Wednesday, December 4, 2013

BLOG TOUR - GIVEAWAY & EXCERPT - MISS TAKEN by CLEO SCORNAVACCA - NEW ADULT ROMANCE





Title: Miss Taken

Author: Cleo Scornavacca

Genre: New Adult Romance

Release Date: September 30, 2013





Synopsis

Love........................The Ultimate Loss of Control

Rain and Raven Medici are identical twins. Although they come from a loving close-knit family their childhoods couldn’t have been more different. Raven went to school and was exposed freely to the outside world. Rain on the other hand was born with a blood disorder and denied many normal childhood experiences.

Once grown, Raven becomes a lawyer at their dad’s firm Kane & Medici in NYC. Rain along with her only childhood friend Tommy Conte, builds a very successful business as professional photographers. Traveling between Europe and Manhattan, and enjoying a world that was kept from her, Rain vows never to be controlled again.

Dominick Kane is a product of his upbringing. He’s powerful, self-assured and knows he can achieve anything he desires. Nothing gets in his way. There is only one thing he has ever failed at. A relationship with his father Vincent Kane. Upon his father’s death, Dominick vows revenge. The events he sets in motion put him on a collision course he himself will be unable to control.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Dominick kidnaps Raven as part of his plan for revenge. Only to discover afterward, he has taken Rain by mistake. Rain knows she can never survive being confined again. So she strikes a bargain with the devil and agrees to help Dominick get back what he feels rightly belongs to him. His father’s share of Kane & Medici.

Dominick decides to use the strong attraction growing between Rain and himself to control her in every way imaginable. Too bad no one ever taught Dominick you can’t control the heart. Nothing could have prepared him for the effect Rain would have on his. 
Will this plan of revenge turn into unconditional love? Or will Dominick and Rain’s need for control ultimately destroy them and any possibly chance for a real future together.......




Excerpt 



“Rain, I’m not letting you go.” He gages my reaction.

“What do you mean you aren’t letting me go? You need to explain this now.” My face is getting hot and it’s not from the sun beating down on me.

“Your father has something I want and I have something he loves. So I can’t let you go until I get my something back.”

“Tell me what it is and I’ll get it for you.” “Impossible.”
“Nothing is impossible. What is it?”

“It’s my father’s share of Kane and Medici.” He reveals, wiping his mouth, then placing the napkin down on his lap.

“Don’t you own that already? Your father has been dead for over four years now. Isn’t all of that settled?” I didn’t understand.

“When my father died, he left the business to your father. He gave me nothing. I’m his son. I should have gotten part of the firm. It’s rightfully mine.” His body is tense.

“I had no idea your dad left the business to my dad. I usually don’t get involved with that stuff. When my mom died, she left Raven and me her share. The money from her part of the business gets deposited in an account every month. Other than that I don’t get anything from the business.”

“What about your mom, Elise? Isn’t that her name? I know she and Mr. Kane were married. I just didn’t know they had you as a son.

Did she get anything?”

“Only money and other assets. Which she left to me when she passed away. He didn’t give her the business either. So you see I want what’s mine and if I don’t get it I will take what’s his.”

“I’m not a possession of my dad’s. I’m his daughter. You can’t own me or trade me for it.”

“Rain, I’m not going to keep you locked away forever. I’m going to make you mine.” His voice became dark and heated.

My insides clinch and I become very warm.

“How are you going to do that?” My voice became very small.

“Your father doesn’t like me. He never has. So when I seduce you and you’re with me, he’ll do

anything to get you back. Including giving me my father’s share of the law firm.”

“There’s just one problem that you didn’t count on.”

“Which is?”
“Me. I won’t be seduced by you, Dominick.”

“It’s not your choice, Rain. It’s what I intend to do. Listen, Rain, you’re very smart girl. You have to agree with my plan. You said it yourself, your father will never let you have a life when he finds out I took you. He will cut you off from Tommy and everything else you love to do. You’ll have nothing.”

