Showing posts with label Taylor Dean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taylor Dean. Show all posts

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Review: Stone Silence by Taylor Dean


Heidi Reads... Stone Silence by Taylor Dean

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Great big beautiful love.

Does it really exist?

Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”

I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.

I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.

Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.

That’s when I meet Stony by chance.

He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.

That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.

But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.

I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.

My only hope is . . . he does.


My Review

I knew after reading Chasing Fireflies by Taylor Dean that she would be one of those authors that I didn't pass on. I wasn't particularly compelled by the cover and description of this book, but I spotted some 5 star and rave reviews on Goodreads from friends that got me curious... and once I started reading it I blew through it in one morning. (One of those amazing mornings where the kids play so well together that I was granted the privilege of reading a book all the way through!) There's something about the author's writing style that brings the characters and their thoughts to life for me, and I loved it. I was seriously mad for Spencer when she gets abandoned by the jerk date she was with, I was apprehensive for her while she was searching for help in the middle of nowhere, I was relieved for her when the person she came across was a decent human being and gentleman. The dynamics of Spencer and Stony were intriguing and I especially loved their chemistry together amid the embarrassing missteps and wondering and yearning. They bring out the best in each other and their journey to happiness, while not without conflict, was enjoyable to read about. (Especially when they finally get to that first kiss! Worth the wait!) It's the best when I genuinely like both main characters and feel for them as they navigate difficult circumstances. Can't wait to pick up the next two books in this series!!! 

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)


Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Spotlight and Giveaway: Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean


BOOK THREE IN THE SOUND OF SILENCE SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!


Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?
No worries. It's FREE for five days, Jan. 1-5!!!
Grab it on AMAZON

 

HOTHOUSE FLOWER
by
TAYLOR DEAN

 

 Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean 

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart. I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever. 
Until it wasn’t. He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it. But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world. Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence. I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly. To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less. However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us. The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart. Absolutely nothing.  

Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue.   

 

 The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.

Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story 
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story 
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story

Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers. 
They are not standalones and should be read in order.

Read an excerpt from HOTHOUSE FLOWER: 

“I apologize if that embarrassed you. That’s what creepy ex-boyfriends are for though. If you look it up in the dictionary, you’ll find that I’m right.” “That’s the exact definition?” I ask. “In a nutshell. I believe it reads: A hideous creature made to embarrass and humiliate his former girlfriend during every single moment of her life. Warning: They should all be hunted down and killed.” A half smile escapes. “That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” “Maybe. I promise to try my best to not stand outside of your window in the middle of the night with a boom box over my head.” This time he makes me laugh aloud. “Just out of curiosity, what would the song be?” “Oh, you know, a rousing rendition of George Michael belting out Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go. After all, I’d have to wake you up before getting all romantic with my song choice.” “So . . . what would the romantic song be?” I have to know. “Don’t make me say it.” “You brought it up. Don’t leave me hanging.” “It would have to be . . . I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Not many know it, but it’s a gem of a song. It says everything that’s in my heart.” It’s his ability to say silly things with a deadpan voice that makes him so funny. To me, at least. No one else ever laughs at his jokes quite like I do. I slap his arm playfully and Brit burrows deeper into his shoulder. “I’d go back to bed.” “I’d resort to drastic measures then.” “What drastic measures?” “I’d have to pull out the Barry Manilow. He’s only to be used in rare moments and with extreme caution.”   

     


Stone Silence by Taylor Dean  

Great big beautiful love. Does it really exist? Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.” I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me. I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly. Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help. That’s when I meet Stony by chance. He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it. That’s when I stay with Stony by choice. But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past. I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. My only hope is . . . he does. 

 

Catch Book Two, JAILBIRD.

   


Jailbird by Taylor Dean 

My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird. Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake. And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything. I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia. But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past. When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again. But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it. Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye. After all, who could ever love a jailbird? 

   

Praise for JAILBIRD: 

Mia's story about forgiveness and redemption is packed with emotion and will leave you wanting more! -Jana, Amazon Review 

An adventure from start to finish, a wonderful sequel to Stone Silence. -atvtnv, Amazon Review 

Once I started reading, I just couldn't stop! It has been a LONG time since a book has kept me up WAY past my bedtime! -KJ's Book Nook 

 

Author Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up. 



