Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 105
October 6, 2014
Book Review: Loving You Always
Loving You Always (The Bennetts #2) by Kennedy Ryan: Kerris Moreton should be the happiest woman in the world: She has a successful business and is about to start the family she's always wanted. But the man of her dreams-the one whose green eyes see straight into her soul and whose gentle hands make her body hum with pleasure-is not hers.
Each secret moment with Walsh Bennett serves to remind Kerris of what she's missing. And every stolen hour makes it harder to see her future without him. But being with Walsh would betray a sacred promise and upend her perfect life. When tragedy strikes, the razor's edge between love and loyalty grows sharper than ever. And Kerris must decide where her heart will fall . . .
Don't miss the first installment in The Bennett's Series...When You Are Mine. Available now!
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Loving You Always generously provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
True love tests the limits of our moral boundaries. What would you do for true love? How much self-worth do you possess to attain what you truly want? How do your past scars define your future? True love and hurt maintain an equal balance with me. To find this kind of love exemplifies what most of us search for in our lives. We think it’s all hearts and unicorns but it’s not. True love tests you, drives you to the brink, and changes you forever. The root of true love is honesty, first with yourself, next with the person you love, and finally with the people who matter most in your life.
Kennedy Ryan has made a believer out of me in Loving You Always – book two of The Bennett’s series. After When You Are Mine my skepticism for the heroine and her connection to her true love swayed me from understanding her true motives. Through the very real, exquisite writing of Ryan with catching dialogue and engaging characters, I believe in the connection of true love between Walsh and Kerris. And Cam. And Jo. And Meredith. Love and compassion lives within the pages of this series.
Book one being a very angsty love triangle thwarted my beliefs in these characters. Book two, picking up right where book one left off, shows the perpetual forward motion our lives carry us into the future. No matter happens we keep moving. The writing proves this in the lives of Kerris, Walsh, and Cam. This story hurts because it surrounds two people in love with the same woman. And a woman in love with only one man but deeply loving the other for the man he is and the man he helped her to be. It’s about suffering, pain, and heartbreak. It’s about joy in honesty and realizing you’re as good as you believe yourself to be. Your heart aches and melts at the same time for these three people desperate to love and to feel loved, desperate for the honesty love requires. This story hurts because someone gets hurt deeply. These characters hurt themselves and each other to heal. There are few moments of weakness when Kerris and I would have had words with each other. She’s not the most favorite heroine I’ve ever read but her growth and maturity and self-awareness in this book was strides better than the first.
The story hurts in both good ways and bad. Loving You Always is about true love, honesty, friendship, forgiveness, and acceptance. It’s about letting go and holding on. About moving on in a way that feels the most for yourself. Being who you are and loving who you love. If you're looking for a range of emotions in a New Adult setting with low steam but beauty in the well written love story - check out this author. A beautiful romance has come from this angsty love triangle and I’m extremely grateful to have taken this journey. Very much looking forward to book three. I need Jo Walsh’s story.
Book Review: Stepbrother Dearest
Stepbrother Dearest by Penelope Ward: You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.
When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn’t prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be.
I hated that he took it out on me because he didn’t want to be here.
I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room.
But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.
At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. Then, things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night.
Just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.
It had been years since I’d seen Elec.
When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again.
And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane.
I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.
Stepbrother Dearest is a standalone novel.
**Contains graphic sexual content and harsh language. It is only appropriate for adult readers age 18+
Jennifer's thoughts: I don't think Penelope Ward can write a bad love story. I was so excited to read Stepbrother Dearest and was not disappointed.
Elec (the stepbrother) was a complete jerk and total bad boy. Which I absolutely loved.
Greta was good, pure, and innocent. The complete opposite of her stepbrother. But she was drawn to him from the moment she saw him.
Stepbrother Dearest was an amazing love story that captured so many emotions. It is a fantastic--I can't put down--type of book that can be read in one sitting. I highly recommend it.
October 5, 2014
Release Blitz: Shame
Everything done in darkness, will eventually be brought into the light.
I ran, but all it did was keep me one step ahead of my past. I tried to start over; new name, new identity. But you can't change your soul.A fresh start at college was just what I needed. For a while, it worked. I was the party girl, the one that seemed confident, but it was a lie.
When guys kissed me--I felt only pain.
When they touched me--Nothing but fear.
Deep inside, every girl wants to be the beauty in the story, to find someone that will see you as their world.
But the truth? I was the beast. And as much as I wanted redemption, I wasn't fool enough to think I'd ever get it.
Until he walked into my life.
I wasn't prepared to fall for someone. My scars were too deep, the wounds too raw. But he offered me peace, he offered me security. I should have known it was just another lie--I should have known that falling in love with my professor was a bad idea. But I was powerless to stop myself from falling. And he was powerless to catch me.
Because the darkness finally caught up to me, and as fate would have it, a cruel twist almost bled me dry. But I'm stronger than I knew. I'm stronger than you think.You think you know my story, but you don't....after all everyone has Shame in their lives-- and I'm no longer afraid to show you mine.
ADD TO GOODREADS HERE
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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street
Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances.
When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and
plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband and their snoring Boxer, Sir
Winston Churchill. She loves to hear from readers! You can follow her writing
journey at www.rachelvandykenauthor.com
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Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: October 5, 2014.
Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: October 5, 2014. These are the top 10 bestselling New Adult books as listed on Amazon.com at the time of posting! (Single titles only - No box sets. Also: No pre-orders! Sorry.)
Top 10 Paid:
1. Risk: (Gentry Boys #2) by Cora Brent
4.7 out of 5 stars
2. Scarlett Red: A Billionaire SEAL Story, Part 2 (In the Shadows) by P.T. Michelle
4.6 out of 5 stars
3. Mister Black: A Billionaire SEAL Story, Part 1 (In the Shadows) by P.T. Michelle
4.6 out of 5 stars
4. Twist Me: (Twist Me #1) by Anna Zaires, Dima Zales
4.6 out of 5 stars
5. The Resolution of Callie and Kayden: (The Coincidence Series Book 6) by Jessica Sorensen
4.7 out of 5 stars
6. Ugly Love: A Novel by Colleen Hoover
4.8 out of 5 stars
7. Hopeless For You by Hayden Hill
4.3 out of 5 stars
8. Champagne Kisses: A Timeless Love Story by Krista Lakes, Mel Finefrock
4.5 out of 5 stars
9. Stay with Me: A Novel (Wait for You Book 3) by J. Lynn
4.7 out of 5 stars
10. Saltwater Kisses: A Billionaire Love Story by Krista Lakes
3.9 out of 5 stars
Top 10 Free:
1. The Probability of Violet and Luke: (The Coincidence Series Book 4) by Jessica Sorensen
4.4 out of 5 stars
2. Crash (Billionaire New Adult Romance) by Vanessa Waltz
3.8 out of 5 stars
3. Sisters in Love: (Love in Bloom: Snow Sisters, Book One), Contemporary Romance by Melissa Foster
4.1 out of 5 stars
4. Loving From Afar: (The Women of Independence Book 1) by Mona Ingram, Suzie O'Connell
4.3 out of 5 stars
5. STRIPPED by Kellie Perkins
4.4 out of 5 stars
6. The Arrangement 1 by Abby Weeks
3.7 out of 5 stars
7. Draw Me In: (Greenpoint Artists) by Talia Quinn, Talia Surova
4.3 out of 5 stars
8. Wishful Kisses: A Fountain of Love Novella by Krista Lakes
4.4 out of 5 stars
9. Up on the Housetop: (Kyron Pack Series Book 1) by Suzanne Rock
4.5 out of 5 stars
10. Deceived - Part 1 New York by Eve Carter
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 4, 2014
Book Review: Love is a Fire
Love is a Fire (Burning Lovesick #1) by Lyssa Layne: “Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your heart or burn your house down, you can never tell.” -Joan Crawford
Dr. Katy Malone has sworn off love after losing those she loves most in her life including her father, a member of the FDNY. She has decided to spend her time focusing on her medical research. Her ex-fiancée, and fellow doctor, isn't ready to give up on loving her though.
Firefighter Nick Garrity is on a search for the future Mrs. Garrity. As he pushes thirty, with no prospects in sight, he's afraid he'll never find her. A devoted member of FDNY, he loves the thrill of his job and the satisfaction it brings him. He strives to teach the proby firefighter, Patrick Doyle, the ropes and pass on his passion to him.
