The Nano decision

So not very long since I was debating doing Nano this year. well I have finally come to a decision. I may be going completely out of mind but I have decided to participate.
Obviously I decided that finishing The Ondine, taking on extra hours at work and taking care of my three year old and doing book reviews wasn't enough to drive slowly insane and thought Nano would give me the extra push.

as luck would have it, I do have a story I want to write so at least that is one hurdle down. so for the next four days I will be fitting in as much as possible before Nano takes over. Hopefully this year I wont be up until the very early hours on the last day trying to reach the 50,000 word target, but I make no promises.

I will try and blog my progress but again that will all depend on my word count.

Review; The Pineville Heist by Lee Chambers

Seventeen year old Aaron stumbles into the aftermath of a five million dollar bank heist gone wrong. Hiding under a canoe, Aaron partially catches the murder of one of the robbers. In the chaos he sneaks away with the money and heads straight for the closest place of safety, his high school. Terrified, Aaron tells his shocking tale to Amanda Becker, his drama teacher, but it doesn't take long for one of the psychotic robbers to show up. In the locked down school the pair are relentlessly pursued in a quest to get the money back and wipe out the evidence.

My Thoughts
The Pineville Heist was an action packed mystery from start to finish. Just when I thought I had figured out the plot and the "who done it", I was thrown a curve ball that had me guessing and second guessing all over again. Brilliant.

Aaron was a typical teenage boy going about his daily life, he was lucky that he came from such a wealthy family but unlucky that his father was too busy bothering with his business to even care about Aaron. despite the wealth Aaron was level headed and despised his father for reasons that are clear in the book.

When Aaron stumbles upon a bank robbery he quickly needs to learn how to out smart his would be killers and stay alive not only does he need to protect his own life but that of his drama teacher  Amanda Becker too. unable to call for help as the the school is a no cell phone area there only choice is to fight there way out.

Aaron grew from a boy to man in this book as he fought against the robbers who wanted the money back and all evidence gone. That included Aaron, as long as Aaron knew what was going on he was threat and would need to be dealt with.

The characters were well developed, especially Aaron who I felt I really got to know and understand. 

A brilliant read by Lee Chambers and I am excited to hear this is going to be turned into a movie staring Booboo Stewart (Seth Clearwater from twilight) I cant wait to see how it translates to the big screen. if the book is anything to go by it will hit at the cinema

The Devil's Serum (Ramblings of the Damned Book #1) by Ashliegh Wolfgang

When Christian met the girl that would become the love of his life, he thought it was the most amazing thing that could ever happen. It wasn't even close to the most amazing thing that happened that day. Christian discovers he has become immortal after drinking from a mysterious silver flask. Is this a gift or a curse?

My thoughts 
The devils serum is a short story and reads like a journal, so the reader is thrown straight into Christians mind. His hopes, His fears, and above all his love for Corrine. 
Its easy to understand Christian and what makes him tick and understands the decisions he makes.

I especially enjoyed reading his fears about becoming immortal and the despair he felt over what would become of him, the story reading as a journal definitely help me understand all this better  I would like to have known more about what Corrine thought of him being immortal but then this book was about Christian not Corrine

Ashliegh does a brilliant job at bringing Christian to life, and kept me turning page after page, I read this is one day as I couldn't put it down, I found myself finding hiding places so I could read undisturbed  

A great short read and I am looking forward to reading the devils folly

you can find Ashliegh Wolfgang and his books on;
Goodreads,
Twitter,
Amazon and his
Website

The Essential Adoption Guide: Everything the potential adoptive parent needs to know by Iain Dickinson, Rebecca Maxfield

This booklet has been written to give you an understanding of adoption, the assessment process and how you may be 'matched' with the right child for you. In this booklet, you will find the answers to the most commonly asked questions and misconceptions about adoption.

We will also look at the difficulties in the adoption process and the problems you might face. In reading this booklet, you will be given information on how adoptions break down, why they do so and what you can do to prevent it happening. Although this sounds ominous, by showing you what can go wrong, we can equip you with the tools to help everything go right. 

This guide is based on the experience of many adopters and assessing social workers. In this booklet, you will find real life case studies, simple guidance, practical tips and other useful information. We have included a glossary of useful terms to help you cut through the ‘social worker-speak’ to find out how the adoption process will work for you.

In reading this booklet, you will hear from social workers, adopted people and others to gain an understanding of:

· How adoption works 

· Your assessment and what the social worker is looking for

· Tips on becoming more involved in your assessment 

· Getting the right child for you

· Legislation

· Potential pitfalls

My Thoughts
I know this is definitely not the sort of book I would normal read, but I was interested in this as I have a few relatives that are adopting or have adopted. 

