Monthly Archives: July 2013

Hopeless (Hopeless #1) by Colleen Hoover-a review

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HOPELESS (Hopeless #1) by Colleen Hoover-a review

hopeless

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date ebook December 2012/ paper May 2013

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: With the July 2013 release of Losing Hope (Hopeless #2) by Colleen Hoover I am posting my review of Hopeless for anyone who is considering reading this particular series.

HOPELESS is the first installment in Colleen Hoover’s YA/NA contemporary series focusing on Sky Davis and Dean Holder. I am not sure where to classify this particular series as the main characters are 17 and 18 years old but must deal with many adult situations. And in doing so, so too, does the reader. But it is probably a storyline that crosses between YA and NA as there is the typical mean girl club in school who all but destroy Sky’s reputation and the ultimate bad boy hero type who falls immediately for the new girl as well as the sexual aspect of the main characters relationship. Although not sexually graphic, it is sensual and leaves nothing to the imagination.

The novel is a story told in present day and flashbacks from Sky’s POV. Sky is a homeschooled seventeen year old young woman about to embark on her first taste of public school. But her life long BFF ‘Six’ is moving to Europe and with that there is no one that Sky considers a friend. And her friendship with Six has tainted Sky’s reputation (by association) before she has ever had a chance to build one of her own.

Hopeless is a story of one young woman’s journey to discover or uncover the secrets she has buried in her mind. Her dreams-whether awake or asleep-are filled with a little girl who wants nothing more than to be loved but discovers that the monsters are the people who profess to love and care for you.

As the storyline develops, we discover that Sky and Holder have a history but a history that Sky can no longer remember. And it is not Holder she is trying to forget but a childhood of pain and betrayal. As the memories slowly reveal the truth about Sky’s family, the relationship between Sky and Holder becomes closer as the pain increases. And in the end, Sky and Holder have more in common than ever thought possible.

The storyline is simple. There is the usual YA fair of mean girls, jocks, harassment and name calling, which to me is always over the top and unnecessary in most storylines and in this case, to me, felt out of place. The world building and character development are smooth and build over the story.

The likeability of Sky and Holder is immediate. Both have unnecessary or exaggerated reputations but in Holder’s case what happened becomes fodder for the gossip mongers and school big mouths. The big surprise is not unexpected but Colleen does a wonderful job building the tension for the reveal and in doing so holds the reader’s attention.

The overall flow of the story is well paced and even. There are not too many issues of the storyline getting caught up in flash backs. There are several flash backs that help push the storyline along and in each case adds to the tension and plot building so that the reader is not unprepared for the heartbreak of the truth.

HOPELESS is a fascinating storyline that will break your heart, but it is also a story of second chances, falling in love with your soul mate and finding forgiveness in a world of pain and betrayal. Losing Hope is the second installment (July 2013) and it is basically the re-telling of Hopeless from Holder’s POV. I am not necessarily a fan of flipping storylines over from various POV, because there is always too much overlap if the main characters are omnipresent in both stories.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Lady and the Laird by Nicola Cornick-a review

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The Lady and the Laird by Nicola Cornick-a review

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About the Book: Release Date July 30, 2013

An Indecent Proposal!

Lady Lucy MacMorlan may have forsworn men and marriage, but that doesn’t mean she won’t agree to profit from writing love letters for her brother’s friends – letters that become increasingly racy as her fame grows. That is, until she deliberately ruins the betrothal of a notorious laird, Robert, Marquis of Methven.

Past centuries of bloodshed have left the Methven and MacMorlan families bitter enemies and Robert is furious that Lady Lucy’s letters have cost him the bride he needs so urgently to save his ancestral clan lands. Now he makes Lucy a shocking proposal; in return for his silence she must become his wife and provide him with the heir he needs. It is an inconvenient marriage of convenience but can the rugged laird and the bluestocking beauty fight against the power of love?

Scottish Brides – Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!

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REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

What a yummy, highlander, medieval, historical romance by Nicola Cornick. The first book in her new Scottish bride series, the Lady and the Laird did not let me down! In fact, it introduced me to another author of one of my fave genres!

Both of our main characters first meet at a younger age where a brief encounter and kiss left its impression. Flash forward ten years and their lives are both completely different from what they believed they’d be! Both have suffered horrible loss and have used this as a crutch to hold them back in their lives. Once they meet again however, all that is about to change!

