Book Review: Alone with you in the Ether

Synopsis: Two people meet in the Art Institute by chance. Prior to their encounter, he is a doctoral student who manages his destructive thoughts with compulsive calculations about time travel; she is a bipolar counterfeit artist, undergoing court-ordered psychotherapy. By the end of the story, these things will still be true. But this is not a story about endings.

For Regan, people are predictable and tedious, including and perhaps especially herself. She copes with the dreariness of existence by living impulsively, imagining a new, alternate timeline being created in the wake of every rash decision.

To Aldo, the world feels disturbingly chaotic. He gets through his days by erecting a wall of routine: a backbeat of rules and formulas that keep him going. Without them, the entire framework of his existence would collapse.

For Regan and Aldo, life has been a matter of resigning themselves to the blueprints of inevitability—until the two meet. Could six conversations with a stranger be the variable that shakes up the entire simulation?

My two cents worth:

Aldo and Regan, the main characters of this rather simple, yet perplexing story of boy meets girl are the most confusing and mentally challenging individuals I've yet to encounter within a story. The author defines the book as a 'love story', but do not fool yourself into thinking there will be romance or the usual telling of lust and evolving relationship normality. This is a strange, and for lack of a better word, complex enmeshing of polar opposite characters that are magnetised to the other's eccentricities. 

The novel explores the evolution of thought as two individuals with their own unique mental struggles somehow define a new language in order to see the world through the same magnified glass. Unpredictable behaviours in both Aldo and Regan ignite curiosity, passion, and shared intellectual intelligence which within themselves unlocks some stability in their otherwise tumultuous thoughts and past patterns of behaviour.

I found this story intriguing and all together just plain different from anything I've ever read before. Even the story itself moved from being within a conversation between characters, to almost hovering above the ghost of history's past and re-living that particular moment. Did I enjoy this story? No, I don't think I actually did. The writing was good, the plot average at best, but the characters and their idiosyncrasies really set the novel apart from other stories within the 'love' genre.

I was intrigued, which I suppose is as much a positive as is not actually enjoying the story overall. I will say this is a very clever author with a very unique perspective, and if nothing else, this book should be well and truly celebrated for breaking the mold of conformity and arousing curiosity within its reader.

3 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐

Kristy :)

Book Review: Kindred by Erica Stevens

Kindred is a paranormal novel bursting with emotional turmoil, spilling feelings all over the prose like the wet tears of Cassie, the protagonist.
From the first page I was held captive by a scene of unrest. We learn that events of the past have dictated a rather unsteady future for Cassie and her two best friends. Born vampire hunters with inherent gifts to equip them against the fanged miscreants intent on wiping out their race, they've come to accept their responsibilities. In the first few chapters this is made quite clear, a scene even detailing a face off between hunter and vampire - action at its best.
Then a stranger by the name of Devon moves to town, and suddenly Cassie is disarmed by his charm, the effect he has on her and the aloof manner that sets him apart from others. What is it about her that draws him near, and for that matter, why can't he seem to stay away from her?
Honestly, I had to take a step back and remind myself that not every book that starts with action and twisted secrets will continue on that path. This novel is clearly an exploration of romance and the conflicted emotions of two people at war with their own inner demons - the journey being how they overcome their differences.
I appreciated the author's dedication to honesty and the insatiable urge to describe every little caress, thought and expression crossing her character's faces. I never doubted the significance of each encounter or the feelings portrayed. What did annoy me was the constant repetition, paragraph after paragraph of the same conflicting emotions readdressed without resolve or reason for reminding the reader of its significance. I also found the prose heavily burdened with unnecessary adverbs; 'sighing softly', 'laughing lightly', 'frowning heavily' - just to name a few.
Apart from a few personal grievances, I did appreciate the simplicity of the story and the heightened sense of drama crafted in every page. I'll be rating Kindred three out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

