Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 201

Book Review: I Breathe You

I Breathe You by Lori L. Clark: When a tragic accident leaves Rhane Evans -- lead vocalist for the rock band Fate's Crazy -- permanently unable to speak above a whisper and kills the love of her life, she moves across the state to pick up the pieces. Shattered, Rhane struggles to understand what happened the night of the accident, an accident everyone blames her for, even though she wasn't driving the car.

Enter Ian Callahan. He's the one person who may have a more tumultuous past than Rhane. Though they try hard to deny the sizzling attraction between them, it proves nearly impossible. When Ian's troubled past threatens to tear them apart, they begin to believe happiness isn't in their cards.

Because Fate's Crazy that way...

**This is a New Adult novel intended for mature readers, 17+. There is minor violence, swearing, and sexual situations.**
File Size: 428 KB
Print Length: 247 pages
Publisher: Lori L. Clark (July 30, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00E9BEHVO
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Not Enabled
Lending: Enabled

Whairigail's thoughts: Firstly - a big thanks to Lori Clark for giving me a copy of this before release!

“A tiny voice inside my head reminds me to just breathe. Inhale, one, two, three. Hold, one, two, three. Exhale, one, two, three. Repeat.”

Rhane is the lead singer of an up and coming band, she is an incredible writer and together with her smokin hot boyfriend, Dalton, they write beautiful music. Dalton and Rhane argue like Crazy. But the make up sex is worth arguing for!

After a gig one night, Rhane and Dalton are involved in an accident resulting in Dalton losing his life and Rhane's voice being forever stolen. Utterly devestating for any singer/girlfriend.

"Uncle T" becomes Rhane's rock - he arranges a place for her to live, repairs to make it homley and someone to live with her to nurse her back to full health (Gwen).

Uncle T just rocks...he is funny, caring and too sarcastic for words!

Lori gave me this book a few weeks ago and it took me some time to get round to it due to work commitments (you know that thing I've got to do to keep earning money!!) but when I did, I was hooked.

I was slightly disconnected from Ian for the first 50% but when we got to know him, he was so lovely. Rhane was just a hurt, young girl who went through a tragedy and needed to find her way in life again - throw in a Hunky Handyman, a Witty Housemate, an Adoring Uncle and some cute puppies - you have a sweet, touching romance that will make you feel all warm inside.

Great Novel Lori - Looking forward to more of your works.

Book Review: Trying Not to Love You

Trying Not to Love You by Megan Smith: MacKenzie Cahill has dealt with overbearing and overprotective brothers her entire life, making it near impossible to enjoy her teenage years. Having a boyfriend was practically impossible until she met a guy that wasn't afraid to stand up to them - Dominic. He was sweet, thoughtful, and everything MacKenzie ever wanted in a man.

But when they go away to college at Old Dominion University, MacKenzie sees a whole new side of Dominic and begins to wonder if he really is different from every other guy.

Her world is turned upside down after a party, and her brothers' best friend Hunter is the one there to offer her a shoulder to cry on. The chemistry between them is electric, and feelings for each other that have been hidden for years are finally voiced.

Is Hunter willing to be disloyal to his best friends in order to be with the one girl he's always secretly wanted?


New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language, and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
File Size: 669 KB
Print Length: 274 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1484043596
Publisher: Megan Smith; 2 edition (May 17, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00CR3LM50
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled

TeriLyn's thoughts: Kenzie pissed me off the entire first half of the book. She was back and forth. You could tell she was smarter than what she was portraying during her relationship with her first boyfriend. At first I thought her love for Hunter could be misinterpreted as a young crush or infatuation, but then it was not like that at all. Her feelings were genuine for Hunter and it was clearly so much more. Since she was so protected by her older brothers, Hunter could not betray them. Their relationship when she went off to college was nice. They really got to explore their friendship and the feelings they had for each other. No matter what Hunter and Kenzie had a strong friendship above all else and Hunter knew he couldn’t hurt her. They knew each other. I loved Hunter throughout the whole book. He was cute, charming, and a lovable ass. He knew how to goad her and make her laugh. Their banter and friendship was truly fun. I adored the second half of the book so much. They took a leap together and knew they could get through it if they remained a united front. ....then a damn cliffhanger! The second book needs to come quick.

