Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 42

Blitz & Giveaway: Even Angels Fall

Even Angels Fall
F.L. Darbyshire
Publication date: August 21st 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

After suffering an unthinkable loss, Abbey Miller and her family move to Leeds to rebuild their lives and start again, but the pain and grief that Abbey carries with her is impossible to escape. As she finds herself becoming increasingly isolated from her family, she develops a firm friendship with Lucy, Nathan and Liam, who introduce her to a brand new and exciting world, far removed from all of her problems. But will her new friends bring her the light hearted relief she has longed for? Or will she find herself getting drawn deep into their dangerous and intoxicating world?

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PROLOGUE:The bright, mid-afternoon sun pours through the open window as the soft, summer breeze makes the trees outside sway together in a gentle dance. Abbey Miller turns her face towards the sunlight and closes her eyes, feeling the warmth on her skin. As the birds sing and the leaves rustle softly in the wind, she allows her thoughts to slowly drift away from her.“Abbey…?” She reluctantly opens her eyes and returns to the present moment. Sitting across from her is Dr Morris, with a pen resting in her right hand and a clip board balanced in her lap. She watches Abbey curiously, “Writing about your experiences, actually putting them down on paper… it has been proven to be an effective tool when coping with trauma. I feel you might benefit from this… you may find it an easier way to communicate?”Abbey shifts uncomfortably in the large leather armchair. How can she be blamed for not wanting to ‘communicate’ when she is so aware of Dr Morris assessing her every movement, enthusiastically scribbling down more notes because she rubbed her head or cleared her throat. It’s not that Abbey doesn’t trust her. She is clearly good at her job. The many certificates of achievement and qualifications that are framed and mounted neatly on the wall speak for themselves. She is patient and understanding, as all therapists ought to be. She just doesn’t get the point in being here. What difference is it really going to make? Everything that has happened to Abbey in the past 18 months can’t be changed or altered in any way. She can’t take back all the bad decisions she has made. No, there is no point. In Abbey’s opinion, no amount of ‘communication’ is going to make the slightest bit of difference what so ever. “Would you at least be willing to give it a try? You could write in the form of a story, or perhaps a diary… whatever you find easiest. And then in our sessions we can go through what you have written and discuss it together. Does that sound fair?” Abbey sighs quietly, nodding in response as Dr Morris flashes a brief, reassuring smile and seemingly satisfied, once again begins to add to her notes.As the sun sets over the beautifully landscaped gardens outside, Abbey sits in her room, staring in frustration at the computer in front of her. It is dark – the only light coming from a small desk lamp that is balanced precariously on a pile of books and CD’s. She watches the cursor flashing at the top of the screen, her mind completely blank. Why on earth did she agree to this? How is she supposed to put her tragic, dysfunctional life into words? She exhales the smoke from her cigarette and twists it into the ash tray, running her hands through her long auburn hair. She looks older than her years. Only 19, yet her pale green eyes reflect the maturity of someone much older, someone who has been through more than the average teenager. Someone, in fact, that has been through more than the average person ever will. Eventually, she reaches for the keyboard, hesitating for a moment before she begins to type…
‘Have you ever taken a step back and looked at your life?
Are you where you expected to be? Or do you often find yourself wondering ‘how the hell did I end up here?’I seem to be asking that question a lot these days – and as I reflect on the circumstances that led me to this point I still find it hard to believe.Trinity and All Saints Rehabilitation Centre is somewhere I never expected to end up.’

Author Bio:
Fay Louise Darbyshire is a twenty eight year old, first time writer from West Yorkshire. Born and raised in Leeds, Fay finished High School at the age of sixteen and went on to enrol at Leeds College of Art and Design where she studied Media, Film and English. After graduating into the world of full time employment, her passion for writing remained and she spent several years developing film scripts and screen plays in her spare time, until finally deciding to adapt one of her stories into a book in late 2013. Her debut novel ‘Even Angels Fall’ was released at the end of 2014.
When asked recently how she wanted readers to feel whilst reading ‘Even Angels Fall’, Fay replied;
‘I wanted to challenge them and to challenge their opinion on the stereotypes they might have expected to see in this kind of story. I know a lot of reviewers said they felt conflicted. They knew that they shouldn’t really be rooting for the characters in certain parts of the book and that they perhaps shouldn’t be feeling sympathy for them, but knowing deep down that they are good people caught up in a series of awful situations meant they still wanted them to succeed. All of the characters make bad choices throughout the story, but I wanted the reader to understand the reasons behind those choices and the circumstances that lead them there. I wanted them to feel connected to the characters and to feel empathy for what they we’re going through, despite how extreme it may be…’
‘I like characters that are multi-layered and complicated, because that is real to me. They aren’t saints, but they aren’t villains either. It is never that black and white.’
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Cover Reveal: Surfaced

