Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 148

Guest Post: Annie Rose Welch

I have to admit, I was pretty excited when Lori asked me to discuss my beliefs in dreams, and if any of my books were based on a dream I had. Dreams are a major part of the storyline in Marigny Street.

Marigny Street explores the possibility of dreams being more than what you do while you sleep. It explores dreams being your connection to the transcending in spirit.

Do I believe that? Before I answer, let me explain.

I didn’t realize how strong my belief was in dreams, until I wrote Marigny Street. I grew up in New Orleans, in a home filled with spiritual, eccentric people who taught me to believe in what the world would call impossible. We were taught that dreams could lead you, they could warn you, and they could protect you. If you believed in what they were trying to tell you—it could make a world of difference.

The night I had imagined Gabriel and his Evangeline, I felt as though I was in that place between sleep and awake. And those two gorgeous characters seemed to float toward me and I was compelled, and inflicted with an insatiable curiosity, to tell their story. I remember feeling this overwhelming desire to be inside their dreams. In my mind, in my heart, that’s where they exist; in some faraway but close place, in a gorgeous, lyrical dream. They exist in a place where if you just close your eyes and let go—there they’ll be.

And they were. And still are.

Marigny Street is living proof of that. As soon as Eva and Gabriel’s story started to spill, the flow just brought me to so many unexpected places. Places that I hadn’t been since I was a child. A time and a place where anything is possible, and those “imaginary” things you would have defended were real as a kid, but as you got older somehow lost their magic, were suddenly real to me again. Magic was real to me.

Before we go any further—we need to pause here.

Every word has meaning. There are countless numbers of words, just hanging out in the dictionary, waiting to be discovered and used. But there are times I give meaning to words because of how they make me feel. (Have you ever just loved a word? And use it the way you felt it should be used?) Well, this is what magic means to me. This is how the word magic makes me feel.

Floating fireflies.Honeysuckle that smells so sweet drifting in the summer air, it almost smells like it’s being stewed in a pot.Meeting someone in your dream that you fall in love with before you’ve met him or her in this reality.That feeling you get when you believe for just a second that the stars were created just for you. Call it what you want—I won’t stop you. But I call it magic.

Now, back to my original point. I rediscovered all those beliefs again through Eva. I found myself connecting and remembering, while I lived their story. And I’m not sure if I ever really forgot what I believed in—I had just believed in it for so long, it became second nature to me. After Marigny Street was completed, I just had the pleasure of evaluating all those beliefs.

I often think the reason Evangeline and Gabriel sought me out was because I could bring truth to their story. I could explain their unexplainable without stealing too much of the magic. Even though I had no idea where they were headed, I somehow understood the meaning behind the words.

When a child sees a firefly, for instance, their first instinct is not to demand to know how, or even why, their first instinct is to admire. To be in awe at something that doesn’t quite make sense, but perhaps is just pleasing, beautiful to the eye. The curiosity to figure out how something works usually comes later, after the awe has worn off. And that, more than usual, is when we become adults.


So, yes, I believe in dreams. I believe in the transcending in spirit. I believe we all have the power to believe in the unexplainable and not ask why. I believe we all have hidden desires, feelings, and experiences just waiting for us, but we are too clouded by hardships, heartache, life in general, to truly find them while we’re awake.

Yes, I believe in all these things. And I always will.

I never felt like I was writing one story with Marigny Street. There were always two stories being told. The one I was writing, and the one behind the words. Depending on beliefs, on what readers will allow themselves to believe to be true, on how far they are willing to stretch their boundaries, will be their Marigny Street experience.

I’ve never had a dream about any of my books. But I’ve come to believe, and maybe this is just my sideways sort- of thinking, that I don’t need to dream my stories—they come floating to me in those places between sleep and awake. The stories I write are my dreams, and somehow, I get to share them with the world.

I’m not sure if any dream of mine could beat that. But I’m willing to believe.

Just an ounce of belief can change your world. It can change your perception. And that can change everything.



