Blog Tour: The Sordid Promise by Courtney Lane

Author Name: Courtney Lane

Email Address: AuthorCourtneyLane@gmail.com

Title of Book: The Sordid Promise

Genre: Erotic Suspense/Psychological Thriller

Release Date: March 23, 2014

Page #: 309

Book Blurb:

Warning: Contains graphic language, frequent
graphic sex, disturbing violence, and very dark themes.

When physical pain allows you to escape your
reality; what do you do when the pain is no longer strong enough to quiet the
emotional ache?

Diouana "Nikki" returned to her
hometown six months ago to tend to her sick mother. She thought she'd left her
"baggage" behind her on the opposite coast, only to find that it
never left her side. As her self-destructive thoughts begin to consume her, her
mother -- realizing Nikki's torment -- pushes Nikki to complete her last
wishes.

Eric Brenton, Nikki's new neighbor, lives in a
dark, chaotic world that is easily hidden behind his model good looks and cocky
demeanor. Unapologetic about his dirtier intentions, he sets his sights on
Nikki with an offer to help her. But his help comes with very unorthodox
conditions and a huge price.

And Eric...comes with an extensive black box
warning label.

Becky says…

4 *Holy Hell* Stars

Let me just start by saying this book is right up my alley! I love dark books and this one did not disappoint. If you are looking for a fairy tale romance that includes a Prince Charming, you have stumbled across the wrong book. I loved it and will read it a few more times I'm sure.

Nikki was a different kind of character. She isn't a strong willed heroine. Actually she has many mental issues and takes prescription medicines to curb her suicidal thoughts. She returns home to take care of her mother who has cancer. She is a very complex character and I really enjoyed trying to figure her out up until the end of the story.

Eric is her mother's next door neighbor and although he was so complex and nothing about him makes sense until it all comes together at the end of the book, I loved him! I love the dark guys who have many secrets! My dirty little crushes I guess.. He is so gorgeous on the outside but is a hidden darkness on the inside. He refuses to answer any of Nikki's questions. He just occupies her mind with sex and endless orgasms! There isn't much I can say about The Sordid Promise without giving away much of the story. I have already recommended this book to a few friends and I can't wait to see what they have to say about it! Courtney Lane did an amazing job of capturing the darkness and bringing it to light!

Please Please Please Take the WARNING seriously!! This is definitely a mindf*** and takes turns and twists you never see coming! There is stuff in this book that some, if not most, are ok with.

Teasers:

Author Bio:

I’ve been creating my own little world since I was very young. When I
was eight years old, I began to bring those worlds to life with pen and paper.

While I write across genres (I find it hard to
stick to one genre), I do have an archetype when it comes to the female
protagonist — they
have to have certain type of strength, strong convictions, and layered
personalities. There will often be a lot of darkness and depth to my stories,
but I don’t
see the point in writing vapid characters who are thrust into “safe”
situations.

Writing Science Fiction/Fantasy is my first
love. If there is one thing for sure, I'm a bit of a misfit when it comes to
Romance. I prefer my romances dark. The elements that will be common in my
stories are: depth, controversy, and misfit characters.

Buy Links:

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Review: Unconditional Love by Kelly Elliott

SYNOPSIS:

Lark Williams leads a fast-paced life, always on the edge of danger. Running from his past
and fighting to keep his present life a secret, he keeps his heart out of reach
from love. The walls he built around himself come crumbling down when he meets
Azurdee Emerson.

Azurdee lives a peaceful life in the small town of Wimberley, Texas. Her tame world quickly becomes heated as she begins to fall in love with Lark. He’s everything she has
vowed to stay away from—dark and mysterious, and not to mention, sexy as hell
and full of secrets.

Just as Lark and Azurdee give in to their feelings of love, Lark’s present life threatens the
safety of the one person he would sacrifice his own happiness for. When Lark
finds history repeating itself, he makes a decision that will forever change
both of their lives, leaving one heartbroken and lost and the other fighting to
survive.

Sarah says…

Sarah's 5 Star Review

I absolutely love everything that Kelly Elliott writes. She writes about the most swoon worthy cowboys on the planet. I fell in love with the very mysterious Lark in Cherished and was very excited when I found out he was getting his own book.

