Blog Tour: Strike by Heather C. Leigh

Dax Davies has one job to fulfill in the Davies household. Earn money at the family business. The problem is that the family business was illegal underground fighting.

From a young age, Dax and his brothers are groomed to become money earners in their father's club. Broken bones and bruises are commonplace. Their father pits the brothers against each other to 'toughen them up' for the ring, using his rules to bend his sons to his will. His future is in the cage, not on stage where he dreams of making music.

Kate Campbell loves one thing in life. Well, two. Soccer and Dax Davies. Growing up in the poorest part of London, soccer is her personal escape from reality and from the fact that Dax doesn't seem to know she exists. She figures if she can be good enough at soccer, maybe she can get away from Hackney, and leave the poverty behind.

Kate doesn't plan on ever getting to know Dax as more than a passing acquaintance. In fact, she isn't meant to go with her friend to Dax's father's business, but that one night changes everything.

***This is book 2 in the Sphere of Irony Series. It can be read as a standalone. This is a spin-off of the Famous Series***

I really loved the first book in this series, Incite. Strike was just as good or better. I thought Dax was a great character in book one, but I absolutely fell head over heals for him in this book. Who doesn't love a strong, hot alpha with a tender side? Throw in a British accent and I'm toast.

Dax was groomed for the family business from a young age. He's used to violence and pain, but it isn't his passion. Underground fighting isn't what he wants for his life. With his best friend, Adam, he dreams of being a singer. However, while he is living under his parents' roof, he has to fight; it is just part of being in the Davies household. Kate is the only girl to ever hold Dax's interest for anything more than sex. She is Adam's girlfriend's best friend, so they are forced to spend a lot of time together. What starts out as friendship quickly develops into deeper feelings.

Dax and Kate are perfect for each other. The author created two very strong, well rounded characters. While they love each other, Kate doesn't let Dax's strong personality over shadow her or control her. Even with his alpha male personality, Kate keeps him in check. Of course, there are ups and downs in their relationship. Dax is a rising star and Kate has her own life in college. But they are both committed to making it work. Even when people try to get between them.

Strike can be read as a stand alone, but I highly recommend reading book one Incite, first. 

Dax and Kate's 1st kiss. Kate's POV

Before I can blink, Dax’s huge, calloused hands are framing my face and his mouth brushes across mine. At first it’s just a whisper, a tease, the contact barely there. Then, I hear him inhale sharply and his lips press down forcefully, melding with mine, urging me to open up with quick flicks of his tongue. I melt against his solid body as he dominates the kiss, completely under his spell to do with as he wishes. It seems to go on and on—a small slice of paradise in this blighted spot of East London.

When he finally pulls back, greedily stealing a few more nips at my mouth, he closes his eyes and moans. “I knew you’d taste like heaven. You’re an angel, I just knew it.” His voice is so quiet I wonder if he meant to say it out loud.

Naturally, I stand there like an idiot, saying nothing… doing nothing. I’ve been kissed into complete stupidity.

Dax swipes the pad of his thumb over my damp lips. “See you at school tomorrow.” Without giving me a single hint of what he’s thinking, he turns and leaves. I touch my mouth, running a finger over the same spot Dax touched. My heart leaps into my throat, fluttering so fast I fear it may explode.

Great. I’m ruined. My first kiss and it was nothing less than brilliant. Dax Davies just ruined me for every other man from now until the day I die.

Excerpt. Dax notices Kate Dax's POV

I follow Adam’s gaze to see Ellie hurrying towards us, towing a friend by the hand. Ellie immediately latches on to Adam, prattling on about something or other. Tuning out the happy couple, I take a moment to check out Ellie’s friend, Kate. I’ve seen her around, mostly with Ellie, but she’s in my maths class as well. In fact, now that I think about it, we’ve been in school together a long time.

The fact that I didn’t remember her until now makes me frown, which in turn, makes Kate’s eyes go wide with fear. The girl is fiddling with her hair, pulling it up into a ponytail. She’s clearly uncomfortable around me, so, being the heartless prick that I am, I decide to make it worse.

“You’re Kate.”

When impossibly green eyes shoot up to meet mine, big and innocent looking, all of the smartass comments I have at the ready fall away. Smooth, lightly freckled skin flushes pink and full lips part, making my cock sit up and take notice. It’s then I realize I’ve never really looked at Kate before.

How did I not see how gorgeous this girl is? She’s not obvious or flashy—no, she’s very… girl next door. Sporty and fit with tawny brown hair always pulled up on her head, showing off two very high cheekbones. I’m surprised how affected I am by her. My heart has begun thumping hard and my palms are sweaty. How angry would Adam be if I shagged Ellie’s best friend?

Probably very. Not that I care much what he thinks.

