Renata Barcelos Interview and Giveaway!!!

Author Bio:

Renata F. Barcelos lives in Brazil with her beautiful and creative daughter and teaches English and Spanish as Second Languages.
She watches way too much TV and reads perhaps too many (almost exclusively) mystery novels. Nonetheless, she has somehow convinced herself it's all work - research for her own stories.
She writes for as long as she can remember, and has two published works: 'Mean: a Psychological Thriller Novelette' and 'My Sore Hush-a-Bye'.
She's now working on a novel called 'Myself in Blue'.
http://renatafbarcelos.wordpress.com
@RenataFBarcelos
https://www.facebook.com/RenatalFlBarcelos

Hey all my crazy little bats, visiting us today we have the amazingly talented Renata F. Barcelos, author of MEAN a psychological thriller novelette and My Sore Hush-A-Bye.
Welcome Renata and thank you so much for taking the time out to spend with us batty ones today :)

1. So first let me say MEAN absolutely blew me away, I have never read anything like it and I was just mind blown. Where did your inspiration come from for that book?
Thank you so much for saying that, Chasity. I really loved your review of ‘Mean’.

I always wanted to write about therapy sessions having the reader somehow as the therapist. The idea of a dialogue that was actually a monologue was at the back of my mind for a long time. I had started it some times, but never found it good enough.

Then, one day I was going to work and as I was entering the train, the opening sentence just popped in my mind: “I don’t mean to be mean, you know.” I started writing on my cell phone, and within two days, I had the basic plot done.

It may sound a little weird, but it’s usually like this with me; the story just comes and tells itself in my mind!

2. Both of your books are very deep, dark reads, are any of the experiences based on someone you know or events in your own life?

Unfortunately, yes. Events in my own life and other cases that we heard about the last few years on the news.

I had a very difficult, abused childhood, and was severely bullied in my early teen years. That’s why I write about dark and twisted themes—in the hope that one day they will only exist in fiction. Unfortunately, there are lots of kids suffering ordeals like the one Camille faces in “My Sore Hush-a-Bye”. Since most of them are never going to have the chance to tell their stories, I think it's important to read about it, even if it's fictional, so people will perhaps be more alert to recognize the signs. There may be a child right next to you in need of help, and you may not see it if you don't know what to look for. I hope that my fictional story might help give a voice to helpless children everywhere.

3. What books have most influenced your life?
I’ve been a compulsive reader ever since I learn how to read. I used to read anything, but when I was 13, I read “The Killing Doll”, by Ruth Rendell. I was completely hooked up to the genre! Recently, “A Cupboard Full of Coats”, by Yvvette Edwards, and “What They Do in the Dark”, by Amanda Coe.

4. If you had to come up with a soundtrack for My Sore Hush-A-Bye what are some songs that would be on there?
Mama Cass would be in almost every scene, that's for sure! Especially "All the Pretty Little Horses", (the song that inspired the title) by The Big Three, featuring Mama Cass.
And a lot of old songs: The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Petula Clark, David Bowie, Desi Arnaz (Rick Ricardo),The Carpenters, etc. I’d buy that CD! J

5. My Sore Hush-A-Bye is a book that tells a story that unfortunately happens much more than we would like it to, is there a message you would like to give to girls that may have experienced something like Camilla did?

I guess the message is to never give up. Don’t let the abuser win; don’t let them ruin your life. It is possible to recover and be happy, be positive, be YOU. The scar is going to be with you forever, but you can choose to see the marks of a survivor, a winner, not wounds of defeat!

6. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
My mind is chaotic. I have ADD, so it’s not easy to focus. Sometimes I have so many pieces of the story wanting to be told at the same time that it’s a challenge to write one at a time.

7. What are you currently working on?

Now that ‘My Sore Hush-a-Bye’ is released (November 2^nd), I can focus on ‘Myself in Blue’.

This book will tell the story of Sunday Morning and her mother, a famous singer called Iris Morning. The story starts with twenty-year-old Sunday coming back home in 1989, after 5 years of absence, to make amends with her past before her time comes, since she has terminal cancer. The book will focus on Sunday, but also on Iris, ever since she was a teenager in the fifties, trying to become a professional singer against her dominant stepfather’s wishes.

8. Who are some of your favorite authors and what do you like about their writing?
Ruth Rendell, first of all. The way she presents apparently random facts and people to perfectly tangle them along the story is fascinating.

I like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series. I used to say that Harry is like an old friend of mine. I enjoy Connelly’s sometimes poetic descriptions.

Yvvette Edwards, Camille Way, Amanda Coe, Simon Lelic, Leslie A. Gordon, Gillian Flynn, Chevy Stevens and Tanya Byrne are authors that I’ve read recently and really loved. Their prose is beautiful.

9. Who designed the covers for you books?
My daughter and I. She’s a great artist, and also an amazing model!

10. Will you continue to write these deep, intense stories or do you see yourself branching out into other genres someday down the road?
I’ll definitely continue on this path. I am a very positive and—people normally say—funny person despite my past. I chose to be happy, and I don’t even like to watch the news, because I don’t want to hear about the horrible things happening in the world… However, when it comes to writing, all I can produce are dark, twisted and damaged people! I believe that the first complete book I wrote was called Angellina’s Curse. It was a school project on second grade about a city consumed by fire after a criminal attack! My teacher loved it, but I think she was a little worried about me...

Plus, I want to continue alerting people about those themes and hopefully help along the way.

 

A huge thanks to Renata for being here today and being such a sweet person!!

You can visit Renata here:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6428116.Renata_F_Barcelos

http://renatafbarcelos.wordpress.com/

http://www.twitter.com/RenataFBarcelos

You can purchase her books here:

MEAN: http://www.amazon.com/MEAN-A-psychological-thriller-novelette/dp/1479102814/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351907350&sr=8-2&keywords=mean+a+psychological

My Sore Hush-A-Bye:http: http://www.amazon.com/Sore-Hush---Bye-Renata-Barcelos/dp/148010034X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351910125&sr=8-1&keywords=my+sore+hush+a+bye

My Sore Hush-A-Bye

Renata F Barcelos
Publishing Date: November 2, 2012

 

Book Description:

 

Camille is a young girl stuck in the past. Classic TV shows, old music, and dresses that never made it into the 21st century.

After her mother left a puzzling note leaving her in the care of Uncle Bob, she had a rough go of it, not wanting to conform to his rigorous rules and this new life. But she learned. She learned to love and accept her sheltered life.

That all starts to change when Camille finally goes to public school once she reaches her teenage years. She meets a friend who mysteriously disappears. She has suspicions that Uncle Bob may not be the perfect man she once thought. She starts thinking about her mother.

Most important of all, she begins to grow up, and that is what changes everything...

 

My Thoughts:

 

‘My Sore Hush- A -Bye’ I was one of those books I could read in one sitting, if I had the time course. Which currently real life is really getting in the way of my reading habits, so it took me a little bit longer to finish. However, this was such an amazing book. Renata really has rare writing talents. This book made me cry, I loved that it was told from the girls point of view so that you could really see how everything affected her. You could really grasp just how deeply she was victimized, how she couldn't even like a normal human being with think because of the things that had been done to her. Almost like Stockholm's syndrome but until the end, she didn't know she was the victim. It was such a sad story. But unfortunately things like this happen more often than we'd like and this book gave us insight into the damage it causes in the victim's mind.

 

Hopefully Camille’s story can help other people that have been victimized realize that they can move on. They can recover and be okay and I hope that this book really opens people eyes to see what really is going on outside and to pay attention to the signs because there are so many children out there that need help and don't get it because people do not know what to look for.

I think were not does amazing work, her writing is just phenomenal and I think she is just a great person all around and her writing goes much deeper than just writing the book. She has a much bigger purpose for why she writes the stories that she writes. ‘My Sore Hush- A- Bye’ is a book that you absolutely have to read it would just blow your mind and make you really think about this world and the people in. So please take the time out and check this book out and check out this author. It means a lot to me. I know I don't normally say that, but this one definitely hit home.

Giveaway!!!

Now for the giveaway!! Renata has been kind enough to gift a paperbook copy of her lastest novel My Sore Hush-A-Bye and boy let me tell you, whoever wins is a very lucky duck :) It's a great book!!

