Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 27

Book Review: Wild Aces

Wild Acesby Marni Mann (Goodreads Author) 4.30  ·   Rating Details  ·  325 Ratings  ·  197 ReviewsHe didn't beat me because he thought I looked at his daughter. He beat me because he could. Because I needed his house and his food and his so-called care. Because I wouldn't fight back.

I was passed from one abusive home to another. They were all the same--the taste of blood on my tongue, the sound of broken bones in my ears.

It was the hand I was dealt.

But when I finally escaped the system that tore me apart, I dedicated my life to avenging those who had laid their hands on me, who spit at me, who told me I was nothing.

I was ready to fight.

The compound reminded me of who I was and where I came from. And business was thriving.

Then I met Brea. She was unexpected, a Wild Ace in my deck. I could sense her own painful past, but I fed off her light. She was my escape from the darkness that surrounded me. My moment of freedom.

The moment was brief.

As soon as the door swung open, my worst nightmare sat on the other side. Brea had fallen into the shadows of my destruction. She'd finally seen the true ugliness in me.
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Wild Aces generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
I'm continually in awe of the depth of Marni Mann's writing. Wild Aces showcases Marni Mann's ability to take the haunting darkness of life and make it something rare and beautiful. The story delves into topics very personal for the characters. They're journey to each other and to a peace in their lives they've known before is great, erotic romance. 

This story is told from the dual points of view of both hero and heroine. It's a spinoff from the Unblocked series (but Wild Aces can be read as a stand alone) and brings back my favorite characters continuing their love story while forging ahead with new romance.

Book Review: In Your Dreams

In Your Dreams (Falling #4)by Ginger Scott (Goodreads Author) 4.07  ·   Rating Details  ·  404 Ratings  ·  113 Reviews** Release date - March 29, 2016 **

Casey Coffield has a growing list of personal flaws he keeps locked away in his head:
He’s never on time.
His list of IOUs to his best friend is endless.
Money is always short.
Goals are never in reach.

Oh, and he’s decided to add college drop-out to that list, too. He doesn’t really think that last one’s such a bad thing, but his family insists it is, so it stays on the list.

On paper, he’s a zero. But in person, when he’s mixing tracks for a sea of bodies at the hottest clubs and parties, he’s downright irresistible. Just-right stubble on his chin, body of a boxer and a smirk that stimulates all the right nerves—women have never been a problem. They flock to his swagger and fall for his charm…fast.

All except for this one. 

Purple hair, gray eyes, a raspy voice and sass, Murphy Sullivan is a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll. And her and Casey? They have history. He can’t remember it, but she wrote a song about him—and it’s not exactly a love song. But it is good. Damn good. And uncovering her inspiration just might be the key to solving a few of his shortcomings—not to mention open doors to his own big break in the music industry.

But sometimes dreams get messy when they collide. Sometimes life changes patterns. A past paints the wrong picture and futures get cloudy. The only question that remains is who will you choose when the dust settles—you? Or the girl of your dreams?

** This book is a Falling Series spin-off. It can be read as a standalone. **
TeriLyn's thoughts: **In Your Dreams generously provided by Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review.**

Ginger Scott never ceases to amaze the New Adult book love within me. She captures this precarious time in our lives so eloquently with characters for whom you can imagine being friends with or at least relating to their struggles and inner demons in some profound way. Additionally, Scott's writing easily grabs readers attention and makes you hold on for the entire ride. The story of Casey Coffield and Murphy Sullivan is no different. 

In this fourth addition of the Falling series we see two characters quite a bit different than the previous books. While In Your Dreams can be read as a stand alone because it has two different main characters, I highly recommend reading the entire series first. Told from the dual points of view of both Casey and Murphy, Scott takes us on a journey where two people are forced together by quite unique circumstances that turns into a great friendship and eventually something more meaningful than either of these people could have expected. 

Arrogant, selfish, and secretly tortured by demons Casey Coffield is a hero who showed much growth and maturity. He was favorite kind of hero because of the leaps and bounds he made within himself and for those he cares about most. Murphy Sullivan - quiet, slightly introverted, and full of unspeakable talent makes you feel for her from the very moment you meet her. Together, the two of them wouldn't make sense on paper. But because of who they are innately without showing the world the give each other a tenderness and brand of confidence neither of them finds anywhere else. 

As usual, the secondary characters in the story lend a hand to the journey. Old favorites return here and leave their mark while new ones surface to give new friendships. With each review I write for a Ginger Scott book I constantly find myself saying how much I think she owns the NA genre and it's no less here. There were parts of the book that drug a tad for me and where I wished we could see a little more passion but never once did I feel detached from these two characters. Scott's ability to connect readers to her characters stays firmly rooted with In Your Dreams just as it has with her previous titles. There's no shortage of sweet throughout this journey of two people discovering who can they be as individuals and how they can soar together. I definitely recommend for any New Adult fans. 