Sometimes, love means exposing the darkest part of who you are to the world.
Half-monster, half-human and completely in love: Melusine Doré, part-human, part lethal mermaid, is doing her best to live her happily-ever-after and it seems, for once, that nothing will cause her to lose grip on her fairy-tale ending.  Levi loves her for what she is and Melusine herself has finally come to terms with it all—despite the fact that she must hide her secret to survive.  When she and Levi discover someone is trapping and torturing monsters, their inquiries lead them to a traveling Freak Show. But what should be a simple investigation quickly turns into a tangled mess.  Levi goes missing and Melusine rushes guns blazing to find and rescue her lover.  This time, though, she is utterly unprepared for the creatures  she is about to face.Will she be able to make the sacrifice necessary to save Levi?
Adventure number three in the Clockwork Siren Series, Surfaced by Katie Hayoz takes us from the muddy Chicago River to the fading tents of a steampunk traveling circus to the deepest pools of fear about exposing oneself.
IMMERSEDONLY $.99!!! AMAZ ON * AMAZON UKSUBMERGED AMAZON * AMAZON UKKatie grew up in Racine, Wisconsin where she acquired an irreversible nasal twang and an addiction for books with a slightly dark edge. She now lives in Geneva, Switzerland with her husband, two daughters, and two fuzzy cats. She has been an avid reader of YA fiction for years. While she has a penchant for the paranormal, she devours a range of books -- along with popcorn and black licorice. She consumes all three in large quantities. Luckily, the books don't stay on her hips.
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Cover Reveal: The Beltane Escape

The Beltane Escape
Ariella Moon
(The Two Realms Trilogy, #1)
Publication date: February 2nd 2016
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Lady Fenella, ever surrounded by guards, knows only responsibility and duty. She believes Merlin and the Lady of the Lake are myths, Gran’s warnings about Fairy are superstition, and Fairy was invented to make children behave.
But then Gran brands her, Lord Argonshire kidnaps her, and the Lady of the Lake makes her a pawn. The Highland heiress must betray her newly betrothed and fend for herself when she dives into a wormhole to save her cousin. She lands in a part of Fairy even fairies avoid, and joins forces with Talfryn, a half-Viking/half-Fairy.
Fenella must use her wits to find her cousin, free the Lady of the Lake, and reach the wormhole in Glastonbury by Beltane. Nine days to unshackle herself from a sorceress, prevent a war between rival clans, and decide in which realm—and with which lad—she truly belongs. Oh, and The Most Powerful Wizard stands in her way.

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Author Bio:
Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman to create magical Young Adult fiction. Her Two Realms Trilogy is a medieval fantasy adventure series with romantic elements. The Teen Wytche Saga is a series of sweet contemporary paranormal romances.
Ariella spent her childhood searching for a magical wardrobe that would transport her to Narnia. Extreme math anxiety and taller students who mistook her for a leaning post, marred her youth. Despite these horrors, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Davis. Ariella lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and an enormous dragon.
Ariella loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at http://www.AriellaMoon.com or visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ariellamoon....
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Cover Reveal: Eyes Open

Title: Eyes Open (Finding Home #2)
Author: Rachel Caid
Release Date: March 1, 2016
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Keep them shut.
Block out the pain.
No one sees the truth.
Until him. 
He wants too much.
He wants it all. 
He wants me to live with my
Eyes Open.


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Healing (Finding Home #1) – Released Aug 14, 2015

After a devastating loss, Anna Johnston has finally gotten the pieces of her life to fit back together and has created a comfortable pattern for her and her son, Roman. Trying to protect both of their hearts, Anna has given up on dating accepting that she will never completely heal from losing Roman's father.



Noah Evans just got out of a relationship based on lies and isn’t looking for anything permanent. New to town, he and his friend and business partner are focused on finishing their new remodel and making money. One boys’ night out introduces him to Anna and all of that changes. Noah wants something real; a place to call home.

He might be pushy, but Noah is determined to get what he wants. Just as Anna and Noah start to come together, someone from the past comes back to cause trouble.



Can Noah convince Anna to take a chance on him and break free from the pain of her memories? Will Anna look past what she cannot change to see a future that includes Noah?



Due to explicit sex scene, 18+ please

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Hi! I’m Rachel, and I am a lover of all books romance!

While my books are contemporary romances, my favorite genres are paranormal romance and suspense romance. Maybe one day I will have the courage to try those :)

I am a mother to two amazing boys, wife to my best friend, and herder of two dogs and three kitties. We live in rural Missouri and absolutely love being outdoors, tending to the acreage we built our home on.

I am also a complete coffee-addict, with no plans for rehab or any sort. So give me a good book, a pot of coffee and call me a happy girl!

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Cover Reveal: The Society

The Society

by Jodie AndrefskiRelease Date: May 3rd 2016
Entangled Teen
Summary from Goodreads:
Welcome to Trinity Academy’s best-kept secret.

The Society.You’ve been handpicked by the elite of the elite to become a member. But first you’ll have to prove your worth by making it through Hell Week.Do you have what it takes?It’s time to find out.Samantha Evans knows she’d never get an invite to rush the Society—not after her dad went to jail for insider trading. But after years of relentless bullying at the hands of the Society’s queen bee, Jessica, she’s ready to take down Jessica and the Society one peg at a time from the inside out.All it’ll take is a bit of computer hacking, a few fake invitations, some eager rushees…and Sam will get her revenge.Let the games begin.



Buy Links:Amazon│Barnes & Noble│ iTunes │Kobo│Amazon UK│ Amazon CA │The Book Depository│Books a Million
About the AuthorJodie Andrefski has been passionate about reading ever since she was a little girl, when she used to climb trees to escape with a favorite book. She now lives and writes in a small town in Pennsylvania with her teenage daughter. Though still an avid reader, she now prefers a comfy chair over the crook of a tree. An unapologetic coffee fiend, she's even happier if her java comes with pie. Jodie often draws on her background in education and mental health counseling to bring real world experience to her writing. She is a firm believer in the magic of a first kiss, and insists that you should never, ever give up on your dreams.
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Book Review: Defaced

Defaced (The Monster Trilogy #1)
by Marissa Farrar

A Dark Romance Novel

Monster

Hidden away from society by his criminal father, there lives a man who has never entered the outside world. Now, having taken over his father's business, he has all the money and power he could dream of, yet still he refuses to let himself be viewed by the rest of society.

Lily

Traumatised by an event in her past, Lily Drayton has a phobia of being touched. Though she helps people externally with her skills as a laser therapist, she refuses to let anyone in, emotionally or physically. When Lily is kidnapped on the way home from work one evening, she discovers she's not the only person who keeps themselves cut off from the rest of the world.

Defaced

A man owns her now--a man both dangerous and enigmatic. Drawn by his dual beauty and hidden pain, he awakens something inside her, something she believed was long dead. Brought to a room without windows, she's given an impossible task: to make her owner acceptable to the outside world.

Can altering his face change who he is as a man, or is he truly a monster, both inside and out?
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Defaced generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

With so many books encompassing the captor/captive story line there comes a fine line in setting yourself apart from the pack. Defaced interestingly provides a fresh take on this subgenre of romance. I was pleasantly engaged throughout the story and thought the darker elements working behind the plot were quite compelling.

Individually, both Lily and Monster held me captive. There's a subtle current through the story where we learn both of these are people are prisoners in their own rights. The history of Monster and the growth of Lily both provided excellent story lines. With the writing of Farrar each of these characters develop organically and being in Lily's POV gives great insight to the story and her mind frame. With Monster's history unfolding in pieces from his POV, the psyche of his character becomes even more intriguing. However, their relationship together I felt was a little lax from what I've come to expect in a romance. I felt their connection and I understood the depth of feeling however, the the amounts of time and the depth of passion between the two left me a bit put off. I wanted something grand from them as a couple because they both made such strides individually.

The story ends leaving the reader wanting more and I'm intrigued to find out the rest of the story in The Monster Trilogy. Farrar left the door wide open for significant development in their relationship and I can't wait to discover where she takes her readers.

Book Review: Accelerate

Accelerate (Hotwired #1)
by Tracy Wolff

Once the brains behind a car-boosting ring, Nic Medina has spent the last three years playing it straight. Now drag racers flock to his L.A. auto shop, Hotwired, for a shot at going head-to-head with the man himself. But when a crooked cop gives Nic a treacherous ultimatum—steal ten high-end cars or watch his nephew disappear into the system—he makes the only choice he can, one that puts the life he’s worked so hard for at risk. No sooner does Nic agree than he spots some nasty competition—and a gorgeous bystander in harm’s way.

A small-town girl with Hollywood dreams, Jordan Bass never expected to be swept up in a real-life drama. But that’s exactly what happens when she witnesses a violent crime. And when a smoldering stranger takes the wheel and practically kidnaps her in a desperate bid to keep her safe, she’s not sure whether to scream . . . or kiss him. Nic’s bad news—but the real bad guys aren’t above silencing a witness. On a collision course with danger, Jordan finds herself falling for the man whose street smarts are keeping her alive . . . and whose touch puts her in high gear.
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Accelerate generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

This book quite aptly titled. It's the fast-paced love story of Nic Medina and Jordan Bass who meet and fall for each other in the span of just a few days. If this isn't your thing then you might as well stop reading. To be honest, it's not normally my thing either. But Tracy Wolff very precisely changed that when it comes to Accelerate. Her writing and her characters drew me in immediately and found myself smiling throughout the whole book.

Told from the alternating points of view of both Nic and Jordan, Accelerate takes you on quite the ride. I thought some of plot points were definitely the product of artistic license. They were fully exaggerated, seemingly out of the realm of possibility in certain situations, and again moving at lightning speed. Doesn't matter because the story is fantastic because of it. Wolff hooked me and I found myself unable to put the book down. I just really enjoyed these two characters and the crew that surrounds them. I felt their insta-connection. I adored them both. And loved reading about their short coupling.

Nic Medina is a total alpha. He exudes confidence. He's sexy and sharp. I mean the man has dreads and green eyes, come on. He's drives like he lives - in the fast lane. He's also kind, thoughtful, sweet, and capable of melting your heart. Jordan Bass is a troubled woman. Coming out her shell finally only to find herself smack in the middle of danger that Nic Medina is wrapped up in because of circumstances beyond his control. Between the two their quick wit, looks, implicit trust, and banter engage them in ways no other person has for each of them. And the passion and the sex is off the charts. I mean Nic Medina is without a doubt "pure magic" in a very vulnerable and desirable way.

I'm the first to admit the story is outlandish. But it's just so fun and easy and honest. It's not deep but so easy find yourself immersed in. It's a perfect lazy Sunday read or beach read. Both Nic and Jordan are characters you'll enjoy reading. The light angst comes from the plot not from the characters fighting what they feel yet the writing keeps us focused on these two. And the group of secondary characters who Nic calls friends and family enhance the feels of the story as well as Nic and Jordan. There wasn't a moment a felt disconnected from the writing or the plot. Wolff definitely held me captivated with her words. The story wraps up quite nicely although we do learn right at the end there's more danger lurking for Nic and company. I personally can't wait to find out what lies ahead for these two. Anyone interested in a quick, hot, adventurous romance I definitely recommend this book for you.

Book Review: Marrow

Marrow
by Tarryn Fisher

In the Bone there is a house.

In the house there is a girl.

In the girl there is a darkness.

Margo is not like other girls. She lives in a derelict neighborhood called the Bone, in a cursed house, with her cursed mother, who hasn’t spoken to her in over two years. She lives her days feeling invisible. It’s not until she develops a friendship with her wheelchair-bound neighbor, Judah Grant, that things begin to change. When a neighborhood girl, seven-year-old Neveah Anthony, goes missing, Judah sets out to help Margo uncover what happened to her.

What Margo finds changes her, and with a new perspective on life, she’s determined to find evil and punish it–targeting rapists and child molesters, one by one.

But hunting evil is dangerous, and Margo risks losing everything, including her own soul.
Lori's thoughts: Marrow has been on my TBR shelf since sometime early 2015. I'm trying to work through my massive TBR pile and avoid purchasing any books until I read some of what I already have. I read Mud Vein last year and loved it. I think Tarryn Fisher's writing is brilliant. I never have to worry that I'll be getting the same old story told in a different light. The psychological twists slap you upside the face and leave you wondering what just happened. Have you ever watched a movie that made you go back and re-watch parts of it because you're sure you must have missed something? Did you ever see the movie "Shutter Island?" That movie messed with my head. "Marrow" did that to me. I may need to go back and re-read part of it because I'm still wondering what was real and what was imagination. If you want to go on a psychological roller coaster ride, you have to read this book.

Release Blitz & Giveaway: No Promises

No Promises
N. Raines
Publication date: January 15th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance

In high school, Sam Pennywell had a massive crush on Rick Russo. But he was her cousin’s boyfriend and strictly off-limits. Meeting Rick again years, later she can hardly recognize the man he’s become.
As a paramedic, Rick’s career is all about helping others. But in the line of duty, he’s become one of the injured. He’s caught in a dark place he can’t escape on his own. He can’t make Sam any promises of love. Promises are too easily broken.
Sam spends her life taking care of sick and homeless animals. She’s never met a stray she didn’t love, and Rick is the most important rescue she’ll ever make.

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo / iBooks / All RomanceOnly 99 cents until the end of January!—EXCERPT:When she got to the kitchen, Sam remembered she’d used the antiseptic cream last night when she cut her finger on a cat-food can. She’d forgotten to return the tube to the bathroom. There it lay, right on the kitchen counter where she’d left it.Rick would need this. She picked up the ointment and carried it to the downstairs bathroom with Blackberry at her heels. She only intended to tap on the door and quickly hand him the medicine. But Rick hadn’t bothered to close the door. He’d taken off his shirt, and the sight of him without it stopped Sam in her tracks.
He didn’t notice her at first as he rubbed a soapy washcloth on his chest. And, God, what a chest. As impressive as it was clothed, naked it was…amazing. His shoulders were broad and sturdy. The smooth muscles of his chest, covered lightly with dark hair, tapered down to a tight belly. His skin was a light golden color. For a moment Sam forgot to breathe as she imagined how warm and supple it would feel to her touch.
Those thoughts fled when Rick lifted the washcloth to reveal the wicked red streaks left by Big Boy’s claws. Even through a hoodie and T-shirt, the cat had managed to gouge Rick’s left nipple.
She sucked in a startled breath. His gaze flew to her.
“It’s not that bad,” he assured her.
“It looks really painful.” She remembered the ointment in her hand and held it out to him. “I brought you this.”
“Thanks.” He fumbled for a moment with the washcloth, then laid it in the sink. He reached for the towel hanging on the rack.
She stopped him. “Let me get a clean one.”
She took a fresh towel from the linen cabinet and gently blotted his wound.
“I’ll get it bloody,” he murmured.
“Shush. Doesn’t matter.” Sam winced as she gently patted the towel against his flat, copper-colored nipple.
The cat, who’d been circling their feet, hopped to the closed toilet seat, and watched them with wide eyes.
Rick gave Blackberry a look. “‘S’up, you little snoop?”
Without thinking, Sam took the tube from his hand, squeezed a blob of ointment onto her finger, and dabbed it along the raw, red marks on his chest. Concentrating on her task, it wasn’t until she smoothed it on his nipple that she realized she was touching him. She hesitated as a wave of heat flashed through her and a film of perspiration popped out on her hairline. She felt him watching her but was afraid to meet his eyes. Her heart beat a tom-tom in her ears.
His skin felt so warm under her touch. Her fingers tingled. Suddenly she was aware of how close they were. She only needed a half step more to be in his arms…
She lifted her gaze and found herself staring into his deep brown eyes, unable to break the connection between them. He covered her hand, pressing it to his chest. To his heart.

Author Bio:
N. Raines (who also writes as Nona Raines) is a former librarian who lives in upstate New York with her many pets. She’s currently working on her next novel between walking the dog and shooing the cats off the laptop. Her erotic romances are published with The Wild Rose Press and Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was nominated for the 2014 DABWAHA sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs. Her most recent work is the romance novella Write to Me and the transgender romance Her Kind of Man.
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Release Blitz: Lightning Kissed

Lightning Kissed
Lila Felix
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: January 4th 2016
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Colby Evans can leap from one country to the next in a heartbeat. She can see every sunset in every time zone in the same day. She can travel across the world in a flash. She defies gravity and physics with every breath she takes. She’s tested her abilities and found them limitless.
She is the lightning. She is Lucent. And nothing can stop her.
Except him.
Theodore Ramsey isn’t supposed to be able to flash like Colby. The power of travel is passed on from mother to daughter in their people. Except once in every hundred generations.
Theo is the one.
He can flash like Colby. And it makes him a target to their enemies and to himself. His abilities change everything he knows about life and throws his future into an uncertain tangent. In fact, the only thing certain in his life is the love he feels for Colby.
Their love defies time and space and has been the only constant thing in their lives since childhood. But even their infallible love will be stretched to its limits.
She will risk her life to protect him. But he will risk everything to protect them all.

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Author Bio:
Lila Felix is full of antics and stories. She refused to go to Kindergarten after the teacher made her take a nap on the first day of school. She staged her first protest in middle school. She almost flunked out of her first semester at Pepperdine University because she was enthralled with their library and frequently was locked in. Now her husband and three children have to put up with her rebel nature in Louisiana where her days are filled with cypress trees, crawfish, and of course her books and writing. She writes about the ordinary people who fall extraordinarily in wild, true love.
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