While I’m thinking of how she looks naked, she gathers herself together and answers my question. “Yes. I’m Kate.” Shit, even her voice affects me—soft and slightly scratchy in a sexy kind of way. Now my dick is throbbing, pressing uncomfortably against my zipper. I need to hear that voice again.

“I’m Dax. You’re in my maths class.”

Those emerald eyes get even wider and her jaw hangs open. “How do you know who I am?”

Huh?

“Why wouldn’t I know who you are? Haven’t we been in the same year for ages?” I furrow my brow, trying to decide if I’m thinking of a different girl. But no, it’s her, I’m sure of it.

“Y-y-yes. Since third year.”

I hold back a smile, keeping my cool exterior. At least I got that right. “Well then, apparently I’m not as stupid as some might say.”

Kate’s fingers untwist from her hair, settling on her hips. Lush, ruby lips turn down in the corners and her eyes narrow. She looks downright offended. “Who says you’re stupid? You’re in my advanced maths class, so I know that can’t be true.”

For once in my life I’m speechless. No one ever gives me the benefit of the doubt or defends my intelligence. Do I bother explaining to her that most people associate a big, muscled guy with an empty skull? Add in the underground fighting and they assume I’ve taken enough hits to the head to be rendered daft and dumb.

No one talks about it, but the teachers here know what I do—what my dad’s business is. I am the fourth Davies son at this school after all and they treat me accordingly. They don’t even bat an eye at the bruises anymore.

I tilt my chin to look down at her. Kate’s not at my eye level, but for a girl, she’s fairly tall—maybe five foot seven or eight? In those eyes, eyes as green as the stripes on the Davies family tartan, I see something I haven’t seen on a girl’s face in… well, ever. Admiration? Respect, maybe? Is it possible Kate respects me? That she sees past my intimidating exterior to the man beneath the brawn? That she sees more than just a conquest to brag to her friends about?

One of dad’s rules pops into my head.

Rule 2—Never let your emotions show.

I lock down the surprise on my face, keeping it to its usual icy façade.

What if she doesn’t like what she finds? I don’t know why I care, but suddenly, I don’t want Kate to know about the fighting, the girls, my family… those goddamn rules. For the first time in my life I’m not proud of my wins, of all the girls I’ve shagged or had suck me off at the club or behind the school. For once, I’m truly ashamed of what I am.  

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After growing up in New England, I currently live just outside Atlanta, GA.

I love the Red Sox and hate the Yankees.

I love hot, sexy romance novels, but hate long, drawn out misunderstandings as a plot line.

I love book series, but hate cliffhangers.

I love alpha males, but hate when they borderline on abusive.

Mostly? I love love love chocolate.

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Blog Tour: Always Rayne by Sierra Avalon

Would you spend ten days traveling the country with someone you despised if he promised to pay off your student loans?

Recent college graduate, Harper Leigh, can barely make ends meet working as the books editor for a new online entertainment magazine, Chatter. With $85,000 of student loan debt about to go into repayment, she has no idea how she’ll get by.

Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, Harper’s boss decides to embed her in the North American tour for the hot rock band, Always Rayne. Ten days on the road with the band for her to get an exclusive story. But Harper’s a homebody and the last thing she wants to do is go on the road with a rock band. And she definitely doesn’t want to spend ten days with the notorious bad boy and band front man, Nic Rayne.

When Nic proves to be too much for Harper to handle and she threatens to quit the assignment, Nic decides to sweeten the pot. If she stays with the tour for all ten days, he’ll pay off all of her student loan debt….but there’s one small catch.

Harper also has to sleep in his bed every night.

Always Rayne held my interest from the get go. Harper is a straight laced girl with her first job out of college. She works as a reporter for a starting out online magazine. She's focused on her new job, and to the dismay of her bestie/roommate Brooke doesn't have much of a social life. Brooke is a party girl. She has a lot if trouble staying in line even though she has the best of intentions of doing so. However, she is a character for another review (her book is coming soon.)
Harper meets Nic Rayne, lead singer for Always Rayne, when Brooke forces her to go the Always Rayne concert. From the moment he sees her, Nic wants her. He can tell she is different, that she isn't a groupie. However, he is cocky, determined, and doesn't take no for an answer (in the rare instance he hears no.)
In order to get her, he contacts her boss and offers an exclusive interview ONLY for her and she must travel with the band. He ups the ante by offering to pay all her student loan debt if she will sleep in the same bed as him. Just sleep, nothing more. Harper despises Nic Rayne.  She doesn't like his attitude or image that he portrays. However, the deal is too tempting to pass up, almost as much as the man.
I thought this was a really cute story. I enjoyed watching both Harper and Nic come out if their protective shells. These two characters work well together. In fact, all the characters were very enjoyable. All in all, this was a well rounded story. I can't wait for the next one in the series, Sometimes Brooke.

