The Host ~ Stephanie Meyer

Well aren't I behind in the times.....

I FINALLY got around to reading 'The Host' by Stephanie Meyer....(You think that's bad... I have yet to read The Hunger Games.... true story)

I'll cut to the chase on this one because everyone and their Twilight loving granny has probably read it and seen the film. I will warn you, this review DOES have spoilers.... partly due to how it released quite awhile ago. Let's face it... if you are slow to get to it like me... well, that's your own damn fault! Ha! ;)

If you have never heard about The Host than here is the description from Amazon.com:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST
is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

The Novel:

What did I think?

(again, WARNING the whole review is a giant spoiler)

The way the book begins with Wanda being transferred into Melanie's body... I wasn't even a few pages in before I asked myself "What the freakin' fudge am I reading?"
It was very dry and somewhat dull.
Not gonna lie, after the first chapter I was so confused and slightly irritated with what was going on. I almost stopped reading.
 I thought it was an awkward start to a book. I wish there had been a more telling prologue on why the Aliens/Souls had their hooks into Earth and how badly humanity suffered up front....rather than learn it as the story progressed. I also wish there had been more to Melanie's story than flashbacks. I wish we could have got to known her and a bit of her story before she became a host and not through all the dreams and memories. I understand though, the point of the way the story was told was to start it fresh with Wanda and learn and grow as Wanda takes on more human emotions while sharing Melanie's body. Still.....I just found it irksome.

While I completely get it is a Young Adult read, it was almost too young and 'simple' in places. The Dolphin Planet.. Flower planet... things like that... I was hoping for some better complex 'alien' names and imagination. Now, I agree, the simplistic aspects and terms do make sense to the plot, since the souls are pretty straightforward beings. It still doesn't mean I am a fan of it.

However, all that said... I am glad I kept pushing on. I did like the story, and I agreed with the general message it sends. The Souls weren't 'bad' aliens, they just didn't fully understand humanity and that by helping our planet and body snatching, they were doing harm. 

Now the 'Love Triangle' aspect was quite interesting... but I find the description 'triangle' inaccurate. It was a love square, with three different bodies. Four people.... FOUR caught up in that mess. (Awkward!!) Melanie and Jared in love, but Wanda living in Melanie's body, falling in love with Ian, even though she has some of Melanie's feelings for Jared as well. (Soap Opera material!) 
The novel became that much more interesting when that story line really revved up.

I was also a fan of the 'character' of these Alien Souls. Body Snatching aside, they aren't 'horrible' and 'evil'....they're honest and trusting to a fault. They are trying to save earth, and humans 'from themselves'. Eradicating disease, war, aggression, all for a greater good.
 As I said above, I thought it was an interesting take on a species that are hell bent on controlling human mind and bodies.

The ending of the book....I won't spoil that except to say....."satisfying and yet.....not so much"
I am interested to see what happens in the sequel. (The Seeker)

If you want to compare The Host to Twilight, I wouldn't. I am a fan of the Twilight series, which is probably why I had high hopes for The Host. If you are looking for 'scary' 'wild' adventure with aliens....well, this book really isn't it. It's pretty mellow.

While I know it's already visited theaters... (BTW..did I sleep through that? Because I don't remember seeing adverts for it...) now that I have read the book, I can now watch the movie, see how it compares. (Keep reading, I get to that)

On a scale of One to Ten... I'll only give The Host a five. I'm not overly enthusiastic about it, but I didn't 'hate' it. I'm on the fence about it. I guess we will just have to see how the series progresses with the next two books.

Comparing Book to the Movie:

I had to wait a few weeks to get to watching the film adaptation as it wasn't yet available On Demand, but I just finished watching The Host directed by Andrew Niccol.
It has me asking the question..... Is this the first time I actually prefer a movie adaptation to the book???

Both were confusing at the start, even though I knew the story I was wondering how in hell they were going to play the Melanie/Wanda sharing a body storyline and do the book justice. It wasn't 'as' cheesy or poorly done as I anticipated.

I am glad that they didn't have all that Dolphin-Flower planet crap in the movie, buuuuuut they really should have injected a bit more of Wanda's past and purpose into the story line. Wanda's importance and uniqueness to her species I found was lost in the film version. My mom (who watched The Host with me) was asking questions that I could answer because I read the novel. Parts of the film confused her, but she actually didn't mind the movie at all and told me she liked it.

