Reckless by Kelly Martin (5 stars)

About Reckless

JESSUP HART BLACKWELL SAVED THE WORLD. 
Not that anyone will ever know. 
Not that they’ll remember. 
But I know. 
I remember. 
That’s my curse. 
I don’t agree with how he did it. 
I wish it had been me that died. Lord knows we would’ve all 
been safer if I’d been the one instead of Hart. 
But he couldn’t let that happen. 
He couldn’t live with it. 
How am I supposed to live with it? 
The pain. 
The remorse. 
The pressing feeling that something inside me that I can’t 
control is still there… dormant but not dead. Ready to pounce. 
Ready to kill again. 
Hart saved the world, that’s true. 
But he couldn’t save me 

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Review

Fate has drawn Hart and Gracen together through the most bizarre and upsetting circumstances--he's a demon, and she's the Abomination. Can they find a way to save the world and have something left for themselves?

I'm so sad to see this series end. Not only will I miss the amazing characters, I'll miss the unique and compelling storyline. No matter how dire the situation seems for Gracen and Hart, there's always a twist I never see coming. 

But what I've loved the most through each book is the detailed inner struggle of both Hart and Gracen, and Reckless continues this intense introspection. And I couldn't wait to see how Kelly Martin would bring this epic tale to a conclusion. I'm excited to say it doesn't disappoint, even though I never could have guessed it.

I highly recommend this series!!
Rating: 5 stars

I love this series. Check out my reviews of books 1 and 2: Heartless (#1), Soulless (#2), and Breathless (#3).

About the Author

Kelly Martin is the bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and YA romance. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When Kelly isn't writing, she loves watching horror gamers on YouTube, even though she is a huge wimp, and drinking white chocolate mochas.

You can find her at...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyMartinA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martieKay
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KMbooks/
Tumblr: http://martiekay.tumblr.com/

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

Breathless by Kelly Martin (5 stars)

About Breathless
(Heartless #3)

There's good. 

There's evil. 

Then there's her. 

When Gracen Sullivan stabbed Hart Blackwell, she thought it was over. She thought the world was safe--safe from her. Stuck in the Abyss, watching as the evil inside her body takes over, she has to find some way to stop it. 

Hart Blackwell expected to wake up in Hell. Instead, he woke up in his grave. With the world falling apart, he has to put the bad history with his brother in the past or there will be no future. 

Armageddon has been set in motion. Enemies will have to work together or everything will end in fire and brimstone. 

The Abomination is here. And she must be stopped no matter the consequences.

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Review

Unique and captivating only begins to describe the Heartless series. Gracen and Hart are two characters whose destinies are intertwined. Their decisions could have devastating ramifications for all of humanity.

That love got in the way only makes the story that much sweeter.

In Breathless, we learn more about Hart and his brother while also getting further perspective from Gracen, as she discovers details about herself and her role in what happens to the world. 

Nothing is ever quite what it seems, and twists and turns abound. Far be it from me to give anything away, because it's too entertaining to read the book and find out for yourself. For those emotionally raw from the last book, this will continue to tear at your heart... especially since we get an even more intimate view of Gracen and Hart than ever before.

I highly recommend this series, like shout-it-from-the-rooftops recommend. If you love intriguing plot twists and awesome characters, look no further.

Rating: 5 stars

I adore this series. Check out my reviews of books 1 and 2: Heartless (#1) and Soulless (#2).

About the Author

Kelly Martin is the bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and YA romance. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When Kelly isn't writing, she loves watching horror gamers on YouTube, even though she is a huge wimp, and drinking white chocolate mochas.

You can find her at...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyMartinA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martieKay
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KMbooks/
Tumblr: http://martiekay.tumblr.com/

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

Drops of Sunshine (Spellbound YA Anthology) by Tricia Copeland (4.5 stars)

About Drops of Sunshine
by Tricia Copeland
(a story within Spellbound)

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. -Buddha 

Working as lifeguard at a camp for the blind seems like the perfect escape for Nina. But a few perceptive kids can hear her thoughts. Can embracing her truth help her heal and reveal possibilities she never imagined? 

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Review

Although I'm just reviewing one novella, Drops of Sunshine, within the collection, Spellbound made up of five complete never-before-seen YA novellas.

If Drops of Sunshine is any indication, this should be a stellar YA Anthology read. I picked up my copy on pre-order and plan to read more, so keep an eye peeled for more reviews.

