Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 5

Book Review: The Most Dangerous Place on Earth

The Most Dangerous Place on Earthby Lindsey Lee Johnson (Goodreads Author) 3.5  ·   Rating Details ·  2,159 Ratings  ·  552 ReviewsA captivating debut novel for readers of Celeste Ng's Everything I Never Told You and Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep, The Most Dangerous Place on Earth unleashes an unforgettable cast of characters into a realm known for its cruelty and peril: the American high school.

In an idyllic community of wealthy California families, new teacher Molly Nicoll becomes intrigued by the hidden lives of her privileged students. Unknown to Molly, a middle school tragedy in which they were all complicit continues to reverberate for her kids: Nick, the brilliant scam artist; Emma, the gifted dancer and party girl; Dave, the B student who strives to meet his parents' expectations; Calista, the hippie outcast who hides her intelligence for reasons of her own. Theirs is a world in which every action may become public: postable, shareable, indelible. With the rare talent that transforms teenage dramas into compelling and urgent fiction, Lindsey Lee Johnson makes vivid a modern adolescence lived in the gleam of the virtual, but rich with the sorrow, passion, and beauty of life in any time, and at any age.
The Most Dangerous Place on Earth 
by Lindsey Lee Johnson (Goodreads Author) 
TeriLyn's review Jan 03, 2017
liked itbookshelves: arc


**The Most Dangerous Place on Earth generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

3 "Nothing ever goes back." Stars

Upon reading the blurb for this book on NG I was immediately intrigued. The twisted nature of high school, cliques, mob mentality, and growing through those unsettling times always fascinates me in stories. With The Most Dangerous Place on Earth this holds true for the plot and premise of Lindsey Lee Johnson's debut novel.

Impressive is her third person writing and the easy way she hooks you in the beginning. There's a very mature quality to her writing that I find admirable. Her writing hails as descriptive prose and immersive for the reader. This story is told from succinct chapters from different characters. In between those new characters is a chapter from a newly minted, young English teacher. The arc of the story is woven through all of these mindsets. The thought of this is brilliant in my opinion. However, this method of storytelling ended up giving me contradicting feelings. I felt as though my connection to the characters was stunted. There was always this feeling of something big on the horizon with each of them but it never really culminated for me.

Her illustrations of high school in an affluent area outside of San Francisco were equally as intriguing as the plot. I thought the setting really lent itself to being pertinent to the story she telling. And each character are ones, in some capacity, that you’ll recognize from your own teenage life which I found important while reading as it gave me a small sense of connection. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It held my attention and provided a solid plot. There were a few areas where I wished there was more depth and richness from certain characters definitely but it was enjoyable. 
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Blitz Giveaway: Pin Me Down

Pin Me Down
Holly Dodd
(Brewhouse #2)
Publication date: February 28th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Mia Reynolds isn’t interested in relationships. She refuses to follow the same troubled path her codependent mother traveled. Now that she’s graduated from college and has a real job, paying her loads of money, the world is hers for the plucking. She doesn’t need a man at her side, keeping her from having fun. Especially Regi, whose brandy brown eyes and gravelly voice have haunted her since high-school. Together they’re gunpowder and fire, explosive but dangerous. She’s only willing to give him her body, but never her heart.
Regi O’Connell has been concealing his heartbreak for years. Despite the endless parade of women in his bed, throwing panties at him like confetti, there’s only one who girl who has claimed him heart and soul. But Mia refuses to give him a chance outside of the sheets. He’s her dirty little secret, one she has no plans on revealing to the world.
Sometimes all it takes is one incident, one flash of regret, to change who you were, and become who you are meant to be. Mia’s heart is unyielding, a lock-box without a key. She needs to let him in, or let him go. He’s giving it one more shot to show the women of his dreams that love doesn’t make you weak, but stronger than steel.
This second chance new adult romance novel features a commitment phobic heroine, and the alpha male who loves her despite it. As always in a Holly Dodd book, there is NO cheating and a HEA guaranteed.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:
Holly Dodd is an award-winning author. Her novel Covet won the 2016 RWA Beacon award for Romantic Suspense. A member of the Romance Writers of America, her stories are often spicy, with everything salacious right on the page. Ranging from the contemporary anti-hero, to paranormal and futuristic, she loves an Alpha Hero in any setting and a woman destined to keep him on his toes.
Calling Pennsylvania home, she loves autumn, the beach, and beautiful weather. When she’s not writing, reading, or baking, she’s wrangling her three psychotic felines, and wondering where her muse will take her to next.
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Book Review: A Boy Like You

