Thank you all for the support!
I want to thank Joood for letting me join the Platypires and for all she has done to help me since I have joined. At this time, I feel it best if I take a step back from reviewing until things settle down in my life. I am going to take this time and focus on graphics and swag.
Thank you all for the support!
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Hello lovelies!
I'm sorry I haven't posted in a while, things just got crazy here on the home front. Two days after my last post, my job ended. Usually I look forward to this time of year. The summer off with my son, lazy reading days, etc. However this time, on my last day I got bad news. I wouldn't be coming back in the fall. Since my car accidents last year, this is basically the only job I can do. I can't stand long enough for retail or fast food, and unless I can get up and walk around every hour-ish, I can't work in an office. To top it off, my migraines have gotten worse, which I think is from the stress of losing $400 a month in income. Two weeks after I lost my job, I went in for a free hearing test after seeing an ad on TV for a "30 Day Trial" for a new hearing aid. I got some pretty bad news. I knew I was having hearing problems, but I didn't realize just how bad it had gotten. Instead of posting all of that info, I will share the post that Indie Authors and Book Blogs did. I love these folks. I have loved the indie community since I first learned about it, almost 5 years ago. I cannot thank them enough for all that they have done, and are continuing to do to help me out. Speaking of IABB, as you know today is #IABBConfessions day. I read a post, that is very similar to many as of late, about bloggers using the argument that they don't get paid for what they do, in regards to refusing to help an author. First off: That is sort of true, and sort of not true. We do get paid! Be it in free books, friendships, support for our own projects, etc. It may not be cash money, but we knew that going into this. I have become great friends with many indie authors and I love them to death. I know that they put their heart and soul into their books, and more money than they should have to, just to get their books online. I say more than they have to, because I have seen the fees. Have you? I saw a post recently from someone that offers editing services. I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw what she was charging. I went to one of my indie friends and asked, "Is this normal?" Sadly, that is probably the LOW end of what is charged. Then you have to factor in the formatting, cover art and other things that go along with it: Advertising, promo graphics, etc. It can be insane. I would say that it's easy for an indie to spend $1,500 on ONE book to get it to market. Now this is just for the eBook. There are more costs that go into the physical copy of the book, but I won't go down that road. I started to post a comment on this confession, but I thought better of it and decided to do this instead. Here is how I became a blogger! It was December 2011 and a few friends (one of them being Platypire Bob) introduced me to a group that promotes independent authors. I had sort of heard of indies before, but had never read a single indie book. Anywho, this group/page was doing a huge giveaway, with tons of books during December. All totaled I think I won something like 15-20 books (even though I actually only ever received maybe half, if that). I was beyond thrilled. Our little group of friends (I believe there were 4 of us.. Bob, Amy, Tori and I) began talking about book reviews. I thought.. "Hmm what a cool idea" and decided then to create my first blog: Kelli's Book Reviews. I won't lie, this post was originally about TWICE as long as it is right now. I went into a LOT of detail that I have decided to save for another day. The point of this post is why we started doing this to begin with. This is just MY story! First things first: If you have not read book one, please stop reading now. I am not responsible for spoilers! The book begins not long after book two ended, with Rutley going through his first shift. He is in a lot of pain, and as his Alpha, Dimitri is doing his best to talk him through it.
In this book, we meet Kia, a female lycanthrope that happens to live next door to Dim and Rut. But why is she in Kadenburg? Thanks to one of Urseth's delegates, we get flashbacks and get to meet Pierce and young Natalie. We also get to meet Liam, in the most unusual way. We learn things, impossible things, about the baby and even about it's momma! Breslin's goons return and cause harm to one of my favorite characters (HE MUST DIE FOR THIS!). We learn that Aunt Nat is a delegate of Urseth, and that her memories were taken, well some of them, by Urseth himself, in order for things to happen as they needed to. We learn that an ursithrope has become a hybrid: ursithrope and lycanthrope and it isn't who you would expect! We also meet Sammy Calder. An employee at the sheriff's office that moved to Kburg to learn more about her parents murder. We even get the pleasure (NOT) of meeting Tim - Presley's ex-boyfriend from Florida. With so many ups and downs, twists and turns, it was hard for me to put this one down. I can't wait to dive into the next book head first! ♥♥♥♥♥ First things first: If you have not read book one, please stop reading now. I am not responsible for spoilers! Book 2 picks up about five days after book one. Presley, Lorcan, Dimitri and Greg have gone missing and no one is talking to the sheriff. His son, Rutley, returns to Kadenburg after being gone for many years. There is bad blood between him and his father, and things aren't any easier when Rut finds out that his father never told him about Liam's death. Liam was his best friend growing up. They were almost brothers they were so close. The news devastates Rutley and he starts to wonder why he came back, until he realizes how Liam died. Rutley and his father are trained warewolf hunters. Of course, no one in Kburg knows this.
