With How the Dead Lie as my introduction to Havenwood Falls. Stacey takes you on a journey through a town of all things paranormal, and introduces you to characters, not just from her story but from other stories. I know I want to learn more about the town and how it came to be a haven of sorts for the paranormal.
How the Dead Lie is captivating and thrilling. It's a paranormal mystery. It has Stacey's witty humor and well developed characters. As always there are many twist and turns you don't see coming. I have stopped trying to guess where Stacey will lead you in a book, because nine times out of ten she will head you in a completely different direction which has your jaw hanging open. Octavia our necromancer, has had a rough go at life, always jumping towns when people find out about her abilities and or trying to use her for their gain. On her travels she has wandered into the town of Havenwood Falls, a place where she could settle down at. The city council is alerted when someone new comes into their borders. To become a permanent resident she is put on probation so to speak for 90 days and cannot use any dark magic. They also set her up with a job at a butcher shop. A necromancer working in a butcher shop what could go wrong? Will there be zombie cows? Nope just little undead pig named Bacon. I love Bacon, no seriously the pig named Bacon. She is so close to becoming a permanent resident when the unthinkable happens, she accidently used her powers to bring back a body that was in the freezer of the butcher shop. Thinking someone in the town is trying to chase her out. She along with the help of Willie (undead deadman she brought back to life) are going to find who could possibly want her gone. The adventure these two go on had me laughing out loud, and rooting for her to find happiness and a place to belong. So who is trying to get her out of town? I am not giving spoilers at to who left the body. I may have given one, or two, however its a very quick read, and you will know in no time at all. You have to read it. You will not be dissapointed. I look forward to the next book. I do hope it is longer because I want to know everything there is to know about Octavia, and her pet pig Bacon.
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I had the pleasure of meeting T.J. London at this years (2018) Once Upon A Book Author Signing. She was talking with Stacey Rourke and when she was talking about her book The Tory, I knew I had to get myself a copy. I like historical fictions. I am not familiar with history, but I do like learning about it in a more creative ways than from a textbook, ie, movies or books, mostly books.
T.J. London's written word and the way she described this book, created a world that drew me in. From page one I was engrossed with learning more. Captain John Carlisle is the lead male character in The Tory, he is an English Army Officer. He was banished, for reasons unknown, because of banishment he became a drunk amongst other things. General Howe has called upon John, knowing his past works with creating maps, and knowing the Oneida territory, he offers John to go undercover. Howe wants John to befriend the Oneida tribes, having them sign a peace treaty with Britain. In return for John taking this mission he will be granted his rank and social status, he once was accustomed too. With John's new identity in place, he heads to the Oneida territory, his men have secured lodging and set his story into motion. Dellis (Daylis) the lead heroine who is the Innkeeper where John and his team are staying. She half Oneida and John uses this as a way to gain the trust of her people. Her grandfather is the Chief of one of the smaller Oneida tribes. John is unaware at first, their pasts are linked together, and when he becomes aware he grows an even more fondness of Dellis. SPOILERS... The Tory is not a romance book, but there is a romance plot in the story. John and Dellis has a romance that is not forced but one that grows, and each find themselves having feelings for one another. He is truly trying to be better of a man, an even better man than before his banishment. The town sees Dellis as not pure and he wants to keep her honor by doing right by her and for her. End Spoilers.... The Tory is very much a historical book and to have little bits of elements you can relate to makes it a very interesting read. It did take me a few days to read, but it never lost my interest. I caught myself when doing house work, my mind would come back to wondering where the story was going to go next. I had to stop reading at one section, getting called away for the kids most likely, and of course I was just getting ready to find out some vital information. I was annoyed but came right back to find out what happened. You know that it's a good book when you get annoyed by being interrupted from reading. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a Historical Fiction. I look forward to reading the next book, The Traitor. I know, I am very behind, there are 10 books in the Grey Wolf Series. I have only read number one. I really like the characters Quinn Loftis has created. She writes them with ease to which you get a clear picture of what she is portraying. The plot of the story was a little easy to guess, but I did enjoy the storyline and will continue with the series to see where the story take the lead characters. Jacque and Fane are the lead characters, you could say Jen and Sallay are as well since they are Jacque's best friends, and they are in many parts of the story. This is a paranormal romance, full of werewolves, sarcasm and teenage angst.
