Book Review ~ Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas

 

Title: Missing Melissa

Author: Alretha Thomas

Release Date: May 5th 2015

Page Amount: 301 pages, Paperback

GoodReads Blurb:

Twenty-two years old with a journalism degree from UCLA and a promising entry level position at a television station, Madeline Patterson is ready to take on the Universe. Raised by two loving parents, adored by her grandmother, protected by her dog, Pepper, and supported by her best friend—Madeline has it all. There’s only one thing missing—literally missing—her identical twin, Melissa.

When Madeline and Melissa were three-years-old, their mother was carjacked in broad daylight while taking them to a doctor’s appointment. She was able to get away with Madeline in tow, but the assailants left the scene before she could rescue Melissa. A long and massive search ensued, but Melissa was never found and is believed to be dead. However, a dream Madeline has on her twenty-second birthday, wherein Melissa appears to her as a grown woman pleading for help, convinces her Melissa is still alive. Against her parents’ wishes, Madeline vows to find her twin. However, in doing so, she unknowingly stumbles upon a series of startling clues that point to her parents’ possible involvement in Melissa’s disappearance. Paralyzed by fear, Madeline doesn’t want to face what could possibly be the ugly and grim truth about her parents. However, her desire to find Melissa propels her forward—but nothing could prepare her for what she discovers.

Review:

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I'm normally not a huge fan of reading mysteries but lately I have been getting more interested in doing so. The author of this book reached out to me. One of the things that really drew me in was that the protagonist had a journalism degree. Part of my major in college was Journalism. That was what first drew me in but the rest of it intrigued me as well. So, I decided that I wanted to give this book a chance. A little side note: I also really like this cover a lot. 

As for the story, it was a very interesting read. There were some twists throughout it, as well. It was a very good mystery story that I really enjoyed. Part of what kept me away from reading mysteries for so long was that I felt as if they were very formulaic. This book did not feel like it had that same "formula" applied to it. I was kept guessing for most of the book. I also liked that it did not end with the realization of what happened all of those years ago with Madeline and Melissa. It went on to the aftermath of it, as well. It also did touch on aspects of the day to day lives of the people. With life going on, as it would. There was also a bit of romance but I don't feel like it was so much that it distracted from the mystery part of the story. 

The thing that did sort of bother me a but was that I didn't feel as if I felt the characters emotions as strongly as I should have. For some parts where it really should have made me feel for them, I just wasn't able to. 

However, this was overall a very good read. If you are a fan of Mystery or New Adult - or both - I think that giving this one a try is definitely worth it. I would rate it 3.5 quills. 

Book Spotlight ~ Darkness Follows by J. L. Drake

★★★ OUT NOW! ★★★

 DARKNESS FOLLOWS by JL DRAKE is available for purchase!!

➜ http://amzn.to/1havVuU

★Available for #FREE with #KindleUnlimited!★

- SYNOPSIS -

Emily McPhee is in the clutches of a monster… 

Despite the protection of her boyfriend Seth Connors and his colleagues with the Orange Police Department, Emily is imprisoned in a basement by her psychopathic stalker Jimmy Lasko. His bizarre behavior adds to her terror, and a video link forces Seth to witness her captivity, leaving him feeling helpless as he, the OPD, and the FBI search for her. 

Freedom isn’t free, and safety is just an illusion… 

Though Emily escapes the basement, the threat is far from eliminated. In fact, things she learned while being held by Lasko lead her to believe he isn’t working alone. Lasko is still out there, determined to get her back, and crazier than ever. If he does have a partner, Emily has no idea where the threat might lie or who she can trust. 

It’s impossible to live a normal life when family ties become tangled. 

Emily is deeply hurt when Seth is reminded that their relationship might endanger her further and he pulls away again. She’s even more frustrated when her globe-trotting mother returns and is charming to everybody…except her own daughter. 

When Emily meets Seth’s family, she loves his mom and little sister, isn’t sure what to make of his flirtatious brother—who is also a cop—and finds herself very uneasy around his father, who is a powerful attorney. 

Sometimes things seem very clear…until you look more closely.

