Michelle Leighton

All the Pretty Poses

All the Pretty Poses

All the Pretty Poses

Strength…
It took Kennedy Moore years to put her life back together after Reese Spencer shattered it. But she did. Now, years later, strong and independent, she is in pursuit of a single dream—to dance with the Altman American Dance Theater. Unfortunately, Kennedy is learning that a girl from nowhere with no money and no contacts might never be able to reach her goal.

That is, until Reese reappears, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Kennedy just can’t refuse. In exchange for working on his yacht for a few short weeks, he’ll get her an audition with the famous dance troupe. All Kennedy has to do is keep her head down, work hard and resist Reese. That sounds easy enough, right?

Weakness…
Reese doesn’t want to make it easy for Kennedy. Seeing her again has started a fire in his blood—an unwelcome one. It took him years to forget about her before, so this time he has a plan. It’s simple: Get Kennedy on his yacht, seduce her, get her out of his system, move on with his life. That sounds easy enough, right?

But the one thing Reese didn’t plan for was Kennedy herself—a girl so strong yet so broken, she makes him want to rescue her, to take care of her. To save her. Even if he has to save her from himself.

What I thought

Well now here is the thing. I was going to review All the Pretty Poses. Then I was on facebook earlier and saw a picture. I said I would just show you the picture and then you won’t give a damn what I have to say. You might not even finish reading what I write because you will have left me to one click and get the book. I might add, that is exactly what I would do. Hell after seeing this picture I just want to go and read the book all over again, and you know what – I just might!

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With many thanks to the girls at A Book Whores Obsession for letting me use this image

OK folks thanks for coming 🙂 (To the blog, thanks for coming to the blog)

Now if any of you are hanging around and actually want to know what I thought of the book, then I will happily tell you.

After reading All the Pretty Lies I didn’t think I was going to like Reese. In fact I thought he was going to be every bit the asshole. And I suppose at the start he was. But that is because he running. Whether he is running away from something or searching for it is another matter completely.

I absolutely loved Kennedy’s character. She is smart, sexy and sassy. She doesn’t take things lying down (sometimes she stands too 😉 lol). She is no walk over, I do like an alpha male, but I don’t the female to be a complete sap either.

The book has it all, drama, sex, angst, tears, anger, grief. Name the emotion – you will find it here. Just when I thought we had it all sorted out there was another sucker punch. One I didn’t see coming. Don’t you love that moment that your jaw just bounces off the floor. Though I have to give it to her, it isn’t the first time Michelle Leighton has done this to me!!

You still here? Damn sorry, forgot to give you the link

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All the Pretty Poses – Cover reveal / blurb / teaser

Well I don’t know about you but I am absolutely hopping out of my skin. I simply cannot wait to read this book. In fact I think in honour of it’s release I am going to go read the first book All the Pretty Lies again, just to be ready – know what I mean?

Anyhow, check this out!! Is this cover hot or what?

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And here is what it’s all about…

He never wanted to be a hero…until she needed him to be.

Strength…
It took Kennedy Moore years to put her life back together after Reese Spencer shattered it. But she did. Now, years later, strong and independent, she is in pursuit of a single dream—to dance with the Altman American Dance Theater. Unfortunately, Kennedy is learning that a girl from nowhere with no money and no contacts might never be able to reach her goal.

That is, until Reese reappears, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Kennedy just can’t refuse. In exchange for working on his yacht for a few short weeks, he’ll get her an audition with the famous dance troupe. All Kennedy has to do is keep her head down, work hard and resist Reese. That sounds easy enough, right?

Weakness…
Reese doesn’t want to make it easy for Kennedy. Seeing her again has started a fire in his blood—an unwelcome one. It took him years to forget about her before, so this time he has a plan. It’s simple: Get Kennedy on his yacht, seduce her, get her out of his system, move on with his life. That sounds easy enough, right?

But the one thing Reese didn’t plan for was Kennedy herself—a girl so strong yet so broken, she makes him want to rescue her, to take care of her. To save her. Even if he has to save her from himself.

About M. Leighton

OTHER THAN THE FACT THE SHE IS FREAKING AMAZING

M. Leighton at desk

M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies. She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to romantic settings with sexy Southern guys much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

For more about M. Leighton, visit her website at or follow her on Twitter.