The rules:
Open to the US only, sorry guys.
Fill out the rafflecopter below
The winner will be announced on here and will be contacted by email, the winner will have 48 hours to respond before I will be forced to choose another winner.
Have fun and please share the word!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Sore Hush-A-Bye Review

My Sore Hush-A-Bye
Renata F Barcelos
Publishing Date: November 2, 2012

 

Book Description: 

Camille is a young girl stuck in the past. Classic TV shows, old music, and dresses that never made it into the 21st century.

After her mother left a puzzling note leaving her in the care of Uncle Bob, she had a rough go of it, not wanting to conform to his rigorous rules and this new life. But she learned. She learned to love and accept her sheltered life.

That all starts to change when Camille finally goes to public school once she reaches her teenage years. She meets a friend who mysteriously disappears. She has suspicions that Uncle Bob may not be the perfect man she once thought. She starts thinking about her mother.

Most important of all, she begins to grow up, and that is what changes everything...

 

My Thoughts:

 

‘My Sore Hush- A -Bye’ I was one of those books I could read in one sitting, if I had the time course. Which currently real life is really getting in the way of my reading habits, so it took me a little bit longer to finish. However, this was such an amazing book. Renata really has rare writing talents. This book made me cry, I loved that it was told from the girls point of view so that you could really see how everything affected her. You could really grasp just how deeply she was victimized, how she couldn't even like a normal human being with think because of the things that had been done to her. Almost like Stockholm's syndrome but until the end, she didn't know she was the victim. It was such a sad story. But unfortunately things like this happen more often than we'd like and this book gave us insight into the damage it causes in the victim's mind.

 

Hopefully Camille’s story can help other people that have been victimized realize that they can move on. They can recover and be okay and I hope that this book really opens people eyes to see what really is going on outside and to pay attention to the signs because there are so many children out there that need help and don't get it because people do not know what to look for.

I think were not does amazing work, her writing is just phenomenal and I think she is just a great person all around and her writing goes much deeper than just writing the book. She has a much bigger purpose for why she writes the stories that she writes. ‘My Sore Hush- A- Bye’ is a book that you absolutely have to read it would just blow your mind and make you really think about this world and the people in. So please take the time out and check this book out and check out this author. It means a lot to me. I know I don't normally say that, but this one definitely hit home.

*I recieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I did not recieve compensation for this review. 

Ramblings in Ireland Review

Ramblings In Ireland
Kerry Dwyer
Publishing Date: August 15, 2012
ISBN: 978-1478392767

 

Book Description:

 

This is not a book about rambling in Ireland. It tells the tale of one particular walking trip and the memories and musings it inspired. Exploring the West of Ireland is a time for meditation, spiritual reflection and strengthening the bonds of life. More practically the ability to read a map might have proved helpful. The tourist office in Ireland has all their paths clearly marked. You can’t go wrong if you follow that little yellow man. Or can you? As British ex-patriate Kerry Dwyer leads Bertrand, her trusting French husband, astray once more, they reminisce and reflect upon accents and accidents, family and friends, love and what it means to be alive. Bertrand doesn’t mind getting lost - he loves Kerry all the more for going off the beaten track. This is a book about ramblings in Ireland. Walk with Kerry and Bertrand and follow where your thoughts lead you

 

My Thoughts:

 

                ‘Ramblings in Ireland’ with novel about a trip the author took Ireland with her husband. Her mother was from Ireland and she wanted to take holiday for a long time to explore Ireland. The novel takes you through their many experiences in Ireland from flying there, to driving on the narrow streets, to staying at different bed-and-breakfasts and getting lost on their walks.

It was a great peek into the lush land of Ireland and since my father's side of the family is from Ireland and one day I would love to go there, I thought this was a great book. It was entertaining and insightful. I like how it showed how different it can be when you visit other countries. It showed how simple word can change something so greatly. This book really made me want to visit Ireland even more than I already wanted to and it definitely made me want to do some of these walks. I also enjoyed that there was quite a bit of humor in the story.

I really enjoyed this book. It was like I was right there in Ireland with Kerry and at the very hard thing to accomplish when you're writing a book. It is a very good book and I would highly recommend it.

* I recieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I did not recieve compensation for this review.

