We are excited to take part on this Blog Tour for Kate Carley's Helping Her Remember, the first book in the Crawford Falls series! This is a Review & Excerpt tour!!! Today, we have a review, even an exclusive excerpt, to share on this first book in a new series! Other than, check out all the tour festivities and grab your copy now!
Genre:
New Adult
Contemporary Romance
Series:
Crawford Falls, #1
Publish Date:
February 26, 2018
Publisher:
Kate Carley
Synopsis:
Kelly’s back.
How can two simple words make Dylan Bronstad’s heart ache and sing at the same time?
Even seven years ago, Kelly Anne Leeson had possessed that power. Back then, all Dylan wanted to do was drink and make love to her. Really, it was no wonder she’d climbed out of his bed and walked out of his life, leaving him with nothing but a nasty hangover and the lonely memories of their time together.
Today, Dylan’s life is on track. He’s sober with the support of his family and his tight-knit group of friends. But Kelly could derail all he’s worked to accomplish. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to stay away from her.
Lured by the offer of her dream job, Kelly returns home to Crawford Falls and the friends she’d abandoned a lifetime ago. Mending those broken relationships will require some honest answers and a fair amount of forgiveness.
But facing Dylan will take a lot more—like maybe a suit of armor to protect her battle-weary heart and the secret she fears she’ll never be able to keep.
While Kelly searches for a way to maintain the safe life she’s created for her son, Dylan works to remind her of the relationship they once had.
Just as they rekindle their relationship, secrets and half-truths threaten to destroy everything.
*Excerpt*
“Isn’t that your turn?” she asked, huffing embarrassingly loud when they passed the county road and made their way up a fairly steep incline.
“I’m running you home.”
“Don’t need to. I’m a big girl, you know?” Kelly could feel his lazy perusal from her head down to her toes and back again. She was sweaty and gross, and he was checking her out. Unbelievable.
“Mmm. Yes, I know,” he said.
They ran in silence the rest of the way, because it was just too damn hard for her to talk. And he knew it. When they reached the top of the hill and turned onto her street, he said, “Let’s cool down.” They slowed their pace to a casual walk. “I never get to run with anyone. That was nice.”
“But you cut your run short for me. And it’s obvious, you’re in far better shape than I am, given that you can actually talk and run at the same time.”
Dylan just laughed at her comment, clasping his hand with hers, lacing their fingers together. “Go out with me, Kelly Anne. I’ve missed you, and I really want to get to know you again.”
The feel of his hand in hers and that sweet invitation sent a familiar surge of excitement through her. Kelly’s heart squeezed and her stomach did that little flip-flop rollercoaster thing again. As always, her body seemed to respond so naturally to Dylan’s attention. Or perhaps foolishly was a more appropriate definition of her response. While he apparently had warm memories of their time together, to her their relationship had been like watching an incredible firework display—spectacular, bright, loud—and then she’d been plunged into a dark, silent night all alone.
Kelly came to a stop near the side of her mom’s house and turned to face him, sucking in a deep breath and trying to ignore the nice hum of arousal playing through her body. “Jesse’s your best friend, right?” She didn’t wait, because she knew the answer. “Do you hold his hand like this when the two of you are together?” Classic Dylan reaction. He burst into laughter and then released her hand to give her a brief hug. When he stepped back, he wore that expression that generally got him exactly what he wanted. Kelly sighed and shook her head. “No, Dylan. I’m not interested in dating.”
Dylan moved in closer, tilting her chin up with one finger so she’d be forced to meet his eyes. Why did he insist on touching her like that? It did crazy things to her brain, not to mention the fact that it all but melted her resolve. “You’re kidding me. Come on, Kelly Anne. We were great together. Why not try it again?”
Because I know my heart will never survive.Copyright ©2018 Kate Carley
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**About the Author**
How Kate Carley went from majoring in mathematics and computer science in college to writing steamy contemporary romance still remains a mystery. She broke out into the indie publishing scene in 2015 with her debut novel, Challenged, a 2017 RONE award winner. Two more books completed her romantic suspense trilogy, Changing Krysset. With three published works under her belt, Kate is excited to launch her new contemporary romance series. Just like her first novels, the Crawford Falls series is set in a small town in Kate’s home state of Minnesota. When Kate isn’t busy at her desk writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new characters and plotting perfect ways to make their lives miserable before giving them their happily ever after.
Stay connected with Kate Carley
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*My Thoughts*
Note: This review contains NO spoilers
Ummm...Hmmm... I liked this story, but I didn't love it. I do enjoy a good second chance story. This is one that I thought was cute. I wasn't overly enraptured with the characters and/or the story itself. But, I can say that it was interesting enough to keep me reading. Well, I do enjoy "second chance" stories.
Helping Her Remember is an emotional journey of young love that was betrayed and hurt. But, has time help heal these emotional wounds and found forgiveness and a second chance? Well, that's pretty much what if felt like. These two characters, Kelly and Dylan, both were still reeling after events about seven years ago. Now, they both are trying to find their way back....apparently, back to each other. Both have their secrets. Both are not perfect. Both have made mistakes. Both have grown up since Kelly left Crawford Falls. Now, she's back. So... Now, both are finding their way back...to each other. Guess they have to get to know each other...again...after years of being apart.
I thought this is a sweet introduction to a new series. From this first book alone, we are introduced to a group of characters in this small town. There is potential for various other stories in this small town. Dylan and Kelly's story is just the beginning.... I would like to read more about these characters and Crawford Falls. I would think that this would appeal to varying NA and YA romance fans. So... All in all, Helping Her Remember is a somewhat emotional read that kind of grabs at the hearts of young romance readers... I think.
My rating:
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***The Giveaway***
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