Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 197

Author Interview: Lori L. Clark

SRNA: What gave you the inspiration to write I BREATHE YOU?
LLC: I don't know if it was so much an inspiration as it was a seed of an idea. I had read the YA book, Speechless by Hannah Harrington, where a girl's mouth gets her into trouble, so she takes a vow of silence and learns a lot about herself in the process. I thought, what if a person's livelihood depended on being about to speak (sing) and it was taken away, permanently. Things just evolved from there.

SRNA: Do you have any writing rituals?
LLC: Not typically. Right now, I have more of a schedule. In order for my book to be ready for the editor by October, I'm "making" myself right at least 1k words a day, and if I don't, I have to write more the next day. So far, 1k words a day hasn't been that hard. I tend to be a little "wordy." :)

SRNA: Which character are you most similar to and why?
LLC: I think, honestly, there's a little bit of my personality in each of the four major characters. But mostly, I think I'd be most like Rhane, with her sarcastic, spur-of-the-moment wit.

SRNA: What do you love most about the story?
LLC: Two broken characters coming together in a slow burn that builds. They're not in it to fix one another. I don't care for stories with insta-love, but I do enjoy reading (and writing) about insta-attraction.

SRNA: What was your biggest challenge when writing it?
LLC: Staying true to the storyline of Rhane not being able to speak above a whisper was sometimes challenging. When she wanted to yell or even just carry on a conversation in a situation where it would be difficult for her to be heard. I had to remember that she wasn't able to communicate by normal means.

SRNA: Who are some of your favorite New Adult authors/stories?
LLC: Many. :) Katja Millay wrote one of the most touching books I've read in a long time, "The Sea of Tranquility." Of course, I admire Colleen Hoover, Jessica Sorenson, KA Tucker, Summer Walden, and there are more that are just coming onto the scene: Elizabeth Famous and Leah Raeder come to mind. The list is endless, really!

SRNA: Do you have any advice for new authors?
LLC: Read a lot. Venture out of your comfort zone while reading new books and authors. Write a book that you'd want to read. And last, but most importantly, find yourself and editor. You might think you can't afford an editor...but truly, you can't afford not to have one. Hiring an editor was the best thing I could have done to better myself.

SRNA: Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know.
LLC: I grew up in a small town in Iowa and graduated from school in a town where Herbert Hoover's birth place and presidential museum is.

SRNA: What is your favorite quote?
LLC: I have several favorite quotes in general...but there's one from a Motley Crue song that I have tattoo'd on my leg. "My heart's like an open book, for the whole world to read."

SRNA: Any exciting or upcoming news that you would like to share?
LLC: I'm busy working on book #2 in the Breathe series which is being told from Ian's POV. And I've got another idea on scraps of paper for the next book right after that! Busy, busy! In a good way. Oh! And I'm always stalking gingers -- looking for THE "Ian" to be on my next book cover.

Book Review: Off Course

Off Course (Off series, #4) by Sawyer Bennett: Renner Caldwell has her life perfectly mapped out. She has the ideal relationship, the perfect job and all is right in her world. When a shameful turn of events happens, she boards the first plane bound for Ireland to lick her wounds and get her head back on straight.

Cillian O’Braidagh is the sexy, front man to the Irish rock band, Over The Edge. His rising fame and sultry voice make him every woman’s fantasy come true. Not to mention his single-minded determination. To put it simply: what Cillian wants, Cillian always gets. And he wants Renner, because there’s just something about the flame-haired beauty he has to possess.

If their relationship was just about sex and rock n’ roll, it would be easy for them to get lost in their desires. Only their relationship is anything but a hook-up. Will lies, deceit and hidden tragedy get in the way, making the path to true love uncertain? Or will the girl whose been knocked Off Course, find her footing with the man who is teaching her it’s okay to lose control?
File Size: 376 KB
Print Length: 212 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Big Dog Books, LLC (August 2, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00EBEFDXA
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled

Whairigail's thoughts: Off Course is the 4th in the Off Series by Sawyer Bennett and can be read in sequence or as a stand alone.

