Showing posts with label Cameo Renae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cameo Renae. Show all posts

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Broken Wings






BROKEN WINGS (Book #2 in the Hidden Wings Series)




Blurb:
Emma’s world is falling apart, and Kade, the only one who seems to hold her together, is missing. With death lingering right outside their door, decisions must be made before it’s too late.
The Midway has refused to send help, so they are left to seek out the only other who can stop Lucian.
A perilous quest sends Emma and a few Guardians into the Underworld, where the unimaginable abide, to beseech the Prince of Darkness himself. Lucifer.
Now, they must endure the deadly levels of Hell, which not one …mortal or immortal… has ever survived.
Prepare for love, loss, and the unexpected.



Hidden Wings (Book #1)


On Amazon:

On Goodreads:

  
Blurb:
Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise. As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm, and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.
Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.
A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.



Descent (Hidden Wings Novella)


 On Amazon:

On Goodreads:

Blurb:
Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise. As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm, and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered. Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is. A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously, captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.



Author Bio:

Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, CA, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved with her husband and children to Alaska.
She loved reading from as long as she can remember, and it was C.S. Lewis' - Chronicles of Narnia – which sparked a fire in her soul and made her want to create her own wondrous, magical worlds and characters to go on adventures with.
Her published books are In My Dreams (A YA Paranormal Romance Thriller), Hidden Wings (Book  #1 in the HW Series), Descent (A HW Series Novella) and Broken Wings (Book #2 in HW Series).
One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe, and ride away on her magical unicorn... until then... she'll keep writing!


Cameo’s Links:


My review of Cameo Renae:
I first met author Cameo Renae not long after this blog started in 2011. I met her when I was offered the chance to review her debut novel, In My Dreams, (my review here). I follow her on her blog and Goodreads and Twitter but am most involved with her on Facebook. She is one of the most genuine, caring and friendly authors I know. I truly appreciate the way she treats her fans. She interacts with her fans and I believe values them. I know a lot of authors have FB and Twitter to share with fans. And that is what they do. I am not knocking them as I follow them and appreciate their posts. However Cameo goes a little further. She answers you and will comment on things you post that interest her even if it is not about her books. She is a special person and a wonder author. Follow her for a new experience with an author. Read her books for an entertaining escape into fantasy. 

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Hidden Wings Tour & Giveaway






Title: Hidden Wings
Author: Cameo Renae
Published: January 18th, 2013
Publisher: Crushing Hearts & Black Butterfly Publishing
Word Count: 65,500
Cover Art: Regina Wamba http://www.maeidesign.com

Synopsis:
Seventeen is a life changing age for Emma Wise.
As her family's sole survivor in a car crash, she is left with a broken arm and a few scrapes and bruises. But these are only outward marks; inside, her heart is broken and the pieces scattered.

Whisked away to Alaska, to an aunt she’s never met, Emma starts over. Secrets unveil themselves and now…she doesn't even know who or what she is.

A centuries old prophecy places Emma in the heart of danger. Creatures of horrifying and evil proportions are after her, and it will take Emma, her aunt, and six, gorgeously captivating Guardians to keep her safe. But, if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday... things will change.


Excerpt:
“Thanks guys. I’m gonna miss you SO much,” I said, as tears stung my eyes again.
“We’re going to miss you too! What are we going to do without you our last, crucial year? We’re finally going to be seniors,” Lia said, her eyes tearing as soon as she saw mine.
Jeremy looked at me, and a single tear grazed his cheek. He quickly turned away and lifted his glasses, quickly wiping his face with his shirt. That was the first time I’d ever seen Jeremy get emotional.
“You guys will be fine. And it won’t be forever. I promise to email and send pictures.”
“You better,” Lia said, wagging her finger at me.
And then… something happened. A sudden euphoric feeling; an unexplainable heat shot through every cell in my body. My pulse quickened, along with my breath, and tingles pricked my skin. A
rush of adrenaline flooded my veins and my surroundings began to haze. I grasped onto the edge of the bed, taking in long, deep breaths.
“Hey, are you okay?” Jeremy asked, scooting over to me, grabbing hold of my shoulders.
“Emma, what’s wrong?” Lia called, jumping behind me, pounding my back.
Hello! I’m not choking! I wanted to speak those words, but I couldn’t answer them. It was like all the breath had been sucked out of my lungs.
Then…there was a knock at the door, and we all turned to look.



Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, CA, was raised in Maui, Hawaii, and recently moved with her husband and two teenage children to Alaska.

She loved reading from as long as she can remember. C.S. Lewis’ - Chronicles of Narnia - sparked a fire in her soul which made her want to create her own wondrous, magical worlds, and awesome characters to go on adventures with.

Writing is her passion, and right now, her head is stuck in the YA genre. Her debut novel, In My Dreams, was picked up by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing and was re-published December 14, 2012.

Her newest novel, Hidden Wings (Book 1 in the Hidden Wings Series) was also published with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly on January 18, 2013.

One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe, and ride away on her magical unicorn... Until then... she’ll keep writing!




Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include:
  • One (1) Signed print copy of Hidden Wings
  • One (1) Hidden Wings themed bracelet
  • Two (2) eBook copies of Hidden Wings
  • Five (5) Signed Hidden Wings Bookmarks
  • One (1) Handmade Hidden Wings Bookmark

 Giveaway is International.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Hidden Wings On Sale Now + Giveaway Info

CAMEO RENAE   HIDDEN WINGS 

Hidden Wings

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON 
ON SALE FOR $2.99 

In My Dreams

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
ON SALE FOR $2.99 


GIVEAWAY IS BY CAMEO RENAE AND IS NOT A PART OF ALASKANBOOKCAFE BLOG

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE
AND
HAPPY READING ALWAYS!

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS BELOW

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Cameo Renae's Hidden Wings Review


Hidden Wings

RELEASE DATE Jan 18, 2013


NO! That is what I actually cried, out loud, at 3 am when I finished this book. Cameo, Cameo, Cameo! How could you do this to me?

I was so excited to be invited to read Cameo Renae's new book, Hidden Wings.I loved her debut book, In My Dreams. When you write an excellent book your first time out, it can be difficult to follow it up. Hidden Wings surpassed In My Dreams. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I am in awe of Cameo Renae's talent.

Emma is 17. She wakes up in the hospital to find her entire world turned upside down. Both of her parents died in the accident that put her in the hospital, custody has been granted to an aunt she did not know existed, she is moving to Alaska (a good thing but I am biased about that) and leaving behind, in California, her two best friends. Escorts come to get her for the trip to Ak and she is attacked by Darklings, creatures she did know existed, in the SeaTac airport. Then she finds out they have been sent to kill her. Talk about a bad day! That is just the beginning. There is so much action packed into this book that I found myself having to take small breaks just to breathe! There is also a bit of romance in this awesome fantasy. The cliffhanger will absolutely leave you wanting more.

Cameo has done a terrific job with her writing. You get to know her characters and they become your friends. I was able to envision the fight scenes and the settings were vividly written.

The book contains mild swearing but it is only once that I can recall. There are no scenes of a sexual nature. The romance written is suitable for teens. I highly recommend this book to all fans of YA Fantasy and Angel Fantasy.

I received an ARC of Hidden Wings for review. No promises were made except to give an honest review of my opinion of the book. I received no compensation for this review.


Cameo's Debut Book:
In My Dreams by Cameo Renae

is a current Goodreads Giveaway Book!! Good luck to all entrants. The giveaway runs on Goodreads until March 26, 2013. My blog has nothing to do with the giveaway. I am just sharing the news. 

Cameo Renae can be found on: 



As always your comments are most welcome!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Welcome 2013




Hi everyone!

I am back after a long, difficult year. Many things happened that were not good. One thing in particular nearly broke me completely. I spent the year destroyed by depression and in all honesty had contemplated suicide. I apologize to all and am going to do my best to get back into things. I did read some books last year and will be reading more this year. I have set my challenge at 100 books this year and am hoping to surpass that number. I definitely plan to participate in Book Chick City's Zombie Challenge 2013.


