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Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on February 27, 2014
If you never speak of the past, can it be erased?
Lacey Edwards has a past.
A past which changed her life forever.
A past she is desperate to forget.
Lacey is quiet and reserved compared to her best friend Becca Fox. They became instant friends when Lacey moved to Maryland nine years ago. Becca helped pull Lacey out of her internal shell to experience life. By high school, Lacey was active in the club scene and would occasionally have to drag Becca with her. One night, Lacey realized she might be able to run from her past with the help of Becca and one steamy Caine Rogers.
Lacey didn’t know, until it was too late, how feelings, honesty, heartbreak and life altering events can change a person. Lacey has Becca’s support but will that be enough?
Will Lacey sacrifice her own happiness to do what is expected?
***WARNING***
Appropriate for readers 16 years and up. This novel contains heavy life issues that some might find offensive.
AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK
BARNES & NOBLE / SMASHWORDS / KOBO
If the decisions you make don’t define you, what price would you pay to change them?
“Close your eyes. This is the darkness I see, I feel, I live because of my choices.”
I spent my life running. Running from my past. A past that changed my life, robbed me of my childhood, and bound me for a life of silence. Silence protected me from further hurt. When I couldn’t control my life, I found reprieve in my silence. Dark, cold silence. I’m trapped, trying to find my way out, trying to make a stand, trying to finally live; but is it too late?
Lacey Edwards fought emotional turmoil most of her life. She made choices that unknowingly put her through more painstaking heartache. She found bits and pieces of happiness in all the wrong areas except for one. This one gave her hope for a fresh new life full of promises. Could she hold onto it, or would it slip through her fingertips?
***Warning*** Young Adult Edition. Appropriate for audiences 16 years and above. This novel contains heavy life and social issues that some might find difficult or offensive.
AMAZON / AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK / BARNES & NOBLE
Review
While I will make sure to submit separate reviews for these novels elsewhere, I felt entirely too in tuned with them to do so here.
L.U. Ann has touched on an incredibly sensitive subject with the integrity and skill of a master. In order to be a master in this case, however, you must first be subservient. My heart ached for Lacey as each novel shed light on her dark and troubled story. Her family and friends play a significant part to this heroine’s victories, but her determination is from pure grit, which reflects a beautiful ray of hope. There’s a great deal of emotion in this novel, which tends to lead our beautiful girl astray at times, but the realism makes it so hard to put down!
I must thank the author for beginning each novel with such an endearing note for our young men and women, and for giving information where those in need can find support; it’s beautiful. This is an incredibly touching series that will make you laugh, cry, and completely livid! A definite must read!
FACEBOOK / GOODREADS / AMAZON / WEBSITE
TWITTER /PINTEREST / INSTAGRAM / TUMBLR
Author L.U. Ann moved to Colorado from the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband and two children. Life in Colorado is so much different. In Maryland, you would find her in the garden tending to her vegetables and flowers, sea glass and shark tooth hunting once a week, and enjoying the kids swimming in the backyard. Her life took a drastic change when her family moved to their own “Little House on the Prairie” at an elevation of over 6,000 feet above sea level, and a semi-arid climate that makes it hard to grow anything. While barely anything can grow where she resides now, the wildlife makes up for it. Mountain Lions, and coyotes, and rattlesnakes, oh my!
She tries to spend a little time each day writing, but domestic chores around the house usually take precedence. She would much rather hide them from her husband. She tends to her loving four-legged children who at times become much too demanding when she locks herself in the office. This often results in MORE domestic work, and she finds herself cleaning up after their deviant behavior.
At night, you’ll find her begging the kids to go to bed so that she can catch up on the latest book before her sister can. Yes, she is an avid reader who escapes her chaotic but wonderful home to the feisty depths of romance land in search of her newest book boyfriend. Shh, don’t tell her husband!
She is an artist by the grace of God. She worked as a set designer for six years, helping establish a local children’s theatre where she was the scenery artist, set, and prop designer. Before that, you would find her covered in paint, so engrossed in painting a mural that time didn’t exist. Graphic design is her guilty pleasure.
Special Note From L.U. Ann
I created this Young Adult Edition to reach a wider audience. Lacey is nineteen years old and finishing high school. The issues she faces are the very issues a teenager could be facing right now, some possibly even younger.
This series deals with heavy life issues. Issues that are real. It may not be for everyone, but it’s a reality for so many. I hope you take some valuable information away from reading A Destructive Novel series. If anything, please read the resources found in the back of each book.