DARKNESS FOLLOWS is Book TWO in the DARKNESS SERIES by J.L. Drake​!
PURCHASE ➜ http://amzn.to/1havVuU

- Darkness Series - 

#1: Darkness Lurks: http://amzn.to/1NgcqwW

#2: Darkness Follows: http://amzn.to/1havVuU

✤✣✤ J.L. DRAKE ✤✣✤

J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she lives with her husband and two children. 

When she's not writing she loves to spend time with her family, travelling or just enjoying a night at home. One thing you might notice in her books is her love for the four seasons. Growing up on the east coast of Canada the change in the seasons is in her blood and is often mentioned in her writing. 

An avid reader of James Patterson, J.L. Drake has often found herself inspired by his many stories of mystery and intrigue. 

She hopes you will enjoy her stories as much as she has enjoyed writing them.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLDrakeauthor

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1K84TQw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodildrake_j

Website: http://www.authorjldrake.com/#home

Limitless: http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/j-l-drake/

This tour is brought to you by:

  

Cover Reveal ~ The Touched (The Descendants, book 1) by Jennifer Weiser

I am so, so, SO excited today!! Can you guess why? It's because today is the cover reveal of my critique partner's book!! Eeeeeekkkkk!!!!! (Very technical term right there, huh?) Believe it or not I'm reigning in my excitement because otherwise this post may just be thousands of exclamation points with the cover and blurb. I am so happy and proud!!!! So, are you ready?? Here we go!! ;)

 

The Touched by Jennifer Weiser  

Published by: Limitless Publishing 

Publication date: September 29th 2015 

Genres: Dystopia, Paranormal, Young Adult 

Synopsis:

The first sixteen years of Arabella Penthallow’s life have been a lie…

In a world where deception is the key to survival, Ara has kept up the charade of being a perfect Legion Leader’s daughter. But a darkness stirs, and she discovers she is Touched, a mortal gifted by the Gods. The Touched are as rare as they are feared, and Ara is forced to leave Union City for neighboring Midnight City to protect herself and those she loves, leaving Tove Thorn, the boy who has always known her heart, behind.

Carter Decker has vowed to burn Union City to the ground…

Midnight City’s cocky, infamous bad boy always gets what he wants, and he wants Union City to pay for burning his mother alive because she was Touched. When Carter meets Ara, she is everything he’s been taught to hate. Then he learns she is Touched—just like him—he isn’t sure who he hates more…the Touched girl whose father killed his mother, or himself for being tempted by someone he’s sworn to kill.

They are told they’re fated to be soul mates…and they each wish the other never existed.

When Midnight City is attacked by Union City, Carter and Arabella will do the unthinkable…even if it means falling for the enemy. The truth lies in Arabella’s home nation, and Tove is waiting. Soul mates or not, he has an advantage Carter doesn’t, fated souls be damned.

War is coming…and Ara is the prize.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25964260-the-touched?ac=1 

AUTHOR BIO:

Jennifer Weiser is a young adult author who has always been a book nerd and a bit chocolate obsessed. Writing has always been a favorite escape, but quickly became a passion not long after the birth of her daughter. When she isn't combing the shelves of her local book stores or blogging about newest book obsessions, you can find her nestled in her nook creating worlds she hopes that one day will inspire her daughter, who not only has given her the courage to follow her dreams--but offers the inspirations that help color their worlds together.

Author links: 

http://www.jenniferweiser.com/ 

https://twitter.com/jenniferweiser 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14179690.Jennifer_Weiser  

Congratulations Jenn!! So awesome!! I am SO excited!! (In case that hasn't come across already. ;) <3 you!!

 

Release Day Blitz ~ Deceptions (MacLanes #3) by R. J. Van Cleave

~ Synopsis ~ 

Deceptions is the third book in the MacLane Family series and can be read as a standalone. It is the story of Jake and Natalie, but due to 'adult content,' it is best suited for mature readers.

