Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 187
September 12, 2013
Release Day Blitz & Giveaway: Crossroads
CROSSROADS by Megan Keith: Nick is about to head overseas on an adventure of a lifetime. It’s what he has always wanted, to travel the world, to experience new cultures, see the places he’s dreamed of for so long. He should be over the moon. Instead, he’s been in a slump ever since he lost his friend Em.
Nick is a player, always has been. The first time he ever wanted more from a girl he was shot down. So now he’s left licking his wounds. Emma made her choice and now Nick has to live with it.
Or does he? When he finds out that Emma is single after all, will he fight for her? Will he be able to convince her to give him a chance? And if he does, what will happen when he leaves?
Nick has reached a crossroads in his life - the girl or the dream. Seems like an easy choice when the girl of his dreams is Emma. But what if she doesn’t see things the same way?
BOOK TITLE Crossroads (Finding My Way, book two)
AUTHOR Megan Keith
GENRE New Adult Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE 13 September, 2013
GOODREADS http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...
COVER DESIGN
The book cover for Crossroads was designed by Kari Ayasha at Cover to Cover Designs.
Website http://www.covertocoverdesigns.com/in...
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CoverToCover...
AUTHOR BIO
Megan Keith is a married, mother of three, living in a small country town in New South Wales, Australia. She has a constant thirst for a good story, whether it is in books, music, movies, on TV, or just plain old-fashioned gossip. She has always had a creative side and loves to let her imagination run wild. On a few occasions over the years, Megan has put those imaginings into a written story, but never dreamed of publishing. She has always loved to read, but it wasn’t until she got given a Kindle that it became a full-blown addiction. Her introduction to the world of Indie Authors re-ignited her passion for writing. Megan published her first book Finding My Way in June 2013. Crossroads is the sequel and the second book to the Finding My Way trilogy.
AUTHOR CONTACT INFO
Website
Goodreads
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble TBA
iTunes TBA
Createspace TBA
Kobo
Smashwords
BLOG TOUR REVEAL GIVEAWAY
There is a tour-wide Rafflecopter giveaway. It begins at 12:00 AM AEST 13th of September and ends at 12:00 AM AEST 21st of September. Open internationally.
Prizes 1 x $10 Amazon Gift Card
1 x $5 Amazon Gift Card
3 x Crossroads ebooks
a Rafflecopter giveaway
PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY
BOOK TRAILER
http://youtu.be/MF1y5uax7_c
Blog Tour: Starlight
STARLIGHT by Mimi Strong: STARLIGHT, BOOK #2 IN THE PEACHES MONROE SERIES (A 4-BOOK SERIES).
So, I fly my rockin' curves off to LA for the big Peaches Monroe (that's me) underwear shoot.
I'm nursing a broken heart from you-know-who, when along comes Keith Raven. Sexy, tanned, and nearly naked. He's my new co-model, and let me tell you, Keith is the full package with a big package (wink, wink).
My new bestie Mitchell warns me that all male models are walking disasters, but I think Keith's different. He meditates, for example. And, unlike some people, he doesn't toy with my affection.
Staying at Keith's apartment in LA and swimming in his pool is heavenly, not to mention the more intimate details of our Rebound Arrangement. What's a Rebound Arrangement, you ask? It's a fixed-length romance and a great way to turn your world upside-down.
Meanwhile, Dalton Deangelo is trying to redeem himself and win me back. He sucks at redemption, but he is charming.
Somebody please stop me, because if I keep slamming my heart like this, it's going to break.
Book #1, STARDUST will be ON SALE for 99 cents during the blog tour, and is available now at:Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobobooks
MIMI FACTS –
Q. Wasn't the first book originally called “We are Made of Stardust?” Why did you change it?
A. I love weird titles, but it was too weird, even for me. Even I kept mistyping the thing, so I knew readers were having trouble with that mouthful.
Q. Where did you get the idea for this series?
A. Part of the inspiration is from that great romantic comedy movie, Notting Hill. Also, about a year ago, I wrote a book about a smart mouth waitress, and people loved the character so much. It was a YA book, and I had this weird psychic feeling (ha ha) that people might like a sassy character like that in an adult book, along with lots of sex and romance and great banter. I knew that I'd love to read a book like that, so I figured it would be fun to write, and it is!
Q. How many Peaches Monroe books will there be?
A. After Book 1 came out, I asked my readers how much Peaches they wanted. Everyone said they loved Peaches, wanted the experience to never end, and wanted many, many books. I don't usually write long series, so I decided to make it 4 books, total. That's a quadrilogy. Each one is a full-length novel with its own storyline, and the books are inter-linked.
