Book Review - Twisted by N.L. Greene

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! It's time for another round of book reviews. I read a number of books at once so you'll tend to see them in clumps here on the blog. Today, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I'll be writing reviews for those I've finished. Monday is the special day you'll get to meet author Felicia Tatum, one of the ladies planning to attend UtopYA Con next year. Tickets for that event go on sale October 1st!

At the end of this post, I'll be sharing a giveaway by a wonderful Indie author, Tia Silverthorne Bach, and a giveaway that includes the book I'm reviewing today. So strap in, read on, and get ready to enter to win!

First, a little about the book on the chopping block today:
Title: Twisted
Author: N.L. Greene
Length: 248 Printed pages
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Price: $2.99 on Amazon

Description from Amazon:
Growing up isn’t always easy. But for most teenage girls, they can rely on their best friend to help them get through the process. A BFF is something that is truly treasured and completely irreplaceable. You share all of your secrets, and are loyal and honest with each other, even when you’re acting just a little bit crazy. You have each other’s backs no matter what and you form a bond that is virtually unbreakable.

At least that’s what normal teenage girls experience.

Nat and Mel have been bestie’s since childhood and Nat has followed her blindly ever since. But as Nat’s friendship with Mel begins to lead her down the wrong path, she starts to question the sincerity of their relationship. Nat starts to see Mel’s manipulative, deceitful ways become more focused on her. Will Natalie hold on tight to the friendship she’s had her entire life, no matter what it cost her? Or will she let her heart lead her to a relationship that’s not so twisted.

***Attention*** Book recommended for mature audiences! Contains underage drinking, smoking, drug use and some sexual content.

I'm gonna start off by saying I really like the cover on this book. One thing I'd like to see changed is the size of the title font. It's difficult to read when tiny. But the cover isn't what drew me in; it was the synopsis. I could totally relate. This book was brought to my attention when I liked the author's Facebook page, and I went to check it out and purchased it. *She has no idea this review is even being done* How much fun is that? I love surprises. Haha!

Enough of my rambling! On to the review.

From a reader's perspective:
I picked up a copy of this book on Amazon and it was well worth what I paid. I loved the characters in Twisted. They reminded me of people I knew growing up. Yes, even Melanie was someone I could picture in my head and recognized right away. I got so wrapped up in the story, I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know where Natalie was going to end up and how she was going to be brought to the epiphany at the end. First person past tense was a clever way to tell this story, because it put me right in Nat's shoes. By the end, I needed a tissue. It's heartbreaking to read about someone going through what Nat does and not be able to give them advice or guide them in any way. That's when you know you've gotten hold of a great book! I cared about what happened to her.

From an editor's perspective:
This book is very well written. Emotions were strong and there was plenty of tension throughout. Characters were well developed. One thing it needs is a proofread. There were small errors throughout that a proofreader would catch that actually threw me out of the story a few times. But errors are expected in any book, even those traditionally published. So don't let the tiny ones in this book sway you from picking up a copy.

My Rating:
+1 Star for creating characters I loved
+1 Star for making me care
+1 Star for pulling my heartstrings
+1 Star for great storytelling
+.5 Star for editing
-.5 Star for need of a proofreader
Overall, 4.5 out of 5 stars! And you all know I round up, not down!

Now for the Rafflecopter giveaway widgets. With the first, you have a chance to win a copy of Chasing Memories (link goes to my review of that book) by Tia Silverthorne Bach and a really cool necklace! With the second, you have a chance to win a TON of really great books, gift cards, and swag!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, everyone!

While you're here, don't forget to check out my special guest for the week, M.R. Polish. Next week I have author Felicia Tatum! She's running a giveaway for the duration of her stay so make sure you come on back for all that!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Great Books and Human Nature

Happy Thursday, good people of the blogosphere! What a crazy week it's been. I've managed to get into a couple of really awesome books lately and want to share those as well as talk about a series of posts I wrote last year on Human Nature. So grab your pens and notebooks and let's get going!

