Blog Anniversary Celebration Day 5 - Katy Evans, Adriana Locke and A Giveaway

Welcome to day 5 of my blog anniversary celebration. Today I am featuring 2 more of my favorite authors, some fun facts about each of them and another giveaway for you. 

If you missed any days you can check them out. All giveaways are open.

Day 1
Day 2

Day 3
Day 4

First up is Katy Evans. I found Katy's books when some recommended I read REAL. It was all over after that. Not only do I love the stories, but also the characters she creates. She's also a total sweetheart in person. If you haven't read her, I recommend starting with REAL and meeting Remington Tate. 

REAL Series Reading Order

Katy's Amazon Author Page

Who is your celebrity crush?
Chris Hemsworth is totally my celebrity crush. Yum.

What is your favorite part of your day?
My favorite part of day is night. After a long productive, enjoyable day, just love cuddling up with a book or my husband and my dog, ready to recharge. 

Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yes. I believe in love at first sight, that souls can intuit other souls that vibrate the same tune...and that souls can FEEL it when their match/other half/twin flame/soul mate is near.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was very young, I wanted to be a veterinarian or a teacher. Then at eleven I read ny first book series and that quickly changed. ;)

Describe your dream vacation.
Anywhere near nature with lots of green: trees, a cool breeze, the scent of nature or a nearby ocean. I love calm, quiet places that help me relax and hear myself think.

Up next is Adriana Locke. Not only is Adriana a great author who likes to tear at your heartstrings with emotional plot twists, she's also a fabulous person and a great friend. If you haven't read her books, I suggest starting with Written In The Scars because it's amazing.

Written In The Scars on Amazon

Adriana's Amazon Author Page

Do you believe in love at first sight?  
I believe there can be insane chemistry, maybe even a connection, at first sight. But love? I think love is something that's built on respect and understanding and those things can't happen at first sight. I know that's so un-romance-author of me, but it's true. Love takes time. 

If you had a personal slogan, what would it be? 
Love many, trust few, and always paddle your own canoe. I first saw that on my sister-in-law's kitchen wall. Her grandmother gave her the little plaque before she passed away and I fell in love with the saying immediately. It's always stuck with me. 

If you had a genie grant you three wishes, what would they be? 
I only need one—a million more wishes! :) 

If you wrote a book about yourself, what would you title it? 
Careful What You Wish For. ;) It's true, though. 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? 
Um, what didn't I want to be? LOL I think every year I wanted to be something different. I wanted to be an actress in second grade. An author in third. A lawyer and a singer in fourth. I was really into painting and writing in fifth grade and, in sixth, I wanted to be in Congress. (Thank God I didn't go the Congress route! Ha!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz - Playboy by Katy Evans

Playboy by Katy Evans is out now!

A brand new contemporary romance from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Katy Evans.

It started as a game.

We flirted. We played. Most importantly—we won.

Then I discovered who he was: Gambler. Famous playboy. Silver-eyed player who never plays to lose...

And my best friend’s soon-to-be brother in law, Cullen Carmichael.

He needed a good luck charm, I needed a distraction.

So we made a gamble and set off for Vegas—but pretty soon—I was in too deep.

My heart, soul, and body weren't supposed to be part of the deal.

But somewhere between big wins and long nights, my house of cards started to tumble.

What was this devil with those piercing eyes doing to me?

I’d given up on love, but the wicked, all-in Cullen Carmichael was upping the ante and wouldn’t stop until he’d won it all.

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Amazon Paperback | Audible | Google Play | Goodreads

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

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Blog Tour & Review - RACER by Katy Evans

Racer, an all-new standalone in the Real Series from New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans is LIVE!

A bad boy with something to prove.

A woman with a mission.

The race of their lives.

The love of a lifetime.

I don’t think his parents expected him to live up to his name—Racer Tate—but once he felt the adrenaline rush behind the wheel, he was addicted.

He's the fastest, fiercest driver around.

Scouting new talent brings me to his doorstep...

but his smile sends me to my knees.

The sexy, mysterious Racer Tate is not the kind of man a girl like me falls for. He's secretive, reckless, elusive. But his proximity pushes me beyond reason, and his kiss....

