Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 162

Cover Re-reveal: In Chains

In Chains (In Chains #1) has a new cover, designed by Deranged Doctor Design 

Blurb:
A romance set in a world where slavery is government run and slaves are fitted with microchips.

Savannah, fleeing a turbulent relationship, seeks solace at her brother’s country farmhouse. It’s there that she meets Kayden; her brother’s slave who's considered less than human. These two damaged souls form an unbreakable bond, one that’s about to be tested, because Kayden is her brother’s property and he will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Please note this book contains some sexual scenes, violence and strong language.

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Author Bio:
Michelle Abbott lives in the UK.

She loves to write about heroes who begin as the underdog and are protective of their girl and she likes to read all genres of romance.

When she's not reading or writing she enjoys travelling and seeing new places and occasionally she picks up her knitting needles and attempts to finish the sweater she started two years ago.

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Release Blitz & Giveaway: Changing Course

Title: Changing Course (Wrecked and Ruined #1)Author: Aly MartinezGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: January 29, 2014

Buy the BookAmazon / Amazon UK / Barnes & NobleSynopsisI met Sarah Kate Erickson when I was 21 years old. I was lucky enough to keep her for seven years before a tragic accident stole her from me. She didn't die, but sometimes I think it would have been easier if she had.
I lived in a haze for those four years after the accident. Catering to her every need, even though she hated the very sight of my face. I tried to hold on to her and the future that we were supposed to build together. But you can’t hold on to someone that doesn't exist anymore.
It wasn't until I met Jesse Addison, a barista at the local coffee shop, that I realized I didn't just lose Sarah that tragic night, I lost myself as well. Jesse taught me how to let go of the past and learn to love again. But what happens when your past haunts your present and the woman you used to love refuses to accept the woman you can’t live without?
ExcerptI met Sarah Kate Erickson seven years ago during a chance meeting at the local library. We were both reaching for the same William Shakespeare Collection. Our hands brushed, sparks flew, and it was love at first sight. We dated for three years, got married, and had sex for the very first time on our wedding night. Well, at least that is the story she made me promise to tell our future children.

The truth is that, I met Sarah in a bar while she was approximately one drop of alcohol away from spending the night praying to the porcelain gods. She had on some ridiculously tight red dress and the tallest pair of black fuck-me heels I had ever seen. It was whore-tastic, but damn, she looked amazing. She was already tall for a woman, but in those cock-hardening shoes, she towered over the other women. Her friends were dressed in similarly sexy and in somewhat coordinating outfits. A collaborative effort that was no doubt on purpose.

I watched as she asked for another drink from the bartender who stood staring at her partially exposed breasts for a beat too long. She reached across the bar, pushed one finger under his chin, and guided his gaze back to her eyes while she ordered drinks. She then turned and leaned her elbows behind her, propping herself up on the bar, and effectively thrusting her barely covered breasts into the face of every man in the room. It was then I knew I needed to meet them...I mean her...I had to meet her.

Sure, staring at her was probably creepy as hell, but I just couldn't take my eyes off her. As cheesy as it sounds, there was just something about the tall blonde that commanded my attention. It didn't hurt that I got an insta-hard on when I thought about those long legs wrapped around my waist. Okay, so maybe staring wasn't the only creepy part.

About the Author I’m a 32 year old wife and stay at home mom to four kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. My life is crazy, which is probably why I drink entirely too much wine. Oh who am I kidding, I had a love affair with wine long before the kids came along. I was born and raised in Savannah Georgia, but we recently moved to Chicago. Let me tell you, this southern girl was not ready for the cold weather up here!

I’m an avid reader, but I haven’t always been that way. A few years ago my sister loaned me her Nook Color, and it changed my life forever. In the span of about two years, I read over 500 books. My new-found love of reading led me to start a book blog with two of my best friends. (Insert shameless plug here: WhiteZinBookends.com). Through WZ Bookends, I've had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing authors, bloggers, and readers out there. Now that I have taken the leap into writing my own book, they've all shown me endless amounts of encouragement and support.

While driving home from Walmart one day in late October, a story embedded itself in my head and would not let go. It spiraled out of control until I finally opened my laptop and started writing. This journey has been a wild ride filled with tears, hand cramps, and tons of laughs. I love company, so follow me at one of the social links below and join me aboard this crazy train!

Connect with AlyWebsite / Facebook / Twitter / Email / Goodreads
Giveaway$50 Amazon or B&N Gift Card (winners choice)(3) Signed Paperbacks of Changing Course with Swag Pack (US Only)
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Cover Reveal: Taking Chances

Ariadne Wayne - Taking Chances - Cover RevealContemporary RomanceDate Published: 3/30/2014
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Lauren and Mark Burrows lost their parents in a car accident one night. Despite their father being the drunk driver, both struggle with the urge to turn to drink; Lauren most of all. When all they have is each other, Lauren feels lost when Mark falls in love with Cassie Warren and moves out.
Ethan Stone has been alone since his divorce. His ex-wife took him for everything, and he has felt empty for a long time. He's not looking for love, but Lauren brings him back to life. The question is whether she can fight her demons for the man she loves, and if Ethan can handle the wild ride that is life with Lauren.

