NaNoWriMo Update

At 5:32 P.M. CST, I put the last sentence to my very rough draft of a novel for NaNoWriMo...ending the challenge with 50,301 words. I am now putting it in a drawer for two weeks and concentrating on a few other projects.

I want to start revising this instant but I need time away from my characters. They are sort of like children that have been under my feet for too long. Once revisions start, perhaps I will share a line or two with you. For now, it is best that it stay locked away for your safety. It is very possible that it would cause your eyes to bleed.

Thanks to all of you who have had reviews put on hold because of my endeavor. I will now be reading like a maniac to get caught up.

TBR Intervention Challenge - Hushed by Kelley York

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by
Dani@RefractedLight , Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray, and April@Books4Juliet

The goal of this challenge is to help each other (fellow readers and bloggers) manage our enormous and constantly growing TBR (To-Be-Read) List. The rules are simple and everyone is encouraged to participate. It does not force you to commit to more than what you can manage to read in a week or so, but participants are encouraged to read at least one book within a week. You are free to choose the book you want to read and commit to this challenge. You may post your entry every Saturday, at the frequency of your choice--EVERY WEEK or EVERY TWO WEEKS.

Here are the rules:
1. Post the book(s) you committed to read in your last TBR Intervention post and tell us something about it. Did you finish it? Did you enjoy it or not? Post the link to your review (if you have one).
2. Post a book that you want to read and already own. Pick something that has been sitting on your shelf for too long now (6 months or longer). Commit to read the book in the next couple of days or week.
3. Grab the TBR Intervention Button and post it on your blog sidebar so you will be constantly reminded of the challenge, making it easier for you to commit. This will also encourage other readers/bloggers/visitors to join the challenge.
4. Add the link to your post in the Linky below and make sure to visit the other blogs. Comment, encourage, and spread the love to our fellow readers.

Okay, I am telling you right now that I really suck at this. My TBR list grows by the second so I suppose I should really start knocking a few of them out. I am going to start with a book that I need to review for a blog tour soon.

Title: Hushed
Author: Kelley York
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Goodreads

Synopsis:

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

I haven't read this book yet, obviously, but I am telling you now, I haven't read a single book that has been published by Entangled Publishing that I haven't fell in love with. They have the market on new and intriguing books. As of this second, Goodreads has a 4.47 Star Rating on Hushed. I can hardly wait to see what its all about.

I never finished my last TBR challenge, so I am starting fresh...like it's week one all over again! 

Follow Friday - 11/25/11

If you are new to the #FF fun, Feature & Follow Friday is a blog hop that expands your blog following by a joint effort between bloggers. Feature & Follow Friday is now hosted by TWO hosts, Rachel of Parajunkee and Alison of Alison Can Read. Each host will have their own Feature Blog and this way it'll allow us to show off more new blogs!

This weeks features are:

Books and Beyond
The Book Addict

Q: It’s Thanksgiving Day(Weekend) in the U.S. so we want to know what you are Thankful for – blogging related of course! Who has helped you out along the way? What books are you thankful for reading?

First, Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. Even if you don't live in the United States you can still tell us what you are thankful for. Right?

I have so much to show my appreciation for. I have two beautiful daughters who make my life what it is today. As a teenager I never wanted children. I just never imagined that they would complete my life in the way they have. There has never been a day that goes by that I don't thank God for blessing me with them. Of course, there are those days that I am begging God for the patience to deal with them...I'm certain they pray for the patience to deal with me too. I am also very grateful for my wonderful parents who are still there for me every single day. My husband and I will be celebrating our 17th anniversary tomorrow. If not for his love and support, I would not have been able to be the mother I am today.

Okay...on to the blogging things I am thankful for. I have been blogging for about six months and have been so very lucky to make some wonderful friends. April from Books4Juliet, Angela from Reading Angel, Pixie from The Bookaholic, and Kristin from KristinCanRead are just a few of these blogging people.

I often review independently published books and have had the honor of working with some of the nicest, kindest authors around.  

• Lynn Seresin, author of Thin Air
• Aine P. Massie, author of Blood's Voice and Blood Promise 
• Elizabeth Hunter, author of A Hidden Fire and This Same Earth
• Nichole Chase, author of Mortal Obligation, 
• Elizabeth Kirke, author of Semester Aboard, 
and...my most recent obsession - 
• Jamie Magee author of the Insight Series. 

 All of these lovely ladies have written books worthy of your time. Top 5 traditionally published series I am, oh so thankful for this year:

• Nightshade Series by Andrea Cremer
• Shade Series by Jeri Smith-Ready 
• Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning 
• Die for Me by Amy Plum  
• Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini 

And last, but certainly not least...I am thankful to all my wonderful followers who make writing this blog worthwhile!

What I'm Thankful for in the World of Books

I want to wish all my United States Followers a Great Big Happy Thanksgiving and I wanted to let the rest of you know how thankful I am for each of my wonderful followers. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you. What will my next review be? Will you like the book I am reading? How to present an honest opinion of a book so people don't want to slaughter me? You know...all the typical things we in the book review world worry about.

I have been blessed with some of the greatest followers ever. Thank you so much. Stay tuned because next month I have four different giveaways happening!

I want to give a special thanks to some great bloggers out and about in the bloggosphere...these are people you should follow if you don't already.

April at Books4Juliet is so kind and funny. Her posts are fabulous. Plus we don't have to fight over Logan and Zachary (from Shade/Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready)





Angela over at the Reading Angel is super nice and generous. Look around, you can always find a giveaway around her blog.





Alison at AlisonCanRead shares my Twilight obsession. Her phenomenal posts and reviews leave me in stitches. 