A Boy Like You (Like You #1)by Ginger Scott (Goodreads Author) 4.61  ·   Rating Details ·  163 Ratings  ·  91 ReviewsThey say everyone’s a superhero to someone. I’m not sure who I’m supposed to save, but I know who saved me.

We were kids. His name was Christopher. And up until the day he pulled me from death’s grip, he was nothing more than a boy I felt sorry for. In a blink of an eye, he became the only person who made me feel safe.

And then he disappeared.

Now I’m seventeen. I’m not a kid anymore. I haven’t been for years. While death didn’t take me that day, the things that happened left me with scars—the kind that robbed me of everything I once loved and drove me into darkness. But more than anything else, that day—and every day since—has taken away my desire to dream.

I wasn’t going to have hope. I wouldn’t let myself wish. Those things—they weren’t for girls like me. That’s what I believed…until the new boy.

He’s nothing like the old boy. He’s taller and older. His hair is longer, and his body is lean—strong and ready for anything. I don’t feel sorry for him. And sometimes, I hate him. He challenges me. From the moment I first saw him standing there on the baseball field, he pushed me—his eyes constantly questioning, doubting…daring. Still, something about him—it feels…familiar.

He says his name is Wes. But I can’t help but feel like he’s someone else. Someone from my past. Someone who’s come back to save me.

This time, though, he’s too late. Josselyn Winters, the girl he once knew, is gone. I am the threat; I am my worst enemy. And he can’t save me from myself.
A Boy Like You (Like You, #1) 
by Ginger Scott (Goodreads Author) 
TeriLyn's review Feb 03, 2017
it was amazingbookshelves: 2017-favorites, arc, new-adult-favorites, re-reads,ultimate-favorites, 2017-all-the-stars

**A Boy Like You generously provided in exchange for an honest review.**

LIVE. LIVE. LIVE.

5 "It was a changeup." Stars

A new Ginger Scott favorite. This was a YA book unlike any other and I loved it, was glued to my kindle unwilling to do anything else until I finished. So, so good. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ginger Scott without question stands as one of my favorite Young/New Adult story tellers.

I love sports romance books. I’m the daughter of a coach, the sister and mother of athletes. My favorite of which is baseball. There’s something so iconic and romantic in the game that’s America’s favorite pastime. Take that mystique and legendary status of the game and combine it with Ginger Scott’s captivating writing and you get a book as excellent as a A Boy Like You.

This author refuses to sugarcoat her YA/NA stories. They’re gritty and raw and her characters face unfortunate situations and tragedies. The building of her characters out of the ashes of their circumstances always hits home with me. As usual, I will not reveal anything on plot just feelings.

Josselyn Winters very well may be Scott’s best heroine to date. She bold and brash. Reckless and dangerously carefree. She grapples with demons she hides from the world. I LOVE her. She fights and she kicks and makes her own way by no less than exactly who she is. She makes no apologies and realizes her faults. I admire this girl. I don’t envy the dark spots in her life but I’m inspired in how she chooses to ultimately persevere. I’m thrilled that Ginger Scott showed Joss’s vulnerabilities by exploiting her faults. I love how she grows from the realizations and love she gets from others. This is one tough heroine. She’s young but she’s not naïve.

In a A Boy Like You Joss meets her time of reckoning. To do or not to do. To change and thrive or exist. Through the eyes of Wes Stokes she’s untouchable. Through his care she’s invincible. He sees in Joss what she can’t always see in herself because she believes it’s gone. He’s quiet and reserved but always willing to catch her when she falls. He’s an enigma. Someone she’s conjured as a superhero for better or worse. He’s sweet and everything she needs and idolizes.