What She Knew Review

What She Knew
K.R Hughes, T.L. Burns
Publisher: Gator Creek Artists Entertainment
Publishing Date: March 20, 2012
ISBN: 9780578096858

 

Book Description:

While many believe that Marilyn Monroe was murdered on that fateful night in August 1962, the real question still remains. What was the actual reason for her demise? Marilyn was a well-loved personality who ran in all the right (or wrong) circles. What could she possibly know that was such a threat to someone that only her death would bring them security? Was it Hollywood and the finishing of the film she'd been fired from and then rehired on? Maybe it was her involvement in Las Vegas with the Rat Pack and mobsters or possibly her association with the Kennedys, especially Patricia and John F. that would lead to the ultimate sacrifice. In 1962, sinister forces were at work plotting to kill America's sex goddess to keep her from divulging deadly information. While mobster Sam Giancana played nice with Frank Sinatra, leader of the Rat Pack and America's favorite crooner. Frank was being equally nice to Peter Lawford, JFK's brother-in-law, in order to enter the political circles that Marilyn already had access too. As this circle was being completed one vital bit of information was passed on that would end the life of Marilyn Monroe or did it? In this 1960's conspiracy story, Marilyn Monroe is saved by Peter Lawford. Bobby Kennedy replaces the real Marilyn with a body double allowing the whole world to think she is dead. Badly beaten and bruised, Marilyn struggles to come to grips with her near death experience and the realization that everything she worked for is gone forever. The actress and sex goddess is dead.

 

My Thoughts:

                ‘What She Knew’ was a great ‘what if’ story. It was a fiction novel telling a story of what if Marilyn Monroe had lived on that fateful night. What if Peter Lawford and Bobby Kennedy got to her just in time and switched out the bodies with someone off the streets. So that everyone thinks she dead including the ones who tried to kill her, but she’s not and put her into hiding. The book is fast paced after that as they try to unveil the mystery behind who tried to kill Marilyn and who is trying to kill the president.

 

I really enjoyed this book I'm a huge Marilyn fan and I am usually really harsh on things like this but I was really impressed with this novel. The ladies did their research for sure and are clearly Marilyn admirers as well. The book was well-written, very entertaining and I think it will really have people scratching their heads, wondering what really did happen to our dear Marilyn on that fateful night.

 

I know I for one do not believe it was a suicide. So this fiction novel was a fun idea to play with. Could you imagine Marilyn still hiding out somewhere, outrageous right? J I loved this book, the plot, and the whole idea behind it. True Marilyn fans will love it and I can't wait to read the sequel.

*I bought this book on my on and decided to review it. All opinions are my own. I did not recieve compensation for this review.

Interview with Amber Garr and Giveaway!!

Interview with Amber Garr and Giveaway if the the Syrenka Series (ebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a Royal Palm Literary Award winner and author of The Syrenka Series and The Leila Marx Novels. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

Hey all my little crazy bats! Today we are welcoming the talented Amber Garr, author of The Syrenka Series!!!! I am very excited to have her here today! I have just recently gotten into her books and they are phenomenal! So you all should check them out. Now for some questions to get to know Amber a little better!

Thanks so much for visiting us here today, Amber! I greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for having me!

1. I have never even thought about the possibility of a series like this but I am glad you did so I have to ask what drove you to write about mermaids?
Well, I've always had a soft spot for mermaids, and used to wish I could be one. I love being in the water and have been jealous of creatures who can live there all of the time. In writing this story, I also thought about the idea of a forbidden love between species and how the couple would handle the pressures. Then the story evolved from there!

2. After I read your book, I started doing my own research I found a lot of stuff on selkies and mermaids, did you read this kind of stuff growing up?
I don't remember really reading about mermaids, although I used to always pretend I was one! I wasn't that familiar with the selkie folklore until I started writing these books. I did have a huge unicorn collection and would wish that I could live in a different world...so perhaps my love of fantasy took me to the mermaids, selkies, and sprites.

3. Would you say you have a unique writing style?
Probably not. I think I definitely have my go-to quirks, but I'm not sure if my style would be classified as unique. I do hope I have my own unique imagination though. :)

4. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I've always been a storyteller - I just happened to use movement more than words. I've been choreographing dances, plays, and shows since I was a kid. But I'd always planned on being a scientist. It wasn't until a couple of years ago, when I had to take a break from the dancing, that I began to write fiction on a regular basis. And then I couldn't stop. I absolutely LOVE it!