Ok, time for a bit of background information on our lead Character and how she ties in with the others in the Off Series:

Renner is Flynn's Brother
Renner and Flynn's Cousins are Lincon (Book 2) and Nixon (Book 3)
Lincon play Hockey and his Team mate is Ryan (Book 1)
Flynn's story will be (Book 4) and the final installment

Right, confusing bit over, lets tell some of Renner & Cillian's story...

*Warning: Ladies, prepare to Swoon and drop your panties for Cillian!*

Renner meets Cillian when she is 17 and spending time in Ireland with her Family. They share a passionate moment, sensual and touching, then nothing. Renner goes back to New Jersey and Cillian rises to Rock Star Fame.

Renner is hiding out in Ireland because she has lost her job with an airline. There is more to this story but you can read about it when you buy the book. She gets an apartment and a job at her Uncle Keefe's popular bar in the centre of Dublin and everything is coasting along quite fine.

Until Cillian O'Bradaigh.

Cillian is the lead singer of Over The Edge, a rock band originating from Dublin, Ireland. Cillian is just delicious. Tattooed, pierced, muscly and demanding. I swear, I was dreaming of his lip-rings for a good few nights after I finished this book! Never found them sexy before, but now, I would LOVE to kiss them.

Over and Over and Over.

"Cillian leans in closer so he's wispering, clearly not wanting the others to hear. "First, I'm not pestering you. I'm trying to make it clear that I want to fuck you into oblivion. Second, there is no other woman that I'm interested in. Clear enought for you?""

Cady is Renner's Cousin and Cady's best friend is Teagan. These two are joined at the hip and their comedy could rival Laurel and Hardy. They provided the comedy factor!

""Then let's come back here to your place after and disclose all of our dirty, sexy secrets" Teagan chimes in. "I had a hot date last weekend with one of my co-workers and he was hung like a race horse. I can't wait to tell you about it""
I absolutely love this series - 5 Hearts!

Cannot wait on Book 5!!

Amazon Top 20 New Adult Books, August 11, 2013

Amazon's bestselling New Adult books. 

I've decided to list the top 49 + a wishful addition. *grins*
As always, thank you for your continued support -- and remember your purchases from our little Amazon "store" help fund future giveaways. I smell a 1000 likes on Facebook giveaway coming, don't you?
XoXo

Book Review: The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window

The Boy Who Sneaks in My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley: Amber Walker and her older brother, Jake, have an abusive father. One night her brother's best friend, Liam, sees her crying and climbs through her bedroom window to comfort her. That one action sparks a love/hate relationship that spans over the next eight years.

Liam is now a confident, flirty player who has never had a girlfriend before. Amber is still emotionally scarred from the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. Together they make an unlikely pair.

Their relationship has always been a rocky one, but what happens when Amber starts to view her brother's best friend a little differently? And how will her brother, who has always been a little overprotective, react when he finds out that the pair are growing closer? Find out in The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window.
File Size: 530 KB
Print Length: 246 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B007Z0ONME
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled

Whairigail's thoughts: *5 Outstanding Hearts*

"He turned to me, and do you know what he said to me ? He said in a deadly serious tone, 'Momma, am I dead?' And I said 'no honey, you're not dead', and he shook his head, looking all confused about something. Then he pointed to you dancing and said, 'if I'm not dead, then why is there an Angel in our house.'"

This is my Favourite Book. Ever. Well...my Favourite YA novel anyway. I have lots of favourite books but this is my FAVOURITE FAVOURITE!

Kirsty Moseley is an amazing author - This was the first ever book of hers I picked up and I'll shamefully admit that it was the cover that sucked me in *Hangs head in Shame*. However, was it not for my want of an aesthetically pleasing cover, I would never have stumbled upon this gem of a book.

This starts off quite unbelievably - a boy sneaks in his neighbours window every night for almost 10 years and NEVER gets caught? Hmmm, not buying it. Ladies and Gents - GET PAST IT, allow yourself to be a fantasist for a few hundred pages, because once you let youself into Amber and Liam's world, you will fall head over heels in love with them and their families.

