Media Blitz! Tru Blue by Melissa Foster

Title: Tru Blue
Series: A dark, sexy standalone romance...
Author: Melissa Foster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 9, 2016

 

Imagine falling in love with a man, then finding out he was a killer...

TRU BLUE is a sexy, dark stand-alone novel written in the same loving, raw, and emotional voice romance readers have come to love, and the deeply emotional literary prose women's fiction readers have come to expect, from New York Times & USA Today bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Foster. 

He wore the skin of a killer, and bore the heart of a lover...

There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

 

                 

 

 

 

"Several emotional topics -- such as drug addiction, abandonment, infertility and unexpectedly becoming a parent -- are easily woven together without making the story feel crowded or overdone. Foster writes exceptional characters that keep readers thinking long after the book is finished... The dynamic members of the Whiskey family are the foundation that holds the group together and they are exactly the reason we're taught not to judge. Let's hope we hear more from all of them!"

~RT Book Reviews

"Sexy and Heartbreaking....I simply adored this beautifully written romance."

~Tasty Book PR 

"Ms. Foster, went for the gut with Truman and Gemma. Tru Blue is more than a romance, it is a story of love, a story of hope and a story of courage. 10 + stars."

~Night Owl Reviews

"With her wonderful characters and resonating emotions, Melissa Foster is a must-read author!"

~New York Times Bestseller Julie Kenner

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!"

~New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!"

~NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

 

Excerpt from Tru Blue
© Melissa Foster 2016
TRUMAN GRITT LOCKED the door to Whiskey Automotive and stepped into the stormy September night. Sheets of rain blurred his vision, instantly drenching his jeans and T-shirt. A slow smile crept across his face as he tipped his chin up, soaking in the shower of freedom. He made his way around the dark building and climbed the wooden stairs to the deck outside his apartment. He could have used the interior door, but after being behind bars for six long years, Truman took advantage of the small pleasures he’d missed out on, like determining his own schedule, deciding when to eat and drink, and standing in the f**king rain if he wanted to. He leaned on the rough wooden railing, ignoring the splinters of wood piercing his tattooed forearms, squinted against the wetness, and scanned the cars in the junkyard they used for parts—and he used to rid himself of frustrations. He rested his leather boot on the metal box where he kept his painting supplies. Truman didn’t have much—his old extended-cab truck, which his friend Bear Whiskey had held on to for him while he was in prison, this apartment, and a solid job, both of which were compliments of the Whiskey family. The only family he had anymore.

Emotions he didn’t want to deal with burned in his gut, causing his chest to constrict. He turned to go inside, hoping to outrun thoughts of his own f**ked-up family, whom he’d tried—and failed—to save. His cell phone rang with his brother’s ringtone, “A Beautiful Lie” by 30 Seconds to Mars.

“F**k,” he muttered, debating letting the call go to voicemail, but six months of silence from his brother was a long time. Rain pelleted his back as he pressed his palm to the door to steady himself. The ringing stopped, and he blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d trapped inside. The phone rang again, and he froze.

He’d just freed himself from the dredges of hell that he’d been thrown into in an effort to save his brother. He didn’t need to get wrapped up in whatever mess the drug-addicted fool had gotten himself into. The call went to voicemail, and Truman eyed the metal box containing his painting supplies. Breathing like he’d been in a fight, he wished he could paint the frustration out of his head. When the phone rang for the third time in as many minutes, the third time since he was released from prison six months ago, he reluctantly answered.

“Quincy.” He hated the way his brother’s name came out sounding like the enemy. Quincy had been just a kid when Truman went to prison. Heavy breathing filled the airwaves. The hairs on Truman’s forearms and neck stood on end. He knew fear when he heard it. He could practically taste it as he ground his teeth together.

“I need you,” his brother’s tortured voice implored.

Need me? Truman had hunted down his brother after he was released from prison, and when he’d finally found him, Quincy was so high on crack he was nearly incoherent—but it didn’t take much for f**k off to come through loud and clear. What Quincy needed was rehab, but Truman knew from his tone that wasn’t the point of the call.

Before he could respond, his brother croaked out, “It’s Mom. She’s really bad.”​

 

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance (M/F, M/M, F/F), romantic suspense, thrillers, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success.Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.

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Cranky Halloween: New Review! Cast No Shadows by Curiosity Quills, 3 Cranky Stars

Cast No Shadows by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



*** 3 Cranky Stars ***

This is a somewhat difficult review to write. Cast No Shadows is an anthology listed as “horror” on Amazon. My rating is based on an average from all the short stories I read.



As a horror fan, I grabbed this with glee. I have to say, I was a little underwhelmed. I think it’s the type of horror anthology that would appeal to YA, rather than hard-core horror nuts like me.



There are twenty-six authors and thirty-six short stories. Herein lay some of my issues. There is a difference in quality - some of the stories are fantastic and others are somewhat lackluster.



I read some of the short stories wanting more. I still hope there’s more to come because they were intriguing. Others, well, not so much. They needed more work and the anthology would have been stronger without their inclusion.



Some of the greatest treasures are buried toward the back of the book. Personally, I felt they needed to be up toward the front. The anthology would be stronger if it was reordered and reduced.



In saying all this, I would still recommend this book to people who like creepy more than scary. It is a treasure hunt, but when you find the gold, it really does glitter.


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New Review! Boondocks by Casey Peeler, 3.5 Cranky Stars

Boondocks by Casey Peeler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



*** 3.5 Cranky Stars ***

This is a coming of age love story, which is firmly aimed at teenagers.



The story centers around Chauna and Walker. She is the typical girl next door with a supportive and devoted family. He is the boy with a tough home life, criminal parents, and heading down a dangerous path.



Chauna’s father is part owner of the titular Boondocks. It’s a restaurant –bar and Chauna sings there every Friday night.



It’s at the Boondocks where Chauna and Walker meet, embarking on a relationship which changes the both of them.



This book touches on a number of important and realistic issues for teens: love, sex, losing a parent, and stable home lives, I did think the author missed the marked in certain situations. (Emotional, psychological, and at times, legal ramifications for certain characters). For example, the loss of a parent was glossed over and I thought further exploration could have really added an extra dimension to this work.



All in all, this is a solid read and I’ll be reading more from the author


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New Review! The Revolution by S.L. Scott, 3.5 Cranky Stars

The Revolution by S.L. Scott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



*** 3.5 Cranky Stars ***

Kaz is a guitar player in a rock band. While not in the direct spotlight, ladies are still mesmerized by him. They are so far off his radar because only one girl matters to him. Someone he met a year ago and has had limited contact with.



Lara is an interior designer with a celebrity client list a mile long and a heart that only wants to see the good in people. The book starts with her dating a famous MLB player. Boy, does that turn to crap fast.



In her time of need, she turns to Kaz and they develop a relationship. They are so perfect together, but issues stand in the way.



I liked this book I truly did, but it had so much going on. At times, I felt the book could have ended it didn't. It would explore another topic with like three chapters till the end. It was information overload.



I can't speak for someone in that type of relationship, but I struggled with how Lara thought the ex was a good person. Maybe that's how it's rationalized, but it didn't work for me.



All in all it was good at its core. The story had great potential and the characters had heart.

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