Badass Bloggettes: *** RELEASE DAY BLITZ AND REVIEW *** SKETCH by Laramie Briscoe

My name is Devin, but everybody calls me Sketch. I opened my own tattoo shop two years ago, and I’ve finally gotten to the point where I’m going to be able to give my wife everything she’s ever wanted. I’m going to be able to take time off and spend a day a week with her. In fact, tonight, I stopped and grabbed some wine, got her flowers, and those chocolates she likes.

What I wasn’t prepared for was to be met at the front door by her carrying her sh*t out.

She loves me, but she’s not in love with me anymore. What kind of bulls*it excuse is that? I’ve left her alone too often, I’ve been completely focused on one goal, and apparently she’s sick of waiting.

So here I stand. Half the man I was, p*ssed as f*ck, because while I was busy making a better life for us, she was under the impression I was leaving her lonely. I know one day she’ll see what I’ve been doing has been for us, and when that day comes… She can damn well come crawling back to me.

A Tattoo Artist - A Husband - An Alpha Male Who Makes No Excuses

ARE: http://bit.ly/SketchARE
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jVGjHv
Amazon UK - http://bit.ly/SketchUK
Amazon AUS - http://bit.ly/SketchAUS
Amazon CA - http://bit.ly/SketchCA
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/SketchBN
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SketchGPL
iBooks: http://bit.ly/SketchIB
Kobo: http://bit.ly/SketchKB

For a sneak peak of the Prologue & Chapter 1 -http://bit.ly/LBSketch

I am a sucker for second chance stories! There is something about them that makes all the feels bubble up in me. Probably because most of us want to right the wrongs or grab missed opportunities or correct bad decisions that we made and never get the chance. Reading about second chances gives hope that it can happen.

Sketch is the story of a young couple who meet and fall in love in high school, get married and work against the odds to build a successful business. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way they stop communicating. The passion is gone. They no longer really know each other.

Devin a.k.a. Sketch loves Nina with all his heart. His love is the reason he is working so hard building the tattoo business. He spends his money freely on his wife but it never seems to be enough. One day he comes home from work ready to share a milestone accomplished only to find his wife is moving out.

“I love you. I’m just not in love with you anymore.”

Devin is devastated and confused. He doesn’t understand how they got to this point and he doesn’t know how to go on without his wife by his side.

The story is told primarily from Devin/Sketch's point of view. There are a few small sections from Nina’s POV and, in my opinion, these shorts are essential to show Nina's redeeming qualities. Honestly Nina comes off as a spoiled brat. I was often angrier with her than Sketch. Except for one scene, where Sketch is revengeful and strikes out at Nina, I am totally team Sketch.

I understand some of Nina’s issues especially the feeling of being second fiddle to Sketch's devotion to his business. However, on the flip side she often appears childish and ungrateful. I’m sure this is because we are looking through Sketch’s eyes. Some of the interactions that Nina condoned or is a party to over the years between her family and her husband is completely unacceptable. However, again it feels like Sketch never communicated the way it makes him feel. (Nina should see though.)

I like that most of the story focuses only on the two main characters. There are a few employees, customers, and family that make an appearance in the book but they play very small roles and are used to give additional insight into the problems and personality of Nina and Sketch.

The story flows smoothly, is fast paced and an easy read. It is one of those books that once you pick it up you must read to the end even if you know you are going to be late to work the next day. I could picture myself watching this couple working through their self-examination and often feel their pain.

Laramie Briscoe did an excellent job writing an entire story from the male perspective. It feels authentic.

Sketch chronicles a couple learning about oneself, making adjustments for personal happiness then reaching out to their spouse and melding their personal needs with what is important to the person they love. Accepting that no one is perfect, a relationship has ups and downs but open communication can ensure that problems are addressed before they cause irreparable damage.

I highly recommend this one. #‎igotsketched

4.5 STARS

Laramie Briscoe is the best-selling author of the Heaven Hill Series & the Rockin' Country Series.

Since self-publishing her first book in May of 2013, Laramie Briscoe has published over 10 books. She's appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling E-books Lists on iBooks, Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. She's been called "a very young Maya Banks" (Amazon reviewer) and her books have been accused of being "sexy, family-oriented, romances with heart".

When she's not writing alpha males who seriously love their women, she loves spending time with friends, reading, and marathoning shows on her DVR. Married to her high school sweetheart, Laramie lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband (the Travel Coordinator) and a sometimes crazy cat named Beau.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaramiebriscoe

Website: https://www.laramiebriscoe.com

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Every day during release week you will find a new giveaway on Laramie's facebook page. Be sure to hop over and enter to win any one of the amazing prizes she will be giving away!