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Monday, March 26, 2012

Diamond Heart by Ann Mayburn Review!





Synopsis:
After catching her no good cheat'n rat bastard ex-fiancé in bed with her best friend, Rowan Belmont leaves the mills and factories of the Midwest to move nearer her sister in San Francisco. After being robbed in Kansas City, she loses the money to complete her journey and she tries to pawn her engagement ring, only to find out that it‘s fake. Alone, broke, and on the edge of giving up, Rowan hopes for a miracle. 


Marcel Champlain can't get the beautiful woman he met at the Kansas City hotel out of his mind. When she turns up at his family’s jewelry he knows that God has brought them together. He makes Rowan a job offer: Go with him to Freewill, Wyoming to open a new jewelry store and pose as his wife. 


With only three months to convince Rowan that she should become his wife in truth, Marcel intends to show Rowan that no other man on earth will ever love her as much as he does. Their time together may be cut short by when it seems like fate will take Marcel from Rowan all too soon and leave her once again alone in the world. 



My Review:


Diamond Heart is the first book I've read by Ann! I had been told by several people what a great story teller she was and I was not disappointed! Thank you for allowing me to review this wonderful story, Ann! 


Diamond Heart is a lovely tale that mixes historical aspects with romance with a hint of French flavor. It really is a great combination and a quick and addicting read! Add in some great characters like the hunky and charming Marcel and the strong, but distressed Rowan and you have one heck of a story. One of the best things about Ann's writing is that she really gets you to connect and feel for these characters!


This story has such amazing descriptions! Of the character's surroundings, the scenery, ect! The intimate scenes were done amazingly! It is a magical story of love overcoming both obstacles and inner turmoil! 
Normally I'm not a big fan of short stories because they sometimes leave you feeling that the story was missing something or incomplete, but Diamond Heart left me feeling both happy and completely satisfied! I wouldn't mind reading more about the pair! This story was also quite fascinating! Ann did a good job researching the time period. I usually stick to paranormal romance, but I found myself enjoying this story a lot! I love the beautiful cover! It really goes with the story, even though Marcel isn't a cowboy.


I cannot wait to read more by the wonderful Mrs. Mayburn! Go pick Diamond Heart up! You won't regret it!



5/5


Happy Reading!
Kristina

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Unleashed by Sara Humphreys review!


Synopsis:
What if you suddenly discovered your own powers were beyond anything you'd ever imagined...
Samantha Logan's childhood home had always been a haven, but everything changed while she was away. She has a gorgeous new neighbor, Malcolm, who introduces her to the amazing world of the dream-walking, shapeshifting Amoveo clans...but what leaves her reeling with disbelief is when he tells her she's one of them...
And shock turns to terror as Samantha falls prey to the deadly enemy determined to destroy the Amoveo, and the only chance she has to come into her true powers is to trust in Malcolm to show her the way...
Get swept away into Sara Humphreys's glorious world and breathtaking love story...

My Review:

Lately I had been craving a really good shifter book. I've been stuck on Vamps/angels/demons/ect. for a while and needed something new and fresh! That is exactly what I got with Unleashed and more!


I loved this book!


Unleashed is Sara Humphreys' first published book and it is beyond fabulous! This is the first book in the Amoveo Legend series and it is a great kick-off!! There is great world building and character development. 


Sara has created a fascinating new kind of shifters. Ten different clans all together. They all share a common enemy: the Caedo. The Caedo are a group of humans that are determined to eliminate all of the shifters and their mates. It's obvious that Mrs. Humphreys' is an incredibly talented writer and this magnificent tale should not be missed by paranormal romance lovers! I mean it! Go pick this book up! 


Unleashed is the tale of Malcolm, the great eagle and completely sexy, charming, and all around swoon-worthy alpha-male hero. He's been searching for his mate for years, and now that he's found her, he'll do anything in his power to keep her safe. Samantha, his mate, is a thirty year old half wolf, half human artist, but has yet to find that out that she isn't completely human. Will their love be enough to conquer all the obstacles that stand in their path? 


This book is a fast read packed with romance, action, and suspense (along with a creepy villain). It is a tale of true love, the importance of family and friendship, and sadly of ultimate betrayal. 


I cannot wait to dive deeper into the series with Unleashed's sequel, Untouched, which is the story of Kerry and Dante! I really liked the small glimpses of Dante from Unleashed, so I am eager to read his book!  


I encourage you to pick up this book if you are a fan of shifters or paranormal romance in general! You won't be disappointed!

5/5

Happy Reading!
Kristina

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Review for Of Blood and Pulse by A Jacob Sweeny!


Synopsis:
Of Blood And Pulse picks up the story right where Pulse Of Heroes left off... 

After a rocky start, Michelle and Elliot's relationship seems to be teetering on nothing but a few fraying strings, despite the great love that they both feel for one another. 

Haunted and scarred by the events of the past year, they both suffer from traumatic consequences. To complicate things even further, someone who knows far too much about Elliot shows up unexpectedly, bringing revelations that even Elliot as a 4700 year-old immortal has a hard time grasping. This visitor’s mere presence adds yet another strain to the couple’s already fragile relationship. 

However before Michelle and Elliot can remedy and mend their love, they must heal themselves, and that task will not be as easy, or as safe, as it seems. Join Michelle and Elliot on an epic life-and-death adventure that will take them to the four corners of the world in search of the key to their survival. 


My Review:
First off, let me say that I have NO IDEA why it took me so long to finally pick this book up off of my shelf. I have learned my lesson though, and I will definitely be starting book 3 as soon as it arrives at my door.

My mind has been blown! 

Of Blood and Pulse is the epic and exciting continuation of The Pulse Myths series and I enjoyed every second of the phenomenal adventure. 

This book is rich with history that has been researched tediously and it not only does it make the series even more outstanding, but it is informative and enjoyable at the same time. AJ is one heck of a writer. She weaves a tale so vivid and powerful that I can see the things she describes in my head. She also makes me want to travel to all these amazing places. Plus, the already well developed characters have become even more developed. We get to hear a lot more about everyone's past, especially Elliot's, and we get to meet some new and very interesting characters. 

Of Blood and Pulse is every bit as magical as Pulse of Heroes was, only better. It's powerful and full of so much deep emotion. I laughed, nearly cried, and wanted to throw my book across the room. (I would never really do that) It really was amazing how much this novel made me feel. Only a very talented writer can make their reader feel exactly what the characters are feeling, and let me tell you, I felt it! 

The romance is breath-taking. The heat level has risen a step since Pulse of Heroes. I loved how AJ wrote the intimate scenes in great detail without them being distasteful or erotic. They really showed the progression of the relationship and still held an innocent factor. 

Of Blood and Pulse picks up right where Pulse of Heroes ends, and does not stop. This story was addicting and hard to put down, but I spread it out over a few days so that I could really delve into the story and savor. The sweet/cliffhanger ending left me both completely satisfied and hungry for the next book in the series, Pulse Genesis. 
This book is the perfect mixture of romance, suspense, and history, along with exquisite and lyrical writing and a magnificent story. Definitely one of the best books I have read in 2012! 

If you have not already, I highly encourage that you pick up Pulse of Heroes, Of Blood and Pulse and A Sword For His Women, a short story in the Pulse world!  


5/5

Happy Reading!
Kristina


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A Sword For His Women by A Jacob Sweeny Review!


Synopsis:
The Pulse Historia #1 

A Sword For His Women 
WARNING: 
I would like to add a light warning for this series. I did so on my other pages so I thought I should do so here. In PULSE HISTORIA we follow real historical events, meaning I will not sugarcoat facts. History is brutal and not always "politically correct", but as a history teacher it is my duty to present facts without fear of what others might think. Also we follow more personal stories of our much loved heroes- and they are grown men and will be doing grown men things-so things might get steamier. In The Pulse Myth series we see our immortals living in a very soft world compared to how things were... 
A SWORD FOR HIS WOMEN tells the story of how several of the immortal heroes from The Pulse Myths series first encountered one another while fighting alongside Vlad Dracul (Vlad The Impaler) against the Ottoman Turks in the mid 1400’s. It follows one of the heroes and his personal story of loss and heartache, and redemption. 

The Pulse Historia is a series of short stories chronicling various episodes in the lives of A Jacob Sweeny’s beloved Immortals from the smash hit trilogy The Pulse Myths. Each Pulse Historia narrative can be read and enjoyed on its own, but for a deeper understanding of what and who these characters are and how they fit into the trilogy, check out Pulse of Heroes, a 200,000 word epic paranormal romance set in modern day.


My Review:


A Sword For His Women is a delightful addition to The Pulse Myth series and has thoroughly excited and inspired me to finally read book two.  (Which I'm loving, by the way!)

This is the brilliant story of how several of our favorite heroes from Pulse of Heroes meet and develop a friendship that will last for a very long time. It is a tale that is both riveting and haunting, sticking with me long after I had read the last word, as well as thrilling and fascinating. One of the things best about this short is the fact that Ms. Sweeny is a history teacher that does not sugar coat past events. She gives us the dark and grimy truth that is horrifying at times, yet you cannot put it down. The story is also a bit steamier than POH and has a few heartbreaking scenes as well. It leaves you exhausted afterwards, from feeling all of the emotions these heroes felt and reading about a glimpse of what they've been through in their long lives.

This novella really shows AJ's talent. She is quite diverse with her writing skills. I love the fact that she can write a tender, romantic scene in Pulse of Heroes and then do a complete 360 and write about war and impaling people on sticks in detail in A Sword For His Women. She does the historical aspect of the story very well! It is more  touching and utterly fulfilling than any other short I have read before.

I really loved the chance to get to know all of the immortals outside of The Pulse Myths series.

If you haven't already, I highly encourage you to pick up this truly amazing series.



5/5


Happy Reading!
Kristina

Author interview with Madison Daniel!

Today on the blog I have Madison Daniel, author of Ember. This is one of my favorite interviews, so enjoy!

First off, can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?
MD: I am the lead singer in an epic rock n roll band called “Love Bites BUT So Do I.” I have lost my mighty throne to a massive case of stage fright. So, now I put my lyrics and dreams down on paper to the tune of YA Paranormal. I will romance your senses with word and song. Follow me and I’ll show you your muse. 
What age did you start writing? What inspired you to start?
MD: About six or seven I wrote my very first comic book, with full illustrations but I didn’t really notice my knack for it until I was 13 when I wrote a short story for school. It was a syfy story...I received an A. ;)
Tell us about your book Ember.
MD: Ember is basically the search for hope. Wrapped in exotic locales, beautifully sensual characters, teenage angst and the fear of past mistakes. Oh yeah, it also has a kick butt soundtrack!
How many books will be in the series? Do you have any other books planned that you'd like to write? 
MD: Ember is set for a 6 book story arc. I have two other series that I’m preparing for release in the near future. I have another dozen manuscripts plotted out but not enough time to write them. Ha! Anyone own a time machine?
Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?
MD: Music and my never-ending appetite for eye-candy. Comic books and fairytales have always been around too. I live life with a constant musical symphony playing in my head, I call it my “life’s soundtrack.” That is what I try to capture in my storytelling. 
What is the best and worst part about being an author?
MD: Best part - the stalkers! (My friends and followers are the best!) Worst part - the money! (Unless your initials start with J.K. there isn’t much of it to go round.)
Are your characters based on people you know?
MD: Yes and no. I dip into the family gene pool every once in a while for certain characters BUT most of the time I build my muses from their needs and experiences.
Are any of your characters a lot like you?
MD: All my characters seem to have a tiny piece of me in there somewhere. My main protagonist in the Ember series, Max Valentine, shares the same dark and romantic longing that I have lived with all my life. He has a sweet sense of humor too, and I have been told that he and I share that as well.
Do you listen to music while you write? Do you have playlists for your books?
MD: Of course! I use music for everything...writing, entertainment, healing...dancing! Playlists are my calling card. Ember and all my other manuscripts share one main attraction...a musical soundtrack. It’s written right into each and every story I create. Some of the chapters in my books ARE actual song titles. Music and words collide!
What are you currently working on?
MD: Book three in the Ember series...Aftershock. A new short story called “Bright Eyes.” (And a secret project I hope to announce soon...)
Are there any specific things you have to have while you write?
MD: Music and eye drops! Music because I live and breathe it. Eye drops because I am addicted to them. The more hard core, the better! (My special eyes.)
Do you have a certain place/time you write?
MD: Usually at night. I’m a creature of the night. My favorite time to write though is late summer at night, during the summer monsoons. There’s nothing like the desert thunderstorms and a pen and paper (or my lovely guitar).
What do you do when you're not writing?
MD: I am a dance machine! You’ve been warned!
Do you read all the reviews about your books? 
MD: Yes and no. It’s so easy to read the good ones over and over again but the bad reviews are tricky. Constructive criticism is very important to becoming a better author but bad reviews seem to come off more personal than they should. Basically, if you take the time to experience my words than I will take the time to hear what you thought of them. If you didn’t enjoy my story than let’s move on. No harm, no foul.
Tell us about your journey to get published?
MD: I finished Ember in the summer of 2008 and spent the next 2 years trying to get it signed. I was almost signed on three separate occasions. One of those times I was already spending my first royalty check only to have it all fall away in the final hour. That was tough. By this time I had the sequel already done and the first book in an entirely new series ready for publication. So I put the Ember series on the shelf for a little bit. In early 2011 I saw an interview with a self published author that turned me on to self publishing. I did some studying on the subject and decided, what the heck...let’s try it. After 6 months of trying to promote myself I was shown the way to a new indie publishers doors. Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing scooped me up and have given a new life and mojo to Ember and my series. I’m not just an employee at CH&BB, I am part of a growing family. I am head over heals for them and I really hope I can finish out my series through them.
Do you read? Who is your favorite author?
MD: I love to read but lately I have no time to. I wish I could read in my sleep! Imagine the dreams we would have! Favorite author would be Mr. King! Stephen King shaped my literary childhood and teenage years. Man he scared the poop out of me...hahaha.
  
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors like myself?
MD: Write as much as possible. Believe in your words. Follow your muse. Your muse will never fail you...never.
Random questions:
Describe yourself in three words:
MD: Artist. Dreamer. Romantic.
Favorite band?
MD: Not even possible for me to choose. I’m a victim of my DNA, and I was made to experience all the music of the universe!
Movie?
MD: Three way tie! “The Crow” - “The Shawshank Redemption” - “Aliens”
Color?
MD: Red or black (depends on my mood).
Food?
MD: Chinese!!! (Kung Pow!!! Hahahaha)
Where can fans find you?
MD: All the usual places...
Blog:
Twitter:
Goodreads:
Tumblr:
Facebook Author:
Facebook Book Series:

Anything else you’d like to tell everyone?
MD: From the above questions, it is pretty obvious I am here to make you smile and have a good time BUT all joking aside...since I have started this journey, I have met so many amazing and unique people. They have pulled me into their lives and shared their trials and triumphs with me. I have been made aware that my words have helped some of these fantastic human beings through some very difficult times. That humbles me. It amazes me. My writing will never change the world...it’s not meant to. But it does offer an escape. So, to those kindred spirits that may be reading this...THANK YOU. I BURN FOR YOU. REMEMBER YOUR SMILE AND SHINE ON! PEACE.

Thanks so much for allowing me to interview you! :)
MD: I had a blast! Please invite me back! I’m begging here! Come on! Ha!
Rock on! Dream out loud! - M.


Happy Reading!
Krisitna

Friday, March 9, 2012

Author interview with Nely Cab!

Happy Friday, KB&M fans! Today on the blog I have the fabulous Nely Cab, author of the book Creatura, which is currently my favorite YA read of 2012! Here is my review:http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2012/02/review-for-creatura-by-nely-cab.html
Enjoy the interview!






1.First off, can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?

I’m 37 years old. I have only one child – a boy. I’m married. I was born in Mexico. From week three of my birth, I have lived in South Texas, except for a five-year period that I lived in Monterrey, Mexico. My husband spoils me rotten. I am a coffee addict, and I tend to be compulsive, obsessive and overdo things (I blame it on the caffeine).

2. What age did you start writing? What inspired you to start?

I wrote my first story when I was 10 years old and sent it off to a publisher. It was rejected, of course. On the day I received the rejection letter, I promised myself that someday I’d publish a book. I didn’t write for a very long time – 23 years.

One day, after reading a book series I very much enjoyed, I decided I was going to write a short story. My sister persuaded me to keep writing the story after only 10 pages were written. Today, that short story is a book calledCreatura.

