Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 167

Book Review: Sweet Forty-Two

Sweet Forty-Two (November Blue #3) by Andrea Randall: Regan Kane arrived in San Diego with nothing but a violin, his car and what feels like a lifetime of grief. Although he’s surrounded by friends and music, one delivery from the post office reminds him that the past is always just around the corner. When he befriends a local bartender, Regan wonders if he's finally ready to let go.

Georgia Hall has spent most of her life in the shadows of her mother’s mental illness. Pushing away those around her ensures they won’t get hurt when she succumbs to the same fate.

All of that unravels when she meets Regan. As her life spins out of control and the line between reality and fairytale blurs, she has to make a choice to trust or fall.
Regan and Georgia are searching for healing among the wreckage. Will doing so together make moving on all the more sweet?

Or will the secrets and darkness of the past drive them apart?
TeriLyn's thoughts: Andrea Randall knocked me flat on my behind with Sweet Forty-Two. I LOVE the November Blue series. I read Bo and Ember's stories around this time last year and fell in love with the characters. Regan Kane was no exception so I'm really glad we get to experience his story. With that said, I was not expecting Sweet Forty-Two to be what it was, which is completely different than the first books in the series. Regan and Georgia's story is about healing, growing, and destroying major emotional walls. They are both broken in their own way dealing with life the best they know how with their specific emotional outlets. I was so pleased that Georgia was not a musician but had something in her life that she was equally as passionate about as Regan is with his fiddle. Regan and Georgia form a friendship and through that a friendship an unbreakable bond. Their relationship is not a romantic through 90% of the book yet it's just as, if not more, intimate.

The commonalities they share through their pain is gut wrenching. Their passion for what they love is equally as gut wrenching. Regan and Georgia are stagnant; going through the motions without really moving. The trust and bond they place on each other without romantic feelings is real. Not always honest though. Georgia is a fascinating heroine to me. She constructs a reality that is safe for her because she is crippled by fear. The Alice themes that are woven through the book added to Georgia's intrigue because there's always more beneath her hard exterior. Regan is the same Regan from Reckless Abandon. He's honest, open, funny, and vulnerable all wrapped into one. He loves fiercely and isn't afraid to show it. Regan is broken from what happened in Reckless Abandon and his experience working through that pain is beautiful, hauntingly beautiful. The quiet moments when they’re together in Georgia’s shop is full of hope and peace. Andrea Randall knows how to write a scarily calm scene. Even when their minds are so full they’re bursting, Randall manages to provide a serene escape thus how their bond truly forms, and it’s beautiful to read.

It warmed my heart to see Bo and Ember in Sweet Forty-Two. They've came so far and their relationship with Regan has become solid especially Ember. The kinship that she and Regan share made me abundantly happy. I can't wait to see more of that in the next books. Sweet Forty-Two is a different kind of romance. It's as tragic as it is uplifting. Regan and Georgia's relationship is somewhere between a friendship and romance, shifting their souls irreparably. Normally, when reading a love story I look for romance for a lot of the story. Andrea Randall brilliantly redirects this line of thinking with Sweet Forty-Two. It's a love story of epic proportions representing love in the past and present. But, most importantly, it promises a great love for the future.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Girl In Love

She fell hard... 
He walked away... 
When their worlds collide, Nashville might not be big enough for the both of them. 
Girl in Love (Kylie Ryans #3)New Adult Contemporary RomanceExpected Release Date: Feb. 4, 2014Cover Designed By: E.M. Tippetts Book Design
She's living her dream...

Kylie Ryans is the biggest thing to come out of Nashville since, well, since Trace Corbin. With a hit album and a powerful label behind her, she appears to be the girl who has it all.

But appearances can be deceiving.

Fresh out of rehab, Trace Corbin is ready to take on the world. Just not the girl he walked away from. Because if there's one thing he knows for certain, it's that the people you love are the ones who have the power to destroy you.

As their worlds collide, they'll have to make the ultimate choice. Follow their dreams, or give it all up for love.

They say love conquers all, but for Kylie and Trace, it just might wreck everything they've worked for.