When Doyle tries to impress the guys on the crew, he ends up in the care of Dr. Katy Malone. One look at Dr. Malone and Nick knows he's found his future wife but can he convince her to love again?
Toni's thoughts: This book was a very emotional read. I dont want to give to much away but the author did a wonderful job of progressing the story. I love reading a book that can illicit such a wide range of emotions. This book is definitely not your typical love story but that is what made it so good. Definitely a good read and can't wait to read more by this author.
Book Review: Temper For You
Temper for You (For You #3) by Genna Rulon: "Life is messy. Love is messier." -Catch and Release
Meg Adeio has led a life of isolation—not by choice, by necessity—until one act of heroism forces her out of seclusion. Despite a past shrouded in mystery, Meg is “adopted” by an eclectic group of friends that become the family she never had. Life was good for the first time in…ever.
Or it was until Westly Black reappeared on her doorstep. She knew he was the last man any woman should give her time to—only good for one thing—yet a temptation no woman could deny. Wes might make her life messy, but Meg’s eyes were wide open and she had it under control. At least she thought she did.
When past and present collide, loyalties are tested, forcing Meg to sacrifice her future to protect those she loves.
Temper For You is a gripping story of regret, deception, and redemption – filled with raw emotion, sarcastic wit, intrigue, and love’s propensity to forgive.
• Though Temper For You is a part of the For You Series, it can be read as a stand alone
• This story is appropriate for readers 18+
TeriLyn's thoughts: Temper for You is the third book in Ms. Rulon’s new adult For You series. As a huge fan of the first two books in the series who in addition to loving the stories enjoyed getting to know the secondary characters I very much looked forward to learning more about Wes and especially Meg and her obviously secrets. I was not at all prepared for the onslaught of feelings and emotion those secrets would bring. Being prepared for the secret itself is hard to imagine. Wes and Meg are full of life and emotion they've kept buried. They're full of such depth that put together creates a storm out of those emotions for both them and the reader.
As Temper for You comes as book three in the series it wouldn’t be my first recommendation to read it as a stand-alone novel. Although the story presents as a stand-alone you’d be doing yourself a great disservice not reading the two phenomenal stories building up to the explosive tale of Wes and Meg.
Through the dual points of view of Wes and Meg we get a tale of struggle, hiding, redemption, love, and fun. As this series has progressed each book delves a little deeper in the dark recesses of life. The stories get a little heavier in content, Temper for You especially. Genna Rulon expertly weaves light into her darkness though. We get glimpses of triumph amongst the rubble; glimpses of redemption amongst the struggle. Wes and Meg are two very complicated people who have lived unimaginable lives yet both came out fighting, stronger than ever. They are truly a power couple. They have charisma and sass and charm rivaling the couples showcased in the first two books. The greatness about this author is that while each book highlights a new couple as main characters, the previous heroes and heroine’s stories keep moving forward. She expertly keeps their stories flowing as secondary characters, endearing all her characters to our hearts.
I can’t say enough about this series. This author creates charming characters full of passion and life even in the most undesirable of circumstances. She nurtures those characters through complex plots with simple ideas of love, honesty, and family. She builds on those characters with fruitful relationships. Each character, Wes and Meg included, is sharp and witty and passionate. The writing is magnetic and draws the reader into the worlds of characters we come to adore. Temper for You is another fantastic novel from the talented mind of Genna Rulon. I’m excited to get another story in the For You series as I’m forever a fan.
Book Review: Private Internship
Private Internship (An Art of Love Novel Book 2) by Kitsy Clare: Sometimes sugar isn’t so sweet and secrets can be deadly...especially with matters of the heart.
Sienna’s bestie, Harper warned her not to intern for famous bad boy artist, Casper Mason. After all, he just fired Harper who helped Sienna get the interview. But the moment Sienna sees Casper—or Caz—sweaty, practically shirtless and swinging from chains as he works on his sculpture, she’s hooked. He’s the richest, hottest artist in New York, and he lives in the fabulous Williamsburg Sugar Factory. But he’s also an incorrigible game-player, who seems to relish testing Sienna’s loyalty with a string of unsettling tests.
She knows she should get away fast. But by the time Sienna sneaks into his locked storage room and begins to unearth his dark and terrifying secret, she’s fallen way too hard for the handsome, charismatic Caz.