Book Review: Midnight Lily

Midnight Lilyby Mia Sheridan (Goodreads Author) 3.75  ·   Rating Details  ·  4,562 Ratings  ·  962 ReviewsHolden Scott is the prince of professional football. At least he was before he lost it all . . . or more to the point, before he threw it all away. Now he's out of a job, out of the public's good graces, and perhaps just a little out of his mind. So when a friend offers up his remote lodge in the wilds of Colorado, giving Holden some time away to get his life back on track, he can hardly say no. The last thing he expects is to see a beautiful girl in the woods—one wearing a white, lace dress who appears in the moonlight, and leaves no footprints behind. Is she a dream? A ghost? A product of his muddled imagination? Or something entirely different?

Midnight Lily is the haunting love story of two lost souls reaching for each other in the dark. A tale of healing, acceptance, and the worlds we create to protect our own hearts. It is a story of being lost, of being found, and of being in the place between.

This is a stand-alone Sign of Love novel, inspired by Virgo Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
TeriLyn's thoughts: I've been thinking on this one for a few days and to preserve the plot I'll only say a short little something about the book. A total mind twist, a bit trippy really. I'm a huge fan of Mia Sheridan's work and I think Midnight Lily is inspired. It's risky for the romance genre and I appreciate the fact this great author took such a risk. Her writing is, as ever, engaging. Having been completely immersed in the story and thinking about it for days following the end plus Sheridan's superb story telling the book deserves some admiration. For me personally however, it's just not my kind of love story for reasons I can't mention because I could too easily spoil the entire premise. It's quite different and while I like that aspect there's just too much I questioned and understandings I couldn't draw conclusions on without the help of other readers once I was finished with the book. Holden and Lily will take you for a serious spin on their journey to each other, it's not an easy story but it's a compelling one. Midnight Lily is told from dual points of view and I highly recommend reading it in it's entirety without looking at spoilers or reviews first. 

Book Review: Fly

Fly (Velocity #1)by Molly McLain (Goodreads Author) 4.25  ·   Rating Details  ·  281 Ratings  ·  152 ReviewsMeet Colton Wade, FMX rider...

I’m just a small town guy who caught a lucky break. Now I’m living the dream, on the brink of high-flying super-stardom. But something’s missing.

That something is Taylor.

She’s my best friend. The one who makes me want to push harder and higher. The one I fall back on when shit gets tough. The one I’d give it all up for.

I’d do anything to protect her. To make her dreams come true too.

But a single night changes everything.

And now the one she needs protection from...is me.
TeriLyn's thoughts:  **Fly generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

My first Molly McLain story and I now look forward to reading the next in the Velocity series having finished Fly. Colton and Taylor have been best friends since childhood each grappling with growing feelings towards each other that are much more than friendly. Each of these characters has charisma, charm, and wit I found very refreshing to read. I suppose this is New Adult-esque due to their ages and I found what each of them was internally fighting with fit for the time frame. Colton struggles with keeping his best friend safely tucked away from the prospect of another man while he finds fame. Taylor caters to Colton's whims waiting for it to be her turn all the while wanting to escape small-town blues. As flirting and possessiveness ramp up for both characters their friendship is sent into a tailspin neither saw coming nor do they know how to react to the changes. 

I definitely enjoyed Fly. It was fast paced and entertaining with interesting characters and a story I feel invested in reading. There's not a lot of layers to the story and it was a little on the predictable side in terms of the romance but I never felt disengaged. McLain writes in the first person point of view alternating between Colton and Taylor. As Colton is a Motocross racer we get a little bit sports plot but the main story line is these two figuring out what's more important their fondness and friendship or the risk of being so much more. Secondary characters played well into the story also, both as friends and foes alike. I look forward to finding out the next part of Colton and Taylor's story in Fight, the ending left me hanging nicely on that cliff reeling for more. 

Release Day Launch: Breathe Again

It’s release day for Sydney Logan’s Breathe Again, and I am so excited to share it with you! Check out the excerpt and release day goodies, and be sure to grab your copy of Breathe Again while it’s on sale!!



About Breathe Again:



From the bestselling author of Songbird comes a story that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the power of second chances.

Carrie Malone has seen enough heartbreak to last a lifetime.

Her family’s demons gave Carrie the courage to move away from home and leave her past behind. Now a college senior, she stays busy with her classes and her job at the diner. It may sound boring to some, but to Carrie, the very best thing about her new life is that every day is calm and blissfully uneventful.

That all changes the night Josh Bennett walks into her diner.