Marigny Street(Saving Angels Series #1) Annie Rose WelchGenre: Contemporary Romance with a strong element of paranormal
Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn't stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.

When she's not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently (still) resides in the big shake (although her southern roots are calling her home) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).

For lagniappe (a little extra), a virtual cup of café au lait and beignets, please visit Annie's website:  www.annierosewelch.com She can also be found on Facebook & Twitter. Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnnieRoseWelchTwitter: https://twitter.com/angelwriter11Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7159582.Annie_Rose_Welch Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Annie-Rose-Welch/e/B00DQSYDTM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Book Review: Loud Awake and Lost

Loud Awake and Lost by Adele Griffin: LOUD. There was an accident. Ember knows at least that much. She was driving. The car was totaled. She suffered back injuries and brain trauma. But she is alive. That's the only thing left she can cling to.

AWAKE. Eight months later, Ember feels broken. The pieces of her former self no longer fit together. She can't even remember the six weeks of her life leading up to the accident. Where was she going? Who was she with? And what happened during those six weeks that her friends and family won't talk about?

LOST. One by one, Ember discovers the answers to these questions, like a twisted game of dominos. And little by little, the person she used to be slips further and further away.

In the wake of her critically praised young adult psychological thrillers, Tighter and All You Never Wanted, National Book Award finalist Adele Griffin has created another triumph. Loud Awake & Lost is an unflinching story of loss and recovery.
Lori's thoughts: Another winning, 5-Heart read! I've been very fortunate as of late to have been able to read so many great books. I had been in a bit of a reading slump, but managed to pull out of it. I read the reviews on this book and so many people thought it read slow. I didn't see that at all. I loved the pacing. I adored the characters. It kept me turning the pages to see what really happened to Ember. One by one, piece by piece, we begin to uncover the clues. Some people didn't like Ember. I did. I thought she was surprisingly strong. Her parents worried about her, understandably. The only thing I didn't like was: I would have liked for her to have ended up getting back together with Holden. I liked that boy. What a sweetheart! But, I also understand the reasons why it didn't happen. This is my first read by Adele Griffin, but it won't be my last. I wouldn't exactly call this a psychological thriller. But it was a mystery and it was good.

Cover Reveal: Shattered Promises

In a perfect world, Lani Foster had it all; wonderful, supportive parents, two adorable little boys, an amazing husband whom she loved fiercely, and an unbreakable bond with her best friend, Parker, no one can tear apart.But Lani never realized being happy would cost her years of pain, until tragedy strikes the Foster family, leaving her left hanging by a thread, questioning everything around her. Lies are exposed and secrets are brought to surface, destroying the one person who just wanted to feel loved, to be happy.What do you do when you find out your marriage was nothing but a lie? Do you stand by the one person who abolishes your world? Or do you let go, and leave everything behind to start all over again.Shattered Promises is about learning how to survive after the storm pulls you away. Everyone deserves a chance to be happy, it's finding the special one to stand by your side through the rain. “I have one tiny piece of my heart left,” I whisper as I close my eyes, not believing this is really happening. “One tiny piece, and I’m handing it over to you. Just, please….please be gentle with it. Because if something were to happen between us, God, I’ll be done. I’ll have nothing left. Losing you will destr-….. ” Before I’m able to finish, he leans in, grabbing the back of my neck, and kisses me. His teeth softly tug at my bottom lip, forcing my mouth open.A faint moan escapes my lips the second I feel his tongue invade me.Gripping my waist, he lifts me up, and his hands move to the back of my thighs, holding me in place. Without breaking contact from our kiss, he carries me into the bedroom and lays me down on the bed, staying directly on top of me.“I’ve waited a lifetime to hear you say those words. You’re it for me, princess. You’re all I’ll ever need.” Nibbling on my neck, then back up to my ear, he pushes up on his elbows and hits me with that sexy as hell smile.“When you’re sad, I’ll be the one to cheer you up. When the world disappoints you, I’ll protect you and hold you close to my heart. I refuse to let anyone hurt you or take advantage of you again.”Tears slowly drip from the corners of my eyes, except this time, it’s not caused from pain. For once in my life I am happy, pushing the past behind me.“When you need to cry, it’ll be my arms that hold you. You’ll never feel alone again.” Lifting my shirt, he keeps his eyes trained on mine and continues speaking.“I’ll worship the ground you walk on, take care of you, and love you until the end of time. You were made for me, Lani Renee’.The feel of his lips run back across my mouth and I hold him there, refusing to let go. Unclasping my bra, his callused fingers rub over top of my nipple, forcing me to squirm, while his other hand inches underneath my cotton shorts, heading directly to my aching spot.“I’m going to show you what it feels like to be cherished, to feel loved. And after tonight, you’re mine. I’m never letting you go.”I’m scared he’s going to hurt me once this is over. I don’t think I could ever go through another heartache. But instead of running like I’ve always done, I decide not to let fear control me any longer. Tonight is about new beginnings, it’s about starting over. And tonight, I’m going to see what it feels like to let him love me. FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / WEBSITE / TWITTERJ.R. Grant is a thirty something mom of three who resides on the East Coast. When she isn't spending her day relaxing on the beach with a good book in hand, she’s lost in a world of fictional characters, begging to tell their story. She is a hopeless romantic that loves getting sucked into a mushy book anytime of the day. The minute her love of reading was discovered, is the day she became unstoppable. With high hopes and great expectations, she can’t wait to share her stories with the world. HOSTED BY:

