Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 71

Book Review: Carry Me Home

Carry Me Home (Off the Map #3.1)
by Lia Riley: Love doesn’t have to be perfect to be true…

Years ago, Tanner Green loved Sunny Letman. She was meant to be his first kiss, first love, first everything. Then their world spun upside-down and out of control.

Free-spirited Sunny doesn’t do commitment. Sure, guys are great for a night or a week, but she always leaves first. That is, until professional skateboarder and town golden boy, Tanner Green, unexpectedly walks back into her life.

Despite their broken history, a fragile and undeniably electric connection still holds them together. Now Tanner has to convince Sunny that even though love isn’t always perfect, it’s worth sticking around for. . .
TeriLyn's thoughts: I really enjoyed the Off the Map series by Lia Riley and was excited to read this novella. Ms. Riley writes simple love stories where the characters have complicated views on love yet their connections to each other are solid.

In the first 3 books of the series, Tanner Green is mentioned a lot. He intrigues readers because of the circumstances in which we meet him throughout the series. It was nice to see his side of the story and really get to know the true man that he is. Sunny Letman is quite a character. Vivacious and care free, she brings out a side in him Tanner has long since buried.

The hesitance of both these characters shows their vulnerability but the honesty they each possess is their most charming quality. With each other they navigate a spark that was always present for them. It was really short, this book, and easy to read but I wanted a little bit more. The conflict felt rushed as did the ending to their story. But I really like these characters. There's a humor and honestly in this book that makes it great.

If you're a fan of the series, don't skip this novella.

RDL: Elementals

ElementalsA Paranormal/Fantasy Romance AnthologyByAnne L. ParksAnnie Rose WelchLashell CollinsDina HaynesBook Blurb:Four sisters wielding the power of the elements.Four men who have vowed to protect them.One mother’s quest to destroy them.Experience the power of love in season.The Prophecy (Spring):Escaping from her mother, Gaia, Creator of All, was only the beginning for Aria Spring. Staying hidden will require protection from the one man she doesn’t trust to save anyone but himself. Responsible for breathing new life into the dormant world, Aria is determined to save it, and her elementals sisters from her mother’s vow of destruction.Disbelieving the tall tales his father and grandfather told when he was a child, Eiden refuses to acknowledge his family’s legacy as Protector of the Spring. The draw to Aria, however, is too great for him to resist, and he finds himself unable to stay away from her. When he sees her powers in action with his own eyes, he can no longer deny the fierce need to protect her – even if it costs him his life.

Bayou Bleue (Summer):Été Munson is the fiery daughter of Gaia, the Creator of All, and the reason why the season of summer exists. But when Gaia decides the Earth is too ominous to keep, her plan sends Été into hiding in the mystical town of Bayou Bleue, Louisiana.Enter Bear Glenn. A mysterious voyager who has come from Scotland to find Été before Gaia does. As she brings Bear into the Heart of the Swamp, a land filled with Bayou Trolls, Silent People, and the legendary Rougarou, their Fate will be tested, along with their will to survive.

Connected Souls (Fall):Autumn Munson lives a simple life. As simple as a goddess in hiding can, that is. One of the four Elemental daughters of Gaia, Mother of All, she’s the very embodiment of the fall season. But when Mommy Dearest gets the crazy idea that the Earth must go, Autumn and her sisters scatter into hiding in a last ditch effort to save the world.William Varian is an ancient soul. An immortal shifter who has been watching over Autumn for longer than she realizes. He holds the secrets to a past that she’s long forgotten - one where they meant everything to each other. But as he fights to keep Autumn safe, will they allow Gaia to use their centuries-old connection to destroy them, or will it prove to be a bond that not even the Mother of All can break?

Cold Awakenings (Winter):Wynter Munson doesn't belong in Los Angeles, but what better place to hide a Winter goddess. All that sun won't melt her frozen heart, though, after the betrayal and loss of her cheating husband.It's her darkness that Morpheus is drawn to. He finds the girl of his dreams inside hers. But when the Mother of All threatens Wynter's son, he must convince her that love not only destroys lives. It can save them too.

