be sharing a really cool teaser from the upcoming Masquerade, by Nyrae Dawn. This is the third book in the Games series, and I am dying for Maddox and Bee's story! Check it out...

Series: Games #3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Forever Yours

Publication Date: 1/7/14

From bestselling author, Nyrae Dawn, comes Book 3 in her New Adult, Games Series!

After his father is put in prison for murder leaving his mother suicidal, Maddox Cross has always put his sister, Laney, first. Now living in Brenton, Virginia, Maddox has no idea what to do with his life, especially since Laney no longer needs him. One thing he does know is for the first time since losing football, he's found something else that's just for him--tattooing. When he meets a feisty young woman in the club where he works security, he has no idea that she has the ability to change his life forever.  Bee Malone has just moved to Brenton to open up her first tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Despite her young success, nothing is ever as it seems. After being kidnapped at a young age, Bee has difficulty being the daughter her parents lost and letting go of the "parents" she was raised with. When she meets Maddox, she's immediately attracted to him and what starts out as a one night stand leaves Bee wanting to connect with him in more ways than one.
Once Maddox finds out about Masquerade, he wants nothing more than to join Bee. But letting him in means trying to figure out who she is and she's not ready for that. And yet, as the two get closer, they find themselves leaning on each other more than they are comfortable with. Will their stubborn nature tear them apart? Or push them closer together?

 

 

 

Oh boy. I have never had that kind of experience while getting a tattoo!


Pre-order Masquerade

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

 

TEASER: MASQUERADE by NYRAE DAWN

I am happy to be sharing a really cool teaser from the upcoming Masquerade, by Nyrae Dawn. This is the third book in the Games series, and I am dying for Maddox and Bee's story! Check it out...

Series: Games #3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Forever Yours

Publication Date: 1/7/14

From bestselling author, Nyrae Dawn, comes Book 3 in her New Adult, Games Series!

After his father is put in prison for murder leaving his mother suicidal, Maddox Cross has always put his sister, Laney, first. Now living in Brenton, Virginia, Maddox has no idea what to do with his life, especially since Laney no longer needs him. One thing he does know is for the first time since losing football, he's found something else that's just for him--tattooing. When he meets a feisty young woman in the club where he works security, he has no idea that she has the ability to change his life forever.  Bee Malone has just moved to Brenton to open up her first tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Despite her young success, nothing is ever as it seems. After being kidnapped at a young age, Bee has difficulty being the daughter her parents lost and letting go of the "parents" she was raised with. When she meets Maddox, she's immediately attracted to him and what starts out as a one night stand leaves Bee wanting to connect with him in more ways than one.
Once Maddox finds out about Masquerade, he wants nothing more than to join Bee. But letting him in means trying to figure out who she is and she's not ready for that. And yet, as the two get closer, they find themselves leaning on each other more than they are comfortable with. Will their stubborn nature tear them apart? Or push them closer together?

 

Heeee! That is a wicked teaser! 

 

Pre-order Masquerade

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

 

TEASER: MASQUERADE by NYRAE DAWN

I am happy to be sharing a really cool teaser from the upcoming Masquerade, by Nyrae Dawn. This is the third book in the Games series, and I am dying for Maddox and Bee's story! Check it out...

Series: Games #3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Forever Yours

Publication Date: 1/7/14

From bestselling author, Nyrae Dawn, comes Book 3 in her New Adult, Games Series!

After his father is put in prison for murder leaving his mother suicidal, Maddox Cross has always put his sister, Laney, first. Now living in Brenton, Virginia, Maddox has no idea what to do with his life, especially since Laney no longer needs him. One thing he does know is for the first time since losing football, he's found something else that's just for him--tattooing. When he meets a feisty young woman in the club where he works security, he has no idea that she has the ability to change his life forever.  Bee Malone has just moved to Brenton to open up her first tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Despite her young success, nothing is ever as it seems. After being kidnapped at a young age, Bee has difficulty being the daughter her parents lost and letting go of the "parents" she was raised with. When she meets Maddox, she's immediately attracted to him and what starts out as a one night stand leaves Bee wanting to connect with him in more ways than one.
Once Maddox finds out about Masquerade, he wants nothing more than to join Bee. But letting him in means trying to figure out who she is and she's not ready for that. And yet, as the two get closer, they find themselves leaning on each other more than they are comfortable with. Will their stubborn nature tear them apart? Or push them closer together?

