Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Book Tour for Unintentional by MK Harkins (Review & GIVEAWAY)


I'm obsessed with rock star romances and am therefore excited to introduce you to Unintentional by MK Harkins.  Keep reading to get a glimpse of this sexy and emotionally intense book, along with my impressions of it, and learn even more by visiting the other blogs hosting this tour.  Make sure to fill out the form for the chance to win a $50 bookstore GC too!

Cade, the gorgeous song man, has every reason to steer clear of commitment and train his soulful eyes, killer dimples, and sexy voice on every beauty swaying to his band. So why is it that he finds himself truly, deeply and unintentionally, fixed on the one woman who is not so easily swept away?
The sequel to Intentional, the debut romantic novel by MK Harkins, Unintentional is the heart-racing new work that follows the tangled thread of Cade in the aftermath of his heartbreak in losing the one woman he thought was his soul mate. After taking a hiatus from his job as an engineer, as well as his role in the band as lead singer, Cade reemerges in the Seattle music scene. Enter Laurel, the tenacious and determined music agent. Laurel is determined to sign him, no matter how clearly reluctant he is. Though they try to resist one another romantically, the magnetism is as immediate as it is powerful.
Unintentional offers readers an intricate, riveting story about the fraught paces of love, while also offering strains of heartwarming humor. With rich detail, authentic characters, and plenty of blood-pumping romance, Unintentional is a moving and multilayered look at how love can slip through our fingers, only to be pulled back again at the most surprising, stirring moments.

EXCERPT:

I’ve never understood how Scott, and especially Ayden, can do the whole “one night stand” thing. In college maybe, but they’re too old to still be doing that shit. But I guess some people never outgrow it.
“You know that’s not the way I roll, Scott. Never has, never will be.”
Scott grins and says, “I had to give it a try. I could never understand why a guy like you, with women literally throwing themselves at you, doesn’t take advantage of that shit.”  
Scott can be so dense at times. “You’ve just said the operable word. Advantage. I don’t take advantage of girls, Scott. Anyway, they’re just wrapped up in the fantasy of a singer in a band. It’s not me they really like. It’s just who they think I am, some bad boy rocker with tattoos. They don’t know I just like to hang out on the weekends and watch sports like everyone else.”
Scott laughs. “So true! You are a boring bastard. You should give them a chance though. Maybe one of them will like football?”  
“Have you seen the girls at the bar? I have yet to see one who looks even remotely interested in anything other than a good party and having fun. I don’t want a party girl, you know that, Scott. Besides, I tried that coping technique after Jennifer, remember?”
I remember it all too well. I walked in to find my then girlfriend, Jennifer, having a little too much fun with her college math tutor. It was our senior year in college, and I was devastated.
I spent the next year escaping into the beds of whatever girl was available, hoping Jennifer would notice. She never did.
“How about one of those chicks at your engineering firm? They should be boring enough for you.”
“Too boring. Mattie was it for me,” I state unequivocally.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

BUY INTENTIONAL (1ST BOOK IN THE SERIES) here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Not having read Ms. Harkins previous book I had no idea what to expect with this new release but as I'm obsessed with rock star romances I dove right in and immediately became immersed in a delightfully sexy yet heartbreaking story full of intense emotions and witty, rapid-fire dialogue.  With headstrong main characters and memorable secondary ones this story was a quick yet immensely satisfying read that has me panting for more.

With a quick and nicely integrated opening sequence that addresses what happened to Cade in the previous book readers are introduced to a loving and charming man who oozes sex appeal but who's at a crossroads in his life torn between a regular career or chasing the dream of musical stardom.  Fate has him meeting the woman of his dreams but just when he thinks he's ready to commit tragedy occurs and he spirals into a self-imposed darkness full of loneliness that he drags himself out of courtesy of the beautiful spitfire that wants to sign his band.  He never expected to feel alive again but she turns his emotions upside down and they undergo a merry chase full of unrelenting sexual tension, crackling banter, and steamy encounters.  Cade is easy to fall in love with as he's charming and romantic, not to mention all those sexy bad boy vibes he gives off with his tats.  I ached when he ached and cheered when Laurel brought that spark of life back to him and he left an indelible mark on me.

Laurel was there the night tragedy befell Cade and she's been intrigued by him ever since.  She desperately wants to sign his band as she can see how talented they are but it's not going to be easy as Cade is full of contradictory emotions.  She finds him sexy but equally infuriating and from their first awkward, but truly hilarious introduction, he leads her on a sexually frustrating chase to signing her contract.  Laurel is a wonderful leading lady who's strong-willed and not afraid to go after what she wants.  She values loyalty and commitment and from the moment Cade kisses her she knows her life will never be calm again.  She may seem like a staid and prudish woman but Cade brings out her wild side as seen through their electrically charged dialogue and their intense sexual tension and encounters.  Laurel gave to Cade as good as she got and watching their battle of the sexes was exhilarating.

Along with a great main couple was a wonderful supporting cast of characters, particularly Laurel's assistant Sophie.  Sophie's childhood was one of abuse and neglect which has her doubting the meaning of love but there's still flashes of her having a romantic heart and in her own subtle ways she made a great matchmaker for Cade and Laurel.  She's extremely loyal making Laurel see the truth of things and is always there to bring some unexpected humor.  She's a ball of energy and I look forward to her having her own HEA as she definitely deserves it.  Cade's bandmates make a memorable impression as well as each ooze sex appeal and have distinct personalities that will bring something to every reader.  Scott, in particular, took the lead as he was there to force Cade to come back to the land of the living.  He too is charming and sexy but a bit of a player.  His interactions with Sophie left a lasting impression and have me curious where this might lead.  From its delightful banter, to its engaging characters, to the emotional roller coaster ride Ms. Harkins puts us through I found this the perfect read and highly recommend it to those who want to enjoy the thrill ride!

My rating for this is an A+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

AUTHOR INFO:

MK Harkins is the author of the romantic novel Intentional. An avid reader, she began writing fiction when she ran out of reading selections on her Kindle. Her new novel, Unintentional, is a sequel to her first work and is based on the life of the character Cade. A business owner, Harkins spends her free time traveling, watching movies, reading voraciously, in addition to creating her own fiction. The author currently lives in Mercer Island, Washington.

WEBSITE:  www.mkharkins.com
FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mk-harkins/534181436623433
GOODREADS:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22050125-unintentional
TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/mk_harkins

**********GIVEAWAY**********

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11 comments:

  1. I love the cover and the premise of the book.

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  2. Sounds like a fun summer read.

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  3. I appreciated the review. Thanks!

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  4. I enjoy how much information is provided on the book.

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  5. I loved your thought regarding the book. I am interested in reading it.

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  6. Thank you so much for your great review! (I just now found this!) I really appreciate your thoughtful description of Unintentional :) Marilyn

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