Our leading lady is Lady Lucy MacMorlan who is extremely intelligent (be that book smart), very disciplined on how a high standing lady is to behave and has decided to completely swear off men and marriage. She does however possess a rather impressive talent of writing naughty love letters which has now landed her in hot water! You see .. she wrote letters for her brother (the money she made she donates to charity) to woo a lady that has been promised to another. When her brother and this lady elope, Lady Lucy’s secret comes out …. to the one man she wouldn’t want it too! 😉

Enter Laird Robert, Marquis of Methhaven. He is the poor man who is jilted at the alter. There is a serious complication that does not include a silly thing like love that made this event so tragic. You see, Lady Lucy and Laird Robert’s families have been warring over land for centuries, and a locked in peace treaty states that Laird Robert MUST marry a woman by the opposing clan (that’d be Lucy’s) and produce an heir within a year, or lose the land and banish his people into a life of absolute hell (Lucy’s cousin would inherit all this and he is real scumbag). Now … how convenient for Laird Robert when it is discovered that Lady Lucy happens to be the last woman from this ancestry and the only woman that Laird Robert can marry!

See where this is going?? On we go to a wonderful story of friendship, struggles, danger, kidnapping, patience, secrets, despair, loss, action, humour, family and love. This book has it all! I am not going to give anything away other than that, but if you like a story about a man who has to seduce a woman and use all he has to do so … while a woman does everything she can to avoid him regardless of the fact that she realizes he is crumbling her fragile wall .. you’ll love this book!

Great first book to a fabo new series. I will be reading the next book and more from Nicola Cornick!

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Malicious Masquerade by Alan Cupp-A Review and Interview with the Author

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Malicious Masquerade by Alan Cupp-A Review and Interview with the Author

Malicious masquerade

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About the Book: Release Date March 2013

review

Chicago PI Carter Mays is thrust into a perilous masquerade when local rich girl Cindy Bedford hires him. Turns out her fiancé failed to show up on their wedding day, the same day millions of dollars are stolen from her father’s company. While Carter takes the case, Cindy’s father tries to find him his own way. With nasty secrets, hidden finances, and a trail of revenge, it’s soon apparent no one is who they say they are.

Carter searches for the truth, but the situation grows more volatile as panic collides with vulnerability. Broken relationships and blurred loyalties turn deadly, fueled by past offenses and present vendettas in a quest to reveal the truth behind the masks before no one, including Carter, gets out alive.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: If you love puzzles and deep plots, this should be a wonderful read for you!

It begins with a bride (Cindy Bedford) anxiously awaiting her groom to show up at the church. The mystery deepens when he does not show and the evening falls only to find that he has packed everything and has taken money from her father’s safe as well as from his accounts at his company (from illegal accounts she doesn’t know about).

Devastated and angry…still in shock she hires Carter Mays, private investigator and former Chicago PD to find her vanished love so she can get the closure she needs or wants.

Cindy Bedford is a spoiled princess, but very lovely woman who has loved Tyler Moore for three years and accepted his proposal. Encouraged by her father Jasper Bedford, who thought the sun rose and set in Tyler, she was expecting a much different life than what she now had.

The investigation begins slowly and reveals more to the detective than he bargained for. Cindy doesn’t know her businessman father is also a heroin importer on the side (supporting his finances). She’s daddy’s little girl and has no clue as to her father’s true nature. Her mother Darlene, a functioning alcoholic, knows all the secrets, but the two have worked hard to keep Cindy in the dark.

Mays is a professional and all around good guy, handsome and kind. Very clever, he does his job well. Even followed by Jasper’s thugs he manages to make small headway into the mystery of Tyler Moore, while trying not to fall for the lovely Cindy.

I don’t want to spoil the entertainment of going through this investigation learning and thrilling to the various changes to the story. Mr. Cupp has written a very intricate and compelling mystery. It builds slowly and surely to an enticing peak of danger and discovery.
Get a good glass of wine or two and enjoy the ride.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Georgianna S.

Interview 1

TRC: Hi Alan and welcome to The Reading Café.

Alan CuppAlan: Hello, Sandy. I appreciate the opportunity to stop by The Reading Café today.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Follow Alan: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Alan: I’m a husband to my wife of twenty-one years and father to two wonderful teenage sons. After that, I’m a writer, do a little acting now and then, dabble in songwriting, and basically a big kid who enjoys playing an assortment of sports.

TRC: Many authors have had a love of reading and writing since early childhood. What sparked your interest in writing?

Alan: I’ve always had creative tendencies, but really didn’t start writing fiction until about eighteen years ago. Not really sure what sparked it. Perhaps it had something to do with getting our first computer. The idea of handwriting or even typing something of any length probably kept me from even considering it. But once I had word processing, I just decided one day, “Hey, I think I’ll make up a story.”