A library card is something I'm still in awe of having. Libraries give you the ability to, not only read, but take home a multitude of books you can learn from if you simply give them your name, number, and address. It stuns me every time I go in and see all those books for the consuming just sitting there on the shelves, waiting for me to pluck them out, take them home, and read the words on the pages. As a library hound, I've run across a couple of amazing books for bloggers and authors you guys might want to consider picking up yourselves.

If you go to your library and they don't have one of these books, you can request one and should have it within a week or two. How cool is that? Plus, it's all free!

So, here's the list:

• Blogging for Creatives: How Designers, Artists, Crafters and Writers can blog to make contacts, win business and build success. by Robin Houghton

This book was helpful in giving advice on how to blog, make social networking contacts, and attract visitors. If you want to monetize your blog, there's advice in there about that, too. I skimmed over that part, because I refuse to run ads on my blog other than my own, but it has a lot of great information in it.

• Wired for Story: The writer's guide to using brain science to hook readers from the very first sentence. by Lisa Cron

I'm about halfway through this book and I can already tell it's a winner. It really gets into why people read and what they want, rather than telling you how to craft a novel. You can check it out when I'm done with it. Haha!

• I love the For Dummies series and picked this one up because it looked awesome: Writing Young Adult Fiction - for Dummies. by Deborah Halverson

I've only glanced through the contents, but I'm eager to get into it this weekend.

One thing I noticed as I was reading Wired for Story, is she talks a lot about Human Nature and how it plays a big part in how people get hooked on a tale. I thought it might be a good idea to give you a few links to those posts while you're here, so you have some supplemental materials if you decide to check out the book.

Human Nature Series:
The Love Affair
Holding a Grudge
Seeking Revenge
Situation Reaction
Thought Processes

If you take the time to flip through and read those posts, you'll have a good foundation on which to build as you read Wired.

Do you have a library card? How often do you visit?

Remember, today is the last day to pick up Mystic~Bronya for free over on Amazon so get on over there and grab a copy!

If you haven't entered to win a copy of Sixty Days of Grace, today's your last chance on that one, too! Here's the Rafflecopter entry form one more time:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure and check out the guest post from Monday by M.R. Polish! Next week, we'll have a new author and you don't wanna miss this one.

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Announcing: the Twin Flames Trilogy by Danielle Bannister

Happy Hump-Day, good people of the blogosphere! Today, I bring you an awesome little tidbit about a series I think you'll all enjoy. Sit back and grab a read.

I wrote a review for Pulled, the first book in the trilogy, back in October, 2012. While I never posted it on the blog, you can check it out over on Goodreads here. Here's a snipped from the review:

"From a story perspective, Pulled was an excellent one. I am compelled to Google "twin flames" and see if it's actually a part of mythology. I took a mythology class but we never discussed that topic. I love books that introduce me to new things, and I adore stories that leave me room to fill in the blanks with my own imagination. The main characters were nicely fleshed out."

Without further ado, I give you the information for the whole trilogy! Click the headings for the book trailers!

Pulled

Blurb:
   When college freshman Naya meets Etash, a terribly scarred sophomore, she finds herself inexplicably ‘pulled’ toward him.
   As Naya and Etash fight against the pull drawing them together, they discover that their connection is too strong to be denied. A connection deeper than either of them could fathom.
   Together they will learn that this is not the first time they have been ‘pulled’ together.
   Nor will it be their last.
   Get Pulled into a love story like no other.

Pulled Back

Blurb:
   Some believe that true love never dies.  Instead their love is simply, reborn. 
Jada is not one of those people. Used to being moved around by a father running
from his past by drowning his sorrows in booze, Jada learns that love is for fools.
   Until she meets Tobias and Hawk; childhood friends since birth. What will happen to their friendship when fate takes over?
   Two flames will reconnect while a third burns with rage.
   Will the reunited lovers burn bright? Or will their flames be smothered?
   Get Pulled Back into a love story that has been reborn.