Brooke and I are wearing those plastic backstage passes around our necks and when two really big body guards standing at the backstage entrance see them they let us pass right through the door. 

As I glance around at all the other people with backstage passes I notice they all look a lot more like Brooke than I expected. All of the girls are wearing ultra-short, skin-tight skirts with barely there tops.

The guys all look like they just stepped out of the band themselves. They’re all young and hot and they seem to know it.

There’s definitely no shortage of arrogance in the room.

“I’m definitely going after Leo,” Brooke whispers to me as we approach the band.

All three of the band members are standing next to each other drinking beers and talking with a bevy of blondes.

Maybe this isn’t the best place for Brooke to be hanging out. She hasn’t been sober very long and I don’t want her to fall into temptation. I have a feeling if Leo handed her a beer she wouldn’t say no.

“I’m getting tired,” I say and fake a big yawn.

“You are not going to wimp out on me.” Brooke gives me a cold glare. “We’re not leaving here until we meet Always Rayne. All of them.”

Nic Rayne looks like he’s getting bored with the blondes. He’s glancing around the room rather than paying attention to what the girls are saying.

As soon as Nic’s eyes land on me I can see his expression change. His brows are furrowed and he looks puzzled. I’m sure he’s wondering what someone who looks like me is doing backstage.

Disappointment crosses over the faces of the two girls vying for Nic’s attention when he walks away from them and heads in my direction.

“You,” he points to me. At least I think he’s pointing at me. When I look around and realize I’m standing alone, I know he’s pointing at me.

Then I panic because I’m standing alone. Where the hell is my roommate? The one who dragged me here in the first place practically kicking and screaming. She completely abandoned me. I also notice that one of Nic Rayne’s bandmates seems to have vanished just as quickly.

It isn’t possible for Brooke to hook up with someone that fast, is it?

This is Brooke we’re talking about. Not only is it possible, it’s highly probable. 

Nic Rayne is now glaring at me. It’s like he can’t believe I didn’t jump as soon as he pointed to me. I can already tell this guy is a piece of work. He’s probably used to getting any girl he wants with the snap of his finger. Hell, he’s probably used to getting anything he wants the second the demand comes out of this mouth. 

I can see him let out an exasperated breath and then head in my direction. I quickly scan the room to see if I can spot an exit but by the time my eyes land on one, it’s too late. Nic Rayne has already entered my personal space.

And he’s not just close to me; he’s practically on top of me. And I don’t like it. He makes me extremely uncomfortable. I’d rather be anywhere than standing next to Nic Rayne. I’d rather be back in Economics class at the university and I hate Economics. It’s the only class I ever got a C in.

“What’s up?” Nic says.

I’ve seen him in movies so I knew he was tall and muscular. I guess it never occurred to me how tall and muscular he really is. The guy is towering over me and I’m not that short. I’m five feet six inches. Nic has got to be at least six inches taller than me.

“Did you see where my friend went?”

He nods but doesn’t say anything else.

“Okay. Would you mind telling me where she went?”

“With Leo.”

I assume he means Leo Donovan, his cousin and the guitar player in Always Rayne.

“Hey, Rayne.” Xander Donovan, Nic’s other cousin, and the band’s drummer, places a hand on Nic’s shoulder. “Pick the girl you want and let’s go. We’re all headed over to Troy.”

Troy is the trendiest club in the city. I’ve heard a lot about it but haven’t been able to afford the stiff cover charge and the fifteen dollar drinks.

“Come on,” Nic says and turns to leave as if I’m supposed to follow him.

He takes a few steps before he realizes that I’m not following him. Then he turns back around and gives me an odd look. “Aren’t you coming?”

I shake my head.

“Why not?” He actually looks puzzled.

“Do you want a list?”

His eyes narrow and then he walks back over to me. He gets so close I can smell his masculine scent and what’s left of his spicy cologne. “What’s the list?”

I gulp. I wasn’t actually expecting him to ask for the list. I thought he’d just get disgusted and find some other girl to go with him.

“Well, you’re not my type. I don’t find you remotely attractive. Or particularly interesting. I don’t like your music at all. And you don’t seem very smart. And I don’t sleep with guys I don’t know. So, maybe you should just find some other girl to take to Troy.”

He’s doing his best to bite back a grin. The smug asshole actually finds what I’ve said funny. I didn’t think I could dislike him more but he’s really pushing my buttons.

“I’m not your type, huh?” He leans in even closer. So close, I can feel his breath on my neck. “I’m everybody’s type.”

I try to swallow but I feel like there’s a golf ball stuck in my throat.

“You don’t find me attractive, huh? Then why are you sweating?” He places his hand right over my heart. “And your heart is beating a mile a minute. Maybe you should listen to what your body wants instead of what your brain is telling you.”

I take a step back and try to collect myself. I wipe my brow and realize I really am sweating. And he’s right, my heart is racing. What the hell is going on?

