Give Me Reason by Zoey Derrick

Title:  Give Me Reason

Author:  Zoey Derrick

Series:  Reason #1

Published:  September 8th 2013 by Zoey Derrick

Page Count:  111

Genre:  YA Paranormal Romance

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★★

Book Blurb:

Vivienne Callahan has known only hardship. As if growing up with an alcoholic, drug addicted mother wasn’t traumatic enough, she’s escaped from her physically and verbally abusive boyfriend only to struggle every day to make ends meet as a waitress in a Minneapolis diner.

Along comes Mikah Blake, a handsome stranger who quickly takes an unexpected and persistent interest in her. On the surface, “Mr. Suit” seems to be Vivienne’s opposite: rich, well-fed, successful. As Vivienne will learn, Mikah is more than he seems, and for reasons unknown, he’s determined to be her knight in shining armor. But after having finally found her own two feet after years of abuse, it’s difficult for her to accept Mikah’s help.

Will her body’s unexpected response to Mikah’s touch be reason enough to overcome her pride and traumatic past and learn to love and trust? Or will her past, refusing to be left behind, come back to claim her?

Excerpt:

He’s looking down at me, making me feel small at five feet two inches. He has to be at least six feet tall. Broad shoulders. His suit today is gunmetal grey with blue or black pin striping—I can’t tell which. His shirt is a beautiful lavender color with a darker purple tie.

"How do you know I'm not an addict?" I ask, softly.

He smiles at me, warm, genuine. "Because, you've come to return the money I left you last night as a tip." My jaw falls open.

"How"—I swallow hard—"did you know?"

His smile fades a little. "Because, why else would you come down here?"

I close my mouth and look down at the floor. His ability to read me is really scary.

"Since you haven't eaten since last night, I'm going to take you to lunch."

I feel my face flush bright red, both in anger and complete irritation. "That is not why I'm here. I've survived for my entire life fending for myself, I don't need some rich hot shot business mogul buying me food." I reach into the pocket of my bag and pull the folded up paper from it. I thrust it towards him. He refuses to take it. Tears of frustration trickle down my cheeks. "Damn it Mikah, take it." I push it at him again and again he refuses. "I'm not a damn charity case. I don't need your money or your food."

The bell chimes. We’ve finally reached the skyway. As soon as the doors open, I drop the folded up paper with his money in it and bolt from the elevator, turning left, hoping and praying I can get away.

"Vivienne, stop." I hear him say behind me. I keep going, walking quickly but not running. Yet. I'm trying hard to not make a scene.

But he doesn’t seem to care about that. He catches me quickly, spins me around. I grab hold of his arm to catch my balance so I don't go sprawling onto the floor.

My Review:

Well, I can honestly say that I’ve never read a book that made me cry this hard before. I was so attached to the characters that each and every moment that they were in pain I felt for them. The main characters in this novel are quite well developed, even if one remains a bit mysterious. They are real people with real issues. Even if these issues are more extreme than what many of us would face everyday, they are real issues.

Derrick continues to write with her usual smooth and approachable style. Her understated descriptions meld perfectly with her thoughtful narrative to create a storyline that is not only extremely well put together, but also impossible to put down. This novel has some of everything in it. There is suspense, hardship, a bit of mystery & paranormal, and of course, a budding romance. Derrick does begin to introduce some things that have yet to be fully explained, but the allusion of things to come in future instalments is gripping.

My final thoughts? Holy cliffhanger batman! But in a good way, and the suspense is killing me. I can’t wait to be back with these characters when the next instalment comes out. So if you don’t like cliffhangers, wait for the sequel’s release so you can read them back to back, but this is definitely a must read for all.

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About the author:

It is from Glendale, Arizona that Zoey Derrick, a mortgage underwriter by day and romance and erotica novelist by night, writes stories as hot as the desert sun itself. It is this passion that drips off of her work, bringing excitement to anyone who enjoys a good and sensual love story.


Not only does she aim to take her readers on an erotic dance that lasts the night, it allows her to empty her mind of stories we all wish were true.
Her stories are hopeful yet true to life, skillfully avoiding melodrama and the unrealistic, bringing her gripping Erotica only closer to the heart of those that dare dipping into it. 
 


The intimacy of her fantasies that she shares with her readers is thrilling and encouraging, climactic yet full of suspense. She is a loving mistress, up for anything, of which any reader is doomed to return to again and again.

Online links:

· Website WWW.ZOEYDERRICK.COM
· Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ZOEY.DERRICK
· Facebook WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ZOEY.DERRICK.1
· Twitter WWW.TWITTER.COM/ZOEYDERRICK
· Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7060851.Zoey_Derrick

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The Matchplay Trilogy by Dakota Madison

Title:  Matchplay

Author:  Dakota Madison

Series:  Matchplay #1

Published:  March 17th 2013 by Short on Time Books 

(first published March 15th 2013)

Page Count:  212

Genre:  NA Contemporary Romance

Shelf: Books I Bought

Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A Girl, a Guy, a Tournament and a Challenge

The Girl: At a time when most girls obsess about homecoming and high school prom, Rainy Dey spent her senior year caring for her dying mother. So when her father drops her off at college to start her freshman year, his words of advice to his bookish daughter are to start acting like a young person and finally have some fun.

The Guy: College senior, Aaron Donavan, aka Mr. Hot-and-Knows-It, is President of the Clubhouse, a social club for the college’s most wealthy and popular guys. Aaron can have any girl on campus except the one who challenges and excites him the most—Rainy Dey.

The Tournament: Every year, the senior members of The Clubhouse engage in a golf-inspired tournament to see who can sleep with the most freshman girls. When Rainy finds out about the tournament, she believes Aaron’s only interest in her is to score points by taking her V-Card.

