Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 149

Book Review: Juniper's Princess

Juniper's Princess (Angel Crest, #1) by Chelsea O'Neal: Daniah is different, she always has been and now her dreams and visions of the future are increasing, she knows her life is changing. She just doesn't know by how much...

Jaiden is different, but he knows why and he knows his responsibilities. He must find the saviour of his race, the angel human half-breeds who are fighting a war for humanity's souls. If he can't convince Daniah she is more than just a little different - she is the princess of their people - they are all going to die.

Unfortunately Daniah doesn't have many reasons to trust Jaiden, especially when he is caught in a web of his own lies.

In a world where half-breed angels walk among us, fighting an evil for our souls, Daniah must find the strength to become the princess we all need.
Jordynn's thoughts: The start of this book was very confusing. I felt the author should have explained more about the different job roles the zoku had. I think that would have helped with the confusion. This book had a great story once the first 50 pages were out of the way, the characters developed well and there were lots of characters that I enjoyed learning about. I hope that people do not give up on this book and keep going with it the story is original and well written. I thought the scene where Dani was told the truth was written brilliantly and realistically as I feel it would have been angry and questioned it too. I felt that the inclusion of the little nephews added a welcome lightness to the book which took some of the tension from the story. The use of many points of view was a great idea it made me feel I knew all of the characters well. Overall I really enjoyed this story. I cannot wait for book two.

I received this book in return for an honest review.

Book Review: The Immortal Game

The Immortal Game (The Immortal Game #1) by Joannah Miley: When struggling pre-med student Ruby West beats the unconquerable Ash at chess he becomes fixated on her. Which is great if you like smoldering blue eyes, sculpted features, and afternoons of unexpected adventure, but not so great when she discovers he is a Greek god and his father, Zeus, has forbidden the gods from interacting with humans.

Ruby soon realizes her love for Ash threatens the fragile stability that has kept the gods from meddling in the mortal world.

Before long the two find themselves on a quest to rescue a goddess, save the Earth from unending winter, and secure the right to be together forever.
Jordynn's thoughts: This is my favourite genre of book at the moment and let me tell you that Joannah did not disappoint. This book was a great love story and I was rooting for Ares from the start. The book had good knowledge about the Greek gods but not too much so that it made me confused about the story. The immortal game had just the right amount of action to keep the book exciting. I cannot wait for book two.

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Book Review: The Memory Healer

The Memory Healer by Julie Filarski: On a wet summer morning in the historical township of Port Brandon, South Eastern Australia, talented artist and psychic Beth Montgomery reluctantly agrees to carry out a psychic assessment of Carrington House. She soon becomes frightened by a string of nightmares that could be warning her not to tamper with the metaphysical. Despite her fears, she braces herself for what is to come and continues to unearth the secrets of the past.

As soon as she enters the historical home, the image of a distraught Victorian maid appears, and then a young woman manifests on the staircase. Beth is transported to another era, where a magnificent four-poster bed, an engraved watch, and an exquisite ring evoke fleeting memories. When Beth spies a calendar, the date fills her with dread, but she cannot remember why.

Returning to the present time, Beth agrees to work for the irresistible Dr Matthew Jamieson, the new vet in the district. Each time they meet, memories of another lifetime flood her heart. She senses an eternal bond between them, but with two unfaithful partners in her past, she is reluctant to become romantically involved with him.

As her passion for Matthew intensifies, she regresses to 1895. In her past life as Mary Clark, she meets the darkly handsome Samuel Methven and falls in love with him on sight. But is he as honourable as he seems? Faced with Samuel’s apparent betrayal, Beth is plagued by fears that Matthew will also be unfaithful to her. She knows that to learn the truth, she must return to her past life, but that means facing an unbearable tragedy. Does Beth have the courage to move between lifetimes and relive that dreadful event? Will she be able to discover whether her soulmate was faithful to his twin soul?

Lori's thoughts: **ARC Generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I started reading this last night and just finished an hour or so ago. I wish I could share the beautiful story with each and every one of you. But you'll have to wait until it comes out on June 19, 2014. It's not NA. It's just a very beautifully written, tender romance that spans decades. It's a paranormal romance. I don't typically read a lot of paranormal romances, but there was something about the description of this one that made me decide to read it. I'm so glad I did. Makes a person believe in love all over again. :) I could almost envision the places, the homes, the scenery, the setting. I don't know what more I can say about the book without giving it away. Just watch for it to come out and snatch it up when it does. It takes place in Australia and is being published by The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House. I've searched for the author on Goodreads and can't find her. I also don't see a pre-order link on Amazon. But here's a link to the publisher's page: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/

Book Review: The Wicked We Have Done

The Wicked We Have Done (Chaos Theory #1) by Sarah Harian: Evalyn Ibarra never expected to be an accused killer and experimental prison test subject. A year ago, she was a normal college student. Now she’s been sentenced to a month in the compass room—an advanced prison obstacle course designed by the government to execute justice.

