Blog Tour: Black Box by Cassia Leo

SYNOPSIS

♥ Three fateful encounters.... ♥ Two heart-breaking tragedies.... ♥ One last chance to get it right. From New York Times best selling author Cassia Leo, comes an epic love story about rewriting destiny. Over the course of five years, Mikki and Crush cross paths on three separate occasions. Their first encounter changes Mikki's life forever, but their second meeting leaves them both buried beneath the emotional wreckage of a violent attack. Mikki is left with more questions and grief than she can handle, while Crush is forced to forget the girl who saved his life. Now nineteen years old, Mikki Gladstone has decided she's tired of the mind-numbing meds. She books a flight to Los Angeles to end her life far away from her loving, though often distant, family. Twenty-one-year-old Crush has always channeled his blackest thoughts into his music, but he's never had great aspirations. He decides to fly to Los Angeles to record a demo of the only song he's never performed in public; a song he wrote for a girl he doesn't even know: Black Box. He has no expectations of fame and he's never felt like his life had any purpose... until he meets Mikki in Terminal B. When Mikki and Crush cross paths for the third time in Terminal B, neither has any idea who the other person is; until they slowly piece together their history and realize that fate has more in store for them than just another love story.

BLACK BOX PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1arEdUx

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1dNmKMC

iTunes US: http://bit.ly/blackboxitunes

iTunes UK: http://bit.ly/1ffAjpG

Kobo US/CA: http://bit.ly/blackboxkobo 

My Review:

This is a heartbreaking story of fate and tragedy. Can you handle it?

What are you running from?

It’s an intense read that casts tortured and damages souls. These poor characters, namely Mikki, have been to hell and back. Mikki and Crush have been brought together after struggling from a past event that has wrecked their lives. Crush recognizes himself in Mikki, and puts himself out there, knowing that she needs a friend and a little help.

This book is for those who understand and enjoy the abstract. Those who appreciate the beauty of a book that doesn’t wrap things in a big, pretty, pink bow. The serendipity in the book ties events and circumstances together, but the book understands the unknowns of life, and forces nothing just to give you the typical ending.

I really loved that each chapter started off with a link to a song that sets the tone for the chapter. This book is one for lovers of music and musician heroes. The story is told in a first person narrative, which alternates POV with each chapter. It occasionally throws in flashbacks chapters where the story needs enrichment. Cassia Leo is a solid author that has a real authenticity to her voice. The stories and characters feel unique and accurate to the twenty-something voice.

What I would have loved more of? The story within a story, regarding the book that has brought the couple together, Black Box. I would have loved to experience this part of the plot more. It was unique and fun, and I couldn’t get enough obviously. It brought a mysterious element to the story and I loved trying to figure out where the story was leading.

Insta-love. It may have an inkling of this. I read about complaints regarding this in books. I personally bought the history that these characters had with each other that would warrant them saying ‘I love you’ to each other. So this didn’t bother me one bit, but I could easily see some complaining about it. This book just scratches the surface of their relationship, and only a brief period of time within a week. They fall in love due to this strong pull of fate and how important past events have intersected their lives. Bottom line: the demand right now is for stand-alones, and with 250-300 page stand-alones, you’re going to get insta-love. The market has demanded it. I personally would love more from this couple.

Well I enjoyed the emotional journey that this book took me through. There were tears shed and nail biting. If you are looking for a touching and emotional read, look no further. Black Box by Cassia Leo is your next purchase.

AUTHOR BIO

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo grew up in California and has lived in three different countries. She loves to travel and her dream is to one day score a record deal based on her awesome shower singing skills. She is the author of the Shattered Hearts series (Relentless, Pieces of You, Bring Me Home, Abandon) and the Luke and Chase series.
Website: http://cassialeo.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorcassialeo 
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorCassiaLeo

                      

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Cover Reveal: Abandon by Cassia Leo

Tristan never gave a shit about the girls he used and abandoned. His manwhore ways were ingrained in him from birth. His past has always been a mystery his conquests have wanted to crack, but no one has been able to... until now. Senia has always fallen for the wrong guys, but this time she's fallen for the worst of them. Her attempts to guard her heart from Tristan's charms and sexual magnetism only spur on his pursuit. And soon, the electric energy between Tristan and Senia sparks a fire too wild to contain. Now Tristan must decide if he will abandon his old ways or if he will stay true to his past and abandon Senia instead.
Note: This is a spin-off from the Shattered Hearts Series and can be read as a standalone.