With his dirty designer suit and mud-caked shoes, Carrie’s not sure what to think about the broken man sitting at her counter. She’s even more confused when he doesn’t touch his coffee . . . and leaves his Rolex watch as a tip.

Josh Bennett has nothing to live for.

Starved for affection and deep in despair, he’s looking for a tender touch. A kind word. A giving heart.

A shattered and broken Josh finds himself standing on a city bridge, looking down into the freezing river that will undoubtedly bring an end to his pain.

He’s prepared to jump.

He’s prepared to die.

He’s not prepared for the pretty waitress who finds him there by the river’s edge.

When two lost souls find each other in the dark of the night, can they give each other a reason to breathe again?



Get your copy today:

Kindle Unlimited

Breathe Again on Goodreads





Exclusive Excerpt:

Cold November air nips at my bare fingers, and I mutter a curse. Leaving my gloves at home isn’t the dumbest thing I’ve done lately, but it’s close.

You should’ve let Tony drive you home.

Pulling my jacket tighter around me, I quicken my pace. It’s just a few blocks between the diner and my apartment, but the cold air makes it feel like miles.

Flurries start to swirl, prompting me to walk a little faster. I’m just making my way across the Hart Street Bridge when something catches my eye.

A man’s standing next to the concrete barrier, looking down into the frigid water below.

I stop.

Without a backwards glance, he places one leg over the edge.

My heart pounds in my chest. “No!”

His head jerks up, and there, under the lights of the city, my eyes lock with the man who left his watch on my counter.

I’m paralyzed.

So is he.

Thank God.

People keep walking. Cars keep moving. But my eyes remain fixed on the man straddling the concrete barrier—the only thing that’s keeping him from plunging into the icy river below us. I don’t know his name. I don’t know why he’s dressed like a beggar, and I certainly don’t know why he left his Rolex on my counter.

But in this moment, none of that matters.

I make sure the street is clear before walking across, keeping my movements slow as I approach him. The last thing I want to do is freak him out. For now, one leg is still on this side of the barrier, giving me hope that maybe he doesn’t really want to die tonight. Needing the support it provides, I hold onto the cold concrete and pray I say the right thing.

“What are you—”

“Leave me alone, Carrie.”

The fact that he’s coherent enough to remember my name gives me even more hope. But his voice . . . it’s raw and tinged with so much sadness that it nearly breaks my heart.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s none of your business. Go away.”

“No.”

His eyes flash with anger.

“Screw you.”

“Don’t jump and maybe I’ll let you.”

It’s a ridiculous thing to say, but I’m desperate. He’d never survive the fall, and I already have enough guilt in my heart to last a lifetime. I don’t need this on my conscience, too.

The man blinks rapidly, as if he’s trying to comprehend what I said.

“Tempting, but trust me. I’m not worth saving.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“Believe it,” he whispers. “Please, Carrie. Just . . . go.”

I shake my head and take a step closer.

Keep him talking.

“I don’t even know your name. You know mine. That’s not fair.”

He looks surprised. “You don’t recognize me?”

“Should I?”

“Wow. That’s . . . refreshing, actually.”

I glance around. Surely someone has noticed us and called the cops by now. But I don’t hear sirens, so I keep talking, hoping the man will come to his senses.

I offer him my hand. “My name is Carrie Malone. What’s yours?”

“Josh Bennett.”

The name sounds vaguely familiar.

“Nice to meet you, Josh. Now, would you please place both legs on this side of the barrier before I have a heart attack?”

Josh looks down into the river.

“Please? Let me call your family.”

It’s the wrong thing to say.

“My family’s dead, which is exactly what I should be. What I want to be.”











Join Sydney on Facebook at the Breathe Again Release Day Party - July 22 at 4:00 PM EST for author takeovers, games and prizes, including the $50 Amazon gift card grand prize!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1707173469548279/1710955669170059



About Sydney Logan:



Sydney Logan is the bestselling author of seven novels. She has also penned several short stories and is a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul. A lover of music, she fills her playlist with everyone from Johnny Cash to Eminem.

Sydney holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and spends her days surrounded by kids and books. A native of East Tennessee, she enjoys playing piano and relaxing on her porch with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cat.



Visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads



Enter Sydney’s Giveaway:




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Release Blitz: Twirled Bond

If I thought Holly Woods was crazy before, I was wrong.

Devin is finally married. Nonna's on the wedding warpath. Drake might be getting ideas. His mom just dropped a bombshell, and Bek is caught between a hot as hell FBI agent and my super-sweet little brother.

And I still don't have the shoe closet Drake promised me when he moved in six months ago.

At least there's one positive: the old, abandoned Holly Woods Theater is about to reopen, and there's nothing like a theater opening to bring people together... And make crazy grandmothers forget proposal agendas.

Until that theater comes with a dead body. A very, very, very dead body.

