Review: Rae of Hope by W.J. May

Rae of Hope by W. J. May


Publisher: Mitchell Morris Publishing, Inc

YA Fantasy

How hard do you have to shake a family tree to find out the truth about the past?

Fifteen-year-old Rae Kerrigan never questioned her family’s history. That is until she accepted a scholarship to Guilder Boarding School in England. Guilder is an exclusive, gifted school. Rae has no idea what she is getting herself into or that her family’s past is going to come back and taunt her.

She learns she is part of an unparalleled group of individuals who become inked with a unique tattoo (tatu) on their sixteenth birthday. The tatu enables them to have supernatural powers particular to the shape of their ink-art. Both of her parents where inked, though Rae never knew, as they passed away when she was young. Learning about her family's past, her evil father and sacrificial mother, Rae needs to decide if there is a ray of hope in her own life.

My thoughts:
This story has a little bit of a Harry Potter meets PC Cast feel.  


I like the characters.  They are widely varied, believable and easy to get attached to.  The storyline is both entertaining and engaging.  The story reads well and flows smoothly.  

This book is well written and I will be recommending it to the YA readers at the school where I work.  I can't wait for more in The Chronicles of Kerrigan.

Review: Just One Drop by Quinn Loftis

Just One Drop: Book three - Grey Wolves Series by Quinn Loftis

Amazon product description:
Jennifer Adams, best friend to Jacque Pierce and Sally Morgan, spicy, out spoken, a little crazy and human...or so she thought. Jen has just found out that human DNA is not the only thing that resides in her veins, she happens to share that little pesky werewolf gene, although it isn't more than just a drop. Now that she and her friends are living in Romania with Fane's pack, she is also oh so conveniently stuck with the object of her affection, the fur ball Decebel. Drawn to each other by something they don't understand Jen finds herself frustrated by the lack of mating signs between her and said fur ball. Not only is she dealing with that not so un-frustrating problem, she now has been informed that because of that little drop of werewolf blood in her she is now required to attended a multi-pack gathering for un-mated wolves. This type of gathering hasn't taken place in over a century but with a shortage of females among the werewolf population the males are getting worried they won't ever find their true mates. Meanwhile Decebel struggles with the emotions he is feeling towards Jen. He tries to keep his distance but there is just something about the mouthy blonde that keeps him coming back for more of her verbal abuse that he just can't seem to get enough of...go figure.

My thoughts:
This is one more fantastic installment in the Grey Wolves Series from Quinn Loftis.  I like it as much as I did books one and two and I am positive that I will like book four as much too. 

Quinn Loftis has brought those fabulous characters, that I have already fallen in love with and completely invested in, back for another round.  This story is Jennifer and Decebel's.  I have been eager for them to have their own story since the beginning so I was thrilled when they did.

This story is wonderful.  The writing is smooth and paced well.  The word choices and story line are thoughtful, intriguing and entertaining.  Emotional rollercoaster - this one had me laughing out loud - Jennifer and Decebel's reactions and interactions are somehow both heartfelt and hilarious - and on the edge of my seat - wondering if they would figure out their feelings for each other and if when they did figure it out if it would be allowed by the pack.

In this story you will find romance, mystery, deception, betrayal, love, loss, laughter, tears, friendship, heartache, honor, desire, loyalty and what it means to be family.  Don't miss out on this series.

Review: Starring into the Eyes of Chance by Kay Dee Royal

Starring Into The Eyes of Chance by Kay Dee Royal

Amazon Product Description:
Olivia endures a thirty-four year passionless marriage, discovering her dead husband’s philandering history at his funeral. She devotes her energy and life-long sensitivity with animals to her wildlife refuge and preserve.


Chance, a Lycan alpha and leader of the Lycan International Investigation Agency (LIIA) throws himself into his investigations. He chooses to neglect his duty of finding a primal-mate after watching his father become an empty shell over the loss of his.
A murderous rogue pack draws Chance onto Olivia’s wildlife preserve, sending Olivia’s animal sensitivities into overdrive. Chance and Olivia discover a sizzling force driving them together.

Will they succumb to its enticing tether, or fight to resume their loveless lives apart?
 
