My Soul to Steal (Soul Screamers #4) by Rachel Vincent

Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can't just pretend nothing happened. But "complicated" doesn't even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn't just an ordinary girl. She's a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people's fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn't above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

Where to find more info:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8487363-my-soul-to-steal

Rachel Vincent: http://rachelvincent.com/

Shelley's Review

Ugh! This is such a difficult review to write. I started My Soul to Steal while right in the middle of a very adult series. Very adult issues and emotions. Very soul shaking. Stepping back in to the Soul Screamers felt kind of, well, juvenile. Rachel keeps things moving with her usual flair, but I really struggled with this book. With liking my favorite characters and the direction they were going. With accepting new characters and how they influenced or interacted with said favorite characters. As well as with the situations they all find themselves in...There is no end to the chaos in Kaylee's world...she is constantly in danger, constantly in conflict with Nash and her feelings for him, constantly at odds with an enemy or supposed rival...constantly second guessing EVERYTHING and constantly WHINING! Double UGH! Ok, ok...I'm fine. Really. *wipes brow*
Kaylee shows us in this one how much of a teenager she really is. Sometimes annoyingly so. She is full to the brim with angst, insecurity and fear. FEAR is what drives My Soul to Steal...fear of the past, the unknown, the unexpected, of loss and failure, of losing yourself and never belonging. Fear of your deepest fear and NIGHTMARES. Rachel introduces an interesting and trying new character in Sabine. She drops in like a tornado and sends Kaylee into a tail spin with her "gift" and manipulations. I like a lot of things about Sabine's character. She has the makings of great "bad" girl. Just what she is, is a very cool concept and brings so many possibilities. For me though, she falls short with her petty teenage exploits in an atmosphere that is obviously already volatile. Knowing what she knows, she should've been aware of what she was walking in to. UGH!
Kaylee continues to struggle with Nash. Can she ever forgive him? Does she love him enough? So much of what she feels is what any girl who is hurt and feels betrayed would feel, but she rehashes things so many times I began to lose my sympathy for her and her situations. Many of which she created herself. Yep, another UGH! She has high and unrealistic expectations of everyone. I relate to that, I do...but for me in this story...it just translated to poor little Kaylee. Her focus on controlling everyone and everything really took away from what I love about her character. She's still strong, resourceful and insightful, yet she manages to come off self centered and insecure.
WHAT AM I TRYING TO SAY??
Well, here it is...I struggled just as much as Kaylee, but for very different reasons. Kaylee's angst over everything Nash overrides the real dangers master manipulator Avari and the Netherworld. She sees so much and yet misses everything. Reading this was much like watching a B horror movie. You know what's coming next and you're helpless to save the poor fool before you.
With Kaylee so focused on what's wrong in her personal life, it was difficult to get caught up in the havoc so carefully crafted by our favorite hellion. Perhaps it was all part of his grand scheme...creating so much doubt and mistrust among Kaylee, her family and friends. It should have made me feel for her. It should have made me want to steer her back to hope and possibility. Mostly, it made me pull away from her...and Nash. I love Nash. He's been a great hero. He's sacrificed and loved Kaylee, no questions asked. He's suffered greatly for her, and still does. But he has also lied to (neglected to disclose) and manipulated her. How do you love someone so...beautiful and flawed? Is loving them enough?
I think that may be the whole point here. You make a choice to accept people for who they are...mistakes and all. You have to forgive and/or forget and move on. Or...you walk away. And walking away is rarely easy.
As much as i struggled with giving Kaylee and Nash my undying devotion, I found several things I did love in this installment; another secondary character plays a cool role, Avari is frightening as ever, Alex gets more interesting and Tod...well, well, well...I think our favorite Reaper may have something no so much "hiding up his sleeve".
I'm really interested to see where Rachel takes us all from here. So much still to discover. So much to resolve. So far to go.

=FLAMING HOT

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.
Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.
Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past. 