Book Review: Falling Into You

I wasn't always in love with Colton Calloway; I was in love with his younger brother, Kyle, first. Kyle was my first one true love, my first in every way.
Then, one stormy August night, he died, and the person I was died with him.

Colton didn't teach me how to live. He didn't heal the pain. He didn't make it okay. He taught me how to hurt, how to not be okay, and, eventually, how to let go.

***

Nell Hawthorne is in love with her life-long best friend, Kyle Calloway. Their young love is invincible and life is full of promise; then one night Kyle dies suddenly in a tragic accident and Nell is forever changed. She meets Kyle's older brother Colton for the first time at the funeral. They both struggle to move on with life as best they can. Years later, they meet again in New York City, and Colton realizes that Nell has never really gotten over Kyle's death. She seems to be harboring a deeply rooted pain, a heavy weight of guilt and regret. He knows he shouldn't get involved, but he can't help himself. Trust doesn't come easily for either of them, and they both have demons. Together, they learn the purpose of pain and the meaning of healing, and the importance of forgiveness.

File Size: 422 KB
Print Length: 369 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0989104400
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Jasinda Wilder (March 14, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00BUPMC8C
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled

Whairigail's thoughts: ***5 Heart-Breaking Stars*** This book starts when Nell and Kyle are 16, innocent and honest. Typical teenagers. This is very refreshing for a book which covers such grief-ridden topics.

The blurb tells you all you need to know about how the books goes and this usually would put me off - instead this book is so much more.

Rather than tell you about the story, I'm going to tell you how it made me feel...

First 10% - Giddy. Young.
“I know most people would say we're just kids, or to young too know what love is. But screw that. I've known you my whole entire life. We have shared everything together.”

20%-30% - Distraught, broken, tearful

30%-50% - Nothing. Numb. Like Nell. Like Colton
“She'll hurt me. I know this. I can see it, feel it coming. She's got so much pain, so many cracks and shards and jags in her soul, and I'm going to get cut by her if I'm not careful.”

50%-70% - So incredibly turned on! (Hey, at least I'm honest!)
“You bite your lip, and I want to take that lip into my mouth and suck on it like popsicle. I want to lick your lips and bite them and kiss you until you're fucking lost and gasping and puddled on the floor.” Well...shit. I want that.”

70%-80% - Distraught...again. I couldn't break anymore or I would never recover. Hurt, cold, weepy. But not lonely, Colton was there for me :)

80%-95% - MORE Broken than before. Not possible, or so I thought.
“Fermented grief is far more potent”

95%-100% - Hopeful. Relieved. Happy. Loved
“I’m not just falling in love with you, Nell. I’m falling into you. You’re an ocean, and I’m falling in, drowning in the depths of who you are. Like you said, it’s scary in a way, but it’s also the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. You are the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.”


I don't honestly know how to recover from this book, I thought it would be an easier read after , but I was SO wrong. This book touched me in ways I didn't think possible and will stay with me for a long time to come.

Be prepared when you read this book, it is a roller-coaster of emotions but So So So Beautiful.





Lori's thoughts: I'm a little slow getting with the program and finally reading this book. It did not disappoint, and was every bit as good as everyone tells you it is. If you haven't read it, what are you waiting for? Now you can read this one, and the sequel, back-to-back, without interruption. I loved Colton and his "secret" is heartbreaking. The passion between Nell and Colton was sizzling and yet tender. The sex in this book is written tastefully, descriptively, and in depth. No wham, bham, thank-you-ma'am here. If, after reading one of Ms. Wilder's love scenes, you don't find yourself squirming in your chair, you better check your pulse. Highly recommended!

