Saturday, September 27, 2014

INK Series by Bella Roccaforte - New Cover Reveal



The INK Series by Bella Roccaforte has been given a facelift.  All of the books have new covers.  (Note: the autographed set in the auction is the old covers...now a collector's edition.)

INK: Fine Lines (Book 1)  (FREE)

Barnes & Noble - http://bit.ly/1ezKYVs
Google Play - http://bit.ly/1m0vkZC
Smashwords - http://bit.ly/13R7nwn



INK: Vanishing Point (Book 2)

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1f85Nb8
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1iQxYj8














INK: Abstraction

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1kplEZQ
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1tP8HOV












INK: Sketches (Book 0) Parts 1 & 2




Friday, September 26, 2014

BLOG TOUR: Saving Tatum by Micalea Smeltzer


Even tough girls need saving. 

Jude Brooks is bad news. He’s the kind of guy that leaves behind a string of broken hearts and Tatum O’ Connor is not about to be one of those girls, despite all of Jude’s advances. They have a past, and Tatum’s determined to make sure they don’t have a future.

Unfortunately for her, “no” isn’t a word in Jude’s vocabulary.

The more she backs away, the more he pushes.

But what if he pushes too far?

Tatum’s hiding a pain that no one sees and holding on to a hurt that may never heal. Letting Jude into her heart could shatter her completely—and what if she opens up to Jude and he can’t handle her baggage? 

Love is never easy—especially when the person you’re falling for is the person you blame for the worst event in your life.

Love, heartache, and despair. 

That’s the name of the game when you’re Saving Tatum. 

Add on Goodreads 

Purchase on Amazon





    

 Happiness had been absent from my emotions for a long time. On the surface, I wore a smile and never showed the struggles I dealt with on the inside. The fact of the matter was, I’d been hurt. I was damaged goods, and I hadn’t believed I was the kind of girl worthy of love—of being saved. But I was beginning to see that everyone is worth saving. It was strangely appropriate that the man I’d let break me, was the one to put me back together.
I didn’t know what tomorrow, or next week, or even the following month might hold for us, and I wasn’t going to let myself overthink it. I was going to live in the moment.
Jude lay on his back, staring up at the clear blue sky. “Tatum?”
“Yeah,” I replied when he didn’t continue immediately.
“Can I hold your hand, or are you going to hit me for that?”
I turned my head and laughed at his serious expression. “I think that would be alright, and I really am sorry about that. It was an automatic reaction.”
“So…” He started, a slow grin appearing on his face. “Your first response to a guy kissing you, is to slap him? Interesting.”
He was never going to let me live this down. I really hadn’t meant to hit him. He knew that, but he also enjoyed my pain. Douche.
“Only one guy.”
“I’m the only guy to ever kiss you?” He brightened.
“No!” I immediately shut him down. “I’ve kissed other guys, but you’re the only one that I…you know…”
“Slapped?” He supplied. “Should I be honored that you like to hit me?” He winked.
“You make me sound like I’m abusive,” I pouted, feeling ashamed of myself and my behavior.
“Nah,” he propped his head up on his hand and stared down at me. “You’re just a tough girl.”
“Tough?” I wrinkled my nose. “That doesn’t sound very appealing.”
“Oh, trust me,” his brown eyes sparkled, “it is. It’s hot as hell actually. But you want to know a secret, Tate?”
I nodded and he lowered his head so his mouth was pressed against my ear. My body shuddered at the close proximity and the heavenly feel of his breath ghosting against my skin. “Even tough girls need saving.”
“Is that what you’re going to do Jude?” I quirked my head and squinted from the sun shining in my eyes. “Are you going to save me?”
“No,” he shook his head, his dark hair brushing my forehead. “You’re going to save yourself.”
He said the words with such surety that I couldn’t help but believe him. When I didn’t say anything he rolled onto his back and finally entwined our hands together. Peace flooded my body and I didn’t understand it. How could the man that had filled me with such torment not long ago, calm my body with a simple touch? It was mindboggling.
I rolled my head slightly to the side, studying his profile—the elegant slope of his nose and the slant of his lips. I couldn’t believe I was thinking this, and he’d probably kill me if I said it out loud, but he was beautiful—inside and out. It was a shame that I was just now noticing it. I think a lot of people never saw what a magnificent person he was. He hid his true self behind cocky smiles and flirtatious come-ons.
“You’re staring at me.”
“I’m not,” I hastily turned my head away.
“I felt your eyes,” he continued. “You were totally staring. It’s okay, look all you want. I know I’m quite the feast for your eyes.”
With my free hand I smacked his stomach. My God he had abs of steel. I think I hurt my hand more than I did any damage to him. Not that I was really trying to hurt him. Although, I thought he needed a nice blow to his ego.
I squealed as he rolled on top of me and I found my arms pinned above me, pushed into the sand. His tongue slowly snaked out between his plump lips to moisten their surface. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he didn’t. I was learning that Jude rarely did what I expected of him. In many ways he was a mystery.
His dark eyes grew serious as he stared down at me and I found myself squirming as his hips dug into mine. I felt my body responding to the position—muscles tightening, pulse racing, and an overwhelming ache building inside me.
“Are you sure about this?” He breathed softly. There was a vulnerability in his eyes that I’d only ever seen when he was around his grandpa. “About us? Or am I going to wake up in the morning and find that you’re gone?”
“You really think I’d run away?” I replied, wiggling my hips, which caused him to hiss sharply between his teeth.
“Honestly? It wouldn’t surprise me. You’re afraid of your own feelings,” he lowered his head, brushing his nose against my neck. My eyes closed and a pleased hum resounded in my throat. There was still a voice in my head telling me to push him away, but I was done listening to it. “It’s okay to be scared, Tate,” he nipped my earlobe, the heat of his body wrapping around mine like a blanket. “I’m scared too.”
“You are?” I breathed, my voice so soft the wind nearly carried it away.
I felt him nod, his hair tickling my neck. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone, but you,” he confessed. “It’s always been you.”




