Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 202

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Now or Never

Now or Never by AJ Bennett: "Twenty-one year old Grayson Alexander finally breaks away from an abusive relationship and finds herself free for the first time in three years.

Determined to enjoy her new-found freedom, Grayson is intent on sticking with ‘no strings attached’ relationships—one-night stands, and steamy sex.

But she didn't plan on Derrick.

Her attraction to the sexy man in uniform quickly turns into an unhealthy relationship. They both try to resist the pull, but neither can stay away.

When tragedy strikes, Grayson realizes it’s now or never—walk away or make it work."
File Size: 408 KB
Print Length: 214 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00DIG8T56
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled







A.J. Bennett lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and bulldog. She’s addicted to coffee, popcorn and books. Becoming an author has been a lifelong dream, and she’s extremely excited about her debut novel Now or Never.

Giveaway:

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Book Review: Fear of Falling

Fear of Falling by SL Jennings: 
***Inspired by true events***
I can't remember the last time I felt completely safe. Security seemed more like a luxury to me, reserved for those who were fortunate enough to have picture perfect childhoods. For those who didn't bear the ugly scars that keep me bound in constant, debilitating fear. I've run from that fear my entire life. But when I met him, for once, I couldn't run anymore.

He scared the hell out of me in a way that excited every fiber of my being. It wasn't the tattoos or the piercings. It wasn't the warmth that seemed to radiate from his frame and blanket me whenever he was near. It was just...him. The scary beautiful man that threatened to alter 23 years of routine and rituals, and make me face my crippling fear.

My name is Kami and I am constantly afraid. And the thing that scares me the most is the very thing I want.

"Don't worry," he smiled, pulling me into the hard warmth of his chest. "I've got you. I'll always catch you when you fall."

And just like that, Blaine had staked his claim on the untouched part of me that no living soul had ever moved. He had captured every fear, every reservation, and crushed them in the palm of his inked hand.

Author Disclaimer: Abuse is real- verbal, emotional, physical and sexual. It takes place all around us; it doesn't discriminate against race or gender, wealth or poverty. It affects us all- those of us who've had to live through it, or watch it happen, even those of us who've only heard about it. We are all affected. We are all forever changed.

This is not a story for the faint of heart; this is the story of one woman's very real struggle through a world against her, the people who hurt her, her real life demons and the people who showed her that every gray sky, no matter how dark, has a sun waiting to break through.
*This is a stand alone novel*
File Size: 1043 KB
Print Length: 320 pages
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00DYVX8TM
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled

My thoughts: Fear of Falling is an amazing journey. Kami's story is gut wrenching and beautiful at the same time. She's a fighter and a survivor. She does not believe in herself or her strength. The walls Kami has built around her heart are made of steel. She has become comfortably numb, never wanting to feel pain and devastation from her past. Until Blaine Jabocs enters her life and slowly begins to chip away at those walls and allows Kami to see and believe in her strength. Blaine is an alpha male but one who is likewise so tender and genuine. He knows almost immediately that Kami is a tortured soul but recognizes their connection is undeniable. The secondary characters of the story are equally as good. Kami's two confidants are kindred spirits and fiercley protect her. Their relationship with each other helps solidfy the fact that Kami is capable of feeling. Fear of Falling is a must read. As the reader you can tell that this story is profoundly important to the author, S.L. Jennings. It is beautifully written, gripping, passionate, and intensely real. It will have you rooting for a happy ending for Kami and Blaine.

Cover Reveal: Only For You

Only For You by Marquita Valentine: Loose ends left loose for too long tend to strangle.
Cole and Violet knew it wouldn't be easy. They knew their relationship would take work. But when the press finds out about Violet Lynn’s newest boyfriend, they start digging. And when his past comes to light, exposing all of his family’s secrets, their relationship begins to fray.
Country Music’s Golden Boy, Jaxon Hunter, has it all, except the girl that got away. What she saw, she really didn’t. What she thought happened, he allowed her to believe for reasons so insane that no one would ever have believed him if he had confessed. But now that everything’s out in the open, he’s going to do his damndest to convince her that he’s the only one for her.
Now Violet must choose between Jaxon— her first love and the guy she thought had cheated on her—and Cole—the guy who helped her heal and love again.
Or will one of them make the decision for her?

Title: Only For You (Boys of the South ~ Book 2)
Author: Marquita Valentine
Expected release: September 2, 2013
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: New Adult
Cover designed by: Marquita Valentine
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours; http://atomrbookblogtours.com



New York Times Bestselling Author, Marquita Valentine, writes sexy heroes that make you swoon and sassy heroines that make you laugh. She’s the author of the bestselling contemporary romance series, Holland Springs, and the new adult romance series, Boys of the South.

Marquita met her husband aka Hot Builder at Sonic when they were in high school. She suggests this location to all of her single friends in search of a good man—and if that doesn't work, they can console themselves with cheesy tater tots. She lives in North Carolina in a very, very small town with Hot Builder and their two children.
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Cover Reveal: A Perfect Mess

A Perfect Mess by Zoe Dawson: "I know what you did last summer.