Chaos is coming to town.

Everything I've ever known about Holly Woods might just be about to change.




Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N















TWISTED BONDAmazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooksTANGLED BONDAmazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | iBooksTETHERED BOND:
AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | iBooks | KOBOTIED BOND:Amazon US |Amazon UK | iBooksBy day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies - usually wine - and writes books.Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.She likes to be busy - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.SIGN UP HERE FOR ALL NEW RELEASE INFO
NEWSLETTERFACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Release Blitz: Seaside Lovers

Today we have SEASIDE LOVERS by Melissa Foster!! Check out this fantastic new contemporary romance and the exclusive excerpt Melissa is sharing, and be sure to grab your copy today!





About Seaside Lovers:



Seaside Summers is a series of stand-alone romances that may also be enjoyed as part of the larger Love in Bloom series.

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" New York Times Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!" New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

In SEASIDE LOVERS...

After months of long-distance communication, actress Parker Collins and artist Grayson Lacroux finally plan to reconnect in the seaside town of Wellfleet, Massachusetts. But Parker never shows, and weeks pass without a word, leaving Grayson to believe he's misinterpreted their budding relationship.

Parker has been running on autopilot ever since she lost her friend, mentor, and the only family she's ever known, Bert Stein. Armed with junk food, tequila, and her big, lovable dog, she's prepared to hole up and mourn--and determined to mend a fence Bert had never been able to with his estranged and bitter brother. But Parker didn't count on the sinfully hot artist she's been fantasizing about for nearly a year walking in on her grief-induced drunken night.

When Grayson stumbles across Parker, he has no idea what to make of the gorgeous blonde who blew him off despite the heat sizzling between them. But that doesn't stop him from feeling protective of the woman who's consumed his thoughts for months, and when he learns of Parker's plans to confront an angry old man, he refuses to leave her side. As Parker's past unfolds, they're led on an unexpected journey of discovery. Their connection deepens, and late-night fantasies become passionate realities, until good intentions spark painful secrets, threatening the love they've found.

***

Seaside Summers is part of Melissa Foster's bestselling Love in Bloom series. All Love in Bloom books may be enjoyed as stand-alone novels, or as part of the series.



SEASIDE SUMMERS

Seaside Dreams (Bella)

Seaside Hearts (Jenna)

Seaside Sunsets (Jamie)

Seaside Secrets (Amy)

Seaside Nights (Sky)

Seaside Embrace (Hunter)

Seaside Lovers (Grayson)

Seaside Whispers (Matt)



***

Read the complete LOVE IN BLOOM series:



SNOW SISTERS

THE BRADENS (at Weston, CO)

THE REMINGTONS

THE BRADENS (at Trusty, CO)

THE BRADENS (at Peaceful Harbor)

SEASIDE SUMMERS

WILD BOYS AFTER DARK



Buy Links:

Kindle US | NOOK | KOBO | GPLAY | IBOOKS | SMASHWORDS | Paperback Amazon US



Exclusive Excerpt:

"Trust me?” Grayson asked.



“Trust a guy who hauled me over his shoulder and kidnapped me?” She looked toward the bar.



“Yeah, trust that guy.”



“I do trust you.” She poked him in his chest. “But if I end up on the front of some rag magazine, I’m hiding out in your basement. With Christmas, chocolate, and a boatload of horror movies that you have to watch with me.”



“Sweetheart, if you move into my house, you won’t be watching movies or hiding out in the basement. You’ll be lucky if you make it out of the bedroom. In fact”—he slid his hand to the nape of her neck, causing her eyes to glaze over with desire—“maybe I should take a few of those pictures and make that happen.” He’d taken a chance, saying something so brazen and holding her like this in the cab of his truck, but he couldn’t hold back.



Melissa Foster Bio:



Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and new adult romance, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Links:



NEWSLETTER:

http://www.melissafoster.com/newsletter

CONNECT WITH MELISSA

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor

TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/Melissa_Foster

WEBSITE:

http://www.MelissaFoster.com

STREET TEAM:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/melissafosterfans

Release Day Celebration: The Secret Language of Stones

THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF STONES is a stunning historical Gothic romantic suspense published by Atria, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, releasing today! Written to be a total and complete standalone novel, THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF STONES is the second title in M.J. Rose’s The Daughters of La Lune Series. Sexy, compelling, and seductive, be sure to grab your copy today!










