Fire by T.G. Ayer

Normal people sneak out to a party and have fun. Maya Rao ends the evening by incinerating the guy who attacks her. 

Nik Lucas, sexy, new in town and totally forbidden, happens to walk in on her. Normal guys would run for the hills. Nik knows a whole lot more than he's telling.

Maya doesn't believe the gods are real, doesn't waste her time with mere mythology. But when gods, demons and hellhounds become the new normal and wielding fire becomes her new skill, she must decide what it is she really believes. 

Can Maya accept that normal is something she will never be because it isn't normal to be ...

The Hand of Kali.

My Thoughts

Before I begin, I would like to thank Innovative Online Book Tours for this fabulous book. I received this book for free for a review. 

Well, I have to say that the character and the plot development is excellent. I love Maya's spunk and the mysterious Nik.

Although this book was good, it just wasn't for me. There was just nothing that was particularly wrong with it, but it just wasn't my taste.

All of the great elements were there, great characters and great plot development, but I just didn't dig it. Maybe if I break this down a little better, I'll be able to see what it was.

Characters: Like I said earlier, love the teen angst and the spunk of Maya. And she's not a typical white female kickbutt character. I love how her culture as an Indian-American comes into play into the paranormal plot.

Love Nik and his mysterious nature. I kinda figured out what was going on between Nik and Maya, but it was still interesting to learn more and more about this character as it continued on.

Dialogue: This is where I had an issue with the book. Especially with the parents. They talked as stiff as a cardboard. 

Think about all of the stereotypical responses parents give typical spit fire teens, and you will know what I'm talking about. I couldn't stand the fact that they were so stiff with the language they were using.

And the crucial part of this is: All parents are different. All children are different. To tell me that these parents are the same type of parents down the street is doing them an injustice. To give Maya and Nik such depth but skimp out on the parents makes me feel like the author was lazy or just plain ol' tired of all of the effort she gave to all of the other characters and just said, "Screw it" to the parents.

I feel slightly cheated that she did that. 

Plot: Like I said, plot development was excellent. No complaints here. The character led the plot forward and that's how it should be. Well paced, well structured and well executed. Nothing I could ask for more in this arena.

Setting: Love how the setting and the culture came into play with the plot. It's like the author took all of the literary elements and strung them together to the Indian culture which is just so what I've been waiting for from other others in the paranormal genre.

If you've been a follower since the beginning, you will know that I've been begging for an author to tie in minority roots to the paranormal genre for years. And I'm so thankful that somebody did. 

Anyway . . . :)

Historical Context: I know, I had to throw it in there for a loop! :) 

Anyway, I got a bit lost in the Indian culture and the religion. I think the author made it accessible, but I still got a little lost since there are so many different gods and different powers associated with each. I had no idea they had an underworld and a god to boot. 

But I really think that if I tried a bit harder and flipped back from time to time, I think I would get it. I wasn't lost enough not to get back my footing, but I thought I would mention it just in case. If you're going to buy it, then you need to make sure you know what you're going in to. Just my honest opinion.

Ending: Ended with a bow on top. Couldn't be happier.

Overall: I would definitely recommend this book to people, like me, who are just waiting for a minority character to explore the Indian paranormal mindset.

It's your choice.

Just because it didn't suit me just right, doesn't mean it won't for you! I love practically everything about this book, it just didn't fit my personal taste. 

Anyway, I highly recommend this book for paranormal romance lovers. Check it out. Read it and thank me later. :)

Guest Post: Rejection Blues by Mattie Dunman

Please welcome the author of the great book Instinct, Mattie Dunman to Feed My Need!

How to Deal with Rejection Blues

I remember about five years ago when I first decided I was going to write and publish a book, I knew that I would get the book written within a few months and that it would immediately get picked up by an agent, I would be offered a five-book contract with a major publishing house, and within a year I’d be watching my story play out on the big screen.

Weird how none of that happened, huh?

Instead, it took me closer to a year to finish my first book and edit it. Although I got a few nibbles on my manuscript, I pretty much ended up collecting rejection after rejection without even coming close to selling the book.

I was fortunate enough to have gotten some stellar advice from a seasoned author at the beginning of my journey; she told me to join writers’ groups and to go to as many conferences as possible. I did as she suggested, and I’m still grateful for everything I learned that first year as a writer. I learned not to take rejection personally, that it didn’t mean my book wasn’t any good, or that I was a hack. I learned what it meant to “write for the market” and why that meant I might not really fit in with the major publishing houses. And I learned, most importantly, that a real writer doesn’t need an agency, or a big-name publisher, or even a bucket-load of cash (although that would be nice). All a writer really needs is a reader.

So after another few years of incredibly frustrating rejections, close calls, and two more books that no one would give a chance, I decided to follow the footsteps of the new pioneers and went the self-publishing route.

I’m still trying to figure the whole thing out, and I’m absolutely miserable when it comes to maintaining a website and online presence thanks to my less than tech savvy nature, but I’ve never been happier. I hear from new readers all the time and I know that they’ve only heard about my books because someone else told them they were good. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool, but it’s also incredibly satisfying for me as an author to know that my books are steadily gaining more readers not because I’m a brilliant social media diva, but because my characters resonate with readers and my stories are solid enough to draw people in.

So when someone asks me how I deal with all the rejection I’ve gotten over the years, I look at some of my reviews and the letters I’ve gotten from readers, and I just shrug. Rejection is never a fun thing, but I know that I haven’t had to compromise my vision to match a bottom-line, and that I’m making it, slow as it may be, on my own merit. Do I still have dreams of getting a big contract? Of course! I’m only human, and it’s hard work being self-published. But every rejection made me a better writer, gave me more drive to get my work out there, and helped me realize that I don’t need to change my stories to match the market. All I really need is a reader, and they are everywhere, just waiting for a story.


If you loved this guest post, check out her book Instinct!

To tell the truth...it doesn’t really matter if you lie.

It’s impossible to lie to Derry MacKenna. For as long as she can remember, Derry has been plagued by the extraordinary ability to hear, see, and feel the truth. But when Derry and her erratic, self-centered mother move to historic Harpers Ferry, she discovers she is not the only one with hidden talents. 