If she survives, the world will know she’s innocent.

Locked up with nine notorious and potentially psychotic criminals, Evalyn must fight the prison and dismantle her past to stay alive. But the system prized for accuracy appears to be killing at random.

She doesn’t plan on making friends.

She doesn’t plan on falling in love, either.
Lori's thoughts: The one good thing about being sick these past few days is that it's enabled me to get some reading done. I've been dying to read this one since I was approved by NetGalley to receive a copy. I could not put it down. It was a captivating read that kept me totally engrossed from beginning to end. I can't remember when I last read a book that elicited such strong emotions in me. I can't wait for the next book in the series! The whole time I was reading the book, I was thinking: Hunger Games. And that's not a bad thing, since I loved that series. But, don't get me wrong. They really aren't anything alike in the storylines. I loved Evalyn Ibarra, even though you're never really clear what dreaded deed she'd committed to wind up with such a strong punishment until late in the book. And Casey. Loved him. I will be sure to pick up book two as soon as it's available, and you need to pick up this one, if you haven't already. It's New Adult -- but it's different (in a good way) from any NA you've read so far.

Book Review: End of the Innocence

End of the Innocence (Innocence #3) by Alessandra Torre: He thought I owned him. He thought he loved me, that I was enough. But this animal, this sex god who could drive me crazy and steal my heart in the same breath, he would never fully be mine. It was impossible. No one ever owned a God…

One year. I have one year to find out more about this man I am marrying. More about his family. More about our sex, and all of the dirty, delicious places it will take me.

I thought I’d spend this year making a decision. I never thought the decision would be taken from me, snatched right from my naive little hands.
TeriLyn's thoughts: **End of the Innocence provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I want to start off by saying this series is so much more complete for me with the publication of this third book. These characters proved to be a strong unit, two people who feed off of each other and complement each other in the most honest and revealing of ways. When I first started reading the Innocence trilogy, Julia Campbell drove me crazy but thankfully Brad DeLuca made up for it ten-fold. With Masked Innocence, Julia really started to come into her own maturely both emotionally and sexually while Brad proved to us how to be faithful and still push sexual boundaries and experience within a fully committed relationship.

End of the Innocence beautifully concludes the Innocence trilogy with Brad & Julia’s final story. The strength these two exude in their relationship is awe-inspiring. Brad and Julia developed a strong base of trust in their relationship. The admiration they have for each other in such a short period of time helps cultivate that trust. They’re formidable against anything and everything. They communicate; they need each other on a completely instinctual level. From the beginning of this series until now both of these characters truly have come full circle; Julia especially, for me. She’s the quintessential bride-to-be. Julia goes all bad ass in this book and it was extremely satisfying to read. She becomes this fierce woman who knows exactly what she wants and fights for it. And that something is Brad DeLuca. How awesome to read this journey Brad takes from man-whore to committed partner. He drives strength into Julia, ignites passion within her causing a calming effect for him. She’s a balm to his life and he appreciates her in more ways than one. Ms. Torre’s descriptively honest prose of their sexual prowess together is refreshingly real, intriguing, and visceral. This author connects these two characters on a primal level creating this unbreakable force between them. And let me tell you it is melt-your-freaking-kindle HOT. I mean Brad DeLuca doing pretty much anything is hot. With a partner he loves, communicates with, and who trusts him implicitly? Yeah, hot. And Julia who figures out what she needs and wants and stretches herself to become someone who can keep up with Brad, even though he promises he's content, is awesome. Julia finds that kink is a part of her that she wants to flourish. The writing here is even better than what it was in the first book. We’re more connected to the characters and I believe that’s testament to the growing connection Ms. Torre creates. The plot develops intriguingly, keeping us on the edge of our seats waiting to see how the conflict plays out. This author provides just enough to leave you wanting more until we finally get it. She’s kind of like Brad in that way – build us up over and over until we’re ready to combust and then strikes fast poising us for release. There are few moments where you’re holding your breath waiting to see what happens. It happens fast just like Brad and Julia’s entire relationship. And as it worked for them it works for the plot as well. Actually, I don’t think their connection would be as strong if the relationship didn’t barrel straight into them knocking the wind right out of their lungs. The secondary characters in this book are strong too. There’s some humor, some intrigue, and lots of passion. I’m sad this series has come to an end. Brad DeLuca remains on my list of hottest heroes. I’m going to miss these two and their whirlwind of a romance. Thankfully, Ms. Torre provides this freaking awesome bonus chapter. We didn't need it and she certainly didn't have to give it to us but I'm so glad she did. It's settling and serene and perfect.

