Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 195
August 18, 2013
Amazon Top 20 New Adult Books, August 18, 2013
August 17, 2013
Book Review: Present Perfect
Present Perfect by Alison G. Bailey: Amanda Kelly spent her entire life trying to control every aspect of it, while striving for perfection. Her obsession with being perfect, along with her feelings of worthlessness, consumed her. The one thing she thought was perfect in her life was the bond she shared with her best friend, Noah.
Everything was going according to her life plan until she woke up one day and realized she had fallen in love with him. The one thing she couldn't control was the affect he had on her. Noah had the power to give her one hundred lifetimes of happiness, which also gave him the power to completely devastate her. He was the one thing in her life that was perfect, but she couldn't allow herself to have him.
Her life begins to unravel. Events take over and force her to let go of her dreams and desires. She needs to realize that a person cannot control the events in their life, only their reaction to them...but will it be too late for her to save her relationship with her best friend? Present Perfect is a story of how past events have present consequences and how perfect your present could be if you stopped fighting and just allowed it to happen.
File Size: 2819 KB
Print Length: 422 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1482772973
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00EABIHGE
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled
TeriLyn's thoughts: The heroine in this story drove me absolutely crazy. Back and forth about her feelings, never letting Noah in completely but never completely letting him go. Amanda was a selfish girl then a selfish woman and I never felt a strong connection to her even towards the end when the book got better for me. I never feel like she totally redeems herself. The events that start to make Amanda realize what she has forfeited in her life I have a very strong connection to but she still seemed so selfish to me even years later. Noah was perfect through the entire story. He wore his heart on his sleeve for her. The pushing and pulling of this just didn't work for me. The last several chapters were better for me with the direction they headed but it was a struggle getting there. I rate three stars over two because it was very well written and the ending was good.
Spotlight Saturday: Selena Laurence
Here are 10 random facts about Selena Laurence:
1. I grew up in New Mexico (which is an actual state), and I speak fluent Spanglish.
2. I once had a drunk Cowboy stuff a $100 bill down my shirt at a convention I was working at. My boss said I could keep it since I had to put up with the humiliation.
3. I worked in the United States Senate and I met Teddy Kennedy (he was quite cranky).
4. I own around 800 romance novels (ebooks). I've read them all.
5. When I was 12 I saved a girl's life at summer camp.
6. I hate onions. Like absolutely hate them.
7. I might possibly leave Mr.L if Colin Ferrell asked me to.
8. I was in a Mastercard commercial when I was three years old. It was directed by Toby Hooper who also directed the Texas Chainsaw Massacre movies.
9. I've been a soccer mom for 17 yrs. I'm even cited as a reference in a book for soccer moms.
10. I adore sushi.
And 10 random facts about Hidden (A Hiding From Love Novel):
1. It takes place in Hawaii, but I've never been there :(
2. The original idea for the story came to me in a dream.
3. It was originally called "She Ran."
4. It was my third novel, and it took me 4 months to write.
5. Lyndsey (heroine) tells people she's from Albuquerque, which is where I actually am from.
6. Lyndsey's dog is modeled on my Goldendoodle, Chester, and is named after one of my sons.
7. Mr. L has never read Hidden (or any of my books). But, he helped pick the cover design.
8. Hidden has over 25 really great reviews on Amazon.
9. Hidden is the first book in the Hiding From Love series. The others will be Camouflaged, Concealed, and Buried.
10. The next book in the series is Camouflaged and it will be released in early October.
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August 16, 2013
Spotlight Saturday: DJ Pierson
Here are 10 random facts about DJ Pierson:
1. Reading is my favorite hobby. (Guess that is obvious, huh?) I've gone without sleep and have skipped meals while reading a really good book.
2. The Twilight Series is what got me back into reading in the first place.
3. I was inspired to tell my own story after reading “Thoughtless” by S.C. Stephens. I have a major crush on Kellan Kyle. Seriously.
4. Some people may say sarcasm is my primary language. I’m not sure what they mean by that.
5. I don’t have the heart to think of my book boyfriends as “fictional.” They are very real to me.
6. I have the funniest, most lovable best friends a girl could ask for and I couldn't live without them. Just don’t tell them that. It will go right to their heads.