Malicious masqueradeTRC:  MALICIOUS MASQUERADE is your March 2013 release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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Alan: MALICIOUS MASQUERADE is the story of people who live double lives, filled with deception and secrets, and the innocent people around them caught up in the middle suffering the consequences.

TRC: Do you have plans for a series featuring your leading PI Carter Mays? And if so, how many books?

Alan: Originally, no, but I’ve had enough people request it that I’m starting to consider doing another book. I’ll have to take it one book at a time.

TRC: Who or what was the inspiration behind MALICIOUS MASQUERADE and Carter Mays?

Alan: I wanted a story of revenge based on a unique motive and I wanted the character to be so invested in pursuing revenge that it dictated every aspect of their life. Along with that, I wanted a capable investigator with integrity who makes choices based on what is right rather than what will benefit him the most.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

Alan: I really like this question because I think this story is very conducive to the movie screen. Here’s how I would cast it.

Carter Mays – Ryan Reynolds

Cindy Bedford – Maggie Grace

Jasper Bedford – Jeff Bridges or David Strathairn

Darleen Bedford – Joan Allen

Tyler Moore – Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Tate Manning – Joe Pantoliano

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Alan: I’d say ultimately, I do since I’m the one who makes up the characters. Once I’ve sort of defined who they are and how they normally behave, I may have to evaluate if they are staying true to form.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Alan: I think the pace of the story has a lot to do with this. You can’t go so fast that the reader is overwhelmed. At the same time, you can’t bog down the story with a ton of details that don’t really contribute. Where I tend to lose interest in a book is when I’ve read a chapter of minute details, describing every object in the room, but nothing significant has happened.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

Alan: I walk away and come back to it later.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story?

Alan: Probably figuring out the timing of everything was one of the bigger challenges. A lot of what happens in the story is based on the past.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Alan: Honestly, I don’t bounce ideas off anyone. Usually, after I’ve started a story, I may tell my wife about it, but that’s it.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Alan: I rely on constant evaluation and holding back information, giving a little at a time.

TRC: How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of deadlines while still having time to raise a family?

Alan: I have found when my have my priorities in the correct order, life goes much better. For me that order is God, family, work.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Alan: Another mystery/suspense story about a guy who missed out of four years of life and is now trying to take his life in a new direction while still carrying the baggage and mysteries of his troubled past.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Alan: I enjoy writing in a variety of genres, including children’s and humor.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Pizza

Favorite Dessert
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Favorite TV Show
The Walking Dead

Last Movie You Saw
Jack Reacher

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Definitely Dark

Dream Car
I’m a truck guy, so I’ll say a brand new Ford F150 extended cab.

Last Vacation Destination
Orange County, California

Pet Peeve
Stacking dirty dishes, because now both the tops and the bottom of the dishes have to be rinsed off.

TRC: Thank you Alan for taking the time to answer our questions.Congratulations on the release of MALICIOUS MASQUERADE. We wish you all the best.

Alan: Thanks again! I really appreciate it.

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Lifemate To a King by M.A. Abraham – a Review and Giveaway

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Lifemate To a King by M.A. Abraham – a Review and Giveaway

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Life Mate to a King
Elven Chronicles #4
by M.A.Abraham
Release Date: July 24, 2013

LIfemate to a king

Links to order Lifemate To a King: 
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Description:
Garoldth is a warrior King or great stature, and he can have no vulnerability. With that in mind he has lived his life. Marriage is for convenience, to make sure he will have sons to follow in his footsteps. He has twelve sons, and all are warriors of great power. He rules his family as he does his people in this he must be firm. He loves his people, loves his family, but still he is alone. All of his life he has known nothing but war and strife. He is King Garoldth and he rules the lands beyond the portal.

Five hundred years before the wars across the boundary are brought to an end Tári meets an Elf who she recognized is her Life Mate. She knows their time is not now, for she has the sight. The call of the bond that declares them one, however, would not be denied. Despite knowing their love was not meant to be in this time they act on it, after, she disappears into the shielding rock caves of her land, refusing to speak the words they must to complete their bond. One hundred years later they meet again, and again the call of their souls to unite is too powerful to resist and they spend their time together in love. This time he can offer his love nothing, caught in an alliance not of his choosing. He is joined with another, one he does not love or want. To offer to take the one he does love to his world would be a great dishonor to her, as well as dangerous.

