Guest Review- The Gifted Ones- A Memoir by Lisa Vaughn

Title- The Gifted Ones- A Memoir
Author- Lisa Vaughn
Released- April 19th 2011
Publisher- CreateSpace
Guest Reviewer- Michelle Mesics

Blurb- Lisa was conservatively raised in a Catholic family in no-where middle America, where excitement is scarce and dreams are for sleeping. Little did she know, at age thirteen, she would suddenly find herself on a totally different path. Through an unlikely chance meeting of a fellow classmate, she's surprisingly mesmerized, almost consumed, to befriend a girl who is obviously from the other side of the tracks...the cool side. Lisa does whatever she has to just to be accepted into this small club of coolness. Little did she realize, she was signing up for a lot more than social status. The two best friends find themselves innocently taking their relationship to a foreign level neither had experienced or saw coming. A rollercoaster ride littered with choices and challenges Lisa never fathomed facing, especially in no-where middle America. She will find out what she is made of as she faces the consequences and struggles that come along with going against the grain. Throughout their six year relationship, you will witness a touching story of human nature at it's best...and at it's worst. Showing just how far the human spirit can be challenged and pushed to a point where your “fight or flight” instincts naturally kick in. Struggling just to survive in a world where you are not like everyone else, but at the same time you really are. The daily struggles- both internal and external- are exhausting, yet necessary in their quest for one simple human need....love. Finally breaking through all constraints that hold them back, reaching levels of one-ness that few actually obtain in a lifetime with their partner...only to find once they've reached that special place, it's not quite the right fit...for one of them, at least. This contemporary story will lead the reader through highs and lows, giving insight to the every day challenges of the socially unaccepted, which will no doubt leave them rooting for the underdog. Appealing to a wide variety of audiences, both homosexual and heterosexual, as the true message is not sexually based. A true story of human resilience and the power of love...plain and simple.

Review- I just want to start out by thanking Renee and Stacey for asking to write a review for the blog, I’m very honoured !! ( Sorry it took so long!)

I really enjoy reading autobiographies and real life stories as much as novels, especially when they are well written like Lisa Vaughn’s memoir. Lisa is a fantastic writer, and the start of her memoir draws you in straight away because she starts it with every teenage girl’s worse nightmare: her parents finding her diary!! You just have to keep reading to find out what was written in that diary and to find out the repercussions of her parents reading it !! Her memoir is mainly about her teenage/ early adult years and about her falling in love for the first time. Lisa’s writings about her antics as a teenager really brought back memories and had me smiling. From how she got along with some teachers and not with others, and especially the story about telling her parents she was going bowling but really going elsewhere to party with her friends! Who hasn’t done that?? ( Not me Mum, honest !! ) I really loved the way Lisa describes her romance, especially the early days when they were so caught up in their own world and did everything they could to spend as much time together as they could. It was wonderful, and I’m sure it will make everyone remember what that feeling was like, as I know it did for me. Her descriptions of what life was like growing up in the early 70’s and early 80’s with strict religious parents was great, a lot of people will be able to relate to that. It makes you very sympathetic to Lisa, you feel sad when things go bad for her and very happy when things are going well. The way she describes the other people in her life was great, you could almost picture them in your head and it felt like you knew them personally.

Overall this is just a really great book.Lisa’s writing style makes you just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I totally recommend this book and look forward to reading more from her.

Shell xo

For more information head to The Gifted Ones BLOGSPOT

And to purchase your copy head to AMAZON or SMASHWORDS

I would just like to thank Shell for taking time to help us out with our reviews. You did an amazing job!

Renee and Stacey

Book Review: In The Shadows by Julieanne Lynch

Title: In The Shadows
Author: Julieanne Lynch
Released: 20th July 2011
Published by: Strict Publishing International

Blurb:    Giselle was a normal girl with an attitude common to most girls of her age. Her family might not have been perfect (whose is?) but she loved them, and her future looked bright. She had an awesome best friend and a steady boyfriend, but how could she possibly have been so wrong about someone she loved? And how could she have been prepared for the darkness and for what she was to become?    







My Rating:         A MUST READ!!!

My Review: I was so lucky to be given the chance to review In The Shadows the book sounded amazing and I just LOVE the cover! Let me just say once I started I wasn't disappointed..

