THE ENDING I WANT by Samantha Towle: Book Release - Review & GIVEAWAY

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Samantha Towle has released her new book THE ENDING I WANT and we are so excited to share more info about the book with you - enjoy an excerpt below and a little note from Samantha. Make sure to enter the giveaway below too - Good luck!

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Synopsis

Taylor Shaw had the perfect life—until she was sixteen. That was when everything changed. From that moment on, life went from bad to worse…to the worst.
After recovering from a brain tumor, months later, she suffers the tragic loss of her whole family.
Since that fateful day, she’s been coasting through life.

Now, the brain tumor has returned, and Taylor decides she’s had enough. She’s going to take her fate into her own hands.
No more hospitals. No more surgeries. No more anything.
She’s going to join her family.
It’s her decision.
What she longs for.
The ending she wants.

She just has a list of things to do before she goes.
First, go to England.
Second, kiss a stranger…

Only, Taylor didn’t expect Liam Hunter, the stranger—with his handsome face, his six-foot-three of gorgeousness, and his oh-so-hot English accent—to change things.
To change her.
To change the ending she wanted.

What is a girl, who is standing on the edge of nothing, to do when offered the chance of everything?

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A Note from Samantha: Writing The Ending I Want has been a cathartic and exhausting process for me, but I have loved every second of writing it. I relate to this story more than any of the stories that I’ve written before. Maybe that’s because there’s a piece of me in this book. And not in Taylor having a brain tumor, because fortunately I’ve never had to endure anything like that. But for me, it was the need to feel free from something that has crippled me for many years, just like Taylor is crippled by her own pain. Taylor wanted to die to be free. I never wanted to die, but I did want to be free, in a way that’s hard to explain. But now, after years of feeling trapped by my demons, things that have held me back in life, I’ve found a way to get the freedom I needed. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m working better now than I ever did before - just saying this cryptic stuff out loud is a big step for me. So, writing Taylor in the way I did was a big deal for me. I really hope that you love this story, and see strength in Taylor’s choices rather than weakness.

MICHELLE’S REVIEW

Lovers. This might be my top read of the year.

I can’t stop thinking about this book. I want to tell complete strangers on the street about this book because it was SO GOOD.

So I will say almost immediately after starting this- I got an ON DUBLIN STREET vibe and if you didn’t know- now you know that ODS is my favorite book ever. And THE ENDING I WANT is rising up there.

Ok- let me take a second to stop gushing like a crazy person and tell you a little about the book and why I love it so much.

First off, you have our heroine Taylor Shaw, who despite being SUPER young is really smart and fun and strong and I loved her. Her age does show through in some stuff- mainly in how she has not dealt well emotionally with the loss of her family. Her misplaced guilt and her decision to not deal properly with things came across as an age issue for me but in a lot of ways- I could see people much older than her having the same reaction. But her self imposed guilt manifests itself in how she chooses to deal with the return of her brain tumor.

As the synopsis will tell you, Taylor travels to London to spend her last few days on this earth before letting herself succumb to the cancer in her body. She has a to do list of things she wants to try before she dies. What she does not count on is on Liam Hunter.

I’ll pause so you can swoon over him cause he’s perfection and you’re going to fall in love with him. I’m going to go ahead and cast him as Chris Hemsworth. He’s a fan favorite and who doesn’t like to see him without his shirt on?

Anyways- Liam is older and very wealthy and sure of himself and just all around wonderful. Some may wonder why Liam is suddenly gaga over Taylor but I totally see it. It starts as something he knows can only be casual because she’s just visiting but very quickly turns into more. Now- timeline wise it is a bit of insta-love but in this case- I’m ok with that.

As Liam and Taylor start to move from friends with benefits to something more, Taylor’s demons get louder and Liam has to decide what he wants for his life. The angst level is high as we all sit waiting for the other shoe to drop but it’s such a glorious ride.

Samantha Towle writes good sex and this is no exception. I was super into the sex scenes you guys. Like- really into them. I liked them a lot.

Beyond great sex- there is excellent writing, a wonderful storyline, characters you’ll love- it really is fantastic. I recommend this read highly. It is a HEA and while you’ll have all the feels while reading it- you really will feel totally happy when you’re done!

 

Excerpt

Go to England. Kiss a stranger. Have lots of sex,” his deep voice rumbles out the words I wrote.

He glances at me over his shoulder, a shit-eating grin on his face.

I don’t even bother with trying to get the list back now. What’s the point? He’s already seen it.

Bastard.

I fall back into my seat, my face feeling like a blowtorch went at it. “You’re an asshole,” I mutter.