Excerpt:The war had stolen all our dreams. Women who were supposed to have had houses full of children, would probably remain childless; men who otherwise might have made their fortunes, were now dead in the trenches. Even if I was brave enough to go searching for love, my chances of finding it were slim.“I went to Le Figaro,” I said out loud. “I met a receptionist who has quite a crush on you.” A moment passed in silence. Just about to be convinced yet again that, yes, I’d imagined it all, I felt an almost breeze blow through my room. There should be nothing suspect about a breeze. Except it was impossible. There were no windows here. Yet it brushed my face, ruffled my hair. The very air moved. I smelled limes mixed with…I sniffed again…mixed with verbena and a hint of myrrh.Why there?“Now that we’ve met, I wanted to read your columns.Who did you write them to?”At the time I didn’t know. Now I think maybe, I wrote them for you.“Me?”I think we were supposed to meet but I messed that up.“What do you mean?”It’s all my fault, I misread the signs, I delayed issuing orders…The words ceased. Silence. And then I heard what sounded like a sob.“Jean Luc, what do you mean about us meeting? About messing that up.”I think if I hadn’t made those mistakes in the field I would have come back to Paris and visited your store and looked at the jewelry and seen something to buy for my mother and would have met you.I put my hand up to the talisman to touch it. To touch him?“But now you won’t.”No.“I’m sorry.”Yes. Me too. For you. For so many many things.I didn’t say anything.Don’t cry.He could see me?“How did you know I was crying? So you really can see me? Where areyou?” I was so frustrated and confused.Until you started to make the talisman I was asleep, floating…and then the closer you came to completing it, the more aware I became. When you touch it, you come into focus. Through fog. As if there is certain distance between us. Yet more clearly thanmakes any sense, considering I am a world away from you.“I don’t understand,” I whispered. “And I am a little afraid.”And then, I felt, or I thought I felt…no…I did feel his hand brushing myhair off my forehead.I don’t want to make you afraid.His touch made me shiver and begin to tremble.I can’t bear for you to be afraid of me. You, here, it’s the only time since…since ithappened I don’t feel as lost.I tried desperately to quell the shaking. Pressure increased against the spot he’d cleared. Not lips, no. But a force suggesting lips. Perhaps from the shock, my shaking stopped.When I kissed you just now, you felt it, didn’t you?I nodded.And now, do you feel this?Somehow he’d taken my hand. I looked down and saw nothing but myown hand in my lap. I didn’t feel flesh. Instead, it was as if I was holding smoke.And where our hands met, my skin warmed to his touch.I can’t stay.“What do you mean?”It takes an effort to be here. So much effort. Have to…learn how to…He continued speaking, but from an even greater distance. His voicefading.“Jean Luc?”Silence.And then, my tears came. As if I’d known him for years and just found out he’d died. I glanced down at my hand again. It looked no different from before and yet was cold. I touched my right hand with my left. Trying to find where his amorphous fingers had lain, trying to pick up a sense of him. But there was nothing there.
"The most powerful book I've read this year! Seductive, compelling, and beautifully written." ~New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster “THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF STONES is a unique, hauntingly romantic love story that could only come from the imagination of M.J. Rose. This absorbing, richly rendered novel is one you’ll want to savor.”~Lara Adrian, New York Times bestselling author of DEFY THE DAWN




Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | IndieBound As World War I rages and the Romanov dynasty reaches its sudden, brutal end, a young jewelry maker discovers love, passion, and her own healing powers in this rich and romantic ghost story, the perfect follow-up to M.J. Rose’s “brilliantly crafted” (Providence Journal) novel The Witch of Painted Sorrows.Nestled within Paris’s historic Palais Royal is a jewelry store unlike any other. La Fantasie Russie is owned by Pavel Orloff, protégé to the famous Faberge, and is known by the city’s fashion elite as the place to find the rarest of gemstones and the most unique designs. But war has transformed Paris from a city of style and romance to a place of fear and mourning. In the summer of 1918, places where lovers used to walk, widows now wander alone.So it is from La Fantasie Russie’s workshop that young, ambitious Opaline Duplessi now spends her time making trench watches for soldiers at the front, as well as mourning jewelry for the mothers, wives, and lovers of those who have fallen. People say that Opaline’s creations are magical. But magic is a word Opaline would rather not use. The concept is too closely associated with her mother Sandrine, who practices the dark arts passed down from their ancestor La Lune, one of sixteenth century Paris’s most famous courtesans.But Opaline does have a rare gift even she can’t deny, a form of lithomancy that allows her to translate the energy emanating from stones. Certain gemstones, combined with a personal item, such as a lock of hair, enable her to receive messages from beyond the grave. In her mind, she is no mystic, but merely a messenger, giving voice to soldiers who died before they were able to properly express themselves to loved ones. Until one day, one of these fallen soldiers communicates a message—directly to her.So begins a dangerous journey that will take Opaline into the darkest corners of wartime Paris and across the English Channel, where the exiled Romanov dowager empress is waiting to discover the fate of her family. Full of romance, seduction, and a love so powerful it reaches beyond the grave, The Secret Language of Stones is yet another “spellbindingly haunting” (Suspense magazine), “entrancing read that will long be savored” (Library Journal, starred review).