Book Review: Torn & Twisted

Torn by KA Robinson: Two people with battered souls are thrust together unexpectedly, leaving a profound impact on each other’s lives.

In K.A. Robinson’s USA Today bestselling debut novel, Torn, Chloe hasn't had the easiest childhood. With a mother who was absent most of the time, she practically had to raise herself. Determined to start a new life and leave her demons behind, she heads to West Virginia University with her best friends Amber and Logan. On the first day of classes, she spots a student who takes her breath away. Drake is a pierced, tattooed bad boy, and no matter how hard she tries to fight it, he’s all she can think about.

Drake has never cared about anyone other than himself, but when Chloe takes the empty seat next to him in class, he is instantly drawn to her. Drake is left wondering whether this girl can take his cold, womanizing heart and alter him forever.
Falling for each other was never a part of their plan, and when it happens, things do anything but fall into place. Long-hidden feelings are revealed and friendships are tested to the brink as Chloe and Drake become helplessly entwined in each other’s love.

File Size: 563 KB
Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Atria Books; Original edition (May 7, 2013)
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
Language: English
ASIN: B00CK6KF3Y
Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled

My thoughts: Broken girl Chloe goes to college, and meets misunderstood bad boy rocker, Drake. Drake decides that he is no good for Chloe, pushes her away, and then is surprised when she finds comfort in the arms of another man. So, I was a little disturbed at how easy it was for Chloe to just turn to another man, and for Drake to push her away. I did appreciate how lost Chloe felt, and how she just wanted someone to love her that she could love in return. She nearly destroys all the relationships she has built. If this book does nothing else, it shows that true love, whether romantic or through the bonds of friendship, will always win.








Twisted by KA Robinson: Love has the power to break through even the most twisted of circumstances.

In the second book in the bestselling Torn series by K.A. Robinson, Chloe and Drake have soldiered through a heartbreaking love triangle and are finally within reach of their happily ever after. Unfortunately, their demons have come out of the dark with a vengeance, looking to destroy them. Chloe’s abusive mother enters back into her life with an evil plot that sets off a chain of events no one could ever have anticipated. To add to their distress, a relentless, conniving ex reappears determined to tear the couple apart through any means necessary. The extra strain pushes Chloe and Drake to the brink, bringing out their greatest weaknesses and putting them up against old but powerful addictions.
The foundation on which their love was built is crumbling beneath them. What are they willing to give up in order to stay together?

File Size: 592 KB
Print Length: 291 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0615785824
Publisher: Atria Books; Original edition (May 7, 2013)
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
Language: English
ASIN: B00CK6KFA2
Text-to-Speech: Not enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled

My thoughts: Book Two finds us traveling to an area I know well. It’s always fun when a book ends up in your backyard! A new love triangle is formed, and Drake once again has to fight for his true love. When a jealous ex decides to rain on the love parade of Chloe and Drake, Drake falls back into some very bad habits that Chloe cannot accept. This was a fairly heart-wrenching story of dealing with death on a couple of levels, disappointment, and of course, a break-up. I like the realism in the book, and felt that Robinson really captured the world of addiction, and how easy it is to fall into and ruin more than one life. I thought the ending was a bit rushed, and would have liked for Chloe to not “give in” so quickly. All-in-all, it was on par with Book One, and a great series.

