Blog Tour: Sawyer Brothers Series by C.A. Harms

Title: SAWYER BROTHERS SERIES

Author: C.A. Harms

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

    Ryan's Love (Sawyer Brothers #1) Amazon US | Amazon UK One of the hardest things I have ever had to do was bury my wife. The second hardest thing would be watching my twelve-year-old daughter fall to her knees as they lowered her mother into the ground to rest. A heart-wrenching vision that will forever be etched in my mind. Claire was my best friend—she had been since we were barely old enough to talk. I always knew, one day, I would marry her. I think I may have even told her that a few times while we were growing up. Never did I think I would lose her so suddenly. I knew at that moment… Our life would never be the same again…    

                         

I couldn’t contain my happiness. Hell, I had forgotten what it was like to hold a woman close. To hold her hand in mine or to bury my face at the base of her neck, just where it meets her shoulder. The comfort of having a woman in my arms was something I thought I’d never have the pleasure of again. Amber was different than any other woman I had met over the years. She was so sweet, shy, and compassionate. She was so easy to talk to, and the way she listened to me made me feel like she was hanging on my every word. The way she looked at me also made me feel like I’d hung the moon. It was reassuring to have someone I could share time with, someone that didn’t know me during the darkest part of my life. She gave me the chance to let a little of the old me shine through. I had really missed the old me. “Climb up,” I said from behind her as she stood staring up at the horse only a few feet from her with a look of panic on her face. I was more than positive this was the closest this city girl had ever been to one. She peered back over her shoulder, and I almost laughed at how overwhelmed she looked. “I’m from the city,” she said with wide eyes, emphasizing her loss at what to do. “Ryan, you do understand that we have subways and taxis, right? We do not have horses that are the size of SUVs. I’m going to need a little help if you expect me—” She pointed toward her chest, then spun around to point at the horse. “—to get up on that thing.” Now I did chuckle. It was impossible not to. She was damn near panicking at the thought of how she would mount and then ride the horse. I stepped up behind her, my chest fitting flush against her back. Gripping her hips, I leaned my head closer and grazed my lips over her ear. Her body relaxed against mine, and she tilted her head to the side, opening up her neck to me. As I placed a kiss at the base of her neck, she shuddered in my arms. “You have to put your foot in the stirrups,” I whispered before kissing just below her ear. “I’ll lift as you pull yourself up.” She nodded with her eyes closed as her chest moved up and down in small pants. “Go on,” I urged. I lifted her as she gripped the saddle, and she yelped when I firmly placed her atop Storm, my father’s Oldenburg stallion. Jackson held him steady as I pulled myself up and took my spot behind Amber. Our bodies were so close together I could feel her ragged breaths as she shifted against me with each one. Earlier, I’d been worried about bringing her to my parents’ house. I wasn’t sure how they would feel about seeing me with another woman after all this time. When I stopped by last night for dinner, I wanted to make sure it was okay, and their answers shocked me. My mother cried and assured me that moving on was for the best. She then admitted she had worried I would never truly be happy again and that imagining me alone without someone to love me broke her heart. My father gave me one of those manly hugs and said he looked forward to meeting the woman who was bringing back his son. His words rang true as I too felt Amber was allowing me to feel alive again. She had returned my desire to feel, to love. Jackson, on the other hand, just kept commenting on how good-looking the girl that caught my attention was. He made sure to throw in the fact he met her first and had already been inside her apartment. The cocky son of a bitch was so full of himself, he chose to leave out the part about only being there to move furniture. Noah, of course, was more of the silent type, yet his eyes showed he was pleased with my choices. “You ready?” I asked Amber while wrapping my arms around her waist and grabbing the reins. She nodded, and I looked over one last time to see Jackson grinning from ear to ear.     

This book started out with an emotional punch to the gut and just kept getting better. It starts off with Ryan burying his wife, who suddenly passed away. He is left with a young daughter and a broken heart. If it wasn't for Olivia, his daughter, he would have had no reason to go on. He just goes through the motions of life, except where his little girl is concerned. Ryan... GAH, you could just feel his heartbreak and despondence jumping off the page. I needed him to find happiness. He was just a great character: loving, kind, compassionate, a great father. It became essential that he got a happily ever after.

Amber moves to Livingston, Montana when she finds her fiance cheating on her. She decides she needs a change of pace and location. She becomes the owner of her late grandmother's bakery, convinces her best friend, Bailey (who is also in a rut), to move with her, and the girls embark on a new chapter in lives. It's soon apparent that their new town is crawling with cowboy hotness, but it isn't until Amber meets Ryan for the first time that one keeps her eye. Ryan and Amber soon discover that they could have something very special. They just have to wade through their own issues and some obstacles that seem to want to stand in their way.