The Challenge: Can Aaron convince Rainy that his feelings for her are true and that she won’t be just another notch on his tournament scorecard?

--
This NEW ADULT ROMANCE contains language and content indented for adult readers (18+).

My Review:

This novel had a heartbreaking beginning. Such harsh life lessons learned so young. With this beginning Madison takes you and drops you right into the middle of the story, fighting right alongside her wonderfully created characters, trying to make a go at a relationship that society dictates is probably bound to fail. I also love how this story takes place in a very concrete location but you never find out exactly where that is. As a reader, you are dependent on Madison to fully create this world for you, which she does brilliantly. Madison paints a mural of the campus where these characters live that is so vivid you feel like you’ve been there.

Madison has presented us with a vast yet well-developed cast of characters to fill the pages of this novel. They range from the stereotypical frat boys, to well-to-do ladies, to studious geeks. Everyone has a well-defined place in the story, which is supported by both their past and their actions. The real life, gut lever reactions from these characters reach out to the readers. They are never forced or fake. It allows you to relate to them on many different levels.

As a whole, this was a quite shocking yet very interesting and emotional novel that doesn’t let you go easily. It was a brilliantly put together novel from a very intriguing author.

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Buy online via Amazon, Amazon.ca, or B&N.

Title: Fair Play

Author:  Dakota Madison

Series:  Matchplay #2

Published:  July 22nd 2013 by Short on Time Books

Page Count:  229

Genre:  NA Contemporary Romance

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads.

 

FAIR PLAY can be read as a STAND ALONE novel or as BOOK TWO of the MATCHPLAY series. BOOK THREE, FINAL PLAY, will be available in August 2013.

The Good-Girl, the Bad-Girl and the Boy They Both Want...FAIR PLAY begins where the New Adult romance MATCHPLAY left off.

Bad girls need love, too...

Keira Whitley is used to getting what she wants and what she wants is the sexy-and-smart, Aaron Donovan. They're both from extremely wealthy and prominent families and their parents have talked about getting the two of them together since they were kids.

The only problem is that Aaron recently got engaged to the girl of his dreams, Rainy Dey.

But Keira knows she and Aaron are supposed to be together and she's not about to let a little thing like Aaron's declaration of true love for Rainy get in her way.

But is all really fair in love and war?

WARNING: This book is told from the perspective of Keira Whitley, a villainous Queen of Mean. If you're looking for a story told from the point of view of a sweet Mary-Sue virgin, this book is NOT FOR YOU. Go read Fifty Shades of Grey again. And if you decide to read this book anyway, DON'T say I didn't warn you.

This NEW ADULT ROMANCE contains language and content indented for adult readers (18+).

My Review:

Madison jumps right into this novel in the first person and gives a very ominous feel to all relationships in the story. You know that no one will have an easy ride throughout, but you instinctively want to face these trials it with them. I found myself honestly wondering how this novel would end and unable to put it down throughout.

This author’s polished writing has such a smooth flow that you feel like you’re watching a movie at times. The novel is well put together, both in editing, formatting, and in the very solid storyline that Madison sets forth. Her descriptions are simultaneously vivid and natural, allowing you to visualise everything that the characters experience.

The way that Madison writes this novel not only in the 1st person but also from inside the main character’s mind is earth shattering. You really get to know the ins and outs of what she does and why she does it. Kiera’s underhanded, scheming personality is developed perfectly, and her self-revelations not only help her discover herself, but also helps the audience get to know her and understand her world.

As a whole this was a brilliant 2nd instalment in the Matchplay series that not only makes you want to read more by this author but also makes you appreciate life. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending it to anyone who enjoys NA romance.

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Title:  Final Play

Author:  Dakota Madison

Series:  Matchplay #3

Published:  August 2013 by Short on Time Books

Page Count:  224

Genre:  NA Contemporary Romance

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

FINAL PLAY can be read as a STAND ALONE novel or as BOOK THREE of the MATCHPLAY series.

A Guy, a Girl and the Deviled Egg they both want...

Straight-laced newbie engineer Lucas Young wasn't looking for love when he attended his friend, Rainy Dey's wedding reception. But what he did want was one of the delicious looking deviled eggs that were prominently displayed on the hors d'oeuvres table. Unfortunately, the delectable treat was practically stolen out of his hand by...

Ella Warner, groomsman Evan Warner's "crazy" younger sister and the black sheep of their well-to-do family. Ella does everything on her own terms, including snatching a yummy deviled egg from Lucas's rather hungry clutches.

But it's going to take a lot more than the perfect deviled egg to keep this completely mismatched couple from going completely off the rails as they negotiate an increasingly complicated relationship.

Opposites may attract but can they actually find true love with each other?

My Review:

Madison employs some shockingly perfect descriptions throughout this novel. They may be a little out of the ordinary, but they fit perfectly with the scene and the character POV. They also set the reader up to be able to completely immerse themselves within the storyline and the lives of these characters. Everything and everyone is so real in this novel that you can’t help but smile, or cry, right alongside the characters. Not only that, but this entire novel is told from the male POV, which is always a unique ride in a romance novel, especially when it’s as tactfully done as this one is.

I really appreciate how Madison steps outside the box with the characters on this one. Not only does she bring mental illness to the forefront in a very big way, she shows how, with time and support it can at times be managed. Because of this these characters have to deal with issues that are very unique in the romance genre, but that are more frequent in everyday life than most would like to admit. Not only that, but, as is the usual for Madison’s work, these characters are very well developed as individuals, as family members, and as a couple. The supporting cast is also quite well developed. Some we know primarily from previous novels in the series, others we get to know much better in this instalment, and yet others are completely new and captivating in their own right.

