Friday, May 30, 2014

BLOG TOUR: CUT TOO DEEP by KJ BELL


Release Date May 27th






A woman traumatized by her past, beaten, battered, and unwilling to trust.

A man held captive by his greatest failure, lost, and self-destructive.

Letters that unexpectedly bind them together.

Is their bond strong enough to survive each other?

As a web of deceit is revealed, will they be able to determine what’s real, and what’s worth fighting for? Or will they crumble under the weight of secrets that cut too deep?

Can Miller forgive himself and move beyond his fear of failing the one he loves? 

Can Hadley accept the love she desperately wants but doesn’t believe she deserves?




Review: 

“A lost woman can be found with soft hands. Truth will set you both free.”
Wow…What can I say…..KJ Bell has blown me away yet again.  I went in to this book blind, without reading the synopsis. I mean, I loved her other books and was anxiously waiting for another book to release, but boy I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. She did a fantastic job writing this book especially with the subject matter at hand. She just knows how to suck you in and captivate you, I was able to finish the book in one sitting. I’m going to have to warn you though, it is a very emotional book that will tug at your heart and cause and a few tears but will have you wanting to read it over again. I actually reread this book and I fell in love with the characters all over again, if not more the second time around.

Hadley Walker has had a very rough life and a rough childhood no child should have had to experience. She grew up with an abusive father and a mother who loved him too much to leave.  She had no friends growing up, except for one boy she met one day. No one truly loved her besides her mother. Hadley was orphaned at the age of eight and was put into the state system of foster care and issued a guardian. Her guardian took advantage of her and abused her physically, sexually and verbally, but he threatened her freedom if she spoke a word to anyone. He used his power against her. She turned to drugs and sex to numb the pain, even tried to end her own life. She trusted no one, not even herself, and planted giant walls up to protect herself.

Hadley decided to turn her life around in hopes to gain some distance from her guardian. She graduated from high school, college, even got a decent paying job for Jensen Marketing. Ballet is her true passion, however, dancing doesn’t pay the bills so she just keeps it as a hobby. As part of turning her life around, Hadley is seeing a therapist. She even opens herself up and becomes friends with Mac, a coworker at Jensen. There are holes in the night that her father had died and she wants to remember what happened. Maybe then, it can help her move on from her past.

Miller Genetti, the owner of Genetti Industries grew up with the love of a big family. He is very bold, outspoken, confident, sexy and can have any woman he wants. The complete opposite of Hadley’s quiet self. Hadley has been secretly stalking Miller since she has had her job at Jensen; sneaking glances at him in the lobby or even looking him up online. But little did she know, Miller has been doing some stalking of his own on her. There’s just something about Hadley that catches his eye. A moment in the elevator together proves that there is some kind of instant chemistry between the two of them. Something that completely scares Hadley and sends her running. 

Miller has been chasing a part of his past for years. He can’t seem to let a part of that go, it’s like he feels obligated to protect Theresa no matter the trouble she finds herself in. The guilt keeps him coming back. This time he is caught overseas for an unknown amount of time. People are encouraged to write to Miller to give him hope. Hadley is concerned for his well-being and would love to write to him, however, she is afraid of the reaction she will get from him. She isn’t used to opening up to anyone, so how will this affect her? She writes a letter, but doesn’t send it….