This story is like a bit of fresh air. Ryan and Amber had realistic issues and reactions to those issues. The author didn't create obstacles that seems to be thrown in just for the sake of drama. What these two characters went through could really happen, and I for one LOVE books like this. Yes, I know I'm reading fiction, but unless I'm reading paranormal, fantasy, dystopian, or the like, I like the stories I read to be as realistic as possible. This book definitely fits the bill. Ryan's Love is a great start to what I think will be an awesome series.

Shaken to his core, the loss was excruciating…

Jackson Sawyer was strong, confident, cocky, and arrogant, but when he loved, he loved hard.

The Sawyer family was faced with a tragedy that rocked their foundation. Jackson, however, was hit the hardest. He’s the one who can't seem to rise above the grief.

It has overtaken him…

Until he finds Bailey Whitmore. She also has a darkness she just can't shake. Yet she hides it well—tucking her sadness away, and shadowing it with a spunky attitude.

But those demons have a way of showing up when you least expect it…

Love is intense.

Loss is inevitable.

Pain and anger are unavoidable.

Will they find the strength to rebuild their tainted hearts together?

Or will it go against…Jackson’s Destiny?

I heard Olivia’s laughter just before the front door opened. “I did not,” she said. “Oh yes you did,” Jackson insisted as he dropped his keys onto the table next to the couch. “Thank God it wasn’t Bailey’s Jeep. Hell, she would flip her shit if it was.” That comment caught my full attention. “What happened?” They both turned to face me, and Jackson grinned. Pointing toward Liv, he continued to taunt her with his orneriness. “Little Miss Speed Demon here wrecked my truck.” Olivia’s eyes widened, and she looked like she was panicking. “You liar. You said you’d never tell.” I couldn’t help but laugh. The two of them were always so funny together. They would pick and prod at one another, always trying to get under one another’s skin, even over little things. “Bailey is different,” Jackson said as he walked around the counter and placed his hand on my hip. “She’s the cool aunt who’s with the cool uncle, and she ain’t gonna say shit. Are ya, babe?” Before I could answer, he leaned forward and placed a kiss against my lips. Not one of those soft, sweet kisses but one of the hard, loud ones that was playful and full of silliness. “Besides, I need her to run into town and pick up the tire after Booker gets it mounted and balanced.” “Tire?’ I asked. “Yep. Never yell ‘squirrel’ when a teenage girl is behind the wheel.” Jackson widened his eyes. “I should have just let her hit it.” “There was no squirrel, you fool,” Olivia fired back, crossing her arms over her chest. “I know. It was a reflex test, and darlin’, you failed that shit,” he told her with a chuckle. I was so damn lost at this point. “Wait, what happened, exactly?” “This dumbass yelled ‘squirrel,’ and I freaked out. But there was no damn squirrel; he just wanted to see how I would react.” She looked away from me and narrowed her eyes at Jackson. “He scared the hell out of me, and I ran off the road.” “‘Ran off the road,’ hell,” Jackson barked. “She went down in the ditch and blew out my tire. Bent my rim to shit and crushed my running board.” He leaned over the counter, placing his elbow on the marble top. “Oh, and let’s not forget about the hood and windshield.” “What happened to the hood and windshield?” I asked. Jackson stared at Olivia, and she stared back at him. They were waiting for the other to explain. “Fine,” Olivia huffed. “I hit Mr. Burk’s irrigation equipment. Well, just the side of it. It scraped the hood and cracked the windshield. But in my defense, it’s the dumbass’s fault for yelling ‘squirrel.’” I could no longer hold back my laughter. I bent at the waist, and tears blurred my vision as I howled. Jackson was right; I wouldn’t say a word, but I sure as hell was going to take a few minutes to be amused by the situation he and Liv had found themselves in.  

Jackson's Destiny is book 2 in the Sawyer Brothers series. It is a great follow up to book one, Ryan's Love. These books can each be read as standalones, but I wholeheartedly suggest reading them in order. They are just great reads. This book has a very emotional start, and throughout, there are many moments that tug on your emotional heartstrings. However, the author did a great job at balancing the book so that it doesn't feel bogged down with the heavy. The characters, Jackson and Bailey, have great chemistry and are so perfectly matched.

The Sawyer family is hit with a tragedy and Jackson is the one that takes it the hardest. His character is so tough and strong that when he is brought down to his knees, it really makes an impact. My heart bled for the family, but especially Jack. Of course, Bailey wants to be there for him even though they have been just skirting around each other at this point. Drama also starts to surround her and that is all it takes for Jackson to pull out of his grief. He gets his alpha on and sets his sites on Bailey and on protecting her no matter what. The games are over and he isn't going to let her avoid him anymore.