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Want a copy of Girl in Love before it's available in stores? Signed paperbacks will be available at the Read Like A Country Girl Meet-N-Greet Jan. 18th in Nashville, TNGet Tickets!
Haven't read the first two books in the Kylie Ryans series yet?  Click on images for the Amazon links! 
 


Caisey Quinn lives in a suburb outside of Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series and writes New and Young Adult romance novels about country girls finding love in unexpected places. You can find her online at www.caiseyquinnwrites.com. 
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Favorite Reads From 2013

Here are some of our favorite reads and favorite series from 2013!












































This last group is from a co-worker of mine who will be doing some guest reviews. She is a voracious reader!

Giveaway: The Forgotten Ones

Title: The Forgotten Ones

Author: Laura Howard

Genre: New Adult Fantasy

Series: The Danaan Trilogy #1

Published: April 28, 2013

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

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Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

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Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Renegade Lady

Renegade LadyRenegade Sons MC #1 By- Dawn Martens & Emily Minton Genre- Adult RomanceExpected Publication Date- January 30th, 2014


Jenna “Ice” Chandler grew up as part of a motorcycle club. She considered it her home, until one wrong move made it her prison. After months of abuse, she is rescued by Chipper, who takes her to Big Clifty, Missouri, home of the Renegade Sons MC.
Kiddrick “Kidd” Jones is the president of the Renegades. He knows there is something special about Ice the moment his older brother, Chipper, brings her into the club, but stays away, because she is too young.
When time comes for Ice to take her place in the club, she has two choices, become an old lady or a club whore. Not believing in love and knowing a man can never be faithful, she decides to earn her spot on her back.  
With each passing year, Kidd's feelings for Ice grows and the urge to make her his becomes stronger. Frustrated and jealous, he finally decides it’s time to claim her as his own.
Will Ice finally thaw out and give love a chance, or is Kidd fighting a losing battle?






About the Authors- Dawn Martens: I'm Dawn. I co-wrote a two books (Chase and Kade) with fellow author Chantal Fernando, in the Resisting Love. We went solo on three of the books, she wrote Ryder, and she is writing James, and I'm writing Derek.Also working on a book currently with my friend Isabella Bearden, called A Second Chance!AND I'm currently writing a book with good friend Emily Minton called Whiskey Lullaby.I drink too much, Swear too much, and Read too much. Yes I read too much. I don't have a filter, and I tend to speak before I think.I'm a beta reader for many authors, I'm on a few authors ARC list, because apparently I'm THAT awesome. ;) And I also edit. Not a professional, but I do help a few with that.I have two children, 5&2, and have another on the way. They bug the shit outta me, but hey, that's what kids are supposed to do. ;) Married since 2007. He's amazing, but he's also a bigger pain in my ass than my kids are.I love to read, and I love being able to write stories that *I* want to read!I couldn't do this without the help of some very special friends!
    
Emily Minton: I'm Emily.  I am the proud mother of two lovable but irritating teenagers. I have been married for over twenty years, but I would gladly trade my husband for Tatumn Jackson any day!If you are wondering who that is, you need to read Sweet Dreams by KA now. Kristen Ashley is my queen!I love to read. I am a complete mommy porn junkie!  I have more books on my kindle than most people could read in a lifetime, but I will get to them all eventually!I am also an avid blogger.  I love to share my favorite books and pimp my favorite authors.I am currently writing my first book with the amazing Dawn Martens. I hope you all enjoy Whiskey Lullaby!
     



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Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: December 29, 2013

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: December 29, 2013. 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.)


1. Faking It by Elisa Lorello
After breaking off her engagement, thirty-something writing professor Andi Cutrone abandons New England for her native Long Island to focus on her career and start over. When she meets Devin at a cocktail party, the sight of an honest-to-goodness male escort shocks her—and fascinates her more than a little. Months later, Andi impulsively calls Devin. Over cheesecake in Brooklyn, she offers him a proposition: he will teach her how to be a better lover, and in return, she will give him writing lessons. He agrees, and together they embark upon an intense partnership that proves to be as instructive as it is arousing. For in the midst of lessons in rhetorical theory and foreplay, Andi and Devin delve into deeper questions about truth, beauty, and self, gradually coming face-to-face with the issues at the core of their emotional limitations. Smart, witty, and introspective, Faking It is an engrossing novel about two people discovering their authentic selves.