Where to find more info:
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12881778-fifty-shades-freed
E.L. James:  http://www.eljamesauthor.com/

Shelley's Review
Anger, jealousy, loss and pain are the feelings that will consume, ruin or kill you, if you give them the  chance...and not only your own feelings can destroy you. After all of their struggles through the first two books, you'd think Ana and Christian would have it all and then some. Well, they do...but there are still others that want what they have and seek to shatter the bubble they've created. Others are bent on revenge. So close and yet so far...Despite Christian's need to control and protect Ana, the lovers find themselves separated and at odds with one another as Christian's former life continues to rear it's ugly head and all hell breaks loose around them. More secrets are revealed, alliances are broken and terror comes from an unexpected source. Lives are threatened as well as Ana and Christian's fragile coexistence. Can Ana accept Christian for who he is...can he move on from his past and trust his heart...can they survive unknown threats and the many attempts to keep them apart?
Not alone...not without each other...not without perfect love and perfect trust.
This final(?) installment has both Ana and Christian questioning everything they've come to know. The road to redemption and healing is a hard and bumpy ride. Emotions go from high to low and earth shattering despair in the blink of an eye...if you can read any of these books without a few tears, well, I might think you're not human. Everyone knows I get emotionally attached to my favorite characters...I feel their fears, pain, and their triumphs right along with them. Let me just say, I haven't been this emotionally wrought over a story in a very long time. Without giving anything away, I hope, Ms. James does give us a HEA...AFTER putting us threw the ringer and teaching us a few lessons on life, love, forgiveness and self acceptance. I was a wreck for two solid days after finishing the trilogy...ok, I was a mess the whole time I was reading Ana and Christian's tale. But despite their outcome, I bawled and bawled feeling like I'd gone through every relationship I've ever had at lightning speed and come out feeling a loss for not having what they'd finally found. It was profound, earth shaking and mind blowing.
This is not as many would believe a story based solely on the erotic...it is a study in emotions, the human psyche; what we truly believe of others and ourselves and how our choices made from those beliefs effect not only our lives but those around us. If it doesn't make you think or question what you thought you knew about love and trust...well, you need to step out of yourself...and read it again.
Seriously, Fifty Shades as a whole, blew me away. I sincerely hope it's amazing creator feels the need to indulge us with more of this fascinating world. I myself, never want to leave it. I am obsessed with Christian Grey. O.B.E.S.E.S.S.E.D. That is all.


Kathryn's Review
So, I have now finished book 3 and I am already experiencing withdrawals.  I have had a privilege of reading some awesome books in the past few years...And this series ranks right up there with those great ones!
Fifty Shades is one of those series that will always plague your mind, heart and soul.  From the first page of book 1, you are drawn in and the next thing you know, you are drowning, gasping for air, at how powerful, emotional, and sensual these books are.  As a reader, I found myself relating to Ana, yet there are times I am so blown away in how naive she is, but seeing her grow and become a strong beautiful woman...WONDERFUL!  There are still times in Freed that I felt she was just plain stupid with her decision making process, but that is who she is and obviously we wouldn't be here now if it wasn't for her odd judgment calls.  
Now, on to the reason I LOVE this series as a whole...Christian.  I will begin by saying...he would piss me off so much, but when I saw the changes he made and how he faced his demons head on...GAWD....the strength in this man is so enthralling and the next thing you know, you have fallen in love with him.  I completely understand how Ana feels when she is around him.  He possesses your thoughts and you find yourself wanting to know more and more!! Truthfully, words can't even truly encompass all that is Christian.  
So, do I LOVE this series?  Of course!!  It has definitely made my favorites shelf!
If you are wanting a book/series in which is sexy, romantic, intriguing, mind-blowing that will overwhelm you emotionally, then get this series!!  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!


We both give Fifty Shades Freed:

=SCORCHER

Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.
But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

Where to find more info:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11857408-fifty-shades-darker
E.L. James:  http://www.eljamesauthor.com/

Shelley's Review
Wow! Just wow! I fell for Christian in the first book, pretty hard...I am now obsessed with this beautiful, broken, and emotionally unavailable man. Gorgeous, wanted by everyone, smart, beyond wealthy...and completely detached, despite his obvious obsession for Ana. To see into the world of someone who on the surface has everything, and seeing they really have nothing at all, is a sobering observation. Seeing it through Ana and her innocent eyes and heart is at times too much to bear. I thought Fifty Shades was gut wrenching, but Darker jumped off the rail and sent me flying head first in to the agony and despair that both of these characters find themselves so enveloped in.
It is a testament to Ms. James writing ability that I find myself so wrapped up in these two. It speaks volumes, that I've devoured these 2 books in as many days..at 500 plus pages each, this is not light reading or a light hearted subject matter. Despite the unlikely circumstance that brought them together, I am consumed by the humanity and real life struggles they face. I could not love these two more. Obviously, I fell for Christian...almost immediately, but Ana is refreshing as a young, naive but incredibly strong woman...and yes, at times, she's a bit aggravating with her over thinking...rationalizing, but without a doubt she loves her Fifty, and it is love that ultimately drives this story. Once again, my mind is blown.




