Heather Gunter's Blog, page 4

Blog Tour: Complicated (Secrets and Lies #2) by M.M. Koenig

Title: ComplicatedSeries: Secrets and Lies #2Author: M.M. KoenigGenre: New Adult/Romantic Suspense
Publication Date: July 22, 2014 - 356 pgsHosted by: Dreams Come True Promotions



Mia Ryan has learned the hard way that her choices can have horrible consequences. Taking an offer that was supposed to get her life back on track was nothing but a ploy. To keep the ones she holds dear safe, she's forced to finish what she started, without any hope of finding out why she was targeted in the first place. Though Mia has Ethan by her side, she can't seem to believe in him, especially since most of his life remains a mystery.

Ethan Fitzgerald has done everything in his power to prove to Mia that she can trust him, but it never seems to be enough to convince her to drop the last wall around her heart. With deep and dark secrets lurking around every corner, he has his own plan to keep Mia from any danger, but it may just shatter their love forever.

There are so many questions – with even more shocking answers – and when Mia uncovers the truth, nothing will ever be the same...





M. M. Koenig was born and raised in Minnesota. She now lives in the Twin Cities area with her loving dog Marley. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology.

M. M. Koenig enjoys being active and has a variety of interests that coincide with her passion for life. Always one to try new things, she has acquired a variety of skills. Her sarcastic nature and multitude of experiences tend to find their way into her novels.

When she has free time and isn't writing, she spends as much time as she can with friends and family. To fuel her soul, she is constantly looking for new music, movies, and books to keep the writer's block at bay.



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Release Day Blitz: Shiver by C.M. Foss

 Title: ShiverAuthor: CM FossRelease Date: Nov 22, 2014


This is a love story.

This is a romantic story.

Except bananas. Bananas are never romantic.

Lissa is a twenty-year-old girl trying to make it in the equestrian world. She’s sassy and smart, strong and a little weird. And she has no idea what she’s doing.

Ethan is twenty-seven, tattooed, tall, dark, and hot. And lugging some baggage. He’s already made it in the business and brings Lissa on to help get her on her feet. And it turns out, he likes a little weird.

Ethan’s made it clear that he’s not in the market for a relationship. Lissa is happy to learn the ropes and push her attraction aside.

But how do you draw the line when every touch makes you…shiver?







It sometimes surprised people how effectively I could tune out the world when I fell into a great read. I didn’t do it in the company of others often because, well, it was pretty rude. My family knew they could talk at me for twenty minutes and I wouldn’t process a word of what they’d said. Ethan had not had the dubious honor of witnessing it.

“Are you reading porn?” he whispered really loudly over my shoulder, startling me into actually dropping the Kindle onto my lap.

I fumbled to keep it from falling to the floor. “What? No!” I whispered back, laughing. “Are you reading over my shoulder?”

“I’ve been trying to talk to you for the past five minutes, and you haven’t heard a word I said. I figured I should see what had you so captivated.”

I started to giggle. “It’s not porn. It’s romance!”

“Romance.” He scoffed. “So you would consider it romantic if my huge cock slapped you in the face?”

I let out an incredibly loud bark of laughter, drawing looks from surrounding passengers. “That is not what it says!” I smacked him in the chest.

“Go on. Enlighten me then.”

“It’s about the emotions, you asshole! The feelings people have when they fall in love. The man who would never settle down finding his other half, who makes him realize he needs no one but her. If a penis inadvertently smacks someone in the face”—I shrugged, grinning wickedly—“well, so be it.”

He threw his arm around me, squeezing me close and kissing the top of my head. “You still fascinate me.” He laughed.

“I still haven’t decided if that’s a good thing or not,” I muttered.






I live in beautiful Northern Virginia with my incredible husband, two awesome kids, three dogs, and two budgies. My husband and I both grew up riding and competing horses and have our own equestrian operation that we run together. In my spare time, I read through the hundreds of stories awaiting me on my e-reader.

My love of books started early, and my mom used to ration my reading time so I didn't go through them too quickly. I love all things romantic, whether it's dark or light or silly or dirty, but I really love a happy ending!

In my small moments of quiet time, you'll find me sipping on wine and reading while any movie where people randomly burst into song or dance plays in the background.



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Release Day Blitz: Sugar Rush (Friend Zone #3) by Belle Aurora

Title: Sugar RushSeries: Friend-Zoned #3Author: Belle AuroraRelease Date: November 21, 2014
"I could not put this book down. It was laugh out loud funny, hot, romantic, sweet, and it even had me tearing up in parts. A perfect addition to an incredible series." ~ The Romance Room
"Ms Aurora has created a group of friends that you can't help but be envious of and want in your own life. You cannot help but fall in love with each and every one of them." ~ BJ's Book Blog

Max Leokov has watched the people around him find love.
At one point in life, he not only wanted that, but lived for it.
He loved once. He loved with all his heart.
His heart broken, he was left to care for his young daughter.