What do you do when the one you love is also you worst enemy? Trapped in a destiny she does not want, Cassie finds herself lost and adrift, until he walks into her life, turning it upside down and awakening her in ways that she never dreamed possible. 
Cassie is stunned and devastated to learn that she belongs to a long line of vampire slayers known as The Hunters. A murderous rampage by a group of elder vampires has left the Hunter line decimated and the remaining Hunters scattered around the world. With her friends Chris and Melissa’s aid, Cassie struggles to rid the world of the monsters that murdered her parents. Though Cassie knows it is her fate, she chafes against her heritage, and is resentful of the shortened lifespan that has been placed upon her by the circumstances of birth. Struggling to get through every day, Cassie finds herself simply going through the motions of living. That is, until Devon arrives. Tall, dark, and mysterious his arrival turns the school, and Cassie’s life, upside down. Fighting against her fierce attraction to him, and the chaos he represents in her carefully ordered days, she is irresistibly drawn to him. Though worried that what she truly is will place Devon in danger, she is unable to fight her feelings for him. He is the one light, and the only source of hope she has in a world that revolves around death and fear. What she does not know is that Devon has some dark secrets of his own, secrets even more frightening and dangerous than hers. Secrets that threaten to tear them apart forever.

Author Interview with Lucy Pireel

Hey everyone! Today I have author Lucy Pireel on the blog, just answering my list of twenty and giving you some insight into her new book releases, check it out first here!

1. Describe your book in twenty words or less.
Short story collection on obsession, want, control, or lack thereof, and death.

2. What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?
Making the message clear without muddling it with unnecessary details.

3. Are you also a reader? And if so, what’s your preferred genre?
Avid, voracious, and my preferred genre is a book that grabs you by the throat and drags you through its pages without letting go for a second.

4. If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Dinner? Now that is my favourite pass time, after writing and reading and yoga. Person to have it with? My loved ones. (I don't do hero admiration)

5. Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?
Hahaha, I like the fornicating on a porch swing bit, but I have no porch, and no swing. Bugger! But to be honest, no, none at all. I just sit down and start to type until I need to pee.

6. What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?
Erm, it's mine, that's for a starter, but it also has more than one layer. It's not just horror to make you wet your pants or lock doors and windows at night, but I like to think it has a message. Like fairy tales do.

7. Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?
Yes, I seriously disliked the main character in Reunion. Why? Well, she's the good guy. And I kind of have a thing for the baddies, unless the good guy had a serious bad attitude or does something seriously bad. Like the main character in Permanent Fix. :-)
If you want to know what I'm on about, you'll just have to read A Menu of Death.

8. You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?
White asparagus with steamed potatoes and salmon, a bit of sauce, Hollandaise. For dessert a rich, dark chocolate two layer cake, filled with ganache with ground pistachios, covered with a layer of ganache and a pattern of pecans.
All washed down with the appropriate wines.

9. Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).
-I love eating herring for breakfast, or mackerel.
-I love to do a funny dance when I'm happy.
-I laugh loud, I mean really loud.

10. Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)
Folder! Oops, that's my tiny streak of OCD kicking in, things need to be folded, even empty juice cartons. (This should be at the previous question)

11. If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?
Bloodshed in the woodshed by The Moulettes. Or all of their music really. Their lyrics and the music have given me inspiration and great fun too.

12. Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?
I do! There's a vampire erotica flick coming up, and a paranormal romance/mystery/detective novel

13. E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?
E-book, trees should not be cut down to make paper from when we can all enjoy books digitally.

14. What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?
No doubt, there is influence from what I've read in the past and am still reading now, but I try to be as original and me as can be in my writing and life.

15.          If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:
a)            A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.
b)            A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.
c)            Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.
A hottie that brings the solar powered Kindle with limitless reading material. :-) And he must also bring wine and cheeses.

16. Where can we find you?
Here! Erm, I mean, on my blog, website, Google Ploo (Plus), Twitter, The Book of Faces, Booklikes, and AuthorsdB, Goodreads

17. Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …
Kristy Berridge! :-) There with that settled on to the next question. Oh, you want a serious answer? Who says I wasn't serious? Okay, you want another name. I have been my biggest supporter, because I firmly believe in the fact that you have to first and foremost believe in yourself for others to believe in you.

