Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 56

Book Review: Bad to the Bone

Bad to the Bone
by Wendy Byrne

When her Uncle Jack is arrested on drug charges, Sammie Murphy hops the first plane to Key West. Being rescued isn’t on her uncle’s to-do list, though. When he admits guilt and instructs her to go home, Sammie knows with 100% certainty something is seriously wrong.

Veteran DEA agent Enrique Santos knows when a bust is solid. So why is he allowing Jack Murphy’s niece to mess with his head? He’s been set-up and nearly killed by a woman like her before, and he’s not about to make that mistake again.

But then things at Murphy’s bar take a turn for the dangerous, leaving Sammie entangled in Enrique’s dark past. Forced to second-guess his convictions, Enrique has no choice but to kidnap the one woman who could destroy everything...including his heart.
Lori's thoughts: *** Received ARC in exchange for an honest review ***

I didn't hate this book. I didn't love it, either. I struggled to get through it because I felt like nothing happened and what was happening was too predictable for me. The writing was tight and the editing was solid. A lot of people read the book and really liked it so I had high hopes that I would enjoy it much more than I did. I liked the characters, I just couldn't get into the book. But I did stick with it until the end.

Giveaway & Blog Tour: The Hollow Man

A terrorist’s plot, the assassination of a prime minister, holds the key to an apocalyptic plan to destroy Europe’s economy. It’s impossible to stop, but one man doesn’t know enough to think the world can’t be saved. He’s no hero; not clever or capable, talented or tested. The Hollow Man is just trying to survive in an uncertain climate where terrorism is changing the rules of how we live.
The Hollow Man won 2nd place in World's Best Story Contest.

Buy the book:    
Amazon     Barnes & Noble    Book Depository     Chapters/Indigo

Author's Bio:
Having lived in twelve states and eventually working in all fifty, he fell in love early with seeing the world on someone else’s money. Since then, he has lived abroad nine years while working in forty-eight countries, spanning five continents. These experiences helped Paul Hollis bring his own unique viewpoint to his mesmerizing thrillers.
Connect with the author:    Website  ~  Twitter  ~   Facebook




THE HOLLOW MANby Paul Hollis


Preview this book at FastPencil.com
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Giveaway & Blog Tour: Fated to be Yours

I'm really looking forward to reading this! Review coming soon. I bit off more than I could chew and got a little behind in my reading. Check back in a few days for the review!


Title: Fated to be Yours
Author: Jodie Larson
Release Date: Sept 1, 2015
Find on Goodreads





Hearts are fragile, and mine's been shattered before...

I have always thought of love in the abstract, never something to come true. My past has shown me time after time that those who are supposed to love you will only lead you to disappointment. Destiny, fate, chance...those are things that I never believed in.

Until him.

A chance encounter with a distinct pair of blue eyes and a heart-melting smile challenges my knowledge of life and love.

Because there's something about this stranger that has me believing in the possibility of more...



Amazon





As I fiddle with the clasp on my bag, I see out of the corner of my eye that someone takes the seat next to me on my left. Not wanting to invade the person’s space, I pull my bag over towards the right to give them more room. But as I look to the side, my eyes are drawn to the nicely tailored pair of gray slacks and designer shoes. I’m not sure how I know the pants are tailored, but I do. There’s just something about the material that says he didn’t buy them from JC Penney. I can’t help but admire his well put together attire and get confused when I feel my breathing start to speed up. My eyes roam over the slacks and the black sweater, causing heat to run through my system while noting that he obviously takes excellent care of himself. He has an athletic build, with his broad shoulders and lean muscular upper body. Even through his sweater I know that there is nothing but well defined sculpted muscles adorning his entire body.
My gaze slows as it passes over his chin, which is sporting some seriously sexy stubble, finally falling onto a pair of bright blue eyes looking intently at me. His face takes my breath away and it feels as if my heart has slowed its tempo. He has piercing blue eyes and dark hair that is styled like he just rolled out of bed. You know, that sexy way guys wear their hair that makes women turn into blabbering idiots. Chiseled cheekbones and a strong jaw complete the package. He screams yummy to my starving body. He appears to be in his late twenties or early thirties if I had to guess. I blink twice and then look back down at my bag, feeling shy and awkward all of a sudden.
“Is this seat taken?” he asks in his deep English-accented voice.
That voice. There is something about his voice that seems familiar to me. I know I’ve never met this man before in my life. I would most definitely remember meeting someone like him. I look up again into his kind eyes and he smiles at me, showing perfect white teeth. Oh my, the earth can swallow me up now.
“Um, no. No one’s sitting there. Well, you are now, I suppose.” Lame. Totally lame. Way to go, Tessa.
He gives a little chuckle, keeping the smile in place on his perfect face. I give him a slight returning smile and can feel my cheeks start to heat up. His eyes dance around my face and I swear I see something flash within them. Something familiar but I can’t quite figure out why.
He looks as if he’s about to say something, but the crackle of the speakers draw our attention to the airline desk attendant as she announces that our flight is ready to board. Kara is still talking on her phone but stands up with me as we make our way to the counter. I’m almost eager to get away from him, yet sad at the same time. The only comfort I can gather is he’s going to be on the same flight as me. The mystery man follows suit and stands a couple of people behind me in line. As we board the plane, Kara ends her call and then turns around to ask me where I am sitting.
“Aren’t we sitting together again?” I ask her.
“No. I wasn’t able to get us a seat next to each other. I’m in row three, how about you?”
“Six.”
“Oh well. Maybe you’ll get lucky and the person you’re sitting with is a mute. Or maybe they’ll just be some hot eye candy that you can talk to and start an illicit affair with,” Kara says, as she shrugs her shoulders.
“You’re so funny. You know I’ll have my nose stuck in my Kindle or I’ll be sleeping.” I laugh as I smirk at her. She gives me a grin back.
“If the person next to me doesn’t show you can sit by me. Deal?”
“Deal.”
I make my way through the aisle and find my seat. Row six, seat A. No problem. I sit down and pull out my Kindle, getting it ready for the long flight across the Atlantic. I’m juggling the device in my lap as I bend down to stow my laptop bag when I notice that someone is occupying the seat next to me. I inwardly sigh. Of course, I’m not lucky enough to sit by myself. I glance over to my right and see a newly familiar pair of shoes. I slowly straighten my body back into an upright position. With a small lump forming in my throat, I turn my head and there he is, my mystery man, sitting next to me and flashing me a smile that causes my heart to stop yet again.
“Hello, we meet again,” he says in his sexy English accent.



How long have you been writing?
I’ve always loved writing, even when I was younger. It started out as Sweet Valley High fanfic (because Jessica and Elizabeth couldn’t get into enough trouble on their own) and it kind of bloomed from there. I always had a story going about something that happened to me and I needed to get it off my chest. Or an idea would pop into my head and I would have to write it down before it was lost. In Seventh Grade, my teacher submitted a poem I wrote for a class to some national contest and I was one of the winners. They published it in an anthology of poems written by kids of various ages from across the country. I was extremely excited about that. Until recently I hadn’t written for fun in a while, due to life getting in the way. A couple years ago I had an idea pop into my head and soon enough, Tessa and Andrew’s story was born!
Who is your favorite author and why?
Tough question. I have lots of favorite authors that I fangirl over. I love Mia Sheridan’s writing with all my heart. Her stories are so real, so moving that I just can’t help but get lost in them. And I love the fact that they’re real people going through real struggles as they make their way through life. I could pick any of her books from my shelf, and yes I have them all signed, and just get lost in their world for a while.
Another author I love is Amy Bartol. She is an amazing writer. The way she creates her stories have me begging to be included in them. Both her Premonition series and Kricket series are some of my favorites. And I tell her that often!
Heather Lyons is another one of my favorites. The Collector’s Society series is fantastic. I love how she creates these pictures in my head as I read, making me see everything as if it’s a movie playing out in my thoughts. And her attention to detail and creating these characters that come to life amaze me. I recommend her books all the time simply because they’re some of the best out there.
And I’m sure this is only supposed to be one author but I can’t go without saying how much I love LB Simmons!! She is such an amazing writer and friend that I need to mention her. She has a gift with her words and pulls at your heart strings with so much ease that you can’t help but fall in love with her work. Plus she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met and I’m lucky enough to call her my friend!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I had several things I wanted to be. At first, I wanted to be a singer, which was an easy pick because that’s all I did growing up was sing. I always auditioned for the musicals and got the singing parts or was chosen to sing solos during the Christmas performances when I was younger. As I grew older, I wanted something more practical, so I decided that being a doctor sounded good. If you overlooked the fact that I’m squeamish about needles, I’m sure I would have made a fine doctor if I would have stayed focused and not changed my mind again. And now, as an adult, I’m still not sure what I want to be. But being a mom is definitely a full-time job (on top of my paying ones) and it is something that I get rewarded for daily.
Any advice you would give your younger self if you could?
Don’t rush to grow up. Enjoy being a kid for as long as you can.
Oh, and don’t drink beer at the house parties in college. You’ll just end up puking on the sidewalk because you don’t like beer.
Who is your favorite book boyfriend?  
I think everyone who knows me will not be surprised by my answer. I have a (slight) obsession with Professor Gabriel O. Emerson. He is not my boyfriend, he is my husband and we are happily married! I don’t know what it is about him, but I fell in love with him instantly. Yes, he was an arrogant asshole at first, but man. When he romances a woman, he does it right! My list of BBF’s changes and updates as I read, but he has always remained my number one.


Fated to be Mine (Fated #2) – Releasing Oct 6, 2015
I've made a mistake...Can we find our way back?
They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, or that time heals all wounds. What they don't tell you is that it doesn't lessen the pain. I don't think those people have experienced a loss like this.
I left my heart in London, and I'm not sure I'll ever get it back.
But fate has a plan of her own. She keeps me guessing and hoping that not everything is as it seems.
Hearts can be shattered but can also be put back together. Especially when love doesn't give up on you, even if you think it has.





Jodie Larson is a wife and mother to four beautiful girls, making their home in northern Minnesota along the shore of Lake Superior. When she isn’t running around to various activities or working her regular job, you can find her sitting in her favorite spot reading her new favorite book or camped out somewhere quiet trying to write her next manuscript. She’s addicted to reading (just ask her kids or husband) and loves talking books even more with her friends. She’s also a lover of all things romance and happily ever afters, whether in movies or in books, as shown in her extensive collection of both.

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads


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Cover Reveal: Easy Melody

We are so excited to bring you the Cover Reveal for Kristen Proby's EASY MELODY! EASY MELODY is a Contemporary Romance novel and is the 3rd book in The Boudreaux Series. It is due to be released on November 10, 2015! If you haven't already, be sure to grab EASY LOVE and EASY CHARM, the first two books in this sexy series!
Cover, designed by Sarah Hansen of Okay Creations with photography by Kristen Proby

ABOUT EASY MELODY:

Callie Mills never intended to return to New Orleans and the life she left behind more than a decade ago. There was no need to open old wounds when she had the life she’d worked hard for in Denver. But when she’s fired from her awesome job in Colorado and her father dies, she has no choice but to return home to run the derelict bar left to her in the heart of the French Quarter. Callie must not only face bad memories but turn The Odyssey into something she can be proud of.

And who better to help bring in crowds of people than Declan Boudreaux?

Declan is a sought-after musician who knows he’s good at what he does and loves doing it. Known to pack the house, he also loves women and doesn’t expect to be knocked back a step by the beautiful new owner of The Odyssey. Callie is sharp, gorgeous and funny, and makes him yearn for something he never has before… Commitment.

But when Callie’s able to turn the business around with renovations, making it one of the hottest bars in the Quarter, will she sell out and leave her past behind once and for all, or will Declan be able to convince her that’s she’s where she needed to be all along…in his arms.


And don’t forget to grab the first books in the Boudreaux Series! EASY LOVE EASY CHARM

ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Kristen Probyis the author of the popular With Me in Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type—fiercely protective and a bit bossy—and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, and sunshine. And naps. Visit her at KristenProby.com.
Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Author Goodreads ** Novel Goodreads

Cover Reveal: Betrayal

One week. No future. No past. No more.Alexandria Collins has one week to live carefree—no
ghosts of her past or pressures of her future haunting her. Reinventing
herself as "Charli," she is knocked off her feet by a sexy,
mysterious man who brings her pleasure like she never imagined.  With her
heart at stake, she forgets that decisions made in the dark of night reappear
in the bright light of day.
"Some of my tastes are unique. They aren’t for everyone. I
understand that.”
Lennox "Nox" Demetri is wealthy, confident,
and decisive—he knows what he wants. From the first time he sees Charli at an
exclusive resort, he knows he wants her. Although he is usually the one to make
the rules, together they agree on one:  
One week. No more.
When betrayal comes from those closest to
Alexandria, she must decide how far she is willing to go to survive. Choices
are not always easy, especially when they involve the heart, body, and soul. After
all, Infidelity is a business, and some rules are meant to be broken.
"Is it really cheating if you're doing it to
yourself?"
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling
author Aleatha Romig comes a sexy, new dominant hero who knows what he wants,
and a strong-willed heroine who has plans of her own. With classic Aleatha Romig
twists, turns, deceptions, and devotions, this new epic dark romance will have
readers swooning one minute and screaming the next. Have you been Aleatha'd?
BETRAYAL is a full-length
novel and the first of five in the INFIDELITY series.

ADD TO GOODREADS



Aleatha Romig is a
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew
up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living
south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school
sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time
author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing.
Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend
her time  with her family and friends.
Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt
your dreams!


Aleatha released
her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a
bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011
through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has
graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her
series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These standalone
thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat. In the
fall of 2015, Aleatha will move head first into the world of dark romance with
the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series.



Aleatha is a
"Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America
and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary
Associates. 



NEWSLETTER   WEBSITE    FACEBOOK   AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE   GOODREADS   INSTAGRAM   TWITTER  TSU   PINTEREST  

Giveaway and RDL: Finding You

If Grace Johnson knew one thing at all, it was that all men were dirtbags.All men … except Noah Bennet.“I was lost in his eyes. Lost in his tears. My goal was to pull him out of the darkness … even if it dragged me in as well.”If Noah Bennet knew one thing at all, it was he needed Grace Johnson.Needed her … desperately.“My pain was pulling me under … she was my only saving grace.”Grace is willing to put everything on the line to help bring back the man she is hopelessly in love with. Even if it costs her the future she’s been longing for.“If finding you means losing a part of me … I’ll do it.”










EXCERPT I wasn’t done setting up. “Shit! I still need to finish getting everything ready.” Rushing into the house, I made my way to the backyard, where I saw everything had already been set up. Looking to my left, I saw Will with two older guys. One looked familiar.

Very familiar.

Oh shit.

It’s Grace’s dad.

I’m so fucking dead right now.

The other guy walked up to me and smiled. “Hey, assmole. You want to date my Grace?”

Assmole? His Grace?

Looking back at Will, he stood there smiling.

Turning back to the guy standing in front of me, I asked, “Ah … I’m sorry. Your Grace?”

Nodding his head, he said again, “That’s right, assmole. Grace is my niece. Jeff said you’re not allowed to have my Grace.”

Turning to Will, I asked in a hushed tone, “Assmole? Did he call me … assmole?”

“Daddy? Uncle Matt? What are you doing here?”

Spinning around, I saw Grace standing there with a smile on her face. She glanced to the picnic and then to the flowers in my hand as her face lit up bright, I couldn’t help but smile back as she gazed into my eyes and whispered, “Noah, did you do this?”

 “I wanted to surprise you.”

Grace went to talk when her Uncle Matt tapped me on the shoulder. “You like Grace? You want to kiss Grace?”

Grace giggled and looked at Matt. “Oh, Uncle Matt. I missed you!”

Matt smiled. “Can I hug you, Grace?”

Nodding, Grace held open her arms as Matt quickly walked into them and gave her a hard but fast hug. Turning to me, he asked, “Assmole, can I hug you?”

“Um, sure?” I said as I looked around at everyone staring at me. Grace and Will wore smiles, but Jeff looked at me like he wanted to take my head off.

Matt walked up and hugged the hell out of me. He was fucking strong and I was not expecting him to squeeze me so tight. Stepping back, Matt laughed, then turned to Jeff. “Why do you want to hurt him, Jeff? He’s nice.”



Copyright 2015 Finding You Kelly Elliott









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Kelly Elliott is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has
a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and
dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!
She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly
asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone
sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.

In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner
overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her
property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose,
her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush,
move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find
her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.
FACEBOOK      TWITTER       WEBSITE     GOODREADS   AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE


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Giveaway and Blitz: Falling for Shakespeare

Book & Author Details:
Falling for Shakespeare by Erin Butler
Published by: Swoon Romance
Publication date: September 8th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:Katie thought she knew where her life was going. She was dating the captain of the football team, had a BFF for life, and everyone at school wanted to be her. But then her pregnant teen sister’s pregnancy changes all that. Everyone dumps her, including her friends and boyfriend.
Hey, Katie, welcome to life at the bottom of the high school food chain. This is how the other half lives.
Then there’s Nick. He’s a straight-A student and self-professed geek who’s had a thing for her since middle school. He needs a date for the winter formal, and Katie needs something to keep her busy. Nick’s plight becomes her personal pet project. She will help him get over his insecurities and get a date. Besides, she was popular once. She knows how to get dates.
But Nick has other plans. He’s going to use these “dating” lessons as a way to win Katie’s heart.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25989861-falling-for-shakespeare?ac=1
Purchase:Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Shakespeare-Erin-Butler-ebook/dp/B013CWXYCI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1441375411&sr=8-1&keywords=Falling+for+Shakespeare+by+Erin+Butler

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)
$10 gift card + eBook copy of Falling for Shakespeare

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AUTHOR BIO: Erin Butler is lucky enough to have two jobs she truly loves. As a librarian, she gets to work with books all day long, and as an author, Erin uses her active imagination to write the kinds of books she loves to read. Young Adult and New Adult books are her favorites, but she especially fangirls over a sigh-worthy romance.

She lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, a stepson, and doggie BFF, Maxie. Preferring to spend her time indoors reading or writing, she'll only willingly go outside for chocolate and sunshine--in that order.

Erin is the author of BLOOD HEX, a YA paranormal novel, HOW WE LIVED, a contemporary NA novel, and the forthcoming YA contemporary romance title, FINDING MR. DARCY: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION. Find out more about her at www.erinbutlerbooks.com or @ErinButler on Twitter!
Author Links:http://www.erinbutlerbooks.com/https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Butler/222797011068049https://twitter.com/ErinButlerhttps://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6923500.Erin_Butler

Book Review: Conscience

Conscience (Bellator Saga #2)
by Cecilia London

An escape plan foiled….

A determined woman….

One last tiny sliver of hope….

Jack will find me.

The Fed wants answers. And Caroline is determined not to provide them. They pull out all the stops, testing her sanity, testing her strength, testing her humanity.

Jack will find me.

Subject to cruel and merciless treatment at the hands of a government she once trusted, Caroline clings to her sole lifeline, her only chance at maintaining her tenuous hold on reality: her memories of her husband, Jack, her children, Marguerite and Sophie, and the friends who mean the world to her.

Jack will find me.

But what happens when hope starts to fade? How long until her interrogators cross over into the unspeakable sadism she fears ? How long before she finally breaks apart?

Part Two of a Six Part Saga. Conscience (approximately 120,000 words) is not a standalone and must be read after the first book in the Bellator Saga, Dissident. All books in the series end in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This book contains adult situations including graphic violence, explicit (consensual) sex and light BDSM, psychological and physical trauma, and an oftentimes raw, dark, and gritty plot.
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Conscience generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

I don't know where to start so please forgive me if this review is all over the place. It's important to me for anyone reading this review to know that I do not normally read dystopian, politically thrilling romances, in fact I've never read one. I'm not into futuristic all that much. I abhor politics. But for some reason this series caught my eye with the first book Dissident, which I loved. Why am I telling you this? Because it FEELS SO GOOD to have went outside my normal reading box. And it feels so good because Conscience is a phenomenal, dark, gritty, beautiful, empowering read. I think if you are reading this review, then you should read this book too.

Told in third person, Conscience continues the story of Jack McIntyre and Caroline Gerard, two political figures from opposite parties who fell hard for each other. Just as in book one, Dissident, the story is told from Caroline's dire present situation interlaced with vivid flashbacks from the time in her life post-meeting Jack. This author perfectly converges the past with the present in a variety of ways. The past sets the tone allowing for the hurt of the present to be much more acute to the reader. In contrast, the past reads as much sweeter because the flashbacks provide solace to not only Caroline but to the reader as well. However, these beautiful memories heighten the distress in the reader because of the danger Caroline currently faces. To me, this was a brilliant way Cecilia London chose to drive this story forward. The past and present being both painful and beautiful all at once creates a maelstrom of emotion the reader can't even fully process until it's over because of how invested we become in the story.

Jack McIntyre and Caroline Gerard are vibrant characters who light up the pages of Conscience. Their evolving love story hails as one for the ages in it's honesty, vulnerability and passion. Their friends first before anything else. The trust these two exhibit for each other knows no bounds and that trust shines on every aspect of their relationship. The hero and heroine alike are sharp, witty, strong, vulnerable, and passionate in every aspect of their lives. Many moments of pure, unadulterated pleasure solidifies the trust and passion in their relationship. London writes epic passionate scenes without being overly graphic and giving so much excellent banter and vocal reassurance the reader viscerally feels their connection.

As well the main love story the author builds meaningful relationships between Caroline and the secondary characters; extraordinary friendships built upon the same passion and trust shared between her and Jack. There was one particular chapter showcasing the beauty of Caroline and Christine's friendship where Irene messaged me and said "I want to be best friends like this!" and all I could say was a resounding - "YES!".

This book is as dark as it is light. As beautiful as it as brutal. It's the story of Caroline Gerard and the life she's led, leads, and will fight to preserve. It's her dignity as a human being. It's a reminder that there still are people in the world who stand up for exactly what they believe against all odds. The whole story completely captivating and engrossing. I felt exhausted in the best way once I was through. I cried for all the joy and triumph. I cried for the utter devastation. I felt the desperate hope Caroline instilled in me, I shook with the fear I know in my heart Caroline feels, and I triple checked the locks on my doors in order to keep the bad guys who are torturing this woman away. Another reading friend, Suzanne, put it perfectly in her review when she said at the end she felt like a whole pile of emotions landed in her lap that she was holding in while reading.

Obviously, I could go on and on. Bottom line, Cecilia London created a captivating, dark, intense, beautiful love story in The Bellator Saga. As a new author, she's completely blown me away. Conscience was a brilliantly written book, London's prose utterly engaging, intelligent, sexy, and witty.

There's a scene in the book where Caroline relays to Jack that she'll follow him anywhere. Well Cecilia London, I pass that sentiment on to you and your upcoming stories. Can't wait for more!

Book Review: Forgotten Treasures

Forgotten Treasures
by D. Hart

*** Inspired by a community tragedy ***
(Characters and other events are a work of fiction)

“Forgotten Treasures is beautifully layered with twists and revelations you will never see coming! Dani Hart keeps the pages turning in this sweet romance sprinkled with the hope of undying love. I found myself engrossed, demanding to know what happens next. Each revelation is another key to the puzzle. Perfectly complex! Mesmerizing.” Addison Moore, New York Times Bestselling Author

"I have read some great books so far in 2015 but this one is definitely in the top 3 for me. I could not recommend this book any more- you should not let this one pass you by." Kellie, Eye Candy Bookstore

In the aftermath of destruction, hearts were destroyed, strengths were stripped, and vulnerabilities were exposed.

A community was ripped apart after a tragic accident, and the loss hit one family particularly hard as it claimed the lives of three, leaving only one surviving member to pick up the pieces and move forward.

Baylor’s life was wiped clean in the blink of an eye. No family, no home, no name. That is, until she met Brandt. He took a chance, giving her hope and a reason to start over. A reason to rebuild a life full of forgotten memories. A reason to trust. A reason to love.

Finding love in all the right places should be easy, but when truths are revealed, it's anything but. Brandt will help her rediscover the true meaning of unconditional eternal love that will prove painful, life altering, and redeeming.

Together, they will try to face the future and will use each other’s strengths to learn how to live again. Can they rewrite history, or in the end, will the tragedies of their pasts be too much?

Music Lyrics by Brogan Kelby
TeriLyn's thoughts: The blurb for Forgotten Treasures along with the cover with caught my eye when I saw it listed on Netgalley. Excited at the prospect of an emotionally laden story I dove right into the story. For me, the entire premise of the book was great. Told mostly from the 1st person point of view of the heroine, Baylor, with few snippets thrown in from the hero, Brandt, the reader travels a journey sorting through memories and reflections to help Baylor remember who she is and what happened to her sealing her current fate. 

The writing here tripped me up because there were many times I felt the plot labored on and on. Mundane details kept the depth of emotion at surface level for me. I wanted to dig deeper into the grit and rawness of the tragedy these people faced and never really felt like I was in the think of it. The way in which the story unfolds became predictable from very early on in Baylor's story which also halted my connection because I kept feeling as though I wanted to get to the heart of story. In contrast through the reflections on the past, I wanted to feel that undeniable electric connection between the hero and heroine but felt it fell kind of flat. Executing a plot like this from the 1st person I'm sure is very tricky and unfortunately for me it just didn't work. 

