Blog Tour: Dazed by Kim Karr

Dazed 

(Connections #2.5) 

by 

Kim Karr 

Pub April 1st 2014 

by Intermix 

SYNOPSIS
Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.

  Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.

To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…

Lindy's Thoughts

I have been deeply invested in Kim Karr's Connected Series, ever since I read the first story in the series, Connected.  This story became an instant favorite of mine, and I absolutely love and adore Dahlia and River!  Then, when I read the sequel, Torn, I knew without a doubt that I would be reading every story in this series, because I was hooked!  Dahlia and River's friends and family of secondary characters have grown on me, and have reserved a special place in my heart.  I love all of them, and can't wait for the opportunity to read each and every one of their stories.

In Dazed, we get Dahlia's best friend, Aerie's story.  I enjoyed this novella, but wish that it would have been longer.  I wasn't ready to let go of Aerie and Jagger's story.  Aerie had her heart completely broken, and it destroyed her trust in men when her first love, Levi, used her.  Since then, she leads a very structured, predictable, and mundane life that doesn't allow for spontaneity, unpredictability, or living in the moment.  All of that changes when she meets Jagger, River's gorgeous cousin.  Jagger is a model trying to make it in the movie industry.  I loved Jagger.  He came off as very charming, charismatic, fun, and adventurous.  He loved to spout off random facts, which I found very endearing.  What I loved most about Jagger though, was the way he brought out another side in Aerie.  He made her loosen up, live in the moment, and brought a lot of happiness in to her life.  Jagger had a heart of gold, and I loved him so much!  He was so patient and persistent with Aerie, and willing to do anything for her.  He made me swoon, and my heart melted for Jagger's character.

We get to see River and Dahlia in this story, and I was so happy to see how great they are doing!  We also learn more about Aerie's parents, her childhood, her family history with depression, and a close relationship that she had with a deceased uncle, who was a famous musician.  Jagger and Aerie meet for the first time by coincidence, and share a heated attraction, and chemistry. Then, when they meet for the second time, Aerie learns that Jagger is trying out for the leading role playing her uncle on the big screen.  He asks Aerie for tips, and she quickly agrees to help him out.  However, as the two off them begin to spend more time together, Aerie realizes that she is falling head over heels for Jagger.  She ends up having to battle her need for constant control, her fears, and insecurities, or run the risk of not having Jagger in her life.  These two end up having to deal with conflict, miscommunication, and misunderstanding, as they get swept up in one another, falling fast, and hopelessly in love.

My Rating

My favorite aspects of this story were the steamy and intense chemistry, fun and flirty banter, and love scenes between Aerie and Jagger.  I also loved the inclusion of Dahlia and River in this story, and getting to see how there relationship was progressing.  I had missed them, and I got really excited when I saw that they had a significant role in Aerie's story.  Last, but not least, I adored Jagger's swoon-worthy, and heart melting character.  I would have loved to see this novella developed in to a full length novel.  I wanted more Aerie and Jagger, and hope that we will bet able to follow them, and their relationship in the rest of the books in the series.  I really enjoyed Dazed, and am looking forward to reading Xander's story next in Mended!  I got to read a little preview of Mended, and it really piqued my interest.  If you are a fan of the Connected Series, I think you should read Dazed so you can learn more about Aerie, and meet my newest book boyfriend, the dreamy and swoon-worthy, Jagger!  I give Dazed by Kim Karr 4 Fast-Paced, Fun, Light, Romantic, Steamy and Sweet Stars!  The Connected Series is one of my absolute favorite's, and should be on everyone's TBR!

The Way Ria See's It

What What!! Oh. M. Gee. I Fall-ipping love this series sooooooooooo HARD!!! This Novella is perfect, perfect, perfect! I Love Aerie!  Her character was one of my fav’s for sure! When I first saw this was a novella about her and Jagger I knew I had to check it out. I am through the moon about it!!! If you're a fan of the series, then this is a must read! If you haven't read any of the Connections Series books then, shame on you, but thats okay this can be read as a stand alone. I loved loved loved this novella. 

D-istracted, Aerie was thinking about the delicious treats when a handsome apparition invites her through a rabbit hole and steals her cupcake. 

A-lone, Aerie has a very demanding carrier she pours every ounce of her self into it company is not something she keeps regularly. 

Z-eal, Jagger has brought something into Aerie’s life that has always been missing. Understanding her feelings she knows this is not something she wants to lose. 

E-scape, Aerie’s past comes rushing back in the worst way the hardest person she has to fight with is herself. Losing control is never easy and for Aerie it could be the beginning of a life long struggle. 

D-ecision, cupcakes line the way to her heart and confessions will allow her to open up and accept what her heart demands. 

