A Love For Lit: IAMReviews

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Review: Stained by Ella James

Title: Stained
Series: Book #1 of Stained
Author: Ella James
Pages: 157
Genre: YA (Nephilim, Paranormal Romance)
Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis. After a fire destroys seventeen-year-old Julia’s home and kills her foster parents, she chases the half-demon responsible across the country and back, determined to avenge her family and discover why a host of celestial baddies want her dead. With Julia is enigmatic hottie - Cayne, who has his own score to settle with the half-demon, and who might be just as dangerous as the creature he and Julia hunt.

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My Thoughts

I totally loved this book!! It had a great story line and def a lot of action! Here's my account, more detailed:

What I Loved

I totally loved Julia, Cayne and their relationship. Well, first off, i'm a total sucker for sarcastic type guys... i love guys who have good comebacks and dry senses of humors. So Cayne was right up my alley. He also seemed bery real the way he was feeling one thing but then showing only a totally opposite and stoic outer image... i totally know guys who do that! Some guys need to learn communication skills!! Julia seemed very sensible and i could related to most of her feelings... esp with Cayne on the train! I've totally been there. The relationship between the two seems very authentic. Def no instalove here. I sort of like love stories where in the beginning they dont like each other...but secretly do. hahaha. To me, that's better than "love at first sight". They are cute as a couple.

What I Liked

I really like the Characters backgrounds. I like know about how characters cam to be and i think good stories always bring in a bit of the past. It brings depth and interest to the story! I also sort of like Cayne's bad boy like image! :D

I also really like that there are only 2 real characters. In some books (i wont mention breaking dawn...lol) there are like sssoooo many characters! I get confused easy and sometimes i just don't like them. On the other hand though, sometimes i do like them. I think if supporting characters are done right then they are good, but in this book i didn't mind Julia not having a constant best friend or brother/sister, etc!

I totally love the ending too. I was torn at first and wasn't sure if i liked it. My kindle tricked me. I was at like 85% and reading happily, then bam, i turn the page and i see end credits.. wtf? Apparently there is a sneakpeek chapter for another book at the end...but dang, i wasn't prepared for then! Let's just say that the ending was a major cliffhanger...im not even sure if the climax was in this book. I have to say that book two is going to start off with a bang. Also, i sense a little second book syndrome...

What I Didn't Like As Much

One thing that i didn't quite like, was the way some elements just appeared out of nowhere. Like in the first few chapters, you think that Julia is just a normal girl but then out of nowhere she uses her "talent" and your like wait...where did that come from. I was wondering if i even read it right. The was no previous thoughts on it or anything... It was kind of awkward but does pay a huge roll in the rest of the book. I just wished it was introduced more smoothly.

Another thing i didn't necessarily love was the dream/thought sequences. These confused me a lot too. Especially the first one. I dont even think it was Julia's dream... it seemed awkward to me and i couldn't figure out where it came from or how it fit into Julia's story. It was like all about Julia then there was like this dream about something totally irrelevant seeming. Of course it ends up being somewhat explained, but im not sure if the place is right or if it needed at all. There are other dreams/thought sequences too and while they are story building, i've just never been into them much in books.

Overall i totally love this book and i'd give it a very high 4 stars (so very close to 5 stars). I def recommend it to others, especially to people who would like a unique story about fallen angels. Or if you are new to fallen angel books! Im def going to read book 2 and would def try other books by this other as well.

About the Author

Ella James is the author of Stained and Stolen, books one and two in the Stained Series; HERE, book one in a sci-fi romance trilogy; and Before You Go, a romance YA beach read that tells the first meeting of Logan and Margo, who will be featured in her upcoming adult release, Over The Moon. She has a YA paranormal romance release scheduled for every month of 2012, including Chosen (Stained Book Three) in June and the second HERE book in July.

Ella is inviting readers to help her write a shapeshifter romance, which is plotted via polls and questions on her blog and her Facebook page.

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With love,
Margaret

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Review: Fearless by Tawdra Kandle

Title: Fearless
Series: Book #1 of King
Author: Tawdra Kandle
Pages: 347
Genre: YA (Paranormal, Witches, Mind Reading, Romance)
POV: First Person, Tasmyn
Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis. Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear other’s thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly.

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This book was total awesomesauce! I loved the story...and while mind reading and witches have been done a lot in YA, this book is still sort of unique, to me atleast, because i never read them together before. Let's get very specific though:

What I Loved:

One thing that i totally loved was the town history... I find carnival/fairs super freaky. Well actually i used to like them.... I went once into the "House of Freaks" (sigh, the name should have discouraged me) and there was this gross looking women with piercings EVERYWHERE and she kept sticking a whole nail into her nose then bashing it with a hammer. EW, After that, no more.. I haven't been to one since... so let's just say setting up a town around a carnival...well it was effectively freaky!