Zombie's have held a fascination with me since I first saw Night of the Living Dead - the original and still a favorite. Walking Dead is my my current Z addiction. Who else is waiting for February's return? In between episodes and during breaks I will be happily passing time participating in Zombie Challenge. If you haven't signed up yet and are interested head over to Book Chick City for all the info and to sign up. My understanding is you do not need a blog to join in the fun so come on and sign up!

For Goodreads 2013 Challenge I have chosen to read 100 books and have started with the following books:

Until Again: The prequel novella to Blue  NightDrake  Relative Identity

Until You by Lou Aronica is a prequel to his novel Blue. It is a Novella not a full length book. The novella is the story of the breakup of the family. It starts with Chris wondering how to tell his daughter, Becky, that a divorce is coming. It takes us through the telling and to Chris moving out. Much like Blue it is an emotional read and also has the story of Tamarisk. For those not familiar with Blue, Becky is seriously ill as a young child and Tamarisk is a fantasy world that Chris and Becky make up with nightly storytelling. If you have not read Blue then I highly recommend both these books. Lou Aronica writes a beautiful story. I do not know if Mr Aronica has had a child die from cancer or not, (if so he has my deepest condolences). He captures the pain as one who has experienced it. 

NightDrake by Lara Adrian, who is the author of Midnight Breed, one of my favorite series.  This is a short story that took me only a couple of hours to read. I do not want to say much so I do not give away the whole thing. Such is the problem with short stories. *sigh*. I did enjoy reading it though it did feel rushed. another problem for some short stories. Do not look for a Midnight Breed vampire story. This isn't it. I enjoyed the trolls and dragon in it and am hoping she turns this story into a book. 

Relative Identity by Holly Patrone is the follow up to Death Is A Relative Thing. I was so excited to see this sequel that I put aside my other books to read it. In her first book we are introduced to April and her husband Sal, who happens to be a ghost as he died in some birthday sex that left April with quite a reputation. In this book we continue on with April's story. She has finally found a boyfriend who does not think he will die while getting some satisfaction. Things seem to settling down since Sal got his wings. Then the car owned by April's son but which she signed for is repossessed. In asking about this, April learns someone is using her dead husband's identity. Then Sal shows back up and April finds out she can also see and hear another ghost! Along with the hilarious adventure, Holly Patrone also gives us a peek into April's feelings about Sal and her boyfriend Jack. We hear of her missing Sal and still loving him while wishing to move forward and let go. I really appreciated that the author addressed this and let us feel the bittersweet emotions. If you are looking for a light, fun read this is an excellent choice.

I am currently spending my time with:

The Great Starvation Experiment: The Heroic Men Who Starved so That Millions Could Live

The Great Starvation Experiment by Todd Tucker is a book that I cannot wait to discuss with you all.I am not yet halfway through it and my mind is racing with thoughts on it. Even though I have not completed it yet I highly, highly, recommend it. 

 I just happily received:
Hidden Wings

Hidden Wings by Cameo Renae, author of In My Dreams. I have waited on pins and needles for this book. I am so excited! I will be beginning this today. 

If you have read any of these books or have them on your list, please leave a comment. I would love to hear your thoughts on them. If you have reviewed them or will be please leave the information on where to find it in a comment.   

Please leave me a note if you will be doing Book Chick City's Zombie Challenge and or you watch Walking Dead. I am looking forward to reading the reviews and finding some new good books in this genre. 

As always your comments are most welcome

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Halloween Fun with Cameo Renae

Cameo Renae

This was a very short children’s story I wrote a while back. It was actually an entry for a contest which was to turn a song into a story. It won 1st place! Yay! :) Although there were only like six entries. Lol The prompt song was Hushaby Mountain, and here are the words:

A gentle breeze from Hushabye Mountain
Softly blows o’er Lullaby Bay.
It fills the sails of boats that are waiting –
Waiting to sail your worries away.
It isn’t far to Hushabye Mountain
And your boat waits down by the key.
The winds of night so softly are sighing –
Soon they will fly your troubles to sea.
So close your eyes on Hushabye Mountain.
Wave good-bye to cares of the day.
And watch your boat from Hushabye Mountain
Sail far away from Lullaby Bay.

Well, this is my story. Happy Halloween!


Hushabye Mountain – A Tale of a Witch

Screams of agony rattled through our small cabin.
"Grandfather, what's the matter?" I yelled, standing in the hallway.
Grandfather stood leaning against mother's door; his weathered brow furrowed, dripping with sweat. He took me by the hand and led me to the kitchen.
"Sit here Anna," he said, carefully setting me up on a stool. "Your mother is very ill, and in a great deal of pain."
"Is she going to die?"
            He paused, and as he did, hot tears welled in my eyes, and spilled down my cheeks.
My mother was a very strong woman. After my father died, a few years back in an accident, she took over and worked extra hard on the farm. She was all I had, except for Grandfather, who moved in, shortly after, to help us.
"Your mother will die if she doesn't get the proper medicine," he said, averting my gaze. “She’s been cursed.”
My voice caught in my throat. I couldn’t speak. Cursed? Who would do such a thing?
Grandfather shuffled through the kitchen, gathering a half-a-loaf of bread, some cheese, and two small corks, placing them into his small brown satchel.
"Are you leaving?"
"I must, Anna. There is only one thing that can cure your mother, and it is not something a doctor can prescribe. I will be gone a few days, so you will need to care for your mother."
"But, I don't know how. Where are you going?" I pleaded for an answer.
"I'm going to Hushabye Mountain. There is a single tree that grows at the top, which bears a magical fruit. The seed of that fruit holds the only cure for your mother."
"But Grandfather," I cried. "Isn't that the old witch's tree? You can't go there! She'll kill you!"
"Don't worry, Anna. I’ll be back. That old witch can’t hurt me. Besides, it’s just an old fool’s tale," he said grabbing my arms, gazing deeply into my eyes. "I’ll leave as soon as your mother is sleeping and should be back before the sun rises on the second day. Give her two drops of this, directly into her mouth, whenever she wakes. It will help ease some of her pain." He held out a small vial filled with a whitish liquid and placed it in my hand.
I'd heard stories, terrible stories, of the old witch who was banished to Hushabye Mountain. The mountain was named Hushabye, because she'd lull innocent children to sleep with her cursed lullaby. When they’d fall asleep, she'd tie them up, and take them into her cave, where she’d fatten them up, and eat them.
These days no one dared travel to the top of Hushabye Mountain; no one except those in search of the magical fruit. The last person, a farmer boy, who attempted to get the fruit for his sick father, never returned. I couldn't let that happen to Grandfather. He wasn't as strong or as fast as he once was.
Screams from mother's room caused grandfather to run to her side. I crept to her door, which was partially opened, and peeked in. Mother was curled up in a fetal position; her body was covered in sweat, hands clenched in tight fists, and her face was bright red. She moaned and turned to me. I froze. It didn’t even look like her.
I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. I hated to see her in such pain. I instantly made up my mind. I was going to Hushabye Mountain to get the magic fruit for mother. I was more agile, a lot faster than Grandfather, and knew I could make it in half the time. Even at twelve, I was the fastest amongst most of the kids in town, and was sure I could outrun an old witch.
As Grandfather tended to mother, I grabbed his satchel, wrapped my mother's shawl around my shoulders, and snuck out the door. As soon as my feet touched the grass I dashed towards the mountain. My heart was racing faster than my feet.
It was summer in the valley and the winds were warm. I looked up and couldn't remember Hushaby Mountain ever looking more beautiful or peaceful. What would be in store for me when I reached the top? The mere thought sent a chill down my spine.
I traveled more than halfway up the mountain before sunset, and found a small hollow in the side of the mountain. It was perfect to stay in for the night. I gathered small branches and twigs from the area, and piled them up to make a fire. Grandfather always kept a flint stone in his satchel.