 

Blast Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 1/21/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    





Monday, December 11, 2017

12 Days of Clean Romance: Author Taylor Dean & Giveaway!

     


The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.

Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story - Release date: Nov. 1, 2017
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story - Release date: Dec. 1, 2017
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story - Release date: Jan. 1, 2018

Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers. They are not standalones and should be read in order.
 
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Praise for Stone Silence 

 Oh. My. Gosh! I absolutely LOVE Stone Silence! Talk about swoony! This book is AMAZING! I was sucked in from the very beginning and found myself lost in the journey of Spencer and Stony. I laughed out loud, got teary eyed, let out little dreamy sighs and refused to put this book down until I finished it! I devoured it! -KJ's Book Nook 

 Oh man. I will always read everything Taylor Dean writes with no hesitation. I LOVE Taylor Dean books. If you have never read anything by her, you really must. -Aimee, Getting Your Read On  

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From Jailbird 

 SHOWTIME, MIA. AND you know what they say about a show that’s about to start—it must go on. Of course, they also tell the actors to break a leg and I’d much prefer that to what I’m about to do. I turn down the paved road and see a large fenced-in property in the distance. My GPS tells me I’ve reached my destination. It’s a beautiful and sunny September day with hardly a cloud in the sky. The weather certainly doesn’t match my emotions. If it did, it would be stormy. A raging storm, to include crazy lightning and booming thunder. I don’t want to do this. I’d rather go to the dentist and have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Heck, I’d rather have my toenails removed. All of them. Without anesthesia. But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past. I’d like to place my past in a box, tie a pretty little bow on it, and place it on a shelf and forget about it. Instead it sits on my kitchen counter begging to be put away every time I see it. It’s time to put it away. There’s only one way to do that. Face Stony. The last time I saw him was a little over a year ago, the moment I arrived home and stepped out of my brother’s car after being released from jail. He was there. Waiting for me. Stony smiled at me. He smiled! Not just a little smile either. Stony never smiles and I mean never. Ever. I thought it meant all was forgiven between us. I thought it meant we were starting over. I thought it meant so many things. I was wrong. So very wrong. I was told he’d had a girl with him that day, a pretty blond California girl. I didn’t notice her, but then, I was preoccupied. I was told they’d been seeing each other for a while. I’d been kept in the dark about their relationship. “Mia,” my mom had said, “You and Stony gave it your best shot. It didn’t work out. It’s for the best.” Mom had her heart set on Stony and me getting married. If Stony had a fan club, she’d be president. Her change of tune threw me for a loop.  

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Author Taylor Dean 

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.  

 

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Also by Taylor Dean

 

 
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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 12/23/17
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  





Friday, December 1, 2017

Book Blast & Giveaway: Jailbird by Taylor Dean


   


BOOK TWO IN THE SOUND OF SILENCE SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!

 

JAILBIRD
by
TAYLOR DEAN



My hometown decided to rename me Jailbird. Every day I silently scream out, “My name is Mia Faraday!” My time in jail does not define me. I am so much more than one heated mistake. And yet, my slip-up weighs on me. There’s so much more to the story than anyone realizes. I must face Stony, my ex, and confess everything. I don’t want to. I’d rather have five teeth pulled. While I’m awake. Without anesthesia. But this is something I have to do, something I need to do. Not just for Stony. I need to do it for me. Especially for me. I can’t move forward with my life until I gain closure from the past. When I meet Grayson Elliott, I am easily pulled into his orbit and it’s exactly where I’d love to stay. He makes me laugh and not take life so seriously. He makes me want to live again. But I don’t love me right now, and that healing needs to come first. I’m not relationship-ready or marriage material. My mind is focused on redemption. I want it. I need it. Besides, when Grayson hears about my colorful past, I’m sure he’ll be gone before I have time to utter the word goodbye. After all, who could ever love a jailbird?

   

The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.
Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story
 
Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers.
They are not standalones and should be read in order.
 
Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?
Grab it on AMAZON

 

Great big beautiful love. Does it really exist? Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.” I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me. I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly. Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help. That’s when I meet Stony by chance. He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it. That’s when I stay with Stony by choice. But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past. I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that. My only hope is . . . he does.

   

Praise for STONE SILENCE

Oh. My. Gosh! I absolutely LOVE Stone Silence! Talk about swoony! This book is AMAZING! I was sucked in from the very beginning and found myself lost in the journey of Spencer and Stony. I laughed out loud, got teary eyed, let out little dreamy sighs and refused to put this book down until I finished it! I devoured it! -KJ's Book Nook

Oh man. I will always read everything Taylor Dean writes with no hesitation. I LOVE Taylor Dean books. If you have never read anything by her, you really must. -Aimee, Getting Your Read On  

Hothouse Flower, Book Three will be released on January 1st, 2018

       


Read an excerpt from Jailbird: Excerpt #1:
 
Stony and Spencer’s Place.
Ugh. It’s magical inside the fenced-in property, as if I just walked into a secret garden. Stony always said he was going to build himself an oasis in the middle of the prairie land, and he did it. I didn’t expect it to be quite this beautiful. Green grass covers small rolling hills. Sidewalks meander the property. Flower beds bloom madly with all the colors of the rainbow. It’s almost like being inside of a Thomas Kinkade painting.
I want to run. I want to turn around and erase this serene picture from my mind. I’m not sure I want to witness Stony’s happily-ever-after. The consolation is that now I know I didn’t ruin his life. I should feel grateful for that knowledge. I kind of do and I kind of don’t. My emotions are a tangled mess when it comes to Stony. I’ve had two years in jail and a little over a year in Galveston to think about this moment, to anticipate exactly what I want to say to him. Now that it’s upon me, I can feel my mind going blank.
But I’m doing it anyway.
I march forward with determination in every step and I push on the doorbell before I can change my mind. I hear a Windsor chime echo through the house in a majestic sort of way. A little more cringing goes on inside of me at the perfection of it all.
The seconds before the door is answered seem interminable. I’m a hot mess.
Lock me in a tank with hungry—no—starving sharks. Put me in a lion’s den and let them have me for dinner. Make me appear on that dumb TV show, Naked and Afraid.
Anything but this. I don’t want to face Stony. I don’t, I don’t.


Excerpt #2:

THE DOOR OPENS and there he is, looking just as handsome as I remembered. He’s wearing shorts and I can see his prosthetic leg. He’s wearing a short-sleeved shirt and I can see his mottled skin plain as day.
I did that to him. And I hate myself for it.
Hate. Hate. Hate.
I ignore my negative thoughts and concentrate on Stony. He looks confident and fit. His hair is longer, combed back on his head in a stylish sort of way. He’s sporting the unshaven look with a slight beard that only adds to his masculinity. His tanned skin proves he spends a lot of time outdoors. There’s still a deep line between his eyebrows that speaks to the intensity of his personality. In spite of everything, he’s the vision of health and vitality. I know how hard he’s worked to achieve it and I’m impressed with his tenacity. He’s the poster child of someone who refuses to give up no matter how many times life knocks him down. I wish I had his strength.
Standing this close, I want to fall into his arms and let him hold me. It seems the natural thing to do, but things have changed.
Drastically.
His eyebrows furrow even deeper—and the action is not lost on me—then he says, “Mia?”
I swallow. He doesn’t seem happy to see me, but then the constant lack of a smile makes him hard to read. “Hi, Stony.”
I’ve surprised him, that’s obvious. And not in a good way.
He doesn’t say anything, he just stares at me. So I say, “Can I talk to you?”
He hesitates and says, “Uh . . .”
I hate his hesitation, the way he looks so unsure.
“Please,” I say. I’m not above begging. I need to do this. “I’m not here to cause problems for you, I swear. I know you’re a married man now. I would never do anything to jeopardize your relationship. I’m not trying to come between you and your wife.”
“Stop it, I know that,” he says and he means it. At least he knows me well enough to know I would never do something like that. Now that he’s married, Stony is off-limits to me.
But we do have some unfinished business.
He seems to think things over for a moment, then he comes to a decision. He nods and says, “Sure. Come on in.”

 

Author Taylor Dean Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.


  Blast Giveaway Details $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/22/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    

 a Rafflecopter giveaway