So so so so good! I will say that I wish so hard that it would've been longer. I wanted to know all about everyone and I wanted wanted wanted more. For a novella though I thought it was great I connected with everyone right away and this lovely bunch is going to stick with me for a very long time. The characters jumped off the pages and became alive. Bravo Ms. Karr! Another splash! 

My Fav’s 

Aerie 

She is quirky but she is fierce and her dedication is admirable. She has always been there for Dahlia and I don’t see that ever wavering. I understood her inner struggle how deeply she had loved and been hurt. I was so happy for her when she was able to look past the ghosts that have always plagued her and find the happiness she deserves. I’ve been a big fan of Aerie's since I was introduced to this series and I can’t wait to see whats next. 

Jagger

Va-va-va-voom this little cupcake thief is also a heart thief cause he stole mine! He was so perfect for Aerie. When these two got together the pages sizzled. Jagger was able to give Aerie something no one ever has before, a sense of calm and security. It didn’t matter if they were being silly or spontaneous the way he was with her was just what Aerie needed. Jagger was open and honest with Aerie and even though things aren't easy I loved watching these two fall in love. 

My Rating

4.5 Cupcake, Looking Glass, Orange Laces, Oil Spill, Lunch Date, Red Bra, Re-Write, Secret Love, Candle Light, Love Confession Filled Stars!! Seriously this was a great read! If you have read the series its a must read…If you have not read the series then stop waiting start it now.

Ro's Take on This Journey

Dazed, by Kim Karr, the third book in the Connected Series, is a fast paced, short Novella, about Aerie and Jagger's love story. Aerie is Dahlia's best friend from Connected. She is a workaholic, no nonsense gal, who has had her heart broken, by her ex, Levi, who used her and cheated on her. Aerie leaves no time now for matters of the heart, after the devastation she endured. She has had plenty of men in her bed, but none that have ever satisfied her. She is OCD to the fullest extent, comes from a family with a background of deep, dark depression, and is consciously aware of it at all times.

Jagger is River's long lost cousin. He is sexy, gorgeous, witty, charming, and know's how to keep a woman smiling. In a chance meeting, Jagger and Aerie go to the same bakery to buy cupcakes to take to a dinner at Dahlia and River's house. Neither knowing the other, Jagger just happens to buy out the specialty cupcake that Aerie has been salivating over, and she refers to him as "The Cupcake Thief." Jagger refers to her as "Alice," from Alice in Wonderland. They have a cute little banter that goes on between them throughout the Novella. Jagger is very endearing, with his smokey grey eyes, rock hard body, and quizzical smile. He charms the pants off of Aerie, though she fights what she is feeling for a while. When she realizes what she's been missing, she never wants it to end, and keeps going back for more. Jagger has an ex that he fled from, but what ensues afterwards can cost him the relationship he can't live without.

I loved the fact that the reader get's a lot of Dahlia and River in this segment of the series. The two couples together make for a great ride. Jagger was a model, now entering the movie industry, and just happens to be playing the role of Aerie's legendary Rock Star Uncle. Aerie's uncle was the one person she was closest to in her life, and his illness and death devastated her. She was very over protective of him and still could not discuss him with anyone without falling apart. At first, Aerie thinks that he was just being nice to her to use her like Levi, but soon realizes that Jagger is the real deal. He is so attentive with her, gentlemanly and kind. I loved his character. He was an off the cuff guy, self assured, and by the seat of your pants guy. He turned Aerie around so much that she was unrecognizable after a while. The conservative, reclusive, predictable became a phantom of the past. Her new personality took over and the roller coaster took off.

I have loved all of Kim Karr's books, know her capabilities, and love her creative license when developing her characters. She is a joy to read, and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I was disappointed that the ending seemed a bit rushed, and I didn't get enough of Jagger. Swoon Worthy is an understatement when it comes to that man!!! The love scenes are scorching hot, and the reader will be completely immersed in these two wonderfully well rounded, unpredictable characters. There are a lot of misunderstandings and insecurities that make for a story line of excitement. Kim Karr has done it again, and I for one, can't get enough of her witty prose, and wonderful imagination.

My Rating

I give Dazed, by Kim Karr, 4 Heart Stopping, Soul Searching, Smokey, Sexy, Cupcake Stealing Stars!!!

