Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 14

Cover Reveal: The Room Mate

New York Times Bestselling Author Kendall Ryan brings us a brand new standalone on January 24, 2017 - THE ROOM MATE! When someone is off-limits it's hard to resit.







The last time I saw my best friend’s younger brother, he was a geek wearing braces. But when Cannon shows up to crash in my spare room, I get a swift reality check.

Now twenty-four, he’s broad shouldered and masculine, and so sinfully sexy, I want to climb him like the jungle gyms we used to enjoy. At six-foot-something with lean muscles hiding under his T-shirt, a deep sexy voice, and full lips that pull into a smirk when he studies me, he’s pure temptation.

Fresh out of a messy breakup, he doesn’t want any entanglements. But I can resist, right?

I’m holding strong until the third night of our new arrangement when we get drunk and he confesses his biggest secret of all: he’s cursed when it comes to sex. Apparently he’s a god in bed, and women instantly fall in love with him.

I’m calling bullshit. In fact, I’m going to prove him wrong, and if I rack up a few much-needed orgasms in the process, all the better.

There’s no way I’m going to fall in love with Cannon. But once we start…I realize betting against him may have been the biggest mistake of my life.

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A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She's a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she's appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extrasSubscribe to Newletter Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Book Review: Too Late

Too Lateby Colleen Hoover (Goodreads Author) 4.1  ·   Rating Details ·  9,649 Ratings  ·  1,796 ReviewsSloan will go through hell and back for those she loves.
And she does, every single day.
After finding herself stuck in a relationship with the dangerous and morally corrupt Asa Jackson, Sloan will do whatever it takes to get by until she's able to find a way out.
Nothing will get in her way.
Nothing except Carter.

Sloan is the best thing to ever happen to Asa. And if you ask Asa, he'd say he's the best thing to ever happen to Sloan. Despite Sloan's disapproval of Asa's sinister lifestyle, he does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead in his business. He also does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead of Sloan.
Nothing will get in his way.
Nothing except Carter.

From New York Times bestselling author, Colleen Hoover, writing as C. Hoover.
This book was originally written as a side project by the author. It previously appeared on other platforms under the same title, but has since been slightly edited from its original content and formatted specifically for kindle. Please note that the content of this book is more graphic than the content of other books written by this author, hence the distinction between the names. This title is recommended for mature audiences only due to extreme graphic content. Recommended for readers 18+.
Warning: For readers who might be triggered by sensitive subject matter, this book contains scenes which depict rape, murder and other graphic violence.
Lori's thoughts: I got a free copy of this on Kindle Unlimited. I can't remember the last Coleen Hoover book that I read and reviewed. It's not that I don't like her books, because I do. This book is darker and edgier than her other books. It's pretty intense and sexually graphic. The whole time I was reading it I kept thinking about how it reminded me of a few other books. Crow's Row, Killing Sarai, to name a couple. Not like they were exactly alike, they just had that kind of feel. I enjoyed the book, and it kept me turning the pages.

Book Release Review: A Veil of Vines

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To most people, princes, princesses, counts and dukes are found only in the pages of the most famous of fairytales. Crowns, priceless jewels and gilded thrones belong only in childhood dreams.
But for some, these frivolous fancies are truth.
For some, they are real life.
On Manhattan’s Upper East Side, people have always treated me as someone special. All because of my ancestral name and legacy. All because of a connection I share to our home country’s most important family of all.
I am Caresa Acardi, the Duchessa di Parma. A blue blood of Italy. I was born to marry well. And now the marriage date is set.
I am to marry into House Savona. The family that would have been the royals had Italy not abolished the monarchy in 1946. But to the aristocrats of my home, the abolition means nothing at all.
The Savonas still hold power where it counts most.
In our tight-knit world of money, status and masked balls, they are everything and more.
And I am soon to become one of them.
I am soon to become Prince Zeno Savona’s wife…
… or at least I was, until I met Achille.
And everything changed.
TeriLyn's thoughts: 

**A Veil of Vines generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

3 "Let me help you." Stars

Tillie Cole always provides a surefire romance. The simplicity of this particular romance is what had me hooked. It wasn't wrought with trials and distractions of modern convenience but rather takes us to a place where a man and a women fall in love over shared passions. 

