Review for DEAREST CLEMENTINE by Lex Martin

Title: Dearest Clementine (Dearest, #1)
Author: Lex Martin
Publisher: Lex Martin
Date Published: May 25, 2014

Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn't mind being called bitchy and closed off. It's safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.

Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.

As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.

DEAREST CLEMENTINE is a stand-alone novel with two companion novels. This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.

My Thoughts:

 I am so glad that I got the opportunity to read Dearest Clementine. The synopsis really caught my attention, as I was in the mood for something a little different in the New Adult genre. I was very intrigued by the mystery element of the story. I haven’t read many New Adult books that have combined a mystery into the story. I’ve read plenty of stories in which the characters have had a mysterious past, but not where there is a separate, ongoing mystery going on. I also wanted to know the details as to why Clementine became the person that she was. What happened in her past to make her bitter and closed-off?


I really had to admire Clementine. Although she came from a wealthy family, she worked her way through college. She took on three jobs, one of those was authoring a book! I thought it was cool how she went through the indie route, and we got to experience a little bit of the process through her eyes.


Another thing I enjoyed about the story was the character dynamic. It was nice that Clementine and her friends could be so open and honest with each other. They just seemed to feel free to be themselves or say whatever they wanted, without feeling dumb. The roommates were like a little family. Just so you know, I'm including Ryan (Jenna's boyfriend) here. Although he was not technically one of her roommates, he may as well of been *insert grin*. He was always hanging out at the apartment and adding to the fun. Thankfully, he was a good guy overall.


One of my favorite parts in the story was the second half of Chapter 14. I loved how I got to see a different side of Clementine, and how she found a kindred spirit. I was really happy to see the new friendship form.

The only thing I questioned in Dearest Clementine, was how outwardly perfect the two main characters appeared at times-- especially Gavin. Not only were they extremely beautiful people, but it seemed like they excelled at everything they did, from their jobs to their studies to singing/music. I think I was just expecting some kind of flaw from Gavin? He was almost too perfect. Of course, Clementine had me when she mentioned that he looked like Henry Cavill (swoon).


With that said, I found Dearest Clementine to be an enjoyable read. This story was all about forgiveness and second chances, and learning to move on when things haven’t gone well in life. I am looking forward to the next book, Finding Dandelion, where we get to read Dani’s story!

 4 Stars

Book Blitz for LET'S GET LOST by Adi Alsaid. Guest post- "Songs I Couldn't Travel Without"

I am very happy to celebrate the release of Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid! 

 

Let's Get Lost

by Adi Alsaid

Release Date: 07/29/14

Harlequin Teen
 

Five strangers. Countless adventures. One epic way to get lost.

 

Four teens across the country have only one thing in common: a girl named LEILA. She crashes into their lives in her absurdly red car at the moment they need someone the most.

 

There's HUDSON, a small-town mechanic who is willing to throw away his dreams for true love. And BREE, a runaway who seizes every Tuesday—and a few stolen goods along the way. ELLIOT believes in happy endings…until his own life goes off-script. And SONIA worries that when she lost her boyfriend, she also lost the ability to love.

 

Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia find a friend in Leila. And when Leila leaves them, their lives are forever changed. But it is during Leila's own 4,268-mile journey that she discovers the most important truth— sometimes, what you need most is right where you started. And maybe the only way to find what you're looking for is to get lost along the way.

 

 



 

Pre-Order Today!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Indie Bound * Harlequin.com

 

 

Early Praise:
 

“Reminiscent of John Green’s Paper Towns and road trip novels that feature a teen paving the way to adulthood, Alsaid’s debut is a gem among contemporary YA novels.” – School Library Journal

“Five love stories, beautifully woven together by a special girl in search of adventure, hope, and full appreciation of life’s simple pleasures. A do-not-miss.  ” – Justine Magazine

“Moving and poignant.”  - Glitter Magazine

“An entertaining and romantic road-trip debut.” – Kirkus

"Leila's quest to find the Northern Lights takes readers on a captivating cross-country journey, where four strangers' adventures collide into one riveting tale of finding yourself." ―YABooksCentral.com

“This will likely be a popular summer hit, especially for older teen about to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.” –Booklist

About the Author

Adi Alsaid was born and raised in Mexico City, then studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. While in class, he mostly read fiction and continuously failed to fill out crossword puzzles, so it's no surprise that after graduating, he did not go into business world but rather packed up his apartment into his car and escaped to the California coastline to become a writer. He's now back in his hometown, where he writes, coaches high school and elementary basketball, and has perfected the art of making every dish he eats or cooks as spicy as possible. In addition to Mexico, he's lived in Tel Aviv, Las Vegas, and Monterey, California. A tingly feeling in his feet tells him more places will eventually be added to the list. Let's Get Lost is his YA debut.  
Let's Get Lost Website!