2. Sweet Home by Tillie Cole
At age twenty, Molly Shakespeare knows a lot. She knows Descartes and Kant. She knows academia and Oxford. She knows that the people who love you leave you. She knows how to be alone.

But when Molly leaves England's grey skies behind to start a new life at the University of Alabama, she finds that she has a lot to learn—she didn't know a summer could be so hot, she didn't know students could be so intimidating, and she certainly didn't know just how much the folks of Alabama love their football.

When a chance encounter with notorious star quarterback, Romeo Prince, leaves her unable to think of anything but his chocolate-brown eyes, dirty-blond hair and perfect physique, Molly soon realises that her quiet, solitary life is about to dramatically change forever.


3. Destined for Love (Love in Bloom: The Bradens, Book #2) by Melissa Foster
Rex Braden is wealthy, hard working, and fiercely loyal. Sweat at his brow, he works the family ranch by day, then kicks back at night with part time lovers who require nothing more than his physical presence a few times each week. But that was before. Before Jade Johnson, the daughter of the man his father has been feuding with for over forty years, moves back into town.

After ditching a horrific relationship--and her veterinary practice in the process--Jade Johnson returns to the safety of her small hometown and finally finds her footing. That is...until her horse is injured and Rex Braden comes to her rescue. The last thing she needs is a bull-headed, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Braden complicating her life.


4. Holding Out (Hawks Motorcycle Club Series, #1) by Lila Rose
Zara Edgingway is a twenty-six-year-old secretary. She has a daughter that apparently knows-it-all and a best friend that could possibly have the mouth of Satan, but she's been with her through hell and back. Then there's the hunk'a'licious biker neighbor finally showing interest in her.
If only she isn't about to face her next obstacle in life, the one she ran from six years ago: her ex husband.


5. An Imperfect Witch (Witch Central Series: Book #1) by Debora Geary
Two years ago, Lizard Monroe was Berkeley's newest delinquent on parole. Now she's a hot young realtor with a great life, an awesome guy, and enough friends to chase away the ghosts of her past.

Almost.

The crystal ball has spoken - life isn't done messing with her yet. And neither is the need brewing in the eyes of the man she loves.

The eve of Halloween approaches. And whatever the sexy poet realtor wants to believe, moving beyond your past isn't the same as facing the future.


6. Bikers And Tinsel (MC Sinners # 3.5) by Bella Jewel, Lauren McKellar
You've followed them through thick and thin, now it's time to celebrate Christmas with the MC Sinners - Biker style. It doesn't come easy. Ups and downs are a part of the biker life. Join Muff and Janine as they celebrate their first Christmas with laughs, steamy moments and times that will test their strength. It's not Christmas without family - and this group is the meaning of family.


7. Infinite Possibilities (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen, Book #2) by Lisa Renee Jones
Secrets and lies. They are everywhere: haunting her, tormenting her. In the midst of it all, he'd been her escape, her passion. The only person she'd trusted in six years. And then he'd made her doubt that trust, cutting her deeply. But as she'd once told him, she was damaged, not broken. She is ready to fight and not just for survival. She is fighting for the truth and she won't stop until she has it, not even for...him.


8. Beautiful Disaster: A Novel by Jamie McGuire
The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match.


9. Sea of Love (Love in Bloom: The Bradens, Book #4) by Melissa Foster
Lacy Snow wasn't looking for love when she met strikingly handsome and seductive Dane Braden. But how could she ignore the six-foot-three darkly handsome god who tagged and researched sharks for a living--and made every nerve in her body tangle into an overly sensitive knot? Even her fear of sharks could not suppress their intense attraction.

As founder of the Brave Foundation, Dane Braden travels from port to port, educating and advocating on behalf of the mammals he adores--and spends his nights finding solace in the arms of strangers. The last thing Dane was looking for when he met Lacy Snow was a relationship, and the last thing he expected was to fall in love.


