New Adult – Page 54 – Read-Love-Blog

Review…Eyes Turned Skyward by Rebecca Yarros

Synopsis:

Since her sister’s death, twenty-year-old Paisley Donovan, who shares her sister’s heart condition, is treated like delicate glass by her parents. But nothing will stop her from completing her Bucket List—even if it kills her. And it almost does, until Jagger Bateman pulls her from the ocean and breathes more than air into her lungs—he sets her soul on fire.

Jagger is enrolled in the country’s toughest flight school. He’s wickedly hot, reckless, and perfect for a girl looking to live life to the fullest. Except that Paisley is the commanding general’s daughter, and her boyfriend is Jagger’s biggest rival. Now Paisley must decide just how much to risk for a guy who makes her heart pound a little too hard.

They’re flying through dangerous territory—and one wrong move could make them crash and burn…

My review:

Eyes Turned Skyward is the second book from author Rebecca Yarros, and follows Full Measures…a book I completely adored. I was beyond lucky to get an early copy of this book and let me just say, it is unbelievably amazing. I loved, loved, loved, it. Ignored every daily responsibility and devoured it in one sitting.

Paisley wasn’t her sister. She wasn’t as fragile as everyone treated her. She wasn’t going to die young, like her sister had. If she could just convince her parents that she knew, deep down inside, she would be ok. Despite sharing the same heart condition that had killed her sister years earlier, Paisley had a plan and would live to see her later years. She wasn’t breakable. It was that philosophy that brought her to the beach one day and almost ended her life. Not because she was being reckless, but because some idiot was…and threw her into the ocean despite her pleas that she couldn’t swim. Luckily Jagger was there and he saved her life. Jagger, the handsome and sexy stranger she had been admiring just a little while earlier. Jagger, who would end up saving her a few more times as their story is written. Jagger, who could give her a life she never could have imagained…if she only gives him the chance.

Student pilot Jagger wasn’t one to do long term. He was fast and furious and lived life to the fullest. He had plenty of admiration from women and didn’t mind the attention. But it was Paisley’s attention he craved. After saving her that day on the beach, he knew it would take a lot to get her out of his system. Not even the fact that she turns out to be his commander general’s daughter or his biggest flight school competition’s girlfriend could make him back off. He couldn’t know that he may lose her before they even get a start. He couldn’t know that his life was about to be turned upside-down by this amazing woman. With so much at stake, his flight career, his standing with his commanding general, his future, would Paisley be worth the risk of all of it? He sure as hell felt with a bone deep certainty she was. Now he just had to convince her.

The odds are stacked against Paisley and Jagger from the word “go” but despite all of the negatives, the positives seem to win out…at least for a little bit. Will they truly get a chance at a happily ever after? For more than just a few months?

I’m pretty sure I mentioned this already, but it bears repeating: I loved this book. There was just so much to love. Jagger, Paisley, their situation, their relationship, even their struggles…it was all amazing. Rebecca Yarros has an amazing way of getting the reader invested in her characters and feeling all of their emotions. The good, the bad, and the heart wrenching. Jagger is one of my favorite book guys. He’s loyal, sexy, kind, caring, and has a larger than life personality. You can’t help but adore him. Paisley is equally amazing. She stumbles along the way and wants to remain the prim and proper girl her parents raised, but also wants to live her life without being treated like a piece of glass. She just wants to live like she has no expiration date.

The push and pull between Jagger and Paisley is fantastic and really fit their situation. Jagger had his dream career at stake and Paisley had her parents and long-term boyfriend to deal with. They couldn’t just jump right into things and all of that made it even more special when they finally could. Of course, I was a nervous wreck for these two and between Paisley’s heart and problems with Jagger and her boyfriend, I was so worried things wouldn’t work out. I won’t give anything away, but I will warn you to have an entire box of tissues at the ready. Yes, an entire box. Don’t worry though, Rebecca has yet to let me down yet and gives an ending that is totally movie worthy!

This is a must read for all romance fans. It’s packed with emotion and passion and is the embodiment of a well-rounded story with well-written characters. Thank you, Rebecca, for yet another amazing read. I can’t wait to see what you have in store in the future for your fans!

Five Loves

Book Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

About the author:

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and lover of all things chocolate, coffee, and Paleo. In addition to being a mom, military wife, and blogger, she can never choose between Young Adult and New Adult fiction, so she writes both. She’s a graduate of Troy University, where she studied European history and English, but still holds out hope for an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Her blog, The Only Girl Among Boys, has been voted the Top Military Mom Blog the last two years, and celebrates the complex issues surrounding the military life she adores.

When she’s not writing, she’s tying on hockey skates for her kids, or sneaking in some guitar time. She is madly in love with her army-aviator husband of eleven years, and they’re currently stationed in Upstate NY with their gaggle of rambunctious kiddos and snoring English Bulldog, but she would always rather be home in Colorado.

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Forgotten Promises by Elle Brooks…Book Tour & Review

–

Saying “I Promise” is the easiest thing to do, its just two tiny words.

No one warned me of the weight they hold, that they not only have the power

to make something, to give hope, or show devotion.

They can destroy everything, cause so much hurt, ruin lives.

Every promise holds a toll, if I had known what mine would cost me,

I would have walked away.

Now I have to pay the price, watch the consequences of my actions unfold. Witnessing someone I love crumble after breaking my oath

isn’t the hardest thing I’ve endured,

it’s being forgotten by the one person that I could never forget.

BUY Links

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Ibooks

My review:

Forgotten Promises is the second book in author Elle Brooks’ Promises series and should only be read if you’ve read the first in the series, Promises Hurt. I say that because this book is the aftermath of a terrible accident that happened in Promises Hurt and it really sets the stage for the emotion and turmoil the two main characters have to endure.

I adored Promises Hurt and was dying to get my hands on this latest installment to see what the future held for Ethan and Blair. I was a crying, sobbing, snotty mess after the ending of the first book and was so nervous to even pick up my e-reader and start reading Forgotten Promises! Now, I don’t want to be too spoliery, but I will give you a hint as to what Blair and Ethan have to go through…it’s hiding in plain sight in the book’s title. FORGOTTEN Promises (that’s all I will say that could equate to a spoiler).

In book one, we watch the beautiful relationship between Blair and Ethan, a pretty unlikely couple, grow into something amazing. I loved Ethan and Blair, both separately as characters and together as a couple. Now, in this second book, they have to pick up the pieces of that relationship and see if they can mend what’s been broken.

This book was packed with emotion and turmoil. Anger and love. Mistrust and uncertainty. I was a nervous wreck reading most of it and was so worried things wouldn’t be the same for Blair and Ethan and that they wouldn’t be able to get back to a good place. My heart broke for Ethan and the struggles he is going through after the accident and I went through too many tissues to count. Poor Blair also had to go through her own hell in trying to help Ethan heal but not really knowing how. There was a moment towards the end that I thought I wouldn’t make but trust me when I say in the end, all of the stumbles were worth it in creating an even stronger foundation for Ethan and Blair.

