Top 15 of 2015!!!

Well it's that time of year again and although I have been a little behind, there are still some amazing books that stood out for me this year. I'd love to hear what your top 15 are! In no particular order....

1. November 9 - Colleen Hoover

2. Bury Me - Tara Sivec

3. The Bourbon Kings - JR Ward

4. Cocky Bastard - Penelope Ward

5. Echo - EK Blair

6. Thoughtful - SC Stephens

7. The Shadows - JR Ward

8. Baking and Babies - Tara Sivec

9. Never Never  - Colleen Hoover

10. The Law of Moses - Amy Harmon

11. Blood Kiss - JR Ward

12. Untamed - SC Stephens

13. 39 & Holding - MR Joseph

14. The Pact -Karina Halle

15. The Paper Swan - Leylah Attar

Bury Me - review

Oh my word! I am completely floored by what I just read! Did this really come from Tara Sivec?? I fell in love with her back in the Chocolate Lover Series days (my that was some time ago)! Since then, she has continued to surprise me in a good way! From comedy to romance, erotica to mysteries, Bury Me is like nothing that you have read before.

Ravenna Duskin is 18 years old and she lives in a prison. This is her story and it's a twisted one. After waking up and not knowing who she is or what happened to her, she is determined to figure it out and once she does, it will bury you!

This book is full of twists and turn and will keep you guessing until the very end!

Sexy Sunday 1/25

DJ from Tara Sivec's Branded.

Branded - Release day!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1D3xsKX
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1zKvQQ7
Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/1Bi6ux8
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1tIizuR

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1wUQIls
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1K9MQaN

Summary:

Ignite Trilogy, Volume 2: DJ & Phina 

I wear my scars like a scarlet letter, reminding myself that I’m not worth the trouble.
I’ve spent seventeen years pushing men away, never allowing myself to believe in the fairytale…then, he walked back in.
Just like before, we explode when we’re together. I hate him for what he did to me, but I can’t stay away.
Eighteen days filled with passion and promises.
Nineteen letters filled with threats and foreboding. 
It only takes twenty minutes for the numbers to all add up.
One thousand, two hundred seconds until everything changes and there’s no going back.
This is my story, and it’s going to leave a scar.

Book Trailer 
www.youtube.com/embed/284nMfEx55I

Spotify Playlist 

https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:user:1238920135:playlist:7oaLUnAHIDfEI6ulLQLEv2" 

Rafflecopter 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/aba31ceb54

Branded - review

Branded by Tara Sivec is the second book in the Ignite Trilogy and features Phina and DJ. We first met Phina in Burned, which was awesome. Phina is a firecracker! She had a rough childhood, was abused and burned. Phina is a strong character yet she has scars that she hides from the world. 

After a drunken night in high school, that DJ doesn't remember and Phina will never forget, the two end up parting ways. Fifteen years later, the two meet up again in a chance encounter and decide on a one night stand, with conditions! This is now Phina's chance for revenge and of course one night isn't enough for DJ, he wants more!


There is so much chemistry between DJ and Phina and the two become much closer. It could have been due to the threat of danger but the two of them were branded in eachother's hearts.

Tattoos and Tata's - review

Tattoos and Tatas was a great addition to the Chocoholics Series! Better yet, Ms. Sivec donated all of the proceeds to Breast Cancer Awareness for every book purchased during the month of October!

I loved that this book focused more on friendship and relationship of Claire and Liz and all they have been through. When Liz is diagnosed with breast cancer, right before Gavin and Charlotte's wedding, at least she has her friends and family for support.  From the highs to the lows and everything in between, this story is told with the humor that only Tara Sivec can deliver!

This book deals with a serious issue on a lighter note and is not one to be missed.

Sexy Sunday 6/29

Collin from Burned by Tara Sivec.

Burned - review

Burned by Tara Sivec is a scorcher!! Her first erotic novel and it's off the charts hot!!!  I loved everything from the description to the very last page.

Seventeen years old when he broke my heart.
Seventeen days later when another picked up the pieces.
Seventeen years together.
Seventeen thousand problems.
Seventeen days of reliving my past and finding a new future.
Seventeen minutes until it all went up in flames.
Seventeen breaths until I took my last.
This is my story…and it’s going to burn.

 -When a woman can look you right in the eye and tell you she just doesn't care anymore and can do it without any emotion clouding her features, it's time to take her seriously.

-When the tears never came and all I could think about was that I just wanted him to gone, I knew there was no turning back. I was done.