 

 

I love it! Bee sounds so badass.



Pre-order Masquerade

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

 

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY ~ MASQUERADE

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine,that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

This week's WoW selection is...

Series: Games #3

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Forever Yours

Publication Date: 1/7/14

From bestselling author, Nyrae Dawn, comes Book 3 in her New Adult, Games Series!

After his father is put in prison for murder leaving his mother suicidal, Maddox Cross has always put his sister, Laney, first. Now living in Brenton, Virginia, Maddox has no idea what to do with his life, especially since Laney no longer needs him. One thing he does know is for the first time since losing football, he's found something else that's just for him--tattooing. When he meets a feisty young woman in the club where he works security, he has no idea that she has the ability to change his life forever.  Bee Malone has just moved to Brenton to open up her first tattoo parlor, Masquerade. Despite her young success, nothing is ever as it seems. After being kidnapped at a young age, Bee has difficulty being the daughter her parents lost and letting go of the "parents" she was raised with. When she meets Maddox, she's immediately attracted to him and what starts out as a one night stand leaves Bee wanting to connect with him in more ways than one.
Once Maddox finds out about Masquerade, he wants nothing more than to join Bee. But letting him in means trying to figure out who she is and she's not ready for that. And yet, as the two get closer, they find themselves leaning on each other more than they are comfortable with. Will their stubborn nature tear them apart? Or push them closer together?

Why I'm Waiting ~ TATTOO PARLOR OWNED BY A GIRL. I adore this series, and Nyrae Dawn. Maddox was a complex and fascinating character in Facade, and I can't wait to get to know him better. 

REVIEW: OUT OF PLAY by JOLENE PERRY and NYRAE DAWN

Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: 8/6/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 320
Source: Received from publisher for review
Rating: 4 stars

Rock star drummer Bishop Riley doesn't have a drug problem. Celebrities—especially ones suffering from anxiety—just need a little help taking the edge off sometimes. After downing a few too many pills, Bishop wakes up in the hospital facing an intervention. If he wants to stay in the band, he’ll have to detox while under house arrest in Seldon, Alaska.　

Hockey player Penny Jones can't imagine a life outside of Seldon. Though she has tons of scholarship offers to all the best schools, the last thing she wants is to leave. Who'll take care of her absentminded gramps? Not her mother, who can’t even be bothered to come home from work, let alone deal with their new tenants next door.

Penny’s not interested in dealing with Bishop’s crappy attitude, and Bishop’s too busy sneaking pills to care. Until he starts hanging out with Gramps and begins to see what he’s been missing. If Bishop wants a chance with the fiery girl next door, he’ll have to admit he has a problem and kick it. Too bad addiction is hard to kick…and Bishop’s about to run out of time.

 

So, I've read almost all of Nyrae Dawn's books, and have truly enjoyed them. She's one of the authors I always make time for. However, this is the first of Jolene Perry's books I've read (though I own several) and I have to say that I really enjoy her writing as well. Out of Play also happens to be the first book I've read written by more than one author. This is what really had me curious. The story blended together so well that I would have never realized otherwise.

Well, I say it blended, but there was one way Out of Play most certainly did not blend and that is in the characters' voice. Because one character is a male teen rock star and the other is a female teen hockey player, obviously this is a good thing. Dawn wrote Bishop Riley, and as always, her knack for writing the male point-of-view amazes me. Bishop is a guy with some heavy issues, but he never felt like a cliche, to me. He was troubled, but still had a lot of humor. I love the emotional and physical journey Bishop undergoes on his way to becoming a better, stronger man.

Out of Play's heroine, Penny Jones, was a pleasant surprise. Penny was an independent, tough, brave young woman. I mean, she's a hockey player! Penny's world revolves around her team, and her family. I absolutely adored the way the team was written as a good bunch of guys who respect Penny. Penny is a force. Her strength, determination and heart makes her a stand out character.