The way hero and heroine meet & court definitely proved interesting. The passion in the crafts they both enjoy was palpable and Cole's prose so descriptive I felt as if I were part of the setting, tasting the grapes, and feeling the vines. I did feel the ultimate conflict & resolution was very predictable as I had it figured out pretty early on. There were also a few times where I felt the dialogue became a bit cheesy & over done. 

Overall though A Veil of Vines proves to be an enjoyable, romantic story full of love and passion. Family plays a big role the love of which resounds throughout the story for both characters. The setting and plot both captivate. I recommend to anyone who reads simple, lovely romances.

I opened the window beside me and stared at the illuminated entrance. I swallowed hard and placed my empty glass on the bar. Metal groaned, breaking through the twilight, as the massive black wrought-iron gates began to open. The limo slowly pulled onto the property’s lane, and I drank in the thick forest that shielded the estate. I inhaled the freshness of the lush green trees. The unpolluted sky was thick with stars—not a single cloud in sight.
A few minutes later, the thick woods cleared, and I gasped. Acres and acres of gold and green vineyards covered the landscape. The scents of plump grapes and damp soil permeated the warm air. I closed my eyes. It reminded me of being a child. It brought me back to the days before I was taken to New York. I could still feel the heat of the Emilia-Romagna sun on my face, the deep smell of olives, grapes and flowers drifting in the breeze as I ran around our Parma estate.
I smiled a nostalgic smile and allowed my eyes to drift open again. I rested my arms on the window and leaned my chin on them as the limo drove on. There were several small villas peppered over the landscape, their lights twinkling in the distance. They must have been the winemakers’ residences. It was not only the Bella Collina merlot that was made on this land; other reds were too—particularly the Chianti from the region’s finest Sangiovese grapes. The Bella Collina olive oil was also up there with the best. But nothing compared to the famed merlot.
The limo turned right, and my breath caught in my throat. I lifted my head and stared disbelievingly at the property ahead. Bella Collina was a veritable Palace of Versailles tucked away in the Umbrian wilderness.
“Mio Dio,” I whispered as I took in the imposing stone structure, the sweeping steps and the vast number of windows set in the building’s walls. Large pillars of red-veined marble flanked the entrance. Cypress trees framed the estate as if it were the shining star of a fine Renaissance painting. Sculptures of famed Savona monarchs of old stood proudly on the manicured lawns, and strategically placed lighting illuminated the sheer perfection of every piece of topiary.
As a child, I had been to the Palazzo Savona in Florence. It was widely regarded to be one of the finest estates in all of Italy, if not western Europe. But this . . . this . . . there were no words. It was perfectly placed, as if it had always been there. As if it had grown naturally from the Umbrian earth just as sure as the vines and woods that kept this architectural treasure hidden from view.

Tillie Cole hails from a small town in the North-East of England. She grew up on a farm with her English mother, Scottish father and older sister and a multitude of rescue animals. As soon as she could, Tillie left her rural roots for the bright lights of the big city.

After graduating from Newcastle University with a BA Hons in Religious Studies, Tillie followed her Professional Rugby player husband around the world for a decade, becoming a teacher in between and thoroughly enjoyed teaching High School students Social Studies before putting pen to paper, and finishing her first novel.

Tillie has now settled in Austin, Texas, where she is finally able to sit down and write, throwing herself into fantasy worlds and the fabulous minds of her characters.

Tillie is both an independent and traditionally published author, and writes many genres including: Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Young Adult and New Adult novels.

When she is not writing, Tillie enjoys nothing more than curling up on her couch watching movies, drinking far too much coffee, while convincing herself that she really doesn’t need that extra square of chocolate.



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Book Review: All In

All In (Full Tilt #2)by Emma Scott (Goodreads Author) 4.63  ·   Rating Details ·  759 Ratings  ·  229 ReviewsSPOILERS FOR FULL TILT....


Reeling from her loss, Kacey Dawson is grieving and heartbroken, her addictive demons hauling her back into the alcohol-soaked abyss she worked so hard to crawl out of. Kacey teeters on the edge of oblivion, and must fight her way through the pain, to build a new life for herself with her music, and somehow fulfill the promise she made to Jonah…one she feels is impossible to keep.

Theo Fletcher has a secret burning in his heart, one that he holds close, while he struggles to keep strong for his family that is falling apart. His mother’s health is fragile and his father’s disapproval is breaking him down. Theo is afraid if he follows his heart, he’ll fail, and not just himself, but his brother who believed in him when no one else did.

