Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 79

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Dance For Me

Dance for Meby: J.C. Valentine Fobidden #1 Publication Date: April 7, 2015Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:What if the person who stole your heart wasn't who you thought they were?

When my parents passed away, I grew up fast. Learning to stand on my own two feet has been a challenge, but I'm making it... my way. I make no apologies for the path I've chosen. My choices have served me well, but no one knows the real me.

Except one man.

He's a mystery to me. He's controlling, demanding, and he has me wrapped around his little finger. Anything he wants, I'll give it to him. The hours we share together aren't about love. It's just sex. Hot, dirty, passionate sex. It was never supposed to be anything more than that.

Until everything changed.

Now, I'm more confused than ever. The more I learn about him, the less I seem to understand. What I do know is that I'm falling, and I have the feeling when I land, it's going to hurt.




About J.C. Valentine USA Today Bestselling author J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.

She lives in the Northwest with her husband, their wild children, and far too many pets. As a university student, she studies literature, which goes well with her dream of becoming an editor. Brandi entertains a number of hobbies including reading and photography, but her first love is writing fiction-in all its forms.
Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Fighting Silence

Fighting Silence (On the Ropes #1) by Aly Martinez: Sound is an abstract concept for most people. We spend our lives blocking out the static in order to focus on what we believe is important. But what if, when the clarity fades into silence, it's the obscure background noise that you would give anything to hold on to?

I've always been a fighter. With parents who barely managed to stay out of jail and two little brothers who narrowly avoided foster care, I became skilled at dodging the punches life threw at me. Growing up, I didn’t have anything I could call my own, but from the moment I met Eliza Reynolds, she was always mine. I became utterly addicted to her and the escape from reality we provided each other. Throughout the years, she had boyfriends and I had girlfriends, but there wasn't a single night that I didn’t hear her voice.

You see, meeting the love of my life at age thirteen was never part of my plan. However, neither was gradually going deaf at the age of twenty-one.

They both happened anyway.

Now, I'm on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.
Fighting for my career.
Fighting the impending silence.
Fighting for her.

Every night, just before falling asleep, she sighs as a final conscious breath leaves her.

I think that's the sound I'll miss the most.

Each book in this series can be read as a standalone.
TeriLyn's thoughts: Fighting Silence hails as my first ever Aly Martinez book and it certainly won't be my last. Till and Eliza stole a little piece of my heart with their story.

This tells the New Adult story, through dual POV's, of two kids who randomly meet as the escape their droll home lives. Till Page protects his family even through a medical diagnosis no one but him seems to care about. When he meets Eliza Reynolds she's held on a pedestal so high Till can't even see her. She embodies freedom and light to Till in a way he's never known. Eliza holds Till up too but she sees past his fantasy world believing the two of them can face reality together.

Their journey reads as a fun romance to me. Their banter and the way Eliza challenges Till brings out the best in him while showcasing the best she has to give. These are two people desperate for a family, creating out one out of what they are given.

The secondary characters help drive the plot as well. With two young Page brothers being funny and cute you can why Eliza is drawn to all the Page boys. And Slate makes an appearance, which I've learned he has his own book that I must read now.

I enjoyed this story. I liked the writing and the plot. And I've met some characters for whom I'm glad we don't have to let go. I'll definitely be reading the next book in this series starring Till's younger brother Flint.

Book Review: The Masterpiece

The Masterpiece (Work of Art #3) by Ruth Clampett: Has Max, the bad boy of the art world been tamed just as his girlfriend, Ava’s star begins to shine? Anything can happen in Los Angeles, a world where heroes become villains and the rogue saves the day.

An unexpected plane ticket leads our heroine to a meeting that will change her life.

What happens when what’s most precious to you slips out of your grasp? How fiercely will you fight for the one you love?

Join Max and Ava for the dramatic and passionate conclusion to the Work of Art trilogy.
TeriLyn's thoughts: The Work of Art Series has been an emotional roller coaster ride of emotions while Max and Ava sort out their feelings, learning how to love to each other. Ruth Clampett once again delivers a satisfying book rooted in the dog-eat-dog world of art and entertainment. The characters she writes provide depth and layers to her stories.