The dead grass crunched beneath my feet as we trudged through the field. It was crazy to think that in a few short weeks spring would be here and the grass would soon be green. Spring was my favorite time of year. I loved the colors and flowers, even the smells. There was something so promising about spring—it was a new beginning.
Jude stopped in the middle of the field and spread the blanket out on the ground. “Sit,” he instructed.
With a reluctant sigh, I did as he told me. “Why are we out here?” I asked, drawing his sweatshirt closer to me as I shivered.
“I want you to see something.”
“Thanks for the non-answer,” I mumbled as he sat down beside me. He wiggled around until he got comfortable.
He chuckled, sweeping his hair from his eyes. “There’s something I want you to see,” he repeated, “be patient.”
You’d think Jude would know by now that I was the least patient person on the planet. Only a few minutes had past when I asked, “What are we waiting for?”
“Oh, Tate,” he chuckled, his eyes crinkling as he lay back, propping his body up with his elbows, “you’re something else.” Tilting his head, he continued, “Look around you, appreciate what’s right in front of you for a change. You need to slow down and enjoy life.”
“Look at you sounding so wise,” I commented, resisting the sudden urge to smile. I wanted to smile a lot around Jude and that scared me a bit.
He gasped, his eyes brightening. “I am wise.” He sat up and drew his knees up, draping his arms on top. “Now watch, here comes the surprise.”
For a moment, I wondered what he was talking about and then I realized we were watching the sunset. The sky deepened with hues of orange and red as the sun descended. My mouth fell open in awe as the meadow around us became awash with golden light. I didn’t speak and neither did he. For once, I was living in the moment, and maybe this moment wasn’t such a bad place to be.
There was calmness in the air around us as the last of sun’s rays fanned across the land. It didn’t take long for the sun to disappear and for the stars and moon to twinkle above us.
Without saying anything, we both lay back on the blanket, staring up at the sky above.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” He whispered, his fingers brushing lightly against mine where we rested side by side.
“What?” I asked, trying to pick out any of the constellations.
“Nature…everything…you.”





My Review
I have so loved this entire series and while I'm sad to see it end, I don't think Micalea could have written it any better.  Saving Tatum was so beautifully written and the characters were so fun to meet and fall in love with.  Jude actually reminds me of Luke, who is the cover model for Chase in Finding Olivia and Chasing Olivia.  He has the fun, goofy personality that you can't help by love.  He has a way of charming everyone without any effort at all.  He is so much fun and just has a love for life that I'm sure we all wish we had.  

And Tatum...I think every woman/girl can see some of ourselves in Tatum.   That insecure, scared girl who can't see who she really is and is just hoping someone will come along and help her find her way.

Micalea grabbed my attention with the cover of Finding Olivia, but she earned my loyalty with her amazing ability to weave a tale so that you feel as though you are living inside it.  Saving Tatum was a true gem and a perfect way to cap of the series.  