And Don’t Miss the First Book in The Daughters of La Lune Series, THE WITCH OF PAINTED SORROWS! Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound
A dazzling mix of history, mystery and mystical arts . . . Rose’s paranormal historical bewitches from start to finish. Her amazing ability to make her story line believable and her extraordinary protagonist relatable result in an unforgettable psychic thriller.” (Library Journal (Starred review))“An exciting mix of adventure, intrigue, and romance in this thrilling historical tale.” (Booklist)“Haunting, spellbinding, captivating; Rose’s story of the power of love and redemption is masterful. More than a romance or ghost story, this is a tale of a young woman learning to embrace her unique qualities…So carefully crafted and beautifully written, readers will believe in the magical possibilities of love transcending time.” (RT Magazine (Top Pick))“Rose follows up The Witch of Painted Sorrows (2015) with Sandrine’s daughter’s story, set against the tragic yet exquisite canvases of Paris, the Great War, and the Russian Revolution, and offers fascinating historical tidbits in the midst of bright, imaginative storytelling and complex, supernatural worldbuilding. A compelling, heart-wrenching, creative, and intricate read.” (Kirkus Reviews)







Daughter of La Lune Pendant
 Giveaway!We’re celebrating the release of THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF STONES by giving away a beautiful Daughter of La Lune pendant. Designed by Cadsawan Jewelry, the silver pendant contains a labradorite, a magical stone excellent for awakening one’s own awareness of inner spirit, intuition, and psychic abilities.a Rafflecopter giveaway





About M.J. Rose:

New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice… books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Rose’s work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the ’80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors – Authorbuzz.com

The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose’s novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization’s co-president.

Rose lives in CT with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield, and their very spoiled and often photographed dog, Winka.


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Release Blitz: Say You Want Me

Say You Want Me
Tara West
Publication date: July 18th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

I want Cesar Cruz. God, how I want him. And he’s made it no secret he desires me. I can’t handle another heartbreak, one more haunting memory that threatens my sanity. What I need is to feel wanted by a man who will love me unconditionally and forever, a man who will be patient and loving, not apathetic and abusive.
What will happen if I give in to temptation and spend one night in his arms? Will he want more? Will I? Whether I say yes or no, I fear I’ll suffer regret, but as my need for him grows stronger, I may not have a choice. I only pray he will be gentle with me and my heart.