As the newest reporter on the school newspaper, Derry learns of a high school student’s unexpected suicide and recognizes that the truth behind her death may still be hidden. When tragedy strikes, Derry is drawn into a deadly battle of wits with the only person whom her abilities don’t affect. 

Driven by guilt and an obsession with bringing the killer to justice, Derry finds herself in danger from a vindictive murderer, a sadistic deviant who preys on the weak, and trapped in the middle of a treacherous triangle of attraction between two brothers whose abilities rival her own. Derry must trust her instincts to guide her to the truth and bring her enemies to justice even as she fights for her own survival.

INSTINCT focuses on a gifted, intelligent, and loyal heroine who must contend not only with the inherent dangers of high school bullying and backstabbing, but with loss, grief, and guilt. Against issues of sexual abuse, teenage suicide, and destructive relationships, the heroine learns to cherish the strength of real friendship, understand accountability, and experiences the healing touch of first love.

Author Bio

Mattie Dunman is a lifelong resident of "Wild & Wonderful" West Virginia, and has dreamed of being a writer since she first held a pen in hand.


Mattie has pursued several useless degrees to support this dream, and presently enjoys teaching (or tormenting, as the case may be) college students the dying art of public speaking. She spends most of her free time writing, but also indulges in reading and traveling.

She is the proud owner of an adorably insane American Eskimo named Finn, and a tyrant cat named Bella, who take up more of her attention than they probably should.

Please visit Mattie's website at www.mattiedunman.com

Autumn by Sierra Dean

Cooper Reynolds’s life is going to the dogs… literally.

As if being a high school senior in a small Texas town wasn’t hard enough, Cooper has bigger things to worry about than who he’ll take to prom and whether or not the Poisonfoot Padres will win homecoming. He has less than a year before his eighteenth birthday, when a curse placed on his family will doom him to live in coyote form forever.

The last thing he needs to complicate his already messed-up life is a girl, but fate has other plans in mind for him when it brings Eloise “Lou” Whittaker to Poisonfoot. She’s grouchy, sarcastic and has no love for her new Texas home, but she might be exactly the right person to help Cooper break the curse.

The clock is ticking, and Cooper will have to decide if he’s willing to let Lou in on his dirty little secret before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

Before I begin, I would like to thank NetGalley and Sierra Dean for the free book in exchange for a review.

I have to say from the moment I read this book, I was addicted. I literally couldn't stop reading it. I don't think it was the character this time (even though she was awesome and love her nickname of Lou which fits her perfectly), I think it was the plot.

It was so well written and developed that I literally tore through this book in two days. It was amazing and I'm so glad I read it.

However, I do have a few things to nitpick about this book.

Characters: Like I said, love Lou and Copper. It was interesting to see the whole character unravel in a very interesting way. I love the fact that this author brings a fresh twist to the paranormal realm and to the stereotypical characters.

She takes a jock and makes him unpopular and makes the "perfect" girl with a boy nickname have a flaw. It was nice to see that creativity in an author. 

I think I love her just for that simple fact. 

After reading Culture Shock, I needed something new. Something creative and I have to say Autumn did that in the most interesting way.

Overall, her character development is spot on. Love how she gives a twists to the stereotypical characters. It's just so refreshing.

Dialogue: Quick and witty. No cheesy love lines anywhere. I love the intensity she gave the characters. You knew that something was going on, but you didn't know what or even why. And she didn't tell, she showed!

She let the characters have their voice.

Plot: It kept me on the edge of my seat even when I knew I had to go to bed. I just couldn't. I had to keep reading.

She builds enough tension and mystery to keep you wondering and guessing. I kinda figured out a majority of the plot. Some of it was predicable but I still was curious enough to keep reading. I had some of the puzzle but I didn't have the complete picture. So it kept me reading even though I knew like half of the plot.

Anyway, I still say well developed plot and I loved how she played with the foreshadowing. Great job.

Setting: Love the name Poisonfoot and I absolutely love the fact that the author did her research on Texas. It was clear from the word go that the author knew her setting like the back of her hand. 

I know I keep saying this, but it just amazes me how much refreshingly different this whole story was and how the author incorporated into the plot line.  

Ending: This is where I fell out of love a bit. I'm not loving or feeling the ending. It ended suddenly. Without warning. And with a major twist. But not a twist I haven't seen before. However, it was a good twist that left me speechless.

It was good, but in a, "Dang, I didn't even see THAT coming!" 

So Idk about the ending. I'm on the fence.

Overall: Would I recommend this book?

Heck yes!

The only reason this book does get full five stars is because of a few typos and the ending. However, there IS good news: There's a second book coming in November. 

Cheerleader high five! 

So I would absolutely invite you guys to read the book and enjoy. You will thank me later. :)

Culture Shock by Jeanette Pekala

CULTURE SHOCK is a witty tale of mystery and romance with a large helping of southern hospitality.

Macy Holmes is a seventeen-year-old socially-isolated introvert since her best friend's death a year ago. When her family decides to move from Manhattan to the quaint country town of Bougainvillea, Florida, Macy finds she's in a completely different world. Macy is no longer the outsider hiding behind designer clothes when she is sought out by three strange students, one of whom she is particularly interested in. The more time she spends with Chad the more things don't add up. When his true identity is finally revealed, Macy is pulled into a supernatural society with its saturation of inhabitants residing in Bougainvillea. 

You would think she has enough on her plate, but no, then her dreams become infiltrated by an external magical force, Macy and her band of supernatural misfits must find the culprit behind the magic-induced nightmares. They must dodge zombie assassins, shifty shape-shifters and high school bullies in order to stop this perpetrator before Macy, her friends or her parents pay the ultimate price. Especially when Macy has the sneaking suspicion that these dreams are reality...

My Thoughts:

Well, this is without a doubt an interesting book. It has a very lovable main character (Macy), an incredible setting, and the southern drawl has me feeling like I'm home.

However, there are quite a few problems for this southern paranormal romance book.

For one, the book was far too long. 676 pages for any book other than a textbook is just too long for my taste. Especially for a paranormal romance. I would highly suggest to the author to cut it up into three complete novels. (Even Twilight was 450 pages for the first book!)

Especially since the villain was so obvious from the beginning.

