Wednesday, March 18, 2015

COVER REVEAL! "The Rules" series by Monica Murphy

ONE WEEK GIRLFRIEND fans...you are going to LOVE this new series by Monica Murphy! Check out the covers and the FAIR GAME excerpt below!

Title(s): Fair Game, In the Dark, Slow Play
Series Name: The Rules Series
Author Name: Monica Murphy
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations







Blurbs (subject to change):
FAIR GAME (The Rules Series, Book 1) May 12, 2015
Bad enough Jade Frost’s boyfriend drags her to a boring poker game. Even worse that he actually threw her into the betting pot during an intense round…and lost. Talk about the perfect excuse for Jade to make him her ex-boyfriend.

Now she supposedly belongs to the ultra rich, extremely gorgeous Shep Prescott. He could have anything he wants yet he seems to be in hot pursuit of her. No matter how rude, how snarky, how impossible she acts, it doesn’t stop him. More like her horrible behavior seems to make him want her more.

When she finds herself starting to fall for him, Jade’s confused. There’s more to Shep than the carefree rich charmer he portrays. He has secrets. And she wants to discover them, no matter how ugly they might be…

Add to Goodreads


FAIR GAME Excerpt (unedited):

“What are you doing?” she asks, sounding the tiniest bit breathless.

“Making sure you’re not injured,” I answer, proud of how under control I sound. Inside, I’m chaos. My heart is thumping hard against my chest and my breathing’s accelerated. I grip her knee, and realize my hand is fucking shaking.

“I think you’re trying to get your hand up my skirt.” Leave it to Bitch Face to call me out. I can’t help but find her straightforwardness attractive. No girl is ever straightforward with me. They’re always coy. Playing games and flirting and never asking for what they really want. They always defer to me.

After awhile, that gets pretty damn boring.

“Maybe I am,” I say, moving my hand to rest on top of her knee.

Her lips curve into the smallest smile and seeing it feels like a victory. As if I’ve just won an extra difficult battle and that tiny curve of her lush lips is my prize. “You’re pretty determined, aren’t you?”

She’s not pushing me away. I need to take this moment. Seize this fucking moment and make it mine. Make her mine. At least for tonight. Her scent is making my head spin and just touching her knee has got me sporting wood. “I'm always determined.”

“Determined to piss me off?”

I chuckle and her smile grows. “Am I doing a good job?”

“You’re an expert at making me mad.”

“I think we’re having a moment,” I tell her. “A bonding moment.”

She looks the slightest bit horrified. “No. Way. That is the last thing I want to do.”

I raise my eyebrows, let my hand slide up a bare inch more. Then another. I’m so close to getting under that skirt, it’s not even funny. “You don’t like me very much, do you?”

“You don’t like me either. You call me Bitch Face.”

“You introduced yourself to me as Bitch Face.”

She tilts her head, all that wavy red hair tumbling over her shoulder. My fingers itch to touch it. “I did, didn’t I?”

“Yeah. I thought it was an unusual name…” I let my voice drift and she smiles once more.

“Says the man with an unusual name.”

“I told you it’s an old family name.”

“As a last name, not as a first.” She makes a little face. “It’s not very sexy.”

“You don’t think?” Interesting.

“I can’t imagine shouting out your name in the throes of passion.” Her cheeks go the faintest pink. That she’s even thinking like this gives me a secret thrill.

Forbidden. Unknown. This is the last girl I should consider getting naked with.

“Throes of passion?” I ask. “Someone’s been reading too many romance novels.”

“You know what I mean.” She waves a hand, dismissing her words.

“I don’t.” I pull the innocent act, which she isn’t falling for but it’s still fun. “What are you talking about exactly?”

“You’re not going to make me explain, are you?”

“I would love for you to explain. Or maybe I should help you.” I crawl my fingers up her thigh, playing with the frayed hem of her denim skirt. “Are you talking about…having sex?”

She nods, her cheeks blazing up. Hmm, she’s extra pretty when she blushes.

“And that moment…when we’re fucking…and you’re so damn close.” I lean in and inhale deep, my eyes almost falling shut as I absorb her scent, her warmth and that flush in her cheeks, the way her breathing quickens. “So fucking close as I push deep inside you. You don’t think it would be sexy to yell out my name just as I make you come?”

“N-no.” She shakes her head, that single word coming out as a squeak.