Jacob “Jake” MacLane couldn’t give two shits about money, power, or prestige. His love for guns turned into a love of serving his country. His remarkable ability as a sniper gave him a purpose for living. His bad-boy looks and alpha-male attitude had the women vying for his attention. All of that ceased to matter the day his best friend was killed in action. What happened that day has haunted Jake ever since. No one - not his own brothers, or one mysterious woman - would ever know his deepest secret.

Natalie Sherman had her future planned out: graduate high school, get accepted into Juilliard’s dance program, and take Broadway by storm. What she hadn’t anticipated was her mother’s cancer diagnosis or death from the wretched disease. Natalie’s bright future quickly faded, until a one-night stand with a dark and sexy stranger made her feel alive again. Too bad he didn’t stick around to see what he’d left behind. A chance encounter with him had Natalie keeping her own secret locked away - especially because he didn’t even remember her.

When both of their secrets come crashing down around them at the same time, Natalie finally asks for Jake’s help. This time, he can’t refuse. It quickly becomes the most important mission of his life, and once the dust settles, nothing will ever be the same for them. Sometimes, only the right person will help you rebuild the ruins left by your deceptions...

~ Book Links ~ 

Amazon  / KOBO / Oyster  / Inktera / Goodreads

 

~ Playlist ~

Jake’s Songs

Redneck Crazy, by Tyler Farr

International Love, by Pit Bull, feat. Chris Brown

Let Her Go, by Passenger

Outta My Head, by Craig Campbell

Savin’ Me, by Nickelback

Animals, By Maroon 5, feat. J. Cole (remix)

Coming Home, by Diddy, feat. Skylar Grey

Stay, by Florida-Georgia Line

Far Away, by Nickelback

Bottoms Up, by Brantley Gilbert

Natalie’s Songs

Before He Cheats, by Carrie Underwood

Can’t Remember To Forget You, by Shakira

Jar of Hearts, by Christina Perry

Chandelier, by Sia

Habits (Stay High), by Tove Lo

human, by Christina Perry

Wasting All These Tears, by Casadee Pope

Listen To Your Heart, by DHT, feat. Edmée

The Heart Wants What It Wants, by Selena Gomez

Follow the playlist on Spotify: Deceptions

~ Author Bio ~ 

R.J. Van Cleave grew up in a small town near San Diego, CA, where she still lives today. She loved science as a child and had planned on becoming a doctor. However, she realized she wanted to be a mother more, and switched to working in the Biotech industry. One daughter was eventually joined by fraternal twin sisters (a surprise), and R.J.’s life was complete. In 2011, her mom died from undiagnosed cancer and R.J.’s world was turned upside down. In an attempt to honor her mother’s life, R.J. got a few tattoos and schlepped through a few half marathons. Needles and strenuous exercise were two real fears for R.J., but her greatest fear was actually putting a story in her head down on paper. In June of 2013, R.J. finally conquered that fear when she sat down and wrote Demons, which she self-published on February 14, 2014. The MacLane Family series was born and R.J.’s career as a writer was too.

~ Social Media Links ~

Website: http://www.rjvancleave.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJVanCleave

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8194374.R_J_Van_Cleave

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rjvancleave

Instagram: http://instagram.com/rjvancleave

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/111234540192051956253/posts/p/pub

E-Mail: rjvancleave@gmail.com

~ Other Books in the Series ~ 

~ Synopsis ~

Demons is the first book in the MacLane Family series. It is the story of Jase & Cassie and does NOT have a cliffhanger ending. Due to ‘adult content,’ this book is best suited for readers 18 years of age and older.

Jason “Jase” MacLane grew up surrounded by money. Being half of Anderson-MacLane Industries had its privileges and provided a rather comfortable life for Jase and his siblings. Sure his family worked hard for that money, but to the opposite sex, that’s what made Jase so damn attractive. His luck with women, and love sucked. It took a few ex-girlfriends, and one cheating ex-wife, to cement the idea that he’d never be worth more to a woman than the amount of money he had in his bank account.

Cassandra “Cassie” Middleton grew up in a working-class family, surrounded by more love than money. When her parents died, Cassie stepped in and took care of her teenage sister while putting her own life on hold. It took one selfish ex-boyfriend, and one distant ex-husband, to prove to her that she was better suited for the role of caregiver and mother than for what she wanted most – to be desired and loved for who she was, rather than for what she did.