Wow! I was just blown away by this story. Julieanne Lynch knows how to captivate her audience, the storyline is beautifully written. The characters are so easy to connect with. There's just never a dull moment, so many twists and turns. I was there along for a truly thrilling adventure. I was glued to my kindle cause I just couldn't stop reading. This book is one that you can read over and over and still feel the thrill.

Can't wait to find out what happens next, the ending leaves you begging for more!! :)

Definitely worth 5/5 I'd recommend anyone (that's over say 15yrs) to give this beauty a read, you'll be completely drawn in. Julieanne has done an amazing job and I look forward to reading more of her work. 



BUY LINKS:

KINDLE , NOOK check out Julieanne's website for an EXCERPT for In The Shadows





   

Book Review- Kiera's Quest: Awakenings by Kristy Brown

Title: Kiera's Quest: Awakenings
Author: Kristy Brown
Released: October 17th 2011            
Published by: MuseItUp Publishing

Blurb: Meet Kiera, a pretty, intelligent, and talented girl, brought up by her uncle, and abandoned by her parents. Life is as normal as she believes it to be, apart from the deep ache inside her, telling her she’s different. For years, Kiera had dreams where she ventures into a different reality. She’s not alone; a presence is always there, keeping her safe, yet she feels vulnerable, and hunted.

Zakk, Prince of Zantar, is under the Witch Queen’s spell as she tries to take over his world. He crosses paths with Kiera, and their fates are entwined.

As their journey unravels, she learns that she is not the only one affected by this prince. Who is on her side? Will she find out why she has been chosen? How can someone so young, defeat such evil? Will she find the strength to save the ones closest to her? Will this be Kiera’s only Quest?


My Rating: A GREAT READ!!


My Review: I was lucky enough to be given the chance to review this book, I was very excited to get started. 

This book is such an easy read, in 75 pages Kristy Brown takes you on quite a spell binding adventure, one full of courage, betrayal, friendship and a evil, it truly captivates you. I found myself glued to every page, and not wanting it to end.

The characters are fun to read and really bring the story to life. The main character Kiera is very Courageous, loyal, full of trust and such a sweet, caring girl. 
We than have Zakk whose life (as well as Kiera's) has been turned upside down thanks to the evil witch queen. He's thrown to a world he doesn't know and that's were he meets Kiera, together they'll do great things.
The Witch Queen (I love the villian being a woman) is set on taking over Zakk's world Zantar, she's truly a scary piece of work.

For a debut novel Kristy Brown has done an amazing job, and I recommend everyone give it a try. I can't wait to read more about Kiera & Zakk.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON , NOOK , SMASHWORDS or MuseItUp Publishing

Book Review: Night Marchers by Courtney Nuckels & Rebecca Gober

Title: Night Marchers
Authors: Courtney Nuckels & Rebecca Gober
Released: 14th October 2011
Genre: YA, Paranormal

Blurb: “NEVER, EVER lock eyes with a Night Marcher!” Everyone in Hawaii has heard this warning, except for seventeen-year-old Emma Townsend that is. For most Hawaiians know that looking into the eyes of Night Marcher can strike a curse that will end in death or eternal servitude.

Even though her father, who is a paranormal investigator, solely raised Emma, she has little experience in the realm of the supernatural. When she is forced to move with her father to Hawaii, only months before her graduation, Emma finds that her world as she knows it, is shaken when she starts seeing the unexplainable: fire balls in the distance, beating drums in the middle of nowhere and strangers who vanish into thin air. Then one day when she has a run in with a procession of Night Marchers, ancient Hawaiian spirits wandering from their burial grounds to their locations of battles past, Emma has no choice but to believe that the unbelievable does exist.

Now Emma must go on the run with the help of a mysterious stranger, as they seek out how to free Emma from the curse of a Night Marcher, who will stop at nothing to get her soul.


My Rating: A GREAT READ!!


My Review: I found this book on facebook and the cover was the first thing that caught my eye, after reading the blurb it just drew me in even more. I was lucky enough to recieve a review copy which I'm sorry took me awhile to get to, with my personal life and a pile of other reviews to get through in the way.

When I first started reading I was drawn in straight away, it's very well written and easy to follow the storyline. I loved that the story was based in Hawaii I've always wanted to go there. Everything was described beautifully, it made me picture myself on the beach along with the characters. And I truly felt I was along for the adventure, (it's one not to be missed.)