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Excerpt

Aerie Daniels

Excerpt from Dazed Connections

 #2.5 by Kim Karr © 2014 by Kim Karr

Published by the Penguin Group Release date: 

April 1, 2014

There’s something deliciously perverse about staring through the clear glass. All of my senses engage as I wait in line—the fragrance that fills the air as the fire crackles beneath the foil wrapped treats wafts under my nose, the beauty in each and every small package as they line the shelves with tiny dots and colored sprinkles mesmerizes me, the sound made as the silver sheet is peeled back to reveal the magnificence it holds captivates me, and the anticipation of the taste makes my mouth water. Ummm... just thinking of the first bite into the moist brown exterior with its bittersweet Belgian chocolate complimenting the flavor of the Madagascar bourbon vanilla that oozes from its inside has me trembling. The black and white cupcake—it’s simply perfection.

Amidst the skyscrapers in Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, Sprinkles is a gem tucked away for those of us who seek out a small piece of heaven. I don’t come here often, but when I do it’s for that one special treat. The menu describes it as, “Yin and Yang.” An ancient proverb that says, “Complementary opposites, such as light and dark, day and night, and masculine and feminine, seemingly may exist as contrary forces, but are actually interconnected.” Simply put, it says one gives rise to the other and it’s true— opposites attract. Without the vanilla inside, one could not possibly crave the chocolate outside—looking at the two parts united has me drooling.

“You know what they say about staring through the glass,” a deep husky voice says from behind me.

His words tingle my skin and my gaze snaps up. “Excuse me?” I stop short, in a daze, not even sure what he just said I was so lost in my thoughts.

He chuckles. “You know what they say about staring through the glass,” he repeats.

My eyes blink and come into focus on the upward tilt of his full lips. Then my eyes move to his smooth pale skin flecked with a light stubble, his nose seemingly sculpted even with a slight imperfection in its slope, large eyes with the most unusual gray color swirling from within, and chocolate brown colored hair framing his face in pieces—I’m not sure if he has just rolled out of bed or if product molds it just so. Either way, he is utterly beautiful.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Just be careful so you don’t fall in like Alice.” He smiles, displaying his bright white teeth.

“Again, I’m sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I notice his eyes sweep over me and my heart starts pounding.

“Through the Looking Glass,” he responds in a dangerously husky voice.

This time when he speaks I catch an accent, ever so slight but extremely sexy.
It reminds me of how Robert De Nero talks, just not as loud or fast. I continue to stare, unable to respond. I notice that his physique is long and lean. He’s dressed in worn jeans that fit him perfectly. His orange laced hiking boots scream I don’t conform. A pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses hang from the V of his gray sweater, which clings to his body perfectly. And an outdoor vest tops the outfit. It throws me off. It makes him look more like an Abercrombie model than a James Dean type. It’s a navy blue down and quilted one with a silver zipper. I don’t know why, but something about his outfit, about this man, captivates me.

“Number 98,” calls the girl from behind the counter.

He steps closer. His warm breath whispers across my neck. “Through the Looking Glass is the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. When Alice gets too close to the glass, she falls in and starts on a crazy journey,” he tells me as his arm waves in the air with a green ticket on display. Stepping closer, his gaze cuts from mine to the glass case as he hands his number to the clerk whose wearing a cute brown apron with the word Sprinkles scripted across it.

“Can I have a dozen of the black and white cupcakes?” he asks.

Suddenly alarmed, my eyes dart to the case as I watch the single remaining row of beautifully crafted cupcakes diminish until there are none left. My irritation flares as I glance at my number—97.

The beautiful stranger hands the clerk his credit card and waits to sign the slip.

“I was number 97, my number was before yours,” I say as he’s handed the bag that holds his treasure.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Here let me get the sales clerk’s attention so you don’t have to take another number,” he says.

I want to stomp my feet. I want to scream. I don’t want her attention. I don’t want another number. I want the cupcakes that he stole from me.

“Miss,” he calls draping his perfectly fit body over the case. She looks his way and with a charming grin he says, “Can you help this lovely lady? She missed her number being called.”

“Of course, I’m so sorry. How can I help you?” the girl asks averting her eyes from the man who looks like he should be on the cover of GQ magazine, over to me.

He smiles at me with a face that belongs on a billboard. “Don’t fall in.”

I swear he’s goading me. But then he tips his chin and a sexy, smoldering grin passes over his lips and I’m not so sure anymore. He turns to look at me one more time before he exits, and excitement flushes over my face. I nod a slight cursory acknowledgement, then he disappears and disappointment washes over me—he’s gone. Crap. The cupcakes are also gone. Double crap. And now I’m left wondering if he saw me staring at that flavor? Did he distract me on purpose so he could purchase them first? Urrr...I’m so angry right now I consider walking out, but when the clerk asks me what I’d like I settle for the Vanilla Milk Chocolate cakes—they are the mirror reflection of the black and whites, with vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, but they are not nearly as good.

About the Author

I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I've always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don't need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There's nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore--it's time I love and cherish.

I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart. 

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