Kathryn's Review
Could this series get any better?  This book put me through so much...OH....MY....GOODNESS!!  The changes that happened in this book were so instrumental in the development of the characters.  I mean, watching Ana grow and become a stronger woman while all the while, Christian deals with his demons and learns to trust Ana completely.  And could I love Christian any more than I already did?  After this book, YES!!!  I kept saying, "I want me a Christian..."  Ha!! A man that loves you this much is incredible!  Now, it is not all hearts and flowers...there are things that Christian does that really get under my skin and as an independent woman, I would be telling him to take a hike, but again, this is a dreamworld and as a reader, I love to fall in to my worlds and see exactly where they take me.  And with this book, I fell madly in love with Christian and his world!


We both give Fifty Shades Darker:

=SCORCHER

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. 

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms. 

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Where to find more info:

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10818853-fifty-shades-of-grey

E.L. James (author): http://www.eljamesauthor.com/

Shelley's Review

Right off the bat, I'm going to say, I've read some damn good books this year...but Fifty Shades is by far my favorite. The content is controversial, difficult to read at times and absolutely delicious in it's delivery. It is most definitely erotica; hardcore and not for the faint of heart...And I devoured it all like the finest chocolate in the world...greedily and with full satisfaction, yet wanting more.
Ana and Christian are amazingly complicated, smart and beautiful creatures, and polar opposites in nearly every way. I fell for them hard and was able to relate to each of them on many different levels. To say it was a rollercoater ride of emotions would be a gross understatement. It was all at once beautiful, funny, gut wrenching, heartbreaking, horrifying, sexy as hell and worth every bit of pain.
Expect to be surprised and enthralled by this story. It's honest, raw human emotion at it's best...and worst. AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ.

Kathryn's Review

HOT DAMN!!  I am so blown away by this book.  It is captivating, HOT, fast-paced, intriguing, and just down right freaking SEXY!! Being introduced to the world of Ana and Christian has plagued my mind day in and day out and I am sooo eager to get to the next one.  
When I heard about the buzz of this book, it definitely piqued my interest and I knew that I had to read it to find out what the hype was about.  Lets just say, I was not disappointed AT ALL!!  Completely erotica, the story-line that flows through it is one of romance as well as everyday relationship struggles.  I found myself emotionally connecting to Ana and falling madly in love with Christian just as she did.  And when I reached the end of the book...OMG...I was crying and had to jump straight in to book 2 right away... 


We both give Fifty Shades of Grey:

=SCORCHER

Pulse of Heroes Blog Tour

Hi guys, Kathryn here!! We at TSK TSK What to Read  were very lucky to have the chance to interview the one and only Rion... And WOW, was it fun!!

So, I don't want to leave you guys hanging...Let's see how this interview went down....

TSK TSK ladies:  *giggling excitedly while comparing notes when Rion suddenly pops in*  

Rion: (very dignified and early to the interview. He’s wearing perfectly tailored black slacks and a green shirt tucked into them. The Green matches his eyes. He is very debonair and shakes everyone’s hands)

TSK TSK ladies:  *Kathryn and Shelley look to each with jaws dropped and share another giggle and eagerly shakes hands with Rion* Thank you so much for coming today and giving us a chance to know you a little better...let's go ahead and get started with our first question... 

 What do really think of Elliot? Of Michelle?

Rion thinks for a while and closed lip smile spreads on his face. His green eyes suddenly look playful “Well… I think a lot of things about Elliot. I have opinions if you’d like to hear those too. I have known that kid for a long time. I mean we were even family once, or twice. He’s also my best friend.

Elliot is a good man, but he’s an emotional wreck. He cares too damn much about things. He goes on these crazy crusades to prove what? That he can love? Big deal. That he will always honor his word? No one cares about honor anymore. Besides, he’s too pretty -he hates it when I say that to his face, and he uses that face of his against women, even against Michelle. He’s a player just like the rest of us, yet presents himself as Eros in love. He’s got that naive girl so wrapped around his finger that she actually thinks that he’s wrapped around hers, it’s beyond entertaining to me. Sometimes I think I should just tell her the truth just to piss him off of course.