Watching the romance on screen came off a lot funnier than perhaps intended. In the book the romance was deeper and better understood... but on screen I actually laughed quite hard when Ian gets Jared to kiss Wanda to try to provoke Melanie. I don't know if it was intended to be hilarious......but it was.

Uncle Jeb (played by William Hurt) is by far my favorite character. His eccentric personality really adds a fun twist on the story. For a strange man, he really has a lot of common sense. I really enjoyed seeing him come to life on screen.
Also a bonus with the film... the hot guy who played Jared....Max Irons...cute and born in the 80's making him acceptable age appropriate eye candy.

The musical score throughout the film grated on my nerves.

All in all.... do I recommend The Host?
Meh....it's not for everyone.

Did I like it?
Meh.....

Do I prefer book to movie?
Meh.....

The jury is still out.


Happy Reading.

Beautiful Bitch ~ Christina Lauren

I'm BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK.

Didja miss me??
(Oh you know you did!! I missed you too!!)

I'd apologize for the lack of reviews in the last while, but I just spent the last two weeks touring Germany, so no... I'm not sorry. (Haha, kidding.....kind of....xoxo)
 
Don't hate me for that though, I may of had a fabu time on vacation but I busted my ankle before I left and it progressively got worse as the vacation continued (castles, hills, cobblestones..weren't helping matters) Needless to say, I have been home 48hrs and my doctor has my ankle wrapped and on crutches. Nasty sprain. (Quit laughing)

So what does a girl do when this happens?

Besides catching up on my soap (Days Of Our Lives...HOLLA!) and uploading the hundreds of photos of the trip to facebook.... naturally I take time to read a copy of a much anticipated novella.

I'm on Instagram @ReenieDiva

Beautiful Bitch is a short story narrated by both Bennett and Chloe. Taking place between novels Beautiful Bastard and Beautiful Stranger, the actual time period is exactly a year after Bennett and Chloe hook up. It's a fantastic, slutty little read full of dirty talk and sexymaness. (Is that even a word? No? It is now!)
There are flashbacks catching us up on the status of their relationship and how deep they have fallen for each other. In Beautiful Bitch the biggest problem they face is finding time together. Two workaholics that have earth shattering sex can make it work....right?
If you've read Beautiful Stranger than the ending won't surprise you. ;)

For a quick read it's pretty hawt! These ladies know how to write a book whether it's a short story or not. Beautiful Bitch smoothly bridges that time gap that we saw between Beautiful Bastard and Beautiful Stranger, and for a novella, in my opinion it is perfectly packed with enough steamy scenes and new details. Sometimes I find novella's don't necessarily scratch that itch when you want more from your favorite characters in a series. I didn't find that was the case at all with Beautiful Bitch. Consider the Chloe-Bennett itch scratched! The book is full of that spicy banter and humor that make this fictional couple one of my all time favorites! Loved it!

Fans of this series, if you haven't done so already, than you must run/walk/prancersize to pick up a copy! (Or do as I did and just download it from your friendly neighborhood internet store....prancersizing on crutches isn't pretty...trust me... I tried...)

Again I will say it. Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings make an amazing writing duo!
I say to them: "Keep up the good work ladies! I can't wait to read what is in store for us next!"

To you dear reader I say....

"Happy Reading"

Entwined With You ~ Sylvia Day

Oh Gideon.

It took you long enough.

(Than again, it took ME long enough to post this review...sorry about that.....shit happens..) :S

As is typical of me when a much anticipated novel hits on release day.... I wasted no time on June 6th, snagging Entwined With You from Kobo whilst eating my breakfast. (Peanut Butter and Honey on toast.... pretty sure I dropped some on my keyboard as well....sticky mess but delicious....)

As soon as I was able to find time to read, BOOM, nose in the book tuning out the world.
(My favorite past time!) 

One thing before I really get into this review....please note: I really wish I had taken the time to read the first two in the series again, just to refresh my memory a bit. After all, it had been quite a while between releases and I have read so many other books between Reflected in You and this novel. Luckily, things started clicking fast and it all came back to me.

I am going to keep this review short and sweet because let's face it: If you are reading this you already know WHAT to expect and who the players are.....(If not read my previous blogs! Links posted at the end of this review!)

So for all you EWT curiosity seekers......let me fill you in!

No time has really passed between the books. It picks up right where it left off.
Due to the events of Reflected In You, Eva and Gideon find themselves keeping their relationship a secret, which is proving to be fun.
Gideon also seems to have calmed down slightly in this novel.......surprise, surprise....he doesn't seem as overbearing.

