BOOK REVIEW

TAKEN

by

Erin Bowman

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

Let me start by saying this is a spoiler free review!!! I don't want to spoil one minute of this book for you. With that said let's get into it.

Two words...Gray Weathersby!

A character although a guy, I could relate to and understand. Erin has created such rich characters, each one true. I immensely enjoyed this book. Bowman created a visual world that made sense. 

From the beginning, I was intrigued, first with why there were no men in Claysoot. And then the Heist, I had so many questions. Why? what was the meaning behind it? Bowman did exactly what a master storyteller should created questions that kept me with a death grip on this book.

I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.

When Grey found the letter, I started to read a loud(because I read faster when I can hear myself..lol). If you have had the pleasure of reading this book, I know you can agree  when he read, Grey is, in fact- didn't you just wish for the power to see into the future. It took everything in me to not flip the pages in search of what in fact Grey was.  

I could feel Gray's thirst to know what was going on in his home. I was there with him in his desire for answers. The dynamics between Gray and Emma was authentic. It wasn't rushed, their desire for more was relate-able and made me love them all the more. Not for the couple they were becoming, but for how human Bowman made them.

When Gray makes it to Taem, and meets Frank and his interaction with Marco, again authentic. Easy to visualize. Gray's time in the doomed city was paced perfectly, it didn't linger making me bored. But it gave me tension and delivered answers and reactions just in time.

Bree, So easy to like, her witty comebacks were not forced and were very natural. I'm torn between her and Emma, but I won't say too much.

When the answers start following, it's like drinking a cool glass of water on a dry summer's day. On time and refreshing, not to much, to fast.

I started this book on Thursday night and finish Friday afternoon. It's a thrilling and a complete ride.  Check Erin Bowman's Taken out, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Are You Real Writer??

Am I a real author?
 I mean I haven't published so much as a short story. I don't have an agent, heck I haven't even sent out my first query. So, what makes me believe that I'm a Real writer?

On  my twitter page apart of my introduction was, I'm an aspiring author. What does that mean?

To aspire to something means to: direct one's hopes or ambitions toward achieving something. 

Someone I follow on Twitter said, if you actively write daily toward whatever goals you set for yourself as a writer, you are no longer aspiring or hoping to be a writer. In working toward your goals as a writer you are indeed a writer.

I agreed and quickly changed my Twitter status to Writer. 

Today I wanted to write this post to beginners, or those who have made the conscious decision to be a writer. Those who spend countless hours research, outlining, and drafting a story with the hopes of it one day being sent out into the world.

I read a blog post today on not giving up on this journey. As I read the things that inspired this blogger, it made me think of my own journey. One of the things she said helped her was having a great support group.

I 100% agree with her. Aside from getting words onto paper, the biggest challenge I've had on my writing journey is finding a great support group.

Most people start in thier home or immediate circle of family and friends. This is a great, and it's what I would tell someone starting out. Let your husband children sister or sister friend read your work and give their advice.

I mean, let's face it, our family sometimes can be brutally honest without sugar-coating it. And believe me you'll be thankful for this in the long run.

But what if like me, no one in you household likes what you write. On any given day everyone in my household(my husband and 2 daughters) has at least 3 books on their night table. However, my husband the computer geek, read only self help or how to computer related books, and he prefers that they be in French(since it's his first language).

My daughters: one reads urban style books about teens she relates better to at his point in her life( none of them can perform magic, and she likes it that way).And the other is middle grade fantasy(and a pretty good writer herself. One of her stories about a spooky magic mirrored was recommended for publication in her school. Which is saying a lot, seeing as though she's homeschool through a vitual programmed students are scatter all over the US.) Sorry I got side tracked, proud mama here. 

Needless to say whenever they read something of mine, I feel like the advise they offer is based on what they read. Instead of being based on what's right in front of them.

Finding a support group outside of home, in this great big ol' world has been more than a challenge. I find that trying to find a critique group of writers who fit just right with you is a nightmare.

I really want to offer more on how to find/keep a critique partner, but this post is already longer than I intended, so I will continue it in another post. Meanwhile listed below are twitter links and blog link to the people mentioned in this post. Check them out.

Also stay tuned for my next post on Finding A critique Partner/ Writing Group.

Feel free to drop any advice on how having/not having a critique partner/writing group has help/not help you.

