Connected

Connections #1

by Kim Karr

What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Music, Erotica, Adult

370 pages, ebook

First published May 7, 2013

About the author

Reader * Chocolate Lover * Writer * Coffee Lover * Romantic * Beach Lover * Yoga Beginner

Kim Karr is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels. Best known for writing sexy contemporary love stories, she enjoys bringing flawed characters to life.

Her romances are raw, real, and explosive.
Her characters will make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel.
And her happily-ever-afters are always swoon worthy.

From the brooding rock star to the arrogant millionaire. From the witty damsel-in-distress to the sassy high-powered business woman. No two storylines are ever alike.

Get ready to fall in love.

Reviews

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW. That ending. Just… WOW.

Its not often that a book can really pull the rug right out from under me with a revelation like that but I swear to you I did NOT see that ending coming!! Wow. Wow. WOW.

Amazing!! I loved it!

The majority of the book read as a solid 4-star read for the most part. I liked the characters, I liked the story, and enjoyed my read. There were a few scenes here and there that were just phenomenal, but for the most part, I sat at a very happy 4 stars. Until the end. The last 15% or so were a solid 5 stars. Have I said “wow” yet? ‘Cuz it deserves to be said again!

Yes, the ending is a cliffhanger. Technically. But it’s also not really. It’s an ending that I wouldn’t change for anything. It was probably one of the best story twists I've ever read. I’ve thought about it a lot and honestly, the story just would not have had the same impact if it had ended differently. Let’s put it this way, I hate cliffhangers, but I loved this ending. Why? Because of what it opened up for the future story lines.

Right. So what’s this book about?

Dahlia London had a loving boyfriend, wonderful friends and a beautiful life. But a chance encounter with a local rockstar, River Wilde, threw her world off its axis for a moment. They had a connection. An intense, undeniable connection.

“When our eyes connected it felt like minutes, in reality it was mere seconds. At that moment, something happened inside of me. The connection was like nothing I’d ever felt before. It was an electric pull that willed me in and forced me to keep looking at him….could love at first sight even exist when you were already in love with someone else?”

And then she walked away.

But her world is shattered the day her boyfriend, who has also been her best friend since childhood, is killed. Her entire life comes crashing down. He has been a constant in her life since she can remember and she can’t even begin to imagine going on without him.

Those scenes were incredibly well written. Losing a loved one is one of the worst nightmare scenarios imaginable and the author captured that feeling of utter loss and despair so vividly. I wanted to cry. My chest constricted. My throat closed. It was powerful and heart breaking.

But as time moves on, eventually she finds the need to allow her heart to mend. And when River comes back into her life, that connection they had that one time is rekindled and magnified. It was always there, but now, there is nothing standing in their way.

“I feel like fate has brought us together again. I also believe that one night, so long ago, just wasn’t the right time for us. But tonight is.”

Ben was perfect for her – he truly was her match. But … so was River. He was her soul mate. I truly fell in love twice in this book.

I really liked that nothing about this book felt rushed. I felt that there was enough time between Ben and River that I, as a reader was allowed the time to grieve, and by the time River came into Dahlia’s life, it was the right time and I too was ready to move forward.

That being said, I really appreciated Dahlia’s struggle with not being able to or wanting to move on at first, but at the same time being faced with the reality that her boyfriend just wasn’t coming back. And finding that point within her heart where she felt she could open it up again to love.

I absolutely LOVED that River never tried to replace Ben. He knew what Ben meant to her and despite naturally having his own worries, he both honored and respected his memory and her need to keep him in her heart. And to me, that spoke volumes about the kind of man he was.

Music plays a huge role in this story. Both the song references, the playlist at the beginning of the book and the chapter titles all serves to better connect the pieces of the story together.

This book has so many wonderful elements – rockstars, swoon, passion, heart break, loss, healing and hotness!!!! Yes, there is sex! Most certainly an adult read!

“I swear I won’t stop until your legs are shaking and every hotel guest on this floor knows my name.”

And… there’s even a little shout out to Kellan and Jake in this book! How cool is that?? Rockstar cameos!

The first chunk of the book is written from Dahlia’s POV but later on we are treated to quite a bit of River’s side of the story. I liked seeing how felt about everything – seeing his fears despite how understanding he was. And seeing how completely and utterly in love with her he was.

“I never imagined I could feel so connected to anyone as much as I feel connected to you. I knew I loved you from the moment I saw you. How could I not? Loving you is as easy as breathing.”

So about that ending!!! Seriously… that last 15% …. Holyyyyyyyy WOW! I didn’t see it coming. I thought of every possible theory but that one. I got chills. Shivers. EVERYTHING just all came together. LOVE LOVE LOVED the twist!!!!

Is it weird to say that I would describe it as a cliffhanger that I loved? I both loved and hated it. I hated it because I desperately wanted more and I loved it because honestly, it was just a freaking AWESOME twist and I wouldn’t change it for anything!

And seriously, if you haven’t watched the fan made trailer yet (here: http://tiny.cc/vi8buw), you are missing out! But now, having read the book, I watched it again and am just freaking out at how PERFECT it is for the story!

Gah!!! I love it it!

“Dahlia, I will love you forever… in this lifetime and in the next.”

4.5 stars overall (4 stars for most of the book but 5 huge stars for that ending!)


BLURB: What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?

Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.

When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.

Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift -- but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.

But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?

Review requested by author

[Smitten's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Could love at first sight be real?'

Aaaahhhh, this book screwed with my mind. For most of the way through, I was thinking, ah, very sweet, lovely rock star romance, with a bit of angst, some ugly-cry-inducing heartbreak and a gorgeously hot River Wilde!

Something... no everything about him drew my attention.

And then... Bam! This book turns everything you thought you knew about River and Dahlia's story on it's head and rips the world right out from under you!

My mind was spinning at the end of this book. I absolutely can not wait for book two! Seriously, this is going to be one eagerly anticipated release and I can totally see people going mad for this.

Kim Karr is a genius. She has pretty much just worked out how to grab hold of the hearts of book loving women everywhere.

"I never imagined I could feel so connected to anyone as much as I feel connected to you. I knew I loved you from the moment I saw you. How could I not? Loving you is as easy as breathing."

For starters, I got my own bar in it!!! :D :D I knew there was going to be a place called Smitten's in it as I was asked if I minded before the book was finished... of course I said I didn't. What an honor right?! And it was so exciting to actually read it! So, because I'm just that cool... I took a picture! :D



And to make it off-the-charts cool... the Kellan Kyle, Mighty Storm and Fifty Shades references. Sooo clever and very very cool. Kim, you are my hero!

"Of course I know who Evan is! Kellan met him on his way to LA while passing through Oregon."
"Oh I have no idea how he met Evan. Anyway, they came to Smitten's to jam with us, but that was the last I saw of them."

Yeh, that's right. Our very own Kellan Kyle went to 'Smitten's'!!! Me = Grinning like an idiot!

And then there's River. *fans self* Phhheeewww, the man is hot as!!! He is the epitome of every perfect rock-star, hot as hell, book boyfriend we've ever had, ladies. You will love him.

"I wrote that song about you. About meeting you that night."

I've never been one to fall in line with the whole 'love-at-first-sight' stories, but Dahlia and River totally made me believe. I'm converted. There was no 'What? They've only known each other a short while!' moments... the writing makes you fall in love so instantly, that their feelings for one another are palpable!

"I feel like fate has brought us together again. I also believe that one night, so long ago, just wasn't the right time for us. But tonight is."

I loved everything about this book. There aren't enough adjectives for me to describe it and the way it's left me feeling. I've definitely found a new favourite!





Exclusive Excerpt

With his last words, our momentary lapse into laughter quickly fades and emerges as a different emotion entirely—pure desire. He’s standing in front of me while I’m sitting on the edge of the bed, nodding, speechless. Emotions are sailing through me as we embark on this course, seeking the beautiful horizon. I want him. No, I need him— badly. But, as quick as a sail goes up on a windy day, a surge of nervousness wraps itself around my desire like the chain of an anchor, dragging me down.

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[Akanksha❤ Søren♰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“One day, if you change your mind . . . just know you’ll always be my once in a lifetime.”

~~

*Books with a major cliffhangers should have a fucking warning!!!*


THE FUCKING ENDING....!!! I don't know if I want her to answer the phone or no...Actually I want her to. I am sooo not Team River.. I don't even like Dahlia.

Now, to my review
3.5 Stars!

The author needs to work on her dialogues and scene play a bit, because this book would be amazing if it some powerful quotes and dialogues. :P
Because the story is AMAZING!!

I really don't know if I like Dahlia or not, But I want to slap her.

I mean, she's forever comparing River and Ben in sex, their sweetness gesture, their body, how they treat her etc..
WOMAN. They are two different people, what are you achieving out of comparing them and making Ben look like the bad guy?.
fuming

She keeps talking about how
'I feel so connected to this man, like I’ve known him for a very long time.'
then something like 'I don't think I've ever been looked that way' 'never had sex that way'
'best kiss ever'
'I feel complete with him'
'He remembers everything about me, Ben never did'

'this has to be the single most fulfilling sensation I have ever felt'
and I'm just thinking..
'ARE YOU SERIOUSLY TRYING TO GET ME MORE AND MORE PISSED OF AT YOU BITCH?' ;
I really do feel like I don't like Dahlia one bit. Bitch.