The secondary characters in this book need to be spoke of with redeeming praise. Taryn, Kyle – especially Kyle, TK, Levi, Eric Winters, they all play vital roles to this intriguing story. And each of these characters bring something fresh and interesting to the story. A big part of this books allure to me was that it wasn’t anywhere near typical “teenage drama”. These friends actually liked each other, took each other’s backs, who are compassionate and caring. Imagine that. Teenagers like act like teenagers and make mistakes yet look out for one another and don’t want to tear each other down. It was refreshing and new and completely enthralling to read.

This book. Seriously. As fans of this author you’re in for such a ride. For those of you who aren’t already acquainted with Ginger’s work I think you’ll find this a great representation of the kind of stories she tells and the brilliant gift of her story telling. Sports Romance is her forte. Cultivating and building characters at such a vulnerable time in our lives is something she excels at writing. You forget time and commitments when you get sucked into the pages of a Ginger Scott. A Boy Like You even more so. This is part one of a two part duet. It ends at a place where you feel buzzed with excitement about what’s about to unravel rather than crazed with need to have part two right now. It’s a great reading experience and I encourage you to try it.


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Release Day Blitz: What I Need

From New York Times bestselling author, J. Daniels, comes a sexy new STANDALONE novel.

Riley Tennyson has made a huge mistake.

At least, that’s what she keeps telling herself.

Showing up to her brother’s wedding pissed off and newly single, Riley seeks comfort in solitude and an open bar, until the gorgeous and irresistibly charming CJ Tully makes her a better offer―a wild night with the master of smooth-talking where nothing is off limits.

Riley does what any single woman would do, and a connection is made. One neither one of them can ignore. But when she comes home to the boyfriend she no longer thought she had, Riley buries her secret and begs CJ to do the same.

Forget about each other. It was a mistake. That’s all it was… right?

Desires are hidden. Distance is kept. Until one night CJ makes the ultimate sacrifice, and Riley can no longer avoid the man she can’t stop thinking about.

Not with him sleeping down the hall…




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J.Daniels is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Sweet Addiction series, the Alabama Summer series, and the Dirty Deeds series.

She would rather bake than cook, she listens to music entirely too loud, and loves writing stories her children will never read. Her husband and children are her greatest loves, with cupcakes coming in at a close second.

J grew up in Baltimore and resides in Maryland with her family.

Sign up to receive her newsletter and get special offers and exclusive release info: http://authorjdaniels.com/newsletter/

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Book Review: An Exaltation of Larks

An Exaltation of Larksby Suanne Laqueur (Goodreads Author) 4.6  ·   Rating Details ·  536 Ratings  ·  223 ReviewsSeptember 11, 1973: Eleven-year-old Alejandro Penda watches from his apartment window as Santiago, Chile falls to a military coup, destroying his family and his childhood. Arriving alone in America, he’s taken in by the Larks: a prominent family in the town of Guelisten. Though burdened by unresolved grief for his disappeared parents, he becomes fiercely loyal to the Larks, eventually marrying one of their daughters, Valerie.

September 11, 2001: Javier Landes watches from his apartment window as New York City falls to terrorism. As one of Manhattan’s top-paid male escorts, this professional lover has never lacked for company and is loyal only to himself. But in the wake of 9/11, Jav is named guardian for an orphaned nephew in Guelisten and must open his carefully-guarded heart to pain he's long suppressed.

Alex, Valerie and Jav meet first in their twenties, with a sudden attraction each finds strange and compelling. When they meet again in their forties, they discover not only is their bond still strong, but their life experiences are strangely similar. All have been shaped by separate 9/11's, and their unfinished business from the past will change everything they know about love, loyalty and friendship.

"Life has rules. You cannot come in the middle of the night and take what we agreed isn't yours."

