Saturday, December 31, 2011

Hunted by D.J. DeSmyter

Hunted

by



Seventeen-year-old Lily Atwater has always kept to herself, living a lonely life with her workaholic dad. Not the most thrilling life, but it’s quiet and ordinary, two things she’s come to expect from living in Victor Hills, Michigan.
 
When kind and mysterious Alex takes refuge in her home, she is suddenly thrown into his world of werewolves, a world he wants to keep her safe from. But while the two of them grow closer, a relentless hunter continues his search, stalking the woods with hopes of catching the wolf that got away


My Thoughts: 

The first two chapters really threw me (they are short chapters, though:-). It took me until the third chapter until I could finally ground myself in the story. It is a very clean and sweet romance. I enjoyed the wolf lore. I did wish that the characters could've grown more by the end of the novel. And I would've loved to see more plot tension and mishap going on (I did skim quite a bit due to it..sorry). D.J. did a wonderful job having tension and sweetness between the love couple. I liked how he wove his knowledge about music into the story. Keep Writing D.J., looking forward to more books by you:-)

Note: Very mild PG-13, and only because of a little blood. Three stars.

Friday, December 30, 2011

My Christmas Flash Fiction

I entered this Flash Fiction into a contest held by the goodreads group Unlocking Books. I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope you enjoy it. It was fun to write:-) I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!


Angel’s Wings
By Ashley Lavering

          
            “Aisha,” Mom hollered as she ran through the snow in her slippers, waving my sheet music.
            I rolled down the car window. “Oh geeze! Thanks Mom. Mr. Skilty would've had my head.”
            “I know you’ll sing their socks off.” Her breath plumed in the icy December air.
            I rolled my eyes at her singing metaphor. Really, they were all that corny.
She smiled, chuckling softly. “I’ll see you in two hours.” She slapped my doorframe. “Drive safe.”
“I will.” I rolled up my window and drove down our snowy dirt road. My little Ford Tempo wasn’t the best winter vehicle, but Mom splurged this year and bought studded tires.
Charging up the freeway ramp, I tapped out Jungle Bells on my steering wheel as it blared from my Ipod. I was desperate to drown out my nerves and the annoying hope, I’d see Devon there.
Not likely. I sulked.
My heart ached remembering his deep blue Milky Way eyes that enveloped me in the cloak of his galaxy. How my blood rushed as his cloud-like lips had touched mine, deepening into breath-catching storm. That night, I’d soared the heavens in my dreams, only to crash to Earth in a heart shattering heap in the morning when his chair was empty in second period and the only text I got read, “Mistake.”
I shook my head. Two weeks of misery was enough. It was Christmas in five days, and I was determined not to let him ruin my holiday. I reached for my Ipod, needing something more thought drowning and accidentally bumped it off the armrest. It thudded on the passenger side floor.
 “Crap!” I strained to reach it, my figures barely brushing the smooth surface. I gave the white dusted road a quick glance before ducking the extra inch to grab it. My fingers slipped around it, and I snapped back to sitting. 
A brown blur darted in front of me. I yelped and jerked the steering wheel. But the sound of bone and metal crunching came anyway. My hands flew to protect my face at the deer carcass flew into the windshield. The airbag punched me so hard I barely could breathe through the pain. Metal screeched and glass shattered all around me as the car slammed into the ground, rolling over and over again. Something sharp pierced the airbag and my abdomen. I screamed as pain lanced through my flesh like a hot iron.
Dear God, don’t let me die.
The car came to jarring halt, hanging me upside down. The seat-belt and the twisted metal pinned me to the seat. Wet blood trickled across my chest and neck. Dark spots dotted my vision. I hovered in and out of consciousness as a woman’s ethereal voice floated on the chilly air.
“You can’t do this!”
“She’ll die if I don’t.” A deep voice rumbled.
I struggled to understand the voices, everything sloshed together in my pain fogged mind. Was I already dead? Dreaming?
You’ll die if you do! How can you do that to me!” The woman snapped. My temper instantly lit in the stranger’s defense.
The flapping of wings and a glorious light filled my vision.
This is it, I’m dying.
Then suddenly, I was yanked forward. Lightning pain exploded through my body, stabling my mind into darkness.
I woke to a sweet citrus smell. It overwhelmed my senses, bringing a painful ache to my chest. I whimpered. Was I in Heaven or Hell? 
“Shh..” A soothing voice sang through my ears. A gentle finger wiped at my damp cheek.
My eyes flew open. “Devon.”
 His glorious face hovered over me, his eyes sparkling as if with the stars. I moved to sit up, but he pushed me gently back into snow.
“You’re hurt.”
My mind flashed with the horrible crash. My figures found my abdomen whole without any gaping holes. “But how?” My mind buzzed. “The voices, the light?”
He looked worried. “You hit your head.”
“No,” I said stubbornly, my mind clearing. How was he here? Who pulled me from the crash? Something crazy popped in my head. “You saved me.”
He frowned, and my heart lurched at something the women had said.
“You’re dying!” I sat up so fast the glimpse of my mangled car swirled like melted wax.
“Aisha, calm down.”
He tried pushing me back into the snow, but I latched on to him. “No! You can’t die. Not for me.”
“I’m not dying.” He let out a frustrated sigh.
“But the woman…”
He looked at me with his endless eyes and tucked a blonde strain of hair behind my ear. “I’m mortal now.”
I gaped at him and he chuckled. “That face right there is one of many reasons I can’t live without you.”
His words warmed me. I lifted my hand to wipe his curly brown bangs out of his eyes. “What are you?”
For a brief second, sadness filled his eyes. Then his lips curled into a smile that lit his blue eyes like the morning sun. His hands cradled my face. “An angel who gave up his wings for the woman he loves. To be mortal together for the rest of our lives.”
He brought his lips to mine, and my heart nearly thumped out of my chest. I wrapped myself in the arms of my eternal Christmas present.
The End
  