5 Stars!!  

Giveaway
















Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling Young and New Adult author from Winchester, Virginia. She’s always working on her next book, and when she has spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family.
Follow Micalea:
Twitter: @msmeltzer9793
Instagram: micaleasmeltzer


Micalea has always been a huge supporter of Roc n' Read and I am so grateful for that support.  She has also very generously donated an autographed copy of the first book in this series, Finding Olivia, to the JDRF auction that is currently ongoing.  It is Item #1.  Please consider bidding on this or any of the other fabulous books which have been donated by other authors.  Thank you!!


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

JDRF Auction Item #12 - Autographed copy of Paranormal Transmissions by Bella Roccaforte

I guess I could list this as Items 12, 13 and 14, since Bella has offered to donate 3 copies.  So, what we'll do is we'll list all 3 here and we'll go with the top 3 bidders.

Supernatural meets X-Files on battery acid! 

You are about to embark on the first episode of a novel-length serial--guaranteed cliffhanger-free--encompassing approximately 22,000 words of thrilling paranormal suspense (with a hefty side of humor). Buckle up and get ready to fly! 



In Episode I: 

Carl and McNab are paranormal investigators. Carl, a man of principle, has the best of intentions. His job is to keep paranormal beings under cover and out of mischief. McNab--young, impetuous, devil-may-care--will add his talents to Carl’s effort...as long as he gets paid. 

McNab has a lot to learn--and a lot of growing up to do. But he does come up with a great idea to finance Carl’s exploits--a weekly reality program showcasing paranormal phenomena. To the delight of their cable TV audience, McNab and Carl wade through the seamy, murky waters of the Underside world, helping those in need, saving the blissfully unaware from the ravages of evil, and attempting to redeem their own mistakes--all without causing widespread panic! 

In this first episode we join our heroes in the desert of Mexico trying to bury the body of a chupacabre--and McNab learns his lesson the hard way. After the chaos subsides, Carl notices some suspicious activity in a small North Carolina town--several suicides followed by an odd wave of philanthropy. Both investigators agree--all fingers point to a “pusher.” But what they find catches them both off guard. 

Those readers familiar with Bella Roccaforte’s INK: series will recognize Carl and McNab as favorite characters, but all readers will love their early exploits, which take place long before the INK: series begins. Come and find out what happened before McNab met Shay in Seattle!


Please read ALL rules before you bid,

Rules for Bidding  

1.  Opening Bid is $5, with bids increasing by a minimum $1 increment.  (But as I said - 3 copies, so the top 3 bidders will win!)

2.  Bidding closes at 12:00 Midnight (eastern) on Friday, Oct. 10th.  Any bids posted on Oct. 11 or later will not be counted.

3.  Winning bidder must make donation at  http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/SupportRaquel by Noon (eastern time) on Friday, Oct. 17th.  (If the donation is not received by the deadline, I will contact the 2nd place bidder.)   Note:  For online donations, you will need to use a credit card.  If you don't with to us your credit card online, you must contact me about submitting a check.)

4.  Post your bid in the comments of this post!

5.  Follow the author and do not forget to say THANK YOU to them.  This would not be happening without them.

6.  U.S. bidders only!


If you have any questions, please let me know ASAP! 


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

JDRF Auction Item #11 - Autographed copy of Books 0-3 in the INK Series by Bella Roccaforte














The INK series follows the twisted path of Shay Baynes, an up-and-coming comic book artist. A horrific series of tragedies strike just as she’s finally about to hit it big.

When paranormal investigator McNab uncovers a pattern of disturbing coincidences it becomes clear that this is more than just a bout of bad luck.

Everyone’s in danger including Aiden & Eli who have divided Shay’s heart down the middle since childhood. McNab teams up with them to stop the killing before it’s too late for Shay!


I am a huge fan of this paranormal series.  It is unlike anything else I've read and I often wonder what is going on inside Bella Roccaforte's head.  I imagine it's a very dark and very scary place!  But to balance out that scary brain, Bella has a heart of gold and this is why she donated all 4 books in the series to date for this cause.  I adore this woman and I can not wait to meet her in person!  If you are a paranormal fan, if you're looking for something completely different from anything else you've been reading lately, this is one series you MUST check out.  (By the way, book one is perma-free for your ereader.)


Please read ALL rules before you bid,

Rules for Bidding  

1.  Opening Bid is $10, with bids increasing by a minimum $1 increment.

2.  Bidding closes at 12:00 Midnight (eastern) on Friday, Oct. 10th.  Any bids posted on Oct. 11 or later will not be counted.