Pulled Back Again

Blurb:
   What if the love of your life was taken from you?
   What would you be willing to risk to get her back?
   Jada and Tobias thought moving away from their former predatorial friend, Hawk, would keep them safe.     
   They were wrong.
   Join Twin Flames, Tobias and Jada, as they fight to keep their love burning bright.
   Get Pulled Back Again into a love story that has no end.



About the author:
Danielle Bannister is a work-from-home mom of two children, Tristan and Marina, living in a small coastal town in Maine with her husband Jason and bunny Floppinator. She has her BA in theatre, her Master’s in Literary Education, and has written two other novels, Pulled and Pulled Back as well as a collection of short stories entitled Short Shorts.

You can follow her writing struggles on her website
Find her on Facebook
Or Tweet her @getpulled

Time for the buy links!
Pulled: FREE on Amazon
FREE on iBooks 

Pulled Back: $2.99 On Amazon
$2.99 On iBooks

Pulled Back Again: $2.99 on Amazon
$2.99 on iBooks

I hope you all enjoyed reading this little blurb! Tomorrow, back to our regularly scheduled program. Don't forget, while you're here, head on over to the guest post for Monday written by M.R. Polish, one of the authors attending UtopYA Con 2014.

And pick up a copy of Mystic~Bronya while it's still FREE on Amazon!

What do you think about the Twin Flame trilogy?

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Mystic~Melody Official Release Day

Happy Tuesday, blogospherians! Today is the official release day for Melody, book four of the Mystic series. I have some goodies for you all today! Get your clickin' finger ready. I'm gonna start off by giving you the cover, synopsis, and an excerpt (something I never do). Then, we'll get to the fun stuff! Ready? Let's go!

Title: Mystic ~ Melody (book four)
Author: Jo Michaels
Genre: New Adult Paranormal
Length: 120 printed pages
Amazon (Kindle): $3.99
Paperback: $8.99

Synopsis:
Melody Acworth sounds like an angel. If she's not careful, she'll become one soon. Enrolled in singing lessons at age seven, she took to the stage and began to get fan letters. Some were good, some were detrimental to her psyche.

When Melody sees magazines laden with beautiful girls, she begins to look at herself in the mirror and think she should look more like them. Her mind takes the cruel letters to a dark place and she stops eating altogether. Before long, she's in the clutches of death.

By the time Markaza, a mystic with purple hair and tattoos, shows up, Melody's on her last legs. It's either eat or die. Markaza works furiously to try and repair the mental damage done so she can get Melody to New York; where she must learn to use a power hidden deep within herself to save the world.

They're running out of time. As December 21, 2012 approaches at an alarming rate, Markaza's visions turn dark and foreboding. The creature grows stronger every day. Soon it will rise and destroy mankind unless all six women band together to fight it.

Melody must be saved or the world will be destroyed.

Now, an excerpt!

*****

Markaza leaned forward and put a hand on Melody’s knee. “I’m sorry that happened. I can only imagine how crushed you must’ve been.”

“It was horrible. The look in her eyes scared me more than anything. I still don’t know why that watch shattered.”

“To teach her a lesson.” Markaza’s voice took on a vicious edge. “Tell me about the letter.”

Melody chewed her lip. “What letter?”

“Don’t play dumb. The one you mentioned earlier.”

They locked eyes, and Melody felt like the information was being pulled right out. With a shaky hand, she reached into her back pocket and produced the worn paper. As she passed it over, she realized she must’ve folded it back up and replaced it after her run automatically. She shook her head.

As Markaza read the words on the page, her face contorted and her nostrils flared. When she slapped it down on her knee and curled her fingers into claws, Melody thought the girl was about to punch something.

“Who sent this to you?”

“I don’t know. It isn’t signed and the envelope didn’t have a return address.”

Markaza’s eyes roamed up and down Melody’s body. “Is this the reason you’ve done that to yourself?”

Saying nothing, Melody turned her head and peered out the window. She felt her stomach tighten so hard it made her toes curl.

They rode the rest of the way in silence.

When they arrived, Melody ushered her new friend straight upstairs from the foyer. There was no way Mom could find out the girl was there. Mom would flip out, and there was no telling what Markaza would do; she looked dangerous.

