Emancipation by Jo Michaels (5 stars)

About Emancipation

Tobias Butler has been sitting on death row since being sentenced for a gruesome murder in 2007. Bored out of his mind, he decided to apply to the online pen pal program in 2012. It's a pleasant distraction—nothing more, nothing less—for three years, until he's contacted by a beautiful, smart young lawyer named Jess. She's convinced he's innocent and wants to see him freed. As they organize their attack on the judicial system, he wonders how she plans to get his conviction overturned—because he's guilty, and he knows it. Jess is desperate to release him—and he's desperate to feel his hands squeeze the life out of her once she does.

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Review

Tobias Butler has no remorse for the murders he's committed. Nor does he have any trouble sleeping at night. But, he's intrigued by the lawyer who swears she can get him freed and is convinced he's innocent. 

Thus begins a game of cat and mouse, where Tobias plays along to gain the one thing he had given up on... life outside a cell.

There are so many things I love about this book. Some of which I can share, some I can't. It's truly an experience I'd love readers to have without any spoilers. 

What I can say...

Tobias is a well-crafted, disturbing character. No, you'll never think he's innocent, nor will you get a bunch of excuses about his behavior. I found this so refreshing. He's an unapologetic psychopath. But you can't help but get swept up in his story, to wonder if he'll get away with murder yet again.

And Jess... well, let me just say that everyone will see what they want to see until the story unfolds to show you the truth. Intriguing characters are crucial in my opinion to an excellent, 5-star read. Whether you like these characters or not remains to be seen, but you will no doubt be intrigued and perplexed by their actions. And, if you are like me, extremely curious as to where their actions will lead.

Oh, and you will NOT see what's coming. At least not until the author means for you to. And even then, you'll be in denial at first, your mouth agape as you try to process what's happening. 

If you crave an intense thriller with jaw-dropping moments, you'll love Emancipation. It's a wild, dark ride with shockingly brilliant moments. 

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

Jo Michaels is...

Hi, I'm Jo. Let's forget all the "Jo Michaels is blah, blah, blah" stuff and just go with it. I'm a voracious reader (often reading more than one book at a time), a writer, a book reviewer, a mom, a wife, and one of the EICs at INDIE Books Gone Wild. I have an almost photographic memory and tend to make people cringe at the number of details I can recall about them and/or their book(s). My imagination follows me around like a conjoined twin and causes me to space out pretty often or laugh out loud randomly in completely inappropriate situations.

I have a degree in graphic design, and my journey to the end was one few students who begin that program ever complete. However, this was one case where my memory and OCD tendencies helped me. Graduation was one of the most amazing days of my life. But, my most amazing day was when my now husband proposed. Every little girl dreams of being Cinderella someday, and he pulled off the proposal of fantasies.

At the risk of sounding cliche, I'm going to let it out there and say how much I absolutely adore the man I'm married to. Along with my children, he's my whole world.

I've lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia, but I've had my feet in almost every state. Traveling is something I adore, and have plans to someday see the Mongolia I've written about in Yassa.

One of my favorite things is hearing from fans! You can find me on social media most any day of the week. Connect! I'd love to hear from you.

You can find out more about Jo on Twitter, her website, her blog, andFacebook. Also, find out more about her indie author services at Indie Books Gone Wild.

Note: I was privileged to edit this book through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

M by Jo Michaels (5 stars)

About M

In 2026, it finally arrives, the drug promising to make life easier for the masses. One dose of M and anyone can gain an ability. There are no promises made as to what the power could manifest as, but people are crawling over one another to take a chance.

There's a problem: One pill costs a million dollars. Only those with extraordinary wealth are afforded the luxury of cleaning house with a click of their diamond-adorned fingers or solving a puzzle by talking to it.

A knockoff begins circulating in 2038 that does the same thing as M. Hundreds of thousands of people have mutated for a mere one hundred dollars.

Enter the year 2042.

Seventeen-year-old Griffin is a normal kid, who has a regular job, and dreams of going to college someday. When his girlfriend of three years succumbs to peer pressure, they break up. He believes the body is a temple not to be messed with outside of nature, and she wants to fit in. Once he meets the supplier, things take a turn for the worse.

He's left with nothing but pain in his heart and the desire to make them suffer when his plans for payback blow up in his face.

