Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 192
August 25, 2013
Book Review: Up In Flames
Up In Flames by Nicole Williams: One smokejumper with a dark past.
One small town girl with a bright future.
One summer that will forever change them both.
They're going . . .
UP IN FLAMES
Elle’s life couldn’t possibly get any more small town. She was raised in the same home as the two generations before her were, her family owns the iconic downtown cafe, and she’s been dating the pastor’s son since she was allowed to go on her first date at sixteen.
Cole’s life couldn’t possibly get any larger. He’s tried. Roaming from town to town for the past three summers as a smokejumper, Cole dreads the thought of putting down roots. The only thing he avoids more than that is settling down with one woman, especially when there are as many willing women as there are trees in the forest he jumps out of planes to save.
Elle Montgomery’s life is going one way. And Cole Carson’s is going the opposite. There’s no reason their paths should ever intersect, even in a small town in central Washington.
But summer in the Methow Valley has other plans for Elle and Cole. After an awkward run-in at the local swimming hole, Elle tries to keep away from the guy who looks at her like she’s already lying beneath him in bed. She fails. Cole is about as successful at staying away from the girl who seems immune to his charms.
As the summer heats up, and tensions between Elle and Cole run high, he begins to realize there’s more he’s attracted to than Elle’s body, and she discovers there’s a lot more to the man that jumps out of planes into raging forest fires than meets the eye.
UP IN FLAMES is a New Adult Romance intended for mature readers due to steamy content and saucy language.
File Size: 525 KB
Print Length: 209 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00AQU7FTS
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
Kath's thoughts: Nicole William’s Up in Flames is a story about a ‘goody two shoes’ girl who fell in love with a guy that wasn’t exactly a perfect ‘match’ for her. But sometimes being good isn’t who we really are, sometimes we follow to our inner rebel and that was exactly what Elle Montgomery did.But it is not easy with finding her true self if everybody in a small town expects her to do the right thing. And it’s just complicated to avoid the attraction when Cole and Elle first met at her grandma’s private swimming hole especially when she already has a boyfriend.
And then there’s Cole. Cole is in town for his job as a smoke jumper (yes ladies! Smoke jumper! That’s just oh so hot right?Smokin’ H-O-T) Cole has been living the dangerous life and has some dark past in his life and just so brave to live with it through.
The story has educated me about the work of a smoke jumper. I seriously didn't know anything about how their works were done.Up in flames is a story you’ll find steamy. Yes! Nicole William’s did it again.Find out how Cole and Elle got through those flames.So how can Elle be able to find her true self? What does she really want to happen with her life? How they've helped each other find their true self. They may not be a perfect match. But I guess in this story “Opposites do attract.”
Book Review: Providence
Providence by Jamie McGuire: In the old world shadows of Providence, Rhode Island, Nina Grey finds herself the center of a war between Hell and Earth.
Struggling with her father’s recent death, Nina meets Jared Ryel by chance…or so she believes. Although his stunning good looks and mysterious talents are a welcome distraction, it soon becomes clear that Jared knows more about Nina than even her friends at Brown University. When questions outnumber answers, Jared risks everything to keep the woman he was born to save—by sharing the secret he was sworn to protect.
When her father’s former associates begin following her in the dark, Nina learns that her father is not the man she thought he was, but a thief who stole from demons. Searching for the truth behind her father’s death, Nina stumbles upon something she never expected—something Hell wants—and only she holds the key.
File Size: 579 KB
Print Length: 484 pages
Publisher: Jamie McGuire; 3 edition (January 13, 2011)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B004JKMT2Y
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
Kath's thoughts: Hi readers! If you are expecting that this is just another erotic romance, steamy kind of new adult novel, it is NOT. It is actually a paranormal, supernatural, romance one. Yes! I am talking about Angels and Demons here.The story is about a simple, normal, college girl from Brown, Nina Grey. Everything for her was just a normal life until it changed after her father’s death. She met a guy who turns out to be her bodyguard, Jared Ryel. Whose goal was to protect her until his last breath but it also became complicated for him to protect Nina as her bodyguard when he’s in love with her and has a secret about his personality, of what he is, or his real purpose to protect Nina. But no matter what, love is much stronger than some secrets, some order and some rules, more than anything. So not to spoil the story’s secrets find out how Nina’s father messed the whole thing up, that made it all complicated to live a normal life once again. Now I’m about to read book 2 Requiem.
Book Review: Three Years Later
Three Years Later (In Too Deep) by Casey McMillin: The last thing Rachel Coleman wanted to do the summer before her senior year was go on a family vacation to Disneyland. The first thing she did when she got there, however, was run headlong into her happily ever after. Unfortunately for her, the guy was way out of her league.
Collin Blake, along with the rest of his college swim team, was just visiting Los Angeles for a few days. It was something the U Cal swimmers did every year. Falling in love definitely wasn't on his list things to do while he was there.
Is love at first sight even possible?
Collin and Rachel thought so. They had an instant connection... right up to the point when Rachel disappeared.