As a whole, this was a brilliant addition to the Matchplay series where in Madison steps outside the box in a series that has already set itself aside as being outside the norm for the genre. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

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The Marriage Pact by M.J. Pullen

Title:  The Marriage Pact

Author: M.J. Pullen

Series: The Marriage Pact #1

Published:  June 16th 2011

Page Count:  268

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Shelf:  Books I Bought

Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Marci Thompson always knew what life would be like by her 30th birthday. A large but cozy suburban home shared with a charming husband and two brilliant children. A celebrated career as an established writer, complete with wall-to-wall mahogany shelves and a summer book tour. A life full of adventure with her friends and family by her side. Instead, Marci lives alone in 480 square feet of converted motel space next to a punk rock band, hundreds of miles from her friends and family. She works in a temporary accounting assignment that has somehow stretched from two weeks into nine months. And the only bright spot in her life, not to mention the only sex she's had in two years, is an illicit affair with her married boss, Doug. Thirty is not at all what it is cracked up to be. Then the reappearance of a cocktail napkin she hasn't seen in a decade opens a long-forgotten door, and Marci's life gets complicated, fast. The lines between right and wrong, fantasy and reality, heartache and happiness are all about to get very blurry, as Marci faces the most difficult choices of her life.

My Review:

What girl, over the age of 25 and single, hasn’t thought about doing this? It’s brilliant. But the question remains, would you follow through? This novel takes you on a bit of a no holds barred joy ride into the lives of individuals just trying to make it through the trials of everyday life. Not only is this storyline very well and eloquently put together, but Pullen’s writing style also draws you in. As a reader you begin to feel like you are surrounded by the characters. You can hear them talking and see them acting out their everyday lives. It’s an amazing feeling.

The characters in this novel are brilliant. I became quite attached to them. They were like old college friends, to the extent that I wanted to throw a pillow at them once or twice for being ridiculous. But at the same time, they were being real people. It was so nice to get to know characters who actually let you into their lives as a whole, rather than simply giving you sneak peeks into certain aspects.

As a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these characters and cannot wait to continue on throughout life with them. I also wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys romance with a dash of reality added in for good measure.

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Darwin's Children by Natasha Larry

Title:  Darwin's Children

Author:  Darwin's Children

Series:  Darwin's Children #1

Series:  June 8th 2011 by Penumbra Publishing 

(first published May 10th 2010)

Page Count:  262

Genre:  Young Adult Paranormal

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Life can get pretty complicated for any seventeen-year-old girl, but for a home-schooled telepathic black girl trying to survive in a prestigious private school in small-town Jonesborough, Tennessee, it can be maddening; especially when her telepathic father keeps eavesdropping on her thoughts!

Jaycie Lerner's family isn't the usual mom-dad-kid setup. Jaycie's mom is MIA, but Allison, her personal live-in trainer, is more than a mom, with her own special abilities, like being able to lift cars and run incredibly fast. And Jaycie's godfather John is more than persuasive; he can literally convince anyone to do anything.

As far as the rest of the world's concerned, Jaycie's on the outside looking in. The townsfolk love Jaycie's paediatrician father, but she doesn't fit in with "normal" kids, and she doesn't really want to. Most of her free time is spent training to keep her telekinetic and telepathic powers under control. But there's one thing she can't control; and that's her feelings, especially when her best friend Matt is nearby. If only he knew what she was truly capable of...

Everything seems to be status quo for Jaycie until she receives a cryptic message from a stranger and meets a very unusual girl new to Jonesborough. Then all hell breaks loose!

My Review:

Larry definitely captured the market with this one. She takes the well-known supernatural races, combines them with a vast array of other `human` supernaturals and takes you on a wild ride. Throughout the novel Larry drops bits and pieces of information regarding these individuals and their evolution, while keeping her readers wrapped up in the intense storyline that she has so flawlessly created. And yes, these supernaturals have, and are, evolving. As in Darwin`s theory. It was so subtle yet brilliantly used that I couldn`t help but smile. This is a book about growing up with an extra kick.

This novel is naturally written with an enticing flow. Some of Larry`s descriptions are explicitly out there. It`s brilliant and exactly how you`d picture the main character seeing the scene. It was really neat being in the main characters` heads without the story being written in the 1st person. Knowing what they`re thinking is priceless at times.

Larry has created the type of characters that you instinctively want to get to know better. These characters are very easy to relate to, especially since they`re real people with real lives, even if they do have superpowers. As a reader you form an emotional attachment to these characters. Because of this, parts of this novel actually broke my heart. At the same time, others made me think of the goodness inherent in humanity.

Overall, this novel eloquent and captivating yet still has a funny and approachable storyline. It is intensely thought provoking and extremely captivating. I could barely put it down throughout and can`t wait to see how these characters continue to evolve throughout the series.

 

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Forbidden Surrender by Priscilla West

Title: Forbidden Surrender

Author:  Priscilla West

Published:  Aug 12/13

Page Count:  128

Genre:  Romance/Erotica

Shelf: Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★

  

Synopsis:

“What gives you a thrill Kristen?”

The minute I saw Vincent Sorenson, I knew he was trouble. Billionaire. Bad boy. And dangerously sexy. He was everything I craved, and nothing I needed.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t just avoid him. The higher ups at my company decided they needed his business, and I was on the team to bring him in. Vincent Sorenson didn’t seem as interested in business as he was in me, but I knew that was a door better left unopened. If I got involved with him, it would only unearth the pain I spent years trying to bury.

I thought I had it under control, but I seriously underestimated Vincent’s seductive charm and silver-tongue. I would soon find out how delicious it would feel to let myself fall into this forbidden surrender.