Book Review: Falling Under

Falling Under (Falling #3) by Jasinda Wilder: My name is Colton Calloway. You've heard part of my story, but it turns out there's more. My little girl, Kylie, is all grown up. Seventeen, beautiful, and talented, just like her mother. And just like Nell, my daughter seems to have fallen for a bad boy, one with a lot of darkness and a lot of secrets.

* * *

You thought you knew the whole story. You thought it was over. Happily ever after for everyone.

You were wrong.

My name is Oz Hyde, and you’ve never met me. I’m part of the story, too, but I’m an aside, a quick line or two you’d all but forgotten about. Well guess what? I’ve got my own story to tell.

Buckle up, ‘cause this is gonna be a hell of a bumpy ride.
TeriLyn's thoughts: We all fell in love with Colton Calloway when we met him in Falling Into You. We fell a little deeper in love with him during the glimpses we got of him in Falling Into Us. Colton Calloway as a Dad, to a 17 year old, strong and capable daughter in Falling Under? I would get on my knees for the man if I knew he wasn't hopelessly in love with his beautiful wife. And he is, by the way, still after twenty years and a heart-breaking start to their journey Colt and Nell still hold a torch for each other - makes your heart swell to epic proportions. That's the special something about this author though, isn't it? Her ability to evoke such strong compassion and feeling for her beautifully troubled characters.

Jasinda Wilder surprised us all when she decided to give us a look into the life of Colt and Nell's seventeen year old daughter, Kylie. And I’m ever grateful that I was invited back into their lives. But, isn't Ms. Wilder tricky? Instead of us getting Kylie's story from her own POV, we get it from the alternating POV's of Colt and Kylie's love interest, Oz Hyde. BRILLIANT freaking writing choice, I tell you, brilliant. I loved every word, every feeling, every action, and every expression. We get Oz stripped bare and falling for the enchanting Kylie. And we get Colt, who’s been enchanted by his daughter for much longer. Jasinda Wilder knows how to build a story. She knows how to make you fall in love with her soulful, intrinsically beautiful characters. Ms. Wilder also knows how to stop your lungs from taking in oxygen because you're holding your breath, hoping with all hope that the conflict that arises will work itself out. Ms. Wilder erects walls in her characters and her plot then she completely obliterates them leaving us breathless. Her evocative prose consumes the reader to the point of devouring every single word. Colt and Nell have raised a beautiful soul in Kylie. She truly lightens what was once their dark. Kylie is an endearing, strong character. The scenes between Colt and Kylie tug on your heart, melting your soul. And Oz Hyde? My goodness, with Oz, Ms. Wilder beautifully does it again, it’s like reading about a young Colt all over but with a different set of circumstances. She injects so much instinctual soul and compassion into a bad boy you can’t be anything but totally captivated. And with Oz you will be captivated, just as you were by Colt. I, in no way, want to spoil anything about this story. So, instead of saying too much about the plot or the characters I'll just assure you, completely guarantee, if you loved the first two books then you'll love Falling Under. Thank you, Ms. Wilder, for Kylie and Oz but furthermore for making Colt an integral part of their love story.

Book Review: Perfectly Broken

Perfectly Broken (Broken #1) by Maegan Abel: Zane Tishler moved in with his brother after his nightmare divorce to find that his brother had taken in a “stray”, a punk chick with a bad attitude. Liliosa Cortez found a place to start over in a city built for hiding. But when her roommate’s brother moved in she pegged him for a pretty boy with enough baggage to fill a semi and major hostility toward women. But now, after two years, Lili and Zane have become best friends and the perfect “wingmen.” They’ve developed a system for tagging and bagging tourists. No strings attached. They are partners in crime who have managed to have the time of their lives in the City of Sin.

Life would be perfect if they could keep it this way, but a new player in the game makes both Lili and Zane face the feelings they had not been prepared to notice. What happens when dangerous shadows from a forgotten past find their way into the neon spotlights? What happens when the fuse is lit on all those emotions they have deeply buried?

Can they survive the explosion or will the backlash tear them and everyone they love apart?

When two pasts become one present in the searing Nevada heat…
When two realities collide under the lights of Vegas…
When two lives are threatened due to secrets and lies…

What do you do when you find out your perfect world is Perfectly Broken?
Lori's thoughts: A friend loaned this to me after she started reading it and found she couldn't put it down. I really liked it a lot and look forward to the next book in the series. There are still so many secrets left to uncover. Like why Lili doesn't dance anymore. Who is Lili hiding from? Etc. In spite of him being a player, I really was rooting for Zane and Lili to get together. This book was a quiet surprise. A sleeper. I recommend you read it if you like edge of your seat action and suspense with a love story on the side. The characters were so real, I could picture them in my head while reading about them. Great book!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Chasing Desire

CHASING DESIRE BY JENNIFER DOMENICO!