( BLOG)PUB(lishing) CRAWL                    TWITTER NATASHA NEAGLE

BOOK REVIEW

TIMEBOUND

The Chronos File #1

by

RYSA WALKER

When Kate Pierce-Keller’s grandmother gives her a strange blue medallion and speaks of time travel, sixteen-year-old Kate assumes the old woman is delusional. But it all becomes horrifyingly real when a murder in the past destroys the foundation of Kate’s present-day life. Suddenly, that medallion is the only thing protecting Kate from blinking out of existence.

Kate learns that the 1893 killing is part of something much more sinister, and Kate’s genetic ability to time-travel makes her the only one who can stop him. Risking everything, she travels to the Chicago World’s Fair to try to prevent the killing and the chain of events that follows.

Changing the timeline comes with a personal cost, however—if Kate succeeds, the boy she loves will have no memory of her existence. And regardless of her motives, does she have the right to manipulate the fate of the entire world?




MY THOUGHTS:


First let me preface this review by saying, I LOVE anything about time travel. My first thought was this book is going to be a treat for me. I mean hey, time travel and history, I couldn't ask for more. With that said let's get into it.

Something about this book  grabbed me from the first page. Maybe it was Kate, she's very likable. The dynamics between the grandmother and Kate's mom I didn't particularly care for. I found it hard to swallow, the mom deciding that not only could her daughter go live with her estranged grandmother, but she'd do it without her. My feelings aside, it had to happen for Kate to start her journey, and what a journey it was.

There were times in this book I couldn't turn the page fast enough. I found myself holding my breath, the anticipation of what was going to happen was exciting. Then after a while that anticipation was a bit to much. As a writer I heard people say you have to give your readers a break, let them take a breath. I didn't understand why, I mean I love suspense, doesn't everyone. This book showed me exactly what that meant, it answered the why. At one point I found myself putting down my kindle, a little frustrated that she didn't release the tension. So, I had to do it myself.


Kate's grandmother gives her necklace, and tells her she's the only one who can right a wrong in their time line, or is it the time line that used to be theirs. This is the one thing that nearly drove me to stop reading, trying to make sense of which time line  she was on, was it the past or the future. Then, how some people came back and others didn't. Yeah, there were a few pages I had to read several times, and that kinda took the fun out time travel for me.

Then there was Trey, although I love him, there's was always this nagging feeling that he was going to betray Kate. I found it hard to believe that one minute she would meet a boy, tell him this unbelievable secret and not only does he believe her, but drives hundreds of miles to spill the beans on her secret yet again. This secret, wasn't true to the word. The suspense of their relationship kept me holding on, so for that reason I like it.

As I stated earlier I love history, but to much in a novel seems like I need to be taken notes for a upcoming test. I don't know what Walker could have done differently to get across a very difficult point and keep it interesting, but it was a bit much for me.

I enjoyed young Kiernan immensely, and I loved how the truth his story and their connection unfolded. I was also glad it didn't turn into a love triangle. I felt that Rysa did a great job on Kate's relationship with both Trey and Kiernan, it did't come off as her wanting her cake and ice cream.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I'm about to read the novella, this review is only my opinion. Please take it as such, and read the book for yourself. I do look forward to reading book 2. This is a book I would definitely recommend, especially if you like time travel. Walker, is a talented author, and I think this is a series to watch. I'd love to hear your thoughts, leave me a comment below.

BOOK REVIEW

GATES OF THREAD AND STONE 

by

LORI M LEE

In the Labyrinth, we had a saying: keep silent, keep still, keep safe.

In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time. When Kai was eight, she was found by Reev on the riverbank, and her “brother” has taken care of her ever since. Kai doesn’t know where her ability comes from—or where she came from. All that matters is that she and Reev stay together, and maybe one day move out of the freight container they call home, away from the metal walls of the Labyrinth. Kai’s only friend is Avan, the shopkeeper’s son with the scandalous reputation that both frightens and intrigues her.

Then Reev disappears. When keeping silent and safe means losing him forever, Kai vows to do whatever it takes to find him. She will leave the only home she’s ever known and risk getting caught up in a revolution centuries in the making. But to save Reev, Kai must unravel the threads of her past and face shocking truths about her brother, her friendship with Avan, and her unique power.

I love this cover!!!