My Review:

West took a done to death genre and gave it a new twist to create something fully her own. Her smooth yet captivating writing combines with her interesting descriptions to paint a picture of the various scenes for the audience. There were definitely a few ‘holy hell Hannah’ moments in this one. These were always perfectly placed to draw you further into a scene or to make you realise how intense these two characters were with regards to each other.

The two main characters in this novel were quite well developed. You get to know them well as individuals. They never become one of ‘those couples’ who are indistinguishable as individuals. It’s quite refreshing. Considering the short length of this story the supporting cast was also adequately developed.

Overall, I quite enjoyed the story. There was a unique amount of compromise in the relationship between the two characters, with each coming out on top at the end. But I definitely have to wonder about the ending. It’s a ‘what happens now’ moment. It’s one of those cliff-hangers that just leaves you sitting there for a moment wondering where the ending went. Without this, I would have definitely considered a 5 star rating for this novella.

 

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Buy online via Amazon or B&N.

About the Author:

Priscilla West is the author of the popular erotic romance series The Sandstone Affair and is currently writing the Surrender series. She likes to write stories with sassy heroines and strong but flawed heroes.

She enjoys: cuddles, men in suits, eskimo kisses, life-sized teddy bears, and eggs over medium.

You can find her at priscillawest.com
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6761816.Priscilla_West

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Secrets of the Moon by Kristy Centeno

Title:  Secrets of the Moon

Author:  Kristy Centeno

Published:  July 7th 2013 by Inkspell Publishing (first published July 1st 2013)

Page Count:  418

Genre:  YA Paranormal Romance

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★

Book Blurb:

Teenager Marjorie Emery eluded death. As she struggles to get her life back on track, she believes her efforts are paying off. Yet, when a black dressing, unfriendly, and incredibly handsome hottie walks into her classroom, she’s forced into a tailspin. Marjorie has no idea how much his presence is going to shatter what little tranquility she’s achieved.

Kyran Rousseau’s gloomy nature has a name, one that is potentially fatal under the right circumstances. His family harbors secrets and does everything to protect Kyran. While, he doesn’t want to ruin Marjorie’s normal life, love has a way of changing his plans.

Falling for Kyran is the least of Marjorie’s worries. With a faceless threat hunting her and a boyfriend who's as dangerous as he is good looking—how can Marjorie and Kyran keep all hell from breaking loose before it’s too late?

Exerpt:

After several numbers, Kyran led me back to our table and offered to bring me a bottle of water. As he walked away, I couldn’t help but stare at his tall form. Kyran was stunning. I never got tired of complimenting him, even if I never actually said it aloud. As he made his way toward the counter, women turned to ogle him. Women with dates still stopped to stare at him, much to the disapproval of the men standing beside them. For a fleeting moment, I couldn’t help but feel pleased having him as my date. He was quite possibly the most handsome guy in the entire café.

As I continued to wait for Kyran to return, I fanned my face with one hand, trying to cool myself down. It was incredibly hot inside the crowded room and I was beginning to sweat. I’d danced so much I had become tired and my feet started hurting. Oddly enough, Kyran hadn’t so much as broken a sweat.

The band began to play their last song for the night when I felt Kyran lightly touch my arm. I looked up to see him offering me an ice-cold bottle of water. Relieved, I took the bottle and opened it. The water felt good as it traveled down my throat, and I nearly swallowed half the bottle in one gulp. Embarrassed, I glanced over at Kyran. He didn’t appear to notice, since he was watching the band. He sat so close I could feel the warmth emanating from his body.

Wasn’t he hot? He was wearing a jacket and I wasn’t. I was hot and sweaty, but he wasn’t. Not only were Kyran’s mood swings completely unpredictable but so, apparently, were the sudden changes in his body temperature. It all seemed so strange to me, but I kept all comments and questions to myself.

Kyran’s gaze turned from the band back to me and I smiled as he glanced my way. My heart leapt inside my chest when he removed a stray lock of hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear. His hand caressed my cheek, leaving an imprint wherever it touched. I leaned against his hand as it moved up and down my face, drowning in the feel of it. The music was still going, the room was still dark, but none of that mattered as Kyran and I felt like the only two people in the otherwise filled café. When Kyran leaned forward and pressed his lips to mine, I felt a sudden bolt of energy run right through me. It was the most unbelievably pleasant experience I’d ever had by far. His lips sought mine and I returned the caress. My ears became deaf to anything but the loud pounding of my heart.

Kyran’s hand shifted from my cheek to the back of my head, bringing my face closer to his, and therefore having a better angle to kiss me. I didn’t resist; if anything I returned his kiss with as much hunger as he was kissing me. I found myself bunching my fists in his shirt and bringing him down toward me. It was a sweet and passionate kiss, far better than I had imagined. My body buzzed all over and my hands itched to touch and explore him. The kiss ended abruptly when we heard the music die down and many people started to cheer for the amazing band. Embarrassingly, up to that point I hadn’t even bothered to ask what the band’s name was. Self-consciously, we glanced around to see if anyone had noticed our brief lapse, but apparently no one had. Not a single person was paying any attention to us.

My Review:

My first and last thoughts on this novel? More please! Like, now.

This intriguing story definitely had a hard hitting back-story. It was fully developed and really made you stop and think. It also shaped the lives of many of the characters, giving you insight into who they were as apposed to who they are now. Centeno’s intensely visual descriptions paint a picture for her readers. This meshes with the very natural flow of the story to create an aura of both completeness and intensity that pulls you forwards and further into this well created world. There were some very unique concepts presented in this novel that seemed completely normal and everyday as they were extremely clearly laid out, while keeping the reader entrenched in the storyline itself. Honestly, my biggest (and only) issue with this novel was the fact that I questioned who in the world would buy a 12 year old a stallion, but hey, I’m sure it happens.