Speaking of surprise, Sylvia Day had a few tricks up her sleeve this book. While I wont spoil it, I will say that there are events in this book that I 'didn't see coming' just yet. Whoosh, Sylvia Day slaps us with some jaw droppers. One blog reader tweeted to me that she screamed when the book ended. You can't blame her, I know the feeling!

As we all know the Crossfire Series is nothing without the spicy bits and bites! Those of you who are after the Gideon Cross Sexcapades....be assured that there is no lack of the steamy parts! Oh that devilish man still can go all night.
(I type this like I've done him or something...Weirdo)

One thing that I experienced reading it was anxiety. Serious anxiety. This couple can NOT freakin' catch a break!!! So much drama and not just in regards to them. Magumi has some stuff going on in this book that remains a mystery... Cary... oh Cary.... that loveable roommate really is quite the character... and he is asking for it!! You won't believe what happens to him... I was stunned!!
 I wish I could tell you what happens.... BUT I WONT. (Hahaha... Go read it yourself!)
This book is loaded. No disappointments! By far my favorite Crossfire novel yet!

If you are expecting THREE books in this series... I have news for you.....

THERE ARE NOW FIVE BOOKS!!!!

If you follow Sylvia Day on Twitter, Facebook etc.... this information will not be a shock to you.

While this is VERY exciting news, I know some people who are sobbing in a corner because they wanted to read all three in one sitting.... well.... sorry guys.. now you are waiting longer!
(Oh would you just join the rest of us and read the books as they release!! Come to the dark side!! We have jello shots and chardonnay!) 

I'm truly excited that Gideon and Eva's story will continue a little longer....
Simply put, this series is amazing and entertaining! I am happy to see it go on for a while longer rather than rush the last novel. (Which I feel so many authors tend to do...and that blows)
The much anticipated Book #4 in the Crossfire Series has been titled "Captivated By You".
No release date will be shared until all is a-go, but I will get you that info via my Facebook Fan Page the moment I hear what's happening!!

:) 

Happy Reading!

My most popular review happens to be my review on Bared To You!! Click here!

Reflected In You Review

Rainy Day Reading.......

It's a rainy day here...

This says it all!!

Blackbrooke II: The Guardian ~ Emma Silver

 "Blackbrooke II is not just a fantastic read...It's an Amazingly Awesome-Colossal Mind-Fuck of  Intense Twists and Turns!! I COULD NOT, WOULD NOT, PUT.IT.DOWN!!"

(Pardon the language, it IS necessary)

 She did it again.

Emma Silver actually made me scream out loud at the end of Blackbrooke II!!
Not of fright. (Though these books are creepy!)
Not in ecstasy. (They aren't THOSE kind of books!)
IN utter disbelief and shock that she left me hanging like that....... AGAIN!!!


I'm very excited to be the first stop on Emma Silver's "Blackbrooke II The Guardian" Blog Tour!
 (Can you see me jumping up and down, wearing my Team Gabriel tank top and lil bloody axe earrings...?? Okay, so I don't have those things... but I would if I could!)

Pull up a seat, grab a glass of wine (Wine if you're of age of course! Sparkling water if you're not!) and let's begin!

If you are not familiar with the Blackbrooke Series, than I suggest visiting my previous blog on the topic before continuing with this one! I don't want to repeat myself, but here is an excerpt from that blog to introduce you to what the story is about:

 "The 411 on Blackbrooke: It's a town nestled in the woods somewhere in England. (Kinda like 'The Village' by M.Night Shyamalan, but tourists come into this place!) where mythical and deadly creatures have a 'deal' with the town. You MUST follow the rules or face certain death.
There is layer upon layer of conspiracy and mystery surrounding everything. People go missing, blamed on 'Walkouts'.... which is basically suicide by Crits... the name of the frightening creatures. These things are horribly terrifying and deadly.
The story takes place in modern times, but with dated and strange rules ( For Example: You must wear your hair up in a bun at all times) 
I couldn't live there, never mind the creatures, they don't allow hair dye. (Unacceptable!)"

                              Blackbrooke II: MY Take

 Liberty's next step of the journey is not pleasant. She gets a few (several) shocks of her life. Her character has really hardened at this point in the story, Liberty is starting to resemble a hard shell of what she was.... but who can blame her? The events unfolding are enough to make anyone do crazy things and cause paranoia. Trust is to be earned at this point, but can Liberty even trust her own gut? Her loyalty and love for Cassius consumes her and drives her. I begin to wonder if her emotions are more 'guilt' over how she had contributed to his loneliness over the years, than it is 'romantic love' and she is just too young to know the difference. We shall see.......

We learn more about why Blackbrooke is segregated from the rest of the world and why the outsiders are trying to keep it that way. While I wont spoil it for you, I will say that I am impressed with the direction that particular story line goes in and I am on pins and needles to see where it goes in Book Three!
Loyal readers will be interested to know that the book starts off with the back story about exactly WHAT happened with Liberty's best friend Gemma. It was a good way to start the novel and helped set the scene for the demented and cruel nature of what was about to unfold.
We meet some new characters in BBTG and you have no idea who is a friend and who is a foe. One new character to keep your eye on is the sadistic Carl Evans. Dude is a psychotic douche-crate. Enough said.

Emma Silver is EASILY an author I will read again and again. Her books are well written, so much so when you immerse yourself into the story, you feel the apprehension, the frustration, conflict, fright.... She knows how to set the mood for a scene whether it's comedic (Hello Denzil!) or describing the eerie general atmosphere of the town of Blackbrooke.
As much as I scream with the intense cliffhangers both her novels possess, I could honestly hug Emma for being such an incredible and imaginative author. Writing style aside (Her writing is fantastic!) at the end of the day the one thing I am after is THE STORY! Ladies and Gents...Emma Silver has the storytelling "IT" factor in spades! This book has the right twists and turns and you can't predict the events. She spins you in one direction than kicks the chair to catapult you into another. Expect the unexpected. (LOVE IT!)

A few things to note:

Read this series IN ORDER. Some series you can get away with it, not this one.

This may be considered Young Adult, but it can most certainly be enjoyed by both teens and adults. There is a quality about these particular novels that makes it stand out from other Young Adult novels.

The same goes for it being classified as horror. You do not need to be a horror aficionado to read and love Blackbrooke!! If you enjoy thriller and suspense... Try it! If you enjoy a great book! Try it! I have said this before, if you are not into horror, than READ THIS because it is just the right recipe to lure  introduce you into the genre. Stephen King eat your heart out.

I am so excited about this series!! I want more!!! 

**FIVE STARS to Blackbrooke II: The Guardian!**
Completely Crit-tastic!!! It's In-Crit-able!!!
Bring it on Blackbrooke III!
BRING.CRIT.ON!



                                             

                   **Author Interview with Emma Silver**

Can you tell us about the moment when” Blackbrooke –the concept” was born? What was the very first idea that popped into your head?

It was definitely after one too many wines and watching Twilight for the hundredth time. I missed good old-fashioned horror for teenagers. I grew up reading RL Stine and Stephen King so paranormal romance (although massively addictive) just wasn't ticking all of my boxes. I wanted to try and create something scary. I lay in bed that night and started to think about the Rules. The characters of Liberty and Cassius followed and I started drafting the next day

  

You had me screaming (again) at the end of Book 2 and can’t wait for the third! What can we expect in Blackbrooke 3??

Fireworks! It's chaos as you can imagine and there is a change in dynamic. Liberty is fighting her own demons and trying to come to terms with the person she's become. Her relationships with those around her are understandably strained, especially with Denzil who feels her slipping away. 

How long have you been working on the series?
About 18 months all in all. Not as long as I like to think! Image hardest part was definitely putting Blackbrooke II together. I always knew how I wanted the story to progress but getting it from A to B was a challenge. I just hope I've done it justice. 

Do you have a ritual that you perform when you try to get into the Blackbrooke mindset? Music? Food? Workout? Meditation?

It's music every single time. I have a spotify playlist for each book and I whack my headphones on and blast some tunes to get me in the mood to write. There's a mix-bag of everything on there from 80s pop to unknown acoustic acts. Mostly moody brooding stuff. The more sad the better in some cases unfortunately! The music for part III is a bit more angsty though. 

Do you have a muse? 

I really don't! I wish I could answer this question with something really cool but I'm afraid not. The closest thing I have is the music I listen to. Without music, there wouldn't have been Blackbrooke. 

Other than Blackbrooke, do you have  any other writing or concepts in the works?

Yes absolutely. I have several ideas that I'm currently dabbling with with are also YA horror but I'd like to write an adult horror book too. Only so I can use vile profanities throughout of course...

Who are your literary inspirations?

