Lovin' los libros

A book blog dedicated to young adult and new adult novels

 
We are thrilled to participate in this Dual Cover Reveal for Alyssa Rose Ivy's THE HAZARDS OF SEX ON THE BEACH and ON THE ROCKS!!!
 
 THE HAZARDS OF SEX ON THE BEACH is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel and is the 3rd book in the Hazards Series. THE HAZARDS OF SEX ON THE BEACH is set to be released on July 21st, 2014. ON THE ROCKS is a Contemporary Romance, and it is the 2nd book in the Mixology Series. ON THE ROCKS is due to be released on May 29th, 2014. These covers were created by Once Upon A Time Covers.
 
 
The Hazards of Sex on the Beach Cover
 
ABOUT THE HAZARDS OF SEX ON THE BEACH (Hazards #3): One broken heart, one drink too many, one steamy night in the sand...

ON THE ROCKS Cover
 
ABOUT ON THE ROCKS (Mixology #2): Love is best served on the rocks. My roommates look really good naked. At least one of them does. I’m sure the other one does too, but I haven’t seen him without his pants on. Living with two guys wasn't something I’d ever considered, but the opportunity fell in my lap, and I’d have been crazy to turn it down. College went by in a great big blur leaving me with less of a direction than I had going in. Add in a family that wanted nothing to do with me, and my post-college plans were less than clear. What’s a girl to do when she has nowhere else to turn? She moves to the Outer Banks and learns to bartend. After all, it was my horrible bartending skills that led me to my roommate’s bed and into his heart.  


Alyssa Rose Ivy- Author PhotoABOUT ALYSSA ROSE IVY: Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.        







 
 
 
 

Today I am happy to spotlight two New Adult Contemporary Romances: Kissing Eden by T.A. Foster and The Hazards of a One Night Stand by Alyssa Rose Ivy! I also have a fun interview with both Grey and Colton to share with you all, as well as a giveaway!


The Hazards of a One Night Stand (Hazards #2)
by: Alyssa Rose Ivy
February 2014

One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay...

Hooking up with your high school crush is a bad idea, a really bad idea. It was only supposed to be one night, one brief departure from my real life, but nothing ever works out exactly the way you plan.

Colton Waters was everything from my past that didn't fit into my present, so why did he have to show up at my college and pledge the one frat I couldn't avoid?

Because nothing is ever meant to happen just once. At least not the life changing things that mean the difference between falling apart and falling in love.


AMAZON | B&N



Alyssa Rose Ivy is a bestselling New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and humor. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
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Kissing Eden
by: T.A. Foster
March 2014

Have you ever thought of taking a vacation alone? I mean step on a plane, check into your hotel, and lie on the beach completely and utterly alone. No? Me either, but then right before senior spring break I got dumped.

Something about break ups makes you do things you didn’t want to do, and try things you didn’t know you were capable of.

That’s how I ended up at the Palm Palace.

That’s how I met Grey.That’s how my spring break turned into the most unforgettable week of my life.