Thank you, Elle, for giving Ethan and Blair their happy ending and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Four Loves

About the Author

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I wasn’t planning on falling for Ethan Jamison, hell I wasn’t planning on our paths ever crossing. He’s the most popular guy at school and a complete player. Me; I’m the perpetual good girl, trying to carry out one last request. But when you make a promise, how far do you go to see it through?

~ Blair

It’s a running joke that I’m a terrible liar, if only people knew the truth. My whole life has been spent making excuses and deflecting questions. I was pretty good at it until Blair Thomas entered my world. She saw through the mask that everyone is so willing to accept. She makes me want to tell her all my secrets, but can she promise to keep them?

~ Ethan

Buy Links for Promises Hurt:

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AU http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00MC4C5QE?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

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Illusion by J.S. Cooper…ARC Review and Paperback Giveaway

Illusion releases TODAY

Book links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

Synopsis:

Indie sensation and New York Times bestselling author of the Ex Games series and the Private Club series, J.S. Cooper introduces the Swept Away series—three new, dark and sexy romances about a woman marooned on a desert island with a mysterious stranger—but is he friend or foe?

The day started like every other day…

Bianca London finds herself kidnapped and locked up in a van with a strange man. Ten hours later, they’re dumped on a deserted island. Bianca has no idea what’s going on and her attraction to this stranger is the only thing keeping her fear at bay.

Jakob wants only to figure out why they’ve been left on the island and how they can get off. But as the days go by, he can’t ignore his growing fascination with Bianca.

In order to survive, Bianca and Jakob must figure out how they’re connected, but as they grow closer, secrets are revealed that may destroy everything they thought they knew about each other.

My review:

Illusion is the newest work from author J.S. Cooper and the first of her work that I’ve read. Packed with mystery and suspense, this was a read that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading.

Now, this is definitely a twisted tale with lots of twists and turns and many things I don’t want to give away because it will ruin the experience for you. So, bear with me…

One minute Bianca was sitting in a restaurant, sipping wine, and getting ready to have dinner with her best friend. Then, she was locked in a trunk with a handsome and mysterious stranger. The next minute she finds herself, along with the stranger, on a deserted island with only their questions to keep them company. Why were they there? Together? Who was this man? How would they eat or find shelter? But the biggest questions of all: could she trust this man and would they get out of this alive?

Only time will tell what lies ahead of them…

Whoa…talk about being kept in suspense! I had no idea what was going to happen next or why poor Bianca was in this situation. We learn some bits and pieces form her past along the way and learn her father may have discovered some important things and that the company he worked for may have been less than honest. But still, she has no idea if that could be the reason she was in this pretty awful predicament. Making things even more confusing for her is Jakob. The hot, flippant, and mysterious guy she was trapped with. He went from hot to cold with her at times and she kept vacillating between wanting to trust him and wanting to run for the hills. To be honest, so did I. I wasn’t sure what I felt towards him and I loved that aspect of the story. The unsure feelings of what was to come next kept me reading and wanting to know what was happening next.

Now, I will say that for as long as this book was, there was a cliffhanger ending. I know there is a love/hate relationship with the cliffhanger in the book world and while most of the time I don’t mind them, this one kind of irritated me. I would have liked to read a bit more before we were cut off. But, hey…it’ll give me something to look forward to!

Thank you, J.S., for a suspenseful and intriguing read!

Three-and-a-Half Loves

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About the author:

J. S. Cooper was born in London, England and moved to Florida her last year of high school. After completing law school at the University of Iowa (from the sunshine to cold) she moved to Los Angeles to work for a Literacy non profit as an Americorp Vista. She then moved to New York to study the History of Education at Columbia University and took a job at a workers rights non profit upon graduation.

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Worth Forgiving by Vi Keeland…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Genre: A New Adult/Adult Contemporary Romance novel

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1wbsJEK

Amazon UK: TBD

B & N:http://bit.ly/1ljdVzb

iTunes: http://bit.ly/XBTLFX

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1kWP4ka

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18742801-worth-forgiving

Synopsis:

They say men like a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom. I never knew the sentiment was reciprocal. Until I met Jax Knight. A gentleman in public, a commanding, dirty talking rogue in the bedroom.

Daughter of legendary fighter “The Saint,” Lily St. Claire knows firsthand how fighters can be. As the owner of a chain of MMA gyms, she’s no stranger to aggressive, dominating, and possessive men. That’s why she’s always kept her distance. But the day Jax Knight walks through her door she’s captivated by his charm. Stunningly handsome, well mannered, Ivy League educated, and confident, he shatters all the preconceived notions she’d come to think were true about men who trained to fight.

But falling for someone so soon after her breakup wasn’t something she’d planned on. And definitely not something her ex plans to allow.

My Review:

Worth Forgiving is the third book in author Vi Keeland’s MMA Fighter Series, a series I have loved from the very beginning and this book was no exception. Lily and Jax make one hell of a read!

Jackson, or Jax, Knight is more than happy to have the distraction of business to keep his mind off of the turmoil happening in his private life…thanks to his father. His unfaithful ways have lead to a half brother he never knew about and it turned into a media nightmare. Luckily for Jax, he was heading to NYC and working on his latest business venture, buying into a chain of successful MMA gyms. Two of his passions in one. MMA and business, a beautiful pair. Another thing of beauty was the woman greeting him at the front desk of the gym when he arrives in NYC. Maybe she would be another distraction for him while he was in the big apple….

Lily St. Claire knew all too well the type of guys who came in to train in her MMA gyms and they were the type of guys she would be staying away from…especially after her last relationship was still lingering. She had learned her lesson when she broke things off with her ex. A message the domineering man still hadn’t fully received. But she would deal with that after she got her business affairs in order. Another thing she would be dealing with was Jackson Knight. Jackson would be in town representing the company interested in her gyms and almost immediately she knows he’s different. He’s not like the gym rats she’s used to dealing with and he certainly wasn’t like her ex. The complete opposite in fact. Handsome, sexy, refined, well-mannered, he was a the total package but unfortunately not for her. Or was he? Would getting involved so soon after a breakup be wise?

An obsessive jerk and media frenzy are just two of the issues Jax and Lily have to deal with and at times it proves to be too much. Have they found a connection that will help offer shelter in the storm?

From the very first page, I was totally sucked into this story. We met Jax at the end of the previous book and I knew from that moment he was going to make one hell of a story and boy, did he ever! He’s got that whole preppy look on the outside and dirty talker on the inside thing going for him and I melted when he first came on to Lily. I knew from the beginning that poor gal didn’t stand a chance against him and his charm. I totally understood her reasons for not wanting to acknowledge the attraction between them, and it cam in the form of a large and muscled package of an ex. Wow, he was a total jerk and Lily had tried just about everything to get away from him. But she hadn’t had Jax in her corner before and now that he was, watch out! Lily did try to keep her feeling for Jax at bay but no way was he going to let her. He is used to getting what he wants and whatever he sets his sights on. Who doesn’t love a man like that?! Lily was a great character to read as well. She is strong and has many different facets other than being a gym owner. She’s a talented artist and a great friend and I loved those things about her.