The characters in this novel were also very well put together. There was a definite line between the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’, allowing the readers to differentiate between the two sides of the story. That said, the characters were not so easily divided. As you get to know more about them not only are you able to relate to many of them, but their personalities and backgrounds also help to further the storyline. The varied personalities and backgrounds of the characters are extremely diverse, yet add a sense of community to the story. Also, I absolutely loved the main characters. They were both fighting with some serious issues and histories yet they were able to be themselves while they were attempting to accept who they were. It was rather awe inspiring.

As a whole, this novel can be summed up with 1 phrase, ‘Holy Hell Hannah, what a rush!’ I couldn’t put this novel down from the beginning to the very end, where I reluctantly had to part ways with these lovely characters. I definitely want to read more from this intriguingly inspiring author, both in this series and of her writing as a whole.

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Buy online via Amazon, B&N, or the publisher.

About the Author:

As a child, she used to lose herself in an imaginary world by the means of a good book. Now that she’s all grown up, Kristy gets to create her own fictional realms and make them come to life in ways that most readers might not expect.

She’s always had a passion for writing but never had the opportunity do so until now. After trying out numerous options, she realized that writing was what she loved the most so when she found herself with some free time on her hands, she decided to pursue her passion. As it turned out, her very active imagination helped her achieve her goals of creating believable plots with some ordinary, and some not so ordinary characters that helped the stories move along in one way or another.

As she keeps moving along in achieving her dreams of becoming a published author, she divides her time in between her four children and her very understanding husband.

Website: http://www.kristycenteno.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KristyCenteno
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KrissyGirl122
Blog: http://booksbycenteno.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/KristyCenteno

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The Guardian's Wildchild by Feather Stone ~*~ Giveaway Launch ~*~

Title:  The Guardian's Wildchild

Author:  Feather Stone

Published:  September 27th 2011 by Omnific Publishing 

(first published September 26th 2011)

Page Count:  277

Genre:  YA dystopian paranormal Romance

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Sidney Davenport is known as Wildchild to her Guardian mentor, Greystone. She rebels against rules. Wildchild is gifted in the paranormal, but carefully conceals her powers from the world. Even in the crises that threaten her life, she refuses to use her powers of telepathy, telekinesis, space/time travel. If her enemies discovered the truth of who she is, her Guardian people would be destroyed. She calls upon her spirit guides, Seamus and Celeste, to guide her through a mine field of the insane - Madame and Captain Butchart.

Sidney leaves her home on Hawk's Island to help the underground stop two people who are about to cause worldwide madness. Unskilled in esponage, she is arrested and sentanced to death. But, God help Sidney, she can't deny her attraction to the man who has orders to perform her execution - the tall, dark eyed Captain Waterhouse. He's meticulous, disciplined and lives by the strict rules expected of an officer of the American navy.

Captain Waterhouse is about to scrap his higher morals to bust out of his hell. When a female prisoner is delivered to his ship, he has no idea she is capable of turning his disciplined life into a storm of unimaginable experiences. His prisoner's enemies, he discovers, are also the ones who hold his life in the palm of their hands.

Through stunning imagery, an intricate and adventurous plot, and a strong cast of characters, Feather Stone gives readers a fast paced story woven with murder and magic.

My Review:

This is a very well edited and put together story. It is captivatingly written with an intriguingly unique concept. Stone has created a history of these people that gives you the necessary background information. She also covers the key events in a long period of time quickly, but without the reader feeling left behind or rushed. Stone`s brilliant descriptions painted a mural for you, allowing you to see the scenes separately and as a whole.

I was quite shocked with the vast array of character types in this novel. They were all well developed, letting you know who they really were, and meshed together into a group of people who definitely kept you on your toes. You get to know these characters so well that you feel like you`ve met them and that you`ve journeyed with them. You really feel for, and with, these wonderful people.

This story was extremely well put together with a cohesive and coherent storyline. Stone pulls together a brilliant cast with some action and a few tear jerker moments to create a wholly unique and very captivating story. My only issue with this novel was the ending. It fits with the story perfectly, but… Overall, I would definitely recommend this story to others and would pick up more work by this talented author.

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The Hunt is On by Natalie Herzer

Title: The Hunt is On

Author: Natalie Herzer

Series:  The Patroness #2

Published:  December 6th 2012

Page Count:  204

Genre:  Paranormal (with some romance)

Shelf:  Books I bought

Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Maiwenn Cadic has her hands full.

The Turn is a few weeks ahead and the world seems to be literally coming apart at the seams - natural disasters and weird phenomena keep everyone on edge. An unusually high number of missing persons is thought to be just another side effect but is making Maiwenn nervous.

When all fingers point to the Queen of the Undead, Maiwenn is once again forced to join forces with Kylian, new leader of the Paris shapeshifter pack.

Sharp-tongued and sharp-fanged conflicts follow...

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:

Herzer’s writing draws you in in such a way that you don’t realize it until the book is over and you don’t want to let go. You feel a connection to the characters and their plights that beyond compare to other literature. As an author, Herzer has the ability to make her story very suspenseful and intense without lots of blood, guts and/or explosions. Her story and characters do this for her. She melds brilliant scenery with intensely captivating characters and a breathtaking storyline to keep you completely hooked.

I love Herzer’s take on the end of the Mayan calendar. It’s definitely not something I’ve ever seen before and it gives a brilliant basis for her novel. The mythology behind this story is flawlessly developed. It is unique to this series but never waivers. It also works in some very interesting portions of history and various religious and cultural mythologies for a solidly built yet intensely exciting experience.