These two quotes couldn't have been more true. I know the exact feelings and definitely felt a connection to this book. It's no secret that I am such a huge fan of Tara Sivec and this book solidifies it even more! Can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

Indies Invade Philly

The Indies Invade Philly book signing was such a great event and so much fun. Fortunately for me, being from the area, I got to volunteer to help out with the signing and assist the lovely Laura Kaye all day! She is not only a talented writer, she is also very kind. 

We had a great day together!

 

I also got to see my girl Tara Sivec! Two Taras, Passion & Ponies and Burned!! 

Loved her shoes!

Many thanks to MR Joseph for bringing her Giving In cover model to the signing!

Reuban can definitely be my Cruz!

And what would a signing be without any swag?! Thank you to all the authors for their creative and fun ideas and for sharing them with us! Can't wait for the next one :)

Passion and Ponies - review

Passion and Ponies is book number 2 in the Chocoholics series and it was another sweet treat!

Ava Gilmore is working at Seduction and Snacks when she'd rather have a job in the fashion industry. When she falls in love with Tyler Branson, it's the last thing she expected to happen. This guy has a thing for My Little Ponies! Like a serious addiction!  Though Tyler is dealing with his own family drama and trying to find his real father, he and Ava are quite the pair!

We also get more of Gavin and Charlotte as well as all the parents that are responsible for these offspring! They surely do not disappoint!

Ms. Sivec delivered yet another hysterical, laugh out loud story for us chocolate lovers to savor! Can't wait for more of this crew!

Top 13 of 2013

In no particular order, here are my top reads of the past year. These books were my favorite, stuck with me and are the reason I continue to blog! 

13. Stealing Harper - Molly McAdams MY REVIEW

12.  Watch Over Me - Tara Sivec MY REVIEW

11. Epilogue - CJ Roberts MY REVIEW

10. Scars and Songs - Christine Zolendz MY REVIEW

9. Tangled - Emma Chase MY REVIEW

8. Letters to Luca - MR Joseph MY REVIEW

7. Collide and Pulse - Gail McHugh COLLIDE REVIEW PULSE REVIEW

6. Present Perfect - Alison Bailey MY REVIEW

5. Arsen - Mia Asher MY REVIEW

4. Pieces of Perfect - Elizabeth Hayley MY REVIEW

3. Wicked Beat - Olivia Cunning MY REVIEW

2. Thief - Tarryn Fisher MY REVIEW

1. My Now and Forever and My Today - HJ Bellus 

    MY NOW AND FOREVER REVIEW  MY TODAY REVIEW

Love & Lists - BLOG TOUR!

Love & Lists (Chocoholics #1) by Tara Sivec 
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Purchase Links: 
http://www.amazon.com/Love-and-Lists-Chocoholics-ebook/dp/B00EG8U5S4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1381163014&sr=1-1&keywords=love+and+lists

Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18300604loveandlists?from_search=true

Book Blurb:
Love and Lists is the first book in the Chocolate Lovers spinoff Chocoholics:
The foulmouthed offspring tell their stories.
Twenty five year old Gavin Ellis has always had the love and support of his family ever since he was a little boy and couldn't stop talking about his penis. He's also always had their unsolicited advice and uncanny knack of embarrassing him at all costs. Now that he's an adult and trying to convince the love of his life to love him back, things haven't changed very much from when he was younger.
When Gavin's best friend Tyler suggests he make a to-do list of items that will ensure he wins the girl, Gavin is one hundred percent on board: after a few six packs.
After puking in the shrubs, a bad experience with Viagra, a SexEd course gone wrong, and a slew of other mishaps courtesy of his family and friends, Gavin is pretty sure this list will be the death of him.
Sometimes, trying to make someone love you with a list isn't always the best idea. Especially when "Show her your penis" is the first "todo" item...


Bio:

 Tara Sivec is a wife, mom, chauffeur, cheerleading coach, soccer coach, babysitter, shortorder
cook, genius and albino squirrel hunter. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids. In her spare time she likes read, write and cover things in chocolate. Most of her material comes from real life experiences with family and friends. Lucky for them, the names have been changed to protect the innocent (aka, drunk).
Tara also writes under the pen name T.E. Sivec where she can be serious, suspenseful and not at all funny.

Social Media Links:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6422281.Tara_Sivec
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraSivec.authorpage?ref=hl
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tarasivec
Website: http://www.tarasivec.com

GIVEAWAY!!!! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/303d0640/

http://www.madisonsays.com/lovelistsbytarasivectourschedule

 

My Review:   

If I thought I was a Chocoholic before, I might just be nearing the death by chocolate phase! I was dying laughing while reading Love and Lists! I absolutely loved the Chocolate Lovers series and this book is the icing on the cake!