Liza's thoughts: The story line is original, but after reading the first book "Model Position" my heart was broken a few times. There is so much I want to say, but there are too many spoilers. When I read this book it made me feel like it was a book that makes you see that everyone has their demons (anxieties) to fight and some handle them differently than others. It is a book about forgiveness and love that strengthens you to want more and to give up what you hold on to to get it. But who is giving up what?? ;)
I like the book, but the reason I did not rate it higher was because I felt there were some crucial scenes that were shortened and deserved more detail. I also thought the author wrote semi clean yet sexy, but would through in words that were uncalled for. It seemed out of place. Without those and with the one scene more prominent, I would say it was a strong 4 or 4 and a quarter hearts.
If you like romance that is not all sappy and sweet I would recommend this book. I cannot wait to read another one of this authors creations. Goes to show that although the hearts and starts may not equal what you think is "great", does not mean you should not give a book a chance. Happy reading!
Book Review: Fighting Redemption
Fighting Redemption by Kate McCarthy: Ryan Kendall is broken. He understands pain. He knows the hand of violence and the ache of loss. He knows what it means to fail those who need you. Being broken doesn’t stop him wanting the one thing he can’t have; Finlay Tanner. Her smile is sweet and her future bright. She’s the girl he grew up with, the girl he loves, the girl he protects from the world, and from himself.
At nineteen, Ryan leaves to join the Australian Army. After years of training he becomes an elite SAS soldier and deploys to the Afghanistan war. His patrol undertakes the most dangerous missions a soldier can face. But no matter how far he runs, or how hard he fights, his need for Finlay won’t let go.
Returning home after six years, one look is all it takes to know he can’t live without her. But sometimes love isn’t enough to heal what hurts. Sometimes people like him can’t be fixed, and sometimes people like Finlay deserve more than what’s left.
This is a story about war and the cost of sacrifice. Where bonds are formed, and friendships found. Where those who are strong, fall hard. Where love is let go, heartache is born, and heroes are made. Where one man learns that the hardest fight of all, is the fight to save himself.
TeriLyn's thoughts: Fighting Redemption so eloquently reminded me why I absolutely love to read military romance stories. Kate McCarthy gave readers such a special, well-written, beautiful story of the tough side of life not besting us so we can live the best possible, the life we deserve. The hero and heroine of this story are compassionate, loving, funny, and strong. The secondary characters help create a strong sense of family, passion, and a sweetness that’s undeniable.
Told from the dual points of view of Ryan, our hero, and Finlay, our heroine – we get a story harboring a lot of pain and heartbreak. Our hero is fundamentally broken, he doesn’t make light of the fact and admits it when the pressure mounts. He’s a natural protector, a giver. The sense of safety he provides for those dear to him isn’t easily established. Finlay realizes how special the feeling to know she’s part of a select group who feels that emotion from Ryan. She’s a spectacular heroine, one that stands for herself, fights for her being, and even when she’s drowning makes no excuses for her actions. The two of them together combust off the pages with explosive passion and fire they’ve reserving for each other for years. They’re story isn’t easy, it’s filled with pain and turmoil, excruciatingly sad circumstances but the beauty of the tale is the author fluidly guides along the journey so you feel every emotional piece of those two.
There’s something major to be said for the people who fight battles afar for the people of their country. Kate McCarthy said a lot with this novel. She proved that battles fought abroad by our soldiers are only part of the ultimate sacrifice. She believably portrayed to the readers the battles fought at home as well. The sacrifices a soldier and his family make when faced with tough choices. The pride swells in your chest for these characters, for what they give so selflessly because of the belief in their convictions. Her writing engages, evokes feelings, and establishes a meaningful connection to her characters. Fighting Redemption is a beautifully told romance between two people – one who’s fighting for redemption and the other proving why he never needed to fight for it in the first place. It’s the healing of two souls, where they came from and where they’re going. It’s intensely beautiful and I’m glad to have finally experienced this story.
Book Review: Tamed
Tamed (Tangled #3) by Emma Chase: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: girl meets player, they fall in love, player changes his ways.
It’s a good story. But it’s not our story. Ours is a lot more colorful.
When I met Dee I knew right away that she was special. When she met me, she thought I was anything but special—I was exactly like every other guy who’d screwed her over and let her down. It took some time to convince her otherwise, but turns out I can make a convincing argument when sex is at stake.
You might know where this story’s headed. But the best part isn't where we ended up.
It’s how we got there.
TAMED goes back in time to the Tangled days. But this time around, it’s not Drew dishing out the advice and opinions—it’s his best friend Matthew, who of course is dealing with Dee Dee.
TeriLyn's thoughts: Tamed hails as book 3 from Emma Chase’s contemporary romantic comedy Tangled Series. In Tamed we get an in depth look at Matthew and Dee, Drew and Kate’s friends respectively. Told from Matthew’s point of view the story is precise in both its comedic timing and the easy flow of the story about the untamable girl and boy who steal each other’s hearts.
Matthew and Dee Dee are two people marching to the beat of their very own drums; their independent, confident, charming, funny, quirky, interesting, hot, sexy, and they each give as good as they get. Dee Dee is a fabulous type of heroine because she makes no excuses for how and who she is. She thinks like a man but can wile a man with her sexy intelligence, wit, and humor. She’s hot both physically and emotionally. That also means she’s emotionally walled off inside her own head. Matthew is a hero who falls hard and he knows with conviction Dee Dee is the woman for him – a challenge, a feisty woman who will keep him on his toes. His fight for her is amazing throughout the book. He proves why he’s a man who will steal her heart to protect it with everything he has.
Tamed can be read as a standalone novel but I’d suggest reading Tangled first where we first meet these characters through the incredibly hilarious eyes of Drew Evans. There’s no denying Ms. Chase can write the male point of view. Her ability to tailor the writing as an interactive experience with the audience is amazing. We’re getting a funny lesson on relationships as we’re reading about the development of a great love story. It’s an easy read, entertaining, charming, and funny. Great for a day when you want to laugh with two likably charming characters and a fun journey to love, Tamed will not disappoint.
Book Review: Soldier On
Soldier On by Sydney Logan: Will his call of duty break both their hearts?
Losing her father in Desert Storm has left Stephanie James with a bitter soul when it comes to the military. As a college senior juggling a full course load, Steph's only goal is to graduate with honors at the end of the semester. She’s focused, determined, and a firm believer in all work and no play. Then she meets Brandon Walker at a New Year’s Eve costume party. Despite his disguise, Steph finds herself attracted to the camouflaged soldier who curls her toes with a scorching midnight kiss.
Brandon is an engineering major and ROTC student from the hills of Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a major general has given Brandon firsthand knowledge of the struggles military families sometimes face. Now that his father’s memory is fading, Brandon is even more determined to make his dad proud and graduate as an officer in the United States Army. Then he meets Stephanie, and suddenly, his focus is less on his military service and more on the pretty brunette who has stolen his heart. When he becomes aware of Steph’s resentment toward the military, he worries their relationship is doomed.
Steph unexpectedly finds herself in need of a roommate. Brandon volunteers, thinking it’s the perfect opportunity to show her the real Brandon, before he’s forced to admit the truth about his four-year obligation to the army. Afraid that living together will be a distraction to graduating on time, Steph establishes house rules—rules they both find difficult to obey.
When faced with the realization that she's fallen in love with a soldier, can Steph’s wounds from the past be healed with love in her present . . . and in her future?
TeriLyn's thoughts: I won a copy of Soldier On at a FB party and after reading am thankful had the chance to read this story. Military romance always grabs my attention, with this cover and blurb I was excited for the opportunity to read Brandon and Stephanie’s story.
This new adult love story explores a tough scenario regarding the military from Stephanie’s point of view. She is scarred by a huge void in her life she blames on the military. A bit of a college wallflower, Stephanie meets Brandon in unconventional circumstances and whirlwind of flirting, fun, and friendship ensues. Brandon has tough rationalizations to understand about himself as well. The book poses a lot of tough decisions providing us the angst we crave in a new adult story. The characters both possess good qualities and quirky personalities. I believed in the two of them and enjoyed their story.
It’s a three star read for me because I didn’t love it, love it. I read it, was entertained and finished feeling satisfied, definitely. But there were parts that drug on, aspects of Stephanie’s thought processes and decisions that drove me nuts. There is also a naivety about the story I felt was a bit too forced. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to more from this author.