We first meet Azurdee and Lark in Cherished as they are the best friends to Jessie and Scott. Lark loves women and is warned by Jessie from the very beginning to stay away from Azurdee. There is an immediate attraction between them but Lark believes he needs to guard his heart and never let another woman in.  Lark loves living life on the edge and the last thing he needs is to have someone holding him back. There is something about Azurdee though that has him questioning his job, his past fears and his feelings for her.

(Quote)Guardia mi corazon siempre...Guard my heart always...

"Azurdee, you're everything I've ever wanted, and everything I've ever feared."

Azurdee is a sweet girl who has a good head on her shoulders. She is dedicated to following her dreams by opening a coffee shop and restaurant in her home town. She is very attracted to Lark and will do anything to have a relationship with him. She loves the way he makes her feel.  Will love be enough to keep these two together? Guess you will have to read it to find out.

Despite their connection, chemistry, and feelings, their lives are complicated and there are aspects of them that could ruin them. There are secrets, half-truths, and dangerous situations lurking.  He is conflicted, confused, and terrified of his feelings. And his hidden career causes stress and danger. 

"I'm not sure I can be what you want me to be. "

I loved the chemistry between Lark and Azurdee. They pushed each other out of their comfort zones and encouraged each other to try new things. Their journey was emotional, frustrating at times and very sexy! I was so happy that we got to reconnect with some of the characters from Kelly's Wanted series. We also get to meet Lark's brother Tristan in this book. He is a very sexy and mysterious man and I can't wait until his book comes out later this year.

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON ** AMAZON PAPERBACK  ** iTunes  ** KOBO

EXCERPT:

Hello? Jessie?”

“What did you just ask me?” she said.

I chuckled. “After your first time. Were you sore?”

Then she screamed. Right in my ear. “Azurdee! You and Lark? Oh. My. God. Was it good? I mean, I know it hurts at first, but after that? How many times did y’all? Was he sweet to you? That bastard better have been sweet to you! Was it hot? Oh my God, tell me
everything!”

I laughed as I made my way downstairs. I saw about a half dozen people out back cleaning up the rest of the reception. Tables and chairs were being taken down and placed into a trailer.

“Azurdee!”

“Oh, sorry. I was watching them take down the rest of the things from the reception.”

She let out a long sigh and said, “Azurdee, spill it.”

I moved into the living room and sat down on the sofa. “Oh Jessie, it was amazing. He was amazing. He kept calling me mi amor! It melted my heart every time he said it. He was sweet, passionate, and so gentle. It was beyond anything I had ever dreamed.”

She let out the silliest little yelp. “I knew Lark Williams had it in him. He just needed to find the right girl.”

My stomach dipped a little and my smile faded a bit. “Well, I’m not sure if I’m the right girl or even the girl.”

“Wait. Was this a one-time thing? Please tell me you didn’t agree to him taking your virginity and walking away!”

“No. We both agreed that we would be exclusive, but I have a feeling this is the first time he has been exclusive since…well since…” Why couldn’t I say her name?

“Nikki?” Jessie asked.

“Yes. Jessie, why do I feel like I’m in competition with someone who passed away years ago? I can’t shake this feeling that he was comparing me to her.”

She let out a breath and said, “Pesh. Nonsense, Azurdee. He would never do that. I’m sure it was probably just very powerful for him. I mean, by his own admission he has said he has no intentions of ever…”

Her voice trailed off and I knew she was regretting what she had just said. “Jessie, I knew how Lark was and how he thought when I got into this. I know he could walk away at any given moment.”

I silently prayed that would never happen, but deep down inside I knew it was a strong possibility.

“He won’t walk away, sweetie. I see the way he looks at you. I think you are the game changer he’s been waiting for.”

I bit down on my fingernail and began chewing it. “Maybe. I don’t want to get my hopes up, ya know?”

 “So tell me…are you sore?” she asked with a giggle.

I felt like a teenager in high school. “Let’s just say he told me he was going to make it so I would think about him every time I moved…for a few days.”