Drawn together by their pain, Theo and Kacey slowly build a friendship, re-forge old ties, help each other to heal, and give one another the courage to reach for their dreams. Together, from the depths of grief and guilt, they learn to laugh again, to trust again, and quite possibly find something beautiful and lasting amid the shattered pieces of their broken hearts. 
TeriLyn's thoughts: **All In generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This is like the duet of books that can. That can give you love and joy, hurt and sadness. Two stories that rip you apart then consequently fill you with hope. They're like wrapping yourself in your favorite blanket feeling the immense warmth and comfort it provides. All In, Emma Scott's follow up to Full Tilt, must be read in order to get the entire story arc and full majesty of what this story holds within it's pages. 

The lives of the characters have been irreparably changed. Over the course of book one we felt the change so subtly until it happened. With All In we see the aftermath of those previous changes and how love and loyalty can uproot you from you deepest darkness even when you're drowning in it. The characters for whom the story focuses on use as each other as pillars of strength. It was amazing to embark on this journey with these two. The intimacy in which Emma Scott writes makes us feel captivated, as if we're a welcome sightseer in their life. 

Emma Scott's prose feels so natural in it's delivery. Nothing forced or artificially created. It's writing that seeps into your reading soul and stays planted there causing a visceral connection between readers and characters. I was glued to the pages not wanting to escape any of the emotions set forth by Scott's storytelling; I needed each and every one of them to effect me so directly, so poignantly, so perfectly. 

All In is an amazing reading experience enhanced by the beautiful experience of Full Tilt. Putting into words the grandeur of these books proves hard. As a romance reader, I urge you to read this moving story about these very special people. As a reader in general I believe this books represents life in such a profound way. Loss and love cycling through the circles of life we often find ourselves immersed in are so aptly and beautifully represented through the gift of storytelling Emma Scott possesses. It was a treasure to read this story. It's one I won't soon forget.

Book Review: Full Tilt

Full Tilt (Full Tilt #1)by Emma Scott (Goodreads Author) 4.54  ·   Rating Details ·  1,690 Ratings  ·  448 Reviews"I would love you forever, if I only had the chance..."

Kacey Dawson has always lived life on the edge--impulsively, sometimes recklessly. And now, as lead guitarist for a hot up-and-coming band, she is poised at the brink of fame and fortune. But she is torn between wanting to be a serious musician, and the demons that lure her down the glittering, but alcohol-soaked path of rock stardom. A wrecked concert in Las Vegas threatens to ruin her career entirely. She wakes up with the hangover from hell and no memory of the night before, or how she ended up on her limo driver’s couch...

Jonah Fletcher is running out of time. He knows his situation is hopeless, and he's vowed to make the most of the handful of months he has left to him. His plans include seeing the opening of his glass installation at a prestigious art gallery…they do not include falling in love with a wild, tempestuous rock musician who wound up passed out on his couch.

Jonah sees that Kacey is on a path to self-destruction. He lets her crash with him for a few days to dry out and get her head on straight. But neither of them expected the deep connection they felt, or how that connection could grow so fast from friendship into something more. Something deep and pure and life-changing…something as fragile as glass, that they both know will shatter in the end no matter how hard they try to hold on to it.


Full Tilt is a story about what it means to love with your whole heart, to sacrifice, to experience terrible grief and soaring joy. To live life with all its beauty, and all its pain, and in the end to be able to smile through tears and know you wouldn’t have changed a thing.

***FIRST BOOK IN A TWO PART DUET*** 
Teri Lyn's thoughts: **Full Tilt generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

The beauty of this story cannot be measured by words. Within the pages of Full Tilt lies an incredible experience. A emotional treasure for romance readers. Packed full of charm and armed with love, Emma Scott brilliantly delivers an epic love story, an epic story for the ages. 

I cannot review this book in a proper way it's just not fair for a reader to be spoiled. Only by sharing my feelings having finished it can I try to express how it's effected me. As I type through my tears I'm smiling remembering moments my smile growing as look through highlights of this authors poignant prose. A maelstrom of feelings hits you as you read. Hope, helplessness, courage, desperation. Most of all, it's packed full of love. The love of family. The love of friends. And the love for your one true person. The development of the characters and relationships each and every one affecting your basest emotions. 