Out of Play is not only about an emerging relationship, but also deals with substance abuse. I appreciate that this was handled so responsibly, with a strong focus on accountability and proper treatment. But honestly, I could basically say the same for the rest of the book. Whether dealing with family issues, friend issues, or love, Dawn and Perry handled each issue with care, and I loved that.

Out of Play is a very strong Young Adult story. It has humor, a love story, and depicts two young people at a crossroads. And though Bishop and Penny seem meant to be together, they must ultimately choose their paths and hope they once again converge. And that makes Out of Play a responsible and beautiful story.



Favorite Quote:

    Are all Alaskans this nosey? The only thing I know about the state is it's cold, full of trees, and Sarah Palin can see Russia from here.   ~eARC, 20%
 

  "There's more to you. And once I decide I need to know, I'll figure you out."
  Whatever hint of a smile he used to have is gone. "I don't doubt it."
  I spin and move back toward the exit, feeling a bit like we've talked a step too deep on both ends, and I don't think that's what either of us wants today.
  "But Penny?"
  When I turn to face him, he actually looks vulnerable. I stop and suck in a breath, afraid to speak. "Don't dig, okay? Not yet."   ~eARC, 35%


  So this is why people say they "melt together." I've always wondered. Like melting candle wax, and blending colors -- the more we're together and kissing, the less I can tell where I stop and he starts.  ~eARC, 70%

Purchase Out of Play

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble


 

About the authors

Jolene Perry
I wear juvenile T-shirts, worn-out chucks, and eat too much chocolate. I write. A lot. I make up words, drink Shirley Temples, and suffocate a little without my iPod.

Website  |  Blog  |  Tumblr  |  Facebook  |  Twitter


Nyrae Dawn
I am a compulsive · and writer who loves YA fiction.

I love nothing more than writing about young adults. There is something so fresh and fun about it. You can pretty much always find me with a book in my hand or open document in front of me.


I live in Southern California with my husband and two children.

Connect with Nyrae:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads


6z

REVIEW: FACADE (GAMES #2) by NYRAE DAWN

Series: Games #2
Category/Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: 7/2/13
Format: Kindle
Pages: 304
Source: Received from author for review
Rating: 4 stars

Can love save them?

After her father commits a crime that shatters her family, eighteen-year-old Delaney Cross is tired of pretending everything is all right. Packing up her car, she sets out to find the people her father hurt. Her search leads her to places she’s never been—and into the arms of Adrian Westfall.

To the outside world, Adrian is a sexy, charming ladies’ man. But his playboy persona is just an act. Secretly his soul is tortured by a memory too painful to share. Only Delaney seems to see through his façade to the real man underneath. And for the first time in his life, Adrian feels he can begin to open up about his past.

Together, Adrian and Delaney share a passionate love they never expected to find. Yet both still harbor their own secrets. When the dark truth is finally revealed, will it bring them closer together—or tear them apart forever?

 

My gosh, Facade was an emotional heavy hitter from beginning to end. Adrian was introduced in Charade, and despite his seemingly carefree attitude, it definitely seemed like the boy was more than meets the eye.

Enter Delaney Cross, a girl who hold a few secrets of her own. Facade is one of those books with a story you just know will come to a tumultuous intersection. An intersection in which secrets and lies and pain and guilt all converge into a devastating moment. One of those scenes that blows the story and characters wide open.

I really thought I knew Adrian, but I had no idea this character was so broken. Adrian has a broken spirit and a poet's heart. His story was devastating and further proves that Nyrae Dawn is exceptionally gifted at creating her broken boys.

Delaney was a determined girl with a big heart and shame that was not her burden to carry. This poor girl is set on saving everyone around her, and slowly breaking apart in the process. I truly did love Delaney and Adrian together, and hoped lies and tragedy wouldn't stand in their way. I'm surprised by how much I was invested in her relationship with her brother Maddox, and am anxious for his book, Masquerade.