Of course, what ultimately killed the novel was the exposition dumps and description dumps. There was literally a point where I skipped ten pages of description to get to the dialogue between the characters.

It was simply too much.

In fact, I think if the editor would have insisted on her cutting it, the book would have been 400 pages of solid work. And if the author was in a good slicing mood, 250 pages.

Anyway, let's dissect this book even further.

Characters: I have to say, I liked all of the characters. Macy can get annoying, but overall, I like her personality. She's a NYC gal dropped into the southern part of the US. 

Chad and Max were okay to me. I didn't really jive with either one of them. I liked Max better than Chad because of his charming personality and he's such a sweetie pie.

The problem I had with Chad was that he reminded me of the whole Edward Cullen struggle. He's trying to be the "vegetarian" type vampire and not be involved with humans. So he doesn't want to be with Macy. He tells her this point blank. But, of course, he can't help himself but to get jealous and to try to stop her from dating other boys.

Does this sound familiar? All I ask is for originality in the vampire-human romance stuff. I know it's a tall order, but please something different. Couldn't we start with Chad trying to kill her, straight up taking her as a victim, but something about her makes him stop to reconsider not killing her as a monster? Maybe something about her reminds him about his childhood sweetheart . . . Or something.

You know what I mean! Originality, please!

Additionally, I'm so tired of wishy-washy guys. 

Like pick what you want (either date Macy and screw the consequences, or firmly decide that you are not dating Macy ever) then stick with it! I know it's part of the struggle of his attraction to her, but it still irks. And it's not like it was a gradual, I don't know if I should let her go sort of thing, it was more one day he's jealous, the next day he's all over her like white on rice. Plot is something I'll get to in a minute, but I wish the author took more time to sort this whole thing out.

One more issue with Chad: His vamp teeth. Really? Needle thin teeth to dig into his victim? Not only is that a weird choice, it just seems like Chad is a wimpy vampire. I'm use to seeing vampires really go into their victims neck with all of this blood oozing from the side.

And they didn't do that with some needle-thin teeth. They did that with strong canine teeth. 

Anyway, I absolutely adored Emma. I even love that name. I'm actually going to name my daughter Emily, or some other variation (and no, I won't tell you, because I don't want YOU stealing it! :D). Which is why none of my characters will have that name.

Another concern was that Macy claimed that she never dated before. At 17. But she could get a friend? But she could be social? I get it, she's somehow (with a bubbly personality) an introvert but even introverts have close friends that they have crushes on. Or at least dream crushes that they pursue. And besides, she's gorgeous! How can someone NOT ask her out? OR hit on her?!

I'm sorry. I'm calling bullcrap on that one.

Dialogue: Overall, I have to commend the author on a job well done on depicting the southern drawl almost perfectly. However, I did notice one combination that didn't sit well with me. One character said, "Y'all 'ill."

As in you all will. I've never heard of that combination. Maybe it's just me, but I haven't heard of it.

Another thing that bugged me so much was the romance between Chad and Macy. Like the language was just so corny. The one liners reminded me so much of Twilight and Shiver it wasn't even funny. I couldn't even laugh at the corny lines (unlike Shiver, I had to laugh, they were just terribly corny). I just skipped right over them and sighed. 

I wish she would have been more creative with the love lines. That's all I ask for. 

Plot: Point blank: It needs a ton of work. For example, the big reveal of the supes and it's like the author decided randomly, "I'm going to put the big reveal (closes her eyes and selects a spot) here!"

Like no. I'm not buying it.

There needs to be a slow progression of what makes these characters so different than everybody else. Sure she managed to show on the outside that they look different. And I will fully admit, meeting them and her description of the characters did make me think that something was different. 

But then she stopped right there and got into a different plot avenue.

No reveal of any superpowers? No really weird strength or quickness?

Sure, she jammed it right at the end for Chad and Max, but nothing for Emma. I had no idea what she was other than British. That's the only clue I have to go on?

Not cool.

This is where the author could have seized the opportunity to build on the tension of not knowing who they are and questioning if they could really be friends of Macy. 

But nope. 

Additionally, the plot was rushed in some places (like the whole ending) then it was slowed down by description. It was just a hot mess.

Setting: I liked getting to know Florida through a northerners eyes. It was a refreshing take on Southern culture. I liked how she noticed all the landmarks and how far city life is from the country. 

All of the quirks of southern living were included and I have to applaud her for getting that distinctly right. As a matter of fact, you can tell this author is well versed with southern life so I'm glad somebody is doing their research.

Word Usage: I have to be nit picky on this. It was driving me bananas. 

The word coven does NOT refer to a vampire club or group!! 

I don't know why the author used a word that distinctly, even when it was first used, associated with a group of witches but it just irked the crap out of me. 

I can somewhat understand, as an author, expanding the definition of a word. But this still irks me. I think the English teacher side of me just hates that a word is being used incorrectly.

That's like using the word Wicca for vampire. It just hits a direct nerve.

Anyway, I had to point it out for that simple reason. It may not irk everyone, but it certainly irked me. It irked me so bad I had to look it up. But if I'm wrong, please feel free to correct me with the link and educate me. I would love to be informed of this new word usage.

Ending: Did I love it?

Hmm, still chewing on it.

To me, she wrote the ending well. It was well paced. I just skipped half of it because I was tired of reading it. I just wasn't invested and connected enough to the characters to care. I knew what was going to happen anyway.

Sorry but I have to be honest. 

I did read the last few paragraphs and caught the little twist at the end. Still chewing on it if I believe it or not. If that could seriously happen. It smells like Amy Plum sorta deal and I'll leave it at that.

Don't want to ruin the ending for you. :)

Overall: Would I recommend this book to persnickety people like me?

Absolutely not! Read something you can't dissect through editing eyes! 

This book is just not the type of people who are very particular about plot development and length of books. The characters I could stand. The plot, the description dumps, and the telling not showing killed the writer and English teacher in me.

However, it may be for you. I see there are a tons of good reviews for this book (surprised the snot out of me), but they state their reasons for loving it and I can't blame them. I do like the characters a lot. 

So overall, I would recommend this book to fans of Shiver. And maybe Twilight. To people who maybe want more description instead of action. Who want predicable villains. 