Thank you for the opportunity to tell Lacey’s story. My story.
L.U. Ann
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Connected by the Sea (Hawaiian Crush Book One)
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on February 1, 2014
Blurb:
Sydney is attending University of Hawaii on Oahu where she’s majoring in Marine Biology. She loves her friends, her job, and her school. Since her ex-boyfriend cheated on her six months ago, she hasn’t moves onto anybody new yet. When Coen catches her eye, she’s immediately attracted to him in a very carnal way. She refused to let herself feel that way because he’s a heartbreaker just like her ex was. But when she’s called to her professor’s office because she’s asked to tutor someone, she doesn’t realize it’s Coen. Will he convince her that he really is boyfriend material or will he turn out just as she suspects?
Review:
This debut was a quick, romantic read!
Ah, to be young again! Sydney’s a sweet and very intelligent college student, that’s full of ambition. Her brilliant mind, academically, isn’t matched with common sense; however. She’s in denial about her best friend, too accepting about her “family”, and not aggressive enough with her own needs. I couldn’t help but like her, though, as she has a heart of gold and carries a tragic secret that would break a weaker person.
Coen’s my type of hero. A sexy bad-boy with a reputation was always my green flag, and I just love the quiet ones! The stories have a way of twisting into the worst thing imaginable, which leaves no room for the truth. In Coen’s case, he’s been pegged both right and wrong. I had fun as he revealed both the devil and angel inside of him to Sydney.
There were scenes that were sensually enticing, and some that were downright erotic. I was entertained, frustrated, and intrigued throughout. The ending satisfied a few things, but left plenty of room for more. I look forward to the rest of the series!
Book Links:
Connected by the Sea (Hawaiian Crush #1)
Author Link:
PLACE OF A SKULL By: Keith Jacobsen
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on January 22, 2014
BLURB:
In West Belfast in the late 1960s, Brendan O’Hara and his teenage son, Seamus, are drawn to the nationalist cause and join the IRA. Their obsession divides them from other members of the family, especially Seamus’ mother, Ruth, and his gentle younger brother, Patrick. Ruth copes with her isolation through a close friendship with Linda, Brendan’s sister-in-law, and a passionate and over-protective relationship with Patrick.
The family leave Belfast so that Brendan and Seamus can take part in the mainland campaign, where Brendan and Seamus become ruthless executioners of informers. Betrayed by an unknown informer, Brendan is arrested and sentenced to twenty years.
Seamus escapes the attention of the authorities and tries to put his past behind him. But he is horrified when, on his deathbed, Brendan makes him swear an oath to kill the informer who put Brendan behind bars. But Seamus discovers he has a personal connection to the informer. Tormented by guilt but bound by his oath, can Seamus avenge his father without destroying himself?
REVIEW:
Book one of the “Furies Trilogy”
From the first page, the author’s extensive research for this installment was obvious. Jacobsen’s accurate period detail and believable characters brought the story to life in a brilliant manner.
As I read this book, my heart was breaking. Following a group of strong characters who face the hardships of political and religious persecution is never easy, but the author makes it hard to look away. Dark secrets tear a family apart as they are brought to light and those that seemed the weakest turn out to have the greatest fortitude. With each page the tension, suspense and uncertainty kept me enthralled.
I have never had so many mixed emotions throughout a novel about the characters involved. I would like a character one minute, then hate them the next. The story line was compelling and flowed with ease. I highly recommend this to those that like mysteries, thrillers, and historical fiction.
BOOK LINKS:
Amazon: Place of A Skull
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17987578-place-of-a-skull
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6498538.Keith_Jacobsen
http://www.keithjacobsen.co.uk/da/113119
LOST GIRL (An Oracles Novelette) By: Dax Varley
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on January 17, 2014
BLURB:
Juniper Lynch has a flair for all things psychic – a gift she inherited from her dearly departed granny.
When her best friend, Gena needs help finding her missing retainer, Juniper is quick to try scrying, aka crystal-gazing. With no crystal ball handy, she goes the easy route and gazes into a glass of water. But the image that appears is not what she expected. The shriveled face of a missing girl floats to the surface. Juniper is seized by a mystical connection and the countdown clock begins.
Can she find the lost girl before they both wither away?
REVIEW
You know that you’re in for an adventure when the Ouija board gets pulled out!