Pixie at The Bookaholic is fantastic. I have enjoyed getting to know her over the past few months.

If you guys don't know this blog, you should. They are known for their never-ending character smackdowns that have led to authors bribing followers with teasers or extra stories if their character wins. You are missing a ton of fun...so get over there. I know I am leaving out a few, but I love you all and am happy to have you in my world! We all share one thing in common and that is our love for reading. Catch anyone of us at anytime and we are probably discussing our newest book fascination or imagining who we would cast as our book boyfriend. 

Remember: Live, Love, and Read!

Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

Title: Shadowfever
Series: Fever #5
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publication Date: January 2011
 

Website ǀ Twitter ǀ Goodreads ǀ Amazon ǀ Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

“Evil is a completely different creature, Mac. Evil is bad that believes it’s good.”

MacKayla Lane was just a child when she and her sister, Alina, were given up for adoption and banished from Ireland forever.

Twenty years later, Alina is dead and Mac has returned to the country that expelled them to hunt her sister’s murderer. But after discovering that she descends from a bloodline both gifted and cursed, Mac is plunged into a secret history: an ancient conflict between humans and immortals who have lived concealed among us for thousands of years.

What follows is a shocking chain of events with devastating consequences, and now Mac struggles to cope with grief while continuing her mission to acquire and control the Sinsar Dubh—a book of dark, forbidden magic scribed by the mythical Unseelie King, containing the power to create and destroy worlds.

In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves.
Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?

From the luxury of the Lord Master’s penthouse to the sordid depths of an Unseelie nightclub, from the erotic bed of her lover to the terrifying bed of the Unseelie King, Mac’s journey will force her to face the truth of her exile, and to make a choice that will either save the world . . . or destroy it.

Yep, you counted correctly...5 moon-women. Never in my lifetime have I read a series that left me so completely and utterly satisfied at its ending. Shadowfever is filled with death, loss, darkness, grief, and ultimately, the light that Ms. Moning has promised from the beginning. All the right questions were answered, my fears relieved, and my hopes sated, leaving only positive energy surrounding The MacKayla Lane Novels. My favorite part..."The End..." turn page "...for now." Hmmm...what could that possibly mean?

We find Miss Lane grieving over the death of Jericho Barrons. He died by her hand, causing her to devolve into a grief-stricken frame-of-mind. At this point she only wants to finish what she started and she will do it in any manner necessary, even if it means seducing the Lord Master, or Darroc as she now refers to him. This is the ultimate betrayal to those closest to her. I give her credit though, Mac set her mind to take control of the Sinsar Dubh and she doesn't back down. Too many peopl died at it's hands and Mac is taking over.

The Fever Series is filled with deception and betrayal, making you question every motive of every person surrounding Mac. Shadowfever will leave you screaming "WTF" and "OMG" with every turn of the page. Very few of these creatures are what you have been led to believe. Those closest to Mac will surprise you the most. The world of Dublin has become a terrifying place, filled with unseelie fae and the humans are just going to have to make the best of it, because there is no going back.

The secrets, oh the secrets, of Dublin have left my mind reeling with amazement. So many secrets guarded so closely, right under Mac's nose the entire time. The secrets about Barrons are probably the most notable. I want to tell you all of them...all of the secrets, every last one of them, but like Mac, you must find them out on your own. If you haven't read this series or have been teetering on the edge, wondering if you want to read them, you do. Trust me...you really do.

Okay, because I can't tell you any secrets or give you a great storyline, I am going to give you a few of my favorite quotes...

Jericho Barrons is dead.
He lies on his stomach, motionless. He hasn't moved or breathed in the small eternity that I've been screaming. I can't sense him in his skin. On all other occasions, I've been able to feel him in my vicinity; electric, larger than life, vastness crammed into a tiny container. Genie in a bottle. That's Barrons: deadly power, stopper corking it. Barely. ... The million-dollar question: What are you, Barrons? - Page 7

Suddenly it shot up on all fours, head down. Bone crunched and cracked, settling into a new shape. Shoulders formed - strong, smooth, bunched with muscle. Hands braced wide. One leg stretched back, then bent as it tensed in a low lunge. ... A naked man crouched in the moonlight. - Page 172

He winked. "I'd planned to, anyway."
"Oooh! Then why did you--"
"Pretty girl and all. Asking. Gotta love that. Stuff of heroes. Don't get that role often." - Page 637

...She'd been taken.
He'd loved her for all time.
Before she was made.
After he'd believed she was gone.
Sunshine to his ice. Frost to her fever.
I wished them forever.
You, too, beautiful girl.
The Unseelie King was gone. - Page 653

If you have read this series...who is your favorite character?

Be sure to check out my reviews of the entire Fever Series.

   • Book 1: Darkfever
   • Book 2: Bloodfever
   • Book 3: Faefever
   • Book 4: Dreamfever
   • Book 5: Shadowfever

Destined by PC Cast and Kristin Cast

Title: Destined
Series: House of Nights #9
Author: PC Cast and Kristin Cast
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
November 8, 2011

Synopsis:

Zoey is finally home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side, and preparing to face off against Neferet – which would be a whole lot easier if the High Counsel saw the ex-High Priestess for what she really is. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, Rephaim and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together – if he can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow…

But there are new forces at work at the House of Night. An influx of humans, including Lenobia’s handsome horse whisperer, threatens their precarious stability. And then there’s the mysterious Aurox, a jaw-droppingly gorgeous teen boy who is actually more – or possibly less – than human. Only Neferet knows he was created to be her greatest weapon. But Zoey can sense the part of his soul that remains human, the compassion that wars with his Dark calling. And there’s something strangely familiar about him…

Will Neferet’s true nature be revealed before she succeeds in silencing them all? And will Zoey be able to touch Aurox’s humanity in time to protect him – and everyone – from his own fate? Find out what’s destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

 

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Destined may be my favorite House of Night books to date. The wait for it was unbearable after all that happened in Awakened. October and November have been filled with so many great book releases that it was hard to choose what I would read and when. Lucky for me, Destined, won the vote.

