Blog Tour Review: Rebel Heart by LK Farlow

 

     

Rebel Heart by LK Farlow

Release Day: July 26th

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: Jersey Girl Design

     

     

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BLURB

She wants to see him get wild and he thinks she needs Jesus.

When AJ Adams is coerced into tutoring Brock Larson, she can’t help but wonder what she’s done to deserve such an epic punishment. He’s the very definition of an All-American good boy—and a total kiss ass. He’s the perfect son, the perfect student, and according to rumor, by far the best golfer the university has ever seen. Puh-lease. If he’s so perfect, why does he need tutoring?

With his British Literature grade circling the drain, Brock knows he needs help. But when he meets his tutor, he can’t believe his friggin’ luck. Abby Jane no longer resembles the childhood best friend he used to play hide and seek with. No, she’s all attitude and pink hair and tattoos. Oh, and she hates him, so that’s a plus.

Brock and AJ couldn’t clash more and antagonizing one another is just too easy. But, as they spend more time together, the lines begin to blur, leading them to realize they have more in common than what meets the eye.

Hate. Lust. Love. They all look the same when you’re in denial, and everyone knows you can’t control your rebel heart.

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My Review:

My rating:  5 stars

Source:  Egalley received from Candi Kane PR which did not influence my opinion.

Once I picked this one up, I read it almost straight through in a 24-hour period, interruptions of course by work, driving to and from work, etc.  I stayed up late to read it and could barely put it down when I was on break at work.  It was a fun, sexy read.  I love that Schmidt was a favorite character on the show New Girl, since he is my favorite as well.   

Abby Jane, or AJ as she prefers to go by, had one of the most hilarious best friends possible, Stacia, which you can get a glimpse of in the excerpt below.  And then there's Brock.  Yeah, he's an athlete, but he's a golfer, so it's funny all the ways that AJ tries to insult him as a jock, that just don't fit a golfer.  

But it wasn't just a fun, fluffy, light romance. There were some family moments that were very emotional.  There was the bit at the end that drove them apart, even if it was just one of the usual misunderstandings that are in romance stories.  It worked well, and I LOVED the way that Brock went about getting AJ back.  Again, Stacia is totally the best friend a girl could have or want to have.  

A fun, page-turner, barely put the book down read.  Steamy, sexy, and funny, another favorite read of mine this year!  Yet another new-to-me author I'll be keeping on my radar from now on.
       

       

EXCERPT:

When I reach her door, I take a deep, calming breath and knock. I’m

expecting her to answer, so it throws me when her friend Stacia is who

greets me instead. “Come on in. AJ’ll be down in a sec.”

 

“Tell her no rush, she can take all the secs…” I snap my mouth shut

and shake my head at myself. “Fuck. Never mind.”

 

Stacia laughs and quirks a brow at me. “Got sex on the brain, Mr.

Larson?” When I don’t reply, she keeps going. “Are you thinking about

fucking Ms. Adams? About sticking your sausage into her love muffin?”

Now we’re both laughing. “Planning to play a rousing game of hide the

salami? Or do you just want to eat her taco?”

 

It’s that very minute Abby Jane steps into the room, and we

immediately stifle our laughter. “Did someone say tacos?”

 

At that, Stacia and I lose it all over again. Stacia regains her

composure first. “Well. Y’all have a lovely evening. Be safe—use

condiments…I mean condoms.”

           

About LK Farlow

LK Farlow (A.K.A Kate) is a small town girl with a love for words. She's been writing stories for as long she can remember. A Southern girl through and through, Kate resides in beautiful, sunny LA--that's Lower Alabama, y'all--with her amazing husband and three rambunctious children. When she's not writing, you can find her snuggled up on the couch watching car shows while she crochets or with her nose in a book.

