Secrets and Sins: Gabriel by Naima Simone Blog Tour

Secrets and Sins: Gabriel: 

Twenty Years ago, Leah Bannon's beloved Uncle Richard vanished without a trace.  Leah, now a private investigator, begins to suspect it was murder.  When she reopens the cold case, Gabriel Devlin--the man she loves but can never have--inexplicably stands in her way.

Only four people know the truth about Richard’s mysterious disappearance—-Gabriel and three childhood friends...who have all sworn to take that secret to the grave. But a hidden enemy wants those shocking secrets brought to light...even if he has to kill to make it happen.

After experiencing an unimaginable loss two years ago, Gabriel refuses to put himself through the pain of loving someone who could be gone in an instant. But as he thwarts Leah’s investigation at every turn—-both to keep his friends’ pact, and to keep her safe from danger—-the sexy PI makes it impossible for him to protect his secrets. Or his heart...

                                     Aaah, Romance….or Restraining Order?

　
Like many authors, I write to a playlist of music. And since I’m a romance author, there’s a good chance my music collection will reveal an overwhelming majority of love songs. Doesn’t matter the genre. 80s—because really, music this great deserves a category of its own!—rock, R&B, pop, country, instrumentals… So I was thinking, why don’t I blog about the songs that inspire me? But then, as I was compiling my list, it hit me like Naomi Campbell in a hissy fit with a telephone. My new release, Secrets and Sins: Gabriel from Entangled Publishing’s Entangled Suspense line, is a romantic suspense about dark secrets, unrequited love and murder. It’s twisted, and I have to admit, a tad bit creepy. So instead of a list of love songs, what about those that when you really listen to the lyrics are a little, well…disturbing? The ones that don’t make you want to hold the one you love closer, but order them to remain at least one hundred feet away?

Every Breath You Take by The Police – Every breath you take/ Every move you make/ Every bond you break/ Every step you take/ I’ll be watching you.

Need I really say more? Creeeepy. I mean, this is like the stalker’s anthem. Not gonna lie though…It’s on my playlist…

Invisible by Clay Aiken –If I was invisible/ Then I could just watch you in your room/ If I was invincible/ I'd make you mine tonight.

Let me say this—I am a Clay Aiken fan. He should’ve beat Ruben, and I’m still bitter over the loss. And I love this song, but you know what it reminds me of? Kevin Bacon’s character in the movie Hollow Man when he spied on and then assaulted his neighbor? Not claiming Clay is a perv, I’m just saying somebody may want to get that man a latex suit STAT!

One Way or Another by Blondie – One way or another/ I’m gonna find ya/ I’m gonna getcha getcha getcha getcha/ I'll walk down the mall/ Stand over by the wall/ Where I can see it all/
Find out who ya call.

And she drives by his house, follows his bus downtown and buys rat food at the supermarket? This man better run like Forest Gump or else he’s going to wake up one night to a woman with a knife standing over his bed talking ‘bout, "I told you I’d getcha getcha getcha getcha."

I Will Follow Him by Peggy March – I will follow him/ Follow him wherever he may go/
There isn't an ocean too deep/ A mountain so high it can keep me away.

And all this just because he touched her hand. Don’t be fooled! Just because Whoopie sung these lyrics in a nun’s habit in Sister Act doesn’t make this song about God or harmless! This is a song about a woman with serious rejection issues. Why do I say this? Because if she’s following him over oceans and mountains, he doesn’t want to be found. He just wants to be left alone! Let it go, girl!

Hello by Lionel Richie – Blah, blah, blah. Not going to bother with the lyrics because we all know them. Let me just jump into it. I won’t touch the stalking-blind-girl vibe of the video. Or the inappropriate teacher/student undertones. Or that disturbing Lionel Richie clay head the girl molded in her art class. Put all that aside and lend me your imagination. You have a blind (no pun intended! For real!) date. You show up at the restaurant where your date is waiting for you.

You: Hiii. (sitting down, tilts head to the side) Don’t I know you? You look kind of familiar.

Date: Hello. Yes. (sitting down as well, wearing a slightly shy smile) We work in the same department. I’ve seen you around and always thought you were beautiful.

You: (caught somewhere between flattered and confused) Oh. Okay.

Date: I noticed how the sunlight filters through the office window to turn your hair into pure gold, and I’ve always wanted to tell you how lovely it is.

You: Uhhh… (surreptitiously glancing at your watch and wondering if it’s rude to leave after 1 minute)

Date: Wait. (leaning forward covering your hand) I just want to get to know you. And let me start by saying…I love you.

You: Check, please.

My case is proved.

Don’t forget the Secrets and Sins: Gabriel Blog Tour June 24th through July 24th! I’m giving away Gabriel’s "Boston Strong" swag pack that includes a "Boston Strong" t-shirt and an Amazon Gift Card. You can enter through the Rafflecopter below!

Thank you, Bitten by Love, for having me here today!