He turns to face me, my list in his hand but still held out of my reach. “Aw, don’t be like that, Taylor, from Boston. I was just curious to read it.”

I’m pretty sure he’s going for contrite, but he’s failing miserably.

I glare at him. I’m going for death-by-laser stare.

It doesn’t work because he gives me a panty-dropping smile. I’d like to say I’m unaffected, but I’m not; however, I don’t let him know that.

“Curious? I don’t think so. An effing thief? Yes.”

He laughs. “I’m sorry. But you don’t need to be embarrassed. It’s a good list.” He looks back to my list. “Have sex with a stranger,” he continues on reading. “Have sex with a stranger outdoors. You do know I can help you with all of these, right?” He lifts a brow at me.

I give him the middle finger.

He laughs again and looks back to the list. Then, he stops laughing and stares at me with what can only be described as complete horror. “You’ve never had oral sex?”

Fuck.

Why the hell did I put that on my list?

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Giveaway
Samantha Towle’s THE ENDING I WANT Release Week Giveaway

IN THIS LIFE by Christine Brae: Book Tour - Review & GIVEAWAY



Title: IN THIS LIFE

 

Author: Christine Brae

 

Release Date: January 22, 2016

 

 



Synopsis

It started out so simply. Anna runs away to Thailand, drags her best friend Dante with her and spends a few weeks away, taking on other people’s problems while getting away from her own. She meets the enigmatic Jude Grayson, and for as long as it’s clear to both of them that it ends when they leave, she thinks she’s got the perfect fling planned out.
Or does she?
Anna returns home to find that her life is no longer the way it once was, and that she can’t stop thinking about him. She learns through tragedy that nothing she’s ever believed in has turned out to be true. The worst part? The people she loved were keeping a secret from her. And that no matter what she does, no matter how hard she fights against it, every path she takes keeps leading her back to Jude.
This is a story about love, found in a faraway place by two very unlikely people. It is also a story about friendship and loyalty and fighting for what you have despite the illogical mystery of fate. And with the struggle between morality and guilt, faith and acceptance, there comes a learning that even the best-laid plans are powerless against the alignment of the universe.
From the beaches of Thailand to the streets of New York, three friends, Anna, Dante, and Jude will learn the hard way that once providence steps in, there is nothing in the world that can change what is truly meant to be.

MICHELLE’S REVIEW

Lovers. This book. This book did something to me and I can’t even explain it. All I know is that I am obsessed with it. So much obsession.

I ended up telling Pepper that she HAD to read it. She’s been texting me nonstop while she’s been reading it, but couldn’t get it finished in time for our stop on the book tour.

***text from Pepper***
PEPPER: Is there cheating in this book?? It’s getting really good! But I’m worried.

MICHELLE: It’s complicated. I promise it will be OK.

PEPPER: OK. Ugh. Dante or Jude?!? It’s so hard.

MICHELLE: What part are you on??

PEPPER: Part 3
It’s killing me not to look.
I need to know.
*****************

I think my number one reason for loving this book so much is that it dared to be different. Christine Brae really went out of the box on this one. Here’s the thing- there are things about this story that I normally wouldn’t like. The beginning moves so fast that it’s almost silly for Anna and Jude to be as into each other as they are.

But here- it works. And Anna goes so far as to point out the hypocrisy of people insinuating that she should not be hung up on him.

But in the midst of it all Jude and Anna are not meant to be together in this life and so her life continues on with her best friend Dante and her brother. Anna has a life marked by tragic losses of her loved one but one thing I love about her is she keeps herself strong and does really great things for herself and her loved ones.

When years have gone by, Anna discovers that the people she loves most have been keeping a secret from her. And it’s a secret that unravels everything.

This book is told in parts and in alternating points of view and I LOVED that. I loved hearing from all of our major characters. I also think that Christine is bold in really throwing in some faith and spiritual elements in here. It’s not preachy or over the top. it’s just the way things sometimes are. People have faith and experiences that cannot be explained. Things happen in life that shake us to our core and make us question everything we know. . This book captures that beautifully.

Christine has always been a top author for me. Her books are bold and daring but nothing has compared to this one. There were twists and turns and everything was nothing that expected. Christine dares to write things that might make people uncomfortable but she writes them so expertly that you cannot help but fall in love with each word on each page.

I know that for me, this book will be a favorite in 2016. I know it’s early in the year but this book will always be original, captivating and fascinating.

If you are new to Christine Brae- feel free to start here. Her writing is truly wonderful and her story will capture you. You might get pushed out of your comfort zone but you won’t regret it for a second.

