ABOVE THE NOISE
The In Too Deep Series #3
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.
REVIEW:
4 Stars
This is the third book in The In Too Deep Series, Calon and Becki's story. Although the first two installments follow Gracie and Jake's journey, I recommend you read them first. You'll meet Becki in book one and Calon in book two. Even though Above the Noise can be read as a standalone, by reading the other two books, you will most likely feel a deeper connection and understanding of the characters and their dynamics.
"He was so incredibly intense, and, even though it took me years to build the walls I had around my heart, he'd already knocked away a couple of bricks, and something told me he could get through to my whole heart if he wanted to."
Not going to lie....Calon Ridge has stolen my heart! From the very first time his character got introduced in book two, On Solid Ground, I knew he had an amazing story to tell. Sure enough Michelle Kemper Brownlow made my heart ache, break, and swoon for him.
"Becki, I've never been so captivated by someone in my life. I can't explain what you do to me."
Becki and Calon were a match. I was super excited when she took him up on his offer to be their band manager and go on the road with them. Her sassy and happy attitude allowed Calon to live his life without the burdens of his past. Slowly but surely, Calon started opening up to Becki. Started healing. It was truly amazing seeing them both grow as characters...together.
As usual, Michelle Kemper Brownlow threw in some twists and turns throughout the plot line. There was one I kind of saw coming, but at the same time, I was super relieved when it was revealed. You'll understand what I mean when you read the book.
Suffice it to say, Calon and Becki's journey wasn't an easy one. Michelle Kemper Brownlow has a way with words, let me tell you. She made me feel as if I was right there with Becki and Calon during every up and down along the way. They had their fair share of heartache, trials, and tribulations which is why I was extremely happy to see them get their happy ending. Loved seeing more of Gracie and Jake too!!
Do I recommend this book? Yes, I very much do.
Go one-click!!
Do I recommend this book? Yes, I very much do.
Go one-click!!
"Make sure they always know
I love them, absolute."
PURCHASE LINKS:
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.
The In Too Deep Series
In Too Deep
In Too Deep #1
Synopsis:
Gracie has just finished her freshman year of college in Memphis when she takes a job at a local pizza joint in her home town of McKenzie, Tennessee. She is the epitome of innocence when she meets Noah. Noah is unabashedly handsome, intriguingly reckless and just cocky enough to be sexy. Gracie’s instincts tell her to stay far away from him and based on the stories she hears from her co-workers he leaves broken hearts in his wake. But still, she can’t explain her fascination with him.
Noah puts aside his bad boy ways when what he thought was a summer crush has him unexpectedly falling in love. But soon after Gracie transfers to UT Knoxville to be with Noah, their unexpected love becomes riddled with anger, deceit and humiliation.
Jake, Noah’s former roommate and Gracie’s best friend, can no longer be a bystander. Gracie’s world falls out from beneath her and when she breaks she turns to Jake for strength. As Jake talks her through a decision she’s not yet strong enough to make, together they uncover a truth so ugly neither of them is prepared for its fallout. Will Jake pull her to the surface or is Gracie Jordan finally In Too Deep?
Purchase Links:
Read my 5 Stars Review: here
On Solid Ground
In Too Deep #2
SYNOPSIS:
Gracie survived an emotionally abusive relationship that wrecked her. Her ex, Noah, systematically chipped away at her self-esteem through intimidation, humiliation and infidelity which left Gracie unable to trust her own perception of his intentions. But after falling head over heels for Jake, her best friend and the man who stood by her through it all, she is ready to experience life in the way it was meant to be lived. However, Gracie may find it impossible to simultaneously heal from the trauma of abuse while navigating a relationship with Jake. Can she put her heart on hold in order to heal her soul?The sequel to the five-star debut novel, In Too Deep, chronicles Gracie’s steps toward healing as she falls deeper in love, reaches out for help, stands on her own, steps out of her comfort zone, faces her biggest fears, and reconnects with a sensual, talented soul from her past all in hopes of finding herself on solid ground.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Kemper Brownlow
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.
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