Stephen King, RL Stine, Joe Hill, and every single contributor to the Point Horror series. Those books saved my life as a youngster and I'll never forget them.

What is your favorite book genre?

I love a good horror but I'm starting to venture into Sci-fi. I'm currently reading Connie Willis' Doomsday Book which is part of the SF Masterworks collection. If really like to read all of the Masterworks titles. So many books, so little time!

What is the name of the last book you read?

Flowers for Algernon - another SF Masterwork. Amazing book. I'd recommend it to anyone. Utterly heart-wrenching from start to finish.

 Can you tell us a bit about yourself!

Oh gosh, I'm really quite a bore! I read, I write and I have a day job selling books to pay the bills. I'm a happy little soul though. I love writing and hope to continue for a very long time yet.

When you are not writing, what can we find you doing?

A lot of reading! Over the past six months I've rediscovered the joy of reading a good book. You get so bogged down with editing your own work that you forget what it's like to actually read something for pleasure. I also love running - it gets my crazy out of me so I can relax and write. 

I love a glass of wine and either chocolate or potato chips when reading…. What’s your favorite ‘go-to’ snack when sitting down with a book?

Ooh! It would have to be hummus with...anything to dip in it! I love the stuff far too much for my own good. I swear I can polish off several tubs in one sitting. It's shocking stuff...

Blackbrooke II: The Guardian Book Description from Amazon.com:

Liberty’s fight continues.
After she had discovered the truth behind ‘walk outs’ in her hometown of Blackbrooke and was forced to sacrifice her best friend, Liberty Connor thought she was finally free.
But her nightmare was only just beginning.
Taken to the Institute, a research facility dedicated to Blackbrooke, Liberty finds herself under the watchful eye of sinister Blackbrooke guardian, Mr Jones. Things aren’t as they seem. Familiar faces provide little comfort, and she soon realizes the Crits aren’t the only specimens under the microscope.

Determined to escape, Liberty is once again plunged into a world beyond her comprehension. The one thing she knows for certain is: trust no one.

Friends become strangers, but help is at hand from unexpected quarters. Forced to confront her real enemy, Liberty is left with one familiar choice.

Fight.




Happy Reading!

Ethan Justice: Origins Review & Interview ~ Simon Jenner

I would like to start this blog off by saying I'm sorry I have been MIA. The weather is improving, things are busy and finding time to myself to read and write is almost impossible lately!
I have been working on this blog for several weeks and trust me this book is WELL worth the wait. 
4.5 STARS worth!

So what are we waiting for! Let's get on with it......

It's time to Switch Gears!
I've had lots of romantical sexy-esq posts as of late (and more to come) so much so that we need to head off in another direction before my "non-romantical" readers start jumping ship!

What a great thriller to ignore the housework with!!

Here is the book description from Amazon.com:

In the morning, he’s struggling to remember. By the evening, he’s struggling to survive. John Smith’s risk avoidance policy just expired!

Waking up beside the gorgeous Savannah Jones, John is shocked to learn she was for hire, and he can’t pay the price - a thousand pounds or broken legs. In desperation, he turns to best friend, Mark, for the money. Only one problem - Mark has a dagger in his back.

John and Savannah are plunged into a dangerous world where wits and adrenaline are their only weapons and trust in each other their only certainty. As the body count mounts, they discover Mark wasn’t the person John thought, and his terrifying invention may well end up killing thousands, John and Savannah included.

A race to recover the missing invention pits the unlikely pairing against ex-SAS psychopath, Gregory Fisher, a man who will stop at nothing and kill anyone in his way to wreak revenge against the Government who stole his livelihood.

When Smith and Jones team up, the result is explosive.

Ethan Justice: Origins is a fast-paced, action-packed, character-driven thriller, guaranteed to make you laugh out loud, cringe, cry and cheer.


My Take:

Where to begin?

Simon Jenner is an author who is full of potential and is has the makings of a hit on his hands!

I love a book with a first chapter or prologue that hooks you and this novel had it!!
I winced at how creepy and sadistic the mysterious killer was off the bat. He clearly has no morals and the question's I had are as follows: What the *bleep* crawled up his ass and died to make him that way? What is he up to.....? WHO is he?