Q. When people find out you write erotic romance, do they treat you like a freak?
A. Yes, but I am a freak, so that's okay.
Q. What's the hardest part of writing?
A. Usually I say it's the words. But today I'll be serious and give you a serious answer: fear. Always the fear. I'll be typing a sentence and imagine a specific person reading that sentence, and it stops me cold. It's a huge mind game to get over that stage fright. Some authors drink. I've tried a beverage or two, and it doesn't help at all, so I just have to stare down the blank page and the fear, totally sober, like a good role model. (You're welcome!)
Kath's thoughts: We all know Peaches Monroe for her ever so charming humor, right? But there’s more into it in this story. What I mean is Peaches isn't all about her jokes coming out from her mouth that can’t be shushed. Anyways… wow! Peaches did it again.
Two boys fighting over her! And when I say boys it comes with the description of H-O-T. One is a famous vampire actor and the other is a model, an underwear model. Yes, Peaches doesn't deserve to be used as a researcher for Dalton’s next project but she doesn't deserve the rebound set-up with Keith, either.
But I liked how Peaches enjoyed herself in Los Angeles even with a broken heart. She ignored it and modeled underwear and flaunted her ‘peaches’ and that’s how she met the ever so beautifully sculpted Keith Raven. Okay… I admit the let’s-be-rebound-buddies of her and Keith is quite awesome but sometimes you can’t help it when shit got real and you’ll find yourself getting jealous over the ex-girlfriend.
I think Peaches deserves more than just being a rebound and so is Keith because just like peaches said I didn't want to be with Dalton, but I didn't want to be with anyone who wasn't Dalton, either. So… Team Dalton or Team Keith? Well I say Team Peaches all the way! Oh! And let’s not forget Adrian Storm the one that’s left in Beaverdale, Washington.
Too many guys for Peaches! Which one would she choose? Well it’s a four book series so I really can’t wait for third and fourth book. And about this book, I liked it. I understood more of Peaches overcoming in life and I liked that there’s some flashback from her past. So like I said in the beginning there’s more to the story! Find out what’s Peaches secret. And I tell you the ending is oh so… Shocking? Naaahhh… Just Epically Peaches ;)
Emma's Thoughts: I was given an ARC of Starlight in return for an honest review as part of the blog tour.
5 Hearts!!!
Oh my Mimi Strong does it again.... Starlight is a brilliant book and I loved it!
First of all let me say that you need to read Stardust first before this one otherwise you will not have a clue as to what is going on.
I’m going to keep this review as spoiler free as I can which maybe a tad tricky but here goes..... Peaches – who wouldn't love her, she is amazing and what comes out of her mouth is pure gold, being a curvy girl myself I can relate to a lot of things in this book but she doesn't half make me chuckle :) then we have Dalton, man did he make me swoon in Stardust, he’s hot and it all went a bit wrong so as u can imagine I was expecting them to get back together and everything would eventually be rosy but no Mimi is very clever and we meet Keith..... who happens to be extremely hot and the perfect man – every woman should have one and I’m hoping we get to see more of Keith in book 3 (hint hint) and then there’s Adrian, not sure what to make of him as yet and am gonna keep my options open on him, I reckon he might appear more in book 3. So all in all Peaches has a very interesting life... I wanna see her photo shoot pictures and advert, it all seems that real to me.
So, all I’m going to say is read it, you won’t regret it and a huge congratulations to Mimi on Starlight and can’t wait for book 3, just don’t make us wait too long, lol.
Cover Reveal: Four Seconds to Lose
Four Seconds to Lose by KA Tucker: 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.
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.
Pre-Order Links:
FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE is due to be released November 4, 2013.
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Other Retailers
LINKS:
Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Atria
Ten Tiny Breaths releases in paperback on September 24, 2013! Read our reviews here: Ten Tiny Breaths Review.
Book Review: Lick
LICK (STAGE DIVE, #1) by Kylie Scott: Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.
Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.
One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.
Whairigail's thoughts: **4 Refreshingly Good Hearts**
“So, congratulations. You're married to a rock star.”
Rock Star? Check
Drunken Madness? Check
Loveable Heronie? Check
Hilarious Characters? Check
Everything that is needed for one romp of a read? Check Check Check Check Check!
Kylie Scott, you my lovely lady, are fantastic!!