I really enjoyed this book. Jackson was total alpha male, but could also bring on the sweet. I adored Ryan in his book, but Jackson just escalated the hotness. He is the perfect balance of being a strong alpha and also giving Bailey room to move and figure things out on her own. He didn't put up with her crap and (holy hotness) I loved how he put his foot down! Bailey was just enough sass, stubbornness, and sweetness to give Jackson a run for his money.

I love series comprised of standalones, especially when you still get to visit the previous characters who you've grown attached to. This is standalone series perfection. I got just enough of Ryan and Amber to satisfy, but I absolutely fell for Jackson and enjoyed his story with Bailey. I can hardly wait to get my hands on Noah.

I have always had a love for reading. Getting lost in the world of Fiction, even if it is just for a shirt time. I haven't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Suspense, on the edge of your seat, those still get me too. I live in Illinois and enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. You will always find me with my kindle or paperback in hand as it is my favorite pass time. 

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Blog Tour: Home by Rachel Smith

After twelve years on top of the charts, country music superstar Lily Rae has decided to hang up the microphone and move home.  Becoming Lillian Raftzen again is harder than she anticipated and soon, it seems running home is not enough to escape from her manipulative ex-agent, who not only threatens to end her happiness, but her life.

When the girl of his dreams walks back into his life twelve years later, Justin DeLuca realizes as much as he loves her, she is no longer the girl he remembers. With everything they must overcome, can the two of them make their dreams come true?  Lily’s dream to sing and Justin’s dream for a family are so very far from the same path.  But by veering off course they find a new dream on a new path ending up right where it all began…..home.

This is a debut novel for author Rachel Smith, and I must say, that it is a very good 1st attempt. She is definitely an author to watch for. The characters were all fun and likeable. Well, except Colton, who is a grade A jerk.

I'm a bit back and forth on the rating. I really enjoyed the story line. The author kept the story going at a great pace. It was a quick, fun read. Justin is a great character who delivers some swoon worthy moments, and he is a yummy, country alpha male. I'm not quite sure on my feelings where Lil is concerned. I mostly like her, but there are a few times when she just plain got on my nerves. I wouldn't say she's a brat, but there are times where she is just so freakin' stubborn or immature I wanted to scream. This only happened, oh, maybe 3 or 4 times, so, not really that huge if a deal in the grand scheme of things.

I think that anyone looking for a light, fun contemporary romance will enjoy this story. It is definitely worth the read.

I heard the jingle of bells hitting a door and looked to my left thinking it was Pops making his exit. Instead, a shadowy figure encased by the sunlight behind him entered the bar.  My stomach dropped and I got that feeling.  You know, the one where butterflies flap around and get you all giddy until it bottoms out straight to your knees?  Check!  This silhouette of a man was magnificent.  Tall and built.  He grabbed his hat off his head and ran his palm through his thick, dark brown hair.  It was long enough that it curled at the nape of his neck and around his ears.  He came a few more steps into the bar and……

“Oh my God,” I breathed.

 I recognized him instantly.  Obviously he’d changed, but he was still the boy I knew all those years ago.  The one I had placed high on a pedestal and made any other man I’d ever known seem not good enough.

He took a few steps further into the bar before he saw me and stopped in his tracks.  His light green eyes were as round as saucers and the color drained from his face like he had seen a ghost. 

  “Bright Eyes,” he said as he exhaled.

“Yeah,” I managed to croak.  My mouth was dry and it was hard to spit out any other words.  I couldn’t believe that after twelve years I was seeing my best friend again.  He stood frozen, staring at me like he didn’t know what to do next.  I saw, as he started to thaw, a slow smile creep up on his lips as he glanced at my half empty beer glass.

“Drinking in the middle of the afternoon?  I see you haven’t changed much.  Did you at least pay for the beer this time?” he asked with a smirk.

I jumped up off my barstool and ran to him.  

“Hey, Justin,” I said softly in his ear as I threw my arms around his neck.  It was just like the old days.  He wrapped his arms around my waist and squeezed.  He quickly let me go, but held me at arm’s length as he scanned my body.  “And Pops paid for it, actually,” I finished.

“Oh, well that’s good to hear,” he said.  “Though I figured with your celebrity status you were probably used to getting shit handed to you for free.”

I rolled my eyes and smiled up at him.  His eyes searched my face like he was looking for something.  I was uncomfortable having him study me that close, so I pulled back and stood awkwardly to the side.  “Will you join me for one?” I asked.  Justin followed and sat on the barstool next to mine.  Once I got myself situated, I took a moment to see all that he had become. 