7. My idea of a fun Saturday night is relaxing outside with good friends, never-ending drinks, and music while the kids run around playing. Man, does that make me sound old…
8. My favorite band is Maroon 5. Well, any band that has Adam Levine as their lead singer would be my favorite band. I absolutely love him! (Yes, my husband is aware of this.)
9. I’ve never thought of writing my own book before. Most interviews I read like this, authors say how they have been writing their whole lives. It never occurred to me until recently. Once I had a professor suggest I take an advanced writing class, but my busy schedule never allowed for it. Maybe I should attempt to take one now??? It’s definitely more fun to write when it’s something you want to write about!
10. Writing this book is the first thing I've really done for myself since having kids. They are nine and seven. It was so much fun, I’m going to have to try it again!
And 10 random facts About Forever Altered:
1. Forever Altered was just supposed to be a short story for my friends. I have pushy friends who told me to write more and publish it. (Thanks Girls!)
2. I love dipping pretzels in cookies-n-cream ice cream just as much as Alyssa does!
3. Cell Bio was truly the only class I ever had trouble with in my life! I hated that class!
4. My BFF’s husband helped me pick Rocco’s car. I honestly know nothing about cars.
5. I wrote in the Philadelphia Phillies because they really are my favorite team. I always read about their rivals in other books. They deserve to be mentioned for a change!!
6. The CD Alyssa listens to on her way home is “Overexposed.” Did I mention I love Maroon 5?
7. While I was writing this book, I had a few friends reading it. They kept threatening me Kathy Bates/Misery style if it didn't end the way they wanted it to. Some friends, right??
8. I used my birthday in the book just because I could. March 13. Alyssa tells Rocco he had three minutes and thirteen seconds to spare in Chapter 15.
9. When Alyssa is babysitting the twins, the movie they watch is Toy Story. When my daughter started school, my son and I would watch it over and over again. I used to hear Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato Head and the whole gang in my sleep!
10. The title Forever Altered came about by accident. I was texting with a friend one day when I told her something left me forever altered. She said “that’s a good title for a book.” It couldn't have been more appropriate for many characters in the story.
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Book Review: Thoughtless
Thoughtless by SC Stephens: For almost two years now, Kiera’s boyfriend, Denny, has been everything she’s ever wanted: loving, tender, and endlessly devoted to her. When they head off to a new city to start their lives together—Denny at his dream job and Kiera at a top-notch university—everything seems perfect. Then an unforeseen obligation forces the happy couple apart. Feeling lonely, confused, and in need of comfort, Kiera turns to an unexpected source—a local rock star named Kellan Kyle. At first, he’s purely a friend she can lean on, but as her loneliness grows, so does their relationship. And then one night everything changes . . . and none of them will ever be the same.
File Size: 1170 KB
Print Length: 366 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 146109111X
Publisher: Gallery Books; Reprint edition (August 16, 2012)
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
Language: English
ASIN: B008Y405NG
Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled
Whairigail's thoughts: Ok. It's been 4 days and I'm STILL trying to untangle my thought and feelings on this one. That alone has bumped the star rating up a bit - I keep telling myself something about this book got to me and kept me entranced...only an epic author can do that!
My overall feeling throughout this book was FRUSTRATION. Complete and utter, screaming at my kindle, stamping my feet, Frustration.
Let me try and go from the beginnning.
Kiera moves across the US to allow her partner Denny to work his dream internship at an Ad agency - he is originally from Australia and has the sweetest accent (In my head anyway!). Denny adores Kiera...
"You're my heart, Kiera"
Denny is sexy, loving, caring, adoring, careful and safe. I think in the beginning I may have been in love with him.
Then he got an amazing work opportunity and left. Gone. Just like that.
Ok, ok, it may not have been exactly like that. He left for 2 months and Kiera felt like her heart had been ripped out.
“He said I was his heart, and you don’t leave your heart behind. You can’t live without your heart.”
So what did she do? Well, only what any normal young girl would do in that situation...
SHE. GOT. DRUNK.
VERY. VERY. DRUNK.
Unfortunately, this involved Kellan Kyle getting drunk with her.
Kellan.
Oh Kellan.
Kellan Kyle.
Kellan Sex-God Kyle.
Kellan Rock-Star Kyle.
Kellan Bed-Head-Hair Kyle.
Kellan Beautiful-Voice Kyle.
Kellan Funny Kyle.
Kellan Caring Kyle.
Kellan Hurt Kyle.