Everything about him, about us, feels so right. These feelings I have are unknown to me. I've never felt them before, before, not even with Ben.
Like seriously? This bitch is pissing me off more and more!!



~~
Soooo..
It starts off with Halloween in 2006 I think.. Parties are on in the campus area.. everyone's drunk/getting there..
We meet Dahlia and Ben.. Ben's SEXY! God, a hot surfer bod and is asdfghjkl types






She's sad.. remembering her parents who died on Halloween.. Ben's trying to make her feel better in more than one way ;)


~~
She goes to a pub with her best friend and meets
HOT, SEXY, Panty dropping hot River.. the lead singer of The Wilde Ones.. She melts, they stare, flirt and she runs away after a bit..

Could I suddenly believe in love at first sight? How could love at first sight even exist when you were already in love with someone else?

~~
Now we skip to March 2010 I think, Tragedy happens.. and Dahlia is not left the same.

"A scar will appear and that means the extreme hurt and unbearable pain is over, your wound will be healed, but don’t ever let your heart close. Leave it open, let someone else in.”

~~
2011, she meets River Wilde, they 're-connect' and then their story begins.

I feel a sense of new beginnings, hope sprung alive. It’s as if I’m heading into spring, and winter is finally fading behind me.

~~
Its like after she met River, Dahlia from a mature.ish kinda person turned into this weirdo 16 year old horny touchy sex addict freak.

This book has more talks about their body movements and no.. not just talking about sex here.. talking about it overall. The book has more body movement talks than dialogues. AND the dialogues aren't even very strong. I think its only the story that kept me captured in this book.

I REALLY LOVED THE STORY OF THIS BOOK, IT WAS AMAZING Hence, only for the story will this book go on my favorite shelf. [yes, stating it twice because thats how good the story is]

I'm not even 50% in and I'm already fed up that the author is talking only about how much they are touching each other.. like keep your hands to yourself at least for a second people. How his nose is like stuck in her ear. How they both are only licking each other. I mean... c'mon!!!!!

Yes it was hot till a certain extent but it was a bit too much.. and to top it all.. it wasn't even very well written few of the scenes.. btw, it was still hot because c'mon ;) necking, ass grabbing etc is general is HOT




The author via Dahlia is comparing a YEARS long relationship to a brand new, one weekend relationship. Like seriously? Isn't love best at its fresh? You see people in a relationship feel goosebumps at every touch? NO.. In a new relationship? YES. Its stupid and annoying the comparison. I think its more pissing off than annoying.

The first 10% and the last 20% get 5 Stars! and the middle shit gets 2 Stars.

I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee River, His name, his personality, his face, his attitude..
because he's so normal.. appart from the extra creepy touchy thing they have going.
He doesn't try replacing Ben in Dahlia's life, he understands.. he doesn't want her to forget him.. He accepts the love they had, having no intentions of trampling over it and re-writing new memory on an occupied space on the memory disc of her life.
He's only making memory on his given space, he understands.. He loves her without boundaries. :) x

~~

Really liked the whole music thingie going on in this book, it was really nice~

Remember that e-mail Dahl sees in Ben's laptop? By S'belle.. to meet her her at her apartment, green eyes, copper hair.. IT WAS BELL

About the whole Bell accident thingie, She was suppose to be meeting Ben that night at her apartment!!! HOLY FUCKING SHIT
Now I think, the 4th book of this series; Mended (Connections #4) who's characters aren't revealed will be Ben I think.
So that means, River and Dahlia will be together in the end of book 2.. fucking cliché ending.

I'm dying to know what Xander is telling River to tell Dahlia, I kinda have a feeling.. but I still want to know.
I hope the second book comes out like bloody NOW!!! Because I'm so fucking fed-up of cliffies. I can murder someone.




Agrh. want the fucking second book like now


~~
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK AFTER READING FALLING INTO YOU. I mean I just mended my shredded heart and now its torn all over again. :(

~~
HOPE, BEG and PRAY that the second book doesn't have a predictable cliché ending.
& that it has more dialogues than this book.

~~
This is not a 6 series novel!
The first two; 'Connected' and 'Torn' are the main books
Rest are 150pgs(aprox) Novellas for the side characters.

[~ Becs ~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

For 48 hours you can win either a signed paperback or an ebook of Connected at Sinfully Sexy!

When our eyes connected it felt like minutes, in reality it was mere seconds. At that moment, something happened inside of me. The connection was like nothing I’d ever felt before. It was an electric pull that willed me in and forced me to keep looking at him.

This was such a sweet and intriguing debut from Kim Karr. I will say that my reading experience during the first part was fairly similar to watching the movie, Up. Do you remember how you were bawling like a baby after the first ten minutes? Well, by the time I hit 15% in this book, I had already ugly cried!! It pretty much ripped my heart out! I could see it coming but still, when it happened, everything went quiet, the world stopped and nobody seemed to notice but me!

We start with Dahlia at college going out with her friend Aerie to see a band play – The Wilde Ones. She meets the singer, River, their eyes lock on each other from across the room, everything else fades away and they form an intense and instant connection. They chat for a while but River is called away to sing and he asks her to hang around until he is finished. Dahlia has a boyfriend Ben and is shocked by her super-charged attraction to River and knows that if she stays she will do something she will regret and leaves before River has a chance to finish and they don’t see each other again for five years.

In the meantime, Dahlia has endured untold tragedy and is completely consumed by grief – it controls her life. For the last two years she has been merely functioning, not really living and this was done so very well by Kim Karr – Dahlia’s grief was absolutely palpable and I felt her losses keenly and shared in her sorrow.

When they reconnect, both of them instantly recognises the other from that chance encounter all those years ago but neither is sure if the other remembers. The sexual tension that zinged between them before is back in full force and they are both entranced with each other and they’re going to find it hard to resist. There’s a long and extremely sensual build up to their first time together and this was seriously HOT and when they finally do succumb to that all-consuming lust – well be prepared to have the air-conditioning on!! There’s a whole heck of a lot of sexual energy radiating off the page.

Dahlia was a sweetheart – I felt so sorry for the tragedy she had endured and wanted so desperately for her to be happy. The whole time I was reading this I was waiting for something truly awful to come along, to destroy their happiness and I waited with bated breath but nothing really did. Sure, they have a few hiccups along the way but there’s no flamboyant over-reaction to anything – they work things out and they stick together.

River – be still my beating heart! He was a totally swoon-worthy hero. He may be the lead singer of a band called The Wilde Ones but he’s a long way removed from the archetypical bad boy rocker. He’s very into his music but not the trappings that fame brings with it and he’s a soulful, sensitive guy who cares deeply for Dahlia, his beautiful girl, and isn’t afraid to let it show. He’s so in love with her, he’ll do just about anything for her and is so careful not to rake up the tragedy of her past and he’s so very, very SEXY. He’s got a loving family and a big group of friends that I’m looking forward to getting to know better in subsequent books too.

So this is a story of that ‘once in a lifetime’ chance encounter that actually comes around for a second time and that bond between them, that irrefutable connection they shared is given a second chance and it’s a beautifully told and extremely romantic love story. River is an almost unbelievably great hero and it’s easy to fall for him.

I loved the book, enjoyed the sensuality plus the great sex, I thought it was verrrry romantic and I was fully invested in the characters and there were a few moments when everything went cold and I almost stopped breathing wondering what on earth was coming next – not many books can do that to me. The story ends without a cliffhanger per se but I will say that the epilogue is a SHOCKER and sets you up for the next book and and will change the way you think.

Lessons learned from this book – I need to become better acquainted with Jake Wethers and read The Mighty Storm and, you’re all going to think I’ve been under a rock for the last two years, but I’ve never read an S.C. Stephens book and I’m desperate to get to know Kellan Kyle now!! Also, keep that box of tissues on standby – every romance reader knows this. You never know when you’re going to need it!


4 sexy romantic stars

Series Reading Order

1. Connected

2. Torn – expected autumn 2013

3. Frayed – Bell’s story

4. Mended

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[Michele ~ la Smoocherina · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5-3 Stars. This meandering love fest was more then I could handle. Lots of "shaking his head" and "licking his lips" or "biting her lips". The way they kiss is even weird. When Dahl, our heroine asked River where he learned to kiss like that, he said he wasn't just kissing her, he was whispering in her mouth. Ok. Whispering against ones's mouth a la Luke Motherfucking Stark Style is one thing, but River being the kiss whisper was another thing entirely.

There is a plot, but it's plunked in here and there and instead we're taken on this journey of "I love you"'s and "you're perfect, really"'s that made me want to puke. They loved each other SO much. Was there more to it?