18. What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.

My fav scene? Difficult, it's short stories and they all have a scene I particularly like, but I can do an excerpt. Or rather a very short quote from one short story in the collection.

"He won’t call the police, he’ll no longer be able to control me if he does. But I don’t have to obey him anymore. That big hole in the back yard he’s been digging to install the new septic tank has given me the perfect solution."

19. If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?
Helena Bonham-Carter has to be in it, and the rest? Well, what's his face from fightclub, not Brat Pitticus.

20. Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)
Kristy Berridge is a super awesomestst blogger and writer!
And I love chocolate and would like to say "Hi" to all who like reading and do pop over to any online bookseller near you on September 30th to pick up A Menu of Death.

Symphoni Blog Tour with T.M Scott

Today I have the pleasure of being one of the tour stops for a dear friend and fan, author Tianna Scott. Symphoni is Tianna's first novel, and like all Indie author's, she needs our ongoing support to keep her writing dream alive. So please, take the time to have a read through the synopsis for both Symphoni and her short story, Legend, as well as check out her links. And please, feel free to leave comments or ask as many questions as you like.
Oh - and check out the interview!!!!!

Symphoni: 

Life hasn't been too easy for Greg Daniels lately. When he arrives at school on the first day back from summer vacation, he finds that things are much worse than he could have ever thought.

Stuck in the middle of an ancient feud between the Olympians and the Titans, Greg discovers that the line between good and evil isn't always clear, and his allies might be more dangerous than the enemy.

Legend Blurb:

MY Symphoni. All mine.
All Legend had to care for in his life was his twin sister, Kassandra. They did everything together, including various jobs for the Titans who were their creators.
That is until Legend meets Symphoni. Strong, beautiful and extremely difficult, Legend finds himself wanting to know more and more about his new enemy. But as they get closer, his loyalty is tested and he must choose between his family and the woman he loves.
With Obsession Comes The Ultimate Betrayal. Will  Legend be able to sacrifice everything for Symphoni?

Author Bio:

T.M Scott loves writing. With passion, drive and a taste for the unusual, she enjoys reading and writing new and different things. Doing her best to always think out of the box, her writing usually starts off as an insane scheme of some sort before she works out the finer aspects and turns it into something great! Her heroines and heroes are never the typical 'beautiful' people, meaning they all have some sort of quirk or oddity about them that makes them unique and refreshing characters everyone can relate to.

Symphoni was her debut novel and her work has been featured in the horror anthology, The Withering Darkness. She lives in Los Angeles, California with her daughter Ariyanna.

Buy Links:

Amazon Paperback - Symphoni, Amazon E-book - Symphoni, Goodreads - Symphoni, Goodreads - Legend

Author Links:

Goodreads Profile, Amazon Profile, Facebook, Blog Site



Author Interview:

1. Describe your novel in twenty words or less.

Greg meets his soul mate only to discover that he’s the deciding factor in the war between the Olympians and Titans. 

2. What were some of the biggest obstacles that you had to overcome while writing?

Getting over the worry that people might not like my work and just writing what I wanted to write. 

3. Are you also a reader, and if so, what’s your preferred genre?

I love Adult Paranormal. Big fan of Kresley Cole and Kerralyn Sparks! 

4. If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be and why?

It would probably be a toss up between JK Rowling and Bette Davis. I know... weird choices but I absolutely LOVE Harry Potter and just being around JK Rowling would make me happy forever. As for Bette Davis, I’m a huge fan of her movies and would love to have a chance to talk to her and see how she really was outside of Hollywood. 

5. Do you have any weird little habits that get you in the writing mood—downing a bottle of wine, eating an entire bar of chocolate, fornicating on a porch swing?

MUSIC! Music is a huge part of my writing process and I definitely need music to get my juices a-flowin! 

6. What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?

I think what sets my book apart is... the main character Symphoni. She’s strong, beautiful, has a few extra pounds on her, but is completely comfortable in her skin. She doesn’t need someone to save her constantly and I think YA needs that more now than ever. 