I'm a big believer in telling people how I felt reading a book rather than the story so here goes, I'll try to unjumble my emotions for a few minutes and put them down on paper...
Happy
Tearful
Hurt
Loved
Young
Too old for my years
Pretty
Sexy
Ugly
Adored
Hated
Heart broken
Empty
Fulfilled
And finally...Mushy(!)
I know all of the above are contradictions but that is how good this book is - it takes you places you never thought you would want to go.
If ratings went any higher, this would get 100+ Hearts.

Book Review: That Boy

That Boy by Jillian Dodd: You know, being friends with two cute boys does have its benefits.

There's Danny. Danny is a golden boy in every way. He has dreamy blue eyes and blonde hair that always looks perfect, even when it’s windblown or been stuck under a football helmet. He’s the boy every girl crushes on. The boy I get into trouble with, the boy I fight with, the hot quarterback no girl can resist, not even me. Being with Danny is like being on an adventure. He has a bright, contagious smile and abs to die for. He’s pretty much irresistible.

Equally crush worthy is Phillip. Adorable, sweet Phillip, who I have known since birth. Phillip has dark hair, a perfect smile, brown eyes, and the sexiest voice I have ever heard. He’s the boy I talk to every night before I go to sleep. The boy who rescues me, the boy who can read my mind, the boy who is always there for me, the boy who tries to keep me out of trouble, the boy who irritatingly keeps getting hotter, and whose strong arms always seem to find their way around me. And when he gives me that grin, I can never say no.

One boy will give me my very first kiss.
One boy will teach me to make out.
One boy will take me to prom.
And finally, one boy will ask me to marry him.
They will both be my best friends.
But only one of them will be the boy I fall in love with.
Only one of them is That Boy.
File Size: 1773 KB
Print Length: 302 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B004Z1DBG0
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled

Whairigail's thoughts: **4 Hearts**

After reading darker books, I have kind of shied away from Chick-Lit - thinking they're all too cheesy/sickly sweet for me. That Boy was recommended to me and I thought I might as well give it a go. So glad I did!

Jillian Dodd rocks my reading socks!

The book is written in a diary style, beginning with the end - Jayden (JJ) Reynolds "moment of impact". It then rewinds to tell the beautiful story of these 3 adoreable characters.

Jillian's writing is witty, believable, realistic and filled with humorous one liners but this is not a typical love triangle. JJ, Philip & Danny's story is handled with such passion, care and understanding that you fall in love with each of them over and over again.
“I haven't met anyone that made me want to stay with them, more than I wanted to go and rescue you.”
“That's it! Victoria's Secret and I are through!”
“Matt is grinning at me like I'm the new Christmas toy he really wanted, but can't play with yet because he hasn't read the instructions.”

Be prepared to have an "OH MY GOODNESS" moment at the first big "event" (20% ish). I was breaking my heart with big, fat wet tears falling down my face.

A great read and the rest of the series is on my top-to-be-read list.

Book Review: The Parts I Remember

The Parts I Remember by AK Mills: Act first. Think never. Remember nothing.

Welcome to Kelly Rockport’s existence at Haysville University, where responsibility is just an elective. After all, fake IDs, alter egos, and one-night stands are all part of the college experience, right? So what if she blacks out from time to time? Memory is overrated.

When freshman year lasts about as long as a one-night stand and is quickly followed by the Year of the Blackout, Kelly projects junior year to be nothing shy of amazing. But as shots, beer, cocaine and men mesh together in an intoxicating haze, Kelly’s reckless ways get her into serious trouble. The only problem is, she can't remember what happened.

