Book Review: Liv's Existence

First of a two part series. 

Olivia 

Ten years. 

Countless miles. 

I thought I had run far enough away that he’d never find me. The man who destroyed my sense of safety and introduced me to the evils of the world came back looking for forgiveness. How can I forgive him when I haven’t forgiven myself? I look at his fiancée and wonder how she could love a man so cruel. However, the closer I look at her, the more I realize that maybe she doesn’t love him after all. What has he done to her? I have to find out. 

Abigail 

Many tears. 

Countless men. 

I thought I’d found the one man who wouldn't break my heart. Two weeks before our wedding day, he came clean with his dirty past and shattered our future. He’s asking me to still love him, but how can I love a man so cruel? I look at the woman he destroyed, and I feel compelled to do everything I can to help her. I know what it’s like to be broken by this man. Can I help her to live life again instead of just existing? I have to find out. 

Ages 18+ due to adult situations and violence. Some situations may be difficult for some readers.

***I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review.***

When I first started reading Liv's Existence I didn't know what to think or the direction the book was going. As I continued reading and getting to know the central characters, Liv and Abigail, I couldn't help but invest myself in their stories. 

B.L. Mooney gave these characters life, substance and a reason to have their story heard. At first, I wanted to reject the idea that I could somehow relate to these incredible women, especially Liv. I didn't feel worthy to hear Liv's story and empathize with her. However, as I read Liv's story, I began to understand the pain, suffering and struggles that she's had to endure.  While in Liv's existence we only read of Liv's story, we still get a glimpse into what Abigail's life has been like.  Each of their story were different yet bound forever by one human being. 

These women were forever linked and through that bond they were able to help each other survive and overcome unimaginable acts committed against them.

Towards the end, I couldn't tear myself away from the story. I needed to know that everything was going to be okay. My heart ached for Liv and I so desperately wanted to see her become the strong woman she could be. I cried like I would if a friend of mines endured what Liv has endured. I cried for Liv and for her will to live. 

I will say that Liv's Existence is not for the faint of heart. It deals with real, everyday topics that some women struggle with and are sometimes afraid to speak out against.

Do I recommend this book? Oh, I do. I really do. My only suggestion is to make sure there is a box of tissues available near you. 

Book Review: Small Town Trouble and Giveaway

Meet Kim Claypoole, restaurateur, reluctant heroine and amateur sleuth with moxie galore. "I'd had a feeling all along that this wasn't going to be my day. But I hadn't been prepared for things to go this badly..."

In Small Town Trouble, the first in a series from mystery writer Jean Erhardt, we get acquainted with Kim Claypoole's irreverent and witty ways of dealing with the peculiar characters and events that she finds in her life.

Claypoole's adventure begins as she leaves her home in the Smoky Mountains to help save her kooky mother Evelyn from financial disaster. Setting off to assist Evelyn (i.e., "the other Scarlett O'Hara") with her newest personal crisis, Claypoole leaves in her wake her Gatlinburg doublewide, her restaurant, The Little Pigeon and her restaurant partner and sometimes best friend Mad Ted Weber as well as a budding secret love affair that's hotter than an Eskimo in July.

Claypoole's savior complex leads to more trouble when she bumps into an old flame in her hometown who asks for her help clearing her hapless brother of murder charges. In true Claypoole fashion, she gets more than she bargained for when she gets dragged into a complicated quest to find the true killer complete with topless tavern dancers, small town cops, a stream of backwater characters-even a meeting with the Grim Reaper. Can Claypoole muddle her way through the murky depths of this bizarre murder mystery before it's too late?

With biting humor and wit, Small Town Trouble will leave you guessing what's around the next corner in the quirky life of Kim Claypoole. 

Buy Links: Amazon; Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAY LINK AT THE BOTTOM

***I received a copy in exchange for a review as part of Dark Scream Book Tours.***

Small Town Trouble is a quirky and humorous novel about a murder mystery in a small town

It's a great story to read while vacationing on the beach or just lounging for the afternoon. While it is a murder mystery, it's a great story to read to just relax your mind. There's not much thought that needs to be put into the story while reading. It's witty and funny enough to keep you interested.