Thirst for revenge consumes him, and he finds himself locked in a battle he never anticipated with a merciless kingpin as they struggle to gain the advantage.

How far is too far?

Buy it on Amazon

Author's Note:

***This book is a standalone novel, suitable for those over the age of thirteen. There is some violence that may not be appropriate for younger children.*** 

Review

Griffin knows who he wants to be... the new, and now inexpensive, drug M is not part of his plans. Many disagree and are excited to embrace an altered life, including Griffin's girlfriend. For him, it's a deal breaker. But it's more than that. He plans to rebel against the makers and make a statement.

Unfortunately, that statement leads to heartache, setting him on the path to revenge. A path that rarely goes well. 

Griffin is headstrong, a character trait that leads him into some hairy situations but also gets him out of them. As he plots his revenge, he runs into more people affected by M. These characters have their own pain to deal with. As they dig deeper, they realize the full impact of this knock-off drug. One character, a mother, left me in tears with her loss.

There's so much great story here, and I don't want to spoil anything. Just trust me... once you read the first page, you'll be hooked. It's a crazy ride, full of action and emotion. And it leaves you wondering how far you would go to right a wrong.

Oh, and if you love a villain who's bad to the bone, this story's for you. Although we get some insight into what made him evil, there's no question of how far he's willing to go. There's some harrowing scenes. 

Finally, for fans who love at least a little romance, you won't be disappointed either. Just saying.

A must-read!

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

(from Jo's Amazon Author Page)

Jo Michaels is a writer who's really had a taste of life. She's lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia; but visited states from coast to coast. Michaels, a high-school dropout, put herself through college while her husband was deployed to Iraq and still managed to come out on the other side with all five of her children still breathing. On top of that wondrous feat, she managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude. After her fourteen year marriage ended cataclysmically, she took to the keys to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Using the degree she obtained in school, Jo set out with tools in her belt not many writers possess: a strong design eye, the skills necessary to format her books, and the ability to use her artistic talents to create stunning covers.

Now, Michaels writes full-time in her garage while imbibing copious amounts of coffee to keep her motor running from son up to son down (and daughter, too). Her inspiration for her books comes from relationships, life, friends, passion, and her own incredible imagination. A fight for achieving her dream (along with her super duper boyfriend) is what drags her out of bed every morning to do what she does best: spin tales laced with high-octane emotion for readers worldwide.

You can find out more about Jo on Twitter, her website, her blog, andFacebook. Also, find out more about her indie author services at Indie Books Gone Wild.

Note: I was privileged to edit this book. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Markaza by Jo Michaels (5 stars)

About Markaza
(Mystic, Book 6)

Markaza Turner isn't your average seventeen-year-old. She can see the future, the past, and has an eerie propensity for getting people to do things.

But what she sees is the obliteration of mankind. Worse, her visions tell her it's gonna happen on her eighteenth birthday, December 21, 2012.

All six of the ladies forming the elite group, known as WSTW, are finally together under one roof. Bronya, Lily, Shelia, Melody, Coralie, and Markaza must now figure out how to use their strange powers before an evil being rises from the ground in Central Park and destroys the world.

But Markaza's own past is dark and riddled with secrets she'll need to unearth and come to terms with before she can go to war.

In this exciting finale of the Mystic series, the women come face-to-face with a truth that will change their lives forever.

Our fate is in their hands.

Purchase Links

Amazon

Review

Markaza is a young woman with a heavy burden: her visions are predicting the end of the world. She's assembled a team of five women with special powers (Women Save the World -- WSTW). Still, there are no guarantees. Can they defeat evil? And, if they do, what losses will they suffer?

In addition to fighting extreme evil, Markaza has to face and overcome the demons of her past. So do the other women. It's an emotional and heart-breaking journey. Rarely does an author handle action as well as emotion, but Jo Michaels is an expert at it.

For most of the novel, either my hands were clenched in reaction to the intensity of action or my heart was tightening in reaction to the emotions. Then, in addition, there characters are so witty and engaging. I laughed out loud several times.

At the heart of this book, there is an amazing group of women who work together to overcome their past and work toward a future. They all carry scars, but they don't let them define who they will be. It's empowering, exciting, and entertaining. 

And don't worry. You can read this as a stand-alone. But, odds are, you'll want to go back and read about the other ladies because you'll fall in love with them.

Add this to your must-read list. 