I have seen review after review complaining about Heath being thrown back into the mix. If you read Awakened then you knew this was going to happen. I loved his role as Aurox and can't wait to find out what happens next. Like every House of Night book, there was a huge cliffhanger causing much pain and nail-biting until the next release.

As the book begins, we find Zoey and Stevie Ray getting ready to return to the House of Night with their entourage. If you know anything about this series, you know that this cannot be a good thing for anybody. Nyx has stepped in and forced Neferet to let this group of misfits return to the school. Neferet is up to her usual no good. To amp up her usual trouble making, Neferet decides to throw a few humans in the mix. It is about time for her to get caught with her hand in the cookie jar. She continues to get away with too much. This book focuses on exactly that.

As the story progresses, we learn a lot more about Rephaim and his relationship with his father, Kalona. This may be one of the biggest surprises to come out of the House of Night Series. Stevie has a really hard time accepting the fact that Rephaim still loves his father even though he really doesn't want anything to do with him. 

There is not a lot of action in this book. There is a lot of turmoil between the group leading up to a ritual that takes place at Grandma Redbird's farm. One of the things I love about these books is that there are laugh-out-loud moments scattered among cry-my-eyes out moments. Ms. Cast uses an unusual approach with the point of view. If we are seeing Zoey's point of view, that part will be written in first person. When she shifts the point of view to someone else, she writes it in third person. I personally love this technique. I love the fact that we are able to see the story from so many points of view.

Anywhoo...I loved this book as I have every other in this series. Go forth and enjoy.

Insight Series Character Breakdown

Title: Embody
Series: Insight #2
Author: Jamie Magee
Independently Published: July 2011

Synopsis:

Not many Scorpio’s are known for their patience, and Willow Haywood is no different. Her only desire is to love Landen Chambers and redeem the lost souls of Esterious, but the path to that desire is long, dark and dangerous... 

Before Willow’s life had a chance to balance the sudden revelations and grief she had to endure to get to Chara a disturbing discovery is made. A photo, one that shows Willow blissfully embracing the flawless image of Drake Blakeshire; giving her not only proof that she had lived before, but that she had loved him. 

Running away from the memory of Drake’s hypnotizing touch, and the prophecy set before her seemed like the logical thing to do. That is, until a dark dream reignites her passion to save the hopeless dimension of Esterious. Willow struggles to find patience – to learn everything she needs to know before she faces Drake again, but her eagerness is dangerous and one step in the wrong direction takes everything and everyone away from her – the only way to survive this trial is for Willow to remember who she is and what she really wants out of this life. The question is….can she do that?

Alright, it's been a while since I started off a review by saying...WOW! This series has completely captivated me. I was going to review Embody today, but I feel like I need a separate post to clarify the characters. There are so many of them and they are each important to the story. I have done a little breakdown of the "children" but keep in mind that their parents and grandparents play an important role in the story. So many decisions are made each day and all of these people have to be taken into account. At the bottom of this post I have included a flow chart so you can see the families.

I want to take a minute to say, that yes there are a ton of characters but I knew everyone of them before I was half-way through the first book. These books are amazing. I finished the last two in less than 24 hours (310 pages and 244 pages). I know this post won't give you much information about the storyline but I will post my review of Embody tomorrow. I am participating in the Insight Virtual Book Tour and on my last post, November 28, I will have a rafflecopter giveaway set up giving you the chance to win all three of these outstanding books and a series of signed bookmarks. You can find my review of Insight (Book #1) HERE. Leave a comment on that post in order to get extra points for the giveaway.

Let's start with a quick who's who because there are so many people roaming around...

