Top Ten Books I Read In 2012

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly

 meme held over at The Broke and the Bookish

This weeks topic is the Top Ten Books I Read In 2012.

*In the order that they were read*

What are your favorite

books of 2012... ?

Author Interview: Sherri Hayes

Sherri Hayes is the author of four published novels, Hidden Threat, Slave (Finding Anna Book 1), Behind Closed Doors and her newest release, Need (Finding Anna Book 2).


Welcome Sherri!

What inspired you to become an author?

I’m not really sure you could say anything inspired me to become an author. I’d posted a few stories online, which my publisher saw. They approached me, and as they say, the rest is history.

Who is your hero?

My grandfather. He died when I was thirteen, but he was the most compassionate man I've ever known. If more people were like him, the world would be a much better place.

Who is your favorite author?

Diana Gabaldon

Why do you write these kinds of books?

I write the types of stories I like to read. It’s just icing on the cake that other people love them too.

How did you come up with the idea for Slave and Need?

I’d been reading some D/s stories online when the news coverage for the Jaycee Dugard story began. Over the next few days, more stories on human trafficking hit the news, and I started to wonder what would happen if I mixed the two.

What other future projects do you have in mind?

We've just started edits on the second novel in my Daniels Brother’s Series, Red Zone. The first book, Behind Closed Doors, came out in February 2012. There will be four books in that series, one for each brother. I’ve also started writing book three in Stephan and Brianna’s story. Between the two, they should keep me busy for the next couple of years, at least.

Any advice for baby writers?

Keep writing. I go back and look at that first story I wrote, and it’s hard to believe where I am now, and what I’m doing. Find one or two good critic partners, people who will be honest with you. If all they do is tell you how great you and your writing is, then they aren't doing anything to help you become a better writer.

Biography:

Sherri is the author of several novels, and a short story. She lives in central Ohio with her husband and three cats. Her first love was singing. Throughout her school years she was involved in various choirs, and has had eight years of classical vocal training. She also enjoyed acting in her teen years and feels that has helped her in her writing. Her mother fostered her love for books at a young age by reading to her as a child. Stories have been floating around in her head for as long as she can remember; however, she didn't start writing them down until four years ago. It has become a creative outlet that allows her to explore a wide range of emotions while having fun taking her characters through all the twists and turns she can create. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found helping her husband in his woodworking shop.

She is currently working on the third book in the Finding Anna Series.

Favorite Books:

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon, The Bronze Horseman Trilogy by Paullina Simons, The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell, Shadow Dance by Susan Andersen, and my current addiction, The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.D. Ward.

Sherri's Books:

Where to find Sherri:

Goodreads - TWCS - Twitter - Author Blog - The Playroom Blog - FB Page

Blog Tour: Need by Sherri Hayes

Need by Sherri Hayes

(Finding Anna #2)

Author: Sherri Hayes

Publisher: The Writers Coffee Shop

Published: July 26, 2012

Formats: E-book & Paperback

Where to find the book:

Finding Anna Series Blog

Goodreads 

TWCS

Where to find the author:

Goodreads - TWCS

Twitter - Author Blog

The Playroom Blog

FB Page

Synopsis:

As Brianna comes to terms with the realization that she is no longer a slave, she must figure out what she wants for her life. Forgetting her past isn't an option. It is an integral part of who she is now, and it will forever shape her view of life. The one thing she knows is that she cannot imagine her life without the man who saved her, but can she be what he needs?

Stephan never imagined falling in love with the woman he rescued, but the thought of her no longer being part of his life is physically painful. The scars from her past continue to haunt her, and he is helpless to stop them. All he can do is try to help her work through the traumas of her past. Can he be everything she needs and help her move on?

Here is my review for Slave, the first book in this series, along with my review for Need.

Blog Tour Stops:
7/18 - Ali's Bookshelf
7/19 - Close Encounters
7/20 - Kinky Book Reviews
7/21 - Tattooed Book Review
7/22 - The Write to Make a Living
7/24 - Lori's Book Blog
7/25 - Ruby's Books
7/26 - Musings of a Bookworm
7/27 - Under the Covers Book Blog
7/28 - More Than a Reading Journal
7/30 - Addicted to Words
7/31 - Nightly Reading
8/1 - ME! :)

Hope you all enjoy! And thank you to
Sherri Hayes and TWCS Publishing
for the opportunity! Have a great day!

Book Review: Need by Sherri Hayes

Need by Sherri Hayes

(Finding Anna #2)

Goodreads - TWCS

SYNOPSIS:

As Brianna comes to terms with the realization that she is no longer a slave, she must figure out what she wants for her life. Forgetting her past isn’t an option. It is an integral part of who she is now, and it will forever shape her view of life. The one thing she knows is that she cannot imagine her life without the man who saved her, but can she be what he needs?


Stephan never imagined falling in love with the woman he rescued, but the thought of her no longer being part of his life is physically painful. The scars from her past continue to haunt her, and he is helpless to stop them. All he can do is try to help her work through the traumas of her past. Can he be everything she needs and help her move on?

My Review:

I loved this one just as much as the first one! But probably even more! And just like the first one, I wouldn't consider this erotica. Although it did have some sexy-times... I consider this more of a romance book with a little kinkyness.

Once again Stephan and Brianna were fabulous. Their connection/bond grew even stronger in this book. It was nice to see her growing as a character, coming out of her shell. In my first review I failed to mention my favorite side characters, Logan and Lily, and it was great to see them back. I love Lily, if she was a real person, I believe we'd be best friends.

So I was assuming this book would be all romance and good times, which it had, but what I didn't expect were the sudden "Holy shit! Did that just happen?" moments. And the little mystery throughout, and the suspense... What?! It rocked my world! I think it really added something special to the story. The author also stuck with the switching of the POV's, it was awesome, as was last time!

Also, I'm not quite sure what I was expecting for the ending, but I definitely was not expecting the ending I got. It was all cliff-hangery.. I did expect that to happen at some point in the book, but I thought it'd be a lot sooner, but I loved it. It made me want the third book even more! I absolutely can't wait for the third book.

This is gonna sound really weird, but the whole fact that she was a sex slave and was held captive for 10 months, and treated like complete shit. Like worse than a dog with a bad owner. And she made it through, even long enough for Stephan to find out about her and help her. It's just so unique. When do you ever read books about this?! Never! I haven't read one! It's just super interesting!

--I'm also on tour for this book, so be looking for that soon! I'll be having an interview with the author Sherri Hayes! Enjoy!

Just like Slave, I give it 5 stars! 

I'd definitely recommend this book, 

but be sure to read Slave first!

Have a great day!

*This book was provided by the publisher for review*

Book Review: Slave by Sherri Hayes

Slave by Sherri Hayes
(Finding Anna, Book #1)
Goodreads -- Amazon


SYNOPSIS:
Stephan has lived the lifestyle of a Dominant for five years. After several rebellious teenage years, it gave him the stability and control he had been seeking after his parent’s death.

As president of a not-for-profit foundation, he knows what his future holds and what he wants out of life. All that changes when a simple lunch with his college friend and Mentor, Daren, leads him to buying a slave.

Thrust into a situation he never thought he’d be in, Stephan can’t walk away. He is compelled to help this girl in the only way he knows how. Brianna knows only one thing, she is a slave. She has nothing. She is nothing.   Can Stephan help Brianna realize that she is much more than just a Slave?


Review:
Okay... Wow... Unreal... Wow again...

This book was amazing for me! It was so unlike anything I'd ever read or heard of. I'm still stuck on the park that she's a slave! Like a real slave! I just can't fathom that... even though I know that people are kidnapped and sold as sex slaves. But still...

So this book was supposed to be 'erotica'... but unfortunately there was no sex. When I got this book I was thinking -"OOOOh, a dominant buys a slave! There's gonna be a whole lot of nastiness!" Wrong! But the characters totally make up for it. Brianna was so scared and shy (obviously because she is a slave.) And Stephan, omg, he is so nice to her from the very beginning. All he does is think about her and how she feels emotionally and physically and how he can help her get back to 'normal'... Bless his heart.

So, I'm gonna say this book is not for everyone. I say that because some people might not even want to think about her being a slave. Some people might think it's boring. Some people might think it's slow. Some people might even say it doesn't have a plot. I beg to differ. It's not one of those action-y, drama filled, holy crap books. It's much more of a psychological/sociological read. You're trying so hard to read into Brianna's mind, see what's going on. Why is she a slave? How did she get into that position? And how it's effected her mentally, emotionally, and even physically. I found it very interesting, even cute. The way he showed so much compassion for her. It was fabulous.

Like I just mentioned, you're trying to understand everything about her and how she became a slave. Well, I forgot to mention that this book is written from Stephan and Brianna's point of view. So you do get some insight here and there. One thing I loved about the POV switching, was that the author would sometimes do the whole scene over again from the other persons POV. But don't go thinking crazy stuff, it was perfect. Everything was not repeated, you just simply heard the other side of the story and the thoughts in their head. It was great.

Another thing is- I can see a lot of people comparing this book to the 'fifty shades' books. They both have a handsome rich man, who is a dominant, with a playroom, coming into some kind of situation with a younger woman and her being practically clueless... But this is NOT fifty shades. It is 100% completely and totally different.

All I can say is go read it! I loved it! I couldn't read it fast enough. I stayed up many nights trying as hard as I could to keep my eyes open and try to finish it. I really need to do more reading during the day... Anyways, If it sounds like something you're interesting in... Go get it! You'll love it!

All in all I gave it 5 stars. And I can't wait to read the sequel, 'Need'!

Have a great day!

*This book was provided by the publisher for a honest review*

Swoon Thursday: Need

Swoon Thursday #2!


Swoon Thursday is a HOT meme hosted by YA Bound.

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished,
tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your
skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in
the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on
your blog! We want to know :)


Need (Finding Anna Book #2) by Sherri Hayes
Goodreads -- TWCS Publishing House This week my swoon comes from 'Need' by Sherri Hayes. I took it from chapter 1, I didn't want to give anything away, since this is the second book. In this excerpt you can see how much Stephan really cares for Brianna just by how soft and calm and tender he is.

I cupped her face with both of my hands. "You don't have to make any decisions right now, Brianna. I won't force you into this. It has to be your choice."

She closed her eyes briefly. When they opened again, they were glistening, and a single tear fell down her cheek. My mouth opened and pressed against her skin, capturing the moisture. The salty taste lingered on my tongue.

Brianna's lips parted as she sucked in a deep breath. My senses registered her reaction, and I felt the pull I had felt so many times before. Tilting her face up with the pads of my thumbs, I moved my lips down to within a breath of her own. "I want to kiss you, Brianna."

She didn't answer me so I remained where I was. She tilted her head, bringing her mouth closer to mine almost unconsciously.

"Do you want me to kiss you?" I whispered.

"Yes," she said, her breath ghosting across my lips.

A second after the word left her mouth my lips were covering hers. My fingers wrapped around her scalp, moving her head to give me the best access. Her lips parted and I took advantage.

The taste of her against my tongue drove me on. Ever so slowly, I explored every inch of her mouth. The mouth of the woman I hoped to one day make completely and solely mine.

Whoa! It's getting steamy in here!
So, tell me, what made you swoon?!
Enjoy your day!