Wendi L. Wilson's Blog, page 4

I have a confession…..

Okay….I have a confession to make. It’s not easy to admit, but I am beginning to remedy the situation, so I feel more comfortable telling people. I have never

read the Harry Potter Series. Yes, it’s true. Not a single book. Not one.

Let’s get real here, for a moment. In my own defense, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (American edition) was published in 1998. In 1998, I was 22 years old and the only thing I had any interest in reading were my mom’s romance historical romance novels, like the Mallory series by Johanna Lindsey or Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss (which I read like 9 times).

YA books weren’t anywhere near my radar until one fateful day in 2009, when my best friend handed me a DVD and said, “You have to watch this movie.” I was transported to a small, rainy town in Washington named Forks…and I was hooked. I had to read the books…immediately. 

And that started my obsession with YA paranormal romance. I read the Twilight series, the  Tiger’s Curse series, the Secret Circle, the Morganville Vampires, Vampire Academy….the list goes on. I inhaled them all.

When the first Harry Potter movie was released, I fell in love. I really, really loved that movie. I really loved the subsequent movies as well. But still, I ignored the books. I don’t really know why. I think I thought they would be too juvenile for me. Or maybe it was because there was no romance.

I read the Cirque Du Freak series when that movie came out. Hunger Games when that one did. Maze Runner….you get the picture.

So here I am, a YA author with two published books and a third on the way. I have joined the ranks of book nerds on several social media platforms and they all have one thing in common: a universal love of all things Harry Potter.

A few days ago I was strolling around my local thrift shop and found a first edition (American printing) of Sorcerer’s Stone for $1. It was like fate had drawn my eyes to that red binding and made me pull it down from the shelf.

So now, after all these years, I am starting my journey to Hogwarts. I joined Pottermore and was sorted into Ravenclaw (not surprising). I want you all to come with me. As I finish each book, I’ll post my thoughts here. Let’s talk about it. Anyone have any tips or recommendations before I begin my journey??

Moonburner by Claire Luana

It’s been a while since I read book that really made me not want to put it down. While reading Moonburner, I got mad every time I had to stop reading and get back to real life. Then I spent much of my time thinking about what was happening in the book, what I thought would happen next, and strategizing for when I could get back to my Kindle. That’s how great this story is!

The plot is fresh and original, he characters are well-written and relatable, and the writing is so smooth and effortless that I could envision everything that happened without having to go back and reread parts (which happened to me a lot when I read fantasy, particularly with newly-created words).

The pace is perfect and the dialogue is wonderful, particularly between our main character Kai and her seishen, Quitsu. The romance is between Kai and Hiro is a small part of the story, but is well written and balanced enough to make you smile when they have scenes together.

I give this book a very enthusiastic 5 stars, and I CAN NOT WAIT for the next book! Claire Luana is a very talented writer with a great career in her future! Download Moonburner today!!

Happy Birthday to me, Shadowed Strength is FREE!

It’s my birthday, so I decided to make Shadowed Strength free on ‪Amazon‬!

Get your e-copy now through 7/25/16 for free!

Kindle Unlimited: Back Again!

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to announce that I have re-enrolled Shadowed Strength and Shadowed Instincts in the Kindle Unlimited program! Members of Kindle Unlimited can now read the books for free!

Please help spread the word! Thanks a million!

Shadowed Strength:

She should have run.

While walking home at night, sixteen year old Melanie Johnson is tackled to the ground by a masked assailant with nefarious intentions. Her savior, a large black dog with soulful eyes, vanishes as quickly as he appears.

You are mine.

She starts receiving threatening notes from her attacker, promising to finish what he started.

I am Ace.

To complicate things further, her long-time crush Jeremy reveals a secret that Melanie is not sure she can accept. He is more than he seems. Something untamed. Forceful. Wild.

I have to stop him.

The truth about her assailant’s identity is almost too much to bear and Melanie must find the strength to put an end to the terror, once and for all.

Shadowed Instincts:

Melanie Johnson’s world just got turned upside down and she is still reeling from her father’s revelation of their shocking family secret.

Everything she knew about herself has been transformed- just as, on the night of the full moon after her 17th birthday, her very being will transform into something unfamiliar. Wild. Powerful.

Now Melanie’s family sweeps her off to the wilderness of Kentucky to join others like themselves and prepare for what lies ahead. The one constant in her life is Jeremy, who’s support gives her strength. Even as he struggles over his family’s betrayal and his own shifting identity, he stands beside her, hand in hand, as they discover the world that could have been theirs had circumstance not gotten in the way.

Melanie has an amazing birthday- her bond with Jeremy is solidified despite the attentions of an angel-faced new acquaintance, her best friend makes a surprise visit and everything seems right for once in her crazy new life- until someone makes an attempt on Jeremy’s life and she almost loses him.

Jeremy has rescued Melanie from death, kidnapping, and even the local mean girl. Now it’s her turn to protect him. No matter the cost.

*This is book 2 of the Shadowed Series and begins right where Shadowed Strength ended.

And coming soon:

The third and final book of the Shadowed Series!

I really appreciate all the support and sharing! Thanks again!

Wendi

The Departed by Kristy Cooper

How do you cope when your best friend and her entire family vanish without a trace overnight?

What if three hundred thousand other people from around the globe disappeared at the same time?

This mystery filled with intrigue, suspense and mass hysteria gripped me from the very beginning and never let me go. I was fascinated by each turn in the story, the way the puzzle of “what really happened to the departed” divided the world, the community, and even individual relationships.

Our main character Gwen finds herself somewhere in the middle- not really sure what to believe, with different people in her inner circle pulling her in different directions. Then one email changes everything….

The writing is on point- well developed, believable, interesting and entertaining. The story had me questioning, “What would I believe?” if this were to really happen….thinking about it even when I wasn’t reading- the mark of a great book. The characters were likable…or hatable, depending on who we’re discussing. The storyline moves at a decent pace, taking enough time to explain actions and thought processes without dragging down action. I found myself on pins and needles about 75% through, where things started to get real.

The ending was dramatic, with a cliffhanger and a peek into book 2 that made me want to read it RIGHT NOW! I really love this book. Great job!

Buy the book on Amazon or read for free through Kindle Unlimited!

Happy Birthday, Wendi Writes!

Today is the 1 year anniversary of this blog!! Yay! When I started this journey on by hitting the “publish” button on Kindle Direct Publishing, I never knew what a ride it would be! Writing, I knew. Editing, proofreading, formatting, publishing, blogging, tweeting, Instagram-ing…hell, even reviewing books, I DID NOT KNOW. I didn’t know what an author platform is. I didn’t know anything (and still don’t really) about marketing and websites and mailing lists….it goes on and on.

But here I am- the proud author of two published books with a third on the way. I have followers- not a lot, but I am proud of each and every one of them. I get random messages from strangers who just want to tell me how much they loved my book (This part is AWESOME!). I read the reviews and cherish each and every one of them- the good and the not so good. Whether they liked it or not, someone read MY book and took the time to tell their peers what they thought. And that, my friends, is priceless.

In honor of my 1 year anniversary of being a published author, blogger, and book reviewer, I have decided to put Shadowed Strength on sale for $0.99! You can get it on Amazon, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo ($0.99 sale on Kobo starts 6/30/16).

She should have run.

While walking home at night, sixteen year old Melanie Johnson is tackled to the ground by a masked assailant with nefarious intentions. Her savior, a large black dog with soulful eyes, vanishes as quickly as he appears.
You are mine.

She starts receiving threatening notes from her attacker, promising to finish what he started.
I am Ace.

To complicate things further, her long-time crush Jeremy reveals a secret that Melanie is not sure she can accept. He is more than he seems. Something untamed. Forceful. Wild.
I have to stop him.

The truth about her assailant’s identity is almost too much to bear and Melanie must find the strength to put an end to the terror, once and for all.

I am also giving away free e-book copies of Shadowed Strength and Shadowed Instincts to THREE lucky winners! All you need to do is sign up for my mailing list and you’ll be entered to win! This contest will run now through 7/31/16 and the three winners will be selected on 8/1/16!

Good luck, and thank you all so much for reading! I couldn’t do this without each and every one of you!

Sincerely, 

Wendi L. Wilson

                             P.S. Here’s a peek at the cover for book 3!!!! :) 

 

 

Invidious (Marked Book 2) by Bianca Scardoni

Bianca Scardoni has done it again- taken me on a riveting roller coaster of a ride that left me panting for more. Invidious is the second book in the marked series and picked up right where Inception (My favorite book of 2015! See my review here) left off. I kept telling myself to reread Inception before I started this, it has been 7+ months after all, but I couldn’t wait and dove right in. I have a terrible memory when it comes to books-I read at least one per week, usually- but this story was written so beautifully that I was brought back up to speed without it seeming like a redundant retelling of what happened in book 1.

 

I mean, just look at these covers! Who wouldn’t want to read these books based on the covers, alone?!?

Jemma is one strong chick. She’s dealing with a centuries old vampire trying to kidnap her for her special blood, her best friend is missing-taken by said vampire, her one true love has turned against her and betrayed her. Yet she pulls herself out of the misery and stands strong, putting her personal issues aside for the good of her friend.

After several twists and turns, things seem to be working out- then the bottom drops out yet again.

The story is engaging and gripping, the writing flawless. The character development is wonderful- who knew I’d end up liking Dominic? Though I am firmly and irrefutably on Team Trace, I can see the pull. Dominic is dangerous and calculating, yet there’s good inside him. He does everything he can to help and protect Jemma. She should be leery of his ulterior motives…..

The romance in the book, though it doesn’t go too far, is steamy enough to make my heart race and cause butterflies to erupt in my stomach on more than one occasion. That first bud of lust is exciting and I could feel it through the excellent writing of the author.

There is some cattiness on Jemma’s part when it comes to Nikki. Let’s remember, though, that despite the terrible burden of responsibility placed on her that she IS still a teenager. I felt her reactions were honest and believable.

Invidious is a great follow up to Inception, a must-read! Five very well-earned stars!

The Ghost Files by Apryl Baker

The Ghost Files by Apryl Baker was awesome from start to finish. I usually only read in the morning with coffee, but I found myself thinking about sneaking in some extra time throughout the day because I couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen next.

I love Mattie’s personality. She has enough snark to be hilarious, but there’s a deep-seeded serious reason behind the walls she puts up. The relationship between her and Officer Dan (as a non-romantic pair) is very endearing. The fact that he believes IN her, despite not actually believing that what she thinks is happening is actually happening, is truly wonderful. I can’t wait to see what they get into next!

Great characters, fast-paced and exciting plot, humor, horror, and a little bit of budding romance all make this story a 10 for me. Loved it!

As of today, 6/3/16, The Ghost Files is free on Kindle. Get it here now!!!

 

Cutting Up the Competition by Carissa Ann Lynch

I have read several of Carissa Ann Lynch’s books and loved every one of them, including Cheerleading Can Be Murder, so I couldn’t wait to get my greedy little hands on Cutting Up the Competition. It didn’t disappoint. I read it in two sittings, navigating the twists and turns, trying to decide for myself who the sociopath is before the reveal. Truth time- I’m never right. Ever. That’s why I love Carissa’s stories so much! From the Flocksdale Files to the Horror High series, she keeps me guessing til the very end. She lets me think I am right for a while, but it’s a clever manipulation and I’m always wrong. I love her ingenuity in creating fake trails of breadcrumbs for me to follow, only to find at the end I was on the wrong path.

I loved delving deeper into Amanda’s character, learning more of her backstory and personality. The way she handled an impossible situation was stellar. Though, I have to admit, I was a little disappointed with Dakota’s behavior. I know she’s a teenage girl with teenage hormones and personality traits- it’s almost as if she was written too realistically and I was fed up with her temper tantrums by the end. The main focus of the story was Amanda and Dakota was almost a background character, so it didn’t detract too much from my enjoyment of the story.

The addition of Winter, Jordan, and Lauren to the cast of characters was refreshing and only helped to increase the number of suspects. I suspected each of them at least once in my round robin of possible sociopaths.

All in all, excellent book, stellar writing, thrilling storyline and great cast of characters. Five very enthusiastic stars!

See my review of Cheerleading Can Be Murder (Horror High Book 1) here. You need to read it before you read Cutting Up the Competition.

Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan

A classic tale of good vs. evil with a unique twist. A girl with special abilities hiding from a monster that wants to devour her. A boy that protects her, but can’t protect his heart. An evil being in the guise of a trusted acquaintance. Magic, mystery, friendship and star-crossed lovers- this book has it all.

I really enjoyed Fractured Light. The storyline hooked me from the beginning and the characters stole my heart. Llona is forced to be introverted because of her circumstance, and her growth and development throughout the book was heartwarming. Christian is strong, protective and gorgeous- the makings of a fabulous book boyfriend- all while trying to deny his feelings for the one thing he wants the most. May is a good friend with secrets of her own that bond the two outcasts together.

Though the identity of the predatory bad guy seemed evident from the beginning, I found myself second guessing that theory several times. I love it when a book keeps me guessing!

The writing are clear and concise, the characters well-developed and endearing. The story is, for the most part, fast paced and intriguing. There’s mystery, suspense, danger, love, friendship, strong familial bonds, and the threat of something terrible taking everything away. Great book- 4-1/2 Stars.