MY THOUGHTS:


I will say this, over all I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it. Below it may seem like I didn't, but Lee weave a story full of intrigue, suspense and awesome worldbuilding. You've got to check it out!

Let me start by saying, "What the drek!?" Honestly, I think it's cute when a character has a tick, but I thought that at some point I would learn the significance of this particular word. But she left me hanging. Although, I don't think it was over used, it still became quiet annoying to me(mostly because I didn't know what it meant). I goggled it after I finished and found that dreck. means rubbish.

I was anxious to read his book after a post by the authors agent on what an effective query looks like. I was intrigued, so when it showed up on Kindle Unlimited I snagged it up.

The world of Ninurta, is vivid but, no place I want to live. The sun only shines for one week out of the year, as a Floridian I would die. The world is protected by a wall that keeps out gargoyles, yes I said gargoyles. At times I felt I could smell the dampness o the Labyrinth.

The story follows Kai as she search for her brother Reev, who she believes to have been sold by his boss to the Black Rider. It's obvious the love shared between these two, the author created a relationship, that felt more than real. clearly Kai responded as I expected, she was not giving up on her brother, because he would never give up on her.

With help from her friend the handsome Avan, a boy she goes all limp around, she sets out to find Reev, and her adventure begins.

The book moves along at a moderate pace, sometimes I was a bit frustrated at not knowing where it all was leading. But, to her credit, Lee has created a fresh new world and that's great. The downside is sometimes suspense turns into nothing more than a long wait.

Kai is a good heroine, but at times I did think she needed a building to fall on her to see the obvious. Sometimes, she was strong and others a bit naive. The heat between her and Avan was steamy. I love how Lee didn't have them fall all over each other the first time the were alone together, or had an excuse to. Avan is an awesome leading guy, he's gorgeous, brave and protective. I enjoyed their relationship.

Kai has this really awesome ability, to manipulate time. I only wish that she used it more, but I guess because no one is suppose to know about her ability, suppressing it falls in line with the story. However, what good is having a power that you can't use.

After they left Ninurta, for me that's where things kinda fell flat. G-10 save this part of the book for me, I really enjoyed his character.

The end, for me was like and explosion of information, that was confusing at times. I felt I'd stayed with the book all this time waiting for the big reveal, and I'm one who loves it when the ending ties up all the loose ends, but leaves me wanting more (you too, right?). Yes, it answers some of my questions, in a sort of in your face all at once kinda way. This was the biggest disappointment in the book for me. It was just to much at once, and honestly I didn't know there was going to be a book 2 until after I finished and saw it on goodreads. The one thing I love about a series is, when each book is a complete story but leaves a  question that makes me want to read the next installment.

This book is complete, in that everything was answered. If there wasn't another installment I'd be fine with that. The one reason I would pick up book 2  is Kai and Avan's relationship. I'd like to see where it goes.

Again, these are my thoughts, this is just a small summary. Please read it for yourself and tell me what you think. Lee is truly a talented author, and I look forward to her future projects.

Simply Me

Don't you hate it when a bloggers first blog in like 6 months or even a year starts with. 

I'M BACK!!!!!!!

Me too...

                     So, I won't be that blogger... 


                                                                  I'll just say

I HAVE RETURNED!!!!!!!

Let's catch up, a lot of time has passed and in that time a lot has happened, but I  made it.

and, You, How have you been?

I do plan on making some changes to this blog, so what you see now you will soon see something different... OKAY.

Now that we've covered the logistics, let have some fun.

Stay tuned for the next post! 

DARK SACRIFICE **RELEASE DAY**

Today is the release of the second installment in the DARK PARADISE SERIES. DARK SACRIFICE, and I am thrilled to be hosting this day for  the awesome Angie Sandro.  I am currently reading Dark Sacrifice and can not wait to post my review. So far I can tell you guys this is a must read!!! A page turner like the first book Dark Paradise. 

DARK SACRIFICE

Angie Sandro

August 5, 2014

Grand Central Publishing/ Forever Yours

GOODREADS

                                                                               A GIFT AND A CURSE


Mala LaCroix sees dead people -really. After using her psychic gifts to catch a killer, she's locked in a psych ward and must strike a deal with the devil to secure her release. Apprenticed to a dark arts practitioner, Mala vows to free herself and save her loved ones from danger. But she doesn't know who to turn to when her crush on Landry Prince turns into something more serious.
                                                                     

                                                                               A FATE WORSE THAN DEATH

Landry has sacrificed everything to protect Mala. A near-death experience changes him forever, and now he, too, possesses supernatural powers he doesn't understand. Mala and Landry must band together to defeat the dark forces-both human and otherworldly-who would use their abilities for evil. Even as they fall for each other, they must prepare to battle for their very souls . 