There's distinct grace, humility, and peace within the pages of this story. As you read you become more increasingly aware of the events transpiring. And as much as the antonym to peace terrifies you creeping around the edges you're just somehow so fulfilled. So buoyant with love. So understanding. So accepting. You want to be this person Scott's heroine represents. You want to feel the warmth radiating from her hero in your own life. You want to encapsulate all the beautifully sculpted emotions swirling between them, between all the characters. 

While I realize this non review is quite vague once you read this story hopefully you won't think it's so vague anymore. Because you'll get it and you'll relish in the reading experience Emma Scott gifted to you. You'll revel in the beauty of her consuming words and her gorgeous story telling. 

I implore romance readers to read this book. I implore everyone to read this book as it's so much bigger than romance, so much bigger than ourselves. Full Tilt lifts readers up while conversely ringing their emotions dry. It's an amazing, powerful read and I feel so grateful for this gift of a story that will stay with me forever. 

Bravo, Emma Scott. 

Book Review: After We Fall

After We Fall by Melanie Harlow
Publication Date: November 28th, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:Jack Valentini isn’t my type.Sexy, brooding cowboys are fine in the movies, but in real life, I prefer a suit and tie. Proper manners. A close shave.Jack might be gorgeous, but he’s also scruffy, rugged, and rude. He wants nothing to do with a “rich city girl” like me, and he isn’t afraid to say so.But I’ve got a PR job to do for his family’s farm, so he’s stuck with me for ten days, and I’m stuck with him. His glares. His moods. His tight jeans. His muscles.His huge, hard muscles.Pretty soon there’s a whole different kind of tension between us, the kind that has me misbehaving in barns, trees, and pickup trucks. I’ve never done anything so out of character—but it feels too good to stop.And the more I learn about the grieving ex-Army sergeant, the better I understand him. Losing his wife three years ago left him broken and bitter and blaming himself. He doesn’t think he deserves a second chance at happiness.But he’s wrong.I don’t need to be his first love. If only he’d let me be his last.“Second chances are not given to make things right, but are given to prove that we could be even better after we fall.” —Unknown
TeriLyn's thoughts: **After We Fall generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

4 "I think we would have fun anywhere." Stars

Melanie Harlow excels at feel-good romance. The story within the pages of After We Fall ranged a little deeper than her other romances, for me. A ex-military man now organic farmer suffering from PTSD while grieving a loss and a scorned or "sconed" elitist woman who everyday slowly discovers more of who she truly is and wants to be. It's a classic tale of city mouse/country mouse wrapped in a lovingly sweet and sour package. There are moments of true comedy juxtaposed with moments of heartfelt tenderness. 

These two characters easily guide you on their journey and before you know it you've finished the whole story. With secondary characters that are equally as engaging the entire cast perpetuates the growth and maturity of the plot. There were several "awww" moments of bliss where hero and heroine alike really melt your heart. The plot is fairly simple and woven in such a way to allow Harlow's writing to really draw you into her words. There's a nice pace and structure for reading this simply sweet romance. 

After We Fall is great for all romantics. Readers who enjoy tender romances with good humor mixed though the story and characters who develop nicely will enjoy this sweetly written book from Melanie Harlow. It took me an evening and then a quiet morning to smile my way through the book and I found it a very enjoyable reading experience.Add to Goodreads


Purchase Links:Amazon US: Coming Soon
Amazon UK: Coming Soon
iBooks: http://apple.co/2g8oepo
Nook: http://bit.ly/2gvsWRW


About the Author:Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.Melanie is the author of the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
Connect with Melanie:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelanieHarlow/?fref=ts
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NPkYKs
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1TkpDqF
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MelanieHarlow2
Website: http://www.melanieharlow.com
Newsletter: http://www.melanieharlow.com/contact/

Book Review: When Fall Fades

When Fall Fades (The Girl Next Door #1)by Amy Leigh Simpson 4.32  ·   Rating Details ·  91 Ratings  ·  30 ReviewsSadie Carson is an expert on unfinished business. Five years after the derailment of her dreams she's just barely existing, using her job as a hospice nurse to give others the one thing she can't seem to find-closure. So when her elderly neighbor Charlie, a brilliant conspiracy nut known for harassing the FBI, is murdered, Sadie suspects Charlie might've been onto something and intends to make sure someone solves the mystery of her friend's death, even if it's her.