You know what else? Elliot is arrogant, and he thinks he knows best when many times he has no idea what he’s talking about. I mean don’t get me wrong, the guy has a brain on him and he is much more educated that I am, but I think that all that information is just confusing him.

But another thing about Elliot is that I will fight by his side in any battle, anytime. From that aspect I would trust him with my life. He’s an amazing strategist especially naval, and he’s almost as good as I am with the sword…he’s got a good punch, trust me, I know, and that temper is, well, useful at times for battle and for entertainment.

Michelle who? Oh her…she’s as cute as a bug… but I think as she matures she’s going to be more of a hassle then we all think. Elliot is in for a surprise, if you ask me. He’s going to have to tame her, but I don’t think he has it in him.

TSK TSK ladies:  What is one of your secret indulgences?

You mean besides the obvious…what are you doing after this? (Raises his eyebrows) I guess you can call my car collection an indulgence.

TSK TSK ladies: *Kathryn squirms in her seat while feeling the blush on her face and Shelley attempts to stifle another giggle at viewing her friend's physical reaction* Ok, continuing on...

What would be your favorite song? Music genre? Group/singer?

Now that’s something that none of my kind can truly answer, because we’ve been around too long and have heard so many different types of music. Lately it’s been metal, but I also really enjoy classical. I’m not much of country music guy though. (he makes a face)

TSK TSK ladies: What is something that has been invented in the past 20 yrs you just can't live w/o now?

That would be the car. Anything else can come and go. I love the speed and the gear shifting. It’s like control paradise.

TSK TSK ladies: What is something you would like to do and haven't tried yet?

Hmmm… that’s an interesting question. I’ve done a lot in my lifetime. You know I’m kind of bored, I think all of us are, really. If I could return back from death, I am very curious as to what it feels like.

Shelley: *muttering under her breath* "Well that isn't creepy at all.."

TSK TSK ladies: What is one of your fondest memories/moments?

I have many good memories, but I will forever remember the first time I held my baby, right after my wife gave birth to him. He was perfect, and he cried like crazy in the nurses arms, but as soon as I held him his eyes opened and he looked at me with this awe on his face. He knew I was his father, and he stopped crying. (Rion suddenly straightens himself in the chair, obviously uncomfortable of what he had just shared) But then again there are all kind of memories…like we can make our own…. You know, pretend we’re making babies.

TSK TSK ladies: *gasp...coughing out the words while trying to maintain a sense of control of this interview*

Kathryn: Well you have certainly shed a bit of light on yourself and the way you see the world, Rion.  *clears throat* We so appreciate you...*Rion clasps both their hands with an unspoken promise and Shelley's knees buckle under his intense gaze*...coming by.  

Shelley:  Yes, it was a pleasure indeed.  Thank you!

And with that, Rion swwops out of the room as quickly as he came.  

*the girls share another look and giggle*

Shelley:  Well, he's not the least bit intense...

*the girls laugh out loud and make their own exit*

Enjoyed meeting RIon?  Well, get more of him as well as other great characters in the Pulse of Heroes series!  Look below to find about the books in the series and the fantastic author behind it all!!

A.Jacob Sweeny holds a degree in History with an emphasison Ancient Near East. Her immersion in world myths and her archaeologicalfieldwork provided the initial spark that led tothe development of ThePulse Myth series which is a trilogy that includes Pulse OfHeroes, Of Blood And Pulse, and soon to come PulseGenesis. Adding to this collection is a new series of novellas andshorts called- Pulse Historia. A Sword for- His Women available inkindle version is the first short. Besides writing, A. Jacob Sweeny lovesto cook and Italian and Indian foods are some of her favorite cuisines. Shehas always been immersed in the literary world and will read anything fromShakespearian plays, philosophy and spiritual books, to comedy and modernthought.  She is a strong advocate for the protection of women andchildren worldwide. And is active in animal rights groups. She suffers bouts ofwriter’s insomnia, and is delighted to share those hours with her pug and twocats.

Synopsis of Pulse of Heroes

WINNER OF 2011 INDIE BOOK OF THE YEAR!!!! At Paranormal Reads!
A suspenseful, passionate, paranormal romance that sweeps through the emotions of first love and heartache as it traverses centuries and continents.