Links:

Blog: Twitter: Facebook:
Author Goodreads: <a href="Goodreads” target=”_blank”>ALL THE PRETTY POSES : Amazon author page:

As always thanks to K.P Simon and Ink Slinger PR for letting me be part of this reveal. (Yes I may be kissing ass to make sure I stay on her list)

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My favourites of 2013

Good morning to you all. Or afternoon / evening. You get my drift. Happy new year. I hope you were able to see out the old and bring in the new happily and peacefully. I went to my sister in laws with most of my in laws and had a great night. We weren’t going to go – we didn’t know if the kids would manage to stay awake. They are 3,4 & 6 and are usually in bed by 6.30 every night. At 23.50 we were gathering them all up to bring them in for the countdown when we realised one was missing. Poor Aidie (Aidan) had let himself into the ‘big sitting room’ and closed the door and curled up on the couch with his teddy and went to sleep. I of course went in at midnight and gave him a kiss anyway. Holly (3) and Jamie (6) welcomed in the new year but i’m not sure what they made of the flurry of hugs and kisses that came their way.

So yesterday I started a post of my Top books of 2013 but I am hopeless. I’m like a little puppy – just rub me under the chin and tickle my belly and I will be loyal forever. So instead of my brian setting off every nuclear reactor known to man due to overload with me trying to decide what to include, I am going to tell you a few of my favourites.

Tear jerker

Well this should go without saying really. I have read a few books this year that would bring a tear to a glass eye but there aren’t any that can hold a candle to my #1. Beyond Grace’s Rainbow

New Beyond Grace's Rainbow (1)

Granted I didn’t read it for the first time last year but I did read it again and it had a new chapter. Anyway this is my post and I make the rules 😉 I am only delighted with the success Carmel Harrington has achieved with BGR and I can only wait for things to get better and better for her.

Biggest book hangover

This, beyond a shadow of a doubt, belongs to Elizabeth Reyes and Breaking Brandon.

BB cover

Ever since I read Forever Mine, I have been hooked on Elizabeth Reyes’ books. Every time I read one it becomes my new favourite. Though this one I think will hold that title for a long time to come. It took me two days to pick up another book after reading this – and it wasn’t for the want of trying. I just couldn’t get my head out of the story. I’d love a bit more….

A Little Teaser

BB_Teaser

The book that made me spit out my coffee..

Haha this could only belong to M. Leighton and Everything for Us

EverythingForUs

I can’t even begin to go in to what made me spit out my coffee. You will just have to read it and see 😉
This is a fantastic series of book from Michelle, you need to get on it!

The book that most surprised me

Is surprised the right word? Probably not. Maybe the book I wasn’t expecting? You see this is why I review and not write 😉 Anyway, whether or which this is Jane Lark‘s latest book I Found You

Visit
CLICK ON IMAGE TO READ FIRST CHAPTER **WARNING, BE READY TO ONE CLICK**

From the very first page in this book I was hooked. I couldn’t read it fast enough. I had read Illicit Love from Jane which is a historical. I didn’t know what to expect in this genre and I was quite simply blown away. I cannot wait for more in this series.

The book that had the biggest personal impact

The wonderful wonderful Lauren Blakely and her amazing book The Thrill of It

The Thrill Of It Cover

I adore Lauren and all of her books. When I started this blog almost a year ago she supported me 100% even though at the time she didn’t know me from Adam. She is absolutely fantastic with bloggers and just her fans in general. I am lucky enough to be part of Lauren’s street team now. Anyhooooo…

There was a part of The Thrill of It that struck home with me. It even had me in tears (no not the part about being a sex addict). Then it gave me an epiphany. Then I ended up with a tattoo. Still can’t quite believe that I did it. I am not a major fan, but it’s different when it means something, right?

I blame Lauren and this book though. Have you read it? If you haven’t then you really should. I am on pins waiting for the second one!

One of my favourites of the year, just because

Belle Aurora and her book Willing Captive

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The title of this book led me to believe certain things about it. I was thinking in and around Fifty Shades. I was wrong. You see I rarely read a blurb. I like the element of surprise. I have recommended this book to many people since I have read and they have all come back saying it is amazing. Thats’s because it is. I just loved it and that’s why it is up there with my best books of the year.

Another of my favourites because….

…who doesn’t like a bit of misery, right? Erin Lawless and The Best Thing I Never Had.

Visit
** Click image to read an extract**

I absolutely loved this book from Erin Lawless. It’s about real life, coming of age, growing up and realising those people that you trust absolutely, think have your back and will always be there for you – maybe they won’t.

My #1 Best book of the year. AND EVER.

Well if you know me or read this blog at all this is a no brainer. Colleen Hoover just swept me off my feet with LOSING HOPE

Losing Hope

It is just quite simply THE.BEST.BOOK.EVER

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All the Pretty Lies

ATPL

All the Pretty Lies

Her…
Sloane Locke has led a sheltered life. However, with a history like hers, she can understand why her brothers and her father want so much to protect her. She has gone along with it for twenty long years, but those days are over. For the girl who never makes promises, Sloane has made a pact with herself that things will change on her twenty-first birthday. So when the clock strikes midnight, Sloane strikes out to spread her wings and break a few rules.

Him…
In addition to inking skin, Hemi Spencer possesses many talents. Controlling himself has never been one of them. It’s never had to be. He’s lived a life of indulgence for as long as he can remember. Right up until tragedy struck. Now, he’s nothing but controlled. He’s a man on a mission, one who will let nothing and no one stand in his way.

Them…
Nothing in their lives could’ve prepared Sloane and Hemi for what they’d find in each other—distraction and obsession, love and possession. But the one thing they can’t find is a future. Neither one has been totally honest. And they’ll soon learn that the devil is in the details. In the details and in the lies.
How far will two people go to live in the now when the now is all they’ve got?

What I thought

The only other books I have read my M. Leighton are those that make up The Bad Boys series and well we all know what I thought about those. Heineken anyone? So for me, this book had a lot to live up to. I was really excited to start reading it. As soon as it became live it took up residence in my bookshelf. It took me a few days to get round to reading it and unfortunately it has taken me this long to review it.

It took me slightly longer to get into. I was suffering a massive book hangover and hadn’t read in a few days, you know how it is. Now when I say a little while, I mean a couple of chapters. When it got a hold of me though, it did not let go. I knew the whole way through the book that they both had secrets. Michelle threw us crumbs, just enough to have us guessing and almost speed reading to get to the answers. Just enough to keep us interested. I of course was trying to piece everything together, and even at times found myself zoned out trying to make sense of it all. I didn’t know enough though to piece it together but that didn’t stop me. The anticipation was brilliant. And I was wrong of course. Which is amazing. It means that the book wasn’t at all predictable. Especially that end bit. I was sure I knew what the cause would be, but nope I was wrong. You know when you read a book and you say I knew before we were told…. well that isn’t this book.

Haven’t read it and don’t have a clue what I am talking about? Well that’s cos I don’t want to spoil it for you. Want to find out what this waffle was all about? Click here

All the Pretty Lies is a great book. It has mystery and suspense, romance, angst and of course sex. We love a book with a bit of sex here at After the Final Chapters. I also love the fact that the book is told from Both Sloane and Hemi’s points of view. I love to know what is going on inside of the heads of the characters. How they each think about the same situation. How they can both be thinking the same or totally opposite. Things we wouldn’t be aware of otherwise. What else do I love about this book….

The balls. And I don’t mean Hemi’s, though…. No I mean Sloane’s. She has been mollycoddled ALL her life by 4 over protective males. She has decided NOW is when she starts to live her life. She isn’t afraid to go toe to toe with whoever gets in her way.

My favourite line in the book

“Who’d make that shit up?” “I don’t know. The mafia. The devil. Obama.”

I was on the bus and I started laughing out loud. I got funny looks. I thought mmm Michelle must’t be a fan lol. Its one of my favourite book lines.

Its sexy, without being in your face. Sometimes its the anticipation that makes your exercise those pelvic floor muscles. There was plenty of that in this book. Anticipation that is, no comment on the pelvic floor exercises..

That there is more to come…Oh yea baby!

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Everything for Us – Release day

EFU RDL

I am absolutely thrilled for all of you fans of M. Leighton that today has finally come. The long awaited, much anticipated third book in the Bad Boys series. And boy are they bad 😉

Everything for Us

EverythingForUs

When it comes to passion this hot, it’s all or nothing.

Olivia Townsend’s wealthy cousin Marissa had everything a girl could ask for—a great job, a privileged life, and all the friends she wanted. Or, at least, all the friends money could buy. But one case of mistaken identity has turned her privileged world upside down.

An abduction gone wrong lands her right in the lap of the sexiest, most dangerous man she’s ever met. To Marissa, he’s an enigma, but one to whom she’s irresistibly, inexplicably drawn.

With him comes a new world of freedom and passion, of dark shadows and dangerous secrets, a world where nothing is what it seems—except for the blind passion that Marissa can’t escape—or maybe even survive.

What I thought

Another party that I was late to. I read Down to You and Up to Me back to back. Thankfully I only had a couple of weeks to wait for Everything for Us as I was one of the lucky ones to receive an advance copy. Very lucky indeed.

I am not going to go in to the plot like I normally would. This is the third book in a series and I would loathe to ruin it on anyone. What I will say is, those of you that have been waiting on this – it’s worth the wait. It read a little differently to the others but that’s because of the man at the heart of the story, a man that bit edgier and very much darker. As ever the story is strong and consistent. Most importantly though it was freakin hot. Like seriously, at one point my jaw dropped and I am not easily shocked any more. Did I enjoy this book? Hell I am still enjoying it.

When I was out last week I bought a bottle of Heineken (it’s someones favourite drink 😉 ) and I got random hairy fellas to pose with it. I think I had too much to drink. I did tweet Michelle the pictures but I couldn’t post them here without permission.

I am back to college next week. I went shopping for a bag yesterday, I knew what I wanted but saw the bag below. Read it! I just had to have it.

Cash bag

It was when I got home and proudly showing my hubby and he was looking at me funny that I noticed the naked woman on it.

THAT right there is how much I love that book!!
Though the bag will have to be returned lol

About M. Leighton

M. Leighton at desk

M. Leighton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Wild Ones and The Bad Boys romance trilogies. She is a native of Ohio, relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she lets her mind wander to romantic settings with sexy Southern guys much like the one she married and the ones you’ll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren’t roaming in that direction, she’ll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

For more about M. Leighton, visit her Website, her Facebook page, Amazon author page or follow her on Twitter.

Competition time

M. Leighton will be giving away a Kindle Fire or Nook (winners choice) for 1 grand prize winner, 3 sets of DOWN TO YOU and UP TO ME ecopies for 3 winners, and 2 THE WILD ONES ecopies for 2 winners during the Blog Tour and Release Day Launch. This is an international giveaway.

TO ENTER:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

To buy: Amazon, B&N

Everything for US is published by Berkely, find them on Twitter and Facebook.

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Down to You

Down to You

The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not. Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white. But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins.

Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her. Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together.

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them. Both brothers make her heart tremble. Both brothers set her body on fire. She wants them both. And they want her. How will she ever choose between them?

OK I have had this book in my reader for so long. I kept saying I was going to read it but something would come up and I would forget. I would see Michelle Leighton pop up on Facebook or Twitter and i would think “oh yeah, I HAVE to read that!” A friend of mine, Ruth, keeps saying Tan read it you will love it. SO…. I was on Facebook (a rarity ;)) on Friday morning and I see THAT picture. I’m no prude but I think I blushed! I had just finished reading a book and although I had another lined up to start and review, well there was no way I could ignore the urge to read Down to You and Up to Me after that!

You didn’t see it? Mmmmm I suppose I could show you. Ready for it?

(Totally robbed from Facebook, not my work. I stole it from LipSmackin GoodBooks)

THAT pic

See what I mean??

The book did not disapppoint either!!

How do you make the impossible choice? One boy is everything you think you want and the other is everything you think you need. When she is with Cash her heart is telling her he is the one she wants, his every touch is sending her into a frenzy. If only he could be a little more like Nash. When she is with Nash her head is telling her that he is the one she needs, if only he were a little more bad boy like Cash. If only she could melt the two of them and roll them into one!

This is the best love triangle I think I have ever read. Normally you are rooting for one boy over the other but not this time. Michelle Leighton has done such a good job that we fall in love with both boys and root for both of them. We want them both to win, we want Olivia to have the best of both worlds. If only it were possible..

As I said I started to read this on Friday morning and finished it on Friday evening. I wasn’t just glued to it I was welded to it. I couldn’t even hold a conversation with Brian in the car as I had my head in the reader. A compulsive storyline with a hell of a lot of sexy thrown in!

I just started Up to Me this morning, again I have had it for a while. I don’t think it will be long before I have that review popping up!

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