We get to see the interesting life that the heroine, Kim Claypoole, leads and the antics she gets into with her long time friend. Although, it wasn't a romance story, I found myself rooting for Kim to find love somewhere, with someone. She's a likable enough character that you want to see her win the end.

Do I recommend Small Town Trouble? I do... It's a great book to entertain your mind and give you some chuckle out loud moments.

~~~

To learn more about the author, Jean Erhardt, visit her website or FB page. 

www.jeanerhardt.com
https://www.facebook.com/JeanErhardtAuthor https://www.facebook.com/KimClaypooleFanClub
Joyce Thompson https://www.facebook.com/joycethompsonwriter 

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Giveaway, Guest Post, and Book Review of See How She Falls

I'm so excited to be a part of the a blog tour for the Chronicles of Izzy. This series is by far one of my favorite paranormal series in the indie world. I love Izzy and who she represents, who she is and what she is willing to do for humanity.








Thank you for stopping my today and be sure to follow along the blog tour to learn more about See How She Falls. OH, and the best part, there's a giveaway!!! The rafflecopter link will be at the end of the post. 

Let's continue with the blog tour!

So, today I have Ian with me to answer some questions about Kennan and Izzy, who also happen to be here.  Although, I really want to find out just what Ian thinks about everything, so all of the questions will be posed to him.

MG:  Thanks for being here today Ian!

Ian:  Anytime I can talk about these two, I am there!  Bring on the questions!

MG:  Alright, was your first impression of Izzy?

Ian:  I thought she was short, and feisty.  I wasn't exactly sure how someone that small was going to take on the Corporation.

Izzy:  "I am not that short!"

MG:  No interrupting, Izzy!  Did she remind you of her mom at all, Ian?

Ian:  At first.  The more I got to know her, the more she reminded me of her dad.  She is caring like her mom, but she has her dad's strength.  She is one tough little cookie.

MG:  What about Kennan?  How long have you known each other?

Ian:  Kennan, how long has it been?

Kennan:  Too long!

Ian:  It has been a while.  Hundreds of years maybe?  I lose track of time.

MG:  Well, what did you think of him when you first met?

Ian:  Now that, I remember!  I thought he was a stuffy pain in the buttocks.  He was so serious.  All "this is serious business, stop making fun."

Kennan:  Have you met yourself?  You could benefit from a bit more seriousness. 

MG:  Ehem, no interrupting or I am going to kick you and Izzy out!

Kennan & Izzy:  Fine.  *grumbles*

MG:  As you got to know him, did you feel any differently?

Ian:  I did.  Kennan became like a brother to me.  He took me in when I had nowhere else to go.  Though we may be vastly different, we are still the same at the core.  We both want to protect the people we love, we both want to stand up and fulfill our callings, ultimately we have the same values.

MG:  What about the two of them together?  Did that shock you?

Ian:  It makes a strange sort of sense.  The two of them.  I mean, do you see them together?  It is kind of sickening!    They are all smoochy-smoochy.  Barf!

Kennan:  You're just jealous.

Izzy:  Truth, if it were Molly here you would be singing a different tune!

MG:  That is a good point.  What is going on with you and Molly?

Ian:  I thought this interview was about those two. 

Izzy:  Stop avoiding the question.  Inquiring minds want to know. 

Ian:  It is no one's business.

Kennan:  Is she still giving you the brush off man?  It's tough to be tough, I tell you.

Ian:  Alright, that's it.  Interview over.  I'm out of here.  *Gets up and leaves in a huff*

MG:  Well, I guess that concludes this interview then.  Unless the two of you have anything to add.

Izzy:  I want to go on record saying that I place my money on Molly and Ian getting together before the end of the year!  Mark my words, it is gonna happen.  I am a Seer after all!

Well, Thanks for stopping by to spend some time with us today.  If you want to find out more about the inner workings of Ian, Kennan, Izzy, and Molly be sure to check out The Chronicles of Izzy!

xoxo,

Michelle Graves

Okay, now those Guardians and Seer are a riot! I love Ian and his "not so serious" personality. And what can I say about Kennan *swoon*. Of course, Izzy, is on a pedestal to me. She is one kick ass, beautiful, intelligent and cool woman.

Now on to my review of See How She Falls.

***DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

See How She Falls is the story of Izzy making one of the toughest decisions she's had to since learning she was a Seer.  In See How She Falls, we see Izzy step up to her duties that were bestowed upon her from her last adventure in See How She Fights. So, it picks up right were the last book left off.

I could gush over how fan-freaking-tastic this book is. But I can't do so without giving away spoilers. However, I will try because this book needs to be read. This is certainly one review that I will NOT be giving spoilers away because yo
u need to read it and enjoy the awesome goodness it is.

Ms. Graves writes a captivating story in See How She Falls. We continue to see and follow Izzy in her quest to save the world from evil and utter destruction. However, it is at the cost of grand and selfless act on Izzy's part.

We are also introduced to new characters who are so vital to the story and aren't there to just fill in any gaps. I love it when new characters have a purpose to the story rather than just some other character for the sake of having new characters. We get to learn more about Izzy's past in this story, which answers some questions about her (whether or not we had them).

The world of Seers and Guardians is a complex one and Ms. Graves does a fantastic job at giving us some background information on them.

The way how Ms. Graves goes back and forth between the past, present and future is flawless. There was not one moment were I felt confused about what I was reading. She weaves in all these tales together and ties them together in manner that makes you want to continue reading. I, literally, could not put down this book. I spent the entire day reading it because I wanted, no NEEDED, to know what was going to happen to Izzy and her friends.

My one and only warning is: You Must Have a Box of Tissues!!!!

Do I recommend See How She Falls: Oh, heck yea I do!!! You must read the other two books first to know what is happening but YES! YES! YES! I do recommend this book.

See How She Runs
One delivery changed her whole life. 

Izzy was a normal girl living in Chicago as a bike messenger before that fateful day. She delivered one package and set into action a chain of events she never could have expected.

Now she is running for her life from the Corporation, her best friend is not at all who he seemed, and to top it all off she keeps having visions.

Will she survive to navigate the waters as a Seer? Will her feelings for Kennan be her very downfall? Find out in See How She Runs. 

Available on Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B00DWJ6BBS

Coming Mid-March to all other retailers!

See How She Fights

She thought it was over. 

She thought her life was finally her own.
She was wrong.

Izzy is thrust back into the world of Seers and Guardians. With a summons from the Council she can't ignore, Izzy heads back into the fray. Now, it is up to her to figure out why Seers are being sacrificed, carved up, and left for ruin. If she doesn't find the person orchestrating the deaths, she may well be next.

If that wasn't enough, her powers have started to expand exponentially. Kennan is keeping secrets. Moreover, a strangely familiar Symbol-smith starts wreaking havoc on her precariously balanced world.

Will Izzy survive this latest crisis? Will she stop fighting destiny and accept her fate? Find out in See How She Fights. 

Available on Amazon: 

http://amzn.com/B00H8XG7YA

Coming Mid-March to all other ebook stores.

About Michelle Graves: 

Michelle Graves is a self-proclaimed nomad, moving every two to three years with her husband the Army man, her beautiful daughter, and a fat tailless cat named Torri. When she is not writing away trying to purge her mind of yapping characters she can be found entertaining her daughter, attempting to craft (whilst trying not to injure herself with the glue gun), baking yummy treats, or reading. She admits to having a restless spirit and forces her family to go out on adventures whenever possible. They lovingly play along.

Giveaway Time!!!

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Book Review - New Beginnings

                    

Synopsis:

18+ 

Jess knew her life would never move forward if she remained a part of Gregory’s pack. Some Alpha’s just don’t know how to take care of their wolves. She had managed Gregory’s bar for years but she knew he would never sell it to her.

After one giant mistake, he went from bad to worse. As a psychic, she knew it was a downward spiral. 

Taking her future in her own hands, she contacts the Alpha in Edenton. He is happy to sell the empty bar no one has the time, nor desire to renovate, much less run. 

Their attraction is unexpected and the last thing either want, but they find the only thing they need in each other. 

There is just one problem. Slater’s second in command is plotting against him. Liam will use anything to take over as Alpha. 

Plenty of werewolves, an old vampire flame, plus a paranoid second, and don’t forget the psychic with a whole lot of attitude

Buy Links: Amazon; Barnes and Noble

*****I RECEIVED THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW*****
New Beginnings by Brandy Rivers was a refreshing read in the paranormal world! I love her take on Others - all paranormal/supernatural beings. 