“LISTEN YOU PIECE OF SHIT!” I whipped around and I’m up in Dominick’s face. “My parents took very good care of me. There were no locks and no guards like there is here with you. I always honored their wishes. No, it definitely wasn’t easy, but after my mom passed

away my father realized that I didn’t need that type of protection. I wasn’t getting sick any more. Well, up until you took me that is.”

“That maybe be true, but now he’ll put his entire focus on you and he’ll realize that because I was able to get to you there should be locked doors and guards to keep you safe.” His voice is menacing.

Looking down at my hands, the shaking begins. All of the isolation as a child, the lack of control, and the events of the past few days come flooding in. My tears begin to fall.

Dominick looks at me softly, but still with hunger and greed in his eyes. His hand comes over mine, causing me to really look at him.


“I can give you what you want, Rain. A good life, where you can travel, be safe, and never be alone. I can make you happy. I understand you, Rain.”







CHAPTER TWO

TALL, DARK AND WHO IS HE?

I begin to realize as I regain consciousness that I am not making my flight to Italy. I don’t know where I am or what’s happening to me.

I do remember the SUV but that’s about all. Someone has laid me down in the back seat of the vehicle with my hands bound behind my back. Which means whoever has taken me better be intent on doing me in, because no one, and I mean no one stands between me and Capri. If they know what’s good for them that is. Well, maybe except for Tommy. My heart’s racing at this point and I have one hell of a headache beginning to develop. I feel sick to my stomach. My wrists are burning from the restraints which feel like plastic wire ties.

There are two men speaking to each other in what must be the front of the car. I’m blindfolded, so I’m turned around a bit. We’re driving, but where? Are we out of the city? How long have we been on the road? Are we in another state? I need to focus on what they’re saying to get a clue to where I’m being taken. If I don’t move, they may think I’m still asleep and talk more freely. My head is killing me now.

One of the men starts to speak. I think he may be the driver, but I’m not sure.

“The boss wants us to call ahead so Miss Medici’s room will be ready for her.”

My room. This must be a hoax. Tommy probably planned this to keep me from going to Capri without him. Okay I’ll play along. I wouldn’t put this passed Tommy, but he knows not to stand in my way when I need to leave. I guess I'll find out soon enough. Then fear sets in. What if it isn’t Tommy? What if I’m really being kidnapped? What if someone sick has taken me? My dad isn’t going to take this shit lightly. He’s a very powerful attorney. Family means everything to him. Whoever did this better be prepared to die.

The second guy is talking, probably the passenger, again I’m still not sure because I can’t see anything.

“I’ll call him, you keep your eyes on the road. You’ve never driven out this way before. We can’t fuck this up, or we’ll be dead.”

Holy shit! This is no joke. I begin to get dizzy and I think I’m going throw up. This has to be an enemy of my dad’s. I know he takes on some high profile clients but I wouldn’t know who it could be,because I don’t really pay much attention to his business. I

wonder what sort of shit he has gotten himself into this time. Especially, because I’ve now become some sick piece of shit’s center of attention. I just thought of something. The passenger said they haven’t been out this way before. Maybe we’re heading to NJ or Connecticut. Why aren’t they using a GPS? Why would they use a GPS? That’s really the question. They’re men. We all know men and directions don’t mix. That or they’re afraid to use one because its voice would give away the destination.

“Hey, she’s been out a long time. Do you think she’s okay?”

“I’m sure she’s fine. It’s better for us that she sleeps.It makes our job easier. I don’t like dealing with hostages.”

So boys, I’m making your day easier? Not for long gentlemen.

Your boss ruined my day. Now I’m about to fuck with yours. Time to play the difficult hostage. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really scared, but I’m not going down without a fight. I realize that my legs aren’t tied. So I wriggle them up so I can feel if my phone is still in my boot. It’s still there and that’s where I intend for it to stay. This must be their first hostage job. What assholes. Once I’m alone I’ll text Tommy. He’ll know what to do.

“Hey she’s waking up.” The passenger guy is taking notice of my movements.

I swing myself around into a sitting position. This is no small feat. My hands are bound from behind and I’m blindfolded. This little maneuver makes my head spin. At that point, I can feel the sun on myface. This tells me we couldn’t have been driving for that long. It’s still daylight and it’s hot.