When Cassie buys the old Potts Farm out from under Jase, the compost hits the fan, and then the sparks fly. Cassie sees Jase as more than a means to financial security, and Jase sees Cassie as more than a mom and a provider. However, the demons from their past relationships prevent them from seeing themselves for who they really are. It will take trust, perseverance, one hell of a wild ride, and the willingness to risk it all, just one more time, to find the love they both deserve. Sometimes, you just need to find the right person to help you drive out your demons…

~Book Links ~

Amazon / B&N  / iTunes  / KOBO / Goodreads

~ Playlist ~

Jase’s Songs

Demons, by Imagine Dragons

 Cruise, by Florida Georgia Line

 Knock You Down, by Keri Hilson, feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo

God Gave Me You, by Blake Shelton

Cassie’s Songs

Sparks Fly, by Taylor Swift

Take Over Control, by Afrojack, feat. Eva Simons

See You Again, by Carrie Underwood

If I Didn’t Have You, by Thompson Square

Follow the playlist on Spotify: Demons

~ Synopsis ~

Damages is the second book in the MacLane Family series. It is the story of Justin and Mary, and can be read as a standalone. Due to ‘adult content,’ this book is best suited for readers 18 years of age and older.

Justin MacLane had it all, except for good luck when it came to women. He had money, good looks, and a great, down to earth personality. He was the youngest MacLane executive at Anderson-MacLane industries, but his connections and wealth were more impressive than his work ethic. Justin was just too nice and too giving, and women used him only to get ahead. That made Justin realize that he’d rather be alone than be a stepping stone for the next Hollywood sensation.

Mary Andrews had a hellish childhood, and only had bad luck when it came to men. The physical and sexual abuse she suffered as a child eventually led Mary to the biggest mistake of her life – Carson Matthews. After years of living with an abusive husband, she finally got out. Getting out, however, was the easy part. That made Mary realize she would rather be lonely, than ever trust her heart, or her body, to another man.

When Justin crosses paths with Mary, it takes only one look from her to know she is different from the others. Her razor sharp tongue and conservative dress protects her from the world, and Justin realizes Mary isn’t going down without a fight. Mary is totally and utterly unimpressed with Justin, his fat bank account, or his flashy Porsche. When his gentle manner stirs up feelings that she’s never felt before, Mary realizes she’s facing the biggest fight of her life. Sometimes, risking it all on the right person can help you finally heal the damages inflicted by others...

~ Book Links ~ 

Amazon / B&N / iTunes  / KOBO / Goodreads

~ Playlist ~

Justin’s Songs

Lost In Paradise by Evanescence

Enchanted by Taylor Swift

Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus

Knock You Down by Keri Hilson, feat. Kanye West & Ne-Yo

All of Me by John Legend

 Like A G6 by Far East Movement, feat. The Cataracs & Dev

Mary’s Songs

Run The World (Girls), by Beyoncé

Body Party, by Ciara

Because Of You, Kelly Clarkson

Gunpowder & Lead, by Miranda Lambert

Independence Day, by Martina McBride

Dark Horse, by Katy Perry, feat. Juicy J

My Heart Is Broken, by Evanescence

Bring Me to Life, by Evanescence

Love The Way You Lie, by Eminem, feat. Rihanna

Follow the playlist on Spotify: Damages

Blog Tour ~ The Foxglove Killings by Tara Kelly

 

The Foxglove Killings

by Tara Kelly 

Release Date: 09/01/15

Entangled Teen

Summary from Goodreads:

Gramps always said that when the crickets were quiet, something bad was coming. And the crickets have been as silent as the dead. It started with the murdered deer in the playground with the unmistakable purple of a foxglove in its mouth. But in the dying boondock town of Emerald Cove, life goes on.

I work at Gramps's diner, and the cakes―the entitled rich kids who vacation here―make our lives hell. My best friend, Alex Pace, is the one person who gets me. Only Alex has changed. He's almost like a stranger now. I can't figure it out...or why I'm having distinctly more-than-friend feelings for him. Ones I shouldn't be having.