My thoughts:
This is a different shifter book than what I normally read.  I enjoyed the characters and the story very much, but there was a sexual element that was both unexpected and a little over the top for me.
     Olivia is a fantastic character.  She runs a wildlife preserve and has a sensitivity to animals which allows her to feel their emotions.  The fact that the main character is in her fifties was great, I think that will appeal to many readers.  She is strong and independent, liking the person that she is and the life that she has created for herself. 
     Chance is a wonderful character too.  He is what we all think of when we picture an Alpha; strong, attractive, sensitive, caring, protective.  The supporting characters too are easy to invest in and get attached to. 
     The story is well-written and well-paced.  The story was entertaining, although in my opinion, could have had less forced, degrading sexual experiences - - - I will however be looking for the next book in the series because I like the characters and can't wait to see where they go from here.
     I liked the ending, but was hoping for more about Trevor and Lindsey - perhaps they will be the next book. 

Blog Tour: Just One Drop by Quinn Loftis

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

I am so sorry Quinn - I am late with my post:(

Guest post by author Quinn Loftis!



Just One Drop Play List

All I Want Is You- U2

Alone In This Bed- Framing Hanley

Angel- Natasha Bedingfield

Apologize-OneRepublic

Ashes- Andy Brown

Be Mine- David Gray

Behind These Hazel Eyes- Kelly Clarkson

Bleeding Love- Leona Lewis

The Book of Love- Peter Gabriel

Bound To You- Christina Aguilera

Breathe in Breathe Out- Mat Kearney

Breathing- Jason Derulo

Brighter Than The Sun- Colbie Caillat

By My Side- Tyrone Wells

Colder Weather- Zac Brown Band

Complicated- Avril Lavigne

Crazy- Andy Brown

Cry- Jason Walker

Cut- Plumb

Down- Jason Walker

E.T.- Katy Perry

Echo- Jason Walker

Express- Christina Aguilera

F**kin Perfect- Pink

Fall for You- Secondhand Serenade

Far Away- Nickelback

Fight for Love- Elliott Yamin

Fight for You-Jason Derulo

Fix a Heart- Demi Lovato

For Your Love- Jessica Simpson

Forever- Firelight

Garden- The Outsiders

Give Your Heart a Break- Demi Lovato

Grenade- Bruno Mars

Haunted- Taylor Swift

Here Without You- 3 Doors Down

Hero- Enrique Iglesisa

Hold My Heart- Sara Bareilles

Holding On and Letting Go- Ross Copperman

Hurricane- Mindy Smith

Hurricane- 30 Seconds to Mars

I Don't Wanna Fight- Westlife

I Don't Wanna Let You Go- Ross Copperman



I Need You- Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

I Remain- Alanis Morissette (From Soundtrack of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time)

I Will Come to You- Hanson

I Will Love You- Fisher

I Won't Give Up- Jason Mraz

I'd Come for You- Nickleback

If Only I- Jon McLaughlin

In My Arms- Plumb

Irresistible- Jessica Simpson

It Girl- Jason Derulo

It Will Rain- Bruno Mars

Jar of Hearts- Christina Perri

Just a Kiss- Lady Antebellum

Just the Way You Are- Bruno Mars

Just to Hear You Say That You Love Me- Faith Hill

Keep The Streets Empty for Me- Fever Ray

Let It Go- Fauxliage

Lightning Crashes- Live

Lion- Andy Brown

Lovesick Lullaby- Andy Brown

Maybe- Ingrid Michaelson

More Time-NEEDTOBREATHE (Soundtrack from P.S. I Love You)

My Body Is a Cage- Peter Gabriel

My Love, My Enemy- Dave Barnes

Never Say Never- The Fray

The One I Love- David Gray

Only One- Alex Band

Paperweight- Joushua Radin and Schuyler Fisk (Dear John Soundtrack)

Perfect- Hedley

A Place Only You Can Go- NEEDTOBREATHE

Rolling in the Deep- Adele

Secrets- OneRepublic

Set Fire to the Rain- Adele

Shelter- Hedley

Show Me How You Burlesque- Christina Aguilera

Skyscraper- Demi Lovato

Sober- Pink

Someone Like You- Adele

Strip Me- Natasha Bedingfield

These Two Hands- Hana Pestle

This Years Love- David Gray

A Thousand Years- Christina Perri

'Til The World Ends- Andy Brown

Wait For Me- Theory of a Deadman

Wait for You- Elliott Yamin

Whatchya Say- Jason Derulo



When You're Gone- Avril Lavigne

Won't Turn Back- NEEDTOBREATHE

You and Me- Ryan Star

You Can't Break A Broken Heart- Kate Voegele

You'll Accompany Me- Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band

You've Got Me- Jillian Edwards

Your Call- Secondhand Serenade

Blog Tour: Awaited by Lynn Rush

This virtual book tour is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

You can see the entire tour schedule by clicking HERE.

