The Surrendered by Case Maynard (4.5 stars)

THE SURRENDERED by Case Maynard is LIVE. You can find out all about this YA dystopian and Vee’s fight against the #taxonkids by following the links below to your preferred retailer. Don’t forget to come celebrate tonight on Facebook, where Case and some other amazing authors will be raffling some awesome prizes.

About The Surrendered

After a financial collapse devastates the United States, the new government imposes a tax on the nation’s most valuable resource—the children.

Surrendered at age ten—after her parents could no longer afford her exorbitant fees—Vee Delancourt has spent six hard years at the Mills, alongside her twin, Oliver. With just a year to freedom, they do what they can to stay off the Master’s radar. But when Vee discovers unspeakable things happening to the younger girls in service, she has no choice but to take a stand—a decision that lands her on the run and outside the fence for the first time since the System robbed her of her liberty.

Vee knows the Master will stop at nothing to prove he holds ultimate authority over the Surrendered. But when he makes a threat that goes beyond what even she considers possible, she accepts the aid of an unlikely group of allies. Problem is, with opposing factions gunning for the one thing that might save them all, Vee must find a way to turn oppression and desperation into hope and determination—or risk failing all the children and the brother she left behind.

Now available!

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Review

Vee Delancourt has a burning desire to be more, to do more. Unfortunately, the world operates under a new set of rules since a devastating financial collapse. Parents are forced to pay fees or turn over their children. Vee and her twin brother, Oliver, are surrendered.

Vee and Oliver live a life of servitude, a fate Vee struggles to accept. When she can't take it anymore, Vee decides to take action... and nothing will ever be the same, especially as unsettling secrets are revealed. 

Nothing makes me happier than reading a strong female character who doesn't have all the answers but trusts her gut to fight for what she knows is right. Vee fits this description perfectly. Twists and turns abound as Vee unearths one secret after another, leading to a captivating conclusion sure to leave you wanting more.

If you love strong characters, fast-moving action, and great storytelling, then take a chance on The Surrendered. You'll be hooked.

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the author:

With over 20 years’ experience in the legal and medical fields, Case Maynard decided to trade in her briefs and reports to write the stories that have been floating around in her head since childhood. She lives with her two teenagers and husband in South Georgia, while maintaining a long-distance liaison with her oldest daughter and partner in crime in Alaska. When not writing, she enjoys reading as often as possible, binge watching anything good on Netflix, and all things NCAA football (Go Noles!). 

You can learn more about Case and her stories on her website.

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Note: I served as Editor 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.

Earthborn by PM Hernandez (5 stars)

About Earthborn

ADELAIDE BECKER—social outcast and sarcastic know-it-all—enjoys her quiet life until a giant alien crash-lands into it. He claims she’s half alien like him—an Earthborn—and he’s there to save her from the coming invasion. Being half little green man isn’t enough to convince Addy to go along with her supposed savior, but when her mother’s safety is threatened, she takes off on a journey that leads her to discover the other, more exotic side of her family and the power she holds deep within. 

BROCK GRIGNI thinks this will be like any other Earthborn collection. His job is simple—bring his fellow Earthborn back to the compound and save them from the threat of becoming breeding slaves at the hands of aliens from their home planet, Ayezh. He isn’t prepared for Addy—beautiful, smart-mouthed, and his complete opposite in every way. When he learns that everything he trusts is a lie, he has nothing left to hold onto except Addy. 

Together, Addy and Brock must struggle with the challenges and choices before them. Stay and fight, or run and hide? They know the Ayezhni—their ancestors and aliens from a planet in distress—are on their way and will make a collection of their own. Addy feels compelled to help her fellow Earthborn, but can she do that and keep her loved ones safe at the same time?

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Review

Addy goes from a quiet, loner life to hanging out with aliens. Not just hanging out... being targeted. Others are there to protect her, but telling the difference could prove difficult. In a rush of revelations and realizations, she's on the run, trusting her life--and her mother's--to people she's known for a few days. People who aren't human.

I've said it time and time again, but memorable reads are all about good, relatable characters, and this book is brimming with them. Addy is both vulnerable and strong while being tenacious and thoughtful. Brock... can you see me fanning myself? He's a hottie with a heart. A perfect combination. 

Together they need to find answers and take into account that their journey involves more than just them... it has long-reaching effects for their families and all of mankind.

And for sci-fi lovers... this is just the beginning of what I predict to be fascinating sci-fi coolness. I can't wait for more in the series. A great read.

Rating: 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
Facebook
Twitter

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.

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.

Asleep by Krystal Wade (4.5 stars)

About Asleep

"To cure fear, you must use fear." 

Rose Briar claims no responsibility for the act that led to her imprisonment in an asylum. She wants to escape, until terrifying nightmares make her question her sanity and reach out to her doctor. He’s understanding and caring in ways her parents never have been, but as her walls tumble down and Rose admits fault, a fellow patient warns her to stop the medications. Phillip believes the doctor is evil and they’ll never make it out of the facility alive. Trusting him might be just the thing to save her. Or it might prove the asylum is exactly where she needs to be. 