On top of all the delicious push and pull between Jax and Lily there was quite a bit of scandal involving the ex that showed itself at the end of the book and it added a fantastic layer to the story line.

Vi is one of those authors that consistently writes fabulous books. She is one of my go-to authors and if you love MMA fighters, alpha males and strong heroines, she should be one of your go-to authors as well. Thank you, Vi, for another kick ass read!

Four Loves

Excerpt:

Dinner and a dirty mouth

My face pinks when the waiter clears his throat, no doubt he’d heard Jax’s last comment.

“Are you ready to hear the specials?”

“Are we?” Jax arches an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with delight. He’s not the slight bit embarrassed, but knows I am and is quite enjoying himself.

“Yes. Please.” I give him the evil eye and force my full attention back to the waiter. The entire time the waiter talks about the specials I feel Jax’s eyes burning into me.

“I’ll give you a moment to let you decide.” Graciously, the waiter excuses himself.

“Why did you do that?” I scold, my voice low.

“Do what?” He leans back in his seat, crossing his arms over his thick chest.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

“Do I?”

“You enjoy watching me flustered, don’t you?”

Jax arches both eyebrows. Bad choice of words.

“You know what I mean.”

Leaning in, his voice gritty and sexy, he looks me straight in the eyes when he speaks. “I love watching you. Period. But what I like best is watching you pretend you’re unaffected. It’s like an unspoken challenge.” He pauses and leans in even closer. “I love the pink that creeps up your cheeks when I say something dirty. The way your pussy throbs when I mention what I’m going to do to you later, and you wiggle in your seat trying to control it. So yeah, I guess I do like watching you flustered. You sit and give your attention to the waiter, trying to pretend you’re listening to whatever he’s saying instead of thinking of me feeding you my cock later, but we both know you didn’t hear one word he said. Hell I didn’t hear one word watching you, just knowing what you were thinking about.”

This time, I see the waiter before he’s close enough to hear us. He smiles as he reaches our table. “So what can I get for you this evening? Did I interest you in one of our specials?”

I look at the waiter, then Jax, who arches an eyebrow with a knowing smirk on his face, then back to the waiter. “The specials all sounded delicious. I just can’t decide for myself. I’m going to defer to my date to pick one for me.” I return my eyes to Jax with a cheeky grin.

He throws his head back with a chuckle and looks at the poor confused waiter. “We’ll take whatever two are your favorites. Surprise us.”

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xC6epE

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iTunes: http://bit.ly/1co2ZpF

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same.

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

***Author’s note*** THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1xC71aa

B&N: http://bit.ly/1gwTyJw

Itunes: http://bit.ly/1gHMCZg

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1fqQcnj

Smashwords:http://bit.ly/NU2rCR

Meet Liv Michaels

It may have been seven years, but I’d know him anywhere. Sure, he’s grown, filled out in all the right places, but his captivating blue eyes and cocky grin are exactly the way I remember. Even though I’d much rather forget.

Liv Michaels is almost there. She’s smart, determined and weeks away from landing the job she’s dreamed about for years. Time healed old wounds, even her broken heart from the devastation of being crushed by her first love.

Meet Vince Stone

Women love a fighter, especially a good one. Lucky for me, I’m damn good. But there’s one woman that isn’t interested. Not again, anyway.

Vince ‘The Invincible’ Stone is every woman’s fantasy…strong, sexy, confident and completely in control. Growing up surrounded by chaos, he’s learned never to get too attached. Love will drag you down. He adores women, treats them well, puts their own needs before his own…for the night anyway. With the biggest fight of his life coming up, his focus should be on training.

When fate brings Vince & Liv back together again, there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. But can Vince erase the old scars their past left behind? Or will Liv hurt him instead?

***Author’s note*** THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the 18.

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About the author:

Vi Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free time, which she complains about often, but wouldn’t change for the world. She is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day, and an exciting smut author by night!

Stalk Her: Website |Facebook |Twitter |Goodreads

Additional Books by Vi Keeland

First Thing I See

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLL4ET

Belong to You (A Cole Novel, Book One)

Amazon US : http://amzn.to/1jdAlRk

Made For You (A Cole Novel, Book Two)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qLLdIk

Thin Love by Eden Butler…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Title: Thin Love

Author: Eden Butler

Genre: New Adult/Contemporary Romance crossover

Release Date: August 19, 2014

Tour Hosted by: As the Pages Turn

Synopsis

Love isn’t supposed to be an addiction. It isn’t supposed to leave you bleeding.

Kona pushed, Keira pulled, and in their wake, they left behind destruction.

She sacrificed everything for him.

It wasn’t enough.

But the wounds of the past can never be completely forgotten and still the flame remains, slumbers between the pleasure of yesterday and the thought of what might have been.

Now, sixteen years later, Keira returns home to bury the mother who betrayed her, just as Kona tries to hold onto what remains of his NFL career with the New Orleans Steamers. Across the crowded bustle of a busy French Market, their paths collide, conjuring forgotten memories of a consuming touch, skin on skin, and the still smoldering fire that begs to be rekindled.

When Kona realizes the trifecta of betrayal—his, Keira’s and those lies told to keep them apart—his life is irrevocably changed and he once again takes Keira down with him into the fire that threatens to ignite them both.

My review:

Thin Love is the latest work from author Eden Butler, an author I have really enjoyed reading. This book was different from her other works but just as great to read. Intense, emotional, and sexy…a rollercoaster of a read for sure!

Kona and Keira are the unlikely couple. She’s the intelligent and focused understated beauty with a good head on her shoulders and a desire to succeed and do well in life. Kona is the sexy flirt of a football star with girls lined up around the block with the desire to do just well enough in school to pass and get on with his NFL career. Two people who couldn’t be more different….sort of. After being paired together for a class assignment they realize they have more than a few things in common. A less than fabulous and comfy home life with less than stellar and supportive parents just to name two. Somewhere along the way, while working on their project, an undeniable attraction has caught them both off guard. An intense, beyond all things reasonable attraction, that after fighting off for bit, consumes them both. Consumes them with a passion and fire neither one has ever experienced. Unfortunately, the passion they share doesn’t appear to be enough to withstand the pressure of those less than supportive parents. Add those pressures to an unbearable tragedy and it all adds up to too much for their relationship to stand up against. Maybe it was never meant to be after all? Or was it…..

