TORN by Monica Murphy (Review)

 SYNOPSIS:

Marina Knight came to this party for one thing only: to slap Gage Emerson in the face. Poised to snatch up her family’s real estate empire, the sexy tycoon is on the verge of making an enemy for life—even if he can make her melt with a single kiss …

When Gage discovers that the alluring woman before him is the key to his latest acquisition, claiming her as his suddenly doesn’t seem quite so cut-and-dried. To get what he wants, he must get to know the fierce woman willing to face him down—as she steadily steals his heart.

Gage’s persistence and intense passion war with Marina’s determination to protect her family. As they delve deeper into an affair they didn’t see coming, Marina’s torn: Will she lose her heart to Gage—or everything she holds dear?











REVIEW:

Torn is the 2nd book in the Billionaire Bachelors Club Series. As we already know, Asher, Gage and Matt are best friends.  While at a friend's wedding, the three of them declared they NEVER wanted to get married.  The wager was high.  ONE MILLION DOLLARS to the last single man standing.  Asher is out, being that he fell in love with Gage's baby sister, Ivy and they are engaged to be married.  So the bet is between Gage and Matt.  Who will be the last single man standing?  Gage? Matt?

Gage Emerson is a real estate developer. He has been buying up property in Napa Valley and flipping it for a profit. He has his eye on a strip mall that he wants to purchase, but the owner won't return his telephone calls. He heard through the grape wine that the owner has been affected by the economy and is in need of money.

At a wine tasting event, Marina sets her focus on Gage.  She knows who he is, but Gage has no inkling who she is.  Marina knows that Gage wants to buy the strip mall, her family owns it.  Marina and her Aunt Gina run Autumn Harvest, an organic bakery which is one of the stores in the strip mall.  Marina notices Gage in the crowd immediately.  He has a certain presence that makes him known.  Gage and Marina talk for a few minutes and it doesn't take long for Marina to tell Gage exactly what she thinks of him. Gage is shocked.  He has never had a problem getting a woman's attention, but this woman, she is in a league of her own.

After telling Archer about his interesting evening with Marina, Archer lets Gage in on a little secret.  He tells her who Marina is, who she is related to.  Gage is stunned. He needs to try and back pedal his first impression that he left with Marina.  Gage sets a plan in motion to get close to Marina, but will his plan work, or back fire?

Marina is a beautiful woman, but she is no dummy.  Marina knows that Gage has an ulterior motive when he shows up at the bakery. She knows that he is probably only being nice to her, to get close to her father.  But when Marina finds out that Gage knows Archer Bancroft she decides that she could get something from him as well. Marina just doesn't know how well Gage knows Archer.  Gage keeps that little secret in his back pocket.  When Gage realizes that Marina wants a meeting with Archer, he uses this to his advantage. 

      "You're going to force me to go out to dinner with you and in return you'll help me arrange an appointment with Archer Bancroft?"

      "I'm not forcing you to do anything, Marina."

     "Unless... you like it that way."

 

It is evident that the two of them are attracted to each other.  It appears that the two of them know they are using each other, but could something come about this.  Marina views Gage as the enemy.  She feels something for Gage, but is it lust.  Gage feels something for Marina, but are his feelings true, or is it all just part of his plan to get close to her father?

When the two of them begin to develop feelings for each other, neither of them know what to do.  Do they express them? Do they both just go along with the original plan? Could they just use each other to get what they want?  They are torn.  Do they follow their hearts, or their heads?  Do they go after what they both want, or just stick to the plan?

Gage is funny, he is a charmer, he is cocky, he is gorgeous, he is captivating, and he has a heart of gold.  He doesn't want to take her business away from her.  What would happen if he was given the opportunity to buy the strip mall?  Would he buy it and leave Marina without a job?  Would Marina ever trust Gage if he buys her family's property knowing that is will leave her family with nothing?  Decisions, decisions.... 

Has Marina captured Gage's heart?  Will Gage fight his feelings for Marina, just so he can win the bet?  Is Gage capable of loving someone?  Will Marina trust Gage, knowing what his ultimate goal is?  Could there be a future between the two of them?

I enjoyed this book.  It was an easy read just like Crave.  I have to be honest though, I am not a fan of the cover.  I think the cover models are way too old.  Gage is 28 and Marina is 23.  But hey, a cover doesn't sell the book, the story does. 

I am a HUGE fan of Monica Murphy, so I know I will never be disappointed with her books.
I am looking forward to Savor to see what is in store for Matt.  Will he be the last man standing?  Will someone capture his heart? hmmm  January can not come quick enough.

This review was prepared by Heather.  I received an ARC in exchange for an HONEST review.

One Click Monica Murphy's

Billionaire Bachelors Club Series

 

ELECT by Rachel Van Dyken (Review)

SYNOPSIS:

Would you die for the one you love?
Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the love of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family's enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him.

Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family's sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend... But Trace isn't ready to give up on a future with Nix--and if he won't fight for them, she will.

In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . .

 

 

 

REVIEW:

Thank the Lord when I finished Elite, I could start Elect right away.  If I had to wait, I would have been pulling my hair out.  Rachel, words can not begin to explain the emotions that I felt while reading this book. My heart broke for Chase, Nixon and Trace. 

Nixon needed Trace; she wasn't just a girl to him.  She was his lifeline.  She was the air that he needed to breathe.  She was his light in the dark world that he lived in.  If he lost her, he would lose everything. He would have no reason to live.  Nixon and Trace belonged with each other.  They were each other's soul mate. She was as much his, as he was hers. Nobody said love is easy.  Love hurts.  Love is tough.  We can only pray that the ones we love will fight for us, fight for what we have together and not let anyone or anything come between it.  Will Nixon fight for Trace?  Will Trace fight for Nixon?  What do you do when the one you love, life is in danger?  You do what you need to do to save them; even if it means sacrificing yourself and that is exactly what Nixon does.

Trace's life is in danger and Nixon has to make a decision.  Nixon has to lead everyone to believe that he and Trace are not a couple.  By doing so, he has to distance himself from her.  When Nixon and Chase get themselves into a situation, one that they didn't know if they would walk away alive, Chase makes a haste decision and tells everyone that he and Trace are a couple.  Trace is his girlfriend, not Nixon's.  Nixon was surprised that Chase said what he did, but if anyone would keep Trace safe, it would be Chase.  Nixon trusted his cousin, his best friend with his own life, so he knew he could trust him to keep Trace out of harms way.  The only problem is, Nixon never imagined his own cousin would fall in love with his girlfriend.

By keeping Trace safe, was he pushing her into Chase's arms.  Chase has always been there when Trace needed him.  He was there when Nixon crushed Trace's spirits, when he shattered her heart.  Chase has always been Trace's savior where Nixon has always been her knight in shining armor.  Nixon thought by pushing Trace away, that would protect her.  Nixon needed to know why Trace was a target and who was after her.  There was a rat amongst them, Nixon just needed to sniff the rat out.

"But if I was protecting her?  If I was saving her life by driving her into another man's arms?  Would that redeem me in the end?  Or just damn us all to hell? ~ Nixon

Trace agrees to go along with this charade.  She trusts that Nixon is doing what is best for the two of them.  The decision does not fall lightly on either one of them, but they both know that there is no other way to keep Trace alive. Nixon tells Chase and Trace that they need to make everyone believe that they are together.  They need to touch, kiss, do everything that a couple does.  Nixon knows that seeing the two of them will break him, destroy him, crush him, but he has no other choice.  He promised to keep Trace safe, and he never goes back on his word.  It may cost him his own life, but he will make sure that Trace is safe. 

"I'd just singlehandedly given the love of my life to my best friend -- on a silver platter, with a shiny bow attached." ~ Nixon

Chase has loved Trace from the moment he saw her.  He only wishes he would have gotten to Trace before Nixon did. Chase knows the connection that Nixon and Trace have.  But Chase can't stop the way he feels.  He loves Trace.  He is in love with her, but the question is, when Nixon pushes Trace away, can she love Chase the way she loves Nixon?

"When I say I love you.  I don't mean it the way you do.  I'm not...capable of loving you in that way."
"When I say I love you I mean I love you so much it hurts to be close to you, it hurts to be away from you.  I hurt all the damn time because my stupid hear had decided for one reason or another that it can't survive without being next to yours.  I don't know what the hell you've done to me, but I'm a disaster.  I'm broken for you and I never want to be fixed.  And it hurts like hell because when you kiss me, I know you think of him. When I kiss you, all I see is you, all I feel is you." ~ Chase

Trace does loves Chase.  But is she in love with him? She is playing the part, whereas Chase is not acting.  Chase truly loves Trace.  He knows he is betraying his cousin every time he has these thoughts about Trace, but he can't help himself.  His heart is telling him one thing, where his head is telling him something different. 

"Don't fight it, " I mumbled across her lips. For once, just stop thinking, and don't fight it, Trace.  It's just you and me.  There is no mafia, nobody's out to kill us, and we aren't putting on a show.  We're making out, behind a tree at college, like normal college students do." ~ Chase

Things take a turn for the worst and no one saw it coming.  The group is rocked to the core and they need the support of each other to get through this tragedy.  Will this make them stronger?  Will this shatter them completely?

Trace is in the middle of this love triangle.  Trace needs to make a decision.  She loves them both.  One has her heart, and one has her soul.  Who will she pick?  Will Nixon and Chase let Trace choose or will they fight for her?  Both of them only want what is best for Tracey and that is to see her happy.

I have to say that I love both Nixon and Chase, so it was hard for me to see them hurt while protecting Trace.  Chase didn't mean to fall in love with Trace, but sometimes the heart does things that it isn't supposed to do.  Trace loved them both, but in different ways.  I was routing for both Nixon and Chase.  I would not want to be Tracey and have to pick between the two of them.  Tracey was pushed into the arms of Chase by Nixon.  If things worked out as Nixon had planned, was she supposed to go back to Nixon as if nothing happened.  Would she pick Nixon?  Or would she pick Chase?  Decisions, decisions..  Sometimes we don't get to pick.. Sometimes our choices are already made.

I absolutely LOVED this book,.  I could not put it down. Rachel had your attention from page 1 and I could not wait to see where the storyline was going.  There are twists and turns, and things that you would never see coming.  Of course, there are funny parts in the book.  It would not be a book by Rachel if it didn't.  I love the bantering between the characters, and I love the chemistry between all of them. 

I will have to wait patiently until April to get my hands on the next installment of this series, so I can only hope that she throws us a few teasers to help fill my curiosity of what is to come.

This review was prepared by Heather.  I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

EXCERPT:

"I'm going to apologize in advance, though".  Tracey sniffed as a tear ran down her cheek.
"Why are you apologizing?" 
Her eyes met mine. "Because I'm going to break your heart."
Break? It was already broken! Horrified, I watched her look down at the ground, her shoulders slumped in defeat.
"Nixon."  She placed her hands against my chest.  "I need you to do me a favor."
"Anything." My voice was hoarse with emotion.
"Trust me.  Trust us.  No matter what I say, no matter what I do - and I'll do some terrible things - know that I love you. No matter what."
"Kind of sounds like the speech I gave you a few weeks ago."  I sighed.
"Sucks huh?  She laughed a bit and leaned her head on my chest where her hands had just been.
"Regardless of what I do, you have to know, I love you, Nixon.  I choose you and only you.  I'm going to break your heart every day I hold his hand instead of yours.  It's going to kill me to laugh at his jokes knowing you
re dying just a little bit inside.  And if he kisses me - I'll kiss him back, Nixon.  I'm going to break your heart - because you've given me no other option." 
"I know." Damn if I wasn't ready to burst into tears myself.  I knew it would be hard -- not this hard.
"Just do me a favor, Trace?"
"Anything."
"Think of me..." I smirked --"not him.  When you're kissing him, do me a favor and just keep your eyes closed so you can imagine it isn't my best friend and yours.  And I swear to all that is holy that if he puts his tongue in your mouth I will cut it the hell off."
Tracey laughed against my chest. "You've got yourself a deal, Godfather."

 

 

THIS IS AN AMAZING SERIES... 

YOU MUST ONE CLICK IT !!!!

 

      BOOK #1     BOOK #2

ELITE by Rachel Van Dyken ~ Review

SYNOPSIS:

When I won the annual Eagle Elite College Scholarship lottery, I was thrilled. After all, my grandma had just died and I wanted to take care of my aging grandpa -- he couldn't be a farmer in Wyoming forever. And graduating from Eagle Elite meant opportunity.

But I wasn't counting on meeting Nixon.

Nor was I counting on the rules of the Elect.

1. Do not touch The Elect.
2. Do not look at The Elect.
3. Do not speak to The Elect.

And worst of all? Don't discover the secret they hide, because in the end, you may just realize... it's about you.

*This is a New Adult Book, blood, violence, cursing, sexual references, and drug use. Not recommended for those under 17.*




REVIEW:

I am a HUGE fan of Rachel Van Dyken.  I have not read a book of hers that I have not LOVED !!

I could not put Elite down from the moment I picked it up.  I was sucked in just by reading the Prologue.

"Whoever told me life was easy -- lied. it's hard.  It sucks.  The crazy thing is -- nobody has the guts to admit the truth.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a secret.  Everyone has a story that needs to be told." ~ Trace

Trace was raised by her grandparents after her parents were killed.  Trace won the lottery to attend the prestigious Eagle Elite College.  Trace wanted to be able to take care of her aging grandpa once she graduated and she wanted to make him proud.  The day Trace arrived at Eagle Elite, her life was about to change.  FOREVER.

Upon arriving, Trace was greeted by the welcoming committee, Nixon, Chase, Tex and Phoenix, the ELECT.  It appeared that these four thought their roles at the Eagle Elite were quite important.  They had a reputation to live up to and they were going to make sure Trace knew exactly who they were.  Nixon made sure to advise Trace that there were rules she needed to follow while attending the school. Rules are what kept people safe. What rules could Trace possibly have to follow to keep her safe?  Safe from what?  All she was doing was attending school?

There was something about Trace that got under Nixon's skin.  Nixon immediately had Trace on his radar and made her the focus of his attack.  Nixon humiliated Trace the first day she was there.  She knew this was going to be a tough semester and she was just praying that she would get through it.  She lucked out with a great roommate, Monroe...  who just happened to be the twin of Nixon.  Monroe takes Trace under her wing and tries to help Trace fit in. 

Trace is given a key card that gains her access to places that most are not granted.  For some reason, Nixon has given her access to lunch with the Elect.  The Elect consists of Nixon, Chase, Phoenix, Tex and Monroe.  Trace didn't understand why Nixon would do this and why he was being nice.  There were times Nixon would be mean to her, but then there were times he was nice to her.  His mood swings were given her whiplash.

After spending time with Nixon, Trace began to develop feelings.  She definitely was attracted to him.  How could she not be? He was six foot two, olive complexion, thick arms, a body to kill for, dark hair, tattoos, a lip ring, he was just gorgeous.  When she was around him, she felt butterflies in her stomach.  The only problem is, she didn't know if she could trust him.  She never knew if he was setting her up to humiliate her again.

"There was something about him.  Something that made me want to touch him, made me crave his touch, and I hated that I responded to him, especially after the way he treated me at first." ~ Trace 

Nixon was very secretive.  He grew up in a life style that most only saw portrayed on television.  Nixon knew he had to protect his family and the ones he loved.  He only told Trace what he wanted her to know.  If he told her too much, her life would be in danger.

Nixon is drawn to Trace.  It is evident that he has a connection to Trace that is unexplainable.  He vows to protect her from any harm that comes her way.  Nixon knows a secret, that nobody else knows except for his best friend/cousin, Chase.  Nixon needs Chase's help.  Nixon needs to distance himself from Trace to protect her.  Nixon needs Chase to be his eyes and ears when he is not around. 

Trace's life was about to change.  Trace finds out some information that was going to change everything.  The secret that Nixon and Chase know, is a secret that can cost Trace her life.

Nixon makes a decision that is going to hurt him and Trace in the process. Nixon vows to protect Trace at all costs.  Even if it means he may be pushing Trace into the arms of someone else.

"When I make a promise I keep it.  Regardless of whom it hurts, even if it means it hurts me or someone I care about the most.  Sometimes... sometimes in life we're asked to sacrifice something for the greater good." ~ Nixon

"I love you, Trace.  I always have.  Just remember that, okay?  Hold on to it.  No matter what I say or what I do...and trust me, I'll do some terrible things.  Just know.  I love you.  With every fiber of my being." ~ Nixon

Chase.. Oh Chase.  What a total sweetheart!!  Chase had a connection with Trace as well.  Chase was developing feelings for Trace, but did Trace feel the same way?  Did Trace see Chase as more than just a friend?  Was it wrong that Chase had feelings for his cousin's girlfriend?  Would he act on his feelings? When Trace needed someone, Chase was always there.  Was he more to her than she was willing to admit?

I LOVED this book.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Elite, but I was blown away by it.  I wanted to hate Nixon, I really did, but I couldn't.  In the beginning he is such an arrogant prick.  The pain that he caused Trace, I wanted to punch him in his face and kick him in his balls. But after getting the back story on why he did what he did, I don't agree with what he did, but I understand why he did it.  Once the puzzle pieces started to fall together and we get the whole story, I was routing for Nixon and Trace.  Trace and Nixon loved each other.  But sometimes, love isn't enough to keep people together.  Nixon made a promise keep Trace safe at all costs. If being with Trace was going to have her in harms way, Nixon would sacrifice his own happiness to make sure she was safe. 

This book was amazing.  You must ONE CLICK it.  I tip my hat to you Rachel.  You delivered another book that had me wanting more.  I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see where you were going with this story.  You shocked me with some things, and I have to admit, I never saw them coming!!

This review was prepared by Heather. 

ELITE (Book #1)

BLOG TOUR: OUT OF TIME by JEN MCLAUGHLIN

Out of Time by Jen McLaughlin

December 2013

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Desperate to keep him...

I've finally gotten everything I ever wanted: love, freedom, happiness, and, most importantly, Finn. Our love is everything I expected it to be and more. We've finally found each other, but the world seems determined to tear us apart. We thought my father was the only obstacle between us, but now it's the military. With Finn’s departure looming, we’re squeezing in every moment together before we run out of time.

 Trying to make every moment count…

Being Carrie’s bodyguard was one thing. Being her boyfriend is another. Every day she’s mine is a day the sun shines in my life. Yet our time together is running out. Her father will never think a tattooed Marine will be good enough, so I’ll do whatever it takes to be worthy of her love. But the road will take me away from the girl who makes me feel alive--the girl I can't live without.

Time only gets us so far...

 REVIEW:

“The sun’s finally shining.”

I was completely invested in Carrie and Finn since Out of Line so I was eager to see what up next for them. Jen instantly had me hooked from the beginning of the story till the very end; I was not able to put the book down. This book will have you on a very emotional roller coaster ride.  I laughed, I cried, I swooned, and damn those sex scenes were HOT!

Finn and Carrie have finally stopped fighting their feelings for one another. Their love for one another was just too strong that nothing could keep them apart. Finn would continue to be her bodyguard, while taking on the new role of her boyfriend. They just would not disclose their relationship to their families. Carrie’s father will not hesitate to end their relationship once he finds out about them and who knows what he could do with Finn’s future. It is much safer to keep it a secret until they formulate a solid proof plan. Since Finn and Carrie were in California and her family was on the other side of the country, it was easy for them to be caught up in their own little world.

The more time they spend together, the deeper they both fell for one another. It’s as if they depend of each other to live. Finn adores Carrie and will do anything and everything in his power to keep her safe and make her happy. With a fresh start in this relationship, they have promised to be completely open and honest with one another, no more secrets.

“I’m scared your father is going to shove me out of your life when he finds out about us. That he’s going to make you see I’m not good enough for you or your world. But most of all? I’m scared you’ll realize it all on your own without him there to tell you.” ~ Finn

They both come from different worlds. Finn feels that Carrie deserves to be with someone of her status, someone better than him, someone more suitable, and someone her father would approve of. His insecurities are getting the best of him and he is scared out of his mind that one day he might possibly lose her. That one day she will finally realize that he cannot give her everything that she needs and will leave him and break his heart. He has always watched her in her element through the shadows, but a date gone wrong proves he can’t even pretend to try for one night. It isn’t who he is.

Carrie loves Finn for who he is. Status means nothing to her. She has never felt more alive or more whole than when she is with him. He makes her feel these things no one else has ever made her felt. They are it for each other. Carrie cannot and will not lose Finn. She is willing to fight her father and give it all up for her love for Finn.

Finn gets a weird feeling in his gut that something is wrong. Carrie’s father is not being his normal self and isn’t checking in as frequently. This is completely raising flags for Finn. Does he know about their relationship? Did he send someone else to watch over them? He also gets a call that he needs to see his commanding officer on a weekend that he doesn’t need to report. All of these things are putting him pretty much off edge. He doesn’t know how to react towards them and he’s taking his frustration out on Carrie. A number of different scenarios are running through his head and overall, he’s scared that he could lose Carrie as the end result.

As it turns out, Finns gets reassigned by his commanding officer in another country for a few months. This may be a good way to change Finn’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) because Carrie’s father would approve of him a little more once this mission is complete. They need to sacrifice being apart but it will be good for their relationship in the end. As much as they promised no more secrets, Finn is not allowed to forfeit any details about this mission to Carrie and it is killing him on the inside.

“I’m going to tell you this once and once only: I will not leave you. And if you leave, I will always be here waiting for you when you get back. Whether it’s in a few days, a week, or a freaking year. I’ll be here. I’ll be yours.” ~ Carrie

Their time is very limited, so they spend every moment with one another creating as many memories as they possibly can. Not knowing what the future has in store for them, Carrie is determined to prove to Finn that she will not go anywhere. She will wait as long as she needs to for Finn. Finn breaks my heart when he creates on their last night together, their special Christmas. You know he’s hurting on the inside because he doesn’t want to leave her, but he’s trying really hard to be strong for her. He went all out. Got a tree to decorate, he cooked dinner, Christmas music, movie, they decorated, mistletoe and surprised her with a very special gift. It truly was a night to remember.

Will their love be strong enough to withstand the distance? Will Carrie be able to wait for Finn? Can Finn make it out of his mission safely? Will Carrie’s father find out about their relationship? Was Finn leaving for the mission the right thing to do for the both of them? What does the future hold for them now that Finn has left? 

Carrie and Finn will tug at your heart, I know it did mines. The situations that the two were faced with, at such a young age broke my heart. They should be living life and not dealing with these issues. But yet, some of these situations are what people go through on a daily basis. I’ve been rooting for these two since day one and they deserve their happy ending, no one or nothing should be standing in their way. I love the fact that Carrie has opened up more since the first book, she has grown a lot. And Finn has change since he has fell in love with Carrie I didn’t like the big cliffhanger that she leaves you at though. That was not very nice. I can’t wait for the next book of the series. Great job Jen.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

This review was done by Jenn. 

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Jen McLaughlin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She writes steamy New Adult books for the young and young at heart. Her first release, Out of Line, came out September 2013. She also writes bestselling Contemporary Romance under the pen name Diane Alberts.Since receiving her first contract offer under the pen name Diane Alberts, she has yet to stop writing. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, a cat, and a Senegal parrot. In the rare moments when she’s not writing, she can usually be found hunched over one knitting project or another. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name.

Website: http://dianealberts.com/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DianeAlberts

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6921962.Jen_McLaughlin

BUY LINKS:

Out of Line - http://amzn.to/14y2RQQ

Out of Time - http://amzn.to/192wr35

GIVEAWAY

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BLOG TOUR - UNTIL YOU INTERVIEW with JARED and TATE and GIVEAWAY

We’d like to thank Jared and Tate for stopping by Naughty and Nice Book Blog.  We promise that the two of you will leave unscathed.  We are going to ask some tough questions and if you are not comfortable answering them, please let us know.

Jared: "Oh, I will."

We are going to start this interview with Jared, then we will turn our attention to Tate and get her perspective on things.

Jared, why did you feel it necessary to lash out on Tate, when you were hurting?

"I wanted to make myself untouchable. Pushing Tate away—lashing out—it was more about cutting her out of me than cutting her up."

Your words and actions crushed Tate, you made her not want to come to school.  You made her uncomfortable in her own home.  Why did you find it necessary to try and break her?

"I hated that I loved her. I thought that I’d been forgotten. I didn’t see it so much as me trying to break her but me trying to crush the hold she had on me. It was about getting control of myself. Of about not caring for anyone."   

 

How did you feel when Tate said, and I quote “You’re a miserable piece of shit, Jared.  But then, I guess I’d be miserable, too, if my parents hated me.  Your dad left you, and your mom avoids you.  But who can blame them, right?”

"It’s in the book. I really don’t want to go there again."

 

Do you regret the way you treated Tate?

"Everyday."


If you were given an opportunity for a “Do Over”, what would you do?

"I would’ve ripped through the tree the night she got back from Europe and told her everything."

 

Was it hard to tell Tate you needed her?

"Yeah. I think that was when I really realized that I did need her. That I couldn’t get through this world alone like I thought I could."

 

Why did you think Tatum didn’t belong?

"She was better. She was too good for the crowd I ran with. Tate’s smart, driven, and thirsty for the world. I never truly wanted to see her lose any of that and get caught up in bullshit."

 

Did it feel good to finally tell Tate you loved her?

"Kind of. It felt good to let go of the anger and hate, but then I was scared that I was opening myself up to more pain and disappointment. It was hard for me to take chances like that."

Have you let go of the pain from your past concerning your father?

"Does anyone? The damage will always be there to some extent. I have anger, disgust, and a heap of other emotions, but I know he can’t hurt me."

 

Both of your tattoos have meaning.  The script on your side of your torso as well as the lantern on your arm.  Have you gotten anymore?

"I got Until You added to my torso tattoo, and I’m planning another one to cover about half of my back, but I’m not telling anyone what it is yet. Including Tate."  

 

How would you describe the real Tate?

"Snarky. And mine."

 

Did you ever think you and Madoc went too far?

"With Tate? Sure. I’m not a machine. I always felt guilt. But the more I lashed out, the foggier she got to me. It was like she was disappearing from my life and my memories. So I kept doing it, hoping to wipe her away completely.  But it didn’t work."

 

When the Race Master turned the rematch into a rematch of cars but not drivers what did you think?

"Shit. Fuck. Kill."

 

Tell me about the fossil?

"It’s something I need. Tate let me keep it."

 

What did you think about Ben?

"Look, Ben’s a decent guy. He doesn’t talk trash, and he’s nice to people. We’ve always gotten along."

"He was never going to have Tate, though."

 

We are going to bring our attention to Tate.

You tried to hurt Jared with those words, but it appeared that you were hurt more by them.  After those words left your mouth, how did you feel?

"At first, it felt great to lash out and try to tear him apart, but then it didn’t. What I said to him was mean and served only to hurt him. That wasn’t me. I didn’t want Jared hurt. I wanted him to stop."

You mention that a part of you died when your mom died, but when you met Jared that part came back.  That you didn’t hurt anymore.  How did you feel when Jared left you without any explanation as to why?

"At first I was confused. I didn’t know why he was avoiding me, not talking to me, slamming the door in my face when I tried going over to his house. I tried to think over and over again what I could’ve done to make him so mad. And then, I just felt so alone. Like I had absolutely nothing to look forward to the next day."

"Then I got angry." 

When the video of you and Jared went viral, as a reader, I wasn’t sure it was him that did it, yet you automatically you assumed it was.   At that point, Jared was winning your heart over and was showing you how much he loved you.  Do you wish you would have waited to talk to Jared before damaging his car?

"Of course. Now I know the truth, but when it happened, I was anything but calm." 

What did you think when you first found out your best friend was seeing Jared?

"Betrayed." 

And Jared, what were your motives in dating her? Was it just to piss Tate off?

"No. I didn’t really want to take her best friend. I wanted to make her hate me."

Have you forgiven Jared for everything that he has done to you in the past?

"Yes. Jared and I have wasted enough time."

 

Will you ever truly trust Jared 100%?

"We’re working on it."

 

What thoughts went through your mind when Jared asked you to drive his car for the rematch? You seemed confident.

"I had no doubt the race would be easy, and I was thrilled and disappointed at being thrilled. I didn’t want Jared to know that I wanted to do it."

Jared, do you think you have earned Tate’s trust back?

"Trust takes time. If anyone knows that, I do. All I can do is keep trying to prove to her that I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere again."

We’re going to wrap this interview up.  But before we go, we’d like for the both of you to tell us something about each other that we don’t know.  It can be anything.

Tate: "Jared and I dressed up as Darth Vader and Princess Leia for Halloween when we were 11."

Jared: "You had to tell them that? Alright, well…Tate cries every time she watches Rudy. And she watches it a lot. Like it’s still a tear jerker that he gets to play football at the end! After 100 times, you’d think she’d get over the fact that—yes! —Rudy got to play football!"

I would like to thank the two of you for stopping by Naughty and Nice Book Blog. It was a pleasure hanging out with you and getting to know you.
 

 

 

 

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COVER REVEAL - Seducing Lauren by Kristen Proby

ABOUT SEDUCING LAUREN:

In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this USA TODAY bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle series, life in Montana gets spicy when a woman and her divorce lawyer sign off the papers—and sign on to love.

Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy?

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

KRISTEN PROBY is the USA Today bestselling author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.

 

Links:

Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/

Twitter: @handbagjunkie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby

SEDUCING LAUREN Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18123205-seducing-lauren?ac=1




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BLOG TOUR - UNTIL YOU by Penelope Douglas REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

SYNOPSIS:

***This novel contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+. 

Have you ever been so angry that hitting things felt good? Or so numb that you actually felt high? The past few years have been like that for me. Traveling between fury and indifference with no stops in between.

Some people hate me for it, while others are scared of me. But none of them can hurt me, because I don't care about anything or anyone.

Except Tatum.

I love her so much that I hate her. We used to be friends, but I found out that I couldn't trust her or anyone else.

So I hurt her. I pushed her away.

But I still need her. The sight of her centers me, and I can pool all of my anger into her. Engaging her, challenging her, bullying her...they are my food, my air, and the last part of me that feels anything human.

But she left. She went to France for a year, and came back a different girl.

Now, when I push, she pushes back.

REVIEW:

Where do I begin.  Jared bullied Tate, that is undeniable.  But why did he?  After reading Bully, I still couldn't wrap my head around why Jared did what he did.  I couldn't understand why Tatum forgave him for what he did to her for two years.  However, after reading Until You from Jared's POV, it gave me a little more understanding to what motivated Jared.  I actually felt a little sorry for Jared.

Jared and Tate were inseparable.  They were best friends.  They have always loved each other, but at fourteen years old, who really knows how to express their feelings.  Neither one of them told each other how they felt about each other.  When the opportunity arose for Jared to go spend the summer with his father he jumped at it because his feelings were hurt that Tate was going to the movies with another kid. 

Jared was brutally abused by his father that summer and was forced to do unimaginable things with his step-brother.  His father was Satan himself.  When Jared returned home that summer, he was changed.  He was not the happy go lucky boy that left home that June.  When he returned, he was broken, his spirits crushed, and the only way for him to not focus on how much he hated himself and his father, was to focus that attention on something else.  Tate just happened to be on the receiving end of Jared's hatefulness. He pushed away the one person that understood him, loved him, comforted him. He pushed away, Tate. 

While reading Until You, I actually felt compassion for Jared.  To hear what he went through and even though he was bullying Tate, he did some of it just to keep her safe.  He always knew Tate deserved the best.  While he was spreading rumors about her to keep the guys at bay, he did it because he loved her.  He didn't want Tate to end up with someone like him.

Tate couldn't take another year of Jared torturing her, so she opted to spend a year abroad in France.  This was probably the worse year of Jared's life.  Jared needed Tate to feel whole.  He needed to breathe the same air that Tate did.  Jared went on a very destructive past that year while Tate was gone, and ended up getting arrested.  Jared needed guidance in his life, that is where Tate's father stepped in.  He knew Jared was a good kid, he just needed to be placed on the right path. 

When Tate returns home after being gone for a year, she had changed.  She vowed that she was not going to be a victim.  Tate was a new girl and she found her inner strength.

"I'll have you in tears in no time" ~ I promised.  She stared at me, almost amused.  "You've already made me cry countless times." And she raised her middle finger to me.  "Do you know what this is?" she asked as she took it and patted the corner of her eye with it.  "It's me, wiping away the last tear you'll ever get."  And she turned around and walked away.

When Tate stood up for herself, the game had changed.  Jared saw the old Tate.  The strong Tate that he fell in love with when he was just a young boy.  I will be honest.  I wanted to hate Jared for what he did.  It was hard not to hate him, after seeing how he tormented Tate for two years.  BUT, and that is a BIG BUT, I still managed to fall in love with him.  I could see the good in him.  It may have taken him a while to show his true feelings for Tate and when he did, I was ecstatic.  They always say, if a boy teases you, or pulls your hair, that usually means they like you. YES, Jared did do these things as a teenager, he obviously went overboard with it, but all in all, he did what he did because he loved Tate.

I was happy that Tate and Jared got the happily ever after.  The two of them deserve to be with their soul mates.  They are connected on a level that many will never experience.  They are each others.  She is his, and he is hers.

I think my favorite quote in the book is.

"Yesterday Lasts Forever.  Tomorrow Comes Never.  Until You." ~ Jared

Penelope, thank you for giving us Jared's POV.  It helped us readers understand him better.  To see why he did what he did.  To know the torment that he was going through.  It was nice to get a little glimpse into Jared's heart.  To know that it beats for Tate. 

AUTHOR BIO:

Penelope Douglas is a writer and teacher in Las Vegas. Born in Dubuque, Iowa, she is the oldest of five children. Penelope attended the University of Northern Iowa, earning a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, because her father told her to "just get the degree!" She then earned a Masters of Science in Education at Loyola University in New Orleans, because she hated Public Administration. One night, she got tipsy and told the bouncer at the bar where she worked that his son was hot, and three years later they were married. To the son, not the bouncer. They have spawn, but just one. A daughter named Aydan. Penelope loves sweets, the show Sons of Anarchy, and she shops at Target almost daily.

AUTHOR CONTACT INFO:

Website: http://www.penelopedouglasauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PenelopeDouglasAuthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7139136.Penelope_Douglas

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PenDouglas

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/penelopedouglas/



UNTIL YOU ==> Purchase Links: Amazon: http://amzn.to/ItQVel

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H3XQTUW

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/until-you-penelope-douglas/1117613674

iTunes: Coming Soon

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/until-you-6

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/385190

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18260742-until-you

 

SYNOPSIS:

My name is Tate. He doesn't call me that, though. He would never refer to me so informally, if he referred to me at all. No, he'll barely even speak to me.

But he still won't leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I've been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got more sadistic as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went to France for a year, just to avoid him.

But I'm done hiding from him now, and there's no way in hell I'll allow him to ruin my senior year. He might not have changed, but I have. It's time to fight back.

*This novel contains adult/mature young adult situations. It is only suitable for ages 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual situations.

 **This book is the first in a series but can be read as a STAND ALONE. The next books will focus on side characters from this story.

BULLY ==> PURCHASING LINKS
AMAZON - http://amzn.to/14mvSx9

 

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