GIVEAWAY/REVIEW: "Relinquishing Liberty" - Maureen Mayer

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"Relinquishing Liberty"

Series: Second Chances, Book #1

By: Maureen Mayer

Genre: New Adult

Publication Date: August 26th, 2013

Cover Design by: Robin Harper at Wicked by Design

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4 STAR REVIEW: "Planning on Forever" - Ashley Wilcox

*Another Long Overdue Review!*

"Planning on Forever"

By: Ashley Wilcox

Series: The Forever Series, Book #1

Published: November 21st 2012

ISBN: 1481049208

My rating: 

4 of 5 stars

Synopsis

via Goodreads:

Collin and Alexa are the perfect couple; gorgeous, popular and hopelessly in love. With graduation day nearing and college life on the horizon, Collin flirts with infidelity and loses everything he has with Alexa.

Brokenhearted and single, Alexa meets sexy Nolan Pratt. She can’t deny the attraction and pull that he has over her.

Not being able to accept the fact that he has lost Alexa forever, Collin focuses all his attention on his second love, football, in an attempt to move on.

Will Collin be able to win Alexa’s heart back or will he find that his first love isn’t the love of his life?

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My Review:

When I went into this novel, I was thinking it was going to be a sweet young adult romance. Although the characters were young, the subject and story were anything but. This is actually an erotica novel with young characters. Some of them are college students, which is no big deal to me since they are adults (and my age), but the steamy scenes involving the young high school girl is what originally threw me off. One other thing that we normally see in most novels - but I thought was really cool and different - was that our main characters didn't just stay with each other the entire novel. Most of the time, in traditional romances, there is one relationship (regardless of cheating or not). I liked that this book allowed the characters to broaden their horizons and find out if there really was someone out their that was better for them than their first love. I enjoyed reading from both Collin and Alexa's point of view. I liked seeing their own perspectives and stories, and also seeing how they intertwined. It was nice.


I'm an Ashley Wilcox fan and will continue to read her books. While posting this review, I have already read book two. I'm actually in the process of reading books three and four. I suggest checking out The Forever series if you are interesting in Contemporary Romance and Erotica.

4 out of 5 stars!

Happy Reading!

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Buy Links:

Buy it on Amazon - Ebook

Buy it on Amazon - Paperback

Author Bio

via Goodreads:

Through my addiction for reading, I've discovered my passion for writing. I'm a hopeless romantic, and love reading and writing about it.

~Read to love, and love to read~

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

REVIEW/SPOTLIGHT: "Gone Girl" - Gillian Flynn

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Review

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"Gone Girl"

By: Gillian Flynn

Length: Hardcover, 465 pages

Published: May 24th 2012 

Published by: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

ISBN: 0297859382

GIVEAWAY/REVIEW: "Forgiven" - J.B. McGee

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"Forgiven"

Series: This #3

Author:  J.B. McGee

Genre: New Adult

Publication Date:  May 16, 2013

Event organized by: Literati Literature Lovers

GIVEAWAY/REVIEW: "The Forgotten Ones" - Laura Howard

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By: Laura Howard
Series: The Danaan Trilogy, Book One

REVIEW: "Waiting on Forever" - Ashley Wilcox

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"Waiting on Forever"

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Author: Ashley Wilcox

Release date: April 29, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: Adult

BLOG TOUR: "Allusive Aftershock" - Susan Griscom

Title: Allusive Aftershock

By: Susan Griscom

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Published by: Amber Glow Books

Release date: December 18, 2012

BLURB:

 

What happens when a major earthquake changes life as you know it and the boy you thought you hated ends up saving you? Three times!

Courtland Reese is the guy everyone hates and makes fun of because … well, he is weird. He communicates with animals. Strange or interesting, seventeen-year-old Adela Castielle can’t quite figure out, but when he saves her from being trampled by her own horse, she begins to understand him a little better and wants to learn more about him.

But, Max--her best friend/dream guy/someday-to-be-her-husband-only-he-doesn’t-know-it-yet--hates Courtland with a passion. Adela wants to know why, except neither boy is talking.

When Max leaves her stranded in his parents' wine cave with his worst enemy, Courtland, after what the experts are calling a “megathrust” earthquake, Adela starts to question her loyalty to Max as steamy kisses in a dark damp cellar only fuel her emotions with more conflict.

But does she really have time to worry about that when fire, destruction and mayhem surround her?

 

 

 

A NOTE FROM SUSAN:

I daydream often and sometimes my daydreams interrupt my daydreams. So I write to remember them. If I didn't write, I think my mind would explode from an overload of fantasy and weirdness. To the annoyance of my friends and family, my characters sometimes become a part of my world. During my childhood, I would frequently get in trouble in school for daydreaming. Eventually, my vivid imagination paid off and I had the privilege of writing and co-directing my sixth-grade class play—a dreadful disaster, though not from my writing, of course, I must blame it on the acting.

I love writing about characters living in small quaint towns and tend to lean toward the unusual and spooky.

My paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday I might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now I like the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets my blood running hot.

EXCERPT:

 

 

With no electricity, I could barely make out the two figures standing by the door to the cellar. If not for the half moon, I would not have been able to see them at all. I stepped up to them and realized they were staring up at the sky and my eyes naturally followed their gaze. I had never seen such an awesome sight. Without any city lights for miles and miles, the stars in the sky were unusually bright and plentiful. A truly beautiful sight.

“Wow,” I whispered, standing between Max and Court. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Court’s focus change and he stared down at me. There was something strange about the way his eyes bored into me, as if he could see into my soul. I waited for him to look away but he held his gaze on me while I pretended to marvel at the sky. I’d never seen him stare at me that way before and I got nervous. My fingers fidgeted with each other and I clamped two of them in my other hand to steady them. If I hadn’t known better, I never would have guessed in a million years he had injuries. His eyes stayed fixed on me with an intense tenderness I had never seen from a boy before. Maybe Courtland Reese wasn’t so bad after all. Standing between the two of them in all their glorious hotness had my stomach doing flip-flops. I knew it was wrong to think these things under the circumstances, but maybe my mind just needed the distraction … or confusion. I loved Max, but I was beginning to like Courtland too. Man, I was in so much trouble.

 

 

 

MY REVIEW:

“Allusive Aftershock” by Susan Griscom

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book was really good and I liked it a lot. Although this Young Adult novel was a work of fiction, there were subjects and events that unfortunately happen in reality. Author Susan Griscom wrote this novel very tastefully and she captivated me from the beginning. I would definitely recommend “Allusive Aftershock” to fans of Young Adult Romance, and I would rate this novel 4 STARS.

The small, barely there town of Pleasant Ridge, California was hit by a mega thrust earthquake. There was tremendous damage as well as many aftershocks. When the town’s people thought things were safe enough to get back in the usual routine of school and work…they were wrong. Extremely strong aftershocks caused so much damage and death. When the unfortunate and disastrous events of the earthquake tore apart the small town of Pleasant Ridge…things changed. Many of the survivors lost their families and homes, and had no food or water. Trouble was everywhere and Adela, Max, and Courtland needed to get to safety quickly. Problem is, Max and Court do not get a long at all. To add to that, Adela has a major crush on Max, while Court is in love with Adela. So we got ourselves a little love triangle going on. Court got hurt in the damage of the aftershock and Adela tended to him while Max left to find help. Although some people in the town became delirious, Adela finally started seeing things clearly. She began seeing Court for who he really was and not what the rumors said. They got to know each other quite a bit while she was caring for Court’s wounds and trying to survive together. She also gained some perspective on her and Max’s relationship. More aftershocks occurred causing more damage, and they decided they needed to keep moving and find help and also find out why Max never came back. Chaos is everywhere, but Adela will not give up until she finds her family…or find out what happened to them.

“Allusive Aftershock” is a story of disaster, tragedy, loss, and love. The very first pages grabbed my attention with the action. I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I was immediately intrigued with the characters. Adela and Courtland were fabulous and I loved how the point of view switched back and forth between them throughout the novel. It was great getting into Courtland’s head to see his perspective, as well as Adela’s. I loved Courtland from the very beginning because he was the “odd man out” and I love routing for the underdog. Everyone loved Max, Adela’s lifelong best friend and crush, but everyone thought Courtland was a freak. I hate bullies and always feel bad for the victims, so I felt an immediate connection to Courtland. Although Adela wasn’t bullied, she did live in the shadows of Max and was never seen by him the way she wanted to be. I felt right away that Adela and Court were meant for each other, he appreciated everything about her…and let her know it. But, you will have to read this book to find out who Adela ultimately wanted to be with. I know I want her with Court, but find out what Adela decides for herself…Max or Court?

