BLOG TOUR STOP~ REVIEW~INTERVIEW~GIVEAWAY~SPARK by Brooke Cumberland
TITLE: Spark
AUTHOR: Brooke Cumberland
After being saved by a firefighter, Velaney Wills meets Eric Reilley, who recently moved from Texas to Boston to work on the Boston Fire Department. Ironically, Eric lives below Velaney and with his devilish charm, and sweet accent, Velaney is finding him hard to resist.
Velaney grew up in what should've been the perfect childhood. Her father owns his own dental practice, and her mother a Pastor. She wasn't allowed to swear and never got into any trouble, however, her troubled and complicated past makes her build walls that she doesn't let down easily.
Eric is fascinated with the fact that Velaney can't swear. She uses filler words to express herself that he often finds hilarious. Velaney runs as her outlet - releasing the rage and anger she has built up inside her from a deep secret she's never told anyone except her lifelong best friend, and roommate, Carissa.
Eric and Velaney become running partners - only securing their obvious sexual tension between them. No matter how much Velaney pushes Eric away, he will always be there to save her.
REVIEW
This book is sooooo good I loved it. Let me just say this is unlike Brook's Riverside series, she did something different, she went dark and hard but she pulled it off effortlessly.
"She is all into the whole cliche love stories. Girl meets boy. Boy saves girl. Girl and boy live happily ever after. Too bad that wasn't my story, was never going to be my story, and could never be my story."~Velaney
Don't be so sure Velaney, because you never know what or who is around the corner, your story is about to take an unexpected turn.
Velaney is a young women only half living her life her actions are controlled by fear and the experiences she endured as a child.
One fiery morning she is rescued by a; burn this building down HOT firefighter, immediately they spark a connection and after learning he just moved into her apartment building they soon develop a friendship.
"He smiles down at me, and my hands that are supposed to be smacking the wall are pressed up against his hard, sweaty chest. Oh hells balls, he has a nipple ring. And tattoos. Good Lord, i'm doomed"~Velaney
Vel ,you are not the only one that is doomed I think the entire female population is doomed right along with you after meeting Eric.
Eric is a southern Hottie and as I mentioned before a fire fighter (Brooke struck gold with this creation A southern gentleman plus a fire fighter, every girls dream)
He is sweet, protective, caring, gentle and his goodness just pours from the pages.
That first rescue of Velaney was to be the first of many, he becomes her hero always saving her from her own clumsiness or from others who wish to bring her harm.
These two don't just jump right into a relationship, they build a friendship, even though sometimes that proved difficult because their undeniable sizzling chemistry.
"I told you. I'm excellent at reading people, and body language. I see the sexual tension between you two, and if you don't get it on soon your pussy will combust."~Carissa
Vel does not believe she is good enough for Eric with all her emotional baggage and triggers she sadly believes she is too damaged to have a normal relationship, So she pushes him away. But Eric does not give up on her, he takes his time to get to know her as a person gaining her trust and always providing a shelter from all the craziness of life. He became her home her safe place.
"Don't let what they did to you then define who you are now. They don't deserve that. They don't deserve any part of you"~Carissa
Over time the spark between them is just too intense to be ignored any longer and they embark on a relationship. However that relationship is not without its challenges Vel has a lot to over come in-order to maintain a healthy even field relationship.
This becomes the least of their problems when a figure from her past return with no good intentions. (some scary pretty nasty things happen trust me)
I won't giveaway anymore you are just going to have to read the book to find out what happens. Trust me its one hell of a roller coaster ride that you will not forget any time soon.
"The way Eric has the ability to complete me and make me feel whole for the first time in my life is uncanny. I never believe in those corny love stories-happily ever and all that crap. I was wrong. Oh, god, was I wrong."~Vel
don't let that quote fool you noting is what it seems.
I'm gonna tell you why I gave this book a five star (5 stars has been on a lock down from me lately, but I could not denied just how much I enjoyed this story). This book has some dark series issues that it tackles, despite all the seriousness and heavy issues I was laughing my head off. Brooke just has a way of intertwining the one lines at the right moment. The flow was seamless and if you have read her first book you can see just how much she has grown as a writer.
Vel best friend Carissa is simply one of the best secondary character I have ever read, she is funny as hell, has no filter what-so-ever she just says whatever the hell come to her mind. She needs to have her own book I could read about her all day long a strong feisty women after my own heart.