After Gena loses her retainer and is threatened with six weeks away from her besties, she’s willing to try anything that will help her find it. Fortunately for her, Juniper has inherited a unique gift that may be able to locate its whereabouts. Unfortunately for all of them, however, the gift has a mind of its own. As their focus begins to hone in on a missing girl in Junipers vision, they forget the dangerous situation they’re putting themselves into.
Juniper, Gena, and Anne are a comical and adorable trio. The freak, the geek, and the beauty are a very relatable combination. I can think of several little groups that I’ve known over the years that would fit their profile perfectly. I laughed, and held my breath, as the amazing young women worked together without doubting Juniper’s gift.
I love Dax Varley, as her novellas are intelligently written, fast paced, and so much fun! She has such an enchanting way of combining the paranormal with the thrill of a mystery, while giving the narrative from a teenager’s point of view. This story is entertaining, creative, funny, and touching. As with any book from this author, I highly recommend this to YA fans!
Book Links:
Amazon:
LOST GIRL (An Oracles Novelette)
Goodreads:
About the Author:
When Dax Varley isn’t reading, she’s slinging words onto a page. She lives in Richmond, Texas with her husband and a half-dozen imaginary friends.
Author Links: http://www.goodreads.com/dax_varley
TWICE LOVED by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on December 13, 2013
Blurb:
A position in a used toy shop is an answer to prayer for Bev Winters, who finds herself widowed with a young daughter after World War II. But, when her employer shows her surprising kindness she is unsure how to react.
After his wife’s death, Dan Fisher dutifully maintains her used toy shop and closes his heart to ever loving another woman. Then Bev Winters enters his life, and he is drawn to help her and her daughter. Will this working relationship turn into love?
Review:
I received a copy of this novel through the First Reads program on the Goodreads website.
As soon as I opened the package containing this novel, I fell in love! The slip cover is beautiful and each page is creatively bordered with a gorgeous Christmas design. The back is filled with interesting facts and recipes that are an important part of our country’s history, and there’s a pattern for a cute toy as well. As a Historical Fiction fan, and an individual who’s heard several first-hand accounts from WWII survivors, I was impressed by the expert manner in which the author dictates a world that so many of us couldn’t begin to imagine.
Bev and Dan are precious characters with remarkable resolve, courage, and faith. My heart broke for each one as they tried to push through the pain of losing a spouse, while staying true to their beliefs. Both struggle with the imperfections that we as humans must endure, but I was very satisfied with the paths that each chose in the end. The author obviously has strong Christian values, which is tactfully translated in this intelligently written book. I thoroughly enjoyed this remarkable Christmas tale of kindness, patience, and love.
Book Links:
GOODREADS https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17214199-twice-loved?from_search=true
BARNES&NOBLE http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twice-loved-wanda-e-brunstetter/1114082071?ean=9781624162671
About the Author:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/79251.Wanda_E_Brunstetter
Review: SEVERED a tale of sleepy hollow
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on October 2, 2013
Blurb:
Katrina’s still haunted by her encounter with the Headless Horseman – the night he beckoned to her. Now he has risen again, slashing heads and terrorizing the quiet countryside.
Her only joy during this dismal darkness comes when Ichabod Crane, a gorgeous young man from Connecticut, moves to Sleepy Hollow and their attraction turns to romance.
When the Horseman marks Ichabod as his next victim, Katrina, despite dangerous efforts to save him, sees no other choice than for them to flee.
But the Horseman awaits. Now it’s up to her to sever the horror and alter the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Review:
This was the second novel that I’ve read by Dax Varley and once again, she’s blown me away. The writing style is intelligent, easy to follow, and conducive with the setting. Although this novel is based around the time of the Revolutionary War, the characters are relatable and very entertaining. I was completely enthralled from the first page, and on the edge of my seat as the mystery unraveled.
After rereading Irving’s tale, which was actually influenced by an Irish legend known as The Dullahan, I thoroughly enjoyed the route the author took with her version of the Headless Horseman and the inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow. There are several noticeable influences from other versions of the classic, but that does not take away from this story at all. Varley has turned the incorrigible Katrina into a loveable heroine, the lanky Ichabod into eye candy, and has manifested the Headless Horseman into a real being that is feared by all. The supporting characters are compelling as well, making this novel flow with incredible ease.
As expected, this author has done justice to a tale that has haunted many for centuries! This novel is romantic, scary, thrilling, and even comical at times. A story for YA and adults, I highly recommend this book!
CLICK BELOW TO CHECK IT OUT!
About the Author:
When Dax Varley isn’t reading, she’s slinging words onto a page. She lives in Richmond, Texas with her husband and a half-dozen imaginary friends.