Another thing i loved was the way the story was written. I know some people getting bored with very specific details in a book... like eating a lot, or reading a lot or whatever, but i liked it. There was definitely much more going one the class and lunch, so i love that specifics were added it. I don't think they were after thoughts/fillers or that they took away from the story!

I loved Nell!! She was an awesome bad girl. So evilish and mean but broken and beautiful too! I usually love the villains in books more... although im not sure who the real villain here is... That creepy Professor-Snape-wanna-be Mrs. Lacusta...was pretty dang guilty looking. But anywho, Nell was awesome! I super love book's like the Wolves of Mercy Falls Series and the ELE Series where the mean girl becames an ally... and i have high hopes for this book....also i read a review for book 2 :)

What I Like:

Well i super liked Tasmyn. At first, she came across as a bit... hmm how to put it...insecure i guess. She seems so worried what people think that she doesn't even have friends. I guess personally i've never felt that way, but when you consider here age and also her talent, i guess it put her personality more in perspective. She was always very polite and tried to do the right thing (in not listening to others) she that makes her very likable. I dont know though, if i had these powers i would definitely be listening to people and i wouldn't feel ashamed. I guess i learned this from Edward Cullen. haha. Seriously though, if your talking to someone and they are being really nice, but in their heads there thinking about how stupid or whatever you are...ptf, well you bet that would affect the way i treated them. I obviously wouldn't make a big deal about it but i'd avoid them at the very least and i wouldn't help them if they asked.... ok i'd probably help them, but i'd be sure to point out that i was helping them despite the fact that they are fake! I guess my boyfriend was right in calling me a spitfire. lol

What I Didn't Like As Much:

I have to put Michael in this category...but i guess i will. He seemed to make Tasmyn happy..so that's good... but i personally kept getting annoyed by him.He seemed pretty overbearing and sort of boss to Tasmyn. Like when she was talking about using her gift for good and not just ignoring...or when she was considering listening in on Nell's thoughts. I was very happy to see Tasmyn stand up for herself and Michael eventually give in...but in my real life, i get very annoyed when someone tried to tell me what to do and i guess that translate to characters i read. All in all though, Michael did seem very sweet and his thoughts was genuine...so that was good!

Overall i totally loved the story and cant wait to read the next book. Unfortunately this book alluded to college...so i forsee a little second book syndrome...but it doesn't bother me!

About the Author

Tawdra Kandle is the author of the King series, a young adult urban fantasy quartet. Born in south Jersey, Tawdra published her first short story at the age of 13 in Young Life magazine. During the early years of her marriage and motherhood, she wrote articles and columns on parenting and homeschooling, as well as some homeschooling curriculum. FEARLESS is her first novel. Tawdra currently lives in central Florida with her husband and children.

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With love,
Margaret

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Review: The Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle

Title: Brightest Kind of Darkness
Series: Book #1 of The Brightest Kind of Darkness Series
Author: P.T. Michelle
Genre: YA (Paranormal Romance)
Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis. Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past.

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Well...this book was amazing!! So awesome in fact, i barely know where to start...

I cant really remember where i found this book, but it was my gateway to reading indie books! Im so glad i found it because it really opened my eyes to books i never even knew existed!

Anyway, back to the book:

My Overall Thoughts: Excellent!! The action started from the very first page!! The timing and pace were great!! The romance was sweet and steamy! The mystery was infalliable with soo many twists! The authors writing style was beautiful. I was blown away by how perfect the book seemed, especially considering it was self published! Other self pubished books ive read had errors or were very short. This book didnt have any of those problems!! Its def ready for prime time! I honestly think its ranked in the top books ive read this year!!

What I Liked: My favorite part of the book, beside the scorching hot Ethan, was the last chapter. The last chapter is very visual and it is there that you learn the meaning behind the title and the cover! Its so vivid i felt like i was part of the story. The last chapter also introduces a new mystery to be explored more in book 2. The ending left enough open to make for a great sequal but tied up enough that you feel satistfied. I love the ending...although i continue to think about Nara and Ethan. I miss their story! (Fyi: a short story and a print copy will be coming out in November, then book 2 sometime after that)

What I Didn't Like: Honestly, the only thing i didnt like was the format...Ive come to depise kindle!!! Its soo slow and laggy on my android...maybe my phone is too slow..but i almost screamed with the sluggishness!! It was very distracting when i was reading...i much prefer the moon reader ebook app!! I will have to remember this!! As for the story or reading i didnt find anything to dislike!!

My Favorite Quote: "Knowing what was coming-even if i didnt like it- was better than not knowing what would happen if i changed something."

About the Author

P.T. Michelle is the young adult pseudonym of Patrice Michelle, author of fifteen romance novels and novellas. When PT isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading or taking pictures of landscapes, sunsets and anything beautiful or odd in nature.