The main protagonist is none other than "John Smith"
Haha! First I have to address the irony that his real name is John Smith and he is on his way to a new identity and name. It is an amusing part of the story line to say the least.
(The name thing made me chuckle on several occasions!)
Smith is quite the character. Literally.
Born to a wealthy family, John is seemingly the dead beat son who really needs to get his ass in gear and find employment.
Little does he know one drink with a friend changes his life and sends him on a wild adventure to becoming the 32 year old 'man' he is! (And he starts saying 'goodbye' to his inner 18 year old)

John meets Savannah Jones (and when I say meets, I mean 'wakes up in bed' with) ...She's a prostitute...I mean... *ahem* ESCORT.... that isn't so good at her new career. A nice girl who got sucked into a rotten job by an idiot friend. (People, let me just take a moment to say.... if your 'friend' encourages you to turn tricks for easy cash, consider college instead...and ditch the friend.... just sayin!) She's got problems of her own and getting involved with John has just made it worse (or better??)

Both Savannah and John are very insecure and lost individuals. For a man in his thirties, John comes off a lot younger, but events teach him to grow. We learn he is quite resourceful and talented. Savannah while young, due to her hard knock life, is a bit older for her age. They make a great team and fit each other perfectly. He is the Yin to her Yang. The Bread to her Butter... The Orange Juice to her Vodka.....The....(oh okay... I'll stop now)
The question is, will this relationship take a romantic turn or be an epic fail?

There are several story lines that end up culminating into one very large adventure for both John and Savannah.
Can they trust Earthguard Agents Wilson and Johnson?
Who the hell is the creepy evil guy looking for the weapon?
What about Savannah's disgusting boss and his horrid plans for her future?

This book is jammed packed with that will keep you turning the pages.
While I was reading, this book could not be pried from my hands!!
The best part.... Author Simon Jenner has tricked us! JUST when you think 'Okay, this is getting a bit predictable....' and figure the book is reaching the end....BOOM..... Major twist you don't see coming!

A few things to note:

The chapters change perspective (love) so we get into the minds of several of the characters.
I love how this book introduces you to exactly how an ordinary guy get's sucked into a world of intrigue.
This book is not only suspenseful but fun. I really enjoy the authors sense of humor!
If you loved my recommendation of Andrew McAllister's "Unauthorized Access" you will NOT want to miss getting a hands on a copy of this novel!! Very much comparable!
I look forward to the rest of the series!

The Bottom Line: I want you to read it! Simon Jenner wants you to read it! Make sure at the end of the Author Interview you catch the Contest and GIVEAWAY!!

                                 ** Author Interview**

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm 50 which really stinks but it’s probably not as bad as 51.  I have a great wife and son who do nothing but support me – my son is always keen to impart his crazy story ideas and my wife helps with beta reading, keeping my butt at the computer and printing out good reviews and sticking them all around the house.  I keep telling them perhaps they should get on with their own work but they are the stubborn, lazy sort.  Just kidding - they're the best.  We live in the UK with our German Shepherd, Spencer, who is perhaps the least ferocious dog his breed has to offer.  The young me was very outgoing and adventurous, getting into many a scrape along the way to adulthood which hit me at around 48.  The older me still enjoys an occasional drink but keeps most of his adventures on the written/digital page.

Who are your inspirations?

I love to read and watch films – these really ignite my already over-active imagination.  I don't have particular authors that I follow or specific genres of film that I watch, so other than the general desire to lose myself in a good story, my inspiration comes mostly from within and the support of a great family.  If I had to sum it up in one word it would be "madness".

What is the most challenging thing you face as an author?

My greatest challenges are marketing and self-doubt.  Marketing takes an age and you're never sure where to best allocate your time.  It interrupts your writing and distracts you at every turn.  Self-doubt rears its ugly head when you read through yesterday's work and find it has turned from literary genius to unfathomable dog crap.  It can takes weeks to turn back and sometimes it stays as dog crap so you just have to start again.

What inspired Ethan Justice: Origins?

I knew I wanted to write a thriller (as that is the genre I prefer to read) and it grew from there.  I used to have a love /hate relationship with writing – one week I would be really keen and the next I would go off the boil but my wife really got Ethan Justice moving when she said: "Write it or go and get a proper job."  What more inspiration does a man need?

Without spoiling the story, what is YOUR favorite part of Ethan Justice: Origins?

I actually have a few favourites but one is at the Ritz, where Savannah and Ethan are trapped in their bathroom, with gunfire all around them, a psycho and a pimp trying to break the door down and death by toothbrush about to play out.  I'll say no more!

There is one shocking turn of events in the novel, which has me wondering….When you wrote this novel, did you have the plot set in your mind or did you go where the story took you?