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author
(from Jo's Amazon Author Page)

Jo Michaels is a writer who's really had a taste of life. She's lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia; but visited states from coast to coast. Michaels, a high-school dropout, put herself through college while her husband was deployed to Iraq and still managed to come out on the other side with all five of her children still breathing. On top of that wondrous feat, she managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude. After her fourteen year marriage ended cataclysmically, she took to the keys to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Using the degree she obtained in school, Jo set out with tools in her belt not many writers possess: a strong design eye, the skills necessary to format her books, and the ability to use her artistic talents to create stunning covers.

Now, Michaels writes full-time in her garage while imbibing copious amounts of coffee to keep her motor running from son up to son down (and daughter, too). Her inspiration for her books comes from relationships, life, friends, passion, and her own incredible imagination. A fight for achieving her dream (along with her super duper boyfriend) is what drags her out of bed every morning to do what she does best: spin tales laced with high-octane emotion for readers worldwide.

You can find out more about Jo on Twitter, her website, her blog, andFacebook. Also, find out more about her indie author services at Indie Books Gone Wild.

Note: I was privileged to edit this book. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

The Frivolity Fairies: A Christmas Short Story by Jo Michaels (5 stars)

About The Frivolity Fairies
(from Goodreads)

It's Christmas Eve, 2014, and thirteen-year-old Shirley is listening to the same bedtime story she's heard every year.

This year, she comes face to face with the frivolity fairies from the tale; naughty, careless creatures who cause mischief with no regard to morality.

In a tale of Christmas spirit, magic, and happy endings, find out what happens when one little girl sets out to make things right.

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Purchase Links

Amazon

Smashwords 

Barnes & Noble

Review

Okay, can I just skip summarizing the book and just tell you everything I loved about it?

First, I love the cover. So gorgeous. Definitely judge this book by its cover, because...

It's such a sweet and empowering tale. Jo Michaels packs a lot of punch in few words, managing to create a memorable character and story line in a novella format. It's for all the dreamers out there; for all of us who sat on the edge of our seat as our mothers told us tales, and then wondered if they could be real. And the holidays are the perfect time to connect with this story, although it can be enjoyed any time.

I don't want to give away too much, but imagine a beautiful world with majestic creatures. Now, imagine you can go there, but you can't go home. It's amazing how quickly beauty can turn to horror and sadness when choice is taken away.

Not to worry, though, because this one has a happy ending. Plus, it's free! Yes, you heard right. It's a nice introduction to the amazing writing of Jo Michaels. 

Rating: 5 stars

About Jo Michaels
(from Jo's Amazon Author Page)
Jo Michaels is a writer who's really had a taste of life. She's lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia; but visited states from coast to coast. Michaels, a high-school dropout, put herself through college while her husband was deployed to Iraq and still managed to come out on the other side with all five of her children still breathing. On top of that wondrous feat, she managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude. After her fourteen year marriage ended cataclysmically, she took to the keys to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Using the degree she obtained in school, Jo set out with tools in her belt not many writers possess: a strong design eye, the skills necessary to format her books, and the ability to use her artistic talents to create stunning covers.

Now, Michaels writes full-time in her garage while imbibing copious amounts of coffee to keep her motor running from son up to son down (and daughter, too). Her inspiration for her books comes from relationships, life, friends, passion, and her own incredible imagination. A fight for achieving her dream (along with her super duper boyfriend) is what drags her out of bed every morning to do what she does best: spin tales laced with high-octane emotion for readers worldwide.

You can find out more about Jo on Twitter, her website, her blog, andFacebook. Also, find out more about her indie author services at Indie Books Gone Wild.

Time for Books 2015 Review Team

I'm so excited to participate in Jo Michael's Time for Books 2015 Review Team. 

I do many reviews a year--a mixture of traditionally published and indie books. For this team, I will plan to read 21-40 INDIE books to share (HUNGRY level). Hopefully, I'll read even more.

If you'd like to join, check out these instructions from Jo Michaels blog:

Go to this page and follow the instructions to sign up. Every time you post a book review on your blog, enter it here and tweet about it with one of the hashtags on that page (#2015ReviewTeam or #Time4Books).

Also, if you want to find some great reads for the challenge, follow Jo's 12 Days of Review Requests event (running through 12/20/14) for some ideas. Her Day 7 post can be found here.

