A Second Chance at Forever by Liz Strange

Forever is a long time to live without love.
After enduring a sequence of tragic events, Rachel is forced to start over without her beloved Giovanni. Relocation to San Francisco with vampires Eli and Charles is the second chance at life she feels she needs.
With the help of immortal allies, Rachel, Eli and Charles initiate a brutal showdown with the Desmarais, avenging Giovanni's death and removing the threat to all vampire kind.But after making the most unexpected discovery, she knows lines have been crossed and things may never be that same for any of them.(courtesy of Amazon)

Book 2 in the Dark Kiss trilogy – A Second Chance at Forever tops its prequel My Love Eternal

I can honestly say I have never had shivers as I read a book, as I approached the last pages of this one, I was just quivering from the emotions.  As Rachel’s heart is retched from her body as Giovanni is gone, she’s pushed into the arms of another.  An unconditional love can not replace the soulmate she’s lost, or can it? She struggles for 2 years to keep emotions at arms length as she rebuilds her life, but she’s already made decisions that have sparked interest.  And then there are the night mares, so vivid, so real, how will she ever be normal again.

Rachel makes every effort to complete herself, as a vampire she left her human life, and now she longs to reconnect, anything to help her.  She’s a thriving club owner, but vengeance is the only thing that will help her.  As they make a plan of attack to finally end their running – Strange has managed to put you right in the middle of it all.  You’re emotionally torn just as Rachel is, and all the while you suspect you know what’s going to happen, I was on pins and needles because I didn’t want it to.  The Desmarais attack again and it’s time to get revenge.  Strange manages to pull the emotions right into the heat.  And let me tell you – she’s got the sex scenes down.  The passion, the details, the effortless explanations that don’t drag out or over do it.  Damn!  All the while Strange brings in new characters that just fit. 

By the end of the book, I was just on edge – and then it happens – the outcome I knew was coming.  THANK YOU LIZ STRANGE for doing it right.  I was so stressed because I couldn’t make up my mind and it had to be just so…Well it was.  Eli has a special place in my heart.  I am awaiting book 3 because Strange is now on my ‘have to read pile’.  Stay tuned for more from her.

5 slices

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

The highly anticipated continuation of Jeaniene Frost's New York Times and USA Today bestselling Night Huntress series, in which Cat and Bones face an enemy unlike any they've met before.
Danger waits on both sides of the grave. 
Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance...
With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing.  A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"--the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war. ...to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined (courtesy of Amazon)

Who can ever get enough Bones and Cat – Although I thought the story line was a little strained in this book, I love me some Bones and ESPECIALLY some Vlad or Tepesh as he can be so affectionately referred to – he’s got some big parts in this book and he has captured a little of my heart!  The humor and banter between the 3 leads kept this book moving for me.  And I am hoping for the next Night Huntress World book to be about Vlad. 

Cat definitely takes the stage in this one – emotional battle and saving the world – while I thought some of the plot was a little out there – Frost is a great writer and she still delivers!  Tragic sadness Cat has to push past while still learning to be a vampire.  Frost kept me engaged with the action.

My Love Eternal by Liz Strange

Tall, dark, and sexy, as well as fabulously wealthy, Giovanni is everything a girl could ask for in a lover. There's only one catch. He's been undead for more than three hundred years. When Rachel is drawn into Giovanni's world, she learns that the rules of human existence mean nothing in the world of vampires. This, however, is a fair price to pay for a love that will last forever.
Hunted by the Desmarais family, who carry a centuries-old vendetta, Rachel and Giovanni travel to the ends of the earth in order to stay one step ahead. Can their love survive, or will their eternity together end? (courtesy of Amazon)

Liz Strange’s My Love Eternal is the first in the Dark Kiss trilogy and just what the vampire fiction needs.  Not only do we have the classic vampire meets human falls in love – BUT Strange doesn’t make those vampires the ‘vegetarians’ that many of our books have moved towards lately.  Giovanni feeds on humans, kills some, leaves some, it is what it is.  And yet, we clearly still like him for it.  Rachel has the dark streak in her soul as well.  It’s great to see this one ‘vampire’ characteristic is not forgotten with Strange and she brings it in her story well.