AMAZON | B&N | SMASHWORDS


T.A. Foster once spent a month long spring break on South Padre Island, where she soaked in the Texas sun, beach, and learned what real Texas country music is. Sometimes fiction does spring from reality.
She grew up catching rays and chasing waves along the North Carolina Outer Banks and now resides in the state with her adventurous pilot husband, two children, and two canine kiddos. 
T.A. has an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. When she’s not chasing her two-legged and four-legged children or trying to escape for date night, you can find her reading, writing, or planning her next beach trip.
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A Q&A with Grey Lachlan (from KISSING EDEN) and Colton Waters (from THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND).
Ideal first date?
GL: I'm not big on crowds or loud places, so I'd take her somewhere we could share a beer, maybe listen to some music.
CW: I'm all about low key first dates too. Gives you a chance to really see who she is.
What's your perfect beach day?
GL: I don't have much time to hang out on the beach, but I try to get a nice long run in first thing in the morning. I like it when it's quiet and have it to myself.
CW: Running on the beach would be a pretty good way to start the day.
Blondes or brunettes? (better answer that one right or he's in trouble!)
GL: Definitely blondes.
CW: Brunettes.
Boxers or briefs?
GL: I'm a boxer briefs kind of guy.
CW: Boxers here.
Most romantic vacation spot?
GL: There are some great little towns in Mexico. I know I'm not what most girls think of as romantic, but I can pick out a destination that has pretty sunsets and beaches.
CW: Secluded cabin in the mountains. Just me, the girl, and nature.
What's the best part of dating in a small town like Gasden?
CW: The best part of dating in a small town is you know what you're in for. Like with Mallory, I've known her forever and already knew everything about her.
GL: Man, you have a better outlook on it than I do. I get tired of the grapevine in Padre. People know I'm going on a date before I do.
What's the sexiest thing a girl should wear on a date?
CW: If a girl has nice legs she might as well show them off. I'm all about the short skirt or dress, but it's got to be tasteful. Leave something to the imagination, and my eyes only.
GL: Couldn't agree with you more.
What's the sure way to turn you off?
CW: If a girl's mean to other girls I want nothing to do with her. I'm not talking about her standing up for herself, but the catty stuff.
GL: Yeah, mean girls for sure are a turn off.
What's the most romantic thing a girl has done for you?
CW: Mallory surprised me on my birthday with a night out on the town. It ended at a hotel, and let me tell you it was a better venue than my dorm room.
GL: Sounds like you had a good time.
We know you love where you're from, but if you had to pick somewhere to live where would it be and why?
CW: I've grown to love Charleston. It's southern yet urban at the same time. I might just stay here if I can convince someone else to stay with me.
GL: It would be hard for me to think about leaving Padre, but there might be just one reason to relocate. I'll leave it at that for now.
If a girl tried to woo you, what three things would help her win you over?
CW: 1) a great smile, 2) the ability to make me laugh, 3) willingness to watch college sports. But sorry ladies, I'm off the market.
GL: You had me at college sports, man.



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The Hazards of a One Night Stand (Hazards #2)
   by: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Publication Date: Feb. 27, 2014
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by InkSlingerPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 258 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay...

Hooking up with your high school crush is a bad idea, a really bad idea. It was only supposed to be one night, one brief departure from my real life, but nothing ever works out exactly the way you plan.

Colton Waters was everything from my past that didn't fit into my present, so why did he have to show up at my college and pledge the one frat I couldn't avoid?
Because nothing is ever meant to happen just once. At least not the life changing things that mean the difference between falling apart and falling in love.

 

After reading and loving The Hazards of Skinny Dipping, I was thrilled when I saw Alyssa was writing another novel in the series. I really enjoyed her fun writing style, as well as the fact that I felt like I was right on campus with the characters as they are navigate their way through school, relationships, and sorority life. While I didn't enjoy The Hazards of a One Night Stand quite as much as its predecessor, I still found myself completely engaged and was happy to see some familiar faces in this novel.

It had been awhile since I read the first book so I didn't really remember much of Mallory, Juliet's sorority sister. We do learn that she hasn't had the best of luck in the relationship department, having had her high school boyfriend dump her and tell her she wasn't good enough and the last guy she tried to hook up with too busy mourning over his ex-girlfriend. Having returned home for the summer, the last thing Mallory ever expects is to reunite with her high school crush and younger brother to her ex-boyfriend. She can't help but notice how sexy Colton is or how he can't stop flirting with her. She also can't help the fact she drank a bit more than she planned and now finds herself in the hayloft with this incredibly sexy and willing boy. Mallory writes off that night with Colton as a one time thing never expecting him to want more. Heading back to school, Mallory is ready to start her sophomore year and forget that night. Easier said than done. Colton is NOT ready to let what happened between them just die. At first Colton annoyed me because of how clingy he was and how he didn't seem like he was acting his age. He almost seemed more juvenile than he really was and giving off that puppy love vibe.

Don't get me wrong- while I felt that way about Colt in the beginning, he definitely grew on me and there was no other option for Mallory. I could not stand Tanner and I wanted to smack her for even indulging him after that one horrid date. I got very frustrated with Mallory because she refused to see what was right in front of her. Her reasons for not wanting to date Colton were really weak and I didn't like that she was so concerned about what other people would think or what she was 'supposed' to do. She kept trying to force herself to like Tanner, who is self-absorbed, boring, and way too serious. He's one of those guys who doesn't even bother to listen to you because he's going to make decisions that he feels are best. Gag.