So, I mentioned this story was intense and I meant it. Not in a bad way, don’t get me wrong, but in a way that reminded me of just how insanely intense that first real relationship could be. This is almost a story dedicated to those sleepless nights after a fight, or those insanely jealous feelings when you saw your boyfriend talking to another girl at a party. Looking back on it now, sure, they seem ridiculously overkill but if you can just take yourself back, and put yourself back into those younger-self shoes, you will appreciate this book.

Kona and Keira were combustible in many ways but on the flip side they were good for each other in many ways. They made a good, albeit passionate, couple and their intensity was enjoyable to read. There are a few other aspects to this story that take it above the level of a typical college romance but I don’t want to ruin it for any of you so I’ll remain tight-lipped. It added a layer to the story that ratcheted the intensity up a few more notches and made it that much more of an uncertainty laced rollercoaster ride. It’s those aspects that led to the end of Kona and Keira’s college romance. And it was heartbreaking. I sobbed my eyes out but it was the ending they needed…at that time.

Luckily Eden gives us a fast-forward to 16 years later, to the present day, and that made for a beautiful ending! I’m so glad she wrote Kona and Keira’s story in that way. It made al of the earlier intensity and tragedy worth it in a way and had me so happy for them as a couple. Again, I can’t give too much away so you’ll just have to trust me.

Thank you, Eden, for one hell of an intense ride…and for all of the music mentions that took me right back to my senior year of high school/freshman year of college. I loved it!

Four Loves

Excerpt:

“What’s the matter, Wildcat?” Kona lay on top of her, held her hip with his long fingers. “You nervous?”

She could only manage a nod and Kona smiled, moving his mouth to her neck, down her shoulder, kissing lightly. “We don’t have to do this. I can wait.”

“No!” She panicked at the thought. He laughed at her excitement and that touch on her hip got tighter. “No,” she said, voice a bit calmer. “I want you, Kona.”

He looked at her, smile gone, expression relaxed. “I’ve wanted you for weeks and weeks.” Keira exhaled, moving the hair off her forehead. “It’s just been a while and you’re so…” She flicked her eyes down then quickly back up again. “You’re a lot bigger than I expected.”

“Ha, sweetheart, you’re good for my ego, but it’s just me.” Kona kissed her again, slipping just the tip of his tongue into her mouth before he pulled away. “I’ll be easy with you, Wildcat. I’ll be so slow and good, but maybe this will help.” Kona’s hand left her hip, slipped between her thighs easily and he coaxed more wetness from her, teasing her lips, taking his time to touch her clit. Keira shuddered, held her hand against his wrist as he continued and Kona took her lead, rubbed once more over her clit before he slipped two fingers inside her. He’d learned her body in the past few weeks and Keira had been grateful that she didn’t have to tell him what she wanted, what felt best. He always seemed to know. His mouth was warm, tongue eager as he kissed her, as those large fingers curled and his knuckles touched the spot that sent her mind swimming. He never had to touch her for long, always knew exactly how to read the lift of her voice, the collection of sounds that gave away just how good she felt when he touched her. That night was no exception. Just a few sure rubs of his knuckles against her G-spot and Keira was flying, hips off the mattress as her body chased that orgasm.

“Beautiful. Every time, Wildcat. So beautiful.” Another kiss against her neck, with Keira still spinning on the crest of her orgasm and Kona slipped inside of her.

“God…” Kona moved his hips slow, barely moved an inch and already Keira felt full, felt she couldn’t be stretched any further. When he slid deeper, she hissed, not from the pain but from how sensitive she already was.

“You okay? You want me to stop?”

“No,” she told him, opening her eyes so he’d know she wasn’t hurting. “God, no, please keep going. You just fill me up. It’s so good, bebe.” Kona stilled inside her and a small quirk of his mouth told Keira he was pleased. “That’s the first time you’ve ever called me that.”

“I’ll say it again just to keep that smile on your face.”

Then Keira lifted her legs, wrapped them around Kona’s hips and she let herself be filled as he worked inside her. Everything about Kona was huge; his body, his cock, his voice, his presence and all of it filled Keira’s room as well as her body, moved around them and through them and she felt high, so high on him, on the sensation of him moving inside of her, his hands on her breasts, his fingers clasped with hers as he lifted her hands above her head on the pillow and pinned them there.

Sweat pooled over their skin, met together in the twist of their bodies and when Kona stared down at her, kissed her like her lips would give him breath, Keira shuddered, squeezed against him. The light was thin and Keira could only make out the outline of his features, the small glint in his eyes and it was too much, too overwhelming, but she would not run this time, she wouldn’t tell herself she could do without this. Not again. Not anymore. She belonged to him. Her body, her heart, no matter how beaten and worn it was, belonged to Kona Hale. Keira squeezed against him again and Kona stilled, stared down at her with a smile that told her he wanted to control this, lead her. “Don’t squeeze,” he said, pulling her hips up, hitting inside her deeper.

“If you open up, baby, go wide for me, relax, I can make you come hard, I can make it last for you.” A slow thrust, deeper, harder and Keira arched against him, relaxed her inner muscles even as she throbbed against him. “Perfect, so perfect.”

This was deeper, freer somehow, letting Kona move them, letting him control the moment and Keira held onto Kona like he would anchor her, keep her from floating above herself. “Come for me, baby. Give it to me completely and I’ll make it so, so good for you. I’ll take care of you when you shatter against me.”

And Keira listened, guessed that this is what Kona needed—that slip of control she gave to him. She let go, pushed out, relinquishing herself, giving her body to Kona, rather than closing off, pulling in, and the effect was substantial. He moved in closer, worked faster and Keira let herself open, relax until that heavenly sensation came upon her, urged on by Kona’s strong hands on her hips, his wide dick touching all the way inside her and when the orgasm came, it mirrored her heart—free, unyielding, explosive.

“God… ,” Kona said, voice rising higher and higher with each grunt he made, hips slamming into her hard, fast, faster, and Keira knew he was hitting his crest. Shoulders shaking, hips pumping faster and faster, Kona released a groan, filling her, throbbing inside her as he came. Then he pulled his hand from hers and held the back of her neck, stared down at her with his thumb on her cheek.

“This is always, Wildcat. You… you’re my always.

About Eden

Eden Butler is an editor and writer of New Adult Romance and SciFi and Fantasy novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum. Her debut novel, a New Adult, Contemporary (no cliffie) Romance, “Chasing Serenity” launched in October 2013 and quickly became an Amazon bestseller.

When she’s not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden edits, reads and spends way too much time watching rugby, Doctor Who and New Orleans Saints football.

She is currently imprisoned under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.

Please send help.

Giveaway

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Revenge Bound by Heidi Joy Tretheway…Blog Tour Stop & Review

Buy Links:

Kindle | BN | iBooks | Kobo

Synopsis:

On the Internet, secrets never die…
Violet can’t imagine anything worse than having her very private, very naked photos strewn across the Internet.
Until they multiply like a virus.
With her name, address, and phone number attached.
And her boss finds out. And a stalker finds her.
Violet’s refuge is a rock star known for going through groupies faster than guitar picks. Letting Jayce get close enough to protect her exposes her secrets—and her heart—to a man whose celebrity could ruin her.
That’s because being a nobody is the one thing that keeps Violet’s photos from making headlines. And it’s the reason she can never fall for a rock star.
Secrets spread like wildfire when a celebrity fans the flames.