Goodreads / Amazon**99¢ TODAY ONLY!**—EXCERPT:I couldn’t help gaping at the tall, tanned, and dripping wet hunk of man flesh before me. Cesar’s broad shoulders filled the doorway as he looked at me, wearing nothing but a smile and a skimpy towel draped low around his waist.“Can I help you, bella?”
Ugh. Why did he have to call me that? I thought it was Spanish for pretty girl, or maybe it was a term of endearment. He hadn’t called me his bella since last week, when I told him to stop. No surprise he refused to listen. Cesar was persistent.
I averted my gaze, trying hard not to stare at the glistening water on his taut stomach or the tattoo on his shoulder. “You really should put some clothes on.”
“Sorry.” He ran a hand through his thick, dripping hair. “I was in the hot tub.”
My jaw dropped. “You have a hot tub?” It was only last weekend I’d had to sneak into his backyard to retrieve my wayward dog. I didn’t remember seeing anything other than a few lawn chairs, a punching bag, and a grill.
“I had it installed two days ago.” His wicked grin stretched nearly ear-to-ear. “I’m disappointed you haven’t been peeking over my fence.”
I scowled. “Why would I want to peek over your fence?”
“Same reason I want to peek over yours.” He laughed, a deep throaty chuckle that sent a jolt of lust straight to my lady parts. My poor vibrator would be working overtime tonight.
I tried to deepen my scowl, but it might have come out as a smile instead.
Get a grip, Savannah. Do not let this man have control over you.
Truthfully, I had intentionally spied over Cesar’s fence a few times when he hit his punching bag. He was usually shirtless, with his back to me. His skin was drenched in sweat, and his backside was ripped with tanned muscles. Now all those muscles were in my face, tempting me like a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day. One taste, I kept telling myself, was all I needed to quench my thirst.
Liar.
Ever since I’d been old enough to take an interest in the opposite sex, I’d denied myself their forbidden fruit, all because I didn’t want to give my father an excuse to call me a whore. That asshole had my mind so twisted, I’d been terrified of even looking at boys. I’d missed my senior prom, not only because I couldn’t afford a gown, but because I knew my dad would accuse me of having sex with my date. I’d refused to give him the satisfaction of comparing me to my dead mother.
But Bud Boudreau was dead now, too. I’d cut him out of my life five years ago. Why was I still terrified of men? How had I managed to let that sick fuck wield so much control over my life when he was no longer a part of it?
Gah! My brain hurt too much from thinking about him. What I needed was a tall drink and a soak in the tub. Cesar’s hot tub came to mind, but no, I had to clear my mind, not muddle it even more.
“Look.” My shoulders caved inward with the weight of my depression, “I’m tired. Can I just get my dog?”
“Sure.” He threw open the door and stepped back.
I crossed under his broad arm, warily eyeing him as I stepped over the threshold.
“You look like you need to relax. Maybe a glass of wine and a soak in my tub?”
I stumbled, tripping over my own two feet.
He grabbed me, clutching my waist with a strong hand, preventing me from falling face-first onto his floor. I clung to his shoulder while righting myself.
“Easy there,” he said with a wink.
I turned into his embrace, gaping up at him as if I’d been struck mute. Was he a mind reader? How did he know I needed a drink and a soak? I looked at him through narrowed eyes as I pulled out of his embrace. “You don’t give up, do you?”
He shrugged, stepping back as he unwrapped the towel from around his waist. “I want to show you something.”
Dear God, was he going to show me his penis? I should have shielded my eyes, but I couldn’t move. Only after the towel had fallen, revealing a pair of black swimming trunks, did I breathe a sigh of relief, or maybe it was disappointment.
“W-What?” I asked, my voice sounding surprisingly small.
He slung the towel over his shoulder and wordlessly grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the sliding door leading to his backyard. “Just look,” he whispered.
My mind was too preoccupied with the feel of his warm hand cradling mine, and the way his breath tickled the exposed skin of my neck, to process what I was looking at. My gaze skimmed over the big square tub with steam rising from the top that sat on the patio. My eyes widened when I saw Nacho chasing Macy. She barked and wagged her tail, ducking under a lawn chair before tearing up the grass, zooming around the yard as if she had a rocket wedged up her furry butt. Nacho caught her, and she turned on him, chasing him across the patio. It was the funniest sight, especially since Macy weighed only ten pounds and Nacho, a yellow Lab, was easily ten times her size.
No wonder my dog was always sneaking over here. It was clear they were the best of friends. I felt bad for stealing her away from Nacho every night. She was happier when she was with him.
My throat constricted as I looked at Cesar through cloudy eyes. “They are really having fun, aren’t they?”
He softly smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Animals need companionship, just like people. It’s no fun being alone.”
I repressed the urge to shudder at his touch. I involuntarily swayed toward him, drawn toward his masculine heat like a moth toward flame. “No, it isn’t.”

Author Bio:
I write books about dragons, witches, and handsome heroes while eating chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate. I’m willing to share my dragons, witches and heroes. Keep your hands off my chocolate. My young adult and new adult romances have been Kindle, Nook, and iBooks bestsellers. A former high school English teacher, I am now a full-time writer. I enjoy spending time with my family, interacting with my fans, and fishing the Texas coast.
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Book Review & Giveaway: The Hard Count

 
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tour with Ginger Scott, hosted by Wordsmith Publicity. Be sure to check out all
the participating blogs, reviews and enter the tour giveaway!


 
THE HARD COUNTMature YA Contemporary Romance-Stand AloneRelease Date: July 15, 2016Goodreads
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Nico Medina’s world is
eleven miles away from mine. During the day, it’s a place where doors are
open—where homes are lived in, and neighbors love. But when the sun sets, it
becomes a place where young boys are afraid, where eyes watch from idling cars
that hide in the shadows and wicked smoke flows from pipes.
West End is the kind of
place that people survive. It buries them—one at a time, one way or another.
And when Nico was a little boy, his mom always told him to run.
I’m Reagan
Prescott—coach’s daughter, sister to the prodigal son, daughter in the perfect
family.Life on top.Lies.My world is the ugly one.
Private school politics and one of the best high school football programs in
the country can break even the toughest souls. Our darkness plays out in
whispers and rumors, and money and status trump all. I would know—I’ve watched
it kill my family slowly, strangling us for years.
In our twisted world, a
boy from West End is the only shining light.Quarterback.Hero.Heart.Good.I hated him before I
needed him.I fell for him fast.I loved him when it was
almost too late.
When two ugly worlds
collide, even the strongest fall. But my world…it hasn’t met the boy from West
End.