Colt cares deeply for Mallory and has way more patience with her than I can see most guys having. He likes spending time with her and is fun and confident (but not in that arrogant way). He is thoughtful and when she needs someone to be there for her, he is no questions asked. He is hurt when Mallory finally agrees to give him a chance, but wants to keep it a secret. Talk about a blow to the ego!

I get that Mallory has some issues that stem from her father and he's a real piece of work. He is too concerned about appearances and what he thinks is best for his kids. Finding out what he did to Mallory really angered me and it was just low, especially given how crushed she was afterwards. Mallory craves her father's acceptance and lets his ideas ruminate in her mind and makes her doubt what she believes. I hate that this man has this much power over her, but he's her father and she just wants to be good enough for him.

I love that we got to see Juliet, Reed, Cara and Aaron again! Juliet and Reed are as adorable ever, but I was a little concerned about Cara and Aaron, as they are having some issues concerning an ex-girlfriend. They are great friends to Mallory and aren't afraid to call her on her crap either.

Overall, I thought this was another cute, fun read and I enjoyed myself despite my issues with Mallory. I did feel there were a few plot threads left unresolved and that the ending wrapped up a bit too perfectly. I'm glad Mallory finally realized that she alone could decide her own happiness and not let others try to control it for her, but it all just felt kind of fast. I wouldn't mind seeing another book in this series about Mallory's brother Davie, or even Jade, the sweet new pledge in their sorority!


 
THOAONS RDL Banner
We're so excited that Alyssa Rose Ivy's THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND is finally here!!! THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND is a New Adult contemporary romance and is a part of Alyssa Rose Ivy’s Hazards Series.
 
It is priced at just $.99 right now. This will last for a limited time only to celebrate the release!

The Hazards of a One Night Stand Cover
 
 
One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay... Hooking up with your high school crush is a bad idea, a really bad idea. It was only supposed to be one night, one brief departure from my real life, but nothing ever works out exactly the way you plan. Colton Waters was everything from my past that didn't fit into my present, so why did he have to show up at my college and pledge the one frat I couldn't avoid? Because nothing is ever meant to happen just once. At least not the life changing things that mean the difference between falling apart and falling in love.


HOAONS Teaser 4


Colt wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me closer. “No. I’d rather bother you.”

There was something kind of sexy about the motion, something more confident than his usual goofy flirting. His hand felt nice resting on my hip, so I let it stay. Was this really the same Colt? Since when did his touch have that kind of effect on me?

“When did you get back to town?”

“About two hours ago.”

“You didn’t wait long to come out.” I took a big sip of the drink. It was starting to taste a lot better. “I took time for a shower.”

“That was thoughtful of you.”

“Planning on getting close to me tonight?” He watched me intently.

“Maybe.” The flirtatious word flew out of my mouth without me realizing it. The alcohol and that smile of his was making me forget where I was. “Sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” He moved his hand, turning me and wrapping his other arm around me so my body was pressed against his.

“Colton…”

“Mallory…” I laughed.

“What are you doing?”

“What am I doing? You’re the one telling me you might be getting close to me tonight.” His hand slid down slightly, settling below my hip. His touch felt so good. “Your birthday passed, right? You’re nineteen now?” He laughed that deep, throaty laugh of his. “I’m going to take it as a good sign that you’re checking to make sure I’m old enough.”

“I’m not supposed to be into younger guys.”

“I’m three months younger than you. I can’t help that my parents held me back a grade.” He leaned back against an old oak tree, pulling me along with him. The motion had me leaning into his chest.

“You’ve gotten hotter.” I couldn’t believe I’d said the words out loud. I also couldn’t believe I was thinking about Colton that way again.

He laughed once more. “So have you, although I wouldn’t have thought it was possible.”

I took another sip of my drink. “When did you get this cute?”

