Skyborn by Leia Stone Book Review

Title: Skyborn (Dragons and Druids Book 1)
Author: Leia Stone
Published By: Leia Stone
Publication Date: December 26, 2017
Pages: 284
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, New Adult, Action, Thriller, Fantasy
Audience: 16+ due to language
Source: Bought
Stars: 5/5

“Alone, on the run, and fighting for her life. 
Sloane Murphy thought hiking the Grand Canyon alone after graduation would be an awesome adventure. Until she slips and starts to plummet to her death. Then the unthinkable happens.
She transforms into… a dragon.
After flying to safety and trying to convince herself she isn’t having a mental breakdown, the hunters come for her. She runs, somehow managing to stay one step ahead of them. Until her luck runs out. Now the hunters have her and they intend to kill, not capture.
That’s when he comes for her.
Logan Sharp is the last dragon shifter alive. Or so he thinks, until he gets word that the druids are hunting a red headed female. His team takes her in, sheltering her because there is a truth she must learn: if the skyborn die out, then so does humanity.
But Sloane is hiding a dark secret that she doesn’t even know yet. A secret that could change everything.

Book Description from Amazon

By Leia Stone”

I recommend reading the free 22 page short story Logan: Dragons and Druids Prequel before starting this book because it provides a little backstory to this book.

Leia Stone is such an amazing author and I love every single one of the books of hers that I have read, and this book is no exception. I loved it so much! It made me laugh, even made me cry a little bit because I was laughing so hard. My absolute favorite line from this book is, “Having a half-naked sexy dragon shifter with his arm around me…while he made plans to save his pet kitten,,,made my ovaries ache for his babies.” This line made me laugh so hard I had a hard time breathing. Took me a solid TEN minutes to stop laughing. I don’t know why I found this line so hilarious, but I did. I loved the character that is Slone. She is a female character that we don’t see very often in books anymore. She is a realist character who would be scared shitless during an attack and not being afraid that she’s scared and would take help from other people instead of trying to take care of it herself when it is clearly obvious she cannot. I do not like female characters who refuse the help of others when she is in a hard situation, male or female. I love how that even though she is a kickass supernatural being, she is still lazy as hell and didn’t became athletic as shit overnight like most books. This is such an amazing new take on dragons (my favorite paranormal speicies) and I absolutely love it. And don’t get me started on Logan, nothing hotter than a man who turns to jello around his pet kitten. Animal lover=sexy time immediately.

This book is an amazing beginning to a new series that will keep the audience entertained and make them fall in love. It was beautifully written, descriptions amazing, and comedy on point. Leia Stone could be a comedian as well as an author her female characters are so funny. Please give this book a read and fall in love with Slone, Logan, and the gang.

Review By: Angelina Daniel

Get the book here!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077V2D9J3?ref_=k4w_oembed_ct5RKwoKVKOgvP&tag=kpembed-20&linkCode=kpd

Author Interview with J.D. Brown

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

After I wrote my first manuscript, which later ended up becoming Dark Heirloom, the first book in the Ema Marx series. It started out as something “free” and therapeutic for me to do with my time when I was laid off from my day job back in 2008. At first I had no plans to publish it, but by the time I reached the end, I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

From outline to published? Usually about a year. I can write a first draft in 2 to 3 months, but revisions are another story, and edits are done on the editor’s schedule. How other authors put out a new book every 3 months is a mystery to me, but I’m working to improve that.

3. What genres of book is your favorite to write and which ones are your favorite to read?

I write a blending of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, which are also my favorite genres to read. I love paranormal characters and when there’s magic in the universe. Adult and YA alike, if there’s a vampire or shifter or witch or dark fae, chances are I’ve read it.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Hmm. I think I have a flair for the dramatic. I also have a habit of interjecting corny humor in tense moments. Side note: I also tend to do that in real life.

5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Everywhere. Wikipedia. Places I’ve traveled to. Good ol’ imagination. I’ve been creating characters and fictional worlds since I was a child. All of my toys had a layered backstory. (I’m the reason my mother has gray hairs.)

6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I started Dark Heirloom in 2008. I think I finished it in 2009 though it wasn’t published until 2012. I was 23 when I wrote it. Before that I loosely kept a diary and wrote poetry in secret. None of that is published though, thank goodness.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I read, though that’s getting harder to do. I spend a lot of time with family, babysitting my niece and nephews. I adore them. I’m also a Netflix junkie and mother to two little dogs.