Miller has received a ton of letters, but one has caught his eye. The only letter he wants and he replies back. Hadley is shocked to hear back from him considering she did not send the letter to Miller in the first place. Miller is very direct and straight forward about what he wants with in his letter, kind of comes off arrogant, while Hadley is more reserved. She wants to slowly get to know him. But as much as Hadley should stay away from him, there’s something about Miller that makes her want to keep writing back. After her reply, he immediately regrets his first letter to her and he changes his tact with her. The letters get written back and forth and they get into a comfortable routine getting to know one another that they look forward to receiving the letters which then turn to texts. It’s actually a pretty amazing story of how two strangers who have seen each other from a distance get to know each other through letters and start to develop feelings. Even though Miller is far away, he is still able to provide Hadley with surprises, kind of making some dreams come true. To me, Miller came off as a complete rich jerk at first, but after these letter interactions, I started to fall in love with him more and more.
“Please, stop smothering the spark between us. I feel it, too, and have since the first time I discovered you watching me. Let it rage. Allow yourself to feel. I won’t hurt you, and I would never intentionally cause you pain or suffering. I want to know why you hurt, and I want to take it all away. Please, don’t fear me. Let me in. Allow me to heal your heart and soul.” ~ Miller 
Hadley is still afraid with Miller; afraid to let him in. Her feelings for him are growing stronger, the more she gets to know him and he knows it. He does as much as he can to reassure her that he will not hurt her but she’s been so broken there is no certainty that she can be fixed. Talking to Miller is very easy since he is away, how will things be when he comes home?  There are more secrets that Miller holds, that if Hadley finds out what it is she may not recover from the truth.
“You’re my star, my sunset, and my light at the end of the tunnel. Please, let me love you.”~ Miller
What will happen when Miller comes home? Will Hadley let her walls down and let Miller completely in? Will they continue to get to know each other? Or will they go their separate ways? What secrets are Miller holding from Hadley? What will happen to her when she finds out? Will she forgive Miller when she finds the truth? Will Hadley be able to find the truth about her past? Will she be able to move on and be happy again?
 “I won’t let my past keep me from my love. Your love healed me, like your letters promised.” ~Hadley
This was such an amazing book, I can’t say it enough. This book is one that will always stick with me, it’s definitely not one that is easy to forget. I love the fact that I was able to fall in love with the other characters in the story, not just Hadley and Miller. I felt a connection to every single one of them; I felt like I was part of the family. I can only wish I had the strength Hadley had to endure all that she had to live through, but it all seemed worth it though. And Miller…oh Miller…He stuck by her no matter what she decided to do, which I absolutely loved about him. He truly does love her. Mac was the amazing best friend any girl wishes to have. I would love to see a spin off book about him…hmmm…..


This was reviewed by Jenn. I received an ARC for my honest review. 




Excerpt 1

“Miss, are you coming?” Miller asked.
Hadley dragged her gaze from his neatly pressed trousers, stopping at his rugged and handsome face. Miller’s come-hither smile suggested he could make all of her fantasies come true. Not that she would ask him to.
She sought out the jagged scar that started in the middle of his chin and disappeared under his sharp jaw. It intrigued her. She had a similar one on her right cheek, faded and usually covered with foundation. His, thicker and more prominent, reflected a whisper of imperfection on an otherwise perfect male specimen. Only the stubble that typically shadowed his chin, hinted it bothered him. Hadley often wondered how he got it, but dared not ask. In truth, Hadley dared not speak to him, period.
“Miss,” Miller repeated, “are you coming?”
 Am I coming?
Of course, Miller meant into the elevator with him, but Hadley interpreted it with an alternate meaning. His question rang out literally—the way Hadley dreamt about the previous night, Miller making her come until she begged him to make love to her. Her trembling thighs had woken her from the tantalizing dream.


Excerpt 2

Dear Ms. Walker,
I know exactly who you are. You’re the beautiful and intriguing young woman who shakes like a leaf when I get near you, but watches me with heated intensity every morning when I arrive to work as though you would like to undress me.
I’m pleased to learn the little voice in your head won out and you decided to mail your letter. Perhaps with distance between us, I won’t intimidate you, and we can get to know each other properly. I would very much like to know more about you.
I am receiving many letters, but let me put your mind at ease. I’m not opening any of them. I’m not interested in words from strangers that are obviously looking for ten tiny minutes of fame. Yours, however, spiked my curiosity. I wasn’t sure if it was the same Hadley Walker that brightens my mornings until I smelled the delicate perfume on the outside of the envelope, and knew with certainty it was you.
You would like to know what I miss the most about home. I’m a man. Your answer, Ms. Walker, is sex. I’m accustomed to having a woman in my bed. There are no women here, and it’s lonely. Would you be willing to keep me company? Fucking through words can be very erotic. Chances are, you squirmed in your seat, shocked by what I’ve written. Your panties are wet, and you’re reading the above sentence over again. Perhaps you’re cursing me, but it won’t stop you from reading on. You said you’re drawn to me, and I am rather enamored with you as well. There is nothing for you to be “curious” about. It’s purely sexual attraction that draws you to me and me to you. I’ve wanted to have you since the first time I saw you watching me. The other morning when your big doe eyes peered up at me, and you knew I’d caught you, I wanted to drag you into the elevator and fuck you until you screamed my name so loud, the entire building heard you. I’ve thought about nothing else since. I saw in your eyes that you wanted me to make you come right there in the building lobby. I’m hard thinking about it.
What do you say, Ms. Walker, would you care to have letter sex with me? When I’m free of this shit hole, I promise to deliver the real thing, and then you can determine if I’m still mesmerizing.
Regards,
Miller Genetti



About the Author

K J Bell currently lives in California with her husband and three children. As a mother of three, when she’s not writing, she’s usually carting one of her children to their various activities.
She enjoys reading, and music, and is equally addicted to both.
Writing is a passion she simply can’t live without.
She loves hearing from her readers and can be found on various social media sites
Facebook:
Goodreads:
Amazon:
Twitter:
Instagram:
kjbell_author



 Giveaway

BLOG TOUR ~ MENDED by Kim Karr



SYNOPSIS:

MUSIC HAS THE POWER TO HEAL ALL…BUT NOT ALL BROKEN HEARTS CAN BE MENDED.

Always in control, Xander Wilde considered life on the road to be a perfect fit for him. But when disaster strikes on the Wilde Ones’ latest tour, fate intervenes…and a newly single Ivy Taylor, the only girl he has ever loved, steps back into his life.

After moving past her painful breakup with Xander years ago, Ivy was poised to become the next big name in pop music…when suddenly she withdrew from the limelight—the same day she announced her engagement to her controlling agent, Damon Wolf.

Xander knows he should keep his distance. But once they’re on the road, he can’t resist pursuing her for a second chance. Yet a jealous Damon can’t let her go—and he’s keeping dangerous secrets that could destroy them all. 

When the three of them come together, everything falls apart. But if Xander and Ivy can hold tight to the bond that connects them, they just might have a chance at reclaiming the powerful love they thought they had lost forever....


REVIEW:



Excerpt from Mended
 Connections #3 by Kim Karr
© 2013 by Kim Karr
Published by the Penguin Group
Release date: June 3, 2014


Xander Wilde
The magic of rock and roll—it casts a spell on you. I’m no exception. I’m a band manager and I’m living the dream, touring with The Wilde Ones, helping them secure their well-deserved place in the music industry. I love being a part of it all, especially watching the band perform live—the crowds, the cheers, the music. It’s a high and a low all at once and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every step of the way with this band has been fun, exciting, stressful—every possible emotion. Obviously we’ve had some breaks but mostly we all put in a lot of hard work—myself, Garrett Flynn, Phoenix Harper, River Wilde, and now Zane Perry.
“Can you hear me now?” he bellows.
I nod my head as my heart pounds in my chest. My hands feel cold and clammy and a nervousness that makes me weak and shaky takes over. Doubts race through my head and I’m questioning if he’s going to make it through this. A vague awareness that something bad could happen kicks around in my mind and I can’t shake it. The Wilde Ones are doing a sound check on stage and Zane’s not on his game.
It’s July and the weather has been brutally hot. But today it seems cooler. Maybe it’s the California weather maybe it’s the excitement of being home. The Beautiful Lies Tour bus finally rolled back into our home state of California after six months away. When we pulled into the amphitheater, we could see tanned kids in board shorts and bikini tops already lined up at the will call window. Security guards in polo shirts directed us to the artist parking lot, and we were officially home. Tonight we’ll be headlining our biggest show to date. We’re on tour without my brother, River, and still more than half of the shows are sold out, including tonight’s. River quit the band—touring just wasn’t for him but even so the album is on its way up the charts. Who knows it may even hit gold status. The songs on the album were written and sung by River but are performed in concert by Zane. Having him as my brother’s replacement has been the key to our successful transition in a world where replacing leads is normally unsuccessful—simply put, we’re lucky as hell to have him. River promised to make a surprise appearance at our next stop. It’s going to be epic.
But tonight is all about the arena—Mountain View and the Shoreline. “That’s enough,” I yell to the band and call rehearsal. This place is the biggest outdoor venue we’ve played and I couldn’t be more stoked—or more nervous. A sold out show and a rocking opening band—what a combination. But a lead singer with another cold and a weakened voice that can’t be heard throughout an amphitheater scares the shit out of me.
I head straight for the bus and spend the next few hours hashing out a song with Nix that he calls a jumbled mess of muscular sense and big-riff sunshine—whatever the hell that means. All I know is that it needs help and that’s why he’s turning to me. I hadn’t played guitar since I was eighteen but for some reason over the course of this tour I’ve picked it back up. At first I used whatever was lying around but last month I had my mother mail my old one to me and it feels like home. It’s a light blue and brown Gibson and I had to have it because it was the guitar that Slash played on. Playing again seems to help pass the time and brings a calm over me that I haven’t felt in awhile.
Hours pass and before I know it, it’s almost show time. We make our way over to the Amphitheater, do the typical festival schmooze fest, and then settle back to wait. Waiting for them to take the stage is always the most nerve-racking time. I’m sitting in the practically vacant makeshift meet and greet area back stage and sipping a beer in a worthless effort to calm my nerves when a voice travels through the sound system. It’s a powerful and emotive mezzo-soprano range that is nothing short of explosive. She sounds unlike any singer I’ve ever heard before—with only one exception, Ivy Taylor. I push back the memory of her name and the emotions it evokes—the memories are just too  painful. I can’t see her on stage but I know that the voice belongs to Jane Mommsen. Her band Breathless is playing right before The Wilde Ones.
A hand on my shoulder startles me. I twist and glance up as Amy sits down beside me, crossing her legs. “Hi, Xander. I thought I saw you earlier at the hotel.”
She’s a beautiful woman—long, wavy dark hair, petite figure, very natural looking. She’s wearing jeans, a blue shirt with some kind of foil design, and silver sandals. Grinning at her I say, “Finally we catch up. Can I get you a drink?”
“I’d love that. How’s life on the road been?”
“You know, it has its ups and downs but actually not bad. You?”
“Jane’s been going full-force for a while now. But the tour ends with the summer. I’ll be glad to be back in LA.”
Standing up, I laugh. “I know the feeling. I’ll be right back, let me grab us that drink.” Tossing my empty bottle, I make my way to the coolers lined up under the tent and grab two beers. I know she’d rather have a glass of Chardonnay but beer it is. Amy is Jane’s assistant and I’ve taken her out more than a few times. We went to high school together and Amy and I know most of the same people so whenever I need a date, I ask her. Last time I saw her was almost nine months ago when I took her to River and Dahlia’s wedding.
Heading back to the table I hear Jane yell out to the crowd, “Are you ready for three of the hottest guys in music?” The audience starts screaming and the stage lights dim cuing the guys that it’s the fifteen-minute countdown until they take the stage. The band huddles together in their typical pre-performance stance. I’ll have a quick drink with Amy and then join them. As I hand her the bottle my fingers touch hers and we both grin, knowing that we will end up alone by the end of the night.
“You sticking around for the whole show?”
“I think I might,” she smiles.
“How about we ride back to the hotel together and grab a real drink at the bar?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Great. Time for me to get back to work.”
 She rises from the table, I do the same. She stands up on her toes and kisses me quickly on the lips. “See you tonight,” she smiles.
“Catch you later,” I say and then cross the room to join the band.
“You’re late,” Nix snickers. “What’s with you two anyway?” he asks.
I shrug my shoulders. “Nothing. We casually see each other once in a while.”
Garrett raises an eyebrow. “Chicks are never cool with casual.”
Shaking my head at him, I don’t bother to disagree. Amy and I have been doing this for years. It works for her and for me. We like each other’s company but only see each other sporadically. I’ll call her once in a while and we’ll go out but we are in no way exclusive. I don’t ask her about other men and she doesn’t ask me about other women. I grab the bottle and pour the amber liquid into the shot glasses stacked on the cap. It’s our pre-show routine. A shot and a prayer, so to say. It’s Garrett’s turn tonight to ‘pray’ so this should be good.
He raises his glass. “Here’s to hoping Xander gets laid so he’ll get off our backs.”
Tipping my glass back, I quickly down the amber liquid. It burns as it makes its way down my throat. Once we’ve all drank our two shot maximum before a show Garrett follows his toast up with, “Seriously man, you need to get laid.”
The guys laugh and I actually join in. Jerking off in the small bathroom on the bus is definitely one of the downsides of touring. I’ve slept with a few girls at some of our stops but screwing groupies isn’t really my thing. I’m not one to have time for a girlfriend but I’m also not about to pull my dick out backstage, so it’s been a long six months.
Zane coughs after he slings back the shot and I look at him with concern. “You’re going to a doctor tomorrow.”
He shakes his head. “Yes, Mom, if you say so.”
“I’m not kidding. Your voice sounds like shit.”
“It’s a fucking cold. I took some medicine. I’ll be fine.”
“Doctor. Tomorrow. I mean it. I’ll have Ena set it up.”
“I can always sing,” Garrett chimes in and I smack the back of his head.
“Hey. I can.”
The lights start to flicker and I look at Zane with that feeling of uneasiness again. Second time this tour he’s coughing and hacking. We’re screwed if he really gets sick. He nods at me as I pat him on the back. Slinging his guitar over his shoulder, he heads out first raising his arm in the air. The crowd goes crazy. The six foot guy is a chick magnet and no one misses my brother tonight. Garrett heads out next yelling, “Great to be here Mountain View!” and Nix follows with his trademark nod. Zane skips his normal charming banter and I know he must be saving his voice. Again, I think about how we’re fucked if he gets sick.
I stand at the edge of the stage all night until they finally come to their last song. “It Wasn’t Days Ago,” is a simple but crowd affecting ballad and Zane belts it out. Shouts from nearly thirty thousand fans call for an encore. Turning away from the microphone Zane coughs again. Biting his thumbnail he looks over at me and I slice my finger across my neck.
“One more song for tonight,” he tells the screaming fans and my blood pressure rises. “This one is a cover, an ‘ode to’ I’ll call it. It’s for Xander Wilde, the band’s manager and it’s his favorite song. Everyone ready?” As he starts to sing Linkin Park’s “Iridescent,” I close my eyes and listen. When he hits the chorus his voice gets so low my eyes snap open. Zane turns to grab a bottle of water while the guys continue to play but I can tell something isn’t right.

***

Last night definitely didn’t go as planned—a visit to the ER, then sleeping in a chair next to Zane all night on the bus because the steroids he was given freaked him out. It’s noon and Amy and I are just arriving at the Pelican Hill Resort. Breathless was leaving right after the show last night so Amy had already planned to ride with us and meet up with them in Irvine. She invited me to some party being thrown by her band’s label that I would have rather not gone to but Ellie, the tour manager, insisted we all go for the good PR.
I’m exhausted and really need some sleep before dealing with the press and tomorrow night’s show. The paparazzi have been everywhere—by the bus as we exited to the waiting car in LA, outside the doctor’s office, at the gates of Zane’s father’s house, and now they’re here in Irvine at the hotel.
To avoid the chaos awaiting us in the lobby, I call Ellie, who is already here, and ask her to check me in and meet me at the pool bar with the key. Draping my arm around Amy, we head that way. I’ve been here a few times so I know my way around. Cutting through the grotto and over to the pool and cabanas, I steer Amy to the right and stop in my tracks as all the air rushes from my lungs.
My body floods with adrenaline and my gut twists. I don’t even have to do a double take because I’d know her anywhere. There’s no mistaking her. She’s just so beautiful—the elegant planes of her face, those high cheekbones, red lipstick, her platinum blonde hair shorter than it used to be tucked behind her ear, that face of an angel. She looks the same. No, she looks better. Her skin glistens in the sun and my gaze automatically follows the shape of her long legs. They look smooth and tan against her white bathing suit. An ache forms in my chest as I think about running my fingers up them. She’s still that eighteen-year-old girl I once knew but now she has the body of a woman—lean and toned and full of curves. When she moves it’s so familiar it doesn’t seem like a day has passed—and everything I ever felt for her, it’s all still inside me.
My pulse races at the mere sight of her. She’s lounging in the cushioned chair reading a magazine just outside a cabana. My heart slams harder in my chest when she sticks her earphones in her ears like she always used to do and it transports me back to the last time I saw her do the very same thing. We’d skipped school and were at my grandparents’ house—their pool. She was lying on the lounge chair listening to music and singing along—her voice so full of soul. I’d moved to sit with her under the guise of putting lotion of her back. She sat up and smiled that shy smile she didn’t need to have when she was with me. I squeezed the tube into my hand and after rubbing them together I slowly applied it to her back kneading my way up and down, touching every inch of her that I could.
It brings me back to the here and now when she suddenly sits up and looks over at me. Her eyes pin me in place. She looks at me as if she remembers me for who I was, what we were, not what I did to her. With my chest pounding, memories of us keep flashing through my mind. Fighting a smile, I wonder if she’s thinking the same thing—remembering what we were, what we shared, how we loved.
She quickly breaks our connection when she averts her eyes over to the man handing her a drink. I suck in a deep breath trying not to feel sick at the sight. He’s nearing fifty, wearing a terrycloth robe. He’s about my height, dark brown hair, meticulously groomed facial hair, and not exactly ripped but fit. He’s Damon Wolf, a man I’ve never actually met but hate all the same. I’ve seen their picture on TV and in magazines. He’s her agent, her fiancé, and I’m sure he’s the reason she’s not singing anymore.
She looks up at him with that same forced smile she used to give people she just wanted to appease and mouths “thank you.” I have a sudden urge to go over and deck him when her gaze shifts back to mine and he pulls her chin back to look at him. I can sense a discomfort between them. We could sense each other’s feelings even when we weren’t near each other.
Amy’s hand slides down my face and I have to blink a few times before I can hear what she’s saying. Glancing one last time at Ivy I see that she’s staring at me again. Then suddenly her mouth forms a scowl and she flicks her attention toward him. Hooking her arm around his neck, she pulls him down for a kiss and I think I might throw up.
“Are you okay?”
I nod. Not able to say a word.
“Isn’t that Ivy Taylor over there? The girl you used to date in high school?” Amy asks. There’s an irritated tone to her voice I’m not used to hearing and it makes me agitated.
 “Yeah, it is,” is all I say. She’s not just a girl I used to date…she’s the only girl I ever really loved. She’s also the girl whose heart I broke. Seeing her now brings back all those feelings I blocked, ignored, tucked aside. So many times over the years I wanted to go after her and tell her the truth—but I never did. Why I don’t know. Then one day it was too late—she had gotten engaged.
Amy chatters on. “I think that’s Damon Wolf with her. We should go say hi.”
My body goes cold and my face blank at the thought. I straighten and just as I’m about to say, “No fucking way,” my phone vibrates in my pocket. Squinting at the screen, I see that it’s my brother. I look over to Amy and motion toward the bar. “Hey, this is River. I need to take it. I’ll meet you over there in a minute.”
“That’s fine. We can catch up with them later. I’ll go order us a drink.” She smiles and starts toward the bar.
Turning around to avoid staring at Ivy, I answer the phone. “It took you long enough to call me back.”
“I was in a meeting and stepped out as soon as I could, so don’t start. What did the doctor say about Zane?”
“He’s out for the rest of the tour and we’re fucked.”
“You sure? You’re back in LA for almost two weeks after tomorrow night right? Isn’t that enough time for him to heal?”
“Technically yes. But his old man wants him out. The doctor said that he couldn’t be sure how long the blood that accumulated under his vocal cords had been there but obviously last night, the amount of ruptured vessels was enough to cause his voice to change. He advised at least two weeks of rest before another evaluation to see if surgery is necessary. Zeak wants his son to take a longer period of time off. He’s just afraid that if Zane keeps singing and it keeps happening, scar tissue will build up and cause his voice to change forever.”
“Do you blame him?”
“No I don’t,” I tell River and I feel like shit that I have to put him in a position to do what he didn’t want to do in the first place. But I also know that if I don’t, the band won’t survive. If I have to cancel this tour—the Wilde Ones are done. So I ask, “Did you talk to Dahlia?”
He sighs. “Yeah, I did. She’s cool with it, Xander. I’m just trying to figure it all out.”
“You know I’ll do whatever you need me to do, right?”
“Shit why can’t you just be an ass and make it easy for me to say no?”
“Because you have no idea what this means to me.”
“Actually I do, and that’s why I’m going to make it happen. But Xander, remember I can’t play a twelve string.”
Laughter and relief take hold of me. I feel a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. “Right now I wouldn’t care if you only played the violin,” I joke.
He laughs and I add, “You’ll be here tonight?”
Now he sounds slightly annoyed. “I said I would. We might be a little late so don’t get your panties in a wad.”
“That’s cool. Thanks for everything. Hey, one more thing.’
“What?”
“Ivy Taylor’s here.”
“No way. Have you talked to her?”
“Fuck no. You know she won’t talk to me. And besides she’s with that asshole.”
“You should talk to her. Tell her the truth.”
“What’s that going to do now? She’ll just think I’m lying.”
“You want me to talk to her? I can explain everything.”
“No. I don’t need my little brother to fight my battles. I’ll talk to her if I feel the time is right. Do you hear me?”
“Whatever you say. Look, I have to run but I want to discuss this later. And Xander…you don’t know he’s an asshole. Just because Dad said his name once doesn’t mean shit.”
“Right. Okay, see you tonight,” I say and end the call. My head is spinning knowing that after all these years I’m actually in the same place she is. I want to talk to her, tell her everything but what would it matter now anyway. Glancing behind me, I catch another glimpse of her with him that turns my stomach. He’s such a slime ball. Since his father was hospitalized and he took over the business, he’s been scooping up labels, tearing them apart, and rebuilding them with bands he thinks are better fits. My guess is he picked up Jane’s label—that’s why he’s here. I heard they were having some financial difficulty and he’s just the kind of bottom feeder that would want to capitalize on not only being her agent but now also her producer. The sight of him touching Ivy makes my skin crawl.

Damon Wolf—two of the last words my father ever spoke to me before killing himself, and I never knew why. Of all the guys in the world Ivy had to end up with him—why him? I look up and they’re gone. But I’m anything but relieved. Rubbing my chin, I’m antsy, agitated, pissed as hell, but feel more alive than I have in years.


Here are the buy links -->
➜ AMAZON - http://amzn.to/1ap7Jwn
➜ iTUNES - http://bit.ly/1i9fQkM
➜ Paperback - http://amzn.to/1dtnJgJ
 
Also here are links to Kim’s other books in tConnections series...
AMAZON LINKS:
➜ Connected - http://amzn.to/1fDaywN
➜ Dazed - http://amzn.to/1hwLS9g
➜ Mended - http://amzn.to/1ap7Jwn
➜ Blurred - http://amzn.to/1mCHwQ1
➜ Frayed - http://amzn.to/1cnBwof



Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of romance, including her sexy New Adult romance series, Connections.  She describes herself as wearing a lot of hats–writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all-around go-to person of the family.  However, she always finds the time to read.  She believes in soul mates, kindred spirits, true friends and Happily-Ever-Afters, and loves to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart.  Kim lives in Florida with her husband and four kids.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kim Karr




COVER REVEAL ~ OWNING VIOLET by Monica Murphy

Owning VioletTHICKER#413D29

  ABOUT OWNING VIOLET (NOT THE FINAL BLURB. BLURB WILL CHANGE): 

 The Fowler sisters are New York City’s darlings, heiresses to the Fleur Cosmetics Empire. Quickly put up on a fame hungry pedestal only for the media to lie in wait, eager to tear them down, these three very different young women soon find love in the most unexpected places… 

OWNING VIOLET coming December 2. 

Violet Fowler is the good sister. She works hard at her family’s cosmetics company, is faithful to her boyfriend and never causes any trouble. Until Zachary disappoints her yet again with a promotion that will take him to London—and away from her. His leaving sets a new fire within her. What’s the point in being so good when no one else ever is? Someone within Fleur Cosmetics wants that London promotion and will do anything to get it, including throwing temptation in the path of the not-so-faithful Zachary. Ryder McKay came from nothing and has fought every step of the way to his position at Fleur. And now the mysterious charmer has set his sights on Violet. If it worked for Zachary, it could work for him. Seducing the good Fowler sister is easy. What Ryder doesn’t count on is how much Violet makes him feel. What started out as revenge soon becomes something deeper. Can Ryder go through with his plans to deceive Violet? Or is he only deceiving himself? 

 Other books in series: 

STEALING ROSE coming spring 2015 
TAMING LILY coming summer 2015 (tentative release dates) 


PRE-ORDER LINKS: 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1tUawXI 

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/owning-violet-monica-murphy/1119221091?ean=9780553393262


MonicaMurphypic


ABOUT MONICA MURPHY: 

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend. 