Release Event & Giveaway: Never Let Go

Book Title:Never Let Go
Author:Nicola Haken
Genre: New Adult
Release Date:April 2, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

In the final book of the Take My Series, Emily and Dexter are finally on course to a happy future. Arriving back in the UK with Aunt Sarah in tow, everything seems to be slotting into place. For the first time in his life, Dexter has found his purpose. Surrounded by family, friends and the woman he adores, he has at long last made peace with his demons and is determined to fight for the life he now knows he deserves.

With best friend Rachel back by her side and a resolve to work things out with her parents once and for all, Emily’s life is also on the right track. Or so she thinks…

When a tragic revelation threatens to destroy Emily’s world, it sends her spiraling down a path leading to more secrets, lies and heartache – leaving her questioning her whole life and everyone in it. To top it off, Emily almost lost one of the most important men in her life once before, is it about to happen again?

“This is it, doll. Our future. I need you to hold on to it and never let go.”



Nicola lives in Rochdale, England with her husband and four children (six if you include the dogs!) She is the author of New Adult/Contemporary romance novels Inevitable, Saving Amy and the Take My Hand series. When she is not busy playing with her imaginary book friends (or talking about them with real life friends!) she can usually be found carrying out her ordinary mum/housewife/all round slave duties. Oh, and if the kids ever ask, she moonlights as the Pink Power Ranger while they’re sleeping…




“I don’t have time for this, Dad,” I muttered on a heavy sigh.“Please, son. Don’t go, not yet. Let’s have another coffee, then if you still feel the same, we’ll go back to how things were. Apart.”“No, I don’t mean right now. I mean I really haven’t got time to keep hating you. There are so many things wrong with what you’ve just told me, there are three thousand reasons why I should walk out of here and never look back, and I genuinely don’t know how you can ever make this right with Emmie. But… I won’t be here in twelve months time, Dad. I can’t spend those months fighting with you – reasoning with you… struggling to understand what you did.“In order for me to have any hope of enjoying these next few months of life, I can’t afford to dwell on the past. I don’t understand the decisions you’ve made in your life, Dad, but I accept them, and… I forgive you.”I noticed tears bubbling up in the corners of my dad’s eyes and I had to force myself to look away before mine started falling too. It took all my strength not to be mad at him. Why couldn’t he have done this years ago? Back when I really needed him.“And they’re sure? The doctors?” he asked with a slight tremor in his voice. Why does everyone ask that? It seems like doctors are classed as superheroes until they tell you something bad.“Positive. I had my first chemo session a couple of weeks ago. I have another in two days. That should slow it down… but only by a few months and nothing’s guaranteed.”“Months?” he repeated – barely a whisper. I noticed my dad look down at his mug and I suspected it was to hide his suddenly damp eyelashes. “Christopher…” he breathed, refusing to look at me. “I don’t want to lose you too.”What the hell was I supposed to say to that? ‘Oh okay then, Dad. I’ll stay alive just for you.’ I knew my anger was unjustified and so I swallowed it down with a sip of coffee.“I don’t want it either,” I admitted.“I’m so sorry, son. I’ve missed out on so much. I don’t deserve to be a father.”“Whoa,” I said, straightening my back in my chair. “Don’t you start the feeling sorry for yourself bullshit. Whether you deserve to be or not, you are a father. So if your next line was going to be that you’d be better off leaving Emmie to get on with her life without you, don’t you dare. Don’t you fucking dare. You’ve let us both down, Dad. It might be too late to make it up to me but you better spend every single day of the rest of your life making it up to Emily.”“I will. I swear I will.”
