Anyone who is as picky as me, shouldn't read it. Read Dearly, Departed instead (if you're a zombie lover, like yours trully). You will thank me later. :)

Hidden by M. Lathan

Sixteen-year-old Leah Grant has given up on being normal. She'd settle for stopping the voices in her head, intrusive visions of the future, and better odds of making it to her seventeenth birthday.

That's the thing about pretending to be human in a world where magic used to exist - at any moment, her cover could be blown and she'll be burned to death like the rest of the witches.

Everything changes when she loses control of her powers and flees the orphanage she grew up in. She desperately wants to be invisible but finds her face plastered on every news channel as humans panic over the possible resurgence of her kind. And now the hunters won't give up until they find her.

Making friends for the first time in her life and falling in love with one of them drives her to discover why she is unlike any being she's ever met - human or otherwise. The dangerous powers inside of her that would repel Nathan, her new, handsome reason for living, are priceless to some. The locked up forever kind of priceless. And to others, they are too dangerous to allow her to live.

Let's hope she can stay hidden.

My Thoughts

My thoughts about this book aren't hidden: I like this book alot. I like the characters, the setting, and the twists and turns of the plot.

I can tell this author did a lot research on bullying and depression. I would so air high five her for that.

You would think this would make me flip out of my seat excited?

Not quite.

Characters: I like the main character Leah/Christine/Celia.

Yes, you read that right, the main character has three different names and switches through them. To give the author credit, she waits for you to get accustomed to name Leah, then tacks on the other two after a while.

So she doesn't slam you with names, but that doesn't include her nickname. 

So confusing much?

Other than that, I like all of the characters. I like the layers she added. I can't really complain (other then the multiple names) about characters. They're well written and developed.

Plot: Hmm, for the most part, the plot has plenty of twists and turns in it to keep me on the edge of my seat. For a while, nothing kinda happened which was okay by me. I was getting to know the character and there was enough going on to keep me from getting bored. 

I think pacing was a bit off near the end. A bit rushed. Or maybe it was just me and I didn't want it to end. 

Well, at least, the way the author ended it anyway. But more on that later.

Setting: I like the setting, but I'm totally blanking out on where it was. I know part of it was Paris, New Orleans, and another setting where it starts but Idk. 

But when she gets to New Orleans, I like she uses the house and kinda builds on plot through it. It's kinda interesting how she does it.

Ending: This is where I want to divorce the author and slap her silly.

I loathe the ending. The romantic end is fine, but the main plot ending sucks. I think she explains why she ended the way she did, but I was still in shock.

After all of that, she ends it like that? Um, no. Don't like it whatsoever.

Overall: Would I recommend this book to someone else?

Probably.

Even though I'm not exactly thrilled with the ending, there's some hope: There is another book in the series.

So maybe she'll change her ending somehow or amend it in the next book. 

Additionally, the author has a great writing style. She had me smiling and laughing at some awkward but cutely awkward moments that were just precious. And her plot and character development were great.

So yeah, I would recommend this book to somebody. I would warn them about the ending a bit, but still. 

Other then, give it a shot and let me know what you think. And quench your need to read. :)

Tempest (#1 Destroyers Series) by Holly Hook

Sixteen-year-old Janelle knows something's not right with her father when they move to their new home in Florida. He refuses to evacuate them from the coast when a hurricane bears down on them, despite the fact that all their neighbors have gone. Even worse, it seems like there's something he wants to tell her, something terrifying, but he's not quite opening up.

Then Janelle's life flips upside down when a teenage boy, Gary, materializes out of the storm right in front of her. He bears a strange marking on his arm, a gray spiral that matches the one she was born with. Perhaps her strange birthmark means something after all. But when she points out Gary's mark to her father, he refuses to speak more about it. 

It's up to Janelle to find the truth about the connection she and Gary share. When she tracks Gary down again and discovers it, it's far more terrifying than she could ever imagine: she and Gary share a powerful, deadly curse. Worse, learning the truth is only the start of Janelle's horrifying adventure into a world she had never imagined.

My Thoughts

First off, I love the idea of people being storms. It's just an awesome idea that I wish I would have come up with. It's just an interesting way to make the normal paranormal.

I like the characters, the plot, and the idea. It just all spins (pun intended) wonderfully. The only problem I really had was the romance. At times, it was just plain ol' awkward. 

And trust me, I get it. Been there, done that. However, it seemed like a Dia Reeves problem. Like the author was struggling with developing the romantic tension between them. And I wish she could have done a better job of it.

But you really can't beat the price: It's free! :) 

Anyway, let's dissect this book further.

Characters: I love all of the characters. I love the fact that Janelle is discovering the "ugly" side of her family and it helps to understand herself. It's like discovering layer after layer of what makes her . . . Well, her.

I liked Gary. I liked how they both met but I just didn't like the development of the romance. Like I said, it was awkward. I do like the fact that they were willing to go all out for each other.

Other then that, I liked them all. Even the bad guy. They were all believable, thought-out characters.

Plot: Well developed plot as well. I loved how piece by piece was discovered and the more you discovered, the more confusing it was. 

I also would love to add: I HEART the beginning. Sucks you right into the story and gets right to the point. I love how we see the problem from the word go.

I loved how much the author created just enough pressure, just enough acceptance to make us see the real Janelle. It was just nice to see.

Setting: I like the setting in Florida. She didn't wow me with the description of the setting, but there was a good reason why the setting was in Florida. I'll leave it at that. 

Ending: Perfect ending with a bow on top. And it leaves you wanting more. So no complaints here.

Overall: Would I read the second book in this series?

Absolutely!

I still love the idea, care about the characters, and love the plot development.  Additionally, this whole series has major potential. I would just read it to see where she takes this whole storm people thing. How deep does the rabbit hole go.

I would definitely recommend this book to someone who loves paranormal romance but is tired with vampires and werewolves. It's a wonderfully refreshing type of paranormal romance.

Actually, I would recommend this book to people who haven't read YA paranormal romance. This would be a wonderful introduction to the genre. Of course, if my complaint about the romance really bothers some people, then fine. Don't try it.