I'm sure you remember Gavin from his childhood days, running around with vibrators, sharpies and whatever else he could get his hands on. Now that he's all grown up, nothing has changed! He's working at the family business and trying to get the girl he loves to love him back. With the help of his friend Tyler, he comes up with a "to do" list to get the girl! Knowing this crew, you should know that nothing ever goes as planned especially when that girl just happens to be Charlotte, the daughter of Liz and Jim! 

Love and Lists was outrageously funny, perfectly sweet and exactly what I needed! I love Gavin all grown up and can't wait for more of this series and these characters. Thanks again Tara for delivering yet another delicious indulgence!

Love & Lists - Release Day ***BLITZ****

Love & Lists (Chocoholics #1) by Tara Sivec
Release Date: October 1, 2013

Purchase Links:

Amazon ­­  http://www.amazon.com/Love­and­Lists­Chocoholics­ebook/dp/B00EG8U5S4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380563508&sr=8­1&keywords=love+%26+lists+tara+sivec

Barnes & Noble ­­

Kobo ­­

iBooks ­­

Goodreads Link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18300604­love­and­lists?from_search=true

Book Blurb:

Love and Lists is the first book in the Chocolate Lovers spinoff ­ Chocoholics: The foul­mouthed offspring tell their stories. Twenty­five­year­old Gavin Ellis has always had the love and support of his family ever since he was a little boy and couldn't stop talking about his penis. He's also always had their unsolicited advice and uncanny knack of embarrassing him at all costs. Now that he's an adult and trying to convince the love of his life to love him back, things haven't changed very much from when he was younger.

When Gavin's best friend Tyler suggests he make a to­do list of items that will ensure he wins the girl, Gavin is one­ hundred­ percent on board: after a few six packs.

After puking in the shrubs, a bad experience with Viagra, a Sex­Ed course gone wrong, and a slew of other mishaps courtesy of his family and friends, Gavin is pretty sure this list will be the death of him.

Sometimes, trying to make someone love you with a list isn't always the best idea. Especially when "Show her your penis" is the first "to­do" item...


Tara Sivec is a wife, mom, chauffeur, cheerleading coach, soccer coach, babysitter, short­order cook,

genius and albino squirrel hunter. She lives in Ohio with her husband and two kids. In her spare time she

likes read, write and cover things in chocolate. Most of her material comes from real life experiences with

family and friends. Lucky for them, the names have been changed to protect the innocent (aka, drunk).

Tara also writes under the pen name T.E. Sivec where she can be serious, suspenseful and not at all funny.


Social Media Links:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6422281.Tara_Sivec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraSivec.authorpage?ref=hl

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tarasivec

Website: http://www.tarasivec.com



http://www.madisonsays.com/love­lists­by­tara­sivec­tour­schedule

Tour Banner:

Sexy Sunday 9/29

We first met Gavin Ellis in Seduction and Snacks and if you thought you loved him then, you will love him even more when you read Love and Lists! Thank you Tara Sivec for giving Gavin his own book!

Watch Over Me - Blog Tour

Watch Over Me from Tara Sivec was simply a great book. Far different from all of her others yet I'm convinced that Tara can write anything and it would fall nothing short of great!

Death change everyone.....

What a true and telling statement. When Addison Snow loses her mom unexpectedly her entire world changes. After a failed suicide attempt and dealing with an alcoholic father, Addison is just trying to get on with her life and maintain her mother's bakery. In walks Zander Reinhardt and suddenly life seems to start looking positive again. 

I absolutely love Zander and his napkin notes! He is such a great character but also has a secret that can ruin everything between him and Addison. 

This book is all about growing, changing and rediscovery. I genuinely loved this story. Can't wait to see what Ms. Sivec comes out with next!

Watch Over Me - Tara Sivec ***PROMO BLITZ****

Release Date: June 14, 2013
Purchase Links:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/WatchOverMeebook/dp/B00CYNXC1K/ref=sr_1_2_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1371073633&sr=82&keywords=watch+over+me
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
iBooks
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17898228watchoverme

Book Blurb:

Addison Snow is your typical teenager. She has a family that loves her, friends that make her laugh, and she's wrapped up in the excitement of graduating high school and going off to college to pursue her dream of becoming an author. When her mother, who also happens to be Addison's best friend, dies unexpectedly, her world comes to a crashing halt.
 
Death changes everyone...
 
To make the pain go away, Addison and her father travel down separate, dark paths. She chooses to end her grief forever, while he drowns his sorrows in the bottom of a bottle. How do you learn to live again when the most important person in your life is gone?