I found this informative and helpful, learning all the steps involved in the adoption process and the statics involving children that are put in care. I feel I am more able to understand what my relatives are going through with each step they take and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to adopt I will certainly be recommending it to my relatives.

not only does it outline the steps that will be taken it also suggest ways to make the process easier on all involved and how to make sure you and the social worker, work together and all relevant information is made aware to the social worker

What surprised me the most was when the booklet discussed the type of people that can adopt and was pleased that the range of potential adopters can be quite large that, age, race gender and sexuality and marital status are not an issue, emphasis is placed on the child needing a caring  secure loving home. 

I also feel I  understand my niece better who is also adopted as the book explains the effects to children in care

Review; Fade (The Ragnarök Prophesies #1) by A.K. Morgen

What do you do when you realize nothing in your life is what you’ve believed it to be?

When Arionna Jacobs loses her mother in a tragic accident, her world is turned upside down. She’s forced to leave her old life behind and move in with her father. 

Dace Matthews, a teaching assistant at her new college, is torn in two, unable to communicate with the feral wolf caged inside him.

When they meet, everything they thought they knew about life unravels. Dace has intimate access to Arionna’s mind, and something deep within her fights to rise to the surface. They don't understand what's happening to them or why, and they're running out of time to sort out the strange occurrences around them.

Their meeting sets an ancient Norse prophesy of destruction in motion, and what destiny has in store for them is bigger than either could have ever imagined. Unless they learn to trust themselves and one another, they may never resolve the mystery surrounding who they are to one another, and what that means for the world.

My Thoughts
I think I have found a new favourite series, and a new boy book crush. I love Dace. okay so he might a bit possessive and protective but he is struggling with his feelings and struggling with who he is. he as no more answers than Arionna does but together they need to discover the truth about there connections and who they are

Arionna is a strong girl, still reeling with the death of her mother she then as to cope with all the crazy stuff happening to her, She handles Dace well and even handles his wolf who Dace is disconnected with.
Dace keeps the wolf caged inside, scared to let him out, scared of what could happen if he did but he struggles even more when Arionna is around, his wolf wants Arionna as much as Dace does which makes him all the more possessive of her. I liked that Dace was a shifter and not a werewolf it meaning that this book is different to other wolf type books I have read the Norse mythology also added a different dynamic to the story


I loved the Norse mythology in this book and so much is explained as the book goes on to explain the instant connection between Arionna and Dace.

Dace is a complicated character mainly because of his struggles with his wolf. he is an Alpha shifter and also as some control on normal wolves I did love the scenes when he was interacting with the wolves.
although he keeps himself mainly to himself he would lay his life down for those he cares for and would do what ever he can to protect them and there family.

Arionna's dad was a cool guy, he loves and understands his daughter realising she is an adult (19) he treats her like one and because of this they have a great relationship. 

This book kept going at a good pace, hardly giving me a moment to put it down, I had to be careful to only read once my son was in bed for fear of being neglectful, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series 

find out more about the author and her books on;
Goodreads
Twitter
Amazon and her
Website

Review: Reflection by Nadia Kim

Jessica Hamid thought she put her past behind her when she finished college. With her dream job in hand she was set. That is, until she started working at Teen Savvy and found herself a true fish out of water. Surrounded by people who looked like models, Jessica began to feel her insecurities rushing to the surface. And everything any mean kid had teased her about slapped her in the face.

With a mean boss and a meaner coworker who scrutinize her down to the color nail polish, Jessica starts to rethink her career choice. To make matters worse the outgoing photographer Mark Craig swoops in with his alluring charm and confuses things even more.

This story is Jessica's journey. The roller coaster of emotions she feels and the difficulties she faces with conflict around every turn. Will she stay and find happiness at her job? Will Mark wiggle his way into her heart, creating a nest of comfort. Or will Jessica's world come bearing down on her and smash her to bits?



My thoughts
Reading this blurb you could be forgiven for thinking this would be an office romance book, but this is so much more. I already knew from the author that this book had a fantasy element although there is no indication to that in the blurb. To begin with I did wonder about what the fantasy element would be. Then Jess started having very vivid dreams and just like that I was hooked.

Jess is an insecure young woman who as had a life time of ridicule she then lands a job working for teen savvy, although its her dream job her insecurities resurface as she as to spend each day been looked down at by her boss and colleagues  when Mark Craig shows interest in her she is reluctant to let her guard down and trust him. He spends his days around models, what would he want with Jessica?

Her insecurities put her in more danger than she could ever imagine. even sleeping is dangerous. Jessica is a dream walker. her soul astral projects to an alternate universe while she sleeps. it is here she mets Angela and quickly forms a bond with her, but Angela warns her how much danger she is in. Jess needs to mend her soul if she is going to be able to save herself.

