The Whispering Pages Book Blog

Blog Tour Review & Giveaway

Heart of Marley

T.K. Leigh

Release Date: November 3, 2014Genre: New Adult / Romantic Suspense

~ Synopsis ~

To the moon and back…

From the stars to the ocean…

That was Marley and Cameron Bowen’s secret code.

Twins born just five minutes apart, they have the perfect life… Until tragedy strikes just weeks after their eighth birthday and their father is killed by a drunk driver. Having trouble coping with the loss of her soul mate, their mother tries to find comfort in drugs and alcohol… And an abusive man with a penchant for underage girls.

No longer able to stand listening to his sister’s screams and cries every night for nearly three years, Cam takes matters into his own hands and they’re finally able to escape the nightmare.

They’re finally able to start over…

But the nightmare still haunts Marley. The years go on and she is forced to put on a smile, making everyone think that she is the perfect, well-adjusted teenager that she is supposed to be… Until she is faced with a painful reminder of her past during her senior year of high school and she’s no longer able to keep on the mask that she has been compelled to wear.

Recommended for ages eighteen and over due to strong language, sexual situations, and graphic violence.

~ Add to Goodreads ~

~Links to Buy ~
Amazon ** Amazon UK ** Kobo
Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** GooglePlay

~ Book Trailer ~
:
Heart-Of-Marley Trailer from T.K. Leigh on Vimeo.
~ Playlist ~

~ Review ~

Another heart felt read from T.K. Leigh. This book was yet another "taboo" topic that is unfortunately too common. If you are looking for a light and fluffy read this is not it! Please heed the warnings that this book contains graphic violence, sexual scenes and strong language.

Marley Jane and Cameron Michael.....two halves of a whole. I loved their connection although it possibly grew out of something dark. Their love for one another knew no bounds, nothing that the other would not sacrifice for the other. Marley's way of getting under Cam's skin was very endearing. She always knew what buttons to push to get a rise out of him. She made me laugh quite a few times with her quick with and sarcastic commentary.

But it's hard to know who you're truly sacrificing for when one is hiding behind a mask. A mask that makes it bearable to get out of bed everyday. One that tells the world you are fine when inside you are dying.

When Marley makes the decision to be "normal" she finds a high and rides it. Her attempt at "not love" with Doug was sweet and although guarded he was willing to wait for Marley even though she was intent on pushing the norm. But Cam knows too well that the lows always outweigh the highs and is waiting for the fall hoping it doesn't come.

"Life is marked by experiences, small moments of time. That we can take with us. I'd rather live a life full of moments than be surrounded by meaningless possessions." ~ Cam

When Marley and Cam are forced to come face to face with her past again we see a different Marley Jane. With the help of an unlikely ally, Marley sets off to bring to light the darkness of her past. In doing so she knows that she is opening herself up to all of the prying eyes and sideways glances but if she can help one person she is willing to try.

"Go Big or Go Home" ~ Marley Jane

In the blink of an eye we see the light in Marley die and all of the hatred and pain of her consumer her. Where will this leave Cam and Marley? Can they find a way out of the darkness again and move forward or will the past finally claim the "Heart of Marley"?

I will be honest, the subject matter of this story is not for the faint of heart. This story took a few days for me to get through as the story at times is overwhelming. It is a read that will hurt your heart. You will feel for Marley and Cam. Their love, pain and connection will reel you into the story even if most of us cannot personally relate to her situation.

A tough read yes, but another well written novel by T.K. Leigh. She again broaches a touchy subject and does so with integrity. Not once glorifying the message behind the story. If you have read "Heart of Light" then you have already met Cameron but now you will see what made Cameron into the man that he is.

"To the Moon and Back"
"From the Stars to the Ocean"

~ Rating ~

~ Other Works by T.K. Leigh ~

The Beautiful Mess Series

A Beautiful Mess

Amazon ** Amazon UK

Amazon CA ** Amazon AU

Barnes & Noble

A Tragic Wreck

Amazon ** Amazon UK

Amazon CA ** Amazon AU

Barnes & Noble

Gorgeous Chaos

Amazon ** Amazon UK

Amazon CA ** Amazon AU

Barnes & Noble ** iTunes

Google Play ** Kobo

Heart of Light

Amazon ** Amazon UK ** Kobo
Barnes & Noble ** iTunes ** Google Play
Amazon CA ** Amazon AU

~ About the Author ~

T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is the USA Today Best Selling author of the Beautiful Mess series. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). She always had a knack for writing, but mostly in the legal field. It wasn’t until recently that she decided to try her hand at creative writing and is now addicted to creating different characters and new and unique story lines in the Contemporary Romantic Suspense genre.

When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her Beautiful Mess series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

~ 20 Fun Facts ~

1. I wear a shirt when I write that has Shakespeare’s face on it and says “This shit writes itself.”

2. I am a middle child. I have a sister that is two years older and a sister that is two years younger.

3. My favorite movie of all time is Casablanca.

4. When I was 21, I did an internship working at Walt Disney World. Best seven months EVER!

5. I met my husband in the parking lot of a Jimmy Buffett concert. He was working. I was drinking.

6. My favorite beer is Blue Moon.

7. I love the Red Sox.

8. Every time I publish a new book, I drink champagne and watch Anchorman and Talladega Nights. It’s a tradition now.

9. When I was moving out to California from Connecticut after graduating law school, the hubs and I drove route 66 all the way from Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier. It was such an amazing experience, and I think there may be a book in it.

10. My pen name is a play on my real name. My full name is Tracy Leigh Kellam. I don’t think I need to spell out where T.K. Leigh came from. ;-)

11. I have a yellow jeep wrangler that I love. Her name is Savvy J.

12. In my opinion, there is no such thing as too much coffee. Or peanut butter.

13. I am a sushi addict.

14. I am deathly afraid of snakes. I can’t even watch a movie with them in it or I’ll flip out.

15. My favorite New Kid on the Block was Donnie. I’m glad I picked one that aged well.

16. I am a huge proponent of “Adopt, don’t shop.” We have a dog and 3 kittens, all of whom we have found on the streets and saved.

17. One of my favorite TV shows is Arrested Development.

18. My favorite book of all time is The Great Gatsby. What can I say. I’m a sucker for a story with no HEA.

19. I currently have 8 works in progress.

20. You will all be seeing Cam and Jolene again. ;-)