Expected Release Date: January 2014

 

CHAPTER ONE

She walks into Yogurtland with her cell phone pressed to her ear and a scowl on her face. Behind the scowl, her vulnerability shines like a fucking nuclear explosion in a dark closet. Whoever she’s talking to has stripped her bare. I find myself wishing it were me who affected her that way. She’s digging inside her purse while balancing the phone between her shoulder and her ear; probably searching for money to get her frozen yogurt fix. What is it about frozen yogurt that makes us feel better? Maybe it reminds us of being kids, and how something as simple as a trip to the yogurt shop could turn a bad day into a great one. Whatever it is, I can see that she desperately needs some frozen yogurt. But with each passing moment that she’s unable to locate her money, I see the hope draining from her face. “I told you to stop calling me. I don’t care if your car is in the shop. I’m not picking you up!” She drops her purse and cell phone onto the checkered tile floor and curses loudly. “What the fuck are you staring at?!” she barks at the man who’s ogling her ass while ushering his small child out of the shop. “You’ve never seen a girl in a skirt bend over?” She falls to her knees as she reaches for the cell phone first. She presses it to her ear and says hello a few times before she realizes there’s no one there. I walk over to her, coolly taking my time, then I kneel next to her and reach for the lipstick tube that rolled behind her left foot. I hold it out in front of her. She looks sideways at me and her mouth drops as she’s stunned into silence. Most girls are stunned when they see me. I’m used to that. But Senia has seen me plenty of times. She’s not amazed by my good looks. She’s stupefied by my impeccable timing. Her gaze immediately falls to my lips, which are just inches from her own. Then she begins to sob as she throws her arms around my neck. I can’t help but chuckle. “Hey, it’s okay,” I whisper into her ear as I breathe in her scent. She smells like strawberries or pineapple. Something fruity. It’s intoxicating. I reach up and grab her face to pull her away, so I can look her in the eye. “What flavor do you want?”

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Pieces of You by Cassia Leo

 

In Relentless, college student Claire Nixon and surfer Adam Parker each had a painful past too heavy to carry alone. Claire tried to push Adam away, but Adam's relentless pursuit of her heart and her secrets made her walls come crumbling down.

Though their hearts will never be whole again, Claire and Adam now know they are stronger together than they are apart.

But now Claire's attending college a hundred miles away from Adam. With their relationship already hanging by a thread, Adam is sent to Hawaii on business. 

And rock star Chris Knight is back in Claire's life.

Chris wants his ex-girlfriend back and he knows just how to get her: only he has the power to mend the final missing piece of Claire's broken heart. Now Claire must choose between a long-distance relationship with Adam and a second chance at love, family, and home. 

New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language, drug use, and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

MY REVIEW:

 Boy, Claire has her hands full in this one! Two guys, who adore her, and are falling all over themselves to have her attention. But Claire has personal issues. The same issues that were laid out in the first book, Relentless, are delved into and are attempted to be dealt with. This book has a lot of "train wreck" factor. As I was reading I kept thinking, these peoples' drama buckets are full enough, just give them a break! That said I kept turning the pages and burned through this book in a day. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

This book developed the love triangle aspect of the story. I have to say that the author did a great job of developing the relationship between Claire and Chris; Claire and Adam. I KNOW IT'S A MOUTH FULL! So it made me a bit torn who to like, especially because, the first book really developed the relationship between Claire and Adam, throwing Chris into the mix at the end. This book really introduces Chris and Claire's dynamic, which I really enjoyed. The two relationships are both different, but both really captivatiing.

Chris really comes onto the scene, and I think steals the show a bit. His dedication to Claire and righting the decision that she made, really won me over. He's trying to win her back, but he above all, wants her happy. The small gestures that he does for her, are selfless and for her happiness only.  He is willing to forgive her for things she has done, and realizes that their history together and their love is worth more than holding a grudge. I'm Team Chris. I feel bad for Adam, but hey that's the way it is!

"How can you still love me after everything I've done to you?"
"How can I not? You're the fucking love of my life. You don't stop loving someone just because they've hurt you. Yes, what you did hurt me, but I gain nothing if I stay angry with you. But I might gain everything by forgiving you. You're my everything. I just want you back." -Chris

But really Claire does have a difficult decision to make. Adam does really care for Claire. One of my favorite quotes from the book is:

"You're my mess, and that makes you a beautiful mess,"-Adam

So Leo has created quite a back and forth pull for me. I have no clue who Claire will pick, and someone will end up getting hurt. Yet conveniently, Leo has lead me to believe whomever looses Claire's affection won't have a cold bed for long. Maybe this will lessen the blow for me? I hope so!