Addison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. Instead of getting back to being the carefree teenager she once was, she's stuck handling all of the responsibilities that should have been her father's. She has no time to grieve, no time for emotions, and no time for happiness...until Zander Reinhardt walks in. All it takes is one little handwritten note on a napkin to kickstart
her back to life and help her realize that maybe there's more to that life than pain.
 
But can it really be that simple? Can she really trust this man who makes her feel alive again for the first time in a year?
 
Addison and Zander both have secrets they aren't ready to share. When the truth finally comes out, is it enough to tear them apart or has something bigger than themselves always been watching over them, pushing them together, making sure they both get their happily ever after?


Bio: 

T.E. Sivec is the pen name for Tara Sivec. Under T.E. Sivec, she delves into a more serious genre that is her absolute favorite to read romantic suspense. She loves reading a book and feeling her heart speed up with anticipation and wanted to be able to give that feeling to her fans. T.E. lives in Ohio with her husband and two children, living the dream of being a fulltime writer.

Social Media Links:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6422281.Tara_Sivec
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraSivec.authorpage?ref=hl
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tarasivec
Website: http://www.tarasivec.com

Playlist
http://open.spotify.com/user/1238920135/playlist/7uK7wWqaNQKdAbaGjPcI0i

Tour schedule
http://www.madisonsays.com/watch-over-me-by-tara-sivec-blog-tour-master-schedule/

A Beautiful Lie - review - BLOG TOUR STOP

A Beautiful Lie (Playing With Fire #1) is a brand new book from the amazing T.E. Sivec (Tara Sivec). If you've read the Chocolate Lovers series than you know how awesome she is. This novel has upped her awesomeness level in my book!

Garrett McCarthy & Milo Roberts are best friends when they meet the lovely Annabelle Parker in a coffee shop. The three of them are inseparable until a tragic turn of events. When Garrett and Annabelle are left to pick up the pieces and discover the truth about Milo, sparks start flying between the two of them. The chemistry between Garrett and Annabelle is undeniable and you will love both characters! Garrett is definitely a swoon-worthy Navy Seal and Annabelle just kicks ass!

There are so many twists and turns in this book. It draws you in and makes you believe that reality and perceptions are not always what they seem. Amongst the lies, secrets, and deception, true love conquers all.

A Beautiful Lie - BLOG TOUR

Release Date: January 3, 2013

Purchase Links:
Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Lie-Playing-Fire-ebook/dp/B00AW2KV28/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1357562437&sr=1-2&keywords=a+beautiful+lie
Barnes & Noble -- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-beautiful-lie-tara-sivec/1114059105?
ean=2940016139074
Goodreads Link:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16085614-a-beautiful-lie

Book Blurb:
He saw her first, but his friend made the move.
She settled for the safer choice, but her heart knew the truth.
They love, they crave, they lie.
Garrett McCarthy, Annabelle Parker, and Milo Roberts were as close as friends could get. They
shared in each other's joy during graduations, promotions, and engagements. They consoled
one another through heartache and loss.
When one of the friend's life is tragically cut short, it's up to the two left behind to pick up the
pieces and find out the truth - no matter the cost. As they slowly start to uncover the nature
of his deception, and the very powerful people behind it, they begin to question everyone and
everything, even themselves.
Everyone has secrets - some do it for love while others do it for power. Those secrets can
change perceptions, alter reality and sometimes destroy lives.
What do you do when you find out your whole life has been a lie?

Bio:
T.E. Sivec is the pen name for Tara Sivec. Under T.E. Sivec, she delves into a more serious
genre that is her absolute favorite to read - romantic suspense. She loves reading a book and
feeling her heart speed up with anticipation and wanted to be able to give that feeling to her
fans.
T.E. lives in Ohio with her husband and two children, living the dream of being a full-time writer.

Social Media Links:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6555817.T_E_Sivec
https://www.facebook.com/TaraSivec.authorpage?ref=hl
http://www.tarasivec.com/t-e-sivec/

Tour schedule can be found here! Check out my review on Wednesday!!
http://www.madisonsays.com/a-beautiful-lie-blog-tour-te-sivec-master-schedule/

Sexy Sunday 12/16

This week features the hilarious, off the wall, awesomely disgusting, Drew from Troubles and Treats by Tara Sivec. If she were to cast him then Ashton Kutcher would be her first choice. Works for me!

Tara Sivec of Troubles & Treats - BLOG TOUR

First off I'd like to welcome the amazing Tara Sivec to my blog! I had the privilege of meeting Tara in Chicago at the book signing where we discovered that our names are pronounced differently (what's up with that?)!   
Tara Sivec: Mine’s the right way, dammit!  LOL!