We meet a whole new cast of characters in this book. Panda shifter's Beau and Louisa Xiong, cousins from China whose family has meet an unimaginable fate, thanks to Breslin Connor. Many of the original families return to Kadenburg, after Mama Bamey sends out the call. Families that left around the time of Pierce's death and are now returning to help protect their home. We also learn more about Pretz's parents, Pierce and Caroline. And the most unexpected thing happens to Presley while she is missing. (I know I didn't see that coming!) Does Breslin attack again? What happened to Dim, Greg, Orc and Pretz while they were gone? FIND OUT IN THIS BOOK! (You won't be sorry!) ♥♥♥♥♥ First thing's first. I loved this book. My favorite character is a toss up between Rissa and her Great Clarice, whom she was named after. I can't tell you why about GC, however when you see her in the book for the first time, you will understand!
For Rissa, between what she does/says to Cal at the very beginning of the book, to her pursuit of Spencer, she shows us that she is a strong woman and will do what she needs to get what she wants. Clarice (Rissa) Daniels has returned to Olympia after Los Angeles left a bad taste in her mouth. She was an actress there, but has returned home to be near her family and friends and is starting to settle in. Spencer (Spence) St. George is an artist that teaches at the local middle school and had impromptu classes in the park every Saturday. He loves his life as it is now, and is not looking to complicate things with love or a relationship of any type. Rissa is literally dropped into Spence's lap and no matter how hard he tries, he can't get her, or her lilac scent, out of his mind. Rissa's friends don't understand what she sees in the glass-wearing, bike riding, artist. She can't get him off her mind and she decides she will do what ever it takes to out on a date with him to get to know him better. I give this book ♥♥♥♥. I really enjoyed it! Squirrel Bait by Chip Davis is the first book in his "Dollar Dreadfuls" series. I must say, if you do nothing else, read each page, from front cover to back cover. You will thank me for it!
Tonya is my favorite character. I think that is because to some extent, I am the same way with my books that she is with hers. DON'T MESS WITH THEM! At one point, a punk kid has torn a page from one of her books and Steve, cop and her love interest, asks if she is ok. Tonya says what I would, "I'm fine.," she sighed. "I just wish they wouldn't hurt my books." I cringe when I see someone dog-ear a page, or heaven forbid, break the spine! *shudders* This is a unique story about ware-squirrels. It kept me guessing from start to finish, honestly. I would have to say that my favorite part of the whole story is the very last page. Don't ask why, don't cheat, but trust me, you will not be disappointed! ♥♥♥♥♥ The Truth About Kadenburg is the first book in the Kadenburg Shifters series. This book can be read as a stand alone, but don't you want to know what happens next?
Blurb from Amazon: 26 year old Presley Goult's life is anything but ordinary. Her mother abandoned her as a toddler after her father’s death, leaving Presley to be raised by the only family she has left-her uncle Arnold. After years of being away she returns heartbroken and devastated knowing this is the last place she wants to be. Unbeknownst to her, Kadenburg is not your ordinary town. There are secrets that have been kept from Presley for her own good. Will she find out the truth of who she is and the part she will play in the war that is about to erupt before it is too late to save everyone that she loves? 28 year old Lorcan Bamey was Presley's best friend growing up. He has always been there for her when she needed a friend and someone to lean on. Although he has always wanted more from Presley, rules are rules and he was forbidden to express his interest in having a relationship with her. You see, his upbringing was very different from most of the boys in town; the female must make the choice. It is part of Urseth’s law; laws that Presley will soon discover when her uncle finally decides to be honest about their ancestry. Will Presley accept the truth about Kadenburg, and herself, in time to save her people? I have to admit that I have read this book twice before writing the review. I read the first time quickly, and read the whole series, before reading it again for the review. I LOVED THIS BOOK. I have fallen in love with the series and I am anxious for the 5th book to come out. YES! T.E. Ridener is working on Book 5! My heart broke, then burst with love. I was sad, and happy and at a few points I was very curious to know what was happen next. Kadenburg, Tennessee has a wonderful cast of characters. Let me give you my thoughts on a few of them: Presley: Returned home after 3 years, nearing a nervous breakdown. Ignorant of her family history, and her true self. Grew up with Liam and Lorcan Bamey (The Bamey Boys). Uncle Arnold: The only family Presley has left. Her father died before she was born and her mother abandonded her when she was 26 months old. Carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, and tries to do for his niece what he thinks is best, even if it isn't. Nana Hettie: She owns the diner and seems to hold a grudge against Presley. Charlotte Bamey: Mama of the Bamey Boys. Sort of became a surrogate mom to Presley in the "girl stuff" department. Loves the girl to bits. Has always wanted her to end up with one of her sons. Richard Bamey: Father to the Bamey Boys and hubby to Charlotte. Very protective of his family, will do anything for them. Liam Bamey: Oldest of the Bamey boys, tragically died early on in the book. The truth of his death is something that only the ursithropes know. To others, he was killed by a mountain lion. Was in love with Dimitri. Lorcan Bamey: Baby Bamey. Has been in love with Presley since forever, but due to Urseth's laws, he is unable to tell her. The females must decide who their mate will be, without the influence of the male or his feelings. Struggling with the death of his brother. Dimitri Fridolf: Lycanthrope. Mourns the death of Liam in his own way. Feels he has lost his one true love. Hates his alpha with a passion for what happened to Liam and does all that he can to make it right for the ursithropes. Breslin Connor: Lycanthrope Alpha. Jack ass. No simple way to put it. He is vindictive and murderous! This review was originally posted on 2/23, 2016. I wanted to share it here :)