This is our last chance to win, and he is our only hope. I'm supposed to watch him—make sure he doesn't get into trouble. But it's an impossible task. And now the one in heart wrenching, toe-curling, soul-crushing trouble is me. Because when your heart belongs to someone, their truths become your own, and their secrets become your salvation...or your curse.

He says he wants me. He says I'm the One. But he also thinks he'll break my heart, one piece at a time until it's gone.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Goodreads

I’m still reeling. While people approach him, he cuts a path straight to me, his gaze penetrating and target-like; making me want to bolt. His lips do that little upward tilt they do that seems so sexy, and for a second, I feel like I’m lightheaded. I gulp, and then feel mad at myself for acting like some idiot as fucking devil-Racer Tate reaches me, throws himself into a seat next to me, and turns to look at me expectantly with the most gorgeous grin on his face. I don’t know what to say. This guy has left me sort of speechless. “So … ” I say, staring in the distance at his beat-up mustang, then at him. “So … ” he says too, in his deep voice, his smile a little more wicked than it was two seconds ago. He glances at my mouth. Oh god. Why am I licking my lips? It only made his eyes narrow and darken. I open my mouth to speak, failing to find words. He smells like sweat and soap and shampoo, and I feel my traitorous nipples push up to my top again. Why do they do that when he’s around? “This is illegal,” I state. His voice is husky from exertion, and his eyes glint with laughter. “That’s why it’s fun.” I look away from his eyes, trying to focus and clear my head. He leans over and peers into my face, his face shadowed by the moonlight and his jaw now carrying a little scruff. “Are we in agreement?” he presses. “No.” I glare and shake my head, meeting his cocky gaze. “You’re reckless, Racer.” “So are you, Alana.” “It’s just … Lana.” His brows fly up in surprise. “And a bit of a liar too.” I purse my lips, still glaring as my gaze goes back to his car. Girls are rubbing against it as if it were him, and I find it disgusting. Why are women always acting so slutty around race car drivers and bad boys? “You crashed your car,” I say flippantly. “You crashed my car,” he contradicts, amused. I laugh, then scowl in his direction. “You crashed it more. I can’t believe you were making such a fuss about me crashing into you when it was just a little kiss—” He leans in to peck my lips—fast but firmly. “That’s a kiss.” I lose my breath. My eyes wide. He eases back, lips smiling as he comes to his feet and stretches his hand out to take me by the elbow and help me to my feet. “Let’s get out of here.” He starts walking, leading the way. “And go where?” “Anywhere I can get my hands on you.”

It’s been about four years since I fell in love with Remington Tate and Katy Evans’ REAL series. And even though there was never any indication that she was going to write it, I’ve been waiting for Racer’s story. So you can imagine my excitement when she announced that she was releasing RACER. (There may have been some squealing. LOL) Racer and Lana’s story did not disappoint. It’s tough for me to write this without giving too much away, but Katy does a fabulous job with addressing both Racer and Lana’s issues that they struggle with in order to take a chance on loving each other and build toward a future together. I highly recommend RACER and the other books in the REAL series. 

REAL (Book 1 - Remy & Brooke)

MINE (Book 2 - Remy & Brooke)

REMY (Book 3 - Remy & Brooke)

ROGUE (Book 4 - Melanie & Greyson)

RIPPED (Book 5 - Pandora & Mackenna)

LEGEND (Book 6 - Maverick & Reese)

RACER - (Book 7 - Racer & Lana)

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

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Release Blitz - RACER by Katy Evans

Racer, an all-new standalone in the Real Series from New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans is LIVE!

A bad boy with something to prove.

A woman with a mission.

The race of their lives.

The love of a lifetime.

I don’t think his parents expected him to live up to his name—Racer Tate—but once he felt the adrenaline rush behind the wheel, he was addicted.

He's the fastest, fiercest driver around.

Scouting new talent brings me to his doorstep...

but his smile sends me to my knees.

The sexy, mysterious Racer Tate is not the kind of man a girl like me falls for. He's secretive, reckless, elusive. But his proximity pushes me beyond reason, and his kiss....