This book has a blurb which, on first reading, has similarities to What Happens in Vegas...
Yes, they get married whilst totally and completely drunk. Yes, they are shocked when they wake up. Yes, they have to deal with the fallout of their drunken mistake. Similarities end there - and that thrilled me!
I adore New Adult books and I adore books that have stong male leads but my one complaint about these types of books is how whiney the lead females can be. I want to slap them silly most of the time.
Get this...Lick DID NOT HAVE A WHINEY FEMALE LEAD!!
Evelyn didn't have low self esteem that stopped her being able to feel love. She didn't moan about being lonley, unloved or hated. She was completely and utterly Refreshing and a total joy to listen to throughout the story.
The side caracters in the book almost make the book what it is - Lauren and Mal are hilarious and made me laugh out loud on several occasions.
“Seriously, I fucking love your wife, man. She's awesome. Can I have her?”
This book has no Cliff Hanger (Yay!) but there is a second novel coming out - Mal's story...I cannot wait!
September 11, 2013
Release Day Event & Giveaway: In Love By Design
In Love by Design
The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod
(Volume III)
By Tracy Ellen
Cover Art by Samantha Prudhon Falkowski
In Love by Design welcomes you back to Northfield, Minnesota and the life of Anabel Axelrod.
Its official--the sexy, blonde bookstore owner with a sassy attitude, a brain that never stops, and a reluctant penchant for helping her family and friends out of trouble has fallen madly in love.
Anabel doesn't get to prove what a fabulous girlfriend she'll make for more than eight hours before Luke disappears out of town. Instead of getting to enjoy being a girl passionately in love, Anabel’s shiny new feelings and trust in her boyfriend are immediately being tested.
Who is the darkly powerful and charismatic Luke Drake? What are his secrets? Does he really love Anabel, or has he been manipulating her to further an intricate plan of cold revenge in the making for over twenty years?
This third book in the series finds the confident Anabel desperately needing her sense of humor and all her understanding of human nature to deal with life. But Anabel soon learns the hard way she has even bigger issues to worry about than family problems and an incredibly hot, but very tricky boyfriend.
She’s made some bad enemies recently and someone wants her dead. After the first attempt on her life, Anabel and Luke team up to solve this mystery, but Anabel is beginning to wonder if she can trust her Dark Prince. Or Is this one fairy tale where love does not conquer all?
Meet Tracy Ellen…
For all of my life, I’ve always had a thing for shoes that make me say “Oh, yum!” and for reading romance novels written about hot, dangerously smart men and sassy, intelligent women. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ve avidly read everything I could get my greedy little hands on to find these jewels.
One day this past year or so, I realized that I spend more money on books now than I do on shoes--and I was stunned. Should I be ashamed of this fact or proud? Then an even stranger thing happened. It was like a switch turned off/on inside me. All of a sudden instead of wanting to read about diabolically sexy men, I wanted to write my own story of the building hot romance between a lippy, confident woman and a gorgeously mysterious man.
So began my budding writing career. Then I made another happy discovery—I absolutely love writing and still have a thing for shoes! Since then, my self-published books include A Date with Fate and Courted by Karma in The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod series. The third book in the series, In Love by Design will be released in September 2013.
For those of you who may want to know some pertinent facts: I was born in Indiana to middle-class parents, the third out of five hellions. My mother wanted to go to work every day. I’ve always lived in the Midwest, except for six steamy months in Florida when I was nineteen. Currently, I reside in the suburbs of St. Paul, Minnesota with my family. The college town of Northfield featured in Anabel’s Adventures is just down the road a jaunt.
I love, love, love connecting with readers. Comments, posts, reviews, and emails are always welcome. Follow my blog or like me on Facebook to be aware of events and giveaways, or new books I’m publishing.
Thanks again for reading my books and supporting this indie author!
FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | TWITTER | GOODREADS AUTHOR
AMAZONRELEASE DAY: SEPTEMBER 12, 2013a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Review: Wounded
WOUNDED by Jasinda Wilder: War has taken everything from me. My family. My home. My innocence. In a country blasted by war and wracked by economic hardship, a young orphan girl like me has very few options when it comes to survival. Thus, I do what I must to live, to eat, and I try very hard to not consider the cost to my soul. My heart is empty, and my existence brutal.
The one impossibility in my life is love.
And then I meet HIM.