“Really.” I give in and settle my cheek next to hers, nuzzle her ear with my nose before I whisper, “Because by the time I have you coming, I’m fairly certain you’ll be crying out my name and begging me please.”

“You’re a real arrogant prick, aren’t you?”

I pull back from her the slightest bit, a little shocked. The girl doesn’t mince words. “Merely confident in my abilities.” I cup the back of her head, thread my fingers in the silky soft waves of her hair. I’d love to wrap her hair around my fist and tug her head back right before I kiss her…

“Proud of your manwhore status?”

“I can’t help it if the ladies flock to me.”

She rests her hand on my chest and gives me a gentle shove. “I’m not flocking to you.”

“Even after all that talk about coming and with my hand up your skirt?”

Jade looks down with a sharp gasp, dropping her hand to mine and shoving it out from beneath her skirt. “What are you doing?”

“I thought it was obvious.” When she says nothing, only glares at me, I continue. “I was going to kiss you and hopefully get you off with my fingers.”

Her mouth drops open. Instead of looking aroused, she looks…pissed. Vaguely horrified. “You’re disgusting.”

I lean back. Move way, way back though I’m not getting off the bed. Not yet. I still have a chance.

Or then again, maybe I don’t.


IN THE DARK (Book 2) August 25, 2015
Stuck spending the summer with his screwed up family, Gabriel Walker is bored out of his mind and looking for an adventure. And he seems to find it with the hot girl who lives next door. The attraction between them is instant. Electric. Soon they’re spending every stolen minute together. Talk about the perfect summer fling…

Lucy isn’t what she seems. She doesn’t live next door—she’s the maid who’s been hired to house sit for the summer while the family goes on a worldwide vacation. If Gabe wants to believe she’s a spoiled rich girl looking for some fun, she can go along with that. After the summer, she’ll never see him again.

They don’t count on running into each other at college. Now Lucy must keep up the pretense of being a rich girl—and it’s exhausting. She knows she’s falling in love with Gabe and she’s scared he feels the same. Will he still care about her when he discovers the truth?

Add to Goodreads


SLOW PLAY (Book 3) November 3, 2015
Newly broke girl Alexandria Asher just wants to live a normal life. After her parents are sent to prison on embezzlement charges, she enrolls in college under her mother’s maiden name and tries her best to pretend she’s someone else.

Tristan Chadwick is everything Alex is trying to avoid. A seemingly egotistical, lazy, rich jerk, she dumps her beer on his head when he comes on to her one night at a party. This only spurs Tristan into action. He loves nothing more than a challenge. And the beautiful Alex is exactly the type of challenge that intrigues him.

Despite her reluctance, Alex finds herself quickly involved with Tristan. Underneath that playboy exterior is a good guy, a sweet and sexy guy who she is undoubtedly falling for. What they both don’t realize is the actions of Alex’s parents are the reason for so much tragedy in Tristan’s family. And when Tristan discovers who Alex and her family really is, can he forgive and forget?

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's a workaholic who loves her job. When she's not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.
Facebook |& nbsp;Twitter | Website

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

STEALING ROSE Release Blitz!!!

"Stealing Rose" by Monica Murphy was released yesterday, and I posted my review on it already (see previous blog entry).

In connection with the release blitz for this book, here's some more information about the book. :)


GIVEAWAY:
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/NGE1MDEyNTkzNmEzMjcwYWY1N2NlODA1YWVlMmE3OjQ5OA==/?

BLURB:
People say the youngest child has it easy, but nothing can be further from the truth. Unlike my two sisters, Violet and Lily, I’m never in the limelight. I just work my butt off for Fleur Cosmetics and get little to no thanks for it. I’ve been pushed too far one too many times, and I’m finally brave enough to do something about it.

Maybe my newfound courage has something to do with the amazing pink and white diamond necklace I wear to the party in Cannes. The instant those dazzling heirloom jewels touch my skin, they excite some deep, aching need inside. And when that guy—that totally gorgeous guy—locks eyes with me, I know this nice girl is going to be naughty.

For once it’s my turn. My turn to say no to my father, to outshine my sisters, to walk away from it all—straight into the arms of a mysterious stranger. But what if Caden is much more than I bargained for? Sure, he makes me feel sexy and free in a way I never have before, but there’s something else I can’t quite place—something dangerous. Maybe our “chance” meeting wasn’t so random. Maybe he was looking for me for a reason. Whatever his motive, there’s no going back now.