     

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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlkfarlow/

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Book Blitz with Giveaway: Links by Lisa Becker

Book info
Title:  Links
Author:  Lisa Becker
Publication date: August 1st, 2017
Genres: Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

In high school, Charlotte Windham was a typical student going through an awkward phase — glasses and all. She harbored a crush on Garrett Stephens, the teen heartthrob everyone can’t help but fall for during that unfortunate ugly duckling phase of one’s teen years. Flash forward fifteen years later, and Charlotte and Garrett have a second chance encounter at a Los Angeles restaurant. However, this time around, Charlotte has leveled the playing field. She’s a bestselling novelist and no longer “Glasses,” the humiliating nickname Garrett called her in high school. In short, she’s a catch now and, thanks to corrective eye surgery, it’s not just her eyes that see better…so does her heart! Garrett hasn’t fared poorly either, transforming from teen heartbreaker to adult lothario. A now successful professional golfer, he’s recently suffered a major setback in the form of a possible career-ending injury. With the upper hand, can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and for his more recent Don Juan lifestyle? Will she even want to? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be the perfect fit for him?

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

As I race to the restaurant, I scowl knowing Mom’s going to have my head. Actually, she’s probably used to it by now. I’m surprised they don’t give me fake arrival times knowing I’m always ten minutes behind.
I rush through the revolving door of the restaurant, through the bar, and smack into a woman. She brushes against my bum shoulder and the pain burns right through me. Minding the manners Mom hammered into me from a young age, I mutter, “Sorry,” when I’m honestly not. I look down and notice something familiar about her.
“Hi, Garrett,” she says, sharing a small smile. “It’s been a long time. How are you?”
“Um. I’m fine.” My brows furrow as I wrack my brain trying to figure out who the hell this woman is. She’s short, about five two and roughly my age. I glance down and notice full, round breasts, slightly wide hips and thick thighs. Not my usual type, so I’m pretty sure I haven’t slept with her. At least I don’t have to worry about that embarrassing scene. She’s got chocolate brown eyes, looking at me with warmth. “And…how are you?” Shaking my head I am still trying to place her.
“I’m doing well,” she replies, her smile growing.
“I’m glad to hear that,” I say, trying to be polite and end this awkward reunion that clearly has me clueless.
“Well…I guess I should go.” She turns back and waves to a woman sitting in a far booth of the restaurant. On further inspection, she’s waved to Lindsay, my sister, who of course made it to our family lunch on time. Seated with her are my parents, with Mom frowning at me and shaking her head. Like she didn’t expect I would be late. Marcus isn’t here yet either. Guess the twin thing really does run deep.
“You know Lindsay?” I ask her.
“Uh, yeah,” she says, with a small chuckle and a noticeable hint of sarcasm.
“My parents?”
“Of course,” she says, shaking her head slightly like it’s hitting her I have no damn clue who she is. Then she confirms my suspicions and just lays it on the line. “You don’t know who I am, do you?” Her eyes are alight with humor.
“Umm. I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage,” I splutter, rubbing my hand behind my neck — my tell — before flashing her my most charming, dimpled smile. Before she can respond, a lady in her mid-sixties with salt and pepper hair wearing an outfit appropriate for someone twenty years younger — but this is LA after all — walks over.
“Pardon the interruption,” she begins. “I would just be kicking myself if I got home and didn’t take advantage of telling you what a big fan I am.”
“Oh, thank you,” I say, turning on the faux charm I reserve for situations such as this.
“My husband and I loved your book.” The lady turns fully toward this mystery woman. “I wish I had it with me for you to sign. Maybe I could get your autograph on something else?” I cock my head to the side and watch Mystery Woman. She turns back toward the elderly lady and smiles sincerely.
“Sure. I’d be happy to sign something.”
The lady reaches into her oversized zebra-print bag and produces a pen and small notepad. She hands them to Mystery Woman and turns to me, smiling.
“Who should I make this out to?” asks Mystery Woman.
“Donna and Frank. Your dear friends, Donna and Frank.”
“My…dear…friends…Donna…and…Frank,” Mystery Woman murmurs aloud as she writes a note. Watching her autograph the note, I can’t help the grin spreading across my face. Once she finishes, Donna reads through the note, her eyes widening with delight.
“Thank you, Charley,” she says.
“My pleasure,” replies Charley — Charley? — who looks tickled.
“Charley?” I say, racking my brain to no avail.
“Yes,” replies Donna with pride. “You are standing with the brilliant novelist Charley Windham.” She turns back to Charley before walking away. “Thank you again, dear.”
“Charley Windham?”
“Uh-huh,” responds Charley, giving me a look like I should piece it together.
“Charley Windham. Why does that name sound so familiar?” I rub my hand on the back of my neck while Charley looks at me with amusement. “Wait, you’re Charley Windham. Who wrote The Crossing Guard?” Charley shakes her head and laughs.
“That’s me.” Charley giggles, unable to control the wide smile spreading across her face.
“Yes. Now I know. I read your book. In fact, everyone on the tour read it. You couldn’t walk around a locker room or airport terminal without seeing someone with it in their hands.”
“That’s nice to hear.” She grins at me with her head tilted and nodding her head slightly up and down, giving me the impression she’s waiting for me to say more.
“That explains who you are, and I get you would know who I am, but how do you know my family?”
“That is the question of the moment, isn’t it?” she says, smiling smugly.
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Immensely.” She is grinning unabashedly.