As Garoldth stands beside his peers on the day peace is brought to his land he sees a movement in the forest beyond. Is it his love, his Life Mate? Has she has come to him again? He is sure of it. He is quick to give chase, but she has disappeared once more. This time he will not be denied. He will seek her to the end of the world. This time he is free to offer her everything, body, soul, heart, mind. They can be one. She will be his Queen, and he will have no other. He will never be forced to live without his love again. This time he can offer her a safe haven, his home and his arms.


Review

Lifemate to a King is M.A. Abraham’s 4th novel in her wonderful Elven Chronicles series. 

If you have not started this series, you should begin with Gabriel, so that you can meet all the main characters, as Abraham introduces them.  She continues to get better and better in her storytelling with each book, and she has created such wonderful fun characters you come to care about. The amazing thing about her writing, is she makes them all feel like your own family.  You are invested in what happens to your favorites, and there many for me…Eden, Marious, Tamarak, Gabriel, King Daroth, Serenity, Haylo; just to name a few, and in Lifemate to a King, we can add Garoldth and Tari to our family.

In Lifemate to a King, we learn more about Garoldth and his relationship with his lifemate, Tari.  Because of his kingdom in the midst of long long war, Tari refused to commit totally to Garoldth, and he married someone else, having 12 sons.  We get to meet all the sons.  But centuries later, with his wife dead, and the end of the demon war, Garoldth is now free.  While his kingdom needs to rebuilt, he and all his people are staying in King Daroth’s portal.  Because of Daroth’s foresight, Garoldth and Lexior are sent to help some maidens.  It turns out they are two of his daughters that he did not know about.  Gilraen was happy to see her father, and she also has the sight.  But the other daughter, Aredhel, is a warrior and even if her mother was the one who kept this secret, she did not open her arms to her father.  But Aredhel is another story, as she is destined for someone else in a future book. 

What takes place thereafter is Garoldth, his sons and some of Daroth’s warriors make haste as Gilraen’s vision shows Tari in danger.  The focus of the story is when they discover a group of young female elves caged by slavers.  But something is not right, so they have to thread carefully to rescue the maidens. 

We will meet a few more Elven Kings from different kingdoms, one being the Grey Elves, who come to Daroth’s kingdom to find his two missing daughters.  This leads to an exciting last half of the book, with sides being taken, betrayals, a revolution in the making, and a possible war.  Do you want to know what happens?  Buy this book. 

What I loved about this book, was seeing all of our favorites again, especially Eden, who is still great, with special powers; Marious, who continues to be a riot; Gabriel, who is still the master general; Serenity and her White Dragon; and the rest of the family.

If I have to make one comment that I would have preferred, it would be the introduction of so many new characters at once.  I loved meeting Garoldth’s sons, but there were way too many to keep up with.  I got confused a few times as to who was who.  Then we meet the other Kings and their warriors.  It was just a bit hard to keep up with who belonged to who. However, I am sure Abraham is setting the stage for more wonderful characters in this fun and entertaining Elven world. 

Lifemate to a King is another wonderful addition to M.A. Abraham’s Elven Chronicles series.  As she continues this series, each book gets better, more intricate, filled with excitement, entertainment, and lots of humor.  If you love romance, fantasy, wonderful fun characters,and unique Elves, with different powers, then the Elven Chronicles is for you.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

About the Author

M.A. Abraham lives in a rural area of Canada, where she creates her Elven stories and is ruled by her sidekick, Snoop. She is attempting to control the Elves around her, but they are a bunch of party animals. Diabolically working to retake control of her life she is busy trying to marry the little troublemakers off and settle them in happy family units.

 

 

M.A. Abraham
Elven Chronicles
Synopsis & Reading Order
Elven Chronicles banner
Reading Order
Gabriel
Angel’s Haylo
The Price of Betrayal
Marious’ Story
Lociel’s Elite Guardian
King’s Champion
Celebration of Light
Life Mate to a King
Embracing the Light (December, 2013)
Return of the Legend (February, 2014)

 

 

Elven Chronicles Synopsis

Daroth, King of the Light Elves has seen a day when all Elves are once more united under one King, though he does not want to be the one who bears that responsibility.  The Demon Wars are over and it is time to begin to bring his people home and start restructuring the Elven Empire.  With his visions to guide him, Daroth begins by working on his own Kingdom, but things keep happening, nothing is running smoothly.

With peace comes the complication of living life, falling in love, securing bonds, raising children, rescuing other Kingdoms, and dealing with a growing power base that no one understands.  Where are all these new talents coming from?  How do they deal with them?  There are legends of Elves who once welded enormous power, but the Library of the Ancients that can answer all their questions has been lost for millenniums. 

