Archive for category Reviews
NEW RELEASE! THE GIRL IN MY DREAMS by LOGAN BYRNE
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on April 12, 2016
BLURB
When your girlfriend is a ghost visiting you in your dreams, life is anything but ordinary.
Seventeen-year-old Theodore Quinn has never had it easy. His dad recently left his mother and him, he’s not exactly Mr. Popular at school, and he’s never had a girlfriend—that is, until a chance encounter leads to a reconciliation with his childhood best friend and neighbor, Annabelle, whom he’s loved for as long as he can remember.
It’s only after they start dating that his life seems to be heading in the right direction. But that all changes one snowy night when Annabelle is instantly killed in a car accident, leaving Theodore devastated and emotionally crippled. In the midst of his desperation to see Annabelle again, she visits him in his dreams, and life suddenly becomes worth living again. With things starting to look perfect once more, Theodore must decide between living in his dreams forever, or facing reality and moving forward with a life he knows he’ll never truly have with her.
REVIEW
I received a copy of this novel from Kindle Scout in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to hear this novel was chosen to be published, as the excerpt on Kindle Scout had me extremely intrigued. The writing immediately pulled me into Theo’s little world, which was quite wonderful. As Belle was introduced, she was the beautiful addition that made this novel complete. They’re just lovely, both individually and as a couple. I was also quite impressed with the maturity of the entire cast, which helped make them relatable.
While the blurb explains the gist of the story, I was not prepared for the emotional punch in the gut. I cried. I cried reading a YA novel. Maybe I cried because I have a son about their age, or because I know the pain of losing a first love. I can say with certainty that this author captured raw emotion brilliantly.
To put it bluntly, my heart just broke for the main character. The narrative is from his POV, and he is a very sweet young man. He starts off with one friend, goes through a few months of being on top of the world, then, he ends up right where he started; madly in love with the girl he can’t have. I do, however, love the resilience he exhibits.
In today’s society, this is a clean novel I would definitely approve for ages thirteen-plus.
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Logan Byrne is an author of young adult fiction. He currently resides in Northern Illinois, though has aspirations to move to a large city, one where most of his stories take place.
If you want to know when he releases new books the very second they go live, sign up for his e-mail newsletter! It’s free!
REVIEW: A KINDLED WINTER by @RachelLDemeter
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on March 29, 2016
Black Lyon Publishing, LLC
Released: November 1, 2015
BLURB
A week before Christmas, Jeseca Reed sets off for Blue River, Oregon—her childhood home and a vault of tender memories. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when she’s left stranded in the mountains’ vast, untamed wilderness. Desperate and alone, she seeks shelter at a cottage and finds herself in the arms of a mysterious stranger.
Dr. David Drake was once a renowned cardiovascular surgeon. But a devastating tragedy has left him scarred both inside and out, unable to use his hands to operate again. For the past five years, his Blue River cottage has been his sole escape—a safe haven where he can shut out the world, bury himself in his grief, and reunite with his son’s memory.
Together they are summer and winter. Fire and ice. And yet a poignant connection forms between them. Jeseca awakens David and thaws his heart with a romance hot enough to melt snow. But before David and Jeseca can fully embrace each other, they must wade through darkness and confront the ghosts of their pasts…
Equal parts steamy and heartfelt, A Kindled Winter brings the spirit of the holidays to life with a passionate story of second chances and healing love.
REVIEW
I’d like to apologize to Rachel Demeter for the delay in reviewing this wonderful novel.
I was a lucky enough to receive a copy of this beautiful novel in exchange for an honest review.
Simply, a wonderful story that’s hard to put down! The focus stays on the couple, with no interruption, and flows quite smoothly. Sensual scenes are naughty and divinely descriptive, but tasteful. There was a point in the story in which I wanted to put this down because it tore me apart, but I just couldn’t stop reading. Jeseca and David were well written, and easily acceptable as every-day people. Their struggle resonated with me, and the emotional impact was powerful.
Demeter has the unique gift of making the emotion stand out, and has delivered another sweet romance born from the ashes of tragedy. I’ve yet to walk away unaffected by her writing.
Definitely recommend!
**Mature readers due to adult situations, death, and sex.**
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and her high school sweetheart of eleven years. She enjoys writing poignant romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.