Jessie let out a gasp and began laughing. “Oh my.”

I dropped my head back onto the sofa and said, “Jessie…he is amazing. I mean…the way he can be so sweet and then so dirty. Oh God. He had me going insane with lust for him.”

“The sweet part surprises me, but not the dirty,” she said with a laugh. 

I laughed in return and said, “Four times.”

“Four times! Look at the stamina Mr. Williams has!” We both lost it in a laughing fit. “Jesus, Azurdee. No wonder you’re sore.”

“Bed twice, bathtub once, and then the shower,” I said in an almost whisper.

AUTHOR BIO:

Kelly is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!

She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.

In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.

Stay connected with Kelly Elliott:

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

Twitter: @author_kelly

Website: http://www.kellyelliottauthor.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6581091.Kelly_Elliott

Email: authorkellyelliott@gmail.com

BLOG TOUR HOSTED BY:

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Blitz! I Run to You by Jennifer Sivec

Book Title:I Run to You
Author:Jennifer Sivec
Genre: Women's Fiction
Release Date: July 2, 2014
Hosted by:Book Enthusiast Promotions

Alyssa Bennet had been living life on autopilot, never taking chances or the time to figure out what she wanted in life. A broken family and lonely childhood had failed to show her the true meaning and depth of what love can be.

But all that changes on her 25th birthday.

Alyssa suddenly realizes that it’s up to her to take charge and choose the direction of her life.

Landon Daniels, Alyssa’s best guy friend is always there for her whenever she needs him. But when life takes a drastic turn with an unexpected diagnosis, her relationship and feelings for Landon become too complicated to face. Alyssa is forced to rely heavily on the only two people she’s ever been able to trust, her best friend Anna and her beloved Nona. As they always have, they help Alyssa sort through the mess that has become her life.

At her time of deepest despair, Alyssa finally begins to learn what true love really means. But her old feelings of inadequacy quickly creep back into her life making her doubt she can ever have happiness.

Will Alyssa be strong enough to face her fears and run toward the only man she’s ever loved, or will she destroy her chance completely?





I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember; journals, poems, and short stories. I always wanted to write a novel and started several over the years, but for some reason I could never see them through to the end. Until Eva came along.

I was abandoned as a child, at about the age of 2 or 3 which I strangely never gave a lot of thought to. Then I became a mother. When my youngest child was about 2, I watched him sleeping one night as I often did. But this night, I was gripped by this heart-wrenching realization that he was about the age that I was when my parents left me. Something stirred inside of me, and eventually Eva was born. “Leaving Eva” began as a story of a girl who was heartlessly abandoned, and then her story took on a life of its own. It was no longer the story that I began, and it became something else entirely.

I am happy to have finally gotten in touch with my inner Author. She’s always been there lying dormant inside of me, reflecting in other parts of my life. But now she is awake and alive, shining through me every day.

I am very fortunate to have a wonderful supportive husband, two beautiful children, and an incredible family. I have a career that is rewarding and challenging and I get to work with amazing, funny, talented people every day.

Writing has been an escape, a refuge, and an outlet for me. I feel so lucky to get to channel my energy and my creativity through my writing.

I hope that my readers will continue to stay with me through my journey as I grown and evolve. I am so grateful for the support I’ve received and the amazing people that I’ve encountered along the way!

Sharing Milk and a Life

I knew that I was so screwed, both literally and figuratively, the second we both realized the condom had fallen off.

Not only was I mortified but I was also grossed out. I mean, really grossed out. It wasn’t as though we got to do it all that often, and when we did, this happened.

I really felt the situation I was in was pretty shocking, especially since it was before 8am and I barely had time to shake the sleep off before I realized he was on top of me, which I thought I might like at first. Then realized that it was Tom and sex with him was usually awkward and not fun at all. I didn’t even know why I was here, with him, still. He wasn’t exactly the guys of my dreams, but that’s what happens when you become too comfortable with your life and stop desiring more. The first guy to call you “honey” becomes your boyfriend, whether that was the initial plan or not. The relationship just kind of happens and then you wake up and realize that it’s been half a decade and you are still together.

At least that’s what happened with us.