8. What does your family think of your writing?

They’re very proud of me. Mom brags to anyone who will listen. None of them quite “get it” but I love them for trying. Haha.

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Oh gosh, the entire experience is such a huge learning curve. I learned my passion. I learned that I am capable of that passion. That in its self can be very enlightening.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written four novels – Dark Ascension being number four – and two novellas. It’s hard to choose a favorite. I love them all for different reasons.

11. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers? If so, what are they?

Be a little selfish. Guard your writing time. Allow yourself to write crap; you can fix it later. And most of all get out of your own way.

12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

All the time and I love it. I wish they would bug me more. (Seriously.) They usually say really fabulous things like “I love your books” and “when is the next one coming out?” Nothing else makes me want to write faster than an ego boost from my fans.

13. What do you think makes a good story?

Good characters. I can loath a book for poor craft, boring settings, and predictable plot arcs, but if I love the characters enough, I’ll keep coming back for more.

14. Do you have anything you’d like to tell your readers?

I wish I could give you all hugs and high-fives and a puppy! You guys rock. I hope you’ll participate in the giveaway. And if my books are new to you, you can grab the first one free from my website www.authorjdbrown.com It’s been a blast, thank you so much for having me, Angelina. J

House of Royals Review

Title: House of Royals
Author: Keary Taylor
Published By: Amazon Digital Services
Publication Date: June 21, 2015
Pages: 225
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Thriller, Action, Urban Fiction
Audience: 17+
Source: Bought
Stars: 4.5 stars out of 5 stars
          
            ~“Every town has its history and skeletons, but Silent Bend, Mississippi’s are darker than most. Ruled from the shadows by the House—the immortal Born and their aging, enslaved Bitten—everyone knows not to go out after dark and the police will never look into crimes involving blood.
            Alivia Ryan didn’t know the man who claims to be her father through a will even existed until she inherits the Conrath plantation. Instead of the sleepy house she expects, she finds a mansion and a staff who look at her with fear in their eyes.
            Ian Ward tried to kill Alivia the first time they met, and then insisted he train her to defend herself against the House, who he claims will try to manipulate and take her in for their own political reasons. And the growing attraction between them will threaten their lives—Ian is a sworn enemy of the House.
            In Silent Bend, people disappear, the threat of a demented King and the legend of his resurrecting Queen hang over everyone’s heads, and proving loyalty means far more than blood. You’d better watch who you trust in this town…

Book description from Amazon

By Keary Taylor”~

            This book is a really good book. It has all of the necessary elements that are needed to make a good book, for example: it has good characters, an interesting story plot, written well, and it is taking a new view on the vampire legend. My favorite character out of this book would have to be Rath. Rath is such an interesting character, he is so mysterious and has a very powerful presence. I like Alivia, but she can be a little whiny at times and her innocence when it comes to certain matters can really drive me crazy. I also don’t like how she turns into putty whenever Ian spares her a glance. My favorite part about this book is the take on vampirism Keary Taylor takes. I love her take on how these Born reach their vampirism. I also love that it is taking place in the South, not many books are written with the story taking place in the South.

All in all, I really liked this book. It managed to suck me in and cause me to read the rest of the series. It may not have been the most exciting book on the face of this planet, but it wasn’t bad. You just have to stick to the book and read it to the end to come across the really interesting parts. I really liked this book and I hope you all will give it a shot!

Collide Review

Title: Collide
Author: Michelle Madow
Published By: Dreamscape Publishing
Publication Date: February 9, 2017
Pages: 309
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Thriller, Young Adult, Suspense.
Audience: 15+
Source: Given by author in return for an honest review
Stars: 4 out of 5

~“I should have died when I was shot at the Halloween dance.
Instead I woke up—one week earlier, in a parallel universe where my mom's fatal car accident six months ago never happened.
A world with my mom still in it was all I ever wanted. But in this timeline, everything is different—my grades, my friends, and even my boyfriend. I'm a stranger in my own body, and I don’t like who I’ve become.
But one thing is the same—that shooting will still happen at the end of the week.
I'm the only one who knows. Which means I'm the only one who can stop it.
 But first I need to convince someone—anyone—that I’m telling the truth... and then get them to help me.
                                                                                          -Review from Amazon by Michelle Madow”~

This is very good, which I have come to expect from Michelle. She is such an amazing author and she knows how to tell one hell of a story. I loved the personalities of all of the characters in this book. I have to say I was wanting Anna to get with Zac, he seemed sweeter than Jake. Why can’t the author pick my choice? :( And I also loved how Anna was strong female lead, they are my favorite. The only things that I thought weren’t the best about this book is that I hate not knowing what happened after the end of the book. Can you say a major cliffhanger? Dang Michelle and her cliffhangers! I also didn’t like how the identity of the shooter is kinda obvious. But I do have to say, Michelle had me suspecting other characters as well.