The story starts with Fane, he is moving into the house across the street form Jacque, he is the new foreign exchange student from Romania (yes he is the prince of wolves). While he is saying his goodbyes he locks eyes with Jacque, they have an instant connection. She feels like he is speaking in her mind but thinks she is just over thinking because he is very attractive. I think if I heard voices in my head that were not my own I might question it a little bit. The story moves very quickly from the first sighting to being introduced, then to finding out Fane is a werewolf, and oddly not freaking out about it. Then finding out Jacque is a half werewolf herself, which her mother was hiding that information in hopes to save her daughter from the lifestyle, (being an overprotective mother myself, I get keeping your kids out of harm's way physically and emotionally). Jacque is connected to Fane by a bond, you learn the bond can be challenged and that is where the conflict in lies for Prince of Wolves. A small thing I did not care for in this book is that it seemed to take place in a very short period of time. I would have liked to see them spend the summer getting to know one another, possibly start school, and have something come up from school, and not the way it happened in the story. However, I truly liked the story just a few things made me question what was going on. I do not want to give away spoilers as some of the questions are from the main plots to the story. I recommend Prince of Wolves. It was a fast, fun read that was not too heavy for the young reader. I look forward to getting the next book in the series and seeing what lies in store for the characters. TS901: Dominion, sequel to TS901: Anomaly is another hit from Stacey Rourke and Tish Thawer. I was very excited to dive back in to the TS901 world.
I think that Stacey and Tish got my hint about wanting to know Gigi's back story, and did they ever deliver. A plot twist I would have never seen coming with her story. You also get a little more of Eugene's story, which pulls at the heartstrings a little. The whole book is filled with twist and turns you will not see coming. You think the story line is heading in one direction and bam, its leaping all the way to left field, and you're like "oh my god" I must read faster to find out what is going to happen next. Dominion takes place shortly after Anomaly. With the maly rebellion taking place , the characters have started to really embrace their anomalies, to fight back against the nary army on the Hill. Their main goal "Save Gigi". Thia, Evan, Jules, and Lance are heading back into the Hill to save Gigi. Leaving Eugene behind to sleep off his drinking, he deserved it from what he had to bare witness to. As the team was getting ready to sneak into the Hill from and underground tunnel, opening a door this is where the plot twist comes into play. I cannot go into detail, for you have to have that element of surprise while you are reading to feel how the characters felt at this given second. Through the story I put myself in Thia's shoes from the standpoint of trust. Trust is everything. You have to have trust in everything, from relationships, romantic or platonic to knowing what you are doing. Dominion questions trust in many aspects. Spoilers.... Characters in this book are not who you think they are, just because they have the outward appearance of those you know and trust, doesn't mean you should. End Spoilers.... I highly recommend TS901: Dominion. You will have to read TS:901 Anomaly before you read this. Both books are fast paced, action packed, and have witty humor thrown in. It really makes this books a great read. I have become a huge fan of the characters and the world Stacey and Tish have created. I cannot wait to see what these two very talented authors can cook up in the next TS:901. Becca Vincenza created a world of paranormal beings, keeping me on my toes, and keeping me turning pages trying to find out what was going to happen next. A world that included mystery, love, nightmares, and beauty. Audrey the main character, developed in front of you, growing from a fragile girl to a strong women. She was taken, tortured in many ways, and hidden away from the world for years. She spent most of her time locked away in a cell until she was rescued, by Stone. Stone is the rough-n-tough type, one whom you think would not have a softer side to him.
As much as I say I don't like love stories, I do like romance and want everyone to have that special someone. This being said, I would classify Damaged as a Paranormal Romance. Audrey and Stone's relationship you could watch grow. It was not a forced romance, their romance was built on trust and understanding. It was organic and made the story flow. I think without Audrey letting Stone in I would not care for her character as much. Even though the story is focused around Audrey and Stone, the supporting characters are well developed and add depth to the story. Nixie, who is a siren is very bubbly and makes words up that are all ocean themed, her and Audrey become instant friends. Elijah is a wraith and is very intimidating and creepy when you read about him in the story. He alone is the only one who knows what Audrey truly is when she herself does not even know. In turn this is why she has been locked away and sought for by many. There is also Jacob, who is the leader of their clan, I personal was not a fan of his but you can come up with your on conclusion. Becca's world of the paranormal is one that I truly could invision while I was reading her writing. The twist and turns, plot twist and characters make me look forward to the second book in this series. Yes there are 2 other books in this series. Healed is the second book, and Stolen is a Prequel to Damaged. I look forward to getting my hands on these and learning more about this world, and knowing what has become of Audrey and Stone. Stacey has yet again made me love another one of her books, just by putting words to paper. I am very happy she has ventured into the vampire gener, with her witty humor, and the dark twists that she writes into some of her books, makes this book go straight to the top of my read list.
Veiled is a crime drama filled with vampires and politics. This book hits on some major world problems that are in the media right now, like discrimination and racism. The vampires are wanting to be out in the open but the bias of the normal people not looking past what they are. The lead in the book is Vincenza or Vinx. She is a character that I thought was going to be a shy girl, from what she is described as in the beginning. Well girlfriend went through some things that made her a complete badass and I am like "YES!!!" sign me up I need that confidence in my life. Veiled leads you through her story and how she becomes a badass and is used as a weapon by scientist, after she was found when her family was slaughtered by a hive and she was left for dead. Vinx has immersed herself into the vampire world, with the help of her friend Mics. (Mics, I can only hope to get a spin off, or novella to learn some backstory on her past and to learn more about her character. I don't know why out of her or Carter I want to know about her, she seems to have a dark past that I want to know about). She is getting to the bottom of the scandals that are being played out. She is not like most vampires( no she does not sparkle). She was made to be a weapon to use against the vampires. Nothing and no one, are what they seem to be. There are many twist and you cannot predict where this book will take you. Stacey wrote this is a way that it does jump timing in chapters for instance the first chapter, is in the present with the next going back to a time in the past to answer questions of how this came about. I personally love stories and authors who do this because I want the clear picture of what, why and how it happened. I cannot wait to get the next book in this series. I want the many questions that I have answered. I want to know what happens next! I have been bugging her with questions, but I have not convinced her to give me any spoilers, I am just like you waiting to see what will happen to Vinx in the next book. I hope that it is soon, I do not think she is going to like me texting her everyday until the release. Keep checking back and I will post when the next book in the series is coming out!. What can I say, that I have not yet said about Stacey Rourkes writing? She is amazing with words, the way she paints clear pictures of sceneries, bringing the characters to life and getting you submerged in a world that you can get lost in, learning all there is to learn about everything.
Entombed in Glass is the second book in the Unfortunate Souls Chronicles, the first book beings with Rise of the Sea Witch, which if you have not read, stop here, go and read it first. There is background story for the characters in this book , which is essential in understanding what is going on, as this book picks up right where Rise of the Sea witch ends. Alastor is the main character in this story, he was Vanessa love interest. When he wakes on the beach he realizes that he is not dead, and sees Vanessa, paining him to try and cry out to her with no luck. This sparks a fire in him to do everything he can to get back to her. Striking a deal with Hades, whom promises to reunite them after Alastor helps him. As the deal is done Alastor is thrown into a world that he was not familiar with. The journey in which Hades has sent Alastor on is not easy, and it introduces old and new characters. This is where Sterling (oh how I love Sterling) falls into the story, literally falls from a tree. (hmmm wonder what story he is from). Alastor and Sterling travel from place to place throughout this book and have become allies. When they get to Neverland it takes a dark turn that makes you think of Neverland in different way. The story progresses and you are wondering if Alastor will ever catch a break. Spoilers..... Nope!!!! Not even close but that is why Stacey's writing is so well, she keeps you on your toes and you never know what is going to happen to her characters. End Spoilers... I love that this book kinda shys away from the love story, yes he is trying to get back to his love Vanessa, but it's more about the journey and the mission he is on than that of the love story. The ending of this book you never see coming, and that is where Stacey is amazing as an author. You may think you know where the book is going to go but she takes you into a completely different direction. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. A fairy-tale retelling not like others. You get to see a different side to, Snow White, Peter Pan, Neverland, and a little glimpse of Wonderland!?! I cannot wait to see what book 3 will have in store... All I have to say is it better get a little MAD HERE! Desecrated Beauty: A Fantasy Fairy Tale Novel (Twisted Fairy Tales Book 1) by Kyleigh Castronaro10/30/2017 While at Once Upon A Book Author Signing 2017 I was walking (against my family's wishes, Stacey’s wishes) looking for books while on maternity leave. I was 39 weeks and 1 day pregnant, and was told not to go into labor before August 14th, thankfully that did not happen. I came across Kyleigh Castronaro table and loved the cover of her books she had displayed. She was telling me about the Twisted Fairy Tales series and how they're your favorite fairy tale retellings with supernatural elements like vampires, witches and werewolves. I had to grab a copy and I was surely glad that I had! Quill, her chosen name, is the main character of this book. There was a hostile takeover, only the ones that were deemed pure enough were allowed to live in the city, the others that were able to escape, and became the “desecrated”. Quill was now considered to be a desecrated because she escaped the city. She could no longer live under her father’s influence, only thing she regretted was she was not able to take her sister with her. Once on the outside you can become someone new and that's why she chose the name Quill. I have said in the past that I do not like love triangles, the start to this story was heading in the direction of love triangles; and in one instant that was cut out and it was like yes to all that is holy thank you for not making me have to sit through a love triangle and listening to people whine, “do I want to be with this guy or this guy.” Thank you for taking that off the table. Enough of that rant and actually get to the good part! Quill goes into the city to find their