5. If you had to chose one author, living or dead, to be your mentor, who would it be?
You know, I'm going to stick with someone current. I think Richelle Mead or Kelley Armstrong would be great mentors. They've been successful in both the YA and adult urban fantasy markets, and that is something I strive for. I'd love to pick their brains!

6. What are you currently working on?
I have a brand new release coming out November 5th called Touching Evil and it's the first book in my adult urban fantasy series. I actually wrote this one before The Syrenka Series, so after coming back to it earlier this year, I'm happy to be sharing it! I also have an anthology coming out December 11th called Furthermore. I'm really excited about this project, because not only does it include two brand new Syrenka Series short stories, but I've teamed up with six other awesome authors and we are donating 100% of the proceeds to The American Cancer Society. A good story all around. :)

7. What was the hardest part of writing the Syrenka series?
Making sure that all three books tied in well together and the overarching plot lines came to a satisfying conclusion. Some pretty major events happen in the last book, and I needed to be sure that they stayed true to the characters and also that the readers would feel good about the ending.

8. Do you have any advice for other writers?
Read, read, read! Read in your genre, and find a small but good group of beta readers where you can critique each other. By reading other writers, you learn what works, what doesn't, and you'll start to build your own style from there.

9. How are you alike and/or different from Eviana?
Ooh - good question. We both have blonde hair - although originally hers was supposed to be a different color (but it didn't work on the cover art). ha! But I guess that even though I didn't have the same challenges in life that she did, I think I can relate to that time when you realized that your childhood was over and now you had to be responsible. Making decisions, breaking hearts, doing things you don't always want to do....it's never easy, and we all have to deal with that sooner or later.

10. What are some things you do to cure writer's block?
Music is my muse - always. No matter what kind of mood I'm in, I start listening to music and tune out the rest of the world to help get the story flowing again! My problem right now is that I can't find enough time to write. I have so many stories in my head and not enough hours in the day!

You can find Amber here:
http://www.ambergarr.com/
http://ambergarr.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Amber-Garr/232359720165110?sk=wall
https://twitter.com/AmberGarr1
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13182274-promises

 

There you have it everyone, and Amber Garr has been gracious enough to offer a ebook copy of her whole syrenka series to one lucky winner!!! That's right all three books filled with mermaids and selkies could be yours all you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter below.
The rule:
The giveaway will run November 2- December 1, plenty of time for you to enter over and over!
This giveaway is international!
The winner will be announced on here and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before I will be forced to pick a new winner.
Other than that good luck and stay tuned for other giveaways!!









a Rafflecopter giveaway

Promises (Syrenka Series Book 1) Review

Promises (Syrenka Series Book 1)
Amber Garr
Publishing Date: April 8, 2012
ISBN: 978-1468006797
Genre: Fantasy

 

Book Description:

 

Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love. When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé, would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined. A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life she so adamantly tried to escape. Promises is the first book of The Syrenka Series trilogy following Eviana and her friends through the perils of growing up in a discrete world that inherently threatens human society.

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My Thoughts:

 

‘Promises’ was the first mermaid novel I have ever read, and I have to say I was majorly impressed. I just may be hooked on them now, that is if they turn out to be as good as Amber Garr’s writing. ‘Promises’ was such a thrilling story; I read it in two days which honestly it probably would have only taken me a day if I had not had to work. Simply because I just didn’t want to put it down.

 

Eviana’s story is just so engaging and refreshing. It sucks you in from the beginning. Eviana is the eldest daughter to one of the most powerful mermaid clans. She is about to turn eighteen and here parents have arranged a marriage for her, to Kain. The son of the other most powerful clan, his father is very ill and Kain will need to take over in a matter of time. Once they are married they can rule the clans together, like intended.

 

Eviana is very upset about this entire situation not only does she not want to be in charge but she does not want to marry Kain. Sure he’s practically perfect but he’s not Brendan.

Brendan is Eviana’s true love; however he is not a mermaid, which causes major problems for everyone. He is a selkie, a shifter. Mermaids and selkies don’t belong together they have different mating rules. Her parents forbid her to see Brendan and Brendan has to hid his relationship, so the question is how far will Brendan and Eviana go to be together and what will be the cost?

