Into The Night Book Reviews: Blog Tour: Desperation of Love by Alice Montalvo-Tribue

Welcome to our stop on the Desperation of Love Blog Tour!

Title: Desperation of Love

Author: Alice Montalvo-Tribue

Series: Of Love #2

Available: September 22, 2013

Cover Design: Distorted Edge Designs

To the outside world, Jordan Burke appears to have the perfect life. A fulfilling career, family and great friends, but looks can be deceiving. Events from her childhood, and a painful secret, keep Jordan isolated and unwilling to commit to any man. For her, every relationship comes with its own expiration date.

Alex Garza has lived in the shadow of his brother’s fame for most of his life. He's an outcast in his own family and never able to put his own needs first. When his brother gives up his career to settle down, Alex is forced to reevaluate his life plans too. Over the past year, his friendship with Jordan has developed into a source of comfort. Now that he has the time to devote to a relationship, can he convince her to take a chance on love or will their painful pasts and a tragic event destroy their future?

“What is this place?”

“You’ll see.”

Moments later, we’ve pulled up to a private strip of ocean. It’s a completely secluded beach. There are no homes around, no boardwalk, no people, it’s just us. “Oh, wow.” I sigh, taking in the beauty. Being close to the ocean is the one thing I’ve always loved about living in New Jersey. Nothing calms me quite like lying on a beach and listening to the sounds of the waves rolling in. I’m stunned that I’ve lived here all of my life and never knew this existed. He removes his hand from my neck as I look over at him and smile.

“This is amazing. How did you find this place?”

“I’ve been coming down on the weekends and exploring the area for months now. I just happened to end up here one day. I love it. It’s just peaceful, which is something that I’m not used to. I’ve lived in the city all of my life so this is like the perfect place for me to come and clear my head. The best part is that no one is ever here. It’s always like this,” he says. Looking at him now, I can see something that I haven’t noticed before. I’m pretty sure it’s pain. He keeps it hidden and he’s good at it. I would know, I’ve been doing the same thing for years. Maybe that’s why we’ve always been drawn to each other. Now I can’t help but wonder what has put that look on his face. What or who has caused Alex pain? “Come on. Let’s go get our feet wet.”

“Yeah?” I can feel the shift in his mood and it’s infectious. I like when Alex is in a playful mood, it makes me giddy.

“Yeah.” He gets out of the car and comes around to open my door. I hop out and take his cue, slipping off my shoes and rolling up the bottom of my jeans so they don’t get wet. He takes my shoes from me and tosses them in the backseat along with his. He grabs my hands as he walks backwards, pulling me forward as he goes. “You ready?”

“Yes,” I squeal.

“It’s probably cold,” he warns.

“Just don’t do anything crazy, alright?”

“What? Like this?” He tugs on my hands and jerks me forward until our chests are touching then bends down and pulls me over his shoulder in a fireman’s hold.

“Alex!” I shriek, laughing at the same time. “Put me down. If you throw me in the water, I swear to God, I’ll kill you!”

“I can’t hear you over the sound of the waves. What did you say?”

“Alex, please don’t throw me in.”

“Say it again, baby. I like it when you beg.”

“Alex, please!”

He laughs. “Alright, princess.” He plants me back onto the ground, my feet coming into contact with the chilly water. I try to hit him on the chest but his arms are around my waist before I can move. He pulls me closer, until our bodies are touching. I have to look up in order to meet his eyes. I regret it as soon as I do, because his lips swiftly crash against mine before my brain can even register what’s happening. I want to pull away, I know that I should, but this is how he does it. This is how he draws me in every single time we’re alone together.

Alice Montalvo-Tribue lives with her husband and daughter in New Jersey. She has a bachelors degree in communications and is currently working on her masters degree. She spends most of her free time reading, writing, and when the weather permits lounging out on a beach.