 

Book Trailer


Character Profile

 

 

Playlist
Listen to the songs that inspired the story of Anna, Dante and Jude.

In This Life Playlist



Author Bio

 

Christine Brae is a full time career woman who thought she could write a book about her life and then run away as far as possible from it. She never imagined that her words would touch the hearts of so many women with the same story to tell. Her second book, His Wounded Light was released in December, 2013.
Christine’s third book, Insipid, is a standalone that was released in June, 2014, and her fourth book, In This Life is scheduled for release in January 2016.
When not listening to the voices in her head or spending late nights at the office, Christine can be seen shopping for shoes and purses, running a half marathon or spending time with her husband and three children in Chicago.

Giveaway


WHEN I WAS YOURS by Samantha Towle: Book Release - Review & GIVEAWAY

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Happy Release Day to Samantha Towle and her new book WHEN I WAS YOURS!

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Synopsis

“Marry me.”

“What?” I stared back at him, unblinking.

He moved closer, taking my face in his hands. “I love you, Evie. I look into the future, and the only thing I see clearly is you. Marry me.”

What’s an eighteen-year-old girl who was madly in love with her nineteen-year-old boyfriend say?

Of course, I said yes.

Twenty-four hours later, I married Adam Gunner at a Vegas chapel to the sounds of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi. Not the best omen. I get that now.

Then, exactly one week later, I left him. I walked out, leaving behind my wedding ring, annulment papers, and my heart, and he never knew why.

I haven’t seen him since. Not in ten long years.

Now, he’s here, standing before me. Looking at me with nothing but hurt and hatred in his eyes, he wants answers.

Answers I can’t give.

Release Date: November 10, 2015

Cover Designed By: Najla Qamber Designs

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MICHELLE’S REVIEW

I absolutely love second chance romances and this one was no different. Samantha Towle has created a super angsty, steamy and beautiful story. Adam and Evie fell in love when they were young. And they fell hard and fast. Despite all of that, it was clear that they were in love in a way that would stick with them forever.

But life often gets in the way and it certainly did for these two. Evie leaves Adam and they both live the next ten years in pain. As they navigate towards a new happily ever after, they have a lot of heartache, secrets and lies to navigate through.

I don’t want to give anything away so I can’t say much more about the secrets that Evie keeps.

While it’s not entirely unexpected, the things that Evie has to do for love are not easy and there’s no good answer. Like I said- this book is high on the angst factor.

As with many second chance romances, this is told in both past and present views. It also alternates POV which I personally loved.

Definitely pick this one up. Samantha Towle does not disappoint. The sexy factor is at an all time high and it’s a really quick read because you’ll want to know all the juicy details. Read it!!!

 

Playlist

Excerpt

Adam POV

 

Making my way through the hotel, I exchange pleasantries with the staff on duty. When I reach the coffee shop, I push open the door and step straight into the past.

Evie.

She’s standing behind the counter. Her face is turned slightly to the right, her attention on the TV mounted on the wall, and her hair is pulled back into a ponytail.

But it’s her.

I feel like a speeding train has hit me, and I’m pretty sure my heart has stopped beating.

It’s really her.

She’s here.

“Evie?” I breathe out her name, like I’m taking my first real breath in a very long time.

Her body stiffens at the sound of my voice. And I watch as her face turns my way. Those big whiskey-colored eyes that I fell in love with all those years ago meet mine, and my world stands still.

 

Evie POV

 

My eyes rake over him as I remember the Adam I knew ten years ago and compare him to the Adam I see before me. The long hair is gone, replaced with cropped locks. The unshaven scruff on his face is still very much there though. At least some things haven’t changed.

“You cut your hair.”

“It has been ten years.”

“I know. I just…I remember a time when you said you’d never cut your hair.” A small smile touches my lips at the memory.

“Yeah, and I remember when you promised to love me till death do us part. Shit changes.”

My smile drops from my face. My cheeks sting like he’s just slapped me.

I deserved that. Doesn’t stop it from hurting like a bitch though.

 

 

AboutTheAuthor
samantha towle

New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and international bestselling author Samantha Towle began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn’t stopped writing since.

She has written contemporary romances, THE MIGHTY STORM, WETHERING THE STORM, TAMING THE STORM, TROUBLE, REVVED and REVIVED.

She has also written paranormal romances, THE BRINGER and the ALEXANDRA JONES SERIES, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and more of her favourite musicians.

A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.

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Giveaway

Samantha Towle’s WHEN I WAS YOURS Release Day and Blog Tour Giveaway