In this book you will also get to see the dynamic between Claire and Chris's mom, Jackie. Jackie is sweet and selfless, and after everything Claire has been through with her biological family, she's lucky to have Jackie.

Once again Cassia Leo's writing shines. She beautifully describes the scenery, making you feel the surroundings. I'm right there in the moment along with the characters, and the picture is painted for me. This story is told in alternating POV between Adam, Claire, and Chris. I really love the insight that you get into what the characters are thinking.

USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she's not writing, she spends way too much time watching old reruns of Friends and Sex and the City. When she's not watching reruns, she's usually enjoying the California sunshine or reading--sometimes both.


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Cover Reveal: Pieces of You by Cassia Leo

Expected release: 5/17/13   

Claire Nixon is only twenty-one, but her heart has been shattered and put back together more times than she can count. Finding solace in meditation and a change of location, she thought she had buried her painful secret for good.

Then she met the persistent and sexy Adam Parker. Adam’s pursuit of Claire’s heart and her secret nearly destroyed them, but their love was relentless.

With no more secrets between them, Claire and Adam thought they had it all figured out. Though they knew they’d never be whole again, their love had survived the test. Until Claire’s rock star ex-boyfriend, Chris Knight, came back.

Now Chris has promised to mend the final piece of Claire’s broken heart as only he can. With Claire attending college a hundred miles away from Adam and Adam’s busy travel schedule, Chris’s offer looks more and more enticing.

Bio:
USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo loves her coffee, chocolate, and margaritas with salt. When she's not writing, she spends way too much time watching old reruns of Friends and Sex and the City. When she's not watching reruns, she's usually enjoying the California sunshine or reading--sometimes both.

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Relentless by Cassia Leo

Claire Nixon is hiding from her tortured past in a beautiful North Carolina beach town, keeping herself carefully isolated, save for a few trusted friends. Love and romance are not on her priority list. Well, if you make a plan, the universe laughs. Who knew what she was trying to avoid would be so smoking hot and living in the apartment above her. 

 

Enter Adam Parker. Leo DiCaprio look alike with a surfer body (enough said, you're already drooling). He is drawn to Claire from the moment he lays eyes on her and he isn't taking no for an answer. Adam's intensity is just what Claire needs to break down her walls. Adam has his share of pain and secrets in his past also. Can they both learn to forgive themselves for their past mistakes, and embrace happiness together?

Cassia Leo has created a story of a regretful history meets intense romance. As the story unfolds, hints are made to Claire's big secret. The secret, when revealed, has the potential to be a game changer. The steamy sex scenes are as hot as the North Carolina summer that provides the backdrop of this book.

There are interspersed laughs in this book, like Adam's awful knock-knock jokes. It makes their blossoming romance endearing, and honestly it needed the light heartedness to counter the tormented personal secrets that the main characters are holding in. Also, the quirky subject matter of Claire and Adam's conversations, made their relationship feel sweet and sincere. Given the warp speed start of their romance, I needed to be reassured that their relationship wasn't just infatuation. Leo effectively overcame what could have been an overly saccharine sweet romance by, making the characters have "just the right amount of flaws", to borrow Adam's quote, and using authentic dialogue for characters in their twenties.

Leo really has some beautiful and introspective quotes in this book. My copy of the book is full of highlights. The way Claire compares falling in love with Adam to a car crash with breaks failing, was impactful. The realization that Adam has, "I guess we both had to lose something to find each other", is the silver lining of their individual haunted pasts.

This book is a quick enjoyable read at 233 pages. It is heavy on whirlwind romance with enough drama to keep you engaged. I had accidentally came across comments of this book being a cliffhanger. In my opinion, the story closed nicely with enough of a set up for the next book in the series. When I finished, I immediately added the second book to my Goodreads "to read" list, but I wasn't left reeling without closure. Don't hold off reading this book, waiting for the second to release. Go. Buy. Now. You're welcome.

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Bio

Cassia Leo grew up in Florida and moved to California after graduating with a degree in journalism. She worked at two small newspapers before discovering her passion for writing romance. Her favorite color is lavender and her dream is to one day score a record deal based on her awesome shower singing skills.

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Cassia is giving away a signed paperback of RELENTLESS at each blog stop. In order to be entered in the giveaway, please leave a comment and your email address. Thanks and good luck!!