I love that the characters have fun and are fun individuals, regardless of their current circumstances. This breath of fresh air in these individuals makes them seem all the more real. They are able to live their lives and continue struggling through what they must face and they do so together. I also really appreciate the versatility of the characters. No one is type cast, and forced to remain in that role. I also love all the weres in the story. They aren’t just your typical wolves, nor all they all of the same ‘breed’. There’s some of everything, but they do form a pack. It’s absolutely amazing to see how Herzer works them all together.

As a whole, this was one of those novels that, although leaving you with a sense of an ending for the time being you want much more and also don’t want to let the characters go in the interim. I’m definitely in love with this story and the characters and cannot wait to continue on their journey with them.

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Cold by Stella Cameron

Title:  Cold, Introducing Alex Duggins

Author:  Stella Cameron

Published:  August 17th 2013 by Purple Papaya, LLC 

Page Count:  238

Genre:  Thriller/Suspense

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating: ★★★★

Book Blurb:

You can't outrun the past...

...and tripping over a frosted corpse is a complication that could destroy Alex Duggins' attempt to restart her life. The discovery of a murder victim threatens to unearth some old secrets, including her own.

As the tiny town of Folly-on-Weir braces for a chilling winter and snow blankets Britain's Cotswold Hills, a killer faces a deadline. A terrible crime was believed to be safely hidden, but time and conscience can wear on a secret.

The clock ticks and with the police breathing down her neck, Alex knows she's at the top of the suspect list. Desperate to clear her name and find the real murderer she begins to peel back the layers of deception that have long-concealed one of the town's darkest secrets. But time is also running out for a killer who has nothing left to lose. What's one more murder?

Someone intends that Alex will be the next snow-covered body found in the beautiful hills above the town.

Excerpt:

How long had it taken to change a life forever? A minute, ninety seconds – while he listened, barely understanding, while two men destroyed his own young innocence, and allowed another child to die?

Nothing was ever the same after that day. All the days and years that followed had led to this night of hope and fear.

“Come on boy, catch up,” Dominic called. “We’ll freeze if we don’t keep moving.”

The only reason he could see the dog at all in the darkness was that his dark gray fur showed up against a thickening carpet od snow underfoot, and the falling flakes that grew heavier with each moment.

Brother Dominic stopped and watched Bogie approach like a trotting miniature show horse in slow motion, lifting each foot as if it burned.

“Okay, we’ll keep each other a bit warmer.” He swept up his little grey buddy and tucked him inside an old tweed coat. “Now we’ve got to get a move on. This is a borrowed coat and we need to give it back to Percy.”

Talking to his dog was an indulgence Dominic reserved for when they were alone. He smiled at the thought. They were rarely as alone as they were in the middle of the night, on this hill in the Cotswold Hills that were so spectacular in the daylight, yet so pitiless when every step was an act of faith.

` He had pulled the hood on his habit up to cover his head and ward off some of the cold. The old, brown cloth was already soaked and started to freeze.

Silence seemed absolute. Except when a gust of wind sent frigid, leafless branches raking together.

Not a single vehicle had passed on the narrow road that forked away from the tiny village below and rose to traverse the hill. There was a scatter of farms and houses up here, all with feeder tracks from the road. But any people out there were probably tucked up sleeping by now.

You couldn’t see any buildings form the road.

Bogie scrabbled closer and pressed his wet nose to Dominic’s neck.

The wind picked up, drove straight at him, and he leaned against it to push his way on, and the snow drove into his face and crammed inside his collar.

He crossed his hands over the dog and pushed his bare hands beneath his arms.

This has to be done.

Old wrongs must be put right, lies dispelled quickly for the sake of peace, his own but more importantly, the others involved. His challenge was to bring secrets into the light without harming the innocent.

My Review:

This novel was a shocker right from the 1st paragraph. Cameron took off running and the suspense didn’t let up right until the very end. I found myself always guessing until I came to the ‘I didn’t see that coming’ ending. Cameron has definitely mastered the mystery/suspense genre, keeping her story fast paced without having to resort to mass amounts of death, dismemberment, and explosions to keep the attention of her audience.

Through her vivid and uniquely developed writing style Cameron is able to bring her world to life in the most natural way. Her understated descriptions bring a calm and natural air to this community amidst a time of crisis. As a reader you are able to experience this world in an all-encompassing way through the eyes of the various characters.

Cameron has created some very captivating and insightful characters for this novel. Both the main characters and the supporting cast are extremely well developed. They all play counterpoint to each other to create an entire community, rather than a one sided cast.

All in all this was a very unique murder mystery/suspense novel that kept me captivated and guessing right till the last page.

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About the author:

Stella Cameron is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. With over fourteen million copies of her books in print, Cameron is now turning her pen to mysteries and independently publishing COLD, Introducing Alex Duggins. She draws on her English background for this new, already critically acclaimed mystery series. Atmospheric, deeply character and relationship driven, COLD reveals the power of old secrets to twist the present. Cameron's reputation for using her backgrounds to add tension and allure to her stories is heightened again.

Cameron is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award for distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community. She lives in Washington with her husband Jerry, her Papillon Millie, black cat Zipper, and a cheeky little tabby named Jack.

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Feyland: The Twilight Kingdom by Anthea Sharp

Title:  Feyland:  The Twilight Kingdom

Author:  Anthea Sharp

Series:  Feyland #3

Published:  November 2012 by Anthea Sharp

Page Count:  325

Genre:  YA Urban Fantasy

Shelf:  Gift from friends/Family

Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Faeries. Computer games. A boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and the girl he’s forbidden to love.