But I would still give this book a shot. The romance didn't bother me so much that I wouldn't continue the series. It's still solid on characters, plot and setting. What more can you want? :)

The Faerie Guardian: Volume One by Rachel Morgan

Enter a hidden world...

Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day's work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone--she's about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can somehow see through her faerie glamour follows her into the fae realm. Now she's broken Guild Law, a crime that could lead to her expulsion. The last thing Vi wants to do is spend any more time with the boy who got her into this mess, but the Guild requires that she return Nate to his home and make him forget everything he's discovered of the fae realm. Easy, right? Not when you factor in evil faeries, long-lost family members, and inconvenient feelings of the romantic kind. Vi is about to find herself tangled up in a dangerous plot--and it'll take all her training to get out alive.

My Thoughts

Okay, let me come clean: I read the first part of this book for free on Amazon (but I learned afterwards that it is free on Smashwords too). And from then on, I was hooked. 

If I could summarize this book into two words it would be: Refreshingly original. I love the world that Rachel Morgan created. I love the fact that I could identify with each character in their different stages of life. I love the romantic tension building between the two main characters Violet and Nate.

What didn't I like about the novel . . . That it was so short! Okay, another confession: The book wasn't that short, I just read it in a day. It got me so hooked that i was reading it at the table with my family surrounding me talking about stuff.

Yep, I'm addicted to the series! Completely and whole-heartedly.

Now onto the dissection!

Characters: I love all the different characters, especially Violet. She is the strong female protagonist with a history that it slowly unfolds itself. I just love all of the layers this protagonist have and how she carefully unveils it throughout the book. It's kinda like what Shrek said about the onions. 

I also like Nate and Ryn. They are both loveable in their own way. Even though Violet has her reasons to hate both of them, I like them equally.

The only thing that I didn't like was that there seemed to be too many side characters. I kept confusing like Scarlett and some of the other characters. I know what the author was trying to do (give everybody their own identity and purpose) but it got a bit confusing near the end to remember all of those names.

Additionally, I love the bonus material that gave us readers a chance to see what really happened from Nate and Ryn's point of view. It also verified what I thought what happened with Nate. So yeah. Liked that little treat she gave us. 

Dialogue: Realistic and funny to watch the culture references Violet didn't get but I did (I'll let the author explain it in her novel what I meant). I kept laughing at her awkwardness with Nate and her lack of American culture. It was great and witty at times too. 

Overall, I enjoyed it.

Plot: Okay, I have another confession: I kinda knew what was going to happen with Nate and Violet. The author gave me a helpful foreshadow with them, and I knew what was going to happen. I won't let y'all know and ruin it but to me, it was a bit obvious after the conversation they had, what Nate was going to do.

You'll have to read the book to see what I'm talking about. :)

Other then that, I was hanging on the edge of my seat to find out what was going on with the characters.

Setting: I love the fae setting, I think it's called Creepy Hollow. I like how she built her fae world and her human world. Actually, I'm a bit jealous of how well developed it is since I'm currently building my own world. She makes it look so easy and effortlessly, when I know the opposite is true.

Definitely believe I'm taking notes on how thoroughly she built her world, and what I need to think about in developing my own.

Ending: It was bittersweet. I loved how she resolved all the character conflicts except one which I think will be resolved in the next book. I just wish there was more of it. And I wish a certain romantic conflict would be resolved before the next book, but overall, no lose ends to be wary of. 

She tied the major plot conflicts with a nice bow, and left some undone for the next novel. 

Overall: I would recommend the first part of the book (which is 100 hundred percent FREE) to anyone who wants to read an adventurous paranormal romance/paranormal fantasy. I'll leave the link on the bottom along with the cover (which I think outshines the original cover by a long shot). 

I bought the full book after reading the first part, and probably tomorrow, I'll buy and read the second book. I look forward to it! 

Anyway, I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends who love the fae world and couldn't get enough of it from Aprilynne Pike!

[This is Part I of THE FAERIE GUARDIAN] 

Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone—she’s about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can see through her faerie glamour shows up and ruins it all... 

Isn't this cover gorgeous!? I literally couldn't help myself from clicking the HECK YES button, a.k.a. get it and read it button.

Discovery of Ebooks

As you guys probably know, I've recently received a Tablet (Andriod Zeki, if you are curious) for my birthday back in September.

And I have to say I love it to death!

For the past couple of months, I'm sure you've noticed that I'm reviewing more books quicker than ever before. Thanks to my tablet, I've been reading more and more ebooks on my Zeki.

It's not until recently though that I really started to read (in depth and not for work purposes) books on my tablet. And despite the inner printer book lover in me that has refused to get an eReader for the past year, I have to say, reluctantly, that I'm addicted to reading ebooks on my tablet.

It's wonderful. Awe-inspiring. And I'm 100 percent hooked onto reading on my tablet.

Of course, I didn't always start out this way. I loved the feel of print books in my hands and the smell of walking into a book store filled with used books.

What has changed since then?

Indie writers! And . . . Slightly shamefully, free books through Amazon Select Program.

Ever since another tablet lover told me about all of the fabulous free books out there on Amazon and how to get them on my Android . . .

"You have GOT to try reading some of these free romance books on Kindle! They are better than even [insert famous best selling traditionally published romance author name here]!"

"But I don't have a Kindle."

"All you have to do is download the app for Amazon Kindle and download those books! I have an iPad (insert oohs and ahhs here) and it's the best thing ever!"

"Well, if you insist . . ."

"Trust me, you will thank me later. Just type in top 100 free romance books and you're in. Every time I open up my start page the list is right there for me. You should try it."

"Okay, I'll give it a shot!"

And there started my love affair with Amazon and the top free list. And trust me, there's a top free list for everything! Even for teens.

*big audible sigh*



You know I LOVE paranormal romance books, and they have them in the crap load. And they are written beautifully.

The only thing my taste buds are missing is that indie book that will just take paranormal romance into the next level: having the influence of the non western culture.

That would certainly kick it up a notch! And having some minority characters as the main character would be fantastic.

Anyway, anyway, I have to say regardless I am happy reading books on my Zeki! The only other thing that bothers me to no end is the battery life on this thing. I never had to worry about batteries before with a print book (even if I needed lights--that's what a cell phone was MADE for) but using an electronic reader definitely has its negatives.