Overall, this book was really good and I wish there was a book two and this wasn’t a standalone. I love Michelle Madow’s books and I can’t wait to see what else she comes up. If you haven’t read any of Michelle’s books, you should go and check out her Elemental series which you can find reviews for those on my blog. Please go check out this book and give Michelle some love!

Elementals 5 Review

Title: Elementals 5: The Hands of Time

Author: Michelle Madow

Published By: Dreamscape Publishing

Publication Date: November 25, 2016

Pages: 288

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Thriller, Action, Suspense

Audience: 15+

Source: Given by author in return for an honest review

Stars: 5 out of 5

~“Time is running out. War will be waged. Sacrifices will be made.

Months ago, Nicole Cassidy’s life was turned upside-down when she discovered that she was a witch descended from the Greek gods. She and the four other witches gifted with elemental powers fought all over the world—and in another dimension—to battle the supporters of the Titans and fight for the people they love.

Now the Elementals must stop Typhon—the most dangerous monster in the world—from rising, and seal the portal to the dangerous prison world of Kerberos. But they won’t be able to do that without facing their hardest decision yet… a sacrifice so great that it may be one they’re not willing to make.

 -Review from Amazon by Michelle Madow”~

OH MY GOD!!!!! Why?!?!?! Michelle Madow had me cry for the whole second half of this book. Every time a certain characters’ name was brought up, it brought tears to my eyes. I can’t handle it. I hate crying and this book had me crying all over the place. Ugh! And, I’m not the happiest person when it comes to the ending of the book. I like that Michelle didn’t go the stereotypical route most authors do by making it to where all the characters survive and everyone lives a happy life. No, this does not happen in this book. The ending of this book was bittersweet at the most. I cried so hard at the end it was crazy. I do have to say that shows how talented Michelle is if she was able to get me so attached to these characters and make me cry so much. I’ve only had four books in my career of reading that has affected me so hard; and those are New Moon (everyone knows they cried a little when Edward left Bella, don’t deny it!), the ending of Allegiant, the ending of Mockingjay, and of course The Fault In Our Stars. This woman is crazy talented.

I loved this book, regardless how much it made me cry. I enjoyed reading the Elementals Series immensely and wish it could go on. I’m just saying, if Michelle decides to make another series based on Kate, I’d be so down to read it. I’d love to see if the problem the characters couldn’t find a loophole around at the end of the book ends. Please! This series was magnificent and I can’t wait to read what else Michelle Madow come out with.

Elementals 4 Review

Title: Elementals 4: The Portal to Kerberos

Author: Michelle Madow

Published By: Dreamscape Publishing

Publication Date: September 10, 2016

Pages: 270

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Action, Thriller, Suspense

Audience: 15+

Source: Given a copy from author in return for an honest review

Stars: 5 out of 5

~“She will venture into hell to save the one she loves.

After being betrayed by one of their own, Nicole watches helplessly as Blake is snatched into the prison world of Kerberos—along with Medusa’s head, which is the one item they need to stop the Titans from rising again. Now Nicole and the other Elementals must enter the portal, find Blake, and bring him and Medusa’s head back to Earth before the deadly monster Typhon returns and wreaks havoc on the world. But there’s one catch—their elemental powers don’t work in Kerberos. In a dimension designed to make those within it lose touch with reality, and that’s filled with dangerous creatures who want to stop them from completing their task, will they make it out alive?

In this penultimate book of Nicole’s story, join the Elementals as they journey through hell to save the world… before it’s too late.

 -Review from Amazon by Michelle Madow”~

This book was just as amazing as the other two in this series. Michelle Madow really does know how to write amazing books that will keep her readers on the edge of their seats. I was a bag of nerves for most of this book and couldn’t get enough. I was spending my free time during my lunch break at work reading this book. I loved it so much and can’t wait to see what is in store for the last book of the series. I got to tell you, I cried like a baby when what happened around the end of the book happened.

Michelle Madow is one talented author, and I love reading this series so far. I can’t wait for the end of the series; I hope everything ends good. I’m now going to go finished the last book in this series. Please go give this series a chance if you haven’t already.