In Drops, Nina is working at a camp for the blind, wanting a little escape from her life and all the changes. Then, she starts to notice strange abilities amongst the campers. Innocent, sweet kids seem to have a lot of insight into her family life--very personal issues she hasn't shared with anyone.

At first, she's not sure what to do about these odd happenings. But she quickly gains insight into her own life through some very special children. 

Novellas are always tough to judge, because if it's good, I want more. So it says a lot about Drops that I really wanted more story. Pick up a copy and dive in... a sweet summer read!

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now lives outside the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado with her husband, three kids, and multiple four legged and finned friends. An avid runner and paranormal fan, she also enjoys hiking, trivia, and Scrabble. 

You can connect with Tricia and other readers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and on her website, www.triciacopeland.com.

Note: I was the Editor on this novella through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Soulless by Kelly Martin (5 stars)

About Soulless

Sometimes all the wishing in the world doesn't change the fact that in order to save everyone, you have to destroy yourself. 
Sometimes good doesn't always win. 

Sometimes choices suck. 

Sometimes people don't break their promises 

Sometimes the thing we hate the most is the one thing that can save us. 

Sometimes... Sometimes love ruins everything. 

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Review

Grace Sullivan can't help who she is, and as much as she might want to, she may not be able to help what she's about to do. Of course, the one man she somewhat trusts, and who somewhat has the answers, has more than one life to consider.

Vague much?

Maybe it's because this is a book you truly have to experience for yourself. As the second in the Heartless series (and I would highly recommend reading Heartless first), Soulless further tests the ideas of good and evil, and what someone would be willing to sacrifice to stop the worst from happening.

Gracen struggles with impossible choices, trust issues (from her boyfriend to her own mother), and what it takes to survive. Trust me when I say you won't be able to put this book down once you start. It's an intense and emotional ride. One that'll have your cringing one moment and crying the next. 

In the midst of all this, you'll find yourself pulling for Gracen to find a way out of her fate, to find love (with the man who helped put her in the situation she's in), and above all, to survive.

A mind-bending, intense, and truly unique read. 5 very enthusiastic stars!

Rating: 5 stars

See my review of Heartless here.

About the Author

Kelly Martin is the bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and YA romance. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When Kelly isn't writing, she loves watching horror gamers on YouTube, even though she is a huge wimp, and drinking white chocolate mochas.

You can find her at...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyMartinA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martieKay
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KMbooks/
Tumblr: http://martiekay.tumblr.com/

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

Heartless by Kelly Martin (5 stars)

About Heartless

Some things can't be saved.

What would you do if your guardian angel wasn't sent to protect you from the world but to protect the world from you? 

For thirteen years, Gracen Sullivan dreamed about a red-eyed demon named Hart Blackwell who tortured her every night. Her mother freaked when she found out about her daughter's "hallucinations" and forced Gracen to go to the doctor, who prescribed some very powerful medication which kept Hart out of her head for five years.

A week ago, Hart came back and brought a friend.

But something has changed, and Gracen is seeing Hart when she's awake too. And the other "friends" in her dreams? They have been found dead.

The police want to talk to her.

Her boyfriend has become distant.

Her dreams are becoming more and more intense.

Hell wants her. Heaven has to stop her. 

When push comes shoving, can Gracen fight the evil eating away inside her or will she be forced to embrace it and destroy the world?

#theevilinside

Publication Date: 1/17/16

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* It's on sale for $0.99 through 1/19/16.

Review

Gracen Sullivan has been fighting to have a semblance of a normal life for as long as she can remember. With intense medication, she kept her nightmares at bay... but Hart (her dream tormentor) is back, and things will never be the same.

Now, she's not the only one in her dreams, and the visitors keep turning up dead. As Gracen's dreams grow in intensity, she realizes her nightmares have spilled over into her reality. Police are involved and angels and demons are pursuing her.

Her biggest question... is she the evil she's come to fear?

First, I have to give huge props to author Kelly Martin for writing such a unique story and having the guts to do so. In real life, good and evil are not always clearly defined. In Heartless, Gracen struggles to figure out where she stands. And we, as readers, get to be in her head and feel her torment.

The story will hook you from the first page and hold you in its grips until the very last word. It's a roller coaster of emotions and intrigue. Just as soon as you think you know what's going to happen, things will turn upside down. 