And maybe I don’t want to.

EXCERPT:
I sit on the edge of the mattress, not about to give up. I need to get closer to her and eventually get closer to that damn neck- lace she wore. Dexter wants it. He’s been hounding my ass for it. And I’ll get it.

Eventually.

I’d rather focus on her first. Earn her trust. So I’m not casing out her hotel room. I’m not looking for any stray jewelry lying around.

Hell, I’m in too deep now.

I’m here with Rose because I want to be, not because I want to steal something from her.

Yet. Don’t forget the “yet” part at the end of that last thought.
Yeah. Who wants to focus on trying to steal a necklace when I could be sliding back into bed with her? I want to feel the hot, tight clasp of her pussy milking my cock again. I want to feel her touch me, feel her lips on my skin, hear her moan when I hit a spot that feels particularly good. I want to learn all of those spots, memorize them for later. Because there will be a later for Rose and me. I plan on that. And she’d better plan on it too, no matter how much in denial she is.

“Rose.” She turns to look at me, her expression wary. Guarded. I know the feeling. More than anything, I know that look. I’ve been wearing the same guarded expression pretty much all my life. I trust no one. They’re all out to screw me over; it doesn’t matter who they are. I’ve become so good at playing the part, of being whoever I need to be at any given moment, I have no idea who the real me is anymore.

Being with Rose is the closest I’ve felt to myself since I don’t know when. I want to explore this. Explore what we share, what she makes me feel, what we are when we’re together.

She’s ready to kick me out and I’m ready to cling. Talk about a total role reversal. I need to get my head back on straight and focus.

“Caden.” She matches my tone, watching me expectantly. When I don’t say anything she rolls her eyes. “Do you realize I don’t even know your last name? What does that say about me, that I’d let you into my room and—fool around with you for hours and I don’t know your last name? It’s appalling behavior.”

“Appalling behavior? You sound like a crabby old school- teacher.” I want to laugh but I don’t. She’s dead serious. I think she’s just shocked herself with what we’ve done.

I’ve shocked myself too, but in a good way. While she acts like we’ve committed the ultimate sin.

“You wouldn’t understand.” She averts her head as if it pains her to look at me and I move closer to her, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s Kingsley,” I murmur, wishing I could kiss her. Comfort her. But that’s not happening, not yet. I’ve got to take it slow.

She turns, a little gasp escaping her when she discovers how close I am. “What?”

“My last name. It’s Kingsley.”

“Are you serious? Of course it is.” She tosses her hands up in the air, making her breasts jiggle, and I jerk my gaze away from her chest.

Advance praise for Stealing Rose
“Prepare to have your heart stolen! Rose and Caden's story crackles and sizzles right to the swoony end.”New York Times bestselling author Katy Evans


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She's a workaholic who loves her job. When she's not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

"Stealing Rose" by Monica Murphy



Book Information

"Stealing Rose" (Fowler Sisters, #2)
Written by Monica Murphy

Note: this ebook was generously provided to me by Wordsmith Publicity, via Net Galley, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

A Bit of Background
I got the ARC of this book in early January, shortly after I had reviewed "Owning Violet".  I ended up reading the book in one night, and absolutely loving it.  I have been dying to talk about it, and publish the review, because I enjoyed the book so much, but I have had to hold off until the book was actually released, almost 2 months later.
"Stealing Rose" is the second book in the Fowler Sisters series by Monica Murphy.  It is preceded by "Owning Violet", and will be succeeded by the forthcoming novel, "Taming Lily".  In my view, the books can be read separately, as each is about a different sister, and the storylines are not terribly intertwined.  However, I do believe that the enjoyment of the series is enhanced by reading them together.

The Story
Everyone seems to think that being the youngest means that you've got it made, and life is a cakewalk.  But anyone who comes last in the birth order knows that that's not true at all.  In fact, in some cases, being the youngest is the most difficult role to play, and that's certainly the case for Rose Fowler.

All three of the Fowler women are strong and unique, but Rose feels like she is the one who is the least appreciated.  Lily, the oldest, is the wild child, who steals the spotlight wherever she goes, and with whatever she does.  Violet, the middle daughter, is the responsible one, who is the star of the show at the family corporation, Fleur Cosmetics.  Rose feels like no matter what she does, or how hard she tries, she's always relegated to the background... and she's finally had enough of it.