You can read my review of book one: Wasteland by clicking HERE 

and my review of Awaited by clicking HERE.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour.

I am pleased to present Lynn Rush and Awaited.

About Lynn Rush:
Driven to write, Lynn Rush often sees her characters by closing her eyes watching their story unfold in her mind. Lynn Rush is a pen name that is a combination of two sources - Lynn, the first name of her mother-in-law, who passed away and Rush - since the author is a former inline speed skater and mountain biker. All of Rush's books are dedicated to Lynn, her namesake.

Rush holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master's degree from the University of Iowa. Originally from Minneapolis, Rush currently enjoys living in the Arizona sunshine by road biking nearly 100 miles per week with her husband of 15 years and jogging with her two loveable Shetland Sheep dogs.

Connect with Lynn online

 Catch the Rush: www.LynnRush.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LynnRushWrites

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LynnRush

 ~~~See you in the paranormal~~~

She has joined us today for this interview:

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

Including my college life? LOL. I was a waitress throughout college to make money, but after that I was a Mental Health Therapist, then an Escrow Officer and now I work part time at a bookstore. So, I’d have to say three. J

? How long does it take you to write a book?

It really depends on my circumstances and how freely the words are flowing. On average, I can produce a 75,000-word first draft in about two to three weeks.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

What a fun question. I’d have to say I love to write while nibbling on malted milk balls! Not Whoppers, mind you, but the gourmet ones from Sprouts that have about a half-inch of chocolate around the malted center. Okay, not a half-inch…but close!!

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

Anywhere and everywhere. I wake up with them, they slam into me while I’m exercising, or while out doing random things like grocery shopping or hanging out at a coffee shop. The key is to be open to them whenever and wherever. You just never know what you’re going to see, hear, or experience that might trigger an idea.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

I don’t, really. If I get a story in my head, it has to be written or I get a little…nuts. That’s why I like this quote so much:  “If I don’t write to empty my mind, I go Mad.” ~Lord Byron

? What books have most influenced your life?

Frank Peretti’s This Present Darkness. Love how he described his demons!

? What are you reading right now?

At the time I’m typing the answers to this interview, I am between books. But I just finished Descended by Blood, by Angeline Kace. I really enjoyed it.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Macaroni and Cheese (Kraft from the blue box!) and Malted Milk Balls. J

? What do you think makes a good story?

Characters. I just love them!! I’ll overlook minor plot issues and typos if I’m really engrossed in a character any day.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

This is a toughie because it changes as I find new authors, but there are staples and they include Richelle Mead, Rebecca Zanetti, Gena Showalter and PC Cast. They all create such strong characters I’m usually vested in them immediately. J

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Dogs
• Coffee or tea? Tea
• Dark or milk chocolate? Dark—ohhhhh—TIE, I love them both
• Rocks or flowers? Flowers
• Night or day? Day
• Favorite color? Blue (right now)
• Crayons or markers? Markers
• Pens or pencils? Pencils

 Thanks for having me here! This was GREAT fun!!

On to the books...

Awaited (Wasteland, #2) –Release Date May 2012

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/AAxAz4
Book Blurb for Awaited:
     Russell Leonard is a centuries-old Guardian who’s lost faith in his purpose. So when he’s charged with procuring the first female Guardian in over two centuries, he can only hope it’s the red-headed beauty who’s been haunting his dreams for months. And if it is, he intends to claim her as his. But when he finds his dream woman, Annabelle is mute and bears no Guardian’s Mark.
     He soon realizes she’s been tainted by an ancient evil. Russell must somehow release the secrets trapped within this delicate soul to help her tap into the only weapon powerful enough to silence a millennia-old demon—her voice.

Wasteland

Wasteland, #1

Available Now

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/k6NAZa  

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/pavzwE