“Are you implying you haven’t been ready to jump me for the last five years?”

“I’ve never thought about it before tonight.” The words weren’t exactly true, but I hadn’t thought about it in a while.

“But you are thinking about it now?” He grinned, moving his hands even lower so they cradled my ass.

“Maybe.” His hands sent a thrill through me, reminding me of just how long it had been since a guy had touched me that way.

“That’s the second maybe you’ve given me. How am I supposed to make that into a yes?” He took the bottle from my hand and dropped it down on the ground next to his empty cup. The remaining liquid seeped out onto the dirt.

“I don’t know. It’s your job to figure that out.” I ran my now free hand down his chest. It was firmer and more muscular than I expected.

“My job, huh? I like the sound of that.” His lips tickled my ear. “I like the sound of anything involving you.” He took my hand and led me further into the grouping of trees. It wasn’t a dense forest or anything, but I knew he was looking for privacy. I didn’t object when he gently leaned me back into another tree. I closed my eyes, ready to feel his lips and hands on my body. I was horrible at knowing what to do in those situations. I needed the guy to take control. His lips brushed against mine as he rested his hand on my stomach. He slipped a few fingers underneath my shirt. “Am I earning a yes, or do I have more work to do?” he whispered with his lips right next to mine.

“You have more work.” I kept my eyes closed, taking in a breath as his hand moved further up my shirt.
 
Buy Links: Amazon Barnes and Noble
 
HOAONS Teaser 1
 

Alyssa Rose Ivy- Author PhotoAlyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.  











a Rafflecopter giveaway


We are so excited to share the cover of Alyssa Rose Ivy's THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND with you all!!! This cover is seriously hot! THE HAZARDS OF A ONE NIGHT STAND is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel and is the 2nd book in the Hazards Series. It is due to be released on February 27, 2014. Add it to your TBR pile NOW!
 
The Hazards of a One Night Stand Cover
The Hazards of a One Night Stand (Hazards #2)
by: Alyssa Rose Ivy
New Adult Contemporary Romance
This cover was created by Once Upon A Time Covers.
 
 
One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay... Hooking up with your high school crush is a bad idea, a really bad idea. It was only supposed to be one night, one brief departure from my real life, but nothing ever works out exactly the way you plan. Colton Waters was everything from my past that didn't fit into my present, so why did he have to show up at my college and pledge the one frat I couldn't avoid? Because nothing is ever meant to happen just once. At least not the life changing things that mean the difference between falling apart and falling in love.

 
 
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping (Hazards #1)
 
This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along...


 
 
Alyssa Rose Ivy- Author Photo
 
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
 
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Welcome to my stop on the Shaken Not Stirred blog tour hosted by InkSlingerPR!
Today I am excited to share my review, a guest post by Alyssa herself, and a giveaway with you all!




Shaken Not Stirred (Mixology #1)
   by: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Publication Date: Jan. 7, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by InkSlingerPR and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Page Count: 206 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 3/5 stars


Finding the perfect guy is like mixing the perfect drink. It's all about the taste and presentation.

Maddy's gone off the deep end, at least that's what her family thinks when she handles her med school rejections by moving to the Outer Banks. It doesn't help that she's paying her bills by bartending and is sharing walls with two guys, even if one of them is her childhood best friend.

Her choice of men seems more balanced on the surface—Colin is driven, sexy, and gainfully employed, but she can't help spending her Thursday nights searching for the perfect drink for Lyle, whose music captivates her with its haunting lyrics. Maddy believes everyone has a perfect drink—and finding Lyle's isn't a challenge she's willing to lose.

 
 
Alyssa’s Top Reads of 2013

 
Alyssa is talking to us today about her Top Reads of 2013! She's got some great books on her list!

 

I find it incredibly hard to pick favorites, but here are a few reads with romance that I really enjoyed in 2013.

Note: Several released in 2012, but I read them in 2013

Taming The Wolf- Stephanie Nelson

This tops my list of favorite shifter books read this year

Confined- Jennifer Snyder

I loved the conclusion to Jennifer’s NA Paranormal/supernatural Tethered series!