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Cover Reveal: Relentess by Cassia Leo

Release date: March 1st 2013

Claire Nixon is a twenty-year-old college dropout with a secret. To Claire, Adam Parker is just another flirty customer at the cafe, until a chance encounter and seemingly innocent comment spurs a bet between them. 

The bet is simple: If Adam can get Claire to reveal the secret that made her drop out of college, she has to re-enroll. If he doesn’t succeed, she gets to keep her secret and he must never step foot in the cafe again. Claire thinks she has this one in the bag. She’s perfected the art of forgetting her past. But she isn’t prepared for Adam’s relentless pursuit or his physical prowess. She's also not prepared for Adam to share his own secrets. And she’s definitely not prepared for her secret to come banging down her door one year later.

Excerpt from Chapter Six

When I arrive at Cora’s house at five minutes past three, I only have to knock once before the lock turns and the door creaks open. Adam is standing before me wearing a soft smile and I know he’s probably been here all day.

“Come on in,” he says, holding the door wide open for me.

I walk inside and Cora is sitting in her recliner in front of the television with Bigfoot in her lap. The apartment is clean and the usual sharp litter box smell is gone. Cora looks up and smiles so big I can see the gap where she’s missing her two back molars.

“Hello, honey. Have you met Adam Parker? He’s your new neighbor,” she says in a voice that makes me feel a little like a preschooler being introduced to a classmate. “I think you two should get to know each other.”

She obviously doesn’t know about our date yet.

Adam takes a seat on the sofa, on the side closest to the recliner, and pats the cushion next to him. “Yeah, come sit down, Claire. Let’s get to know each other.”

I take a seat on the sofa, making sure to put at least a foot of space between Adam and I, then I turn to Cora. “What did you do today? Where’s Tina?”

“Adam’s been taking care of me today. He gave her the day off,” she says, and her eyes crinkle with delight.

I narrow my eyes at him and he grabs Cora’s hand as he turns back to her. “It was my pleasure. I didn’t have anything to do today since the only other person I know in this town was working.”

“You work too much, Claire,” Cora chimes in, as she continues to stroke Bigfoot with her free hand.

Geez. It’s like these two have spent the past six hours rehearsing a routine to get Adam and me together. First he switches my schedule without my knowledge and now he’s using Cora to get on my good side. He is a master conspirator.

I stand up and do a quick check around the kitchen just to satisfy my curiosity. As expected, he did everything I asked. He even stocked her cupboard with plenty of hot cereal packets and her refrigerator with lots of fresh fruit.

“Well, it looks like you’re all taken care of so I’m gonna head home,” I say, as I plant a kiss on Cora’s forehead and rub Bigfoot’s head. “I need to shower and get to bed early. I have the early shift tomorrow.”

“Walk her home, Adam,” she says sweetly and he immediately pops up off the sofa.

“See you later, Cora. We’ll have to watch that movie another time.”

“See you later, sonny,” she says, and I know what’s coming next. “But just because I call you sonny, doesn’t mean you’re bright.”

He laughs and points at her. “I can’t keep up with you, C.”

Adam follows me out of the apartment and uses his own key, which Cora must have given him, to lock her deadbolt.

I take a few steps and turn when I reach my door. “C? Did you spend the whole day with her?”

“I ran a few errands for her, but other than that, yes, I spent the day with Cora. She’s funny and we were about to watch a movie before you interrupted us.”

“Oh, well, don’t let me interrupt your date with Cora. Please go right back in.”

He steps forward and my back hits my front door as I take a step back. He leans against my door with his hands on either side of my head, effectively caging me in.

“Are you jealous of my relationship with Cora?”

His breath is hot against my nose and warmth rushes through me, lighting up my core.

“I just don’t want her to get so used to having you around. She’s had a lot of people bail on her and I….” His face is getting closer with every word I speak. “I don’t want her to get hurt.”

“Are you sure we’re talking about Cora?” he whispers against my lips, lingering for a moment before he pushes away from the door. “I work all week, but I’ll be by your house at nine a.m. on Saturday. Wear a bathing suit under your clothes.”

I let out a deep sigh and scramble into my apartment, slamming the door behind me. I take a few calming breaths then try to ignore the ache pulsating between my legs as I make my way to my bedroom to meditate.

Cassia Leo grew up in Florida and moved to California after graduating with a degree in journalism. She worked at two small newspapers before discovering her passion for writing romance. Her favorite color is lavender and her dream is to one day score a record deal based on her awesome shower singing skills.

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