Especially since my Zeki cannot last more than eight hours (at the top) without recharging. And when it gets to a certain low percentage (like 14 percent), it shuts off automatically.

Talk. About. Annoying.

Other then that though, I have to say, I am an eReader lover!

What about you? Had any similar experiences (like battery low issues) with your eReader or Tablet? Do you like eBooks over print books!? I would love to hear about it!

Book Giveaway and Author Interview: Into The Light by Darcia Helle

Please welcome to Feed My Need, suspense author, Darcia Helle!

Author Interview

Please tell us a little about yourself.

This question always feels like a personal ad, where my answer would be something generic like: I’m a MWF, with brown hair and eyes, who loves walking the beach on moonlit nights.

And that is me. Sort of. But what does that really tell you? Here are some things that make me who I am: I’m a music and book addict, vegetarian, tree-hugging hippie. I hate coffee, love tea, and don’t like to wear shoes. Psychology and sociology fascinate me. Spiders creep me out. And I have a houseful of spoiled, four-legged babies. They’re all rescues and are, by far, my best friends.

When and why did you begin writing?

Writing is not something I chose to do one day. I was four or five when I wrote my first story. I was always writing something; stories, poetry, essays, then novels. As for why I write, my best explanation is that I write because the characters trespassing through my mind leave me no alternative.


What was the hardest part of writing your book? What is the easiest?

With each of my books, I’d say the middle has been the most challenging. All my books are character-driven. I don’t outline, and often have only a vague idea where the story is going. I know where I’m beginning and usually where I want to end, but the middle is unchartered territory.

The easiest part of each book has always been those first few pages. When the characters speak to me for the first time, those scenes write themselves.


What music do you listen to while you write?

I can’t listen to music while writing. For me, the lyrics are a distraction. I find myself absorbed in the story of the song, and I lose the connection with the story I’m writing. The mood of the music also influences me too much. I can and do use music as a starting point, a way to get myself in the mood for writing. But while writing I need silence.


What inspires you?

So many things! I find inspiration in well written lyrics, an original phrase, my dogs playing, a sunny day, the ocean waves, and the smell of orange blossoms. I’m inspired by people who stand up for what they believe in, especially when it would be easier to follow the masses. And I’m always inspired when readers take the time to write and let me know my words have touched their lives.


Do you have any hidden talents?

I can make an entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s Americone ice cream disappear in one sitting.


What are your current projects?
I’m working on book #3 in my Michael Sykora series.


What made you decide on self-publishing?

Frustration with the mainstream publishing world really pushed me into self-publishing. Back in 2008, I had three finished manuscripts and another in the works. I’d submitted the requisite query letter and synopsis to dozens of agents. For those unfamiliar with this mandatory means of communication with agents, who are the gatekeepers to the publishers, the query letter is a two or three paragraph plea disguised as a professional request for consideration. The synopsis is a grown-up version of the high school book report. I hate them both.

I’ll cut through all the nonsense I encountered, and just say I wasn’t getting anywhere. I could no longer work, due to neurological complications from chronic, late-stage Lyme disease, which gave me lots of time to investigate the emerging community of indie authors.

I taught myself HTML, and designed and created my website and blog. I learned how to format for print and ebooks. After studying the pros and cons of various publishers, I settled on CreateSpace for print. Then I found Smashwords for ebooks, and also figured out how to upload my books for Kindle. I made mistakes along the way, as most of us do. But I learned a lot. And, most of all, I’ve met some of the most amazing authors who have become like family.

In the end, the mainstream publishers and their agents did me a favor by making the hoop-jumping process so ridiculous. Independence suits me well.


Do you have a professional editor?

I do, thankfully! My regular editor is Bob Helle. Despite the name, we are not related. He’s a terrific guy, easy to work with, and incredibly supportive. He has made my writing life so much nicer! I also had the pleasure of once working with Susan Helene Gottfried, who has now gotten into freelance editing and is a gift to the indie world.

When I started out, I couldn’t afford the expense of an editor and decided to go it alone. I don’t recommend this course of action to anyone. Good editors are priceless.


Do you edit as you write or wait until your book is finished?

Both. While writing, I don’t spend a lot of time searching for the exact word or phrase. If I come to a detail requiring more research, I leave it out and go back to it during revisions. I find over-thinking interferes with the flow of creativity.

When I start out each day, I go back and read what I’d written during my last session. This serves two purposes. First, it reconnects me with the story. Second, it allows me to do minor edits along the way.


What book are you reading now?

I’m reading Anatomy of an Epidemic: Magic Bullets, Psychiatric Drugs, and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness in America by Robert Whitaker. So far, this is a fascinating as well as disturbing look at the history of drug treatments for mental illness.

I’m also reading an advanced copy of Pressure Points by Charles Colyott. This is the second book in his Randall Lee Mystery series. Changes is the first, and I highly recommend it.

 

Quick: Vampires or Shapeshifter? Why?

Can I say neither? No offense to anyone, but I’m a little bored with both.


Do you have any advice for other writers?

I don’t presume to have all the answers, or even most of them. These are some important things that come to mind:

1. Read. A lot. All the time. Reading makes us better writers.
2. Join a writer’s group, whether online or in person. Get to know other authors, share your work, seek honest opinions and be open to constructive critique.
3. Edit. And then edit some more.
4. When your book is published, don’t overwhelm social networks with self-promotion. Interact with people.
5. Write because you love the process, not because you expect to get rich doing it.


Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you! I am honored and humbled that you took the time to read something I’ve written. I give my characters life by writing their words. You give them meaning by reading them.

Book Giveaway

Max Paddington refuses to go into the light until he finds his killer. This presents a dilemma, since Max is even less competent as a spirit than he was as a live person. No one sees or hears him and he can't manage to get anywhere or do anything on his own.

Joe Cavelli is a private investigator, living an ordinary life. Then one day he walks across a parking lot, gets yelled at by a ghost, and his life only gets stranger from there. 

Max and Joe team up to find Max's killer. In the process, they form an unlikely friendship and change each other's lives in ways they never expected.

