A Little Bit Psycho by J.L Strange ~ Book Review

Book Description:

Katherine is terminally ill.

Her husband Adam is an innovative surgeon with the technology to save her.

When Katherine wakes in an unfamiliar hospital room, she discovers her brain has been transplanted into the body of a man and Adam is nowhere to be found. This is where her nightmare begins.

She must find Adam at all costs, even if that means pretending to be someone she’s not.

But something is wrong inside her. Very wrong…

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

About the Author:

J.L. Strange writes unsettling psychological horror with a sci-fi twist. She was born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and studied animation at Rhode Island School of Design. Telling stories became an obsession, although she still creates art whenever the mood strikes. A single mother with a newly empty nest and lover of all things outdoors, she’s currently pursuing life’s next adventure.

Author's Official Website  

Review: 

Yikes! This book is raw, crazy and a little bit psycho. I think the author had a great story that I haven't read before and I really enjoyed it. It is nice to read a different storyline. I thought right away when I read the synopsis "Wow, could you imagine having your brain transplanted in someone else's body?" and couldn't wait to read it. What was a surreal thought to do a brain transplant from someone with a healthy brain but a dying body into someone with an unhealthy brain and a good body. Right away I was wondering how that would go with our memories, likes, dislikes, etc. 

This book was written going back and forth from past to present. Written so well that I, as a reader, didn't get lost or frustrated and just wanted to keep on reading so I could find out how it took place and what was going to happen. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I really enjoyed this medical psychological thriller. I look forward to what this author will come up with next. 

I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars. 

~*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*~

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Kaitlin's Tale by Christine Amsden ~ Book Review

Kaitlin Mayer is on the run from the father of her baby – a vampire who wants her to join him in deadly eternity. Terrified for her young son, she seeks sanctuary with the Hunters Guild. Yet they have their own plans for her son, and her hopes of safety are soon shattered.

When she runs into Matthew Blair, an old nemesis with an agenda of his own, she dares to hope for a new escape. But Matthew is a telepath, and Kaitlin's past is full of dark secrets she never intended to reveal.

*Companion to the Cassie Scot Series*

About the author:

Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, which scars the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. In addition to being a writer, she's a freelance editor, mom, and foster mom.

You can follow Christine on her following links;

• Website
• Newsletter
• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Goodreads
• Google+

You can purchase Kaitlin's Tale at one of the following links;

My Review:

Amazing! As a fan of the Cassie Scot series and Madison's Song, i didn't expect much less. Dishes were forgotten, laundry left unfolded, toys left alone at night, all so i could not miss a moment of another one of Christine's adventure packed stories. Christine is a natural and talented storyteller and it's hard not to fall in love with her characters. 

As a past fan, I never thought I would be excited to follow Matthew (due to his past transgressions), but I was instantly won over. I began rooting for his character as it developed into a man with passion of something we all can relate to; true love.

Kaitlin only wants what every mother wants. Safety and security, and when she realizes the hunters guild isn't the best place for her extraordinarily powerful 18month old she soon puts her trust in the last man she thought she could rely on; Matthew.

Christine, I have so many questions but don't want to give spoilers so please just tell me there will be more!!

5 bright stars from me, another job very well done Christine!

*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

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Endangered by Dani Hoots ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Chrys has been in the Underworld for thousands of years, hidden away by her father, Hades, from all the other gods. He's afraid that if someone finds out about her, that they will destroy her because of the dichotomous power that she holds, the power of life and death. So she has remained in the Palace of Hades all her life, making very little friends and always bored out of her mind. 

Huntley would have never guessed that after he died that he would wake up with a beautiful girl standing over him. And that she would be the Dark Lord of the Underworld's daughter. Yet, for some reason, she keeps him around as her tutor, as if he knows anything about the world. But Huntley knows that all she really wants is a friend; being trapped in the Underworld can get pretty lonely. 

That is, until Chrys decides that she wants to run away to the human world after a big fight with her mother Persephone. Chrys claims that her father is over reacting and that nothing bad will come of it. There's no way that the gods will notice she's there for only a couple of days, right?

About the Author:

Dani Hoots is a science fiction, fantasy, romance, and young adult author who loves anything with a story. She has a B.S. in Anthropology, a Masters of Urban and Environmental Planning, and is currently in the Your Novel Year Program through Arizona State University.

Currently she is working on a YA urban fantasy series called Daughter of Hades, a historic fantasy vampire series called A World of Vampires, and a YA sci-fi series called Sanshlian Series.

Book Review:

Chrys has been locked away hidden from the world. She is a secret her father intends to keep. If anyone were to find out about her existence, there could be hell to pay, especially since her father is Hades, god of the underworld. But, the truth is that Chrys was never suppose to be born. Hades and Persephone were never supposed to be able to have children. Zeus made sure of it, and would destroy her if he were to ever discover her. So, Hades does the only thing he knows that will protect his beloved daughter - he keeps her secluded in the Palace of Hades with just a few souls for companionship. 

But, after a few thousand years or so, Chrys starts to wonder about the world above. She recruits her two best friends to defy death himself and sneaks out of the underworld for a “quick” trip to experience what she is missing. But, as the saying goes, father knows best.

The writing leans more toward the teen age group, but the plot is truly entertaining. This author did a fantastic job of blending a modern world and Greek Mythology. Endangered is witty and a fun read. Hoots did a fantastic job of character building for the two main players, but was a bit weak developing the supporting characters. This is the first in this series, so I hope that we are able to learn a bit more about how these characters operate and fit into Hoots’s world. I give Endangered a 3.5 star rating! 

Purchase a copy on Amazon. 

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. I received a copy of this book from the author and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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Fantasy of Fire by Kelly St.Clare ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Fantasy of Fire is the third title in The Tainted Accords. 

An army is half way to Glacium. And not just any army - it belongs to my mother. Time is running out as I rush to prevent a war which will kill thousands; The Solati people, my brothers, and the many Bruma I’ve come to care for. 

Yet it appears preventing this interworld war is just one snowball in an avalanche of problems as the situation in Glacium becomes volatile and destructive. My various identities hover on the edge of discovery forcing me to consider drastic action, and questions I’ve had since the abrupt end of the peace delegation are answered. The two halves of me tug in opposite directions. The Tatuma of Osolis knows what she should do, and the Olina of Nowhere Special finally knows what feels right.  What it really comes down to is, am I brave enough to follow my heart?  

Learn more about author, Kelly St.Clare:

When Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie. She can, quite literally, drift past a car accident while in the midst of her day dreams, despite the various police sirens and chaos. 

Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing. Her aim: To write stories she would want to read. As it turns out, this failed miserably. Do you know what it is like to read something you've written? Impossible, that's what. Not to mention, the ending is ruined before you've begun. Never-the-less, Kelly loves it and wishes she had more time to squeeze it in between her day job as a physiotherapist. 

Purchase a copy from Amazon.

Book Review:

I simply don’t know where to start. Olinda has been abuse her entire life, never seen her face, trapped on a strange world where she is trying to prevent her world from invading. Stay with me here. First of all, this story is wonderful for teenage girls, young women and the all around book lover. Olinda is such a strong character, and there is such a wonderful theme in all the of these books.

Olinda displays kindness, compassion and courage at every turn - elements of a true leader or great government. She hates the politics, but knows she has to the game. And, oh boy, can she play the politician game with poise and assertiveness.

In these first three books, Olinda discovers/creates a new persona for herself, including the victim, young girl in love, the fighter, a social activist, strategist, and economic developer. Yeah, that’s what I call character development! 

Although here time on the strange planet Glacium was not by choice, she has had more true friends and life experiences there than as princess on her own world. However, instead of choosing sides, she remains loyal to her people, admits the wrong of her world, and looks for peace between the two dependent worlds. 

And, in true St. Clare fashion, the author leaves readers waiting for the epic fallout and conclusion of Olinda’s story. Will she be able to unit all of her personas to become the fearless leader and politician? Can she find a way for both worlds to exist in peace? Will she ever get her revenge on a cruel mother and her nasty court? I need to know now! But, unfortunately, book 4 is not scheduled to release until the end of the summer of 2016.   

I must say that in Fantasy of Fire, the consistency in writing and flow improves. Therefore, I am upgrading my rating to 5 stars.    

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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Tainted Accords (Book 1 and 2) by Kelly St.Clare ~ Book Review

Book Synopsis:

I know many things. What I am capable of, what I will change, what I want to become. But there is one thing I'll never know. 

Being the Tatuma of our world, the next to rule, should have given me a privileged life. One full of friends, love and happiness. If my mother didn't hate me, that is. Instead, she has kept me veiled from birth, turning the possibility of this distant dream into a living nightmare. 

Shunned by the court, abused from childhood, I am trapped within this material barrier and will never know my own face. Only two friends and a determination to become Tatum keep me sane. 

I'm unaware everything in my life is about to change when the peace delegate arrives from the savage world of Glacium. Hidden agendas, past secrets and my struggle to stay alive–while still becoming the person I want to be–careen wildly out of control. 

Learn more about author, Kelly St.Clare:

When Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie. She can, quite literally, drift past a car accident while in the midst of her day dreams, despite the various police sirens and chaos. 

Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing. Her aim: To write stories she would want to read. As it turns out, this failed miserably. Do you know what it is like to read something you've written? Impossible, that's what. Not to mention, the ending is ruined before you've begun. Never-the-less, Kelly loves it and wishes she had more time to squeeze it in between her day job as a physiotherapist. 

Purchase a copy from Amazon.

Book Review:

I ran across book one of the Tainted Accord series, Fantasy of Frost, and decided to give it a try on whim. And, wow! The storyline is like no other, and I cannot believe that more people aren’t talking about this series or new author, Kelly St.Clare. I haven’t seen such an elaborate creation of a world(s) since the Harry Potter series.

In Fantasy of Frost, we meet Olinda, the Tantum or princess of the fire world. For her entire life, she has been abused, forced to wear a veil and outcasted by the entire royal court. But, her world is about to change by the delegation visit of the neighboring world of Glacium. 

Fantasy of Flight picks up right were book one left us. Olinda is unveiled in the strange world of Glacium. She must fight to stay alive on the enemy’s territory. Stuck in the poorest regions of Glacium, Olinda no longer knows who exactly the enemy is. Civil and social unrest, two worlds battling for resources, and racial prejudice make for a long list of adversaries. 

This four-star fantasy, science fiction story will leave you on the edge of your seat. The writing is a little too simple, even for a teen novel. Yet, Clare still does an excellent job of painting a vivid description of both worlds.     

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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A Shade of Vampire (Book 1-8) by Bella Forrest - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake. A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to The Shade, an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine. An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is selected out of hundreds of girls to take up residence in the tree-top harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? Or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

Purchase a copy from Amazon. 

Learn more about Bella Forrest.

Book Review:

I took a leap and reviewed this book. Eight books later, I feel that I can safely walk away from Sofia and Derek’s story. (There are a total of 18 books in this series; however, not all 18 follow the same characters.) 

I love this story’s theme that a couple is stronger together than apart, and complement each other in unlikely ways. But, it was the science fiction element that originally appealed to me. The Shade is an island engulfed in constant darkness where creatures of the dark desire light. 

There is the obvious symbolism of good vs. evil in the light and dark scenario. However, Sofia and Derek prove that the smallest amount of light (good) can defeat the darkest of night (evil). 

I did have a problem with the storyline that stretched through eight books. I realize that some stories take a life of their own and turn in a different direction than what the author originally anticipated. However, I feel as though Sofia and Derek’s story was close to loosing control, and could have used more direction. It became very soap-opera in book form a few times. I feel as though with a little more discipline the writing could have delivered a better storyline, and when the storyline is good, who cares if it’s eight or 20 books in a series. 

A Shade of Vampire gets a 2.75 to 3 stars from me.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'.  All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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Breaking Through by D. Nichole King - Book Review

Book Synopsis:

Two years after her brother Nate died during a Navy operation, aquator Nautia Olson’s nightmares began, and her ability to manipulate water became erratic. Anger, fear, joy, desire—they all trigger disaster. 

Now, the Navy wants her for a top-secret mission, but Captain Riley Barton has his reservations. He’s read her file. He knows the damage she’s capable of, and yet— 

She’s powerful. 

If he can harness her ability—break through her walls— 

She’ll be unstoppable. 

Purchase a copy from Amazon. 

Learn more about author, D. Nichole King.

Book Review:

Great sci-fi/fantasy read! King created a modern world fantasy with suspense, romance and tons of super powers. 

In the beginning of this story, we meet our heroine, Nautia - a superhuman with elemental powers of water. She is strong, and has the potential to become one of the most powerful super humans that has ever step foot into the elite, superhuman academy, if she can learn to control her ability. That major set-back has prevented the military from recruiting her.

But, Nautia must first come to terms with the death of her brother before she can ever learn to control her ability. But, getting over her brother’s death proves to be more difficult with her memory loss of the last few years, and nobody is answering her questions. Her twin brother’s death has been labeled classified.

Captain Riley Barton is a superhuman, Naval officer who more than willing to help Nautia work through her emotions and develop her powers. But, when he gets a little too close to Nautia, he could possible have the reverse effect, causing Nautia to accidentally ruin the mission and kill everyone on board the ship.

The story keeps you on your toes, trying to determine who is the real superheroes and who are the villains. Some parts may have been a little predictable, but it’s still a great read.        

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'.  All opinions are honest and my own.*~ 

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