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/pbigOg

Book Blurb for Wasteland:

 Bound by the blood contract his human mother signed four centuries ago, half-demon, David Sadler, must obey his demonic Master’s order to capture fifteen-year-old Jessica Hanks. But as he learns more about her, he realizes she may be the key to freedom from his demonic enslavement.

The only obstacle—Jessica’s distractingly beautiful Guardian, Rebeka Abbott. He must not give in to their steamy chemistry, or he will lose his humanity. But fresh off a quarter millennia of sensory deprivation as punishment for not retrieving his last target, he may not be able to resist temptation long enough to save what’s left of his human soul.

**Short Story**

Prelude to Darkness

Wasteland, # .5

Release Date May 2012

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/wnP9zi 

Book blurb for Prelude to Darkness 

For a slave, hope is a dangerous thing…

Margaret Rousseau dreams of freedom from a life of servitude. When a mysterious woman saunters into the servants’ tavern promising the impossible, Margaret dares to hope she could win the heart of the one man she has secretly coveted since she first wore a corset...The Prince.

Margaret desperately grasps for the opportunity to change her bleak destiny by placing faith in a woman who is not as forthcoming as she seems. Blinded to the stranger’s dark motives, Margaret surrenders herself to gain her heart’s desires. But her choice may bring forth a darkness that could destroy all she holds dear.

Blog Tour: Starring into the Eyes of Chance by Kay Dee Royal

This virtual book tou is presented by Bewitching Book Tours.

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on the tour.

It is my pleasure to feature:

Starring into the Eyes of Chance by Kay Dee Royal

Staring Into the Eyes of Chance

by Kay Dee Royal

Muse It Hot Publishing

Releasing March 2012

Book one in the LIIA Series (Lycan International Investigation Agency)
Featuring Werewolves, Paranormal Abilities, Explicit Love Scenes

Olivia swears off men until she meets Chance, a Lycan alpha. He ignites an undeniable hunger they can only sate together.

BLURB:
Olivia endures a thirty-four year passionless marriage, discovering her dead husband’s philandering history at his funeral. She devotes her energy and life-long sensitivity with animals to her wildlife refuge and preserve.
Chance, a Lycan alpha and leader of the Lycan International Investigation Agency (LIIA) throws himself into his investigations. He chooses to neglect his duty of finding a primal-mate after watching his father become an empty shell over the loss of his.

A murderous rogue pack draws Chance onto Olivia’s wildlife preserve, sending Olivia’s animal sensitivities into overdrive. Chance and Olivia discover a sizzling force driving them together.

Will they succumb to its enticing tether, or fight to resume their loveless lives apart?

Muse It Up Publishing: http://tinyurl.com/6rubdud
Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/7lhhx2z

Short Excerpt:

Where the hell is it?
Sharp prickles raced up Olivia’s spine as the deepest, longest, eeriest wolf howl she ever heard echoed through the forest. Her body froze and her fingers clung white-knuckled around the tranq rifle. A longer ominous howl answered. It came from the back side of the barn. She took a deep breath, stood up with gun ready, rounded the corner, and ran the length of the barn. Olivia paused for another breath before dashing around to the backside of the structure.
Nothing.
She stepped away from the building, intent on walking her yard perimeter, head pivoting in all directions, scanning the short grass and fallen leaves. Movement to her right alerted her too late as she pivoted
toward the motion. “Oomph!” She took a hit, like a truck slammed into her front side. A flurry of black and silver fur, claws, and teeth. She fell flat on her back, her head bouncing off the ground. The rifle flew from her grasp. No footfalls, no heavy breathing, but a pungent scent of musty dog fur lingered in the air.
Olivia lay there, afraid to move, afraid the wolf had just called in his pack.
 

 
Author Bio:


Kay Dee Royal writes paranormal and fantasy erotic romance—maybe because it's also her favorite genre to read! She pens tales with wild, rugged heroes and strong, intelligent heroines. She'll give them both a few shadowy secrets, making her stories intriguing and fun. She resides in Southern
Michigan with her family (her dogs, her cats, her caged husband... you get the idea) You can reach her at her blog and find the latest on her titles from her publisher, MuseItHot.

My sincere apologies to Kay Dee Royal, Bewitching Book Tours, and to my followers for being late with my post.