Spotlight Saturday

Here are 10 random facts about Alison G. Bailey:
1.      I started a pet therapy group 9 years ago called Paws Together. The group is made up of wonderful volunteers and their dogs, who visit assisted living and rehab facilities once a week to visit with the elderly patients.2.      My husband, Jef and I, owned a custom cake design business that specialized in sculpture cakes.
3.      I've written and directed several one act plays, one of which toured my home state of South Carolina.
4.      I always drink chocolate milk out of the same glass. It’s a Michigan J. Frog glass. Yes, that’s right, from the Looney Tunes cartoons.
5.      I’m addicted to anything sweet and Diet Pepsi. My theory is they offset the harmful effects of each other. It’s all about balance in life, folks.
6.      I like to make up songs and sing them to my 2 dogs, Buster and Jack. Don’t judge me. They enjoy them.
7.      I've seen Sting and/or The Police in concert 10 times.
8.      I just became an avid reader a year and a half ago.
9.      My favorite movies are: The Jerk, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Forrest Gump, and anything with George Clooney.
10.  After reading back over this list, it occurred to me that at least half of the things listed are more sad than interesting, really.
And 10 random facts About Present Perfect:

1.      When I first started writing the book, I had no intention to publish it. I had written a lot when I was in college, but put it to one side as life took over.  I was talking with an author friend of mine and she suggested I start writing again to see if I still enjoyed it. Once I realized that writing wasn't a phase I was going through I started thinking seriously about self- publishing.
2.      Present Perfect was written almost completely out of order.
3.      My dad was in the hospital several months before he passed away. My sister and I bought him a netbook to give him something to occupy his time and mind. The entire book was written on his netbook. My dad was a funny guy. He had a very dry sense of humor. A lot of Tweet’s humor is reminiscent of my dad’s. I like to think he was with me especially during the funny parts.
4.      Present Perfect wasn't the original title.
5.      My main female character, Tweet, came to me before anything else, the story or any other characters. There’s a specific trait she has that I wanted to write about. One that I haven’t seen in other NA books. No, I can’t say what it is.
6.      I used my birth date, March 23, as Tweet’s and Noah’s birthday. I used the year 1990 because my nephew was born then and it was easy for me to keep track of their ages during the timeline.
7.      Tweet uses the term “fo shizzle” one time in the book. I spent 20 minutes one night looking up the definition and proper usage of that term.
8.      All the places menti9.      Somehow the color yellow became Tweet’s favorite color and a running theme in the book. I like yellow, but my favorite color is green.
10.  The reader gets to watch Tweet and Noah grow up, from 6 years old to 27 years old. I don’t use flashbacks. I give the reader snapshots of pivotal moments and events in the character’s lives during that timeframe.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: I Breathe You

I Breathe You by Lori L. Clark: When a tragic accident leaves Rhane Evans — lead vocalist for the rock band Fate’s Crazy — permanently unable to speak above a whisper and kills the love of her life, she moves across the state to pick up the pieces. Shattered, Rhane struggles to understand what happened the night of the accident, an accident everyone blames her for, even though she wasn't driving the car.

Enter Ian Callahan. He’s the one person who may have a more tumultuous past than Rhane. Though they try hard to deny the sizzling attraction between them, it proves nearly impossible. When Ian’s troubled past threatens to tear them apart, they begin to believe happiness isn't in their cards.

Because Fate’s Crazy that way…









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Book Review: I Breathe You

I Breathe You by Lori L. Clark: When a tragic accident leaves Rhane Evans -- lead vocalist for the rock band Fate's Crazy -- permanently unable to speak above a whisper and kills the love of her life, she moves across the state to pick up the pieces. Shattered, Rhane struggles to understand what happened the night of the accident, an accident everyone blames her for, even though she wasn't driving the car.

Enter Ian Callahan. He's the one person who may have a more tumultuous past than Rhane. Though they try hard to deny the sizzling attraction between them, it proves nearly impossible. When Ian's troubled past threatens to tear them apart, they begin to believe happiness isn't in their cards.

Because Fate's Crazy that way...

My thoughts: The girl who has everything going for her - sensational singing voice, member of an up-and-coming band that is already making waves; sexy, understanding boyfriend...life is good for Rhane. Until it’s not.

I started this book and could not put it down until I was finished...then I was really mad that I didn't have a Book 2 waiting in the wings. I loved that this was not the usual "girl with a broken past - boy will fix it with mind-blowing sex" story. Rhane had to fight through some deep-seeded issues, while dealing with some hidden demons, and a boat load of guilt. And I absolutely loved that she was the one that had to fix the problems in her own life.