I would recommend this 4 STAR book to Young Adult lovers. People who want to read a book with real life situations, like earthquakes and the damage they bring, as well as a young love, will enjoy this book. “Allusive Aftershock” by Susan Griscom is a great book and I will definitely read more of Susan Griscom’s books. She has a talent for intriguing the reader and connecting her audience with the characters.

BUY LINKS:

 

 

Kindle:

http://www.amazon.com/ALLUSIVE-AFTERSHOCK-ebook/dp/B00AQ9LF72/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1356055532&sr=1-1&keywords=allusive+aftershock

Paperback:

http://www.amazon.com/Allusive-Aftershock-Susan-Griscom/dp/0615737897/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356055655&sr=1-3&keywords=susan+griscom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTACT LINKS:

 

 

Website:

http://susangriscom.com

Blog:

http://swblog.susangriscom.com

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/

Facebook Author Page:

http://www.facebook.com/SMGriscom

 

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Griscom/e/B008R94FNO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_3

 

Facebook personal: 

https://www.facebook.com/SusanGriscom1

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/SusanGriscom

 

*~*Must purchase the ebook to be eligible for the swag pack. Please enter your receipt number. New purchases only, date must fall between 1-14 and 2-14. If you purchase my book and then win an e-book copy of AA, I will reward you with another book of equal value of your choice. Winners will be chosen on my birthday, February 23rd.*~*

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2 NEW REVIEWS!

"The Stereotypical Freaks"by Howard Shapiro

 

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

“The Stereotypical Freaks” by Howard Shapiro is a graphic novel. I do not typically read graphic novels. I checked out a few before because they were made after a novel or series I read, and I was simply curious. I did enjoy “The Stereotypical Freaks” though. I was skeptical at first because I usually only read novels but Howard Shapiro’s “The Stereotypical Freaks” was more of a Young Adult book. Yes, of course there were pictures since it was a graphic novel, but the storyline was YA (young adult). The situations the characters dealt with were relatable high school situations. I think a lot of readers would enjoy the fact that they could relate with the characters. Paranormal and Supernatural reads are fun, but when readers can actually connect to a book because it deals with their life…then that is amazing. Also, I liked that the author had the characters play music and be in a band. A lot of people can connect through music. Put music and high school drama together and you have an audience.

People who do read graphic novels or comic books regularly will definitely enjoy “The Stereotypical Freaks”. But, people like me who do not usually read them but are looking for something different will also enjoy it. Howard Shapiro is a talented writer that knew how to connect his readers. Taking what people know to be relatable to young adults and putting it into a book to read was great. Also, I think this book would be great for reluctant readers because it is a graphic novel. It still has the real YA story but with the pictures it makes it an easier and more fun read. I think Howard Shapiro just may have opened a new door for me with reading graphic novels sometimes.

I think this graphic novel "The Stereotypical Freaks" by Howard Shapiro deserves 4 STARS. I do not have many other graphic novels to compare it to but I believe that this is a good one anyways. The pictures were well drawn and the story was well written. Add in the ability to relate to readers and I think it was an overall good read which brought me to rate it 4 STARS. If I am ever looking for another graphic novel, Howard Shapiro will definitely be an author I look for. Also, because he was a good writer, if he wrote any regular novels I would make sure I checked them out.

 

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"The Bonds of Blood (The Revenant Wyrd Saga, 1)"
by Travis Simmons

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. Travis Simmons is a very talented and creative writer and I will definitely be reading more of his work. I currently have a few of his titles on my To Be Read list. Without a doubt, I will keep track of his books.   I enjoy the author’s skills of world building – especially how he creates his characters. My favorite character of this book is Jovian. Jovian is the ideal man and I liked reading about him throughout “The Bonds of Blood.” I also appreciated the supporting characters in this story. The supporting characters were all great and complimented the main characters well.

I rate this book 4 STARS! I think “The Bonds of Blood (The Revenant Wyrd Saga)” is a great first book to a new saga. This is a saga that I will continue to read. I look forward to the next installments so all my unanswered questions can be resolved. I actually enjoy how I didn't really have all my questions answered because it leaves me wanting for more. With all your questions answered you may feel too satisfied and not really need to read the next book. I like feeling like I need more sometimes!

I would recommend this 4 STAR book to people who enjoy Fantasy novels. Check out Travis Simmons now!