He deserves a second chance.

Helena Kovac has spent years studying.
She has worked her ass off to get her degree.
She doesn't have time for love. Hell, she doesn't have time to mess around, even.
Books and work are her life. Everything else comes second.

When Max and Helena join forces to help his daughter, Ceecee, they are shocked at the spark between them.

A cynic.
A workaholic.

When love hits, it hits hard.

And sometimes, love hurts.



Belle Aurora is twenty seven years old and was born in the land down under. At an early age she fell in love with reading. Boredom one summer had her scouring the bookshelves at home. She stumbled across Sandra Brown's Breath of Scandal and fell in love with romance. Having been brought up in a loud and boisterous family of Croatian descent, she developed a natural love for dramatics and humor. Only some years ago had she discovered a new love. Humorous romance novels. Kristen Ashley and R.L. Mathewson had opened a brand new world where she could lose herself yet feel safe and at home in their stories. Belle has been known to become a screeching banshee while anxiously awaiting their newest titles. Belle never thought she would write. It had never interested her until recently. Friend-Zoned began to form and in February 2013 Belle typed the words Chapter One. And she fell in love. With words. With writing. With a creative imagination she never knew she harbored.
Friend-Zoned is the first in the Friend-Zoned series. Keep an eye out for this cheeky author.

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ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE FRIEND-ZONED SERIES

#1 Friend-ZonedAmazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N | Kobo | iTunes 
#2 Love Thy Neighbour Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B&N | Kobo | iTunes


There is a giveaway for 2 signed paperback sets (each set includes Friend-Zoned & Love Thy Neighbour) + 5 ebooks of Sugar Rush


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Release Launch: Saving Our Hearts (Matters of the Heart #2) by Velvet Reed

Title: Saving Our HeartsSeries: Matters of the Heart #2Author: Velvet ReedRelease Date: 20 November, 2014

When your whole world shatters and time stands still, recovery is never easy. Plans and dreams, ripped apart now seem impossible and finding a steady rhythm for your beating heart seems unattainable.

Cole Tierney and Grace Rivers had a bright, uncomplicated future ahead of them, but the accident changed that. In the aftermath, there are wide reaching consequences, not only for Cole and Grace, but their loved ones too.

Only together can they battle to survive the impact. Is it enough for them to heal and fight for their future?

With just one glimmer of hope before them, will a small miracle have the strength to save their hearts?





Velvet Reed is the pen name of an avid book lover, reviewer and blogger who has turned writer.

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia; she is a city girl at heart but loves the laid back lifestyle of living in country New South Wales. Married to her first and only love, she is a devoted mother of three who juggles her very active children and their many extracurricular activities, working in the middle of the night, running a blog, and writing.

Velvet's love of reading was realized after the death of her amazing father. She used the escape into the fictional world to help her through her grief and post natal depression, not releasing the great impact so many talented authors would have on her life.



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BOOK ONE - THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART** This book is recommended for people over 18 years due to strong language and sexual content.**
Grace Rivers is your everyday twenty-five year old. She could have the world at her feet, but instead chooses to help run the family business. After experiencing great loss early in her life, Grace values what's most important: her family and friends. But she aches to find that certain someone—that one great, passionate love who values family as much as she does.

Cole Tierney loves his life. He has a wonderful family, a loyal best friend and a successful career as an ER doctor. The only downside is he wants someone to share it with. After being used and left heartbroken, he wants to find someone who will love him for him and not his or his family's status.

"Every beat my heart makes is for you. Every time it beats faster it's because of you—because you're near me, because of your smile—because you take my breath away."

Their two hearts collide by chance and an undeniable connection is quickly made.

But when others are plotting against their happiness, will their love flatline, or will the rhythm of their hearts continue to beat as one?

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Blog Tour: Sacrifice (Fate Series #3) by Emersyn Vallis

Don't miss out on the continuation of the fabulous Fate Series by Emersyn Vallis ... book #3 ... Sacrifice is available now!!


Title: SacrificeSeries: Fates #3Author: Emersyn VallisGenre: New Adult RomanceRelease Date: November 16, 2014


For years my life was in a state of Adjournment… 
Fate had constructed a plan to push me away… to save me… 
There was a danger I never knew existed, one I hadn't felt. 
My family positioned themselves around me, like Hanging Pawns, they shielded me from it and I lived blissfully unaware… 
Until now… 
Now, I know there are rules to this game... 
Sacrifices to be made in order to get to End Game... 
What would I Sacrifice for one more moment... one last look… touch… kiss? 
The answer is simple… 
Everything.