I tend to plot a few chapters at a time after coming up with a clear view of the antagonist’s plans and motivations and an idea for how the story might end.  If I plot too much in advance I struggle with what the characters will do in each situation – I find writing in the moment works best for me. Sometimes it's great to be at a point in the book, following the general plan,  and then throw an unexpected spanner into the works.  I love it. If I'm not sure what will happen next, then it’s doubtful the reader can guess! So to answer your question: the story was a mixture of plotting and gut feel for where the characters wanted to go as I wrote.

I’m always big on books to TV/film ….If your book was cast as a television series, who would you cast in the lead roles??

I don't really see the book as a TV series as I think the plot and pace would better suit film but then I would choose Ryan Gosling to play Ethan and Mila Kunis to play Savannah.  I'd need to listen to their English accents first, mind you!

Can you give us a teaser about what to look forward to in the next book? How many books do you have planned for the series?

The second Ethan Justice book, “Relentless”, is being edited. This time around Ethan and Savannah end up in a dangerous cat and mouse game of pursuit and survival when they cross paths with Richard Windal, a cool, confident and highly influential yet psychotic entrepreneur.

I’m currently planning on having three Ethan Justice books but while “Relentless” is being prepared for publication, I have started writing the first book in a new series. It is another action thriller about a man who has fallen on hard times in the current financial crisis. He gets recruited as an assassin to pay the bills, but all is not as it seems!

                                                            

                                 **GIVEAWAY TIME!**

 

This Giveaway Is Closed! Congrats to the Winners who were posted on the Facebook Page!! 

You've read the review. You've read the Interview....Now it's time to own a copy!
Simon Jenner has kindly offered some copies up for grabs!
ONE hard copy novel and 3 E-book's (Winners choice PDF, E-PUB, Kindle) ... so pay CLOSE attention... here's how it's going to work......

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE ENTERING:

The Hard Copy Prize is for only Canada or U.S. participants.
Those entering the Hard Copy Draw are also eligible to enter to win one of the three E-books.
HOWEVER should you win the Hard Copy, you are automatically disqualified from the e-book draw.
It's nice to give others a chance!

E-Book Prize: There are no country limitations on the E-book prize. Please note the novel is in English. 

HOW TO ENTER:

ONE E-MAIL ENTRY per person!

All you have to do to enter either draw is email me your name, age, province/state/country and let me know one of the following:
a) ONLY Hard Copy - Canada-U.S Only
b) ONLY E-book
c) BOTH draws-Canada-U.S Only

That's it! You're name will be entered to win!

The drawing will take place on Tuesday June 4th at 7pm and winners will be announced via my Facebook Page as well as contacted by email.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!!

Being Me ~ Lisa Renee Jones

Let me tell you of a trilogy,
Full of sexcapades and mystery,
A naughty tale with BDSM,
Journals, Missing Woman and Sexy Men,
A cliffhanger that will make you scream,
Rebecca's whereabouts unknown,
Want a great story to read?
The Inside Out Trilogy by Lisa Renee Jones......

Hey look... I'm a Poet, didn't know it! ;)



I was absolutely ecstatic when Best Selling Author Lisa Renee Jones read my blog review on 'If I Were You' and gifted me an advanced copy of Book Two of The Inside Out Trilogy (along with some of the novellas that inspired the series) to review.
(Again... a big Thank You!!!)

That book is titled "Being Me"

It took me a bit longer to get to the books than I wanted, my Kobo has been giving me grief for the past few weeks. My husband actually had to intervene before my lap top and Kobo met with a baseball bat (or the tires of my car...maybe both...) I swear I have never had this much trouble with technology before! I think it may be time for an upgrade.
I digress....

I breathed a huge sigh of relief when the files finally made it to the Kobo and I wasted no time diving in! The cliffhanger from the first book was killing me. (KILLING ME I say!!!!)

Now, before I continue any further, there is a teeny tiny detail you need to know when you read the Inside Out Trilogy.

YOU REALLY SHOULD READ THE NOVELLA'S BEFORE YOU READ "BEING ME"!!!!!
(sorry for the caps...I need to get that point across)

 Just keep reading! I will provide a complete list of 'order to read' at the end of this blog!

So why are these novella's so important?
They are Rebecca's Journals. The ones that Sara find in the storage unit in the first book.
Reading them gives us more clues and insight as to who Rebecca is and what her relationship with the Master is like. They also have other tid bits and details included within the pages that will help you understand things that take place in 'Being Me'.
Should you not read the journals, you may be left scratching your head at a certain point.

They are very quick novella's to read, won't take you long at all to get through them.
 
Now....Onto the novel "Being Me"

Let me start by saying, I WILL NOT spoil what happens for you.
Not at all.
There are lots of reasons for that.
Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd.....
You will just have to trust me.
**enter my cute and innocent face here**

If you missed the gist of what these novels are about, I will share an excerpt from my previous blog on this series. (You can also click the link to read that blog yourself! It's a good one!)

 "Sara McMillian is a high school English teacher, intelligent, caring and compassionate, (she describes herself as a 'hugger') but seems to be damaged goods.... When she comes across the explicit sex journals, she tries to find the owner Rebecca, to return them. Her search quickly leads to an Art Gallery from which Rebecca is on a leave of absence. Sara meets Mark Compton, Manager of the Gallery, who ends up spontaneously giving her a summer job. He's like the serpent offering Eve a big juicy apple.... tempting her with a taste of the life she used to long for. His motives are questionable and his need for her to learn about wine almost makes me not want to drink it. (I kid... I need my nightly glass of Merlot!)"

The entire trilogy is a truly addictive story that will keep the pages turning!
Warning: If you read while cooking than dinner may burn! (I saved it in time!)...Dishes will go ignored...You've read my blogs....you know the drill.....

 I will tell you that if you have read the first book (and you really should!!) plus Rebecca's Lost Journals (the novellas) than 'Being Me' will answer all the questions you want to know in regards to the Rebecca disappearance.
(FYI: It's an Eyebrow Raising-Jaw Dropping- 'Didn't See That Coming' Kinda Mystery!)
We learn more about Chris (the sexy, brooding, bad boy, live outside-the-box Artist) and the secrets he is keeping from Sara. Heck we even learn more about Sara and her past! (You think you figure it out in the first one.....ha!)

I love how many story lines there are within the pages and what we discover about the lives of the characters.
Lisa Renee Jones truly does keep us on our toes. I am not kidding when I say, I could not for the life of me figure out the plot or where she was going! She completely lured me in and has me completely mesmerized with Sara (and Rebecca's!) tale! Every time I 'thought' I knew what was up and where the story was going, she tricked me!! (Not an easy feat, I raise my wine glass to her!)
Any author who can keep the readers second guessing in such a way get's an A++ in my book!
It is Ah-mazing.

One of the biggest things I really enjoy about the writing, is something I have touched on before. Unlike some BDSM novels, the sex and BDSM isn't 'gratuitous' and it's not just there to spice up the book! It's actually a very large part of the story and not just in a 'romantic' way. (You will be shocked at what you discover about one of the characters in particular......) That is always a big sell to me when it comes to the sexier novels. I like to point this out to people who are squeamish about any book with a bit of BDSM or Erotica. If I am going to read the sexy novels and recommend it... One of the things on the list I need is a substantial story line and THIS my friends has it in spades!

Words To Describe This Series: Provocative and Thrilling. 

TidBit: The Inside Out Trilogy has been optioned for a Cable Show!! UMMM Yes Please!!!

I so look forward to the story continuing in the next book "Being Us" (<---write down="" i="" the="" title="">)

I CAN'T WAIT to see what happens next!! I'm not kidding, If I was at the book store and there was one copy left of 'Being Us' and someone grabbed it out of my hands, let's just say there would be a showdown and I would win!

(Book Nerds Gone Wild!)


"Being Me" is released as of June 11th 2013, so mark that date on your calendar!

Now that I have read 'Being Me' I am going to have to grab a copy of the novella that follows called 'The Master Undone'. Hopefully that will help take the edge off until the next book releases!

If you read my blog on a regular basis, you know when it comes to novels I love that if I have them on a reading device, I also purchase the physical copy for my library. So it will come as no surprise that I fully intend to do that with any Lisa Renee Jones book I come across!
THAT is how much I love this author!

Your mission should you choose to accept it:
Grab a copy of "If I Were You" ...Run get those novellas in your hands and finish them before "Being Me" releases!!

You'll Thank Me.....

I promise!!!

Happy Reading!!

Inside Out Trilogy Reading Order:

** If I Were You

** Rebecca's Lost Journals (4 Novellas)
-The Seduction
-The Contract
-My Master
-His Submissive

** Being Me

** Master Undone (Do NOT read until you have read Being Me)

**Revealing Us

Visit http://www.lisareneejones.com for more information!