 

I have to say I really sympathize for Eviana and I understand why she does everything she does to be with Brendan but however I do have to admit I have a soft spot for Kain and a big part of me wanted Eviana to just give in and marry him. Honestly part of me is still hoping she takes her place beside him :D

 

Anyways I loved the plot; it wasn’t what I call a repeat plot. Where you pretty much know what’s going to happen just with new characters and a slight difference. No this was fresh and I had no idea what was going to happen, I loved the amazing sea creatures that she brought to life, I had never even thought of that.

 

I definitely cannot wait to read more of this series and since I have the other two already downloaded, I won’t have to wait long, so check back for the reviews on those!

Amber Garr had definitely earned a spot on my favorites list, and I will be reading everything she comes out with!

 

* I recieved this book from the author, as a gift from a giveaway I won. I reviewed it in return. All opinions are my own. I did not recieve compensation for this review.

 

Sierra Book Review (Book Tour)

 

Sierra
Taylor Dean
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Book Description:

Alyssa Fontaine’s life, loved ones—everything familiar and dear—are brutally taken from her.

Taken captive by two men, she endures a horrific nightmare. A new life is forced upon her and even a new name.

Just when it appears that no hope is in sight, she is saved by an unlikely twist of fate. Trapped in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, life will open its arms to her again and she will embrace it. She will find love such as she never knew existed.

Sierra is a heart-wrenching story of the power of the human spirit to survive amidst impossible circumstances and severe losses. It is a story of survival . . . and hope.



My Thoughts:

       “Sierra” Blew me away. The book started as a sort, cute, happy story and then bam tragedy struck  and I didn’t see it coming. The whole feel of the book changed. It was suck an amazing thing to do and a very hard thing to do in writing. The more work of Taylor Dean’s that I read the more that I am impressed. She really knows how to tell an amazing story and how to grab your attention and hold it.

          Alyssa’s life goes from picture perfect to horrid in a flash after her, her husband and her two year old son are all taken hostage by two crazed mountain men while they are on a vacation.

     After brutally killing her loved one the proceed  drag Alyssa through the forest

with them so she can become the mother of their new community. Alyssa’s worst nightmares quickly become a reality.

  

    But when the mountain men stumble upon a cabin in the mountains they are caught off guard by the man who lives there and the fact the he may be willing to risk his life to save Alyssa.

    Taylor Dean’s writing is amazing. I love that her romance novels have other aspects. Like “Sierra” had the suspense/mystery theme to it as well. It wasn’t just a romance novel it was so much more. A very powerful, profound book! Another great read from Taylor Dean!

* I recieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

Intangible Review

Intangible
J. Meyers
Publishing Date: January 31, 2012
ISBN: 1230000010329
Genre: Paranormal/ Young Adult

 

 

Book Description:

 

Twins Sera and Luke Raine have a well-kept secret—she heals with a touch of her hand, he sees the future. All their lives they've helped those in need on the sly. They've always thought of their abilities as being a gift.

Then Luke has a vision that Sera is killed. That gift they've always cherished begins to feel an awful lot like a curse. Because the thing about Luke's ability? He's always right.

And he can't do anything about it.

 

My Thoughts:

 

‘Intangible’ is an amazing story. Sera and Luke are classic characters. I dare you to read this book and not fall in love with this brother and sister pair. Sera and Luke are gifted twins; they keep their gifts a secret. Not even their parents or closest friends know what they can do. The reason for that is because they don’t know where their gifts came from or why they are so special. They hide it in fear of being considered freaks and being cast out. However little do they know they have much bigger problems to worry about. Evil being already know who they are and are determined to destroy them before they can fulfill their prophecy.

 

I absolutely loved this book Sera and Luke were amazing characters, I thought they were written beautifully and I believe a lot of readers will connect with these characters.

One of my favorite characters though was Fey. I loved her personality and her role in the plot.

 

This was one of my favorite paranormal, young adult reads of this year. I enjoyed the plot immensely, I read through ‘Intangible’ quickly because this story sucked me in. I cannot wait to read more about Sera and Luke and simply more of J. Meyers work.

 

‘Intangible’ was a great read, full of drama, action, and love. It was beautifully written and very detailed and creatively unique. A masterpiece for J. Meyers!