“I’m not some groupie who’s going to do whatever you want because you snapped your fingers.”

He looks me up and down. “I can see that.”

I place my hands on my hips. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He actually has the audacity to laugh. “No one would ever mistake you for a groupie that’s for sure.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Your clothes are like some crazy mash-up between a hippie and a school librarian.”

I glance down at my flowered skirt and strappy sandals. He has a point. I’m not exactly a fashion whore like my roommate. Not that I have the money to update my wardrobe even if I wanted to.

He steps closer again. He’s got a habit of getting right into my personal space and it makes me uncomfortable every time he does it. When I look into his deep brown eyes, I have the feeling that he’s doing it just to get a rise out of me.

“What are you doing here?” he asks. For the first time since we’ve met, he actually sounds sincere.

“I came with my roommate. She won tickets from the radio station. She wanted to see you. And your cousins.”

“I asked what you’re doing here.”

“I guess I’m here for moral support,” I stammer. And I have a press pass.”

I’m not sure why I tell him that. I guess I feel like I need some kind of excuse to be here because I’m definitely not here for the music.

“Why am I not surprised? You look like a writer. Or a librarian.”

I dig around in my purse and pull out my press pass. To my surprise, he grabs it from my hand. “Chatter. Never heard of it.”

“It’s an online magazine. A start up.”

He nods then hands me back my credentials.

“Do you like it?”

“Like what?” I’m surprised by the question.

“Writing. Working for a magazine.”

I shrug. “I’ve never thought about doing anything else. My parents named me Harper Leigh. I was kind of destined to be a writer.”

He’s looking at me with a blank stare. Maybe he really is as brainless as I think. And for some strange reason that disappoints me.

“Harper Leigh,” I repeat. “I spell my name differently but she was a writer.”

He’s still looking at me with a blank expression.

“She won the Pulitzer Prize.”

Then he smiles. “I know who Harper Lee is. To Kill a Mocking Bird. Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. She was also good friends with Truman Capote. She helped him with the research for In Cold Blood.”

I can feel my jaw drop.

“I guess I’m smarter than you think.” He leans in close again. “And I’m also a great actor apparently because I had you fooled.”

I want to say something in response but no words come out of my mouth.

“Rayne.” It’s Xander again. “Come on. We’ve got to bounce.”

“Does everyone call you Rayne?”

“Always.”

SIERRA AVALON writes contemporary romance novels with a little sass and lots of spice. She lives in a small town outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and their bloodhounds. 

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Blog Tour: Dear Tabitha by Trudy Stiles

You know me. You know who I am. What I am.

Damaged. Confused. Alone.

You feel sorry for me. You pity me.

You know what I’ve done. What I’ve given up. Who I’ve given up.

You try to understand what I’ve been through and how I can possibly go on with my life.

But you can’t possibly understand.

I’ve lost too much. Sacrificed too much. Given up everything so that I can find myself.

Well I’m done.

I’m done walking away from everything that matters.

It’s time for me to heal.

It’s MY TURN to earn…

Redemption.

Love.

Family.

Again, Trudy Stiles has wowed me with her beautiful writing. This is book 2 in the Forever Family series, and it is just as good, if not better than Dear Emily (which is a 5 star read for me also.)

Check out my review for Dear Emily on Goodreads by clicking HERE.

We meet Tabitha and Alex in book one and got a pretty good understanding of their dark, abuse filled pasts. In Dear Tabitha, we delve even further. Gah, the things these two went through is heartbreaking. This is their journey to healing and love.

I'm trying not to give spoilers to book one, so I can't say too much, but you have got to read this book. The author had my heart clenching and hurting, then turned around and filled it with so much joy.

Trudy Stiles is definitely a talented author. She pulls at every emotion and make you feel each and every one. I really enjoy her style of writing. I cannot wait to read book 3 in the series, which will be Seth's story. I so need him to find his happily ever after, because I fell in love with him in book one.

Trudy Stiles is a New Adult author, mom to two beautiful children, and married to the love of her life. She is the author of the Forever Family series including “Dear Emily” and “Dear Tabitha”. There will be many more stories from this series and you never know who may have a standalone or novella written for them. Stay tuned! 

Trudy is a music junkie and you’ll know that she’s writing when you see her plugged into her laptop with her earbuds in. Her playlist is unique and is a must for her writing sprints.

When she’s not writing, she’s carting her children to their various activities while avoiding any kind of laundry or housework. She also loves to run along the boardwalk of the beautiful New Jersey shore.

She’s always been an avid reader and frequently escapes into the fictional worlds of the many characters that she has come to love. Well, now there are some fictional characters in her head dying to get out!

This first story is called “Dear Emily” and was released in December 2013. “Dear Tabitha” will be released in March 2014. The Forever Family series will continue with several companion/stand alone novels.

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