3. Tell us about your book Creatura.

Creatura is about a seventeen year-old girl, named Isis Martin, who has recurring nightmares of a beast that causes her to develop insomnia. The day she decides to confront her adversary, she discovers something very different from what she expected to find – an entity that claims he’s as real as she. Isis, convinced that her subconscious has taken her on a psychological ride, asks this creature for proof of its existence. To her surprise, Isis gets her proof.
 4. How many books will be in the series? Do you have any other books planned that you'd like to write? 
There are a total of three books in series. I have another storyline I’m still plotting out in my head.

5. What are you currently working on?

Currently, I’m working on the second book in the Creatura Series.

6. Who or what has influenced your writing, and in what way?

Everything influences me: People, their personalities, pictures, nature, music, books, movies. Everywhere you look there’s something that will catch my eye and provoke an idea that blossoms into a story of its own. I work off that feeling that I get from observing all those things.

7. What is the best and worst part about being an author?

The best part would have to be meeting people that you would otherwise never have met, both online and in person. The worst part is having to wait for the reviews and cringing when you see a bad rating.

8. Are your characters based on people you know?
Yes, some of my characters have traits I’ve taken from people I know. Others only have names that I chose to use in the book/s.

In Creatura, Isis was originally modeled after my sister, Krystle (she appears in the book trailer), but as the characters evolved, so did Isis and she developed her own personality, yet kept the same physical appearance.

Galen’s personality was somewhat modeled after my brother’s. 

9.Are any of your characters a lot like you?

No, I think not.

10. Do you listen to music while you write? Do you have playlists for your books?

I listen to music when I take breaks from writing because I concentrate better when it’s quiet. I did have a playlist forCreatura. With this second book, I’m always looking for new music to inspire me.

11. Are there any specific things you have to have while you write?

I have to have something to drink at all times and I have to have a little or no noise in my surroundings.

12. Do you have a certain place/time you write?

I mostly write in my office, but sometimes I like to sit at the dining room table and glance at a certain statue and painting as I write.

13. What do you do when you're not writing?

Promoting, chatting, crafting, reading, cooking, sleeping.

14. Do you read all the reviews about your books? 

Yes, I do. I read the bad ones and keep the criticism that I can use to better my writing. I read the good reviews and smile from ear to ear.


15. What is the nicest thing a fan has ever done or said?

There have been so many things I’ve been told that I wouldn’t know where to begin.  Some have said, “I want your book to be a movie.” Others have given me rave reviews that I love. But I guess the ones that I hold dear to my heart are those that continue promoting Creatura on a daily basis without me asking them for help.

16. Tell us about your journey to self-publish?

 I knew absolutely nothing. I have to say I jumped in and it’s been quite a learning experience. I had to figure out how to expose my book, how to get reviews and how to find readers that would be interested in reading my work. I’ve found that writing a book is hard work, but actually getting someone to read it is a hundred times harder. I’m so thankful for all the wonderful people that have taken the time to rate and review Creatura.

17. Do you read? Who is your favorite author?
  
Yes, I do read. I don’t have a favorite author. I think I like practically every author I read because I learn from them.

18. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors like myself?

Read as much as you can, pay attention to description in sentences, start off small by writing short stories and developing your own writing style. And most importantly and overall, don’t give up.

19. You've designed all of your swag. How much time does that factor into your author routine?

Because I’m rather obsessive it can take me anywhere from an hour to two days until I feel the swag is something I, myself, would like to have if I were receiving it.



Random questions:

20. Describe yourself in three words:
Creative, obsessive, procrastinator

Favorite band/singer?
I can’t pick just one: Green Day, Aerosmith, Kanye West, Tiziano Ferro (Italian), Alex Syntec (Mexican), Death Cab for Cutie, Creed…the list goes on.

Movie?
I have so many! Clash of the Titans, Sixteen Candles, Bridget Jones’ Diary, The Breakfast Club, (Laberinto del Fauno) Pan’s Labyrinth, Life is Beautiful (La Vita è Bella), The Pianist, The Graduate, Breakfast at Tiffany’s,  Gone with the Wind, A Christmas Story, I love comic book hero movies, Anything with Johnny Depp… should I continue?

Color?
Black

Food?
All of it.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?
 All over the world!

21. Where can fans find you?

My Website: www.nelycab.com

22. Anything else you like to tell everyone?

Thanks for taking the time to read this interview and thank you, Kristina, for your continued support!

Thanks so much for allowing me to interview you! :)

Happy Reading!
Kristina