The main character Emma is so easy to connect with, I loved her courage and her easy going nature, she has spunk!
Tristan or shall we call him "Mr Stud" is such a sweet and caring guy. He'll easily have your heart in his pocket, but he'd treat it well. The spark between Emma and Tristan you can feel almost instantly, two words..."heart fluttering!"
Each secondary character has their own unique quality that really makes this story come to life, you get to know them individually as the story progresses.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to all who's up for something new and fun! You'll get swept up like I did.


BUY LINKS:

KINDLE , SMASHWORDS , NOOK

Check out their website..

	http://www.nightmarchersbook.com

Here's the amazing trailer to entice you even more..

Book Review: Genesis by Kristie Cook

Title: Genesis (Soul Series Novella) Prequel
Author: Kristie Cook
Released: 19th October 2011
Published by: by Ang'dora Productions, LLC                         


Blurb: A father who reveals his truth.
Twins who take different paths—one light, one dark.
Angels who have plans for them both
And Demons who do as well.
So the Earthly battle for souls ignites…

A tale that is over 2,000 years old, this is the story of the Amadis beginnings.





My Rating: A MUST READ!!


My Review: After just finishing Promise & Purpose I was so, so excited to start reading Genesis the prequel in the series and...

Wow, just wow! I absolutely loved this Novella! Kristie Cook is truely awe-inspiring, with each book I've read of hers I just keep getting more and more swept up in her words. Kristie has become one of my favorite indie authors and I'll be stalking her for more updates of upcoming books. *winks*

Genesis takes you back to where it all started. You meet the two main characters Cassandra and Jordan, they're twins and completely different in every way possible.
Cassandra was such a delight to read about, she has such a sweet and nurturing soul and you can really connect with her. The courage that she possesses is just amazing (makes me wish I was more courageous like her), the things she has to go through you truly feel for her.
Jordan on the other hand just oozes evil, he truly makes the perfect baddy. I really felt sorry for him tho having no control over the path he was chosen to go down. He becomes obssessed with seeking power and does everything he can to bring his sister over to the dark side.

Genesis gave me the answers I seeked about the Amadis & the Daemoni that I'd had swimming around in my head after reading Promise & Purpose.

I can't WAIT to start reading book 3 Devotion, I'm happy to say I have recieved an ARC copy from Kristie Cook herself to review. I'll be diving head first into it asap, so keep an eye out for my next review in the Soul Savers series on the 9th Febuary 2012. I look forward to being able to share my thoughts with you.

If you haven't read this series yet than I truly recommend you give them ago.. RIGHT NOW!!! These books will take you on such an exciting adventure. You'll just get swept away like I did. :)


LINKS FOR GENESIS:

KINDLE , AMAZON PB , BARNES & NOBLE OR SMASHWORDS

Also you can find Kristie Cook in these places..

FACEBOOK , WEBSITE , GOODREADS OR TWITTER

Review- Ghostly by Samantha Combs

Title- Ghostly
Author- Samantha Combs
Genre- YA Paranormal
Released- 21st of September 2011
Publisher- Astraea Press

Blurb- High school has never been effortless for social misfit Juice Zander and her sophomore year is proving to be no exception. Having a new boy in homeroom actually pay attention to her might be a start to all that changing. But there are some big issues brewing. That fact that Shane Elliot has revealed himself to be a ghost isn’t her biggest problem. Neither is the fact that he wants her to help him find a “host body” so he can be a real teenager again. It’s not even that when she does find a possible donor for her supercute ghost, it’s another so-not-ugly guy who for some unprecedented reason likes her. No, her real problem is that after years of platonic friendship, she discovers one of her best buddies has feelings for her, and she’s afraid those feelings might be mutual.

Enlisting the help of her tight group of best friends, Juice sets out to 1) find the perfect host for her ghost, 2) figure out her surprising new relationship with her longtime friend and 3) maybe discover she’s not such a social misfit after all.


Review- I loved reading this book!!! There is nothing better than reading a book with nothing but true, honest to gosh raw emotion. Ghostly is full of it. Samantha Combs has this amazing ability to create characters that make you fall in love with them. Juicy, Sixx, Jett and Creepshow (swoon) are without a doubt my new fav book characters that have come from me reading for a review. They are the eccentric group of friends that are are just so happy with everything they have and pine for nothing. And I love that! I love that Ghostly has all of these hidden life lessons in it. Whether Combs did it deliberately or not I'm not sure, either way I'm a happy camper! So, this brings me to Shane, the ghost, who has waited a lifetime for someone just like Juice to help him in his quest to become "alive" again. Juice and her friends help Shane to find a "host body", little did Juice know that she would find feelings within herself that she didn't even know were there. The journey that Samantha Combs takes you on in Ghostly is one of self discovery and life lessons. I adore this book and I think you will too!

