Over the last year Decadent Publishing has crafted an intriguing series of books revolving around those who set themselves up for end of the world disasters. These Preppers have made for an entertaining and thought-provoking selection of books and the book I'm bringing you today is a fine addition. Keep reading to get a glimpse of The Big One by Louisa Bacio, which includes a rock star, which is another of my favorite themes. You'll get my impressions of this book and can learn even more about it by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour. Make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a 3-book bundle of 1Night Stand titles: A Date with Death, A Dance with Death and A Duel with Death, a $15 Amazon GC, and an Emergency Kit and swag pack too!
I admit it: I have a thing for musicians. There’s something incredibly sexy about a man who can strum a guitar. Oh, and then there’s the singing, too.
In my “youth,” I dated a few, and that was before I worked as a reporter interviewing bands and reviewing shows. Thank goodness I wasn’t single during that time period, since I was propositioned on more than one occasion by male and female artists. I would have been even more tempted to indulge.
When writing The Big One, tapping into those feelings of awe came naturally. At the base, though, I always saw the performers as regular people. Sure, they had cool jobs, but they’re just like everyone else. So when exploring Sebastian’s personality, I wanted to make sure to show that. He’d not just a “rock star,” but possesses many different levels, even self-doubt.
Hopefully, Mr. Cox (yes, a bit of a pun there) comes off complex … and sexy. So tell me......What’s your favorite type of music? Ever have a crush on a musician?
Sebastian Cox, lead singer of The U.K. Underground, finds the American bird with the bunker in her backyard more than wacky, but the band’s looking for a location to shoot their latest video.
When an earthquake strikes, the unlikely couple gets trapped and finds a few ways to keep themselves busy. Once reality sets in, will their differences leave them on shaky ground?
EXCERPT:
“You want out of here? Fine, go for it.” Kayla pointed toward the doorway. “Be my guest and try to break the lock. If you succeed, I make no promises to your safety out there. We don’t know what’s happening. Maybe this was a minor shaker, or maybe the real thing, but what’s it going to hurt to sit tight and figure it out?”
“You plan on helping me pass the time in a more enjoyable manner?” He wagged his eyebrows at her, and despite herself, and her promise to have a strong will, a flutter started low in her belly. She couldn’t be attracted to him. He was such a neophyte. People like him never understood her.
“You watch yourself there.” She turned around and stalked to the other side of the room. Okay, given they were in such a small space, there wasn’t any getting away from him at the moment. He—and people like him—made her so mad.
“What about being optimistic?” he asked. “Thinking about the best in people. Self-fulfilling prophecies and life affirmations?”
“You can be positive all you want, and it’s not going to fill up your tank of gas. Having money, in smaller bills, hidden in case the banks crash and your ATM card doesn’t work—that’s being prepared. Just because I believe in reserving some supplies doesn’t mean I willed all this to happen. It did, and I’m ready for it.”
“‘Reserving?’ Is that what they’re calling it nowadays? I thought it was more akin to hoarding.”
Hoarding? He really didn’t get it. His comment hung in the air, and she did her best to ignore it. No matter what she said, the scorn from nonbelievers hurt. She grew up with her father being harassed by family members. It was only a matter of time before it was her turn. And her sister? Well, forget about telling her anything about being prepared. Maybe as destruction hit and a certain segment of the population was taken out, they’d be all gone. All that would be left would be those who’d taken the necessary precautions.
A wave of dizziness at the implications hit her, and she sat back down.
Right. As if life worked like that.
“You plan on helping me pass the time in a more enjoyable manner?” He wagged his eyebrows at her, and despite herself, and her promise to have a strong will, a flutter started low in her belly. She couldn’t be attracted to him. He was such a neophyte. People like him never understood her.
“You watch yourself there.” She turned around and stalked to the other side of the room. Okay, given they were in such a small space, there wasn’t any getting away from him at the moment. He—and people like him—made her so mad.
“What about being optimistic?” he asked. “Thinking about the best in people. Self-fulfilling prophecies and life affirmations?”
“You can be positive all you want, and it’s not going to fill up your tank of gas. Having money, in smaller bills, hidden in case the banks crash and your ATM card doesn’t work—that’s being prepared. Just because I believe in reserving some supplies doesn’t mean I willed all this to happen. It did, and I’m ready for it.”
“‘Reserving?’ Is that what they’re calling it nowadays? I thought it was more akin to hoarding.”
Hoarding? He really didn’t get it. His comment hung in the air, and she did her best to ignore it. No matter what she said, the scorn from nonbelievers hurt. She grew up with her father being harassed by family members. It was only a matter of time before it was her turn. And her sister? Well, forget about telling her anything about being prepared. Maybe as destruction hit and a certain segment of the population was taken out, they’d be all gone. All that would be left would be those who’d taken the necessary precautions.
A wave of dizziness at the implications hit her, and she sat back down.
Right. As if life worked like that.
BUY LINKS: Amazon | Decadent Publishing | ARe | BN
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
Decadent Publishing's Prepper Romance stories perfectly blend real world issues with moments of escapism and Ms. Bacio continues that beautiful blance with this book. I came away with a good understanding of why these people do what they do and an admiration for their strong will and intelligence in living beyond the moment.
When strong-willed Kayla is forced into showing arrogant rocker Sebastian her bunker for his new video the unexpected happens, the sparks soon fly, and truths come out in this fast read full of sexual tension and engaging main characters. Kayla is an immensely likable independant heroine who tries to live in the moment though she worries for the future. She's smart and straightforward and catches Sebastian by surprise as she's not what he expected. Sebastian is the typical rocker at first, arrogant and entitled. But when forced into close quarters with Kayla, surprising layers erupt and we discover a man scarred by his past. He's a combination of sexy and charming whose British vernacular added to his sex appeal. Being with Kayla brought out a softer side that made their burgeoning relationship even more delightful to witness.
From start to finish I was fully immersed in this world of claustrophobic close quarters and the sensual and satisfying romance between two very different people who find a deep connection at an unexpected time. It was over far too quickly though but was a delightful appetizer that I wholeheartedly recommend!
My rating for this is an A.
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
A Southern California native, Louisa Bacio can’t imagine living far away from the ocean. The multi-published author of erotic romance enjoys writing within all realms – from short stories to full-length novels.
Bacio shares her household with a supportive husband, two daughters growing “too fast,” and a multitude pet craziness: Two dogs, five fish tanks, an aviary, hamsters, rabbits and hermit crabs. In her other life, she teaches college classes in English, journalism and popular culture.WEBSITE: http://www.louisabacio.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/
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Thank you for the feature and awesome review! So glad you enjoyed the read.
ReplyDeleteI freaking love the cover, it's just so...romantic and looks like a sunset in the background.
ReplyDeleteNice review
ReplyDeleteRock star books are my weakness also!
ReplyDeleteI live in SoCal so the bunker and the big EQ caught my attention.
ReplyDelete