Chapter 1
Ignorance isn’t always bliss…
How did I get here? Not this specific seat exactly… I mean here, in this part of my life, where I never would have considered being. I know the events that led me here—my sisters moving back, my parents’ vow renewal, and a weekend that I could have practiced better control.

Could have.

I won’t deny it to myself that I wanted it to happen. I won’t deny it to you either…but Simon…

Well, he doesn’t need to know the truth. He’d be smug and pompous…or should I say he’d be himself. Simon was right about one thing, though. He said nothing about this game would be simple, and so far, it isn’t. If it was, the game would be over by now, and I would be sitting somewhere else having breakfast instead of waiting for him to join us.

Raising my coffee to my mouth, I sit here trying to ignore the pleas of Mea while we wait for everyone to get here.

“Please,” she asks.

“No.” I lean back in my seat staring at her.

“Please.” I watch her cup her hands and bring them up to her chest as she pleads.

“No.”

Here it comes…I can see the anger building, the slight twitch in her eye starting.

“Why not?” She drops her hands and her voice becomes louder than it was a few seconds ago.

Because bothering you is so much fun.

“Because I don’t like women…and I don’t want an assistant,” I tell her.

“Well, you do want an assistant,” Lexi mumbles.

“See!” Mea points to Lexi. “I’ll be so good! I follow you around anyway, and I hate women, too!” She bounces in her chair.

“I know. You’re like a lost little puppy.” My face wrinkles when she starts the face. “Did you forget? You’re Josh’s assistant,” I remind her for the millionth time. “How are we going to explain why you’re suddenly mine?”

We aren’t because she has no answer to that. For months, she’s been Josh’s assistant on set. Actually, if I’m being truthful, she has years of being Josh’s assistant under her belt.

Am I using that as a scapegoat?

Umm, yes!

I have to put up with her all day everyday anyway. I don’t need her as an Ass, too.

“I’m bored with Josh,” she whines, ignoring my question.

That’s nice…I’m sure your husband would like to know he bores you at work.

“Fine,” I groan, taking another mouthful of coffee.

“Really?” Mea’s voice is so happy, so filled with joy.

Stupid question.

“No,” I smirk into my mug so she can’t see me.

It’s not that I don’t like Mea…I like her a lot, actually. She’s just so much fun to tease.

“You’re a jerk,” Mea pouts.

See? Look at that lip. So. Much. Fun.

“We’ve been coming here every Sunday for weeks and every Sunday it starts out the same. Could you just tell her yes and be done with it.” Lexi’s head falls over the back of her chair.

Once again, the problem isn’t her being my Ass. It’s the fact that she is already Josh’s and further more… the girl knows nothing about make-up.

“I don’t know why you want to be my assistant. Like you said, it’s same thing you do now…just follow me around and look busy. Why do you need the title?” I look out the restaurant window, searching for the rest of our group.

“Because when I tell people I’m your assistant, it won’t feel like a lie.” She grabs a menu to look through it.

Wait, what?

“I…you…,” I try to think of something to say.

What a freaking jerk! She just admitted to lying to everyone about being my Ass.

Wait…this makes sense now. Every time someone mentioned giving something to my assistant, I laughed and said yeah.

Dammit! Mea took total advantage of my ignorance!

“This doesn’t make us friends.” I glare at her, still trying not to laugh.

Do I get a say in anything?

“Never.” Mea smiles.

I feel like that answers both my verbal and mental question.

“It doesn’t mean we’re going to be friends, either. We aren’t going to chitchat and gossip. I’m not about to play dress up and do your make-up.” I put my mug down on the table to wiggle my fingers through the air.

“So, cuddling is off the table too, then,” she asks catching me off guard.

Beg your pardon…

“Why the hell would we need to cuddle?” I ask, and Lexi begins to laugh.

“Well, say I’m stuck at your apartment because there’s so much snow outside. Does a sleepover count as all of those things?” She looks at us.

Pressing my lips together, I try to make sense of what she just said.

“Why the frig would you be at my apartment?” I question her.

“Well, why not?” She looks at me then Lexi, whose body is being jolted around by laughter.

“I…I honestly have no answer that you would accept,” I breathe out, exhausted.

“Okay. Can I ask one more question, though?” Mea beams.

“Just one?” I wait for it, trying to mentally prepare myself for the next bizarre thing she might spout out.

I think my eye is starting to twitch.

I need a cup.

Reaching down into my bag, I pull a few out.

“Eh, it depends on your answer…” She looks behind me.