Michelle used to feel like she was behind in everything, especially school and relationships. Her great aunt from the old country says she is like a bland meal, "no salt or pepper". But in junior year, everything changes. Her father takes a position on the Town Council, a popular boy in school becomes interested in her, and most importantly, the Hekademos Learning Center, a private school for 'troubled' students, moves into her quiet neighborhood amidst the protests of the entire town.

After an embarrassing fall over the school wall, Michelle meets Elliot and her ordinary ‘bland’ life changes its course forever.

Elliot is no ordinary human. In fact, no one at the Hekademos Learning Center is. Beautiful and fierce, they have survived throughout the millennia by weaving in and out of human events. Through them, Michelle learns that history and myths from around the world are dotted with references to their kind. Michelle falls madly in love with the ever-striking and mysterious Elliot and, as much as he tries to fight it, he develops strong feelings for her as well. Although Elliot carries numerous painful memories from his many pasts, he disregards his own better judgment and the advice of his friends, and finds himself falling for Michelle‘s offbeat personality. Their feelings grow in intensity, but when History catches up with them, the difference between their life paths threatens to destroy any future that they might have had together.

Michelle learns that there are infinite shades of gray between black and white, and has to deal with the bundle of contradictory emotions called love. She has to trust her intuition in order to face the danger and uncertainty of being drawn into Elliot’s wondrous world. Ultimately, it is up to Michelle to make the split-second, life-altering decision that will either tear them apart forever, or give them another chance.

Synopsis of Of Blood and Pulse

Of Blood And Pulse picks up the story right where Pulse Of Heroes left off...

After a rocky start, Michelle and Elliot's relationship seems to be teetering on nothing but a few fraying strings, despite the great love that they both feel for one another.

Haunted and scarred by the events of the past year, they both suffer from traumatic consequences. To complicate things even further, someone who knows far too much about Elliot shows up unexpectedly, bringing revelations that even Elliot as a 4700 year-old immortal has a hard time grasping. This visitor’s mere presence adds yet another strain to the couple’s already fragile relationship.

However before Michelle and Elliot can remedy and mend their love, they must heal themselves, and that task will not be as easy, or as safe, as it seems. Join Michelle and Elliot on an epic life-and-death adventure that will take them to the four corners of the world in search of the key to their survival.

Where to find out more about The Pulse of Heroes series, plus links to where you can purchase these fabulous books!

www.pulseofheroes.com

facebook.com/ThePulseMythSeries

GOODREADS LINKS:

Pulse of Heroes:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10550107-pulse-of-heroes

Of Blood & Pulse:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12938767-of-blood-and-pulse

A Sword For His Women: (Pulse Historia)

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13336534-a-sword-for-his-women

AMAZON LINKS:

Link that includes all works:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&sort=relevancerank&search-alias=books&ie=UTF8&field-

author=A.%20Jacob%20Sweeny

Pulse Of Heroes:

http://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Heroes-A-Jacob-Sweeny/dp/0615414168/ref=sr_1_1?

Pulse of Heroes--Amazon

Of Blood & Pulse:

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-And-Pulse-The-ebook/dp/B006455BJK/ref=sr_1_3?

s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333729395&sr=1-3

A Sword For His Women: (Pulse Historia)

http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Women-PULSE-HISTORIA-ebook/dp/B006QXG41Y/

ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1333729395&sr=1-2

B&N:

Link for both:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/a--jacob-sweeny?keyword=a.+jacob+sweeny&store=allproducts

Pulse Of Heroes:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pulse-of-heroes-ajacob-sweeny/1105098795?

ean=2940013590816&itm=2&usri=a.+jacob+sweeny

Of Blood & Pulse:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/of-blood-and-pulse-a-jacob-sweeny/1106964014?

ean=2940013590915&itm=1&usri=a.+jacob+sweeny

http://temptingbooktours.com/

Wander Dust by Michelle Warren

Ever since her sixteenth birthday, strange things keep happening to Seraphina Parrish. 

The Lady in Black… burns Sera’s memories. 

Unexplainable Premonitions… catapult her to other cities. 

The Grungy Gang… wants to kill her. 

And a beautiful, mysterious boy… stalks her. 

But when Sera moves to Chicago, and her aunt reveals their family connection to a centuries old, secret society, she is immediately thrust into an unbelievable fantasy world, leading her on a quest to unravel the mysteries that plague her. In the end, their meanings crash into an epic struggle of loyalty and betrayal, and she’ll be forced to choose between the boy who has stolen her heart and the thing she desires most. 