3.  Winning bidder must make donation at  http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/SupportRaquel by Noon (eastern time) on Friday, Oct. 17th.  (If the donation is not received by the deadline, I will contact the 2nd place bidder.)   Note:  For online donations, you will need to use a credit card.  If you don't with to us your credit card online, you must contact me about submitting a check.)

4.  Post your bid in the comments of this post!

5.  Follow the author and do not forget to say THANK YOU to them.  This would not be happening without them.

6.  U.S. bidders only!


If you have any questions, please let me know ASAP! 


UPDATE:  I've learned that the INK series is getting a Facelift...meaning NEW covers!  The autographed set you will be winning will not be the new covers, but the "vintage" covers you see in this post.  So you are now bidding on the series with a limited edition cover because they will not be made like this again!  






Monday, September 22, 2014

JDRF Auction Item #10 - Autographed copy of OUR TIME by Jessica Wilde

Jocelyn White's only priority in life is her daughter, Olivia. As a single mother, with no family and the only friends she had now hours away, life isn't easy. But the last several years taught her what is truly important and she plans on spending the time she has loving her little girl and keeping her safe and happy. She doesn't plan on her new gorgeous, blue eyed neighbor turning out to be the one thing her and Olivia have been missing. 

Andrew Carter has been waiting his whole life for a woman like Jocelyn. After his parents died years before, leaving him to care for his little sister, Madison, he spent years patiently waiting for a family of his own. When Jocelyn and Olivia completely steal his heart, he knows his patience has finally paid off and it's time for his life to finally start. 

What he doesn't know is that Jocelyn is keeping something from him. Something she learned a few years ago. 

Life is short and sometimes, time isn't on your side. 



Jessica Wilde has also donated both of her other books too, so I am so incredibly grateful!  And I will be adding each and every book to my TBR.  And I hope you will too.



 Please read ALL rules before you bid,

Rules for Bidding  

1.  Opening Bid is $5, with bids increasing by a minimum $1 increment.

2.  Bidding closes at 12:00 Midnight (eastern) on Friday, Oct. 10th.  Any bids posted on Oct. 11 or later will not be counted.

3.  Winning bidder must make donation at http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/SupportRaquel by Noon (eastern time) on Friday, Oct. 17th.  (If the donation is not received by the deadline, I will contact the 2nd place bidder.)   Note:  For online donations, you will need to use a credit card.  If you don't with to us your credit card online, you must contact me about submitting a check.)

4.  Post your bid in the comments of this post!

5.  Follow the author and do not forget to say THANK YOU to them.  This would no be happening without them.

6.  U.S. bidders only!


If you have any questions, please let me know ASAP!

JDRF Auction Item #9 - Autographed copy of EVERY ONE OF ME by Jessica Wilde

Five years ago, Tessa Marshall turned her back on everything she once knew. She left behind her friends and family hoping they would be better off without her in the way. Now, after being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (Multiple personality disorder) and determined to set her life straight, she is going back. She doesn't expect her best friend growing up, and the only man she has ever loved, to be waiting for her. 
Charlie Mackenzie never knew the real reasons why Tessa left, but because of the promises he swore to keep, he feels responsible. He has spent the last 5 years fighting underground MMA, staying distracted, and trying not to chase after her and drag her back to him. Now that she is finally back, he won't allow her to push him away without knowing how he has felt about her all along. The only problem? He's not just dealing with Tessa anymore. 
Tessa won't let herself be a burden to anyone and being with Charlie will only complicate his life, and hers, but she can't seem to shake him, and Benny, her friend from 'The Facility', isn't helping matters. Learning to live with not only the people around her, but the people in her head, isn't as simple as she thought it would be and Charlie is forcing her to abandon all of the control she thought she had. 
The two of them must decide if their love is worth fighting for and Tess has to learn to just let go, because Charlie won't let her go. He won't let any one of her go. 


Jessica Wilde has also donated both of her other books too, so I am so incredibly grateful!  And I will be adding each and every book to my TBR.  And I hope you will too.



 Please read ALL rules before you bid,

Rules for Bidding  

1.  Opening Bid is $5, with bids increasing by a minimum $1 increment.

2.  Bidding closes at 12:00 Midnight (eastern) on Friday, Oct. 10th.  Any bids posted on Oct. 11 or later will not be counted.

3.  Winning bidder must make donation at http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/SupportRaquel by Noon (eastern time) on Friday, Oct. 17th.  (If the donation is not received by the deadline, I will contact the 2nd place bidder.)   Note:  For online donations, you will need to use a credit card.  If you don't with to us your credit card online, you must contact me about submitting a check.)