“Fine, go ahead.” I turn to see everyone walking over to us, as I unwrap my medication.

“What if that did happen?” she asks.

That’s the same question with different words!

I’m going to have to make sure this girl never gets the opportunity to come over. I’ll never get her out.

“Then you can sleep on the couch or cuddle with Lexi.” I point to Lexi.

Sweet peanut buttery goodness…you’re the only one who gets me.

“Sidney only cuddles when she’s drunk. Then she’ll do all those things…play with your hair and gossip, the whole nine yards. Other than that, she’s a stick in the mud,” Lexi laughs.

I must attract people like this.

“She’s going to make me be her friend, isn’t she?” I ask Simon when he pulls out his seat next to me.

“I would love to tell you that you have a choice, but I think she’s going to win this one.” He lightly pinches my cheek.

Releasing a heavy sigh, I agree. “Thank you for not lying to me.”



Emersyn Vallis is a first time author with Adjournment being the first book in the Fated Series. Currently residing on the east coast with her husband and three children she is typically mistaken for being quiet and reserved her friends often describe her as a spastic spider monkey and always the first to be there with her quick wit to pull you back up when you’re feeling down. After reading as a hobby for most of her life it wasn’t until she had discovered R. L. Mathewson’s ‘Neighbor from Hell Series’ and Tara Sivec’s ‘Playing with Fire Series’ that she came up with the idea to fuse comedy and suspense together and her passion for writing was born.


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Release Week Event: For the Record (Record #3) by K.A. Linde

Don't miss the Release Day Party on November 18th from 4-10 pm.  Access the Facebook Event here . A ton of amazing authors will be attending - here is the schedule: 
4:00 -- Lauren Blakely4:30 -- Geneva Lee5:00 -- CD Reiss5:30 -- RE Hunter6:00 -- Mia Asher6:30 -- Kari March7:00 -- K Bromberg7:30 -- Viv Daniels8:00 -- Corinne Michaels8:30 -- Claire Contreras9:00 -- BA Wolfe9:30 -- EK Blair



With Congressman Brady Maxwell up for reelection and journalist Liz Dougherty about to graduate into a promising career, the ambitious couple’s future is brighter than ever. They share a passion for their work…and for each other. But when Brady holds a press conference to officially introduce Liz as his girlfriend, reporters hungry for a scandal bombard her. Now, her every move is under a vicious magnifying glass, and her life feels like it’s falling apart.

On the road to reelection, the passionate bond between the congressman and the journalist gets tested at every stop. Threatened by shameless media sensationalism and jealous exes, Brady and Liz now have to learn to trust each other despite what they read in the papers.

In the finale to USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde’s sexy Record trilogy, Liz and Brady may be setting off fireworks along the campaign trail, but can their love transcend politics as usual?




Brady. He was here. He had come to pick her up. A million emotions hit her all at once. Her heart ached as it pounded fiercely in her chest. She had missed him so much. The weeks had stretched interminably long.

She caught his eyes and her stomach flopped.

Without a thought for Victoria, Daniel, or her discarded bags, she dashed across the airport. She felt she was in a movie as she rushed toward the man she loved. When she reached him, she threw herself into his arms. Her body thudded against his chest and she pressed her face into his shoulder. His arms pulled her flush against him and he hoisted her up so that her feet tucked up behind her. He smelled unbelievably masculine and delicious. The strength in the embrace grounded her, and everything felt right in the world.

“Hey baby,” Brady whispered in her ear.








USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde has written the Avoiding series and the Record series as well as the new adult novels Following Me and Take Me for Granted. She grew up as a military brat traveling the United States and Australia. While studying political science and philosophy at the University of Georgia, she founded the Georgia Dance Team, which she still coaches. Post-graduation, she served as the campus campaign director for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An avid traveler, reader, and bargain hunter, K.A. lives in Athens, Georgia, with her fiancé and two puppies, Riker and Lucy.



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Off the Record (Record #1) On the Record (Record #2) For the Record (Record #3)



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• Signed set of the series

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Blog Tour: Healed (Embracing Series #5) by Delisa Lynn

Title: HealedSeries: an Embracing Series Novel #5Author: Delisa Lynn


Alyssa Sommers’ dreams came crashing down when she was a senior in high school after a tragic accident leaves her broken and scarred. She seeks comfort in all of the wrong men. But, starting law school revives her hope. She needs to move on. She needs to bury her scars.

When Alyssa meets Heath, she can’t even breathe. He reminds her so much of him, the way he smiles, his laugh and even his eyes. They’re constant reminders of the past that haunts her. Can she let down her guard, let his love heal her?
Heath Mason thought he had it all. He has a successful business as a realtor, an amazing girlfriend that he might be ready to propose to, everything seems right. But things can change in the blink of an eye. His amazing woman hasn’t been honest. Moving on seemed impossible, until he met Alyssa. 
Can their summer romance heal them both when secrets and the tragedy of their pasts catch up with them?

