Wednesday, June 25, 2014

See How She Falls by Michelle Graves (Brandi's Review)






Summary:
Darkness is on the rise.

The prophecy has been called forth.

The Seer must fall.


Izzy knew she wasn't safe, the lingering runes told her that much. What they didn't tell her was how to lead the Council, stop the darkness, and keep everyone she loved safe.  


With irreparable changes brought on by Aberto's intervention, a relative she never knew existed, and a whole slew of horrifying visions assaulting her, will she be strong enough? Or will the darkness prevail taking her and everyone she loves down with it?

Book One: See How She Runs
Book Two: See How She Fights
Book Three: See How She Falls
Book Four: See How She Awakens (Coming late fall 2014)




Brandi's Review
Wow! It is going to take some time to wrap my mind around all that happened! Talk about a plot twist....never saw that coming! My heart and emotions felt every bit of this book. Anything more and I am afraid I will give things away. Just...wow! Izzy is finally stepping into her role, but what does that mean for her path in life? GO check it out now and be prepared to feel a huge amount of feelings as you follow Izzy, Kennan, Aberto, and the others! Beautifully written and completely enthralling.

Michelle gives us another 5 stars!


See How She Fights by Michelle Graves (Brandi's Review)




Summary:
She thought it was over.
She thought her life was finally her own.
She was wrong.

Izzy is thrust back into the world of Seers and Guardians. With a summons from the Council she can't ignore, Izzy heads back into the fray. Now, it is up to her to figure out why Seers are being sacrificed, carved up, and left for ruin. If she doesn't find the person orchestrating the deaths, she may well be next.

If that wasn't enough, her powers have started to expand exponentially. Kennan is keeping secrets. Moreover, a strangely familiar Symbol-smith starts wreaking havoc on her precariously balanced world.

Will Izzy survive this latest crisis? Will she stop fighting destiny and accept her fate? Find out in See How She Fights.

My Review:
Michelle Graves did it again! I thought I fell in love with Izzy and Kennan in the first book.... This just topped it even more! I love how much Izzy steps up to the plate as she is thrust into this crazy new world and the responsibility that has been placed on her shoulders. Also, talk about a cliffhanger! Oh my! I finished the book and immediately bought number 3! Now....excuse me while I get wrapped up in these characters again and lose yet another day ;)

Hands down another 5 stars!


See How She Runs by Michelle Graves (Brandi's Review)




Summary:
One delivery changed her whole life.

Izzy was a normal girl living in Chicago as a bike messenger before that fateful day. She delivered one package and set into action a chain of events she never could have expected.

Now she is running for her life from the Corporation, her best friend is not at all who he seemed, and to top it all off she keeps having visions.


Will she survive to navigate the waters as a Seer? Will her feelings for Kennan be her very downfall? Find out in See How She Runs.

Author's Note: Re-edited November 2013. Some sections have been rewritten to ensure the best story possible is made available.

The Chronicles of Izzy:
Book One: See How She Runs
Book Two: See How She Fights
Book Three: See How She Falls coming Summer 2014

My Review:
I normally don't lean towards this genre.... Or at least what I thought this genre was going to be like. I thought...great another vampire/paranormal...etc (sigh) along those lines kind of book. I am so glad that I decided to give it a chance because I was so wrong! I ended up falling in love with the characters and had to immediately buy the second because I couldn't stop thinking about the cliffhanger! There were a few grammatical errors that need to be cleared up and it would make this book perfect!

I gave it 5 stars!!!



An Author's Assistant (Short Story) by S.J. McMillan






 


                               Buy An Author's Assistant HERE! Only .99 at time of posting!

 

Summary:
Angela is assistant to and best friend of Chloe, an eccentric best-selling author. Angela flips when she finds out Chloe created a profile for her on a match making site and set up a date for her with hunky Dean.
Dean seems to have it all together. He seems to be the perfect match for Angela. His intentions are questioned though when Chloe sees something that maybe she shouldn't have. Angela has a choice to make, take the word of her best friend or her new lover.

Brandi's Review:
I came across this short story on a FB page for writers. It is an easy read. Very well put together. Even in the short amount of time we are given with Angela, you get a chance to like her and totally relate with her. There is also good comic relief with her best friend. Want a quick read? This is perfect for that! *Adult theme*

4 Stars!


Searching for Lady Luck by Patricia Kiyono

 
 
 
 

Summary:
Only seven years have passed since Rose Sheffield was a carefree college student, though it seems like a lifetime ago. Her father’s position at a major bank provided her with luxuries she took for granted. Now she works at menial jobs to support herself and her mother, and they live in what used to be their vacation home in Wildwood, New Jersey. Rose’s days are pure drudgery, until she meets Charlie. As luck would have it, she just happens to have the perfect place to display his artwork.

Before the Great Stock market crash of 1929, Charlie Brannigan was hailed as an up and coming artist in Manhattan. But now he’s back at his family home in Wildwood, delivering newspapers in the mornings and selling his paintings on the Boardwalk in the afternoons. He needs some luck in his life, and it seems every time a pretty lady named Rose appears, good things happen.

Brandi's Review:
I had the pleasure of receiving a free copy of this novella for review. I love things set in post depression era and light romance is always a plus for me. I have to say, this story can transcend time periods with its content and story line. I fell in love with Charlie and Rose. They were both well developed. I love how it didn't jump in your face as a romance and you see the sweet and tender love blossom. I worried, smiled, and even had tears in my eyes at the end. Looking for a short and sweet read that is sure to stick with you? Look no further!


I gave 5 stars!!



Intoxicating Passion: The Box Set by Felicia Tatum


 
 
 
 

Summary:
Journey with Korah and Dane in the Intoxicating Passion box set, as they battle their individual demons on the way to finding a way to care for one another.

Korah Daniels is a nineteen-year-old college student dealing with the aftermath of leaving an abusive relationship. After letting down her guard, she meets a sexy guy at a Halloween party, but quickly realizes her past isn’t as far gone as she hoped. Will she be able to run from her abuser? Will she continue to hold her heart dearly or will the mysterious Zorro find a way through?
Dane Davidson is the ultimate playboy, never sticking around for more than one night. When he encounters Angel Eyes, he discovers his heart isn’t as locked up as he imagined. The more he learns of her, the greater he desires her, and wants to protect her. Will Dane be able to let go of his past so he can have a future? Will Korah be the one who makes him want to change?

The five Intoxicating Passion novelettes take you along with Dane and Korah, as they face the answers to life’s biggest questions.



Brandi's Review:
I received a copy after winning a contest. I enjoyed getting to know Korah and Dane. It was nice to see the change and transformation between the 2 of them in their respective brokenness. I enjoyed watching their interest and romance grow. It was nice having both point of views as well.

I  gave 4 stars!


LOST One Pair of Rose Colored Glasses by Shay Ray Stevens



Summary:
Emily Swanson has finally married her knight in shining armor, but there's just one problem: she seems to have lost her pair of rose colored glasses.

Can Emily survive the first year of marriage without them? How can she endure the (mis)communication of hint language or the in-laws who forget to knock? Is it possible to still love a man who can't follow a shopping list? And how in the world did she end up with someone who won't cut down a Christmas tree?

Emily struggles to stay lovely and sweet while dealing with a late honeymoon, her husband's new puppy, and the newfound paranoia that everything makes her look fat. But with tricks from Mother and the Cult of Married Women (along with a whole lot of sass), Emily soon learns how to keep her sanity and carry on.

Kick off your heels, grab a glass of wine, and laugh along as Emily Swanson discovers the realities of life together in marriage that are quickly revealed when the rose colored glasses come off.


 Brandi's Review:

I won this book during a giveaway.
 
(Yep! This giveaway!)   
 
 
I wasn't sure what to expect from it, but let me tell you..... I absolutely LOVED it! I could hear it all going on in my head and visualize it. It had me thinking back to my time as a newly (nearly 12 years ago!) I remember so many of those conversations. My favorite part was when Emmy and Ben went to the store. She had her precise list. The shopping trip that ensued has happened to me on many, many occasions. I do my best, even now, to leave my hubby at home when it is shopping time! I sat down and read this story with ease. Check it out for a light hearted and fun read....and be prepared to laugh!



I give 5 stars!!!!!


This Little Piggy by Craig McGray (A Horror Short Story)

 
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Summary:
James wakes up with no recollection of how he ended up in a culvert full of corpses in the backwoods. He struggles to escape the confines of the pipe, and quickly realizes he should have stayed home that night. Here Piggy Piggy!



 Brandi's Review:
I can't decide if I like this short story or not. One one hand, I love the twist. James was a horrible man and deserved his horrible outcome. On the other hand, it fell a little flat for me and the ending just grossed me out. I felt it did up the weird factor, but not a horror kind of thing. I think with a better detailed story, it would have been wonderful. This short story just fell flat for me, but if you want to give it a try, click on the link and check it out. At only 12 pages, it is a quick read. 

I gave it 3 stars.

Circle in the Sand by Lia Fairchild

 
 
 
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Summary:
Four Friends. Four Different Paths. One Unwavering Friendship.
 
 
 
Four life-long friends bound by two decades of laughter, love, promises, and secrets. Once inseparable, the four grow into independent adults pursuing very different paths.


Sage, raised by career-driven parents, follows a carefully laid out future of success that leaves her wondering what she's missed out on.

Emily, the college drop-out, now has three children that have become her whole life. She's slowly lost herself, subconsciously seeking dangerous ways to cope. Can she find herself in time?

Jax always lived on the edge, skating through life with no apparent ambition, yet remained the energy and emotional cement of the group. She longs for her friends to accept her without trying to fix her.

Ned, Emily's twin brother, yearns to stand up and be counted. But his old loyalties and new feelings for one of the girls has him pulled in different directions.

Will the ties that held them together as kids be strong enough for them as adults? These four friends will discover the true meaning of friendship and unveil truths about themselves they never knew existed.
 





 

 
Brandi's Review:
I received a free copy in exchange for honest review.

A group of 4 friends have endured many of the trails and changes that come with life. Follow along with Sage, successful career woman who may have money, but feels like she is missing something special in her life; Jax, free spirit who has a big heart and big secret; Emily, Mommy over achiever who looks to be in control of it all, but is compensating behind closed doors; and Ned, twin to Emily and over all good guy who loves his "girls" and would do anything to help them.

Curl up and follow along as these friends realize they have drifted apart. Fall in love with each of them as they reconnect and learn that friendship can help overcome any obstacles you many face in life.

I give this book 4 stars!!!