Fractured Glass Pre-Orders Are Live TODAY!

I am so excited to announce...

PRE-ORDER FRACTURED GLASS NOW!!!

Fractured Glass is a YA Sci-Fi Novel Anthology unlike any other. It was written by 5 different authors who came together to give you 1 amazing story.

 Blurb

What if other worlds existed alongside your own? What if you could travel through them and truly escape reality?

Sloan and Harley Glass were born moments apart; but, despite their differences, the sixteen-year-old twins couldn’t be closer. They’ve held their tongues each and every time their mother has uprooted them—often moving across the country with little notice. They’ve learned to accept change. But what is Mom running from? 

They discover they’re travelers—half-descendants of those who can traverse an entire universe of parallel worlds known as fractals. When the past catches up, Harley is kidnapped and taken to one of those distant worlds. Now, Sloan must garner her courage and find a way to rescue her sister. Traversing the worlds isn’t the hard part; it’s surviving the elements and the creatures lying in wait to destroy everything in their path.

Will the Glass sisters be able to save the fractal worlds from the kidnapper, or will everything fracture and crumble around them?

Pre-Order Link

~ Amazon ~ 

Find the authors Facebook pages here...

Jo Michaels ~ Tia Silverthorne Bach ~ Casey L. Bond ~ Kelly Risser ~ N.L. Greene

Get to know the characters...

Diego

Diego is a seventeen-year-old who is adopted. His parents are workaholics, but he enjoys the freedom they give him so he can browse the internet, geek out over science, and spend every free moment at the Glass sisters’ house, studying the advanced science and mathematics their mother teaches them. 

He has a deep crush on Sloan, and he happens to be a technology wizard.

I can't wait for this book to go live on December 24, 2014!!

I will be sharing the other character bios on my Tia Bach, Author blog in the coming days. But, enjoy Diego first.

Cover Reveal of Fractured Glass: A Novel Anthology

I'm so excited to reveal the cover for Fractured Glass, a novel anthology. It was such an amazing experience writing a story with four other authors. 

Expected Release Date: Late December, 2014
Pre-orders: Late November, 2014
Title: Fractured Glass
Author(s): Tia Silverthorne Bach, Jo Michaels, Casey L. Bond, Kelly Risser, and N. L. Greene
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction with five sub-genres (paranormal, horror, fantasy, magic, and romance)
Length: ~100k words

About Fractured Glass

What if other worlds existed alongside your own? What if you could travel through them and truly escape reality?

Sloan and Harley Glass were born moments apart; but, despite their differences, the sixteen-year-old twins couldn’t be closer. They’ve held their tongues each and every time their mother has uprooted them—often moving across the country with little notice. They’ve learned to accept change. But what is Mom running from?

They discover they’re travelers—half-descendants of those who can traverse an entire universe of parallel worlds known as fractals. When the past catches up, Harley is kidnapped and taken to one of those distant worlds. Now, Sloan must garner her courage and find a way to rescue her sister. Traversing the worlds isn’t the hard part; it’s surviving the elements and the creatures lying in wait to destroy everything in their path.
Will the Glass sisters be able to save the fractal worlds from the kidnapper, or will everything fracture and crumble around them?

*****

Why is this novel different? Well, because it’s a novel anthology. Each of the authors endeavored to use the same characters and to guide those characters through five sub-genres of 20k words each in the same storyline. You’ve never read anything quite like it, and we do hope you enjoy the Glass sisters’ adventures.

Now we’ll get to the good stuff! First, the digital cover:

And the full wrap...

We can’t wait to release this puppy out into the world for all to read and be entertained. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out our cover. We’ll have some giveaways when the book goes live, so be looking for that post, too!

If you’d like to visit the authors, you may do so via the links below:

Tia Silverthorne Bach
Jo Michaels
Casey L. Bond
Kelly Risser
N. L. Greene

I, Zombie by Jo Michaels (5 stars)

About I, Zombie
(from GoodReads)

It's the end of the world as we know it.

Trixie Collins is a normal teen making her way through high school. One night at a party, a boy comes on to her and won't take no for an answer. As she jerks her arm away, his fingernails cut into her skin.

When she finds her dog's mutilated body and realizes she's to blame, she starts to think maybe the zombie apocalypse they've been screaming about on the news isn't a hoax after all. Worse, she begins to think maybe she's one of the infected.