EXCERPT
Ethan leaned over to kiss her. “I’m looking forward to going to bed too. If I’m invited.”She laughed, slapping his arm. “Are you kidding? After all that fuss at the door, you had better bring your A game tonight, Mister.”“I don’t know about that, but I could do with loving you some more. We’ll have to leave pretty early. My schedule is full tomorrow.”“You still came?”“Lauren, I told you. You’re worth the effort. If I have to look for work down here, I will.”“I can’t believe anyone would do that for me.”“I love you. Even if you don’t feel the same way, I’ll be there when you need me.”She kissed him. This man was special, and he was hers. “I do feel the same way. My whole life, no-one ever loved me,” she said.“I bet that’s a lie. You have such a good heart. Anyone who doesn’t love you isn’t worth knowing.”“Can we skip dinner and get to the bed part?”Ethan squeezed her hand. “Not after the effort I put in. Maybe afterwards.”“Well, you can’t wash the dishes. There’s no hot water left.”“You didn’t leave any for me?”Lauren draped her arms over Ethan’s shoulders. “No. You should have joined me.”“Next time, beautiful.”She looked away, not wanting to meet his gaze. “What is it, Lauren?”“No-one’s ever called me that before.”    “Well, get used to it.”Author LinksWebsite | Facebook | Twitter

This Cover Reveal is brought to to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours

Cover Reveal: Breathe Again

For Savannah Rae, the thought of living in her picture-perfect world was almost too much to comprehend. With her dream job, a family she could finally call her own, and the beginnings of the best chapter of her life, she still couldn't shake the unnerving feeling that it was all too good to be true.

The thought of a life without Savannah was incomprehensible to Tate Connors. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would find his girl in the form of a sassy, stubborn, beautiful Australian. Finally he had the girl and life he so desperately wanted, but he still couldn't ignore the fear that it would crash around him.

When Tate’s past becomes his present and Savannah’s present becomes her past, the possibility of a future together collides head-on with reality.

In her darkest days, the words Just Breathe provided a peaceful comfort to Savannah from the heavens above. Now as she and Tate go down the path of new beginnings, brutal endings, and the constant craving of a happily ever after, they are anxious to learn how to Breathe Again.



Rachel Brookes is from a coastal town on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. Writing angst ridden love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance, a spoonful of sexiness and delicious men to season is what she loves to do. Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sometimes forgets to sleep and sometimes can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment but that’s because she is in a long term relationship with her laptop.  When she does step away from her laptop she can be found taking too many photos, making scrumptious cocktails, laughing at Adam Sandler movies and spending her time with her amazing family. Having released Just Breathe and Breathless in 2013, Rachel is looking forward to a busy 2014 with the upcoming release of Breathe Again, the final book in The Breathe Series and many other books planned she can’t wait to continue this crazy ride.

Website/Blog: http://rachelbrookes.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RachelBrookes_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrachelbrookes

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/rachelbrookes


Just Breathe (Breathe #1) by Rachel Brookes

Amazon: http://amzn.to/19izDs4

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Breathless (Breathe #1.5) by Rachel Brookes


Amazon: http://amzn.to/1elQz3T

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/1gg82jl

Review & Giveaway: Forever Jack

Forever, Jack (Eversea #2) by Natasha Boyd: Keri Ann Butler's life changed on the night she met movie star, Jack Eversea. She thought she knew a Jack that was very different to the man adored by fans the world over. In the wake of his betrayal and abandonment, Keri Ann has had to pick up and move forward with the life she was supposed to live and has put off far too long.

Suddenly Jack is back, and his explanations for why he left seem more and more plausible, and his declarations more seductive. But being Jack's latest tabloid accessory isn't on Keri Ann's career agenda, no matter how much she is attracted to him. And how can she can ever trust him again?

Jack knows he let the only 'real' thing that ever happened to him slip through his fingers. And his hands have been tied to try and stop it. Until Now.

Jack is now fighting to save his relationship with Keri Ann, even as his crazy life threatens to tear them apart. Again. The question is, can he convince her she can have it all? And have him? Forever?
Lori's thoughts: **ARC furnished in exchange for an honest review**

Read my review of Eversea (Book #1). 