Facade got off to a quiet start. I was anxious to see Delaney and Adrian form that strong connection that would have me on the hook. Once that happened, I was in it. I really liked the turns Dawn took in the story. She didn't romanticize the darkness that made up the couple's lives, and didn't make the physical relationship between Adrian and Delaney into a cure-all that would take away their pain. Oh! I loved how much Colt and Chey were in the story. In fact, one of my favorite moments was a heart-to-heart between Colt and Adrian.

Façade is an intense and thoughtful story. Both characters were introspective and reflective, and experienced so much growth. Though I loved Charade a bit more, Facade is a great addition to the Games series. I cannot wait for Masquerade.


Favorite Quote:

  "When the worst shit in my life was happening, I had that girl with me. She never left me even though I probably didn't deserve her. I've never had something like that and let me tell you, it's fucking incredible."  ~ebook, 57%


  "If you go, let me go with you." She steps closer. "If you need to write, I'll be your paper. I have no idea what I'm doing here. I don't know if this is the right thing, but whatever you need, if you need to try to forget, let me help you."  ~ebook, 68%

The Games Series

(click on cover for GoodReads page)

Purchase Façade:

           

About the author:
I am a compulsive · and writer who loves YA fiction.

I love nothing more than writing about young adults. There is something so fresh and fun about it. You can pretty much always find me with a book in my hand or open document in front of me.


I live in Southern California with my husband and two children.

Connect with Nyrae:
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads

SPRING FLING ~ NYRAE DAWN: INTERVIEW and GIVEAWAY

Spring Break is here, and that means I am taking a mini-break. I thought it would be fun to take a week to feature some of my favorite authors and readers.

 

Today's guest is author Nyrae Dawn. I met Nyrae last spring when we bonded over a love of books and book boys! I soon grabbed up her book, What a Boy Wants, and quickly fell in love with her writing and her characters. Nyrae is a fantastic character writer, especially when it comes to the boys who own her heart. Nyrae also writes adult books as Kelley Vitollo, and let me tell you, those books are wonderful.

 

 

 

Who was your first book boyfriend?

ND:  I'm almost embarrassed to say! LOL. BUT...for the sake of honesty, I will. The guy who I first fell head over heels for was Edward Cullen :)

(No shame! I loved Edward hardcore, too!)

Who was your most recent book boyfriend?

ND:  I am in love with Kaidan Rowe from Wendy Higgins Sweet Series. SO hot. I'm also a huge fan of Jamie Fraser from The Outlander and V, Z, and Qhuinn from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. So many boys, so little time ;)

Tell me the most recent book you've fallen in love with.

ND:  Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley. Beautiful language. Also really loved The Disenchantments by Nina Lacour.

What is your favorite book trope? Your least favorite?

ND:  My favorites are friends to lovers or enemies to lovers. I will always be partial to friends to lovers. My husband was one of my best friends before we got together. I don't think I really have a least favorite.

 

Who's your favorite of the guys you've written? Who's your favorite girl you've written?

ND:  That is so hard because I'm always SO invested in whoever I'm writing at the time. I love them all for different reasons. I think Adrian from FACADE is close to my favorite, if not my favorite. He's very intense and broken. He speaks to my heart. Sebastian from WHAT A BOY WANTS will always hold a special place in my heart because he started this journey for me. As for the girls, probably Kira from FREEING CARTER. I love how...free she is.

 

I love your gorgeous tattoos. Do you have plans for more?

ND:  Thank you! I do. Who knows how many I will end up with, but I know next I want a quote from the book, THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, "And in that moment I swear, we were infinite". Each of my tattoos MEAN something for me so we'll see what grabs hold of my heart next!

 

See why I adore Nyrae so much?! A wonderful and great friend.

 

 

About Nyrae DawnI am a compulsive reader and writer who loves YA fiction.

I love nothing more than writing about young adults. There is something so fresh and fun about it. You can pretty much always find me with a book in my hand or open document in front of me. I live in Southern California with my husband and two children.

Connect with Nyrae at:
GoodReads | Twitter | Blog  |  Facebook

 

 

Books by Nyrae Dawn

 

(click on cover for GoodReads page)

 

Books by Kelley Vitollo

 

 

 

 

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