Now it's a fight for life as she joins together with her brethren to stop the humans intent on destroying them. Are zombies all bad, or is it just a huge misunderstanding?

Review

Imagine waking up one morning after a typical teenage party, where one boy gets a little too fresh, and finding yourself the center of what appears to be a zombie apocalypse. Trixie Collins watches in horror at the news coverage showing friends and family attack their loved ones--people everywhere freaking out that zombies are multiplying and on the prowl.

Worse, she's exhibiting symptoms. Scared and wanting to protect her family, she and her best guy friend, who also has symptoms, take off to figure things out. Along the way, Trixie realizes she has a gift that might be able to save them all. That, and some information about what is happening.

First let me say, this is my kind of zombie book. At its heart, it's a story about humans and how we react to and treat things we don't understand. But it's also told from the zombie's perspective--a refreshing and intriguing twist. Readers get to see the emotions and turmoil of what is happening from the zombie's point of view, through their fight to survive. And what better ambassador than a teen girl who believes she can help make things right?

This book rocks! You will fall in love with Trixie and several other characters. From page one, it's a constant thrill ride. But, more importantly, it's a story with heart and soul--a great read for action-seekers as well as those who want to connect with characters. I expected to have some cringe-worthy moments and scares, but I didn't expect to cry. And I did. Hard.

Don't miss this one! Jo Michaels has yet to disappoint, but Trixie and this story really touched me (while also keeping me on the edge of my seat).

Rating: 5 stars

Enter here to win a copy on GoodReads (runs through 1/17/14)

About Jo Michaels
(from Jo's Amazon Author Page)

Jo Michaels is a writer who's really had a taste of life. She's lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia; but visited states from coast to coast. Michaels, a high-school dropout, put herself through college while her husband was deployed to Iraq and still managed to come out on the other side with all five of her children still breathing. On top of that wondrous feat, she managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude. After her fourteen year marriage ended cataclysmically, she took to the keys to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Using the degree she obtained in school, Jo set out with tools in her belt not many writers possess: a strong design eye, the skills necessary to format her books, and the ability to use her artistic talents to create stunning covers.

Now, Michaels writes full-time in her garage while imbibing copious amounts of coffee to keep her motor running from son up to son down (and daughter, too). Her inspiration for her books comes from relationships, life, friends, passion, and her own incredible imagination. A fight for achieving her dream (along with her super duper boyfriend) is what drags her out of bed every morning to do what she does best: spin tales laced with high-octane emotion for readers worldwide.

You can find out more about Jo on Twitter, her website, her blog, and Facebook. Also, find out more about her indie author services at Indie Books Gone Wild.

Note: I received an ARC and was editor for the book. Still, a positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Ringing in the New Year Celebrating Books

2013 was a stellar year for awesome books! I read 100 this year, and my goal is the same (if not more) for 2014.

As we begin a new year, I wanted to share all my 4.5-star and higher rated books from 2013. I'm looking forward to even more great books this year. (click the title to see the full review)

4.5 star

Foreplay, Sophie Jordan
Maggie's Turn, Deanna Lynn Sletten
Finding It, Cora Carmack
Supernova, Elizabeth Sharp
The Hourglass, Sharon Struth
Trusting You, LP Dover
Strength, Carrie Butler
Sisters in Bloom, Melissa Foster
Mystic ~ Melody, Jo Michaels
The Curse Giver, Dora Machado
For Everly, Raine Thomas
The Enchanted, Elaine Cantrell
Sisters in Love, Melissa Foster
Chocolate Fondue, Martha Reynolds
Lion's Head Deception, Chuck Waldron
Marked for Vengeance, SJ Pierce
After Tuesday (These Days #1), Renee Ericson
The Hunter, Monica McCarty
The Beloved Daughter, Alana Terry
The Faerie Prince, Rachel Morgan
The Keeper of Secrets, Julie Thomas
Cooper Moon: The Calling, Cheryl Shireman
Assured Destruction, Michael F. Stewart
The Long Way Home, Mariah Stewart
Traces of Kara, Melissa Foster
Primal, DA Serra