Is there anything you are currently writing and what is next for you? 
 
I am currently vagina-deep in edits for my new romantic-suspense novel that will be out January 3, 2013.  A Beautiful Lie.

I can't wait to read it! Just finished troubles and treats....is there going to be any more books in the Chocolate Lovers series? 
 
I wanted to end Troubles and Treats in a way that gave closure for the gang, but also left it just a tiny bit open in case I miss the characters too much!  There could be a Gavin spin-off when he’s in college down the road.

I think we are all going to miss those characters! I read before that Gavin is loosely based on your son. Is the rest of your materiel from personal experiences because if so you need to be my new best friend!
  
LOL!  I draw A LOT from personal experiences and conversations that have happened with my friends and family.  We’re all bat shit crazy so writing about those things comes easily!

How many times have you actually used the word Vagina in this book and in total in the series? 
LMAO!  A negative reviewer actually posted the number for Seduction and Snacks.  It was something like 132 in the first book.  Whatever.  I love vagina, you love vagina, we all love vagina!

Ha! Yes we do! So are the characters in the books based on real people in your life?
 
Absolutely!  Claire is more or less me, Liz is 100% my BFF, Carter and Drew are a combination of my husband, Gavin is without a doubt my son, George, Claire’s father, is absolutely my dad and Jenny is my old co-worker and a little bit of my husband’s aunt.

Awesome! Would you like to see your books made into movies and who would be your dream cast?
 
Oh my gosh yes!  I think about that all the time when I’m watching a romantic comedy.  I put a lot of thought into this a few weeks ago so here goes: 
Claire – Rachel McAdams
Carter – Ian Harding (from Pretty Little Liars)
Liz – Kristen Bell
Jim – Topher Grace
Jenny – Isla Fisher
Drew – Ashton Kutcher
George – Robert DeNiro
Gavin – Unfortunately, there aren’t very many kid actors out there who could fill this role.  I would have to cast my own son!

OMG! Perfect casting! Is Billy Madison your favorite movie? If not, what is? 
NO!  Especially since it’s my husband and kid’s favorite movie lately and is ALWAYS on!  My favorite movie of all time is Gone With the Wind.

I have yet to see Gone With the Wind even though that's where MY name came from! What’s your favorite book?
 
There’s no way I could pick just one!  I always think of the book that first made me want to write comedy when someone asks me this question – Why Girls are Weird by Pamela Ribon.

When did you first decide to become a writer? 
 
I don’t know if it was actually something I decided.  I’ve always written poems, short stories, etc. since probably middle school.  I’ve always been an avid reader and find myself wishing things were different in a book or dreaming of a different ending.  About five years ago I wrote my first full-length story and then over the years I tweaked it and wrote more and let a few friends read it.  After enough of them told me I should try to get it published, I figured, why not?  From the time I got my first rejection letter from a literary agent and then decided to self-publish, it all happened so fast!  I still can’t believe this is my life!

Pretty amazing! Who inspires you to write?
 
All of the other indie authors out there.  It’s tough work doing it on your own and I appreciate them so much for having the courage and the determination to live their dream.  I am inspired by them every single day.

So do us readers! What advice would you give to anyone who wants to write a book?   
Just do it!  Don’t be discouraged or let anyone tell you it can’t be done.  There are so many resources out there available to someone who wants to be a writer nowadays that you don’t have to rely on traditional methods to have your voice heard.  And write every single day.  Even if it’s just a paragraph or an idea – write it down. 

Thank you again for stopping by! Can't wait to read A Beautiful Lie and hope to see you at another book signing in the near future!

Check out my review of Troubles And Treats.....

 Another Amazeballs book from Tara Sivec!

The third book in the Chocolate Lovers series is HILARIOUS! Drew & Jenny are a match made in heaven! Their disgustingly awesome sex life has been put on the back burner since the birth of their second child. Drew is seriously missing Jenny’s vagina and will stop at nothing to get it back! He’s just going about it the wrong way! Poor Jenny just wants to sleep and have some help around the house and Drew is his usual big kid self!

The banter between Drew and Jenny is hysterical, raunchy and obscenely off the wall! Carter and Claire, Jim and Liz are all back and ready to help Drew and Jenny restore their wild ways. There are some excellent scenes that only Tara Sivec could come up with! The sex swing was classic Drew & Jenny and the Zombie Apocalypse was a riot!  The characters have no filter and are completely inappropriate in all the right ways! 

Honestly, if you haven't read this series then you have no clue what you are missing! If you have a dirty mind and pervy ways then get to reading these books NOW!