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Excerpt: Savage: The Daughters of Jaguar by Willow Rose

The year is 1983. Christian is 22 years old when he leaves his home in Denmark to spend a year in Florida with a very wealthy family and go to med-school. A joyful night out with friends is shattered by an encounter with a savage predator that changes his life forever. Soon he faces challenges he had never expected. A supernatural gift he has no idea how to embrace. A haunting family in the house next door. A spirit-filled girl who seems to carry all the answers. An ancient secret hidden in the swamps of Florida. One life never the same. One love that becomes an obsession. Two destinies that will be forever entangled.

Savage is a paranormal romance with some language, violence, and sexual situations recommended for ages sixteen and up. It is the first in a family saga that covers three decades of the character's lives. The sequel is expected to be published in September 2012.

Excerpt

I removed my clothes and followed her into the cold water that sprang from the center of the earth in a spring somewhere further north and therefore had the same temperature all year around.

“Are there any animals in this water?” I asked as she carefully took me by the hand and led me in.

“There might be manatees,” she said with a shrug.

“What about alligators?" I asked and turned as I thought I heard something move behind me in the water.

“Someone told me that there are alligators in all waterholes in Florida.”

She laughed. “There might be, but we rarely see them. Besides. It just makes it that more exciting, right?” She pulled my hand and drew me close to her. Our bodies felt warm against each other, her skin was soft, and touching it made me forget about animals in the water and the sounds of nature. I even forgot about my concerns as to hurting her and disappointing her parents. All I could think about was her and me, here right now in this water that was caressing our bodies. I kissed her again and held her naked body close to mine while allowing the passion to rise in me. Suddenly she pulled away from me. “Stop,” she whispered urgently. I looked at her and saw that the expression on her face had suddenly changed.

“What’s wrong?” I asked sensing that my voice was shaking slightly. If it was out of fear or caused by the arousal I didn’t know.

“I thought I heard something.”

“Like what?” She shook her head while her expression cleared. She smiled. “It was probably nothing.”

Angel Diaries Volume One is Published!

Yes, you read that right! Angel Diaries: Volume One is finally available in stores.

You can get it:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon FR

Amazon DE

Amazon ES

Amazon IT

Smashwords

A Review of Same Sun Here: A Guest Blogger

A Review of “Same Sun Here” by Melissa Miller

Blurb

Meena and River have a lot in common: fathers forced to work away from home to make ends meet, grandmothers who mean the world to them, and faithful dogs. But Meena is an Indian immigrant girl living in New York City s Chinatown, while River is a Kentucky coal miner s son. The unlikely pair become pen pals, sharing thoughts on their lives and, as their friendship deepens, on larger issues such as activism, immigration, racism, and prejudice. Meena s family studies for citizenship exams, faces harassment by a landlord, and experiences the death of Meena s grandmother in India, while River s town faces devastating mountaintop removal, propelling him into a protest march and confrontation with the governor. This glimpse into the lives of two very different youths who find common ground in their everyday lives makes bold statements about cultural misconceptions, the power and powerlessness of the individual and community, and the great value of being and having a friend.

Her Thoughts

Authors Silas House and Neela Vaswani have collaborated to write this short novel for middle-school-aged children. The book includes several themes that are beautifully interlaced; themes of environmentalism, family, understanding, equality, culture, freedom and growing up. A beautiful book that is full of wisdom, “Same Sun Here” can easily be read and understood by children ages 11 through 14, and is perfect for classroom use.The book is a collection of pen pal letters written by River, a young boy living in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky, and Meena, a young girl who just emigrated from India to live with her family in New York City’s Chinatown. What is expected to only be a trivial class project quickly turns into lifelong friendship.

River opens up to Meena about how his hometown is being destroyed by mountaintop removal (MTR), a method of mining that blows up mountains to get to coal, and how his father had to go all the way to Mississippi to find work after being laid off from his coal mining job. He speaks of his deep connection with his mamaw (whom he lives with), and how sad his mom is about his dad living so far away. River loves to play basketball and has never been to a big city like New York, so he asks Meena a lot of questions about people who “aren’t like him.”

Meena opens up to River about how she lived in India with her grandmother until her mother and father could save up enough money to bring her to the United States. Feeling uprooted and scared, Meena tells River about how her family is living in their rent-controlled apartment illegally (only the previous tenant’s immediate family is allowed to live there), and how her father must live in New Jersey during the week to work as a server at a hotel. Meena’s parents are studying for the citizenship test, though, and Meena helps them memorize the answers to the test every evening after school.

Although the two children live so many miles away, they are allowed to get to know one another on a very deep level through their letters; writing many things they would never have the guts to say in person.

Throughout the second half of the book, several events unfold in each child’s life, which lead to a very bittersweet yet exciting ending. It will leave you questioning our purpose in this world and if there really is a place we can call home. Or are the people we choose to befriend and help our “home”? Is culture important for highlighting the uniqueness of people, or does it hinder us from seeing just how similar we are…or is it a bridge for discovery?

You will grow a profound connection to River and Meena when you read this book, and learn more than you could ever imagine learning from two twelve-year-olds. The language and voice of each character is very true to age, and there are some moments that remind you of the natural awkwardness of the child-to-teen transition. These things come together to create a book that is very real and will hit close to home for many.

And, although the book was written for young readers, it is equally interesting for adults (hence, why I read it)! You can find this book at several storefront and online bookstores, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon.

Melissa Miller is a freelance writer and blogger who loves to give education advice. Her articles often aim to help you on your way to landing associate degree jobs. If you have any suggestions or comments, shoot them to melissamiller831@gmail.com.

Dead Radiance: A Valkyrie Novel Excerpt

Let's switch things up! I've got an interesting sounding book here that I think you should check out!

  

  

 

Synopsis

Bryn Halbrook had always seen the glow. But it is only when her best friend dies that she discovers the meaning of those beautiful golden auras - Death. Alone, lost in the foster system, she struggles to understand who she is and why she was cursed with the ability to see the soon-to-be-dead.



The new foster kid, Aidan, isn't helping any. Mr. Perfect seems to fit in no matter what, making her feel even more pathetic. But when his affections turn to her, Bryn finds him hard to resist. Impossible actually. A mystery himself, Aidan disappears, leaving behind a broken heart and a mysterious book that suggests Bryn might not be entirely human. Bryn stands at the threshold of a journey of discovery. Will destiny help her find herself, find her purpose and her place in a world in which she'd never belonged?