~ Book 3 in the Feyland Trilogy ~

THEIR LAST CHANCE…

Jennet Carter and Tam Linn are almost out of time. Feyland, the most immersive computer game ever designed, is about to be released into the world—along with the Realm of Faerie’s dangerous magic.

WIN THE GAME…

The faeries, desperate to break free from their realm, have set treacherous plans in motion. Despite magical allies of their own, Jennet and Tam have no idea what dire threats await, both in-game and out.

OR DIE TRYING…

Battling for their lives against the united powers of the Dark Queen and Bright King, Jennet and Tam’s quest to stop the fey takes them into the perilous Twilight Kingdom, where illusion reigns—and magic can break all the rules.

My Review:

What do you get when the world of Shakespeare meets a video game? Some adventure, a few laughs, and a whole barrel full of awesome. That’s what Sharp has brought us with this final novel in the Feyland Trilogy.

Sharp definitely gives her characters some unique challenges to overcome. She mixes fantasy with reality and some virtual reality gaming to create a melded world that you find yourself lost in. Sharp’s gripping yet fluid writing style allows you to flow through the story alongside the characters without missing a beat. Her vivid descriptions allow you to walk beside them through a world you not only know but can also see.

The characters that we’ve come to know and love (or hate) throughout the series return here, each changed slightly from their trials and travels, but as the same individuals that we’ve always known. Sharp continues to develop these characters so that you feel like you’ve known them your whole life by the end of this novel. She also introduces some new characters to help round out the cast for this final battle of wills. These new characters are extremely well developed. They compliment and help to balance those that we already know.

Overall, this was a fan-frickin-tastic conclusion to the Feyland trilogy, even if I do want to see more of these characters. It is a journey that I’m sad to see end, but it was well worth the trip (read?).

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Aradia Awakens by Tish Thawer

Title:  Aradia Awakens

Author:  Tish Thawer

Series:  Ovialell #1

Published:  November 6th 2012 by Amber Leaf Publishing

Page Count:  376

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Shelf: Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Please note: This is an ADULT PNR which contains explicit sex scenes! You've been warned! :)

To claim her destiny, Aryiah must die...but dying's just the beginning.

After waking from a dream where all she remembers is the word Wicca, Aryiah is determined to re-educate herself with this magical religion of her youth.

When a gorgeous man materializes in her living room, vampires start knocking on her door, and books literally start to glow, she soon realizes this dream was just the beginning of a nightmare.

Aryiah has been triggered to become one of The Witches, a coven charged with protecting the citizens of Ovialell with their magick and healing abilities. The only catch? In order to take her place with The Witches, Aryiah will have to die.

My Review:

I was very caught up in the uniqueness of this novel and the accurate mythological background that was found worked into this very unique tale. By the end of this novel I felt like I would have walked into the world that the author created and found my way around with little to no trouble. The dialogue in this novel fit well with the story and was never forced or drawn out. The characters spoke like real people. They also lived the lives of real individuals, highlighted with Thawer’s unique method of storytelling and her vivid and detailed descriptions.

The main characters were very unique and I found myself wanting to point them in the correct direction. I did enjoy the secondary characters, but a bit more background information on some of them would have made it easier to relate to them. Overall, the entire cast was so well developed that I knew each quite well. Some more intimately than others, but that’s the way relationships go in reality as well. I was able to connect with every character in the novel in some way or another. It was a unique experience.

This novel was an amazing read for anyone who enjoys romance, mythology, the paranormal, or just a plain unique read. My final thoughts? I cannot wait to read more from this series and would love to dip into other works by this author.

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Dangerous Ally by Michelle Grey

Title:  Dangerous Ally

Author:  Michelle Grey

Published:  November 29th 2012 by Createspace

Page Count:  300

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lacey Jordan is expecting dinner, and hopefully, an engagement announcement. Not her own, of course. After two serious screw-ups, she's all but sworn off relationships. When she arrives at her father's house to celebrate his future happiness though, he's nowhere to be found. As the hours pass, the worst scenarios Lacey's mind can conjure send her rushing into action. However, reality proves even more frightening as she discovers that her father's recent scientific breakthrough is one that people would kill for. To make matters worse, the source of the information is the one person she'd hoped to never see again. Caleb Mansfield, her father's former protege and her former lover, needs Lacey's cooperation, and the very trust he'd stolen years before. But Lacey can't be certain if Caleb's working with her or against her. Running out of time, she has nowhere else to turn. As the trail leading to her father narrows, Lacey becomes a target, risking her life to save him. Too late, she understands that with Caleb back in her life, she's risking her heart as well.

My Review:

This novel started out a little slow but was quite interesting with all of the background information that Grey fills her readers in with. It kept getting better from there. By the end I was quite immersed in the lives of these characters. I quite enjoyed the biotechnology behind the story. It was a brilliant basis that made this story stand out in the crowd, even if the romance portion of the novel was a bit predictable at times. But hey, it’s a romance novel. They tend to all have a HEA.

The main characters in this novel were quite interesting and driven. I became rather attached to them and they were definitely the type of people that you wanted to see succeed. The supporting cast could have been a bit more developed so that we had more of an idea who they were, but they did serve their roles quite nicely as they were.

Overall, this novel presented a very cohesive whole that brought you from point A to point B with a smile on your face. It was an enjoyable read that I’d recommend to those who enjoy romance with a bit of suspense.

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The Darkening by Caris Roane

Title:  The Darkening

Author:  Caris Roane

Series:  Dawn of Ascension #2, Guardians of Ascension #6.5

Published:  February 14th 2013 

(first published February 11th 2013)

Page Count:  234

Genre:  Paranormal Romantic Suspense

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A tortured warrior and a peace-loving counselor battle to protect Second Earth against a powerful dark force…

He thwarted connection of any kind…

Fearing that his newly emerged grayle power will kill innocent ascenders, Samuel Daman struggles to keep his distance from beautiful Vela Stillwell. But the breh-hedden has struck and her light floral scent tears at his restraint. When the enemy draws them both into the darkening, a place of secret travel for Third ascenders, will Samuel learn to control his power, or will he destroy what he desires most?