Not that I don't think Ian was a major driving force (in more ways than one) in her road towards a potential recovery. But he had some issues of his own to take care of before he could deal with Rhane. Both characters brought past relationship drama to the mix. Again, in a shift from the norm, Rhane's issues with her previous love had more to do with her problems, and less to do with his. It was refreshing to stray away from the "horrible ex syndrome”!

I would love to see more of Ian's story (wink, wink). There is also the whole discussion on T, and his life...I really want him to find someone to love...and stop smoking.

Another great departure from the boilerplate love story, Lori L. Clark has put forth another must read that will have you begging more. This is a must-read!!





My thoughts: Rhane Evans used to live ‘the life’. She has an amazing voice, Hot band mate boyfriend Dalton Morgan, and a band named “Fate’s Crazy” going through its highest breakthrough of career. But just when Rhane thought all things there is laid and going smooth. It’s been erased with just one crash. 6 months later there is a new Rhane Evans. An empty one. “Sometimes, I feel like there are two personalities at war inside my brain competing for top billing. It's like trying to put together a thousand-piece puzzle where five hundred or so of the pieces have mysteriously vanished.” Then she met Ian Callahan, a guy who has her oogling at him when they first met. The intense feeling is there, there is no denial but both of them had such an emotional past that it wasn't easy for them to be together.

Lori L. Clark really put together a good story so well that I instantly got hooked into this book. I didn't expect that such tragic will start the book. But I guess "We have to feel pain first in order to get our real happiness". I loved how she created the characters of Rhane and Ian. Rhane, with her past and some of her anger management issues, and I also didn't expect Ian has also a past that made him Immune to the 'craziness'. It’s definitely a good read.

Like I said earlier, it wasn't easy for the both of them, so find out how Rhane would be able to cope again. How Ian let her. I’m so excited about book 2 too because I really need more of Rhane and Ian’s story.





My thoughts: I was given the ARC of I Breathe You in return for an honest review so here goes:

Lori Clark what a corker of a book – although I was reading it at a very busy time for me and couldn't read it as quickly as I wanted too, when I did get my hands on it I couldn't put it down – I was hooked by it and was thinking about it even when I wasn't able to pick it up.

My review is not going to contain spoilers as I personally dislike them in reviews and end up thinking well what’s the point in reading it now, LOL. There’s so much I could write but I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone so I’m simply gonna say “READ IT, you won’t regret it”! :)

This book has everything you could wish for and brings out all different emotions and you end up joining Rhane’s rollercoaster.

So I just want to say “Well done Lori and don’t keep us waiting too long for book 2”! :)

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Sweet Thing

A USA TODAY bestseller, Sweet Thing tells the story of Mia Kelly, a twenty-five-year-old walking Gap ad who thinks she has life figured out when her father’s sudden death uproots her from slow-paced Ann Arbor to New York City’s bustling East Village. There she discovers her father’s spirit for life and the legacy he left behind with the help of an old café, a few eccentric friends, and one charming musician.

Will Ryan is good-looking, poetic, spontaneous, and on the brink of fame when he meets Mia, his new landlord, muse, and personal heartbreaker.

A story of self-discovery and friendship, Sweet Thing shines light on the power of loving and letting go.




File Size: 448 KB
Print Length: 338 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00BSY916G
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled







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Renee’s first friends were the imaginary kind and even though her characters haven’t gone away, thankfully the delusions have. She admits she’s a wildly hopeless romantic and she blames 80’s movies starring Molly Ringwald for that. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on the next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.

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Giveaway: The author is offering (5) Signed Paperback Copies of Sweet Thing and Swag – US/Canada. 