Her strength and support for Velaney is just inspiring.
Velaney is unable to swear and her replacement words are just hilarious.
The book does ends on a cliffhanger but not a major one to cause you a headache and you don't have to wait too long to have the next installment "Burn"
overall a very good book well written with great characters and a brilliant story line.
Brooke is a midwestern gal, from the cheese state of Wisconsin! Go Packers! She's a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children (one daughter & two stepsons) and a black fury dog. She's studied psychology in college, and counseling and education in graduate school where she found her love for writing. Most days you can find her reading or writing, or just hanging out with her family! She loves movies, cooking, and shopping! She's addicted to Starbucks, Coach purses, and wearing yoga pants.
Also Available:
Kitchen Affairs
Kitchen Scandals
Barnes & Nobles
AUTHOR/ CHARACTER INTERVIEW~SPARK
ERIC
SBB~ Thank you so much for joining me sweetie, it’s a
pleasure to have you with us.
Let’s get this show on the road.
SBB~Did you always wanted to be a firefighter?
Yes, ever since I can
remember.
SBB~What prompted your move to Boston?
My dad is the chief
& I wanted to work with him. He’s my hero and my idol. I couldn’t think of
anyone better than to learn from than my father.
SBB~Would you describe yourself as a men whore before your relationship
because according to Vel she saw many different women coming and going from
your apartment?
No, I don’t think so.
I actually didn’t have many relationships or even acquaintances before Velaney.
I did have a couple girls that I hooked up with, but they were never serious. I
think I was trying to get my mind off Velaney because she kept pushing me away,
but it only made me realize how I would never rid her of my mind. I wanted her.
SBB~What was it like rescuing Velaney from her bedroom and
finding her in that particular nightwear?
It was intense. I wasn't expecting that at all. I felt a connection with her right away because
even though she looked sexy as hell, I could tell she was uncomfortable being
caught wearing it and I was intrigued ever since to get to know her.
SBB~You were always available when Vel needed help did you
purposely make yourself available so whenever she needed help you would be the
one to provide it?
I always want to be
the one to protect her. It just so happened that whenever she’d fall over, or
get into some kind of trouble (bar fights) I would be there. I tried to see her
as much as I could and I can’t help thinking she was just as nervous around me
as I was around her, which making her clumsy or falling over something. It was
cute as sin.
SBB~You fought your feelings for Vel in the beginning, why was
that and what made you change your mind and went after her to make her yours?
There was just something that pulled me
to her. I kept feeling the need to protect her. I hit a point when I felt I
couldn't let her go. There was a reason bigger than I could understand as to
why. I was so drawn to protect her cause.....She was made for me! Vel is
perfect for me in every way.
SBB~What was it like watching Vel go out on a date with Alex?
Let’s just say I was
ready to rip his eyes out for even looking at her and his hands off for even
touching her. I was insanely jealous.
SBB~The first time you Kissed Vel she freaked, what was that
like for you?
It tore me apart. I
knew she wanted it, I knew it by her reaction, but I could also tell she was
fighting it. I didn’t want to push her in case she wasn’t ready, but I just
couldn’t stay away. I knew I wanted her lips on me again and again.
SBB~What was going through your head when you walked in on Aiden
attacking Vel?
I didn’t even have time
to rationalize the asshole being there. I just reacted. I didn’t think, I just
acted.
SBB~How did you feel after Vel finally opened up about what
happened to her in the past?
My heart immediately
broke for her. I didn’t know what to say, but I also knew she wouldn't want me
to feel sorry for her. She’s strong. She wants to move on from her past and it
was evident to me that by telling me about her past she wanted to make sure it
was something I could handle. And of course, it didn’t make any difference to
me. It just proved to me how strong she truly is. And not to mention, the
instinct to hunt her mom and Aiden down.
SBB~After the fire at the school and the breakdown that Vel had
did/have you considered changing careers?
No, I haven’t. I know
my job isn’t easy. It’s risky. It can do a lot of harm. But I also think
Velaney understands that. I’ve dedicated my life to protecting and saving
people—it’s part of my blood.
SBB~You call Velaney “The One” after she broke up with you did
you think the two of you would find a way back?