Author Links:

 

 Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

Guest Post from author, Adi Alsaid!

 

Songs I couldn’t travel without...

This is a tough one, as I’m constantly listening to music during my travels. Lowering the windows of a car
and blasting music is a crucial element to any road trip, and big headphones make staring out of a bus
window feel cinematic.

5. California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade- The Decemberists

4. I Won’t Be Found- Tallest Man on Earth

3. Estate Sale Sign- The Mountain Goats

2. The Trapeze Swinger- Iron and Wine

1. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea- Neutral Milk Hotel


I love learning about new music, so thank you, Adi!
What songs do you all like to listen to when you travel? I listen to all kinds of music (especially alternative), but some of my favorite songs to listen to while driving are "Lover's Eyes" (Mumford and Sons), "Peace" (O.A.R), "Love Runs Out" (OneRepublic), "Angel in Blue Jeans", (Train), "Am I Wrong" (Nico & Vinz).

 



 

 

***GIVEAWAY***

1 signed hard cover copy of Let’s Get Lost

1 Let’s Get Lost luggage tag

1 Harlequin TEEN notebook

1 Let’s Get Lost sachel

1 Harlequin TEEN tote bag

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Book Blitz Organized by:

Cover Reveal for Burying Water by K.A. Tucker

I am thrilled to bring you the cover reveal for K.A. Tucker's BURYING WATER! BURYING WATER is a New Adult Romantic Suspense novel scheduled for release October 7th!
Get. Ready.

Add BURYING WATER on Goodreads!

  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.

Pre-Order BURYING WATER Now!

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

 (AUS) ebook Apple ** Amazon ** Google

paperback Bookworld

 

(UK) ebook Amazon ** iBooks ** Google ** Sainsbury's

paperback Amazon ** Waterstones ** Foyles

 

 

 

 

You can read Chapters 1-4 of BURYING WATER in the back of IN HER WAKE, the Ten Tiny Breaths prequel novella from Trent's POV! IN HER WAKE is out September 1st. Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iTunes

 

 

  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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Release Day for ENDRE by ST Bende!

 

 

 



I am super excited to be a part of the release of Endre (Elker Saga, #2), by ST Bende! As many of you know, I adore this series and the characters have a special place in my heart.

 

Endre (Elsker Saga #2) by S.T. Bende

Upper YA/NA Paranormal Romance

Blurb:

 

Sometimes, finding your destiny means doing the exact opposite of what The Fates have planned.

Winning the heart of an immortal assassin was a dream come true for Kristia Tostenson. Now she’s knee deep in wedding plans, goddess lessons, and stolen kisses. But her decision to become immortal could end in heartbreak -- not only for Kristia, but for the god who loves her. Because while Ull would do anything to protect his bride, even the God of Winter is powerless against the Norse apocalypse. Ragnarok is coming.

And the gods aren’t even close to ready.

 

 

 

 

Amazon | Amazon UK | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

 

 

Excerpt

When I came to, my chest heaved with sobs. Cold sweat cloaked my body from my forehead to the backs of my knees. My hair was damp, my pulse was racing, and my fingers gripped the sheets so tightly my knuckles ached. I was in my room at Ýdalir, the one place I had always felt safe. Only now I was absolutely terrified.

I ripped the covers off and wrapped my arms around my legs. My nose twitched at an unfamiliar smell. I pulled the cord on the bedside lamp, and looked around to see what might be burning. There was no smoke in the room; all of the furniture seemed to be intact. But when I glanced down, I saw the hems of my pajamas. They were black, singed from the fire I’d desperately hoped had been part of a dream.

This time things had gone too far. If my smoldering pant legs were any indication, being injured in a vision could have far-reaching worldly consequences. And if Elfie had come that close to killing me . . .