All the main characters in this story have a compelling background. I love how their struggles stretched my thinking, leaving me questioning my own rules about right and wrong... about what makes us do what we do. 

I only wish I could tell you more... but I don't want to spoil anything by giving too much away.

If you are looking for a unique and captivating read, one that will test your idea of good and evil, then pick up a copy of Heartless today.

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

Kelly Martin is the bestselling author of contemporary, historical, and YA romance. She has been married for over ten years and has three rowdy, angelic daughters. When Kelly isn't writing, she loves watching horror gamers on YouTube, even though she is a huge wimp, and drinking white chocolate mochas.

You can find her at...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KellyMartinA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martieKay
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KMbooks/
Tumblr: http://martiekay.tumblr.com/

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

Flesh and Stone by PM Hernandez (4.5 stars)

About Flesh and Stone

Seventeen-year-old Ellie Whitewood dreams of being a doctor and giving back to the grandfather who raised her after the death of her parents. When she receives an inheritance from a reclusive aunt, she becomes the mistress of a sprawling manor.

Selling the property to pay for college seems like the answer to her prayers, but each day she grows more and more attached to the stone gargoyles adorning the manor rooftop. 

After finding the Whitewood journals, she learns she is the latest in a line of Caretakers who, with her Sentinels, defends the world from evil. While she is drawn to her Sentinel, Gabriel, and her new life, her future isn’t written in stone. 

Haunted by dark dreams and facing deadly enemies, is she willing to sacrifice her well-laid plans and accept her new calling...even if it comes with wings and sharp teeth?

Publication Date: 1/15/16

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Review

Ellie Whitewood has her life all planned out. Then, she receives a letter from a relative detailing an inheritance. Not long after, she's exploring a mansion, getting to know the staff, and becoming attached to the weathered gargoyles on the roof. 

She's drawn to one gargoyle in particular. Soon, she discovers her true inheritance: she's a Caretaker, the latest in a long line, and she's charged with defending the world from a dark evil. Tradition states one special gargoyle will stand beside her.

What's a young woman to do?

Ellie is a spunky girl with goals and plans. When life throws her a curveball, she faces it head on, even if she does struggle with how she's supposed to handle it. But she doesn't wither away into a sappy mess; she comes out fighting, determined to make decisions and do what she thinks is right. I so love a spunky character with flaws, especially when they fight to figure it out.

As she reads through journals from past Caretakers and gets to know the gargoyles, many questions mount. Even more perplexing, feelings start forming. And it's not as simple as the journals say it should be. I'm totally #TeamGabriel, but that's all I'm going to say on that front.

I can't wait to read more in this series and see where Ellie's heart and determination take her. 

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author

Paulette (PM) Hernandez is a young adult paranormal, sci-fi, and fantasy author. She is a self-proclaimed nerd. She wears a lot of black, not because she’s cool but because she’s fashion-challenged. She has been known to fangirl all over the freaking place.

Connect with Paulette
Website
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Note: I was the Editor on this book through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Hear the Crickets by BJ Sheldon (5 stars)

About Hear the Crickets

Skyy’s a freak. She’ll tell you so herself. Her past – a mystery. Her future – uncertain. Having spent most of her life avoiding humans in an effort to conceal her wings, she wants nothing more than to end it all, leaving behind the solitary life she’s been forced to live. But numerous attempts to die have proven immortality is both a curse and a nuisance. She now lives out her days in self-imposed seclusion to stay hidden from the world. But that quiet way of life is shattered when mysterious siblings arrive and reveal a destiny which sends her running for the hills. When an earth shattering discovery is made in the Badlands, history and science collide furthering the mystery behind Skyy’s past – and her future. Skyy will need to embrace her fate and confront an evil so ancient, only a miracle can keep the world from ceasing to be.

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Review

Skyy has tried many times to end it all... to finally be free of a life spent in hiding. Unfortunately, in addition to wings, she's immortal. So, with the exception of one friend, she secludes herself from the world.

Until one day, strangers show up and everything changes. 

Now, she'll need to embrace her strength and face the most intense battle of her life. All to save the world... a world's she's been avoiding.

I love a unique paranormal, and I hadn't read anything like this one. But at the end of the day, what makes a book truly memorable for me is the emotional connection. Skyy dug her way into my heart. I understood intimately, thanks to awesome character development, why she wanted to end it. But I desperately wanted for her to find her place and someone to love her. 