Melody pushed through the door, closed it, and turned the lock. She figured she was eighteen and there was no reason she couldn’t lock her door. Besides, if all went well, she’d be gone soon anyway. No locked doors was a bullshit rule.

Markaza was standing stock-still, staring at something.

“What?” Melody asked.

“You have a poster of Lily Conyers on your wall.” Markaza gestured to the huge ad taking up half the wall by the bed.

“Yeah? So?”

“She works for WSTW now.”

Melody’s mouth dropped open and she squealed. “Really? Do you think I could meet her if I go to work for them? I just love her! She’s sooooo beautiful!”

“You know what? I think that’s a pretty good idea. But you’re gonna have to work really hard to get well if you ever want to meet Lily. She’s pretty popular, you know.” Markaza was grinning, but it didn’t look like a happy smile.

Wolfish was the only word Melody could think of to describe it. A shiver ran up her spine. “So, umm, what do I need to take with me?”

“Just what matters most; things that can’t be replaced at a store. Don’t worry about a lot of clothes or shoes,” Markaza answered.

Melody opened a small suitcase on the bed and began throwing things into it. Most of what she decided to take had sentimental value rather than monetary: an old pocket-sized photo album, some jewelry she’d gotten as gifts from special people, a few outfits, and two pair of shoes.

A shaking of the door handle followed by a knock reverberated through the room, and Melody froze mid-stride.

“Melody? You better unlock this damned door right now!” Debra’s voice floated through the room, and her daughter moved toward the door as though pulled by some invisible force.

Markaza stepped forward and blocked the path. “Tell her you’ll be down in a minute.”

“I can’t. She’ll be so pissed!” Melody whispered. After a moment of silence, she relented. “I’ll be down in a minute, Mom.”

“No. You’ll open the door this very instant!”

Heat filled Melody’s body as her voice rose. “No! I’m not a baby. You’re done treating me like one! I said I’ll be down in a minute, and that’s what I mean.” She was trembling from head to toe; but, somehow, Markaza’s presence was providing strength.

“I’m calling your father!”

Melody groaned and put her head in her hands. “Now I’ve done it.”

Markaza grabbed the girl’s trembling arms. “Stop it. She won’t hurt you with me here. Get your stuff and let’s go.”

  

***** 

Now, on to the fun stuff!

First, there's a giveaway for four printed, signed copies going on over at Goodreads. You can enter here:

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Melody

by Jo Michaels

Giveaway ends October 01, 2013.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Here's an entry form for a Rafflecopter giveaway. I'm giving away two Kindle copies.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Both of these giveaways end on October 1, 2013.

But wait! There's more! More? How can there be more? Well, check this out:
Mystic~Bronya is FREE through Thursday over on Amazon. If you pick it up, please be kind and tweet about the freebie you grabbed or post it to Facebook.
Mystic~Lily has been REDUCED to $0.99!
Mystic~Shelia has been REDUCED to $2.99!

Mystic~Coralie will be releasing in the next month or so. If you click the name, it'll take you to an info page on my website where you can read all about it. ***HOT TIP*** You can also grab some great downloads from the FREEBIES page on my site. LOVE IT?

What are you waiting for? Get going and enter already! *happy dance*

While you're here, don't forget to check out the guest post from M.R. Polish that went live yesterday.

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

A Guest Post by M.R. Polish

Happy Monday, good people of the blogosphere! Today is guest post day! I hope you enjoy hearing from M.R. Polish, my UtopYA Con 2014 guest. As you know, a link to this post will be featured on the blog sidebar for the next seven days. I hope you enjoy!

Since this is a special blog post, I wanted to do something just a tad bit different than I have before. So, I thought why not give away some inside secrets or tid-bits about each book/series. You know, an anything goes post! Oh, and if you have questions about any character or story, I'd love to answer them!

The Wolf Trilogy - Wolf Spell, Wolf Dream, and the upcoming 3rd and final book -

 Wolf Spell took a year and a half to complete. I signed with a small pub house that closed two weeks prior to Wolf Spell's release. I had a mad rush looking for a cover designer and a formatter so it could release on time. I am proud that this happened and helped put me into the fabulous world of Indie Author! Wolf Spell was RE-written four times until the plot line was formed. Yeah, that was fun hahaha. In the beginning, I planned it so that Ian was someone who she hates, but when she actually met him, their chemistry made it hard to keep them apart. It definitely made things interesting, but worked out amazing because they are perfect for each other! (Sorry Jarak fans)



Wolf Dream didn't take near as long to release, but I also wasn't under a publisher this time to draw it. When I start a story, I like to just do it, get it done: write, critiques, edits, betas, edits, format, then publish. Wolf Dream was absolutely a lot of fun to write. I loved the new characters and enjoyed them immensely. Davin, (whom you will meet in this book) surprised me by being how he is. I love how characters take on their own personalities, and he really did that! I always plan a scene or character, but they tell me how or what they are/do. *Spoiler* I cried when a certain someone died. *3rd book spoiler* BUT that character comes back in book 3 so it's okay, it is not the end of them you will see ;) They will get their happily ever after too!


The third book (which is currently untitled) has some amazing action and magic that have filled the pages of the previous two, but this time someone else has magic too. (Read the 2nd book to see who lol) I am sooooo excited to share the last Wolf book with everyone! I even have a few surprises leading up to the release that if you are a fan of this series, you WON'T want to miss! You can sign up to be included in the special pre-release epic awesomeness here:


Ageless Series - Ageless Sea, Endless Shores (not yet released)

Ageless Sea, I planned for almost a year before I actually sat down to write it. I knew exactly what the story wanted to become, and I was so excited to create a new world with Syrenae (Mermaids) and twist in Greek Gods. This was the first book I saw the ending before I got there. Usually, they don't show themselves to me till the very end.

Things about this book that I freaking LOVE: Magical Tattoos, romance, Syrenae (Mermaids), Greek Gods (Mythology), and magic.

Endless Shores is a current work in progress but I have to say that since they are on this fantastical journey to find the God's, things are heating up! Between, love, hate, kidnapping, desire/passion, adventure and more of everything that I love in the 1st book, this is working up to be an AMAZING sequel!


Mysts of Santerrian Series - Mark of the Dragon, Untitled book 2

Mark of the Dragon was co-written by myself and my dad Bill Morgan. I can't tell you enough about this book to even dig into the secrets lol. Dragons are amazing and I knew for a long time (over a year) that I wanted to write a dragon book, but each time I started I couldn't get it to work right, so I did what all girls should be able to do, I went to my dad. "HELP!" lol... anyway, with his incredible talent and my fluffing skills, this book was created. A secret about this book is that there is more than meets the eye. hahaha. Yeah, there is so much more to their world than what you get to experience in the 1st book. The 2nd one, which is a current work in progress, and we promise we are striving for awesomeness that you all loved with this one, will have sooooo much more in it! We are very excited about what is to come and the excitement and adventure that is happening with the characters.

Change of Possession - a stand alone romantic suspense. 

The cover for Change of Possession has not been released. I am excited to show it off October 21, 2013!!! This stand alone romantic suspense is a new adult with intense twists that hopefully will leave you guessing. When I write romance, I don't do detailed sex scenes, that is not me. I do, however, write fade to black. - Inside secret - This one cut it close, and as my best friend said, "it made her blush", but I stand true to my fade to black scenes only. I am super excited to release this book November 3, 2013... which is right around the corner!!!

You can find M.R. Polish at the usual Stalking Grounds, aka, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon...

www.mrpolishauthor.com

Facebook

Goodreads

Twitter: @_MRPolish_

Amazon Author (also includes links to all books on amazon that are currently published)

About M.R. Polish

M.R. Polish was born in Idaho, a long, long, long, maybe not that long, time ago.... Writing has always been there for her. Growing up, her mind was filled with stories, some she shared and others she filed away to write down later in life. It wasn't until 2011 that she decided to publish her stories for everyone to enjoy. Her first award and when writing became more than just an idea was in the 5th grade. She won the scary story contest for the school newspaper. It is one story she still has tucked away for memories. Her teacher told her she could be anything she wanted and that she had a talant for writing, being creative and drawing people into her stories. M.R. took that to heart and continued to write, although mostly in secret until recent years.