She hid from grief…

Vela Stillwell wanted a new life, away from Militia Headquarters, away from the reminder of all she’d lost when her husband died five years earlier. Seeking a more reclusive occupation, she finishes her last day of work only to have Samuel Daman and the infamous breh-hedden sweep through her life. Though trying to disconnect from her new emerging power and from Samuel, the call of the darkening pulls Vela into an adventure that both terrifies her, yet reveals the truth about her deepest desires. Will she succumb to the breh-hedden, or will her fears prevent her from living life to the fullest?

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:

I felt like I was watching a movie rather than reading a book at times. Roane`s brilliant writing style and vivid descriptions call to you in such a way that you live this story. Being part of a series I was quite surprised to find that this book would be able to be read as a standalone without any trouble as to the world and what was going on in it.

I really appreciate how much thought and effort Roane put into this novel, and the series as a whole. She has put a huge spin on the much used vampire topic that will keep you captivated and provide you with an amazing world to lose yourself in. The interesting powers that these amazing beings have are definitely things that I`ve never seen before. That said, everything in the novel remains easy to picture and very down to earth and realistic. This thought and planning goes all the way down to the acronyms that she uses. They always made me giggle since they spelt the weirdest things, but I never once forgot them.

I found myself wanting to help the main characters through their trials, wanting for them to succeed. You really feel for these characters. The secondary characters were great and quite well developed. Most of them have their own stories in other novels in the series and the sister series so without reading them you won`t know the histories of these characters.

I really appreciate the fact that the love scenes actually serve a purpose in this novel. They solidify the relationship between the characters and give insight into the individuals as well. The dialogue was also very natural and never seemed forced. It also always served a purposed, never dragging on or overpowering the narrative. It helps develop the characters into individuals that you can really picture.

This is one of those novellas that I read all in one sitting without a second thought. I wanted to go out and buy the entire sister series by the time I reached the midpoint in the novel. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys romance and a real twist on the supernatural subgenre of vampires.

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Reckless Rebellion by Rinelle Grey

Title:  Reckless Rebellion

Author:  Rinelle Grey

Series:  A Barren Planet Romance #2

Expected Publication:  Sept 2013

Genre:  Fantasy Romance

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

When Tyris and Marlee return to his home on Urslat, not everyone is pleased to see them. Marlee thought things would be simpler once they were on Urslat. She hadn’t counted on Tyris’s wife, Milandra, who is determined not to let her husband go now he’s famous. But Tyris and Marlee have one very good reason for keeping their relationship a secret, and for that, they need Milandra to believe her marriage isn’t on the rocks.

My Review:

Love, intrigue, scandal, action. This novel has it all!

I was drawn right back into this wonderful universe right from the first page. It was like I’d never left. Grey continues to develop the world that she has created using the same seamless writing and vivid descriptive style that we came to know in Reckless Rescue. Through her brilliant storytelling and creative imagination Grey takes you on a journey that you won’t soon forget. It’s faster paced than its predecessor and has much more action, of many varieties, but you won’t be able to put it down.

The characters from the first novel return with a vengeance (sometimes literally). They are all the same brilliant individuals that we came to know and love who continue to develop as individuals. The new characters that Grey introduces are very well developed and fit into the story nicely. The cast grows as the story does, yet never out of proportion. And although the cast is rather large, no one gets pushed to the wayside.

Overall, this was a brilliant novel that I couldn’t put down. It is a must read for any who want an out of this world adventure.

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After Alex Died by Dakota Madison

Title:  After Alex Died

Author:  Dakota Madison

Published:  July 19th 2013 by Short on Time Books

Page Count:  216

Genre:  NA Contemporary Romance

Shelf:  Review Copy

Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

“Don’t be someone who defines her life by someone else’s death.”

Dee Dee DeMarco’s brother, Alex, was funny, free-spirited and creative. He was also gay. Tormented by bullies, Alex killed himself on his 15th birthday.

Two years later, and now in college, Dee Dee believes getting a summer job working with a college-prep program for disadvantaged high school students is a stroke of luck, until she discovers that the guy assigned to co-lead her group is Cameron Connelly, a star basketball player and one of the bullies who tormented her brother to death. How can Dee Dee possibly spend the entire summer working so closely with one of the boys she blames for her brother’s death?

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I think this is a little story with a lot of heart. I hope you think so, too!

My Review:

There is a very natural, mellow flow to this story that makes a shocking counterpoint to the intense and deep subject matter of the novel. They combine to create an enjoyable yet thought provoking read that will keep you captivated. Madison approaches a very difficult and at times controversial subject with tact and class to provide a platform for conversation and understanding. This novel is intense in a hard hitting, real life way.

Madison lays all of the background information out for you in a logical manner while keeping you in the present day and allowing you to immerse yourself in this world. All of the plays on words that the author works into this novel really draw your attention to certain aspects of the novel and the characters without stopping the flow of the novel.

Madison makes very good use of writing in the 1st person to draw you in and let you get to know the more intimate parts of the main character. The number of intense situations worked into the lives of this cast is astounding. They all seem realistic too. Nothing is forced or over the top, just heart wrenching. Also, the unique yet straightforward and natural character names make everyone stand out.

Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read even if the subject matter is quite tough at times. There are a lot of life lessons wrapped up in a captivating package. This is a heart wrenching novel that will take you through the ringer but that will also let you see the hope and joy in life.

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