This is our last chance to win, and he is our only hope. I'm supposed to watch him—make sure he doesn't get into trouble. But it's an impossible task. And now the one in heart wrenching, toe-curling, soul-crushing trouble is me. Because when your heart belongs to someone, their truths become your own, and their secrets become your salvation...or your curse.

He says he wants me. He says I'm the One. But he also thinks he'll break my heart, one piece at a time until it's gone.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Goodreads

REAL (Book 1 - Remy & Brooke)

MINE (Book 2 - Remy & Brooke)

REMY (Book 3 - Remy & Brooke)

ROGUE (Book 4 - Melanie & Greyson)

RIPPED (Book 5 - Pandora & Mackenna)

LEGEND (Book 6 - Maverick & Reese)

RACER - (Book 7 - Racer & Lana)

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

Email | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour - Tycoon by Katy Evans

Tycoon, an all-new standalone from Katy Evans is available now!!!

He wasn’t always this rich. This hot. This difficult. 

Aaric Christos was a guy who protected me. Wanted me. Maybe even loved me.

That man is gone.

In his place is the most powerful real estate tycoon in the city.

He’s a cold, ruthless, aggressive businessman.

The only one who can save me and my startup from ruin.

It takes every ounce of courage to put my pride aside and ask for his help.

I didn’t expect him to offer it easily.

And he doesn’t.

Instead, he vets me harder than he’s vetted anyone.

Don’t invest in what you don’t know, he says.

He's assessing every piece of me, to the point I've never felt so bare.

I yearn for the boy I once knew, whose touch once craved me.

Putting it all on the line will be worth it, I tell myself.

Until I realize—too late—that some risks are not worth taking.