I was never going to
give up. I didn’t know at the time why she did but after realizing why and why
she felt the need to, I would never just walk away. I know we’ll always be
there for each other and no matter how many times she doubts it, I’ll always be
there reminding her why we are perfect for each other.
Did you ever think there was more to your break up than what
meets the eye?
Yes, I could tell
something was wrong. I couldn’t understand after the night we just had, how
much she loved me and I loved her that it would just be “over.” I didn’t know
exactly why, but I had a hunch it had something to do with Aiden or her family.
SBB~You are a firefighter and a Damn HOT one with a southern
accent. How has it been dealing with your new book boyfriend status?
Ummm, well, I guess I
didn’t know I had a book boyfriend status, but now that I’m aware I feel like
hiding away. No just kidding. It’s odd I guess, is the best way to describe it.
I mean, I don’t want guys looking at Velaney as I’m sure she doesn’t want other
girls looking at me. However, I like being her man-candy ;)
SBB~Well now you are also our man candy **wink wink** How is Velaney and did you get the opportunity to introduced
her to your mother?
Yes I did. You will
see in Burn how much my mother adores her.
SBB~That's nice I fell she needs that motherly figure. Yours and Vel’s story is far from over. What can we expect
from you in Burn out in October?
You can expect to see
a different side of me. Without giving away spoilers, you’ll get a lot more
from me and even hear my side of things.
SBB~Woot Woot really looking forward to that.
I need an exclusive… anything you can give me?
I need an exclusive… anything you can give me?
I can tell you that our relationship really heats up and
goes through quite the windmill of ups and downs. Be prepared for an emotional
rollercoaster.
Thank you so much doll I loved getting to know you a little better,
give my love to Vel.
AUTHOR
Brooke, Darling Congrats on a wonderful well-delivered book
I enjoyed it immensely.
SBB~So where did the idea for Spark come from?
Initially, I think it
came from Chicago Fire (I say think bc this storyline came to me months ago and
I don’t remember exactly). I don’t watch a lot of TV, but it was on one night
as my husband was flipping through channels, and I realized a Firefighter hero
for a book would be hot!!! The rest just came to me as I began writing…I didn’t
really have a plot sorted out. I knew I wanted the heroin to have a badass
roommate to help develop the main character. I wrote down notes as I thought of
them and it just came together. I didn’t want them to get together right away,
I wanted Eric to know her on a personal level but also on a sensual level so he
could get to know her past.
SBB~Spark is very different to your previous Novels, what made
you want to go down this route?
I wanted something
different. The Riverside Trilogy will always be my first babies, but I wanted
something with angst, a darker past, and a hotter hero. I wanted to go outside
my comfort zone and challenge myself.
SBB~Well you certainly did just that. Do you know anyone who has been in a similar situation to
that of Vel, Eric or Carissa?
You know, I actually
don’t. That’s what is so great about fiction. You can live through your
characters. You can create a whole new life. I’m not saying I’ve never
experienced trauma or pain (which is what I used to get through those tough
scenes) but in just a different way.
SBB~What is your writing process and do you write to music?
I seem to get my
writing mojo at night. I try during the day, but there is just too much going
on in my house. I do like music, but I don’t need it. Usually I can’t bc
there’s other people around. I write in my living room so it’s very noisy – TV,
kids, husband, dog. So that’s why I’m a night owl. It’s quiet and dark. I
sometimes bounce ideas off one of my street team members if I feel stuck, but
once I get an idea or get going, I can write for hours at a time.
SBB~This book has some pretty emotional with a few difficult
scenes. How was it writing those particular scenes?
Those were hard. It
took me awhile. I had to be in the right “mind set” to get into Aiden’s head.
SBB~How long did it take to complete this book?
I started in
April/May I believe, but set it aside to finish Kitchen Scandals. Then picked
it back up at the end of June and finished mid July.
SBB~How many book are there in this series?
2 in the SPARK
series, but I will be doing a companion novel for Carissa.
Holy shit I LOVED LOVED Riss I think you have created one of
the best secondary character I have ever read, where did the idea for her character
came from is she based on yourself or anyone you know?
No she’s not
actually. And it’s funny because I get asked that a lot. I just really wanted a
character that was spunky and carefree. It’s fun playing a character that you
aren’t in real life, so I just brought that part of me out through her. I love
her too J
Her one liners are pretty much anything she said has me in stitches with laughter.