As she hovers along the edge of consciousness, Kelly forces herself to think past her pain to piece together the shards of her life. This is her story, told in her words: The Parts I Remember.
File Size: 447 KB
Print Length: 246 pages
Publisher: Dark Wolf Publications (March 1, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00BNMXG82
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Not Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled

TeriLyn's thoughts: **Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.**

The Part I Remember is a story based on sorrow and regret. It would serve as a great cautionary tale for young adults who are reckless and in need of help. The book is well written. A young, reckless adult is exactly what Kelly is throughout this journey. Her choices are self involved and always easily justifiable by her. There is no grand story in this book; that's not it's purpose. I didn't love nor hate the book. I wish that we could have seen more of a self discovery made by Kelly after the events she remembered. Those memories, after so many, seemed to be one in the same. While I realize that the point was to show Kelly making the same destructive choices repeatedly, her position at the end of the story still seemed very self involved. I didn't feel a connection with her as though she was healing or making amends. This was an okay read for me, I liked it just not earth shattering. However, I do read a lot more romances and love stories; The Parts I Remember was not that.

Book Review: If You Leave

If You Leave by Courtney Cole: 26-year old Gabriel Vincent is a badass hero. Or he used to be, anyway. As an ex-Army Ranger, Gabe never thought he needed anyone. But after one horrible night in Afghanistan scars him in a way that he can't get past, he needs someone who can help him heal...even if he doesn't realize it.

25-year old Madison Hill doesn't need anybody...or so she thinks. She grew up watching her parents' messed-up abusive relationship and she knows there's no way in hell that she's ever letting that happen to her.

They don't know it in the beginning, but Gabriel and Madison will soon develop a weakness: Each other.

But Gabriel's got a secret, a hidden monster that he's afraid Maddy could never overcome... And Maddy's got issues that she's afraid Gabe will never understand. They quickly realize that they need each other to be whole, but at the same time they know that they've got demons to fight.

And the problem with demons is that they never die quietly.
File Size: 539 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 6, 2013)
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Language: English
ASIN: B00DG8ZY68
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled

TeriLyn's thoughts: As an avid reader of this genre I know how much emphasis we put on "book boyfriends", myself included. Madison Hill from If You Leave changes that for me. Madison would be top five on my list of book girlfriends. She is an incredibly strong heroine. She's also incredibly broken. Tainted by the volatile relationship of her parents and scarred from their tragic death leaves Madison a shell of her former self. But she never stops. She assumes responsibility for her parents lives even though she resents them. This stems from the fact that Madison is devoted and loyal to those that are closest to her. Her healthiest relationship is with her sister Mila and her brother in law. The closeness of their relationship is so reflective of her loyalty and devotion. Madison has been through so much in her young life and has overcome such tragedy that her willingness to even get out of bed in the morning is admirable. A lot of people crumble for much less.

Madison is floating through life, wanting a partner like Mila has found in Pax, wanting to get back to where she feels secure in her life. And while Madison is strong she also wants a protector. She finally finds that in Gabriel. Courtney Cole wrote this story so well that I felt the connection to Gabriel through Madison when she first laid eyes on him in the alley behind the club. It was almost instant that you knew they would be perfect for each other to start healing.

Gabriel is broken. The stories of his time in Afghanistan are gut wrenching. His inner monologues make you just want to reach out and hold his hand. He is also an arrogant ass. He's fun. And he wants Maddy. It's no wonder why she is so drawn to him; he's a walking contradiction. Strong and powerful yet mentally he's broken. When Gabe finally opens himself to actually feel he knows that he can help her heal even if he can't help himself. My favorite scene in the story is when they are trapped at Madison's house and he aids in her conquering her fears. It's cleansing and uplifting. Gabe has it in him to quietly conquer. Madison is the push he needs to conquer his own fears. There's a point in the story where Maddy asks him if "everyone is broken". Gabe answers honestly and his answer, while simple, is quite thought provoking. Cole also makes it a point to honor our troops and the sacrifice they make every day for our freedom with her words. If You Leave reminds of that sacrifice in a big way and makes you thankful.

Madison and Gabriel are awesome. Their connection is hot. Their banter is fun. And their moments of complete vulnerability make you feel vulnerable too. Courtney Cole nailed it. If You Leave is a powerful and beautifully written story.