REVENGE BOUND is a full-length, standalone novel, and a companion to the Tattoo Thief books. It contains steamy scenes and strong language intended for mature readers.

My review:

Revenge Bound is the third book in author Heidi Joy Tretheway’s Tattoo Thief series and can absolutely be read as a standalone, although I have loved every book in the series thus far and highly recommend. This book was no exception, I loved it from start to finish!

Photographer Violet had always been on one side of the camera until one night when her boyfriend took some very personal, and very naked, pictures of her. She wasn’t thrilled about it but he had done it in a moment of weakness and had dismissed it as something couples did….until they broke up. Now, suddenly she starts receiving extremely dirty texts from strangers and is horrified to find out her ex has posted those pictures on the internet along with her address and phone number. Violet thinks if she just tries to ignore it, the situation will go away but things turn dangerous when one of the numbers texting her gets eerily personal. Texting her about what she was wearing that day or where she had been. Someone was watching her. Making matters worse was she was barely holding it together while shooting the band, Tattoo Thief, and Jayce had noticed. Now he’s offering to help her fix the situation and she isn’t sure what to think. Could the playboy Jayce really be a good guy? Or would he turn out to be just like her ex.

Tattoo Thief member, Jayce, had noticed Violet from the minute he laid eyes on her. There was something about her and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Now, he’s noticing something is wrong and she’s in some sort of trouble. He shouldn’t care. He’s not the type to get involved…it’s not his style. But he can’t seem to help himself when it comes to Violet and he vows to find out what the hell is going on and what’s causing her so much pain. She brings out all sorts of protective instincts in him that he never knew he had and despite her objections he refuses to take no for an answer. Could she be the one to tame his playboy ways? He sure as hell felt like she could be…now if she would just let him in.

Violet is in a mess of epic proportions and emotions are running high but Jayce is turning out to be her solace in the midst of the storm. Have they found something between them that reaches far beyond fixing a bad situation?

Man, so many reasons to love this book. Poor Violet is a pretty private person and becoming a victim of revenge porn has rocked her world. Her father is in politics and this has the potential to ruin their family’s image not to mention her safety when it turns into a case of stalking. She’s scared and doesn’t know where to turn but the one thing I admired about her was that she was determined to fight. She is such a real character in that she has her meltdowns but then is able to pick herself up and come back guns blazing. Jayce is totally swoon worthy in this story. He is protective and caring. Even if he isn’t used to the feelings he wants to make the situation better for her and does everything in his power to do so. He goes from playboy to knight in shining armor and I loved every minute of it. Together they navigate through their feelings and learn more about themselves together than they ever would have apart. Oh, and the chemistry they share is smoking hot. But beyond that, this story deals with the very real issue of revenge porn and calls attention to the seriousness of the act. I applaud Heidi Joy for bringing it to light and for letting readers know how very serious revenge porn is. Luckily, in this story, Jayce and Violet have a happy ending but unfortunately for many, it doesn’t turn out that way.

Thank you, Heidi Joy, for a story that combines tons of emotion and heat along with a very real issue. I will continue to look forward to more in the Tattoo Thief series!

Five Loves

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About the author:

Heidi Joy lives in Happy Valley off Sunnyside Road. She swears she did not make that up.

Heidi’s obsessed with storytelling. Her career includes marketing, journalism, and a delicious few years as a food columnist. Media passes took her backstage with several rock bands, where she learned that sometimes a wardrobe malfunction is exactly what the rock star intends.

You’ll most often find Heidi Joy with her husband and two small kids cooking, fishing, exploring the Northwest, and building epic forts in their living room.

Links:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Revenge Bound Goodreads

Temptation by Robin Covington…Review

Synopsis:

She needs to be good.

Five years ago, Kit Landry was homeless and alone at sixteen. Determined to ditch her crappy life, she moved to Nashville with only $200, her guitar, and a notebook full of songs. She hit it big as America’s country sweetheart, but a year of living like a rock star plus a stint in rehab has killed any good will she had with her label. The suits have ordered Kit to shape up or ship out of the limelight. The last thing she needs is a hot, sexy distraction with a sinful smile.

He doesn’t know the meaning of the word.

Max Butler is as far from a celebrity as you can get and he likes it that way. A Nashville firefighter, he’s living the single life with a revolving door of parties, friends, and a different woman in his bed every night. When his normal life suddenly collides with the girl on his favorite Rolling Stone cover, he sees the perfect chance to fulfill his ultimate fantasy and see just how bad Kit can be.

Sometimes bad is so very good.

With three weeks until Kit leaves for her big tour, Max promises to give her a break from being the good girl–no strings attached. But when hot days lead to sultry nights, the lines get blurred and suddenly three weeks of bad might not be good enough.

My Review:

Temptation is the newest novel from author Robin Covington. Being a high Robin fan, I was so excited to read this story. Well, Robin delivered once again. This book was hot, sexy, and sweet all rolled into one exciting package.

Country music star Kit Landry is still learning. She’s learning how to deal with the public, who she can trust, if she can stay clean and sober and if this is really how she wants her life to be. Not saying she isn’t grateful for all her fame and success, but things can get a little crazy now and then and just a tad overwhelming. Of course, all of this seems unimportant when she could very well be burned alive in the fire she was currently trapped in. Lucky for her, Max comes to the rescue. Literally. The firefighter that saved her life also turns out to be insanely sexy and handsome and when a scheduled PR event to celebrate Max’s heroics turns into a swoon worthy kiss, Kit knows this is exactly the kind of distraction she wants but can’t afford.

Firefighter Max Butler had been a huge Kit Landry fan since she came onto the country music scene…and he had just pulled her from a fire. What were the odds? And after that kiss he just gave her at the PR event, there was no way he could get this girl out of his system. She may have told him that she didn’t have time for any kind of relationship, but she did have three weeks before her next tour. Perfect. He wasn’t interested in anything long term either, not after his heart was broken a few years ago. So, three weeks was just the right amount of time to spend with Kit….now, if he could just get her to see the smoking hot brilliance of his plan.

It’s only fitting that the fire that brought Kit and Max together has ignited one between them. A fire that burns hot and isn’t going to be put out any time soon. And thank goodness for that because these to together are insanely hot!