Book Trailer:

Author Bio:

Lisa Becker is a romance writer whose previous novels include Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click. The books, about a young woman's search for love online in Los Angeles, have been called, “a fast read that will keep you entertained,” “a fun, quick read for fans of Sex and the City,” and “hard to put down.” The first in the series was optioned for a major motion picture.
Lisa’s writings about online dating have been featured in Cupid’s Pulse, GalTime.com, Single Edition, The Perfect Soulmate, Chick Lit Central and numerous other book blogs and websites.

As Lisa's grandmother used to say, "For every chair, there's a rush." Lisa is now happily married to a man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone!

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube

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Review with Author Interview: Links by Lisa Becker

Book info:

Title:  Links
Author:  Lisa Becker
Genre: Adult sports romance, second chance romance
Release Date:  August 1st, 2017
Publisher:  Desert Breeze Publishing
Source:  ARC received from author for honest review
My rating:  4 stars

Synopsis:
In high school, Charlotte Windham was a typical student going through an awkward phase -- glasses and all. She harbored a crush on Garrett Stephens, the teen heartthrob everyone can’t help but fall for during that unfortunate ugly duckling phase of one’s teen years. Flash forward fifteen years later, and Charlotte and Garrett have a second chance encounter at a Los Angeles restaurant. However, this time around, Charlotte has leveled the playing field. She’s a bestselling novelist and no longer “Glasses,” the humiliating nickname Garrett called her in high school. In short, she’s a catch now and, thanks to corrective eye surgery, it’s not just her eyes that see better…so does her heart! Garrett hasn’t fared poorly either, transforming from teen heartbreaker to adult lothario. A now successful professional golfer, he’s recently suffered a major setback in the form of a possible career-ending injury. With the upper hand, can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and for his more recent Don Juan lifestyle? Will she even want to? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be the perfect fit for him?  

Purchase links: 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073YSDD6T/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1500234828&sr=8-2&keywords=lisa+becker

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/links-lisa-becker/1126897467?ean=2940158588785
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/links-6  


My review:
I am finding that I really do like books that we get both of the main characters' viewpoints, chapter by chapter, and this fits into that perfectly.  We get both Charlotte and Garrett's thoughts in basically alternating chapters.  Because of this, it makes you a little irritated with Charlotte at being so hesitant.  Although I understand her trepidation, having been in the same types of situations as a nerdy high school girl with crushes on the cute, popular guys.  But you're definitely rooting for Garrett, as he has become a pretty good guy, even to the point of realizing what he did when he was younger was stupid, or at least he knew it was part of being a stupid teenage male.  The grown up Garrett is all about doing what he can to convince Charlotte he is a good guy and truly interested in her, by getting to be friends with her first.  But even when he can tell that the two of them are definitely starting to feel as if they are more than friends, he has to fight to get her to see him that way.  While you can see how she might get the right idea with the last little hang-up at the end, I felt that she definitely overreacted, especially after getting to know Garrett as well as she did, and after how he'd told her how he felt about her and wanted more than friendship.  

Overall it was a very sweet and easy summer read.  It had a little bit of sex, but not a ton.  It really got into a lot of situations, and I feel like Charlotte was pretty realistic in how she handled it all.  I loved when she got to get back at a college frenemy, as well as Chapter 48, and the very last chapter.  If you're looking for a perfect summer read, this is one you should pick up.