The feisty little blonde may have found the victim's body, but FBI Special Agent Archer Hayes has no intention of letting some nosy civilian interfere with his investigation. The guilt he feels is bad enough. The last thing Archer needs is another distraction to haunt him. Especially one as beautiful and beguiling as the girl next door.

But throw in a mountain of hoarded evidence and suspiciously coded journals and the case takes a puzzling turn toward a decades old conspiracy cover-up from World War II-one only the victim's closest confidant can help untangle. Sadie and Archer reluctantly join forces to decode the riddle of secrets Charlie carried to his grave. Or did he? Someone is after a dangerous truth. But to uncover it or bury it is a question that leads the unlikely pair on a quest for redemption that lands Sadie in the crosshairs of a desperate killer. And when the dangers of the past and present collide Archer must fight to save the life of the woman he's falling for . . . only to discover he might be the one in need of saving.
TeriLyn's thoughts: **When Fall Fades generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This debut romantic suspense novel from Amy Leigh Simpson was quite enjoyable. Told from the third person point of view, Simpson's writing flowed easily and eloquently. I felt connected to the story from the very beginning and my investment in it never wholly faded. The suspenseful and mysterious plot wove through Simpson's words creating an almost haunting sense to the writing while also providing a sweet, romantic charm - a combination that keeps you wanting more. 

When Fall Fades centers around two captivating main characters and an abundance of equally enjoyable secondary characters. Special Agent Archer Hayes and the girl next door Sadie Carson find themselves wrapped up in each other and a murder investigation of Sadie's beloved next door neighbor. Each character stands broken from pasts they can't quite let go of, the intricacies of which run very parallel yet are vastly different. Muddling through their existences and awakened by each other, their chemistry was visceral and the sexual tension and dialogue throughout the book was brilliant. I really liked the slow burn of their relationship juxtaposed against the quickness of their friendship, curiosity, banter, and intellectual musings. Both stuck behind erected walls of guilt and turmoil, Archer and Sadie aren't looking for comfort but are surrounded by it anyway. The secondary characters in the story play up the humor, comfort, and dispense some of the solitude from Archer and Sadie. Two specifically, Finn and Josslyn, brother and best friend of Sadie respectively ooze sexual tension and I can't wait to explore that in the next book. 

With that said there are a few aspects of this book that held it back a bit. Redundancy of the inner monologues and thoughts were noticeable. As much as I found the slow burn and tension between Archer and Sadie a passionate build of two lives together their individual reasoning for it seemed to keep repeating itself. In places I wanted a little more self introspection and depth rather than a repetition of the same thoughts without revealing much as this happened quickly when, it seemed, they were supposed to be slowly unraveling but the repetition limited this. The suspense plot, near the end, became slightly choppy and there were in times through the middle where I felt the investigative jargon became a little too much. And the ending came abruptly. After the investment I felt for the book I wanted something more from these characters regarding their relationship at the end. 

Simpson's writing calls for more to be said though. I really enjoyed her descriptive prose and the overall flow and style of her story. As a debut novel I'm impressed with the story telling skills presented in When Fall Fades. It's good romantic suspense that I enjoyed reading. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series that will feature two new main characters mentioned above. Hopefully we'll get a glimpse into the lives of Archer and Sadie after their own "the end".

Book Review: Chasing Kane

Chasing Kaneby Andrea Randall (Goodreads Author) 3.5  ·   Rating Details ·  10 Ratings  ·  4 ReviewsPaparazzi. Sold out shows. A seat at the Grammy’s.

A musician’s dream, and fiddler Regan Kane's life.

When Grounded Sound Entertainment launches a six-month cross-country tour, label superstar Regan, and his drummer cousin CJ hit the road running.

Regan’s marriage to Georgia is on a continual upswing as the couple discusses adding a baby to their unconventional union. He knows this tour might be his last for a while, as he plans to trade late nights on stage for diaper duty.

As for CJ Kane? His preparations for the tour include breaking the heart of his patient girlfriend, Frankie—the girl everyone thought had finally grounded the notoriously salacious drummer.

Demons chase the Kane boys while they live a fast-paced life on the road. Expectations, heartache, and a marriage set to two different tempos follow the lifelong roadsters to each city. Regan and CJ are forced to examine their lives beyond the cheering fans and magazine covers to find out what it is they're really running from.
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Chasing Kane generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

This book continues the journey of Regan Kane and Georgia from Sweet Forty-Two. It's a glimpse into their lives and how they each cope with their passions while being in a committed relationship. Andrea Randall intermixed these two with CJ Kane whom we've previously met in other books. Told from all three of their points of view, the story takes us on tour with Regan and CJ as we see how their lives are continuously changing. 