7. Okay, so I bet you secretly hate one of the characters in your novel. Who is it and why?

There’s a character named MJ. She pisses me off to no end. So much so that I considered killing her off but she DOES have some redeeming characteristics that saved her. 

8. You’re on death row and it’s your last meal. What will you choose to eat?

Well I WOULD say a food that I’m allergic too... in an attempt to cheat them out of my killin... but since I’m not allergic to anything yet... chicken enchiladas, salad, chicken rice, and tequila. Gotta go? Mind as well just go drunk!!

9. Tell us three crazy things about yourself that you wish no one else knew (I promise I won’t post this … but I lie).

Ok... um... 1) I’m afraid of Nuns. They freak me out. All... judgey and stuff. 
2) My room is insanely messy and I hardly ever clean it. It drives me nuts but I always forget. Lol. 
3) Sometimes when I’m nervous... I speak with an English accent. Lol. A BAD one at that!

10. Are you a scruncher or a folder? (Yes, this is a toilet paper question)

Definitely a folder. Lol. But I use A LOT of tissue even though I don’t always need it. 

11. If you had to pick one song to be the soundtrack to your novel, what would it be and why?

For Symphoni it would be... Sugar, Were Going Down by Fall Out Boy.
For Legend... Under The Water by The Pretty Reckless or Slept So Long by Jay Gordon

12. Do you have any future projects lined up that you want to tell us about?

Right now... I’m working on a book called Dragon's Revenge. It follows Kaida Dewi, a Dragon Princess, on a quest for revenge against men who came and destroyed her Kingdom. It should be out later this year hopefully! 

13. E-book or paperback, what’s your preference?

Paperback definitely! They have the best scent! The feel of them in my hand is amazing too. I love my kindle and kobo but they can’t compare. 

14. What books or authors have most influenced your writing style?

Ummmm... Gail Carriger maybe. 

15.          If you were stuck on a deserted Island would you choose:
a)            A total hottie to keep you company over the lonely nights ahead.
b)            A solar powered Kindle with limitless reading potential.
c)            Tom Hanks and Wilson to help get your ass off the Island.

Well.. it depends... is this a smart hottie that will help me build a raft to leave?? If he is... then A... lol. If not then... c. 

16. Who has been your biggest support on your writing journey, and please, feel free to add my name here …

Well other than the AMAZING Kristy Berridge... there’s my mom, dad, my daughter Ariyanna, my cousin Tiarra who helped me name my characters, my cousin Kim who helped me come up with the finer points,  my sister Nesha for just being there. 

17. What is one of your favourite scenes from your novel? Feel free to provide a small excerpt to entice the readers.

“Symphoni!” I yelled. “You need to calm down!” She still glared at MJ, her lip curling up at the corner. “Symphoni, you’re gonna hate yourself in the morning!” Finally she turned and looked at me, not looked, glowered at me. “I mean it!” She stepped towards me, dropping her hands, the wind dying down. “There’s nothing going on here, Symphoni. I promise.” The wind was gone and her eyes were turning back to hazel but the tears continued to flow, hopefully we could deal with that next.

“Did you know that we had sex?” MJ said, in her most condescending voice. 

Black eyes. That’s all I saw before all hell broke loose. The hurricane picked up, swirling at full speed. I stumbled backwards onto the bed as Symphoni stepped towards MJ. The air crackled around her as the two faced off, I scrambled to my feet to only be slammed back down by wind. “Symph-” She clapped her hands together and thunder erupted in the room, bouncing off the walls and busting out the windows. I clamped my hands over my ears and ducked as the glass rained down around the room. MJ shrieked and I looked up as she dove to the side. Symphoni paid her no attention as she continued to walk over to the window. 

18. If you had to cast your characters, who would you reconcile to play their parts?

Greg: Michael B. Jordan
Symphoni: Logan Browning
MJ:Elena Satine
Legend: Ben Barnes
Kassandra: Anna Popplewell

19. Any last words? (feel free to write Kristy Berridge is super awesome right here)

First things first.. Kristy Berridge is AWESOME!!! lol. And I want to thank everyone for joining me today for the interview!!! 