Ull had his rules, but I no longer cared. I jumped out of bed and raced down the hallway. When I reached his door I pounded on the distressed wood. Tears streamed down my face but I didn’t bother to wipe them away. The downpour was too intense; it wouldn’t have done any good anyway.

The door flew open and Ull stood on the other side. He wore a loose pair of grey sweatpants and nothing else. Oh hot bejeebus. There was no way this guy was for real. It just wasn’t humanly possible to look that good.

Oh, right. Ull wasn’t human.

Despite the agony coursing through my awakening consciousness, this was a moment of glory I’d remember forever—the first time I saw Ull’s naked torso. His sweats hung low on his hips, affording me a view of the cut just above the bone.

Holy Lord.

“Kristia?” Ull rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He took in my matted hair, tear-streaked face, and shaking hands. “Great Odin. What happened?”

He pulled me to him, crushing my face against the muscles of his chest. The knot in my stomach loosened infinitesimally. Just being near Ull gave me peace, but being this near Ull was like taking a sedative. Breathing in his woodsy smell made my panic subside. And when he pressed his hands against me—one to my hair, the other against the small of my back—my gut knew I was safe. Nothing bad could happen to me so long as I was in Ull’s arms. I inhaled again, letting his familiar scent fill me from the inside until my shaking stilled. Then I pressed my lips against his skin. Hard.

“Sweetheart?” he asked again.

“I had another vision and it freaked me out. Can I stay with you?” I didn’t take my lips off his chest as I spoke. I couldn’t. He tasted divine—like spruce and soap and home. There was a very real possibility my mouth might be permanently adhered to his flesh, like a kid who’d tried to lick a frozen railing.

Only this was far less unpleasant.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Amazon bestselling Upper YA Paranormal Romance series inspired by Norse mythology and featured in USA Today.

What reviewers are saying about The Elsker Saga:

"The characters will leave an imprint on your heart and mind for a long time to come." -Lisa (Bound by Books)

"Bende takes classic bits of Norse mythology and throws in original elements to create her own tasty Nordic blend... I'll definitely be checking out the sequel!" - Bookalicious Reviews

"One of my favorite books of the year." -White Zin Bookends

"Action packed with a heart pounding romance!" -Curse of the Bibliophile

"This book was nearly impossible to put down and I'm dying for the sequel!" - Brittany and Bianca Blab Books (now BiblioBelles)

Tur: An Elsker Saga Novella (Prequel)

 

 

AMAZON |  BARNES&NOBLE | KOBO

 

 

Inga Andersson is the envy of every girl in Asgard. On the surface she has it all -- great friends, a job as Odin’s personal fight choreographer, and a happy ever after with her realm’s hottest assassin. But when evil invades Asgard, her perfect world comes crashing down. Someone is planning to kill off the gods, and Inga’s best friend Ull is first on their list. With the Norse apocalypse a nanosecond away, Inga has to decide how she’ll spend her final moments of freedom. Because from the moment this battle begins, Inga’s happily ever after will be nothing more than a memory.

Some things are worth fighting for.

 

 

Elsker: The Elsker Saga Book One

 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE
 

You don't win the heart of an immortal assassin without making a few enemies

along the way. Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book

clubs to nightclubs, but when she transfers from her one-stoplight town to

Cardiff University in Wales she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend

isn't exactly what she was expecting. He's an honest to goodness Norse God

- an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy

Asgard and Earth. Kristia's crazy visions are the only thing that can save their

realms.

Her orderly life just got very messy.

 

 

 

 

Author Social Media Links:

 

 

Before finding domestic bliss in suburbia, ST Bende lived in Manhattan Beach (became overly fond of Peet’s Coffee) and Europe… where she became overly fond of McVities cookies. Her love of Scandinavian culture and a very patient Norwegian teacher inspired the books of The Elsker Saga. She hopes her characters make you smile and that one day, pastries will be considered a health food.

Find ST on Twitter @stbende or on her blog. While you’re at it, introduce yourself to @UllMyhr -- when he’s not saving the cosmos from dark elves, he loves meeting new friends. Especially the human kind.

Blog - ST Bende on Twitter - Ull Myhr on Twitter - Facebook- GoodReads

 

 

 

 

 

Release Day Launch for ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED ON PURPOSE by Rachel Harris (Includes Excerpt & Giveaway)

 

We are so excited to bring you the Release Day Launch for Rachel Harris' ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED ON PURPOSE!! ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED ON PURPOSE is the third book in her Love and Games Series published by Entangled Bliss.