I feel like everyone but Dahlia is hiding something the entire time. Just when I think I'll find out- CLIFFHANGER! I swear I am going to dedicate a month of books this year to standalones.


The Music Playlist by The Author on her Website Playlist for Connected. I was all over this. I loved the idea, everything! Telling you now, don't bother. It requires Spotify and when I tried to play the first song on the playlist, it wouldn't because I wasn't a paid subscription. It's awesome the author provided a playlist. But I couldn't get all the songs to play unless I played and it kept wanting me to log in using Facebook. I don't connect anything up to FB. I gave up.


I'm also really disappointed at the blog who gushed all over this book. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

[Samantha Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled in from the first word and felt every single emotion—Dahlia's grief, conflict, and the amazing chemistry between her and River.
Connected is an incredibly emotional, romantic, sexy and addictive read. The cliffhanger had me screaming "Nooooo!" at my kindle!
Can't wait for book two.

[Alex is The Romance Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Connected by Kim Karr is the 1st book in her Connections Series and the 1st that I have read by this author.

Okay, so I love rockstar stories so I was really looking forward to this one...also there were a lot of good reviews.

I didn't exactly hate this story...just didn't love it like I thought I would. It was like a case of I like it and that's that.

The story just dragged on a bit and the heroine was a bit annoying.....her whole thing with her dead fiancee drove me up the wall..........

I am going to read the next part and hopefully it will be a "love it" one story

[Angie - Angie's Dreamy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Review was posted at Angie's Dreamy Reads!!


4 HMMMMM....... STARS (Sigh...River ;))

WHEW **deep breathes** WOW! WOW! WOW!

I’d use one word to describe this books and that’s JUICY!!!!! There are LOTS of little twists and turns that happen throughout it. It’s one of those that you have to pay attention to while reading. It’s got romance, suspense and a little bit of mystery and intrigue. It more than meets the eye. Honestly It’s really impossible to review this book without giving away some clues into the major events that happen but I’m going to do my absolute best not to because I HATE spoilers. I will however give you a brief rundown of my thoughts on the book and the characters.

I found the first couple chapters of the book to be explosive and really fantastic. I had absolutely no problem connecting with Dahlia and Ben right from the beginning. They are a golden couple. They’ve been together since Dahl (that’s her nickname) was little. Ben has been the ONLY significant relationship she’s ever had. They have an easy relationship. Both are independent characters that can take care of themselves but work together well. They are engaged and happy. Ben is a journalist, he’s a blonde, frat boyish kind of guy. Cocky but sexy and seemingly a bit of an ass which Dahlia likes and in turn makes you fall in love with him. I mean really who doesn’t love a jerk, especially a sexy jerk. The dynamic between the two of them seemed forced at times giving you a bit of an inkling into the relationship but you could still feel and sense her attachment to Ben. Just as you are getting comfortable and getting to know them something HUGE, EXPLOSIVE and EPIC happens leaving you screaming

OH.MY.GOD.......WHATTTTTTTTTT??? NO FLIPPING WAY

**Cue the shocked, teary, eyed, crazy face**

And then you are catapulted into a whole another world. The book takes on a bit of a twist leading you a certain direction.

A bit into the book River enters the picture. Sigh....River **swooning**!! River is a rock star that Dahl has met briefly before while she was dating Ben. Their encounter is extremely short but the impression that is left on both Dahl and River is instant and long lasting. They have a connection that is strong, palpable and magnetic. So strong that when Dahlia runs into him for work purposes years later things start to HEAT, SIZZLE and STEAM up. It gets super delicious...like MEGA delicious. River is sweet, sensitive and just gets Dahlia. He’s very in-tune to her needs, as she is to him. It’s kind of a insta-love story but with layer after layer of dimensions. Things are just not what they seem.

I will say, I pretty much figured out the plot line 15% in. I don’t know why but my intuition just told me there were a several things that didn’t add up and a ton of nagging feelings that led me to believe that there was more going on than met the eye, AND even though I saw all the plot twists coming it still completely SUCKED me in and captivated me.

I know you’ve all asked me before in reviews to tell you if there is a cliffhanger!!!

Sooooo ............

YES there is a cliffhanger in this book. In my honest opinion it’s NOT major (this is MY opinion)!!! It sets up the next book PERFECTLY, giving you a twitchy, delicious excitement that we will be getting a rather angsty and enjoyable book two. I’m a glutton for angst and punishment and feel like this series has so much drama coming **squeals**, which makes me HAPPY!

The ONLY reason I’m giving it 4 stars is because in the middle part of the book I felt myself getting bored. As I was reading it felt long winded in parts and like it dragged out. I wished that some of the scenes were shortened especially in the last couple chapters where we get Rivers POV.

Overall though I thought this was a great read. I’m eager to see where the story goes and how the plot heats up. I feel like Dahl and River story is just getting started and they have a bunch of amazing plot twists coming their way!! Kim Karr has created a deliciously juicy book book that will leave you saying OH.MY, I need more NOW!!! This is a series that is going to heat up and sizzle with every book we get and I’m definitely ready to see where it's going to take us.

[Pearl Angeli · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 Stars

This book honestly gave me a huge reading slump. It was frustratingly slow and boring and so unbelievable in a lot of ways.

Dahlia London first met the aspiring lead singer River Wilde when they were in college. They automatically formed an instant connection when they met. However during that time Dahlia was in a serious relationship with her boyfriend Ben, so when River asked her to stay at the bar until he finished performing, she chose to run away from that place without letting him know. Years later, they met again but this time Dahlia is already single and is on the process of moving on from a traumatic death of Ben who was already her fiance.

I found the first few chapters engaging because the author really did an amazing job describing the events and the story itself in a dramatic and melancholic way. But then the moment Dahlia and River met again after several years, it started to become shallow and it didn't even make any sense to me at all. There was an absolute insta-love that bothered me. In just one week of being together, they already professed their love for each other and things between them already progressed so fast it's so unbelievable!

I just didn't like the series of events happened in this book. I chose to read this book because I was in a mood for a rock star romance but meh, I didn't get what I expected. I think River just performed on stage at least once or twice in the entire book and all he ever did the whole time was mooning over Dahlia.

And don't even get me started on the ending. Yes, it sure was a plot twist I didn't see coming but for me it was another thing that is hard to believe. It was too much. I don't think I would read the next book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a couple of things I want to mention before I get into this review. First off, I need to tell you that when you finish the Epilogue, you will say to yourself HOLY $HIT or something of that variety. This book's ending is...wow. There is a cliffhanger per se, but trust me when I say that it made the book THAT MUCH BETTER! Yes, there is going to be a second book. Do I recommend you wait to read this book until the second one comes out - NO! This book is so good that you need to read it now. This brings me to the second point, once you finish this book you will need at least a day or two to detox from it and process what you read. I finished this book a few days ago and am only now finding it in me to sit down to write this review.

Dahlia has been with her boyfriend, Ben, for as long as she can remember and she loved him. Then one night at a bar she meets River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, and their connection was instantaneous and it confused the crap out of Dahlia. It was hot and steamy and you knew these two had something special.

When our eyes connected it felt like minutes, in reality it was mere seconds. At that moment, something happened inside of me. The connection was like nothing I'd ever felt before. It was an electric pull that willed me in and forced me to keep looking at him.

For a moment there, I felt as though I believed in love at first sight, which I didn't. And how could love at first sight even exist when you were already in love with someone else?

And this all happened in the second chapter! Despite their connection, Dahlia knew she couldn't act on her feelings, heck she didn't even understand her feelings, so she left and returned to Ben.

Fast forward five years and Dahlia's life is marred by tragedy, but she finds herself face to face with River Wilde once more. And even though years have pasted since that one night, the connection is still there - this feeling like they were soul mates. This book was a love story told so beautifully you were completely caught up in these characters.

Not only does my heart belong to you and yours to me, but I’ve known since the first time you kissed me that we were soul mates.

Despite being a love story, there were some...odd occurrences. I say odd because while I was reading I had no idea why some of these random things kept happening. But rest assured, there is an answer and the ending will shed light on some of the more curious happenings.

Now let me address the ending a little bit more. This was by far one of the best "cliffhanger" endings I have read in a very long time. I literally screamed out loud when this book finished demanding to know more. I know everyone has a different opinion on these type of endings but I absolutely loved it and now cannot wait until the second book, TORN comes out. I know it will definitely be worth the wait.

I am officially a full fledge card member of the Kim Karr fan club - in fact I may even be up for President. I love her story and love her ideas. I even love her more that she named a character Ben Covington which coincidentally has the same name as one of my favorite characters from TV - Scott Speedman's character from Felicity. And on a final note, she found a way to incorporate Kellan Kyle (Thoughtless series) and Jake Weathers (The Mighty Storm) into the story as well - brilliant!

*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Chris- Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review tweaked now that Book is out :)

I was excited When Kim Came to me and asked me to read and review this book . Kim kicks it outta the park with this debut novel . It is full of Hotness, love, romance, heart ache. The Characters in this Book are AMAZINGBALLS !!!!!