Imagining dynamic worlds and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mother would record them for her. She holds a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether crafting the protagonist or antagonist, she ensures every character is given a soul.
Rachel endeavors to defy conventions by blending elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.
Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.
Find Out More
REVIEW: BLEED by @daxvarley
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on October 27, 2015
BLURB
LIFE IS A NIGHTMARE for Miranda Murphy. Without knowing when or why, blood oozes from her palms—an anomaly that makes her feel like a freak. But her abnormality is now the least of her worries. She’s just enrolled at “Suicide High.” Three deaths in three months—one occurring just days before her arrival.
When she bumps into a cute boy named Jake, things don’t appear so glum. Especially since Jake’s a psychic who can predict the immediate future. But his gift of sight can’t prepare her for the horrors that await.
Through Jake, Miranda meets three other extraordinary students:
Topher – who can heal by touch.
Sam – who eats the sins of the dead.
And Xyan – who speaks and understands all languages.
It’s then that Miranda learns the secret behind why she bleeds.
When it becomes evident that supernatural forces are at play, the five determined friends team up. Now it’s up to them to destroy the evil that’s infecting their school.
A great YA Horror!
This is not your usual good vs. evil novel, as Dax Varley is an exceptional YA novelist! I’m always amazed with the skillful manner in which she connects with all ages!
Immediately, the story packs a punch! We’re given narration from several view points, including that of a very nasty culprit, with remarkable precision. The writing is so good, there is no lull, no confusion, and definitely no lack of imagination. The rag tag team representing the good is an authentic version of kids today, and the evil is concealed brilliantly.
I enjoyed this immensely, as I’m a fan of horror. There was comedic relief to balance the terror, the gory scenes were perfectly gross, and there’s even a sweet little romance involved. Highly recommend.
**I recommend for High School aged YA & above due to violence, subject matter, and language.**
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Dax Varley writes the kind of young adult novels she wishes were around when she was a teen. She’s a lover of humor, horror and all things paranormal.
When Dax isn’t writing, she’s collecting odd photos online, reading
recaps of her favorite shows or kicked back with a good book.
She lives in Richmond, Texas with her husband, a shelf full of action figures and about a dozen imaginary friends
LINKS:
REVIEW! WINNIE DAVIS: DAUGHTER OF A LOST CAUSE by Heath Hardage Lee
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on September 23, 2015
Synopsis
Review
My roots run South in this country; therefore, I was instantly intrigued by this novel.
I’m very familiar with The Daughters of the Confederacy, and the prodigal daughter that started it all, but this author has taken an extraordinary approach by reintroducing Winnie Davis to the world in a most intimate manner. Starting from her birth, we get a detailed background on how Winnie’s future was forged by the chaotic world to which she was born. This young woman was thrust into situations that exceeded her limitations both physically, and mentally. The relationship she had with her mother is one in which many in the South can relate, and her timid behavior was that of a true lady.
Although Winnie is the main subject, she is by no means the only person of which whom we become familiar. The whole family is introduced, as well as the love of her life, which later gives reference to Winnie’s somber and emotional state.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, but I must warn that some may feel as if the entire southern gentry are portrayed as one group of like-minded idiots. Readers must keep in mind, the anger and frustration after the war towards “The Yankees” was so intense, it still resonates today. There are also a couple of “hmm” moments in which the lost Confederate Money conspiracies do not seem so far-fetched. The historical details are extraordinary; however, and the research involved is evident.
My heart ached for Winnie Davis, as the writer has depicted her life with great care. A tragic tale from a tragic time.
About This Literary Chef
Heath Hardage Lee
Heath comes from a museum education, historic preservation, and writing background. She holds a B.A. in History with Honors from Davidson College, and an M.A. in French Language and Literature from the University of Virginia.
She started her museum career at the Levine Museum of the New South in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the Director of Education and Programs. Heath has since worked as a consultant for southern house museums such as Stratford Hall, Robert E. Lee’s birthplace, and Menokin Plantation, once home to Francis Lightfoot Lee. She is currently working as the Coordinator of the History Series for Salisbury House & Gardens, a 1920’s house museum in Des Moines, Iowa.