Release: June 9, 2014

Contemporary Romance {Adult}

High on life and all its luxuries, Brayden James has no intention of slowing down. That is until his womanizing ways catch up with him and he gets a much needed wake-up call. Just as he decides to clean up his act, the ultimate temptation enters his life.



When Mackenzie Reed meets Brayden, the attraction is instant and she knows that together they could achieve the kind of career success she’s always craved. But Mackenzie isn’t like most women. She has very good reasons for keeping her heart locked up tight. For her, this isn’t about love. This is about power.



Sparks fly as Brayden and Mackenzie try to avoid the one thing neither of them wanted. Each must choose between the life they’ve worked hard to achieve and the one they never imagined. Will they come to the same decision before it’s too late? Or will a hidden threat keep them apart?

OPEN INTERNATIONAL
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jennifer Domenico started
writing as a five-year old child in the back of her mother’s bible in church. It was a way to keep the fidgety child quiet but even then she took simple stories and twisted them into even more imaginative tales. As she grew, the stories grew with her and she filled notebook after notebook with her musings.


As an adult, she knew she wanted to be a writer but she lacked the attention span and inspiration required to produce a full length story. Eventually she put away her notebooks and turned her attention to the business world where she toiled away for many years.


She stopped reading fiction, stopped entertaining her outlandish imagination, and stopped dreaming of being a writer. Until one day, many months ago she went to sleep and a beautiful love story
played out in her dreams.


When she awoke she felt compelled to write it down. And she wrote and she wrote, for days and days she wrote. The result is part one of Enzo and Ava’s story. Turn Towards the Sun is her first, but certainly not her last, novel.


Ms. Domenico lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her very Italian husband, a dog that adores her, two cats that tolerate her, and wicked sweet tooth. She is currently working on part two in the series.

Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Website ~ Pinterest

Cover Reveal: Indestructible

Title: Indestructible (Harmony Series Book 3)
Author: Angela Graham
Cover Designer: Perfect Pear Creative

Synopsis:
Love. Passion. Respect.

Logan West finally has the one thing he believed unattainable: the fiery woman who challenges, protects, and adores him just as much as she does his young son, Oliver.

After having her world shaken yet again, Cassandra Clarke is ready to move forward, eagerly embracing the beautiful man who has laid claim to her heart. With secrets revealed at every turn, she refuses to lose the only man she’s ever loved.

Not every battle is hers to fight, but she’s never been one to back down. Logan and Oliver are part of her now, and together they are…indestructible.

Be sure to add Indestructible to your TBR list on Goodreads....
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18372093-indestructible

Check out the other books in the Harmony Series...
Indulge (.5):
Amazon
B&N
Goodreads

Inevitable (Book 1): 
Amazon
B&N 
Goodreads

Irreplaceable (Book2): 
Amazon
B&N
Goodreads

You can find out more about the Author on her pages:
Goodreads
Website 
Facebook

Book Blitz: Star-Crossed

Star-Crossed by Luna Lacour: It started with a game - seduce the new teacher.

Eighteen-year-old Kaitlyn Laurent is living the American Dream. Born into a wealthy, socialite family with more opulent surroundings and material things than any girl could even fathom, Kaitlyn is the fresh, young face amidst a sea of morally-amiss Manhattan Debutantes. She is educated, poised, and on the outside - entirely virtuous. Her life, in short, is perfect.

Or so it would seem.

Inside the walls of her Upper East Side mansion, Kaitlyn is struggling. After her parents' divorce and her father's remarriage to a beautiful but otherwise utterly vapid woman, Kaitlyn quickly finds herself living in a realm of self-created fantasy, completely detached and entirely clashing with her new family – particularly, her classmate-turned-stepbrother, Marius. Arrogant and with a penchant for playing games, he is intrigued and infatuated by Kaitlyn's faux-chaste outer facade that she uses to cover an otherwise calloused heart.

When the two of them enter into into their final semester at Trinity Prep, and the buzz around campus is that a gorgeous new teacher has set foot in the classroom, Marius makes Kaitlyn a bet: seduce the man who is now her Literature teacher.

If she wins, she gets his trust fund. Money that she can use to finally escape a life that she has come to loathe.

If Marius wins...he gets her virginity.

When an initial spark turns into full-blown obsession, and her affections are inevitably returned – Kaitlyn learns that there are no actions without consequence, and some affairs are simply star-crossed.