"The sound of her voice sends a jolt of electricity through my body that lights up deep within my soul."

This story is amazing. It will make you laugh and cry. Is it possible to find your soul mate ?? Is love at first sight real? I believe it is with these two awesome Characters. The relationship between River and Dahlia is An amazing story and an even more amazing Journey .

Dahlia is awesome , I adored her so much in this story . She has a little spit fire in here , but she also has a lot of emotions also . She is a strong heroine for sure .

“When our eyes connected it felt like minutes, in reality it was mere seconds. At that moment, something happened inside of me. The connection was like nothing I’d ever felt before. It was an electric pull that willed me in and forced me to keep looking at him.”


I LOVED River Wilde, Sexy, swoon worthy 150% , romantic, . Definitely a Book Boyfriend. The way he loves her and shows her and tells her every time he touches her or talks to her makes my heart so full of love it amazes me. I love how he calls her Beautiful girl all the damn time it makes my heart swell all the more knowing how much he truly loves her . He even sings to her throughout the book .. Holy Hotness……

“Not only does my heart belong to you and yours to me, but I’ve known since the first time you kissed me that we were soul mates.”

There is some steamy scenes in this book between the two of them and my oh my are some of them HOT ….

“For a moment there, I felt as though I believed in love at first sight, which I didn't. And how could love at first sight even exist when you were already in love with someone else?”

The twists and turns in this book will keep you turning the pages and wanting to find out more . There is a secret going on , you will get a glimpse of it , but not all the details just yet . The ending OMG .. And this one ends in a BIG one . the next book in this series Torn I believe is due out in the fall of 2013 . I can not wait to get ahold of this one when Kim is done writing it .

Can a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ survive when secrecy harbors doubt?

Thanks Kim so much for the chance to read and review this . Readers are going to LOVE this story and I believe they will love Dahlia and River as well .

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I never imagined I could feel so connected to anyone as much as I feel connected to you. I knew I loved you from the moment I saw you. How could I not? Loving you is as easy as breathing."

This book ends with a shocking epilogue so be prepared as the next book isn’t due out until the fall. Will this reader be reading it? The answer is...HELL YES, things just got interesting!

“Could love at first sight be real?”

Connected has a lot to do with the concept of love at first sight, an instant connection to another person and of course, the concept of soul mates. Once you meet River Wilde, I think you too will feel connected.

Connected is the story of Dahlia London who has been with her boyfriend Ben forever. Ben is a great character and he sure loves his Dahlia. One night, she spots and falls for River Wilde. Their connection was earth shattering and Dahlia knew it would be her undoing so she flees the scene.

Five years later, when life has dragged Dahlia through the depths of despair, our heroine connects with River Wilde once again.

I enjoyed this story it had a bit of everything, great music, mystery, heartbreak, and romance.

There were twists and secrets that have left me anxiously awaiting the next book. Things are going to be cray cray and I can’t wait.

♫ "You were my once in a lifetime,
This I knew when I kissed your lips and felt it in my soul,
So where did you go, where did you go?" ♫

Team River Wilde!

[Kim Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I must THANK Kim for the ARC of Connected in exchange for an honest review. Ladies, I didn't know what to expect when I received Connected beyond knowing that there was a "boy in the band." In my typical fashion that had me.....................................



Well, that was just the beginning of my emotional journey that led me to hell sometimes, my happy place other times, my "WHOA MOMMA" other times and a seriously WTH just happened moment.

Dahlia's life with her loving parents was picture perfect in the beginning. Her love of music is highlighted in the book along with going to concerts with her father, who also LOVED music, at Cows Palace, where he worked. The book is seriously surrounded by music in every aspect ~ from the playlist featured Chapter's to the Chapter Title's with lyrics. Being a HUGE geeky Rock Star Romance girlie that loves anything to do with music this was a BONUS for me. But don't think I'm about to provide a review of such a book ~ oh no, this book was so much more. When we first "meet" Dahlia she is a senior at Stanford along with her BFF and boyfriend Ben. Aerie cracked me up when the book opened and she had Dahlia accompany her to a local bar to hear a band play.

Ben has been a permanent fixture in Dahlia's life since she was in Kindergarten what started out as a friendship to last a lifetime turned into love, a love that held such promise, and also some secrets that were exposed and almost drove Dahlia away. But let's get back to the beginning of Connected. Dahlia arrives at the bar and hears the most beautiful voice she's every heard and I would say she was entranced but with the Halloween partiers at the bar she couldn't get a good look at the stage. As she's at the bar waiting to order some adult beverages , not that Aerie needed any more ;), she turns and...



Well, HELLO to you MR. FREAKING GORGEOUS GREEN EYE'S! This is our first introduction to the infamous River Wilde and ladies he will....



This "connection" and staring fest isn't one-sided in any way, shape or form. River is just as strongly attracted to Dahlia as she is him. The author did a wonderful job describing, form Dahlia's POV, their first interaction right down to the teasing, flirting, and immediate electricity between the two. If this was me I'd.....................



But Dahlia feels that River is "dangerous" and one look from him and he can see into her soul and oh yes, Ben, remember him, Ben her loving boyfriend. So like any good girlfriend she skedaddles with Aerie back to Ben's Frat House after leaving River, the lead singer of The Wilde Ones, with an implied promise she'd wait for him after his show.

Well fast forward a few years. Dahlia's graduated from Stanford and Ben has began his start as an "amazing" journalist and they are getting ready to go to an award ceremony where Ben will be recognized for a story he investigated and broke; but Ben is being very sentimental and wants a little......................................



it's his "show" so who cares if he is late! Well on their way the unthinkable happens. Something that had me.......................



just like Dahlia had and then something that had me...............



Oh Lord, barely into the book and my heart is breaking already... I love that okay I'm a little masochistic went it comes to my books. The book then details Dahlia's life for the next 2 years ~ if you could call it a life. It will leave you ................................



but we all process differently and THANKFULLY she starts to barely turn that corner on her own when Aerie has a "job" for Dahlia. Before everything went down Dahlia worked as a cover photographer for Sound Music which is where Aerie happens to work. Well Dahlia agrees to go meet with an up-an-coming artist ~ interview and photograph him. Oh yes, it's HIM ladies ~ it's OUR RIVER. Will he remember Dahlia? Is there really that "connection"? or was that one time a "fluke". Now that his band is making it will he want anything to do with Dahlia? That's for you ladies to read and to read IMMEDIATELY.

There's so much I would love to tell you about Connected but the LAST thing I will do is provide spoilers ~ never have ~ never will. So let's just say the meeting had me.................................



and you betcha there was some of this..............................



okay LOTS of that! But I was fine with that! As one of my updates I mentioned I never knew doing this.................................



could be so much fun! I can't wait for you to read that part. I literally laughed and swooned and then thought WOW too bad toothpaste makes me gag :) River does talk Dahlia in to returning to LA with him and she meets up with his sister, Bell, and brother, Xander, at the bar, Smitten's, that he band rehearses at. She also has the chance to meet the other two members of River's band, Phoenix & Garrett. We get a little of this....................................................



before we really get to meet Xander and the first meeting between Xander & Dahlia had me wanting to ...................................



and then I was ......................................................



and right away I was feeling for Dahlia.....damn here I went again..



it just gutted me and when River finds out about Xander's little pow-wow and Dahlia's reaction I felt like I was going to have to do this to our Dahlia.......................................................



but a little bit of.................................................



and some talking in true River fashion and ...................



which will have you melting like I did gets us through this first "hurdle" and River accompanies "his girl" back to Palo Alto back to the house where Dahlia resided with Ben back to memories that Dahlia has battled with throughout the book. When they arrive I GUARANTEEE you will do the same thing I did.........................



again I'm freaking teary eyed but don't mistake this as complaining because NOTHING beats a book that pull everyone of my emotions out of me. These two might not have it "easy" but damn they are meant to be together and we get to watch the relationship bloom. It's around the 70% mark of the book that up until that time was told from Dahlia's POV that the author gives us a TREAT one I never saw coming! The story switches to Rivers POV cue up the ..................................



yes, yes, yes, yes, this was perfect and exactly what I needed!!! You will find up until we are in River's head that he is so damn perfect with his "beautiful girl, sexy girl, overall HIS girl" his terms of endearment towards her DID it for me! I loved how he never let a day go by without expressing his feelings for Dahlia and how he viewed her. Simply PERFECT ;)

Okay so we are in River's head and boy I loved it there. But wait there is some he alludes to, while really in his head, that had me ...........................................................



River will do anything for Dahlia! He takes out for Valentine's Day which leads to a little discussion between the two about River and his band and where they had been and who they had met that had me......



I was FREAKING stoked and loved what Kim did!!! You will see when you read it and of course, River and Dahlia's chemistry between the sheets is so darn explosive you will need to either take a cold shower, grab a loved one and "get it on" or be like me not wanting to put the book down and use that Kindle to fan yourself. Now back to how I was feeling from this point on. After V-Day I was .......................