Have a great one!

Kristy :)

Book Review: A Chance for Charity by SL Baum

Being a senior at a new school isn't easy, especially if it's the sixth time you've capitulated to too long days of calculus, social studies and the endless barrage of mindless, teenage gossip.
Charity, AKA Emily Johnston doesn't seem to mind. It sort of comes with the territory of being immortal. Blending in and moving from one small town to the next is all part of the process of keeping her unusual longevity and that of her two closest friends/family a secret.
Hunted for centuries, Charity is forced to constantly hide who she really is, lie to everyone she meets and avoid emotional connections. It isn't until she moves to the snow capped town of Telluride, Colorado and meets the handsome and strangely familiar Lincoln that she begins to question his existence, her past, and uncover a rather uncertain future.
A Chance for Charity spends most of the novel exploring Charity's cautious nature and inability to trust as well as the slowly evolving romance with Lincoln that tends to illicit much yawning. Quickly in love and physically sedate, there isn't a whole lot of excitement on the romantic front.
Well written and teamed with some angst ridden moments, I wanted to fall in love with the clearly defined characters and allotted roles. I wanted to immerse myself in Charity's conflict and be compelled to scream at her to take risk and live in the moment, but sadly, I was left wanting.
Perhaps the purpose of this novel was to warm the heart with an old fashioned romance and add just a touch of supernatural action as set up for future novels. 
The intrigue developed via additional characters seated in the last half of the novel, and did ramp up the plot to a suitable conclusion, but again, it was not entirely unexpected - a show down between immortal and hunter always on the cards.
Imagery was sufficient but not efficient in enticement. I wanted action, I wanted detail - I wanted ... more. A chance for Charity is an easy read, suitably pleasant and recommended for those that like to keep the darkness locked in their closets rather than head on in with a flashlight and baseball bat.
I rate this novel two and half fangs out of five.

Synopsis:

A new family has just arrived in the isolated mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. Welcome the Johnstons - Jason (a doctor), Rachel (a designer), and their niece Emily (a current High School Senior).
Emily has lived the life of a quiet loner in the past, trying to go unnoticed. But with Telluride being such a small and welcoming town, she finds a group of friends at school almost immediately. When Emily meets Link (another new transplant in town) her world turns upside down. She doesn't understand why she feels a magnetic pull toward him, or why she unknowingly lets her guard down around him. Link is just as confused by his own need to be with her.
Emily knows she is playing with fire. She should be doing whatever she can to keep herself isolated, to keep Link from getting too close. Danger has a way of finding Emily's family - that is what keeps them on the move. They arrive in a new town every few years - it is safer that way.
Because... Emily isn't really Emily... her real name is Charity - and Charity has an even bigger secret. Charity and her family are not like other people, they have "skills" that mere mortals cannot begin to comprehend.
Before long, Charity is struggling with the reality that her two lives are coming closer to each other with each passing day. Soon Link will find himself wrapped in a supernatural world that he never knew existed - and discover that mortals are not the only beings that walk this earth.

Book Review: Bound by CK Bryant

Let me just start off by saying that Bound by author CK Bryant is riveting, action-packed, and downright enjoyable. From the first page to the last I was enmeshed in the complicated world of the mousy Kira, and her rambunctious best friend, Lydia. Not to mention, the charismatic, but somewhat domineering Octavian, Lydia's brother and protector, and Kira's awakening crush.
After a photo shoot in the wilderness goes wrong and Lydia is forced to confront her troubled past and explain the inconsistencies in her personality to her friend Kira, the author takes us on a journey with zero backward glances. Learning of Lydia's true heritage and Octavian's role, Kira begins to understand that the world is so much bigger than she believed. Dangerous assassins and tales of another world place the understandably confused Kira at an impasse. Does she go back to the world she knows despite no longer having a place in it? Or does she learn to accept the truth her friends reveal, bind herself to Lydia and become something so much more than her fragile human mind can accept?
Bound is a fast-paced novel eloquently written with detailed imagery, relevant dialogue, and an ever-thickening plot designed to turn pages. The characters are compelling - Octavian for his almost brutish charm and in-congruent softness. Lydia for her two personalities - compassionate, genuine sister and friend teamed with the hard-as-nails fighter and defiant princess. Kira, initially believed as insignificant and fragile, soon hardens from the sum of her experience, gaining loyalty, perseverance and respect.
What I loved most about this novel was the genuine balance between action, intent, dialogue and blossoming romance. Information was streamed with relevant pause and attention to detail. Coupled with nefarious agenda and the prospect of hope, Bound is a gripping story with plenty room to manoeuver in future releases.
I happily rate this novel four fangs out of five.