I hop off the train and walk several walks to his building. It’s a brownstone in Park Avenue, one of the most elite of the elite spaces in town. My lungs feel a little bit overworked from awe as I head up the steps to the double doors, grateful that I came dressed to kill in a little black dress, a jacket, and pumps. Simple, but effective. See, I may be feeling a little awkward, but at least I don’t look it. I’m greeted by his maid. She’s dressed in black and white, her hair drawn back in a neat bun, her expression stoic and formal as she leads me down the hall to a gorgeous study. I catch my breath when I notice all the books and shelves. It’s like a reader’s paradise in here. There’s a sleek chrome bar, a modern mahogany glass-topped desk, and two huge whiskey-colored leather chairs that almost swallow me up when I’m instructed to wait in one. I drum my fingers, inhaling the scent of leather and wine, remembering a guy I knew with his mechanic navy-blue uniform, black streaks on his jaw, his big nose always the first thing you’d see, which was a pity because he had beautiful eyes and a really sinful pair of lips. He’s living in luxury now. Wow. Good for him. I hear footsteps approaching and the little hair on my arms prick at attention. My head turns as a tall, dark figure steps into the room, and the most intimidating guy I’ve ever seen enters and crosses the room toward the desk. He walks like he’s the shit…his strides proud and composed, elegant and powerful. Christos, I hear myself breathe in surprise. He’s so tall now…six three, at least. Dirty-blonde hair, gold-green eyes, chiseled jaw, and a gorgeous profile. All in black, he looks very much a New Yorker. He’s wearing a black jacket, black pants, and a black turtleneck beneath the jacket... I stare at him, my jaw hanging a little bit open. The man is….all man. Testosterone. Muscles. Height. Width. My chest hurts all of a sudden because I realize… The boy you knew is gone. I force myself to stand. “Thank you for seeing me.” He heads to the bar to pour two drinks, then he prowls over, takes the whiskey leather chair across from mine and leans forward, pushing a glass of cognac with one finger across a small table, toward me. And he waits. In silence. But my stomach dips as if he’d said something ultra-sexy and decadent. “You might not remember me, I’m sorry to be reaching out like this,” I say, nervous. “What do you want?” There’s a pleasant shiver as he speaks. Recognition of his voice, even though it’s far deeper than I remember. “I was told you sometimes invest in startups.” “I’d say more than sometimes.” He raises his eyebrows as if I should’ve done my homework better. Ugh, Bryn! Focus! Be SMART! Make yourself and your business irresistible! A silence settles as he eyes me, slowly setting his drink down as he leans forward and finally, unexpectedly, smiles. At me. It’s just a smile. But the world tilts under its impact. “Hello, little bit.” Amusement touches his gaze as he tilts his head and watches me. “You know, I’d think you’d have grown up the ten-plus years since I last saw you. At least an inch.” He leans back in his seat, seemingly displeased. Wow, this guy is not the lanky kid I knew once. This guy oozes danger. Every ounce of “boy” is gone. Oh God. For a moment I wish that we could go back in time and I could discuss my startup with the guy I knew before. But time travel is not really my talent, and it seems like I have yet to see if I even have any special talents at all—depending on what this guy thinks. “I grew two in width,” I shock myself saying. He laughs then, his eyes drinking me in openly. “Shame on you, you’re not trying to see if it’s true?” I ask him, frowning now. He shrugs casually, his lips curved at the corners. “I can’t help it. Something has to have changed.” “Why?” “Because nothing good ever lasts. Even you, little bit.” A smile touches those unforgettable gold-green eyes. A shiver runs through me. Because… Christos recognized me. “I can tell you’re as incorrigible as ever.” I shake my head, but I’m smiling, truly just relieved that he recognized me. “I try to be,” he purrs dangerously. I’m feeling warm all of a sudden. I can’t believe I’m staring at him so much, but it’s like I cannot take my eyes away. He looks achingly familiar, but at the same time, so different I cannot help but stare and track the differences in his features. The way his jaw squared out even more, the way his body filled out with hard, lean muscles that shift and ripple beneath his expensive designer clothes. I cannot believe that this is a guy I knew once. He seems to silently be taking in my changes too, his keen stare allowing me to see that he seems to approve of it all. Even the dress I’m wearing. “You changed enough for the both of us,” I blurt. “Really. How so?” he asks. “You grew into your nose.” “Really?” He chuckles as if despite himself. “Width and height too. Quite a bit,” I add. “Anything else,” he prods, one eyebrow rising. “You learned how to dress.” He looks down at his black suit. “This old thing?” He grins, then shifts forward, sobering up. “What can I do for you, Bryn? Considering I’m rather surprised to see you here, I’m eager for you to satiate my curiosity.” His stare becomes keen. “So am I. I didn’t expect to be here,” I admit, and for a moment when I look into his eyes, all I see is someone I’ve seen before. Someone who belonged in my life long ago. “You know when you had that misplaced crush on me and told me one day I’d know what it felt like to throw pebbles at someone’s window wanting them to open? I’m sort of throwing rocks here.” “Not to sing me a love song,” he says flatly, his eyes shuttering. “No. Well, you know that was never....I mean...” Don’t bring up your rejection of him, Bryn! “It’s for something better. Business.” “Go on.” “I knew that’d get you.” I smile privately. “So it’s true your love is money now.” “She gives back what I put in. Though her ass isn’t as juicy as I like,” he says nonchalantly. “Wow. No matter how polished you look, your mouth is still as crude as ever.” “Thank you,” he purrs, his eyes grinning at me. I laugh. Then I sober up and realize he’s waiting for me to speak. “I’m looking for money for my startup,” I say. “How much.” “One hundred thousand.” “I don’t invest less than a million.” He twirls his whiskey in his glass, eyeing the liquid. “Well then, I’ll ask for a million.” He raises his brows, setting his glass down. “It’s not how much you want to ask for, it’s how much the company’s worth.” Eyebrows up, he skewers me with a cold, intimidating look. “It’ll be worth more than a million, trust me,” I bluff. “Good for you. Except…” he leans back with a rustle of clothes, every athletic inch of his black-clad body flowing sinuously like a feline with the move, “considering that has yet to happen and I’ll need to trust you on that, my trust needs to be earned.” This version of Christos is even more intimidating than the old one, unfortunately. I try to hide it, keeping my voice as level as possible. “How does one earn your trust?” “I’d tell you if I were interested, but I’m not exactly sure that I am.” He eyes me as if debating in silence. This guy is the only guy in the world that unnerves me in this way, and I can’t seem to slow the fast pounding of my heart in my chest as I try to remember what I came here to say. “I have a full presentation for you. I’m not taking no for an answer.” I reach into my briefcase. “Darling. Are you ready?” I start at the female voice and glance at a gorgeous woman striding into the study. Christos continues looking at me as he stands and reaches for the cell phone the woman extends out. “We’re done here,” he answers her as he pockets the phone, his gaze remaining on me. “I’ll wait for you in the car.” She leans up and kisses his jaw, her hands proprietary on his chest, then sends me a woman-to-woman claiming look, before she swishes away, all glittering jewels and lean body. There’s a silence as he approaches, and for a second all I can hear is the sound of a toilet flushing, taking my only opportunity with a possible investor away. “I’ll think about it,” he says. “Christos.” “I said I’ll think about it,” he says from the door. “Please do,” I say as he exits the room. I cup the sides of my mouth, “I’ll be back tomorrow. Same time?” I say jokingly. I’m surprised when I hear footsteps returning. He pauses when our eyes meet. “I’ll make contact,” he says, raising his eyebrows meaningfully, “If I’m interested in hearing more.” He nods. “Nice to see you, Bryn.” “Nice to see you. Christos.” Well, that went sort of awful.