 

* I recieved this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

 

MEAN: A Psychological Thriller Novelette Review

MEAN:  A Psychological Thriller Novelette
Renata F. Barcelos
Publishing Date: August 12, 2012
ISBN: 978-1479102815
Genre: Psychological Thriller

 

 

Book Description:

Cassandra Connelly looks like a normal twenty-four-year-old girl. She seems sweet and shy. She works hard in two jobs and still finds time to do volunteer work. Nonetheless, there's something wrong within her. She has a lot of anger boiling inside, and a very problematic past, making her a dark, twisted woman. She hides her true self from the world, but there's someone Cassandra hates so much, she has been thinking of doing something unspeakable: killing this person. To her, killing this person is absolutely necessary, for he or she should not be alive. However, since she is still not sure about doing it or not, she seeks help.

She goes to a psychiatrist in order to make a decision: should she continue hiding her meanness and being a normal girl, or should she let the meanness win and kill this person she believes deserves to die? In this contemporary piece of fiction, we'll find out how badly child abuse and a dysfunctional family can transform a life for worse, much worse.

Mean is a novelette (longer than a short-story but shorter than a novella).
ADVICE: CONTAINS VIOLENT SCENES AND HARSH LANGUAGE

 

My Thoughts:

 

‘Mean’ totally blew me away. This novelette was so filled with entertainment. It’s the story of a young woman who is turning to the help of a psychiatrist because she thinks this meanness inside of her is going to take over. The story is told in her point of view and the doctor never speaks in the book. It is simply Cassandra’s twisted mind speaking, a one sided book. From the very first doctor’s session the story was crazy. It just took off and was filled with such a crazy story, with twists and turns, that I couldn’t stop reading it. I mean this girl’s life was truly insanity at its best.

 

I read through this novelette very quickly. I just couldn’t wait to see what Cassandra decided to do.

 

Then at the end, wow, what a shocker, I did not see that coming. I expected it to be something crazy but not THAT crazy. It was pure brilliance, I really loved this story. It was one of my favorites this year. I just found all of it fascinating.

Great writing and a great job for Renata!

 

 

* I recieved this book from author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

 

Boyfriend From Hell Review

Boyfriend From Hell
E. Van Lowe
Publisher: White Whisker Books
Publishing Date: August 30, 2011
ISBN: 978-0983632900
Genre: Paranormal/ Young Adult

 

Book Description:

Fifteen year-old Megan Barnett and her single mom, Suze, have a special relationship--they are friends, close friends, who do almost everything together. "But come on, guys, she's my mother... Can I really tell her that while we're snuggled up on the sofa watching Spider Man Three, I'm secretly undressing James Franco with my eyes? Of course not..." The special bond takes a turn for the worse when Suze decides to start dating again. She hasn't had a man in her life since Megan's father left ten years ago. Enter two mysterious young men, Megan's new classmate, sinfully attractive bad boy, Guy Matson, and the dangerously handsome art dealer, Armando. Before long Megan and Suze both wind up in steamy relationships. But neither of the handsome pair is quite what he seems. In fact, one of them is Satan, with his sights set on a new bride. Megan has precious little time to figure out how to stop him. If she doesn't, either Megan or Suze are quite literally going to HELL. "Boyfriend From Hell" is the first book in the Falling Angels Saga from the author of the gruesomely hilarious, "Never Slow Dance With A Zombie."

 

My Thoughts:

 

                ‘Boyfriend From Hell’ was a very fun, comical, thrilling story. I thought it was a great refreshing read for the young adult genre. There are a lot of paranormal reads out there for that genre. It is a very hard thing to do to stand out nowadays among the masses. With that being said, I think this book stood out very well on its own. It added a comical element to such a serious dilemma, I really enjoyed that.

 I also appreciated the fact that the characters act their age. Yes they may be fighting against the great forces of evil but they are still teenagers. So yes they are going to still have immature moments and I think that a lot of Young Adult novels lack that element. They make their characters a bit more adult like than they really are. This book gives the kids someone they can relate to.

 

                The only downfall of this book for me was I seen a lot of resemblance between the main character in this book and the main character in ‘Never Slow Dance with a Zombie”. They act very much alike and have the same temper tantrums. So I would’ve liked to see just a little more difference in their attitudes and dynamics.

 

                Other than that I really enjoyed this book. The plot was great, very crazy, intriguing and the writing was great.

 

 

* I recieved this book as a gift from the author and decided to review it. All opinions are my own. I was not comepensated for this review.