Born in Blood by Alexandra Ivy

Book Description:

In a stunning new series, Alexandra Ivy lures readers into the dark, seductive world of the Sentinels—humans outcast by their hidden abilities, treading the line between life and death, good and evil, pleasure and pain…

In The Heart Of Darkness

Sergeant Duncan O’Conner has seen it all before. Beautiful erotic dancer, murdered at home, no suspect, no motive. But there’s one clue: she’s missing her heart. It’s enough to make the hard-bitten Kansas City cop enlist the help of a necro—one of the dead-channelling freaks who live in the domed city of nearby Valhalla. It’s a long shot, but desperate crimes call for desperate measures.

Lies The Kiss Of Death

Unlike the other “high-bloods” in Valhalla, Callie Brown considers her abilities a gift, not a curse. But when she reads the dancer’s final thoughts, she senses a powerful presence blocking her vision. This is no ordinary homicide. This is the work of a legendary necromancer who controls souls. A ravenous force that will put Callie’s skills to the test, O’Conner’s career at risk, and both their hearts on the line…literally.

My Thoughts:

Duncan is a cop who is good at what he does, and right now he is investigating a murder.  Unlike most of the officers he works with, Duncan doesn't have a prejudice against the freaks/high bloods...well not as much of a prejudice.  He is more than willing to let Callie Brown come in and see if she can see the victim's last moments with her gift.  Duncan has had many sleepless nights dreaming about Callie and what all he would do to/with her, but she doesn't even seem to know he is a man.  Callie can't see the last moments of the woman's life.  Instead she is blocked by a powerful, creepy man whose plans put them all at grave risk.

I completely loved Fane.  His interaction with Duncan was priceless.  Duncan doesn't like the idea of anyone but him being bonded to Callie and Fane being her protector, the testosterone in the air is thick!  Fane and Callie's bond was so strong and they were a really great team.  I really liked that Duncan wasn't exactly what he appeared to be.  The bad guy was beyond creepy with his abilities and plans.  I was thrown a little by the twist toward the end because I was focused on something else entirely!  The story was good and the scenes between Duncan and Callie were hot!

I rate this one a steamy 4/5.  I was a good story with great chemistry. 

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**Contains adult content/situations**

No One to Trust by Lynette Eason

Book Description:
Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover story?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

My Thoughts:
Kyle Abernathy isn't exactly who his wife thinks he is.  She learns this when she wakes up and a man is pointing a gun at her.  From this man, she learns Kyle isn't even her husband's real name and that he is mixed up in some serious business.  Kyle/David knew the one thing Summer never wanted him to do was lie to her.  Now that the truth is out there and she is dragged into the middle of the danger, his lies may tear them apart but he knows he has to keep her safe.
I liked Summer.  She was a caring, strong, loving woman.  She could also hold a grudge pretty well.  Her anger when she learns Kyle is really David and has lied to her is palpable.  You can't blame her but at the same time, she has to trust him for her and her sister's life to be safe.  I liked Kyle.  It was easy to understand why he couldn't tell her everything and you could see that he wanted to.  The supporting characters were great, all developed well and realistic.  There was some romance in here but it was more trusting God and working through issues than 'falling in love' romance.  
I rate this a 4/5.  It was good suspense and you weren't sure 'who done it' until the end.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Author Interview of James Shelley

Q. Tell us about yourself…

I was born in Los Angeles, but my family moved to Toronto when I was eight years old. My father's family is from the United States and my mother's family is Canada. Even as a very young person, I can still remember being wholly intrigued by the cultural differences between the two sides of my family -- though I obviously had no idea that the word 'culture' even existed then! Growing up in a very religious home also taught me about the intimate and powerful influence that beliefs can have in a person's life. As I grew up I began to realize how much culture and belief had shaped my understanding of the world, and it began to dawn on me that everyone -- regardless of their specific creeds and customs -- were shaped by their own heritage too. And that sparked my curiosity. How do other people see the world? How do they understand the nature of truth? In my twenties the whole world suddenly became a huge invitation to learn.