Wander Dust is the breathtaking fantasy that will catapult you through a story of time, adventure, and love.

Where to get more info:

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11250674-wander-dust

Michelle Warren: http://wanderdusttrilogy.com/


Shelley's Review
Wander Dust is one of those stories that didn't grab me and demand my attention or make me instantly fall in love with the characters. I struggled to relate to Sera. She was too spontaneous and irrational to warrant my sympathy, in the beginning. I also had to re-read passages trying to wrap my brain around the physics of time travel. We'll chalk that one up to my inability to comprehend the science behind it all in the first place. But for that reason, the story didn't flow for me and made it difficult to connect with any of the characters. Which wasn't fair to the characters. They're quite interesting, especially Bishop and Perpetua. Sam has a very cool Riley Bloom... prepubescent-snarky-I know more than you do-and you are so not cool, and guarded personality. She may be my favorite character thus far.
It wasn't until I was nearly halfway through, that I resigned myself to never really understanding the logistics of wandering, and with that behind me, I began to enjoy the mystery, the descriptions of the various places they travel and the dynamics of the very complicated friendships and alliances. Complicated because of their unusual circumstances. The relationships build slowly, appropriately. In a new life, it's hard to know who to trust, and Sera doesn't really trust anyone. Sometimes this goes in her favor. She takes her time getting to know her fellow classmates and closely observes everyone around her. Where it fails her is in not heeding the advice of those that have been "around" longer.  I mentioned her lack of impulse control... Work smarter not harder, as they say. She does learn pretty quickly from her mistakes and definitely grows throughout the story, though Sera hasn't completely grown on me yet. I do have to say I've grown fond of the swoon worthy Bishop. What is it about the British boys? He's gentlemanly, genuine and always there for Sera as a friend, protector and oft times, rescuer. I look forward to learning even more about him...and his family. As well as Sam and hers.
Others in the story are left a mystery for some time...this isn't a bad thing...it was necessary to drive the plot line and carry us through to the sequel. So much happens in the last half of the book. We learn more about everyone at the Academy, Sera's mother, her aunt Mona and the frightening(?) Terease and the forces outside of the Academy but very much a part of the Wanderer world like the Grungy gang.
For as much as I struggled in the beginning, I found I really enjoyed Wander Dust as a whole and I'm eager to see how far Sera's team will go to find Sera's mother and stop the Academy's enemies. And of course to see if anything comes of her and Bishop's growing closeness.
So my conclusion? Wander Dust is a great start to an intriguing trilogy, sure to hold more mystery, romance and thrilling travels toward destinies not yet defined. 


Kathryn's Review 
WOW!  Where do I begin?  My first sentiments?  I think about the movie Jumper...I truly love the concept and was highly intrigued through the whole book.  The idea of wanderers and their teams to be able to complete their time travel journey is unique and exciting.
We are first introduced to Sera and she tells us of her troubled life b/c she has a father that doesn't pay enough attention to her and she desires so much more from him..So, instead of getting things to work right, her father decides that maybe it would be a good idea to live with her aunt.  With this event, everything changes in her life.  Sera finds out about herself being a wanderer.  She finds out about her team of Sam and Bishop....and lets just say that meeting Bishop was a real highlight to this book. :)
With a creative world building and interesting characters that provide suspense with twists and turns that will leave you shocked and guessing what is going to happen next.
Definitely recommend that you pick up this book!!


We both give Wander Dust:

=FLAMING HOT

Out of the Dark (Book #4 of The Grey Wolves) by Quinn Loftis

RELEASES JUNE 7, 2012

CHECK OUT A NEVER BEFORE SEEN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK....

Out Of The Dark Synopsis

Darkness has descended on the Transylvanian Alps.

Four packs of the powerful Grey wolves – in a rare show of cooperation – had joined together here in an effort to help their pack members find true mates. Then they were betrayed by one of their own – an Alpha hell-bent on becoming the most powerful of the Canis lupis. And though the wolf's assassination attempt on the currently-reigning Romanian Alpha failed, his plans to get Decebel, the Romanian Beta, out of the picture were coming together even as his treachery was discovered. The wolf fled, leaving destruction, death, and a missing mate behind him.