• Willow - A young lady, fresh from high school, who has been haunted by painful and terrifying nightmares each new moon until the time she turned eighteen in November. Her family had thought she had outgrown them until several months later when they began to reoccur without the help of the moon. There was a flip side to this coin...every single night Willow dreamed of a young man with intense blue eyes, perfect lips, and dimples. Willow has a unique ability, she can feel the emotions of those around her...even those who exist in other worlds. (Soul Mate of Landen, Sister of Libby, Daughter of Grace and Jason)
• Landen - The beautiful young man in Willow's dreams. His family went to great difficulty to protect him from his fate. When he found Willow, they both learn that they will be forced to suffer through trial after trial in order to gain complete happiness and freedom. He is able to sense truth and intent. This is a power I would love to possess. A power that proves to be invaluable to Willow and him. (Soul Mate of Willow, Brother of Clarissa and Brady, Son of Ashten and Aubrey)
• Libby - Willow's six-year old sister who surprises everyone with her powers. She is a blessing to Willow and Landen as they undertake their destiny. (Sister of Willow, Soul Mate of Preston, Daughter of Grace and Jason)
• Dane - A childhood friend of Willow's who has always been by her side. There is nothing he doesn't know about her. She has allowed him to assist her with her dreams and he has followed her into her endeavors to help the images she saw seek peace. He and Willow have never been more than friends and neither feels a romantic draw toward the other. He does recognize that he needs to be by Willow's side to find what he needs. When he finally finds his soul mate...it brings him even closer to Willow. (Soul Mate of Clarissa)
• Clarissa - Landen's sister has always competed with her family of men to be as strong and knowledgeable as they are. She is the only female in her family that travels through the strings to bring soul mates home. She is fierce and perfect compliment to Dane. (Soul Mate to Dane, Sister to Brady and Landen, Daughter to Ashten and Aubrey)
• Olivia - Another one of Willow's friends who lost her parents when she was young. She and Willow bonded because they were both a little different from the other kids. Olivia will find herself in a bit of trouble in Insight. She will have to rely on Willow and her new family to heal her. She may even find her soul mate. (Soul Mate of Chrispin)
• Chrispin - The younger brother of Marc who finds his true love in Olivia. His love brought her sight back after it was taken from her by Drake. Chrispin and Olivia will find themselves pulled into the center of Landen's and Willow's world.
• Brady - Landen's older brother has a difficult time in the beginning accepting that his baby brother will be forced to bear the weight of several worlds on his shoulders. He loves Landen dearly and will fight by his side to make sure he is safe. He is a soon-to-be father of a very special little girl. (Soul Mate to Felicity, Brother of Landen and Clarissa, Son of Ahsten and Aubrey, Father to Allie)
• Felicity - Brady's soul mate is a perfect compliment to him. She is kind and caring and loves to take care of those she loves. She is supportive in her role as Brady's Soul Mate and Mother. (Soul Mate of Brady, Mother to Allie)
• Allie - Baby girl of Brady and Felicity. She has an important but undefined role to play in her life. I can't wait to find out more about this little one. (Daughter of Brady and Felicity)
• Marc - The oldest son of Livingston. He will stand guard to Landen, protecting him from the evil that will haunt him. Marc has put off the search for his Soul Mate to help others. When his time comes to find her, he will be forced to fight for more than her love. (Soul Mate of Stella, Son of Livingston and Beth, Brother of Chrispin, Drake, and Preston) 
• Preston - One of the secret sons between Livingston and Beth. He has been hidden in a world filled with darkness. His arrival in Chara is filled with excitement and joy. He and Libby are filled with gifts that will help Landen and Willow survive their trials. (Soul Mate to Libby, Son of Livingston and Beth, Brother to Marc, Chrispin, and Drake) 
• Drake - Each time I think of Drake I am saddened by the events of his life. He has been tricked and lied to by everyone he knows, including his own mother and father. His fight for Willow's love may appear selfish and because he wants to use her; however, the further you read, the more you realize he believes he loves her. When I finished the third book, I was so proud of him. (Son of Beth and Livingston, Brother to Marc, Chrispin, and Preston, no true Soul Mate as of Image) 

Insight by Jamie Magee

I want to start by thanking Cynthia at Book Reader Addicts for inviting me to participate int the Insight Virtual Book Tour. During the tour, I will be reviewing all three books and holding an awesome giveaway. One winner will win all three e-books and bookmarks. I will post the Image review on November 28. At that time, I will have Rafflecopter set up to accept entries including extra entries for commenting on all three reviews.



Title: Insight
Series: Insight #1
Author: Jamie Magee
Independently Published
April 2010

Synopsis:

Before that fateful summer night, Willow had balanced the insight of emotion, and the vivid images. That night, the figure in her nightmare marked her wrist with a star, giving her father no choice but to tell Willow a family secret that would abruptly change life, as she knew it, forever. Before Willow had time to absorb the shock of her father's secret, her soul mate that had shared every stunning dream with her, found her, and darkness captured her closest friends. In order to save them, she must weave through broken myths and the undeniable power of the Zodiac. In the end, Willow discovers that at the moment of our birth we are all given a divine gift.

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I am completely amazed that I am just now finding out about The Insight Series. Insight is a truly amazing and inspirational tale weaved with unique mythology and modern day values. The characters are each unique, with an important role to play defining destiny.

Insight begins in the midst of one of Willow's painful repetitive nightmares where she finds herself face-to-face with her tormentor of many years. She will soon find that her life is fated to be intertwined with the maker of these horrible dreams. Lucky for her, she is blessed with a loving and talented family, loyal friends, and a total kick butt soul mate. She will have to rely on everyone she knows to survive the trials that lie ahead of her. Willow is such a great protagonist. Honest, caring, loyal, and completely accepting of who she is. She is one of those heroins we love, you know...the ones that don't whine a bunch.

One thing I found slightly confusing about Insight was the amount of characters that played major roles. In the beginning, I thought I was going to have to make a chart to keep everyone straight. As I continued to read, the bonds were reinforced and each character carved out a little spot in my heart. Ms. Magee created an amazing group of interdependent characters who are ultimately striving for the same goal. Love and equality. Landen, Willow's soul mate, was one of my favorite characters. He and Willow met in their dreams, but their families have known each other for many years. This young couple will fight to save more than one world.

Another of the characters that really spoke to me was Dane. He and Willow have been friends throughout school, never more; however, Dane never hesitated to protect Willow from harm...even if the harm was herself. I was relieved to find out that Dane found his soul mate and was still highly involved in Willow's life.

I loved the overall theme of Insight. It provided a fresh outlook on fate and destiny. Willow and Landen have a difficult task ahead of them and I cannot wait to see how amazing these two will be.

Reviews of Insight Series:

Insight (Insight #1) Review 

Insight Series Character Breakdown 
Embody (Insight #2) Review
Image (Insight #3) Review

*I was provided a free ebook in return for my honest review.

Beyond (The Academy) by T.P. Boje

Title: Beyond (The Academy)
Series: Afterlife #1
Author: T.P. Boje
Independently Published

Synopsis:

Have you ever wondered where you go when you die? 

Meghan is 16 when it happens to her. 

She wakes up on a flying steamboat on her way to a school run by Angels in a white marble castle. 