Aubree Walker, the perfect girl most likely to succeed, is sure there’s only one person who knows what she did.

Booker Outlaw, one of the three Outlaw brothers—all identical, all gorgeous, all from the wrong side of the tracks, and all pure bad boys. He was always the unpredictable one, the one who would be brash enough to make it big self-publishing horror novels on the internet. He promised never to tell, but everyone knows you can never trust an Outlaw.

Then a year later, in the middle of the night, she receives a phone call at Tulane. Her aunt, who took her in after her mother’s death, has passed away under suspicious circumstances. Now she has to face that one person who knows all about what she did that summer—sexy Booker.

Returning to Hope Parish to lay her beloved aunt to rest, stirs up all those ugly memories. When Aubree starts getting threats, she can’t help but wonder if what she did last summer was tied to her aunt’s death. Afraid, she turns to the only person who knows the truth and Booker doesn't hesitate to offer his broad shoulder for her to lean on. But Booker has a secret of his own that could crush their fledgling relationship.

As the hot, sultry summer days move on, she finds that even a perfectly smart girl can lose her heart to a perfectly bad boy. What is she going to do when someone starts asking questions Aubree doesn't want to answer? She’s knee deep into a terribly dangerous, wholly life changing, who-can-she-really-depend-on perfect mess.

A Perfect Secret Series: Three perfect girls, three perfect secrets, one unholy trinity."

Title:  A Perfect Mess (A Perfect Secret, #1)Author:  Zoe DawsonGenre:  MysteryAge Group:   New Adult/AdultExpected release:  June 17, 2013


About the AuthorZoe Dawson is the alter ego of Karen Anders, award winning, multi-published author. Her writing journey started with poetry and branched out into fiction. With a couple of college English courses under her belt, she penned a historical, then moved onto contemporary romance fiction. Today, she is happy producing romantic suspense, romantic comedy/mystery, new adult, and urban fantasy. The words feed her soul and the happily ever afters feed her heart.

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Cover Reveal: Freefall

Freefall by Tess Oliver: "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."
Title: Freefall

Author: Tess Oliver

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Release day: August 1, 2013

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 Blitz & Giveaway: Summer Love

Summer Love by Marysue G. Hobika: "Carly and her best friend Becca are ready to drop a nuclear bomb on summer. It’s the last one before reality sets in and they’re off on their own. Carly is ready to break the mold and stop being known as a goody-two-shoes. In order to get the ball rolling, she agrees to a double date with Gavin – her good-looking, yet moody, lab partner.

Gavin doesn’t have summer plans except to work at his two jobs and hang out in his room drawing. He likes to keep to himself, but lets his brother Nate talk him into going on a double date. Carly isn’t like the rest of the girls at school that drive him crazy. She doesn’t ask a lot of questions and seems to know when to give him the space he craves. Gavin always thought that she was beautiful, but he believes that relationships and love are a lost cause.

Will their date prove that summer love is right around the corner or will it be a dead end?"

This book is intended for audiences 17+
Series: Senior Year #1
Publication date: June 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary





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Amazon Top 20 New Adult Bookstore, July 28, 2013

Spotlight Saturday: Lori L. Clark

Here are 10 random facts about Lori L. Clark:

1. I grew up in a small Iowa town, which is also the birthplace of Herbert Hoover.
2. I am an only child.
3. I've had three broken bones. The most recent being a broken foot which happened in June this year. I was pulling weeds.
4. I hate writing query letters, which is why I will never write them again.
5. My only child is a Min Pin named Barkley.
6. I'm a Pisces with Aquarius rising.
7. I'm a Jack of Clubs/4 of Diamonds.
8. I love music, especially 80's glam band stuff. My car radio is always tuned to Sirius XM's Hairnation. Luc Carl is hot!
9. The last concert I attended was Bon Jovi - this year!
10. One day, I hope to live on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

And 10 facts about I BREATHE YOU:

1. I started writing it in early February 2013.
2. It went to the editor in early June 2013.
3. The entire time I was writing I Breathe You, I knew Ian had a story to tell, too.
4. Intermittent Explosive Disorder is a real disorder.
5. I'm writing I Breathe You, Too right now.(Ian's POV).
6. As I got closer to the ending, I didn't want to say good-bye to Rhane, Ian, Gwen, or Thomas.
7. I Breathe You's release date is August 2nd, 2013.
8. I Breathe You is set in Missouri.
9. I Breathe You, Too is slated to come out sometime in November 2013.
10. Early reviewers have said they want more Ian and Rhane!

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Interview: Lisa Renee Jones

Welcome, Author, Lisa Renee Jones!

SRNA: New Adult is an up-and-coming genre in the ever-expanding realm of romance. Do you consider yourself a New Adult author?

LRJ: I write many genres but romantic suspense is my core genre and while there are sub-genres almost all my stories have that element.