Author Links: http://www.goodreads.com/dax_varley
WANTED: ONE GHOST
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews on October 1, 2013
BLURB:
Stuck in ghostly limbo for 238 years, James Addison can’t move on to an afterlife. After being falsely accused of treason and executed, fate’s cursed him to remain an earth-bound specter until he meets a historian sent to research his past. Distrustful of fate,Dr. April Branford wants to be taken seriously, but her unique ability to divine history by touching objects seriously compromises her credibility. Her latest assignment? James Addison, a legendary colonial ladies’ man with a shadowy past. Without much to go on, she doesn’t hold out much hope to discover the man behind the legend until the day she accidentally touches him and brings him back to life. With the help of family and ghosts from James’s past, they unravel the truth. But after falling in love and with time running out, it’s hard for April to believe in fate and a future where forever is now
REVIEW:
What a treat just in time for the Halloween season!
This book was mesmerizing! The astute manner in which the author blended historical and paranormal fiction with modern day intricacies made this an excellent read that I just couldn’t put down! The story line is captivating and the characters are divine. I couldn’t help but to think of “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir” while reading this, as it’s one of my favorite classics. Of course, the relationship she had with her ghost is tepid, at most, compared to James and April’s steamy love affair. In this day and age, it’s hard to find a man that’s as attentive and chivalrous as James.
This novel is much more than a ghost story with a romantic twist, though, it’s a mystery/thriller as well. A dark secret lurks in the shadows of the historic town, but bringing light on the subject could come at a cost. With the help of April’s hilarious relatives, she and James try to answer questions that no one alive knows.
Joseph Buchanan’s coined term “psychometry”—which means being able to see the past by touching an object– is utilized brilliantly and the author takes it to another level, catapulting this novel high above others in the same genres. I laughed, I cried, and unfortunately, I was up investigating everything that went “bump!” in the night. This is definitely a must read!
5/5 STARS
Amazon link
About the Author
Navy veteran and Maryland resident, Loni Lynne was born in Michigan, graduated in Texas, and lived in various states in between. Upon graduation she joined the Navy and married her Army hero before being stationed in Hawaii for four years. On their return to the mainland, they settled in Maryland close to family.
Loni started writing in her early teens and never really stopped. Her travels and experiences created ideas and inspired characters for her stories which ended up half finished files on disks and spiral notebooks. On her 40th birthday her husband gave her a laptop, portable hard drive and a membership to Romance Writers of America as a gift and told her she had one year to finish a manuscript and try to get it published.
Her debut novel, Wanted: One Ghost is only one of many she’s written since then.
Author Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Loni-Lynne/e/B00D4NRM6U/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7115619.Loni_Lynne
Author Website: https://www.lonilynne.com/
Review: Everlasting Hunger (The Hunger Mate Series)
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews on September 13, 2013
Blurb
Temptation, thy name is Ian Lochlan.
That was the thought running through Ellie Dawson’s head when her boss offered to escort her to a local vampire bar. Who would suspect that it was owned by him and that he would be the one to introduce her to all the pleasures of a vampire’s kiss?
Passion is a different beast when vampires are involved and Ellie faces love from two very sensual creatures. Tragedy strikes and Ian relinquishes her into the arms of his best friend – Jasper. Ellie struggles with the feelings aroused in her by both men but she knows nothing can stop the Hunger.
Can she survive loving two men and the past that continues to haunt her?
Goodreads link for Brandy: http://www.goodreads.com/author
/show/7141824.Brandy_Dorsch
Amazon Link: Everlasting Hunger (The Hunger Mate Series)
Review
I was pleasantly surprised with this novel, as the author has taken a refreshing approach to vampires. Unlike the norm, our beloved creatures of the night aren’t possessive of their loved ones and allow them a certain freedom that only makes their love stronger. The erotic scenes are mind blowing and the characters are tasty!
Everyone was intelligent, quick witted, and relatable. I was enchanted by the exciting story line that delivered a climatic ending, although I didn’t want it to end at all. Leaving room for the next installment, the author has gained from me a devoted fan.
Pick up a copy of this delightfully sinful novel, you won’t be sorry!
About the Author
Brandy lives in North Dakota and dreams of running away and being an extra on The Vampire Diaries. She is a diehard reader that can’t breathe without adding something to her TBR list. She loves anything romance but has a special place in her heart for all things vampire related. She works and goes to school but her favorite activity is spending time with her husband and two sons.
You can contact her here:
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