EXCERPT:

On Saturdays, the local farmers set up a market in Paradise Park. I plan to do my veggie shopping there since I didn’t get my garden planted this year. The streets bordering the park are packed. I’m lucky to find a spot in the parking lot of First National Bank kitty-corner from the Memorial Rose Garden. Colorful tents are lined up in orderly rows in the square. Each section is separated, with the organic foods in one row and regular folk who want to sell extra produce in the other. Local shops also set up booths selling everything from pastries, coffee and tea, handmade clothing and soaps, fresh eggs, organic meat, and toys and games. A freaktastic clown stands on the street corner with a tank of helium and a gaggle of kids around him. I’m tempted to buy Landry a balloon to cheer him up.

The passenger door slams shut as soon as I shut off the engine. Landry wastes no time coming around to open my door and lift me to the ground before I can squawk in protest. He strides off while I grab my cloth shopping bag, leaving me to stare after his retreating back in shock. When he’s halfway across the street, he pauses and turns around.

“This is your idea. Hurry,” he yells. 

“I’m coming.” I shut the door and run to catch up. When I reach him, he moves around me until I’m on his blind side. He starts forward again, but slows his steps so they match mine. If I didn’t know him so well, I’d think he didn’t have a care in the world, but I do. He walks like he did in jail—shoulders back and tight, chest slightly raised. He scans the area, alert for a threat.

I take his hand, squeezing when he tries to pull away.

We blend into the crowd, strolling up and down the rows. It’s a mix of people of all ages. A few people say “hi.” Most don’t. A large percentage of them stare. I feel like I’m at the mercy of paparazzi.

“Smile and wave,” I mutter from the corner of my mouth, jabbing Landry in the side with my elbow.

“Huh?”

“You’re acting like you’ve done something wrong, but you haven’t. Don’t let these fools see you sweat. Weakness breeds violence. Like a silverback gorilla in the jungle, you need to beat your chest and fling your poop at someone.”

His snort-laugh doubles him over, and I pat him on the back. “That’s perfect,” I say. “No worries.”

He turns and lifts me into a breath-stealing hug. “Thanks,” he whispers in my ear and presses a brotherly kiss to my forehead. Wish he’d move his lips a little lower. Would a few inches kill him?

My voice comes a little thick and raspy too, and I cough to clear my throat. “No problem.”

How long has he been standing here holding me? We have an even larger audience than before. Now we really are the object of paparazzi-like behavior as people snap pictures of our embrace with their phones. I wrap my arms around his neck and press my cheek against his. “Cheese,” I say, grinning for the cameras.

A couple of high school kids start to laugh.

One yells, “Give her another kiss, Landry.”

“Yeah, Landry. Give me a kiss.” I bat my eyelashes, whispering in his ear, “I swear if you drop me on my ass in public—”

I don’t have to finish the threat.

His mouth steals across mine.

 I lean into him, head tilting. My arms tighten around his neck. His lips are soft and juicy, like peaches. Yum. My thoughts scatter and swirl, leaving only the sensation of his mouth on mine.

He breaks free first and lowers me to my feet. He avoids my gaze. “Did it work?” he asks, running his fingers through his black hair so it falls forward to shield his eye again. He shifts from his forward foot to his back which somehow puts distance between us without him having to move.

I laugh, playing off the hurt. “Yeah, we gave our fans a titillating bit of new gossip to take the place of the old. Rumors about our relationship will be flying through town before lunch.” I glance around to be sure. The crowd drifts away, realizing there’s nothing more to see. Even better, nobody hurls insults or throws dead animals at our heads. “Let’s go.”

GET YOUR COPY AT:

B&N/KOBO/ITUNES/GOOGLE PLAY

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen.
Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story. Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador.