SRNA: Being Me, the second book in the Inside Out Trilogy, once again delves into BDSM. What is it that makes you want to tackle this side of sexual expression?

LRJ: Well it’s a part of who these characters are and they decided to take me there. It’s hard to explain but with this series, BDSM is such a core part of discovery for the characters. For someone else it might be a complete different outlet. For these characters though BDSM is a part of how they cope and deal with challenges as well as express themselves, and even learn about themselves. I often don’t decide where I’m going to go. My characters do and in this series this is what worked for them and a part of what defines them. In another series, that BDSM element might be more play and fun. It’s much deeper in this series.

SRNA: Many may consider the “club” aspect of BDSM to be less than romantic. What challenges did you face in bringing this particular area of BDSM into an already difficult romantic journey between Chris and Sara?

LRJ: Well Chris and Sara never spend time at the club in a romantic way at all. It’s not romantic in this series. The club is where deep conflict and pain takes place in both book 1 and book 2. Chris however, shows Sara how BDSM can be romantic and it becomes about trust and discovery for them.

SRNA: Mark is the ultimate bad boy we all know we should stay away from, but we never do. Will readers be able to quench their thirst for their favorite Master?

LRJ: Master Undone is in Mark’s POV and you will see a side of him you didn't know exists but I have long known. I’m excited to finally get to show what is beneath his surface. This story is in his POV and it’s the beginning of a new journey for Mark. It takes place the day after BEING ME ends.

SRNA: Revealing Me, the final installment of the Inside Out trilogy, is set to release on September 10th. Can we get a glimpse into what Chris and Sara encounter moving to Paris?

LRJ: Actually it’s not the final book. Book 4 and 5 have always been planned but I was going to make them a spinoff. With the TV show it makes sense to keep them as INSIDE OUT. Book 4 is still in Sara’s POV.Book 5 is in Mark’s POV and it’s his story.

I can’t say if Sara even goes to Paris in book 3 without giving away spoilers:(

SRNA: And you have yet another book set to release on July 22nd; Escaping Reality. How does this story differ from the journeys faced by Chris and Sara?

LRJ: It’s very different. Amy is much younger than Sara in life experience and age. Liam Stone is very different than Chris and Mark. He’s more well adjusted. He’s dealt with his demons to some extent already. It is a mystery but this is a New Adult. The sex is hot but there is no journal, no art, no BDSM.

It’s a complete new mystery. But I do think it will appeal to my INSIDE OUT readers.

SRNA: What “lessons learned” would you offer writers venturing into this crazy career?

LRJ: Well that is hard because the industry has changed so much but I am proof that never giving up pays off. Don’t quit. Keep going! Keep writing. And treat this like the business that it is. It’s not a hobby. It’s about making money for publishers and you have to remember that. That can be hard when your books are so close to your heart.

SRNA: You seem to write 24 hours a day; do you have time to read? What are you reading (or have recently completed)?

LRJ: I listen to audio at the gym. I’m a gym rat. I do write 7 days a week and I take very little time off right now. But I love what I do and it’s a blessing to write for a living. I am working on part 2 of The Secret Life of Amy Bensen and then I’ll go straight into book 4 of the Inside Out series.

SRNA: Thanks for your time, Lisa! We wish you continued success!!

LRJ: Thanks for having me!

Book Review: Undeclared

Undeclared (The Woodlands) by Jen Frederick: "For four years, Grace Sullivan wrote to a Marine she never met, and fell in love. But when his deployment ended, so did the letters. Ever since that day, Grace has been coasting, academically and emotionally. The one thing she's decided? No way is Noah Jackson -- or any man -- ever going to break her heart again.

Noah has always known exactly what he wants out of life. Success. Stability. Control. That's why he joined the Marines and that's why he's fighting his way -- literally -- through college. Now that he's got the rest of his life on track, he has one last conquest: Grace Sullivan. But since he was the one who stopped writing, he knows that winning her back will be his biggest battle yet."
File Size: 410 KB
Print Length: 260 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0989247910
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: JenFrederick (April 28, 2013)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00CKEG8S2
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray: Enabled
Lending: Enabled

My thoughts: I enjoyed this book. I thought the premise was unique and loved reading about Grace and Noah. It was a fairly fast read for me and I look forward to book two in The Woodlands series. There was something, and I can't quite put my finger on what it was, that made me not love it. But I did like it a lot. I wish Noah would have come clean, and told Grace what had kept him away for two years. Why he disappeared on her after writing her the "dear Jane" letter. Not much was discussed about that between the two of them. As far as secondary characters go, I'm not sure I am a fan of Grace's best friend/cousin, Lana. I did, however, want to read more about Noah's "Battle Buddy" Bo. I feel like there could be much more to Noah and Grace's story. Where do they go from here? The book is wrapped up pretty nicely, I just would have liked to have more. More Noah. More Grace. More Noah AND Grace. Overall, a pleasant read.