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Review

Rose Briar's parents don't know what to do with their daughter. In desperation, they send her to a mental institute. Once she's there, she spirals into a nightmare of confusion and fear, and she's not sure who to trust... the doctor who swears he can help her or the male friend who warns her about the facility.

Wow. Just wow. This book grabbed me from the first page where Rose's parents are taking her to the institute to the last page where... oh, you know I can't tell you that part. Rose is my favorite kind of character: determined, strong, and flawed. She's made mistakes and has doubts, but she refuses to give in to others' suggestions without doing everything in her power to figure it out.

As intense as it is, there's still time for excellent character development and even a love interest, although not in a conventional way by any means. Plus, the story will leave you guessing on which characters to trust to have Rose's best interests at heart... from her parents, to her doctor, to her boyfriend. It's intense and captivating. Once you start, be committed to a stretch of time, because you aren't going to want to put it down.

I recently saw this book compared to Sleeping Beauty meets Nightmare on Elm Street. So true! If you love twisty fairy tales, or just love a unique book with kick-butt characters and intense story, then grab Asleep today!

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author

I’m happily married to the love of my life (don’t gag) and raising three beautiful children in the gorgeous state of Virginia. We live just outside Washington, D.C., and every day I wake up to find myself stuck in traffic trying to get there.

The horrid commute gives me plenty of time to zone out and think about my characters in full, brilliant details (I’m a safe driver; don’t worry). Stories give me a way to forget about the sometimes smelly strangers sitting next to me on the fifty mile trek into town (I pick up hitchhikers every day. True story. Check out www.slug-lines.com if you don’t believe me).

I’ve been a part of organized hitchhiking for nearly fifteen years, but that’s just one small aspect of my oh-so-large life. When I’m not working, commuting, or chasing after my three children (four if you count the man), you can usually find me outside talking to my chickens like they’re the cutest things in the world (they are), or training my amazing dogs how to herd said chickens (which they love), or curled up on the sofa with a good book (why can’t that be 100% of the time?).

I hope you love my stories (or just like them a little; that would be okay, too). And I hope that one day you find your passion, because there’s nothing in life better than doing what you love while surrounded by people you love.

Connect with Krystal: Website, Blaze Publishing, Facebook page, and Twitter.

Note: I served as proofreader 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
Facebook
Twitter

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
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Twitter

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

Sea of Memories by Kelly Risser Release Day Blitz

Clean Teen Publishing is proud to present a new series of novellas in the Never Forgotten Series by Kelly Risser, Sea of Memories.

Sometimes, we reach the end of a story and realize there is more to be told. This is the case with Sea of Memories, a collection of novellas set in the world of Never Forgotten.

Travel with Meara and Kieran to North America where they visit her grandparents and his family. Along the way, stop at Mirage, the dance club where the couple first met, and see the encounter from Kieran's point of view.
Struck in the Club - On the orders of his father, Kieran travels to Nova Scotia to spy on David's daughter. After an encounter in a dance club, he may have found more than he bargained for.

Journey to the past and meet Kieran's mom, Sera. Learn why she is no longer part of their lives.
What Will Be - Sera is a Selkie who enjoys her family and her daily routine of solitude. While out on one of her morning swims, she finds an injured man floating in the ocean. Unable to see anyone suffer, she rescues him, even after the warnings she received as a child about the evilness of human males. He may be safe now, but is she?

Go back to where it all started and discover along with Meara how her parents met and fell in love.
A Rock and A Hard Place – Visiting his maternal grandparents in Nova Scotia, David is determined to find out who murdered his parents and why. He doesn't expect the evidence to take him to a small fishing village called Peggy's Cove. He certainly doesn't expect to find love there, especially when it comes in the form of a spunky little brunette… and a human one at that.

Finally, join Meara, Ula, and other friends old and new to remember the past, celebrate the present, and anticipate the future.
Something Blue - Ula's been invited to a banquet at Ronac in her niece's honor. Because it will be Meara's first Christmas without her mom, Ula convinces her boyfriend, Vesh, and others that they need to throw a surprise holiday celebration. Selkies don't celebrate Christmas and neither do the Blue Men of the Minch. It will be a holiday full of surprises for all.

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 About the Author

Kelly Risser knew at a young age what she wanted to be when she grew up. Unfortunately, Fairytale Princess was not a lucrative career. Leaving the castle and wand behind, she entered the world of creative business writing where she worked in advertising, marketing, and training at various companies. Currently, she works full time as an eLearning Instructional Designer, fitting her creative writing into the evenings and weekends.

She's often found lamenting, "It's hard to write when there are so many good books to read!" So, when she's not immersed in the middle of someone else's fantasy world, she's busy creating one of her own. This world is introduced in her first novel, Never Forgotten, and visited further in her second novel, Current Impressions, and her third novel, Always Remembered. The newest book, Sea of Memories, is a novella collection set in this world.

Kelly lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two children. They share their home with Clyde the Whoodle and a school of fish.

                                                           Connect With Kelly Here

 Kelly's Website