“Miss Medici” The driver called me by my name, “We’ll be at ourlocation before too long. I’m assuming you have some questions. Once we’re there our boss will explain everything to you.” He was very calm and matter of act in his delivery.

Taking in what he said I became scared, but I didn’t want to freak out in front of them and give myself away. Breathing deep and exhaling I decided I’m not going to go easy on them. I lifted my foot and slammed the heel of my boot into to that back of what turned out to be the passenger’s seat.

I startled him. He yells. “Hey what are you doing!”

“Fuck both of you! Where are you taking me?” I’m trying to sound tough.

“Listen Miss Medici, this can go very easy or it can get especially hard for you.” The driver spoke this time. His voice was calm, but I’m sure he wouldn’t hesitate to hurt me if necessary.

I tried to calm down. It isn’t easy. I’m very tired. I wonder if they drugged me and that’s why I blacked out, or did they hit me over the head? Because my skull still hurts something fierce.

“Listen to me you pieces of shit. I’m supposed to be on a plane to Italy. Far away from wherever we are. So since my trip isn’t happening, I think, at the very least, I deserve something for this massive headache that you’ve given me. Furthermore I want to stretch my legs, assholes.” Then I kick the seat for a second time.

“I can give you something for the headache, but I can’t let you out of the car just yet. We have our orders, Miss Medici.” He stated it simple as that.

“Our boss would have our heads if we let you out of the car to stretch your legs.” This was the passenger guy talking this time.

“Well, I need to pee, so you’re going to have to let me out to use a bathroom.”

“That’s the oldest trick in the book. We let you out and you escape.” Said the driver.

“Okay, don’t let me out then I’ll just piss in your boss’ car. Then you can explain how his shiny new SUV material got ruined.”

“It’s a rental. He won’t care.”

“Naturally.”

“Everybody just shut up.” The driver bellowed, making me jump.

“We’re only a few minutes from where we need to be. You can go then.”

Great! Once I’m alone in the bathroom I’ll text Tommy. I just need to remain calm until then. I’m still and silent, but my tears start to build. I need to hold them back. This time it works.

The truck is now on a gravel type road. I can hear the tires rolling over the rocks. It sounds like corn popping. We come to a complete stop and the driver shuts off the engine. The doors in the front open. Then I hear the door to my right unlock. A large hand wraps around my bicep, effectively pulling me out of the vehicle. I stand there slightly off balance. The same strong hand holds me up so that I wouldn’t fall on my ass. They haven’t removed the blindfold yet, so I can’t equalize and balance myself that easily. I’m aware of the saltiness in the air and the sound of waves and seagulls. We’re at the beach. Which one? New Jersey, New York, where? How long would I be here? Is this a stop before their boss buries my lifeless body?

Clearly I need get a hold of myself. I’m letting my thoughts get the better of me. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.

Now I’m being led up a set of short stairs. Still being held by someone. I don’t know if it’s the passenger or the driver. No one is speaking at the moment. Then I hear a voice from behind me.

“What do we have here?” It’s the driver.

I’m thinking to myself I must have dropped my phone from being shuffled out of the SUV. Yet, I still feel something near my ankle.

“A camera and there’s film in it.”

I screamed. “NO! That’s my favorite camera. Don’t fuck with it.”

Then I hear the sound of the film being ripped out of it and the camera falling onto gravel. The noise it made as it hit the stones was horrible. At that point I knew the lens must have shattered. I’m so upset. It’s vintage. I love it. Now out of nowhere one single tear fell down my cheek. However, I don’t say anything else.

The driver addressed me. “Miss Medici, you won’t be able to use it, so we’ll just put it with the rest of your junk.”

He seems amused by what he has done. Fuck him. Currently I’m being led through a building and some doors. It’s extremely dark in comparison to the brightness outside. I feel something foreign being wrapped around my arms. I hear sound of handcuffs being place on each wrist. They’re ice cold. Then I felt something sharp remove the plastic wire ties that were originally binding me. They still haven’t removed the blindfold from my eyes yet.

It was just then that I heard footsteps outside the room. The door opened and someone else entered. There’s a new voice that is definitely not the driver or his assistant.

“How did it go? Any problems that you would like to relay to me about the girl?” His voice is firm and very dark. It sent a cold chill through my veins.

I recognized the driver’s voice.
“No sir, but you should know that...”
“Go on Gerard, what should I know about her?” “She is one wild chick.”
“How so?” The new guy seems curious.

“She’s been cursing worse than a truck driver. She was kicking and screaming. She isn’t at all like the

way you described sir. Miss Medici is far from refined.”

“Refined? Refined! I was taken from my home against my will, you asshole, and you want me you be refined? What should I do say please and fucking thank you?”

The new guy chuckled.

“Well, Gerard, it seems you’re right. Even though Miss Medici may not have been what you expected, she is correct in saying that being kidnapped can show a different side to a person’s usual personality.” The mystery man seemed quite amused.

“I guess so, sir. Oh, this is hers. The lens cracked when we were bringing her in the building. She won’t be taking pictures any time soon.

“My camera didn’t just break, asshole! You ripped the film out, then smashed my camera on purpose!” I yelled indignantly.

My evil host sounded like he was examining the camera Gerard handed to him.

“Hmmm, the lady has very good taste. Gerard put this with all of

Miss Medici’s belongings. We’ll discuss the circumstances on how it broke later. I’m intrigued though why a lawyer would need such a beautiful vintage camera.”

Holy shit, he thinks I’m Raven. We do look alike. We are twins after all. He must not have done his homework very well. Raven and I don’t dress the same and she doesn’t have bangs like I do. I’m wondering why he would kidnap her. What did she do to piss him off?

My biggest question and my fear is what will he do when he finds out I’m not Raven. I need to breathe and wait for the opportunity to text Tommy. I’m becoming very drowsy and it felt like I was falling. Massive arms came around my body and laid me down on something soft. Then I hear him whisper in my ear.

“I’ve got you now. I’ll take care of everything.” This is the last thing I hear before I pass out for the second time today.


Goodreads: 




Buy the Book from:


Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA





About the Author:


As far back as I can remember, I have loved books. I love reading them and I have finally admitted to myself that I love to write them. Miss Taken is my debut novel as an Indie Writer of Adult Romance. It's the first book in the series.

My career before writing started in apothecary pharmacy. Working alongside the pharmacist, I enjoyed being around the customers and assisted in making compounded skincare products. Once the pharmacy was sadly sold, I worked as a make-up artist for brands such as Princess Marcella Borghese, Bobbi Brown and MAC Cosmetics. Being around different people and the work I did was never boring, yet something was always missing. Although I am still working, I decided it was time to make writing more than just a dream but a reality.

Then finally one day after Hurricane Sandy hit the shores of NJ, I read an interview about longtime friend and fellow author Joseph Grant. It really hit home for me. So after talking with Joe and my mom, I jumped into the world of writing and recently self-published Miss Taken, so my works would be more than for "my eyes only."

Since the day I started to write Rain and Dominick's story, I have never looked back, nor have I regretted one single moment of it.

When I write, much of the time the story plays in my head as a movie and sometimes even includes background music, we can all use a little background music.

I try to add elements of things I love and share them with the readers. I will continue to create characters and stories that you can laugh, cry, love, hate and even become slightly crazy about.

Let's face it, we can all use some crazy to escape real life.

Xoxo



Connect with Cleo:





Giveaway Time:




SPOTIFY PLAY LIST








1. THIS IS HOME BY SWITCHFOOT

2. PUSH BY MATCHBOX TWENTY

3. I'LL BE BY EDWIN MCCAIN

4. WHATAYA WANT FROM ME BY ADAM LAMBERT

5. THE REASON BY HOOBASTANK

6. LET HER GO BY PASSENGER

7. BROKEN BY SEETHER WITH AMY LEE FROM EVANESCENCE

8. APOLOGIZE BY ONE REPUBLIC

9. TRUE LOVE BY PINK

10. IF YOU'RE GONE BY MATCHBOX TWENTY

No comments:

Post a Comment

COMMENTING HAS BEEN TURNED OFF

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.