Category: Juliana Stone

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#TBT Kelly reviews Tucker by Juliana Stone ~ Catch Up From The Beginning

tuckerTITLE: Tucker
SERIES #: The Family Simon #1
CHARACTERS: Tucker Simon & Abby Mathews
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: February 6, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When all hope is gone, can love still will find a way?

Tucker Simon has given up on love. After a tragedy, it’s just not in the cards for him, and he wishes his family would get off his back. He’s fine—or at least he thought he was–until a family wedding forces him to address a few things, namely his date, Abby Mathews. She’s been put in the ‘friend’ category, mostly because she deserves so much more than what he can give. But the more time that he spends with her, Tucker begins to think that maybe there is a chance for love after all…

Abby Mathews has been in love with Tucker Simon since he walked into her family’s bar nearly a year ago. But he’s got baggage and heartache a plenty. His one-night-stands isn’t going to lessen that no matter what he thinks. Tucker needs a friend, but Abby wants to give him more, and as they navigate their way through a weekend in Florida, their attraction can’t be ignored. Abby has to make a choice. Does she cherish their friendship and take what she can get? Or does she go after what she really wants, which is Tucker’s heart

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Loved Tucker & Abby’s story!!!! I have been dying to get my hands on Tucker since I finished the Barker Triple series (which you should read too). We got our first glimpse of Tucker in Conceal. And learned that Tucker has been suffering from the disappearance of his wife.
From that point on I was hooked on Tuckers and Juliana didn’t disappoint me with this book.
Tucker’s story is filled with so many highs, lows and oh my goodness NO’s!!!

If it was not for the need to sleep I would have read Tucker in one sitting. I can’t wait to see where Juliana goes with this series there is still a few Simon brothers, a sister and some very naughty cousins that need a story. If you have read the Barker Triple Series you will love Tucker the first book in the Family Simon series. If you are new to either series never fear you can start with Tucker and go from there.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Juliana Stone in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly and Kimberly review The Day He Kissed Her by Juliana Stone

Day he kissed herTITLE: The Day He Kissed Her
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #3
CHARACTERS: Mackenzie Draper & Lily St. Clare
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: April 1, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He can’t wait to leave…

Mac Draper finally has everything he’s always wanted: An amazing career. A New York City apartment. He’s this close to being free of his past forever. But a mind-blowing encounter with the sexy yet tough-as-nails Lily St. Clare has him delaying his plans to put Crystal Lake in his rearview mirror for good.

She’s finally found a place to stay…

For Lily St. Clare the charming small town of Crystal Lake is her haven – a place she can hide from her famous, back-stabbing family. It’s as close to happy as she’s ever been. Until an unforgettable night with tall, dark and tortured Mac Draper gives her a glimpse of what true happiness feels like.

Lily can’t help but melt a little under the sizzling heat of Mac’s touch. But Mac’s scars run deep, and Lily’s afraid she may be falling for the one man who can never return her feelings..

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.25 HEARTS You know what they say about the bigger they are the harder they fall? Well things technically fall at the same rate of speed, but the bigger you are the bigger mess you are going to make when you hit. Poor poor Mackenzie is big and has build up so many walls that it is going to be a long scary way down for him. And boy does he make a mess of everything.

Lily never thought she was the forever type. But the moment she sees Mac again that thought goes right out the window. Oh, she fights it. But fate is a fickle bit…. well let’s just say that what Fate wants Fate gets.

I loved this book. I loved Mac & Lily. I loved that they both are so darn stubborn and almost ruin everything. I will say that I did cheer for Mac a little when he let his dad have it, although I think that his dad deserved more! If you have read any of the other Bad Boys of Crystal Lake you will know that Mac is the last of the three boys to get his story and it was well worth the wait.

I can’t wait to see what might be next 🙂

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4 HEARTS The funny this is that I requested all the books from this series and each time I held off starting it even though I don’t know why. I read all the books around it until I give up and start the book and with the other two books once I started I couldn’t stop reading it and this book was the same. Why I don’t start it right away I have no idea.

This book was a bit rough in some parts. Mac is so haunted by the horrible childhood he had that his anger is quick and strong but when he is sweet he is just so sweet that you can’t help but fall for him. He is so cute when he is with Lily. Lily is strong and while dealing with her own stuff she is the type of woman you want to be friends with.