Time had been good to Justin DeLuca.  His All American Boy features from high school turned him into one hell of a good looking man.  I looked him up and down, admiring his solid, muscular body and his tanned skin.  He had to be just over six feet tall and his shoulders seemed twice as wide as I remember.  He was wearing a pair of worn blue jeans, a gray t-shirt covered in dirt and sweat, and a pair of dark brown work boots.  I took a deep breath and smelled him.  

Holy Lord he smelled like a man.  Not the type of man I was used to, with shiny manicured fingernails and the stench of expensive cologne, but a man.  He’d been working in the sun all day doing manly things, I’m sure.

“What?” he asked as he grabbed the handle of his glass to take a sip of his beer.  He didn’t even have to order, the bartender had his short draft ready before his butt even made it to the seat.

“You’ve changed,” I blurted.  It came out more of an accusation than an observation.

“Well no fucking shit,” he said with a slight bite to his tone.  “You took off twelve years ago.  What the hell did you think was going to happen?”

My head jerked back like I’d been smacked in the mouth.  All of a sudden he went from smiles and hugs to snapping at me like I’d committed a crime.

“I’m sorry,” I said.  “I didn’t mean…” 

“I know,” he interrupted me.  “You just didn’t mean a lot of things, Lil.”

Well, damn.   This was not how I envisioned a reunion for the two of us.  I didn’t know what to say, so I pretended to be totally intrigued with the tab on my tomato juice can.

“What are you doing here?”  

I looked up to see Justin looking directly at me.  When my eyes met his, my heart fluttered again and dropped down into my stomach.  What is happening to me? I thought to myself.  Even though I’d had a crush on him growing up, we always had a very platonic relationship.  And now, here I sat twelve years later like some teenage kid with a super crush, feeling a pull from somewhere deep just because he looked into my eyes.

 I took a breath to calm my nerves.  “I…..I can’t do it anymore,” I told him while shaking my head.  “I thought singing was my dream.  I mean, it WAS my dream once upon a time.  But all the bullshit got in the way and it stopped being fun.”  I looked up to see his expression had hardened.

“I’m done,” I shrugged.

“Just like that?”  He asked.   “I can’t believe that you just woke up one day and decided to throw it all away.”

“Well, it didn’t happen overnight,” I corrected him.  “I put the wheels in motion with my lawyer about six months ago.  We’ve been quietly working to get out of all my obligations and dissolve the staff on payroll.”

“So basically what you’re telling me is the last twelve years of making records and going on tour was for nothing.  Right?  You didn’t have to leave THE DAY of our high school graduation to go chase your dream.  A dream that, we come to find out, was the wrong one?”

I felt my eyes get huge.  He was obviously mad that I had given up, but he just didn’t get it.  He would never understand, and there was no way I’d ever tell him what really happened.

I wiped the sweat from my beer glass.  “It just got too hard.  I lost me.  I lost the Lil that put on fake shows in her bedroom at night singing into a hairbrush to Reba McEntire tapes.” I drained the rest of my beer and set down my glass.  “I wanted to be a singer, Justin, not a puppet so everyone else could get rich off of my hard work.”  

He reached into his back pocket to grab his wallet.  “I gotta go,” he said, throwing a few bills onto the wooden bar.

I was so flustered I didn’t even know how to respond.  Why was he upset with me?  I had only been in town a whole forty-five minutes!

“What is the matter with you?” I snipped.

Apparently that was not the correct question to ask at this juncture.  Eeck!  

 The stony glare Justin turned on me was petrifying.  “Are you fucking shitting me?” he asked as he leaned his muscular arm against the bar and brought his face terrifyingly close to mine.  

“Um, no?” I said softly, but it came out more of a question.

“Damn it.” He spat at me.  “If you even have to ask me that after twelve goddamned years, Lil, then we are not friends anymore.  I can count on my fingers – my FINGERS,” he roared, “the number of times I have spoken to you since graduation day.   I haven’t seen you in person.  Not once.  And you change your mind one day and come crawling back home with your tail between your legs?  Well, don’t expect a fucking ticker tape parade if maybe not everyone sees your homecoming as a good thing.  You left town, Lil.  You left ME.  And that’s not something I will ever forget.”

Rachel Smith was born and raised in small-town Iowa.  After spending a few years in the “big city” she now lives with her husband and two children in Clear Lake.  She works part time from home and spends the rest of her time exercising, reading and taking care of her family.  Having always had a vivid imagination, Rachel decided to bring her characters to life in Home, her debut novel.

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