I wondered if he was mad at me for leaving. He'd probably never catch up to me, even if he traveled all night. Besides, there was no one else to care for mother.
Mother's shawl and the small fire kept me warm throughout the night, and the bread and cheese made me full. I dumped the remaining items from the satchel onto ground and sifted through them. Most of it was junk he'd collected through the years. The two small corks, I saw him put into the satchel this morning, so I tucked them into my pocket.
As soon as daylight broke I traveled quickly towards the top of the mountain. The sooner I picked the magic fruit, the sooner I could get it back to mother.
As I neared the top, I could see large, towering tree. Its branches were shaped like an umbrella, with large, bright-green leaves. The fruit hanging resembled ripe, juicy apples, but shimmered gold in the sun. As I took the last few steps to the top, my stomach began to twist in knots. My knees became weak and shaky.
I stood at the top of Hushabye Mountain, and all the rumors of the old witch began to flood my mind. I quickly glanced around me, but the area was empty.
Run. Grab the fruit. Run away. I chanted to myself over and over.
I studied the branches to see which fruit would be the easiest to pick. The lowest fruit hung on the opposite side of the tree. There were a few that were closer, but it would take some effort on my part to retrieve them. I decided to run to the lowest hanging fruit, pick it, and get off the mountain as quickly as possible.
After one last glance, I bolted toward the fruit. I reached up, and grasped it in my hand. Just as I was about to pick it I heard whimpers and loud sobs. I turned and was startled to see a little boy sitting at the foot of the tree. He looked to be about five, and was dirty, and crying. Muddied hands covered his face.
I quickly picked the fruit and placed it in the satchel.
"Hey kid, are you okay?" He didn't answer. “Are you lost? How did you get way up here?”
I stood, bewildered. I could have sworn there was no one else up here but me.
Suddenly, the boy stopped crying. And instead began to hum an eerie tune.
My limbs became numb, and my eyes became heavy. I suddenly felt very, very sleepy.
A deep-voice shouted in the distance. It sounded like Grandfather, but his voice was muffled.
"ANNA! Don't listen! Put the corks in your ears!"
My limbs were weighted as I tried to reach into my pocket to pull out the corks, but my fingers couldn’t grasp them and they fell to the ground. I looked at the boy as he slowly uncovered his face.
I gasped, horrified, stumbling backwards.
An old, wrinkled hag stared up at me with blackened, evil eyes. She cackled wickedly through rotted teeth and began singing her cursed lullaby even louder.  "So close your eyes on Hushabye Mountain. Wave good-bye to cares of the day..."
It was the witch!
I tried to run, but she grabbed my leg and yanked me to the ground. Her nails dug into my skin - stinging, burning. She crawled over me, humming her tune of death. Drool from her rotted teeth dripped onto my face, but I couldn’t move.
Darkness quickly encroached upon my eyes, but before they shut, Grandfather came charging towards me.
"Grandfather!" I screamed, but was paralyzed.
"ANNA!" The voice returned.
Everything went black, but I could hear muffled screams. Screams of pain. Screams of death.
I dreamt that I was floating down the mountain on a white fluffy cloud that settled on my bed.
A gentle voice on the wind called my name. "Anna. Anna. Anna."
I struggled to open my eyes, and when I did, I saw an angel. She was staring at me with bright, blue eyes and a wide smile.
"Mother!" I yelled, reaching out to her. She grabbed me and pulled me to her, hugging me tightly. "You’re okay."
"Yes, thanks to you and your grandfather," she said, pinching my nose and shooting me a look of you-shouldn’t-have.  
“I’m sorry. But I had to,” I muttered. She hugged me again and laughed.
"And we can't forget our neighbor, Mary, who stopping by just in time. She stayed with me while your grandfather went chasing after you."
Grandfather was kneeling at my bedside, grinning and shaking his head.
"B-but...Grandfather... what happened to the witch?" I stuttered.
"Oh, let's just say she's no longer on Hushabye Mountain, and has sailed far away from Lullaby Bay," he said with a wink.