10. Forever Us (Forever Trilogy) by Sandi Lynn
The story of Connor and Ellery Black continues in the last installment of the Forever Black Trilogy, Forever Us. You took Connor and Ellery’s journey of love, courage, and strength as Ellery’s illness threatened their future in Forever Black. You continued their journey through the eyes of Connor Black in Forever You as you watched them get their happily ever after through marriage and planning for their first child.

Join Connor and Ellery once again as they face the challenges of parenthood. Take their journey in Forever Us as they learn to cope with the demands of a new baby, a demanding career, and the onset of a new challenges in which Connor and Ellery must confront for the sake of their family.

Book Review: Dare to Breathe

Dare to Breathe by M. Homer: Sam is plagued by nightmares she can’t understand with dark visions of a past she suspects may be her own. When she moves into a new co-ed house, she is drawn to the handsome but aloof Nathan. The housemates welcome in Sam but all withhold their own secrets from her which she knows she needs to unravel to truly understand Nathan. But her past is destined to torment her, can she find the strength to face her fear?
Lori's thoughts: ***I reveived an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

I enjoyed the book. I liked the characters, most of them. Some more so that others. The main character, I liked Sam. I liked Nathan. I felt like the book was a bit forced at times and there were times when I found it difficult to connect with the voice. There were some times I also felt like the dialog was not believable.

Don't let this discourage you from reading the book. I just point them out, because they are the reasons I settled on giving the book 4 hearts, as opposed to 5. It was still a very good read, earning it 4 solid hearts. The premise of the book is an interesting one and something that would be quite hard to deal with in real life, I'm sure. Great, solid effort for a debut author. I look forward to more work from M. Homer.

Merry Christmas!

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Perfectly Damaged

Make sure to check out the TEASERS, PLAYLIST & enter the GIVEAWAY for $50 in Amazon Gift Cards below!This is a standalone book scheduled to be released end of January/Mid-February. Exact release date to be announced.Come join our Facebook Release Day Event – CLICK HERE

Author: E.L. MontesBook Title: Perfectly DamagedCover Designer: Mae I Design and PhotographyGenre: Contemporary Romance______________________________________________
Schizoaffective disorder: a mental illness in which a person experiences a combination of mood disorder and schizophrenia symptoms. I know about this illness—very well—because I suffer from it. It’s been four years since my diagnosis, and ever since, I've been living in a dark hole. Voices constantly invading my thoughts. Hallucinations. All of which force me to question if what I’m experiencing is even reality.But here I am, still hanging on, still breathing and living through it.That is, until he stumbled into my life. Logan Reed. I don’t want any part of him. I've pushed him away, but he isn't easily deterred. I've told him I’m different, but he doesn't care. He’s trying to slowly break me down. I’m trying just as hard not to let him. He doesn't know how truly damaged I am; what will happen when he does?I know the truth—he’ll never be able to look at me the same way again. Just like everybody else.
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Playlist on Spotify (click below link to listen)https://play.spotify.com/user/1258382527/playlist/34DCiwQijcHw7N7N0H3av8______________________________________________ ______________________________________________
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Facebook & Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter, AuthorgraphOther books by E.L. Montes: Buy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/12wBrwiBuy on B&N: http://bit.ly/1925cFT Buy on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cEGPlQBuy on B&N: http://bit.ly/1cZP8ZU
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Book Review: Run of the Mill

Run of the Mill by Dave Patten: Famous musician, 26 year old millionaire, and known playboy Tyler Clark finds himself launched into his repressed past after a chance encounter with an old friend during the after party of one of his concerts. Under threat of blackmail, Tyler is forced to painfully reveal the truth behind the summer of 2002 a summer that started with drugs, sex, and good music, and ended in tragedy, betrayal, and suicide.
Guest Flash Review: ***ARC received in exchange for an honest review.*** 

Wow what an amazing book. This is so well written and if felt like I was reading a book from a seasoned author. Once you start reading you will not want to put it down. Great great story and I hope to see a lot more by this author. Definitely a must read.