War is hell. It takes a chunk out of a man's very soul to do the kinds of things war demands of you. You live with fear, you live with guilt, and you live with nightmares. If you haven't been through it, there's no understanding it. War leaves no room for love, no room for tenderness or softness. You gotta be hard, closed off, and ready to fight every moment of every day. Lose focus for a split second, and you're dead.
Now the only thing that can save me is HER.
Whairigail's thoughts: 5 Outstanding, Stunning, Heartbreaking Hearts!
"I feel like everyone who sees me knows what I am. As if it is written on my forehead in bold black ink. Perhaps it is written on my soul, now, and they can see it in my eyes, those windows to my soul"
Wounded is not my kind of book. I hate books about War - for selfish reasons really. I hate knowing that somewhere in this world, people are giving their lives for our country and people living in the crossfire of War. I'd rather not think about it - sorry, but I'm being honest.
I gave this book a go for one reason - I couldn't decide what to read and in a moment of "YOU HAVE A MILLION BOOKS ON YOUR KINDLE, JUST PICK ONE" (being shouted at me from my exasperated partner)- I picked Wounded.
I am SO Glad I did!!
Rania is not living a life - she is surviving. She has lost her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and finally her Brother - all because of War. She is going from day to day, not knowing where her next meal will come from when she stumbles upon someone who will help her - Unfortunately this comes with concequences.
“I am not a woman, I am a thing. An object, a servant for their needs. Sex is a tool.”
Hunter is an American Soldier - he only knows how to be a soldier so he gives it his everything. His complete and utter devotion.
“I'm in battle mode. Shut down. Hard. I'm not Hunter anymore. I'm Lance Corporal Lee, USMC. Semper Fi, bitches.”
Then he meets Rania.
“Her beauty has captured me, imprisoned my capacity for language. All I can do is pay homage to the temple of her body.”
I'm going no further with this story - it is such a stunningly written novel that I feel it is best to go in with your eyes, and your heart, well and truly open.
Give this a try, even if it's not your usual kind of book. I promise you will not be dissappointed.
Jasinda Wilder - You did it again!
Book Review: Love Succumb
LOVE, SUCCUMB by Eve Davids: Two souls …
Destined to be together
But just can’t be …
Eve’s life is going well -A job she enjoys, friends she loves, and a boyfriend who loves her and is dedicated to helping her achieve her end goal: Revenge.
Rene Ackerley happens.
A brilliant, beautiful man who has the world at the tip of his fingers. Money, Power, Respect, he has it all.
At thirty, he is the leader of a world-wide syndicate so powerful that its existence is almost legendary.
He is also the leader of the very men who took everything away from Eve.
The instant their eyes fall on each other, obsession becomes as real as the air they breathe.
They crave each other like drugs. They can’t bear to be apart.
But there is Bash. The man who has been in love with Eve since he was a young boy. She is all he knows. He will rather die or kill than be without her…
TeriLyn's thoughts: ** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Wow. I'm a bit confused. A lot was going on in Love, Succumb and I'm not sure why any of it was. It seemed that almost every chapter there was a question left unanswered. The story was unique and characters were unique, and I think that's because they are such a mystery. Eve is a riddle in and of herself. Her connection and chemistry with Rene is palpable even though they are from complete opposite demographics. Rene sees a challenge in her. He's a control freak and she's uncontrollable. The cliffhanger leaves me more confused than ever. However, even through the confusion my attention was held enough to finish this unique story and also look forward to a second book to hopefully get those questions answered.
September 10, 2013
Blog Tour Giveaway & Review: In the Fields
In the Fields by Willow Aster: 1971 — In the tiny, backward town of Tulma, Tennessee, optimistic, bookish Caroline Carson unwittingly finds herself in the middle of a forbidden romance. Severely neglected by her family and forced to flee Tulma to protect her secrets, Caroline’s young life comes crashing down around her. She finds refuge in a new town, but the past always has a way of stretching around time and stirring up trouble.
When a new love comes into her life, she has to decide if she can give her heart to someone else, or if she will always be tied to someone she can’t have.
Lori's thoughts: I loved the author's voice! This book was very well written and I found myself crying several times. It's hard to imagine Caroline's situation unless you were around during the time that the book is set in. The 70's (and prior) were difficult times for anyone who found themselves in an interracial relationship. I can only imagine it would have been worse in the south. Caroline's dad is an alcoholic. Her mother is a selfish woman who cares little for anyone other than herself. Amazingly, Caroline was able to survive the neglect from absent parents, and other atrocities which I won't get into in my review, as it might be considered "spoilery." This book is proof that the heart knows what the heart wants and there's not much we can do to steer it in different directions, when its mind is made up. I highly enjoyed In The Fields and Willow Aster's writing style and will most likely read other works by this author. Technically, this would probably not be considered a New Adult, but more of a coming of age novel with adult situations.