 Book Trailer:

 Excerpt:

I stand but hesitate when I see Tamika's disapproving look. Fi notices as well. "It's okay, T. I got this," she says, motioning for me to follow her back. When we get to her small office, she closes the door and gestures for me to sit on a red vinyl chair, circa 1972. She stands in front of me, leaning against the desk, and crosses her arms in front of her chest. "Spill!"

"Where should I start?"

"At the beginning." She walks around to her chair behind the desk and pulls out a yellow legal pad.

For the next half hour, I go over my encounter with Garrett, from the moment we bumped into each other and he didn't recognize me, to the embarrassment of being called 'Glasses.'

Fi takes notes furiously on her pad and grins, nods, and cringes at all the appropriate times. When I finish, she puts her pen down and asks, "Do you want the 'best friend experience' or the 'brilliant legal mind experience'?"

I can't help but laugh. "Are they mutually exclusive?"

"They are," she says nodding.

"Okay. I want the best friend experience."

She rushes around from behind the desk, wraps her arms around me soothingly. "I'm so sorry, hon. That sounds just awful. Let's go get margaritas tomorrow and drown our sorrows in tequila and lime wedges."

"Thanks, Fi. You're the best."

"Anytime," she says, rubbing my back. She pulls away and walks around to the back of her desk. She sits down and puts the legal pad to the side. I can't help but notice the writing scrawled across it.

"Just for kicks, what would you have said if I had asked for the 'brilliant legal mind experience'?"

"You sure you want to know?" Her lips pull into a grim line. Honestly, I'm not sure I do want to know, but curiosity gets the better of me.

"Lay it on me," I say.

"You need to get laid. Not the kind of bland, missionary style sex you had with Alex. You need hot heat, sweating up the sheets, crazy animal sex."

I bust out laughing. "That's your brilliant legal advice. Crazy animal sex?"

"Yes. That's my brilliant legal advice," she says with complete seriousness. "Listen, hon, it's been a year since that insecure jerk Keane dumped you. I have no doubt it's been even longer since you've, well, you know." She wags her eyebrows up and down. "Before that, you only seriously dated Travis the cheater and Alex who, let's face it, despite being completely gonzo for you, was a cold fish and a bore. It's time to stop comparing every man to this fantasy of Garrett Stephens and just do it with him to get it out of your system. He asked you out for Saturday night. Go! Enjoy!"

"I don't compare every man to Garrett," I snap at her.

"Don't you?" she asks, looking down at me sternly.  

"I'm offended you even suggested that." She looks at me, her sharp eyes boring into me, like she can read my every thought and knows I'm full of it. I imagine this is how she bears down on witnesses on the stand. I don't like being on the receiving end of that look.

"Even if that's true," I start and she nods her head, "and I'm not conceding it is." I point my finger at her. "Even if he did mean to ask me out, there's no way it's a good idea. He's a total player. It would only be one night of fun and I don't think I could get over that kind of hurt."

"Then you need to get over it now. Sorry for the tough love, hon, but you need to move past the fantasy of this man and find someone passionate and amazing who is deserving to love you for all of the great things you have to offer including your messed-up childhood and your incredible success today."  

Author Interview:

1.  What does your writing process look like? Do you know the whole story when you start?  Or do you just start writing and go with it (seat of the pants writing)?  If you plan it out, how do you do that?  Outline, notecards, post-it-notes, etc.?

Once inspiration strikes, I typically know how the story begins and how it ends. The fun and challenge is in the journey of how my characters get to their happily ever afters. I typically do a written outline, mapping out each chapter and then begin to write. At the moment, I am working on a story called The Subway Girl, which is based on a screenplay I wrote for fun a few years ago. Each chapter is based on a specific day, so I've mapped out the story on a calendar.

Fun writing process fact: I like to write with the TV on in the background. When I first started writing, I was obsessed with Law & Order reruns and then NCIS.  Now I'm hooked on reruns of Burn Notice.  I guess there’s a part of me that likes to see justice served. 

2.  How do you come up with your ideas for your stories?

I always hear that writers should "write what they know," so as much as possible, I try to draw upon personal experiences.    My husband and I met online on a popular dating website 17 years ago when online dating was in its infancy.  When it came time for me to check off my bucket list item of writing a novel, I recalled some of the hilarious experiences I had with both traditional and online dating to write Click: An Online Love Story.  Click is loosely based on my real-life dating experiences, as well as stories friends have shared with me.  In some cases, things are written as they actually occurred.  Other scenarios are exaggerated for entertainment value or comedic affect.  And some scenarios are completely fictionalized. But I really did go out on a date with someone I met online who started every story (no joke!) with “My buddies and I were out drinking last night.” 

For my latest book, Links¸ I had been thinking about the types of love we encounter and recalled the unrequited high school crush, which was as much a part of the teen years as football games, acne, proms and final exams.  I'm not too ashamed to admit I had such a fierce crush on a boy, I willingly sat with him in the bathroom at parties while he puked up wine coolers, just so I could spend time with him. Thankfully, that soul-crushing time in my life is over, but I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if I came upon that secret crush as a confident, successful woman.

3.  How long have you been writing?

I remember writing poems and short stories as a little girl and always told myself I would write a book one day. I released Click in 2011. Based on the reviews and feedback from readers, I turned it into a trilogy, which now includes Double Click and Right Click.  Links is my fifth novel and the first two be told in alternating perspectives of the two main characters - Charlotte and Garrett.

4.  What tips do you have for aspiring writers?

Pardon the pun, but don’t write off self-publishing.  Upon completing Click, I explored the traditional publishing route and got feedback from multiple literary agents. One in particular explained the current economic state of the publishing industry to me. Due to the large investment to edit, produce, distribute and market a work by an unknown author, many large publishers won’t take the risk. If you aren't able to secure an agent or publishing offer, self-publishing is a way to get your work out there.

After self-publishing several books and building up a following and making industry connections, I secured a publisher for my latest release.

I'm also reminded of some advice I was once given. I had interviewed Charles Rosen, one of the producers of the original Beverly Hills 90210, for an alumni magazine article while I was in graduate school. And I'll never forget what he told me, "Don't fall in love with your words, because somebody above will probably change them." One of the great benefits of self-publishing is that you can really take control of the process.

5.  Some favorites:

Books/authors/genres - I'm a romance and chick lit junkie. If it has a swoon worthy hero and a happily ever after, I'm in.  Right now, I'm a big fan of Colleen Hoover. While her books fall more into the women's fiction genre, I can't put them down. Her stories are filled with developed, realistic and likeable characters.  Over the course of her books I feel a range of emotions from completely gutted to over the moon elated with a happy ending.

Movies/TV Shows - My taste in television and movies mirrors my taste in books. I want heart, flowers and happy escapism.  Some of my all-time favorite movies include Love Actually, When Harry Met Sally and Singles.

Music - I'm currently obsessed with the soundtrack for Hamilton right now and can't wait to see the production when it is in Los Angeles this fall. 

Food/Writing snack - Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!  Like most writers, I endure bouts of writer's block and when I do, I eat chocolate. If I’m stuck on a certain section or not feeling motivated to write, I give myself little chocolate incentives to get past the blockage.  Judging by my thighs, I had some serious problems writing this book.  ;)

Social Media Site - I've recently become more active on Instagram and actively follow and admire the work of some amazing Bookstagrammers who turn books and their covers into beautiful-designed visual feasts. 

About the Author:

Lisa Becker is a romance writer whose previous novels include Click: An Online Love Story, Double Click and Right Click. The books, about a young woman's search for love online in Los Angeles, have been called, “a fast read that will keep you entertained,” “a fun, quick read for fans of Sex and the City,” and “hard to put down.” The first in the series was optioned for a major motion picture.

Lisa’s writings about online dating have been featured in Cupid’s Pulse, GalTime.com, Single Edition, The Perfect Soulmate, Chick Lit Central and numerous other book blogs and websites.

As Lisa's grandmother used to say, "For every chair, there's a rush." Lisa is now happily married to a man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone!    

Website: www.lisabecker.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ClickAnOnlineLoveStory

Twitter: @lisawbecker

Instagram: lisawbecker

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/1486731.Lisa_Becker

YouTube: https://youtu.be/BSwM4S3l9Pc