Synopsis:
When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira's life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she's falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

Kristy :)

Book Review: Immortal Embrace by Charlotte Blackwell

I found this novel via Amazon, drawn by the simplicity of the cover art and the ever present pull of a synopsis surrounding the paranormal romance/horror persuasion. Immortal Embrace encompasses a bit of everything. In fact, the novel is dipping its toes in a lot of supernatural waters giving you vampires, romance and just a hint of witchcraft in the mix. It's just unfortunate that there is next to no action, a truck load of sickly sweet moments of sentimentality and the supernatural elements draw too many parallels between sitcoms and novels already on the market.
Immortal Embrace follows the musings of Sophia Pierce, a centuries old uptight teen enmeshed with a 'gifted' family of vampires determined to avoid drinking from the source and embracing the traditional, often brutal expectations of their race.
As the novel begins with tragedy,  I thought that perhaps it would remain somewhat dark and sinister, exploring the difficulties of quenching vampiric thirst in modern day America and balancing the need for acceptance and the unnatural call of their nature. I expected the characters to be wizened by their years, not prone to the titillation of high school cliches.
For me the novel engaged a different path, exchanging action and intrigue for inconsequential interludes involving a cringe-worthy use pet names and a cloying amount of stolen kisses. An interesting subplot unfurling the seedy underworld of generic vampires was also exchanged for the blandness of the boy meets girl scenario teamed with a short episode of "Charmed".
Overall, Immortal Embrace does have merit. The descriptive content is sufficient and the overall concept holds promise, but due to my own lack of enjoyment, I can only honestly rate this novel two out of five fangs. I wish the author every success and hope that the preceding novels within this series relinquish some sappiness in exchange for a bit of vampire grit.

Synopsis:

Sophia Pierce has suffered since her brother left, and is unsure if she will ever get over it. That is until her family decided to move to Wenham, Massachusetts. Her and her siblings have been ordered to protect their little sister, and must return to High school. This is where Sophia finds her soul mate Nathanial and life as she knows it is about to change.
As a vampire, Sophia has always kept to herself, but as a high school student will she learn to step out of her comfort zone a little? Sophia has found a best friend in a powerful witch and a love to call her own. That is until something tragic happens and blood is spilled. Will Sophia be able to resist the sweet scent of her beloved's blood?
This is Sophia's story, a story of a girl who finds herself, love and everlasting friendship. The excitement of this story wraps mortals, vampires, witches, and shape shifters all into a romantic tale of young love, friendship, the meaning of family. The story of a girl who tries to finds herself when she thought it was all lost.

Kristy :)

Hi All!
I just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! To all my followers you have been a massive support and to those of you that read my posts regularly, leave comments and amazingly don't die of shock from my sometimes ferociously inappropriate subject matter, I wish you all the very best!
It has been an amazing year with a few more of my books due to be released early 2013, so I'm shutting down until after New Year so I can get all of this finished for the eager Hunted fans. Oh, and there will be zombies on the horizon in the New Year ... lots and lots of zombies.
Anyway, you should probably get your hands on a copy of 'The Hunted' for Christmas either for yourself or for a friend or both. I've been told by one of Santa's big-mouth elves that if you don't have a copy under the tree or sitting on your bookshelf then you will be added to the 'naughty list'.
This is fact. *Maniacal laughter*
So now that you're all on the 'nice' list, I'm going to head off, enjoy my Christmas and bid that you all do the same - be safe, be happy, be merry, and of course do what I'm going to do and eat ridiculous amounts of food despite that I know there will be a week long crying sesh followed by massive regret when the scales whisper to me 'one at a time please'.
Have a good one everyone!

