Lori L. Clark's Blog, page 90
January 5, 2015
Review: Chasing Midnight
Chasing Midnight (The Darkest Desires of Dixie #1) by Shyloh Morgan, Alex Morgan: Quinn Mason is a young Southern gentleman. Perhaps, gentleman is a stretch for how he lived his earlier years. He was the kid whose life seemed charmed, a popular athlete in high school who won a full scholarship. Life was on track for him until the death of his parents. In one terrible moment, Quinn went from having everything being everything for his young siblings. He left college, and used the money from his parent’s life insurance policy to buy a bar. The bar supported him and the kids, affording him the ability to give for them the life they were robbed of, even sending them to college.
Mhisery Bellemy has returned to Midnight, reluctantly. Her mother died, and she is left to take care of her drunken father, and the family cafe´. She had escaped the small town’s clutches as soon as she was of age, and swore never to return. Now, her siblings have turned to her, leaning heavily on her for help. The woman who got out of town and made a life she loves is now forced, by the bonds of family, and the weight of obligation, to return and give up what she had worked to build for herself.
These two are unlikely to cross paths, but chance throws them into the right place at the right time. Quinn’s brother is the catalyst that brings Mhisery into Quinn’s line of sight. And that’s all it took, one look and he knows he has to have her. The golden boy athlete is now drawn to the tall, tattooed woman stepping off the last bus into town.
Will Quinn ever have the woman he desires, and make her his own, or will she return to the life she loves far away from the small town of Midnight, and Quinn, or will she stay and make a life with the man she loves?
Chasing Midnight tells a story of love, friendship, and sacrifice. This talented duo, Shyloh & Alex Morgan, will rip your heart out and have you falling in love with the inhabitants of this quaint, quirky, town. Welcome to southern seduction, and the town of Midnight, where the Darkest Desires of Dixie become a reality.
Emma's thoughts: The beginning of the book started off too slow for my liking. I was introduced to so many characters and I had trouble keeping track of who was who. I also found there was a lot of head hopping which slowed the story down, and in places caused repetition.
The relationship between Mhisery and Quinn is sweet and believable, although there were times I wanted to shake them. The development of said relationship is so realistic and I applaud the author for the stages it went through.
As individuals, Mhisery and Quinn have already been through a lot and following the tumultuous ride of their relationship, I found myself going through a range of emotions because I just wanted them to be happy and end up with a nice life. Quinn is utterly adorable, sexy and hot, loved his character a lot. Mhisery is strong but in places I found her attitude passive when I would’ve liked more of reaction from her.
The book is big and that’s down to the development of other characters throughout and while it’s nice to see so many small arcs intricately woven, I personally would have preferred to focus on Quinn and Mhisery.
All that said, though the story was slow in places, it was still really good and enjoyable. It’s just personally, I prefer to focus on protagonist and love interest rather than a large cast. The author did a wonderful job of making me care about the characters, and invoking a range of emotions from a reader should be applauded.
Review: Something Reckless
Something Reckless (Reckless & Real #1) by Lexi Ryan: He talks dirty to me, but I don’t know his name.
He wants to tie me up, but I don’t know his face.
He turns me on, but I couldn’t point him out in a crowd.
I’ve fallen for an anonymous stranger, and now the anonymity ends. I want more than typed secrets and texted promises. I want something reckless. Heat. Passion. The thrill of being entirely possessed.
Because I suspect this anonymous stranger isn’t a stranger at all.
*****
Lizzy Thompson met riverrat69 online through a service promising to deliver meaningful relationships by forbidding its users to share names or photos until they’ve reached a certain benchmark. She was looking for love. He was researching an investment. They hit it off. Talked and flirted, hid behind screen names and cartoon avatars.
Now they’re breaking the rules and meeting in person. But Liz is prepared. She’s picked up hints and followed clues. She’s nearly convinced she’s discovered the identity of her dirty-talking online friend.
She wonders if her ex-lover Sam Bradshaw knows her identity too.
When she rolls the dice on one reckless night, her chance at something real could crumble.
Something Reckless is part one of the Reckless & Real series. Part two, Something Real will be released in 2015.