To purchase your copy of Ghostly (which I highly recommend) head to AMAZON or BARNES & NOBLE

To scope out more on Samantha Combs you can check out her BLOG or FACEBOOK

Book Review: Purpose by Kristie Cook

Title: Purpose
Author: Kristie Cook
Released: 10th December 2010 by Ang'dora Productions

Blurb: Lost in despair, Alexis teeters on the edge of an abyss, her lifeline of hope fraying into a thin thread. If it snaps, she’ll plunge into complete darkness. With the help of her son and her writing, she’s been able to hold on. Until now. Erratic impulses, disturbing delusions and her own demonic blood threaten her sanity. When she’s forced to choose between hanging onto hope or letting go to serve her Amadis purposes, she faces a decision with inconceivable sacrifices.

Alexis runs to the one place she thinks will provide answers, only to find herself at the center of another battle of good versus evil, not only with the Daemoni, not only within herself…but also against the worst opponent imaginable. But even if she wins, what will she lose?





My Rating: A MUST READ!!!


My Review: After reading book 1 "Promise" I jumped back onto Amazon and bought Purpose I just couldn't wait to find out what happens next, I'm so glad I did. This book is 7 years later from the first.

Wow! Kristie Cook has done it again! This book seriously just blew my mind. Had me literally hanging on every word, I started reading in the morning and finished by night. Thank goodness I'm a woman cause the multitasking thing I concured! My kindle didn't leave my hand all day. LOL!

Right from the start I was drawn in, the way Kristie Cook wrote the emotion coming from the main character Alexis was so powerful it had me sitting with a box of tissues ( I partly blame the hormones lol) I felt her heartbreaking pain, her sorrow and all her multi Alexis confusion. As the plot builds on we feel Alexis get stronger and the spine tingling love returns in full force. *sigh*

You connect well with each individual character, they all have their own unique quality that brings life to this story and they always bring a smile to your face, even fits of giggles.

This story is action packed and full of surprises, who doesn't love that?! We get some answers concerning Alexis, and have more questions by the end. I can't WAIT to find out what happens next in book 3 Devotion. Such a thrilling continuation from Promise.

I'm now starting Genesis the prequel Novella by Kristie Cook, so keep an eye out for that review. *winks*

Don't miss out on this amazing series, it brings such an exciting adventure one you could take over and over again!

BUY LINKS FOR PURPOSE

KINDLE , AMAZON PB , NOOK , B & N PB

Catch up with Kristie Cook here.. GOODREADS , FACEBOOK , WEBSITE OR TWITTER



Book Review: Promise by Kristie Cook

Title: Promise
Author:  Kristie Cook
Release date: 30th July 2010, by Ang'dora Productions

Blurb: Alexis Ames decides to learn who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their secrets closely. After meeting Tristan Knight and discovering that he's not normal either, the secrets begin to unravel. Their union brings promise to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy. Because they are a match made in Heaven and in Hell

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My Rating:  A MUST READ!!


My Review: I've heard alot of great things about Kristie Cook's Soul Savers series. But a post on FB from a friend just made me rush over to Amazon and buy myself a copy of Promise, and I'm so glad I did.

Kristie Cook is an amazing writer! From the very beginning she had me transfixed. Her unique writing style had me feeling all the emotions (and may I say being pregnant & full of hormones, those emotions were doubled lol ), connecting with the main (and all) the characters. She has created a world that I was able to bring to life in my mind through her wonderful words. There's never a dull moment, so many twists and turns you'll be kept on the edge of your seat.

The romance between the two main characters Alexis & Tristen is full of spin tingling passion and will have you feeling all giddy and gooey inside, truly heart stopping! I simply fell in love myself.

I finished this book last night and rushed back to Amazon to purchase book 2 Purpose, I just couldn't wait to continue reading Alexis's story.

If you haven't read this book/series than I recommend you give it a go! You never know, you may even fall in love a little yourself. *winks* Keep an eye out for my review of Purpose which will be up soon.

This book will most definitly be in my top 10 best I've read in 2012. What a way to start off the year! I have a feeling Purpose will be the next on the list.

BUY LINKS FOR PROMISE:

KINDLE , AMAZON PB , NOOK

Stalk Kristie Cook on Facebook , Twitter, Website or Goodreads