 
             

Monday, December 26, 2011

Review for 2 book by M. Leighton

My Thoughts: 
The love story was sweet and the plot fun. I like how she combined the two worlds of vampire and angel in an intriguing way. I really cared for the characters and found myself cringing when bad stuff happened to them. Also, I was surprised how blood drinking could be woven into a story and have me except it not only as a normal thing, but a desirable thing. M. Leighton really knows how to play your emotions and make you feel what is going on in the story. I enjoyed it.  
Note: This is a strong PG-13. These two books had bloody scenes and some very steamy make-out sessions (I blushed—literally). It was borderline for my comfort;-)





Sorry the book pics aren't that good.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Blood Like Poison by M. Leighton


Blood Like Poison: For the Love of a Vampire (Blood Like Poison #1)


Like most seventeen year olds, Ridley Heller thought she had her future all planned out. What she wanted most in life was to get out of small town Harker. Her only goal was to keep her mouth shut and her grades high so she could win a cheerleading scholarship to Stanford. But that was before she met Bo.

In Ridley's wildest dreams, she could never have planned for someone like Bo, for a love so intense it left her breathless. No human girl could.

A haunting stranger that watched her from afar, Bo stole Ridley's heart from the moment she laid eyes on him. But he has secrets. Bo's a vampire. Both his past and his present are a danger to Ridley, but the biggest threat is not her blood; it's her heart. He's feeding a thirst for revenge that will cost him his life, and it may already be too late.

The more darkness Ridley uncovers, the more she realizes that her life will never be the same-with or without Bo. Can she sacrifice her future and her heart for someone who has a death wish?

My thoughts:

I really loved Bo. He was dark and mysterious at first and then you get to know him and start to fall in love with him. I enjoyed this book and the twist and conflicts they had to go through. I also felt bad for Ridley and the life she was stuck in. I am really excited to read the next book, because this one left it hanging!!

Note: I rate this PG-13. There are some bloody scenes, but overall it was mild.