Jennifer's thoughts: This book was great! It is most definitely on my list of best reads of 2014! Lexi Ryan does an excellent job telling the story of Sam and Liz. What makes this story so much better is the one unknown that seems to be following Liz around throughout the entire book. Who is Riverrat69? You think you know and then it's not him. And then you think you know again, but guess what? It's not him either.... And when you find out are you surprised? The real question---Is Liz surprised? You'll have to read the book to find out. There is a second book and you are left with a little bit of a cliffhanger, but hey don't be upset because this book is worth the read and worth the cliffhanger ending.
Something Reckless is the first book that I have read by Lexi Ryan and I'm so glad I did. Included in this book is the prequel novella, Something Wild. It gives you some back ground on Sam and Liz's previous relationship before Something Reckless.
Review: Still Life With Strings
Still Life with Strings by L.H. Cosway: My name is Jade Lennon and I stand still for money.
The night I saw Shane Arthur watching me everything changed. A man in a suit always catches my eye, but it was the way he looked at me that was different. Like he knew me or something. He didn’t know me, especially not in my costume. My sobriety rests on staying away from men, but there was something about him that made me throw caution to the wind.
After all, I was never going to see him again, right?
Wrong.
Standing still isn’t the only way I make my money. I also bartend at a concert hall. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Shane was going to show up there. Not only that, but he’s the most recent addition to the orchestra. So now on a daily basis I have to resist one of the most beautiful men I’ve ever met and he plays the violin. For me that’s one hell of a deadly cocktail.
He wants me to teach him how to live. I’m not sure how much a twenty-six year old recovering alcoholic who works in a bar and moonlights as a living statue can teach a world class concert violinist, but I’m sure going to try.
Still Life with Strings is a story of music, art, sex, magical realism, and romance that you will never forget.
Not suitable for readers under 18 years. Contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.
Lori's thoughts: Beautifully done
Refreshingly different in the world of clichéd writing. The characters are real and human and flawed. Perfectly.
Serendipity at it finest. Teaching us to pay attention to the signs that are all around us all the time.
This story is not about some bad ass boy who is broken until he meets the girl to save him. Rather, it is about two broken souls who come together and mesh perfectly into two separately beautiful human beings whose hearts learn to beat together.
L.H. Conway, you're a master storyteller, and with each of your books, I'm transported to an imaginary place where dreams really do come true. At least for a little while!
January 4, 2015
RDL: Obliterate
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Title: Obliterate (Havoc #2)
Author: Autumn Grey
Age: Adult
Genre: Contemporary RomanceRelease date: January 5, 2015Goodreads
Amazon | BN | Kobo
Blurb:
"I knew the moment I gave in to pursuing Selene that trouble would follow me. It always does. I should have resisted."
Remington St. Germain is at a crossroads. He can either go after the one person who makes him feel as if he matters—the only person to ever calm the demons that roam his mind—or forget about her. The latter is not an option, even though there is a chance she might reject him. But, damn it all to hell, he will convince her. He has to. Otherwise, he will be right back where he was before she came into his life.
Selene Michaels' stay in Paris is only temporary. She shouldn't get too attached to Remington and his son, Adrien. But, Remington makes her feel alive and reckless, and Adrien makes her loss almost bearable. They complete her. She has a feeling there is more to Remington than a doting single father and her overprotective Prince Charming. Besides, the risk of being with them still looms closeby and she will do anything to keep them safe.
Sometimes life gives you a second chance. But what happens when danger threatens that chance?
EXCERPT
Sultry, seductive French music played in the background while I posed in different positions on the wide, four-poster, canopy bed. Sheer white curtains were draped on the black frame with large white pillows tossed haphazardly on the bed.
We'd been shooting for the past thirty minutes when the photographer, a tall, spindly guy with a ponytail, announced we were taking a break. He glanced at me, a frustrated look on his face. I heaved a breath, tossed aside the large pillow I'd been holding against my chest, and slid off the bed. This session had been a bust. From the moment Remington dropped me at Curves, my mind was in total chaos, and kept wandering back to the flowers and the person in a trench coat. Even the Chardonnay I'd been sipping to loosen me up hadn't worked.
I fluffed my hair, before grabbing a ribbon from a table and tying my hair as I walked toward one of the women who were assisting with the shoot.
"Thank you," I said, smiling, and took a white silk robe from her hand and slipped it on.
I caught sight of Remington, standing beside Grace, talking in low tones. His eyes were focused on me as I padded barefoot toward them.