4.  Post your bid in the comments of this post!

5.  Follow the author and do not forget to say THANK YOU to them.  This would no be happening without them.

6.  U.S. bidders only!


If you have any questions, please let me know ASAP! 

JDRF Auction Item #8 - The Braddock Siblings series by Jessica Wilde

Leverage:  
Adventure. That's all Aislinn 'Ash' Brannock wanted in her life. Her dad and two brothers - all cops - got to see it all, but their over-protectiveness made her feel like she had been locked away in a tower with three fire breathing dragons watching her every move. Yes, it was that bad. The only silver lining? Lucas Shade. Her brothers' best friend growing up, and apparently the only man she will ever love because let's face it, none of the others even come close. After an unfortunate mistake lands her back in her father's home, her world is turned upside down and Lucas is there in a tightly wrapped package of serious with a big red bow on top. Life just got interesting, but it comes with a price, one she never wanted to pay.

Detective Lucas Shade never had a real family, but the Brannocks took him in as one of their own and he never took it for granted. Ash was a big reason for why he stuck around, but in order to save himself the beating of a lifetime from her two older brothers, he kept his feelings for her hidden. When the case he has been working on for months takes a turn, Ash could become the leverage the bad guys have been waiting for, but keeping her invisible may destroy everything Lucas has worked so hard for. Good thing Ash is the only person he would give up everything to protect.

For readers 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

Conned:Conall Brannock takes his job seriously. He doesn't get attached, he doesn't ask questions, and he protects his family at all costs. Nothing will change that. Not even the sweet, green eyed witness that just burst into his life and shifted his world. He has one job to do; protect Emily until she can testify. He can't let his interest in her get in the way, but the more he finds out about her, the more he can't help but wonder how the beautiful broken girl got into this mess in the first place. And the longer he takes to learn the truth, the deeper he falls for her.

Emily Dawson has a job to do. Stay off the grid, testify, and hopefully get her brother back. He's all she has left of the family she struggled so hard to hold together and she would do anything to keep him safe. Even if it means she has put herself in harm's way or that she has conned everyone into believing she saw something she didn't. She knows where her loyalties lie, but her stoic yet gentle protector and his crazy family makes her question everything she once knew.

Loyalty can be one sided.
Family isn't always blood.
And honesty can destroy everything she has come to love.

For readers 18+ due to strong language and sexual content.

Missing:
There are two things in this life that Gus Brannock truly loves; his family and his job. His family is growing and he wants what his brother and sister have before the job he's worked so hard for takes its toll. The woman he's got his eye on, however, isn't interested in being with a man who risks his life every day. When the unexpected friendship with the sassy red head he used to hate turns into something Gus just doesn't want to live without, he will do whatever it takes to have her. The hazards of his job as a detective for missing children may end up proving to be too much, but there's a reason Aiden was brought into his life and nothing will stand in his way to keep her there.

Aiden Murphy used to hate the handsome jerk next door until a surprising discovery spun her world in another direction. Her life of devotion to her sister and niece has been her biggest strength with the exception of her art. That is, until Gus turns out to be the one thing that has been missing from that life all along. Aiden must decide if the unknown is worth the risk of loving the dedicated detective or if being pulled into his world is more than she can handle. When Gus becomes the only way for her to keep the people she loves most safe, will she understand why he treasures her untried strength or will she let her fear of the unknown decide for her?

For readers 18+ due to strong language and sexual situations.


Your eyes do not deceive you!  Jessica Wilde has donated her entire series to the auction.  So if you don't know her already, you MUST follow her Facebook page.  And thank her for this wonderful donation!


 Please read ALL rules before you bid,

Rules for Bidding  

1.  Opening Bid is $10, with bids increasing by a minimum $1 increment.

2.  Bidding closes at 12:00 Midnight (eastern) on Friday, Oct. 10th.  Any bids posted on Oct. 11 or later will not be counted.

3.  Winning bidder must make donation at http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/SupportRaquel by Noon (eastern time) on Friday, Oct. 17th.  (If the donation is not received by the deadline, I will contact the 2nd place bidder.)   Note:  For online donations, you will need to use a credit card.  If you don't with to us your credit card online, you must contact me about submitting a check.)

4.  Post your bid in the comments of this post!

5.  Follow the author and do not forget to say THANK YOU to them.  This would no be happening without them.

6.  U.S. bidders only!


If you have any questions, please let me know ASAP!