Across three decades and two continents, Suanne Laqueur's fifth novel explores the unpredictability of sexual attraction, how family ties are forged, torn and mended, and how love's downfall can turn to exaltation.
An Exaltation of Larks 
by Suanne Laqueur (Goodreads Author) 
Lori Clark's review Mar 04, 2017  ·  edit
it was amazingbookshelves: 2017, 5-star

When I began reading this book, I almost didn't continue past the first pages. I had a bit of trouble getting engaged in the story for awhile. I don't think that it was the author's fault. I think it was that my mind was elsewhere.

As often is the case at the beginning of a new year, I enjoy reading about people's favorite reads from the previous year. This book wound up on so many favorite's lists that I had to see what it was all about.

I consider it to be highly character driven and I love Suanne Laqueur's writing. Beautiful. Her writing makes me wish I could write half as good as she does. The descriptions, the feels. OMG. The relationships, the family dynamics, the ... everything. I honestly can't think of anything about the book that I didn't like. Heartbreaking and joyous between the covers. I can't wait to read more of this author's work.
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Book Blitz: Forfeit

Forfeit
Allyson Young & Lydia Michaels
(Degrees of Separation Trilogy, #1)
Publication date: February 28th 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The debut novel of a masterfully emotional, high stakes trilogy that will have readers forfeiting tradition to gamble with love…
December and Austin have a traditional, storybook marriage complete with defined roles. Married young, they’ve shared nearly a decade of passion and love. December’s submissive nature is perfectly suited for her husband’s authoritative, yet adoring personality and he seamlessly holds the indisputable role of head of the household.
But Austin harbors secrets, and the pressure of losing his job makes those festering skeletons impossible to ignore.
Turning to alcohol instead of his wife, Austin finally drives December into the arms of their closest friend, Cord, despite her intense loyalty. Cord has loved December since the day they met. His moral compass is challenged and lines are blurred when Austin steps aside and insists Cord take his place.
Forfeiting all, Austin must face a harsh truth. Take control of his life, or forever lose the woman he loves.
WARNING: This book contains subject matter suitable for mature reading audiences. Some content may be offensive to sensitive readers. Degrees of Separation is a ménage trilogy with many emotionally graphic encounters and challenging situations that break the rules of traditional romance.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / KoboEXCERPT:She’d kept their home with equal pride, in a dated dynamic they both revered because it worked—until he lost his job.With a shudder, she faced the present. Now Austin did nothing. No longer did she need to worry about being available to him, because he showed no interest in her, sexually or otherwise, not even in regard to her safety.
Something neglected and desolate snapped inside of her. Pressure built behind her eyes. The weight on her shoulders transcended to pressure in her chest. Unable to hold it all inside, she burst into tears.
“Hey, hey, hey, why are you crying? Shit.” Cord stood, clearly uncomfortable with her show of emotion. “Is it your head?”
He paced, searching for something in the kitchen, clattering objects across the counter, and returning with a paper towel and his keys. “I’ll take you to the clinic. Here, blow your nose. Stuff’s dripping out.”
She snagged the rough paper and blew. “I’m sorry,” she sobbed. “It’s just… He… The car… How many beer cans will I clean up tomorrow? It’s so quiet all the time. Mrs. Fields is a bitch! We have no fuel! The wood doesn’t burn right, because we used up all our seasoned supply. My toes are always fucking numb! And now my tires are bald…” The last of her tirade came out in a wail.
As she blubbered, muttering half thoughts and nonsense an outsider wouldn’t understand, she struggled to get her emotions under control. Reeling in her hiccups and sobs, she apologized for her outburst as Cord’s face morphed into utter panic.
She wiped her sleeve under her nose and sniffled. She was tougher than this and it surely was not the time or the place for a breakdown.
When she focused on his expression again, a wet laugh squeaked out. Poor guy. His eyes were wide with horror. She sniffed and repeated her apology, “Sorry. I’m just a little overwhelmed.”
Unblinking, he watched her cautiously. “Was that some sort of female exorcism? I didn’t understand a word you said, but you should know that’s my last napkin. After that, all I can offer you is a coffee filter.”