Will she get her own book?
Yes she will!! I
haven’t started yet and don’t have a release date in mind yet, but when I do I
for sure announce it!
SBB~Has been an author always been your dream and when did you
decide to make that into a reality?
Nope not at all. I
always love to write though. I would write lyrics and short stories back in my
middle/high school days, but I always thought it was a far-fetched dreamed. I
knew dreamed I’d be able to self-publish on my own. I started writing Kitchen
Affairs after I read 50 Shades and numerous NA books after that. I found a site
where people write short stories for fun and I decided to write some too. Soon,
people were demanding more and more chapters. And that’s how Kitchen Affairs
was born. It was a way to relieve stress for me. It has been therapeutic for me
in dealing with some personal issues, and now I’m just so damn addicted and
obsessed, I don’t think I’ll ever stop!
SBB~What is the best advice you have been given so far?
Write for you!!
SBB~What advice would you give to new Authors?
This is not a
part-time, hobby type job (and I only say that because that’s what people who
aren’t in the business assume). If you really want to succeed and “get
somewhere” it takes a lot of dedication and time. Your house will get dirty,
the laundry will pile up, your husband will complain that you don’t pay any
attention to them, and you’ll begin to stick from not remembering to shower.
You work long into the night and you feel sleep-deprived daily. This is normal.
Do not give up. Write for you. Develop a great support system. Stay true to who
you are and always be humble. Never act like you deserve anything. Things will
not get handed to you. You will have to work your butt off.
SBB~What books do you read?
New Adult Romance
mainly.
SBB~What can we expect from Burn and is it already written?
It’s about half way
done. You can expect to not see it coming. Eric and Velaney’s relationship
really goes through a lot of obstacles and it’s interesting to see how their
love evolves.
SBB~I have to ask can we have a few spoilers from Burn
Yes of course…here’s
a small excerpt.
(Velaney)
After the plane lands, we lock fingers as
we walk through the airport. We quickly snatch up our luggage and head to where
his family is meeting us.
“Hope you’re ready for some massive hugs,
Velaney dear,” Mr. Reilley pops in, wagging his eyebrows at me. “My wife’s a
hugger,” he huffs a laugh.
“Oh, no problem.” I smile back. Definitely a change from my family…
“Eric! Eric!” I hear girls squealing as
we enter the waiting area. “Oh my god!”
I look up at Eric with a curious
expression. “I didn’t know you’d have a fan club here waiting for you.”
He looks down and grins his so sweet
panty-dropping smile.
Our fingers stay locked as the two girls
rush up and swing their arms around Eric. I can tell their Texan right
away…total southern accent.
“Eric, how dare you stay away for so damn
long!” one with sheer blonde hair whines.
“Yeah, it isn’t the same without ya!” the
other, much shorter than the first complains.
Eric finally turns to me. “Girls, this is
my girlfriend, Velaney. Velaney these very obnoxious girls are my
cousins—Savannah and Shelby.”
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you.” I begin to
reach out my hand, but they both engulf me in a massive bear hug.
“Oh, honey, we don’t shake hands ‘round
here.” They have a much thicker accent than Eric. It’s charming and comforting.
I smile and chew my bottom lip as my nerves get more intense.
“Don’t go scarin’ that young lady away
now, you two. Let me at her,” a woman with curly brown locks comes right for
me. I smile as she approaches, bracing for another hug attack. “Well, looky you
darlin’. You’re a tiny ole thing. Doesn’t Eric ever take you out for a meal?” I
giggle as she swallows me in for a hug. I wrap my arms around her, grinning.
I’m not used to so many people giving me attention like this…it’s odd.
“Yes, ma’am. He makes a mean breakfast.”
“Oh, now honey, ma’am makes me feel old.
You can call me Lilly or Mama.” I smile and nod.
“Okay, can I have my girlfriend back
now?” Eric pouts, feeling left out.
“Oh, now you hush boy. She’s our guest.”
“And what am I? Chopped liver?” He pouts
his lower lip out, and it takes all the will power in me not to bite it between
my teeth.
“Of course not, dear. Give ya mama a hug,
now.”
As all the welcoming hugs are exchanged,
we walk to where the car is parked and drive the long distance to their country
ranch.
(appeared first on Scandalous Blog Blog)
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