 

About ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED ON PURPOSE: One ring plus one wild night equals one crazy love Sherry Robicheaux loves men. She loves love. And she loves an adventure. So when she meets a mysterious man while working backstage at a country music concert in Vegas, she’s all about what’s happened in Vegas staying there. Country music superstar Tyler Blue just wants a weekend of anonymity…though there’s something about the spunky waitress with the streaks of purple hair that tempts him like no other. Until the next morning, when they both wake up with fuzzy memories…and rings on their fingers. Convincing Sherry to maintain the ruse for his public image isn’t the hardest part—it’s reminding himself that their time spent playing husband and wife in her small town of Magnolia Springs can’t last. Tyler’s first love will always be music—and the road is no place for a sweet downhome girl.  

Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Amazon | Amazon UK | Google Play

 

Excerpt

 

 

From opposite the long table of food, the brunette gave him a blatant once over as he came to a stop in front of her, twirling a strand of purple hair around her fingertip. When she reached his lucky belt buckle, her sinful lips twitched.

“If the words, ‘Come here often,’ leave your mouth, I swear I’ll laugh you straight back to roadie-ville.” Her words were harsh, but the smile that sprang free was playful, and Tyler found himself mesmerized by the familiar twang of her southern voice.

So much so that he’d almost missed what she said.

“Roadie-ville?”

“Sorry, do you prefer techie?” Her cute nose wrinkled as she stuck her hands in her back jeans pocket. “I heard someone else say that earlier, but I swear that sounds like a computer nerd.” She looked him up and down again, this time her gaze lingering around his hips. Slightly south of the belt buckle. Hot damn. “I think roadie fits you better. Sounds sexier.”

Tyler scratched the side of his jaw. Was she messing with him? He’d heard a hell of a lot of come-ons since making it to Nashville and had been propositioned in every way possible. But this was a first. The woman stared back, smiling that damn seductive smile, and he realized she honestly had no clue who he was. For some reason, he was in no hurry to correct that just yet.

He couldn’t recall the last time he’d gone anywhere without being recognized, much less his own concert. But since the room was swarming with crew, Tyler could understand the confusion…if she weren’t a hardcore fan, and clearly, this woman wasn’t. Tyler swiped a hand over his mouth, hiding a smile.

“Sugar, you can call me anything you like,” he drawled, laying it on thick even to his own ears. Her pretty lips parted, and he grinned. “And what can I call you?”

Her smile twisted into a smirk. “Who said you could call me at all?”

He laughed, shocked again, and for the first time in a long time, speechless.

She winked. “I’m Sherry.” When she said her name, she looked right into his eyes as if he should remember it, and he had no doubt that he would. The confidence pouring off her was sexy as hell. “And…you are?”

“Tyler,” he replied, glad she’d gone with just her first name so he could do the same. The rest of the world simply referred to Tyler as Blue, the front man for the band bearing his last name. Even so, he stood back and waited for a sign of recognition.

It never came.

When it became obvious she really had no clue who he was, nor would she guess any time soon, Tyler felt a knot of tension release between his shoulder blades.

“So, Sherry, you planning to watch tonight’s show?”

She pulled a face. “I’m not much for country, other than the line dances. All those songs about trucks and trains and whiskey and dogs, though that last one I can forgive.” Her smile softened and Tyler moved closer, wanting to be nearer the genuine warmth of it. “No offense to your boss or anything,” she added with a slight grimace. “I heard he’s pretty hot…even if he is the man-whore of country music.”

A shocked laugh burst from his lips. “Excuse me?”

She waved her comment away, as if she hadn’t just insulted him to his face—which, he guessed, she hadn’t really. At least not on purpose. “Just a theory I have. I’m sure he’s a perfectly adequate boss.”

Now, Tyler laughed for real. “Yeah, he’s…adequate.” Shaking his head, he propped his hip on the table. This was the most fun he’d had with a woman in months—and they both still had their clothes on.

    

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  About Rachel Harris: Award-winning and Bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls next door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Emotion, vibrant settings, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books...and kissing. Lots of kissing. An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romance, and LOVES talking with readers.  

Website  | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | ACCIDENTALLY MARRIED ON PURPOSE Goodreads