Can they pick up where they left off even though it’s... Three Years Later
File Size: 376 KB
Print Length: 256 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0989343103
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00CLLMLXA
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
TeriLyn's thoughts: Collin and Rachel's story was really good. They fell hard and really, really fast but it worked. I liked the urgency in their relationship and the passion that came with it. Collin was really cute in Vegas when he was looking for Rachel. He knew what he wanted and did the right thing before pursuing it. Rachel became confident and assured of her feelings and really owned them. They were both so sure of each other that their decisions felt real to me. It was quite romantic. There is no major drama in this book which I really enjoyed. It was a nice break from all the angst I've been reading. Three Years Later is a feel good read about two people who were meant to find each other and be together.
Book Review: From Now Until Infinity
From Now Until Infinity (Infinity Series) by Layne Harper: Eight years have passed since Colin and Caroline “Charlie” ended their college romance. A chance meeting reunited them confirming that time had not diminished their love for each other. Now, they have to turn their passionate reunion into a legitimate and sustainable relationship. Charlie’s medical practice is in Houston. Colin is the starting quarterback for Dallas. Distance is not the only obstacle to their happiness. There’s Colin’s (maybe?) ex-girlfriend, entertainment reporter Sasha Stone, who’s granted the first ever tell-all interview about Colin’s personal life. There’s Charlie’s father who is part owner of their medical practice and blames Colin for Charlie’s battle with an eating disorder. What about the demands of the media and Colin’s rabid fans? “From Now Until Infinity” continues the journey of Colin and Charlie that began, ended, and began again in “Falling Into Infinity.”
File Size: 412 KB
Print Length: 207 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00EJMQW4S
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
TeriLyn's thoughts: I enjoyed reading book two of the infinity series. Colin and Charlie are great characters. The navigation of their relationship after being separated for so long was both easy and difficult to read. There were several times when I wanted to slap Charlie with all her 'what ifs'. I felt Colin was so confident in her she should have lost all uncertainty. It wasn't until later in the book that began to really understand why she questioned everything. The breaking point when she becomes strong and confident was great. I was thrilled when Colin finally took a leap of faith. That's the only time I felt Colin's vulnerability and it was just what Charlie needed. They finally pulled the last straw and ultimately understood each other. I'm excited to get more of their story.
Book Review: Ruin
Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken: I'm not your typical girl. I've been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness...until Wes Michels offered to be my light.
I didn't know that time wasn't my ally -- that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer--each moment as it came--but it would never be enough.
Sometimes when you think it's the end, it's only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn't--I wouldn't ever be the same.
And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.
File Size: 405 KB
Print Length: 250 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1492121169
Publisher: Rachel Van Dyken (August 11, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00EH3EIFO
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
TeriLyn's thoughts: Everyone read this book. I learned of it from a fellow GR friend and had to read it. I woke this morning and had the whole morning to myself. Needless to say I devoured Ruin. It's a powerful story of discovery, faith, love, and healing. It's quite innocent and that made it all the more enjoyable and real for these two characters. Wes and Kiersten found their soul mates in each other. I laughed, their banter was fantastic. I cried, it was emotional not just the meant to be emotional stuff, but the mushy stuff too. Wes was so romantic and expressive. He had nothing to lose and proved it over and over. Kiersten was my favorite kind of heroine. Broken yet still possessing so much strength and fortitude; she just needed her counterpart to help her find it within herself. When she blossoms and that strength shines you really get a sense of her growth and confidence. Wes certainly provoked that from Kiersten. He got her to break out of her shell. The secondary characters were awesome too. Gabe was my favorite. He was there for both Kiersten and Wes. His presence in their lives becomes crucial to each of them. I felt a huge connection to this story for reasons personal to me. It has easily made my favorites list. A must read. Rachel Van Dyken created two very real and special characters in Wes & Kiersten. She was able to wrap me up in their world with her beautiful writing all the while cheering for their love and the future they could be robbed of.
Book Review: Documentary
Documentary by AJ Sand: Dylan Carroll, an ambitious college student filmmaker still reeling from the death of her brother, may have just stumbled onto the opportunity of a lifetime.
Musician Kai White is in the middle of a public relations nightmare, and he may be keeping a secret that could turn things around. His manager/publicist wants to create a web series aimed at cleaning up his image. There's also a promising offer at stake if Dylan can abide by the rule of staying strictly professional, and if she can figure out what Kai is hiding.
But Kai and Dylan already have an undeniable connection, and when they are together, they discover that rules are pretty easy to break. It's battling your own demons that's much, much harder.
As Dylan gets deeper into Kai's world, capturing his life on film, she'll learn that some secrets are so big, they are kept even at the expense of a career.
And that a person's story is often nothing like it appears from the outside.
440 PAGES.
NOTE: This book's content is unsuitable for readers under age 17. Contains sexual situations, language and violence.