Author Bio:
Allyson lives in cottage country, Manitoba, Canada with her husband of many years and numerous pets. She has written for many years and after reading an erotic romance, quite by mistake, decided to try her hand at penning one. She has now published three series and several stand alones in contemporary, sci fi, fantasy and suspense genres. Allyson will write until whatever is inside is satisfied, until the heroes man up and the heroines get what they deserves. Love isn’t always sweet, and Allyson favours the darker side of romance.Links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / TwitterLydia Michaels is the award winning author of 30 romance novels. Her novels from the darkly compelling Surrender Trilogy were iBooks Bestsellers and her work has been featured in USA Today. In 2015 she was the winner of The Best of Bucks Award and she has been nominated as Best Author in the Happenings Magazine two years running [2015 & 2016]. She is a four time nominee for the prestigious RONE Award. Her books are intellectual, emotional, haunting, always centered around love.Links:

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Book Blitz: Scarred

Scarred
Mia Kerick
Publication date: March 1st 2017
Genres: LGBTQ+, New Adult, Romance, Suspense

From bestselling author Mia Kerick comes a New Adult novel of Gay Romantic Suspense that will keep you up reading all night!
Matthew North waited ten years to heal from the devastating wounds inflicted by the man who abducted and abused him as a child. Living reclusively on a tropical island—with no company but his four cats—he merely avoids the lingering pain.
Wearing twisted ropes of mutilated skin on his back, Matt struggles with a profound hindrance—the scars that deaden his soul. However, on the night he meets lively Vedie Wilson, a local restaurant busboy who expresses his gender by wearing lipgloss and eyeliner along with his three-day beard, things change.
Gradually, Vedie and Mateo unite in friendship. Through a series of awkward encounters, the pair learns each other’s secrets. Vedie learns that an angelic face can front for a scarred soul. Matthew learns that the line between one’s masculine and feminine sides is blurred. Can they embrace the painful stories behind each other’s scars if they’re to find everlasting love? Or will surrendered love come to be yet another blemish on their souls?

Goodreads / Amazon—EXCERPT:Vedie“Lookin’ good, pretty Miss Vedie.…mmmhmm….” No matter if I’m dressed like a dude or a lady, Joey always stares at me as if I’m a juicy bowl of strawberry shortcake—he licks his lips and I know he wants to take himself a nice big bite of a flavor he can’t get at home. Then he slaps a hand hard against my thigh, and creepy-slow, it climbs my leg. It’s headed for my ass cheek, or my name ain’t Vedie Wilson.
“Hands outta the cookie jar, Joey, my man.” I don’t appreciate it when any dude gropes me without asking for permission first. But the sad truth is I ain’t never gonna like Joey’s hands on me. While he gawks, I pull a shimmery hairband out of my bag and wrap it around my head to hold the damp dreads off my face. “Got yo’self a sweet tooth, looks like, Joey. You’d be wise to get your ass home to your sweet wife, not that you asked me for no words of wisdom.”
“Not gonna even think about going home ‘til I had me some fun,” Joey replies, jamming his hand in his pocket—probably to keep it from curving ‘round my ass.
When I bend down to rinse the sweat off my face he stays quiet and don’t goose me. Maybe this time he heard what I told him about gettin’ his butt home to Miz Joey. But more likely he’s checking out my butt.
“Baybeee… uh huh…. mmmhmm… nice ass you got there in them sweet little shorts….”
I sigh real loud, “I got some shit to do here, big dawg, so’s if that’s all you wanted…” The only way to get this guy to take a hike is to tell him point blank that he’s gotta head on out. “Catch ya on da flip side, ‘kay?”
He leans in so close I can feel his scratchy beard brushing on my neck and I shiver in the bad way. He takes a deep sniff—I guess he likes the smell of sweaty dude—and then finally bails. Right now, I sorely wish the tiki hut restaurant I work at had one of them one-person anything goes restrooms—for a dude, a lady, or whoever you feel like at the moment—but at least now I’m finally alone in the men’s room.
I pull out my makeup bag and quickly powder my nose so’s it don’t shine, and glide a deep shade of maroon over my lips, but I take the time to be an artist with my eyeliner and mascara ‘cause I figure eyes oughta say somethin’. When I look good enough that I’d wanna do me, I figure I’m looking good enough for public viewing. My new perfume smells like the freedom I got down here on Placida Island—coconuts and wildflowers and the ocean and honey— I spray it all over my neck and chest.
As I saunter outta the men’s room, I don’t miss that it’s kinda funny how I went in here looking all-dude but comin’ out, you could mistake me for a lady. Ha! More like a red-hot, sexy mama—smooth and silky everywhere ‘cept for the four-day beard.