FIND ANGIE HERE:

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DARK PARADISE RELEASE DAY BLITZ w/DARK PARADISE AND BEAUTIFUL CREATURES SERIES GIVEAWAY

I am so excited to announce the release of Angie Sandro  debut novel. I have had the pleasure of reading this thriller and let me just say it's a must read. Get your copy today.

About DARK PARADISE:

DARK LEGACY

Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of "witch women," she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She's haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.

DEADLY SECRETS
Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he wonders if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister's killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything-their families, their love, and even their live

BUY LINKS:       B/N                                 KOBO                   iTUNES                      AMAZON

EXCERPT: 

Landry’s truck sits in the driveway when I stroll out of the house at a quarter to eight in the morning. I’m in such a glorious mood that I don’t bother trying to sneak off without him catching sight of me. It would’ve been easy, I learn upon climbing on the bumper and sticking my head through the truck’s open window. He has the seat pushed back and his legs stretched out kitty corner across the passenger seat. Snores, loud enough to scare a bear, echo through the cab.

            I reach in and poke his shoulder a few times. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

            Landry’s thick lashes flutter then open to meet mine. “I’m supposed to be woken with a kiss, not a jab.”

            I snort. “I don’t kiss slimy critters. You’re playing double duty as a frog, and I throw them in a frying pan with a little butter and garlic.”

            “Oh, so now you’re trying to butter me up?”

            The heat of a blush rises. “Saints, boy. You’re fraying my last nerve.” I plant my hands on my hips, toe tapping. “What are you doing here? In case you forgot, I’m mad at you.”

“No you’re not.” He grins and runs his fingers through his thick hair. My breath catches as my brain stutters. I shake my head to dispel the wave of pheromone-induced stupidity that washes over me. My noses twitches. Why does he have to smell so good? Like cinnamon and brown sugar. “Did you forget yester—”

An oily paper bag flies in my direction. I grab it out of the air before it drops to the ground. It’s warm in my hands, and the smell makes my mouth water. “Ooh, cinnamon rolls,” I mumble around the melting mouthful of cinnamon-y goodness. “I love these.”

“I know,” Landry says, throwing open the truck door.

I hop off the bumper with a scowl. The arrogant jerk thinks he has me eating out of his hands; all he has to do is flutter those insanely long eyelashes, smile to show off his pearly whites, and tempt me with fresh, warm buns.

“These are mine?” I clutch the bag to my chest as I eye him in suspicion.

“Yeah, they’re your favorite, right?”

“Mmm hmm.”

Landry props his elbow on the open window and ducks his head. Black hair tangles across his face, hiding his eyes. “I hoped you’d be more accepting of my apology if I bribed you with sweets. Forgive me for being an ass yesterday?”

Lucky guy. He figured out the fastest way to soften my heartstrings—sugar. Wait how does he know they’re my favorite? Stupid question. It’s like him knowing my nickname and my job. He pays way too much attention to me, and I’m kinda scared to ask why. I stare at my sticky fingers, then lick the icing off one by one. Landry’s gaze draws my attention. He’s staring at my mouth. My gut tightens in response, and I slowly lick my lips. Get a grip. Don’t trust him just because he says he’s sorry.

            I concentrate on the mouthful of cinnamon roll. Each chew echoes the rapid patter of my heart. God, why does my body react like this when I’m around him? Why? He’s still staring at me. Can’t he tell I’m uncomfortable? Oh, I get it. He’s irritating me on purpose so I can’t totally ignore him.

I pass the empty bag to him. “You’re not going away, are you?”

“Nope.” He smiles.

DARK PARADISE ***BOOK REVIEW***

DARK PARADISE by Angie Sandro

Release date: July 1, 2014

Grand Central Publishing/ Forever Yours

Genre: NA Southern Gothic

DARK LEGACY

Mala LaCroix has spent her whole life trying to escape her destiny. As the last in a long line of “witch women,” she rejects the notion of spirits and hoodoo and instead does her best to blend in. But when she finds a dead body floating in the bayou behind her house, Mala taps into powers she never knew she had. She’s haunted by visions of the dead girl, demanding justice and vengeance.

                                                                    DEADLY SECRETS

Landry Prince has always had a crush on Mala, but when Mala discovers his sister, murdered and marked in some sort of Satanic ritual, he starts to wonder if all the rumors about the LaCroix family are true. Yet after Mala uses her connection to the spirit world to identify his sister’s killer, he starts to form his own bond to her . . . a very physical one. As they move closer to each other and closer to the truth, Mala and Landry must risk everything—their families, their love, and even their lives.