File Size: 623 KB
Print Length: 335 pages
Publisher: A.J. Sand (January 26, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00B6N9A4M
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
TeriLyn's thoughts: Finished Documentary tonight and I LOVED it! It wasn't at all what I was expecting when I first started it. The two main characters were complex, romantic, and fascinating.
Dylan was a great heroine. She was damaged and numb to living her life after tragedy became her. The moments where we get to see her let loose are my favorites. She cares passionately for Kai and deals throughout the story on how to navigate those feelings. And let’s face it...who doesn't love a girl who when she's sad eats chocolate and watches Troop Beverly Hills in her hotel room?
Kai is perfect. He's a mystery for a good part of the story which makes him that much more appealing. He's romantic and passionate and completely misunderstood and INTENSE. He's saving Dylan without either of them even realizing it I think. Kai's constantly chasing after Dylan because he's found the one girl who knows his darkness but makes him see the light anyway.
The supporting characters were awesome too. I love when characters are a big happy family. Dylan's transition into their group was seamless and just what she needed. Her banter with some of the boys in Kai's group is quite entertaining. I liked how Winslow and Kate were her steady rock, her constant just as Kai's friends were for him.
Read this book!
Book Review: Reckless Abandon
Reckless Abandon (November Blue, #2) by Andrea Randall: This is the second book in the November Blue series.
November Harris is lost. After a failed romance with musician Bo Cavanaugh, Ember is left struggling to regain her true self. The problem is, Bo won’t go away and Ember's stance is firm—she doesn't want him back.
Adrian Turner, Ember's ex-boyfriend-turned confidant, is patient with her heartbreak, but he can't hold back his own feelings forever.
As she sorts through her past, in an effort to plan a solid future, Ember will find that sometimes even the best laid plans bow to the soul's desire for reckless abandon.
File Size: 533 KB
Print Length: 248 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1481866869
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00BQYNNE4
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
TeriLyn's thoughts: Reckless Abandon was just as good as Ten Days of Perfect. The November Blue Series is now one of my favorites. This author knows how to write heart break and angst.
The journey that November takes through this book is quite fulfilling for the reader. I feel she is ready for the next step she chose in her life. She finally realized, without a doubt, what she wants and needs. Adrian Turner wasn't my favorite part of that growth but I understand his purpose in that transition. Bo is just as swoon-worthy in this albeit in a different way. Great series, a must read!
Cover Reveal & 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?
COVER DESIGN
The book cover for Crossroads was designed by Kari Ayasha at Cover to Cover Designs. Find her @ Facebook
BOOK TITLE Crossroads (Finding My Way, book two)
AUTHOR Megan Keith
GENRE New Adult Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE 13 September, 2013
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.Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
GIVEAWAY
There is a Rafflecopter giveaway to celebrate the cover reveal for Crossroads. It begins at 12:00 AM AEST 26th of August and ends at 12:00 PM AEST 31st of August. It is open internationally.
Prizes 2 x $10 Amazon Gift Cards5 x Finding My Way ebooks
a Rafflecopter giveaway
FINDING MY WAY SALE
August 23, 2013
Spotlight Saturday: AL Parks
Here are 10 random facts about AL Parks:
1. A.L. Parks is a pen name for my contemporary romance novels.
2. I have lived in nine states.
3. I live outside Washington D.C.
4. I am a HUGE Detroit Red Wings fan. GO WINGS!
5. For a Virgo, I am unusually disorganized – and my house is a mess.
6. Daniel Craig is on my list…and my husband is well aware.
7. This is my second career. My first was in law.
8. I am the only girl among my siblings. Huge Daddy’s girl.
9. I want to be successful just so I can own a garage full of fast cars.
10. I am addicted to coffee.
And 10 random facts about Strangers:
1. It is releasing on my 45th birthday.
2. It is my debut novel.
3. It takes place in NYC, but I have never been there.
4. It originated from a prompt challenge, turned into a short story, and now a full length novel.
5. I have added a third of the book in the last week.
6. One of the pieces of art discussed in the book was created by my super-talented daughter.
7. One of the characters is named after another daughter.
8. There is a part that I was encouraged to take out because it was “too creepy” but I am keeping it in. Cause I’m a rebel like that…HA!
9. I went through several variations of the cover before I finally turned it over to a professional…and boy was it worth it!! It is GORGEOUS!
10. My next book, The Return, is set to release on November 1st. It is set in Colorado, and takes place over Christmas and new year’s.
Cover Reveal: Stealing Promises
Title: Stealing PromisesAuthor: Brina CourtneyGenre: New Adult Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: September 26, 2013Book Blurb:What if love was like gasoline? Light a match and become engulfed in it's flame.
Chase Harper is a little bit of a bad boy, but he's good for Hannah and she knows it. Their childhood crush quickly ignites into attraction and takes over their entire lives. But when disaster strikes, what can Hannah do to keep her world from falling into the darkness? Her life could fall apart at any moment, just one match and everything goes up in the blaze.
Don't get too close to the flame, or you're bound to get burned.
About Brina Courtney
Brina Courtney is a young adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She's spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs.
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