Potomac Books, a division of the University of Nebraska Press, published Heath’s first book, Winnie Davis: Daughter of the Lost Cause, in 2014. This biography about the fascinating youngest daughter of Confederate President Jefferson Davis was one of Potomac Press’s bestselling books for 2014. Winnie won the 2015 Colonial Dames of America Annual Book Award as well as a Gold Medal for Nonfiction writing from the Independent Publisher 2015 Book Awards.
Heath is currently working on her second book, a group biography entitled Vietnam War Wives about the courageous Wives of men who were Prisoners of War or Missing in Action during the Vietnam War. Stay tuned for more news on that book this fall.
Links
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Spotlight & Giveaway! THE HIGHLANDER’S BRIDE by Amanda Forester
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on August 25, 2015
Title: The Highlander’s Bride
Author: Amanda Forester
Series: Highland Trouble, #1
Pubdate: September 1st, 2015
ISBN: 9781492605430
BLURB
Their attraction is forbidden
All Highland warrior Gavin Patrick wants is to get back to his native Scotland. But before he can leave the battlefield, he’s given a final mission—escort Lady Marie Colette to her fiancé. Under no circumstances is he to lay hands on the beautiful, clever-tongued heiress…no matter how desperate the temptation.
Their desire, undeniable
Forced to pose as a married couple to make their escape from France, Gavin and Marie Colette find themselves thrown into peril…and each other’s arms. As the danger mounts, so does their forbidden passion. But it isn’t until Marie Colette is taken from him that Gavin is forced to decide—is he willing to lose the woman who stole his heart, or will he jeopardize his honor, defy his promise, and steal her in return?
LINKS
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Jluzti
Apple: http://apple.co/1JluCFN
Chapters: http://bit.ly/1hH0A30
Indiebound: http://bit.ly/1NcpKTO
REVIEW
I was absolutely elated when I discovered an historical fiction novel including the MacLaren Clan, my husband’s ancestral lineage!
The author immediately pulled me in with a ferocious battle, holding me captive with superb writing throughout. Gavin and Lady Marie Collette are wonderful characters who exemplify the truest forms of hero and heroine. As each contributes to better their situation, they become closer and more trustful of one another. After a series of unusual events, the lines of proprieties and honor become blurred. With an extraordinary cast of secondary characters, the two try to keep their wits, and their hearts, until they reach the Highland shores.
I loved this book! The cover is gorgeous, the story line is brilliant, and the characters are perfectly written. Although it’s a concept in which most are familiar, the extras give this novel a great boost. Sensual scenes are tasteful, with a touch of naughty, and earned. The use of a medieval religious book was a pleasant perk, as was the author’s note giving more background. The ending wrapped everything up beautifully, and I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author!
I highly recommend for all lovers of the genre!
EXCERPT
France, 1359
Lady Marie Colette had one chance. She needed to secure the Highlander’s agreement to decline marrying her, and she needed to do it quickly, before her father returned. She had never before defied her father, but if he thought he could protect her by arranging a marriage with a Highland warrior and send her far away to Scotland of all places, he was much confused.
In truth, Sir Gavin was a fine specimen of a man. She was fair enough to admit it. He was a young man and built on a large scale, towering over most men. He had broad shoulders and a muscular chest, well-defined beneath the formfitting surcoat. His dark brown hair hung down to his square jaw and had a bit of a thick wave to it. He was clean shaven, a surprise considering he was a barbaric Highlander.
“I have heard rumors o’ yer beauty, but ye’re bonnier than anything I heard described.” Sir Gavin spoke in a rich tone with a lyrical accent, pleasing to her ears. However, if he thought he could win her over with compliments, he was much mistaken. She had been told so often she was beautiful that the words no longer had meaning.
“Please understand. It is impossible for me to marry you. But if you make an arrangement with me now, you will not leave empty-handed. Name your weight in gold to walk away.” Her heard pounded to make such a blunt offer. In truth, she would never have made such a crass offer to a French knight, whose honor would have been greatly impinged, but Sir Gavin was a foreigner. A Highlander. Were they not only here in France to profit off of the long war?