Unbeknownst to the other packs, the wolf has employed a witch to finish the deadly job and help him gain another tool to increase his power. A curse of devastating proportions will cripple Decebel in a way that may dissolve his fragile bond with Jennifer. Meanwhile, injured and alone, Jen has been fighting for her life. She had come to terms with her fate, accepting that she would not share a life with Decebel, until help came in the most unexpected form...

Vasile will have to use all his resources – including Sally, the new gypsy healer of the Romanian pack  – to discover a way in which to destroy the witch, lift the curse from Decebel and reunite him with the one woman who makes him whole, and solve a mystery that's been surrounding the Romanian pack for 300 years.

EXCERPT

Chapter 8

"I'll start." Jen began, " And I've been meaning to ask you this for a while, but things got a little hectic recently and before that you were being a butt head. What's your last name and how come you never use it?" Jen closed her eyes as she lye on the table. She had been wondering what his last name was that was true, but right this moment she would listen to him recite the alphabet over and over just to hear his voice. Yes, yes, I am that pathetic at this moment, she thought.

Decebel was surprised he had not told her that yet.

"My last name is Anghelescu. It simply means son of Anghel. Anghel was my father."

"Who was your father?" Jen asked.

She almost could hear him take a deep breath before he spoke.

"He was the Alpha of the Western Romanian pack." Decebel waited for her response. He figured she probably didn't know that at one time the Romanian pack was divided.

"When was your father Alpha?"

Decebel's brow furrowed. Wasn't she going to ask him about the pack being divided?

"After the were-wolf wars. The previous Alpha was killed during the wars. I think his name was,"

"Gavril," Jen finished for him.

Decebel couldn't believe she knew this. It wasn't something that was talked about in casual conversation so how could she know?

"Yes, Gavril. My father was his Beta. My father died in 1905 when my mother, Eveline, was shot and killed by poachers. They thought she was a wild wolf. I was only 20 human years old making me one of the youngest Alpha's in our history."

This time he did feel her surprise. So she hadn't known that he had been an Alpha.

"You were an Alpha?" Jen knew the awe she felt filled her voice.

"Yes."

"So what happened? Why are you not one anymore?" Decebel could feel her interest, her desire to know more about him. For some reason that made him feel proud. His wolf was strutting, like a young pup trying to catch a female's attention.

"When my sister Cosmina died I lost it. I went into a fit of rage that became dangerous to all those around me. I remember Vasile coming to me. I remember dissolving the Western Romanian Pack and declaring a merge, but after that I don't remember what happened. I gave up my last name. I had disgraced my family by not protecting my sister. I didn't deserve to carry my father's name."

Jen could feel Decebel's pain at losing his sister, and the shame he thought he should carry. But she knew better. Even Alpha's couldn't save everyone.

"Decebel, Alpha's aren't infallible. You should not be ashamed of what happened that day. No one could have predicted what some idiot wolf would do. You are an amazing man, and when you claim someone as yours you do everything in your power to protect them, but you aren't perfect and no one expects you to be."

"You speak as if you know me." Decebel couldn't hide the emotion that her words evoked in him.

"I do know you." Jen's voice was soft as she responded to the emotion she felt coming through their bond.

"I wish I knew you that well."

"You will," Jen promised, "I won't give you up Decebel. Sorry but you are stuck with me."

She could feel Decebels joy at her words.

"Sally showed me pictures of you on her phone."

Jen stilled at his comment. Her eye's flew open and met the ceiling she laid beneath. Her eyes ran along the wood beams that ran horizontally across the room. Her breath increased and right then and there she planned to kill Sally as soon as she saw her.

"Did she now?" Jen asked carefully, "And what did you think?"

"I hope one day that you are bonded to me so that the sheet is no longer necessary."

Jen felt the blood rush to her face as the heat of embarrassment washed over her. Yep, Sally was a dead gypsy healer.

"Don't be embarrassed Jennifer. I think you are beautiful."

"Yes well I didn't exactly expect the first thing shown to my mate who doesn't remember me to be me in a sheet."

"I'm not complaining." She heard laughter in his voice and she soaked it up as if it where the last drop of water she would ever feel on her skin.

"I'm sure you're not."

I absolutely LOVE this series...Really looking forward to this book...

Want more?  Check out this blog for another excerpt...

http://book-whisperer.blogspot.com/2012/04/sneak-peak-out-of-dark-chapter-two.html

Be sure to check out Quinn Loftis' website:

http://quinnloftisbooks.com/index.html

Other Books in the Series: