Friday, October 31, 2014

Blog Tour: Ties That Bind by Neeny Boucher

 

Title: Ties that Bind Author: Neeny Boucher Series: Complicated Love (Book #2)

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Ties That Bind Cover

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Synopsis

*Recommended for audiences over the age of 18* 

Forced to return to her hated hometown to work, Christina Martin, lawyer and ex resident bad girl, finds herself questioning her life choices. Reunited with her former husband, Nicholas Riley, their tenuous and complicated relationship is tested when secrets from the past and present are revealed. Riley, a man with explosive secrets and penchant for psychological games, faces the dilemma of keeping the woman he loves through lies by omission or potentially losing her with the truth. This isn’t just their second chance for happiness, it’s their last chance and there may be some things that love can’t conquer at all. Equal parts helped and hindered by a colorful cast of supporting characters, ‘Ties that Bind’, Book Two in the Complicated Love Series, continues the dysfunctional relationship of Riley and Dina introduced in ‘Lost in Flight’. Warning: This book is not about bondage. I have nothing against books about bondage. Heck, I’ve been known to read a few works myself, but it’s just this book isn’t one of them. Unless, of course, you’re referring to the tangible and intangible bonds of human relationships, ties that bind and ties that can be broken. Then, this book is definitely about that. ‘Ties that Bind’ is not a standalone and forms part of a series. It is highly recommended that you read Book One, ‘Lost in Flight’ before this one. Also, this series is full of quirky, socially awkward, and badly behaved characters, underpinned with dark humor. It is not a traditional romance and there is no guarantee of happy ever afters.

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Excerpt

“How much do you love me, Christina? Really? You think you know me, but you don’t. My monsters are loose and I don’t think I can get them back under control. I’m not sure if

I want to. If I were you, I’d run.”


Review
     
4.5 Star Review by Lisa Kane

At the end of Lost in Flight, Riley was leaving to work offline for 6 or 7 weeks. He had set it up so that Christina ("Dina") was going to stay working in her hometown and would be able to spend time with her sister Gabby (who suffered a serious injury). She was furious for being played, but he could deal with that. Through a series of flashbacks we see the demise of their previous relationship and how their volatility almost destroyed what they had. I say almost because neither one of them has really moved on from the other. Riley came the closest with a woman named Bianca in New York. He was set to propose to her, but a chance sighting of Dina changed that. He went back to their apartment, packed his things, told her it wasn't going to work, and admitted to himself he couldn't  fully commit to anyone else as long as Dina was in his heart.

He would be staying in New York and not moving to Seattle. His life with Bianca would be peaceful and sedate. And it would have been a slow death, where he gave up pieces of himself over time until there was nothing left.

But Riley has secrets, dangerous secrets that can destroy what he is trying to build once again with Dina. He is ingrained in her family's music business and some of her family members know some of what he is hiding. But they aren't talking...While he is off line this time, he sends Dina small gifts; reminders of things from their past, and she feels his love. But this time, something is wrong and he extends his time away without communicating with her.

There are some heartbreaking moments in this book, especially in the last half. Riley is in a dark place and is determined to take Dina down with him. But not before he lets her hear some ugly horrible truths, knowing these may push her away. How can Dina cope with what she learns and how can she forgive him?

He wondered if they had got a chance, whether they would choose one another? He and Dina had found each other, but because of him they were destined to roam the earth avoiding one another for the rest of their lives. They belonged together, but couldn't be together, and this was on him.


Neeny Boucher is a talented, prolific writer. It is not easy to write from present to past tense but she nails it without confusing the reader. Being able to see both POV's is such an important element in this story, especially Riley. He is complex and tortured and self destructive. But the reader is always aware of his love for Dina even though it borders on the obsessive. Without giving away too much of the plot, many suffer from Riley's problem and they not only are affected but those around them have their lives uprooted time and again. Riley will have to first admit and then accept his affliction before he can be any good for Dina. Dina frustrated me at times, she is quick to judge and runs when the going gets tough. But will she run back to Riley this time?


"Wow, Dina," he breathed. "This is perfect."
"It's Kintsugi," she explained. "The Japanese are of broken pieces."
She'd given him a small lacquered bowl with gold inlay along its cracks. Andy had told her the philosophy and she thought it a fitting representation of her and Riley.
"It's the method of incorporating the history into an object," she added, running a finger along the golden cracks. "If it gets broken, they don't try to hide it. They repair it and make it beautiful. I thought it appropriate for us."


 




Neeny Boucher   Author Bio  

Neeny Boucher is a nom de plume because my real name sounds like a 19th Century suffragette. Originally, I'm from New Zealand and am a long-time supporter of the All Blacks. Currently, I am living in Europe and a trailing spouse, following my husband all over the world for his work. This not only gives me the opportunity to write, but also, experience the world and indulge in one of my favourite past-times: people watching. My own employment history is varied and ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous. All of those experiences and encounters, however, have allowed me to collect amazing stories, which now form the basis of my writings. I have always loved the weird, the outcast and those on the margins of society because they see the world in a different way. These are the people my characters are based around. I have a BA Hons (English and Pacific Studies) and a PhD in Sociology/Indigenous Studies. Presently, I am working on the Complicated Love Series. Book One, Lost in Flight, was released in 2013. Book Two, Ties that Bind, is scheduled for release in 2014.




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The Complicated Love Series


Lost in Flight cover
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Blog Tour: The Reflection Series by Gia Riley





Series Title: The Reflection series
Including: Between the Pain, After the Pain
Author: Gia Riley
Released: June 2014 & Sept 2014
Find on
Goodreads



Graduating from nursing school and finding herself thrown into the real world, twenty-two year old Hallie Dawson is determined to prove herself on the job. A chance encounter on the first day has charming Ryan Andrews showing up everywhere she goes. With only a string of random hook-ups and one failed relationship in her past, Hallie isn’t used to being pursued. For the first time, two men desire her. Will she choose the right one – or does fate hold all the cards? 
Between the Pain is a Contemporary Romance novella about finding love - and being brave enough to follow your heart. Will Hallie end up in the arms of her true love or are the moments in between her pain forming the real story.
Timing is everything. 
A fraction of a second, one altered course, one note -- change her life forever.






Between the Pain Excerpt

The song ends and we’re left in the middle of the dance floor staring at each other. Neither of us makes a move to say anything else. Why can’t I just say yes like any other normal girl would? 
One of the bartenders is on the small stage announcing a drink special and something about a band starting in fifteen minutes. I’m too busy looking into Ryan’s eyes to really care about either of those two things right now. Before I have a chance to get my words of acceptance out, Ryan decides to end the moment. 
“Think about it, about what I said. It’s just a date and I don’t care if we do it like everyone else or not. Well I care how we do it but that isn’t important right now.” The heat in his gaze makes me take a step back, not because I’m not feeling it, but because I am feeling it. I’ve never had a reaction quite like this one before. I’m quickly figuring out Ryan isn’t like most guys and I think he’s just the adventure I need to help break out of my shell.


Synopsis

Does everything really happen for a reason? 
Hallie Dawson is battling with a broken heart yet determined to give love a second chance. Once again, time isn’t in her favor. Her moments After the Pain are filled with promises of a better future and personal secrets. With mysterious notes continuously haunting her and a secret friendship with a fellow musician, Hallie is struggling to stay true to her heart. 
Tall, dark and handsome, Sean Thomas, is tired of being second best. This time, the good guy refuses to finish last. If he wants to get the girl, he’s going to have to confront the one person who broke his heart. His past is on a collision course with his future – will he be able to hang onto his connection with Hallie? 
After the Pain is a Contemporary Romance novel about restoring faith in the beauty of love. Can Sean put the pieces of Hallie’s heart back together? Will love conquer all, or will jealousy and secrets tear them apart?


4 Painless Star Review After the Pain by Natasha Gentile


Does everything really happen for a reason?

Everyone always asks themselves the exact question. Almost daily, or the question also is did I make the right decision?

When we first met Hallie Dawson in Between the Pain, we went on her journey of finding and losing love.  This book is the after.  I was interested to see how she would continue her life after losing the love of her life and battling with a broken heart.

I’ve also become addicted to performing ever since I realized I could express my grief and anger by simply chaining a few notes together to create a brief moment of bliss.  Writing my own lyrics is both therapeutic and calming.  When I feel stressed, I pick up my pen and paper, and let my music do the talking.  Before Lon, I come up with a melody to chase away my depressing emotions, replacing them with a purpose.