I liked the characters in this one better than the setting. But they are the same characters, you say? Yes. What I mean is, in the first book we learned all about Butler Cove, SC -- and what a quaint little place it was. If you read my review of Eversea, you'll know that I didn't like Jack as much as Keri Ann did. But, he redeems himself in Forever Jack. We talk less about Butler Cove and get to know the characters a little bit better. I enjoyed Eversea, but I think I liked Forever Jack a teensy bit better. This is a good, sweet series, and I'd like to see more Butler Cove. Like maybe something about Keri Ann's brother? Just a suggestion!







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--4 Kindles (Open wherever Amazon ships)
--2x signer copies of both book 1 & 2 + sea turtle pendant (Open INTL)

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Book Review & Giveaway: Starfire

Starfire (Peaches Monroe #3) by Mimi Strong: Peaches Monroe works at a bookstore in small town Washington. She's also a plus-size lingerie model, and the former girlfriend of Dalton Deangelo. He's the sexy, smoldering actor who plays TV's hottest vampire.

Now Dalton is back in town, hiding out from his past and a ton of bad publicity.

He can't keep his hands off Peaches, even though she's dating someone else.

Peaches knows that being friendly with Dalton always ends up in complete disaster, but he does have an interesting proposal for her--a wedding proposal. He says a fake wedding will save his career, and he needs her.

As much as she'd love to run into the arms of the incredibly hot, deliciously sexy actor, she's also afraid. He keeps hinting that he loves her, but he won't say the words.

Even if he did profess his love, can you ever really trust an actor?
Bestselling author Mimi Strong thinks life is too short to be anything but outrageous.

She's the author of 3 USA Today Bestsellers, STARDUST, FOR YOU, and BORROWED BILLIONAIRE, as well as STARLIGHT, HER TEDDY BEAR, BILLIONAIRE NOVELIST, KISSING COACH, and PRETTY GIRLS.

Mimi lives on the west coast with her green-eyed husband and two ginger cats. She loves her beautiful readers and sends you all big hugs in the form of awesome books full of sex, humor, and heart.

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Starlight (Peaches Monroe #2)
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Kath's thoughts: Before stating all of my emotions for this book I’d like to thank Mimi Strong for making my daily daydream a novel. I've always been a fan of Ian Somerhalder or Damon from The Vampire Diaries that’s why when I've read that Dalton Angelo is a hottie vampire actor I've instantly pictured that he’s Ian Somerhalder and also for creating a perky, gorgeous girl with humongous “peaches” :) Peaches Monroe is truly a character that will never be forgotten and will always have an impact to us readers.

So I've really… really… missed Peaches humor! And once again Mimi never failed my expectations it’s wonderful written, I love it! I’ll admit that in this book it’s a mixed-up emotion for me. On this chapter I’ve been swooning over Peaches and Adrian then the next I’ll be routing for Dalton again (but it always been Dalton for me).

Yes, you may find Peaches quite annoying with some situations but what I really liked about this book is mostly all of Dalton actions. It really is an every girl’s fantasy to have a novel like this. Gaaahhh…

So not to spoil the story or anything… It really is a must read and then you’ll be then one to decide if you like it or not. :) And oh! I really kept thinking Ian Somerhalder the time I’m reading it *wink wink* I LOVE YOU DALTON!!! 







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Book Review: Louder Than Love

Louder Than Love by Jessica Topper: In this powerful debut novel, a young librarian grieves the loss of her husband...and discovers a love that defies classification.

It's been over three years since a train accident made a widow of Katrina Lewis, sending her and her young daughter Abbey back to the suburban town of her youth...the only place that still makes sense. Lauder Lake is the perfect place to hide and heal.

Recluse rocker Adrian "Digger" Graves survived the implosion of his music career, but his muse has long lain dormant. Until Kat hires him to play at her library—not on the basis of his hard rock credentials but rather, because of the obscure kids' TV jingle he wrote years ago. In a case of mistaken identity, Adrian stumbles into the lives of Kat and her comically lovable daughter.

Using tattoos as a timeline, Adrian unfurls his life for Kat. But as the courtship intensifies, it's unclear whose past looms larger: the widow's or the rocker's. Will their demons ever rest, or will they break these soul mates apart?

TeriLyn's thoughts: Louder than Love is the sweet story of Adrian, Kat and Kat's precious daughter Abbey and yes, Abbey with an E as in Abbey Road - awesome! Kat's back-story is quite tragic; widowed with a young daughter she is trying to piece back together her life. Thanks to a cute PBS show that her daughter obsesses over she meets the illustrious Adrian Graves. 

Adrian is tormented by the demons of his own past yet finds solace in Kat and Abbey. In the first quarter or so of the book I found myself getting a bit bored but soon found myself completely absorbed in their story. Passion ignites for these two; they quickly become lovers and great friends. Adrian begins to reprise his life's story to Kat piece by piece. He's very forthcoming with his discretions of the past and what he wishes he could have done differently. Throughout his purging I had wished Kat would have opened up about her husband and their short time together. 

As the reader, I valued knowing the intricacies of that time in her life as it shed light into her present. I kept waiting and waiting for her to open up this part of herself to her lover. She kept it in ultimately causing a rift between herself and Adrian. The story is not very cataclysmic but the progression of their relationship and what endures provides much heartache just the same. This author's descriptive writing draws the reader into Adrian and Kat's story very easily. It was just the beginning when not much was happening between the two that I felt a tad bored. 

The depth of the characters is awesome; they are intimately real and raw. The shining light of the book is Abbey, a joy to read. And the ending is my favorite part. Not just because it's a HEA but because we meet Kevin, who is quite the character. They all go completely 80's fan girl for the Rotten Graves Project. The story comes full circle in an awesome way. I hope for more of these characters so we can see how their lives play out after this. 

Kevin and Liz should also get a book, I found them quite intriguing. The music references in the book are fantastic too. Louder than Love reminds us how to move on and accept love even if it’s different than what we had before. It’s definitely worth reading.

Book Review: Brutally Beautiful

Brutally Beautiful (Beautiful #1) by Christine Zolendz: A deadly game of hide and seek.

With blood still on her hands, Samantha Matthews is on the run, running from dark secrets and a man she prays to God will never find her. Running and hiding, just to stay alive. She had no choice but to run, to leave, to hide and forget about her life before. When Samantha believes she's gained enough distance from her past and her demons, she stops running, hoping to find her future in the heavily wooded area of the Adirondack Mountains, a place she never expected to encounter a man with secrets as dark and as sordid as hers.

Kade Grayson is hiding, not from the demons after him, but from himself and from the entire outside world, wishing every day he could have just died. Arrogant and domineering, he’s tormented and terrorized by his past, seeing nothing good for his future. With the ghosts of his past still haunting him, he has exiled himself to a life of solitude, only living for his words and through his stories.

Until her.

An undeniable attraction, turns into hate and then ultimately obsession, an obsession that grows into a powerful story of love and redemption.

Will the bond they have begun to build between them grow stronger than the tragedies that have scarred both of their lives? Or will they allow their demons to consume them?
TeriLyn's thoughts: Brutally Beautiful was not like anything I was expecting. It is a really good story; dark, edgy, and well written. Brutally Beautiful is evocative in many ways. The mystery of the characters felt just as detached to me as they felt from the world. I felt more for them because of their past rather than from the present they were crafting together. Both Sam/Lainey and Kade's stories are powerful and though provoking; pure tragedy. The repressed emotion they garnered from each other was soul-deep. I liked the characters. Sam/Lainey is brilliant, witty, and fierce. Kade is dominant, smart, and broken. When they first lay on each other something happens to both of them, like their recognizing the ghost of their own soul in each other. Some details of the story felt too rushed for me or I got confused and had to go back and re-read. And Sam/Lainey's character left a lot to be desired. There is a cloud of mystery surrounding this woman and the little bit of information we were given just fueled my curiosity more. She is completely willing to break someone's walls down and succeeds in doing so that she is completely blinded to the fact that her own walls are impenetrable. Sam and Kade's journey for the better part of the book is them skirting around each other, finding ways to be friends in their own way. I liked the build up of their relationship but it was slow. I liked the secondary characters of Dylan and Bree. Overall, it's a good story and worth reading but some minor things bothered me and while there is no cliffhanger I'm left wanting to know more about Sam and Kade. I hope a sequel is coming so I can find out.

Book Review: The Fine Line

The Fine Line by Alicia Kobishop: High school senior Liv Evans has one rule: No attachments. She’s lost enough in her life and has vowed to do whatever it takes to make sure she never again feels the emptiness of losing someone she loves. Boys are a fun distraction, but a serious relationship is something she’d rather live without. Her determination for a future free of pain and heartbreak is put to the test when she meets–and quickly forms an unexpected bond–with Logan Tanner.

Logan has always been a free spirit, but ever since a life-changing event took place, which left him doubting the integrity of those who are closest to him, he’s taken that term to a whole new dangerous level. Learning the hard way that life is too short for worries or work–and that women can’t be trusted–Logan has exchanged steady work for street racing. When Liv walks into his world, everything he thought he knew about life and women is challenged.

In The Fine Line, Liv and Logan will discover if it’s possible for true love to have a future, or if history is destined to repeat itself.
: I am such a sucker for a book about cars and racing. I smiled and reminisced about those years in my life while reading this book. I completely loved this book up until about half way through. I wasn't a fan of the back and forth decisions of Liv that seemed like they just kept going and going but the author was able to come back and write a great ending.

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: January 26, 2014

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: January 26, 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.)

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