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Cover Re-reveal: The return

The Return
A.L. Parks
Genre: Contemporary / Adult / Romance

Synopsis

Eve Carlisle had a singular purpose - sell the rustic house nestled in the Colorado ski resort town.

Tortured by her husband’s betrayal, the beautiful divorcee refused to give her heart to another man. But Jake had been a happy surprise, with his mesmerizing blue eyes, warm smile, strong but gentle nature – as well as being incredibly sexy.

She had convinced herself the relationship with Jake was nothing more than a fling. After all, she had a life in Newport, with society friends and a lucrative career as a family court judge. Still, Jake had a definitive hold over her, and she was finding it hard to think clearly where he was concerned.

The demons of prior failed marriages haunt them both, and threaten to end things just as they are beginning. When Jake tells Eve he is falling in love with her, Eve refuses to believe it can last. Returning to Newport, the hollowness of her existence exposed, she must confront her fears before she loses Jake forever.


Excerpt
He pulled her face to his and as his lips found hers, she accepted them. Eve could feel his need and desire. She pulled back slightly, breaking the connection. Jake placed his forehead against hers. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.“No, I am. I’m just confused, that’s all,” Eve admitted.Jake pulled his head back and gazed into her eyes. “What are you confused about?”“I thought you just wanted to be friends, and that’s fine, but I’m not good with the friends-with-benefits thing; which sucks, by the way, because I would really like to be with you right now.” Her voice was hurried, and she nearly tripped over her own words in embarrassment.“Wait,” Jake looked at her, a deep crease across his forehead, “are you under the impression that I only want to have sex with you?”“No, I know you just want to be friends. But then you keep kissing me, and I have no idea where that leaves us as friends. I’m just saying that I’m not good at blurring that line. It’s apparently a failing of mine in this day and age.” Eve was completely uncomfortable with the conversation and was kicking herself for not letting Jake kiss her and seeing where it led them.“Why would you think I only want to be friends-with-benefits?” Jake asked. He was completely dumbfounded by the turn of this conversation.“Jake,” Eve tried to assure him, “it’s totally okay. I get it. I’m only here for a few weeks. There are a lot of fish out there, many of them younger than me that are able to offer you more than I can. And I’m okay with just being friends. I just can’t go back and forth between the friends-lovers role. It’s just not me.”“So, basically you’re under the impression that I only want to be friends with you because I’m holding out for a younger woman. And you think that I want to have sex with you tonight, and go back to just being friends tomorrow? Does that about sum it up?” Jake’s voice elevated slightly. He face was flushed, and another crease burrowed into his forehead.“Okay, I’m not upset. Why are you?” Eve asked, not sure why this conversation had set him off.Jake exhaled loudly. “I’m not upset—I’m frustrated. I have no idea what I’ve done to make you think I want to be with a younger woman. Let me be perfectly clear—I am not interested in finding a younger woman. I would not ‘just be friends’ with you in hopes of finding a younger woman. I am not at all interested in having any type of relationship with a younger woman.” Jake took a hold of Eve’s hand, and tried to compose himself. “I have never met your ex, so I don’t know anything about him; however, I think he’s an idiot. How he could possibly let you go is mind boggling to me. The fact that he set his sights on a younger woman,when he had you, is insane. I would never—NEVER—keep you at arm’s-length hoping to find a younger woman. That’s not my style.”Eve shifted slightly, trying to make sense of what Jake was saying, but still completely confused.“Why would you possibly think that I am only interested in you as a friend? Especially after last night? I thought I made my feelings pretty clear.” Jake peered into Eve’s eyes, searching for anything that would explain where this all went wrong.“You did make it clear last night, Jake,” Eve stated, “as soon as things became intimate— you left. It was pretty evident you weren’t interested in being with me in that way.”The room went still, neither of them spoke for a moment. Jake internalized what Eve had said, and realized just how she could have perceived something that was in direct contradiction to what he had felt. Raising his head, he placed his hand at the back of her neck and sighed loudly.“I am so sorry if I gave you that impression. It was the farthest thing from my mind, I can assure you. I can’t do the friends-with-benefits thing either and that’s why I left. I didn’t want you to think I was just interested in getting you into bed. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I am very interested in getting you into bed,” he ran his hand through his hair and inhaled deeply, “but I didn’t want you to think I was taking advantage of you. I like you. I really like you. And if I could figure out how to take all my vacation time right now, I would spend every minute of the next three weeks with you.”








