Songs From the Phenomenal Nothing by Steven Luna

Songs From the Phenomenal Nothing by Steven Luna

songs from the phenomenal nothingLinks to order Songs From the Phenomenal Nothing:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / The Book Depository

Description:
It’s just me and him. Him and me. A man I can’t comprehend, designated by the universe as my father but someone I prefer to call Tom, and a kid he can’t relate to but calls son anyway because he’s determined to try. I really wish he’d just call me Tyler.

He probably wishes I’d call him Dad.

But I’m not comfortable with that at this point.

Our differences and our lack of mutual understanding are the only things we seem to agree on. And even those get heated sometimes.

Seriously, it’s a miracle that we haven’t hurt each other yet.

I’m not sure how much longer we can hold out.
***
Seventeen year-old guitar prodigy Tyler Mills has become lost in the aftermath of his mother’s death. Disconnected more and more from his father, he takes refuge from it all in two things: his music and his girlfriend. But everything changes with the chance discovery of his mother’s journal—and the long-held family secret within that could alter his life forever

 

Review:

Songs From The Phenomenal Nothing is the first work in the YA genre for author Steven Luna.  Seventeen year old Tyler Thomas Mills is struggling.  Struggling with the life he has been dealt.  Tyler lost his mother six months ago to cancer, and the world as he knew it ended.  The one person that he believed completely understood him has been “uncreated”. Leaving him with the man he calls Tom.  He can no longer call him Dad.  Tyler is a tall, lanky, blue-eyed musician who everyone considers “pretty.”  Tom is a hard-working, short, not so handsome auto mechanic.  They couldn’t be more opposite if they tried.   

On punishment for a mistake that he makes, Tyler is stuck cleaning out the garage.  There he finds a box that contains journals belonging to his mother.  Missing her and needing a connection with her he decides to delve into reading them.  He is mesmerized by his mother’s writings, they are beautiful, poetic and magical.  Yet they open doors to secrets of her past.  Secrets that Tyler isn’t quite sure he should be reading.  He becomes obsessed with the journals, while his relationship with Tom becomes more and more strained. 

What a wonderful coming of age story!  This book touched me on several levels.  The struggle of coming of age, becoming the adult you want to be, the conflict that teens often encounter with their parents and the search for their own identity!   At first I found Tyler a tad self-absorbed – yet realistic for a seventeen year old. I believe I connected him with my own twenty year old son and the struggles he is facing becoming his own man!  Searching for his own identity.  Yet Tyler has the added struggle of losing the one person he thought understood him.  This story also examines the legacy that secrets leave behind.  Those that others may find and misunderstand, or not fully understand, and those that forever change lives.   The story had many twists and turns, which at times were emotionally wrenching.  The ending left me in tears – in a wonderfully good way! 

 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Author

 

 

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Trust Me? by K.E. Osborn – a Review & Giveaway

Trust Me? by K.E. Osborn – a Review & Giveaway

Links to order Trust Me?: Amazon / Smashwords

Description:
When Jenifer Taylor, a young woman from the big City of Mornington Vale California starts her day, it turns from bad to worse, when on her way to work she’s involved in a chain collision.

Jeni is content with her life, dull and boring as it is, because being absent from the dating scene, means she doesn’t have to deal with the major trust issues she has with men. Her trust issues stem from a controlling and aggressive ex boyfriend, and an absentee father. She’s happy being alone, sharing her life with her friends and family.

Her world changes forever when she meets Aiden O’Connell, the billionaire son of Alistair O’Connell, who owns Mornington Vale’s largest financial incorporation. Aiden is an up and coming young businessman, who’s ready to take on the Vice Presidency in his father’s incorporation. He’s focused on the business, and life for Aiden involves working hard and not much else. Aiden is the good son, and Alistair wants nothing more than for Aiden to succeed and follow in his footsteps, it’s imperative to him.

After the accident Aiden finds Jeni irresistible, and pursues her instantly, and with some coaxing she eventually agrees to a date. It becomes apparent that they are very attracted to one another.

Jeni finds love quickly with Aiden, but trusting him is another issue. Trust is a major factor, and the question of when to give it can be asked of us in many different ways. Jeni is asked this question, when she finds out that Aiden is being investigated for a serious crime. Jeni’s trust issues spark, as she goes through a journey of self-discovery.

She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves, when she’s asked the ultimate question:

“Do you trust me?”

Review:

Trust Me? is book one of The Trust Me Trilogy by KE Osborn.  Jenifer Taylor thinks of herself as a plain Jane. She starts her day with the expectation of it being the same as every other. Waking up, coffee, driving to her job, where she is a receptionist at an auto repair shop.  But chance had other plans.  Morning coffee completely ruined and a chain reaction car accident brings her face to face with Aiden O’Connell.  But their not so nice encounter leaves Aiden wanting more.  

Aiden is a handsome, young man working in finance at his fathers firm. Strong willed and amazingly sweet, he wants nothing more than to get to know Jenifer better. But Jenifer has trust issues.  Can she let go of those issues and learn to trust again?

This is an incredible love story. One that leaves you anxiously reading and turning pages.  What starts out as a chance of fate – turns into one of the most epic of love stories. The sub-characters in this book are some of my favorites to ever have read!  Jenifer’s best friend Sarah and her boyfriend Chris are both amazingly written. I love how the relationship between Chris and Jenifer build into one of like siblings and looking out for Jenifer’s best interest!  And the twist that is Chris is absolutely outstanding!  I enjoyed the writing style and I am head over hills in love with Aiden.