Paperback/Createspace
Willow Aster contacts:
www.willowaster.com
www.facebook.com/willowasterauthor
www.facebook.com/willow.aster1?fref=ts
www.goodreads.com/author/show/6863360.Willow_Aster
Cover Reveal: Keep You From Harm
Title: Keep You From Harm
Author: Debra Doxer
Expected release: September 27th, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Cover designed by: Okay Creations
Secrets…
They weigh you down. I've kept a secret all my life. It’s my mother’s secret, too. I inherited it from her along with a unique ability that only we possess. She’s gone now, another victim of addiction. If her death isn't enough to bring me to my knees, her betrayal flays me to the bone. Because the secret my mother and I have been keeping is just one of many she’d kept. She never told me I have an older brother. And now he’s here, eager to be my guardian.
There is no one else. So I move across the country to live with this stranger, my brother. But experience has taught me that most situations are temporary and forming attachments only leads to hurt in the end. That’s why I’m determined to keep to myself in this new place, struggling to seem aloof while I’m quietly breaking apart.
Then I meet Lucas…
His magnetism is hard to resist, and most girls at school aren't resisting. I don’t fall so easily though, especially not for guys who use their good looks as a weapon. From the start, our interactions are tense and volatile. I know it’s because I’m denying the unwelcome desire that grips me when he’s near. I think he feels it, too. He looks at me with an intensity that threatens to unhinge my resolve. Soon he’s trying to break through the walls that past hurts have built.
But I’m not what I appear to be, and it wouldn't be fair to get involved with him. At least that’s what I tell myself. Until a terrible act of violence reveals that Lucas has a secret, too. It’s a secret that links us together and ties us to an evil history I never could have imagined.
About the Author
Debra Doxer has always loved to write. She also loves to read, often finishing several books a week. Debra works as a writer in the network and software security field. For fun, she writes fiction novels.
Debra lives with her family outside of Boston and is currently working on her next book.
Blog | Twitter
September 9, 2013
Book Review: Very Bad Things
VERY BAD THINGS by Ilsa Madden-Mills: Born into a life of privilege and secrets, Nora Blakely has everything any nineteen-year-old girl could desire. She’s an accomplished pianist, a Texas beauty queen, and on her way to Princeton after high school. She’s perfect…
Leaving behind her million-dollar mansion and Jimmy Choos, she becomes a girl hell-bent on pushing the limits with alcohol, drugs, and meaningless sex.
Then she meets her soulmate. But he doesn’t want her.
When it comes to girls, twenty-five-year-old Leo Tate has one rule: never fall in love. His gym and his brother are all he cares about...until he meets Nora. He resists the pull of their attraction, hung up on their six year age difference.
As they struggle to stay away from each other, secrets will be revealed, tempers will flare, and hearts will be broken.
Welcome to Briarcrest Academy…where sometimes, the best things in life are Very Bad Things.
Emma's thoughts: 5 Amazing Shining Hearts!
Oh my god, I can't rave about his book enough, it is flippin fantastic! Ilsa’s writing had me hooked, lined and sinkered right from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down, It was getting late on the evening I started it and I just kept thinking aw just one more chapter and about several chapters later I had to put my kindle down and head to bed, needless to say I read this book in a day and even when I wasn't able to read it I was still thinking about it.... totally love it when a book gets me like that!
I’m going to try my best not to write to much detail and spoilers as I don’t want to ruin it for anyone and trust me when I say “You are gonna want to read Very Bad Things”.
Right from the very beginning of this book I felt for Nora and could understand why it would send her off the rails, I really liked her sassiness and ballsy attitude and who would want a family like hers, luckily for her she has a good bestie Mila who stands by her through thick and thin as does her Aunt Portia and then we have Leo Tate.... Oh my, that is one hot book crush right there, he is so HOT that he sizzles and the sexual tension – I could of done with a cold shower and even his little bro Sebastian sounds hot but in a too young way for me, lol. Would quite like Sebastian and Mila too get their own book... sense a slight spark there but could be wrong (hint, hint) ha ha.
All that’s left for me to do is say a huge well done and Congratulations to Ilsa.... you have written one amazing book and thank you for letting me review it :)