Author BioBorn and raised in the Rocky Mountains, A.L. Parks has spent the last 25 years moving all over the United States. Married to the Navy - well a man in the Navy - Parks has lived in various places throughout the United States. Now she resides in the Washington D.C area, and loves every minute. She has four children, and one spoiled German Shepard. 

2013 marked her debut in publishing. Her first novel, Strangers, released on her 45th birthday. She was amazed at how many people fell in love with a story about two people dealing with grief, and finding love again. Abby and Bryce were the perfect couple to introduce Parks as an up-and-coming author.

Her second novel, The Return, released in December 2013. A wonderful Christmas romance, it is the first book in the Return To Me series. Book two, Return To Newport, is set to release on April 29, 2014.
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Release Day Launch & Giveaway: Four Seconds to Lose

We are extremely excited about the Release Day Launch for the paperback of FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE by K.A. Tucker! FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE is the third novel in K.A. Tucker's Ten Tiny Breaths Series, published by Atria Books (an imprint of Simon & Schuster). There is a fabulous international giveaway of a TEN TINY BREATHS scarf and an Amazon Gift Card for one winner!

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ABOUT FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE:

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

EXCERPT:

Charlie

The small exhale escapes my lips before I can stop it. When I came up with this plan two weeks ago, I wasn’t fully aware of the inner workings at these clubs. But you can find anything on the internet. I found out that many owners charge a high stage fee, so the girls actually earn their money working hard on the floor and in the private rooms. Rumor has it that, though illegal, many of them do “extras,” on top of the lap dances. The idea of stripping on a stage in front of people is a giant pill to swallow for me. But lap dances . . .

I’ll do it.

I have to do it, I remind myself.

When I ran out of Sin City that day, I was sure that my plan was dead in the water. I mean, how was I going to perform daily lap dances when I couldn’t even get through my interview!

But Ginger told me that Penny’s is different. That Cain is different. That no one in the private rooms will be taking their pants off, and that doing “extras” is one of the only ways that you get fired at Penny’s.

Cain sounded too good to be true.

Setting my chin with steely determination, I say, “Both, please.” Swallowing the revulsion bubbling up in my throat, I clarify with a struggle, “I want to work the private rooms as well as the stage.”

Cain blows air out of his mouth, one hand on his hip while the other pushes through perfectly styled, slightly wavy dark hair as he stares hard at me. There’s an inexplicable look in his eyes, but I know he’s trying to read me. I wonder if he’s deciding whether to ask me for a demonstration. My gaze drifts to the couch again and my stomach tightens. Somehow I think giving this guy an interview lap dance might be harder than doing one for a sleazeball.