Links: 

Website: http://www.monicamurphyauthor.com/# Blog: http://missmonicamurphy.blogspot.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsMonicaMurphy Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MonicaMurphyauthor Author 

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5934418.Monica_Murphy 
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Monica-Murphy/e/B00AVPYIGG OWNING VIOLET Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21965297-owning-violet

Thursday, May 29, 2014

BLOG TOUR ~ RESISTING RYANN by Alyssa Rae Taylor

Resisting Ryann Blog Tour Banner


ResistingRyann Amazon GR SW


Synopsis 



USA Today Bestselling author Alyssa Rae Taylor amplifies the angst-filled love story that started in RAISING RYANN. What happens when the person you love becomes threatened by your very existence? How far will you go to keep them safe?

Luke Ryann will do anything to protect the woman he loves, even if it means shattering her heart. When the mystery of his past comes back to haunt him, he leaves Reese behind and enters the life of crime he had worked so hard to escape. When all is said and done, will he be able to get out of this alive, or will he be in over his head? She’s been in love with him since her childhood, but now she questions everything. After Reese Johnson discovers Luke’s disappearance has nothing to do with the MMA, she faces a difficult choice. Can she find it in her heart to forgive him? Or will the secrets and lies be too damaging for her to trust again? Will this couple ever have a chance? You know what they say. 

Sometimes … love just isn’t enough. RESISTING RYANN is the second book in the Bad Boy Reformed Trilogy.This story isn’t just a romance. It’s filled with action, suspense, mystery, and a touch of humor. Recommended for mature readers due to situations of abuse, violence, language, and sexual content.


REVIEW:

Luke has a past, one that he doesn’t want to include Reese in.  So when his past comes back and stirs up trouble for him, he will stop at nothing to keep Reese away from it.  He will protect her once again, even if it means breaking her heart.  All that matter to Luke is that Reese is safe.  He will risk his own life to ensure Reese's safety.

"She means everything to me. She's my light in the darkness.  That woman will be the death of me; I guarantee it." ~ Luke Ryann

How far would you go to protect the ones you love?  If it means that they are safe, do you walk away?  Will Luke ever forgive himself for doing what he felt is necessary to keep Reese safe?  In life we have to make choices, did Luke make the right one?  Things aren't always how they appear.  Will Reese be able to pick up the pieces of her broken heart, when Luke leaves?  If Reese was to find out the truth of Luke's past, would she be able to look past it? Would she still love him?  Will she ever understand why Luke made the  choice that he did?  Will she trust him when he asks her to? 

Reese has been in love with Luke Ryann since she could remember.   Luke has always had her heart, even when he didn't realize he did.

"The thought of another man touching you," he says, shaking his head.  "I can't even describe the rage it brings."  If I have to fight for you, I will, no matter which path you choose, because the way I see it, you're mine.  You'll always be mine." ~ Luke Ryann


I absolutely LOVED this book.  I read it in one sitting.  Luke cherishes Reese. Luke made a choice to protect her.  She may not see it now, but when and if she gives him the chance to explain she will love him even more for it.  Reese has always been a priority to Luke, she just doesn't see it.  I cannot wait for the 3rd installment in this series.  I am patiently waiting for it and I sure hope Alyssa Rae Taylor writes quickly, because she left me on the edge of my seat desperately wanting more!!!  Resisting Ryan will have you wanting more as it is filled with suspense and several twists that I did not see coming.

I am TEAM LUKE, and I want both Reese and Luke to get what they both deserve, happiness and love.  I just hope Alyssa gives them what I want.

This review was prepared by Heather.



Meet the Author




7142650
USA Today Bestselling author Alyssa Rae Taylor lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, their three daughters, and two English bulldogs. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and watching Sam & Dean Winchester fight off scary creatures on the WB. She enjoys stories that tug at her emotions and isn't a fan of the insta-love type of romance. Her dream is to travel the world with her husband and children beside her. The first time she started writing, she couldn't stop, which leads to now, and the publication of her first novel in the Bad Boy Reformed Series, Raising Ryann.






Social Links


FB button FINALtwitter button FinalWebsite buttonGoodreadsFINAL
Goodreads Button with Shadow


Buy the Book



ResistingRyann Amazon GR SW

Amazon FinalAmazon UK FinalB&N FINALkobo-icon FINAL
9118o9buSOL._SL1500_
Amazon FinalAmazon UK FinalB&N FINALkobo-icon FINAL


Giveaway





Follow the Tour


May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May30
June 2
June 3
June 4
June 5
June 6
Resisting Ryann Blog Tour Button
promotionsbutton with TRIM