It is a school everybody has to go to before they are let into Heaven. 

On the boat she meets Mick who has been dead for more than a hundred years but still looks like a teenager. He helps her past the difficult beginning at the new school in a new world. 

One day some of Meghan's roommates find a mirror in the cellar of the school and they persuade her to go through it with them - well knowing it is strictly against the rules of the school. Meghan ends up back on earth where she meets Jason. But Jason is in danger and Meghan know something important. Something that is a matter of life and death. Soon she is forced to choose between the two worlds. The one she belongs to now and the one she left.

I honestly admit that I don't read a lot of religious based literature, but Beyond (The Academy) was a truly fascinating read.  One thing I really liked was the use of second person narrative in the first chapter. Ms. Boje allows Meghan to speak directly to the reader. This is a very unusual technique seldom used in YA literature. After the first chapter, the narrative becomes first person from Meghan's point of view.  The book is based on a prominent Christian belief system and focuses on fate and the intervention of fate.

We start the story with Meghan boarding a ship headed for The Academy where she is told that she is now dead and a part of the spirit world. She has no memory of her past life except that she knows she has parents...but she has no idea who they are. While attending The Academy, Meghan will learn how to be a spirit and how to assist humans to make wise decisions in life. Problem is, Meghan will have to learn to make the same type decisions herself. I love Meghan as the protagonist. I envision great things for her. She is already strong and loyal with a good heart.

Meghan accidentally becomes privy to information she should have never seen. When she comes in contact with Jason, a living human, she realizes she has seen him before and his outcome will not be a happy one. He is destined to face a brutal ending of his life. Meghan knows she isn't supposed to tell him, but feels it is the right thing to do. Her friend Mick discourages her, siting that it is against the rules. Her internal battle between right and wrong drives her into depression, making her a target for the evil spirits. Doing the right thing is never easy.

Beyond (The Academy) was a quick and inspirational read. There was heart-ache and death but there were also times of accomplishment and joy. I always enjoy a good protagonist facing an internal battle. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to the sequel and learning more about Meghan, Mick, and Jason.

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*I was provided a free e-book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

The Secret Of Lies by Barbara Forte Abate

Title: The Secret of Lies
Author: Barbara Forte Abate
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing
Release Date: April 21, 2011

Synopsis:
Propelled by an insurmountable sense of desperation, Stevie Burke is recklessly abandoning home, husband, and outwardly contented life under cover of night; at last resigned to defeat in her long battle against the tortured memories of her past.

Days later, lost and floundering in a dreary motel room without plan or destination, it is a long ago song playing on the radio that gently tugs Stevie back through the dust of remembrance. 1957 - The last summer spent at the ancient house overlooking the North Atlantic. A season which had unfolded with abundant promise, but then spiraled horribly out of control - torn apart by a shattering tragedy that remains splintered in fragments upon her soul. And it is only now, when Stevie at last lifts her eyes to stare deep into the heart of her long sequestered memories, that the long held secrets of past and future are at last unveiled.

The Secret Of Lies follows the life of Stevie as she encounters deceit, first love, death, and lies. As a young girl, she and her sister spend summers on the beach with her aunt and uncle. Each year their lives become increasingly complicated until things finally culminate in an explosive combination of death and lies. Told in the first person, The Secret of Lies brings you up close and personal with Stevie's heartache caused by the events that surrounded her sister's death. These catastrophes will force Stevie into a type of seclusion that will rule the life she leads well into adulthood. Love never comes easy for Stevie.

The first couple of chapters were filled with fluffy descriptions that held back the flow of story for a bit. I've had this problem with several books lately, but once the action begins, I am hooked. That is exactly what happened with The Secret of Lies. Stevie's pain becomes deeper and more palpable with every flip of the page. It was a regular occurrence for tears to well-up in my eyes, threatening to overflow onto my Nook.

I read a ton of books and love almost everything I read. Seldom, though, do I come across a book that touches my heart like this book did. It was a very cathartic read that refused to escape my conscious. I do have to warn you that it is not a light and fluffy read. It is very dark and weighs heavy on your soul. If you love an intense and thought provoking mystery...this is the book for you.

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*I was provided a free ebook by the author in return for my honest review.

Cicada Excerpt by Belle Whittington

Synopsis:

Summertime had always been carefree and fun for Blair Reynolds and her friends--until they came upon something that was not human. As the group of friends band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human...something unnatural. And their existence relies on their ability to keep a secret.

Excerpt:

Do you realize how difficult it is to see properly when the only light available is green?”  Andrew moved

the icepack from his eye to his lip.

“So, why are you both all banged up like this?” Everett gestured to their injuries.

 

“We were wrong in thinking that no one was inside,” David snorted then shook his head.

“There are things in there …” Andrew’s voice trailed off.

“What things?” I joined my brother at the kitchen table.

“They have pictures of Mom like they’ve been following her,” Andrew winced as he lifted the

icepack to his eye once more.  “I took them.  They were taped on the wall, and I ripped them off!”

“Then he sorta went crazy in there,” David cut in.  “I don’t blame him.  I would have, too.”

“You did,” Andrew chucked a feeble laugh.

“There were other pictures,” David hopped down from the kitchen counter and sat on the other

side of Andrew.

“Natalie?”  The dark dread was growing inside of me again.  David didn’t have to nod for me to

know the answer.

“You and Everett, too,” David’s voice was matter‐of‐fact.

“They had pictures of Blair?” Everett’s brows knit together as he glanced at me and back to

David and Andrew.

“I got ‘em,” Andrew said through his teeth.  “I got all those pictures. I was going to tear that

place apart and burn it down, but …” He winced again and grabbed his ribs.