There were clear moments in this book that I really adored. The deep friendships portrayed between all three characters and recurring characters are something I really value in Randall's writing. I always feel that above all friendship and camaraderie are important elements in her stories. Some heavy issues surface between these characters and some of the ways in which those are played out I couldn't get on board with. There were moments of juvenile behavior I wasn't expecting as well as some moments between Georgia and Regan that didn't sit well within the context of the story. However, through those moments the purity of their relationships still shined and I really enjoyed how Randall brought everything full circle for all of them. Randall's writing gives full exposure to all emotions her characters are feeling. There's gut reactions and mistakes made and a lot of searching to be better humans which I find intriguing to read. Her characters humanize themselves in very honest ways that makes more real for the reader. 

Chasing Kane can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading Sweet Forty-Two beforehand as it provides the beautiful foundation for Regan and Georgia's relationship.

Book Review: Secret Sins

Secret Sinsby C.D. Reiss (Goodreads Author) 4.13  ·   Rating Details ·  701 Ratings  ·  183 ReviewsHer name is Cinnamon. Cin for short. Band mates Strat and Indy don’t know anything about her except she’s smart as hell and sexy as heaven. They can’t agree who gets her, so they do the only thing two best friends could do. They declare her off limits to both of them.

Margie, AKA Cinnamon-you-can-call-me-Cin, has a thing or two to tell these guys.

Nobody “gets” her. She’ll let them know which one she wants when she can decide between them. Until then, their little pledges and promises aren’t her problem.

Her family is her problem. Her friends. And the world-famous blues rocker who has her cornered. He’s her problem too.

This may be one problem she can’t fix without some help.
TeriLyn's thoughts: This book. This heroine. This intricately webbed Drazen world. There are no words for the magic CD Reiss creates within this dysfunctional family. Secret Sins adds more haunting pieces to the Drazen puzzle. She nuances the Margie Drazen we already know and love by giving her so many more layers, portraying her humility, and exposing her vulnerabilities. 

A personal note: I write this review as an established mega fan of all Drazen siblings and their sordid stories. While Margie's stand alone story is definitely a fascinating place to start if you haven't read any C.D. Reiss books, my thoughts come from a deep rooted love affair with this authors story telling within the Drazen world. 

Two rock stars. One virgin. And one very big secret. The exposure of which I guessed fairly early on in the book. The guess fueling a desire to actual discovery while amplifying the colorful prose and gritty plot. Secret Sins takes readers on a journey unlike any other. Raw depictions and unfortunate circumstances tailor this story to play on your most delicate emotions. Each of the three main characters tangle your thoughts and your heartstrings endearing each one of these unique characters to you despite the obviously taboo situation they've created. 

Knowing large pieces of this particular cruel, unusual, awesome and addicting Drazen world, Reiss's always brilliant writing lent itself towards somewhat of a memoir for Margie. This character reaches deep within her scarred soul to share a story. A personal and difficult story. The prose is almost melancholy yet so spell binding in it's delivery. It's evokes feelings of uncertainty about what's happening. Glee and humor. Betrayal, loyalty, manipulation. As Margie's life unravels, I unraveled with her. I have newfound respect for this woman I thought I knew something about. Turns out, I didn't know nearly enough and what I've learned makes me respect her even further. Urges me to know more. To understand her. It makes me curious and outraged and curious again. She knocks your socks off, Margie Drazen does. 

Even if you know nothing about the Drazen world, Reiss made it blindingly clear that you need to exist within it via her intelligent prose. As with any other Reiss created Drazen story there's something bigger working underneath the surface. Something that will blow your mind long after the end. Something that will continue to unravel with future stories. Something, that if you've been immersed in this world before, will shed new light on past stories and give you extra insight and a little push to read those stories again. 

Given that, I find it prudent to mention this author's extreme talent in creating a piece of work that gives fans something to talk about for a long time after it's over. You find yourself reliving Margie's story by remembering what you learned of her from other Drazen series. There's an urgency to rediscover her parts in her siblings stories allowing your discussion to branch out to other members of the family. And there is always an immediate NEED to analyze, assert, and theorize what-in-the-ever-loving-name-of-sweet-baby-Jesus-in-heaven C.D. Reiss will write next for these people. C.D. Reiss writes conversation starters that last over the course of each new installment she writes. 