 

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Another great read from Katy Evans. Aaric was very intriguing and from the beginning I was itching for more about him and what made him tick. The teases Katy gave us from his POV were torture in the best possible way! The relationship between Bryn and Aaric, the ups and downs, the unexpected turns, will keep you from wanting to put down the book. Definitely add it to your TBR pile today! You won't be disappointed.   

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

Email | Facebook | Twitter

Release Blitz - Tycoon by Katy Evans

Tycoon, an all-new standalone from Katy Evans is LIVE!!!

He wasn’t always this rich. This hot. This difficult.

Aaric Christos was a guy who protected me. Wanted me. Maybe even loved me.

That man is gone.

In his place is the most powerful real estate tycoon in the city.

He’s a cold, ruthless, aggressive businessman.

The only one who can save me and my startup from ruin.

It takes every ounce of courage to put my pride aside and ask for his help.

I didn’t expect him to offer it easily.

And he doesn’t.

Instead, he vets me harder than he’s vetted anyone.

Don’t invest in what you don’t know, he says.

He's assessing every piece of me, to the point I've never felt so bare.

I yearn for the boy I once knew, whose touch once craved me.

Putting it all on the line will be worth it, I tell myself.

Until I realize—too late—that some risks are not worth taking.

Kindle | iBooks | BN | Kobo | Audible | Goodreads

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world.

Email | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour & Review - Mr. President by Katy Evans

Ahhh! You have no idea how excited I am to be a part of the blog tour for Katy Evans' Mr. President. This book, definitely add it to your list. Better yet, go get it now and start reading! 

Goodreads | Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

He's won the hearts of millions. But is he willing to lose his?

I met the president’s son when we were both young. Matthew Hamilton was handsome, polished, and intelligent. I’d never met a guy like him.

He promised me that he’d never run for president. I promised that if he did, I’d be by his side.

Three terms later, an invitation to join Matthew Hamilton’s campaign is the most exhilarating opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I'm determined to make a difference; he is determined to win. 

Focused on his goal, Matt is steadfast, ruthless, and disarming. All eyes are on him and his popularity is surging. But soon, the next possible president of the United States is possessing me in more ways than one—and despite the risks, I'm helpless to resist. 

We're stealing touches, stealing moments, and stealing away at night. But our chemical connection is quickly becoming dangerously combustive, putting not only my heart, but Matt's chance at the presidency on the line. 

Winning will take everything. Walking away will be the hardest thing of all.

What can I say? I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Katy Evans and Mr. President is no exception. Matt is captivating, sexy and sweet all rolled in to one. Charlotte has had a crush on Matt since the first time she met him. Never did she expect that crush to lead to working on his presidential campaign. Katy Evans makes politics exciting and sexy as we join Charlotte and Matt as they navigate the ups and downs of their attraction to each other while being in the public eye and preparing for what could happen if Matt succeeds in his run for President. Vote for Matt, vote for love! Pick up Mr. President today. You won’t be disappointed!

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world. 

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