Happy oh I'm so Happy it's perfect!!! Then darn it something happens that left me........................................................



yes again! But that didn't even COMPARE to the end of the book. All the crying in the world couldn't have done that ~ I was left.......



then WTH ~ turn pages back read again ~ NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! ~ OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! well..............................................



I literally couldn't talk, no joke, I had to process I did a lot of..




and slowly started to do a little of this.............................



to finally I was ...................................................



Just AMAZING and WOW! WOW !WOW ! My mind is blow right now!!! Kudos to Kim Karr for delivering an ending to a book that left me without one damn word flowing through my itty brain. Kudos for giving me a read that I seriously had to process before I reviewed that I had to go back and read the ending AGAIN to be sure I did read that correctly. I'm quite surprised my Kindle is intact.

Connected is a 5 star book for me! I loved the journey it took me on. I loved that I questioned if we get a second chance at finding our "one" true love. I loved that it made you question love at first sight and soul mates! Kim Karr has done a brilliant job in successfully taking me on that metaphoric ride that when I was HIGH I was oh so HIGH when I was low well I was low. I felt the pain that Dahlia experienced.. The loss of loved ones that had me taking deep breaths at the beginning of the book so I could breathe through my cathartic cry fest but I did laugh as much as I cried and I did smile as much as I cried.

I recommend that you purchase Connected as soon as possible. I had to purchase it I have to own that's how much I loved it! I really want you to experience this book because it is an experience. I want you to pay attention to the song's selected for each Chapter and the lyrics that are provided at the beginning of each Chapter because this will enrich your experience! Kim did a FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC job intertwining the love of music into Dahlia & River's story which by the way continues in October 2013! Ughhhhh, don't want to wait but I have a feeling it will be worth it!

[.Lili. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I. AM. SHOCKED.


OMG!


What a great way to set up book 2!


This book was completely different than what I was expecting. I love that! This author kept me guessing the whole time! What a great surprise this was! 4.5 stars!

[Stacia (the 2010 club)]

Got about 35 to 40ish% in and had to throw in the towel with Connected. This was another "nothing new to see here" kind of book, which is the main reason I'm giving it the heave-ho. I'd heard the ending got crazy but I didn't want to have to keep reading in order to get to that point. The language phrasing bordered on cheese sometimes, which also wasn't helping.

But it wasn't just a kiss. It was so much more. When our tongues met, it felt like our souls connected with each other as they passed through each other's mouths.

"Where did you learn to kiss like that?" I manage to say breathlessly.
"I wasn't just kissing you. I was also whispering in your mouth."

For whatever reason, it really bothered me that the main character was constantly comparing the new guy to her fiance. If you're falling for another person, then fall for them for who they are, not who they are compared to someone else.

But I now know all 10,000 details about how hot the lead character is. I think River's description was going on and off for about 4 pages, there was that much of an info dump on the character thrown at us. His eyes alone had so many different descriptions that I got tired of it.

I kept going until the first sex scene because I was curious if the steam factor would add something but the sex felt very mechanical to me. There were lots of generic CR terms floating around and not much actual feeling or hey...a connection. Plus, having a hard, wanton nipple just sounds strange.

Ben spoiler His death was very strange. He gets out of a car and is shot and that's about it. That scene could have used more description. There was no reason to feel any emotion because the scene went by so fast. Will he come back to life, perhaps?

Something that was fun about the book : I did love the little icon pictures as chapter breaks. There was a Solo cup for one scene and a pearl necklace (no, not that kind!) for another, and the pictures represented what was going on in the book. This was a fun attention to detail that actually worked for me.

[HILLZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I knew I would LOVE this book because she mentions music from the get go. I love books that tell you what the characters are listening to or incorporates lyrics, even if they aren't books with rock stars in them. If there is a rock star, that's a bonus.

This book has a rock star, BIG BONUS. River Wilde, lead singer/guitarist of the Wilde Ones! YUMMY!

I also love when a heroine has her inner struggle and ultimately ends up going with her gut. Dahlia London does just that.

The sex scenes were OFF THE CHARTS sexy. River is sexy, smooth and SO in love with Dahlia it melts your heart.

The end of the book was my favorite. It is a bit of a cliff hanger, but not your typical cliff hanger. This is one that leaves you with so many questions running through your head. I can't wait for the next book, so I can get my questions answered.

River Wilde

Dahlia London


***For additional reviews please visit: www.lovenbooks.com***

[Melanie Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. As I sit here trying to catch my breath from this most amazing book, the only word that comes to mind is Brilliant. This story literally left me breathless and craving more. I was given the great honor to beta read this book for Kim. Thinking I would take a few days to soak it all in, I curled up on the sofa to read just a few chapters. Before I knew it, I was neglecting everyone and everything around me to get to the end of the story. I promise, you will devour every page of this book as if it were your last. Every sensual description of River will leave you swooning. He is one book boyfriend you will never forget! This is one novel you do not want to miss, folks! Mark my words, this debut novel will be climbing the best seller charts quickly. Read it! You will not be disappointed...except for the fact that there's not already a book #2 to follow it!

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Dahlia has had only two profound romances in her life. One in her past, Ben, the man she grew up who was there through every moment of happiness and tragedy. He was her first love, her first everything. There’s not hardly one memory that doesn’t include Ben.

And then there’s River, her future. Dahlia met him in college, and felt an instant earth shattering connection. It was mutually felt, and it left her running away so she wouldn’t do something she regretted. When Dahlia and River cross paths again, that same connection is there and nothing is in the way to stop it. It’s like a forest fire blazing through, hot and burning bright. They don’t know each other very well at first, but they get each other on such visceral level, soon it’s like they’re the other half of the same soul.

Feeling light-headed, I close my eyes. I’m unable to speak. His words are so moving, so raw, so emotional. He kisses each of my eyelids and hovering his mouth over mine, he talks around my lips. “Every since I met you, no one else has been worth thinking about.” I open my eyes, and he presses his forehead to mine as he continues, “I feel like fate has brought us together again. I also believe that one night, so long ago, just wasn’t the right time for us. But tonight is.”

When I first started reading Connected Ben was it for me. I love romances that stem from and are rooted in a long history. Ben and Dahlia’s relationship was just that. Also, he just felt so male. He was possessive, jealous, and so very sexual. The scene right before they go to his award dinner showed me how completely he was into Dahlia, at the time. However, after a few revelations later in the story I have to say, he disappointed me.

River on the other hand was all-consuming, caring, observant and unselfish with Dahlia. Their relationship felt right even if it was all-out from the minute they reconnect. He was all about her, and she was all about him. Have you ever been with someone who just completely got you? Dahlia and River are a prime example of that. River is a very different rocker from other stories I’ve read and that was a plus for me. The attention he gets from groupies hasn’t blown his head up, and if anything they make him uncomfortable. As a result, his character didn’t leave me with the same unease that every rocker romance does. I always worry about the outside attention ruining things.

Connected does leave you on a mother of a cliffhanger, but I did see this coming. I figured out the twist in this story right away, but this could be because I’ve read countless mysteries and it’s really hard to surprise me at this point. I can’t wait to see how this plays out in the next installment.

I did really enjoy Connected, it had chemistry and spark in spades. However, I did have a couple of issues. First, there was a lot of telling instead of showing, which I guess some of that is a little unavoidable with first person narrative. Second, I felt Dahlia’s inner thoughts were unnecessarily repetitive. Over and over she tells us how connected, how amazing, and how handsome she finds River. Over and over she compares her feelings for Ben against her feelings for River. Less would’ve been more in this case, and still got the point across. I’m happy we don’t have to wait too long for the next book: Torn. It releases in October.

A copy was provided by Penguin through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Liis McKinstry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start...

fudge!shitakemushrooms!donkeyhole!mo-foandallthatisholy!*

Ok, I feel marginally better.

This book was recommended to me by someone whose opinion I hold in high regard. And now all I want to do is have a ‘discussion’ with her to find out WHY in god’s name she would inflict this kind of turmoil on me. WHY?!?

I finished this book in 6 hours and I can honestly say that I loved every second of the 360 minutes that were dedicated to the amazing story of River and Dahlia.

The beginning of the story tested my patients. Every moment after the bar, I wanted Ben gone. I didn’t necessarily wish death upon him, but he was trying my patience because every moment that he was with Dahlia meant that she wasn’t with River.

Then something shitty happens, and I feel bad for one nano-second (and only because it hurts Dahlia), but I know in my gut that what’s about to unravel will be the epitome of all that is delicious-rock-star-who can-love-like-no-other-and-makes-the-readers-want-to-kick-their-husbands-out-and-drive-to-LA awesomeness!

It doesn’t take a genius to realize that River and Dahlia are still insane for each other even after all these years. I can only speak for myself, but I really appreciated how Dahlia still had some internal struggles being with River. I think is she had been like ‘well, Ben’s not here but River is’, in a very nonchalant way, I would have actually hated this book. Sure I thought Ben was an arrogant d-bag (btw – LOVED that!), but no one deserves to be tossed aside like a banana peel after one’s demise. Even if it is for River Wilde

As for River...

Swoon. Sigh...more swooning. Looking at flights to LA. Wondering how to explain a trip to see a completely fictional character to my husband. Sigh. Swoon some more. Sigh a lot more. Try to sleep. Think how hard is it to play a guitar. Sigh. Wonder if sitting near a river this summer while re-reading about River will be poetic. Try to sleep again but realize that Holy Hell! River Wilde is now on my list of ‘Fictional Characters Who I Get a Hall Pass For’. This is huge because I’m very picky about who goes on this list.

I’m reading, and reading, and I’m starting to pick up on things that I was content to be in denial about. My mind started telling its own story about some of the things that seemed to have happened, and I didn’t like the direction it was going.

I have the paperback, and as the remaining pages begin to dwindle, I was getting frantic. Shit was about to hit the fan – I could feel it in my bones. But surely, the person who recommended this book doesn’t wish ill-will on me so there’s no way that she told me to read something that would cause me serious heart palpitations, dizziness, and nausea? WRONG!

Then Dahlia’s cell phone rang with Amazing Grace and I think ‘well, there are a few more pages to go...’, and as I flip the page and I see the chapter, I lose my effing shit! Or at least as much as I could on public transportation during rush-hour. I still hold out hope that it doesn’t go as far as it does. But it does and I’m convinced that the book-gods are conspiring against me (and all others who adore this book).

I’m so utterly angry that I love this book with such fierceness. If I felt luke-warm lust towards it, I might be able to make it through until the fall, but as it stands right now, I’m a lost cause.




*tamed the string of expletives as not to offend anyone.

[Elizabeth (Liz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance


GENRE: Adult Contemporary Romance

HEAT LEVEL: Hot

WARNINGS: Book #1, Story Continues In Book #2

SPECIAL NOTE: Ridiculously A-maz-ing Cover!!



4 Stars

CONNECTED is a sexy, emotional and wonderfully romantic debut from new author Kim Karr!

The losses in Dahlia London's distant and recent past define tragic. Fairytale endings are just that...fairytales. Struggling to rebuild her life and her soul, Dahlia returns to her combined love of photography and music and, in turn, reconnects with a man from her past. One she felt an instant connection to. One who never quite left her mind. That man is River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones. Their connection is, once again, instantaneous. Dahlia feels immense joy. Her grief is lifting. Her soul has met its mate. At the same time, it's hard to let go of the past completely. River is determined that nothing and no one will part them this time. He's just as determined to fully heal the emotional trauma of Dahlia's past. Sometimes, though, the past intrudes on the present. Literally.


Kim Karr knew exactly how to catch my attention and keep it, particularly during the first and final third of this story. There is such intense emotion early on in this story, and, I admit, it did cause a brief ugly cry. I felt I was walking Dahlia's path with her during this time, and I found myself deeply absorbed by this portion of the story in particular.

The band and lyric references, both real and fictional, were one of my very favorite parts of CONNECTED and a true treat for this music lover! I loved the old concert t-shirts which were a staple of Dahlia's wardrobe. I found myself looking forward to reading which one she would be wearing next! I do wish, personally, that aspects of River's musical career were explored more in the story rather than used as a backdrop.

Dahlia and River have some beautiful, sexy and intense moments together throughout this story. Their story, as a couple, is very romantic. I found Dahlia equally as interesting individually. On the surface, she and I are very different, but I was able to relate to her on several levels, and I felt her character was terribly compelling.

I have to say, usually I see things coming, but this ending surprised me! It is a cliffhanger ending, but it does not end mid-scene or in a horribly frustrating spot. You WILL want the second book ASAP, but you won't (or shouldn't) go all-out postal with where the story leaves off;)

Kim Karr has a fantastic 'voice' which will only continue to grow and refine with experience, I know. Technically, the writing flows and is very well edited. This is a first-rate debut, and I am thrilled and excited to see what else this author has in store for us!!


**Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

[Krystle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW JUST WOW so much more than a 5star read AMAZING ALL THE WAY THROUGH

I really need to stop saying this is one of my fav books ever because when I come a cross a book like this I feel like a fraud.(one of my favourite books ever) I have read a lot of books that make me have a sinking feeling in my stomach but soon as it comes its gone!!!! well not with this one I had a sick feeling from 12% that didn't sit well with me at all. I cried really nasty tears at this 12% mark. so much so that I emailed the certain person who recommended this book to me (no names KIRSTY) and said what the hell have u done to me. lol.

Dahlia London was someone I fell in love with straight away, she was living the college dream with the guy she was in love with Ben. its the typical Halloween party, but for Dahlia its a day that changed her life so many years before.
so Dahlia leaves Ben to go to see a band play with her best friend. as she walks in to the bar she hears the voice of the singer and thinks WOW, not being able to see him as its to busy. little does she know that certain voice is about to change her world. minutes later her eyes land on him and BAM his on her....

"how could love a first sight even exist when you were already in love with someone else"

after a short encounter he wants her to wait for her as he is wanted on stage but she just couldn't she had to run from this beautiful green eye boy, she was already in love.

as the years go by she silently goes on with life listening to music of the boy she once met in the bar that night and knows all his music. especially once in a lifetime.

later on in the book little things happen that u think nothing of but in fact means a lot later on in the book, example a email. Dahlia hasn't put two and two together but im sure in book two she will.

5 years later.........

once in a lifetime happens again.

Dahlia life has changed a lot since she last saw those Green eyes, she hasnt lived a life for the last two years, everything has been black. aerie her best has had enough and makes her do an interview with a Singer called River Wilde. this is a big deal not only is this her first job in 2 years but this singer has green eyes that caught her 5 years ago. will he remember me????


"do you know my bands song Once in a life time??"
I nod my head because I know that song very well. its one of the ones I used to listen to repeatedly on my ipod
"I wrote that song about you. about meeting you that night”


as the book goes on my love for river is like Dahlias hard and fast and the pain I had earlier on is not as deep. I still have this part at 12% that I know it going to come back and ruin it all.(I guessed the end was about to happen)

it turns to rivers pov and we see that in fact something big is going to happen their love is too perfect. you know that we live in a small world well im sure in book two we will see just how small it is.

the more I read the book the more I pray that what I predict to happen isn't going to happen. sadly it does I just hope that she never turned back when she heard saving grace I just hope she kept on walking but some how I know she didn't.

I WISH I HAD WAITED FOR BOOK TWO TO BE OUT BEFORE I READ THIS BECAUSE I DUNNO IF I CAN COPE WAITING FOR THIS BOOK TO COME OUT AND OMG WHAT A TITLE FOR IT TO BE CALLED "TORN" please Dahlia, River is your once in a life time, his ur life ur future the man who holds ur heart.

holy fuck hurry up august.u

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I feel like fate has brought us together again. I also believe that one night, so long ago, just wasn’t the right time for us. But tonight is.”

Wow!! I feel like my head just got whacked with a 500 pound sack of clusterf&ck bricks! I did NOT see that ending coming! That last little bit tossed me off my reading chair.... In shock!

Well played Kim Karr. Well played. You're good!

Okay, now that I got that out of the way let me tell you about this book...

For Dahlia tragedy had marked her path from a very young age, but she’s always had her best friend Ben by her side. After the death of her parents and later her uncle, he was the only family she could come to rely on. As time progressed, their friendship grew into love and their plans for a perfect happily ever after were right on track. That was until someone crossed Dahlia’s path to shift her belief in the one relationship she’s always come to count on.

One night during a college fraternity party, Dahlia leaves Ben behind to hit the local bar with her best friend. That night she meets River and an undeniable chemistry explodes between them making them well aware of the attraction that can’t be denied. When Dahlia agrees to meet River after his performance, she decides that the best thing is for her to leave the scene before she makes a mistake that will cost her more than she’s willing to sacrifice.

Five years later, tragedy hits Dahlia once again, and she goes into a deep depression trying to overcome the devastation of a horrific loss. When she finally begins to pick herself back up and put her life back together, her first job assignment has her colliding with River, the guy she left behind so many years ago giving them a second chance at their “once in a lifetime.”

First off I have to say, I absolutely loved the chemistry between River and Dahlia. Their shared moments, conversations, and off the charts chemistry made their attraction for one another feel very real. River was absolutely perfect in this story. His actions and moments of sincerity won me over despite how much I initially came to like Ben. I loved the shift in perspective between Dahlia and River. It was captivating to see into both of their minds and hearts. The narrative was perfect for this book.

In addition, I really enjoyed River’s backstory and gradual climb to fame. He came across grounded but still had that rock star quality I find appealing. He definitely commanded the stage in this book and he blended perfectly with Dahlia. As much as I loved these two together, they have a huge obstacle to overcome, so I can’t wait to see how they deal with the tough times ahead. I’m definitely rooting for them.

Also, the turns and twists of this story were incredibly executed. I did not, for one moment, believe I had a handle on the flow of the storyline and I was proven right at the very end. What an ending! Color me shocked and incredibly impressed with the brilliance of the twist. Well executed and perfectly timed.

Overall, Connected is an incredibly addicting read. I powered through this book quite quickly because I couldn’t seem to put it down! I loved the pacing, the chemistry between the characters, and the explosive turn of events at the end. Sign me up for book two! I can’t wait to see how Dahlia, Ben and River’s story continues.

[Kimberly · Rating 1 out of 5]

Where do I start?



I will start with Connected is a book I did not ‘connect’ with at all. The setting, 5 years earlier presents us opening at a Halloween party. Dahlia lost her parents when she was younger, and has been dating her once childhood friend, Ben, for the last several years. 
I’ll start with Ben. Although we’re supposed to like him, he comes off as a conceited asshole in my opinion. I didn’t need to get too far into the book to see exactly this. There was something up with him from the very beginning, which I will get into further into my review. 


Okay. Eventually Ben and Dahlia go to a bar one evening, and Dahlia disappears to the bar to go get a drink. Now, remember, she loves her Ben. They are engaged even. She runs into River Wilde. Lead singer of an up and coming band. To her, it is love at first sight. But she knows it cannot be because… right, you guessed it. She loves Ben. However, she has this magnetic, oh my God, I cannot keep my eyes off of this man ‘pull’ toward River. 




Spoiler alert coming!

Ben gets killed in a freakish, out of nowhere carjacking. Now mind you, this… this is where I started picking up on possibly where this plot was going. Ben was acting… strange the week before. Actually, I take that back, I didn’t pick up on how the book actually ‘ended’ per say, but I knew somehow that Ben was involved. 
With Ben gone, our sweet Dahlia grieves his loss. I have to admit, this part of the book was done well for me. I actually felt bad for our heroine, but it didn’t take too long for me to actually start to hate her in ways I have never truly hated a heroine before. Why you may ask? I shall tell. 


Eventually (5 or so years later) Dahlia is presented with a chance to go fly out to Vegas and interview now huge rock star River Wilde. I’ll pass over a little bit of bullshit in between (because that’s just what is was… drab writing bullshit to try and suck the reader in) and get to why I started hating our beloved heroine. Soooooo…. The ‘connection’ is made again and it is made fast. Too fast in my opinion. Dahlia goes on and on about how much she’s feels like it was fate, YET, compares every fucking aspect of River to Ben. Look, I get it. Boyfriend died. How could you not compare. Right? But really, she never dated that whole time? Give me a break!



Every time they kissed… we’re reminded how Ben felt differently. Every time River touched her…. Guess what? We’re reminded how that was different. Oh, and our sweet Dahlia has such a hard time with this, YET, confesses love to River, and him to her, within a matter of days? Fiction world to me needs to present somewhat real life situations. The author tries to get you to feel bad, but in my opinion fell flat on her ass here. How am I supposed to feel bad for a heroine who constantly compares two men? River was sweet and kind to her. Never forced her into loving him. Wanted her to ease into him and this stupid bitch is constantly reminding me of the idiot I couldn’t stand.




Then the sex. Holy mother of God. It was like two horny cheesy teenagers...just horrible. I will let you experience that for yourself, because even if I tried, I can’t replay how terribly written those scenes were. I shudder. 




While we’re on writing… There were the huge, mammoth sections of nothing but internal monologue and when we were finally able to see some dialogue, it felt forced and stilted. This may be typical of a first novelist not understanding how to ‘show vs. tell,’ however, it almost made me fall asleep. We, as readers, learn about your characters through dialogue. Oh, and then all of a sudden, there’s a POV change from Dahlia to River’s. This was done waaaaaaay into the book. 




Okay…back to the story… a relationship is formed and some odd occurrences start happening around Dahlia and River’s little life. This is where I knew…fucking knew what happened.


Huge spoiler alert coming….

Ben. Is. Not. Dead. 
Ben. The boyfriend from the beginning of the book? Yeah, him. He’s alive. 
I almost blew my fucking lid and threw my Kindle! Ms. Karr, I might’ve liked this story somewhat… possibly given it a 3 for the lame attempt, however…What. The. Fuck. Was. That? 
Honestly? So now, I am left with a set up for a love triangle in book two with some fucking idiot I didn’t like anyway?



Oh, and get this…It’s obvious the idiot Ben, when he was alive, was fucking around with River’s sister, Bell. Yes. Did I mention that? Dahlia finds some odd emails on Ben’s laptop, and the writer thinks we couldn’t figure that one out. This book freaked me out and not in a good way. It was James Patterson meets Stephanie Meyers or something.

Let me think here a minute because I am still so infuriated that I wasted around 10 hours of my life reading this hump of shit.



Okay, I read, and now we may have some fucked up foursome possibly? Why end it like this? We weren’t led in a direction to like Ben. Why, as readers, are we supposed to feel bad at the whole pile of shit in which we’re left with at the end, should we feel one bit of… anything at this point. River and Dahlia were content. Dahlia was moving on. This was a bait and switch on a reader for what I perceive to be the latest trend among writers. Let’s fuck them at the end with a cliffhanger, make them wait a few months for the next book, and make them pay once again to finish the story. I do not care enough about these characters at this point to even find out because the author pissed me off that much by following the rest of the writing world with a cliff. Let’s get some originality in our writing, ladies.



To be quite frank, out of all of these stupid cliffhangers that I’ve read lately, and I’ve read some stupid ones, THIS BOOK DID NOT NEED IT. It’s like a bad fucking soap opera was tossed in my face in the last 20% of the book. Be original! 




Oh, and speaking of original. I found some of the wording and lines strikingly similar to other books out there. It was almost as if this author took notes on books she had read, and spun lines for River out of them. Again, just odd. I’ve never read the Mighty Storm or the Thoughtless series, but have had quite a few friends that did. I found it trashy to use other characters from someone else’s work in a book. It always turns me off when writers do this. Again… let’s be original, ladies. 




Overall, I’d rate this book a zero if I could. Unfortunately I am not given that opportunity to do so. So… I have to go with a one star here. I’m ecstatic I was able to get a refund, but sorrowful that I cannot get back the hours of wasted reading time that I could have spent reading a good book. 
This pretty cover and decent synopsis failed miserably on the inside.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this lovely book and I can't wait until you too have the chance to read it! I know you will fall in love with River and Dahlia too!

It's so hard to write a review that doesn't include spoilers, especially when you've read a book as good and exciting as this! Connected grabbed me on the first page, and even though I've finished reading, it hasn't left me yet. The twists and turns will tie you in knots, but trust me, you will not want to be cut loose! You will come to believe that every woman needs a River, because he sure knows how to make a girl feel loved and cherished!

This is Kim Karr's first novel, but it certainly won't be her last. You will fall in love with the way her descriptions draw you into the book as if you are physically there. You will fall in love with River and Dahlia will become your best friend. I can't wait to see where Kim takes them in Torn!

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 1 out of 5]

04/06/2013 --
How many times are we going to be sold the same books with different covers. All the New Adult is starting to read the same. These newcomers don't really have anything new to offer. If I wanted to read the same books over and over again, I wouldn't spend "new" money for them. Unfortunately, this book isn't bad, but it isn't new and original either.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. God. That was so good!

Dahlia London is our heroine and I really liked her character. The book starts off with Dahlia at college, living the typical student lifestyle. A great group of friends, going to the occasional party and madly in love with her boyfriend, Ben. Ben was her true love in every sense of the word, they started off as friends which soon turned in to more and they were happy. Everything is going well in Dahlia's life, until one night at a bar on Halloween she comes across River Wilde, the lead singer of the band The Wilde Ones. Although Dahlia had Ben, she couldn't deny the instant pull there was between her and River. "The connection was like nothing I’d ever felt before. It was an electric pull that willed me in and forced me to keep looking at him." And then Dahlia left, before things got more heated, more dangerous, more passionate but there was always a question left in her mind..

"How could love at first sight even exist when you were already in love with someone else?"

Fast forward 5 years and life is drastically different for Dahlia. She is heartbroken and living with a crushing grief that has consumed her life for the past two years. Her best friend Aerie has been there for her through it all but has decided enough is enough. Dahlia has to start living her life again so she offers her a job she can't refuse.. photographing the band The Wilde Ones for an upcoming interview. How could she refuse? River will be there and it is time to start living again after all..

Dahlia jumps on a plane to Vegas, where she will be meeting with River, and all the while her mind is over taken with thoughts and unanswered questions. Will she feel that same connection? Will he remember her? Will she be able to finally move on? Only time will tell. As she gets off the plane she sees the famous Vegas sign. "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas." And for once I was glad to see this sign was wrong, so very wrong.

The relationship that started up from here was incredible. Dahlia didn't hide her past from River, she opened up to him about Ben and kept no secrets. They shared a hot, steamy, passionate time in Vegas and I was so glad they both decided that it needed to be moer than just a one night stand. "When our tongues met, it felt like our souls connected with each other as they passed through each other's mouths." All the while reading about their relationship I knew something was going to come along and shut it all down, but what I didn't know was what. I felt so badly for Dahlia, after all she had had a life time of grief and pain, and I so wanted her to have her happily ever after. But like all freaking amazing books, that's not to be without a few struggles here and there. And as the book goes on things start to unravel, we finally get inside River's head and again, he gives us a few clues as to what could be going on. And then when it hit I was so shocked because I never in a million years expected that to be the big secret.

I have to talk about the music in the book. As I've mentioned in previous review I LOVE music, but have never really put music and reading together. Until recently. I've come to realise that books and music really can go very well together, and Kim Karr's Connected is another prime example of that. Yes River is a musician, but it's more than that. Music just pours out of the pages in to our minds all the while we are reading and I found myself eager to finish so I could go and investigate the playlist.

♫ "You were my once in a lifetime,
This I knew when I kissed your lips and felt it in my soul,
So where did you go, where did you go?" ♫

So I realise I've rambled a lot here but it's only because I absolutely loved this read from beginning to end, I was glued to my kindle and just couldn't get enough. And yes guys, there is a cliffhanger, and it's a bitch of one, but that's okay. It was so unlike anything I've read and I never in a million years could have guessed how it was going to end. But now I'm just dying to get the next book and see where it goes, even though I am highly nervous.

"I feel alive again - living, breathing and experiencing life like I never had before - because of him."

[Reading is my Time Out · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hotness Kim Karr!!! I can't even begin to put in words how much I LOVE this book!! I was all over the map of emotions while reading this gem... I was smiling like a goofball in love, crying like I just lost my first dog, and then blushing because of the amazeball love scenes.... WHOA.... The scenes. M-E-O-W!!! Kim has now introduced me to one of my top 5 book crushes... RIVER WILDE! 5 out of 5 stars on the knock my socks off scale.... For sure!!!

I immediately fell in love with Dahl (Dahlia). She is a girl from my own heart... Loves fashion, bling, and rock n' roll!! I love her down to Earth, girl next door style. I love how she speaks her mind... She is strong and independent but sexy and likeable. I admire her for her strength, her ability to love, and her perseverance! Dahl has not been dealt an easy hand in life, yet she still smiles, continues to live, and enjoys life. Dahl has loved the same boy since she was a child. They were the perfect couple... The typical prom queen and king... The envy of anyone who knew them. Then life takes a different turn in the road and everything Dahl knows is ripped away from her. She questions how her life is suppose to continue without her rock.

As much as I love Dahl... Words cannot express my feelings for RIVER WILDE!!! Whoa... Give me a friggin fan and a cigarette and I don't even smoke!!! HO-LY HOT-NESS!!!! Wowwy... Wow... Wow!!! River is a bad boy rocker who isn't really a bad boy. The best of both worlds!!! He sets his eyes on Dahl and wants her against the wall, in a bathroom, wherever he can have her. Whew... Did I mention the love scenes made even me blush?!?!? River is a poetic, romantic, super sexy, rock my world stud!! He is hell bent on being the glue that molds Dahl back together and hold her there. Who wouldn't want a YUMILICIOUS sex on legs man to rescue them!! Problem is River has a secret.... Which left me obnoxiously screaming "WHAT THE?!?!?" at my Kindle. I am impatiently waiting for book 2 to grace me with its presence so I can drown myself in a certain River. ;)

The connection between Dahl and River make this story a must read. Kim Karr is an evil little genius that rocked my world with this book! There was a point that I knew I HAD to finish reading... No more bookmarks would do. It was THAT good!! There were so many aspects of Connected that I loved and could talk about forever... But my all time fave was the basis behind the story line. That was the question... What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY MOTHER OF........... It has been 24 HOURS since I finished this and the ENTIRE book is still on my freaking mind! I cannot get that ending out of my HEAD!!!!!!!! What a freaking read, this book will have you all over the map with emotions. I literally did not want to put this book down it went everywhere with me, this was one of those reads where I really wished I could read and drive.

“I wasn't just kissing you. I was also whispering in your mouth.”

Oh did I love RIVER he was absolutely just perfect and sweet for a Rock Star. Kim Karr truly captured my attention early on in this one and I love her use of Music throughout the entire book, especially since I LOVE Music. throughout the book you connect with each and every character and something is revealed each time or uncovered about them. The book is mostly in Dahlia’s POV, but then we get a little bit of Rivers POV and oh was that awesome to see his fears and love for Dahlia and her world.

“Just know you’ll always be my once in a lifetime.”

The book just oozed with healing, happiness and love, there are a few twists here and there and there are some things that kept gnawing at me throughout. I was able to piece a couple of them together as the read went on but I still could not figure out the biggest one. Then at that the biggest EPILOUGE cliff hanger EVER there it was and that never even crossed my mind. I was literally left speechless and I was starring at my iPad in disbelief like really WTH this is going to send everything through a whirlwind! I absolutely cannot WAIT for TORN to come out and I have quite a few months for this, but I think I will be fine with the wait because I need time to grasp this and I don’t think my heart is ready for that emotional rollercoaster just yet. I usually do not like to read books in a series until the series is complete just because of how I am and how once I get started I want answers and I want them ASAP. But this series here is well worth the wait, yes there is a cliff hanger but it’s not one of the usual cliff hangers it was actually perfect in a sense.

On that note I think I will have to take a couple of days off from reading because I don’t think, I can get CONNECTED OUT OF MY HEAD JUST YET, still processing this and I cannot stop just yet.

[Tough Critic Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s like a double chocolate fudge pop with no stick, Dom Perignon with no bottle opener, a condom with no penis. All the things you love and sometimes crave, but if they’re missing that one tiny thing, they can’t fully be enjoyed. You know they’re great, but sometimes that’s all it takes. One. Thing.

The beginning is what kept me from one hundred percent falling in love with Connected, the foundation of the story. That one thing.

I wanted more development of Ben and Dahlia’s relationship. More time to get attached to Ben. I wanted to feel it, feel it…more. I wanted to feel greater loss, more emotion, more…more everything.

Speaking of more, I needed more from the first time River and Dahlia meet. Another key to the foundation of the book, the foundation of their relationship. It fell flat. The first few hours? The instant love? I didn’t understand the connection. It was rushed, it was unrealistic. It was love at first sight on crack. For me, it just didn’t justify their strong emotions for each other when they meet later on. It was underdeveloped. However, I'm a love at first sight cynic so this was more about me than the book.

Once I got through my foundation issues, the rest of the book was four strong stars, easy!! The storyline, the twist. By the end I was hooked. Yes, we are cliffhangered, but I honestly didn’t mind being pushed over the edge. I thought it was unique, hot, entertaining. It has some far fetched situations, but the author embraces the idea of fiction and uses it to her favor. I just wish the beginning would have been developed a little better. It was the one thing that kept a really good book from being great. I’ll definitely be reaching for the sequel.

READ ON!

WIN A SIGNED COPY OF CONNECTED!
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[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read CONNECTED a few weeks ago and I instantly fell in love with it because it was different. It wasn't anything I'd read recently or even ever. Kim takes you on a roller coaster ride that doesn't want to let you off. At first when it starts, you think, 'oh I've read this'. but then it goes into uncharted territories that you'll be clamoring for the end to see where it's all leading up!

The story starts with Dahlia dating Ben Covington while they're at Stanford. It's Halloween and Dahlia is not one to celebrate the holiday (I'm with her!). Her reason is more doable than mine. I hate it, she lost her parents and a beloved aunt in a horrific plane crash on that day. So yeah, she's not dressing up. However, she does promise a friend that she'll head to the local bar to listen to an up-and-coming band.

So leaving her inebriated boyfriend behind, she heads to the local bar and there she meets an enigmatic stranger who practically begs her to stay. When she finds out that he's the lead singer of the band performing and she knows that she's about to make a big mistake, she bails.

We flash forward a few years later. Ben and Dahlia are living together and engaged. She's a photographer and he's a hard-hitting journalist who is about to win a prestigious award for a story that he's been working of for a few years. En route to the banquet, the car holding Ben and Dahlia is carjacked and Ben is killed. Leaving Dahlia broken and brokenhearted.

Two years go by before she's able to go back to work and even function. When her best friend Aerie, offers her a job in Vegas to interview a rock star and grab some photos. Her surprise is complete when she's told its River Wilde that she'll be meeting in Vegas. See this is the same person she met oh so long ago and never acted on it.

Kim tells a tightly knit story that will break your heart, have you cheering and pretty much leaving your panties in a bunch. She sucker punches you just when you think Dahlia and River will finally live their happily ever after. I fell in love with River. He's a guy who pulls no punches, he knows what he wants and he goes after it. Dahlia is broken. Afraid to open her heart because whenever she does the person she has opened it to leaves.

With the influx of new adult/contemporary romance/self-published authors, this book is highly recommended. I could read it over and over again because it's just that good.




Wow, this book grabbed me from the get go and didn't let up until I came to the last page! I need a sequel like yesterday! Kim, GREAT job, so happy for you and I think you have a hit on your hands!