Q. What genera do you write and why?

My genre is a quirky amalgamation of historical journalism, meditative poetry, and scientific nonfiction. It's an endless dance between rationality and empiricism. It's like mixing a love for rock-solid evidence with a willingness to learn from any hypothesis. When I research a topic, I simply let my curiosity take the lead, and the words to capture the ideas morph into whatever stylistic form they need. Whether narrative, prose, or poetry, my first interest is in presenting compelling ideas. Concept first, genre second. Ideas lead, form follows. The writing format is subservient to the idea. Presenting an engaging portal to the idea is the main priority. The genre is impossible to pen sometimes: stanzas and APA citations are allowed to collide into one another.
Q. Tell us about your book….
This is the most recent addition to an ongoing compilation of reflections, brought together under the broad theme of 'compelling and provocative ideas'. It includes sixty readings that span the arts, sciences, and humanities. It is intended for people who love coming across new perspectives. The vigorous, interdisciplinary approach provides some new routes and a compass to anyone who is looking for new discoveries.

Q. What was your inspiration for this book?

A recurrent thread throughout the diverse range of topics is the relevance of 'today'. The book asks: "How do our ideas about the world shape our experiences of living the next twenty-four hours? If we change our ideas, do we change our lives?" I'm perennially fascinated by the question, "So what?" The inspiration for this book is the fact that each one of us are just one out of billions to experience conscious life on this great planet: what ideas and thoughts did those other folks have about being human? If we wrestled with some of their ideas, would our lives be the better for it?

I remember one day, many years ago, listening to a lecture (on an audio cassette; age: demonstrated) while driving home from college. The lecture was about Søren Kierkegaard's theories on the nature of time. I was astounded. I think it was one of the earliest moments that I can consciously remember thinking to myself, "I have never, ever, ever, evening imagined of thinking this way before!" Even though the lightbulb-in-the-head analogy is painfully overused, that's exactly what it was like! In an instant, I suddenly realized there was not just one way of looking at the world, but millions of different perspectives. Peering through those new perspectives became an obsession. To this day I am still helplessly intrigued and mesmerized by those moments I encounter new ways of thinking.

I would trace the inspiration for the whole Caesura Letters series back to this animating discovery: the discovery that endless new discoveries await. If I can contribute anything through writing, my hope is that the Caesura Letters introduces someone else to this exciting realization as well.

Q. Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?

I constantly feel like I'm pushing the boundaries of what I should be allowed to write about. For instance, I do not have any formal science education, so the envelop of my research must always stay a few steps ahead of my writing. This is the cause of perpetual trepidation. What if I fall behind? What if I mess up an obvious scientific fact? That said, a little bit of fear goes a long to motivating rigorous effort. I try to leverage my ignorance to inspire my own learning.

Q. What project(s) are you currently working on?

I am presently working on the next book in the Caesura Letters series. Now that I am this many volumes in, I can begin to see some very interesting threads and broader themes emerge that I expect will one day warrant more focussed investigation. For now, however, there are no other specific plans in place other than to continue to build upon where the periodical has come thus far.

Q. Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?

I absolutely love public libraries. They are definitely my favourite place for research and writing. Furthermore, I think libraries represent something important a culture's values: they are public institutions that reflect a society's commitment to informal, self-directed education and self-betterment. Of course, none of us can force each other to become anything we do not want to be, but when we collectively pool our resources (i.e. pay taxes) to fund public libraries we are declaring that we cherish the establishment of a place where all people (regardless of socioeconomic status) are invited to the pursuit of knowledge. I find libraries incredibly synergistic places to work.

Q. Do you have any advice for writers out there?

To be entirely honest, no. If I was to give one piece of advice, it would probably be this: stop looking for advice. Sure, there are terrific books on writing out there, but when do you stop reading about writing and actually start writing? Truth is, no amount of reading about writing will help write one single word -- you just have to do it. The "writer advice industry" is almost like a vacuum: I fear that the more time you spend reading about writing, the less time you will spend actually writing.