***WARNING*** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!

MY THOUGHTS:


To say I was excited to get my hands on a copy of this book, is a major understatement. I have been anticipating the release date since Angie made her cover reveal. So, when I spotted a post on twitter stating,  I could get my hands on a copy before it's release, I hurried over and snatched it up.


So let's get into it, Dark Paradise, if you don't know by now is Angie Sandro's debut novel. And let me tell you it does not disappoint. Malaise LaCroix is one heck of a heroine.  Angie weaves a story that boast mystery, suspense, with witch craft and love that unfolds in the dirty South. I love it.

All things Mala...

Mala (as she's called)  was born into a family of voodoo/hoodoo women and to a alcoholic prostitute, none of which she's able to live down. Just like in all small town someone has to be the source of gossip, and Mala gives the town folk a lot to gossip about.

When she finds the dead body of Lainey Prince in the bayou on her land,  and reports it to the police. The right thing to do right... wrong. She's not only on her mother's hit list, but she just added  satanic ritual murderer to her infamous list of short comings for gossipers.

Things heat up when Landry Prince, Lainey's brother enters the scene seeking her help to solve his sister's murder, while believing she maybe the killer he's searching for.

Lainey wants to avenge her death from the grave. So like a normal ghost she haunts the two people capable of helping her Mala and Landry.

Angie takes the reader on a ride that leaves you begging for mercy. There were times my stomach was in knots and I  cried uncle. The story is paced well, and the twist at the end is unexpected.

Character:


Mala is great she's everything you'd expect from a heroine, she's strong calculated and she has heart. She's learned to be guarded because of she is and the rumors, but not to guarded where she doesn't let anyone in.

Jasmine I absolutely love, as a Southern girl I can identify with this mother(abuse, alcohol and prostitution aside) the flavor she brings jumps off the page. I personally would have loved to have seen more of her. She's one of those parents you'd pat on the head thinking if only she knew better. Love her.

Landry although gorgeous and sexy, I didn't find him to be too arrogant, which you'd expect. However I thought most of the time he fell a little flat. I needed more from him, a little more depth. I was happy that he didn't have that you know you want me attitude, and he wasn't afraid to be in love with her. This is what drew me to him.

Aunt Magnolia, Yeah baby bring it on. She's kick-a** and scary as hell, and it's because of her I can't wait for book 2. She's a rich 3 dimensional character that I believe will ooze drama, suspense, fear and excitement in the next installment.

Georgie...I don't know about him I'm still forming my opinion. Let's see what he brings to the table next...


What I loved

Angie drops you in the rich Creole cultural and holds you there until she's ready to release you. There is no doubt of the bayou and the dangers it brings, or the hatred that lingers at Mala's door. Not just from her being a descendant of a slave master, but from townie's who she thought where friends.   Keep you friends close and your enemies closer, rings true in the pages of Dark Paradise.

My all time favorite things were saying's such as "liver lips" that brings back memories of my own childhood. I love the rich Southern feel this novel has. I also loved that Angie left us with a cliffhanger, but Dark Paradise is a complete story that didn't leave me frustrated at having to wait for the next installment.  But eagerly anticipating it's arrival.


Dark Paradise is one I don't think you should sleep on. I rate this debut novel 5 kick-ass stars!!!
Kudoos Angie Sandro!!!

ANGIE SANDRO:

Bio:

Angie Sandro was born at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. Within six weeks, she began the first of eleven relocations throughout the United States, Spain, and Guam before the age of eighteen.

Friends were left behind. The only constants in her life were her family and the books she shipped wherever she went. Traveling the world inspired her imagination and allowed her to create her own imaginary friends. Visits to her father's family in Louisiana inspired this story.

Angie now lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and an overweight Labrador


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Stacey Nash ***Blog Tour****

Forget Me Not

by Stacey Nash

Title: Forget Me Not (Book I in the Collective series)

Author: Stacey Nash

Release Date: February 17, 2014

Publisher: Entranced Publishing, Rush

Genre: YA speculative fiction

Blurb: Since her mother vanished nine years ago, Anamae and her father have shared a quiet life. But when Anamae discovers a brooch identical to her mother's favorite pendant, she unknowingly invites a slew of trouble into their world. When the brooch and the pendant are worn together they're no longer pretty pieces of jewelry -- they're part of a highly developed technology capable of cloaking the human form. Triggering the jewelry's power attracts the attention of a secret society determined to confiscate the device -- and silence everyone who is aware of its existence. Anamae knows too much, and now she's Enemy Number One.