Then one of the cakes disappears.

When she turns up murdered, a foxglove in her mouth, a rumor goes around that Alex was the last person seen with her—and everyone but me believes it. Well, everyone except my worst enemy, Jenika Shaw. When Alex goes missing, it's up to us to prove his innocence and uncover the true killer. But the truth will shatter everything I've ever known about myself—and Alex.

Add to Goodreads

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books

Excerpt:

Mondays at the diner were unpredictable. It was either chaos or a graveyard, no in between. But one thing was certain—Monday nights always brought in the worst kind of crazy.  Tonight that crazy came in the form of Paul Cross, town hermit. One of them, anyway. This was the Pacific Northwest. 

Find Chapter One Here: http://www.entangledpublishing.com/the-foxglove-killings/  

About the Author:

Tara Kelly adores variety in her life. She’s an author, one-girl-band, graphic designer, editor, and photographer. She lives in Sin City with her beloved guitars, sound design master husband, and a fluffy cat named Maestro.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Book Blitz Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours

  

Sale ~ Coming Back to You by Renea Porter

 

*A Second Chance Romance* 

268 pages 

At one time twenty three year old Maura had it all, loving parents, a best friend and a gorgeous boyfriend. Slowly over the years things were being ripped from her little by little. Her boyfriend left right out of high school to join the Marines. Her parents died a while later, leaving her on her own. She only had her best friend Ruby to rely on and keep her afloat while she dealt with her losses. Ruby has been the one constant and still remains her best friend after meeting in high school. 

Finally Maura’s life was seemingly better, as she graduated college and opened up her own catering business, she was her own boss and life was normal again. But like always in life, once you get comfortable a ball drops. That’s when Pierson comes back to their hometown and back into Maura’s life, turning her world on it’s axis. 

Pierson has demons of his own after serving in the military for five years. Tormented from his past and present, he has to come to terms with everything that has happened. He hopes to make amends with his first love. 

Can Maura forgive Pierson for leaving all those years ago? Can they love each other like they used to? Things can never be what they used to be, but love was worth the fight. Wasn’t it? 

**Warning: Contains strong language, and sexual situations. Not recommended to those under 18** 

_____________________________________________________________________

Renea Porter's Coming Back to You is on sale for 0.99 cents and out is free on Kindle Unlimited!! The sale ends on September 8th. 

US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E4Q99HG?*Version*=1&*entries*=0  

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coming-Back-You-Military-Romance-ebook/dp/B00E4Q99HG/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1441414091&sr=1-7&keywords=coming+back+to+you  

Cover Reveal ~ Atlantis Quest by Gloria Craw

 

Atlantis Quest

by Gloria Craw

Release Date: 02/02/16

Entangled Teen

356 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

After all they’d cost me, I thought I was done with the Truss clan. I was wrong. Nikki Dawning, my mortal enemy, has been kidnapped, and I’ve been asked to spy on the Truss to find her. The pull between Ian and I has never been stronger, but he can’t help me this time. I have to rely on Theron, a bad-tempered cousin I didn’t know I had. To make matters worse, the people I trust on have been keeping secrets.

I’m starting to feel like a weapon in a war I don’t understand. How far am I willing to go to protect the descendants of Atlantis and the common good when I’m not sure what the common good is anymore?

Only one thing is certain. If I’m the next Laurel clan chief, I can’t let myself be manipulated…by anyone. 

Add to Goodreads 

About the Author:

Gloria Craw grew up in the desert southwest, inspired every day by the wide skies and rich colors around her. After high school, she attended the University of Utah where she majored and got a degree in anthropology. These days, she lives in the ‘burbs’ just outside of Seattle, Washington where she is the shepherd of a husband, four daughters and a very hairy dog.

Website: http://gloriacraw.com/ 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GloriaCraw01 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gloriacraw15  

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gloriacraw01/ 

Tumblr: http://gloriacraw.tumblr.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwhcJptZBH9On7ShyrxYuJw 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8247794.Gloria_Craw

Cover Reveal Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours