Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 46

After Reading: WONDERFULLY WICKED by CJ Burright

A dreamcaster with the ability to channel creatures from her nightmares, headstrong and cynical Kalila Montgomery longs for a peaceful, picket-fence life… until the man literally of her dreams kidnaps her. 

Survival quickly becomes her number one goal, yet a growing attraction to the man in her nightmares is impossible to ignore. While she fears he will kill her, other, more terrifying enemies surround her, and Kalila succumbs to his scheme to escape. She may be his one hope for freedom…

A deadly combination of power, cunning, and cold-hearted charm, Lydon v'al Endrian fears nothing. Feels nothing. Chained to a brotherhood of men with the supernatural ability to invade dreams, he hunts dreamcasters to be harvested for their dreams and killed. His target: Kalila Montgomery. But Kalila awakens an undeniable dark desire and a longing for a freedom long-lost. 
To gain everything he craves, Lydon must seduce Kalila before his plot is discovered… a hopeless challenge which, if failed, will earn him a death-sentence. Caught up in a dangerous world of secrets and obsession, doubt and betrayal, Kalila and Lydon face the nightmare of their lives, where love will either deliver them—or destroy them both. (Goodreads)

I'm sitting here trying to find the best way to put my review and having a little trouble with it. Considering I generally don't have any trouble saying what I thought about a book, this puzzles me. It's mainly because I'm a bit torn on Wonderfully Wicked: there were aspects that I utterly loved and couldn't get enough of, and others that I just wanted *more* of. First off, lets start with what I loved: the concept behind this story is utterly fascinating, original (at least to me) and really caught my attention. Also, Kalila (a very interesting name, btw) struck me as interesting and entertaining with her inner dialogue. I liked her instantly and found her arc to fit just right. Now, the thing that I found myself wanting more of was delving deeper into the world that these people live in. It seemed incredibly interesting and I just wanted, well, more insight. I recognize that Kalila didn't have access to a lot of information, but Lydon did, and I felt like there could have been a bit more background on their origins, what other sorts of things they do, and well, just general stuff. I guess I was just curious to find out more :) Anyhow, overall this was a seriously interesting book and Lydon was quite a lot of fun (I almost wrote dreamy, but the pun there was just too much!), and distinctly yummy (even if he needed to be hit over the head a few times due to his actions). Definitely one to check out if you can!

What do you think? How much does world building factor into your reading pleasure?

UNSTOPPABLE by SR Johannes on sale!

Hooray! Unstoppable is out today!

Unstoppable is the third book in "The Nature of Grace" series. The series has won and been nominated for several awards including: winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult), a Silver medalist (2nd place) in the IPPY awards (YA Fiction). She was also nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult category), a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review’s Best Young Adult of 2012, and a YA Finalist in the US Book News Best Book of 2012. 
Kirkus reviewed Untraceable as "A thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance.  The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page."
If you like a page turner, you will love this series!

Unstoppable - Book 3 Summary
After everything that has happened, Grace moves to the Everglades to live with her grandmother, Birdee, and hang out with old man Rex, Birdee's "friend with benefits". Grace quickly befriends Dylan, Rex's nephew, and Dylan's girlfriend, Sadie, who is a die-hard teen activist. Sadie spends her time leading protests against the roadside zoos that run rampant in Florida with a total disregard for animals or the flimsy law.

One day while out in the marshes of the Everglades, Grace and her friends rescue an abused—and endangered—Florida panther. She and Birdee spend time rehabilitating the animal. But when the panther runs off, Grace follows it to Uncle Bob's, a large roadside zoo they all have been protesting. One that is illegally filled with a variety of endangered and exotic animals. Before she can rescue the panther, she and her friends are kidnapped by the ruthless owner and dragged deep into the Everglades for a hunting challenge. 

Only this time, Grace is the prey. 

During a sick game of cat and mouse, Grace and her friends are offered one chance at survival, but only if they reach civilization before being caught. With a small head start and very little supplies, only time and skill stand between the hunter and the hunted. But out in the Everglades, there may be more dangers than Grace realizes.

Against all odds, Grace must make it out alive and win, or everything she holds dear could be lost.
On Sale Now! 
Unstoppable  is on sale in ebook. The paperback releases later this month. 

(Note: if you have another ereader device - see these instructions for getting a Kindle ebook converted to your ereader. It's easier than you think.)
If you haven't read Untraceable or Uncontrollable , you can get them in paperback and ebook at all major booksellers including Amazon, Apple, Smashwords, and B&N.

HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS by Ann Noser

Okay, I have to start this post off by saying, how fun is this title? It totally cracks me up! And of course, it also looks like a fab read! What do you think?

How to Date Dead Guys by Ann Noser
Series: Under The Blood Moon Genre: new-adult, urban-fantasy Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press Date of Publication: July 15th, 2014
Cover Reveal: June 2nd, 2014
Blog Tour: July 14 - 25th, excluding weekends Cover Artist: Alexandria Thompson (http://alexandriadior.deviantart.com/) How to Date Dead Guys on Goodreads Description:
College sophomore Emma Roberts remembers her mother’s sage advice:  “don’t sleep around, don’t burp in public, and don’t tell anyone you see ghosts”.  But when charming Mike Carlson drowns in the campus river under her watch, Emma’s sheltered life shatters. Blamed for Mike’s death and haunted by nightmares, Emma turns to witchcraft and a mysterious Book of Shadows to bring him back.  Under a Blood Moon, she lights candles, draws a pentacle on the campus bridge, and casts a spell.  The invoked river rages up against her, but she escapes its fury.  As she stumbles back to the dorm, a stranger drags himself from the water and follows her home. And he isn't the only one.   Instead of raising Mike, Emma assists the others she stole back from the dead—a pre-med student who jumped off the bridge, a desperate victim determined to solve his own murder, and a frat boy Emma can’t stand…at first.  More comfortable with the dead than the living, Emma delves deeper into the seductive Book of Shadows.  Her powers grow, but witchcraft may not be enough to protect her against the vengeful river and the killers that feed it their victims.Inspired by the controversial Smiley Face Murders, HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS will ignite the secret powers hidden deep within each of us. How To Date Dead Guys Purchase Links: Amazon US: Forthcoming Amazon UK: Forthcoming Barnes & Noble: Forthcoming Kobo: Forthcoming
About the Author:

My to-do list dictates that I try to cram 48 hours of living into a day instead of the usual 24.  I’ve chosen a life filled with animals.  I train for marathons with my dog, then go to work as a small animal veterinarian, and finish the day by tripping over my pets as I attempt to convince my two unruly children that YES, it really IS time for bed.  But I can’t wait until the house is quiet to write; I have to steal moments throughout the day.  Ten minutes here, a half hour there, I live within my imagination. Like all busy American mothers, I multi-task.  I work out plot holes during runs.  Instead of meditating, I type madly during yoga stretches.  I find inspiration in everyday things:  a beautiful smile, a heartbreaking song, or a newspaper article on a political theory.  For example, a long drive in the dark listening to an NPR program on the SMILEY FACE MURDERS theory made me ask so many questions that I wrote HOW TO DATE DEAD GUYS to answer them to my satisfaction. I’d love to have more time to write (and run, read, and sleep), but until I find Hermione Granger’s time turner, I will juggle real life with the half-written stories in my head.  Main characters and plot lines intertwine in my cranium, and I need to let my writing weave the tales on paper so I can find out what happens next.
Social Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

After Reading: FIRE OF STARS AND DRAGONS

Following the death of her uncle, twenty-one-year-old CAITRIONA HAYDEN finds herself in the midst of a trio of quintessential alpha male suitors in 22nd century sovereign America where human females should be seen and not heard.

Theo Pendragon claims her as his ward, ordained to guard her through to a long-awaited destiny unbeknownst to Cait, but finds more than he expected when passion ignites within the dragon for the first time. Always drawn to the pursuit of knowledge rather than the heat of desire, powerful demigod Dante cannot deny everything his future holds in Caitriona. America's monarch, ancient vampire Corrin, has no interest in the frivolity of love, yet marrying Cait could be the answer to his continued survival.
Soon, Cait goes from studying for college exams to choosing a husband knowing the consequences are eternal, the love undying, and the bond timeless. (Goodreads)

I have been looking forward to reading this for a VERY long time, and I was definitely not disappointed! Petreshock has designed a really interesting world, with some great characters, that drew me in and kept me up very late at night. I loved the detail when it came to describing the dragons and their hierarchy, as well as the world in general. It was seriously fascinating. Also, the book gave a whole new meaning to, well, 'how to train your dragon.' Hehe! There was some serious heat to this, which was, well, enjoyable. Yeah, I'll admit it! Two small little quibbles: I had to read the first chapter a couple of times because I got a little lost. Everything was explained as things went on, but I did find myself scratching my head over the actions of a few characters. Also, I wanted to get to know Cait a little more! She seemed fascinating, but I didn't get to see her enough. I can't want to see what happens in the next book and see if a few things are explained. Overall, a very fun read and definitely something to check out!!

Have you had a chance to read this one?

Major thanks to Swoon Romance for the review copy :)

Tori and the Sleigh of Midnight Blue by Margo Sorenson

Look what has an awesome new cover:

In this work of fiction, eleven-year-old Tori and her family are struggling with the Great Depression in North Dakota, and the death of her beloved papa has been the severest blow of all. To aspiring writer Tori, everything is changing for the worse--her friends are acting too grown-up, and her little brother Otto invades her privacy. When a Norwegian bachelor-farmer begins courting Mama, Tori writes in her journal that her life is about to be ruined. What will Tori discover about forgiveness and acceptance as she tries to keep her life from changing? (Goodreads)

Pretty, isn't it? I wanted to showcase Margo's new book and show it off a little here today :) It was recently re-released by NDSU and is a great middle grade read. There's a lot of typical family history and cultural stories from Scandinavian settlers on the plains, along with a little love story woven in, too. Go check it out! And while you are at it, say hi to Margo over on twitter!

After Reading: WHITE HART by Sarah Dalton

Mae never asked to be craft-born. She never wanted that burden.

The realm needs magic again, and the the King of Aegunlund has been waiting for the first craft-born girl to marry his son, Prince Casimir.

In Mae's town of Halts-Walden, the ambitious miller claims his daughter Ellen is craft-born. Mae knows this is a load of hogwash, but she's glad Ellen will have the unfortunate pleasure of becoming queen instead of her. All she has to do is sit back and wait until Casimir and Ellen are married, then she will finally be free of the threat of her fate. But on that day an event so shocking and terrible occurs that Mae finds herself entering the neighbouring cursed forest on a quest she never thought she'd have to follow. Join Mae as she rides her white stag through the Waerg Woods with a pampered prince at her heels. She's out for revenge and nothing, no one, will get in her way. (Goodreads)

Thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I've seen several of Dalton's books around and was curious about them, so I jumped at the chance to read White Heart. I was no disappointed! I really enjoyed reading about Mae and her world, the magic therein, and all the adventures she goes through. The Waerg Woods had some crazy surprises hidden within it, and I enjoyed watching Mae battle her way through them. She was an amazingly strong character, with flaws of course, but still, I appreciated her tenacity and unwillingness to give up. Her relationship with Casimir was a bit predictable, but I liked the Ellen-element and found myself still drawn into their tale. Basically, this was a fun, quick read, with one heck of a cliffhanger ending that has left me hoping for the next book soon!

Have you read any of Sarah Dalton's books?

Release Day for REFLECTION by Kim Cresswell

The Difference Between Mystery and Suspense
Although mystery is an element found in every genre…what if there weren’t any secrets to uncover or bad guys to catch? Would you want to turn the pages and continue reading? Romance, romantic suspense, thrillers, historical and other genres all have some sort of element of mystery.Mystery novels involve a puzzle—a game of whodunit. A crime usually happens and it’s up to the protagonist to uncover the truth. In a suspense novel–a threat and imminent danger must be resolved not a puzzle being resolved.Something is coming. Thunder. Footsteps. Bad guys. Run! Run! Run!It’s the ticking bomb concept.A suspense novel builds then ebbs creating an emotional rollercoaster and the author ensures it crashes at the right moment with a big bang.The protagonist in a suspense novel is usually tossed into the role of the hero, and in most cases without preparation or the necessary skills. He or she would rather be working or at home with their family etc., but someone has made that impossible by putting the hero’s home or loved ones in danger.In suspense novels, the stakes are much higher with the threat reaching an impossible level.In my debut romantic suspense, REFLECTION (A Whitney Steel Novel), my heroine Whitney Steel is an investigative reporter determined to nail the “story of a lifetime” because her colleagues have always made their opinions clear: Between her father’s luster as a war correspondent and her ex-husband’s political connections she’s had a free ride to get where she is in her career. But her journey to get the “big story” is not going to be easy as she battles billionaire, Biotech company owner, Nathan Shaw–who will do ANYTHING to keep his illegal human cloning project concealed from outsiders.
Reflection is a deeply emotional romantic suspense that starts bold and holds you captive to the very end.” —New York Times Bestseller, Dianna Love“Action packed from page one…an impressively laid out passionate thrill ride!” —InD’Tale Magazine (http://www.indtale.com)“I was looking forward to reading about Whitney and Blake. I anticipated a Booth and Bones relationship (from the Bones TV Series) and I wasn’t wrong…this book is definitely worth reading.” —Quality Reads UK Book ClubAmazon:  www.amazon.com/Kim-Cresswell/e/B00B5LKAXABarnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/kim-cresswell

About the Author
Kim Cresswell resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working in legal and adult education before returning to her first love, writing.
Her debut romantic suspense, REFLECTION, has won numerous awards: RomCon's 2014 Readers' Crown Finalist (Romantic Suspense), InD'tale Magazine 2014 Rone Award Finalist (Suspense/Thriller), UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013), Silicon Valley's Romance Writers of America (RWA) "Gotcha!" Romantic Suspense Winner (2004) and an Honourable Mention in Calgary's Romance Writers of America (RWA) The Writer's Voice Contest (2006).LETHAL JOURNEY was a finalist in RomCon's 2014 Readers' Crown and From the Heart Romance Writers (FTHRW) Golden Gate Contest (2003).Her action-packed suspense and thrillers have been highly praised by reviewers and readers. As one reviewer said, "Buckle up, Hang on tight!"Kim recently entered the true crime writing arena. Real Life Evil - A True Crime Quickie (two short stories) was published in January 2014. You can read her latest true crime stories in Serial Killer Quarterly, a new quarterly e-magazine published by Grinning Man Press.Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Kim-Cresswell/e/B00B5LKAXAWebsite:  www.kimcresswell.caFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KimCresswellBooksTwitter:  @kimcresswellGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6898395.Kim_Cresswell

How I Found the Write Path bloghop

The awesome Carrie Butler and PJ Hrezo put together this awesome series of posts discussing the many roads we've all traveled in our writing lives. Check out the full list of participants here--there are some amazing posts to read!

Dear 2003 me,

First off, for the love of all things, please learn how to correctly use a comma. It would be SO super useful now and spare your poor copy editor a huge headache :)

Okay, writing, you know, that hobby thing that you've always wanted to do more with, and after taking a few great courses in college, actually want to try and find a way to be published. It's time to get to work. I know you spend much of your spare time behind your keyboard, but if you want to get something out into the world, it's time to start spending some serious time with the craft. Learn how to create a character arc, how to build the world on paper that's been living in your head, and how to ask for help. Finding a great community of other writers will be the best thing you ever do: get on that!

Me and my college roommate (she's the one in red) in 2013!Also, it's time to get over yourself. As in, stop being so shy about your writing. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You know, your friends will probably be interested in what you write about, if you'd ever tell them. Your family will eventually come to grips that you'd much rather write YA fantasy than the next great American novel, and the sooner that happens, the better. So find a way to get out of your shell a little. The real world doesn't bite--too hard at least.

The writing world is going to take you for a serious ride. There will be a whole lot of ups, downs, and
blind corners. And there will be times you want to quit. (Hello, stay AWAY from that delete all button--you know what I'm talking about!) But sticking with it will have its rewards. Especially in the awesome people you'll meet along the way. And while I can't say yet whether it's totally worth it, it has been a blast. So dig in, have some fun, and for the love of Pete, learn how to use that comma!

~2014 me

After Reading: HOLD ME TIGHT by Faith Sullivan

I'm woefully behind on my book reviews, so I'll be catching up this week with a couple of my recent awesome reads :) First and absolutely one to go and buy NOW, is this awesome gem:

He loves me. He loves me not.

Ivy's heart shatters upon hearing Eric's crushing ultimatum. Despite how much she cares for him, she won't give in to his demands. She has no choice but to leave, even if it's the hardest thing she's ever had to do. 

She loves me. She loves me not.

When Ivy walks out, Eric can't help feeling betrayed. Unwilling to put her at risk, he values her safety above all else. By refusing to compromise, he's blindsided when she moves in with a man who's already stolen so much from him.

I love you. You love me not.
Lauren sees Eric and Ivy's split as an opportunity to end their relationship once and for all. When Ivy places herself at the mercy of Eric's rival, Lauren plots to destroy the fragile tie binding them together, even if she endangers Ivy's life in the process. (Goodreads)

I've reviewed the other two books in this series before, and the last book in the Take Me Now series was an utterly amazing wrap-up of this series. I'm a huge fan of Sullivan's work and I will absolutely read everything she writes, because not only is she a great writer, but I love the complex and real characters she creates. I can't stop rooting for them! Sullivan doesn't shy away from creating characters who aren't perfect, which I find refreshing and makes her stories so real and easy to identify with. Even in this book, I actually found myself feeling sorry for Lauren, who has clearly gone 'round the bend on the sanity street, but once we get a picture of what's going on in her life, it makes so much more sense. Not that it makes it okay...but I don't want to get into spoilers :) Lets just say it's quite a ride throughout this whole book and I found myself gripping my kindle with both hands a few times (for very different, er, reasons), as well as reaching for the tissue box more than once. I will say this: I never would have thought of a pocket knife in that way...and definitely will have a certain scene come to mind forever whenever I see one now! Anyhow, verdict: absolutely a must-read series, and I can't wait to read the next book Sullivan puts out!

WONDERFULLY WICKED blog tour and interview with CJ Burright

I have a great book to showcase today, one that is not-so-patiently-waiting for me on my kindle :) Please say hello to C.J.! You can check out the book on Amazon, as well as the rest of the tour schedule!


Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

Coffee annnnnd go! No, seriously, coffee. Since I have a full-time day job, I have to be ready to write whenever the opportunity arises—while boss is in trial (shhhhh!), when hubby’s away fishing, weekends in between laundry and cleaning the cat box, every evening my brain isn’t short-circuiting from life outside of my writing world...I guess ‘routine’ doesn’t really apply to me. 

Where did you get the idea or inspiration for WONDERFULLY WICKED?

Not too far into the story, my heroine Kalila frequents her favorite coffee shop, stalked by Lydon, the contagonist. That’s the vision that started this journey, Kalila waiting for her coffee, her wannabe murderer standing right behind her. I needed to know why he stalked her, how she knew he wanted to kill her, what would keep him from killing her. I’m a total pantser, but I didn’t want to add another vampire or werewolf tale to the Been-There-Done-That Sea. I wanted something different, and since I’ve always been fascinated with dreams, I created my own supernatural creatures: dreamcasters and the V’alkara. Kalila and Lydon took it from there.

What was your favorite part writing this novel? Don’t forget to tell us why.

Ooh, hard one! I’m always a sucker for a HEA, so the moment of mutual love confession is always super-satisfying, but I had a ton of fun writing the scenes where Lydon invades Kalila’s dreams. As a writer creating my own world, there’s already a sense of freedom, and the dream sequences widen that window. Situations that couldn’t happen in their reality have no barriers while in the dream, so anything goes--some laughs, some heat, and some frights.

What was the most difficult part writing this novel?

The love scenes, for sure. Kalila isn’t much of a mushy-gushy character, so playing on all the senses while blending sensual action with emotion…I wanted to get it just right. Two of my critique partners write at a higher heat level, so they helped whip my scenes into satisfying shape. Fighting scenes are so much easier for me to write. I’ve got a bit of a violent streak. 

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Besides tackling my mountainous TBR list? I’m a bit of a baseball fan, specifically the Seattle Mariners. Gardening. Working out has always been a priority, although I wouldn’t exactly add it to my “like to do” list…I like the results, not the physical torture, although inspiration seems to strike while I’m running. Not that I increase my run days. Don’t want to overdose on ideas. Give me good movies, good company, good wine, and I’m fine.

Any future writing news you would like to share?

I have a medieval fantasy romance out on submission that I hope will find a home soon—two of my favorite characters ever! I’m also in the countdown to finishing the sequel to Wonderfully Wicked (Beautifully Burned), which focuses on Daxen’s story, a secondary character in WW. He’s very damaged, and the road to healing his soul, self-discovery, and love is filled with pot holes and dead ends. Not to mention another reluctant dreamcaster. Nothing’s ever easy, right?


A dreamcaster with the ability to channel creatures from her nightmares, headstrong and cynical Kalila Montgomery longs for a peaceful, picket-fence life… until the man literally of her dreams kidnaps her. 

Survival quickly becomes her number one goal, yet a growing attraction to the man in her nightmares is impossible to ignore. While she fears he will kill her, other, more terrifying enemies surround her, and Kalila succumbs to his scheme to escape. She may be his one hope for freedom…

A deadly combination of power, cunning, and cold-hearted charm, Lydon v’al Endrian fears nothing. Feels nothing. Chained to a brotherhood of men with the supernatural ability to invade dreams, he hunts dreamcasters to be harvested for their dreams and killed. His target: Kalila Montgomery. But Kalila awakens an undeniable dark desire and a longing for a freedom long-lost. 

To gain everything he craves, Lydon must seduce Kalila before his plot is discovered… a hopeless challenge which, if failed, will earn him a death-sentence. Caught up in a dangerous world of secrets and obsession, doubt and betrayal, Kalila and Lydon face the nightmare of their lives, where love will either deliver them—or destroy them both.  About the AuthorC. J. Burright was born and raised in Oregon and loved it so much she never left. While she has worked for years in a law office, she chooses to avoid writing legal thrillers and instead leans toward urban fantasy, paranormal romance, or–since all things medieval and magic fascinate her–fantasy romance. A member of Romance Writers of America and Secretary for the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal special interest chapter, C. J. also has her 4th Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and believes stories should always include a gratuitous fight scene. In what spare time she has, she enjoys working out, reading, gardening, and rooting on the Seattle Mariners with a nice glass of wine. She shares a house with her husband, daughter, and a devoted herd of cats. C. J. is represented by Brittany Booker of The Booker Albert Literary Agency.Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads 
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