So yeah, basically, Secret Sins blew me away. It'll go places you don't expect even when you're expecting them. It's a gorgeously emotional book you don't want to miss that, again, begs the question - Where is this brilliantly gifted author taking us next? Who freaking knows. But I assure you I'll buy my ticket to jump back aboard the Drazen crazy train in order to find out. 

Release Launch Excerpt: Out of Bounds

From NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a sexy new standalone sports romance…OUT OF BOUNDS! Ready to be swept off your feet? Meet the witty, sexy, dirty-talking quarterback Drew in OUT OF BOUNDS! Grab your copy today!




"Out of Bounds smolders with heat, desire, and wicked swoon-worthy excitement!"~Beneath the Covers Book Blog
"So much passion and intensity that you wouldn't expect in a sports romance, but once again, Lauren Blakely BRINGS IT”~Shayna Renee Spicy ReadsThe first rule of football--don't screw with a streak.My career is finally looking up, and I'm leading a new pro team down the field every Sunday. No way will I mess with that. But when I meet the most stunning and captivating woman I've ever seen, I tell myself one night will have to be enough.But it's not. And now I can't get her out of my mind. Even when I'm playing. Even when I need to focus. Even when I’m on the hottest streak of my life.And it turns out, she's not just some random woman I met. She works for the team. My team. ***I only have one goal this season--do my part as the team's lawyer to keep them out of trouble. Help rebuild their reputation on and off the field. There's no room for error and certainly no room for a secret tryst with a player . . . even if he's the quarterback.Right?Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play
Excerpt: 
When we reach her home, a cute little white bungalow, she gestures to the porch. It’s teeming with potted plants and flowers, as well as pizza coupons and takeout menus stuffed behind the mailbox next to the doorway. “Thank you, Andrew. For the drinks and the escort service.”
I wiggle my eyebrows because she says escort in kind of a naughty way. “And thank you for the surf angel-slash-nurse work.”
“My pleasure. I was happy to save a guy in distress.”
I narrow my eyes and protest her description. “Hey now. I’m not dude in distress.”
She whispers “just kidding” as she leans against her porch railing. I don’t think it’s intentional, but that pose shows off all her assets. The swell of her breasts in her tank top, her curvy hips, her strong legs. This woman just fucking does something to me. Turns me on, that’s what she does. Makes me hard as hell. Though she’s made it clear that the night ends right here, I intend to make the most of this good-bye.  
I move closer to her and run my hand down her arm. I watch as goose bumps rise in its wake. My voice goes low. “Do you know what I’ve been thinking about?”
She tilts her head to the side. “What would that be, Andrew?”
It still sounds funny to hear her call me that. But next time I see her I’ll tell her that everyone calls me Drew. With my other hand, I brush her hair off her shoulder, cataloging her reaction to my touch. The way she shivers. How she sways closer. The rush of breath on her lips. I bring my mouth to her ear, and whisper. “What it would be like to kiss you.”
I pull back, wanting to look at her. Her lips are parted, then she licks them and swallows. It’s like she’s taking a step closer, saying go for it. “You should absolutely find out then,” she says, soft and inviting.
My fingers travel from her shoulder, up to her hair, and I rope my hand through those blond locks. I pull her close, savoring the warm feel of her sun-kissed skin and the smell of sand, surf, and sunshine in her hair.
I dip my mouth to hers, clasping her face in my hands. When I nip her bottom lip, she gasps. It’s such an alluring sound, and it turns me the fuck on even more. My dick would very much like to go inside her house tonight, but kissing is all that’s on the menu, so I kiss her in a way that’ll leave her wanting more. Because I want so much more of her, and I also want her to know that.
I’m not sure how I went from leaving the field when practice ended this morning, to spending the afternoon surfing to get my mind off all the changes I’m sure are coming, to kissing this beautiful stranger outside her Venice Beach home. But hell if I want to analyze this moment. 
I spend my working hours making decisions, analyzing, choosing. Then executing.
Right now, I want to get lost in something that no one else controls but this woman and me. 




"The perfect mix of sexiness, laughter, and sweetness."~Two Book Pushers




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About Lauren Blakely:

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With twelve New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she'll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.


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