4.75 Stars

Winter Garden, Kristin Hannah

5 Stars

Bittersweet Chocolate, Martha Reynolds
Someone Else's Love Story, Joshilyn Jackson
Warrior Beautiful, Wendy Knight
Blood Draw, Melissa Luznicky Garrett
Mystic ~ Coralie, Jo Michaels
The Faerie War, Rachel Morgan
Courage, Carrie Butler
Borrowed Things, Doris Schneider
Yassa, Jo Michaels
The Disappearing Girl, Heather Topham Wood
The Day After Yesterday, Kelly Cozy
Manuscript Found in Accra, Paulo Coelho
Dark Genesis, Dave Ferraro
Wondertown, Mac Fellows

 

Rachel Morgan, Melissa Foster, Martha Reynolds, and Jo Michaels (all seen above) made the list more than once. Melissa Foster and Jo Michaels both made the list three times. Few things make me happier than having some go-to authors.

In the last two weeks of December, I read several books that will be officially reviewed over the next two weeks. A couple were 5-star reads. Look for appearances again by Melissa Foster and Jo Michaels (both 5-star reviews) and a new favorite... Juliana Haygert.

Here's to reading in 2014!

Mystic ~ Coralie by Jo Michaels (5 stars)

About Mystic ~ Coralie
(from GoodReads)

Coralie Meyers is struggling to find her footing as an actress in New York. A malicious attempt to thwart another girl's career ends in catastrophe and Coralie soon finds herself in a precarious situation.

As the fifth and final member of Women Save the World, a company created by Markaza Turner, Coralie possesses all the cunning the young ladies will need to defeat the evil that's rising under Central Park. If the women fail to save her, evil will rise and destroy the world.

Now that Markaza has gathered four of her chicks: Bronya, Lily, Shelia, and Melody, all that's left to do is bring in Coralie, train her, and go to war. But the ladies are struggling with their powers and their personal demons. Will they find the power within themselves in time to destroy the monster and save the world? Only time will tell; and that's one thing they're short on.

This fifth installment of the Mystic series is a lesson in what lies, hate, and judgment can do to the world when left unchecked.

Review

Markaza Turner is gathering special women to defeat an evil she has foreseen. These ladies of Women Save the World are all an integral part of her plans. The newest find is Coralie Meyers. But when the other girls find her, while Markaza is on another recruiting expedition, she is in bad shape. They aren't even sure she'll make it, and they can't move forward without her.

Coralie Meyers was on top of the world--living the dreams that most actresses only wish for. She was on the cusp of making it big, but a few poor choices left her with fewer options. Sometimes death seems like an easier option than dealing with the pain and ramifications from one horrifying and devastating decision. Can the other girls convince Coralie to fight her own demons so they can fight the biggest demon of all?

Jo Michaels has a gift. She needs very few words to convey a lot of pain and allow the reader to glimpse the heart and soul of the characters. Coralie faces a decision none of us would envy, and it's clear that she is struggling. Then, there's the aftermath. What happens to her is horrible, but she starts to believe she deserves it which is even more heartbreaking. She's broken, an open wound begging for healing. Her pain, through intense and beautifully-written story, is palpable. One scene, in particular, left me with tears flowing down my face.

If you love female characters with some grit, who are broken but fighting, you will love the Mystic series. In Mystic ~ Coralie, your heart will break. But there's hope in the power of women unified. Women bound by pain and fortitude.

Rating: 5 stars

About Jo Michaels
(from Jo's Amazon Author Page)

Jo Michaels is a writer who's really had a taste of life. She's lived in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia; but visited states from coast to coast. Michaels, a high-school dropout, put herself through college while her husband was deployed to Iraq and still managed to come out on the other side with all five of her children still breathing. On top of that wondrous feat, she managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude. After her fourteen year marriage ended cataclysmically, she took to the keys to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer. Using the degree she obtained in school, Jo set out with tools in her belt not many writers possess: a strong design eye, the skills necessary to format her books, and the ability to use her artistic talents to create stunning covers.

Now, Michaels writes full-time in her garage while imbibing copious amounts of coffee to keep her motor running from son up to son down (and daughter, too). Her inspiration for her books comes from relationships, life, friends, passion, and her own incredible imagination. A fight for achieving her dream (along with her super duper boyfriend) is what drags her out of bed every morning to do what she does best: spin tales laced with high-octane emotion for readers worldwide.

You can find out more about Jo on Twitter, her website, her blog, and Facebook. Also, find out more about her indie author services at Indie Books Gone Wild.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.