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A shy art historian, a sexy rock star, a mysterious medieval cross that holds a secret and a love that never dies. Do you believe in soulmates? Find out in Kate McBrien’s steamy debut fans of Love on the Edge of Time and A Knight in Shining Armor will love!

About Discovering You:

Title: Discovering You

Author: Kate McBrien

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 7, 2018

Publisher: Kate McBrien

Series: Indigo

Format: Digital eBook / Print

Digital ISBN: 9781732223516

Print ISBN: 9781732223509

Synopsis:

For fans of Love on the Edge of Time and A Knight in Shining Armor comes an epic romance that proves true love can never die.

Do you believe in soulmates?

A shy art historian. A sexy rock star. A mysterious medieval cross that holds a secret.

Lucy Bianchi has a plan: finish her Ph.D. in art history and land a coveted job at a prestigious Los Angeles museum. Then—maybe—she’ll find time to start dating. Her controlled and predictable world begins to unravel when she chases a runaway dog on the beach and meets a gorgeous stranger.

Justin Hamilton is the charismatic lead singer of the British band Indigo. Years of touring and partying have won him notoriety, and he can have any woman he wants, but who he really wants doesn’t seem to exist.

Until now.

From their first look—their first touch—Justin and Lucy have a connection that defies logic and deepens their desire for each other. When they see the Varangian Cross at a museum exhibit, they’re flooded with inexplicable shared memories that draw them even closer together.

Justin has to return to London just as a salacious scandal explodes that could tear them apart. Lucy must choose between the safe life she’s cultivated, or go to Justin and discover a never-ending love.

Discovering You is the first book of a contemporary romance trilogy.

My Review:

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Kate McBrien’s, Discovering You! This debut novel is about Lucy Bianchi who is interning at a museum while working on her Ph.D. in Art History and Justin Hamilton, lead singer of British band Indigo. Despite the enormous differences in their lives, fate brings them together one morning on the beach, soon leading to an undeniable connection with one another. What seems to be a case of soulmates is quickly challenged by Lucy’s overbearing family and Justin’s explicit past.

Let me begin by saying that I was quickly drawn into this novel, although it was not at all what I expected. The prologue introduces a story and characters from long ago that somehow ties into the present day stories of Justin and Lucy, which I felt gave this novel an interesting edge. I struggled to connect with Lucy, however, I still found her character brilliant and deeply wanted her to find her HEA. What I didn’t expect was how repeatedly frustrated I would become with her self-absorbed and uncaring mother. It took no time at all to realize what a horrendous person she was, but she continuously surprised me from beginning to end with just how awful she could be. I realize that Lucy was living in their cottage and they had contributed to her getting the internship, etc., but all I wanted was for her to tell her off.

Justin began as a likable character to me, and my affections for him grew throughout the story. That all changed, however, once I realized what was stressing him out so much and the secret he was keeping from Lucy. I would like to think that the situation was not as bad as the villainess Rachel (his ex) made it appear, however, the conflict was never resolved. That issue aside, I found him extremely romantic and at times completely swoon-worthy!

Regarding my previous statement about the major conflict in the novel, this was the one issue that just drove me crazy! I had no idea that this was going to end in a cliffhanger and I’m honestly not sure that I would have signed up to be a part of this blog tour had I known that before. But now, I am completely committed to their story and cannot wait to find out what happens in the second installment. I am not a fan of cliffhangers, but Lucy and Justin’s story along with the mysterious ties to a centuries-old cross and seemingly familiar dreams, have my curiosity working overtime so I have to find out where this all will lead.

Kate McBrien’s writing is beyond what I would expect from a debut author. Her characterization was brilliant, as evident in the number of horrible characters that I wanted to strangle. I’ve said numerous times since I started reviewing novels that I am always impressed when authors can make me absolutely detest a character or characters. Although she nailed it with her bad guys and gals, I feel like something was missing regarding Lucy and Justin. I wasn’t able to picture them in my mind or hear their voices like I could with Lucy’s mother, Rachel, or Edward. Regardless, this was very well done and I will be anxiously awaiting the continuation of their story.

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

Available at: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Excerpt:

Kate McBrien

Justin reached for her hand. “Come here.”

Lucy took one step forward, and Justin cradled her face, gazing into her eyes. He leaned in slowly and gave her a gentle kiss. His lips were soft and full as they touched hers. It was a tender kiss at first, but soon the kiss deepened. His kiss should have felt new, but instead, it felt like coming home to something rooted deep within her. His fingers wound around her hair, pulling her even closer to him. He moaned as Lucy parted her lips, allowing his tongue access inside, exploring her depths. Something detonated inside Lucy as she ran her fingers through his hair. It seemed as if all the anxiety she usually had around men had evaporated.

Justin pulled away, his eyes exploring her face in silent wonder.

Lucy let her fingers trace down the side of his face and his stubble. He closed his eyes, leaning into her palm, and smiled with a soft sigh.

When Justin opened his eyes again, his arms slid down around her, pulling her closer, and he kissed her again. She could feel his growing erection, and it increased her arousal even more. She whimpered when he broke their kiss.

“I’ve dreamt of kissing you.” He kissed her again and then nibbled her bottom lip. “I’ve dreamt of you every night since I met you. I can’t get you out of my mind.”

His blue eyes were so like hers it was eerie. “I’ve had dreams of you, too,” she said with a smile.

With a sexy grin, he reached for her again and pulled her close. “I think I’m obsessed with you. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he whispered, pushing his hips against her.

Lucy gasped as he pulled off her jacket and tossed it on a nearby chair. His hands caressed her bare arms and she shuddered. His hands were strong, with long fingers tenderly moving across her skin. The pads of his fingertips were a little rough as they touched her. “So soft,” he murmured before he leaned in and gave her shoulder a gentle kiss.

Lucy tilted her head back as he trailed kisses down her neck. He glanced up at her for a moment, as if asking for permission. He ran his fingers across the swell of her breast, bending down to place a gentle kiss. “I want you. I want to know every part of you.”

“Justin,” she whispered, leaning in to kiss him again. “I want that, too.”

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Rafflecopter for Discover You Blog Tour Giveaway:

Kate is offering one lucky grand prize winner a $25 Amazon Gift Card & eCopy of Discovering You, plus nine (9) Runner-ups an eCopy of Discovering You. To enter for your chance to win, please fill out the Rafflecopter link below:

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About Kate McBrien:

Kate has an MA in art history from San José State University and has taught art history at a local college. For many years, she has worked as a dental hygienist, courageously offering encouragement to her non-flossing patients.

She has always enjoyed writing but became more serious after being encouraged by a friend to participate in National Novel Writing Month. She began writing historical fiction but soon realized that the romance was taking over the history.

Kate is a Bay Area native who lives near the beach with her husband and Lola, their spoiled Labrador Retriever. When not writing, she enjoys cooking, music, movies, reading, and fangirling over Jamie Dornan.