She's forced to leave her father behind when she's taken in by a group determined to keep her safe. Here Anamae searches for answers about this hidden world. With her father kidnapped and her own life on the line, Anamae must decide if saving her dad is worth risking her new friends’ lives. No matter what she does, somebody is going to get hurt.

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What Others Had to Say:

"I certainly won't be forgetting Nash's debut, FORGET ME NOT! A vividly fast-paced tale with adventure, secrets, and kissing!" -Kimberly P. Chase, Author of THE APOLLO ACADEMY.

"Vivid, fresh, and unforgettable!" - Kimberly P. Chase, Author of THE APOLLO ACADEMY.                                                                

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About the Author:

Stacey grew up in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. It is an area nestled between mountains and vineyards. Full of history and culture, it provides wonderful writing inspiration. After dabbling with poetry during her teen years, Stacey stopped writing until after university when she was married with young children. Now she loves nothing more than spending her days with her children and writing when inspiration strikes.

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Excerpts 

The gas meter beeps when he reaches the top of the staircase. Coming upstairs seems kind of strange. I mean, surely gas leaks would have to be a kitchen thing. The beeping sets my teeth on edge, and I just want it to stop. Maybe there’s something wrong, but here in the upstairs hall?

“That doesn’t sound good,” I mutter.

“It means there is indeed…”

He twists, angling himself toward my open bedroom door, and his gaze locks on my dresser. The back of my neck prickles, a sure sign something about this just isn’t right. What the…I step past him and pull the door closed, but he pushes me aside and slams it open. Panic shoots through me, but I’m fast enough to dart around him. Turning my shoulder and reaching for the box.

He lunges toward me, grabs me from behind, and his arm pins my neck to him with a shoulder crushing grip. He pushes me against the dresser, and the box falls open, its contents spilling across the top. Heart pounding, my throat burns with a scream. I’ve got to get him out of here. He must know about my pendant, the brooch. Dammit. I wriggle to escape his vice-like grip, but it’s no use -- he’s too strong.

My hand darts toward the pendant. I snatch it, but he grabs my wrist. Adrenaline tries to pound my heart right out of its home in my chest. If only I can get the jewelry on, I might be able to make its magic work and hide.

“Tech breech confirmed,” he speaks into his collar in a matter-of-fact tone; then he turns his gaze to me. “Give me the pendant.”

There’s a tiny ripping sound, like velcro torn open. A young guy in a black leather jacket flickers into my bedroom. A sharp gasp leaves me. I can’t escape one attacker, let alone two. Where the heck are these men coming from? I’m not going down without a fight, so I kick at my captor’s shins. The leather jacket guy wrenches the man’s grip from my shoulders and punches him square in the chin, knocking his head to the side. Shaking his head, the gas man stumbles backward.

The jacket guy raises his knee and drives a foot into the other man’s stomach. The straight, hard kick makes a loud thud and forces the dude to double over and curl in on himself. The leather jacket guy crouches and drives his fist straight up into the man’s chin. It knocks him flat on his back like a felled tree.

My chest rises and falls with my quickened breath. My heart thuds like a booming drum. The mysterious rescuer turns toward me, holding my gaze with intense, steady jade eyes. He grabs my assailant by the arm, and they both flicker out of my room.

My mind spins.

Legs, arms, body -- I can’t move, but it doesn’t matter. Moving is the least of my worries. Who were they, and what just happened? The meter seemed to lead him straight to Mom’s pendant. Gas man, my ass.

I clutch my head in an attempt to stop my mind spinning, but my hand slides off my sweaty forehead and falls against my tightened stomach. What if they come back? The guy in the jacket…

What was that? The brooch, the pendant…my disappearing reflection. They wanted it. Damn.

Sweat trickles down my forehead and into my eyes. I wipe it away with a trembling hand. Questions hurtle through my mind, all jumbling together as they race faster and faster in my mind. Seconds, minutes, hours I don’t know, but a single thought emerges through the haze of my mind.

 Will.