Cover Reveal: Learning to Love

Learning to Love by Lauren Howard: Innocence personified, Aimee Dalton dreamed of the day she’d meet her Prince Charming… but love at first sight isn't always as simple as a fairy tale.

When Aimee discovers that Ezra Franklin, the drop-dead gorgeous tattooed hunk that rocked her world, is her new professor, she is forced to make a difficult decision between right and wrong.

But to Ezra, Aimee is the light in his darkness and he won’t let her go without a fight.

With the lines of morality starting to blur, can Aimee and Ezra build their relationship on a secret… or will secrets only lead to heartbreak?

This is a New Adult Contemporary Romance novel recommended for mature readers over the age of 17 due to strong language, sexual situations and themes of erotica, as well as controversial topics.

Spotlight Saturday: Bayli Lane

Here are 10 random facts about Bayli Lane:

1. I can pretty much quote the entire movie, Bridesmaids.
2. I pronounce "Supposedly" like this- "Supposively."
3. I hated English in High School. Creative Writing is still one of my favorite classes I ever took in College.
4. My favorite color is green but I wear a lot of black. A lot.
5. I laugh a lot. And it's a very VERY loud laugh.
6. I once had a cat named "Cat."
7. I did karate for 13 years and was a national champion.
8. I don't have a smart phone.
9. I make noises all the time. Whether I'm clicking my tongue, cracking my fingers, bouncing my feet, or giving inanimate objects their own voices.
10.I married my high school sweetheart and he's the best ;)

And 10 random facts about Becoming More:

1. It's a stand alone!
2. New Adult Romance
3. In the middle of my book I considered writing in both POV's. So I did write a couple chapters in Colton's POV but then I deleted them.
4. It's all in Lilly's POV
5. I wouldn't mind writing books for a couple of other characters in the book. hmmm... Maybe Oliver... Maybe Lauren... Maybe Clarissa. Yup, those could be fun.
6. A few things that happen in the book are based off of real life experiences. For example... The Steak N' Shake scene- That's me and my husband back in high school. Well kind of. It's a bit different.
7. Lilly's character drives me absolutely crazy but I think it's necessary for her to be as difficult as she is. How else would we see her grow as a person?
8. My College experience was nothing like Lilly's haha!
9. Just when I thought my book was finished, I added 3 more major scenes.
10. The Epilogue makes me cry... Every. Single. Time.

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Book Review: The Redemption of Callie and Kayden

The Redemption of Callie and Kayden by Jessica Sorensen: The dark secret Kayden has kept hidden for years is finally out. Worse, he's facing charges for battery. The only way to clear his name is for Callie to speak up-something he'll never ask her to do. Instead, he'll do whatever he must to protect her . . . even if it means letting go of the only girl he's ever loved.

Callie knows Kayden is going back to his dark place and desperately wants to save him. But that means facing her greatest fear and admitting her own painful secrets aloud. The thought of breaking her silence terrifies her-but not as much as the thought of losing Kayden forever.

Deep in her heart, Callie knows the time has come for her and Kayden to forget the pain of the past. With the help of her friends Seth and Luke she makes a plan to show Kayden the life they could have. But can she convince him they can make a fresh start together-or is she already too late?
File Size: 523 KB
Print Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Forever (July 30, 2013)
Sold by: Hachette Book Group
Language: English
ASIN: B00BOTU4PC
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled

TeriLyn's thoughts: Just to start, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden was one of my favorite reads. The Redemption is good as well but I don't feel it was as good. The progression of events in their lives seemed to move really slow. I didn't feel as strong a connection I felt from the first. However, I was happy with the characters and where they went. It wasn't just Callie and Kayden who are earning redemption it's Luke, Callie's family, and Kayden's brother. Callie and Kayden especially are working towards helping each other heal. Callie really matured here and stepped into her own. Her faith in Kayden is major considering she must have found a lot of faith in herself to give that to him. Kayden struggles more here after what happened to him in the events of Coincidence and it was nice to see his power struggle and how Callie handled it. Their love story is unique and reflective. I'm excited they are getting a novella to tie up their story. Hopefully, we see more healing and progression.