Because if I could get past the embarrassment and nerves, I might enjoy it.

But he doesn’t ask me to demonstrate. Instead, he asks me, “Have you ever bartended before?”

I shake my head, frowning.

“I have too many girls working the private rooms right now. But working behind the bar would bring your earnings up significantly. It’s what another stage dancer of mine used to do.” He continues, more to himself, “Maybe we see how that works out first.”

I came in here expecting the worst—that I’d be grinding on guys’ laps by the weekend because I have to. And yet, now, the relief is pouring out of me.

“Why are you in this profession?” he suddenly asks, lifting his eyes to bore into me once again.

One question I did expect. I meet his stare and hold it as I explain, “Because I’m good at it, I’ve got a decent body, and have no interest in serving French fries for minimum wage while I figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life.” I deliver that as I practiced it—calmly, clearly, convincingly. It’s a good answer. One that creates no doubt.And so far from the truth. I know exactly what I want to do with my life.

End it and begin a new one.

He nods slowly, his lip pressed together in a grimace. I don’t know if that means I’m hired or not, so I bite my tongue and wait for a concrete verdict. I’m still waiting for Cain’s decision when his cell phone rings. I watch with fingers laced together in front of me while he answers with a gruff, “Yup.” He listens, his free hand absently rubbing a small tattoo behind his ear. A second later he barks, “No! I’m on my way.” Hanging up, he digs into a drawer and comes out with a handful of papers. “Fill these out, please. Bring a copy of your driver’s license tomorrow night with you.” Whatever gentleness crept into his voice before has vanished. It’s all business now, as he slides the sheets across his desk with hands that look strong and muscular but incapable to soothe. “If the crowd likes you, you’ve got a job.” Turning those eyes my way once more and pausing for a moment, he adds, “Fair?”

“Absolutely. Thank you,” I say with a nod and what I hope is a courteous smile as I collect the forms.

With that, he turns and crouches down behind his desk. I hear something metal slam that reminds me of my stepdad’s safe door. When Cain stands again, it’s to fit a holster and gun on him, startling me. It’s not the first time I’ve seen a gun. I have a gun. I’ve used a gun. But seeing Cain with one right here, right now, was unexpected. Why does he even need one?

Throwing a light jacket over himself to conceal it—he’ll die wearing that in the summer heat, but concealing your weapon is a law in Florida and I guess Cain is a law-abiding citizen—he walks over and, with one hand on the small of my back, ushers me toward the door. It’s not exactly rude, but it’s also far from polite. With me in the hall, he pulls his office door shut and marches out the back exit, not turning once.

I’m left standing alone, inhaling the faint scent of beer, my ears catching someone testing the sound system. The one that will play music that I strip to tomorrow night.

I take a deep breath as a rash of butterflies swirl through my stomach, the sudden urge to let loose my bladder overwhelming.

It’s not a big deal.

Mom did this.

I can do this.

After everything I’ve done, that I’ve been accomplice to, taking my top off in front of a bunch of drunks is nothing. I deserve to suffer a bit.

I glance down at the paperwork in my hand. He said he wants a copy of my license. That’s fine. The only accurate thing on it is my picture.





ABOUT K.A. TUCKER:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.







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Book Review: The Opposite of Nothing

The Opposite of Nothing
by Shari Slade:

Callie Evans would rather hide out in her DJ sound booth than face the fact that she's in love with her best friend, notorious campus hottie Tayber King.

Tayber turns hooking up into an art form--no drama, no commitment, no lies, and nobody gets hurt. Nobody but Callie, that is. When she sees an opportunity to explore his sexier side using a fake online profile, she grabs it. Now her uninhibited alter-ego 'Sasha' is steaming up the screen, and Callie is breaking all of Tayber’s rules.

As Callie and Tayber get closer, online and off, she knows she has to confess. And risk losing him forever.