The Ghost and the Graveyard- Genevieve Jack

Ok, clearly I was on a paranormal kick in 2013. I love the humor in this one.

The Secret World of Alaina Downs-Rebecca Rynecki

I loved this NA Fantasy Romance!

A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons

What a love triangle!

Five of my most anticipated reads for 2014:

Control You- Jennifer Snyder

-Ok, I’ve already read this one, but it’s releasing in 2014 so I’m putting it here.  Awesome NA Contemporary romance.

The Deep End of the Seat- Heather Lyons

I’m so excited to see what Heather does with the Medusa story. I love her writing, and I’ve been hearing wonderful things about this book.

London Falling- T.A. Foster

I’m getting ready to dive into this one. This is T.A.’s first contemporary romance, and I can’t wait to see where she goes with it.

Emerald Darkness- Sarra Cannon

Sarra Cannon ‘s NA spinoff to her Demons series is definitely on my anticipated list. I can’t wait to dive into this new series.

Nichole Chase- Accidental Assassin

I love the sound of this one!
 
 
 
 
 

 

My Review: 

 

I am a big Alyssa Rose Ivy fan so when I saw the tour opportunity for this one pop up, I had to sign up! I absolutely adored her The Hazards of Skinny Dipping earlier in the year- it was a cute, fun read and I loved the quirky characters she had created. I really liked the side characters Ivy has created in Shaken Not Stirred and I really felt they stole the limelight for me. However, the pacing in this one was a lot slower than I anticipated and I felt the plot lacked action. I had a difficult time pinpointing the direction the book was heading toward and felt confused by some of the characters' reactions to certain situations.
 
 
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping
   by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Release Date: May 19, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Source: e-ARC provided by Inkslinger PR and author for a fair and honest review
Page Count: 305 pages
Order Links: Amazon | B&N
My Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This isn't a deep book about first loves or self-discovery. If you want a book like that, I'd be happy to recommend one, but I don't have that kind of story to tell. Instead my story is about rash decisions and finding out that your dream guy is bad in bed. It's the story of when I finally went skinny dipping, and how my life was never the same again. Oh, and it's also the story of my freshman year of college and realizing Mr. Right might have been there all along.

 
My Review:
 
So, I am going to try and write a coherent review and not fangirl over how much I loved this book. First of all, as summer is nearly upon us, this is the absolute perfect summer read. It's fun, flirty, funny, and FABULOUS! (Hee.) This was my first book by Alyssa and I really enjoyed her writing style. I felt the pacing was perfect and that she did a great job developing our main characters.
 
For the most part I really liked Juliet. The book begins with her cousin having given her a 'to-do' list before she leaves for college. One of which so happens to involve skinny dipping. She is staying at her grandparent's beach house and she thought going for a swim would be harmless. Until her hot next door neighbor, who she has been crushing on forever, happens to come by. After that things were definitely not the same for Juliet.
 
She is sarcastic, witty, and has a bit of an attitude, all of which I really liked about her. What really bothered me was how she let Dylan treat her. The boy she's been swooning over for years just might not be the one she was hoping for after all. Dylan is a douche, plain and simple. One minute he acts charming and the next he's possessive and overprotective. Because of Juliet's spunky, fiery attitude I was really surprised she didn't tell him were to go long before she actually did. (Actually, from the first night she realized his ahem, 'performance' wasn't up to par, she probably should have ended things right there. So what if he's a good kisser?!)
 
Meanwhile, Juliet meets Reed, who is in the fraternity her sorority pairs up with a lot. I liked Reed instantly. He was charismatic, funny, and also actually paid attention to Juliet. I was rooting for him pretty much from the second we were introduced to him. However, Juliet is so wrapped up in Dylan, she misses what is right in front of her. Someone who wants to give her what she deserves and be what she needs! Watching their friendship unfold into something more was great. Juliet didn't feel smothered by Reed and they actually carried on meaningful conversations. And the fireworks between these two! Whew! Talk about chemistry! These two definitely have it.
 
Overall, if you are looking for a light, cute, fun, summer read that is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud at times- this one is calling your name. Go get it!
 
 
Author Bio:
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

 
 


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