As the cover suggests, New Beginnings is in fact a story based on werewolves, however, not just any other werewolf story. This story has a strong, funny, spunky and stubborn female character lead, Jess. I love her personality. She definitely knows how to stand on her own and knows how to not take nonsense from anyone, Alpha or not.

This story is quick and to the point yet gives you enough detail to get to know the characters well and what makes them tick. I enjoy stories who skip the fluff that is unnecessary just to make a book longer.

Ms. Rivers delivers a powerful story of friendship, love and loyalty. She also writes a steamy, sexy scene that makes you want to grab the nearest Alpha to you.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading New Beginnings. Ms. Rivers' take on the paranormal world is a welcomed one. New Beginnings is the prequel to In Too Deep and I cannot wait to get "deep" into that story next.

Do I recommend New Beginnings? Oh you bet I do! Hang on cause it will take you for a ride and will definitely surprise you.

Book Review of The Stone of Sorrows

Synopsis:

**AN AMAZON DARK FANTASY & COMING OF AGE TOP 50 ADVENTURE!** 

Armies of Fellspawn march upon Highmount. The Iron Gods have awoken from their slumber. E’blis, the Prince of Pain, is preparing a very special sacrifice to raise the Fallen One from his tomb. Sarah Bean must beseech the Kay’lo to join the war and help her to save Seythe from total destruction. Will they agree to help her? Can Highmount survive such an onslaught of evil? Or will this be the beginning of the end for the Thirteen Worlds? 

NB: This novel is recommended for mature young adults as it contains occasional bad language and occasional scenes of a graphic nature. 

The complete Age of the Flame trilogy is now available from the Kindle Store: 
The Sword of Sighs 
The Sceptre of Storms 
The Stone of Sorrows

Buy Links: 

Amazon; Barnes and Noble

***I was given this book in exchange for a review.***

The Stone of Sorrows is the third installment in the Age of Flame trilogy. What a fantastic conclusion to Sarah Bean's story. 

The Stone of Sorrows picks up right where The Sceptre of the Storms finished. When I started reading it, I didn't know how Sarah could become an even better hero than before. She grows more into who her destiny calls her to be. 

One of the things I enjoyed about this book was that not only is the story about Sarah but about another integral character in the story. The switch in point of view between characters was done flawlessly. Without being told, I knew who's head I was in. 

As I was reading this book, it played out like a movie in my mind. I felt like I was transported to this magical, fantastical world where good battles evil. The journey that Sarah Bean goes on is one that I felt I was traveling right along with her. You could feel her struggles, both internal and external. You could also feel the moment where she decides to fully accept her destiny and become the hero that Seythe needs. 

Do I recommend this book? Yes! Especially if you've read the first two stories. If you haven't, I'd recommend reading all 3 books in succession so as to fully grasp the story and its awesome epicness. 

"Let Me Do It".... Letting My Kid Grow Up.

My four year old has a routine, of sorts, when he's finished with his shower. I help wrap him in his towel (as much as it would cover him because he still likes using his baby ones with the hoodie) and he scampers off to my room. He crawls in my bed and gets under the cover to get warm. There's a story here but let me back track.

He no longer does bath but does showers. He's at that stage, has been for a while but is more adamant about it, of "let me do it". Cue in loud, mental, mommy sigh and a vision of the long list of things that needs to get done but I know that this is necessary for his independence.. All I want to say, in my Sweet Brown voice "Ain't nobody got time for that". Alas, he needs his "let me do it" moment and I need to take advantage of it and let him. With my words as guidance, he washes his skin and makes sure to get the really important parts. He also manages to get the toothpaste on his toothbrush and brush his teeth.

Okay, back to my story.

This time, instead of letting me dress him, he jumps off my bed and runs to his room. All I hear is "mommy don't look, close the door". I can tell he's carried over his "let me do it" moment on to getting dressed.

I tell him that he is not closing the door but I won't look in. He then tells me I need to close my eyes.

In his little mind, he thinks that if my eyes are open I can see him. Not his fault really because I always tell him that I can and do see all things. He questions me how I knew he was doing something he wasn't supposed to do because my back was turned to him. So, I can see why he wants me to close my eyes. I tell him I must have my eyes open so I don't bump into things. He laughs.