"Hey, baby," I greeted him, pressing my lips to his cheek, but he moved his face so our mouths collided. One of his hands slid around my waist and pulled me to him. One thing I enjoyed about Remington was he wasn't shy about showing his affection in public. No one seemed to mind anyway.
By the time I pulled back, my body felt alive with this man's attention and kisses. I glanced at Grace to find her smiling hugely, giving me a thumbs-up, and fanning herself.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Remington asked, his deep voice teasing the lust in me as his hand traced circles on my lower back, sending tingles down my spine.
"Um. . .yeah. Sure, I am."
He narrowed his eyes and I could imagine the wheels of his mind turning.
"This girl needs to relax. Let herself go," Grace said, waving her hand. "I have never seen you this nervous, Selene."
Remington's hand halted its soothing motions. "I just need a few minutes. I didn't think I would be this nervous, getting back into modeling."
"Please excuse us, Madame Dresner," Remington said, flashing Grace a smile.
Grace patted her flushed cheeks and I rolled my eyes at Remington's blatant use of charm. "Certainly, and please call me Grace."
"You're incorrigible, St. Germain," I said as he led me into the hallway, his arm a steel band of heat around my waist.
He grinned at me, hitting me with a smile more potent than he had given Grace. "The room," he murmured. I frowned up at him, wondering what he was talking about. "Your dressing room."
"Oh, yes. I need to freshen up a bit. . ."
"Not what I have in mind." He squeezed my butt to make his point.
"Oh!" My face heated at the suggestion. "So what do you have in mind?" I tossed a flirtatious smile over my shoulder as I opened the door, letting us in. He kicked it shut with his foot as soon as we were inside and swung around, pushing me against the door, and pressing his body against mine. He gripped my hips, pulling me to him.
"This."
GET HAVOC NOW!Amazon | BN | Kobo
The Series continues!Title: Mend (Havoc #3)Release date: February 9th, 2015Goodreads
Covers designed by Louisa Maggio~~ LM Creations
GIVEAWAY
$15 Amazon Gift Card
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author bio:Autumn Grey is the author of the soon to be released contemporary romance, Havoc, Obliterate, Mend (Havoc series). And just like her characters, she is quirky, sometimes funny and definitely flawed. She writes sexy contemporary romances full of drama, steamy kisses and happy ever afters.
Author contact:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AutumnGrey26
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAutumnGrey?ref=hl
Blog: http://autumngreywrites.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7337710.Autumn_Grey
Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: January 4, 2015
Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: January 4, 2015. These are the top 10 bestselling New Adult books as listed on Amazon.com at the time of posting! (Single titles only - No box sets. Also: No pre-orders! Sorry.)
Top 10 Paid:
1. Stepbrother Billionaire by Colleen Masters
4.1 out of 5 stars
2. Last of the Bad Boys by Nora Flite
4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Eyes Turned Skyward (Entangled Embrace) by Rebecca Yarros
4.8 out of 5 stars
4. Alpha Fighter (The Alpha Fighter Series Book 1) by Ava Ashley
4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Jaked: A New Adult Romance by Sabrina Stark
4.2 out of 5 stars
6. Alpha Fighter - Part Two (The Alpha Fighter Series Book 2) by Ava Ashley
4.5 out of 5 stars
7. Broken by Claire Adams
4.0 out of 5 stars
8. Beautiful Oblivion: A Novel by Jamie McGuire
4.4 out of 5 stars
9. Casual Encounter Vol. 5 by M. S. Parker
4.8 out of 5 stars
10. Annihilate Me (Vol. 2) (The Annihilate Me Series) by Christina Ross
4.5 out of 5 stars
Top 10 Short Romances:
1. GONE - Part Three (The GONE Series Book 3) by Deborah Bladon
4.5 out of 5 stars
2. GONE - Part Two (The GONE Series Book 2) by Deborah Bladon
4.6 out of 5 stars
3. Sweet Submission (The Submission Series Book 1) by Roxy Sloane
4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Idle Bear: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Bear Mountain Book 4) by Ruby Shae
4.3 out of 5 stars
5. Double Bear: BBW Paranormal Menage Shape Shifter Romance (Bear Mountain Book 3) by Ruby Shae
4.5 out of 5 stars
6. The Billionaire's Romance (A Winters Love Book 2) by Holly Rayner
2.7 out of 5 stars
7. His Holiday Gift by Jordan Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars
8. Broken #5 (The Broken Series - Book #5) by Claire Adams
4.0 out of 5 stars
9. Casual Encounter Vol. 1 by M. S. Parker
4.4 out of 5 stars
10. Casual Encounter Vol. 4 by M. S. Parker
4.7 out of 5 stars
Amazon Top 18 New Adult Books: January 4, 2015
Amazon Top 10 New Adult Books: January 4, 2015. These are the top 10 bestselling New Adult books as listed on Amazon.com at the time of posting! (Single titles only - No box sets. Also: No pre-orders! Sorry.)
Top 10 Paid:
1. Stepbrother Billionaire by Colleen Masters
4.1 out of 5 stars
2. Last of the Bad Boys by Nora Flite
4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Eyes Turned Skyward (Entangled Embrace) by Rebecca Yarros
4.8 out of 5 stars
4. Alpha Fighter (The Alpha Fighter Series Book 1) by Ava Ashley
4.7 out of 5 stars
5. Jaked: A New Adult Romance by Sabrina Stark
4.2 out of 5 stars
6. Alpha Fighter - Part Two (The Alpha Fighter Series Book 2) by Ava Ashley
4.5 out of 5 stars
7. Broken by Claire Adams
4.0 out of 5 stars
8. Beautiful Oblivion: A Novel by Jamie McGuire
4.4 out of 5 stars
9. Casual Encounter Vol. 5 by M. S. Parker
4.8 out of 5 stars
10. Annihilate Me (Vol. 2) (The Annihilate Me Series) by Christina Ross
4.5 out of 5 stars
Top 10 Short Romances:
1. GONE - Part Three (The GONE Series Book 3) by Deborah Bladon
4.5 out of 5 stars
2. GONE - Part Two (The GONE Series Book 2) by Deborah Bladon
4.6 out of 5 stars
3. Sweet Submission (The Submission Series Book 1) by Roxy Sloane
4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Idle Bear: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Bear Mountain Book 4) by Ruby Shae
4.3 out of 5 stars
5. Double Bear: BBW Paranormal Menage Shape Shifter Romance (Bear Mountain Book 3) by Ruby Shae
4.5 out of 5 stars
6. The Billionaire's Romance (A Winters Love Book 2) by Holly Rayner
2.7 out of 5 stars
7. His Holiday Gift by Jordan Silver
5.0 out of 5 stars
8. Broken #5 (The Broken Series - Book #5) by Claire Adams
4.0 out of 5 stars
9. Casual Encounter Vol. 1 by M. S. Parker
4.4 out of 5 stars
10. Casual Encounter Vol. 4 by M. S. Parker
4.7 out of 5 stars
January 1, 2015
RDL & Giveaway: Come Here, Go Away
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Come Here, Go Away
by Lori L. Clark
Title: Come Here, Go Away
Author: Lori L. Clark
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Expected Release:
First Installment - January 2, 2015
Second Installment – January 9, 2015
Third Installment – January 16, 2015
Fourth Installment – January 23, 2015
Final Installment – January 30, 2015
Welcome to the five-week long reading experience of a new serial novel titled:
COME HERE, GO AWAY.
What is a serial novel? It is one, long saga, told episodically. COME HERE, GO AWAY is a very steamy, angsty, emotionally charged and flawed romance between a feisty self-defense instructor and a jaded billionaire who may or not be responsible for the death of his ex-wife. It will be told over a five-week period, each installment available every Friday, beginning January 2, 2015 for the low, low price of 99c for each episode!
Follow along with Tori and Ambrose in real time during the first five weeks of their roller-coaster-ride of a romance.
COME HERE, GO AWAY is the story of the steamy, screwed-up romance between Victoria "Tori" Isley and Ambrose Flynn. A couple of complete opposites brought together when Flynn--a smoking hot billionaire--hires Tori to train his daughter in self-defense.
Flynn was accused of hiring a hit-man to kill his ex-wife due to their bitter divorce and custody battle. Though Flynn was acquitted, the killer was never found and some still insist he's guilty. His daughter moved back home with him, and now, Flynn's convinced someone is going to kill her. Flynn maintains he had nothing to do with his ex-wife's murder and believes it was motivated by revenge. When Flynn hires Tori to give his daughter private lessons in self-defense at his mansion. Sparks fly!
"I chose you, Victoria, because I like the way you move. That and we have a lot in common."
My forehead creases. "Meaning?"
"We were both accused of murdering our respective spouses," he whispers.
I gasp at his boldness. "Yes, but I was found not guilty. It was self-defense."
He presses against me, burying his nose in the crook of my neck and inhaling deeply. "I was also found not guilty."
"I-I think it would be a good idea if we kept our relationship on a professional level," I stammer quietly.
"I agree," he says as he nibbles on my ear lobe.
My blood is on fire. I want him to do bad things to me, and the way I feel right now, that includes everything that doesn't involve clothing. Just as I toy with the idea of locking my ankles around his waist, his phone buzzes, bringing me back to reality.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23488869-come-here-go-away
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Part One - Amazon
Part Two - Amazon (Goes live on 1/9/2015)
Part Three - Amazon (Goes live on 1/16/2015)
Part Four - Amazon (Goes live on 1/23/2015)
Part Five - Amazon (Goes live on 1/30/2014 - link to be determined)
Lori L. Clark currently resides near St. Louis, MO with her only child ... a five-year-old Min Pin named Barkley.
When Lori isn't writing, she's listening to the voices in her head, waiting for the next creative inspiration to hit. She also loves to read and dabbles in watercolor painting.
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Review: The Story Guy
The Story Guy by Mary Ann Rivers: In this eBook original novella, Mary Ann Rivers introduces a soulful and sexy tale of courage, sacrifice, and love.
I will meet you on Wednesdays at noon in Celebration Park. Kissing only.
Carrie West is happy with her life... isn’t she? But when she sees this provocative online ad, the thirtysomething librarian can’t help but be tempted. After all, the photo of the anonymous poster is far too attractive to ignore. And when Wednesday finally arrives, it brings a first kiss that’s hotter than any she’s ever imagined.
Brian Newburgh is an attorney, but there’s more to his life... that he won't share with Carrie. Determined to have more than just Wednesdays, Carrie embarks on a quest to learn Brian’s story, certain that he will be worth the cost. But is she ready to gamble her heart on a man who just might be The One... even though she has no idea how their love story will end?
Lori's thoughts: I saw this one for free and the synopsis sounded really good, so I thought I'd get it and see. I read it in a matter of hours and I liked it so much that I've been telling others to get it and read it and don't put it down until you're done!
I love Carrie and Bryan. They meet under rather unique circumstances. This is different from anything else I've read, and perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much.
It's a feel-good book. Makes you believe that happy-ever-after is alive and well in the personal ads. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
Cover Reveal: Matched
Title: Matched
Authors: S.E. Hall & Angela Graham
Genre: New Adult
Date, Mate, or Fate? The reality show like no other.
Celebrity edition.
Eight men and eight women thrown together in paradise, their every move filmed.
Thorough compatibility testing says everyone’s soul mate is here, in the house with them…but would you know “the one” if you saw them?
One thing a computer can’t do is manufacture love. But in this house, anything’s possible.
Rated NC-17 for foul language, heavy drinking, and graphic sex
Matched is a full length spin off from S.E. Hall & Angela Graham's Erotic Quickies.
Pre-OrderAmazon: http://amzn.com/B00RNDCN84Amazon | B&N | iBooks
S.E. Hall is the author of the Amazon Best Selling Evolve Series, Emerge, Embrace, Entangled (novella) and Entice as well as the bestselling stand-alone NA Romance, Pretty Instinct. She has co-written Stirred Up, Packaged and Handled, a collection of erotic short stories with her CP and friend, Author Angela Graham as well as a collaboration titled Conspire, a romantic suspense with friend and author Erin Noelle. She is honored to be a part of the USA Today and NYT Best Selling Devour box set. S.E., which stands for Stephanie Elaine, resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 3 beautiful daughters of the home, and one married daughter who graced her with two beautiful grandchildren. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing and the occasional trip to the casino. She’s also clutch at Baggo, when it’s warm outside, and definitely the woman to pick on your side for some Flip Cup!Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon | Goodreads
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Angela Graham is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of the Harmony series. She resides in Tipp City, Ohio with her three beautiful children. Collaborating with S.E. Hall, she has released three erotic short stories.
Angela knew she found her calling in the world of fiction the moment she began pounding away at the keys for her first short story in 2012. With a baby on her shoulder, she wrote for about a year before deciding to try her hand at an actual novel. It was the best decision she ever made and since then she continues to bring characters to life in her free time.
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