Kellan "Mine" Kyle.
Need I go on???I tend not to use castings in my reviews but I can't not use these pictures...look how gorgeous!
Oh Kellan is just Sex-On-Legs. Up there with the top book boyfriends of the New Adult world (Think Will, Holder, Liam, Trace, Connor, Travis etc). He is well and truly Swoon-Worthy.
You can pretty much guess what happens when our lovely Lead Characters get drunk, I don't need to spell it out for you. So it gets a little messy when Denny appears back home.
And so begins the indecision.
Oh GOD the INDECISION...I wanted to take Kiera and SHAKE SOME SENSE INTO THE GIRL!! She is the only reason this book is not getting 5 stars from me. She is just INFURIATING.
Every other thought that went through that stupidly naive girl's head went something like this:
“love doesnt exactly come with an off switch”
Girl...get over it!! For goodness sakes, they are both Amazing men and YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTH OF THEM...IT'S NOT FAIR!
The comedy factor in this book was brilliant - Griffin and Kiera's Sister are hilarious!
“When life throws yumminess in your lap, take a whiff. And if necessary, a lick or two.”
I was addicted to this (very long 503 page) book from about 20% - I was listening on Audio Book whilst I was driving about and to be honest, most of the time I actually wanted to get in the car just so I could listen to some more but Kiera's immaturity took a 0.5 Star from me - it was getting ridiculous towards the 75%-85% mark.
Luckily, S C Stephens pulled it back from the brink with the ending but I will definately need to give myself more time to work up to Effortless and Reckless as I don't think I can take the tension!
Brilliant writing style, excellently portrayed characters and an addicting storyline - A Big 4.5 Hearts from me.
August 15, 2013
Cover Reveal: Strangers
Strangers by A.L. Parks
Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancée on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce.
Good Choice Reading is currently organizing a blog tour for Strangers, and could use some more bloggers willing to review for the tour! The tour will run from September 6th - 19th. Time is running out, so if you're interested in participating, please sign up HERE, as soon as possible.
Cover to Cover Designs
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Cover Reveal: Ninety Eight
Ninety Eight by Shannon Mayer:
Speed Limits
Lottery Tickets
Elevator Buttons
Numbers are everywhere—they play such a vital role in our everyday lives. But what would happen if we measured love with equations just as we do our morning cup of coffee? My nana had many recipes in her cupboards, but it was her calculations for love that she insisted I live my life by; and I’ve followed her rules all these years.
One Animal
One Moment
One Critical Impact
That’s all it took for the numbers to start flying in a jumbled mess through my brain as I stared into the violet eyes that would forever make me question my choices. In a split second, the possibilities and reality of true love are revealed and I’m questioning all I’ve ever known.
A Tree
White Fences
Stolen Moments
I can’t ignore the storm brewing around—and within—me. Everything I am is confronted by these new numbers, and all they represent. My past, present and future will all be determined by the gambles I make right here, right now. Again, it's all about the numbers.
And what I’m learning is, one plus one doesn’t always equal two and sometimes three times isn’t always the charm.
Title: Ninety Eight
Author: Shannon Mayer
Expected release date: October 17, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult/Adult
Cover designed by: Damon Za
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Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her.She is the author of the The Nevermore Trilogy; a romantic suspense series, The Rylee Adamson Novels; a paranormal urban fantasy romance series, A Celtic Legacy; an urban fantasy romance series and High Risk Love; the first new adult romance novel in The Risk Series. Her newest romance, Ninety Eight; a contemporary new adult romance, is scheduled for release in October of 2013.
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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Tears of Tess
Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters: A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.
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“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.
Then it all changed.
I was sold.”
Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.
For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.
But lusty paradise is shattered.
Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.
Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.
Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?
Tears of Tess by Pepper Winters
Publication date: September 6th 2013
Genre: New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance
An avid devourer of sexy romance and angsty New Adult.
Nothing beats lolling in a bubble bath with her array of book boyfriends.
Her two titles: Tears of Tess and Broken Chance are coming soon.