All this while, he is searching for his black pants AKA dark jeans. I try my very best not to look at him. I hear him downstairs in the laundry room searching for his jeans. (Oh, yeah, I still have clothes that needs to be folded. Hey, at least they're washed and dried.) Unsuccessful in his search, he reluctantly asks for my help. However, I must close my eyes. I manage to help find his "black pants" without getting so much as a peak of him. He's happy.

Once he's fully dressed, he manages to get his shoes on. He doesn't come to me for help in tying his shoes but demands, yes demands, of his big brother to tie them for him.

Once all that is accomplished, he runs to me and says "look mommy, I did it!". He gives me the biggest, brightest and most proudest smile a 4 year old can give his mommy. He accomplished something, that I knew he could, all by himself.

All this is teaching me that I need to let my kid grow up. He is the baby and will be the baby from now on. I know he can do these things. He's shown me time after time that he can. I sometimes make him get dressed but I also relish the mommy and son moment of getting him dressed and talking. So, it's a toss up. Of course, doing it for them is easier but not the best thing for them.

He's ready to take the reigns, I just need to hang on for the ride. My baby is growing up.

Severed, Book Spotlight and eBook Giveaway!

You've all heard of Lizzy Ford and Julia Crane, right? They write fantastic YA and Paranormal stories for our entertainment.

Well, guess what?! They've both teamed up to co-author a series. Talk about great author colliding and joining forces to bring us what is to be a fantastic series.

They are so excited to share this series with you that they are giving away 5, yes FIVE, eBooks Amazon copies of their first novel collaboration Severed: Starwalkers Serial Novel #1.

All you have to do is comment on my Facebook page, Same DiNamics, or on this blog post via Google+, which of their novels is your favorite and why. Giveaway will run until Friday, February 9, 2014 at 10:00am. Winners will be picked randomly and announced on my Same DiNamics page.

BUT here's a sneak peak into Severed.

Synopsis:


Two sisters with special gifts and an unbreakable bond ... 

Cyena and Tyana were born to powerful parents who are among the ruling class on their planet. Their lives are pampered but isolated, constricted to the city ...walls in which they were born.

Fun loving with a rare but powerful mind power, Tyana is accustomed to being treated like a princess and using her influence to get anything she wants – including protecting her sister from the elders and students who look down on her. The opposite of Tyana in most ways, Cyena’s second-class mind skills make others view her as a blemish on the family bloodline. No one but her sister believes in her.

They don’t know that a war is brewing, until it erupts. A class war tears their perfect world a part, leaving them helpless, alone and worse –severed from one another.

Each girl will risk her life to find the other, and each will be challenged to hone her powers in order to survive environments unlike any they’ve ever experienced.

~~~

Can't wait for the giveaway and you want to read it now? You can buy the book at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Author info:

Lizzy Ford:

Lizzy Ford is the author of over twenty five novels written for young adult and adult paranormal romance readers, to include the internationally bestselling Rhyn Trilogy, Witchling Trilogy, Heart of Fire series and the War of Gods series. Considered a freak of nature by her peers for the ability to write and release a commercial quality novel in under a month, Lizzy has focused on keeping her readers happy by producing brilliant, gritty romances that remind people why true love is a trial worth enduring. 

Lizzy’s books can be found on every major ereader library, to include: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Sony and Smashwords. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, three dogs and a cat.

Julia Crane:

Julia Crane is the author of the YA paranormal fiction novels: Keegan's Chronicles, Mesmerized, Eternal Youth, and the IFICS series. Julia was greatly encouraged by her mother to read and use her imagination, and she's believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Julia has traveled far and wide to all the places her grandmother told her about, gaining inspiration from her journeys to places like Nepal, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Italy, France and many more. And who knows? Maybe the magical creatures she writes about are people she met along the way.
Julia Crane has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Although she's spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.