Sir Gavin’s eyebrows rose for a moment before falling back down in resignation. “I will no’ take the fortune of a lady, nor will I force anyone to marry me.” He spoke in a careless manner, as if what she offered was nothing to him.
Colette released a breath she had not realized she was holding. Had he just agreed not to marry her? Would he simply walk away? “So you will tell my father you will not marry me?”
A wry smile played about his lips and she had the distinct impression he was not taking the situation as seriously as she thought it deserved. “I am yers to command. If ye wish me to leave, I will go.”
Relief washed over her. She would not be banished to the wilds of Scotland with some strange, albeit attractive, man. “Thank you, Sir Knight. My father, he wished to protect me by sending me far, but I cannot see myself in such a wild, foreign place. We would be most unequally yoked.”
Gavin leaned a shoulder against the stone wall and stared out the dark window into the night. “The Highlands are a rugged place and my home is no’ nearly as grand as this fine castle. ’Tis a wild place, but in the evening, when the sun’s rays touch the high peaks, setting them aglow with the fiery light, ’tis so beautiful it robs yer breath. No finely decorated hall could ever compare.”
Colette opened her mouth but no words came.
He turned back to her, appraising her finery with a critical eye. “Someday, God willing, I shall take my bride there, a bride who chooses me above all men. We will no’ be surrounded by courtiers or pageantry or fancy clothes or ridiculous pointed shoes.”
Colette swallowed, heat creeping up the back of her neck. Had he seen the points of her shoes?
He stepped close to her, moving with a fluid grace that made her heart beat faster. “In the Highlands we dinna have all yer comforts, but what we do have we fiercely defend.”
“What do you have?” she asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
“Freedom. In the Highlands, m’lady, ye would be free.”
Free? She stared up at him. He dangled before her the one thing all her riches could never buy. He offered her freedom.
He leaned nearer and her eyes fell to his lips, which inexplicably appeared soft. She could not help but respond to the irresistible pull of his inviting mouth. He moved slowly, bending down so that their lips drew dangerously close. She breathed in the scent of him, an intoxicating mix of wood smoke, fine wine, and pure man.
The door creaked and her father strode back in the room as both Colette and Gavin jumped away from each other. The duc de Bergerac spread a scroll out on a table. “This is the marriage accord I have made with the Baron of Kintail.”
“Wait…who?” Colette tried to gather together her swirling thoughts in order to form speech. She glanced at Sir Gavin. The careless smile was gone. They had both made the wrong assumption.
Gavin wasn’t meant for Colette at all.
GIVEAWAY
5 COPIES OF THE HIGHLANDERS BRIDE
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Amanda Forester holds a PhD in psychology and worked many years in academia before discovering that writing historical romance was way more fun. A Publishers Weekly Top Ten author, her books have been given starred reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and a Top Pick from RT Book Reviews. Whether in the rugged Highlands of medieval Scotland or the decadent ballrooms of Regency England, her novels offer fast-paced adventures filled with wit, intrigue, and romance. You can visit her at www.amandaforester.com
TOUR STOP & GIVEAWAY! DAUGHTER OF VALOR by @EmilyMimsAuthor
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on July 30, 2015
BOOK INFORMATION
TITLE – Daughter of Valor
SERIES – Texas Hill Country Series
AUTHOR – Emily Mims
GENRE – Romantic suspense
PUBLICATION DATE – January 2015
LENGTH (Pages/# Words) – 332 pages, 99,500 words
PUBLISHER – Boroughs Publishing Group
COVER ARTIST – Boroughs Publishing Group Art Department
BOOK SYNOPSIS
Wounded war hero Holly Riley has come home to the lake shore community of Heaven’s Point to recover from her injuries and build a new life for herself with her band of fellow wounded warriors. Temporarily employed as a nanny by charismatic Congressional candidate and neighbor Jimmy Adamcik, Holly and Jimmy quickly begin to care for one another in spite of Holly’s distrust of politics. But Jimmy finds himself sucked deeper and deeper into the seamy side of the political process, and an old enemy from Jimmy’s past targets Holly’s soldiers one by one. Will Jimmy and Holly’s love survive the double onslaught-or will they be the final target of their unknown enemy’s rage?
REVIEW
Opening with a most chilling account of horrific events, from both our hero and heroine, I was immediately immersed in this novel!