Haillie is now determined to give love a second chance. Enter Sean Thomas.  We met him also in the last book, as the one who wanted the girl, but took a back seat, just to make sure she was happy.  Already I love him.

Tall, dark and handsome, Sean Thomas, is tired of being second best. This time, the good guy refuses to finish last. If he wants to get the girl, he’s going to have to confront the one person who broke his heart.

So he puts all his eggs into his basket and goes all out.  You know the saying that patience is a virtue.  Well he deserves a freaking medal!

“Sean like I’ve said, you’ve been my best friend for months and months, but I want to make it official.  Will you please do me the honor of letting me call you my boyfriend?  Will yu be with me and only me, from now on?  I want to go to bed with you at night and wake up with you in the morning.  When I have a bad day, I want you to be the one to hold me.  When you’re  grumpy, I promise to make you smile.”

And just like that he has everything that he has always wanted, except you should know that it’s just been to easy.  For love like that, you have to fight, you have to go through hurdles, you have to make sure all your secrets are out there, cause if not.  They are going to bite you in the behind and leave you alone, with a sore ass.

So you go up and down and when you finally realize that he’s the one for you, will it be after the pain of heartache?


After the Pain Excerpt

“Wow, babe,” Sean says when he gets out of the shower. I should thank him for the compliment but I’m enjoying my own view right now. His towel is slung around his hips, taunting me. I want nothing more than to yank on the small corner holding it in place. I keep my eyes locked on his and can physically see the second he realizes my intentions. 
“Hallie, what are you doing?”
“Exploring.” When I reach him, my hands untuck the corner of the towel, sending it falling to the floor. My hands start at his broad shoulders making sure to touch every single velvety inch of skin in front of me. I place my lips on his chest, sucking up the water droplets left behind. “Shit, baby. Your mouth feels incredible.”

If you enjoy meeting other readers, developing friendships and celebrating books, Gia's Gang is the place for you! You'll have access to exclusive release information, teasers, contests, and future projects. Join today!
- I have a degree in Behavioral Science.
- I’m a huge college football fan.
- I don’t write in order.
- Secretly, I’d love to be country singer and live in Nashville. I guess it’s not a secret anymore.
- I’ve been to eleven countries but never ventured out of North America.
- I’d rather pick truth than dare.
- My first concert was Boyz II Men.
- I’m a germaphone.
- I’d like to spend the day with Jimmy Fallon, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig.
- I’ve never owned an iphone. I’m a Samsung Galaxy girl.
I'm a lover of all things romance and a firm believer that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Currently residing in the small but mighty state of Delaware, I take pride in creating characters who are real, personable, and entertaining. 
When I'm not busy working on my next book, I can be found roaming the isles of Kirkland's or up to my elbows in Play-doh.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~Maya Angelou

Release Day Blitz: Handled 2 by SE Hall and Angela Graham



Handled 2
Part 2, the conclusion.
ONLY $0.99




Excerpt

Of course this is how it goes!
When I escape outside like an immature brat, everything's fine. When I come to help carry wood, I die. Such is the Book of Paige, an ironic tragedy.
"Listen to me," he says determinedly. "You're out of time. I need you to trust me, Paige. Just this once, baby, please." It's the absolute terror in his voice that wins me over, claiming me fully before I even notice the fear in his watery eyes as well. "Very, very slowly, bend your knees, and get down on your stomach. All your weight, flat and even, gentle, but at once. Got it?"
"Yeah," I croak, trembling uncontrollably as I follow his exact directions. Wow, so this is what it feels like to hand control over to another person, sharing your load, risking disappointment and hurt on the off chance of gaining better, greatness even? It's new and not completely unbearable.





Handled (book one): An Erotic Quickie
ONLY $0.99





Nothing makes my cock stand at attention like my lil' Firecracker.
She thinks she can hide behind that sharp tongue and those succulent pink lips, but it only makes her taste all the sweeter.
I can't get enough...if only she could say the same.


About the Authors:

S.E. Hall



S.E. Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 4 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing. She's also being clutch at Baggo, when it's warm outside!



Angela Graham


I am happily married to my husband of five years, have three wonderful children and a beautiful feline companion that keeps me company during late night writing binges.






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