We were an odd couple, but still by most people’s definition, a couple. He was crabby and grumpy, and I was happy and optimistic, and we didn't really fit together at all. We just existed together for reasons I, nor anyone else could understand but for the time being it worked and nobody really scrutinized it too closely.

I knew the second we realized the condom had fallen off that things just weren’t going to end well. Tom looked at me, his light brown eyes wide, and said, "Oh, shit!" as he backed up from the condom like it was a snake about to bite him in the nuts.

Really? That's all he’s going to say to me about it? Oh, shit!?

Well, Happy freaking 25th birthday to me!

****

I knew I didn't have anyone to blame but myself about staying with Tom, in a passionless, loveless relationship. I was young and maybe even a bit lazy, inand out of college when I could afford it. I was completely lost in my life with no idea how to find myself but then again, it’s not as though I was making much of an effort. I was tired of waiting tables, but I didn't really know how to do anything else. Besides, it was good money and I didn’t have a lot of options.

There was nothing I could do about the mishap at the moment. I went downstairs without even bothering to say anything to Tom. He rolled over and was already snoring away, so I went into the kitchen and made some coffee and poured myself a bowl of cereal. I tried to pet our grey cat, Willow, who had just jumped on the counter to watch the coffee brew but he scurried away from me just out of arm’s length. He stared at me with an air of disdain while he licked his paws. I hated cats. I especially hated this selfish fat cat. He didn't want anything to do with me unless I was feeding him. Brat!

But now, all I could think about was that stupid broken disgusting condom.

My phone buzzed.

"Happy birthday, my lovely. Party tonight. XO Anna" Anna was texting me first thing in the morning, like she usually did.

My Bestie since the first grade, Anna always remembered my birthday, usually before anyone else. I couldn't wait to tell her what happened, but I didn't want to do it in a text conversation. I wanted to tell her in person.

"Wait till I tell you what happened first thing this morning."

I knew she would be shocked when I told her that Tom climbed on me, since he hadn’t done so in months. But she didn't respond which was just as well because I didn’t really want to have a text conversation about it anyway. She was working, trying to be a responsible adult, unlike myself so she didn’t have time for my drama, even if it was my birthday.

It was 9 o’clock AM on my birthday and already, I felt depressed. My birthday usually made me feel depressed, but not this early. It typically hit by noon, but thanks to the morning mishap, it was creeping up on me a lot sooner.

It struck me that I hoped he didn't think the morning’s disaster was my birthday present, which I could completely see! An overwhelming feeling of disdain for Tom his stupid grey cat came over me before I could help myself and I started reflecting about our relationship, as I often did when I wasn’t happy. Tom wasn’t very nice to me. He was typically harsh and condescending, and lacked a filter, no matter where he was or who as around. Whatever he was thinking, just flew out of his mouth. The other morning when he realized I forgot to buy milk he snarled at me, “What that fuck were you thinking Lys? How am I supposed to eat my damn cereal now?”

I cringed when it happened, but I realized that it was a typical scenario. It didn’t seem to matter if it was milk, laundry, what I made for dinner, or what I wore to the bar, Tom just wasn’t pleased about something. Whether it was my birthday or a random Thursday, I often wondered why we were still together, sharing cartons of milk and a life.

And now this condom incident.

My face started to get hot and I realized that I was freaking out over the thought of it. I had always been so careful with my birth control, no matter who the guy was, or how many times I slept with him!

I didn't want to have a baby, ever. A messy, loud, time-sucking expensive baby. I always told everyone that I never wanted to have a baby. Babies were dirty and they spit up and shit everywhere. Every parent I knew was exhausted. They never slept and said their children took up every second of your time. They attempted to sound happy about it. But you could tell from the bags under their eyes and copious amounts of caffeine they needed to function, that it wasn’t as magical as they tried to make it seem. Babies were but, but was it worth the sacrifice of having sagging boobs, getting fat, and having stretched out lady parts? I had to admit that there were a few babies that were adorable, but the majority of them just had big heads, weird hair, and looked like aliens. The thought of that big head pushing itself out of a very sensitive area of the body made me want to vomit. I decided before I ever lost my virginity to Bobby Baughman, that I had no desire to ever have one of those things popping out of my body.