Sometimes love is blind. Sometimes love can hurt. Sometimes love can heal.











More than a memory by Miranda Lambert
Human by Christina Perri
I don’t want to miss a thing by Areosmith
If I didn’t have you by Thompson Square
Wish you were here by Avril Lavigne
Scars by Papa Roach
Rabit Cage by Emily Wolfe
Sorry by BuckCherry
You’ll think of me by Keith Urban
She will be loved by Maroon 5
We belong together by Gavin DeGraw
Who I am with you by Chris Young
Stop and Stare by One Republic
Someone Like you by Adele
I found Someone by Blake Shelton
I drive your truck by Lee Brice
Love your memory by Miranda Lambert
One more night by Maroon 5



My name is Delisa Lynn, I grew up in Columbus Ohio. I’m currently residing in Western New York, where I work as a Medical Assistant. I love music, all generations, I do have a soft spot for country and 80’s hair bands. My favorite season is fall, I love the weather that time of the year, watching the leaves change and most of all being able to watch football. Go Bucks!! I am also a 49ers fan and New York Yankees fan. My favorite color is pink, not baby pink hot pink. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, we’ve been together going on nineteen years, sometimes I can’t stand him but I wouldn’t trade him for the world. I love you Jay. Our baby is a five year old spoiled Yorki named Sophie and yes she thinks she is human.

I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing. I have very vivid imagination and have always felt I should express it in writing. But I took a different career path, I worked in retail photography for sixteen years. Then I chose to work in the medical field. Last year, I decided I was going to follow my dream and write a novel. I never imagined it would turn into a series with eight books. I’m so glad it did, because I love it. When I’m not writing you can find me snuggled with my hubby watching a movie, or cuddled in the corner of the couch with my fur baby reading.

I hope you all enjoy reading my books as much as I did writing them.

Cover Reveal: Becoming Rain (Burying Water #2) by K.A. Tucker

Title: Becoming RainSeries: Burying Water #2Author: K.A. TuckerGenre: New Adult Romantic SuspenseRelease Date: March 3, 2015Publisher: Atria BooksCover Reveal organised by: InkSlinger PR


Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.




Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.





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And don’t forget BURYING WATER, the first book in this thrilling series…
The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away.

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?

Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.

The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.

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Book Blitz: In Too Deep Series by Michelle Kemper Brownlow

In Too Deep (In Too Deep #1)
Gracie has just finished her freshman year of college in Memphis when she takes a job at a local pizza joint in her home town of McKenzie, Tennessee. She is the epitome of innocence when she meets Noah. Noah is unabashedly handsome, intriguingly reckless and just cocky enough to be sexy. Gracie’s instincts tell her to stay far away from him and based on the stories she hears from her co-workers he leaves broken hearts in his wake. But still, she can’t explain her fascination with him.

Noah puts aside his bad boy ways when what he thought was a summer crush has him unexpectedly falling in love. But soon after Gracie transfers to UT Knoxville to be with Noah, their unexpected love becomes riddled with anger, deceit and humiliation.

Jake, Noah’s former roommate and Gracie’s best friend, can no longer be a bystander. Gracie’s world falls out from beneath her and when she breaks she turns to Jake for strength. As Jake talks her through a decision she’s not yet strong enough to make, together they uncover a truth so ugly neither of them is prepared for its fallout. Will Jake pull her to the surface or is Gracie Jordan finally In Too Deep?




“Talk to me.” Jake scooted closer and tucked my hair behind my ear. I rolled over onto my back and crossed my arms over my stomach.

“Jake. I hate that I am even going to say this out loud, but…Noah makes me feel like an idiot sometimes. I mean, part of why he was so taken by me in the beginning was because of how innocent I was. He liked that I was so naïve and didn’t know about a lot of things. And now, it seems like he isn’t happy unless I sacrifice that for him.”

“Hm. That’s messed up.”

“Do you think less of me for smoking pot, Jake?”

“Gracie, our mistakes don’t define us, they help us make the choices that will one day be woven into who we become.”

“Wow.”

“What?”

“You’re deep at two a.m.”

“Gracie, you can’t let him steal who you are. You need to make choices based on who you are…right here.” He poked his finger into my chest. “Don’t make decisions because Noah is standing behind them convincing you they are the right choices for you.”

“See, it makes so much sense when you say it. If I am thinking of someone else in the same situation, I would give them that exact advice, although not as scholarly as you just did.” I giggled and poked him in the bare chest that was peeking out above his comforter.

“So, take your own advice, Gracie.”

“It’s not that easy. It’s like he’s got strings tied to my emotions and my common sense. I can’t seem to think for myself when he wants me to do something I’ve never done before.”

“Does he make you feel guilty if you don’t want to?”

“Sometimes, but mostly he just makes me feel stupid. Like I’m too immature to make a sound decision. So, he makes it for me.”

“Gracie! Only you should be controlling the things you are doing with your mind…and…your body. Gracie, please don’t let him take things from you that you aren’t ready to give. Promise me.”

“It’s not like that, Jake. It’s not like he knows he’s making me feel that way. I just do. I guess maybe I am just reading into his expressions and assuming what he’s thinking. Maybe I am just too insecure around him to think straight sometimes.”

“I wouldn’t doubt that he knows exactly what he’s doing. I’ve seen him in action.”

I had never been conscious of the things we spoke about in Jake’s bed. It was like pieces came together when Jake and I spoke. My thoughts flowed freely and they made sense. I never felt like I had to be anyone but me when I talked to Jake. He was so comfortable. I rolled over on my side again so I could see him as he spoke.

“You shouldn’t be with someone who makes you feel that way, Gracie. Look, Noah is my friend but I have seen what he can do. He’s crushed more than a few girls on this campus. I know we’ve all seen him make a big change, but you still have to be careful.”

“I know, Jake. He wouldn’t hurt me on purpose. I know he loves me. I think he just wants me to be a little more adventurous. I think he gets sick of the goody-two-shoes-Gracie.”

“The Gracie I know,” he laid his hand on my cheek and kissed me on the tip of my nose, “is one of the most incredible people I have ever met. Her smile lights up a room and everyone feels her joy because, take it or leave it, she comes with no pretenses. You get all of her. The second you meet her, you’ve got her heart. And her security in her convictions is what makes her shine.”

Tears flowed in a stream across my face and onto the pillow under my head. Jake gently placed his hand on the side of my face and wiped the tears away with his thumb.

“Oh, Jake.” I sobbed out his name and crumbled in his bed. I didn’t know how he could still see me as the girl he just described. I wasn’t sure I even remembered her.

“Come here, Gracie. Let me hold you.” He lifted the covers so I could climb under. He enveloped me in all that was Jake—his strength, his honesty and an indescribable level of friendship I never knew existed. I didn’t know what was to come with Noah, but I knew Jake would never walk away from me. I didn’t know how to do life without him.





On Solid Ground (In Too Deep #2)
Gracie survived an emotionally abusive relationship that wrecked her. Her ex, Noah, systematically chipped away at her self-esteem through intimidation, humiliation and infidelity which left Gracie unable to trust her own perception of his intentions. But after falling head over heels for Jake, her best friend and the man who stood by her through it all, she is ready to experience life in the way it was meant to be lived. However, Gracie may find it impossible to simultaneously heal from the trauma of abuse while navigating a relationship with Jake. Can she put her heart on hold in order to heal her soul? The sequel to the five-star debut novel, In Too Deep, chronicles Gracie's steps toward healing as she falls deeper in love, reaches out for help, stands on her own, steps out of her comfort zone, faces her biggest fears, and reconnects with a sensual, talented soul from her past all in hopes of finding herself on solid ground




I felt my phone buzz against my leg.

Sam. 
I answered just as the waitress brought Becki’s food and a carafe of coffee for me. I smiled to thank her, phone glued to my ear.

“Gracie,” he started talking before I even said hello. “Honey, tell me you’re okay.”

“Sam, I’m okay. I’m with Becki, and I really don’t want to talk about anything right now. I’m just trying to clear my head. How did you know—”

I was pretty sure I knew the answer to my question though he answered before I finished it.

“I just got off the phone with Jake.”

“Are you angry with me, Sam?”

“Angry? No. I’m worried about you. And him. You guys are…” His voice trailed off as Becki took her seat and started in on her home fries.

“I know. With all my heart, I didn’t want to walk away from Jake, but I just need some time, that’s all.” I spoke, and Becki mouthed his name and cocked her head, questioning if that was who was on the phone. I nodded.

“I get that. I guess I just needed to hear it from you.”

“I don’t want to hurt him, Sam. He feels like I can only love him with part of my heart because he feels like Noah still holds the rest.”

Becki’s eyes bulged, and Sam went silent. This was a great way to talk it out, to both confidantes at the same time. Stacy would probably be pissed I wasn’t sharing this with her, but I was so pained by the decision to walk away from Jake, I couldn’t bear saying it any more than I already had. Plus, I couldn’t afford a call to Florence, which is where she was when she’d posted pictures online the night before.

It literally brought pain to my chest, thinking of Jake pacing in his apartment, running his hands through his hair, and mumbling to himself, trying to understand and digest what was happening. But, how could I be selfish and stay with him if being with him only reminded him of the part of my heart he thought he would never hold?

I ended up putting Sam on speaker and the three of us talked it out for over an hour. My heart had stopped racing, and I wasn’t shaking as much, but my thoughts were still frantic and open-ended. When Becki went up to the register to pay the check, I took Sam off speaker and finished our conversation.

“Gracie, he wants what’s best for you, and if putting an end to the relationship is best, he will be okay. It will hurt him, and he will have to heal, but he’s more about your happiness than his own. You know that.”

“I know, Sam. I just want him to be happy, but maybe that won’t happen with me.”

“Gracie, how about you start focusing on you and what makes you happy…and whole. If you stop worrying about how your decisions will affect other people, you may find the answers to your questions and comfort in place of your doubt.”

“What the hell? Are you reading that out of a book?” I giggled. I knew Sam was deep and emotional—I’d seen that side of him before—but it wasn’t usually something that happened between the two of us. He usually just let Jake do the talking and pulled a “yeah, what he said” kind of follow-up.

“Hey! Jake isn’t the last romantic stud on the planet. There are a few more of us around. Thanks for doubting my soft side.”

“Aww, Sam, I don’t doubt your romantic side. Thanks for your advice. It makes a lot of sense, and it’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

“I’m always here for you, too. Jake isn’t the only collegiate Superman, you know.”

“I know. Thanks, Sam.”

“I love you, Gracie.”

“I love you, too. Talk soon?”

“Hope so.”

Becki was sitting across the table having just walked into a whole lot of mush at the end of my conversation with Sam. “What the hell is with you?” She stood and motioned toward the door. “You have two of the most amazing men on the planet wound around your finger. Why…how? Nevermind. You piss me off.” She chuckled and bumped into me with her hip as we walked out the door.






Above the Noise (In Too Deep #3)
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.




Excerpt










Becki

The first time Calon and I drank together was after one of their shows when he walked me back to my dorm. The guys didn’t usually drink during a show, but a big storm rolled in that night just as their first set started. The atmosphere inside Mitchell’s unexpectedly turned from a slamming rock sound to an acoustic vibe when the lights went out. Gracie ran around and gathered as many candles as she could from the back room, and we all helped her light them and place them on the silent speakers all around the stage. Calon and the guys enjoyed beer after beer and did a show like I’d never seen from them. It was rustic with a little folk-funk. The bar’s patrons sang along in the glow of about forty container candles of all different sizes. Calon sat center stage on a stool and sang away the hours with his guitar resting on his thigh. The whole night was ethereal and quaint and very fucking sexy.

He asked if he could walk me home again, which was exactly what I’d hoped for. When we crossed the road right outside of Mitchell’s, Calon grabbed my hand, and we ran for the opposite sidewalk that led across campus and up to my dorm. Electricity ran through the hand he held, I was sure he could feel it because he didn’t let go.

He told me groupie stories for the entire length of our walk to my room. I was laughing when I pushed my door open. Being a little tipsy, I tripped and fell into him, pinning him against the open door. My hands landed on his chest, and, in an attempt to keep up both upright, his strong hands grabbed my hips. My mind shot back to the thoughts I’d had earlier while watching his deft fingers move on the strings of his guitar.

His t-shirt was damp from sweat, and his curls tickled my forehead when he laughed. It was one of those moments you see in movies when the couple finds themselves in a compromising position and they freeze; chests heaving, mouths agape, and hearts racing. His eyes searched my face, but for what I didn’t know.

I pushed off his chest and, a bit shaken, walked to the mini fridge and grabbed the bottle of vodka from the top freezer portion.

“Shots?” I spun around and took in all of him; dark curls, sultry green eyes, an intense stare, and lips I could entertain for days.

“Absolutely.” He let the door close, plopped down on my bed, and leaned back against the wall, his legs so long they hung at a weird angle not quite touching the floor. He had a hole in his jeans just below his front pocket, which puckered when he sat. I had a hard time diverting my attention from it.

I was completely oblivious to what my heart was capable of at that point, so the alcohol was an attempt to loosen up before we started making out. This was the token third time he’d been to my room, and that’s just how it typically worked. The guy comes back the third time after not getting laid the first two, you know they want it, or they’d have given up after the second night of blue balls.

We did a couple shots and laughed about random shit, and then there was the uncomfortable silence; it was deafening. I decided to make the first move before it got really awkward. I turned on the twinkling lights that hung above my bed and turned off the overhead fluorescents. I climbed onto the bed on my knees facing Calon and reached for his face to pull him in for a kiss. He stopped me and held me still by the wrists.