truck that had been hijacked, there were people with the truck and she uncovered that there was a lot more going on then what she initially knew. She was followed by a man, he tried attacking her, he was caught off guard that she fought back, and mentally fought back. Yes he is a vampire and you learn this later in the book. You learn that he is a beast and she is beauty! ( see where this is going) I don't want to give to much away, I recommend reading this book. Kyleigh’s telling is captivating draws you in. She weaves the story where it is easy to follow and keeps you turning pages until you realize that you have reached the end of the book. Check out Kyliegh Castronaro's other books with the links following. I know I cannot wait until I can get my hands on her other books! While you are reading this book on these brisk mornings what better to be paired with this then that of a Spinach and Feta Quiche. Head on over to the Tasty Morsels page to print the recipe and try it out for yourself! I get so excited every time my aunt (Stacey Rourke) has a new book that comes out. I was excited to see that she teamed up with Tish Thawer. They both are amazing authors who both bring a lot of talent to this book. They work amazing as a team. Their writing styles flow together very well. TS901 is a story about the government tainting the water with the TS901 chemical (fluoride and vitamins) it was supposed to sustain the health of the human race. However when the government released the chemical into the water supply it caused a genetic mutation in some and nothing in others. The main character, Thia Kelly, is now in hiding along with the rest of the inflicted outcasts also known as the maly’s. She is looked up to because she works well with the non inflicted humans and the inflicted, she tries keeping the peace between the two worlds. There has been a lot of high tension between the two worlds. Evan Daniels is the son of one of the leading Generals, he has been inflicted with the TS901. Thia and Evan had a love that was blossoming, but the government had other ideas with Evan and made him Patient #1. Evan turns himself in. He wants to help the Maly’s and thinks that by turning himself over, he will help the government to find a cure. Little does he know what he really is getting himself into. Thia going about her business after not seeing Evan in a while has learned that they put a bounty out for him. She knows that there is no way that he is as dangerous as what the government says. She doesn't believe the story that is on the news about Evan. Thia knows that she needs to save him. So she gets together a plan and sets off to save her boyfriend. This is where Gigi and other characters are introduced and Gigi is awesome love her character and love her mutation. Maybe a side story can be written about her and how she came to be. Hint hint Stacey and Tish. Spoilers…. Thia looks normal on the outside, and this is why she in fact can get along with all the inflicted and the non inflicted. Every turning of the page you hope that she reveals what her mutation is. When she finally uses her mutation you are stunned and can’t believe that she was ever willing to hide the mutation that she has and how she was able to do so. I will not give away exactly what she is you will have to read the story for yourself. End Spoilers…… I recommend this book to all. Its fast paced action packed and of course witty humor is thrown in, which makes for a great read. With this book I am going to pass along the drink recipe for Mutation that goes great with this book and was created by Stacey. I mean perfect friday night mix, good books and a good drink. I was so excited when N.J. Ember got a hold of me and asked me to read and review “The Desiccated-Part 1”. I saw her at the “Once Upon A Book” Author Signing in Frankenmuth, MI. I have been sick this last week and have taken to reading while being laid up in bed. I read this book in less than 24 hours despite spending most my time unconscious from the NyQuil. That being said I loved the book and I'm not sure if it was the story or the medicine, but I had some crazy dreams about dying birds... This books is extremely good. “The Desiccated” is Part One in the series and I so hope that the other one is out or will be out soon. I cannot wait to read it! I need to know more about the story and what happens to the characters. I can definitely relate to Lia the main character. No, not any of the paranormal things... but in other ways. I grew up with a step-dad that I did not like nor was he particularly fond of me either. I also grew up in a city that has a bunch of water issues. Yes, I grew up in Flint. Wait is this story actually taking place in Flint right now.. I need to get even further away from there as possible! I literally could not put the book down; to the point that I would fall asleep reading at night because I just couldn't stop. I wanted to know what happened next. The story was suspenseful and left every chapter with unanswered questions. I had to keep reading to find the answers. I wanted to know why all the bird suddenly died, what really happened in Lia's past with her mom, and how she was going to save herself and help her friend. Lia is the main character in this book. She has a plan of action that is following to ensure that she can get far away from her step-dad as possible. Everything changes when, you guessed it, those damn birds fall from the sky. She is put into a predicament when her best friend, ,falls ill. She doesn't know what is going on, but official looking people start quarantining the town. Assisting Lia is a couple who are new to town. Problems arise, however as she is used to doing things on her own and it's very hard for her to trust anyone. Lia is forced to question everything. The mystery surrounding Lia is why I was not able to put the book down! Every turn of the page served to create new questions that kept me craving more. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery. I would also recommend making “Overnight Oatmeal”;You’re going to want a quick grab and go meal because you aren’t going to want to put this book down until you’ve reached the end. You can follow the link here to check out the recipe. "The Desiccated- Part 1" by N. J. Ember is the first installment of "The Desiccated" series.
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