Q. Where can we find you?

jamesshelley.com
twitter.com/jamesshelley
facebook.com/jamesshelley

Q. And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? (your website, publisher, amazon, etc)

caesuraletters.com

Keep Breathing by Alexia Purdy

Book Description:
‘The past doesn't define me. It's just a place I've been.’

Seth Kingston is back in town with years of regrets. Regrets for the way he left things with Penny, the hurt he caused her, and the future they could have had together. He had his reasons and now all he wants is to make amends and have a second chance at love. 

But Penny wants no part of what he’s offering. She’s accepted that life is hard, love is an illusion, and you can’t trust men. Especially men named Seth Kingston. And yet… he’s so tender with her. He’s patient, and caring.

Is it possible that he’s changed? Can they really try again?

The past has a tendency to embed its vicious talons deep into a heart, never to let go again. Penny has enough tragedy to last lifetimes and isn’t willing to let anyone scale her walls.

Can real love survive anything, even an unforgiving past?

My Thoughts:
This was a sweet romance!  Penny and Seth were perfect together, or so she thought.  Then he broke her heart and left her hurting.  That was six years ago and now he is back and wants her to give him another chance.  Penny doesn't want to even consider taking him back.  He shattered her heart and there is no way she could ever trust him again...right?  Problem for her is he is the same and yet different.  He is strong, sensitive, caring and just the whole package!  Can she forgive him enough to see if they have a future together?
I liked how Penny was capable and strong, but she had her flaws.  Like most of us, she settled in a job and that was it.  She took no risks, hadn't fulfilled her dreams in the least and wasn't dating at all.  Seth wants Penny because she was the only one he ever loved.  A lot changed and happened in his life but that never has.  I loved how persistent he was, even tracking her friend down.  Oh and Penny's best friend is wonderful!  She is going to do what is best for Penny, regardless of what even Penny says/thinks.  
This was a 4/5 for me.  I loved the sweet romance.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult situations/language**

Savor by Kate Evangelista

Book Description:
Mature and explicit content. Not recommended for readers below 18-years-old. Yup, you've got to be that old to read my story. Consider yourself warned.

I’m Dakota Collins, a tough talking, eye patch wearing, workaholic photography student. Why am I important? Well, maybe because I get to spend an entire month with Vicious, only the sickest indie rock band out there.

You see, I needed a subject for my Spring Showcase introspective in order to graduate. During a chance encounter at a club I’d been sent to cover for the Daily Gossip, our ironically named college paper, the features writer I usually teamed up with introduced me to the band—by accident, I might add. It involved a run in with a scary, bald bodyguard. Anyway, long story short, I signed a contract to take pictures of Vicious.

I should have known their handsome yet way too serious for his own good bassist, Luka Visraya, wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself. He’s gorgeous and all, but the way he smiles spelled trouble with a capital L. I’m in for a long month with him around.

Crazy shit happens and then some. So, if you want the skinny on Vicious and the events revolving around my stay at Lunar Manor, read my story.

Again, refer to the warning above.

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book!  Dakota is a photographer with an eye-patch.  For her final project in school, she must do a photo spread that captures the essence of something/someone.  While photographing the opening of a new club, she meets Vicious.  They are the biggest band out there and she wants to photograph Luka for her introspective.  The thing is, after shooting the band at the opening, she decides she wants to do her introspective on the WHOLE band.  Now she is living with them and trying to contain her feelings for Luka.
Oh I have so wanted to see these characters again!  They are different from when I first met them but oh still so wonderful.  I liked Dakota.  She was determined, talented and almost fearless.  I am interested in her dreams and want to know where all that stems from.  Luka is sensual, hot-tempered, and well just HOT.  I loved seeing Dakota's view of the band.  They really are a unique group and loved the descriptions of her photos!  I would love to see those in real life.  I also really liked how Dakota didn't overly coddle Luka.   When he acted like a child, she told him so, but at the same time, she was completely pulled to him and couldn't resist.
I rate this a 5/5.  I cannot wait to read the next one!