“Becki, I’m not here for that.” He loosened his grip on my wrists, and I dropped my hands in my lap.

“Oh.” Fuck. He wasn’t interested. It was one thing to be turned down by the conceited freak from my study group, but to be turned down by a hot rock star who probably hits every piece of ass offered to him sliced a little deeper. I brushed it off like it didn’t bother me, but it did.

“No, no. Listen.” He took my chin between his thumb and finger and pulled my face a little closer to his. “I am extremely attracted to you, Becki. I love your personality, and you’re gorgeous, so my comment wasn’t a rejection.” He smiled, and I felt like a complete idiot, a slutty idiot.

“It’s okay, I get it. It was stupid for me to—”

“Shh. No regrets, Becki. You’re attracted to me, too, and I’m glad. I’m just not one to rush into that kind of thing.” He dropped his hand from my chin, and it joined my hands in my lap. I held his hand with both of mine.

“Wow. I’m pretty sure you’re the first rock star in history to turn down a groupie.” I rolled my eyes and got up to pour more shots. Calon followed me over to the mini fridge, put his hands on my waist and spun me around. His thumbs touched my skin when my Marilyn Monroe tank flounced with my spin.

“I don’t see you as a groupie, Becki, and I’m technically not turning you down. I can’t explain it, but I feel like there’s more here between us, a connection that we should pay attention to.” He rubbed the outside of my bare arms with his warm, strong hands. Those fingers…








  


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.


Visit my Author blog: MICHELLE KEMPER BROWNLOW
Follow me on Twitter: @MK_Brownlow
"Like" me on facebook: Michelle Kemper Brownlow/ Author



BOOK BLITZ HOSTED BY:

Release Launch: Love, in Spanish (LIE #2) by Karina Halle

The companion to the highly emotional, scandalous and USA Today Bestselling love story -
LOVE, IN ENGLISH - is finally here! 
Love, in Spanish is a lengthy Love, in English follow-up novella of about 50K words, told from Mateo Casalles' POV. Love, in Spanish touches on some events that happened in Love, in English (you know the ones!) while expanding on Vera and Mateo's "happily ever after." 
Note: It should be read after Love, in English and it is mostly new material 
***Love, in Spanish contains the first two chapters of Where Sea Meets Sky, a full-length Love, in English spinoff starring Vera's brother, Josh Miles, coming March 2015 from Atria Books***


Title: Love, in SpanishSeries: Love In English #2Author: Karina HalleHosted by: InkSlinger PR

“She sat beside me on the bus – and she changed my whole life.”

Successful, wealthy and absurdly handsome – Spanish ex-football player Mateo Casalles seemed like he had it all. A high-society wife, an adorable little girl, and flashy apartments in Madrid and Barcelona only sweetened the deal. But there was more to Mateo than met the eye – a life of uncertainty and regret that colored his black and white world.

That was until Vera Miles came into his life like a shooting star. Tattooed, wild and young, Vera seemed like Mateo’s polar opposite at first. But you can’t choose who you fall in love with and the two lost souls did everything they could to be together, all while suffering the grave consequences.

Now with Mateo divorced and living in Madrid with Vera, there is a whole new set of challenges and setbacks facing the couple and rocking the foundation of their star-crossed relationship.

Unfortunately for them, the brighter the star, the faster they burn.


 



With her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term "Hybrid Author." Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she's a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA...whenever possible.Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiancé and rescue pup.


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He’s thirty-eight. I’m twenty-three.

He speaks Spanish. I speak English.

He lives in Spain. I live in Canada.

He dresses in thousand-dollar suits. I’m covered in tattoos.

He’s married and has a five-year old daughter.

I’m single and can’t commit to anyone or anything.

Until now. Because when they say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, boy ain’t that the f*#king truth.

***

To a restless dreamer like Vera Miles, it sounded like the experience of a lifetime. Instead of spending her summer interning for her astronomy major, she would fly to Spain where she’d spend a few weeks teaching conversational English to businessmen and women, all while enjoying free room and board at an isolated resort. But while Vera expected to get a tan, meet new people and stuff herself with wine and paella, she never expected to fall in love.

Mateo Casalles is unlike anyone Vera has ever known, let alone anyone she’s usually attracted to. While Vera is a pierced and tatted free spirit with a love for music and freedom, Mateo is a successful businessman from Madrid, all sharp suits and cocky Latino charm. Yet, as the weeks go on, the two grow increasingly close and their relationship changes from purely platonic to something…more.

Something that makes Vera feel alive for the first time.

Something that can never, ever be.

Or so she thinks

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