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Blitz! Taming the Storm by Samantha Towle

Happy Release Day to Samantha Towle and Taming the Storm! #TomisHere

Enjoy a peek into the book below and make sure to enter the giveaway! You can follow along the blog tour for reviews here.

Also join Samantha's group on Facebook where she will share exclusive details of upcoming books, teasers and treats before she posts them anywhere else! You can join Samantha Towle's Storm Troopers here.

♥BUY YOUR COPY OF TAMING THE STORM♥

Amazon US | Amazon UK |Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes US | iTunes UK | Smashwords

Lyla Summers hates men. Okay, maybe hate is a strong word … Lyla intensely dislikes men.

Her father has let her down her whole life. Her brother betrayed her in the worst way possible. And her past relationship experiences with men have been less than great.
Lyla is focussing all her energy into her band, Vintage, so when they receive an offer to sign with TMS Records, it seems that things are finally turning around for her. The last thing she wants is a man getting in the way.

Tom Carter loves women. Okay, love might be pushing it … Tom enjoys screwing lots of women.

When tragedy befalls his best friend, Tom finds himself making a promise to the big man upstairs – he’ll change his ways, if he saves the woman his best friend loves.
Tom’s prayer is answered. Now he has to change. Which means no sleeping around.

After Vintage’s manager breaks her leg skiing, Tom steps in as tour manager, and Lyla finds herself on tour with the man whore of rock.

Put one perpetually horny Tom and one sex resistant Lyla together, equals a recipe for disaster. Or so you’d think…

But an unexpected friendship is formed. A closeness neither of them expected. Putting one chastity belt and one lamp that is in desperate need of rubbing, to the test.

Will the sex storm that is Tom Carter, finally find himself tamed by the rock chick with a hardened heart, or will he go back to his womanizing ways…?

Samantha Towle is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She began her first novel in 2008 while on maternity leave. She completed the manuscript five months later and hasn't stopped writing since.

She is the author of contemporary romances, The Mighty Storm, Wethering the Storm, and Trouble. She has also written paranormal romances, The Bringer and The Alexandra Jones Series, all penned to tunes of The Killers, Kings of Leon, Adele, The Doors, Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, Lana Del Rey, and more of her favorite musicians.

A native of Hull and a graduate of Salford University, she lives with her husband, Craig, in East Yorkshire with their son and daughter.

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♥READ THE BOOKS THAT STARTED IT ALL!♥

Book 1 - The Mighty Storm

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

It's been twelve years since Tru Bennett last saw Jake Wethers, her former best friend and boy she once loved.

Jake Wethers, sexy, tattooed and deliciously bad lead singer, and brains behind The Mighty Storm, one of the biggest bands in the world, left Tru with a broken heart when he moved from England to America with his family when they were both fourteen.

Sent to interview Jake for her music column by the magazine she works for, they are both unprepared for the sparks that fly the instant they reconnect. Only, there’s a complication to their instant feelings for one another—Will, Tru’s boyfriend of two years.

Then Jake makes Tru a job offer she can't refuse—travelling the world with him and his band. But taking the job means leaving Will behind, and being on the road with the band means spending an inordinate amount of time with Jake.

Is Tru strong enough to resist the delectable bad boy who once held her heart so completely, or will she willingly risk it all for one night with the world's most notorious womanizer?

Book 2 - Wethering the Storm

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

Music journalist Tru Bennett has done the impossible: capture the heart of rock-star bad boy Jake Wethers. Now they’re busy planning a wedding and navigating their new life together in the US. Of course Tru misses London and her best friend, Simone, but living happily ever after with Jake in LA is going to be great…right?

Wrong. Even the bright California sun can’t whitewash the dark side of celebrity coupledom. Greedy music execs, merciless paparazzi, and Jake’s wild past are lurking around every corner. Making matters worse, Jake announces he doesn’t want kids, which just may be a deal breaker.

Tru loves Jake more than anything. But when a devastating crisis threatens to destroy everything they’ve fought for, the couple must face the hard truth: What if, this time, love is not enough?