A compelling read, with characters I could empathise with demons that where truly terrifying and a guy that made me want to swoon oh and not forgetting the hot Italian  I really enjoyed this story, very different to a lot of the fantasy books I have read lately. the end left me wondering if they will be a book two, if there is I will definitely be reading it.

To NaNo or not to NaNo

With only seventeen days left to go this is a question I am still asking myself. I just cant decide if I should partake in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) or not this year.

Last year was my first year and I was over the moon when, with only hours to go I reached the 50,000 words and became a NaNo winner and had finally finished my first ever novel Forest Falls.
It took me a while to go back and look over what I wrote, despite needing a heavy edit its not a bad story and I believe it can be salvaged.

At the minute though I have been busy writing The Ondine, I am loving writing this story and I am roughly halfway through the first draft and have been sending chapter at a time off to be critiqued and so far feedback is good.

I am hoping that by the time the 1st of November comes round I will have completed the first draft of The Ondine and will have even done some of the first round of edits.

the question is do I take a break from The Ondine and throw myself into NaNo for a month and write a whole new story. Or do I keep on with the edits. Hmm decisions, decisions.

Rematch (The Vortex Series, #1) by Janine Caldwell

In REMATCH, Cassie and Trent’s worlds are about to collide, but not in the way you might normally expect. After a rocky start to their senior year, Trent is determined to hide from Cassie how their lives are supernaturally linked. But when Cassie’s past continues to torment her, she’s soon looking to Trent for answers. Trent must choose between admitting what he is and his role in her past, or running away from her forever.

My Thoughts

I loved this book. Now let me tell you why. Cassie  is such a lovely girl, shy, vulnerably and self concious  but lovely. from the moment we are introduced to her I was drawn to her, it was like reading about a prettier version of myself in high school. When she first meets Trent the new boy at school who goes by the name of Jeremy she is instantly drawn to him, unaware that he is the boy that saved her life during the tennis tournament when she was younger, Trent recognises her as it as only been days as oppose to years for him since he "Time jumped" and promises his sister he will keep his distance,they don't want to risk been recognised as there are those who are interested in Trent's unique gift, but its a promise he struggles to keep as he starts to feel things for Cassie he as never felt and feels the walls he as built around him self to keep people out start to crumble. 

I was pulled right into the story and had quite a few late nights as I read "Just one more page, Just one more chapter" E.t.c

The romance between Trent and Cassie is every high school girls dream, its once in a life time stuff that the rest of us only dream of, or take great pleasure reading about.

I was so not expecting the ending and I am definitely left wanting to read more about these characters , I felt like I got to know each of these characters like close friends and cant wait to read more and see what happens next in Double Fault

Janine as wrote a flawless and unique time travel, romance story.

DOUBLE FAULT is the 2nd book in The Vortex Series and is now available

The importance of the right critque

As I look over my latest feedback on the Ondine I cant help but laugh. don't get me wrong I take my writing and feedback seriously and I am aware as much as anyone else that my grammar and punctuation leave a lot to be desired, which is where Lyn comes in. Not only does she check for character, plot holes and continuity she also checks my grammar and punctuation and I will eternally grateful for her help.
Her style of critiquing is brilliant. When I first saw all the red comments I was a daunted and for a moment I was transported back to school. But her comments quickly put me at ease and actually made me laugh.
I think its important to find the right person to critique. For some they may prefer a more straight forward critique with no humour for me though it makes enjoyable and although as I have said  I am serious about my writing if I don't have fun while doing it what's the point.
Maybe as time goes on my grammar and punctuation will get better, though I might have to put intentional mistakes in just to read Lyn's comments ;-)

The important thing is to find the right person for you. I got to know Lyn through the wonders of social media and emails and already knew she had the same sense of humour as me and I am glad it comes through on her feedback. I think that's great advice for anyone wanting someone to critique or Beta make sure first you connect with the person in question so you wont be surprised when the feedback starts coming.

Bitch Hollywood is FREE

For today, tomorrow and Friday (10-12 October) Bitch Hollywood is free for kindle. follow the links to get your copy now!!!!!!!

AMAZON UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bitch-Hollywood-ebook/dp/B0092FW64M

AMAZON USA http://www.amazon.com/Bitch-Hollywood-ebook/dp/B0092FW64M

click to read my Review and to see the Trailer

Bitch Hollywood  by Robert Bryndza  and Ján Bryndza

Filip, a young Eastern European guy arrives in Los Angeles to follow his dream and become a Stylist to the stars. At first Hollywood is a shock, moving from a down to earth comfortable life in London into the cut-throat world of Tinseltown.

A stroke of luck first meeting leads to a job with fading movie star Veronica Madison. Soon Filip is pulled into the dark and hilarious world she inhabits, surrounded by the famous (and infamous) residents of the Hollywood Hills.

Filip faces a dilemma, should he leave his morals behind and become one of them; rich, successful, corrupt? Or should he choose happiness and return to the love of his life he left back home in London.

Remember, you always have a choice…

Entangled (Spellbound #1) by Nikki Jefford

Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.

Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-four hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.

The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.

Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.

***Entangled is a young adult paranormal fantasy romance suitable for ages 15 and up.***

My thoughts

I loved this book so much I don't know where to begin.
First off I loved Graylee, right from the first page strong and witty and wont take things lying down.
When Graylee awakens 2 months after dying in her sisters body she is suddenly flung into a life she never expected. I loved watching Graylee bludger through the day as "Charlene" and better yet the self centred  charlene having to put her life right. I really relished the the things Graylee did to screw up albeit unintentionally. Part of me wishes that Graylee really did do some damage to her sisters life not that I am a spite full person but I really disliked charlene

On her search to finding a way out of her predicament she enlists the help of the very hot and mysterious and of course a swoon worthy bad boy Raj whose hard exterior is breeched when he he begins to fall for Graylee.

But time is running out and as Graylee learns more truths about her sister and what she is really capable of she realises that her and Raj must hurry to disentangle her from her sisters body. 

I loved the whole story line of twin witches sharing one body each only been around every other day especially when the twins are so different. Charlene is slutty, bitchy and self centred mean girl Graylee is sweet, smart but tough. The story had me laughing out load in places but in others I found it very touching. I of course loved the whole witchy element too. try as I might I cant make myself invisible or dress in a snap of my fingers.
 I also enjoyed reading the story from Raj's point of view on Graylee's "days off" 

the characters where engaging and believable and the plot flowed well and I cant wait to read the next in the series 

Seeds of change

As autumn is upon us and the leaves are changing from luscious green to burnt orange, rusty red and yellow it appears there are not the only changes happening in my life.
The biggest change although perhaps not too interesting to you is my son starting Pre school. I know this may only be exciting/nerve wrecking to me but it doesn't seem two minutes since I was running down the street to see my best friend waving a stick with a blue line on it. I did at least tell my partner first but hey, it was exciting moment and now well it feels like I blinked and he grew up. Of course this now means I have to work more hours as I have no reason to stay home now.

the other change is the title to my current WIP. I originally named it graffiti only because it was graffiti that gave me the inspiration. It as taken me a while but I have finally settled on a new name. are you ready.....

The Ondine is now the title of my WIP

Right I've said it now so I cant change it. I now just need to work on my synopsis as the one I originally wrote isn't quite what the story is about any more but I cant change everything at once. I will work on that while the lovely Lyn from the sunny side of the street blog is doing the critique for me.

Bitch Hollywood, Book trailer

Check out the new Book trailer for Bitch Hollywood by Robert Bryndza and Jan Bryndza. You might even see a quote from my review of the book :-)  

check out my Review of bitch Hollywood and Interview with Rob

Fey Touched (Fey Touched #1) by Erin Zarro

Two sisters.

Asha is the Queen of the Fey, genetically engineered immortal humans who feed on human souls to survive. But she's running from her people. When she is found by her enemy, one of the Hunters of the Fey, she expects to die. Yet he's oddly intrigued by her, and Asha finds herself falling in love with him, hoping she can find safety and the home she's been seeking. Then she's kidnapped, and everything changes.

Fallon is a Hunter. She's looking for her long-lost sister, using an addictive drug to search through the stream of time. Her addiction leaves her dangerously exposed to her enemies but, consumed by her search, she doesn't care...until her fellow Hunters start dying from a mysterious illness. She is torn between duty and desire, and must find an answer before they all die.

What Fallon doesn't know is that Asha might just be the key to saving them all, if only she can find her.

And time is running out

My thoughts
As soon as I read the blurb for this book I couldn't wait to read and I am so glad I did. Erin does a great job at character and world building. I felt like I got to know all the characters personally and as the story unfolded I was right there with them.

The Fey touched are immortal but when they suddenly start mysteriously dying Fallon most work to find a cure  unaware that Asha, the sister she as being searching for could be the one to save them all, if only she hadn't being kidnapped by the magi.

it is a race against time as Fallon while fighting her addiction to faerie dust and fighting withdrawal symptoms tries to rescue her sister and save her people and the man she loves.

I loved this story it was original and well written I loved the relationships between the characters  The Fey touched are more than just friends there family. I enjoyed watching the relationship between Fallon and Declan grow.

I have to say I loved Pixie though. Joe's dog and familiar she was just so loveable. 

Asha and Joe where also a great couple to read as there overcame obstacles to be together and not caring that being Fey and Fey touched they should by rights hate each other but neither can ignore the inexplicable pull they feel for each other.

A great read and I cant wait for book 2

you can find the author Erin Zarro and her books on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and her Website