Kristy :)

Buy The Hunted on Amazon Now!

Impossible - Blog Tour

Check it out on Goodreads now!
Get the Kindle addition on Amazon for only 99c!

Hey guys,
I'm trying something new - a blog tour stop in support of another author, and to top it off, she's a fair dinkum Aussie just like me, so yay!
Anyway, You all know that I am a massive fan of the supernatural/paranormal romance genre, but I have to say that I quite enjoyed stepping out of the box and reading "Impossible" by Komal Lewis which is more of a contemporary/YA romance.
So stick with me this week guys, because I have a full load for you! On Wednesday the 28th of November you are going to get the author interview with Komal Lewis, followed by a Saturday post which will be the book review of "Impossible". There's also a tour-wide giveaway that you probably don't want to miss, so make sure you bounce back for that one on the 26th of November!
Have a fabulous week guys, support an Aussie, promote good Karma and like my blog while you're at it to receive great big air kisses via secret technical blogging support.

Kristy :)

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Book Review: Destiny Kills by Kerri Arthur

Destiny Kills is an interesting little book following Keri Arthur's usual style of paranormal romance writing. It's short, succinct and follows the story of two leads, one male (Trae), one female (Destiny) - the two inevitably linked by budding passion.
Although there is nothing specifically new and different during the exploration of plot and the unfolding love between Destiny and Trae, I was fascinated by the supernatural elements - elements I've never read about in other similarly penned supernatural fictions.
Destiny comes from a long line of Sea Dragons, better described as the Loch Ness Monster. With her ability to shape shift and commune with the sea and wield powers beyond human control, Destiny makes for an interesting character. Having been locked in a research facility for the better part of a decade, she finally escapes. Her purpose? To free the remaining inmates, see her father before he dies, and avenge the death of her friend.
Trae is a Draman - half human, half Air Dragon. He shape shifts to soar the skies, and wields the power fire with the aid of the sun. He stumbles upon Destiny, not quite by accident. Driven by a promise to his dead brother, Trae feels almost obligated to help Destiny in her mission to free the ones she loves while simultaneously serving a purpose of his own. What neither of them counted on was falling in love, a seemingly quick and easy affair.
What I've loved about Keri Arthur's novels in the past was what made it a little 'blah' for me now. The too fast romance and overly affectionate pet names seemed to roil my stomach. Perhaps my tastes have changed and the simplicity of a 300 page paranormal romance now seems sadly lacking with detail and character connection. I rate Destiny Kills three out of five fangs - enjoyable based on the imaginative characters and constant action that kept the plot moving forward.

Synopsis:

Desire calls. Danger Lurks.

But...

When Destiny McCree wakes up beside a dead man on an Oregon beach, she knows only this: she has to keep moving, keep searching, and keep one step ahead of the forces that have been pursuing her from the heart of Scotland to this isolated spot. Why? The death of her lover has left her alone, with little memory of her past. A glimmering serpent-shaped ring is the one clue she has—and a bargaining chip in a most dangerous game.

Enter Trae Wilson, a master thief with a sexy, knowing grin and a secret agenda of his own. Destiny and Trae both have powers far beyond the human—and both are running for their lives. Together they’re riding a tide of danger, magic, and lust…but with killers stalking their every move, they must use any means necessary, even each other, to survive—until the shocking secret of one woman’s destiny finally unravels.

Follow Friday #46

Happy Friday everyone!

Yes, it’s that time of week again where bloggers unite to participate in the Follow Friday venture. The idea behind #FF is to promote traffic to your own blog, make new friends with other like-minded bloggers and discuss new and interesting topics each week.