I believe in a previous review I had mentioned that Robin can write one hell of a sex scene. Well, I emphatically make that statement again. This book was HOT! But besides that, Max and Kit were amazing characters. Kit has been through a a lot in her short life and is determined to put it all in the past and rise above. She has, for the most part, but it wasn’t without a few stumbles. But no matter what those stumbles are, her talent outshines and outweighs the negative press and she is so thankful for that. Max is sex on a firefighter uniform clad stick. He’s also a hard worker, determined and loyal. Oh, and that boy can speak some dirty talk! Yum! But the thing I loved most about Max and Kit was that in the end, after enduring more that a few issues in the weeks they spend together, realize they have found something special in each other. Sure, they are both reluctant to admit it, but when they do? It’s magic. There weren’t many dull moments in this book, if any, and I loved that fast pace. From starting out with a burning building, to snakes in the music industry trying to take Kat down, to jealous firehouse members, this book had it all!

Thank you, Robin, for giving us Max and Kit! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.

Four Loves

Amazon | Print copy | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

About the author:

Robin Covington loves to explore the theme of fooling around and falling in love in her bestselling books. When she’s not writing sexy, sizzling romance she’s collecting tasty man candy, indulging in a little comic book geek love, and stalking Joe Manganiello. You can find Robin at her website (robincovingtonromance.com), Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Don’t send chocolate . . . send eye candy!

ARC Review…Promises Hurt by Elle Brooks

Promises Hurt releases August 2

Synopsis:

~ Blair

It’s a running joke that I’m a terrible liar, if only people knew the truth. My whole life has been spent making excuses and deflecting questions. I was pretty good at it until Blair Thomas entered my world. She saw through the mask that everyone is so willing to accept. She makes me want to tell her all my secrets, but can she promise to keep them?

~ Ethan

My Review:

Promises Hurt is the debut work from author Elle Brooks and, oh my, what a debut it was. From the synopsis alone I was intrigued and from the very first chapter I was hooked. More like addicted. I devoured this book and stayed up way too late reading but it was so worth every minute of missed slumber. I loved it.

Blair Thomas was content with her high school career. She was smart and had her best friend by her side. She wasn’t really popular but she wasn’t an outcast either. A middle of the road girl, if you will. Everything was great until tragically her best friend wasn’t by her side any more. Now, after making a promise to her lost friend, Blair finds herself attempting to cross items off of a bucket list…to honor her best friend. One of those items is to date the hottest guy in school, Ethan Jamison. Blair had no intention of doing that but fate has a way of stepping in when people least expect it and Blair finds herself tutoring Ethan. What starts out as an easy friendship over a math book turns into so much more and soon the two become inseparable. But Ethan has more than a few secrets hiding and one of those secrets is killing Blair to keep. But she will do it for Ethan. Because bucket list be damned, she was falling head over heels for him.

Ethan Jamison had his share of girls to choose from. After all, he was handsome, in a popular band, and had that bad boy mystique going for him. He had never met Blair before but he didn’t care who was going to tutor him, as long as she could help him get his grades up. The last thing he wanted to do was give his father a reason to be pissed off at him. Not that the man really ever needed a reason. Pissed off was the only emotion he seemed to be able to show. Regardless, he would get his grades up with Blair’s help and lay low in his home and pray graduation would hurry up and get here so he could leave. Ethan never expected Blair would have such an effect on him. He’s never met anyone like her and she’s just the breath of fresh air he needs. A bright spot in his life that gives him something to look forward to every day. In a short amount of time, she has become to mean the world to him…something he’s never felt before. Could he finally have found love?

What Ethan and Blair have found is beautiful and rare. They both appreciate one another and the connection they have but there are more than a few outside influences that threaten to tear them apart. Will they be able to withstand family troubles and lost best friend’s promises?

Holy hell. I loved this book. Sure, it sounds like the typical shy girl meets hot high school star and they fall in love despite their social differences but this book was so much more than that. There is just something about Blair and Ethan separately as well as together that will stay with me. They are amazing characters with vast differences and yet similarities that drew me in and refused to let go. Ethan puts on a brave face but without giving anything away, has a weight on his shoulders that broke my heart. You know that saying that you never know what goes on behind closed doors? Yeah, that saying rings true for Ethan and his family. He’s the hottest guy in school and knows it but his soft side toward Blair had me swooning. He is kind and thoughtful with her and I loved that. He almost in a way reminds me of a young Travis Maddox, minus the fighting. Blair is quirky and fun and honest. All traits I adore reading. She loves deep and doesn’t waste time with half truths. She always says it like it is and I love that. Together they are intense and it’s beautiful to read. God, I just love these two! Now, I will warn you that this IS a cliffhanger ending and I know some of you won’t read cliffhangers BUT if I can sway you to do so, this would be the book to give a chance to. Again, there is just something about these two that had me glued to my e-reader into the wee hours of the night. It was just so damn good!

I cannot wait for the conclusion to Blair and Ethan’s story and thank you, Elle, for an amazing and intense read. I adored it.

Five Loves

Book links:

Amazon | Goodreads

About the author:

Hello…

I’m a little neurotic; I function on a tiny amount of sleep and a huge amount of caffeine. I love green skittles and have an irrational fear of stormy weather. When I’m not writing about super hot college guys, you can generally find me googling them…All in the name of research of course. I can be persuaded to do just about anything with the promise of a good book or a bottle of bubbles. Oh, and I also love to write.

Facebook | Twitter | Website

Review….Funny Girl by Kate Baum

Synopsis:

Janie was always the life of the party, gifted with a natural ability to make people laugh. Her fun world comes crashing down when she’s attacked coming home from a party. Two good Samaritans happen to come to her aid and save her from a tragic crime. She’s convinced to go to self- defense classes to help her cope with her fear.

Cullen, a professional boxer, can’t seem to stay out of trouble. When trouble befalls him again, an empathetic Judge looks at his upbringing and decides that Cullen needs one more chance. Judge Dillon recognizes that Cullen often looks out for the underdog and this trait may be the only way Cullen can find a purpose in his life. Cullen’s community service sentence is to teach a self-defense course.

Janie believes she will never feel safe among men again. Cullen doesn’t think he is capable of a loving relationship. The problem becomes obvious between them, as neither of them can stop thinking about each other.

****contains explicit sexual scenes. For adults only. This story contains references to a sexual assault and child abuse.

My Review:

Funny Girl is the third book in author Kate Baum’s Girl Series, a series I have really enjoyed reading. This story follows Janie, known as the funny one in her group of friends, and picks up after she was assaulted after returning home from a party. This is her journey of healing and it was phenomenal.

Growing up rather shy, Janie learned that she was able to come out of her shell when she turned on the humor. And damn she was good at it. Always making people laugh and bringing a smile to someone’s face. But it was that humor that attracted the attention of a predator at a party one evening and that lead to a terrifying assault while walking home that would have turned much worse if not for the help of two bystanders. But regardless, the damage was done. Just like she would never wear the same clothes she had from that night, she never wanted to be funny again. What had always been her shining asset was now something she never wanted to bring to the surface again. Sure she had her family and friends to support her through this but she knew deep down it would take a long time before she would ever bring out the funny girl again…if ever. But then she meets Cullen. The protective, handsome, and strong boxer at the gym she and her support group were learning self-defense from. She knew a bit of his back-story and that he was helping with the program because he had gotten into trouble himself…protecting someone who couldn’t protect themselves. She was thankful to be working with him and was thankful that part of his assignment was walking her and another girl home from the gym after their sessions. Their relationship grew into a great friendship and soon she couldn’t help but start to feel more. Was she ready for that? Knowing he had his own secrets and a painful past, was he ready for that kind of relationship?

