Intensity Blog Tour: Review, Author Guest Post & Giveaway

Today, I'm happy to be one of the stops, on the Intensity Blog Tour!

Intensity 

by C.C. Koen
Now Available!!!
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Readers aged 18+
Add Intensity to your Goodreads to-read list here.

Synopsis:

What would you do to improve your life?

Twenty-one-year-old Serena Thomas is faced with a tough decision. Unable to get ahead of debt and loneliness since her grandmother’s death she finds a new job, placing the sheltered virgin in an underground escort business. She tells herself it’s just a temporary life choice, but destiny has a different plan. She meets a mysterious and gorgeous man, who happens to be her new boss. Will Serena fit in or will she be left all alone again?

Lincoln (aka: Linc) Jefferson has an unusual life. He established The Lounge, an exclusive escort club for very personal reasons. A place where the women say who, when, and what type of sex they’re willing to have. The escorts possess all the power and the money. It’s a business Linc guards at all costs. Trying to maintain the secrecy is a constant challenge and one that’s tested when he enters into a relationship with Serena. She tempts him unlike any woman, even though he’s surrounded by beauty on a daily basis. The more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets. Will Serena stand by his side or will she abandon him?

Sparks and passion fly, taking these two on a journey neither could have expected.

Purchase Your Own Copy: Amazon | B & N

My Thoughts:

Great, fast-paced romance!

I was unsure when I first started reading Intensity if I would find the story believable, things just seemed too picture-perfect in chapter one, but rest assured, this book is great.

Serena is a likeable character and narrator and most of the story is told from her first-person point-of-view. She's in her young twenties and up to her eyeballs in debt, and just lost her only known-relative- the reader will sympathize with her.

Linc was by far, my favourite character, he has an easy confidence about him that is undeniably attractive, although I have to admit I'm not a fan of ponytails on guys, haha. I was unsure of his motives when he first meets Serena- the connection between these two is basically instant- he's clearly hiding something from her, but when you find out the truth, he's just that much more endearing. I enjoyed the romantic build-up between these two, although I wouldn't characterize every encounter as "intense" but more sweet and romantic.

There isn't much action in this novel, as it is very character driven, giving high priority to the build-up of the relationship between Serena and Linc. But there are some great supporting characters whom add a great blend of humour, angst and jealousy into the mix. B.B. is one character I wouldn't want to mess with!

Readers looking for a romance they can read and enjoy in one sitting, should add Intensity to their TBR lists!

Happy Reading!!!

Author Guest Post:

Favorite Aspects of New Adult: What makes a good NA read?

New adult enables readers to hone in on an age group that appeals to them and is easy to relate to. The topics vary, but the majority correspond to the pangs of growing up and the beginning stages of “adult” life (i.e., first job, sexual relationships, college, entering the work force, etc.). This stage includes many “firsts” and therefore, help us relive a critical part that shaped our future. For some readers that may mean facing regrets or reminders of precious events that were a meaningful part of our past. Therefore, this genre packs a load of emotion into the stories. 

There are many authors that have paved the way for new adult. Some of my favorites are Colleen Hoover, Katy Evans, and Kendall Ryan. 

Stories I’ve enjoyed in this genre are:

Colleen Hoover: Ugly Love, Hopeless, and Maybe Someday. 

Katy Evans: Real, Remy, Mine

Kendall Ryan: Filthy Beautiful Lies, Filthy Beautiful Love, and Filthy Beautiful Lust. 

Book recommendations can be found on most blogger sites, but some that specialize in the new adult genre are:

New Adult Addiction http://www.newadultaddiction.com/

NA Alley http://www.naalley.com/ 

As for what makes a good NA read, there are certain aspects that I look for. 

1. Appealing story: I’m an avid reader and get tired of reading the same storylines over and over. An NA novel should apply a different and intriguing angle to very common topics (i.e., first job, sexual relationships, college, entering the work force, etc.). 
2. Interesting characters: I’m a sucker for alpha, military, and men in uniform Therefore, the story would have to include those types of characters in order for me to read it. Also, I like independent, strong, and willing to fight for what they believe in women. Those preferences aren’t always applicable in the NA genre, so the plot is even more critical. The story would have to capture my interests in another way. 
3. Cross other genres: I enjoy reading mystery and suspense and look for both elements when choosing NA. Most NA stories address problems and issues that occur in real life. Therefore, a story that addresses secrets, overcoming life altering events, and using the past to positively impact the future are appealing and can draw many readers to this genre.  

Thanks, so much, for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the New Adult Genre- Great Recommendations! :)

About C. C. Koen:

C.C. Koen writes contemporary romance with a twist. An avid reader who enjoys mystery and suspense, her stories will never be what you expect. Determined to find adventure in her dreams and life, she enjoys skydiving, sailing and any activity that challenges her. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination that comes to life in her writing.

Connect with C. C. Koen: 

Author Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

But wait!!! Before you go, Koen has an awesome INTERNATIONAL giveaway just for YOU!

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below, good luck!!!

Prizes:

2x $5 Amazon Gift Cards

Swag pack (incl. t-shirt, magnets and more)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to C.C. Koen and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate in this tour!!!