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Book Blitz & Giveaway: Freefall

Today is the release day for Tess Oliver's new book Freefall! To celebrate Tess stopped by with a teaser and she is giving away 5 e-book copies of the book!
Title: Freefall

Author: Tess Oliver

Genre: New Adult

Book Description:

After leaving high school, with a hard won diploma and the title of most likely to break hearts, Alexander “Nix” Pierce has left his wild, out of control years mostly behind him. A small inheritance from his grandfather has given him the funds to open up his tattoo shop, Freefall, and he has started to pull his life together. Aside from trying to keep his best friend, Dray, from killing himself in the fight ring, and his slight obsession with a pin-up model he’s never met, Nix’s life is going smoothly . . . until Scotlyn James, the object of his obsession, walks into his shop.

Ever since a tragic accident killed her family and left her alone in the world, Scotlyn James hasn't spoken one word. Up until now she didn't care that she had no way of talking to people. Her awful aunt would never have listened, and Lincoln Hammond the arrogant, selfish man who pulled her from the streets of Los Angeles wouldn't hear her words if she could speak. But when Lincoln insists she get a tattoo to cover up a scar on her side, Scotlyn meets the artist, Nix Pierce. And now she longs for her voice. Now she has found someone who will hear her.

Teaser:

I could see Nix swallow beneath the collar of his t-shirt. For what seemed like the hundredth time, he rearranged stuff on his tray, and it seemed he had a hard time looking at me.

I’d pushed it too far. I was being way to forward with him, but I couldn't seem to stop myself. I was not practiced at flirting, and it seemed that I’d been reading his thoughts all wrong. In my state of distress from the car ride, I’d forgotten to take off my sweatshirt. Feeling like a fool for rubbing my foot so suggestively up his leg, I hopped off the table and walked over to the hook on the wall. Now I wanted to get this done and fast.

I unzipped my sweatshirt and slipped it off my shoulders. As I reached up to hang it on the hook, Nix’s stool slid across ­the floor, and before I could lower my hands, his arms snaked around my waist, and he pulled my back against his hard chest.

About the Author

Tess Oliver is a teacher and writer who lives in California with her husband, kids, a small pack of pampered dogs, and the recent addition of three ridiculously cute pygmy goats. She loves horses, chocolate and Jane Austen books. She has a BS of Nutrition Science, and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She is also an author published by Barron's Educational Publisher.

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Book Review: Inevitable

Inevetable by Angela Graham: After experiencing a humiliating breakup, twenty-two-year-old Cassandra Clarke is fresh out of college and living a simple solitary life without any intentions of pursuing love anytime soon.

When the estate next door sells, the last thing Cassandra expects is the unnerving attraction she feels for her sinfully handsome neighbor, Logan West, the young and charming single father with a playboy reputation.

It’s through Oliver, Logan’s four-year-old son, who keeps popping up in her childhood tree house, that she slowly begins to catch glimpses of the compassionate and wounded man Logan has hidden beneath his strong exterior.

Cassandra knows it's wrong and that she's heading for another heartbreak.
Logan will never be able to give her what she wants…love.

Book 1 of 2
File Size: 458 KB
Print Length: 308 pages
Publisher: Angela Graham; 1 edition (May 24, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00D0A1MLI
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled

My thoughts: Oh Logan West, you damaged fool! I absolutely loved Inevitable. This story was quite different from other books I've been reading. Logan and Cassandra start off flirting. Cassandra knows she must protect her heart from the warnings she receives about the mystery man next door. She keeps things friendly and together they build an awesome friendship with each other. Cassandra becomes enamored with Logan's sweet son and the three of them have the sweetest chemistry. Logan and Cassandra's playfulness and banter with each other was so charming. It's a great friendship that would serve as a solid foundation to a beautiful relationship. However, once scorned always scorned I suppose when Logan lets his insecurities best him. The Christmas chapter was my favorite. We see a little bit of true vulnerability from both of the main characters which was refreshing. Logan and Cassandra's journey was a great read; everything really worked for me and I'm glad I read it. There is a cliffhanger so, of course, I cannot wait to get the second book!