At the premiere of a documentary about the Fowler empire in Cannes, matriarch and grandmother, Dahlia Fowler, lends Rose an incredible pink and white diamond necklace, which is prominently featured in the film, to wear to the afterparty.  The moment the jewels touch her skin, something sparks within Rose, and it's like she comes alive as a result of that.

When an absolutely gorgeous stranger locks eyes with her from across the room, the nice girl suddenly has an urge to become naughty.  Rose decides to go skinny dipping in the hotel pool, and mysterious Caden comes out and takes her breath away.  Suddenly, however, he's disappeared from her life just as quickly as he breezed into it, and she can't get her mind off the handsome stranger.

Fueled by her newfound confidence and independence, Rose decides to turn down her father, leave Fleur Cosmetics and step out from her sisters' shadows.  She finds herself in London, unsure of what to do next, when she runs into Caden once again, and this time, he isn't going to disappear from her life.

But what if Caden isn't what she thinks.  What if all the warnings about the danger of running off with strangers that we all heard when we were younger actually have some truth to them?  What if Caden and Rose didn't meet by accident, and there's something larger at play?  Rose decides that she's already gotten on the exciting ride, and she doesn't want to get off just yet, no matter what the consequences.  

My Thoughts
WOW!  It has been SOOOO DIFFICULT to keep a lid on this review.  Seriously.  I am not quite sure how I was able to keep quiet about how AMAAAZING this is for this long!  I'm so glad that I can finally share this with you!!!

First off, Monica Murphy is brilliant.  I haven't read too much of her work, but I fully intend to read each and every piece she has ever published, including those under the pen name Karen Erickson.  Seriously.  She's that good.  If I had more time (boo, law school!), I would have done this already... but as it stands, I've got a lot of Monica Murphy / Karen Erickson to look forward to this summer. Yay!

I like how we catch a glimpse of what's been happening in the lives of Violet and Ryder here, too, and a little taste of what's to come with Lily.  What I like the most about this is the fact that they don't get in the way of Caden and Rose's storyline.  In fact, their presence only serves to enhance the storyline, which is fantastic.

I love Rose, because we get to see her development from being hardworking, but timid and shy (shown in small doses in Owning Violet), to this open minded woman living intentionally out loud, and following her heart and her passions.  I think that women like her don't get enough credit in the real world, because people are so obsessed with obligations and responsibilities, that the women who have the courage to give those things up in order to pursue what they really want out of life are shunned, rather than praised. I, for one, have so much respect for Rose, for just taking a massive leap of faith and trusting that things will work out as they should.  Part of me wishes that I could be more like that, too.

For some reason, Caden doesn't quite appeal to me as much as Ryder did.  That isn't to say that he doesn't appeal to me at all -- he does, but how could a sexy international con artist like him not appeal to me?  But there's something about how Ryder planned everything so meticulously that appealed to me in a way that Caden didn't.  Having said that, I think that Caden is a better fit for Rose, though.  So maybe I understand why he turned out the way that he did, and I appreciate his character for what he is.  I guess he's just not going to be MY book boyfriend, but that isn't to say that he won't end up being someone else's... or a lot of other women's... possibly even YOURS.

I really enjoyed the chemistry and interplay among all the characters.  While the tension and heat between Caden and Rose felt so real that it almost became its own living and breathing thing, and I think that was the biggest treat here, I feel it's also important to mention that the strength of the supporting cast of characters is what really made this book a remarkable experience and a joy to read. From the introduction to matriarch Dahlia, to the painfully needy Whitney, to the reformed versions of Violet and Ryder, to the introduction of Caden's mentor and his mother, and finally to the pre-development of the character of Lily, each character we meet here leaves a strong impression on the reader, and is memorable in his or her own way.  These characters are so strong, in fact, that they could likely each support their own book, or series of books in this universe.  I'd definitely spring for the chance to read more about all of them.

Taken together, this book was every bit as amazing as I had hoped it would be.  I can't wait until "Taming Lily" comes out, so I can finally sink my teeth into her character and story.  For now, I'm just glad that I can finally talk about how much I loved loved loved "Stealing Rose"! :)

Overall Rating
FIVE BIG BRIGHT SHINY STARS!!!
Extremely highly recommended!!!! And while you're at it, go get Stealing Violet and pre-order Taming Lily, too!