P.T. Around the Web: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

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With love,
Margaret

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Review: Raven by Suzy Turner

Title: Raven
Series: Book #1 of The Raven Saga
Author: Suzy Turner
Genre: YA (Paranormal)
Topic: Shapeshifters/ Magic
Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis. After the inexplicable disappearance of Lilly Taylor's parents, she has no choice but to move to Canada where she unravels some frightening yet intriguing family secrets... Her whole life had been based on a lie. Lilly had grown up in a loveless home with a father who she had barely ever seen and a mother who was... well, not very motherly. After they mysteriously disappear without a trace, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is. Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.

Well I gotta say, I really liked this book a lot. The book had a great storyline and I really liked the characters. But let's get more detailed:

The Good: I loved the setting! It starts in London then moves to Canada! The author does a great job make the reader feel "on location". Which is great because i probably have no hope of traveling to either place any time soon.

I also really liked protag Lilly. She seems a little naive (esp. with the hair cut and dyeing) in the beginning but I grew to like her throughout the book. I also liked Rose and her Grand dad. The love interest in this book (while maybe a bit rushed) seems pretty genuine, esp for a character of her age. She's like 13/14..not like 16/17, so i could see her quickly falling for a older guy. (It does seem a bit odd though how all the females in this book are in love with guys much older...but maybe that's just me!)

The Not So Good: Well there aren't many things to dislike about this book...but I've pinpointed a few. First, being the british english that the book is written in. While this isn't really a negative, it just made it a bit hard for me to understand some words or what things meant.

Second thing is the family aspect. I understand that this book is probably written for readers that are younger (therefore, needing to have a strong family bond) but im just not a heavy family person. lol wow, i know that probably sounds weird, but it's true... I had a colorful childhood and don't really have a family to rely on. So for me, it was hard to relate with Lilly in that respect. Like when "something" happens, the whole family rushing over to help and show concern... That just seems sort of weird to me. It's totally not the book/authors fault though, because I'm sure that's how a family is "supposed" to act!

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About the Author

Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was ten. The Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood sweetheart husband Michael and their menagerie of cats and dogs. Suzy's career began soon after completing her A levels when she was offered the position of trainee journalist for a local English newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a few years later she moved on to become assistant editor for the region's largest English language publisher. Since then she has also worked as the editor of one of the Algarve's most loved monthly lifestyle magazines. Early in 2010 however, Suzy began working as a freelance writer and author. She has since completed three novels for teens, The Raven Saga, a trilogy. Suzy has just launched a brand new series, The Morgan Sisters, the first of which, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw is out now!

Suzy Around the Web: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

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With love,
Margaret

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Hey hey! Thanks soo much for coming by my blog here and reading up on Indie Author Month (IAM). Last year i did IAM on my other blog LovelyLit, but that blog was causes me a lilttle problem... you see, it was on a different acct. So i was constantly having to sign in and out between my email/google + and my blog. It was a pain, so i made a new blog here! With this new blog comes a much simplier approach to blogging on my part. I plan to write a full post on that later, but for now, let me better explain IAM.

I created IAM last year because (1) i totally love indie books and because (2) its soo hard for indie authors to reach there audience sometimes! Not to mention that some people have a preconceived notion that Indie books arent good enough or aren't as good as mainstream books. I think this is totally wrong. No offence to publishing houses but they look at books/publishing as making money. Indie authorship is all about a love for writing and creating. Sharing stories without monetary pressure truly inspires me to read Indie books.

When considering Indie books though, you have to consider all the crazy loads of work that must go into it. Not only does the author have to actually write the words, they also have to edit & design the book, figure out the logistics of self-publishing and do all of their own prompting. Just simply having an idea for the story is just the start! That's why i love Indie Authors, they work hard! That's why i want to help them promote themselves with IAM as well as year-around support on my blog here!

So now down to business!! Things to expect from IAM include (but are not limited to) Author of the Day, Reviews, Cover Reveals, Guests Posts, Book Releases, Google+ Hangouts, Giveaways, Book Excerpts, Character Profiles, Games, etc. Any Indie Author or blogger who would like to participate in IAM is greatly appreciated! The more people involved the more EPIC this year will be!

Bloggers: For bloggers, any sort of promotion would be great: tweets, pins, +1, likes, posts, videos, etc. I also would like Author Outreach. A lot of authors don't even know about IAM...yet. Also, if you've reviewed one of the featured books or want to, let me know so i can link to it. Make a comment below with: Your Name, Your Blog Name, URL, Twitter/Email and let me know if you want to do Promotion, Author Outreach, Reviewing.

Authors: For authors, just fill out the signup form below with your choices. You can invite your friend authors as well. On days when you are featured on the blog, you could share the posts on your social sites.

I will be making a database of all the bloggers and Authors that help out. In addition, there will be a giveaway at the end of the month for readers/bloggers!

With love,
Margaret

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