The End.

Cameo Renae is the author of  In My Dreams. My review of In My Dreams. She has recently completed work on a new novel. Details to come! 


In My Dreams

Cameo Renae's website is http://cameorenae.com/



Comments Welcome!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wednesday Meme's & South of Salem Review

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/ , that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


The Winters in Bloom by Lisa Tucker


The Winters In Bloom by Lisa Tucker
Atria Books
September 13,2011

In bestselling author Lisa Tucker's latest, a family discovers that it's only when the walls between the present and past crumble that the future can bloom.


Together for over a decade, Kyra and David Winter are happier than they ever thought they could be. They have a comfortable home, stable careers, and a young son, Michael, who they love more than anything. Yet because of their complicated histories, Kyra and David have always feared that this domestic bliss couldn't last - that the life they created was destined to be disrupted. And on one perfectly average summer day, it is: Michael disappears from his own backyard.

The only question is whose past has finally caught up with them: David feels sure that Michael was taken by his troubled ex-wife, while Kyra believes the kidnapper must be someone from her estranged family, someone she betrayed years ago.

As the Winters embark on a journey of time and memory to find Michael, they will be forced to admit these suspicions, revealing secrets about themselves they've always kept hidden. But they will also have a chance to discover that it's not too late to have the family they've dreamed of; that even if the world is full of risks, as long as they have hope, the future can bloom.

Lyrical, wise, and witty, The Winters in Bloom is Lisa Tucker's most optimistic work to date. This enchanting, life-affirming story will charm readers and leave them full of wonder at the stubborn strength of the human heart. 

Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Vanish by Sophie Jordan
HarperTeen
September 6, 2011

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• What are you currently reading? 
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?
Current Reads:
Those Across the River The Bond: ConquerorGhost on Black Mountain

Just Finished:


In My Dreams When She Woke Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wicked Years, #1) A Log Cabin Christmas: 9 Nine Romances of American Pioneer Christmases

What's Next?

Necropolis  SC Becoming (Daughters of Saraqael Book One) (Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy)  The Haunted Brothel

Those would be, (I know the titles aren't clear on these):
Necropolis SC by Michael Dempsey
Becoming by Raine Thomas
The Haunted Brothel by Bret Jordan




Sunset Vampire Series Giveaway at Books & Barks




South of Salem


South of Salem by Janni Nell
Carina Press


From Good Reads


My mother thinks my job is crazy. I’ m a paranormal investigator; she’s Nancy Reagan crossed with Martha Stewart. She’s always preferred my sister, Lily, who is following in her perfect footsteps.
But this time Mom needs my special skills. She believes my stepfather is possessed. I admit he’s not his usual dapper, charming self, but sleepwalking doesn't sound that weird. Until the sleepwalking spreads through the family and cousin Donna walks right out of her apartment window to her death. Then my sister goes missing and I have to find her and solve the mystery before Lily and her unborn child are harmed.
Normally I would have assistance, but my right hand, a hunky angel I’ve nicknamed Casper, has business of his own to take care of business that might take him out of my life forever. The stakes are too high for me to lose, but I’ m not sure I can do it alone

My Review

This is book 2 in the Allegra Fairweather Series. If you haven’t read book 1 do not let that stop you. There are a few references to book 1 but they are not essential to the enjoyment of the story. They do leave you intrigued about the first book though.
Allegra is a paranormal investigator with a guardian angel – a hot, sexy but totally off limits angel. She has a perfect mother and sister, neither of whom acknowledges the paranormal. That is until Allegra’s mother believes that her husband, a politician, has become possessed. Then it turns out there is a family curse on him and her sister Lily’s husband. The witch who cursed the family is also after Lily’s unborn child. This would seem to be a dark read except for the snarky wit that is sprinkled throughout the book. There is some sibling rivalry but I found it to be believable as Allegra and her sister don’t get along and yet can and do count on each other. There is also reference to Allegra’s father who disappeared years before. Although her mother believes him dead Allegra knows this is not the case. It is something I think will come up again in future books in the series. The characters are well defined. I especially appreciated the background on the witches who were involved with the curse and how they related to the family. Allegra has a best friend who is a witch and helps her on this case. I think we will be seeing more of her either in this series or perhaps a spin off series.
I found this to be a fast but entertaining read. I enjoyed it enough to pick up the first book and be interested in the next book in the series. I particularly want to see where the relationship with Allegra and Casper, her guardian angel, goes. If you have been reading heavy books and are looking for a break with some light, pleasant reading I would recommend South of Salem. It has action, snark, good character and plot development, realistic family dynamics and some sexual tension. There are no heavy sexual scenes so it is fine for those who prefer cleaner reads. It is an enjoyable paranormal book.