Accordance by Shelly Crane




In the sequel to Significance, Maggie learns much more about all the strange things that have happened to her and has to face many new ones. She learns something about herself, that she is something that the clans have been waiting for. She rebels against it but, ultimately must face it for her new family's sake and maybe even her life. Bish went from being her biggest supporter to her biggest pain in the butt and Kyle's intentions to attract her interest may not be so innocent. Caleb and Maggie face many new obstacles together as a couple and on their own. They fight to work through them but will one that should be a good thing be too much for Maggie to handle? Will she become who she has to be to save the ones she loves or will she crumble under the pressure as this epic love story continues.

My thoughts:
I am loving seeing Maggie come into her powers and the surprises we find out about Caleb. It is so hard to say all the things I liked about this book without spoiling it. Even though there are some places that lag, I’m enjoying this series. Check out my review on the first book, Significance.

Note: Rated PG-13 and I gave this a four stars also.   

Significance by Shelly Crane




Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who's had a bad year. She was smart and on track but then her mom left, her dad is depressed, she's graduating, barely, and her boyfriend of almost three years dumped her for a college football scholarship. Lately she thinks life is all about hanging on by a thread and is gripping tight with everything she has. Then she meets Caleb. She saves his life and instantly knows there's something about him that's intriguing but she is supposed to be on her way to a date with his cousin. But things change when they touch, sparks ignite. Literally. They imprint with each other and she sees their future life together flash before her eyes. She learns that not only is she his soul mate, and can feel his heartbeat in her chest, but there is a whole other world of people with gifts and abilities that she never knew existed. She herself is experiencing supernatural changes unlike anything she's ever felt before and she needs the touch of his skin to survive. Now, not only has her dad come out of his depression to be a father again, and a pain as well, but Caleb's enemies know he's imprinted and are after Maggie to stop them both from gaining their abilities and take her from him. Can Caleb save her or will they be forced to live without each other after just finding one another?

My thoughts:

The cover was the first thing that pulled me to this book. I love a good soul mate book and Shelly knows how to make you sigh for the guy…aka, Caleb, yum! I loved the whole bonding thing and how they can only get their powers if they find their significant…so sweet! The other thing I really appreciated about this romance was that it was clean. Shelly delivered a very sweet and touching romance without the sex or petting. I love to find these kinds of books! Whenever I need a romance fix, I can just pick this book up and by the third chapter have my heart warmed. Plus, the characters were really fun!

Unfortunately, I do have to point out that I was extremely sad that the grammar wasn’t cleaned up. There was even a sentence that looked like half of it was deleted. I don’t know how that happened, but I couldn’t figure out who they were talking about. Also, there is a lot of backstory in the first chapter that slowed down the flow of the story and Maggie’s internal debates felt a little repetitive by the end of the story. Other than that I really did love the story and all the characters. 

Normally, I would rate this book a three stars because of the grammar and stuff, but this book really touched my heart, and I couldn't but it down so it gets a four star!

Note: I’d rate this PG-13.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Halfway Mark!


Halfway mark on editing my novel!!! I just finished re-writing a scene! I like it so much better now! Wahoo! I really want to get the e-book part of the publication done by April...I hope that comment didn't just make my editor kill over. lol. The paperback may take longer to put together, but if it does, I will get it out quickly on the e-book’s heels! I am so excite.
            When I started writing Curse of the Beast, I set it in the year 2012. So April 1st, (I know April fool’s day) is the start of some very exciting stuff in my book, and I so want to do some fun blogging stuff with it! Like drawings and free stuff for two months, going day to day with the book! *Grin*
            And on that note, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!!

Friday, December 16, 2011

Nightingale by David Farland



“We all become lost children at one time or another. When no one else can find us, we must find ourselves.”
– Olivia

Bron Jones was abandoned as a newborn. Thrown into foster care, he is rejected by one family after another, until he meets Olivia, a gifted and devoted high-school teacher who recognizes him for what he really is—what her people call a “nightingale.”
But Bron isn’t ready to learn the truth. There are secrets that have been hidden from mankind for hundreds of thousands of years, secrets that should remain hidden. Some things are too dangerous to know.
Bron’s secret may be the most dangerous of all.

In his remarkable young adult fantasy debut, David Farland shows why critics have called his work “compelling,” “engrossing,” “powerful,” “profound,” and “ultimately life-changing.”

“The world of fantasy has a new king!”
–John Jerrold

My thoughts:
            Farland wrapped me into this story by pulling my heartstrings for Bron’s situation. I really wanted to see things get better for him. Also, Farland’s attention to detail really brings his book to life, along with great characters. Bron is a very complex character. I was never really sure what he would do or where his loyalty lied even by the end of the book. Will he hold strong to the good in his life? I hope so. The world Farland painted is very cool. I enjoyed the complexity of the plot and neat abilities of the characters. I really enjoyed this book. The only reason I gave it a four stars, instead of five, was because of my personal preference in books. This is what I would call a “smart boy book.” I like these kinds of books, but they don’t make me sigh at the end of them. Also, from the preface, it gave me a sci-fi feel even though it is fantasy. For some reason, it took me halfway through the book to shake that feeling. Sci-fi isn’t my thing, so I had a harder time getting into this book at the beginning, but I kept reading and was glad I did! Farland’s writing is great. If this book sounds up your alley, you will not be disappointed in Farland’s ability to draw you in and captivate you until the end!
Notes: I rate this a PG-13. 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Mark Your Calendars!

I'm already posting my next giveaway, so everyone can mark their calendars.  I haven't figured out what I'm giving away, yet, but it will be really fun.

Lots of Love is being hosted by And The Lit­tle Ones TooPut A Lit­tle Umbrella In Your DrinkSeeds of Life and Tak­ing Time for Mommy. It runs from Feb­ru­ary 1 — 14.

I will post more when we get into January! So fun! Lol, I think I'm becoming addicted to giveaways:-) (My husband is shaking his head at me...he he)

Monday, December 5, 2011

Congratulations Jessica!

Congratulations to Jessica McGhee the winner of the $25 Amazon Gift Card!!!!! Thanks to everyone that participated in giveaway! It was way fun! And a huge THANK YOU to the organizers of the "Winner" Wonderland blog hop!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Last Night for Giveaway!

This is the last night for the Giveaway! If you haven't filled out the rafflecopter to the right do it soon.  I hope everyone enjoyed it! I did! And a huge thanks for everyone now following this blog, my facebook, and twitter!

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan


The Son of Neptune (Book 2 in the Heroes of Olympus Series) By Rick Riordan:

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth
Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.
Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.
Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven

My thoughts:
Wow, Rick Riordan just gets better and better as a writer! So love his stuff and love love loved this book. It was filled with humor, action, and hints of romance. I just have to say I am loving the team of seven. And like always I think Percy is awesome. He does some very powerful stuff in this book. The other two with him Frank and Hazel are really cool and likable. Rick has a gift for really complicated plots that stretch over several books. I loved how he pulled in some old background characters from books in the past. This is a must read. If you haven’t read Rick Riordan, I would suggest starting with the Lightning Thief and enjoy the ride!
Note: Rated PG

Secrets by Liz Schulte


Secrets (Guardian Trilogy)
by Liz Schulte

 While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you.

My thoughts:
            Liz can really write a dark character that you fall in love with. I was so engrossed with what would happen next that it carried my happily to the end, where I was begging for more! I have to say that the dreams were really cool and I loved Holden.  I would have totally given this book four stars, but there was quite a bit of grammatical errors: words missing, misspelling character’s (Liv, Livi) and thing’s (Jinn, Jinni) names, and some confusing sentences. It pulled me out of the story, so I have to give it three stars, but I really loved the word Liz has created! Excited for book two!
Note: Swearing, drinking, and a brief sex scene. I would rate this R, mostly for all the swearing.
Amendment: I talked with the author after I posted this and she cleared up a few things for me so here is what she said, "You mention I misspell some "character names and things" and on that point I would like to note that both Liv and Livi are Olivia's nicknames. Mostly Juliet called her Livi when she is feeling irritated and Liv any other time. And Jinn is the plural and jinni is the singular form of the noun." Thanks Liz for helping us understand those points of the novel!