“That damned thing came out of nowhere, man!” David took up where Andrew left off.  “Those

ain’t humans.  I don’t know what the hell they are, but they sure as shit ain’t people!”

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*To enter to win the Grand Prize all you have to do is comment on one or more or the Virtual Tour Stops! Have fun and good luck. Don't forget to stop by The Fable Faerie tomorrow for a guest post and giveway. The prizes for the giveaway include Cicada bracelet and matching earrings, a Cicada bookmark, and an ebook copy of Cicada. Good luck all.

Belle was kind enough to stop by and leave a picture of the jewelry. Bree at The Magic Attic is having some complications due to weather so I wasn't able to get the pictures before now. I do apologize.

A Tiny Bit About Me

I was listening to one of my playlists just now and a song came on that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I wanted to share a bit about my experience with everyone.

I have been blessed with three wonderful children. Kaitlyn - 16, Kara - 11, and DJ who would have been 13 this year. He passed away in April of 2003, one week before his 6th birthday. He was my shining angel then, today he is my guardian angel.

Born weighing 1.5 lbs, 15 weeks early, he shouldn't have lived minutes, much less blessed us with 6 years of joy and amazement. He was the embodiment of unconditional love. He was a socialite, a class clown, and a manipulating little boy. No, I'm not being mean, just honest.

We went through many years of every kind of therapy you can imagine: physical, speech, occupational - at 18 months old we had him on horses. He balked at first, cried until the therapist took him off the horse and hugged him. While she was feeling bad for him, he was looking at me with - well, there are no other words to describe it - a shit-eating grin and a gleam in his eyes. I had to tell the therapist to put him back on the horse and make him ride. The very next week, he didn't shed one tear...in fact, he laughed the whole way.

He and Kaitlyn attended the same school from the time he was three until he passed away. Each morning, she would push him to his classroom. After a couple of weeks, her girl classmates were fighting over who would help her take him to class. He giggled and convinced several to let him coast down a slight decline in the hall on the way to his room. Bad thing, the principal stood there and laughed.

DJ was considered to have a mild disability that mainly affected his gross motor skills. He could roll, crawl, talk plain as day, write, and was considered cognitively age appropriate. His wheelchair became known as his "car" to the kindergarten class he attended part day. Every child at Paramount Terrace Elementary School accepted him just like he was one of them. His teachers let him run over him because he had a smile that would bring you to your knees. My mother-in-law thought I was horrible for putting him in time out when he bit his little sister.

There is never a single day that goes by that I don't think about him. Time has lessened the pain but has amplified the memories. He was a shining beacon of life and now he is my reminder of how truly precious life is. He is the example I use of acceptance...DJ never met a stranger and we never dealt with the prejudice that can accompany people with disabilities.

My family is filled with people from every make of life. Different races, religious and political beliefs, sexual preferences, disabilities, different stages of lunacy, and anything else you can imagine. Through it all, we love each other and encourage courteous and thoughtful discussions. I always encourage questions that are asked in good taste. Well articulated and factual debates are a great chance to learn about other peoples opinions. Remember that all people are allowed their opinion, you don't have to agree, but you should always respect. People are people...simple as that. No labels...just people.

Anyway...the name of the song is God's Will by Martina McBride. Watch the video...it's amazing.

My First IMM - In My Mailbox!

This is the first time I am participating in the In My Mailbox MeMe, hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. It's not that I never get books, because I do, I just always forget to join in all the fun. This week I was very lucky. I won two different Halloween Hop giveaways and was lucky enough to get them in the mail this week.

I won the Zompacolypse Trick-or-Treat Prize Pack from Paranormal Wastelands. The pack included:


~Generation Dead by Daniel Waters
~Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Mayberry
~Blood and Other Cravings (Anthology)
~Super Zombie Juice: Mega Bomb by MJA Ware (Signed)

I also won Mind Over Monsters by Jennifer Harlow from Jennifer Harlow!


Destined by PC Cast and Kristin Cast is just for fun!





For Review I received
~A Wedding Gift by Kathleen McKenna
~The Lifeguard by Deborah Blumenthal (Via NetGalley and Albert Whitman & Company Publishers)


I won another prize pack that I am super excited about but it hasn't came in yet. Hopefully I will be posting it next week. I cannot wait to show this one off!!!

How to Worship A Goddess by Stephanie Julian

Title: How To Worship A Goddess
Series: Forgotten Goddesses
Author: Stephanie Julian
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Courtesy of NetGalley.com
Stephanie Julian Website
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Amazon
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Synopsis:

Lucy is the Etruscan goddess of the moon, hunted by a powerful demon. One misstep and he will trap and consume her in his bid to escape the underworld. Lucy has stayed one step ahead of him, but she didn't count on falling for minor league hockey player Brandon Stevenson. Brandon's not one of her worshippers, but he is determined to win over the gorgeous woman who watches him at every game and won't give her up without a fight—even if it means releasing the beast he holds inside.

*ADULT CONTENT

  
While I liked How to Worship a Goddess, I did not love the second installment of the Forgotten Goddesses Series. I enjoyed the lore behind Lucy Aster, aka - Lusna, Etruscan Goddess of the Moon, but I felt the story went on and on and on. Lucy was a weak character in my opinion. She is a forgotten goddess who has managed to retain some of her power via her Lucani followers. Lucy has a love for hockey and has her eyes set on Brandon Stevenson, local hockey god...little does she realize he has his eyes set on her. When he shows up at her hidden oasis, she decides one night of lust couldn't hurt anything because she intends on erasing his memories when all is done. Emotionally weak, Lucy doesn't erase enough and Brand is back at her bar the next night.


Lucy has been in control of everything in her life and Brand intends on dominating her in the bedroom. One thing Lucy has never been is dominated because her followers would never dream of "demeaning" her in that way. This storyline is far from unusual but I usually enjoy it; however, in this case, I just didn't buy it. Brandon initiated the domineering role but never actually followed through with it, with one exception. The sex is sizzling hot, but it could have been hotter.


Lucy has other troubles besides Brand on the horizon. A demon is hunting the goddesses in hopes of steeling their powers and gaining access to the mortal plane. When a trusted goddess sister of Lucy's shows up to warn her, Lucy decides she is invincible...leading her straight into the demons hands and endangering everyone she loves. Lucky for her, Brand's parents have taken great pains to hide what he truly is. With the help of friends, he may be the only one who can help her. 

I would definitely say this is a worthwhile read for lovers of erotica, lore, and sports. How to Worship a Goddess is a unique blend of all three.

*Sourcebooks Publishing provided a free e-proof of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest honest review. 

Interview with Nichole Chase - Author of Mortal Obligations

Nichole Chase is a daydreamer. No, really, just ask any of the math teachers that had the misfortune of seeing her name appear on their class schedule. For years she has had story lines and characters begging for attention, but she resolutely pushed them aside to focus on more normal (read, boring) jobs. Well, no longer! She is currently heeding the voices in her head and frantically writing their stories. Nichole resides in South Georgia with her husband, energetic toddler, three dogs, and two cats. When not devouring novels by the dozens, you may find her writing, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

I would like to welcome Nichole Chase, author of Mortal Obligation, to Better Read Than Dead today. I am happy to be participating in the Mortal Obligation Virtual Book Tour. I hope you stopped by on November 9th to check out the review and entered to win an E-Book of Mortal Obligation. If not, you can find it HERE.

                                     

Me: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live?

Nichole - I'm a stay at home mother to one rambunctious toddler who keeps me on my toes. I live in Savannah, Ga. (which for those of you who don't live in the US, it's on the southeast coast) and absolutely hate the humid, hot summers, but love the culture and history. If I could pick a place to live forever, it would be somewhere in the Smoky Mountains. I imagine that the beautiful scenery would keep my muse busy for years.

Me: What is the name of the your most current book?

Nichole - Mortal Obligation is my debut novel and the first book in The Dark Betrayal Trilogy. It is a young adult, urban fantasy set in my home town of Savannah, Ga. Mortal Defiance, the second book of the trilogy will be out in December of this year.

Me: Who is your favorite character from you book and why?

Nichole - That's a tough question. I love my protagonist, Ree, because she is under stress that most people would never dream of, yet still wants to do the right things. Of course, I also love Paden, because of his inner turmoil. It makes him so much fun to write. And I can't forget Roland, who never needs prompting to come to life on the computer screen.

Me: Do you feel like you put parts of yourself in your characters?

Nichole - I think it's impossible to write a book and not leave your fingerprints all over the pages. No character is really a replica of me and my feelings, but there are many instances where I have used scenarios from real life in the book. Little tidbits of conversation or reactions. I'm lucky to have some friends that are hilarious, so little things they say often crop up in my work.

Me: Will there be a sequel or do you have another project in the works?

Nichole - Mortal Defiance, is the second book in the trilogy and will be out in early December. The third novel, will be out in March of 2012. I have several projects to come after these books, but they are still in the planning stage.

Me: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Nichole - Everywhere. The most insignificant looking object, person, or action can set my overactive imagination into overdrive. Music also inspires different scenes. If my muse isn't feeling cooperative, I can turn on some music and she will be singing in no time.

Me: Do you have any “rituals” when you write?

Nichole - Rituals... Well, I like for the house to be clean. That way I don't have anything nagging in the back of my head, telling me I have stuff to get done. Of course, sometimes, I just have to sit down and write no matter what kind of mess my toddler and husband have created. On the weekends that my husband doesn't have to work, I get to escape to a local coffee shop to write. I always order a peppermint cafe mocha. Also, I have a favorite table to sit at and write. I can see out all of the windows, but it's far enough out of the way that people aren't constantly walking past me. That makes me sound antisocial, but to be honest, when I'm writing I AM antisocial. I want people to leave alone, so I can get lost in my story. 

*I can certainly relate to that. My husband and kids hate me when I am trying to write. LOL.*

Me: If you couldn’t be an author, but anything else…what would you be?

Nichole - Honestly, being an author is my dream job. If I couldn't be an author, I'd like to host a travel show. I love to travel!

Me: Independently published or commercially published?

Nichole - Independently published

Me: If independent…did you attempt to get commercially published?

Nichole - Nope. Never queried an agent or sent my manuscript to a publishing house. To be honest, I hated the thought of working on a novel, pouring my heart and time into my work for it to sit on someone's desk for God knows how long. Or worse yet, for someone to discard my work because they weren't having a good day, or didn't necessarily like the genre I had written. When I realized that being independent was a viable option in today’s market, it was as if the clouds cleared from the sky and sunlight shot down to illuminate the possibilities. Okay, that's a little dramatic, but I liked the fact that my work would go directly to the readers for them to decide if it was any good. It would depend on how much work I put into my finished product and whether the readers enjoyed my voice. So, I worked my tail off to tell the best story that I could and sent it to beta readers, proofreaders, and an amazing editor.  

Me: Do you have any words of wisdom for aspiring writers?

Nichole - Read every day. Stop thinking about writing your book and DO it! If you decide to go the independent route, make sure that you have an editor, and a great cover.

Me: What is the most useful advice you received while writing any book?