I received this book from Net Galley. No compensation was offered or received. A review while appreciated was not mandatory.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Review of In My Dreams by Cameo Renae & Teaser Tuesday


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/
Grab your current read
Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page. 
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! 
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I have two teasers. If you have been to my Teaser Tuesday post before you probably expect this. :)
My first teaser is from the book I am currently reading. The second is from a book I just finished. The review follows.

The Bond: Conqueror

The Bond Conqueror by Phillip Hall and A.C. Hall
Published by Hall Brothers Entertainment

Charles turned to look at the man addressing him. It had taken him months to get used to the ghastly mask the man wore. Made of mirrored steel, it was in the shape of a smiling devil. When you stared directly at it you saw your own face reflected back at you on the backdrop of that dark creature. 



In My Dreams

In My Dreams By Cameo Renae
Published by CR Creations

 Where am I? 
I staggered, lost in the middle of darkened woods. 
How did I get here? 
An ominous, eerie feeling lingered in the air around me sending chills up my spine.

 In My Dreams (Kindle Locations 15-17). Cameo Renae. 



Good Reads Blurb:

It was happening again. The dreams. The nightmares. It was something seventeen year-old Elizabeth "Lizzy" Hayes thought she'd outgrown; dreams that would come true; detailed premonitions of how people would die. This time she dreams about her boyfriend, Michael Young, and soon discovers that he's been found... dead.
Michael hasn't crossed over because he was murdered, and now his murderer is coming for Lizzy. His spirit won't rest until she is safe, and as a newbie spirit, the easiest way for him to make contact is through Lizzy's dreams. When she dreams, it's as if he hasn't died.
Lizzy must learn to pull on her inner strength to survive horrifying events. Meanwhile, in the spirit world, Michael learns everything he can about his supernatural gifts to help. But will it be enough to save her?

My Review:

From the opening sentences above I was hooked on this book. I started out with  the intention of glancing through as I was reading other books. I ended up not being able to put it down.

When Lizzy was a child father left and as a result,her mother became an alcoholic. Now at 17 Lizzy is living on her own with some help from friends and their families. She visits her mother but cannot handle living with her. Now I know some of you are going that isn't realistic at 17. The setting is in Alaska and I can tell you from living here it is reality for some here. She has her best friend, a job and  a boyfriend she hopes to marry. Life isn't perfect but it looks good.

Then Liz dreams of Michael, her boyfriend. He is late coming to her house and the dream was disturbing. Even more disturbing is she gets voice mail when she calls him. While waiting for him to call or stop by she falls asleep again and dreams of him. This time at the dreams end she can hear a phone ringing. It is Michael's parents with the news he died in an accident. She is devastated by the news but Michael keeps coming back to her in her dreams. A strange lady introduces herself to Liz . She says she is a shaman and has contact with Michael. She warns Liz that Michael was murdered and the killer is after her. Michael also shows Liz how he died. 

There is plenty of supernatural thrills and action in this book. The dream sequences with Michael's spirit, the wolf who is an angel, the good v bad on the spirit level, and Lizzy's "gift". What really got me is the beautiful and strong love between Michael and Liz. The book is haunting in that respect. Once I began this book I read straight through until 4 am. I am hoping that as the book ended with Lizzy's gift of helping guide spirits home that this book is the first in a series. If you love paranormal romance this is definitely a book you want to read. 




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