It's not often I need kleenex for a paranormal read, but I did. Take my advice: have tissues nearby. Even with all the action, there are some rich emotional scenes between various characters who are facing possible death while yearning for human connection... for something to make it all worthwhile.

I can't say enough about the beauty of this book... in its uniqueness, its emotional intensity, and its fearlessness. A real winner.

Rating: 5 stars

About the Author

B.J. Sheldon's love of writing has developed into a passion for creating exciting characters and story lines that she hopes will enthrall and inspire young readers to pick up a book and use their imaginations.

B.J. lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her best friend and husband, Steven, an Army veteran. They have 3 daughters, 3 cats, and a dog – all of whom are trying to take over the world. She grew up in Iowa and spent many years in sunny Arizona before finally settling down in the hills that she loves. She has a B.S. degree in Project Management from the University of Phoenix and has a PhD in life. B.J. began reading at age 4, and by the 4th grade had already read most of the literary classics. Her hobbies include cuticle care, fighting off zombies, and traveling through space and time with a mad man in a blue box.

Connect with BJ
Website
Facebook
Twitter

Note: I did early edits on this book. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

The Visitant by Megan Chance (4.5 stars)

About The Visitant

Paperback: 339 pages 
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (September 22, 2015) 

The shadows of Venice have long inspired writers—from Henry James and Thomas Mann to Daphne DuMaurier and Ian McEwan. Now, its Megan Chance’s turn, as the acclaimed novelist takes readers through the alleys and canals of this ageless and mysterious city in her compelling new book, The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story (Lake Union Publishing; September 22, 2015). 

Part haunted tale, part love story, part mystery, this riveting historical novel explores the truth behind a terrifying reality, as a young American woman, immersed in a strange foreign culture, encounters a world beyond her wildest imaginings. Buried secrets of a tragic past converge, threatening to destroy not just her hopes of redemption, but her very life. 

Set in 1884, The Visitant paints an unforgettable portrait of a decaying city and the secrets that lurk in its dark, crumbling corners. Elena Spira has arrived there to take up the duties of nurse to a young epileptic man who has descended to the depths both physically and psychologically. Samuel Farber wants none of Elena’s help as he wallows in a laudanum-triggered haze of hallucinations. Samuel speaks of visits from a spirit, seemingly wild claims that Elena first rejects as drug-fueled. But, the truth is far more sinister. When Samuel’s best friend and host, Nero Basilio, arrives, Elena finds herself drawn to this charming man as he shows her the hidden delights of Venice. But there are dark forces at play—forces that Elena cannot begin to comprehend. Casa Basilio possesses a tragic history, and a ghost whose presence may be driving Samuel to madness.

The Visitant finds Megan Chance working at the peak of her storytelling powers.

“Chance’s Venice is glittering, mysterious, sophisticated…” –The Seattle Times on Inamorata

“…provocative and haunting. Chance’s quietly powerful tale will appeal to fans of well-detailed, mysterious, and romantic historical fiction.” –BookList on Bone River

 

Purchase Links 

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Review

A man with secrets. A woman with a debt to repay. And a troubled man who will push them both to a revelation.

Elena Spira is determined to help an epileptic man overcome his condition, but the more she gets to know him the more she wonders about his true affliction. And whether she can help at all. Along the way, she uncovers a mystery bigger than her medical scope. 

Can she help Samuel without hurting herself?

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It sounded intriguing, but I usually prefer character development to fast-paced mystery... action designed to distract you from poorly drawn characters.

But this book was a beautiful balance of characters, intrigue, mystery, paranormal, and emotions. I cared about the characters, which made the intricate plot development all the more enjoyable.

Adding to this... the another interwove historical elements (both in the time and the location) to amplify both the characters and the situations they found themselves in. 

And it never lowered to cheap tricks to shock me. From page one, I felt invested and hungry for what came next. 

The Visitant is a unique, captivating read, and I highly recommend it.


Rating: 4.5 stars

About Megan Chance

Megan Chance is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author of historical fiction, including Inamorata, Bone River, and City of Ash. Her novels have been chosen for the Borders Original Voices and Book Sense programs. A former television news photographer and graduate of Western Washington University, Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters.

Connect with Megan 
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Thanks to TLC for my review copy.

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

Please visit other stops on The Visitant blog tour page.

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.