Participating is simple. First you need to follow my blog because I’m totally awesome, then you can follow me on Twitter @kristyberridge (actually you don’t have to do this, it’s wishful thinking), but do follow my blog or assassins will get you …

Then you must follow our illustrious hosts Rachel of http://www.parajunkee.com/ and Alison of http://www.alisoncanread.com/ If you want more details on how to enter your own blog in the follow and hop, all directions are on their webpages

Now, once you’ve followed, check out my answer to this week’s questions and don’t forget to leave a comment so I can do the right thing and follow you back!

This week's question: When you step out of your USUAL genre what do you like to read? Best books in that genre?

My answer: Well, I must admit that I never really step outside the supernatural genre. There's just something pretty special about diving into the world of horror and make believe. I never seem to get sick of vampires, werewolves, magic, angels or demons - probably why I write books paying tribute to my passion.

So, with that being said, the most recent jaunt outside my comfort zone was immersing myself in the world of ChickLit - books about romance, girl talk, shopping and moral dilemmas. Think Sex in the City!

And, I've recently read an author's debut novel called "The Seven Steps to Closure" by Donna Joy Usher. With quite a few laugh out loud moments and an endearing protagonist, I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed this ChickLit jaunt. You can read my review here!

Book Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Yes, it's been a while since I read a YA book and I was excited to pick up Becca Fitzpatrick's novel Hush, Hush as the cover has drawn me in for quite some time. There's just something about the YA genre. I suspect it's the constant yearning you feel as an adult reading stories about forbidden love. So often we reach out and take what we want from life, yet in the teenage world we spend our time wishing, hoping that we could do what the bravery of our adult selves take without thought.
Hush, Hush isn't an entirely unexpected novel. Like most of the YA genre we find ourselves following the story of a young girl, in this case, lanky, curly-haired Nora with a sharp intellect yet entirely dim-witted approach to matters of the heart. Cue the overly vibrant best friend, Vee, and the mysterious, dark-haired and obviously handsome lab partner, Patch, and you have the makings of most YA novels.
In this predictable story of boy meets girl, we spend at least the first half of the book following Nora on a trail of confusion and misplaced trust issues. Patch obviously has an agenda, but unlike most teenage girls ecstatic to have the hottest guy in class paired up with them during biology, Nora spends most of her time thinking of ways to avoid him. She sees him everywhere, is obviously attracted to his persistence, yet continues to label him as dark and dangerous, instead of seeking answers ... or body warmth (just saying, seriously hot guy alert).
As new, more sinister characters are introduced, we start to see a more clearly defined picture of where the story is heading. Without giving too much away, Nora finally begins to understand the roles of those around her, relinquish her trust issues, and push aside her pointless resistance to what her heart clearly yearns.
For me, Hush, Hush's characters were a little too predictable. Nora was sedate, and to be honest - boring as the protagonist. Patch, however, was interesting. A fallen angel with a past peppered with violence, hate and temptation - he was worth reading the novel. He was constantly shrouded in mystery and just hint of the darkness we readers love in our bad boys. I would have loved to see the author write the book from his perspective.
The writing style itself has good descriptive content and the interaction between characters was consistent and easy to follow. Due to the fairly benign story-line and protagonist, I cannot rate this novel as high as I would have liked despite Patch's roguish appearances and witty sarcasm. Three out of fangs is all I can go. I liked the story, but I didn't love it.

Synopsis:
When Nora and Patch are forced together as lab partners, Nora would rather fall to her death than put up with his elusive answers to her questions, his teasing, and his infuriatingly handsome face and hypnotizing eyes. It seems Patch was put on earth just to drive her crazy.
But before long, Nora's defenses start to break down as her curiosity about Patch heats up. Why does he always seem to be wherever she is and know exactly what she's thinking? How does he know what to say to both attract and repulse her? And what is up with those V-shaped scars on his chiseled back?
As their connection grows stronger, Nora's own life become increasingly fragile. Nora needs to decide: is Patch the one who wants to do her harm or the one who will keep her safe? Has she fallen for one of the fallen?