I've been a fan of Max and Ava from their very first, impromptu dinner together. The push/pull of their relationship sometimes didn't connect with me. But in The Masterpiece I really felt substantial growth from both these characters, Max especially. His vulnerabilities still exposed, Max learns to cope with the exposures maturely in order to get the girl he really wants.

The secondary cast of characters really works for me too, here. They're always there when the tension needs cut. But it's really all about Max and Ava. There were parts of this story that didn't feel natural, at points I got a little bit bored but never enough to detract from discovering where these two end.

I really enjoyed this series from Ruth Clampett and definitely recommend for NA lovers.

Book Review: Death by Social Suicide

Death by Social Suicide by Kat Daemon/Karen Anne: The night Brittany Wakefield kissed her best friend, Jaime, she lost everything. Who knew one amazing moment could send him running— spinning a web of deceit and avoidance for two years. Stepping onto campus, she’s ready to win him back, even if it involves pledging a sorority she has no interest in.

Erik Draxton fell hard for Brit the moment she walked into the art room. With vibrant purple hair, music in her veins and a rebellious flair, she’s all he’s ever wanted.

While Jaime shrouds himself in secrets, Brit finds herself longing even more to be a part of his world. Unable to watch the girl of his dreams get tossed to the side, Erik decides to take matters into his own hands. But when Erik crosses a line, Brit feels backed into a corner, and discovering Jaime’s secret leaves her devastated.

With a shattered heart from Jaime, and the risk of losing Erik on the horizon, she knows one thing: navigating the social circles can be a suicide mission.
Julie's thoughts: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Death by Social Suicide is the first contemporary romance book by Karen Anne (also known as Kat Daemon when she 's writing paranormal romance, under which she has written 5 books). This is the first of her books I've read and one of the best books I've read this year. This is a story of first love, true friendship, forgiveness, and looking beyond stereotypes to see the person, where you just might find some of your best friends. This story shows how we sometimes let our perceptions influence us, causing us to possibly miss out on great friendships and relationships. It’s about learning to open ourselves to others and take a chance that they might “get us”.

I absolutely adored this book! I can't gush enough! I loved every character (with the exception of the ones you're not supposed to love) as well as their voices and personalities. The writing style was easy to follow, and the story flows at a good pace. I loved everything about it and didn't want to put it down, even at 2:30 in the morning on a work night. It had it all for me. It has the tension and anticipation of YA first love, the dreamy hero, and strong heroine, great best friends, and perfectly written semi-sexy scenes...steamier than YA but not as descriptive as many of the NA. For me, it was perfection all the way around.
Obviously, I highly recommend this book. I would recommend it to those who love YA but miss the sexiness you get with NA. This was a perfect combination to me. I probably wouldn't let my 14 year old read it yet, but 16 or so would probably be ok.

Karen Anne has definitely picked up a new reader. I'll be checking out her paranormal romance stories as soon as possible.

Book Review: Hate F*@k

Hate F*@k: Part One (Hate F*@k #1) by Ainsley Booth: Warning: This is just the start. This doesn't end well. And it's going to get much worse before it ever gets better.

Cole:
I push her buttons. I want to push them in the good way. Dirty, up-against-the-wall, my-hand-in-her-pants kind of way.
But that’s not possible, because I’m dark and she’s light, and we both know it.
So I push her buttons in the bad way, making her hate me.

Hailey:
If a genie granted me three wishes, I’d ask for Cole Parker to never look at me again, that I’d forget the dark promise in his eyes, and that just once, before he vanished from my life completely, that he’d push me up against a wall and fck me.
Then I’d go wash my mouth out with soap.
TeriLyn's thoughts: **Hate F*@k: Part One generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

Bravo, Ainsley Booth. This serial debut read fast, hot, and dirty as Ms. Booth made enemies lovers and enemies again. Cole Parker ranks up there with the best alphas. And Hailey Reid, let me tell you, she's the type of woman I love to read about in my love stories.

Cole Parker doesn't expect the sassy, foul-mouthed Hailey to be well, quite so sassy and foul-mouthed. His slight crush turns into full blown infatuation with the one Reid sibling trying her best to escape the misfortunes of being born into a media frenzied family full of debauchery.

Hailey Reid knows Cole Parker hides secrets. She's also become intimately aware of the pedestal in which he places her on. Giving back as good as she gets it makes Hailey a firecracker throughout this story.

Cole and Hailey built upon lust and scorching, dirty heat find themselves intensely connected through devious and a bit taboo circumstances. Cole warns Hailey and the reader throughout the story he's a bad man. Ainsley Booth perfectly softened our hearts before delivering a blow to end the book. Her writing wraps itself around you and before you know it the books is over and you're lusting for more.

I'm so glad I read Hate F*@k: Part One on the recommendations of some great GR friends and cannot wait to continue with this serial.

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: March 8, 2015

Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: March 8, 2015. These are the top 10 bestselling New Adult books as listed on Amazon.com at the time of posting! (No pre-orders! Sorry.)

1. Stepbrother Untouchable by Colleen Masters
4.4 out of 5 stars

2. His Gift (A Dark Billionaire Romance Part 1) by Aubrey Dark
4.3 out of 5 stars

3. His Gift (A Dark Billionaire Romance Part 2) by Aubrey Dark
4.5 out of 5 stars

4. His Gift (A Dark Billionaire Romance Part 3) by Aubrey Dark
4.4 out of 5 stars

5. A Baby for My Billionaire Stepbrother 3 by Cassandra Zara
4.9 out of 5 stars

6. Stepbrother Billionaire by Colleen Masters
3.9 out of 5 stars

7. My Stepbrother the Dom (Stepbrother Romance) by Arabella Quinn
4.7 out of 5 stars

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

9. A Baby for My Billionaire Stepbrother 2 by Cassandra Zara
4.5 out of 5 stars

10. A Baby for My Billionaire Stepbrother by Cassandra Zara
4.2 out of 5 stars

Book Review: Quiet Angel

Quiet Angel by Prescott Lane: We all have that someone we can’t forget, the summer it all began, and the sleepless nights wondering what went wrong.

For Gage Montgomery, that someone is Layla Baxter. When he was 18, he took one look at the chocolate-haired bookworm with porcelain skin and knew his life would never be the same. But it all came crashing down when Layla suddenly and mysteriously disappeared from St. Simons Island -- leaving him with nothing but her angel wing pendent around his neck. For 12 long years, Gage couldn’t shake what happened, if he’s the one to blame, wondering where Layla might be. When their paths finally cross, he’s determined to get the answers he’s spent his life searching for -- and to get the girl, too. Quiet Angel is a story of hope, survival, and lost love made new again.

“I missed you, too, but you were never far.” Gage touched his shirt with the wings inside. “You were always there.”
Julie's thoughts: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Quiet Angel is the third book by Prescott Lane and the second I've read. This is a standalone, second chance, contemporary romance.

The story of Gage and Layla started off perfectly. I immediately fell in love with 18-year-old Gage and liked 16-year-old Layla well enough, until she left without a word, breaking Gage's heart. Fast-forward 20 years to the rest (and majority) of the story. I ended up liking Layla a lot and tolerating Gage. Turns out, Layla had a good reason for leaving, and although I'd have rather seen her talk to Gage's parents and get help, I understand why she didn't and felt it was believable. Layla grew into a strong heroine by the end of the book. Gage on the other hand? Yes, he had his sweet moments, but that was one thick-skulled man! How many times can someone be forgiven for the same mistake before he is given up on (apparently more than 3 or 4)? This is a pretty good story, but by the end I just didn't like Gage. Layla didn’t need to be saved or protected; she had already saved herself.

I enjoy Ms. Lane's writing style. She is well written and easy to follow. She allows the story to move at a good pace, with no boring parts to bog a reader down. Even though this one wasn't my favorite, I will definitely read other books she writes. I really enjoyed Perfectly Broken and would encourage readers to give it a try.

Although not in any disturbing detail, this book did deal with a difficult issue. Because of that, I wouldn't consider this a light, fun read. I would recommend it for those who enjoy second chance romances that are a little dark because of the subject matter, but again, but too dark. Also, if you enjoy best friend, secondary characters that are all about sex, talking about it and referencing it a lot, you'll enjoy this. Although the best friend could have been toned down a good bit, I loved the interactions between her and Gage's best friend. I would definitely read a second book on those characters.

Book Review & Giveaway: For Authentication Purposes

Presents...

For Authentication Purposes by Amber L. Johnson

Release Date: March 5th , 2015Published by The Writers Coffee ShopGenre: New Adult Romance / Contemporary Romance / Romance Erotica / Humor 

 ISBN e-book: 978-1-61213-387-4

Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH
~~SUMMARY~~


Dawn Sims has made a name for herself writing romantic fiction online. When she's pushed to try her hand at publishing, she thinks she has everything figured out. The only problem? She's never been in a relationship, especially one that has led her to finding The Big O.

So much for writing what you know.

Warner Green has had Dawn in his sights since she walked into his class in seventh grade. She broke his teenage heart not once, but twice, so seeing her in his night class at the local community college was an unexpected surprise.

Accidentally reading her bad erotica on her laptop was a blessing from the Smut Gods themselves.

It's clear she has no idea what she's writing about, but Warner does. In fact, he knows so much that he's willing to offer her his services. The deal is simple: teach the good girl from high school everything she needs to know to write from experience. If he gets to live out a fantasy or two that he's been harboring for almost a decade, then there's no harm in that either.

The lessons turn more heated, and Dawn begins to question where Warner has learned his skills, but he's not ready to talk, until his past comes back to haunt him at the worst possible time.

It shouldn't matter when it's for authentication purposes only.




Goodreads * Add to Want To Read List


~~EXCERPT~~
“Come on. Say it. I know where you’re going.” Shifting a little to look at him, I resisted the urge to kick him in the nuts and lick his neck at the same time. I mean he looked pretty hot sitting in my chair eating that muffin. Stupid handsome face and fornication hair paired with what I assumed were dirty jeans and a plaid flannel.“Fine. I’m going to buy a vibrator with the money you gave me. Happy?”


His smile was in full force now. “Hell yeah, I’m happy. Ecstatic, even.” He chewed around the pastry in his mouth and laughed. “I’ll come with you to make sure you get the right one.”

“Oh, hell no. Being with you in a porn shop is on my list of Things to Never Do before I Die.”


~~Lori's thoughts~~ This was a fast read and I really enjoyed the interaction between Dawn (Bunny) and Warner (Wardo). What a great idea for a book! I wish I had my own "For Authentication Purposes" man. The book made me laugh out loud at times and I really loved the sizzling hot "almost" sex scenes. That Wardo is quite the tease, I must say. If you're looking for something entertaining, light, yet smoking hot, this is a great book for you! Pick up your copy today. 




~~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~~
A true child of music, Amber's parents surrounded her with the loudest beats they could find, molding her into a girl who found inspiration and meaning in lyrics and chords. Raised on John Hughes movies, Luck Dragons, and pirate ships, she dreamed of love and adventure. When Amber began to create her own world, she envisioned a place where Happy Ever Afters do exist. Since then, she has authored several romance novels, all of which focus on songs and the way they can touch people's lives. Music may not be able to fix a broken heart, but it can provide one hell of a soundtrack for healing.

A full-time wife and mother with a full-time job, Amber finds her muse in everyday life and the people who bring her inspiration.

       


Be sure to look for Amber's other books!



a Rafflecopter giveaway


~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads * Website


Praise for For Authentication Purposes
"Hot! Great UST, very funny, and I loved the characters. Another great one from Amber. " - AndreaGoodreads Review

Cover Reveal: Deliver Her From Evil

He was supposed to be her prince charming. Marriage was supposed to be her happily ever after.It was all a lie.After discovering the betrayal of her fairytale, Carly Carrington must find the resolve to pieceher splintered life back together. With the help of her closest friend and the affection from anunexpectedly charismatic man, she finds herself on a path not-so-easily taken.Love is a four letter word to Campbell Williams. Growing up as an orphaned foster child,Campbell avoided situations that could hand her even more loss. Coming to the rescue of her friend,Carly, she quickly finds herself in need of being saved herself, but will she allow herself to accept thelifeline from the one man brave enough to take her on?Both battle the challenges thrown at them to protect their battered hearts, but when the fearfinally fades, will love deliver them from evil?Deliver Her from Evil is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due tomature content.

AMAZON


AMAZON Colorado native M.L. Steinbrunn is new to the professional literary community, but has been in love with the world of fictional characters and plot twists since she was a child. Writing short stories and reading anything she could get her hands on, it could be argued that her hobby borders on an obsession.

She works full-time as a middle school and high school educator and coach in rural Colorado where she and her husband are raising their three young children. Through education she has enjoyed guiding others on their paths and helping students build their stories. After countless evenings of discussing story ideas, it was her husband who encouraged her to follow her own path and publish her first novel.

She recently published her debut romance novel Forgive Us Our Trespasses, which was released in March of 2014. It is the first in a series of intertwined stand-alone novels. Book two, Lead Him Not Into Temptation will be released in August of 2014.

In her free time M.L. enjoys travelling, Amazon one-clicking, watching movies, chauffeuring her children to their one and half million activities, and people watching.

She would like to add a big thank you to everyone that has been overwhelmingly supportive of this incredibly scary yet exciting journey.Facebook * Twitter

Hosted By:

RDL & Giveaway: Becoming Rain

We are dying to share this Release Blitz with you all to celebrate K.A. Tucker's BECOMING RAIN! BECOMING RAIN is a New Adult Romantic Suspense novel, and the second novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. We hope you're ready for this!


BECOMING RAIN US BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Apple | Blio | Books-a-Million | GoogleUK BUY LINKS/BECOMING RAIN:Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Google | Waterstones | Foyles



About BECOMING RAIN:

Luke Boone doesn't know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he's finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it's not exactly legal, Luke's never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she's one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she's just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast's most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she'll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle's footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she'll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she'll even want to.





And don’t forget BURYING WATER, the first book in this thrilling series…


Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo ** IndieBound About BURYING WATER:

The top-selling, beloved indie author of Ten Tiny Breaths returns with a new romance about a young woman who loses her memory—and the man who knows that the only way to protect her is to stay away.

Left for dead in the fields of rural Oregon, a young woman defies all odds and survives—but she awakens with no idea who she is, or what happened to her. Refusing to answer to “Jane Doe” for another day, the woman renames herself “Water” for the tiny, hidden marking on her body—the only clue to her past. Taken in by old Ginny Fitzgerald, a crotchety but kind lady living on a nearby horse farm, Water slowly begins building a new life. But as she attempts to piece together the fleeting slivers of her memory, more questions emerge: Who is the next-door neighbor, quietly toiling under the hood of his Barracuda? Why won’t Ginny let him step foot on her property? And why does Water feel she recognizes him?

Twenty-four-year-old Jesse Welles doesn’t know how long it will be before Water gets her memory back. For her sake, Jesse hopes the answer is never. He knows that she’ll stay so much safer—and happier—that way. And that’s why, as hard as it is, he needs to keep his distance. Because getting too close could flood her with realities better left buried.

The trouble is, water always seems to find its way to the surface.






Excerpt: 

“Let us know if you have any more problems.” Luke flashes that wide, charming smile that stalls my feet just a little.
Still no mention of connecting again. In fact, I’d say Luke has gone out of his way to skirt the subject. He’s just not interested. That’s all there is to it. Or maybe he’s waiting for me to bring it up again. But if he’s not, then bringing it up will make me look desperate. I’m guessing he doesn’t like desperate women.
Luke Boone has me in a tailspin. No target has ever had me second-guessing myself this much, this early. It’s just the pressure of the case, I remind myself. “I’m sure I will.” I take long, slow steps, ensuring my movements are sleek and appealing, the opposite of my frantic thoughts, as I desperately search for another hook, since nothing I’m casting has caught so far.
“So, when did you say you’re cooking dinner for me?”
I fight the urge to groan with relief but I can’t keep the smile from exploding across my face. “Whenever you call me.” I turn to regard him, to see his smug face—like he knew I was waiting for it all along, like he was toying with me—and nod to the sheet on his desk. “You have my number.”
“I do.” His eyes twinkle. “I’ll call you soon.”
Thank fucking God.
I wait until I’m in my car and around the corner before turning off my wire and squealing like a fourteen-year-old who just got asked out to the movies. I dial Warner to debrief, my heart still racing. It’s standard protocol to call in after every meeting with my target. Up until now, I’ve had nothing but failure to report. And, while this may not seem like much . . .
I think I’m finally in.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About K.A. Tucker:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.


Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads ** YouTube ** Pinterest ** Instagram