Secrets abound in the Elven world that no one expects and even a seer as powerful as Daroth cannot begin to envision… walk with me through my world and I will tell you of things only whispered of throughout the realms.  Tales of Dragons and the Elves who ride into battle upon their backs, tales of hidden treasures lost and found, tales of love and beauty, tales of Kingdoms reunited in friendship and the brotherhood of the Elves, and tales of an Empire waiting to be reformed by the new world forged by the blood and visions of an ancient past still waiting to be found.

From out of the past a vision comes of a King, and a world where Elves are free and secure to raise their children in a time of peace.  Will it be as safe as they hope?  Or will their children be forced to relive the battles that made the Empire strong?  Only time will tell the tale.

 

Giveaway-Black:Gold

M.A. Abraham has graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe a signed copy of Lifemate to a King.

1.  Please register using the Log-In at the top of the page, or by using one of our social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in e.g. Twitter, please leave your email address along with your comment.

3.  Giveaway open to US & Canada Only

4.  Contest runs from July 27 to July 30, 2013

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The Thing about Weres (Mystwalker #2) by Leigh Evans-a review

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THE THING ABOUT WERES (Mystwalkers #2) by Leigh Evans-a review

The Thing About Weres

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2013

THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER

In the never-ending saga that is my love-hate relationship with Robson Trowbridge, I, half-Were Hedi Peacock, have had a change of heart. Ever since I shoved Trowbridge through the Gates of Merenwyn, I’ve been the leader of the pack—hard to believe, right? The thing is: I’m half-Fae. So even though my Were side is ready to heed the call of the wild, the other part of me is desperate to take flight. And much as it pains me to admit it, life without Trowbridge is really starting to were me down…

I AM WERE, HEAR ME ROAR.

To make matters worse, the wolves of Creemore want my blood—and the North American Council of Weres wants me dead. So I’m just counting the days until Trowbridge returns from the other realm…and comes to my brave rescue…and becomes my alpha mate. Wishful thinking? Of course it is. But given all the mess I’ve been through already, what’s the harm in doing a little bit of daisy-plucking? Besides, Trowbridge owes me bigtime. A girl can dream.

•••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE THING ABOUT WERES is the second installment in Leigh Evan’s paranormal MYSTWALKERS series focusing on a centuries old war between the werewolf and the Fae.

This particular installment begins approximately six months after the happenings in THE TROUBLE WITH FATE and once again finds our heroine, Hedi Peacock ruminating about the problems she faces as a half-were/have Fae hybrid with the ability to walk through dreams. As a ‘mystwalker’, Hedi is able to walk through dreams and in doing so is able to communicate with people on the other side which will eventually present a bigger problem when she visits a world in between and discovers the truth about her family and the war.

The writing style continues to be descriptive. The memories and flashbacks, as well as the ‘mystwalking’ (both current day and memory) become overwhelming at times-as though there were three to four storylines following the same path.-and in this the premise was slow to build.

Once again, the characters continue to be flawed but more so than any of the others is our heroine Hedi. She was difficult to like at times because she continuously placed her family, friends and mate in danger. She refused to follow orders; she had difficulty believing what she saw over what she believed to be true and in this, she questioned everything and everyone. But I must add, there were many opportunities throughout the story where the truth of certain situations could have been revealed and many of the difficulties, deaths and even accusations could have been avoided-than again-we would not have had a storyline to follow if that were the case.

The relationship between Hedi and Trowbridge (her mate) is acrimonious at times but more so because of Hedi’s reluctance to believe she is the bonded mate of the pack Alpha and the pack’s reluctance to accept Hedi as the Alpha’s mate. As a hybrid (half Fae/half Were) neither species is willing to welcome Hedi with open arms and her actions make is more difficult than most.

The series is told from Hedi’s POV using memories, flashbacks and ‘mystwalking’ dream sequences and present day. But the story in focus got ‘bogged down’ in the details and revelations seen through the dreams and memories and, this was a bit of a problem. Again, there is graphic detail with complicated relationships; violence, death and more torture.

THE THING ABOUT WERES is a complicated storyline that focuses on the trials and tribulations of two species who have been at war for a very long time: the true nature of discrimination and speciesism is rife with prejudism and the inability to see beyond the myth and the lore passed down through generations. If you are a fan of paranormal/urban fantasy storylines, rich in detailed and graphic descriptions of two species at war, then this series is perfect for you.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Trouble with Fate (Mystwalker #1) by Leigh Evans-a review

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THE TROUBLE WITH FATE (Mystwalker #1) by Leigh Evans-a review

The Trouble with Fate

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 2012

Meet Hedi Peacock. She’s half Fae. Half Were. And all trouble…

I Have Two Words For Werewolves:

My name is Hedi Peacock and I have a secret. I’m not human, and I have the pointy Fae ears and Were inner-bitch to prove it. As fairy tales go, my childhood was damn near perfect, all fur and magic until a werewolf killed my father and the Fae executed my mother. I’ve never forgiven either side. Especially Robson Trowbridge. He was a part-time werewolf, a full-time bastard, and the first and only boy I ever loved. That is, until he became the prime suspect in my father’s death…

Bite Me.

Today I’m a half-breed barista working at a fancy coffee house, living with my loopy Aunt Lou and a temperamental amulet named Merry, and wondering where in the world I’m going in life. A pretty normal existence, considering. But when a pack of Weres decides to kidnap my aunt and force me to steal another amulet, the only one who can help me is the last person I ever thought I’d turn to: Robson Trowbridge. And he’s as annoyingly beautiful as I remember. That’s the trouble with fate: Sometimes it barks. Other times it bites. And the rest of the time it just breaks your heart. Again…

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE TROUBLE WITH FATE is the first storyline in Leigh Evans’ paranormal/UF Mystwalker series focusing on Hedi Peacock-half Fae/half Were twenty something young woman whose life is about to become a lot more complicated.

I won’t go into too much detail about the series/story premise as the blurb just about covers the basics but I will say that the novel is richly detailed in world building and character development; told from the heroine’s POV, the story is awash is flash backs, memories, dream walking, flash forwards and real time. Most of the story is told through the internal dialogue of Hedi and her struggles to prevent the Weres who destroyed her family from taking the only thing she has left that connects her to the Fae side of her blood.

The writing style is descriptive in nature; the details are numerous especially the backstory and history of the Fae and the Weres. There was rarely a point where one could jump forward lest you missed something of importance to the plotline and premise.

The characters were flawed. Everyone had an agenda or was focused on the ultimate prize. Fae vs Fae; Were vs Were; Fae vs Were. And in the end, there was death, destruction, torture, heartbreaking pain and sorrow; and the knowledge that just because you love someone, doesn’t mean you are loved back in return.

Considering the amount of detail, the storyline was evenly paced, although at times the plot detoured between present day, memories and dreams which made it difficult to follow and in that lost some of the momentum.

The relationship between Hedi and Robson was one built on misunderstanding, lies and the truth about what happened so many years before. Hedi has always been attracted to and in love with Robson Trowbridge since she was a little girl-her internal Were knew that this man may one day be her mate-but Robson is a man on the run; a rogue wolf with no pack and the only person who could probably keep Hedi safe. But in the end, life and a brutal pack, had other plans for this couple and one or both may not survive.

THE TROUBLE WITH FATE is a graphically detailed storyline about complicated relationships of interspecies and, the trouble when your heart does not follow your head. There is some torture and violence of a descriptive nature and, there is also betrayal and sorrow; sacrifice and love. But when one sacrifices for love, you would hope that they know who and what they are sacrificing for.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fifth Grave Past The Light (Charley Davidson #5) by Darynda Jones-a review

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FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT (Charley Davidson #5) by Darynda Jones

Fifth Grave Past the Light

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2013

Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she is determined to stay away from him until she can find out the truth. According to her therapist, however, she lacks conviction.

When dead women start appearing in her apartment – lost, confused and terrified beyond reason – Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes’s help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister Gemma is the serial killer’s next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who’s responsible. And even if he can’t, he is the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return: Charley. All of her – body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay…

••••••••••••••••••••

Charley Davidson Series

REVIEW: FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT is the fifth installment in Darynda Jones’s paranormal/UF/romance/contemporary Charley Davidson series featuring twenty-something Charley Davidson-part time PI/part time grim reaper/ and full time love of Reyes Farrow-the son of Satan. Like all of the previous installments, Fifth Grave is jammed packed with humor, sarcasm, witty one-liners, t-shirt slogans, bumper stickers, murder, revenge and of course, more sex and romance with Reyes Alexander Farrow.

Fifth Grave Past the Light reveals plenty of information and answers some of our questions about the mysterious map and the key, both of which are believed to be residing on earth, awaiting their destiny. But the story surrounding the key to the map reveals the destruction of the world and in this, the truth may be stranger than fiction and the person who revealed the information is someone who has been to hell and back-literally and figuratively. He has the inside information from both Satan and his son.

Once again, Charley’s private life will be invaded by a series of spirits-twenty seven to be exact- who are drawn to her light as the grim reaper but for some reason, none of the woman are willing to move on until Charley uncovers the truth behind their murders. And it will take one small, young spirit, not much older than seven or eight to help reveal the person who may be the only one able to identify the person responsible. And in this particular case, he has a connection to Charley and her family. Oh, and someone recognizes Mr. Wong in the corner of Charley’s apartment. Let’s hope his presence and identity is finally revealed.

Cookie and Uncle Bob return as Charley’s confidants and aids. And Charley will need Ubie more than she ever thought possible when the person she was hired to tail turns out to be more dangerous than she had ever suspected.

Charley’s abilities come into question when local authorities take a look at her unbelievable record of solving cold case files and crimes. And the latest cold case to come across her desk is frighteningly familiar and heartbreaking.

The relationship between Reyes and Charley is romantic, sensual, hot and well worth the wait. Reyes, as the son of Satan, has never known love but he has found his soul mate in Charley Davidson-the one woman who is capable of putting out the fire that burns within. The romance sparks within the story as Reyes makes his feelings known to Charley and for him to make them a permanent couple will take some tricky dialogue and promises on both of their parts. Reyes is the epitome of sex on a stick; the ultimate lover and sensual male; he oozes sex appeal by virtue of his looks and presence; and it is Charley Davidson-the grim reaper who will capture his heart and his soul-forever.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is one of the best installments in the series thus far. I am still hoping that Darynda gives some life to Donovan and the Bandits and writes a series or at the very least, a series of novellas so that the reader can be kept up to date on their travels. Angel, Rocket, Garret Swopes, Gemma and Leland Davidson all play pivotal roles throughout the story. And the ending comes with a couple of surprises and not the least is the possibility of a new direction for Charley and Reyes.

Darynda Jones takes an UF/paranormal storyline and adds her sarcastic wit and humor as she pushes her series into another direction. The humor, the sensuality and the action filled storyline make this a must read for anyone who wants it all in the stories they read. Charley Davidson is a heroine who is strong yet feminine; heroic yet vulnerable; loved and yet hated by those she seeks to reveal. Fifth Grave Past the Light is an amazing and fascinating installment in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series.

Reading Order: Click on the link to read our review

First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past the Light

Reviewed by Sandy

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Catching Up with Julie Cross

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Catching Up with Julie Cross

julie cross
The Reading Cafe is happy to welcome back Julie Cross.  On August 1st, Julie will be releasing a special book close to her heart in Letters to Nowhere. She is here today to discuss discuss her new release, as well as what else we may have to look forward to in 2013

Before we start the interview, let’s refresh your memory about Julie.

 
About the Author Black and Green

I’m the author of the YA sci-fi trilogy, the Tempest series (St. Martin’s Press). I’m also the author of the YA contemporary novel, Letters To Nowhere.

I live in central Illinois with my wonderful husband and three kids currently between the ages of 7 and 12 (the kids not the husband). My writing journey began in May, 2009 with a short story in a notebook.

Within a year, I had written seven (some good some God-awful) young adult novels. Not being a college graduate and having spent the previous fifteen years teaching gymnastics and working as a YMCA Program Director for Recreational Gymnastics, professional writing wasn’t in my plans. Not even close. But ever since the day I started that short story, I haven’t been able to stop. It was love at first sight.

After about a year of writing, I had a three book deal with St. Martin’s Press, and a film option with Summit Entertainment. Crazy, right? I know. It wasn’t until August of 2011 that I quit working full time in order to be at home with my kids more and of course, write more. My young adult time travel debut novel, Tempest, released on January 17, 2012. The rest of my personal story remains unwritten.

Now lets catch up with Julie.

 

Interview beige

TRC: Hi Julie. Thank you for taking the time to revisit with us at The Reading Cafe to discuss your new release “Letters to Nowhere”, and what else you may have in store for us in 2013/2014.

Julie: In addition to Letters to Nowhere, I’m also the author of the YA sci-fi/time travel trilogy, the Tempest series. Right now, the first two books in the series (TEMPEST & VORTEX) are currently available wherever books are sold. The third and final book, TIMESTORM, will release in the US on January 28, 2014.

I also have a co-authored New Adult contemporary series that just recently sold. It’s not announced yet so I can’t give too many details, but it’s called HALFWAY PERFECT and my co-author is Mark Perini, who happens to portray, Jackson, my main character in the Tempest series, on the book covers. You can get more info about that on our joint blog  http://markandjuliegchat.blogspot.com/
Letters to Nowhere
TRC:  Letters to Nowhere is scheduled to be released next week. Can you please tell us the premise of Letters to Nowhere? 

Julie:  Letters to Nowhere is about a 17 year old elite level gymnast who’s just lost both her parents in a tragic car accident. Karen moves in with her coach and his teenage son so that she can continue training. And of course you can imagine that the “teenage son” becomes a major part of this story.

 

 

TRC:  Is this a standalone novel, or will this be part of a series?

Julie: Originally, I wrote it as a standalone but after much persistence from early readers and my own desire to keep writing characters in this world, I’m planning two more books now, RETURN TO SENDER and LETTERS TO YOU. Hopefully I’ll be able to release both of these this fall/winter.

TRC:  Can you please tell us how you came up with the idea of Letters to Nowhere, since this was totally different then your Tempest series?

Julie: The idea of writing a YA/NA novel set in the world of gymnastics is something I’ve wanted to do since I first began writing. But the actual premise for Letters to Nowhere came to me on a flight home from NYC right after my first novel, Tempest released. I kept thinking about a potential female gymnast main character and developing her. But I knew I needed something bigger for her to battle. An obstacle that would nearly make it impossible for her to reach her dream. Then I thought about how big a role parents of elite gymnasts play in their child’s life. And what would happen if I took away that support system? Is her dream really her own or a reflection of her parents? Even if it is her own can she find the strength and the drive to continue on her own?

TRC:  Why did you decide to self publish Letters to Nowhere?

Julie: My husband is actually the one who really encouraged me to dip my toes into the self publishing world. I had been on submission and recently sold three new projects, and none of them fit the Letters to Nowhere mold exactly. And LtN obviously didn’t fit in with time traveling YA associated with the Tempest series. Then all the beta readers that had so kindly read draft one of Letters to Nowhere had been emailing to ask when it would be published. I never went on submission with traditional publishing houses for this book or anything. The timing was never exactly right or I was waiting to hear back on another project. And I finally decided that I just needed to get it out there. It’s the book of my heart and I wanted people to read it. Self publishing is hard work and it would have been impossible without the help of my husband doing all the technical and business type tasks.

TRC:  Was it difficult to switch between different genres like Letters to Nowhere, as opposed to your Tempest series?

Julie:  Letters to Nowhere was much easier to write than any Tempest series books. Contemporary or realistic fiction is always going to be easier for me to write. The challenges with genre switching for me only come with marketing myself as an author. Sometimes it’s hard to sell a book that’s so different than your debut novels.   

TRC:  With two books already released on your Tempest series (Tempest & Vortex), can you please tell us when we can expect the third book of this trilogy?

Julie: I’m actually quite proud of Timestorm (Tempest #3) and I hope readers feel a sense of satisfaction when reaching the end of the trilogy. Basically, I was able to answer almost all the remaining questions that had been hanging in the air over the course of two books and I was able to do so in the first 30-50% of the book. And then it’s new challenges and new battles to be won for the rest of the novel. It was exhilarating to finally write the pages for this huge plot that I’d planned almost three years ago.

TRC:  Can you please tell us what you are currently working on, and what are your plans for 2013 or 2014?

Julie: I’m currently working on a few projects that I’m feeling out. One is a New Adult called Third Degree and it’s about former child genius who, after being rejected for medical residency programs, decides to pursue a third college degree by enrolling again as a freshman, but this time she’s majoring in being 18.

I’m working on the sequel to Letters to Nowhere as well as the co-authored project with Mark Perini. I also have a Mature YA/New Adult crossover set in the world of professional baseball that should release sometime this fall. In addition, I’ve created a NA anthology that I can’t spill too many details about at the moment, but it’s got an amazing premise and an even more amazing line-up of authors.

TRC:  We know you love to write Young Adult.  Have you considered writing a New Adult novel, as that is also close to YA, but for the next age level?

Julie: I love to write YA because it’s my favorite genre to read but I think it’s the fast pace of the stories and it’s all the first experiences and that coming-of-age aspect. I just love that theme. I do have some New Adult titles coming up on my schedule soon, but I also consider the Tempest series to be New Adult because my main character Jackson is 19 and in college when the first book opens. All the characters I write fall between 17 and 19 years old so I’m almost always straddling that line between the two genres.

TRC:  Thank you, Julie for answering our questions. We wish you good luck with Letters to Nowhere.  We also look forward to working with you again in the future.

Julie: Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this interview!

If you would like to learn more about Julie, you can visit her at the following links:
Website:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Goodreads:

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