3 NEW REVIEWS!

“Kade’s Dark Embrace” by Kym Grosso

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Let’s start off by saying the first thing that caught my attention about this book was the cover. Can you say HOT?! It was very sexy. It definitely made me want to turn the pages and find out about the couple on the cover. And, let me tell you that I was not disappointed in what I discovered. I give this Adult Paranormal Romance a solid 4 STARS, I will definitely be checking out more from Kym Grosso, including the next novel in the 'Immortals of New Orleans' series, “Luca’s Magic Embrace.”

I really liked the characters in “Kade’s Dark Embrace.” Detective Sydney Willows was a kick-ass female lead that was admirably strong. She thought she knew exactly what she wanted in life and in the love department, until she met a certain sexy vampire that was working a murder case with her. Sydney had an instant attraction to Kade, the sexy vampire, even though she started off not being so nice to him. Kade also had an immediate attraction to Sydney and wanted to claim her. I loved Kade’s character; he was an old-school romantic vampire that was also badass. Eventually, after spending more time with each other on the investigation, Sydney began to soften towards Kade even though she forever remained her stubborn self. True feelings were revealed and through the heat and drama of the investigation, a bond was formed. Sydney and Kade combined both human traditions as well as vampire customs for their relationship. I really liked watching their relationship progress throughout the story; I loved the steamy, adult, romance scenes. Besides Kade and Sydney, I found Luca’s character intriguing. I wanted to know more about him and enjoyed the scenes that he was a part of. I was really excited when I found out the next book in Kym Grosso’s series was based on Luca. I will definitely be reading that book, “Luca’s Magic Embrace,” to find out more about him.

So, Adult Paranormal Romance fans, give “Kade’s Dark Embrace” by Kym Grosso a chance! Ms. Grosso did a good job writing this book and I think it can only get better as the 'Immortals of New Orleans' series continues!

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"Beautiful Disaster" By Jamie McGuire

I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh My Gosh! This book is definitely one of my absolute favorite books ever! I loved everything about "Beautiful Disaster" so much - the characters, the plot, the setting, the whole story! I would absolutely love it if "Beautiful Disaster" was turned into a movie; I know it would become a Hollywood bestseller! I found myself wanting to be in the book with these characters. I actually felt myself get involved with them. I read this book in a matter of one day in a couple sittings, so all together it was really only a matter of hours. I would give this book easily 5 STARS! Jamie McGuire, formerly a self-published author, definitely deserves her new spot with Simon and Schuster - Atria Books. Congrats Ms. McGuire! You earned it!

I LOVED LOVED LOVED the characters in this Contemporary Romance novel! Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox and Abby Abernathy were amazing! Travis, a popular tattooed bad boy, is the champion underground fighter at his University. Every girl wants to be with Travis, and every guy wants to be him – except Abby, at least in the beginning. Travis was instantly attracted to Abby because she seemed resistant to his charms, and soon they became best friends. Abby, whom was running from her own troubled past, was so set on the fact that she shouldn't be with a guy like Travis that she kept denying her true feelings for him. Eventually, the truth came out and Travis and Abby became romantically involved. Travis' behavior made a complete 180 and everyone from their college was just waiting for him to treat Abby like he used to treat girls. But, Travis was so head over heels in love with Abby, he stayed faithful to her. Of course, like with every relationship, they had their share of drama and breakups. But, love conquers all in this story and there was definitely a Happily Ever After in Travis and Abby's cards!

I liked the college setting in "Beautiful Disaster." Being at the college age myself I enjoyed reading about situations I could relate with. I also love bad boys that are really good and sweet at heart, so I was completely in love with Travis' character. I also could relate somewhat with Abby's character in the sense of wanting to start over and not have everyone know about the past. Everyone in "Beautiful Disaster" was just amazing. I really appreciated the supporting cast and liked Travis' cousin Shepley, and his girlfriend America (Abby's best friend). Like I said previously, I just wanted to be in this novel with these characters.

If you are someone who is looking for an amazing read and likes Romance with the college age group, I strongly suggest Jamie McGuire's "Beautiful Disaster." I will definitely read more books by Ms. McGuire; I really liked her writing style. This 5 STAR book will not leave you disappointed; it will leave you aching for more!

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“Life Before Death” by Matt Frend

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

“Life Before Death” was not the typical read for me. However, I was very pleased with the outcome of this book. The entire novel makes you think – it definitely made me ponder a few things. This novel was about serious matters, but I still had a good time reading it. The imagery was amazing and I actually felt like I was there in Australia; I always wanted to visit there and now I do even more. It was almost as if I were on my own road trip through the Australian Country. I give this book 4 stars!

I enjoyed the characters of this novel. I especially liked Mandi and Robyn and the conversations they would have. They had such strong opinions and were very deep thinkers and I found myself wanting to know what they were going to say throughout the story. I like that each character stayed true to who they were regardless of what the norm was. They wanted to live life their way and not according to what the government thought was the right thing. Mandi and her friends thought certain laws didn’t make sense and didn’t understand why society was forced to act a certain way. They made plans to go on a road trip and decided to grow their own cannabis because the government made hemp illegal. The friends had a lot of ups and downs on their trip – partying and hanging out with friends, as well as run-ins with the authorities. Mandi even had a vision that made her question everything and want to know the age old questions of, “Why are we here?”

Join author Matt Frend in his well-written novel “Life Before Death” to experience the road trip with Mandi and her friends. Find out the result of the cannabis they are growing, and see if they can get away with it. Also, learn what the characters opinions on life and society are. You may find yourself asking some questions of your own as well!

4 STAR REVIEW: "Touching Smoke (Touch, #1)" - Airicka Phoenix

“Touching Smoke (Touch, Book 1)” by Airicka Phoenix

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

SMOKING COVER!

I really enjoyed reading “Touching Smoke”, the first book in Airicka Phoenix’s “Touch” series. I was constantly surprised throughout the book. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, Ms. Phoenix pulled the rug from under my feet and surprised me again! This is a great YA Paranormal Romance – readers who enjoyed books like James Patterson’s “Maximum Ride” series and Kelly Armstrong’s “Darkest Powers” trilogy will really like “Touching Smoke” by Airicka Phoenix! I give this book 4 stars!

This book is about a sixteen year old girl named Fallon who lives life on the run with her mother. Problem is she never even knew she was running until recently. Fallon’s first clue something was off was when her mother purposefully drove a motorcyclist off the road and left him there. Fallon had an instant connection with this man on the motorcycle, almost like they were soul mates, but she had no idea why. She had no idea who he even was, but she had such a driving need to make sure he was alive and well. Later, Fallon found out this man’s name was Isaiah, and he was sent to protect her at all costs. She realizes that she would do anything to protect him as well. Fallon knows that what she and Isaiah feel for each other is not typical for teenagers in love, but they were made for each other – literally. Bit by bit, strange things have been happening to Fallon and she doesn’t know what is going on because her mother never answered any of her questions. The things happening to Fallon is not normal. Fallon and Isaiah are NOT normal. Join Fallon in “Touching Smoke” by Airicka Phoenix, in her search for the answers to her many questions about her existence. See what happens with Fallon and Isaiah in their fight for their lives in this great YA Paranormal Romance.

I really enjoyed the characters in “Touching Smoke.” I liked seeing Fallon progress from an awkward and frightened girl to a strong and brave young woman. The change was great to see. There were so many obstacles, drama, and pain in Fallon’s young life. But, when the time came to stand tall, fight and protect, Fallon did just that. I loved how she stood up for what she felt was right, and tried to protect what and whom she loved. I also loved Isaiah’s character. I loved his bad boy looks when he was first introduced in the story. I love motorcycles so his bike gave him added bonus points in my book. I like how fiercely Isaiah tried to protect Fallon, even before she knew who he was. ***SLIGHT SPOILER***Even though Fallon and Isaiah’s love was programmed, I believed in it. ***SLIGHT SPOILER!***

I read “Touching Smoke” quickly even though it was not a short read. I read the kindle version and when I was finished and came online to write my review I noticed that there were 380 pages in the paperback version. I had no clue there was that many pages because it didn’t feel like a long read at all. I like when I am reading and just so engrossed in the story that the length doesn’t bother me. I hate it when a book is really long for no reason, when the story just seems to go on and on with no end in sight – “Touching Smoke (Touch, Book 1)” definitely wasn’t one of those books though! I think that author Airicka Phoenix paced this story perfectly. There was the right amount of everything at the right time: suspense, romance, action, heartbreak, and more. The conclusion of this story left me satisfied yet yearning for more. I will definitely be looking out for the second installment of the “Touch” series. Airicka Phoenix is an author to look out for, and I would recommend her to Young Adult Paranormal Romance fans.

2 NEW REVIEWS!

"Dancing Naked in Dixie" by Lauren Clark

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading “Dancing Naked in Dixie” by Lauren Clark. This Chick Lit book is a must-have for the summer – a total beach read. The characters and story line were great; I found myself interested in this book right away. I loved the romance, suspense, and humor that Ms. Clark fused together. This book definitely deserves a 4 STAR rating; I would read more of Lauren Clark’s work and recommend “Dancing Naked in Dixie” to readers who enjoy Contemporary Romance and Chick Lit.

Julia Sullivan is a fast-paced travel journalist. She is always on the go, jumping from one great story to the next. But, after too many mistakes and missed deadlines Julia’s new boss threatens to fire her. After receiving another chance, Julia is sent to Eufaula, Alabama to cover a story that is a lot slower paced than she is used to. Eufaula “The Heart of Dixie” Alabama turns out a lot different than she anticipated though; there is culture to learn, love to experience, and mysteries to solve.

I really liked this book! As I said, it pulled me in right away; the storyline’s dynamic was brilliant. I can see myself enjoying the rest of Lauren Clark’s books. You should definitely check out “Dancing Naked in Dixie” if you are looking for that perfect book to read at the beach this summer – or even curled up by a fireplace in the winter, it’d be great no matter what!

"In My Dreams" by Cameo Renae

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Cameo Renae, your debut novel is a HIT – you nailed it! You wrote an amazing story and added an amazing cover. This is a great Young Adult story that deals with such strong emotions and heavy issues. There are feelings of love, loyalty, grief, fear, and more while dealing with relationships, betrayal, death, and danger. I loved the twists incorporated into this story. As soon as I thought everything was falling back into place, BAM! Ms. Renae would throw that twist in there and start the action right back up! This novel was also jam packed with emotions; you just might need some tissues nearby while you’re reading. The author would add in some humor at just the right time to help balance out your tears though. If you like YA Paranormal Romance, then I would definitely recommend this book to you. Overall, I give “In My Dreams” by Cameo Renae 4.5 STARS!

The summary can tell you about the book, but I will briefly reiterate it for you.

Seventeen year old Elizabeth “Lizzy” Hayes and best friend/boyfriend Michael Young have loved each other for most of their lives. On the day of their fourth anniversary, the always punctual Michael was late. Lizzy fell asleep and had a vision of Michael dying only to be awakened with the news that he really did die. When Lizzy was a young child she used to have premonitions in the form of dreams of people dying. The dreams had stopped for years and resurfaced the night of Michael’s death. From that point on, Lizzy had dreams of Michael where they would have real contact with each other (it was easier for new spirits to make contact through dreams). Michael refused to crossover to his afterlife until he was sure Lizzy was safe. He was murdered and Michael knew his murderer was coming after Lizzy; he would do whatever it takes to make sure she was safe. Will Michael’s murderer catch up to Lizzy? Can Lizzy stay safe and survive with the help of Michael? Will her dreams of him give her the strength that she needs to go on? Or will Lizzy be joining Michael in death sooner rather than later? Find out in “In My Dreams” by Cameo Renae!

Okay, this 4.5 STAR book is a great read! I really liked it, and I think that if you normally like YA novels you would like this book as well – especially if you are into the Paranormal Romance genre. I thought the love story between Lizzie and Michael was beautiful – simply amazing, it is a love that everyone dreams of experiencing; I certainly wish I could find that kind of love. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, such as Lizzy’s best friend Emily. Emily is so full of life and she made me laugh, and I also liked her because she believed in the paranormal. I appreciated the lessons that this story taught readers as well. The loyalties were great between the characters, but when betrayals did occur we learned that sometimes forgiveness is best.

I suggest adding “In My Dreams” by Cameo Renae to your TBR (to be read) list.

3 NEW REVIEWS!

“Learning in the Dark” by Margaret Sarah Bechtel

Stand up and clap your hands for Margaret Sarah Bechtel! *claps very loud* 4.5 STARS! Awesome book! “Learning in the Dark” is full of emotion from start to finish. Every emotion imaginable – anger, sadness, joy, despair, hope, and more are expressed in this book. Bechtel did such a great job of making the reader feel and really care for these characters. I found myself talking about this book to people and thinking about it when I wasn’t even reading. I love when that happens! It was a book that I wanted to see what happened next, but didn’t want to end. I definitely recommend “Learning in the Dark” to anyone looking for an all-around good read, though I suggest the reader be at least a mature young adult due to some scenes and words. I plan on reading more of Margaret Sarah Bechtel’s work, including her first novel “In the Land of Winter.”

This story is told by four different points of view (Lynn, Sophie, Carter, and Davis); the main voice however is Lynn Moore. Lynn was blinded when she was ten years old in a horrible accident caused by a group of kids. Kids mess around with other kids all the time and don’t end up blind, but in this case…Lynn did. Fortunately for Lynn she was able to live a pretty normal life. Things did get a little more complicated when she went to med school and was reunited with Carter. Carter was one of the kids from the accident – you can just imagine that first encounter between him and Lynn. Carter’s older brother Davis (also from the accident) is in a relationship with Lynn’s best friend, Sophie – you can also imagine that encounter when Lynn found out. So, with all the connections everywhere Lynn is forced to face her past. Will Lynn continue to hate the boys who caused her to be blind? Will she forgive and forget? Or will Lynn forgive them and try to get to know them…perhaps even develop a relationship?

I really enjoyed everything about this novel. I liked that I was able to get into the heads of more than one character. Being able to see the thoughts and feelings of Lynn, but also the emotions of the people who caused her accident was genius. I give this book 4.5 STARS out of 5 STARS. It was a near flawless book except there were a few teeny-tiny editing mistakes. I think everyone should definitely check out “Learning in the Dark” though, it is just such a moving novel. I haven’t read a book that made me feel so much in a long time. Go add Margaret Sarah Bechtel to your to be read list and make sure “Learning in the Dark” is at the top!

“Inkarna” by Nerine Dorman

Wow, this book was quite something! I am going to give it 4 STARS. I recently read another book that had to do with Egyptian Mythology that I really enjoyed, but this was a whole different style book. “Inkarna” is dark and AWESOME! I am not sure if there is going to be a sequel or if this book will be a stand-alone novel, but either way I was happy with how it ended. Of course, I would love it if there was a sequel because then I would just get to find out more about these incredible characters!

Lizzie Perry was supposed to be reincarnated as a 3 year old girl…but she wasn’t. Nope, instead she is reincarnated as Ashton Kennedy – Goth/rocker-wannabe/trouble maker. A female reincarnated as a male, fully aware that she was reincarnated, was definitely something Lizzie needed to get used to. She needed to learn how to live Ashton’s day to day life, and also how to stay away from the trouble that Ashton caused in those days. In the beginning of this book I was thinking of Lizzie as “in Ash’s body” and towards the end I was just thinking of her as Ash.

Nerine Dorman definitely had me thinking more about reincarnation. I always wondered if it were true and if I would be reincarnated one day. I hope that if it is real then I don’t have the same complications as Lizzie!

“Inkarna” was a great read that was full of emotions and conflict. I loved the detail the author put in to everything and I loved her characters. I hope there is a sequel so I can learn more about them and everything else going on. Ms. Dorman definitely did her job in keeping me interested.

“For Always” by Danielle Sibarium

I was happy to curl up with this book. I always enjoy YA novels, and “For Always” was no exception. I enjoyed that it wasn’t a happy-go-lucky teen scene book; I liked that I felt raw emotion. I am going to give “For Always” 4 STARS and I would definitely read more from author Danielle Sibarium. I would recommend this book to people who like to read Young Adult novels and to anyone who likes to read fiction that deals with real life issues. Though, due to some of the scenes and concepts of this book I would say that this book is more for the mature young adults.

Main character Stephanie Barrano is a relatable character for a lot of teenage girls. She has many issues in her life that are real. This isn’t the popular YA paranormal type book (even though I love those) where the character is dealing with fictional drama. This book has issues like depression, death, rejection, and anxiety – all issues ANYONE can experience. But there are also the lighter emotions of love, happiness, and hope. This novel is based on the relationship between Stephanie and older “friend” Jordan.

Stephanie meets Jordan when she is a freshman in high school and he a senior. They developed a friendship, but Stephanie wanted more. Jordan was against a relationship between them due to their age difference. Four years later, when Stephanie turns 18, can she and Jordan finally have a relationship? Will Jordan find some other excuse not to be with her? Will something else prevent them from being together? Or will Stephanie and Jordan finally live happily ever after? Find out in “For Always” by Danielle Sibarium!

Again, I give this book 4 stars! I think that if you like Contemporary Romance, YA, and real-life issues then you will love this book!