The ending was one of the most startling cliffhangers… ever! I tried to turn more pages and literally turned my kindle over looking for more – then yelled in protest – “Nooooo…. It can not be over!”  I don’t know how long I have to wait for the next book – but whatever it is – it’s entirely too long!

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Author


About the AuthorK.E. OsbornI was born in September 1984, and raised in Adelaide South Australia. I had a love of writing throughout High School, but went down a different path deciding on graphic design instead. It wasn’t until I had a vivid dream about a three car pile up, that the characters of her debut book Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy came to life. Aiden and Jeni, are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy, and they were born into the world through my imagination in 2012.

In high school I had a love of writing, I enjoyed writing about all sorts of things but mostly I had a love of writing about romance. However as time passed I decided to follow a career in graphic design. Whilst I love graphic design and all that comes with it, writing was always in the background bubbling away, just waiting to come to the surface.   

It wasn’t until I had a vivid dream about a couple meeting through a three car pile up, that I felt like I needed to start my writing career. I sat myself down and started writing solidly until the Trilogy was on paper. About half way through writing the first book in the Trilogy my mother stumbled upon my work, and started reading it. It was then, after she told me honestly what she thought, that I realized I wanted to publish it. The first book took about three months to completely get down on paper, and the other two books in the Trilogy (still to be released) took approximately one month each. Of course that was the first draft; it has taken many more hours of rewriting and editing to make each book perfect for publishing.

Since writing the Trust Me? Trilogy I have written, or are in the process of writing two more books. I would love to just to sit every day and write down my stories, but unfortunately editing, rewriting and promoting do take up a considerable amount of time.  The best part about editing and rewriting is watching your first draft come to life, and then turning into the best manuscript your can produce.

I have had some amazing feedback and reviews, regarding my debut book Trust Me? One of the most amazing things that can happen, is when you log into facebook and see a comment from a fan that goes along the lines of “I must have the second book, when is it due out?” A comment like this makes me feel like I have really accomplished something great. Interaction with my fans is very important to me and I make myself available on as many social media websites as possible, so readers can always contact me.  I love interacting with my readers, and will always answer all written posts or messages.  

Contemporary romance writing is very close to my heart and authors like EL James, Sylvia Day and Stephanie Meyer have been a big influence in my love of writing.

I really hope you all enjoy my debut book Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy.

To discover more about K.E. Osborn, you can find her at the following links:

http://www.keosbornauthor.com/

https://twitter.com/froggy585

https://www.facebook.com/KEOsborn

https://www.facebook.com/trustmetrilogy

http://www.goodreads.com/KEOsbornAuthor

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/KEOsbornauthor

 

Trust Me?
by K.E. Osborn
Release Date: September 7,2013

EXCERPT

I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly. 

    “What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt. 

    “Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.” 

He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely. 

This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me. 

    “Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile.

Giveaway 2K.E. Osborn has graciously offered to give two lucky members of The Reading Café an e-copy of her recent release, Trust Me?, as well as signed and personalized bookmarks.

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 Internationally.

4.  Contests runs from august October 21, to October 25, 2013

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The Garnet Dagger by Andrea Cooper-A Review and Interview with the Author

The Garnet Dagger by Andrea Cooper-a review and interview with the author

The Garnet Dagger

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

About the Book: Release Date March 2013

Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.

Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.

When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: Cursed by a vampyre bite, the ever curious elf Brock finds that he now needs to feed off the life-essence of others. Banned by the elders and bound by a prophecy, he must search and find a witch, pierce her heart and spill her blood to cure himself and save his fading world. Celeste is the witch, with the power to heal and imprisoned by monks. Brock searches all over to find the witch that is his salvation and those of his Elvin brothers. He happens upon her and little does he know – that the one he has fallen in love with is the one on which he must kill!. But if she is the witch of prophecy – how could he possibly fall in love with her?

I enjoyed this book – I found it to be more fantasy based than paranormal. The writing is poetic in nature and the ending leaves you wanting another book with Brock and Celeste. This book weaves a Hobbit type universe where creatures lurk and hope abides. Well written and thought provoking.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy supplied by the author

Interview

TRC: Hi Andrea and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of THE GARNET DAGGER.

We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Andrea: Website / Twitter / Goodreads /

Andrea CooperAndrea: I live in Houston, Texas and would leave because of the weather (Hot & humid 362 days a year), but I stay because I was born and raised here, for family, and the delicious TexMex food. Even though I wrote poems from age fourteen through my early twenties, I didn’t consider myself a writer. I didn’t start writing novels until my late twenties. It started out as a hobby I did in my spare time which was limited do to working fulltime, divorced and raising my son. However, I was always a storyteller. I remember being in Elementary school and the neighborhood kids coming up to me asking what we were going to play. I created the plot and characters. Once we played ‘Space Vampires’ (yes I know it sounds silly now, but to a 2nd grader it was revolutionary) and so the kids didn’t bite each other, I told them their fangs were their first two fingers.

TRC: There is a quote on your website by Robert Frost: “No tears for the writer, no tears for the reader. No surprise for the writer, no surprise for the reader.” Would you please tell us about the significance of this quote to your life and your writing?

Andrea: Yes, this has special meaning for me because I’ve experienced this. My characters take on a life of their own. I wrote my forthcoming historical romance, Viking Fire, determined to write strictly a historical – no paranormal or magic. Even though a character hinted at things in the beginning of the story, it wasn’t until she let down her hair, literally, that she revealed herself to me and the heroine—it was not planned.

I have a friend of mine with a writer in her reader’s group. She told my friend she hates it when her characters deviate from her outline. If they do, she said, she just kills them. How sad, I picture her characters fearful of taking a step without her permission.

The Garnet DaggerTRC: THE GARNET DAGGER is your March 2013 release. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Andrea: The premise is not to judge someone for what they are, but who they are and their actions. Also perception is everything; we don’t know the motivations of others unless they tell us.

For example, in The Garnet Dagger Celeste is given the dagger and keeps it. Her motivations are not stealing, but that she recognizes the magick in the dagger and that it is hers (even though she’s never seen it before), she also knows that its purpose in other hands would be her death at best and destroying the hero’s heart and thus setting up the Warloc’s rule and evil. This isn’t stated in the book, but it’s suggested in the story.

TRC: Have you always had an interest in Elven stories? The paranormal?

Andrea: Funny, The Garnet Dagger, by some reviewers has been mentioned along with Tolkien and George R.R. Martin. What an amazing honor! What I find humorous about it is that I wasn’t allowed to read those novels growing up—nothing with mythical creatures or magic—not even Disney! So naturally it just made me crave them more. I didn’t read Tolkien until a few years ago, after I finished the third book in The Garnet Dagger trilogy. Martin is on my list to read because I’m addicted to the Game of Thrones show.

I’ve always loved stories of vampires, dragons, and anything magical. The only elves I remember, until seeing Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, were shoemaker and Santa’s elves. These elves were small and not at all what my imagination believed. I’d always thought of Elves as the same height as humans—seeing Tolkien’s movie validated what I had always thought.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Andrea: Three. I’ve always thought of it as a trilogy and have all three books written and am working on edits for the second, Son of Dragons, and third, War of Darkness. If readers love the series, I could write two more: one from Celeste’s point of view and another on Brock’s sister and her love interest.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the lead characters, which models or actors would be represent your ideal image?

Andrea:

Brock – closest actor to my image (without too much of a tan) would be Eduardo Verastegui. If you haven’t heard of him, he’s worth checking out—you won’t be sorry 😉

Celeste – Elisha Cuthbert

TRC:  Eduardo is perfect 😉

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

Andrea: I don’t usually write a storyline. I start with a character, an idea, or a situation. I write until the characters take over. I have a general knowledge of the end result, but the journey is new to me as I write. If the characters get lost or go off on a tangent, then I stop and write up a storyline including where we’ve been and where we need to go. I and my characters hate this so much that it has worked 98% of the time and I start writing again.

TRC: Speaking of, has there ever been an occasion where you have had to scrap a particular premise because your character(s) went in different direction?

Andrea: Not exactly. I wrote a historical romance, unpublished, that the entire novel the heroine is trying to avenge her father and brother’s death. It wasn’t until the ending that another character, who had a hinted past with the antagonist, stepped up and killed the bad guy. At first, I was shocked, then I realized it could be no other way. However, the premise stayed the same.

TRC: Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Andrea: Mostly a pantser. First I come up with an idea, character, or a situation. Then I brainstorm and start thinking up ‘What If’ questions. I do not plot per se, I have a general idea of where the story is going to go, and sometimes the ending will change slightly. I enjoy it when characters take over and guide me. However, if they get us lost, I pull out the dreaded outline and map out where we’ve been and where we’re going. Hopefully since there are surprises for me that come up when I write, it will be a surprise for the reader as well.

With The Garnet Dagger, it started with a simple thought: Everyone knows what happens when a vampire bites a human…but what if the victim is Elvin?

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

Andrea: I move on to another project. I have eight completed novels, only two have been published so far, and five others in various stages. If I get burned out on one, I’ll move on to another one. If that doesn’t work, I start on edits. By the time I’m done with one story’s edits, my muse is screaming at me to write something—anything.

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

Andrea: For The Garnet Dagger, the challenge was logistics of writing a first person romance. All of my other novels I had written up to this point were third person. However, Brock’s voice sounded so clearly in my mind, that I could not shift him to third person. However, it was difficult not telling the reader things that I knew as the author, but that Brock didn’t know. For example, when Celeste wakes him with liquid hot peppers, she’s not being mean. She tried to rouse him before, but nothing worked—he was starting to freeze to death and that was the last resort.

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

Andrea: My husband. He is a lover of fantasy books (and introduced them to me and I fell in love with that genre as well). He is also read more books than I have and knows a good story when he hears one. So if he’s mildly interested in a storyline of mine, I know I’ve got a good one. Also, my sister has been open to my writing and she’s been wonderful in helping me with the actual editing. I sometimes will edit myself into a corner and have no idea if I’m making the story better or if I’m writing gibberish. She will read the entire novel and tell me if it reads smoothly or not. I’ve also recently joined an amazing group of writers online that do beta readings for each other.

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

Andrea: Excellent question. Since I don’t know the details of the ending ahead of time, I hope that it’s not predictable. If a character does something too easy, then I try to ask what if questions to make it more challenging. In The Garnet Dagger Celeste calls upon magic she’s never handled before…so that could be an issue. But what if this magic is ferocious and if not called upon properly, it could kill her instead of the Warloc? What if she realizes this too late? What if there is no way she can release this magic—if she sends it to the Warloc, it will destroy her soul, but once it is called forth, it cannot be voided.

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

Andrea: It is hard. I have a wonderful husband who supports me. When he’s not working he helps with the kids and cooking and cleaning. I’ve done a lot of late night writing and furiously typing away during nap time.

TRC: If you could be a contestant on a reality television program, which program would you chose and why?

Andrea: The new show, Whodunnit? I think it would be fun. I am critical of mysteries because from an early age, I could predict who ‘did it’. It was frustrating to have friends rave about Nancy Drew books, but when I would try to read them in Elementary and Middle school, I knew what was going to happen by chapter two. I’ve tried other mysteries, but they are the same for me. I think I was the only nine year old who reached for Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie when the teacher said we had to read mysteries.

TRC: What are your thoughts on book reviews-good or bad?

Andrea: Book reviews are subjective. Just like art. It’s hard getting a bad review. Chocolate cake works well ☺ I also read other bad reviews of famous authors I love. It helps a little. Good reviews are amazing and can brighten my day.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

roses2Andrea: I’m promoting my newly released historical romance, Viking Fire. I’m working on edits of the second Garnet Dagger book, Son of Dragons and finishing another romance set in 16th century Japan based on the female ninja’s who were called ‘deadly flowers’.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Andrea: I would love to hear from readers. What you liked, what you didn’t like from my stories. I’m a debut author and have learned a lot in the last nine months than I have in all the years I spent writing. My ultimate goal is to craft a wonderful story that many will enjoy.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Tex-Mex. It’s spicy and cheesy! Yum.

Favorite Dessert: Chocolate cake with white icing. Or just give me anything with Chocolate

Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones (even though I don’t have HBO so I’m waiting on this year’s series to be out on DVD).

Last Movie You Saw: Anonymous – the movie about William Shakespeare not being the actual writer of his plays, sonnets, etc.

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark. Even as a kid when my mom would buy the Hershey’s mini-bars, everyone would leave those and I would dig through the bag for them.

Favorite Flower: Tiger lily

Last Vacation Destination: The beach at Galveston, Texas. My two year old, at the time, didn’t want to leave.

Pet Peeve: When people post things on facebook (or anywhere) that are not true. Years ago, I got an email, with a picture of a new coin, that didn’t have “In God We Trust” on them. First thing I did is check out snoops. Sure enough, it wasn’t true – the slogan was put on the edge of the coin, so it didn’t so up in the picture.

I also don’t like injustice.

Secret Celebrity Crush: Chris Hemsworth – because he reminds me of my husband.

TRC:  I think we would like to meet your husband !!!!!

TRC: Thank you Andrea for taking the time to answer our questions. WE wish you all the best with your writing career.

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Moonlight by Lisa Kessler – a Dual Review

Moonlight by Lisa Kessler – a Dual Review

Moonlight

Links to order Moonlight: Amazon / Barnes & NobleKobo

Both Julie B. and Erin read this book, and they both enjoyed it. So we decided to give you a treat with a dual review.  It’s fun to see how each person views the book.  Enjoy!

Review by Erin:
Moonlight is the first book in The Moon Series by Lisa Kessler.  

Lana Turpin grew up as a foster child, now hunted, alone and on the run.  People, she is unsure who they are, are after her.  But for what – she has no idea.  Believing that she has a sleepwalking disorder that strangely only occurs during the new moon she knows that she must find someplace to hide at least until the new moon passes. 

Adam Sloan is the son of the Pack leader and the next in line to ascend to Alpha. He is a rugged, hard working sexy werewolf horse trainer who is content with the way his life is at the present moment.  That is until, Lana happens to cross into his territory.  Set with the intent on killing the new stranger in town, Adam is completely caught off guard when he happens upon his enemy – or is it his mate? Will Adam be able to fight his inner wolf that screams out for the one female he can’t have?

I loved the character development right from the first few pages.  The main character of Lana was intriguing, street tough and real.  I felt emotionally attached and protective of her very quickly. Adam is a handsome, emotional, delicious, rugged, cowboy type! (I kept picturing him working the ranch in jeans, a cowboy hat and no shirt – did I mention he was delicious?). Lana is on the run from men that are after her.  She believes they are after her to return her to the mental hospital she escaped from but that proves not to be the case.

Having a meal in a diner before the next new moon Lana is confronted by a handsome yet angry looking man who takes a seat at her table. The moment Adam touches her – he realizes that he can’t kill this girl he has been sent to take out! He must protect her at all costs.  I loved the immediate connection and the fact that it was an unknown and forbidden to their kind.  Adam’s warm and kindness in showing Lana who and what she truly was cinched it for me!  And from that moment on I did not want to put the book down.  The secondary characters were mysterious and intriguing as well – the author leaving you with just the right amount mystery to make you crave more! Adam’s twin Aren is the right mixture of arrogant hotness that makes you swoon to hate and want to get to know more of! And my hope is that the next book in the series will be his – because he definitely deserves the spotlight!

The story is fast paced and emotional. The epic battle left me with tears and tissues. I love when you feel the emotions so deeply that there is no holding back no matter how hard you try. This book did not disappoint! Patiently – yet not so – waiting for book two! 

Review by Julie B.
WOW !!!!!!! My favourite Genre 🙂  Great Start to a series. (well i’m hoping its a series …. hint ) lol

Adam is an alpha in waiting, his dad is the alpha at the moment, and Adam loves to play the field. He avoids commitment and loves the ladies, he has no intention of settling down and producing the next alpha. Well not yet anyway.  He is the older brother in a set of twins. In fact ALL the wolves in this story are born male, and in sets of twins. Females are usually bitten and converted. An offspring can only be made that way, so no unplanned pregnancies.

Lana doesn’t have a past, but she knows someone is following her, and wants her back. She has spent a lot of time running and hiding from someone. We will find out more along the way, but she does wonder if she is going crazy.

When Adam firsts meets Lana he is there to kill her !! He is a wolf, and she is a jaguar. The two groups hate each other with a fierce passion, with orders to kill each other on sight. But when Adam goes to grab Lana out of her chair, he is stunned by the electric shock that pulses through his body. NO WAY HIS MATE !!! They don’t mix, so how the heck can they be mates ?  But Wolves mate for life, Jag’s don’t, so Lana doesn’t feel the intense pull between them, but she does feel something for the good looking, if not arrogant stranger. And what is more ….. Lana has NO idea she can transform with the changing of the moon’s cycle. She just remembers waking up in strange places, usually naked, and remembering strange dreams.

So within hours Adam is fighting his intense desires to marry and mate this female, along with head shouting out for caution, this could be a trick from the jag’s, he needs to keep his distance, but that is easier said than done. Lana feels the need to be with Adam, but she knows someone is after her, so it would be wiser to leave this little town, and get back on the road, but her body is refusing to move.

Adam stuns Lana with the news that she can shift into another being when the moon’s cycle changes, at first Lana thinks he is crazy, but with a few choice sentences, and actions (like scaling a rather large rock formation), Lana begins to believe him, in fact this is where they share their first kiss.  But someone is watching, Adam can sense it, then smells the scent of a male jaguar. He goes into Hunter mode. But what he finds, upsets him greatly.

And Lana …. well, she is really special. And she has a lot of different people chasing her. She assumes she was abandoned, but after a lot of digging through her past, she finds out, that maybe her parents did love her, and that they might not have willingly given her up.  Oh and Adam has a love rival, and boy does Adam have issues with the Jag in question.                                                                          

The story is a fast paced action story, with lots of characters, and an incredible amount of plot.  Adam has to fight his feelings for his mate, and hide her from is friends and family. He knows they would kill her on sight.  I love the differences that this author has brought to this story. It tells of an almost insurmountable number of reason why they shouldn’t be together, but through all the obstacles, they are destined to be together. I also liked how it set up the next book (hooray, it will become a series).  We meet a varied cast in this book, and I am hoping all of his pack get a story. We deal with death, we deal with the facts that love didn’t nearly conquer all, but we also find out that families are a really big deal in the shifter world.

But as I read through the book, lines became blurry, friends had issues with each other, there was mistrust, and enemies started to help you. It kept me on my toes, I wondered who I trust in that situation.

Copy provided by Publisher

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In Your Dreams/As You Wake by Amy Martin-a review duet

In Your Dreams/As You Wake by Amy Martin-a review duet

In Your DreamsIN YOUR DREAMS-released August 2012

Only .99cents at Amazon and B&N: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

This book was unique, original and conceptually intriguing. Not the norm as to what I would typically read – but I found the main characters endearing and warm. The book opens and we meet high school basketball player Zara “Zip” McKee – she is your average teen jock. She lives and breathes basketball – and has her mind set on one thing – making it to the regional championships.

Into her life comes Kieran Lanier – mysterious, Brad Pitt look-a-like only hotter. Their first encounter leaves Zip baffled, wanting to know more. And does she ever find out more. Kieran Lanier has secrets – lots and lots of secrets and a strange family that is even more mysterious and secretive than him. As the story unfolds we find out that Kieran has narcolepsy (or so the family says) and the effect of this disease has left him sheltered and shy. But when the one girl that takes the time to learn more about him, spends time with him, he begins to open up and share his secrets with her. What will these secrets entail? And will knowing them put Zip’s life at risk? Kieran isn’t your average teenager and there are others that realize this – others that want him for their own use. As Zip weaves her way further into Kieran’s life – she too becomes a target for the evil that stalks Kieran.

At the beginning of this book I was a little leery of it – I am not a sports fan at all and being that Zip was a basketball star and jock I was afraid that the book would be filled with a bunch of sports nonsense. To my surprise the book had just the right mix of high school drama, sports, romance and mystery. I was fascinated with the fact that Kieran had the “so called” narcolepsy and that his sister Kayla was extremely protective of him. I could not put the book down – wanting to know why his family was so strange and what were they hiding. I loved the two almost exact opposite family lifestyles of Zip and Kieran. Zip’s family is fun, easy going and laid back while Kieran’s family is strict, rigid and very abrupt. The two families intermixed well and I loved the dinner scene of them eating together. The secondary characters – the ones that seem to be after Kieran add a great deal of mystery and drama – which left me wanting more. I would have to say that this book was highly original and was definitely an out of the box concept. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and can not wait to read the next book in this series.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

As You Wake

AS YOU WAKE-released April 2013

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

As You Wake is Book Two of the In Your Dreams book series by Amy Martin. The story continues with Zip McKee and Kieran Lanier on the last day of school and the start of summer vacation. As they are about to begin their summers they find out that the person that was out to harm Kieran may not have vanished as they first thought. Scared that he has brought harm to his family and to Zip, Kieran takes off. While running away is never the answer, he feels this is what he must do to protect his family and his girlfriend.

Zip is off to spend the summer with her father, miles away – and how can she possibly enjoy her summer with Kieran on the run and god knows where? Little does Zip know that a visit by Kieran’s sister turns into anything but. Kidnapped and on the search for Kieran – Zip realizes that his sister may just know where he is. Will they find him in time? And what will they find out in the end?

I found the continuation in book two very fluid and thorough. I loved how the story continued and I loved the secondary characters introduced. The inter-mingling of the two families again – left me laughing out loud. One family very strict and abrupt – the other kind of laid back and easy going. Spending time together is actually good for both families.

The relationship of Kieran and Zip progresses in this book and I could feel the bond between them growing. Kieran also gets to spend more time with his birth father whom I liked and began to really care for as a character. Kieran’s birth father really lends a lot to the story and also brings more mystery. This book was a quick read and was very enjoyable. The only bad that I have to say about the book – who ends a story like that??? UGH!!!! I have to wait until when for the next book? I definitely will be waiting with baited breath for it!

Copies supplied by the author

Reviewed by Erin

About The Author Black and Red

Follow Amy: Website / Twitter / Goodreads

Amy MartinAmy Martin wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of ten and gave it to her fourth grade teacher, who hopefully lost it in her house somewhere and didn’t share it with anyone else.

The first book she published as a grown-up, In Your Dreams,was a semi-finalist in the Young Adult category of the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Competition. The second book in the In Your Dreams series, As You Wake, was released on April 30, 2013.

A native of St. Charles, MO, Amy currently lives in Lexington, KY with her husband and a ferocious attack tabby named Cleo. When not writing or reading, she can usually be found watching sports, drinking coffee, or indulging her crippling Twitter habit (and, sometimes, doing all three at once).

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Christine Wenrick – The Charmed Trilogy Guest Post, Reviews, & Blog Tour

Christine Wenrick-The Charmed Trilogy Guest Post, Reviews & Blog Tour

Charmed promo

 

Guest Post-Black and Blue

 

Why the Secondary Characters are Just as Important?

First off I would like to thank Sandy and Barb and The Reading Café for having me here today to talk about my recently completed Charmed Trilogy, and why for me the secondary characters are just as important.

As an author I often look back on my secondary characters and realize they were an important key to the success of a story. Why? Because one of my favorite things to do is thread a character through the background of someone else’s story and bring them along slowly to the reader, gradually inviting more interest until the time is right to let that character shine in their own story. Some of my favorite authors, such as Lisa Kleypas and Julia Quinn have done it to me in their Hathaway and Bridgerton series and I love it! There is a significant investment for the reader in doing this, one that hopefully pays off in leaps and bounds in the end.

In my Charmed Trilogy I have two types of secondary characters, ones that have significant screen time with the hero and heroine and most of their story is told within the series, and ones that float in and out with little hints of what might come. Those are the ones to watch out for. And I’ll let you in on a little secret with regard to my books . . . if I tell you the first and last name of a character, then that character will be relevant somehow to that series or another one.

My friends and I often joke that if a character comes in with generic first name only, then they’re a goner for sure. Yeah, you really won’t find a main character for me named Chris or John (which happens to be my brother-in-laws name, sorry John).

I hope you will check out my Charmed Trilogy and fall in love with those important secondary characters. If done correctly, they can truly make a story all the more enriching for the reader. And in time, they can even prove to be a fan favorite!

 

SERIES SPOTLIGHT – COMBINED REVIEWS:

 

The Charmed – Book One

the charmed

Links to order The Charmed: Amazon / Barnes & Noble Kobo

THE CHARMED will be on sale for ONLY $0.99 from May 13 – 27 on:
AmazonSmashwordsBN.com and The iBookstore.

 

The Charmed – Reviewed by Erin

The Charmed is book one in The Charmed Trilogy by Christine Wenrick and begins with us finding Olivia Ann Greyson, 26 year old music prodigy, on a train, traveling with her childhood best friend Sarah. Uneasy and sensing that something is wrong – Olivia’s instincts turn out to be absolutely correct.  What results sets off an epic event that is sure to change Olivia’s life for ever and show her that what she thought was the stuff of nightmares may in fact be a reality after all. 

 
Caleb Wolfe is a young vampire and he has just rescued / saved Olivia from a coven of evil Nightwalkers, intent on having her for their own.  While Olivia has just found out that vampire exist – she is scared, confused and afraid.  Devastated at the loss that she just experienced and the realization that she has just come to know – Olivia struggles with being under Caleb’s protective care. But as Caleb and Olivia soon understand – that fateful night was not their first meeting.  They have met before – years ago.  And that moment in time had forever been etched in Olivia’s mind.  And once she realizes who Caleb is and what he means to her past – it awakens inside her feelings that she has never felt before.   
 
As Olivia recognizes that she is beginning to feel strongly for Caleb, she also realizes that something is changing inside of her.  She no longer needs her glasses that she has had since she was a small child and that her injuries are healing much faster than they should be for a human.  Not knowing what is wrong or what she is experiencing – Caleb’s coven decides its best if Olivia leaves before Caleb gets too far invested and breaks any rules.  Once back home – Olivia notices that her appearance has now changed and she is soon approached by two men Gideon and Alec from The Brethren, who say that they know what is wrong with Olivia and that they can help her.  Having no one else to turn to – Olivia trusts them and soon finds out that what she has been experiencing isn’t at all what she thought it was.  
 Can Caleb fit into her new life and will he want to once he finds out what Olivia really is?  There is only one way to find out….
 
Let me start off by saying – DO NOT start this book before bed… you have been warned!!  This is definitely a – can not put down – pry my fingers from it – I went to bed at 4am – slept 3 hours – finished in one day kind of book!  I could absolutely not put this book down once I started it.  I had to and wanted to know what was going to happen next.  There are some extremely powerful scenes – like when Olivia must leave Caleb for the first time – for the sake of everyone’s own good.  I was left a hot mess of tears, sniffles and tissues.  I can honestly say that I do not ever remember sobbing at a book this way before.   The connection between Olivia and Caleb struck me so deep by this moment that it was heart-breaking as this scene unfolded.  The connection, love and sincerity between Olivia and Caleb is truly palpable, in every sense of the word.   As Olivia’s true nature is revealed – you soon realize that not even that will stop the two of them from being together!
 
The secondary characters – Jax (alpha vampire of Caleb’s coven) and Gemma (Dhampiresa of Caleb’s coven) – are extraordinary characters that I loved from the moment I met them.  Gemma is quirky, fun and down to mean business when need be.  I love the fact that she leaves poems around the house.  I was intimately intrigued by her doing that – I kept asking myself does she know it’s him that is reading them, keeping them.  Jax is a big, gruff, gentle giant of a vampire who collects Gemma’s poems and collects them and is obviously so in love with her that I wanted to scream at him to tell her how he feels!  I sincerely hope to read more of Jax and Gemma in the future books, as the love Jax feels for her is so apparent and so raw that it is definitely a must continue.  Alec, is Olivia’s Guardian in the Brethren – and while I believe he is pure of heart for his care and protection of Olivia – I did not care for him.  I believe I felt so strongly against him taking her from Caleb that I did not want anything to do with him.  Hopefully as the story unfolds in the next book I may grow to like him more but as of right now – not one of my favorites.
 
As sleep deprived as I am – I am diving head first into the next book – The Charmed Souls




The Charmed Souls – Book 2
the charmed souls

Links to order The Charmed Souls:
Amazon / Barnes & NobleKobo / Smashwords / The iBookstore.

The Charmed Souls – Reviewed by Erin

The Charmed Souls is book two of The Charmed Trilogy by Christine Wenrick.  In this continuation, we find that Olivia has left Caleb to prove not only to herself but to Caleb and others that their love is real and not just an illusion brought on by her Charmer skills. In separating herself from Caleb she decides to go with her Guardian – Alec, to the Brethren, the group she is told and believes is sworn to protect her. In the mountains of Canada, on sacred ground, at the Brethren’s stronghold, she will train, learn how to use her new found talents and give Caleb the space he needs. On this sacred ground she can not be sensed by any vampires and is completely protected, as vampires can not step on sacred ground. Olivia makes some good friends with those sworn to protect her, and even with those that can give her answers to her past.  But her time with The Brethren does not go quickly nor smoothly and soon Olivia is second guessing her choices.  As secrets unfold, Olivia learns that the ones chosen to protect her may not all be there exactly for her well being. 

I found this book to be heart breaking in that I did not want Olivia away from Caleb nor anywhere near Alec at first.  While I understood why she was where she was and what she was trying to do, I found that my heart wanted her with Caleb – where she truly belonged.  This part of their story I believe was needed so that they both would know if their love was real and true.  But I found it very sad at times.  I loved the secondary characters that were sworn to protect Olivia. Guardian Lucas Rayner is a wonderful, foul mouthed golden boy that I fell for right away.  Hunter Phin Daniels is warm and caring best friend to Alec that you can’t help but want to know more about.  And then there is Kane, a very naughty shape-shifter that I truly believe no woman could resist, at least I know that I couldn’t. I also found it very heart warming that Olivia made a true friend in Maya Brunetti, an Empath, that you can tell will be a life long friend to her.  
I loved the fact that Olivia made real friends with true relationships and in the end I even started to like Alec, and that he accepted the fact that the love between Olivia and Caleb was real and not a byproduct of her Charmer skills. When Olivia does return home to Caleb – I must say it was gut-wrenching to see what Gemma put Jax through.  But in the end – I must say that I was extremely happy with the outcome of those two.  Looking forward to reading the third and final book in this series




The Charmed Fates – Book 3
the charmed fates
Links to order The Charmed Fates:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo /Smashwords

 

The Charmed Fates – Reviewed by Erin
The Charmed Fates is the third and final book in The Charmed Trilogy by Christine Wenrick.  Some time has passed since that fateful night when Caleb Wolfe, Daywalker saved Olivia Greyson’s life.  In that time, Olivia has found out that she is a Charmer, trained and honed her skills, and has come to realize that her destiny is with her mate – Caleb.  Just when you think life is about to settle in and get perfect – along comes a curve from the past!  Celeste – a vampire claiming to be Caleb’s first and only mate is back and she wants what she believes is rightfully hers.  Will Caleb return to his past and the vampire that changed him, or will he stay his ground with his destiny Olivia?  Olivia does what she believes is right and leaves Caleb – leaving him alone with her rival and nemesis.  The Charmed Fates are about to step in and the outcome may not be exactly what Olivia thought it was going to be.  
 
The final book in this series was heartbreaking yet again.  It seems every time Olivia thinks her life is settling and she is about to be happy the fates step in and throw her a curve ball.  The story begins with Olivia with her new family / coven and she is happy.  She believes she may finally have the life that she wants.  She has found her blood grandfather, her blood mate – making her truly feel like a family for the first time ever.  The Nightwalker, Luther Davin, is still obsessed and hunting her.  But she feels that she is strong and able to fight for herself and her coven.  But out of the blue, Caleb’s first blooded mate comes back and wants him – wants him back with a vengeance.  I disliked  Celeste from the moment she stepped on the page.  And I wanted nothing more than for someone, anyone to do away with her.  Olivia as well as myself, felt betrayed by Caleb’s reaction to Celeste.  I did however love what transpired between Jax and Gemma at the beginning of the book and prayed for a resolution for them in the end.  Olivia choosing to leave Caleb again was completely understandable and distancing herself seemed exactly the right thing to do.  Oh the things we do for love! In the end, Caleb and Olivia will forever be one of my favorite couples – although they took the long road getting there!  If you are looking for a wonderful read with lots of full-filling characters – this one is for you!


About The AuthorChristine Wenrick

Christine is a graduate of Washington State University where she received a BA in Interior Design. And true to form of using mostly her ‘right brain’, she splits her time between her commercial design career and her imaginary world of writing. She lives in the scenic Pacific Northwest where she enjoys hiking, camping and photographing many of the wonderful places that served as inspiration for her Charmed Trilogy. Her biggest reward in life is any given day when one of her books connects with a reader because she herself is such a lover of reading. Some of her favorite authors include Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, and Kimberly Derting.

To keep up on all the latest information about Christine and her books, visit her website or you can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.


Blog Tour Black and Blue

May 13 – 27

5/13- Book Monster Reviews (guest post)
http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/13- My Reading Obsession (guest post & review)
http://4myreadingobsession.blogspot.com/

5/14- Ramblings From This Chick  (guest post)
http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspot.com/

5/14- HEA Romances With A Little Kick (series spotlight & reviews)
http://hearomanceswithalittlekick.wordpress.com/

5/15- Red Hot Books (interview and reviews)
http://www.redhotbooks.com/

5/16- Book Lovin’ Mamas  (interview, series spotlight and reviews)
http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

5/17- Romance Junkies (interviews)
http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

5/17- Froggarita’s Book Case ( series spotlight, excerpt & reviews)
http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

5/18- Mad Hatter Reads  (guest post)
http://madhatterreads.blogspot.com/

5/18- Reading Between the Wines  (guest post) http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

5/19- Toot’s Books Reviews (series spotlight & reviews) http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

5/20- Cocktails and Books (interview & reviews)
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

5/20- Salacious Reads (Series Spotlight)
http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/21- Salacious Reads (Review, Book 1)
http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/21- Buffy’s Ramblings  (guest post)
http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/

5/21- GraveTells  (guest post)
http://gravetells.com/

5/22- Paranormal Book Club (series spotlight)
http://paranormal-bookclub.com/

5/22- Reader Girls (guest post & reviews)
http://www.readergirlsblog.com/

5/22- Salacious Reads (Review, Book 2)
http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/23- Vampires, Werewolves & Fairies Oh My!  (guest post)
http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/

5/23- Salacious Reads (Review, Book 1)
http://www.salaciousreads.com/

5/24- Riverina Romantics  (guest post)
http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

5/25- The Reading Cafe  (guest post & reviews)
http://thereadingcafe.com/

5/26- The Jeep Diva  (interview & reviews)
http://thejeepdiva.com/

5/27- Books-n-Kisses (series spotlight)
http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

5/27- Bookin’ It Reviews (series spotlight)
http://www.bookinitreviews.com/

 

Giveaway-Blue:Black

Christine is giving away a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of The Charmed to one lucky winner that follows the tour.

THREE (3) runners-up will receive an eBook of THE CHARMED.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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The Goddess Legacy- The Goddess Secret by M.W. Muse – Reviews

The Goddess Legacy- The Goddess Secret by M.W. Muse – Reviews

The following reviews are the first two books of The Goddess series by M.W. Muse. The third book was recently released, with the blurb detailing information in our Spotlight on M.W. Muse.

Goddess Legacy

goddess legacy

Goddess Legacy is the first book in the Goddess Series by MW Muse.

High school is over for the summer and Legacy Kore is wondering if and when she will see her high school crush, newly graduated Adin Shepard again. Until he shows up at her surprise seventeenth birthday party – acting very friendly.  It’s then that she realizes that he may feel more for her than just friends.

Her excitement is short lived when after the party her guardian, Lissa informs her that her mother, whom she thought had died years ago, was actually still alive and in fact, a Greek Goddess, and that Legacy will possibly herself ascend into a Greek Goddess on her eighteenth birthday.  Emotionally wrought and exhausted from the days events, Legacy goes to sleep where she begins to have vivid dreams of storms, snakes and tornado’s.

Seeking solace in her best friend Calli Rhodes, Legacy confides in her what she has learned about her mother and herself. Just when she thought her life couldn’t get any stranger, Adin asks her out on a date – and for a brief moment in time Legacy tries to forget everything else and live in the moment that is unfolding in front of her. Could it possible that what she has wanted for so long, is about to become her reality?  Could her dream of a relationship with Adin come true?  Just as this is about to happen she meets an alarming handsome young man named River Rysaor.  Turns out River knows a lot more than Legacy could imagine, and opens a whole new world to her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the Greek Mythology aspect of it. The relationship between Legacy and Adin is romantic and flirty.  Although at times I found Adin to be a bit annoying at how slow he wanted to take the relationship, but in the end I respected the reasoning why and found him completely endearing.  River adds an almost evil aspect to the story – yet you can’t quite figure out if he himself is evil or good? I enjoyed the friendship between Calli and Legacy – it brought back memories of myself with my best friend at that age.  Their relationship was real and believable.  Although I don’t think we know everything that there is to know about Calli yet.  The only part of the story that I had an issue with was Legacy’s dreams.  At times they were monotonous and unnecessary.  I found myself at one point putting the book down because I just could not possibly read another dream scene.  With that being said and overlooked – I loved the book and can not wait for the second in the series.  There are so many unanswered questions and so many things left unknown.

Reviewed by Erin

Goddess Secret

goddess secret

Goddess Secret is the second in the Goddess Series and while a bit too short for my liking, it was a wonderful and mythical continuation of Legacy’s life. Legacy is faced with her upcoming ascension and she thinks she has this goddess thing worked out. But as her relationship with Adin gets steamier and her emotions begin to take over she realizes that how she feels controls much more than she ever thought possible. And one secret is weighing heavily on her soul. How can one girl keep a secret so vital to the well-being of all those around her to herself, and will she be able to?

Legacy and Adin’s relationship continues to evolve as more players in the mythological game come to the foreground. Venus is the goddess Adin is bonded to, and her and Adin now attend college together. Will this cause heartache between Legacy and Adin or will this make their relationship stronger? I have fallen head over heels for Adin and his gentlemanly ways! I am very excited to read the next book in this series and to see where the story takes Legacy next.

 Reviewed by Erin

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