I’ve recently become a fan of updated military novels, and this was an excellent read! The author has developed an intriguing and suspenseful story line, which kept me on the edge of my seat constantly. There are some graphic scenes involving combat, but the manner in which they are delivered moved me immensely. The characters are relatable and I simply love Holly and Jimmy. Holly’s story touched me more; however. Wounded veterans are close to my heart. The trauma they endure, both physically and psychologically hits home, and I adore those who help. Mims implemented a message, here, brilliantly!
Jimmy is not to be ignored, though. He’s a hero, as well, and suffers in silence. My heart broke for this single father as he tried to juggle his aspirations, his longing for someone to lean on, and a sweet little girl.
I would recommend this to Military Romance lovers.
BUY & TBR LINKS
EXCERPT
Jimmy took one look at Holly’s face and ushered her in grimly. “They decided to support Navarro, didn’t they?” he demanded tersely.
“I tried to get them to change their minds,” she said quietly. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re sorry?” he demanded incredulously. “You and your buddies are going to embarrass the hell out of my campaign and you’re sorry? May I be so bold as to ask what made them throw their support to Navarro?”
“Jimmy, get real,” she shot back. “You have platitudes. He has a plan.”
He flinched. “So they realize the position I’m in with your mother and her buddies?”
“That’s part of the problem,” she admitted. “They feel like you won’t have the freedom to represent their best interests and Navarro will.”
“Why didn’t you fight them?” he asked. “Why are you just going along with what they’re doing to me?”
Holly was silent for a moment. “Because if I weren’t involved with you, I would be doing exactly what they are. And as much as I hate to admit it, I think Alex Navarro would be light years better for me and my soldiers than you would.”
“Oh, really? Then your buddies can take a hike and you can go with them,” he said angrily.
It was Holly’s turn to flinch. “If that’s how you feel I will most certainly be taking that hike. But first I’m going to tell you to your face that you are a hypocrite of the highest order. Yes, you are,” she said when he started to object. “You expect me to separate my feelings for you from my work with the soldiers. You expect them to understand when you would rather brown-nose my mother and her supporters for their money than support them. And then you act like a spoiled brat when my soldiers throw their support to the candidate who might actually do something for them. That, my friend, is hypocritical.”
She jerked open the front door and turned back around. “You know, Jimmy, an election isn’t just about money,” she said softly, “it’s about votes. And if you run off all your votes chasing the money, you’re going to lose the election, no matter how much money mom’s cronies put into your coffers.”
AUTHOR BIO
The author of twenty romance novels, Emily Mims combined her writing career with a career in public education until leaving the classroom to write full time. The mother of two sons, she and her husband split their time between central Texas and eastern Tennessee. For relaxation she plays the piano, organ, dulcimer and ukulele. She says, “I love to write romances because I believe in them. Romance happened to me and it can happen to any woman-if she’ll just let it.”
AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE – WEBSITE / BLOG – FACEBOOK – TWITTER – GOODREADS
GIVEAWAY PRIZES
$25 Amazon Gift Card
This tour has been organized by
RELEASE BLITZ! SKIN DEEP by PAMELA SPARKMAN
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on July 20, 2015
Title: Skin Deep
Author: Pamela Sparkman
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 20, 2015
Cover Designer: Sarah Hansen with Okay Creations
Cover
Synopsis
She hates me.
I’m in love with her.
Her life is a masquerade.
Mine is cloaked in secrets.
She thinks I can’t see her.
But she’s the only thing I can see.
he thinks we have nothing in common.
We have everything in common.
And I’m done being patient.
I’m determined.
She’s stubborn.
You think you know us.
You don’t.
The things you know about us are only Skin Deep.
*Warning – This book contains instances of self harm in the form of an eating disorder and may be a trigger to some readers.*
Teasers
Excerpt
Beth had been good at pretending to be this happy carefree girl – bubbly and energetic. Looking at her now, I saw a girl who was anything but carefree. She obviously had demons that haunted her, and I knew from experience that fighting certain demons can be almost impossible.
I listened through the door, making sure Lily had gone. “This isn’t over. Me keeping your secret from Lily is not a sign I’m letting this go. It’s a sign that I’m going to be a thorn in your side until you let me help you.”