 

The story moves along extremely well – as we watch Rachel and Giovanni mold as a couple and she discovers his past.  Righteously killing criminals as they feed and even saving a child.  I thought the action and plot were captivating, and honestly, I didn’t want to put it down.  Strange steams it up in the bedroom just to the right level. Action and suspense as they are hunted just when they started to let their guard down.

I have come across some good reads in the last month or so that I have to say – this one also gets 4 slices – grab this series.  I’m already on book 2 (A Second Chance at Forever) which I didn’t want to put down even to write this review!  Expect to see that one in a day or so and so far it's on it's way to a higher rating, we'll have to see how she ends it!!!

Lover's Betrayal by J E Hopkins

A Vampire Out to Clear Her Son's Name. 
A Former Lover Bent on Revenge. 
But Neither is Prepared for What Happens Next...
Vampire couple Olivia and Lucian were forced to separate nearly two centuries ago, but now a series of murders has brought them back together. Their task? To investigate who's responsible for the grisly killings. And the prime suspect is none other than Olivia's son, Kaden. 
For Olivia, the reunion brings back all the pain of their shattered love-a love she abandoned to marry another. The decision held fateful consequences for herself and her troubled, warring sons. But her new mission also offers a chance at redemption as she risks everything to prove Kaden's innocence-and put back together a fractured family before it's too late. 
Through it all, Olivia faces the seemingly unyielding hate of Lucian, a powerful leader of the Council, the enforcers of all immortals. He's determined to seek vengeance on Olivia and her son-but can his hatred withstand the love his heart can't deny? (courtesy of Amazon)

As an up and coming author, Hopkins delivers nicely in this book!  1^st in the Misfits of the Lore series – Lover’s Betrayal takes the story of Vampires and adds the aristocrat structure.  A classic tragedy – as a ‘slave’ Olivia can not be with Lucian even though they are in love – so when she ends it – his life is crushed.  Leave it to a guy to think the situation is that simple! 

After 200 years she’s ready to end her struggle – but one thing is in her way – patching the relationship of her two sons.  This book starts out strong and kept me with it – I wanted to understand Olivia’s past and Hopkins does well to give it to you slowly as it unfolds with the story. The plot of the mystery is strong – pulling in new characters as she sets up this group.   I love the concept of where it seems Hopkins with go – these ‘misfits’ out to work together. 

As Olivia and Lucian come in contact with each other after all these years – their pull is strong.  Now Hopkins did well with her romance and her heat in this book between the two.  Passionate and sexy with an unmatchable bond - She’s got a great start and I’m hoping to hear she has book 2 coming out soon.

Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon

In a world where the League and its assassins rule, where betrayal and treachery are everywhere . . . the only survivors are those ones who are . . . 
BORN OF SHADOWS
For Caillen Dagan, a defiant soldier of fortune, survival isn't a right, it's a brutal daily battle. Moving through the Ichidaian universe like a wraith, his brushes with the law and death are legendary. But when an act of rare heroism reveals his hidden birthright, he's forced into a world much more dangerous and cold-hearted than the bloody streets where he was raised-one of obscene wealth and lethal politics.
Ferocious and determined, Desideria serves as an official bodyguard for her queen. Born of questionable genetics, she will do anything to prove herself worthy of the weapons she carries and the position she's won by combat. But when she uncovers a ruthless plot to assassinate the queen and overthrow her country's government, Desideria is caught in the crosshairs.
With assassination contracts out on both of them, Caillen and Desideria must learn to fight together or die alone. And if they fail, their governments will fall into the hands of an unimaginable evil. (courtesy of Amazon)

I have said it before and I have to say it again – Kenyon is my favorite author, wrap that up with sci-fi, and I can’t resist.  Her books literally call to me at night…

I’m a paranormal fan for sure, but have a special place for sci-fi - with Kenyon commanding the Leaugue series it’s just perfect – This is book 4 in the League Series – Born of Shadows.

Caillen instantly spoke to my heart – he’s been beaten down and uses it to make himself stronger.  He never anticipated that he would be a prince.  Kenyon thrusts a fighter into the role of an aristocrat.  Caillen can’t forget his past.  I found so many quotes from this book that I could relate to.  Desideria’s planet to be quite interesting – strong women, in control, fighting for their rights. Will they match together? They have no choice - Kenyon's pivoted this book around them working together, even though it goes against both their personalities.  Caillen has the contacts to stay alive, including his protective, crazy, adopted sisters who add a little humor to the mix. 

Kenyon throws in plot twisters that have you holding onto the lap bar!  Who’s out to murder who and how did Caillen and Desideria get tossed in the middle.  I couldn’t put it down.  Caillen and Des have a hidden passion.  He’s wrapped his heart in stone and Des knows no other.  Kenyon's characters are so real you feel like you're in their world.

Touche’ Kenyon – you’ve done it again. 

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one.

When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.(courtesy of Amazon)

OMG I’m sorry – I LOVE JACE and Clary – I don’t know if I can be unbias anymore.  The story Cassandra Clare laid out in this series (The Mortal Instruments) has just left me completely and utterly captivated by the two of them.  Book 4 in the series, City of Fallen Angels gives us a fix of Jace and Clary but doesn’t paint the happy ever after we all want for them.  They will have to fight if they want to be together which makes it all the better. Ok, I know I can be unbias - but this series is riveting!

So many say, Clare took a HUGE chance with the story lines she incorporates in this series.  OOH hush hush there is a gay teen character – seriously people – this is reality – accept it.  There are hopes for this series to be a movie – if you haven’t read the series yet – close your eyes/skip ahead – they  were unsure if they would leave the ‘incest’ in the story – these books are so much more than that.  That just adds to the intensity of the series. 

Ok, back to the book.  Clare again delivers action, plot, romance – I must say this now – I wish they were not interrupted and this wasn’t YA!LOL  Twist it all up in a struggle to balance the world and you have a successful book.  As this book comes off City of Glass where Clare could have ‘ended it’ she really did well bringing Simon’s story line in and keeping it going.  I’m thrilled that this series is still alive.  I think Clare writes fresh and really dives into her characters passionately.

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

I needed my Sookie/Eric fix since True Blood is off season!

With her knack for being in trouble's way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his "child" Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows...(courtesy of Amazon)

Definitely full of action – Harris doesn’t disappoint on that front she delivers a good book as always.  The usual Sookie is right in the middle of it, but she’s beginning to put her foot down, and that’s perfect timing!  Oh wait – she’s put her foot down in the wrong direction – she’s going to be independent and not talk to Eric about it?  Crap!  Just what I didn’t want L.  Harris does exactly what she should do with this book, made me biting my fingers up to the end and now I am desperate to see what happens in the next one J Let me say – that’s a hard choice when you find XXXXXX in your bed – I would have to think really hard about that!

Sookie needs to get her life going in a direction she can be happy with, but after all the developments in this book, she needs to figure out just what that direction is!  I’m not hating on Harris, I give it 3 slices, the twists thrown up in this one and the emotions from Pam alone get some bonuses!

Embody by Jamie Magee

Not many Scorpio's are known for their patience, and Willow Haywood is no different. Her only desire is to love Landen Chambers and redeem the lost souls of Esterious, but the path to that desire is long, dark and dangerous...
Before Willow's life had a chance to balance the sudden revelations and grief she had to endure to get to Chara a disturbing discovery is made. A photo, one that shows Willow blissfully embracing the flawless image of Drake Blakeshire; giving her not only proof that she had lived before, but that she had loved him. 
Running away from the memory of Drake's hypnotizing touch, and the prophecy set before her seemed like the logical thing to do. That is, until a dark dream reignites her passion to save the hopeless dimension of Esterious. Willow struggles to find patience - to learn everything she needs to know before she faces Drake again, but her eagerness is dangerous and one step in the wrong direction takes everything and everyone away from her - the only way to survive this trial is for Willow to remember who she is and what she really wants out of this life.(courtesy of Amazon)

Jamie Magee hits us with Embody – Sequel to Insight

Willow and Landen held my heart from Insight – but Drake is slowly digging his way in after finishing Embody.  Magee’s world of alternate dimensions and crossing through strings is extraordinarily consuming!  Twisting the world on love, zodiac signs, and other worlds is fresh and welcomed!

I was anxious to get my hands on Embody after reading Insight.  Thankfully a little ARC fairy sent one my way.  The emotions Willow deals with in this book, and not just from her ability, but that she has to deal with just to get through are well defined by Magee.  As a YA read there is plenty of passion, laid out as our couples find their true love, their soul mate.  In Embody, our characters learn to use that bond with their souls to further express their love for each other. 

Don’t get me wrong – it’s not sappy romance – there a trial that Willow and Landen must endure and that’s if they can stay strong together.  Drake is hot on their tails, and finally crosses their paths where they battle with new 'powers'  All throughout its strategic planning – who can be one step ahead of the other

Magee comments that Image – book 3 – will be out THIS year!  For a genuine story with heart and twist, grab this series.

Guest Post from Jamie Magee

As she promotes her latest book - Embody - Jamie has stopped by and giving many of us bloggers a guest post!  Yesterday we shared our combined interview with you - now learn a little more about Jamie herself

It is the small, almost insignificant moments – the ones we do without a thought or reason that often bring forth a wave of change in our lives. I never imagined that a thoughtless New Year’s resolution or opening a blank word document would lead me here today. As I write these words a smile is across my face and gratitude for all that my life has brought me is beaming from my soul.

 I will never forget 1/1/09 - the first the day of New Year, the last year in decade and turning point in my life. I never expected that day would bring so many amazing characters, readers, authors and new found friends into my life – and now I live in a constant state of expectancy – I’ve learned to expect the unexpected because I have no idea where this series or my career will lead me – I just know that I plan to enjoy every smile and tear it may bring my way.

I cannot tell you how mind blowing it is for me to be releasing the second book in the Insight Series, Embody. The first flash – the vague image I had of Willow Haywood was almost painful. I remember feeling so sorry for her – heartbroken that she was where she was at that point in her life. I could only see Landen through her eyes at that moment and his urgency to reach her was alarming. I mulled over this image of a green eye girl in countless day dreams. I had to understand who she was – what her name was and what brought her to the moment I was seeing. Not knowing any of this I just began to write. I’ve said before I began Insight with “It was a warm day in Franklin” at that moment I had no idea that Chara existed – that Esterious existed – that the string was a breathtaking passage connecting all of humanity. All of the answers seem to rush at me at me at once and one by one the characters of the Insight series began to emerge and whisper their perception into my thoughts.

When I finished Insight I realized that the moment I’d seen had not come. It was an awkward moment in my life. One thought would tell me that I’d wasted three months of my life writing a story that would never be read – the next would tell me that this was simply the beginning. As I let my friends read Insight I found the moments I’d carved out to write in my life were empty – after successfully organizing every closet and drawer in my house my restlessness became too much for me to handle. Before I had the verdict from my friends on my story I began to write again. This time I didn’t start at the beginning like I had with Insight. I finally wrote the scene that I’d first seen in my mind’s eye. At first it felt like I was writing a book outside of the series but then Willow showed me how she reached that point. I’d written what is chapter 12 in Embody all the way to end before I had any feedback on Insight, at that point it didn’t matter if anyone else was in love with Willow and Landen – I was!

Undoubtedly through the life of Willow Haywood I have felt every emotion that the human soul can perceive. I cannot wait to share not only this story, but each one I have seen past this point with each of you.  Thank you so much for experiencing this adventure with me!

Make sure you entered the contest yesterday on the interview!

First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones

Charley sees dead people. That’s right, she sees dead people. And it’s her job to convince them to “go into the light.” But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (i.e. murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she’s been having about an Entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. (courtesy of Amazon)

Let me first start out with this COVER – I want those shoes!! I was waiting in line when I saw this book, I was drawn to it, but I had a ton on my TBR pile – so I didn’t grab it.  I came home and one of our fellow bloggers (Demonlover) was reading it that very night and enjoying it.  That was it, I had to get it, it was meant to be!

I was NOT disappointed – Humorous, Hot and Hooked – This book has the best of all worlds.  From the first pages I was gripped by Charley – premise of her being the grim reaper – the steam coming from her sexy dreams – the fearless attitude – the snarky comments – how can you go wrong?  I could totally relate LOL – Once you throw in a mystery to solve, this is heaven for me and I can’t wait for a sequel…(Second Grave on the Left/Aug 2011) (Cover art already for Third Grave Dead Ahead/Feb 2012)

Darynda Jones is a debut author – many of my favorites (Ward) had snippets of reviews on her book cover – Jones deserves all the praise she receives.  The chapters all begin with a quote either from our lead character or randomly found by Jones.  I compare her to the famous Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum series 17+books) where the humor and mystery collide.  Jones gives it her own niche along with adding the gripping paranormal that I crave.  I am crossing my fingers that Jones can go as far with this series because I want more and more of it!

Charley not only has to solve the crime and release the souls, but she needs to search her own soul and find her mystery dream visitor – could it be who she thinks…no one has yet been able to explain what she has dealt with since she can remember.  Let me tell you, those dreams she has, I said Hot before and I meant it – of course when they start coming on while she’s awake and in a room full of people………

Again, Jones must have writing in her blood, because from out the gate she’s amazing.  Grab this book and get to reading!  This is the moment where we’ve realized greatness and we just need more of it!

(Note: love shortening Charlotte to Charley – in fact – it’s what I did with my niece)


I don't do it often - but I think this one deserves the extra - 6 slices and that last one is a BIG one :)

EMBODY - Released today - Sequel to Insight by Jamie Magee

COME JOIN THE PARTY - the release party of the latest from Jamie Magee - EMBODY
We've had the pleasure of becoming friends with author Jamie Magee.  She's written Insight and the new sequel Embody.  

Embody is released today - visit Amazon to get a copy (link below) - if you haven't read the first, Insight, you are missing out.  
Luck was on our side when we received an ARC of Embody, all I can say is Captivating! We willl be posting our review later - can't give you all the fun at 1 time
A few of us blogs have gotten together to give Jamie the third degree on her books and herself.  Enjoy!!! (check back tomorrow for a guest post from Jamie to continue the fun)

JM: Hi everyone! This is absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to answer each of these questions. I’ve always loved how FB brings together not only friends and family, but leads us to new found friends that we would have never known otherwise!

Best Books:  How did you get the idea for Insight?

JM: I honestly feel like Insight found me. I had a craving for a unique love story that held paranormal elements that I have always found fascinating. In the beginning I only saw Willow ~ she in turn told me her story.    

Seduced by Books: I personally love how you have done this series about astrological signs, unconditional love, love conquering all, and yet it's not 'sappy' what gave you your inspiration to go that route?? 

JM: We all enjoyed the fairy tales when we were growing up ( I still love to read them to my daughter) the ones where the poor girl was alone or mistreated - then her prince rescues her and swifts her away and they live ‘happily every after’ . Well, the Scorpio inside of me wanted to know what went on in the every after – as adults or even as teens we know that life is imperfect. Each of us face an unpredictable world every day. When we first fall in love it’s easy to forget our worries, but then the initial bliss fades (somewhat) - we are still deeply in love – but we have to face the world. The love story between Willow and Landen is not one where you have to question if these two belong together. The question is what happens in the ever after. 

I think the mind set of living in this ever after took the ‘sappy’ just fell in love element out of the Insight Series ( although at times you will still see this between Willow and Landen) and allowed the challenge of facing the world as a couple to come to life. 
When I was originally looking for an element to thread through my conflict I thought about the seven sins. One day, in the very beginning of this experience, I was asking for help on my writing style. The very nice man that was coaching me asked – if I had passion for the seven sins. I told him that I didn’t – that honestly I was having a hard time really grasping them. He told me that if I did not feel a passion for that conflict then my readers never would – then he strongly suggested that whatever conflict element I added was one that completely captivated me.. I did not have to ponder this question for long – I’ve always been fascinated with Astrology. It is a science that has endless possibilities in both the love side of Insight and the conflicts that my characters face

Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: How much research did you do for your book? Was it hard or did you enjoy it?

JM: I completely enjoyed the research I did. The string theory is something that is truly studied – the element of alternate dimensions is just one of the many aspects the theory suggests. The ideas behind this theory are extremely fascinating and can cause anyone’s imagination to run wild. Looking into the Zodiac was almost like a personal awaking. I admit that I have barely begun to grasp the oldest science in the world, but I can’t help but find it odd how certain personality aspects are often reflected in our birth charts.