Now you can find her enjoying life with her family - wrangling her four kids, setting traps in the house with toys for unsuspecting victims (aka, her husband) and writing down all her crazy and fun stories.


"Life is too short to stand by and watch everyone else live your dreams. The bigger the dream, the bigger the adventure!" ~ M.R. Polish

I hope you all enjoyed this tell-all guest post! If you have any questions, leave 'em in the comments below.

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Book Giveaway - Sixty Days of Grace by Dorothy Ruppert

Happy Friday, good people of the blogosphere! Tomorrow starts the weekend! I heard that sigh of relief. I'm right there with ya! Today I'm sharing with you all a giveaway we have running on the IBGW blog. It's for a printed copy of a wonderful book. Even if you aren't a religious person, you'll find this book a much loved read. I know I did. Enjoy! Rafflecopter entry form follows!

Introducing:
Title: Sixty Days of Grace: Reflections on God's Sufficiency for the Journey
Author: Dorothy Ruppert
Genre: Christian Inspirational
Pages: 136 printed pages
Amazon link: Paperback $10.58
Kindle $3.99

Description from Amazon:
In today's world, women desperately struggle to meet the unrealistic expectations of others and of themselves. Society tells women they can do it all, and yet they instinctively know they do not have the resources to accomplish all the demands placed upon them. Drawing on their own strength is not enough; in order to survive, women must draw on God. Sixty Days of Grace shares sixty stories from author Dorothy Ruppert, who has struggled through life and succeeded, only because of God's grace. This grace is the prevalent theme of the Bible. From beginning to end, the accounts of the lives of biblical figures demonstrate His eternal grace. However, in modern society His grace is often overlooked. There are many challenges women face as daughters of the King living in a broken environment. Ruppert has been there, as mother, grandmother, working woman, and retiree. Thanks to His grace, she found her strength. All women can do the same, with the power of God. It's time to turn away from self-sufficiency and lean on God's everlasting arm, because His grace is sufficient for the journey; His power is made perfect in human weakness.

It's a book you won't want to put down. But rather than a one-sitting consumption, the author suggests you read one chapter a day for two months. Besides, that cover is just lovely, isn't it?

Without further ado, the rafflecopter entry form!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, everyone!

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo

Limited Edition Covers for the Mystic Series

Happy Thursday, everyone! It's a nice, cool day here in Georgia and my printed proofs for Mystic~Melody arrived yesterday. We all know what I'll be doing with part of my day! On another note, I was looking at the stats for the blog and noticed I'm five posts away from four hundred. Maybe I'll cook up something special for that post! I did a little math, because I'm a curious sort (and you all know how long winded I am), and if I wrote a minimum of five hundred words per post, my blog alone is worth 197,500 words so far. My mind is blown.

Anywayyyyyy...

I know fans of my Mystic series will love getting to see the girls. So, while these covers will be released on the digital versions next year (after Markaza releases), I'm putting together some limited edition hardcover books for UtopYA Con that you'll only be able to get if you buy them off the table at the event. They won't be available in paperback until December 2014. Until then, this is all you get! I hope you love them as much as I do.

Anyone who's read the books, knows why the colors are what they are. If you haven't read the first three, you should go pick them up. I reduced the price of Bronya and Lily to just $0.99 each and the price of Shelia to $2.99. Melody will be $3.99 when it releases. Clicking on the names will take you to the buy page on Amazon.

You can enter to win a copy of Melody (with the tree and orb cover) over on Goodreads. There are four available so get your booties scootin'! Enter here. Coralie is written but needs some heavy editing. I'm aiming for a late October release. We'll see!

What do you think of the revamp? I'm eager to hear your thoughts.

Don't forget to check out the featured author this week. You can find M.R. Polish's interview here.

Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!

Jo