**For mature readers, contains strong language and adult situations.**
TeriLyn's thoughts: **ARC generously provided by author in exchagne for an honest review**

The Opposite of Nothing is everything for the two main characters in this sweet novella. For my personal tastes, the book was a bit young for me. The characters were young and the actions of Callie were juvenile. But since it is NA and she was young in college I was able to look past it. Sorting through your feelings, however unconventional, is part of maturing so it worked here. The characters are a bit under-developed when it's come to both of their pasts and I wish we would have gotten a deeper look into both Callie and Tayber. The author provides us with a basic understanding of what their issues are but I thought even knowing a little more information could have made them that much more relatable. However, their friendship and banter is easy going and fun making their friendship a perfect base to explore deeper feelings for each other. From the very beginning you can tell they both care deeply for one another even though neither are ready to explore deeper feelings. I really enjoyed the dialogue in this story as I felt a connection to both characters. Having been in college once and having kept to myself like Callie does, I felt her pain although I didn't quite agree with her methods. Tayber is also working through some demons and realized Callie is a constant in his life who has taken root in his heart. Their story is fresh, a bit young, and fun. It is told from dual POV's which I liked here, as well. Being able to see how both reacted to events and one another was a good storytelling choice here. I enjoyed The Opposite of Nothing and would be interested in the relationship of Callie and Tayber further in another installment.

Book Review & Giveaway: Enjoying the Chase

Enjoying the Chase by Kirsty Mosely: Nate Peters is a player. He has great friends, a great job, no responsibilities, no girlfriend and he LOVES it. He's never failed to get a girl in his life, that is until he meets Rosie. She's totally uninterested in him and he can't stand it, she dents his ego and he'll stop at nothing to win her.

A Romance / Humour that will make you laugh, cry and scream in frustration!
Emma's thoughts: 5 Shining Hearts

I received an ARC of Enjoying the Chase as part of the blog tour.

Let me just say that I’m going to keep this review as spoiler free as possible, nothing worse than reading a review with so many spoilers that there’s no point in reading the book.

Ok, so here’s the thing I have a thing for Nate Peters, he’s so hot, smutty, flirtatious and an all round great guy, every woman should get one, lol. I thought Ashton from Nothing Left to Lose was hot but Nate…. Oh my he’s just amazing and if he were real he’s definitely the type I’d go for, maybe not in the looks department as I prefer my guys dark but in all honesty his personality and magnetism draws you in.

Rosie is a great girl and perfect for Nate, she’s amazing with a fantastic personality and although she has been through so much already I love the banter that ping pongs between her and Nate, the sexual chemistry between them is smoking hot!

DJ…. Now I’m not going into who he is (you’ll have to read the book) but he’s a star…. totally cute :)

So, I totally loved this book, I had to keep reading it to find out what was going to happen next, I was sucked in by the story and the characters and couldn’t put it down so all I’m gonna say is read it!!! You won’t regret it!!!

Congrats to Kirsty Moseley on another fantastic book! I can't wait for your next one!







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Title: Enjoying the Chase

Author: Kirsty Moseley

Release Date: 25th March 2013

Cover Design: https://www.facebook.com/mjwilsondesign1

Tour Host: All Things Books (http://all-things-books.com)


*Please note that this is a companion novel to Nothing Left to Lose*

The Author



My name is Kirsty. I was born in Hertfordshire, England. In 2000 I moved to Norfolk, it was there that I met my husband, Lee. Now, what can I say about Lee, apart from everyone should have one? He's my biggest supporter, and I wouldn't be where I am today without his encouragement and endless support. He is my inspiration behind most of my male leads, I always try to bring a little of him in somewhere, be it his kindness, selflessness, or just his ability to make me feel treasured.