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Author Bio’s:Anne L. Parks:Born and raised in the Rocky Mountains, Anne L. Parks has spent the last 25 years moving all over the United States. Married to the Navy - well a man in the Navy - Parks has lived in various places throughout the United States. Now she resides in the Washington D.C. area, and loves every minute. She has four children, and one spoiled German Shepard. 2013 marked her debut in publishing. Her first novel, Strangers, released on her 45th birthday. She was amazed at how many people fell in love with a story about two people dealing with grief, and finding love again. Abby and Bryce were the perfect couple to introduce Parks as an up-and-coming author. Since then, she has published the complete Return To Me series, which includes The Return, Return to Newport, Lauren's Return, Returning Home, and RSVP: A Christmas Novella. This year, along with the anthology, she plans to publish another short story, along with the Demons trilogy. The first book, Of Demons and Stones, will release in July 2015. Always eager to talk to readers, so find her through the links below and say "hi."
Website: http://www.alparksauthor.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALParksAuthor/info?tab=page_infoTwitter: https://twitter.com/almparks2012?lang=enAmazon: http://goo.gl/Ch7DMQ Annie Rose Welch:Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie Rose Welch has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty-one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn’t stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm. When she’s not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently (still) resides in the big shake (although her southern roots are calling her home) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).
Website: http://annierosewelch.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnnieRoseWelchTwitter: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnnieRoseWelchAmazon: http://goo.gl/ehoZywLashell Collins:Lashell Collins is an American author of romantic suspense, paranormal and contemporary romance. She spent the last twenty years of her life working in veterinary clinics and garden centers in her home state of Ohio, and is now living her dream of writing full-time. She loves a good love story, whether she’s watching it on TV, reading it, or writing it. In food terms, she likes to think of her own stories as sweet and spicy – sweet romance with spicy sex scenes! Lashell walks to the beat of her own drum, but that’s okay ’cause she’s got a pretty good sense of rhythm. Basically, she’s a geeky, quirky, laid-back, rocker-loving kinda girl who’s married to a retired cop, motorcycle-riding, bad-boy alpha all her own, and she likes to write about sexy police officers, werewolves and rockstars - or some inventive combination of the three! When she’s not busy tapping away on her laptop and living vicariously through her characters, she can usually be found watching Grimm, rocking out to Slash, stuffing her face full of Chinese food, or riding on the back of her husband’s Harley-Davidson. Give her a shout, she loves to hear from readers!
Website: http://lashellcollins.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LashellCollinsAuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/LashellCollins?lang=enAmazon: http://goo.gl/PJ5MXa Dina Haynes:Dina Haynes is the pseudonym for an author who has always called the San Francisco Bay Area home, though she currently resides in Southern California. Raised in a single-parent family household with her mother and sister, she aptly refers to it as “the house of estrogen.” And, not to be forgotten, the one male energy that stood out in her upbringing was a pet Pomeranian-mix named Theodore. He is no longer with us, but his spirit lives on in her heart and on the pages. And every dog she harasses on the street.Website: http://dinahaynes.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dinahaynesauthor/timelineTwitter: https://twitter.com/dinahaynow?lang=enAmazon: http://goo.gl/sL8v90

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Rarity

Title: RarityAuthor: D.A. RoachGenre: YA RomanceRelease Date: June 16, 2015
Brogen Mathers can’t deal with teen drama...
As an empath, she is constantly bombarded with other people’s energies. Despite coping techniques taught by her psychologist mother, it’s often too much to bear, forcing her to avoid most activities a typical high school junior would enjoy.
Jay Wilken won’t let his past define him...
A dead mother and an alcoholic father brought Jay to Stanton, but he doesn’t want pity. His good looks, charisma, and friendly nature quickly win over the whole student body, but he has his eye on one girl...Brogen.
Brogen can’t believe anyone could be so genuinely nice. It has to be an act, right? But when Jay literally saves her from deadly jaws, she has to admit he’s exactly what he appears, and he’s worth risking the potential emotional upheaval.
“Drama” might as well be Becca Grant’s middle name...
Another newcomer to Stanton, Becca’s blonde beauty and abundant attitude shoots her straight to the top of the popularity charts—and she believes Jay belongs right there beside her. Accustomed to getting exactly what she wants, she launches a relentless mean-girl campaign to shake up Brogen and claim Jay for her own.
Everything changes with a devastating diagnosis...
When Jay learns he has a rare and potentially fatal disorder, he keeps it secret and begins to push Brogen away to spare her future pain—which is exactly the sort of opening Becca is waiting for.
As Jay’s well-meaning deception unravels,
Brogen realizes there is much more than her heart at stake... But how far is she willing to go to fight for someone she loves?





D.A. Roach has been telling stories since she was a young girl in the suburbs of Chicago. In college she met the man of her dreams, her happily ever after, and married him 2 weeks after graduating. They have 3 kids together and a pet cockatiel named Gimli. D.A. did not find a love for books until after college. Her parents were immigrants from Lithuania and found tv and radio easier ways to hear stories so they did not do much reading or encourage it. But once she finished college and D.A. had free time, she discovered how amazing it was to get lost in a story. 
D.A. is a full time mom and wife. When she is not doing domestic things (laundry, bills, etc) she is writing, reading, creating mixed media art, and helping beautify her kids' school landscape. Oh, and she is ALWAYS listening to music. Her favorite authors include Rebecca Donovan, Richelle Mead, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Meyer, E.L. James, and Sylvia Day. Reading great works from authors like these has motivated D.A. to write her own stories. She hopes to make positive changes in the world with her art and writing.

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Book Review: Stepbrother Dearest

Stepbrother Dearest
by Penelope Ward: You’re not supposed to want the one who torments you.

When my stepbrother, Elec, came to live with us my senior year, I wasn't prepared for how much of a jerk he’d be.

I hated that he took it out on me because he didn't want to be here.
I hated that he brought girls from our high school back to his room.
But what I hated the most was the unwanted way my body reacted to him.

At first, I thought all he had going for him were his rock-hard tattooed abs and chiseled face. Then, things started changing between us, and it all came to a head one night.

Just as quickly as he’d come into my life, he was gone back to California.

It had been years since I’d seen Elec.

When tragedy struck our family, I’d have to face him again.

And holy hell, the teenager who made me crazy was now a man that drove me insane.

I had a feeling my heart was about to get broken again.

Stepbrother Dearest is a standalone novel.
Julie's thoughts: Stepbrother Dearest is a full length, standalone novel by Penelope Ward. This is the first of her books I've read, and overall, I really enjoyed it.

Honestly, this book was getting at least four hearts from me until I got two-thirds into it. The first part of the book was perfect. I loved Ms. Ward's writing style, story, and characters. I really felt the connection between the main characters and found them to be mostly realistic and relatable. Around the two-thirds point, though, the story went from being told from the heroine's point of view to being read by her as an autobiography written by the hero, and much of it was his view of what had already taken place. Obviously, this worked for many readers, but I felt it really took away from the story and made me less connected. I would have rather had alternating points of view to get the hero's view or not had it at all. It just took away from the experience to watch the heroine read what the hero experienced and how he felt instead of getting to watch him tell her, especially so long after it actually happened in the story. I guess it has a lot to do with that "show me, don't tell me" preference, which I thought was done well in the first part of the book.

Other than the above, I would recommend this book for those who enjoy good, but typical, NA books. It was very well written, with few errors. Other than the re-telling parts, I didn't want to put the book down. I really liked both characters. Even though they were instantly attracted to each other, Ms. Ward developed the relationship over a six-month period and took the time to let the reader watch the real connection form between them. Keep in mind, though, that the first part of the book (~2/3) truly reads as a YA book. He’s the typical 18-year old alpha male bad boy, and she’s the typical 17-year old virgin. There’s a good bit of angst and build up. I adore that, so that part was perfect to me.

Blitz & Giveaway: Parting Chances

Book & Author Details:

Parting Chances by Caylie Marcoe
(Fighting Chance #1)
Publication date: November 13th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
The road of Haley Cavanaugh’s life has been filled with cracks, potholes and detour signs. Her mom’s cancer forced her to grow up too fast and her brother has moved across the country instead of sticking around when she needs him most. Now, her parents are forcing her to move out. They say she needs to follow through with the plans she’s set for herself, but Haley is torn between her dreams and her family’s reality. The only thing she has to look forward to is living with her best friend, Kyler.

What she doesn’t need right now? Eli Park. Haley remembers him as Kyler’s boyfriend’s geeky roommate, but he’s anything but geeky now. Now, he’s downright hot. And Haley cannot get him out of her head.

It would be easier if they didn’t have class together five days a week. Or have weekly study dates. And if she didn’t spend way too much time with Kyler at Eli’s house. But, the closer he gets and the harder she falls, the more Haley pulls away. Her heart is too fragile to end up broken on the side of the road. She thinks she’s got it under control until Eli brings home another girl and Haley realizes what she has to lose.

As Haley’s life is turned further upside down, will she be left to pick up the pieces of her heart alone?

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AUTHOR BIO:
Born and raised in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin, Caylie fell in love with reading at a young age. With her lively imagination, she created numerous stories in her head throughout her childhood and teenage years.

Her first novel, Choose Us, released in April 2014 and became an Amazon Bestseller.

When she isn't slaving away at the keyboard, Caylie is an avid reader, and lover of coffee... copious amounts of coffee. She also has an unhealthy addiction to coffee mugs, chapstick, water bottles, football, and tv shows--binge watching is her favorite.

She chases her two kids around the house all day, and has a husband whom she adores.

If you want to stay tuned in to all of the new release news, sign up for Caylie's spam-free newsletter. It only comes out when something exciting is happening...promise!
http://eepurl.com/T7sp5

Author links:
http://www.authorcayliemarcoe.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CaylieMarcoeAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7768872.Caylie_Marcoe

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)
A $15 Amazon gift card and e-book copies of Parting Chances and Choose Us

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RDL: Under the Influence

Dalton,I loved you once. A love I thought irrevocable. A love I
mistakenly believed could transcend both time and circumstance. Under the
influence of my dimwitted, naïve, traitorous heart, I became intoxicated with
what I now know was simply a figment of my self-indulgent imagination. So drunk
on the feeling, I couldn’t see what was right in front of my face. So foolishly
enamored, I blindly followed my heart into the depths of an emotion that would
ravage me. 
Years later, I know now what I wish I knew then. I am
stronger. Smarter. Tougher. I will not allow myself to be broken again. I loved you.I raged for you.I wept for you.And now, I’m letting you go.



Author’s Note:  Under
the Influence is the journey of two childhood friends that spans the course of
five pivotal years in their lives. It is a story about their discovery of true
friendship as it blossoms into first love, their experience of crucial sacrifice
and ultimate betrayal, and their endurance of agonizing heartbreak on the way
to finding lasting redemption.

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Dalton  POV:All that remains is
the orange in the sky and the sweet scent of the angel lying next to me.
Nothing else.We watch in silence
as we always do until the sun finally sets, then both breathe out a long sigh
before I turn to face her. “I have something for you. It’s not much, but I
saw it and thought of you.”Her eyes widen with
excitement as an equally joyful smile spreads across her beautiful features. I
reach into my pocket and pull out the item I spied just a couple of days ago,
buying it as a gift for her birthday, but it turns out I really suck at
surprises. Who knew?Dangling the long
strand of black beads in her face, an unexpected rush of anxiety races through
my system. I’ve never given anyone anything. Ever. I find it extremely unnerving.Her grin widens
further as she extends her hand, uncurling her fingers and exposing her palm. I
lower the bracelet and watch as it coils into her grasp.  My eyes rise to meet hers and I swallow
deeply, trying to rid the nerves constricting my throat. “It’s uh …
They’re onyx—the beads. I read
that they offer protection for the person who wears them. I just…”
I clear my throat. “I wanted you to be
protected even when I’m not around.”Her smile is
hindered as her teeth graze her bottom lip. I fight the urge to take that pouty
lip in between mine, breaking my stare from her mouth and bringing it back to
the bracelet before glancing back to her sky blue eyes. She turns to fully
face me, the bracelet still secure in her clenched hand. Her expression timid,
she inquires, “Put it on me?” I nod and slowly
uncurl her grip, allowing my touch to linger on the soft pads of her fingers
with each one drawn away. She shivers in response and I breathe a light chuckle
through my nose, still amazed each time I elicit those involuntary reactions
from her. Once the bracelet is pinched between my fingers, she turns her wrist
and waits patiently as I hook the ends together. Releasing it, I watch as it
slides gracefully along the skin of her arm to land across the bones of her
wrist. My hand instinctively rises and my fingers trace its traveled path,
raking over the bracelet as I clench her hand in mine and press a soft kiss in
the center of her palm.Her breath shudders
before she whispers, “I love it, Dalton. It’s…perfect. Thank you.”I feel my face warm
with her compliment, so break my eyes away from her to focus on the stars.
After a couple of moments of peace-filled silence, I inquire, “If you were a
color, what color would you be?”Taking her eyes
away from the bracelet, she giggles and twists to look at me. “What color would
I be?”I nod. “Yeah…”
I stall, stunned
with my need for honesty. “It’s just, sometimes I feel like a
chameleon, you know? Forced to change my colors based on where I am in my life.”
I release a
weighted breath. “Lately it feels as though I change them so often, I’m nothing more than
a fucked-up version of an impressionist painting.”Glancing to the
side, my heart lurches as she crinkles her nose in confusion, my absolute
favorite of her expressions. My eyes linger the light scattering of freckles on
the bridge of her nose before once again seeking comfort in the obscurity of
the night sky. “To those far away, I project a solid, recognizable image. But in
reality, I’m comprised of nothing but a series of angry, incoherent brush strokes
in every color imaginable. Disjointed.” I twist my neck and
pin her with my stare. “Broken.”Her mouth dips at
the corners before she turns on her side and tucks her hands under her cheek,
her blue eyes sincere. “Do you think Renoir and Monet didn’t know what they were doing? That they
didn’t purposely place
each stroke of their paintbrush in order to create their envisioned
masterpiece?”She tightens her
gaze. “You are a work of
art, Dalton. Your own masterpiece, regardless if you choose to
acknowledge it or not. Every experience that paints your picture is a stroke
made just for you. Each one of them is essential in order for you to grow, to
learn, and to teach.” She shrugs her
shoulders. “You ask me what color I would be? Well, I would be every single color
I could because to me, those colors are emotions. Feelings. And life would mean
absolutely nothing without the many colors that surround us. The many … experiences
we live through that propel us forward into the people we are meant to become.”












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L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and
holds a degree in Biomedical Science.
She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years.  She lives with her husband and three
daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.




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Cover Reveal: The Only Choice

Book: The Only Choice
Series: The Choices Trilogy
Author: Dee Palmer
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release Date: 12th June 2015
Cover: Angie O-creations
Hosted By:Francessca’s Romance Reviews

Synopsis:



Bethany’s devastation is complete. Secrets, lies and impossible choices have torn her world apart but it is not the first time she has had to rebuildher world. So she’ll do it again...she has to. When Bethany meets Daniel, she is backed into a corner and with the threat of losing even more she comes out fighting. Daniel quickly learns there is nothing quite as intoxicating as a woman with nothing left to loseand nothing quite as irresistible as his Bethany. But there are more games being played than either of them are truly aware and the winning prize is a coveted Happy Ever After.

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Excerpt:

“Quick quick they are just loading the carts! Paula will serve the plates you follow with the sauce. I’ll keep your bag but I’m going to head home, pretend I wasn’t even here if that’s Ok?” She giggles. “Lucky I work for either Sofia or her family because I would not want to get on their bad side.” She pushes me to the elevator where Paula, I assume, is waiting with a fully loaded cart. Just as the door close Gaby waves and I mouth ‘thank you’.

Paula smiles at me nervously and I wonder how much she knows. I confidently do my buttons on my jacket and shake my shoulders releasing some tension then I smile brightly at Paula. “No need to look so worried, I could do this in my sleep… You won’t even know I’m there.” She gives me a tight smile and I know Gaby hasn’t told her anything. We push the cart to the boardroom door which I quietly open and Paula eases the cart over the threshold and positions it at the back of the room. Daniel has his back to us, he is wearing a dark navy suit and I can smell his cologne. A light infusion of citrus and spice easily over powered by the meal we just brought in if I wasn’t so attuned. I am grateful he has his back to us however, because my heart is racing and my skin is tingling with a mix of fear and a result of being near him. I curse my body for these innate, involuntary and traitorous reactions. Fortunately, I have Sofia’s indignant words and my raging anger swirling inside so I know that this encounter is likely to turn me on as much as a smear test would.

The room is sparsely furnished with a large oval glass topped table dominating the centre of the room. The four men are seated two each side of Daniel and he is at the head. The full height glass wall holds an invisible door that opens on to a seating area outside on a platform that overlooks the Thames and out toward Greenwich Park on a clear day. I know this, because it’s the same view from Daniels office but I take no time or pleasure in the vista today. I remove the plates from the warming cart; take the protective covers revealing an elegant arrangement of the pan fried duck breast with baby glazed carrots, trimmed French beans and fondant potatoes. I hand the plates to Paula as she sets about serving the table; one of the men addresses Daniel.

“Thought we’d lost you for while Stone heard you’d picked up some skirt.” He laughs gruffly and I can feel my shoulders stiffen. “Glad it wasn’t serious, still she must have been a whore in the bedroom to keep you interested for so long?” He slaps the man sitting next to him as they all fall into low dirty laughter. “You’ll have to get me her details now you’re done. I’m intrigued or was there more to it, did you actually love her?” He snorts and wrinkles his nose like he’s just smelt something disgusting when the only thing disgusting is him.
Daniels voice is low, softly spoken so the room goes quiet and I find I’m holding my breath. “There was something more.” He hesitates and I feel a flutter of anticipation just before the rot of reality. “A little R & D project that’s now mine… and ask Colin for her details I no longer keep them.” I grip the cart as I feel my knees buckle, I grit my teeth and swallow back the water pooling in my mouth. With clarity and serenity I hadn’t expected after his most hurtful words I calmly walk over to his side holding the jug of hot redcurrant jus, without looking up he sits back to allow me better access to his plate and his lap. For maximum effect I quickly tip the jug completely into his lap and then let the jug go. From this height and the weight of the large ceramic container landing directly on his groin, he is hit hard. His hands grab at his prize possession, covered in hot red liquid it looks like his taken a direct hit form a shotgun not a tasty berry reduction.

“Fuck!… What the Fuck!” He pushes back and stands sending his chair flying but freezes when he lifts his head to meet my eyes. I walk over to him, standing as tall as I can, still dwarfed by his immense frame but no longer intimidated. I point my finger softly on his chest and watch him recoil as if I too have burned him.

“You, Mr Stone are a liar, a thief, a son of a bitch,” I laugh bitterly, “but you knew that last one already. You are an arsehole and a coward.” The room is silent and I turn and walk away, just before I close the door I turn my head. “I thought you were a gentleman; shame on you.” I am only slightly sorry that I am leaving Paula to clean up my mess and although my legs feel like jelly I make my way to the elevator. The doors open, I pass Jason whose head snaps in a double take and just as the doors close I see Daniel furious, looking like he’s been in a blood bath, shouting.

“Jason! Stop her! Fuck don’t let her leave!” His voice disappears behind the closed doors and my last image is of Jason’s arm pushing for the ever closing gap with a look of pure confusion.

Fuck! I slap my hands on the rail in the lift holding with a white knuckle grip and adrenaline pumping so hard in my veins that my whole body shakes. I draw in fast deep breaths that just make me light headed and the speedy descent of the lift makes my knees give way as it reaches the ground floor. The doors open and I am greeted by a very stern looking Eddie, who doesn’t return my attempted smile.

“You left the building. I saw you leave. Do you mind telling me how you managed to get back in?” He folds his arms waiting for an explanation but I am not inclined to hang around, having boldly gone, I now want to timidly leave.

“You know Eddie I would love to but I might have outstayed my welcome. You can escort me off this time just to be safe.” I wink at him and I see his shoulders relax and a twinge in the corner of his mouth as he tries to suppress some warmer emotion than the one he is currently presenting. I try to step out and to his side but he holds up his hand.

“Oh I’m sorry Miss Thorne but since you trespassed and assaulted the CEO leaving is no longer an option.” He informs me without a hint of humour.

My mouth drops in shock. “What? You have to be kidding?” I laugh coldly. “Has he called the police? Am I going to be arrested?” I put my hands on my hips, he might be technically right but I’m not going to be intimidated or back down. He rests his hand on my shoulder and gives me a gentle squeeze.

“I don’t think that’s his intention but he was I little cross when he called down. I think it is best if I take you back up there so you can get this mess sorted, without the need for the police and,” he fumbles and hesitates. “I’m sorry to have to do this but Mr Stone insisted.” He frowns and his cheeks tinge pink under his dark tan as he reaches into his back pocket. He lifts a pair of industrial looking silver hand cuffs. I had seen them on his belt before but assumed they were for show.

“I just bet he did. Oh you’ve got to be kidding me? Seriously?” I almost laugh but he turns me round and as gently as possible clips the cuffs to my wrists. Stepping into the lift he presses the top floor button. We are quiet for a moment. “You really think this is necessary?” I jangle the cuffs to make my point.

“I am just doing what I’m told Bethany and I can’t have to slipping through my fingers again. I need this job, so yes, I think it’s necessary. I think it’s safest.” He nods to himself, happy I think with his justification. The lift smoothly pulls to a stop, which in mere seconds has reached the twenty ninth floor and he motions for me to step out. I turn to face him.

“Safest for whom?” I whisper to the closing doors.

“Shit Bethany what did you do?” Colin’s hushed voice makes me turn again. He is walking briskly from his desk along the corridor. He peeps around my body and his eyes are wide at the sight of the cuffs. “Shit!” He whispers again and takes my elbow and leads me along toward Daniels office. It is then I notice that the other offices are empty and there are no other people on this floor. In fact it is eerily quiet.
“Extended lunch hour?” I quip with a casualness I’m not feeling.

“Ha, you’re funny! No he’s closed this floor and I’m to escort you to his office and then leave for the day.” His voice is conspiratorially quiet.

I swallow loudly. I don’t have my phone and I don’t know anyone’s number by heart anymore, who does? Everything is stored on my phone. Shit. I let out a puff because there is fuck all I can do about it now. “Right, well if you are the last person to see me alive, tell my best friend that’s the last time I take her advice.” I nudge him lightly but with my arms secured behind my back I am a little off balance and stumble. Too late to catch me Colin watches as I skid along the carpet and pick up a fierce carpet burn on my right knee, the sting is sharp and makes me squeal. “Owww Oh that stings like a bitch!” Colin helps me up with kind words and I clamp my jaw tight as the pain fires brightly from its origin. Colin pauses for a moment of sympathy while I compose myself but only for a moment, he then opens Daniels door and tilts his head for me to enter. He is not coming in and he is going to leave me, alone.

“Take care Bethany and I’d be very surprised if I’m the last person to see you alive.” He smiles and winks.
My light laugh is more nervous now. “Ohhh well that’s a comfort, you being very surprised. I guess I’ve got nothing to worry about then?”
“I didn’t say that now did I?” He winks again and closes the door.

About The Author



Dee Palmer hates talking about herself in the third person so I won’t. My husband had my iPod engraved one Christmas with ‘sing like no-one’s listening’ and I know my family actually wish they weren’t listening because I am, in fact, tone deaf but it doesn’t stop me and this gentle support has enabled me to fulfil a dream. This has been a truly brilliant experience, because I have written all of the books in The Choices Trilogy but need to tweak the others before I let them all out alone, and it has undoubtedly been made possible by my incredibly supportive family. I know this is very much an acknowledgment but I know I wouldn’t be writing even this single paragraph if it wasn’t for them so this is about who I am, I am because they let me be.

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Cover Reveal: Harmony

Book: Harmony
Series: The Club Girl Diaries #1
Author: Addison Jane
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: 30th May 2015
Cover Design:Cover to Cover Designs
Hosted by:Francessca’s Romance Reviews

Synopsis:



Harmony makes no excuses for who she is or what she’s done. For the past few years she’s been living as a club girl for the Brothers by Blood MC. The club girls are there for a purpose - to cook, to clean and to keep the men happy. She respects the club, respects the men and she follows the rules. Watching the men walk in and out of her life is strangely comforting, and a feeling she’s grown accustomed to. With a history of disappointments and false promises, all she wants is to have fun, play music and finish college. Being associated with the club, she can do that without having to risk her heart. That was until he showed up.