  

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1 signed copy of In Your Dreams, $10
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TeriLyn's thoughts:

5+ Stars
**The Hard Count generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**
Ginger Scott continually awes me with her uniquely gifted YA voice. Her penchant for story telling steals your reading breath from beginning to end in The Hard Count. She quite eloquently captures the very essence of growing up. Her main characters learn and build upon their own ideas of what's right and wrong deciding for themselves where the gray areas lie and where there shouldn't be any at all. Scott takes preconceived stereotypes that still very much exist despite how the good in some of us reject those very ideas, then turns them inside out proving why social injustices are not to be tolerated. She takes these ideas and puts them in the minds eye of today's youth showcasing the power young adults have to change such ideas. And she does all that with a sport, football, playing a pivotal role in the story. 

As a caveat - a personal aside - to this review for this book. I believe sports are a vital part of our young adult lives, our high school culture. I believe in the good that comes from having a coach that cares and pushes because of that care. I know there's bad but overall I believe in the immense good. I've been the daughter of a high school coach my entire life. I'm now the sister of a college coach. I'm married to an athlete. I know first hand it takes something special to possess the quality to lead others in a sports arena. Whether or not you believe in the power of a team or care about sports at all, I feel it so important to recognize Ginger Scott's beliefs in sports and teams. I identified with her heroine, the daughter of a coach, so much it's almost uncanny. I've run those gambits of emotion in my own high school years. I've seen my father run ragged by talk of parents and board members. I've also seen the great joy he gets with each success. It's a crazy life yet it's also very fulfilling so I needed to take an extra paragraph and commend this author for capturing that so brilliantly. 

Now for the good stuff: Nico Medina and Reagan Prescott are a modern idea of two star-crossed lovers. Set in a private high school setting, Nico is the boy from the other side of the tracks people think they need to fear while Reagan is the football coaches daughter embodying wholesome exterior. What a twisted world they're entwined in based on preconceived notions and fear of the unknown. From socialite politics to barrio violence, Ginger Scott brilliantly tells this tale of two people destined for greatness and each other no matter how winding the path to that greatness may be. Each of these characters holds their own when it comes to intelligence, wit, looks, and charisma. Nico and Reagan despite their vastly different home lives share a similar moral and ethical compass. They're each abundantly good people and it makes them literally shine from the pages of their love story. 

A special section just for this hero, Nico Medina. This boy is the ultimate. He's exactly what you want in a YA hero, in any kind of hero actually. He's brave, bold, and beautiful. He's vulnerable in all the best ways yet such a fierce protector. He believes in what's just and good and makes no mistake about his beliefs. He's pure in a way that makes you wonder how he went unscathed for so long. He exudes confidence with an attitude that will set you on fire. He argues with such conviction you wish you could debate him yourself. Nico Medina is a very special character - my favorite of Scott's to date. 

There are so many awesome secondary characters that make this mature YA story that much better as well. From Reagan's parents to Nico's family and especially one surly brother who's the catalyst for Nico's rise (hopefully to be coupled with one quirky best friend in a future story). Nothing is as it should be in this book. Scott so cleverly twists it all up to show you it doesn't matter your color, your social standing, your bank account, your ego. The story isn't singularly focused on Nico and Reagan but rather the attention divided on this group as a whole snarled in this web of good versus bad while Nico and Reagan drive it forward. The plot flows seamlessly and the structure really emphasizes Scott's ability to be distinct and effortless in her story telling. 

The Hard Count will absolutely make you fall in love. The writing is impeccable - Ginger Scott's best yet, in my humble opinion. The story is unforgettable causing to you think and expand your minds and hearts into the social realm of both Nico and Reagan putting right in the middle of their story. It takes such important societal issues and juxtaposes the evil against the good in brilliant ways. It's a breathtakingly lovely romance. I was sad at the end because I could have read these two characters for much longer. I sincerely hope Scott revisits some of the secondary characters with more stories just like this. A must read recommendation from me to all the YA sports-loving romance readers. 

About Ginger Scott



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Amazon-bestselling and Goodreads Choice Award-nominated author of several young
and new adult romances, including Waiting on the Sidelines, Going Long,
Blindness, How We Deal With Gravity, This Is Falling, You and Everything After,
The Girl I Was Before, Wild Reckless, Wicked Restless and In Your Dreams.

A sucker for a good
romance, Ginger’s other passion is sports, and sheoften blends the two in
her stories. (She’s also a sucker for a hot quarterback, catcher, pitcher,
point guard…the list goes on.) Ginger has been writing and editing for
newspapers, magazines and blogs for more than 15 years. She has told the
stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and
towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://www.littlemisswrite.com.
When she's not writing,
the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching
her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball
team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her
college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).

Connect with Ginger
Website:  http://bit.ly/1M8g5biFacebook:  http://on.fb.me/1U7lDvQTwitter: http://bit.ly/1TBkPPTPinterest: http://bit.ly/YHKtlFYouTube:  http://bit.ly/1RcfgqZ

Google:  http://bit.ly/1Rcfjmt

Goodreads: 
http://bit.ly/1QKNuyr