Each with a painful past, Cullen and Janie have learned to start to heal but need that little bit more to complete the healing process completely….and they start to find that in each other. Can they take that last final step and make their lives better by opening their hearts and trusting once again? By believing there is still good on this world and that they deserve it?

Amazing. This book was freaking amazing. It ran through so many emotions, addressed very difficult situations, and was written so well that you couldn’t help but feel for Cullen and Janie every step of the way.

I totally got why Janie never wanted to go back to the person she was before the assault. I know I would try to change every single thing about myself as to avoid ever being in a horrific situation again. No, that wouldn’t guarantee safety, but I could see how it could give a bit of security in my mind. The most admirable thing about Janie is that she wants to put the assault behind her. She wants to heal and overcome and just move on. She tires every step of the way and becomes a fighter, and isn’t just “the funny girl” anymore. She really rose above adversity and took charge of her life. And with Cullen’s help she was able to open her heart as well.

As for Cullen, oh my God, I love that man. He is hiding a painful and heartbreaking past and when he finally tells his story I was sobbing my eyes out. I think I was most upset because his story is the real life story of many children in this world. I appreciate that Kate took the chance in giving Cullen the kind of past she did because it is a reminder that we must protect the innocence of children and never shy away from a child in need. Of course, I’m tearing up as I type this. But like Janie, Cullen is one hell of a fighter and didn’t become a victim. He stood up and now teaches others to do the same. He’s always standing up for the underdog and it makes him the complete package of the handsome and tough exterior with a huge heart.

Yes, this book had plenty of heavy moments but those moments make the triumphs so much more meaningful and I loved that. The highs outweigh the lows by far and overall I was left wearing a big, contented grin. Thank you, Kate, for writing Janie and Cullen and giving us an amazing story. I look forward to the next in the Girl Series!

Four Loves

Book Links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

I have always been a voracious reader. My favorite genres were tailored to YA type of horror, fantasy and science fiction. I guess it fit being that I am a middle school librarian. I have a young adult series in mind that I always told myself I would one day write. Then, at the young age of 46, I picked up an erotic romance book. I only read it out of curiosity. It was a best seller and ALL the teachers in my school were talking about this particular book. You know the one. It had a certain “tie” on the cover. Instantly, overnight, I became of fan of erotic romance. That summer, I think I read twenty erotic romance books. Since I work in a school, I have the beauty of summers off. I read day and night. My face was always plastered in front of my e-reader. I couldn’t get enough of erotic romance. The passion was exciting and contagious! What this genre did for me was to bring out characters in my head that I had been dreaming about for years. I became obsessed at the idea of writing my own fantasies. Reading other talented authors gave me the inspiration to write stories about my favorite sexy alpha men. I created the “Girl Series”. Please email me with your comments. I would love to hear what you think!

Website ~ Goodreads

Review….2B or not 2B by Stephanie Witter

Synopsis:

London Reed is on the hunt for a place to live before the start of her second year in college. Either she is successful and can enjoy her student life without the pressure of her parents breathing down her neck, or she goes back home and clashes with her parents.

Because London doesn’t have a filter.

”You’re a weird one, aren’t you?”

She basically tells it as she sees it. So when she meets the hunky and scarred guy who lives in apartment 2B, the last apartment on her exhausting list, she’s sure to bring some crazy in his life

But he’s determined to not take a girl for a roommate.

“I have nothing against you, but I don’t see this working for me.”

London doesn’t give up that easily and makes a deal with him. If she makes it for two months, she’s in for the whole year. If not, then she leaves to never contact him again.

Easy, right? Not so much.

“You should have told me that you wanted me to be all over you.”

When a guy and a girl live under the same roof, it’s bound to complicate things. Between banters, heady games of seduction, innuendos and insecurities revealed, the life in apartment 2B isn’t simple, and a few slips in their relationship doesn’t help the matter.

“You’re driving me completely nuts. That’s my fucking problem.”

My review:

2B or Not 2B is the first work from author Stephanie Whitter that I have read and the first in her Roomies Series and was a rather enjoyable story.

College student London Reed needs to find the perfect apartment and roommate to convince her parents to allow her to live off campus and she may just have found it. The apartment she has just walked into was perfect…and so was her potential roommate, Byron. They immediately strike up a comfortable rapport, and even though it takes a bit of convincing for him to let a girl move in, London knows this is the right place for her. The only problem is that the attraction that starts to grow between them could potentially ruin the comfortable and easy friendship they have found. Making matters worse is that Byron is keeping his past hidden and it appears to be a past that has hurt him immensely. Is starting a relationship worth the risk of losing the friendship they have?

I really enjoyed the fun and flirty banter between Byron and London that kicked off almost immediately. London is quite a quirky character and was a fresh personality to read. Bryon is sexy and alpha and was also an interesting character to read. I loved when things start heating up between them and that’s when Byron really shines. He is all man and takes charge and it was delicious. My only complaint was that it was hard to connect with London at times and her nonchalance when it came to performing intimate acts with guys. Other than that, I really liked this story. Another great aspect was both London’s and Byron’s friends. They really brought a great layer to the story and I hope we get to see their stories in the future.

Thank you, Stephanie, for London and Byron!

Three-and-a-Half Loves

Book links:

Amazon | B&N

About the author:

Stephanie Witter is a French dreamer. She started learning English at three, and fell in love with the language. Always with a book, or two close by, she started reading in English when she couldn’t wait any longer for Harry Potter to be translated in French. After a while, reading wasn’t enough. She soon started writing Young Adult and New Adult Contemporary novels filled with angst, love, hope, drama and a touch of fun. PATCH UP is her first New Adult Contemporary novel.

Website

Above the Noise by Michelle Kemper Brownlow…Blog Tour Stop & Review

SYNOPSIS:

Becki Mowry’s journalism expertise keeps her busy as she spends her waking hours filling a calendar with gigs and public appearances for her boyfriend’s up and coming band, Alternate Tragedy. Radio interviews and TV spots result in sold out concerts and rowdy groupies hot for her guy; lead singer, Calon Ridge. But, as fame would have it, their time in the limelight also brings sabotage, rumors and false accusations. Becki and Calon try to stay steadfast on a personal journey that takes them to the depths of fear and uncertainty. And finally, the rug is pulled out from under the band when they must make a transition they never dreamed they’d be faced with.

In this third book of the In Too Deep series, Becki and Calon struggle to find balance as they navigate their new relationship while living amid the rock world’s nocturnal chaos. But when life’s unexpected obstacles come out of nowhere, they focus on finding their own private solace Above the Noise.

___________________________

My Review:

Michelle Kemper Brownlow has been blowing my mind since I read her first book, In Too Deep, and has continued pulling every emotional string I have since then…and Above the Noise was no exception. Sometimes I find by the third book in a series things kind of die down. How much emotion can an author possibly get from a reader? Well, if you’re Michelle, you can still get me to go through a box of tissues by the third book in a series. Damn, this book was amazing.

Calon and Becki are setting off on the adventure of a musical lifetime. Calon’s band is just starting to take off and in turn so is Becki’s career as their manager. Adding to that adventure is the beginning of Calon and Becki’s relationship…which starts out at an innocent pace but soon turns hot and heavy. From the very beginning though Calon and Becki seem to have what it takes to withstand crazy schedules, hot groupies and the stresses of being on the road. The bigger problem lies in the painful past Calon has had and having to watch his first love become sick and ultimately succumb to her illness. Those memories are hard to recover from but both Becki and Calon hope that what they’ve found will bring love back into his life. Unfortunately you know the saying “just when you think it can’t get any worse”, right? Life isn’t done throwing curveballs at Calon….only know he has Becki at his side to handle what life can throw at them.

We’ve known Becki from the very beginning of the series and have loved her since then. She’s tenacious and the best friend a person could ask for. She’s fun and loyal and is a gal I would love to hang out with. Calon is a freaking dream guy. It doesn’t matter that he’s an up and coming über talented rock star, he’s a gentleman first. Now, I’m not saying that their relationship is all flowers and sparkles, because it isn’t, but it’s a relationship that is strong and contains so much love.

As for the ups and downs Calon and Becki have to endure…oh my. I don’t want to spoil anything for you but I will say that these are very real and very relatable issues that anyone could have to shoulder in life and I think that is just one of the many reasons I enjoy Michelle’s writing so very much. Her books don’t have the billionaire with professional hit men coming after a character and car chases in cars that cost a year of college tuition. Her characters are real. Their problems are real. It’s all very relatable and it becomes a breath of fresh air. That being said, the breath of fresh air may be coming from your stuffed up nose because you’ve been crying your eyes out for the past few chapters but hey, you know I love that!

Now, if you know Michelle and follow her social media, you know music plays a huge part in her life…as well as in this book. Never before have I seen an author’s love for music transfer so beautifully into a story as it did in Above the Noise. It’s a gift Michelle has and it’s one that I truly appreciate.

Michelle, thank you for once again writing one hell of a book. I will continue to look forward to your work time and time again!

Four-and-a-Half Loves

PURCHASE
LINKS:

AMAZON ** B&N ** KOBO

EXCERPT:

“Becki!
Go! I don’t want you near this!” I turned back toward Max. I’d allowed my eyes
off him for way too long.

“This?
What is this about, Calon?” Max was a
dumbass for challenging me with semantics.

“You’re
hands all over Becki. That’s what this is
about, Max!” I motioned between us with my hand.

Just
then the beat of “Tsunami” by Dvvbs and Borgeous bounced the floor. The music
was so loud it’s all I could hear. Max’s mouth flapped, but I had no idea what
he said. I didn’t need to hear anything to read his cocky swagger as he walked
toward me or the two middle fingers he shot up when he got within reach. That’s
when it all went down.

Max
threw the first punch, seemingly in response to what he knew was coming his
way. He caught me in the jaw, and I heard Becki shriek my name, but my head
sprung back instantly, and my eyes locked on his. My fist connected with the
side of his head right at his temple, and I felt something in my hand crack,
but I felt no pain.

“Calon
James! Knock it the fuck off!” Becki’s voice was garbled, like it was coming at
me through liquid.

I
wanted to just leave with her and keep her safe, but the cocky motherfucker in
front of me needed to feel the line I
was drawing in the sand. He came at me again, this time he ducked and ran
straight into my chest with his head. I curled my arms under his and brought
them up violently and made contact with his chest with a deep thunk. I could
feel the hit reverberate through my forearms.
He staggered back, but his feet caught up with his body and he kept his
footing.

“You
think you’re such a fuckin’ hot shot, don’t you?” He was calling me the hot shot?

I
shook out the hand that hit him, and then ran it through my hair. I shoved the
other hand in the pocket of my jeans. “Are we done, Max?” I had to yell over
the music, and he was less than three feet from me. I drew my line. He needed
to understand his boundaries if we were going on tour together, but I didn’t
need to kill him. We could be done as soon as he got the point.

“Dude,
we’re done when I walk out the front door with Becki.” His lip curled when he
said her name, which sent a shock through my body I’d never felt before. I
could only imagine what went through his mind as her name rolled off his
tongue. We weren’t done.

I lost it and caught him in the head again
with my fist. No doubt, I felt that one. I took another shot and made abrupt
contact with his jaw then another. Becki was yelling, but I couldn’t make sense
of anything she said, the music was too loud. Someone grabbed me from behind
and pulled me back. “Dude, he’s not worth it, let’s bounce. C’mon, Cal, don’t
do this.” Spider, always the voice of reason.

I
nodded and wrestled my arms back from him. I took a deep breath and calmly
walked back over to where Max was crouched, trying to get up.

“Max,
you were out of line.” I crouched down in front of him and watched him wipe the
blood coming from his nose with the back of his hand. I didn’t want to
apologize. I wanted to continue smashing his head with my fist, but that wasn’t
how I wanted people to see me. “Stay away from her. She’s not yours to take.”

“And
I’m not yours to take either!”
Becki’s voice was loud and clear as the song ended. I stood and turned to her.
She didn’t say another word, but her eyes said it all. I’d disappointed her.
That revelation stung way worse than if she’d just punched me in the gut.

AUTHOR BIO:

Michelle Kemper Brownlow has been a storyteller her entire life. Her debut was on the high school cheerleading bus granting requests to re-tell her most embarrassing moments for a gaggle of hysterical squadmates.Earning her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in Art Education and then marrying her very own “Jake,” she moved to Binghamton, NY where she taught high school. After having two children she quit work and finished her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Binghamton University.The Brownlow family of four moved to Michelle’s hometown of Morgantown, PA while the children were still quite young. A few years after moving, her family grew by one when they welcomed a baby into their home through the gift of adoption. The family still resides in PA, just miles from where that high school cheer bus was parked.

Michelle has been an artist for as long as she can remember, always choosing pencils and crayons over toys and puzzles. As a freelance illustrator, her simple characters play the starring roles in numerous emergent reader books published by Reading Reading Books.

Stay connected with Michelle:

Visit my Author blog: MICHELLE KEMPER BROWNLOW

Follow me on Twitter: @MK_Brownlow

“Like” me on facebook: Michelle Kemper Brownlow/ Author

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