Author Bio:
Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five nonpedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.
Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.
Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.
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Release Day Launch: Leviathan's Rise

Today is the release day for Leviathan’s Rise by B. Brumley! Check it out and grab your copy today!!
Title: Leviathan’s RiseAuthor Name: B. BrumleyGenre: Paranormal romance About Leviathan’s Rise: Lev is a whale shifter with a memory problem.

For the last one hundred sixty years, he has been unable to piece together what happened to his wife and son. Memory repression shouldn’t happen to whale shifters, but the case just won’t crack. When a mysterious woman knocks on his door and unloads a bombshell, Lev discovers that his son may still be alive… and it’s up to Lev to save him.

Woe’s on-going obsession with hunting her husband’s murderer has left her mentally and emotionally exhausted. But when Lev asks for her help, Woe can’t tell him no, and she agrees to take a temporary reprieve from her vendetta.

Together, they catch the first paranormal train out of the Big Apple and find themselves inside a hidden realm fraught with dangers beyond anything either of them has faced.



With lives hanging in the balance, Woe must learn how to let go of her painful past, even as Lev swears to drain the seven seas to recapture his.

*** A clean read free of graphic language and explicit sex. ***
Get Your Copy Today!Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo
Exclusive Excerpt: Somewhere in the Pacific

January 1851



Wood splintered and the ship shuddered as something broke, felled by the wind. Men in hunting boats and harpooned whales echoed each other, screaming together as the sea spun out her wrath. Death songs vibrated the chords of my soul, and my feet moved of their own volition until I stood on the uppermost deck.

Topside, the gale raged about me, begging for my help in freeing the surrounded pod. My knees buckled as images of Anne and William battled with the horror of the slaughter in front of me. In a lull, a young song rose above the others. Somewhere, a whale child wept over its dead mother, shattering my tenuous hold on my humanity.

Stealing molecules from the elements, I reached for the magic I hadn’t summoned since Anne had sworn to be mine. I covered the short distance to the railing as a wall of wind and rain rushed toward me. Two more steps and I broke the surface of the waves.

“Man overboard! Man overboard!”

Panic colored the now-muffled voices as they repeated the call for a rescue. But I was no longer the man they knew. A spout burst upward from the water over me as my breath left me in a rush. In my shifted form, I could understand the words to the bull calf’s lament that honored her life even as it ended.

“There she blows,” came a cry.

“What is it?” another answered.

Even now, I recognized the voices, but I felt nothing. They had killed without mercy, and I had no mercy to give.

“Jesus, Mary, Joseph! It’s going to ram us.”

“Hard aport!”

Swimming straight for them, my skull crashed into the side of the whaler. I wouldn’t sink them, but I would halt their task. I made a wide circle, preparing to strike again, planning the crippling blow.

Aboard, men ran one way and then the other, aligning themselves along the railing I had only just stepped over, clutching weapons. The remaining small boats rowed alongside the larger vessel. The captain raised an arm and called, “Get ready, men!” Thirty men raised their arms.

My nature gave me no choice, and I barreled forward, slamming my head against the ship that had housed me.

A sharp pain in my side dulled my fury, and my speed slowed. Moments later, I could taste my blood as it poured into the water around me. Another pain. And another as more spears and harpoons joined the first. With the blood, magic seeped out of me, and I lost my grip on reality. Darkness filled my vision.

I had no idea what would happen once I lost consciousness. I fought to keep control. I couldn’t risk an uncontrolled shift.

The shipmate who had demanded my help no more than an hour before caught my fluke in his rope, pulling me against the ship.

Anne. William.

My worst fear had been realized.


About the Author:

Bokerah Brumley is a speculative fiction writer making stuff up on a trampoline in West Texas. When she's not playing with the quirky characters in her head, she's addicted to Twitter pitch events, writing contests, and social media, in general. She lives on ten permaculture acres with five home-educated children and one husband. In her imaginary spare time, she also serves as the blue-haired President of the Cisco Writers Club.

She was awarded First Place in the FenCon Short Story Contest, Third Place in the Southern Writers Magazine Short Story Contest, and Fifth Place in the Children's/Young Adult category for the 85th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition. More recently, she was selected as a 2016 Pitch Slam! finalist.


Connect Online: FB: https://www.facebook.com/bokerah/Twit... https://twitter.com/bokerahInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bokerah/Blog: www.superbokerah.comWebsite: http://www.bokerah.com/
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Review: The Deep End

The Deep End (Honey #1)by Kristen Ashley (Goodreads Author) 3.96  ·   Rating Details ·  108 Ratings  ·  85 ReviewsEnter a decadent sensual world where gorgeous alpha males are pleasure slaves committed to fulfilling a woman's every desire. At the elite Honey club, no boundary will be left untested, and one's darkest desires will become a sensual reality.Olivier isn’t sure what he’s gotten himself into when he joins the Honey Club, only that a dark part of him craves the lifestyle offered by this secret, exclusive club.When Amèlie invites Olivier to surrender, she pushes him to explore his deepest desires as a submissive. As they grow closer and find themselves falling harder than either of them anticipated, the truth about Olivier’s past could threaten the budding relationship they both long for.Gripping and seductive, The Deep End is the first book in a sensational new series from bestselling author Kristen Ashley.
The Deep End (Honey, #1) 
by Kristen Ashley (Goodreads Author) 
TeriLyn's review May 23, 2016
bookshelves: arc

**The Deep End generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley.**

"It was that coveted, priceless, smooth, deep, incomparable burn of the finest scotch whiskey." 

As a huge fan of this author I was excited for her fully immersive debut into the BDSM world of kinky fantasy. You need to know that everything you love about Kristen Ashley's books remains intact with The Deep End. A swoony alpha, yes I said ALPHA have no fear, and a strong, poised heroine make up the pages. There's love and a lot of sex, be forewarned, a lot of sex that delves into the pleasures of kink. KA does not shy away from the truth of her characters or their needs. This book is a love story based on that sexual awakening and understanding compounding the deepest fantasies of both the hero and heroine. What I loved about it was the truly naked (both literal and figurative) moments of love and passion after the kink. Kristen Ashley really captured the raw, vulnerable and exposing moments for both characters and made me feel for them greatly in those specific moments.

Unfortunately for me the relationship dynamic between the two just didn't work for me. I found myself unable to connect to the kind of relationship they facilitated. Him being an alpha sub definitely means he's an alpha and some of their play just didn't work for me. Some of Amelie's language became so repetitive. And the premise of their coupling felt a little bit forced and unnatural. Femdomme just isn't one of my personal reading kinks and it's been the case before that I struggle with these types of relationship dynamics. It just felt for me that I wanted more than the vulnerability I got after their kink. They trusted each other so much to explore their fantasies but I never felt that trust as on going catalyst for an actual loving relationship until almost the end.

Out of the utmost respect for this author, her stories, her fans, and this genre I don't want to rate as I feel this is more a personal feeling with the dynamics of this kind of kink. However I truly believe, for those of you who love a Domme and her sub and love Kristen Ashley's unique storytelling style I think you'll love this book. It's an interesting take on the standard yummimess of all Kristen Ashley stories. The Deep End is a definite exploration that you'll need an open mind and an open heart to enjoy the full impact of the story.





















































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No One To Hold: Blog Tour

No One to Holdby Arell Rivers
The Hold Series
Publication Date: December 16, 2016
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iBooksSuccumb to Cole Manchester—talented, witty, charming, sexy and oh-so flawed—a womanizing rock star whose shallow life is transformed when he experiences love for the first time.

From the outside, Cole Manchester seems to have it all: looks, fame, money, awards and women. When tragedy strikes, he realizes how hollow his life is, and opens the door to the one thing he’s never considered … finding love. He’s inexplicably drawn to the quiet wallflower who works on his team, a line he knows he shouldn’t cross.

After devastating heartbreaks, all Rose Morgan wants is to blend into the woodwork. Working at her dream job as a publicist, she’s safely hiding in plain sight. Until her client, the sexy Cole Manchester, notices her. Rose must ignore her desires in order to protect her bruised heart … and keep her prized career.

Cole needs Rose to teach him how to love. Rose needs Cole to teach her how to trust. Together, they form a bond ignited by passion but fueled by insecurities. When her mother’s interference collides with his fan’s twisted plot, Cole and Rose may find themselves with No One To Hold.
Hard to Hold (Book #2 in The Hold Series)
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iBooksCheer for Rose Morgan—strong, determined and driven—a brilliant publicist who thought she had finally overcome her tragic past when, once again, her life is turned upside down. Rose and Cole’s passionate love story continues in this second full-length novel in The Hold Series.

Distraught by news of Cole’s unexpected marriage, Rose Morgan tries to pick up the pieces of her life, only to be confronted by Cole at every turn. With her PR career in serious jeopardy, Rose can’t escape his orbit and is forced to continue working on his account. Under snowballing pressure, she seeks solace from unlikely sources.

Reeling from the disastrous fallout after his drunken night in Las Vegas, rock star Cole Manchester is a tormented man. He reaches out to Rose, the one woman who has always fixed his mistakes, only to realize that he might have pushed her away forever. Now, he’ll do whatever it takes to get her back.

Rose and Cole each must face their deepest fears if their love is to survive. But Cole’s stalker is becoming increasingly unhinged … and dangerous. In the end, Rose and Cole must decide if some things are just too Hard to Hold.
To Have and to Hold (Book #3 in The Hold Series)
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iBooksRally around Cole Manchester and Rose Morgan: the rock star and his publicist are about to face their most perilous trials yet. Cole and Rose’s passionate love story culminates in this third full-length novel in The Hold Series.

Back in the spotlight for his world tour, Cole Manchester performs hit after hit before delighted fans. However, his heart remains firmly in Los Angeles with Rose, whose condition remains critical following their terrible car wreck.

After lying unconscious for weeks, Rose Morgan awakens to find herself professionally and personally adrift. Her scrambled memories have convinced her Cole is dangerous, compelling her to shut him out and face an uncertain future on her own.

With nothing left to lose, Cole’s crazed stalker executes her final desperate act. After an explosive finale, who will survive her deadly rampage?

Destinies will be altered. Intentions stripped bare. Rose and Cole must face all of their remaining demons if their love is to survive. In the trilogy’s thrilling conclusion, they’ll discover if they truly have each other forever To Have and To Hold.
About Arell RiversFor as long as I can remember, I have been lost in a book. During my senior year in college, I picked up a Danielle Steel novel … and instantly was hooked on romance.

I started writing my first novel, No One to Hold, because the characters were screaming at me to do so. The story started coming out in my dreams and attacking me in the shower, so I took to the computer to shut them up. But they kept talking.

Born and raised in New Jersey, I have what some may call a “checkered past.” Prior to discovering my passion for writing romance, I practiced law, was a wedding and event planner and even dabbled in marketing. I live with a very supportive husband and two mischievous cats. When not in my writing cave, I can be found making dinner in the crock pot, working out with Shaun T or hitting the beach.

I hope you enjoy my stories about driven men, strong women and the passions that ignite!
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