All Things Books: While writing do you require silence and to be left to your own devices or do you prefer it to be on the louder side with people around?

JM: Silence is not really a word in my vocabulary J Even if I write in the dead of night while my family is sleeping I have my headphones in and music blaring!

Taking it One Book at a Time: Which character gave you the most trouble when writing? (i.e. changed appearances, personalities, turned into an asshole, lol)

JM: I have to say Drake. Every good book has a villain - the one that everyone is meant to hate, but I couldn’t hate him. As Drake developed throughout the series it easy to see why I had the emotion from the very beginning. This character is very charismatic, gorgeous, and powerful – but he also has a different side that he will slowly reveal. I will tell you this – I’m glad I do not have to make the decisions that Willow Haywood does!

Seduced by books: Speaking of Drake - Drake holds a special place in my heart - don't get me wrong I love Willow and Landen, but there is something about Drake that moves me - what hints can you give us about his future?

JM:“Drake MOVES me! - I remember clearly beginning to write the third book in the series ‘Image’ in December of 2009. I would have never ever ever ever chosen to begin a book at that time of year simply because life is so hectic around me – but I was haunted – I literally had no choice. Drake Blakeshire not only took over my day dreams he took over every waking/sleeping moment of my life. His presence was so powerful in ‘Image’ that once it was complete I had no choice but to go back to Embody and properly introduce his character. Drake’s magnetism, power ,and mystery continues to not only haunt me but our leading lady – Willow Haywood.”

My Home Away From Home: Describe your book in 5 words or less.

JM: This is such a hard question because I’m so bashful – umm lets go with this:

An addicting, compelling love-story.( at least I can say this is my goal description!)

Love Fantasy Novels: If you could be one character from your books who would you be?

JM: I love them all, but I want to say Willow simply because the private moments between her, Landen, and Drake are the ones that seem to drive the story forward. If I were any other character I would deeply miss the emotions and insight the three of these characters bring.

Book Lover 1989: If you could write a novel with another author who would you choose and why?

JM: J.K Rowling – I simply love her in-depth imagination.

Bookies: Was it difficult to come up with a title for your book?

JM: In a way it was. I had called it ‘Gifted’ from the moment I began to write it, but after walking through the aisles of my local book store I discovered that title had been taken. I toyed with the idea of “Eight beyond the Sun and Moon” and countless others. I knew I wanted a one word title ( I don’t know why. I guess I was looking for simplicity) I went back and forth with my friends and family for weeks toward the publication day. One night I came home and handed my husband a list of possible titles. The expression on his face led me to believe he was not found of any of them. At that very moment the IPOD changed songs and now playing was “It ends to Tonight” by the All American Rejects. The last time I had heard that song was the night I’d written the ‘fight’ between Willow and Landen in Insight. As the course began to play my children began to sing along “Just a little Insight will make this right” my husband and I looked at each other and both said ‘Insight” at the same time. I’ve always found eerie that when you truly seek and answer you are always – even if by chance - led to the answer.

Bookaholics: How easy was it to write Embody after your experience with Insight?

JM: I have often referred to Insight as my ‘first child’ in the realm of writing. Every part of it was a learning experience. As I wrote Insight I had to discover who each of the characters were – the world they lived in. Understanding who they were made it easier to express their emotions and reactions as the story of Embody came to life. Embody and the stories beyond the first two were far easier to master.

YA Books: If you become leader of the world, what would be the first thing that you'd do with your power?

JM: Enforce the saying ‘pay it forward’ – is one of many steps I would take!

Book Reader Addicts: I know you have said before that with each book you are going to go more indepth with different characters. Do you have an order and how did you choose that order?

JM: I have no order in mind lol. The main story through book four ( I’m at the mercy of the rest of the stories) focuses around three main characters Willow, Landen, and Drake. Their circumstances do bring other characters into focus and allow the reader to discover them.

Just before I begin writing any story and sometimes along the way I will write down random ideas I have – it could be anything from a phrase or a description. At the end I always look back – and invariable discover that the path the story took was not what I had in mind in the beginning. It is hard to say who will come forth in the future but I look forward to discovering them with each of you.

Best books: How do you feel when you’re writing?