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

**This book contains adult themes, situations, and language.**

Author Interview Joseph M. Rinaldo

AW: Tell us about yourself… 

I live in Nashville, Tennessee, with my wife and daughter. We like to go boating as a family, and I jog to stay fit. My daughter has Down syndrome and competes in Special Olympics powerlifting, bowling, and basketball. I'm an assistant basketball coach and helper "coach" for powerlifting. My arms are so tiny they make Barney Fife look strong. 

The actual impetus for me to begin writing came while I was reading Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks. When I got to the part where he received a million-dollar advance, I thought, “Holy cow! He’s a good writer, but I know I can do this, too.” I’ve been writing since that day in 2004.

As for my writing career, I have published three other books that are available on Amazon. A Spy At Home is a memoir of a former spy who near the end of his career comes to the realization that his life's work of promoting rebellion in third-world countries for American interests was a waste. Out of bitterness, he steals over nine million dollars on his last mission. The money was meant for a pro-American rebel group in an impoverished country. His retirement is spent learning what he missed at home with his family and wondering if the CIA will figure out he has their money. Hazardous Choices describes the difficulty a young man has trying to fit in during his first year of college. In Chicago he was a gangbanger with the vicious Neptune Knights, and in a small Kentucky town where he received a scholarship to play division two football, he tries to fit in with the other students. His understanding of the world doesn't make much sense in this environment. A Mormon Massacre tells about a young man in his early twenties who had been raised hating the Mormon church. To fight what he believes is a cult, Jeremiah goes undercover as a convert to rescue women from abusive plural marriages.

 AW: What genera do you write and why? 

This book falls into the Romantic Thriller genre, but I hope it's more dynamic than is described by those two words. Hopefully readers will finish a scene where something goes wrong for Valerie and think about how they might handle the same situation. At one point Valerie and Franco feel like they just don't have any good options. That leads them to make extreme choices. What would have to happen in your life for you to commit a felony? How bad would things have to be? That breaking point is the driving focus of Valerie's Retreat. 

AW: Tell us about your book…. 

Valerie's Retreat puts Valerie's crisis management skills on display. You'll get to know her pretty average life. Her job as the head teller at a bank, her one bedroom apartment, and her exceptionally lazy cat give the impression that she could be anyone you meet in your daily life. However, when things start to get rough, her first reaction is to run. An abusive childhood you learn about as the story proceeds left her with shaky decision-making skills. Franco, her boyfriend, doesn't know what the right answer is either. Between them they commit a little felony and leave the country.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book? 

My background has a teeny influence on Valerie's Retreat. Valerie meets a man sixteen years her junior at a local church dance. My wife and I have the same age difference and met at the same kind of place. We still smile at each other when we drive by that dance hall/community center even after fourteen years of marriage. Dang, we're cute! Seriously, like my wife, Valerie is NOT a cougar on the prowl. We met long before anyone heard that term. Valerie wasn't searching for any kind of specific man, she just happened to find Franco. He happened to be younger, and neither of them cared.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one? 

Valerie is very likeable, outgoing, and appears to be a generally happy person. Yet, inside she has vicious demons demeaning her with bouts of insecurity and inadequacy that she hides. This constant internal stress keeps her struggling to determine where she should be and what she should do. Since Valerie is so conflicted, she's my favorite character.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book? 

I especially hate, after I've typed it, going back and doing that first edit. That seems to take forever because that's when I find the most mistakes. Specific to Valerie's Retreat, the ending was difficult. David Pudlewitts, my editor, didn't care for the ending, so he pointed me in the right direction. For that I am very grateful. I think, in large part due to David, you'll find the ending surprising and appropriate.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on? 

Life After Life; right now I love that title, but it might change. This is about man who thinks he's crazy because he knows he's reincarnated. In his previous life he served as the man-servant to Alexander the First, the Tsar of Russia. The Tsar's death is surrounded by mystery and suspicion. This man knows the truth. Note to anyone who may be thinking about stealing this idea and writing it themselves [yes, I mean you, Stephen King and James Patterson]: I've already received confirmation of the copyright from the U.S. Library of Congress.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about? 

You can decide if this is a quirky way to write a book. I usually start with a very brief outline: abusive childhood - works as a head teller - boyfriend 16 yrs younger. I type in Word with the outline a few blank lines down from the line I am currently writing in the book. As I finish a scene in the outline, I delete it. Of course, from time to time I forget to consult the outline, and I throw in a plot twist that requires either the outline be revised or the plot twist discarded. I rarely know how a book will end while I'm writing it [is that normal?], so my outlines often only cover the next chapter or two. Sometimes I finish all the scenes on the outline and finish the rest of the book without one. I always start with some kind of written agenda, but not with a whole lot. I want the characters to go where they go without being handcuffed to the original idea.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there? 

You really need to find someone who will tell you if your work stinks. Most people won't. In fact, it's very hard to find someone honest enough to do that.

AW: Where can we find you? 

My website is www.josephmrinaldo.com, 

my blog is http://wwwjosephmrinaldocom.blogspot.com, 

my Facebook author page is https://www.facebook.com/JosephRinaldoBooks?bookmark_t=page , 

my Twitter profile can be found at https://twitter.com/jmrinaldo. 

The YouTube book trailer for Valerie's Retreat is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKXY54oD_gg. If you are in a book club and plan to discuss one of my books, I'd be glad to join your session. Please give me at least a week's notice.

AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? 
The Amazon link for Valerie's Retreat, 
the ebook, ishttp://www.amazon.com/Valeries-Retreat-Joseph-Rinaldo-ebook/dp/B00GCWNOQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383787993&sr=8-1&keywords=Valerie%27s+Retreat, 
and the link for the paperback of Valerie's Retreat is  http://www.amazon.com/Valeries-Retreat-Joseph-M-Rinaldo/dp/1492762628/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1383787993&sr=8-1. 
I understand people's hesitation to buy an unknown author. All I ask is that you give me a chance by reading the first chapter or so at Amazon's Look-Inside. When the book grabs you in those initial pages, and it will, then buy it.

Author Interview of Emilyann Girdner---Free download of her book Jan 2-6 on Amazon!

AW: Tell us about yourself…

Hi everyone! My name is Emilyann and I am the Author of The Labyrinth Wall. What else? I’m a creative soul. Sometimes that takes the form of visual art and other times writing. There are two main things to know about me: I hope to share a love for God and others in all I do. I believe that imagination sparks beauty in the soul.

AW: What genera do you write and why?

I write Young Adult Fantasy. My love for fantasy runs back into my toddler years starting with Disney fairytales, through my elementary years when my brother was teaching me to play Magic the Gathering, and my high school years when I discovered works by Terry Brooks (my favorite book ever is The Elf Queen of Shannara). I’d say all of those wonderfully imaginative exposures made me want to imagine for myself. So now, imaging and creating are things I have to do, like breathing. And I love to create, because it’s fun J

AW: Tell us about your book….

My book is called The Labyrinth Wall. It’s filled with magic and danger like flesh eating Mahk and trust issues and self-discovery…

Araina’s isolated teenage life is forever altered when she witnesses a man emerge through a rippling wall into the dark labyrinth she calls home. As a result of the stranger’s arrival, Araina’s Creators have unleashed a series of magical attacks using the labyrinth against its inhabitants. Now Araina must decide if she will trust potentially deceitful allies in order to reach safety on the other side of the labyrinth wall.

 Readers have said...

"A fascinating tale of adventure, danger and self discovery. You will not want to put this one down as you are drawn into the quest for something as unknown and distant as a reoccurring, puzzling and incomprehensible dream."

"The Author created a very in depth world that left me even more curious about it."

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?

The concept was originally sparked by my interest in Dante’s Inferno but set in a Lord of the Rings like fantasy world… but it evolved. I began to think about the characters in this world and thought “what if I explore a character that never had a childhood because they are actually a creation? So as a writer I am forced into a very strange perspective of someone learning to understand themselves and others for the first time?” And of course, where better to explore all of this than in a labyrinth, a place that holds so much mystery and possibility?
AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?
The protagonist, Araina, is easy for me to relate to. She has trust issues, and I’ve been there before. Also, in writing her character, I enjoyed exploring her lack of context and back story… basically a lack of belonging and no memories. For me she’s interesting to follow because I often struggle with memories and if I’m not careful to watch my attitude, a sense of not belonging can creep over me too.

As much as I do root for and like the protagonist in this book, I really enjoyed a couple of her enemies too. It’s probably not a good sign for me to like villains, but I sometimes do. In particular, I like Rase, because she’s stuck with Araina, but they are opposites and drive each other crazy. But also mysterious and surprising draw me in, and she has those qualities. Also Sir Riddles is terrible. I’d never want to meet him in real life, and yet he is a favorite too. He’s just cryptic, creepy and odd; the kind of character I can’t ever stop thinking about.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?

Sure. I’ve read before that endings are the toughest part to write, and I agree. Especially for the first book in a series, it was tough to decide where to leave things. But, after a round of feedback from my editor, it worked itself out and man… I was really happy with the ending. So far readers are as well. And the good news is, I already have the first draft of the sequel done as wellJ

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?

I’m working on the sequel. I just completed the first draft during NaNoWriMo and plan to put it away so I can come back with fresh eyes in a couple months. There are other projects as well, but nothing I’m ready to talk about yet ;)

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?

Oh boy, I always write on a couch or in bed. I’m just that lazy I suppose. Any time I write, I turn on Pandora and listen to one of these stations: Harry Potter Soundtracks, Lord of the Rings Soundtracks, Danny Elfman, or Enya. Music most certainly triggers creativity.

On a side note, I asked my husband this question (curious if he’d noticed odd habits) and he replied that I don’t sleep. He’s right! When I’m done outlining and planning, and I actually jump into writing… it’s hard for me to stop. I can’t remember if it was two or three weeks it took me to write the first draft of my first novel (between working part-time). But, nothing beats that high of being in the zone, right?

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?

It always feels odd giving advice, because I’m still learning and always will be. But I can promise that if you write because you love to and it means something to your personal journey, than it will always bring you happiness. On the flip side of advice giving, I’ll pose a request for advice. When someone figures out how to balance a day job, writing novels, and a social life, please do pass along how it’s done ;p

AW: Where can we find you? (facebook, twitter, blog, website, etc)

Well, my mind is always off in some other world. But I do wander back to stay in touch with buddies via my website and some social media outlets. They are as follows:

www.emilyanngirdner.com
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Pinterest
Google Plus

AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book?

The Labyrinth Wall:www.thelabyrinthwall.com
Facebook Twitter
Goodreads

Available on Amazon, January 2^nd, 2014
(Free download dates 1/2/14 – 1/6/14)

Taken by Force by Jessica Frances

Book Description:
Eight months have passed since Zoe, Charlie, Will and Rose parted ways.

Eight months living on the run and starting new lives. 

But when Zoe has a dream and foresees trouble, she knows she needs to reunite them. Can she get to everyone in time? Or will it already be too late?

Even if they survive and escape again, they can’t stay on the run forever. There is no choice but to fight for their lives and try to bring down P.A.G.E. 

Is there a way they can get out of this alive?

Or will this be one fight they’ll lose?

My Thoughts:
I'm really taken with this series.  The group separated as they fled from P.A.G.E. and that was several months ago.  Zoe is counting down the time until she and Charlie will be back together.  Living with Joel isn't ideal and she isn't doing well, but she has that one year mark to look forward to.  That is until she drams that Will is in danger.  Now the four of them must band back together to survive.
I still love these characters.  I absolutely hate what they did to Blake.  That wasn't fair to anyone.  Charlie and Zoe have terrible issues with being apart.  Will is such a sweetheart and I can see him being the little brother in all of this.  Rose is the bossy older sister that you just gotta love.  Joel is the wildcard.  You dislike what he did and don't want to forgive him but at the same time it wasn't something he was planning to do.  I liked the story, it flowed well and didn't get bogged down with a big mess.  I really cannot wait for the next one! I rate this a 5/5.  If you've read Taken by Surprise this is a  must.  If you haven't, it is a good series :)

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Author Interview with Sarah Makela!!!

AW: Tell us about yourself…

SM: I write New Adult and adult Paranormal Romance. I love traveling, playing video games and watching movies with my husband, and reading. That last one goes without saying! I also am a definite cat lover.

AW: What generally do you write and why?

SM: I general New Adult Paranormal Romance as well as adult Paranormal Romance. I’ve also written cyberpunk romance and urban fantasy. I love trying new things, but I think I’ve really found my passion in New Adult Paranormal Romance. I’m a twenty something, so it speaks to me because the heroes and heroines are still figuring out where they’re headed in life, and I can relate.

AW: Tell us about your book.

SM: The Witch Who Cried Wolf is about a witch, Mia, hiding from werewolves she didn’t know existed. When Ethan, her brother’s best friend (and crush), comes home from deployment for the holidays, the emotions she’s suppressed boil to the surface. Ethan’s view of the supernatural shifts when Mia and Ethan are attacked by a werewolf, but his feelings for Mia intensify to the point where he can no longer hide them.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?

SM: My initial inspiration for the book was having Mia, a witch, who has an All-American family that she doesn’t fit in with. The hero, on the other hand, is more a part of the bunch than she is with her own family. I also liked the idea of the werewolves being the bad guy since they’re usually the strong, alpha heroes.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?

SM: This is tough because I love almost all of the characters in the book. However, if I had to choose one, I’d go with Ethan because he’s really tough and a man’s man, but he’s also caring and willing to stand up for Mia.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?

SM: I had to do a decent amount of research on a few subjects like potions and the Army to make sure I had my facts straight. I wanted to do the characters justice and be true to them.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?

SM: I’m working on the second Cry Wolf book and writing a cyberpunk romance novella called Digital Slave to round out my Hacked Investigations series.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?

SM: Hmm... I guess a quirk is that while I’ve written a lot of my books without much in the way of an outline, I’m beginning to change my ways. I find myself wanting that plan before I get too deep into the book.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?

SM: Don’t give up! Also, if you’re writing, and it doesn’t make you happy, maybe try a different genre. It took time for me to figure out my best fit.

AW: Where can we find you? 

SM: Website: http://www.sarahmakela.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorsarahmakela

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sarahmakela

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/sarahmakela

AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? 

SM: Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Mäkelä/e/B00792WNTI/

Barnes & Noble - www.barnesandnoble.com/c/sarah-makela

Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/Search?query=Sarah%20Makela&fcsearchfield=Author

All Romance eBooks - http://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html?searchBy=author&qString=Sarah+Makela

Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sarahmakela

iBookstore - https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sarah-makela/id768396621?mt=11

Taken by Surprise by Jessica Frances

Book Description:
Taken By Surprise (Taken Trilogy #1)

Five strangers scattered across America have three things in common with each other. 

One: They each have special abilities that shouldn’t be possible. 

Two: They’ve all just had people try to kill them. 

Three: They’ve all just been kidnapped and taken away from their home, families and friends. 

Their lives will never be the same as they’re taken to a government facility and told that their abilities mean that they must train to become soldiers and fight. But are they being told the truth? Or is something more sinister going on? They must learn to trust each other and decide if they should stay on this path or run away from it. Either way there is no going back.

My Thoughts:
I was surprised by this book.  Five people are kidnapped.  They are in different locations, different backgrounds, and different in many, many other ways.  There are a few things that connect them.  Each of them has a unique ability, has had someone try to kill them and have been kidnapped.  We learn a lot about the individuals and their lives, but it is what happens when all of them are put together that the government wants to see.  
This story started out slow for me.  The author did a wonderful job of creating the background for the characters and telling their individual stories, but I was ready to get to the 'meat' of the story.  I wasn't disappointed in the least.  I absolutely loved the characters, well the kidnapped ones anyway.  They had no reason to trust each other, but really had no choice either.  They were all in the same boat, being ripped from their lives and placed in a sterile government facility.  I wasn't expecting the people trying to kill them and their identities but that was a great twist.  Overall it was a great story line that I can't wait to follow more of.I rate this a 4/5.  I will absolutely be reading the next in this series. 

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.