Book Excerpt

Chapter 1

I was cold, like the roses on Joshua’s casket, like the muddy dark-brown soil waiting to embrace the lifeless remains of the boy who was my friend.

My fingers curled around the stem of a butter-yellow rose, knuckles tight. I blinked away the liquid burn stabbing my eyelids. I had to get out. Give him the rose. Then get the hell away.

I tried to squeeze past the old woman who guarded my route to the center aisle, glaring. Her stares slithered down my neck as I passed. I shuffled by, careful not to touch her. But she huffed, her shoulders stiff and unimpressed with my rudeness. Her disapproval slid down my back.

I straightened my pencil skirt and short coat, scraped my wet hands on my hips. I knew the cool black silk wouldn't dry my sticky palms, but I did it anyway, needing to do something with my hands other than clutch the dead flower.

The slim heels of my pumps sank deep into wet ground. I jerked them free and swallowed, my throat aching with tears.. My best friend would soon be entombed within this sodden mush, to lie beneath Craven forever. Until his flesh fell off his bones and he turned to dust.

A cool hand tapped my shoulder.

"Bryn Halbrook. " She spat my name, each syllable harsh, and dripping venom to match the tiny emerald flecks in her hazel eyes. "You've got some nerve coming here." Cherise Barnes knew she looked good, even in drab funerary garb. She stood, a bony hip jutting out, one foot forward. The Cherise pose.

The last thing I needed was a bitch-match. Not here. I straightened, pulling my jacket closer in the face of this poisonous storm. Her eyes widened as I drew to my full height. Guess Cherise forgot it wasn't easy to intimidate a person who was a full head taller. I stared down at her.

Waiting.

"Perhaps you should leave." She tapped the foot. "Now."

"I am leaving, as soon as I pay my respects. You are holding me up."

A streak of red colored her cheeks. She avoided my eyes, then addressed my ear. "You shouldn't have come in the first place. You aren't welcome here."

She wasn't backing off and I knew why. Cherise was The Body here in Craven. Not the body to die for, though, as most guys didn't need to go that far to sample Cherise. Joshua had belonged to her, and she'd lost him. Lost him to me. Or so she thought.

I brushed past Cherise, had no patience for her any more. I fingered the bandage on my temple, touched the braid tied at my nape so my deep red hair wouldn't tangle in the stitches on my scalp. The slight movement shifted my hair and the wound stung, releasing a flash of memory.

White light, blinding, sears my eyes.

Brighter now. Bright enough to hurt.

Tires squeal, harsh screams rip at my eardrums.

I swallowed a gasp, shoving the memory out of my head.

I had to get a grip.

I'd survived and he hadn't. It didn't matter anymore. The only person who'd supported me had died on me.

I'd known he would die. And I'd done nothing to stop it.

As I neared Joshua's parents, they threw me weak and teary smiles, which made the dam of tears inside my own heart yearn to burst free. Even in their time of grief, they'd been so concerned about me, asking if I'd recovered enough to get out of the hospital, if I'd grieved enough, let it all out.

No one shared their concern, not last week and not today. Claws of ice scraped up and down my back. Again.

More accusing stares. Too many eyes. More heads turning. Whispers. I ignored them. Concentrated on anything else but those voices. Cars passing by at the bottom of the hill. People going about their daily lives, neither knowing nor caring that a friend and a son and a brother was about to be consigned to the dead earth of Craven.

Stepping closer to the coffin I sucked in a sob; the hollow in my gut grew harder, more painful, as I stared at the shining black casket.

Roses trailed the ebony lid, droplets of color scattered across its gleaming surface by a careless yet artful hand. Eternity crept by while the box descended into the dark mouth of the grave.

The rainbow of color shivered, slim green stems entangled on the curve of the lid. One rose, bright, blood red, slid off, as the coffin moved deeper and deeper.

Ice sliced through my veins.

Piercing to the bone and to the soul.

Blank, grey afternoon skies shed occasional tears for Joshua O'Connell. The casket lurched, then continued its descent. I gave in. Better give him the rose, a little piece of me to take with him.

I choked on a breath, swallowing a wave of nausea.

Metal shrieks, grating in a lurid embrace. Deafening.

Sparks spit, ozone coats the back of my throat.

Gasoline fumes creep up my nostrils, burning, suffocating.

I stopped at the edge of the gaping wound in the earth. Something felt wrong. Inside the grave, the black box came to rest within deep grasping shadows. Darkness simmered, broken by a line of glimmering, golden light that seeped through the edges of the casket.

He still glowed and I was still helpless.

My fingers uncurled their desperate grip on the rose and it fell, tilting, to drop head first onto the coffin, twirling as it descended into the eerie depths. It hit the lid and shattered. Petals flew in all directions and everywhere yellow scraps of the dismembered flower reflected Joshua's iridescent light.

I turned, eager to flee.

Not possible. Not in heels, which sank into the mushy soil as if the soft earth itself yearned to claim me. Not when mourners had risen from their seats and were lining up to toss soil and tributes onto the casket. I struggled for breath, my heart knocking double, triple time like an angry jackhammer abandoned in my chest.

I steered a path through the crowd. Ignored a young man in the middle row whose skin held the first yellow specks of iridescence. Who was he? Did it even matter who he was? I sighed. It wouldn't be much longer for him anyway. I ignored the woman with the red-rimmed eyes, holding onto his arm. I didn't want to see him patting her pale hand and giving her that watery smile.

Will she be alone, like me, when he's gone? Who will pat her hand then?

Turning away, I kept walking. Didn't want to look anymore. Didn't want to see any more glowing people.

I breached the throng and paused to breathe.

To wait for my erratic heartbeat to slow down.

To forget I left my friend behind, alone in the unforgiving ground.

***

Author Bio

I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognise that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other's loves – it works wonderfully…

My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.

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 Stay tuned to the tour of this book (starts July 2-27)! You might even win it in a special giveaway!

For more details about the tour, check it out here: https://sites.google.com/a/myaddictionisreading.com/summer-tours/t-g-ayer