TSK, TSK, What to Read?: BLOG TOUR: Above the Noise by Michelle Kemper Brownlow

SYNOPSIS:

Becki Mowry’s journalism expertise keeps her busy as she spends her waking hours filling a calendar with gigs and public appearances for her boyfriend’s up and coming band, Alternate Tragedy. Radio interviews and TV spots result in sold out concerts and rowdy groupies hot for her guy; lead singer, Calon Ridge. But, as fame would have it, their time in the limelight also brings sabotage, rumors and false accusations. Becki and Calon try to stay steadfast on a personal journey that takes them to the depths of fear and uncertainty. And finally, the rug is pulled out from under the band when they must make a transition they never dreamed they’d be faced with.

In this third book of the In Too Deep series, Becki and Calon struggle to find balance as they navigate their new relationship while living amid the rock world’s nocturnal chaos. But when life’s unexpected obstacles come out of nowhere, they focus on finding their own private solace Above the Noise.

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON ** B&N ** KOBO

EXCERPT:

“Becki! Go! I don’t want you near this!” I turned back toward Max. I’d allowed my eyes off him for way too long.

“This? What is this about, Calon?” Max was a dumbass for challenging me with semantics.

“You’re hands all over Becki. That’s what this is about, Max!” I motioned between us with my hand.

Just then the beat of “Tsunami” by Dvvbs and Borgeous bounced the floor. The music was so loud it’s all I could hear. Max’s mouth flapped, but I had no idea what he said. I didn’t need to hear anything to read his cocky swagger as he walked toward me or the two middle fingers he shot up when he got within reach. That’s when it all went down.

Max threw the first punch, seemingly in response to what he knew was coming his way. He caught me in the jaw, and I heard Becki shriek my name, but my head sprung back instantly, and my eyes locked on his. My fist connected with the side of his head right at his temple, and I felt something in my hand crack, but I felt no pain.

“Calon James! Knock it the fuck off!” Becki’s voice was garbled, like it was coming at me through liquid.

I wanted to just leave with her and keep her safe, but the cocky motherfucker in front of me needed to feel the line I was drawing in the sand. He came at me again, this time he ducked and ran straight into my chest with his head. I curled my arms under his and brought them up violently and made contact with his chest with a deep thunk. I could feel the hit reverberate through my forearms. He staggered back, but his feet caught up with his body and he kept his footing.

“You think you’re such a fuckin’ hot shot, don’t you?” He was calling me the hot shot?

I shook out the hand that hit him, and then ran it through my hair. I shoved the other hand in the pocket of my jeans. “Are we done, Max?” I had to yell over the music, and he was less than three feet from me. I drew my line. He needed to understand his boundaries if we were going on tour together, but I didn’t need to kill him. We could be done as soon as he got the point.

“Dude, we’re done when I walk out the front door with Becki.” His lip curled when he said her name, which sent a shock through my body I’d never felt before. I could only imagine what went through his mind as her name rolled off his tongue. We weren’t done.

I lost it and caught him in the head again with my fist. No doubt, I felt that one. I took another shot and made abrupt contact with his jaw then another. Becki was yelling, but I couldn’t make sense of anything she said, the music was too loud. Someone grabbed me from behind and pulled me back. “Dude, he’s not worth it, let’s bounce. C’mon, Cal, don’t do this.” Spider, always the voice of reason.

I nodded and wrestled my arms back from him. I took a deep breath and calmly walked back over to where Max was crouched, trying to get up.

“Max, you were out of line.” I crouched down in front of him and watched him wipe the blood coming from his nose with the back of his hand. I didn’t want to apologize. I wanted to continue smashing his head with my fist, but that wasn’t how I wanted people to see me. “Stay away from her. She’s not yours to take.”

“And I’m not yours to take either!” Becki’s voice was loud and clear as the song ended. I stood and turned to her. She didn’t say another word, but her eyes said it all. I’d disappointed her. That revelation stung way worse than if she’d just punched me in the gut.

AUTHOR BIO:

Michelle Kemper Brownlow has been a storyteller her entire life. Her debut was on the high school cheerleading bus granting requests to re-tell her most embarrassing moments for a gaggle of hysterical squadmates.

Earning her Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University in Art Education and then marrying her very own “Jake,” she moved to Binghamton, NY where she taught high school. After having two children she quit work and finished her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Binghamton University.

The Brownlow family of four moved to Michelle’s hometown of Morgantown, PA while the children were still quite young. A few years after moving, her family grew by one when they welcomed a baby into their home through the gift of adoption. The family still resides in PA, just miles from where that high school cheer bus was parked.

Michelle has been an artist for as long as she can remember, always choosing pencils and crayons over toys and puzzles. As a freelance illustrator, her simple characters play the starring roles in numerous emergent reader books published by Reading Reading Books.

Stay connected with Michelle:

Visit my Author blog: MICHELLE KEMPER BROWNLOW

Follow me on Twitter: @MK_Brownlow

"Like" me on facebook: Michelle Kemper Brownlow/ Author

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. When I first read In To Deep and loved Gracie's story, I knew I I had to continue. Now, as I dove in to Above the Noise, we veer off from Gracie and Jake and now follow Calon and Becki. We have already met these two and got a glimpse in to their personalities but Above the Noise brings so much more about these two.

I had a love hate relationship with Calon up to this point. My feelings revolve around Gracie and Jake but with that aside now and we are seeing Calon in a new light and very much in love with Becki.

Their relationship is so beautiful and fun. They are perfect for each other and totally complement each other in every way that is needed.

Their romance blossoms fast and as each major event happens in their life they grow stronger and stronger.

But, things aren't always going to go smoothly. Many moments happen that test their strength, their resolve, and push them to come face to face with their demons.

I loved every moment and am so glad I got to know these amazing characters.

My only qualm with this book is that the last 10% of the book felt like it was rushed and there were things I felt just didn't work...

But, it did not distract from my love of this beautifully wonderful tale of two characters that are so strong yet vulnerable to their past demons...

Definitely a series you need to pick up and read...