Nichole - To write every day. Even if it is only a few sentences, it keeps you in the habit of putting something down. Distraction can be an author’s biggest enemy.

Me: When did reading and writing become important you?

Nichole - I can't remember a time when reading wasn't important to me. I'm not just saying that, either. I really can't remember a time that I didn't enjoy sitting down with a book. Even when I was very little. As for writing, I wrote my first 'story' in elementary school and gave it to my grandmother. She kept it until a few years ago when she gave it back to me to keep. Even back then I was coming up with my own stories.

Me: How long did the entire process from writing your current work to getting it published take?

Nichole - I had roughly 10,000 words written by January of this year and it took me another four months to finish the first draft. After that, there were revisions, beta reads, proofreading, professional editing and formatting. I uploaded Mortal Obligation to Amazon and Barnes and Noble on July 29th. It was a lengthy process, but I haven't regretted it once.

Fun Stuff

Me: The apocalypse is coming…what do you do?

Nichole - Dig a trench around my house and guard my stock pile. Really. You should plan ahead too.

Me: If you were stranded on an island, name the 5 things you could not live without?

Fresh water (I'm practical, okay?)

sunblock (I burn terribly)

Chapstick (I'm addicted to the stuff)

books (duh)

a knife (I'm just covering my bases here.)

Me: What 5 things are within your reach right now? No cheating?

Cell phone

throw blanket (It was cold this morning)

Buzz Lightyear Doll (I mentioned that I have a toddler, right?)

Rubber band

puzzle pieces (I'm sure you can guess why.)

Me: Favorite book ever?

Nichole - I really don't have one. Pride and Predjudice is my favorite classic, but that's as close as I get to narrowing it down. (Harry Potter is a given, right? How could anyone not love that series?)

Me: Ultimate bad boy crush? (TV, Movies, or Books)

Nichole - Jace from The Mortal Instrument Series.

*Completely, 100% agreed!*

Me: Ultimate good guy crush? (TV, Movies, or Books)

Nichole - Honestly? Right now, I am in love with Paden from my books.

Me: Favorite food?

Nichole - Homemade burritos. My husband says that I American-ize them too much, but I love 'em!

Me: Favorite Movie?

Nichole - Love Actually, Willow, Legend, Star Wars, the list goes on and on.

Me: Favorite TV show?

Nichole - I hardly have time for TV anymore. When I do have time, I watch episodes of Doc Martin (A BBC show) on Netflix.

Me: Favorite Song?

Nichole - This change daily, but right now it is Super Bass by Nicki Minaj. It's so much fun to listen to! But, my tastes are very eclectic. My playlist right now has: Nicki, Adele, Barlow Girls, Lady Antebellum, Dropkick Murphys, Skillet, Sarah Mclachlan, Sia, and Three Days Grace. Yeah, I'm a well-rounded music lover. 

*You should see my playlists, talk about weird mix. It’s good to be eclectic.*

Me: Favorite singer or band?

Nichole - See above answer. I am so indescisive!

Me: One food you would never try?

Nichole - Bugs. Or worms. I saw a show on the Travel Channel where the guy ate fried worms. NO WAY!

 *I have seen that too…I’m not trying it either.*

Me: The most exotic food you have ever eaten?

Nichole - Wow. I'm thinking about this and realize that I'm pretty boring. I went to this amazing restaurant in Atlanta, Ga., called Honey Pig. It is Korean BBQ. Sound's crazy, right? It was one of the best things ever! The kimchi was delicious, but my favorite was the beef. I've never had anything like it.

Me: Day on the beach or snow skiing down a mountain?

Nichole - Can't I do both? On different days, that is? 

*Absolutely*

Me: Campfire with smores or curled up in front of the fireplace?

Nichole - Well, I love spending time with my family so I would say a campfire with smores. Then when we got home, I'd curl up in front of the fireplace (if I had one...) with a good book.

Me: If you could move anywhere on this Earth, where would it be?

Nichole - Hand's down, it would be the Smoky Mountains.

Me: Health nut or junk food junkie?

Nichole - A healthy mix of junk and good stuff.

Me: Two books you think everyone should read. (Yes, you can and should include yours.)

Nichole - Pride and Predjudice, by the great Jane Austen

                               Mortal Obligation, by ME! Ha!

Me: Are there any blogs or websites you frequent?

Nichole - Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter are my normal hangouts. I'm pretty easy to find on all of them!

Me: Places my readers can stalk you?

www.nicholechase.com

http://www.nicholechase.blogspot.com

@NicholeChase (Twitter)

http://www.facebook.com/#!/nicholechase.author

http://www.facebook.com/#!/author.nicholechase (fanpage)

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5074162.Nichole_Chase (Goodreads)

Synopsis:

Ree will face the darkest form of betrayal before the year is out.

Seventeen year old Ree McKenna has three goals: get through high school, convince her crush she is more than his best friend’s little sister, and save money for college. Fate, though, has other plans for her. After the untimely death of her older brother, Ree is haunted by dreadful nightmares and terrifying visions. To make matters worse, Ree has started to suspect that something dangerous is stalking her from the shadows.

A night full of frightening surprises leaves Ree with unsettling news. Gifted by the gods with unusual powers, she must devote herself to a battle that could very well lead to not only her death, but the demise of everyone she knows and loves. After all, Ree is the only mortal standing between the Earth and utter darkness.

Set in Savannah, Ga, Mortal Obligation is the first book of The Dark Betrayal Trilogy.

Be sure to leave a comment on one or more of the tour posts to enter for a chance at one of two Grand Prizes!

Check out Me, My Shelf, and I on Monday November 14th to see what they have for you on the next stop of the tour.