Author links:Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter
PROLOGUETEARS OF TESSCopyright PEPPER WINTERSFOR Xpresso Tours Blitz(unedited)
Three little words.If anyone asked what I was most afraid of, what terrified me, stole my breath, and made my life flicker before my eyes, I would say three little words. How could my perfect life plummet so far into hell? How could my love for Brax twist so far into unfixable? The black musty hood over my head suffocated thoughts, and I sat with hands bound behind my back. Twine rubbed my wrists with hungry stringed teeth, ready to bleed me dry in this new existence. Noise. The cargo door of the airplane opened and footsteps thudded toward us. My senses were dulled, muted by the black hood; my mind ran amok with terror-filled images. Would I be raped? Mutilated? Would I ever see Brax again? Male voices argued, and someone wrenched my arm upright. I flinched, crying out, earning a fist to my belly.Tears streamed down my face. The first tears I shed, but definitely not the last. This was my new future. Fate threw me to the bastards of Hades. “That one.”My stomach twisted, threatening to evict empty contents. Oh God. Three little words:
I was sold.
GIVEAWAYS:
One (1) ebook copy of Tears of Tess. Open internationally. Prizes will be sent out the week of October 7th.
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One paperback copy of Tears of Tess (INTL)
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Book Review: Unteachable
Unteachable by Leah Raeder: I met him at a carnival, of all corny places. The summer I turned eighteen, in that chaos of neon lights and cheap thrills, I met a man so sweet, so beautiful, he seemed to come from another world. We had one night: intense, scary, real. Then I ran, like I always do. Because I didn't want to be abandoned again.
But I couldn't run far enough.
I knew him as Evan that night. When I walked into his classroom, he became Mr. Wilke.
My teacher.
I don't know if what we're doing is wrong. The rules say one thing; my heart says screw the rules. I can't let him lose his job. And I can't lose him.
In the movies, this would have a happy ending. I grow up. I love, I lose, I learn. And I move on. But this is life, and there's no script. You make it up as you go along.
And you don't pray for a happy ending. You pray for it to never end.
File Size: 439 KB
Print Length: 268 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Velvet Pony Press (July 26, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00E6VENSE
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled
Lori's thoughts: Unputdownable. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My head is spinning. I literally just finished reading this book. It was seriously, unputdownable. I know when I started reading the book, I thought, "oh God, please don't let him be a creepy, older man with pedophile tendencies." He -- Evan -- was not that character. Leah's writing ripped me in two and barely put me back together again before the ending of the book. Books like these are why I read. Books like these are why I write. I feel a little bit like the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz after a bucket of water was thrown on her. I am melting. I went through the gamut of emotions while reading Unteachable. Maise is wise beyond her years, not some immature, eighteen-year-old with a crush on teacher. The passion and tension inside this book was palpable, full of beautifully written words, humor, and pure love mixed with love. I am so glad the book ended the way it did and couldn't imagine it ending any other way. I don't want more Evan and Maise. Oh God now. My tortured heart could not bear to read any more about them. I'm not saying this in a bad way. I could re-read this book over and over, instead. For me to say that, you have to believe, this is an epic read. I do not, repeat, do NOT, ever, re-read books. I can think of only two that have made me feel like doing so. Several scenes in the book take place in St. Louis, and I was surprised to find that Ms. Raeder lives in Chicago instead. :)
August 14, 2013
Book Blitz & Giveaway: Forget Me Not
Lily had a crush on her brother's best friend, Derek for years - which led to their steamy night ten months ago in her bedroom. Now, Lily is going off to college and she and Derek are still going strong. However, when school starts, she realizes it's hard to maintain a relationship while also trying to live her own life. She and Derek find themselves falling apart and Lily has no idea where to turn.
Enter Jack. Everything about him is wrong for Lily and she knows it, but she can't stop herself from being attracted to him. When things implode with Derek, it's Jack who is there to pick up the pieces - and show Lily an entirely new set of experiences she didn't know she was missing.
Of course, Jack has his own problems and once Lily gets to know him better, she starts to wonder if she can handle all of Jack. When Derek reappears on the scene, Lily is forced to decide between two guys and herself. Can she find herself without losing the people who matter in the process?
**New Adult Contemporary Romance. Due to language & sexual content, this book is recommended for readers 17 & older**
Sarah Daltry writes erotica and romance. She's never happy staying in one place. Sarah spent a lot of time in school between college and nearly eight full years of grad school. One of these days, she’s convinced she will make some use of all those impractical classes. When she isn't writing, she's usually looking for new and creative ways to waste time. Right now, those include shooting virtual monsters on Xbox, searching the internet for cat pictures, and watching terrible reality TV.
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