************************** I was hoping that the next installment of Prairie Town would have some background on the characters we all loved from 180 Days. I was not disappointed! While Lydia, Callum, Jebson, and everyone else are still in this book and have important parts, 90 Days focuses more on Laney, Lydia's sister. Laney's past is obviously different from Lydia's, however it is very troubling (and relatable to many) and still affects her today. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say Laney is NOT alone! Then we have Benji. Beloved Benji. We begin to learn a bit more about our Benji in this book as well, including some back story. He has been through hell and wants nothing more than to love Laney. I mean, he does, but he wants to be able to show her. We also see Mr. Devon Rose again. Up to his old tricks, and even some new ones. I am afraid to say more, because I don't want to give too much away. Just know that I am anxious for book 3 to be released! From the first word on the first page, I was sucked into Prairie Town again and felt a huge loss when the book was over. I love when an author is able to do this, because I have some form of ADD (I am almost positive!) however this series has garnered my attention and kept a hold of me all the way through. Laney, by far, is my favorite character in this series so far. There was something about her in 180 Days, but I can't put my finger on just what it was that drew me to her. My heart broke (I did ugly cry!) when she went through what she did in this book. That darn T.E. Ridener got me! Benji is my second favorite character, and not just because he loves Laney. He is written as an emotionally strong guy, but he also seems like such a huge teddy bear. Time to admit something to you all.. Devon is the one I love to hate. I despise the way he treated Lydia and Laney in book one, and want to throttle him myself in book two, but I don't see that there could be a Prairie Town series without him! We are all moved into our new place.
It really feels like we have been here before, because we used to live in the other apartment in this duplex. When we moved 30 miles away 18 months ago, my mom took over our old place. About 6 weeks ago the landlord sent me a text message and asked if we were interested in moving back. When we found out last fall that the neighbor was moving, we expressed interest. We rented for just about 6 years and when we left, the owner was a bit sad to see us go. After a few delays and hiccups along the way, we moved out of our old place on March 31, and moved into this one on April 1. We are no where near close to being settled in, but hey, our bedroom is set up and the bed was made so we were able to sleep comfortably! The living room is a disaster area, but that is to be expected. We have already gone through about half of the boxes we brought in (probably 50 banker boxes in total, as well as 20+ other misc boxes, in total). Hubby and I had two large suitcases full of our clothes from the closet and dresser that we unpacked first last night and got situated. We have about 8 boxes (and at least one large tote) FULL of books that won't be put away anytime soon. We have to buy new bookshelves, since ours wouldn't fit in the truck and had to be left behind. My 13 year old son was feeling the pain last night. He was such a big help getting all of the boxes in the house while me, with back and hip issues from two car accidents last year within three months of each other, somehow managed to help hubby bring in the furniture. Obviously hubby and I were feeling the pain as well, and I still am this morning. It is currently 7:04AM and I have been awake almost 3 hours already. For some reason, my body will not let me sleep more than 5 hours without waking up. 95% of the time I wake up with a massive migraine (thanks to genetics for that one!). So here I am, updating you all, and hoping you all have an amazing day. Best wishes for a wonderful weekend. Ours will be spent unpacking and trying to figure out how to fit stuff from a 3 bedroom 2 bath townhouse into a 2 bedroom 1 bath cracker box LOL! ~Vixen Hello everyone!
I just wanted to let you all know why I have been so quiet. I am actually in the process of moving. 18 months ago we moved 30 miles from where we were, to ease hubby's commute to work. Well now that we have the opportunity, we are moving back! I love it because we know the neighbors, my mom being one of them (she took over our old apartment) and it is very quiet and to us, a better neighborhood than where we are now. We currently live in a 48 unit complex and the riff raff they have let in (And no, not the Richard O'Brien Riff Raff, darn it!) has really killed the friendly atmosphere of the complex. Once the move is complete, I will be catching up on reviews I have to write for TE Ridener and SH Pratt. this involves re-reading the books because I didn't have the forms with me when I read them last time (yes, I have a form that I use for my reviews). I hope you all have an amazing week! Ours is going to be a stressful and anxious one because we move out on Thursday and into the new place Friday. Here is wishing you a book hangover-free week! |
About MeKnocking on 40's door, obsessed with indie authors, bookaholic, shenanaganator. Archives
June 2016
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