Positives come in the form of the hero and again the premise of the plot. Brandt Reilly was a man who stuck. There were so many times I felt he was being held back as a hero. He was over shadowed by Grady in many instances. He was the kind of character who could have been a soaring hero. But he was still a man I felt compelled to throughout the book even though I didn't feel strong connections to the relationships. Again, this plot interested me the most. It was different than other community tragedies I've read about and heart breaking. The best I can describe my feelings towards the execution is by saying surface level. I wanted depth and felt the potential for so much of it in Forbidden Treasures.

Book Review: Dissident

Dissident (Bellator Saga #1)
by Cecilia London

She once was important. Now she’s considered dangerous.

In a new America where almost no one can be trusted, Caroline lies unconscious in a government hospital as others decide her fate. She is a political dissident, wanted for questioning by a brutal regime that has come to power in a shockingly easy way. As she recovers from her injuries, all she has are her memories. And once she wakes up, they may not matter anymore.

Dissident is part contemporary romance and part political thriller, with elements of romantic suspense and speculative fiction. Told mostly in flashback, it details the budding romantic relationship between our heroine Caroline and Jack, the silver fox playboy who tries to win her heart.


The Bellator Saga is a six part series. Each part is a full length novel between 60,000-120,000 words and ends in a cliffhanger. For readers 18+. This saga contains adult situations, including non-gratuitous violence, explicit (consensual) sex, psychological and physical trauma, and an oftentimes dark and gritty plot (particularly in part two).
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Dissident generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**

Cecilia London blew me away! I'm so happy to have started The Bellator Saga as it's a series I'm so excited about following. This dystopian political thriller and romance strays from my "normal" reading preferences and surprised me in the best possible way. I was nervous because I'm not a political person, truthfully I'm rather apathetic about politics. But this author made them kind of fun. She presented intellectual conversations about liberals and conservatives, proving points for both sides that were rather fascinating assimilated into a romance for the masses.

Cecilia London possesses a great gift of writing as her story flows seamlessly, causes intrigue/suspense and demonstrates a well-rounded, thoughtful, political plot all the while providing a beautiful love story. She breaks a mold with this story and told me a story I wouldn't normally jump to read. I love that the most about this book. It's out of my usual realm and just completely wowed me expanding my reading horizons.

Dissident starts this saga by taking us to the present in the world of Caroline Gerard and her husband John (Jack) McIntyre. From the very first sentence in the prologue, London hooks you. I felt a connection to these characters in their time of struggle at the very start. My interest peaked immediately in their relationship and their current situation. The prologue sets up the driving force of the story in the present where, through two doctors, we're left to navigate the uncharted waters of this future America where these characters are far from safe. The author did a fantastic job of keeping up the suspense in the story. By giving us enough about the what's happening in the world, this author makes us feel the imminent danger to the point we are truly concerned for these characters with whom she makes us fall in love with yet we're in the dark about the why this danger found them and totally oblivious as to how they'll survive.

In a brilliant twist to her storytelling, through a series of seamless transitions in the form of flashbacks we travel to five years earlier in order to follow Jack and Caroline from the very beginning of their relationship. Second chance for her, first time for him, plus great friends to lovers - these two are a couple with whom I've become totally invested. They make it easy with their intellectual banter, honest conversations, and heated passion. Jack McIntyre is a man who's easy to fall for - to the point of obsession quite honestly. There's something about where they are in their lives, who he was and is, the good Caroline sees in him and the joy he gives back to her life that's just impossible to not love.

It's no secret I'm a fan of serials. I love a good cliffhanger, I love the prospect of falling for characters I can follow through a series of books to get in depth look into this world and their lives. Cecilia London provided a cliffhanger unlike any other I've read. It's mild in the present world, not overly shocking but just enough that we want so much more. We're given facts in the present that help with the cliffhanger of the past.

I'm beyond grateful this author provided me the opportunity to start her series. If you like serials with a different flare to them - some thriller, some politics, a lot of romance - Dissident is definitely the book to read to get you hooked on a new series.