In 2005, I was gifted with the birth of my son. He is, and always will be, the best thing I have ever done in my life. As you can probably tell, I'm a very proud mummy. I have always been interested in writing, but after the birth of my son I accidentally came across an amateur writing site. After a couple of months of just reading on there, I finally plucked up the courage and posted one of my stories. I was shocked and overwhelmed by the support of readers on there and they gave me the confidence to get where I am today. In April 2012, I self-published my first novel ‘The Boy Who Sneaks in my Bedroom Window’. And in October 2012 I took the plunge again, publishing my second novel, 'Always You.' Lastly, if I had to sum myself up in one word, it would probably be ‘daydreamer’ – but unlike most of my school teachers, I don’t necessarily view that as a bad thing. After all, I read somewhere once that books are like waking dreams….

Where to find Kirsty:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Website - http://www.kirstymoseley.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirsty-Moseley/165726786914674

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/KirstyEMoseley

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5434809.Kirsty_Moseley



Buy Links

Enjoying the Chase

Amazon UK | Amazon US | iBooks (Global) | B&N | Nook US | Nook UK

iBooks – https://itunes.apple.com/book/enjoying-the-chase/id732995582?mt=11

B&N - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enjoying-the-chase-kirsty-moseley/1117587213?ean=2940045406291

Nook US - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/enjoying-the-chase

Nook UK - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-Uk/ebook/enjoying-the-chase


Tour Host Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Tumblr | Email

Book Review: Wrecked

Wrecked by Alla Kar: One wrecked plane …
Two wrecked souls …

ANNABELLE JACOBS is comfortable with her boyfriend of a year JORDAN FINCH. But Jordan’s best-friend BEAU RICHARDS doesn’t make Annabelle feel comfortable—he makes her feel alive. One drunken night things get out of hand leaving Annabelle and Beau with a fire in desperate need of extinguishing.

But sometimes the direst of problems need more than a fire extinguisher to stop the burn.

The class trip to Spain was supposed to be fun. But fun takes the week off when their plane crashes over the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Spain. Only a few of the passengers survive.

With loved ones gone, Beau and Annabelle cling tight to one another to survive the hot days and freezing nights. But the guilt of their feelings keep one another from the path they truly want to take.

But sometimes love doesn't take the backseat.

Sometimes love wrecks you before it claims you.
Lori's thoughts: **Copy generously provided by author in exchange for an honest review**

I literally just finished reading this book and had to get the review posted right away. This is such an unbelievably great book. I loved Beau and I loved Annabelle. What a truly difficult situation they wound up in. They were in love with each other all along. Beau graciously stepped aside for his best friend. We don't really get a chance to know Jordan in the book. But he was a good guy. Bella's heart just didn't beat for him like it did Beau's. And then after the plane crashed -- well then what? The guilt they carried around for surviving -- how could they possibly acknowledge their feelings for one another after THAT? It would be hard for me to find something about this book to criticize, so I'm not going to even bother trying. It was well written. Well paced. I loved the back and forth chapters from Bella and Beau's POV. The only minor issue I had with the book was Beau becoming a bit of a jerk/man-ho. I get the reasons, I just don't have to agree with them. :) Still, all in all, a very solid 5 shining hearts from me!

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: March 30, 2014

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: March 30, 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.

1. Fall into Forever by Beth Hyland
4.1 out of 5 stars

2. Fighting for Love (A Second Chances standalone) by L.P. Dover, Melissa Ringsted
4.4 out of 5 stars

3. Hothouse Flower (Calloway Sisters) by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
5.0 out of 5 stars

4. Bad Boy vs Millionaire (Bad Boy Rock Star) by Candy J Starr
3.8 out of 5 stars

5. The Hazards of a One Night Stand by Alyssa Rose Ivy
3.9 out of 5 stars

6. Twist Me (Kindle Edition) by Anna Zaires
4.6 out of 5 stars

7. Wethering the Storm (The Storm Series) by Samantha Towle
4.7 out of 5 stars

8. The Mighty Storm (The Storm Series) by Samantha Towle
4.4 out of 5 stars

9. Lie Next To Me (A Millionaire's Love) by Sandi Lynn
4.3 out of 5 stars

10. Driven By Love: (Heart Racer, Book 2) by Marian Tee, The Passionate Proofreader
4.8 out of 5 stars