Beth prickled at my comment and unfurled herself from the protective ball she had curled into. “I don’t need your help!”
“Yes, you do.” I took another step towards her. Beth took a step back. “And the way I see it, you don’t have much of a choice.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Do you want Lily to know what you’ve been doing?”
Beth’s eyes pooled with unshed tears. She looked hurt by my words. “Please don’t tell Lily,” she pleaded in a whisper.
“I’ll tell her everything unless you let me help you.” The look of fear and disbelief on Beth’s face made me feel like a total jackass.
Her expression changed again. She glowered at me like she wanted to set me on fire. “I hate you so much right now.”
Her words, she meant them. And hearing her tell me she hated me… it hurt, because somewhere along the way I had fallen in love with her.
“I know you do. But I’d rather you hate me for the right reasons, than like me for the wrong ones. I guess we’ll both have to figure out how to fucking live with that.”
Review
I cried, I laughed, and I swooned!
This is not your average romance novel; it’s a thought-provoking, tear jerking, and profoundly emotional love story. Family values, love in its most rare form, and friendship are the core values Sparkman has exemplified with perfection.
The narration alternates between Hayden and Beth with acute precision, making the complexity of the story line flow naturally. Sparkman’s writing style made me ache for our hero and heroine as the intimate details of their lives unfolded. Their story is never rushed, which made the relationship more genuine, and completely addictive. Serious issues are dealt with tastefully, and the supporting characters make this novel complete.
I fell in love with this story almost immediately, and I highly recommend it to any lover of romance!
Purchase Links
Amazon US | Amazon UK | B&N | KOBO | iTunes
About This Literary Chef
I grew up in Alabama and have always been an avid reader. I had a stack of those Little Golden Books and I can remember reading Three Little Kittens over and over and over again. It was my favorite.
Fast forward and the older I got the more in love with books I became. So, I’m admitting that I am a huge nerd. The only reading I don’t like are those math word problems. And I’m okay with that because no one has ever asked me in real life… “If I give you two bananas and take away six apples, how long will it take the southbound train to collide with the northbound train if Johnny left his house at midnight?” It just doesn’t happen.
So, yeah, books are my thing.
Oh and music. All kinds. Love.It.
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REVIEW & SPOTLIGHT! Captive Guardian (Witches Amulet Book 2) by Paulina Woods
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on July 17, 2015
BLURB:
High above New York, in a gilded cage, Marcus lives out his lonely life. Born in captivity, he has been told he has one purpose in life, to produce powerful female witch offspring.
Michael is second in command to the general of the gargoyles army. He lives a fast and dangerous life, always looking for the next adventure. When he is captured, bound and tossed into a cage all thoughts of revenge go out the window when he is faced with his mate.
Can Michael convince Marcus that they are meant to be together or will he lose his mate before he a chance to know him?
REVIEW
This is a very unique paranormal series that gets better with each installment.
The beginning is an extraordinary introduction presented in mythical, scriptural form. As in the first book, this is an immediate hook that captures interest. The plot is well crafted, the suspense is intriguing, and the smooth flow allows time to connect with each character.
There are some grammatical errors, but I wasn’t deterred. The focus bounces between a M/M love story, the devious acts of an unusual coven, and the paranormal forces acting against the coven. The author’s growth is visible from one book to the next, and I find her writing style quite charming.
I recommend reading after the first installment, and I have no doubt that Ms.Woods will continue to mesmerize her audience with this creative series!
Links:
About This Literary Chef
Paulina is a small town girl with big dreams. She is the second oldest of three talented siblings.
An extraordinary young writer with an amazing story of her own, she is currently working on the third installment in The Witches Amulet Series.
Links:
REVIEW: ****, OR, THE ANATOMY OF MELANCHOLY by Matthew Selwyn
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on July 15, 2015
Blurb:
Reality is overrated. Sex, love, power, life: it’s gone digital. Why settle for a girlfriend with cellulite? Why spend every day working a dead-end job? These are the new days, the infinite days: plug in, get connected. Life is porn, porn is life, don’t accept anything less than the electric light show that is our digital reality.