JM: Alive! It is the one thing I could do all day everyday and not expect anything in return. I love the rush of emotions – I’m sure it is quiet comical to watch me write – you will see everything from laughter to sadness– shocked expressions and anger. I’ve even been caught clapping.

Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: What is it like being a published author?

JM: To this day I have not been able to fathom the idea. In my mind I’m simply sharing my words with a large group of friends!

All Things Books: Who is your dream cast should Insight ever be made into a movie?

JM: I’ve been asked this before and I have yet to come up with an answer. I would hope that if this day came that the cast would be full of people who just needed one chance – that it would be their perfect ‘break’ and we would all indulge in the new found talent.

Taking it One Book at a Time: Who's the one author that can completely & utterly make you forget the outside world?

JM: J.K Rowling – I love love love her imagination.

My Home Away From Home: What is one question that you have always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

JM: Ummm….what’s my favorite color???? – Purple J

Love Fantasy Novels: If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

JM: I could go really deep here and reach back and say Nostrdamus – my purpose in this dinner would be to understand what he was ‘seeing’ when he made his prophecies – to apply them to modern life and debate the path of humanity. Or- I could just be real and say Ben Burnley – I love this musician. His lyrics have inspired scene after scene in my series – I would want to know what inspired him to write them in the first place, and of course – thank him!

Book Lover 1989: What are you top 5 favorite books/series of books?

JM: Hard List to come up with….

Redeeming love – Francine Rivers

Charlotte’s Web – EB White (we all have to start somewhere!)

The Notebook/ Wedding - Nicholas Sparks

Harry Potter Series – J.K Rowling

Romeo & Juliet – William Shakespeare

Bookaholics: Do you write to a soundtrack and if so,what music was your inspiration whilst writing Embody?

JM: Oh how I love music! Sometimes songs inspire writing and others simply remind me of the story. The Embody playlist I have now is:

My Never – Blue October

The Diary of Jane – Breaking Benjamin

Dear Agony – Breaking Benjamin

Point #1 - Chevelle

Bring Me to Life –Evanescence

Cold – Evans Blue

Eclipsed – Evans Blue

A Cross and a Girl Named Blessed – Evans Blue

Fair Fight – The Fray

Everything Will Be Alright – The Killers

Possibility – Lykke Li

Breathe Into Me - Red

All around Me - Fly Leaf

YA Books: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower, what would your name be, and would you be a goodie or the baddie?

JM: Scorpion – power: emotions – I would be good (Wait – I feel like I know someone like this?!) Sorry… I tried to be unique – but as my daughter would say ‘I got nothin’ lol

Book Reader Addicts: Since I have already read Embody I have to know….when is the third book coming out? (No, rush or anything. LOL)

JM: I was so excited about the first reviews of Embody that I sent ‘Image’ to the editor the first week of May – I do not have a date set – but I can tell you it will be THIS year J

Jamie, again thank you so much. I can not wait to read more from you. Before when end this is there anything else you would like to tell you readers?

JM: I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to share this daydream with me – it means more than I could ever express in words!

One last thing! Jamie has a surprise for you! Tell them Jamie!

I know we all love release dates and SWAG – so for Embody’s release each page will have a swag bag – complete with and ebook version of Embody! Good luck everyone and happy reading!

For more chances to win visit all of the pages that were involved with the interview. Links are below. This giveaway will last until Wednesday June 1st on our page – comments below will be entered – and chosen at random
















Links to our participating blogs :) 
Taking it One Book at a Time http://takingitonebookatatime.blogspot.com/
YA Books http://cheezyfeetbooks.blogspot.com/
Love Fantasy Novels http://lovefantasyscifinovels.blogspot.com/
Bookies http://www.facebook.com/Bookiesfan?sk=info
Bookaholics book club http://www.facebook.com/BookaholicsBkCl?sk=info
Book Reader Addicts http://www.facebook.com/pages/Book-Reader-Addicts/111740428882269
Best Books -http://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-books/188630521175193?ref=ts&sk=wall
My Home Away From Home http://www.facebook.com/MHAFH
Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-Love-Teen-Fiction/113906138666107
Book Lover 1989: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Book-Lover-1989/184355894932867
All Things Books: http://www.facebook.com/allthingsbooks