I do wish we had learned a little more about her past since we were told a number of times how she had a hard (albeit different from Mac) childhood but we didn’t get to hear too much about it. I hope this is not the last we see if Crystal Lake even though the Bad Boys are all settled down.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & SourceBooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Winter Romance Review! Kimberly reviews The Christmas He Loved Her by Juliana Stone

Christmas He Loved HerTITLE: The Christmas He Loved Her
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Raine & Jake
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/01/13
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All he wants this Christmas is her.

In the small town of Crystal Lake, Christmas is a time for sledding, hot chocolate, and cozying up to the fire with those you love. For Jake Edwards, it’s also time to come home and face his past. He thought there would never be anything harder than losing his brother. Turns out there is: falling in love with his brother’s widow, Raine.

Ever since they were little, Jesse was the Edwards brother who was always there for her, and Jake was the one who knew just how to push her buttons. Raine can’t imagine a life without them, which is why it was doubly decimating when Jake left town after his brother’s sudden death. Now he’s back and she doesn’t know whether to be mad or thrilled. Maybe both. Maybe it will be the perfect chance for both of them to finally find happiness again.

REVIEW:
What a sad story. Raine most certainly is suffering from depression which of course does not make for much of a holiday romance. Jake is suffering from PTSD so the two of them really need more than just each other. The characters seem so angry with each other, with themselves and with the world.

I also had a hard time with Raine being in such a depression yet she feels love for her dead husband’s twin brother? Raine is so self-absorbed that I found her hard to like. She thinks she is the only one suffering. Jake has been with Jesse his entire life but Jake should think Raine’s pain was more important than his own? I like Jake and want him to turn out happy but I can’t imagine he would really be happy with a person like Raine.

I really enjoyed the first book in the series and wanted to read this one so much but it didn’t have the same feel as the first one. I will say the sorrow in this series is so real the reader feels depressed too and that I guess is a sign of a good book. The problem is I just never connected with Raine.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

3hearts-68-77

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The Barker Triplets trilogy by Juliana Stone

Offside

The Barker Triplets #1

Offsides

When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Friday night hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie’s talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their ‘men’s club.’

Soon, Billie is at the center of a small town battle of the sexes, with everyone choosing sides. Her sisters. The townsfolk. Her friends. And yet, the only person whose opinion she cares about doesn’t seem to care much at all. Logan Forest, the man who broke her heart when she was eighteen and the man she now shares the bench with every Friday night.

She’s got a lot to prove and though Billie Jo Barker scores on the ice, will this girl ever score with the man of her dreams?

 

*****

Collide

The Barker Triplets #2

Collide

A second chance never looked so good…

Bobbi-Jo Barker has been in love with the wrong man for years. A man who doesn’t fit into the perfect, controlled life she’s created.A man who not only broke her heart but nearly destroyed her. So the fact that he’s back in town shouldn’t matter because he’s all wrong for her, or so she thinks…

Shane Gallagher, prodigal son, ex-con, and all around hellion, has returned to the small town of New Waterford to mend fences and get his life back. What he doesn’t count on are the feelings he still has for the one woman who can break him—the one woman who is totally wrong for him.

And yet, as Bobbi and Shane are thrown together and begin to navigate a life with each other in it, neither can deny the attraction they feel, or the emotions that come with it—the good and the bad. And so the question becomes… can these two damaged souls survive a second chance at love?

 

*****

Conceal

The Barker Triplets #3

Conceal

No one said going home would be easy…

Black sheep and all around trouble maker, Betty Jo Barker is back home and hoping for a do-over. Things are finally looking up until Beau Simon comes to town. The man pushes every button she owns and manages to awaken long dead emotions she’d rather leave buried. Beneath the surface she knows she’s a wreck–her scars run deep–and she can’t help but wonder, is Beau Simon the one who can fix her?

Beau Simon, the brightest star in Hollywood has come to New Waterford for one reason only. He’s determined to have Betty Jo Barker star in his next film. He knows she’s perfect for the part, but a past encounter might prove more than a little difficult to overcome. As Beau turns on the charm, hoping to win over this complicated woman, he realizes it won’t be easy.

Only time will tell if what lies beneath can ever be overcome. Or if love can heal all.

 

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Winter Romance Wednesday! Kelly reviews The Christmas He Loved Her by Juliana Stone

The Christmas He Loved HerTITLE: Christmas He Loved Her
SERIES #: Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #2
CHARACTERS: Jake Edwards & Raine Edwards
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
All he wants this Christmas is her.

In the small town of Crystal Lake, Christmas is a time for sledding, hot chocolate, and cozying up to the fire with those you love. For Jake Edwards, it’s also time to come home and face his past. He thought there would never be anything harder than losing his brother. Turns out there is: falling in love with his brother’s widow, Raine.

Ever since they were little, Jesse was the Edwards brother who was always there for her, and Jake was the one who knew just how to push her buttons. Raine can’t imagine a life without them, which is why it was doubly decimating when Jake left town after his brother’s sudden death. Now he’s back and she doesn’t know whether to be mad or thrilled. Maybe both. Maybe it will be the perfect chance for both of them to finally find happiness again.

REVIEW:
Jake & Raine have both been mourning the loss of Jesse but in very different ways.

Jake is mourning his twin. But he has to live with the guilt that he could not save his brother, the guilt that he has been in love with Raine since they were all kids, the guilt that he has not been there for his family for the last year and half.

Raine had to deal with not only the loss of her husband but her best friend too. Jake told her he would be there for her, but he wasn’t. Jake was not there for Raine when she needed him the most.

These two have a heartbreaking story. The whole story was very emotional but very good. Jake and Raine really should have been together from the start, but that is want second chances are for. Right?

I really love this series and I love the cast of characters that Juliana has created. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kelly reviews Conceal by Juliana Stone

Conceal

TITLE: Conceal
SERIES #: The Baker Triplets #3
CHARACTERS: Beau Simon & Betty Jo Baker
AUTHOR: Juliana Stone
PUBLICATION DATE: June 15 , 2013
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No one said going home would be easy…

Black sheep and all around troublemaker, Betty Jo Barker is back home and hoping for a do-over. Things are finally looking up until Beau Simon comes to town. The man pushes every button she owns and manages to awaken long dead emotions she’d rather leave buried. Beneath the surface she knows she’s a wreck–her scars run deep–and she can’t help but wonder, is Beau Simon the one who can fix her?

Beau Simon, the brightest star in Hollywood has come to New Waterford for one reason only. He’s determined to have Betty Jo Barker star in his next film. He knows she’s perfect for the part, but a past encounter might prove more than a little difficult to overcome. As Beau turns on the charm, hoping to win over this complicated woman, he realizes it won’t be easy.

Only time will tell if what lies beneath can ever be overcome. Or if love can heal all

REVIEW:
Loved this book. I have always been Betty Jo’s fan. I have always rooted for her. I knew from day one that there was more to her than just the partying pain in the but girl that she acts like. And I was very right. Betty Jo has endured more than even her sisters know about. But Betty is a very strong, brave and ultimately sweet person it has just taken her longer than her sister to realize that.

Beau Simon, the yummy Hollywood superstar that hurt Betty a few years ago is back in town for one reason and one reason only. Betty. But he doesn’t know how much that reason will change until it is almost too late.

Like I said before I loved this book. Loved Betty & Beau together. Totally loved that Beau is an Oregon State Beavers fan (GO BEAVS!!!). Just plain loved this trilogy!!! I so can’t wait to see what Juliana has in store next for us.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

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Book Blast: Conceal by Juliana Stone

Conceal

Conceal

by Juliana Stone
The Barker Triplets #3
Format: eBook
Expected Publication: June 15th 2013 (First published June 13th, 2013)
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon / Amazon CA / Kobo / Barnes & Noble

No one said going home would be easy…

Black sheep and all around trouble maker, Betty Jo Barker is back home and hoping for a do-over. Things are finally looking up until Beau Simon comes to town. The man pushes every button she owns and manages to awaken long dead emotions she’d rather leave buried. Beneath the surface she knows she’s a wreck–her scars run deep–and she can’t help but wonder, is Beau Simon the one who can fix her?
Beau Simon, the brightest star in Hollywood has come to New Waterford for one reason only. He’s determined to have Betty Jo Barker star in his next film. He knows she’s perfect for the part, but a past encounter might prove more than a little difficult to overcome. As Beau turns on the charm, hoping to win over this complicated woman, he realizes it won’t be easy.
Only time will tell if what lies beneath can ever be overcome. Or if love can heal all…
Excerpt #2

Betty glanced over to the end of the bar where Beau sat chatting with Duke’s wife and Miss Goody-Two-Shoes herself, Deidre Hollings. Deidre glanced up and saw Betty. Blonde Goody-Two-Shoes, had her tits practically in Beau’s face, and smiled at Betty as she bent even lower to whisper something in Beau’s ear.

Something sparked inside Betty. Something fierce, and hot, and kind of exciting.

She squared her shoulders, tossed her hair, and walked toward them as if she was working a catwalk in Paris, a sexy smile on her face.

Miss Goody-Two-Shoes was about to get run over.

 

Juliana Stone

A little bit more about Juliana: 
Juliana Stone’s love of the written word and 80s rock, have inspired her in more ways than one. She writes dark paranormal romance as well as Contemporary Romance and spends her days navigating a busy life that includes, a husband, kids, a dog and a cat.
Juliana is represented by Sara Megibow of The Nelson Literary Agency.
Hobbies & Interests
Music and words have always been my passions. I sing in a band in which my husband plays guitar and my son comes along for the ride as well. We’re total ’80s geeks, but sadly, the big hair, big shoulder pads, and neon colors are a thing of the past!
Writing Tips
I think that it’s important to take some time for yourself when you’re on deadline. If you spend all your time in the chair writing, it’s so easy to burn out. Because writing is such a lonely job, with so many hours spent by yourself, it’s important (for me) to get some social time in. So as a reward, I allow myself time to surf the Net, read blogs, Twitter, and Facebook to connect with all the writer friends that I have.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

Want a chance to win an e-copy  of THE STILLNESS OF YOU by Juliana’s alter ego, Julie Bale?

  Please leave Juliana a comment or questions along with your EMAIL (no email, no entry)!!!!.
Giveaway ends June 20th at midnight.

A quick look at The Stillness of You.

StillnessTitle: The Stillness of You
Author: Julie Bale
Series: Beautifully Damaged #1
Format: eBook
Expected Publication: March 12, 2013
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: New Adult Romance
Goodreads
Blurb: 
**New Adult featuring mature situations and sexual content – recommended for ages 18+**
Bad girl,Georgia King, is trying to survive after spiraling into a darkness that nearly took her life. With her college dreams on hold she’s trying to get healthy–trying to still the craziness inside her. She has no room for someone like Ben Lancaster and if he was smart he’d stay away. Because everyone knows Georgia is bad news–she ruins people–and if Ben isn’t careful, he’ll be next in line.
Ben Lancaster is a young, hot shot hockey player on his way to the top. Newly signed to the Philadelphia Flyers, he’s living the dream. The girls. The money. The fame. He thought he had everything he wanted until he met Georgia. Suddenly he wants more–he wants her. He’ll do whatever it takes to get her and Ben Lancaster always gets what he wants.
But the girl who’s different from anyone he’s ever known is hiding secrets. And as the dog days of summer pass, only time will tell if Georgia’s secrets can be healed. Or if her bruised soul is strong enough to resist Ben Lancaster…
“Ben Lancaster had just tattooed himself onto my soul and the thing about tattoos? They’re painful to remove.”–Georgia King.

 

 

tour 1***

Book Blast Schedule

June 17th, 2013

Cocktails and Books

 But WAIT there is more!!!!!  

OFFSIDE book 1 in the Barker Triplets Trilogy is FREE!!!!! 

offsideTitle: Offside
Author: Juliana Stone
Series: The Barker Triplets #1
Format: eBook
Expected Publication:September 28, 2012
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Goodreads

Blurb: 

When hockey phenom Billie-Jo Barker returns home and decides to play in the local Fridaynight hockey league, all hell breaks loose. Not because Billie’s talent is in question, but because Billie is a woman. And though these are modern times, some of the local guys still have a problem letting a girl into their ‘men’s club.’
Soon, Billie is at the center of a small town battle of the sexes, with everyone choosing sides. Her sisters. The townsfolk. Her friends. And yet, the only person whose opinion she cares about doesn’t seem to care much at all. Logan Forest, the man who broke her heart when she was eighteen and the man she now shares the bench with every Friday night.
She’s got a lot to prove and though Billie Jo Barker scores on the ice, will this girl ever score with the man of her dreams?
You can find OFFSIDE FREE at the following places: