Showing posts with label Helena Hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Helena Hunting. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

COVER REVEAL: The Librarian Principle by Helena Hunting


SUMMARY

Annaliese Harper knows that one tiny mistake can jeopardize a career before it’s even begun. Letting your boss find the extensive collection of porn on your personal laptop is one way. Sleeping with him is another. Liese manages to do both.

As the new librarian at a prestigious small-town private high school, Liese is drawn to her sexy, charismatic principal, Ryder Whitehall—an attraction she refuses to acknowledge given their relationship and her recent liberation from a delusional ex-boyfriend.

Liese is certain Ryder’s flirtation is the product of her sex-deprived imagination—until he discovers her digital porn stash during working hours and demands a private meeting. Behind closed doors, their attraction explodes into a dangerous, passionate affair that not only threatens their jobs and reputations, but most of all, their hearts



EXCERPT
Liese was in the middle of adjusting her skirt when her phone chimed. She rummaged around inside her purse and found Marissa had sent her a message. Against her better judgment, she checked it. There was no text, only a photo, and it was too small in the message window to adequately discern the content. She clicked the image, and it expanded on the screen.
A noise that sounded vaguely like a cat dying escaped her. Marissa had done it again. Ryder's head was superimposed onto the body of yet another well-hung porn star, and this time the image also included a woman—superimposed with Liese’s face—sprawled out over a desk, much like the one she stood in front of now.
“Hi there.”
Liese screamed, caught completely unaware. She turned to find Ryder standing in her office doorway, leaning against the jamb, his coat thrown over his arm, briefcase in hand. His suit jacket was unbuttoned, giving him a more relaxed look than usual. And sexier. If that was possible.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you,” he said. “You seemed rather invested in whatever you were reading just now.”
Liese hit the button on her phone, and the screen went blank. “It was my girlfriend,” she explained.
Ryder stared at her, unblinking.
At his lack of reaction, she elaborated. “My best friend—she's expecting me later this evening. She was just checking in.”
“Oh.” He sounded relieved for some reason she couldn't fathom. “Am I keeping you? We can reschedule for next week if you need to go.”
“No, no, it's fine. I'm happy to meet with you, unless you have another engagement.” Liese slid her phone back into her purse, turning off the volume as she did so.
“I have no prior engagements.”
They stared at each other for a few interminable seconds before Liese realized they were on her territory, and she should invite him in. “Would you like to work in my office or out there?” Liese gestured to the empty library beyond.
He glanced over his shoulder and then surveyed their current surroundings. “I think your office would be more private.”
“Sure. Right.” Liese nodded, clutching the back of her chair.
“Unless you'd be more comfortable working out there,” Ryder supplied, watching her speculatively from his spot in the doorway.
“What? Oh, no. Not at all. I'm perfectly comfortable with you in me.”
His shock formed a counterpoint to her horror.
“In my office! I'm perfectly comfortable working with you in my office.”
Helena's Links



​Bio
Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s putting her degree in English Lit to good use by writing contemporary erotic romance. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.

Monday, May 19, 2014

REVIEW: Inked Armor by Helena Hunting



 Synopsis

 In this follow-up to Clipped Wings, the emotional love story continues between Hayden and Tenley; two young people who desperately want to love and be loved but are afraid to completely let go of their pasts.

In the wake of losing Tenley Page, tattooist Hayden Stryker's tumultuous past is haunting him. Plagued by nightmares about the murder of his parents, Hayden reaches out again to Tenley. Having run from the man she doesn't believe she deserves, Tenley finally lays her guilt to rest. Despite their intense physical attraction, Hayden and Tenley struggle to repair their fragile emotional connection. As Hayden gets closer to the truth, he must find a way to reconcile his guilt over his parents' death in order to keep the woman who finally cracked his armor, and found her way into his heart.


Buy Links

Amazon 
B&N 
KoboiBooks 


ADRI'S REVIEW:

First off thank you to NetGalley for approving us the ARC's so that we could read this fantastic book.

Well as many of you know (especially if you have been following this blog for a while) the three of us fell so much in love with the first book Clipped Wings that we had to make the review a triple joint one, and well book 2 gave us the same results.

This story continues from where Clipped Wings left off, and I have to say as someone who got to read the first draft of this story, I loved the changes made so much. I especially like that book 2 concentrates on Hayden's past and demons and that it shows us a very strong very matured healing Tenley.

Even though this story has the same steam and passion as the first one did, you can feel the difference in the way the characters interact with this story.

I look forward to finding out what else Helena Hunting has for us.

Happy Reading... Adri

Sarah's Review:
Thanks again to NetGalley and Helena Hunting for providing us with the ARC of this amazing story.  I was in the midst of the end of graduate school, but I took a day and read this great story.  It was just what I needed at the time.

In this sequel, we see some of what Tenley and Hayden go through during their separation.  However, we also see how they are so drawn to each other that it is like kismet that they end up finding their way back to each other.  We see struggles that Tenley had to experience to know what she needed and how she finally began to heal.   With Hayden, we see how he reacted to Tenley's leaving and then her return.  We see how he begins to heal from his parents murder and how he is able to get some closure and begin his healing.

 What I loved most about this amazing series was Helena Hunting's ability to demonstrate how grief is different for everyone and no one grieves the exact same.  Grief doesn't have a time table and it doesn't have a picture, since everyone is different.


Erin's Review
 Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this wonderful book.
 Inked Armor picks up right where Clipped Wings ends, with Tenley leaving and Hayden not being able to cope. Helena does a beautiful job showing what happens when two people are so damaged they don't think they can deal with "normality". They both struggle with, what to us would be mundane tasks, but to them, it appears to be impossible. Just the mention of an airplane sends Tenley over the edge, and Hayden, in some ways, uses his body art to keep people away. The more society snubs him, the less he has to deal. It's his coping mechanism.
 Their love is put through the ultimate test when Tenley returns, can Hayden trust her again? Can Tenley handle all of Hayden's past? Or will the need to protect themselves from each other destroy the one thing they both crave....love and acceptance.
 We meet up with the old crew again and get a to know Hayden's uncle, Nathan, a bit more. He is wise beyond his years and even tells Hayden the things he does not want to hear. Tenley finally begins to close her old wounds as well and learns that sometimes standing up for yourself, is the best therapy there is. Our girl is strong, and she proves it more and more as the story progresses.
 Inked Armor is a story of healing, of facing your demons and letting them go. It's a beautiful story of what happens when we let those we love in to see the damaged part of our soul that we feel is beyond redemption. Closure comes at different times, and in different forms. And the best way to help someone else, is to help yourself first. It doesn't mean you don't love them, it means you love them enough to want to be strong for them. Tenley and Hayden were two damaged souls who were beautifully broken, only to find one another and begin to heal again.
 Good on ya Helena, you have a fan for life.


















Friday, March 7, 2014

REVIEW: Clipped Wings by Helena Hunting

Their body art is hot. Their chemistry is even hotter.

From her dark hair sweeping below her waist to her soft, sexy curves, Tenley Page intrigues tattoo artist Hayden Stryker in a way no one else ever has…especially when she asks him to ink a gorgeous, intricate design on her back. Yet for all her beauty, there is something darkly tragic and damaged about Tenley that Hayden is everything.

Covered in ink and steel, Hayden is everything Tenley has never dared to want, awakening a desire to explore more than the art adorning his stunning body. Trapped by a past that leaves her screaming from nightmares, Tenley sees Hayden as the perfect escape. Although he has secrets too, if they both keep themselves guarded perhaps their intense physical connection will remain only that.

But nothing, not even passion, can keep them safe from their pasts…




Buy / Pre-Order Links
 Cupcakes & Ink
Kobo Inked Armor
Kobo Cracks in the Armor


(not listed yet)




Facebook
Goodreads


Bio
Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's putting her English degree to good use by writing popular fiction. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.

Sarah's Review
Thank you to Netgalley for providing the ARC for this story.  For those in the Twilight fandom, we are familiar with Helena Hunting's writing and CW&IA was a favorite fanfiction of mine.  I was excited when I found out that she would be publishing and I signed up for the tours as soon as I saw it.
This review and subsequent reviews will focus on the published version and the published version alone.  Any negative comments about this being a former Twi Fanfic will be deleted.  It is a subject that has many differing opinions and I will not tolerate hatred toward the author or their work.  

I am a person that usually doesn't like reading anything that is overly angsty, but because I had a general idea about this story.  It took me longer than I would have liked to read but with my academic and work schedules, it took me about a week to read since I couldn't read more than a chapter a day during Monday-Friday.  I read the majority on a Sunday and the rest the following Saturday morning.  After I finished reading it, I called Adri because I had no clue how to write this review.  As a matter of fact, I still don't know.  

The main characters: 
Tenley:  I love her.  While she is grieving was happened prior to moving to Chicago, she is stronger than she believes.  She is grieving and the grieving process doesn't make sense, I think she is strong.  She has gone through hell and she is still recovering from her own injuries as a result of a traumatic event.  

Hayden: Oh there is just something about a man with tattoos and piercings that are attractive and sexy.  Maybe it is that false bad boy image that society thinks that the tattoos and piercings represent.  While Hayden has his own demons that he is fighting, he is beginning to realize that he can have a happy life, if he wants it.  

Secondary Characters:
I think that the secondary characters are going to have a bigger role in the next book, Inked Armor.  I hope that we will see how the ending of this book will impact the relationships and friendships that are involved thus far. 

Adri's  Review:

Well after I got off the phone with Sarah I knew I needed to get in on the action of reading this story... Like Sarah I'd also read the previous fanfiction version and absolutely loved it. So I knew that I could take on the challenge that was reading this new version. (Again thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC)

Since Sarah's review focused on the actual characters, I will try and focus on the emotions of the story. Where I can agree with Sarah that it is very difficult to write a review for this story, NOT because it isn't absolutely fantastic, but because I DON'T want to give anything away.

Where many would consider this a story of angst and hardship, I consider it one of hope and growth. It shows that even though we as humans have faced some hard times you can always make things better. It shows in both characters that with the love and help of others that bad things can be managed. Like in Hayden's case, even though he'd been through a lot and lost his way for a bit of time, he still found his way back thanks to the help of his friends and family. Something every similar happens with Tenley, though I don't think we've seen her really deal yet with everything she's been through, but there is a lot of strength in her character as well. Though it is not all sunshine and rainbows TO ME much of this story is not as angst-y as I though it would be. Though their stories of how they ended up where they are, are sad, their ability to overcome those tragedies and look to the future makes it easier.

The only thing I will say negative is that I HATE where Helena Hunting left the story... I so wanted more... The ending left with so many unanswered questions... its almost torture... but this makes me look forward to the next book Inked Armor even more.

Happy Reading... Adri



Erin's Review:

I went in to this story blind. I had no idea it was even a fanfic as I've never read fanfic-yes I'm a fanfic virgin. After Sarah told me I just HAD to read this, I started immediately and seriously could not put the book down. The characters are amazing, their back stories heartbreaking and the supporting characters are the most eclectic group I have encountered in a long time.
 The story mainly focuses on Tenley and Hayden. Both suffering from wounds that cut deeper than the scars on the surface. They are an unlikely pair but you fall in love with them instantly. Tenley is fragile, yet at the same time, strong although not as strong as she could be. Two words to describe Hayden: intense & sexyashell(see what I did there?) Both characters are so desperate for someone to believe in, they actually become their own worst enemy. Blind trust is something neither of them understand. They are each worried the other one will run the minute they find out their past.
  To describe their relationship as fragile is an understatement, it is like spun glass that appears strong but could snap at the slightest tension. They are absolutely heart wrenching at times and so intense you want to shout "SLOW DOWN" at others. But you get them, you understand their need for a connection to someone, to something.
 Their friends are cool as hell. I especially like Lisa, the 50's thing is just awesome-only spoiler I will give you. They seem to be exactly what both Tenley and Hayden need. They need people who are going to call them out, be their rock and pick them up when they hit bottom.
 I will agree with Adri, I HATE where the book ended, only because I wanted more. So, be ready for a cliffhanger! Don't say you weren't warned! Love Tenley and Hayden's story and we'll have to wait and see if our questioned are answered in the next installment, Inked Armor. Helen Hunting, you gained a fan with this story, I love it!!!

















Tuesday, February 4, 2014

REVIEW: Cupcakes & Ink by Helena Hunting


Cupcakes & InkHelena Hunting
Summary:
The prequel to Clipped Wings—“twisted, dark, incredibly erotic…a love story like no other” (USA TODAY bestselling author Alice Clayton)—this emotional tale follows Hayden and Tenley as they struggle to let go of their pasts and maintain an emotionally safe distance from each other.

Tenley Page is looking for a new start: a new city, a new apartment, a new life. Her plan is to keep to herself and stay focused. But leaving her past behind and starting over isn’t as easy as she thought. And neither is maintaining her solitude. As Tenley settles into her new surroundings, she finds herself drawn to Inked Armor, the tattoo studio across the street. But it’s the gorgeous, dark-haired tattoo artist who captures her interest. There’s something about his severe beauty that captivates her—and not just in her waking hours.

Covered in the ink he inscribes on other people’s skin, Hayden Stryker has made a career out of being a tattooist. He’s got his own business and a tight circle of friends. As far as he’s concerned, that’s all he needs. At least until his aunt, who owns the antiques and used book store across from his tattoo studio, hires a new employee. At first his intrigue is based on physical appeal; hot chick equals something nice to look at. But as he begins to catch glimpses of the fiery personality under the fragile, feminine exterior, his fascination with Tenley grows. Annoyed by his inability to control his fixation, Hayden decides the best way to cure him of the new obsession is to get to know the girl under her skittish façade.

But like the ink he wears as armor, Tenley has the ability to get under his skin and stay there.









Buy / Pre-Order Links
 Cupcakes & Ink
Kobo Inked Armor
Kobo Cracks in the Armor
(not listed yet)




 Helena's Social Media

Facebook
Goodreads



Bio
Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's putting her English degree to good use by writing popular fiction. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.


Sarah's Review:
Thank you to Netgalley for providing the ARC for this story.  For those in the Twilight fandom, we are familiar with Helena Hunting's writing and CW&IA was a favorite fanfiction of mine.  I was excited when I found out that she would be publishing and I signed up for the tours as soon as I saw it. 

This review and subsequent reviews will focus on the published version and the published version alone.  Any negative comments about this being a former Twi Fanfic will be deleted.  It is a subject that has many differing opinions and I will not tolerate hatred toward the author or their work. 

Cupcakes and Ink gives us a brief introduction into Tenley and Hayden's lives.  We meet Cassie, Hayden's aunt, and we also meet Hayden's co-workers.   It was a great introduction to the characters and I am excited to read Clipped Wings soon.