At the end of every computer screen, a mind is being formed on the material coughed up by the web that connects us all: this is the story of one of the internet’s children, told from his own warped perspective. This is the millennial generation, the Y generation: we’re horny, lonely, afraid, and self-confident.
This is our story, our reality.
Review:
This is an outstanding debut!
The direction is expertly delivered, and our protagonist befriends the reader as a novice. Though somewhat misguided to throw us from the reality of his situation, the truth is revealed in a most genius manner.
We live in a world where technology is king and our younger generation has become victim to the ease, or should I say addiction, of having the world at their fingertips. This tends to make one less inclined to involve themselves in actual social situations. Much like Robert Burton, our narrator rants about life and its inhabitants with superior prose. He’s vulgar, sexist, obnoxious, and real. He’s the kid next door, a friend of my son’s, or my nephews.
As in reality, nothing is what it seems, and I couldn’t help connecting with this character. His feigned attempts to be hard and impervious to pain slowly become translucent. While I’m a little older than the intended audience, every generation has their poison of choice. My generation birthed the internet, but our progeny has hypnotized our actual offspring.
Selwyn is an incomparable young writer that I will follow, henceforth.
Dark, entertaining, shrewd, comical, and moving! I highly recommend this to adults ages eighteen and up!
***Warning: This book contains Sex, Violence, and Profanity***
DIGITAL:
HARDCOVER:
About This Literary Chef
Matthew Selwyn is a young writer from London, England. His debut novel, ****: The Anatomy of Melancholy was released in 2014. A student and librarian, he is often to be found hiding amongst the stacks in the Victorian library where he works, surrounded by piles of books.
He writes book reviews online at www.bibliofreak.net.
LINKS:
RELEASE DAY BLITZ! RYAN REVISITED by @authorsamdavis
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on June 14, 2015
you don’t have any idea who you are, how do you decide who you want to be?
Ryan Ester? The Southern-belle-in-training her estranged father wants her to
be? The laid-back Montana girl she became after her parents’ divorce? Or
someone she has to discover on her own?
Ryan’s only shot at going to college is on her father’s dime, Ryan leaves
Bluffs, Montana to return to the antebellum South she once called home. As if
the move wasn’t hard enough, Ryan’s first love, who recently left her a
broken-hearted mess, has a scholarship to none other than Ryan’s destination,
the University of the South.
Ester may not know who she is, but she sure as heck knows who she doesn’t want
to become. As she tries to navigate scandal, heartache, and the unbearable
pressure to look and act perfect every waking second, she resents being pushed
by everyone who wants to decide for her. For the sake of her own sanity and the
hearts of those she cares most about, she will have to find a way to forge her
own path.
REVISITED is the story of a young woman’s search for identity. For serenity.
For the perfect landing spot for her aching heart.
contain graphic sexual situations.
Ryan. This isn’t you.”
disgusted with my choices and you think I’ve changed so much, then why do you
even keep talking to me?”
into my eyes. “I keep hoping I’m wrong.”
just don’t understand. You don’t understand how it is,” I told him.
interfere in your life, Ryan. I get that you have a life at U South that
doesn’t include me, one I don’t fit into.”
it. I don’t live a double life.”
it, Ryan. I’ll stay in the life where I belong—I won’t try to find a place in
your other one.”
dramatic.” Before I could stop my father’s words, they came out at Manny.
Ryan?”
that to me? After everything I was so honest about with him, how could he? “Goodbye,
Manny.” I turned around and walked to my room, slamming the door behind me.
Refusing to ever hear Manny ask me that again.
Davis loves to write tucked away in her cave with a large sweet iced tea and
the occasional (grossly understated) chocolate vice. She lives in Texas now
with her hunky husband and three young daughters, but she was born in Georgia
and went to high school under the beautiful Big Sky of Montana. Due to Sam’s
nearly alarming obsessive personality and lack of gumption to act her age, she
spends too much time reading YA and NA books, watching the CW, using emoticons
and hashtags, shopping at Nordstrom BP, and writing anything and everything,
anywhere and everywhere. She loves to eat, Jillian Michaels (in that order),
Nutella, going to the movies, the written word, Jesus, Auburn football, Ron
Pope, Big Sky Country, and every kind of person.
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