When Kit's father stepped down as president, he took the title with pride. The Brothers by Blood MC is his family, his home. Deciding to celebrate his new title with his brothers from a neighbouring chapter, the last thing he expected was to find Harmony - a club girl with all the makings of a perfect old lady. The stunning blonde is beautiful, strong and fiercely independent. Harmony refuses to lower the walls she’s created around her heart, but the fire inside her and her love for the club fuel his need to have her by his side, and on the back of his bike.

When Harmony’s safety is threatened, Kit is determined to do whatever it takes to protect her and prove that she can trust him. But after a lifetime of broken promises, will it be enough?

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About the Author



Hi! I am Addison Jane!
I come from a small country called New Zealand.
I have always had a strong love for reading and writing and Missing Link, whilst not the first story I have written, is the first I will be releasing.
My favourite genre is romance, specifically MC, rockstar and young adult.
I'm a single parent to a beautiful little girl, we live in a quiet little town and I have a small but amazing group of close friends.
My other passion in life is working with kids! I work with them part time along with going to school to complete my graduate diploma.
I am fortunate enough to have a great support base, whom without them, I would never have stepped out of my comfort zone and pushed myself to share my writing with you all!



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Book Review: Black Iris

Black Iris
by Leah Raeder: It only took one moment of weakness for Laney Keating’s world to fall apart. One stupid gesture for a hopeless crush. Then the rumors began. Slut, they called her. Queer. Psycho. Mentally ill, messed up, so messed up even her own mother decided she wasn't worth sticking around for.

If Laney could erase that whole year, she would. College is her chance to start with a clean slate.

She's not looking for new friends, but they find her: charming, handsome Armin, the only guy patient enough to work through her thorny defenses—and fiery, filterless Blythe, the bad girl and partner in crime who has thorns of her own.

But Laney knows nothing good ever lasts. When a ghost from her past resurfaces—the bully who broke her down completely—she decides it's time to live up to her own legend. And Armin and Blythe are going to help.

Which was the plan all along.

Because the rumors are true. Every single one. And Laney is going to show them just how true.

She's going to show them all.
Lori's thoughts: **ARC generously received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

I really wanted to like this book. I couldn't wait to get my greedy little hands on it. I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed in a highly anticipated read. This book just didn't work for me. At all. Leah Raeder is a very talented writer and I loved Unteachable to the moon and back. I am not going to compare this book to that one because there are no similarities whatsoever. The story line in Black Iris is all over the place. The prose is great but even that isn't enough of a lifesaver to keep this one from drowning. I will read other work by Ms. Raeder, but this one just didn't work for me.

Amazon's Top Rated Women's New Adult & College Fiction May 10, 2015

Amazon's Top Rated Women's New Adult & College Fiction May 10, 2015

1. Always Us (The Jade Series #8) by Allie Everhart
4.9 out of 5 stars

2. Blackest Red: A Billionaire SEAL Story, Part 3 (In the Shadows) by P.T. Michelle
4.8 out of 5 stars

3. Fuel the Fire (Calloway Sisters) by Krista Ritchie, Becca Ritchie
4.9 out of 5 stars

4. Kyle's Return (Gloves Off Book 5) by L.P. Dover, Crimson Tide Editorial
4.9 out of 5 stars

5. Ugly Love: A Novel by Colleen Hoover
4.7 out of 5 stars

6. Shopping for a Billionaire's Fiancee (Shopping for a Billionaire series Book 6) by Julia Kent
4.9 out of 5 stars

7. Fireflies and Magnolias (Dare River Book 3) by Ava Miles
4.8 out of 5 stars

8. Camden's Redemption (A Gloves Off Novel Book 4) by L.P. Dover, Crimson Tide Editorial
4.9 out of 5 stars

9. Crashing into Love (Love in Bloom: The Bradens) by Melissa Foster
4.8 out of 5 stars

10. The light house: A love story by Jason Luke
4.8 out of 5 stars