Saturday, December 24, 2011

Book Review: Untraceable by S. R. Johannes





 Book Description (From the Author's website)

16 year old Grace was reared in the wilderness. Her first pet was a bear named Simon. Her first potty, an oak tree. And, her first swing, a forest vine. Grace has lived in the Smokies all her life, patrolling with her forest ranger father who taught her everything he knew about wildlife, tracking, and wilderness survival. 

When Grace's dad goes missing on a routine patrol, unlike everyone in her sleepy mountain town, she refuses to believe he’s dead. After finding a Cheetos bag and stolen government file, Grace is convinced she’s one step closer to proving all the non-believers wrong.

One day, while out tracking clues, Grace is rescued from imminent danger by Mo, a hot guy who has an intoxicating accent and a secret. Grace has never felt a connection like this before, certainly not with her ex-boyfriend, the adoring, but decidedly unrugged, Wyn. 

After a few run-ins with the town's police chief, her father's partner, and some new evidence, Grace travels deeper into the wilderness that has always been her refuge only to learn that her father's disappearance is not a mere coincidence. 

Soon she’s enmeshed in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. And it’s going to take a lot more than a compass and a motorcycle (named Lucifer) for this kick-butting heroine to emerge from an epidemic that’s spreading like wild fire, threatening everything and everyone she’s ever loved.


My Thoughts:

Let me just say if I'm ever lost in the woods or need to find someone, Grace Wells is the girl I'd want by my side. For one thing, she knows the woods like nobody's business and for another, she never gives up. Even when it seems that everyone's against her, she just keeps pushing on to what she thinks is right. She won't let anyone stand in her way - even her own mother. And when the chips are down, she'd have your back. What more could you ask for?

Even though the protagonist of this story is a girl, I think this is the type of story that will appeal to boys as well as girls. Partly due to the way it's written - it's very straightforward, no flowery prose here - and partly due to the premise of the story. At times, Grace is all tomboy, hiking in the woods, fly fishing, tracking down clues to her father's disappearance, but when she meets a cute, mysterious boy in the woods, she's reminded that she is, indeed, a girl. Not a sappy, I'll-wait-for-the-guy-to-rescue-me kind of girl, but the kind who can go a little weak in the knees when kissed by someone she's attracted to without losing her ability to kick ass and take names when the moment calls for it. And believe me, she does, Not that she's superwoman and doesn't have any faults, because she does - the number one being that she tends to push people away from her, especially when they get too close.

Which brings us to Mo and Wyn. Sigh. Mo is the cute guy from the woods who turns Grace's world upside down and reminds her that it can kind of be fun being a girl. He's good-looking, mysterious, and tends to keep secrets - number one being what he's doing out in the woods all the time. He's there when Grace needs him, which she can only say about one other person in her life at present - Wyn. Grace and Wyn have known each other their whole lives, they have a history, and she may or may not still have feelings for her. And oh, yeah, he just might share them. But the path to happiness is never clear and this one has a fork in the road, one marked Wyn, the other marked Mo. Not a bad place to be, actually. How can she choose between them when each one gives her what she needs when she needs it?

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that snake through it in the same deceptively calm way as the river that plays a powerful role in the story. Just when you think you have it figured it out, you will be proven wrong. It kept me guessing all the way to the end and even then, I was taken by surprise. I won't spoil it here, but let's just say, it sets up nicely for a sequel. Although some major questions are answered, other aren't and they will keep you wondering what will happen next long after the book is done.

Final verdict: A unique story told with skill that will appeal to anyone who enjoys mystery, adventure and a kickass heroine.


(ebook provided by author for review)

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Guest Post by Suzanne Gravelle, author of Unfinished

I remember when the feelings of fear and doubt took over my soul and my life. I remembering thinking, “Is this feeling ever going away?” Weeks turned into months and then turned into years, I was afraid it would be a part of my life forever.

A devastating heartbreak compounded the fear I was already unable to explain to myself or anyone, during that time I fell so far into a black place I didn’t think I would ever feel “normal” again. I couldn’t think, eat, sleep, work or focus on a conversation that did not revolve around my sorrow. My feelings and behaviour became embarrassing for me.

I eventually had a moment of clarity and made a decision that I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired and made a decision to change. In order to do that I had to get away from all interruptions in my thoughts and the influences that continued to focus on my despair. I needed to be alone to focus on me because I was no good to anyone in this debilitating state. So I sold my home, kissed those I loved good bye and drove away telling them I would come back when I figured things out, when I got better.

I have no partner to confide in, I have been a single parent raising my 3 children alone for the most part of 30 years, very little has phased me. Being a woman and being alone driving for 17 months, over 60,000 km, I have been afraid many times mostly about where I am going and what will I do when I get there. I was never afraid of being alone, alone is what I needed to be to find the answers. How could a woman who used to take care of everyone and everything suddenly became full of so much self-doubt, fear and self-loathing just want to go to sleep forever, but sleeping was not a part of me either.

Along this self-imposed exile journey I have been able to speak only to myself and really listen to the answers. I have been able to make sense of why I fell to the floor and why the heartbreak was the catalyst for the crash of my soul.

I have written about my journey and the experiences I had along the many roads I have travelled. It continues to be the most enlightening experience of my life. I have met so many people who suffer from their own fears and self-doubts. They all say they wish they could pack it all in and start again but because of obligations it is impossible and they feel defeated most days by their fears and self doubt.

Hearing the details about my journey has inspired many people to rethink their own life, make positive changes and to set positive goals. I tell them, “Never take your eyes off the goal.”

For more information about Unfinished by Suzanne Gravelle, visit http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X and you can follow her journey on her blog – http://ontourwithsuzanne.blogspot.com.










For more information about Unfinished by Suzanne Gravelle, visit http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X and you can follow her journey on her blog – http://ontourwithsuzanne.blogspot.com.


About Unfinished


This is a true story of a woman who experienced such a profound awakening that she could no longer live the same way, the same life she was just one week before. She could no longer ignore the woman who was screaming to be set free from the ties that bind her to a life she no longer desired or recognized. The transformation to become the woman she really wanted to be has propelled her upon the most remarkable self-discovery journey of her life. She sold her home, gave up her career, kissed her children, grandchildren and friend’s good bye, got into her vehicle and just drove away…ALONE. Where was she going? 30,000km later she finds herself in the most unlikely place to try to piece her life together, trying to make sense of the constant feeling of being UNFINISHED. (To order your copy – http://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Suzanne-Gravelle/dp/192700506X)


About Suzanne Gravelle

Suzanne Gravelle is 49 Years old and has 3 children, 2 grandchildren who live in Nova Scotia. At the time this book goes to print she is single and homeless by choice, still travelling, seeking that place of comfort she will eventually call home.

She spent most of her life living in Nova Scotia but her formidable years aged 10-25, were spent living on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She resigned as a Real Estate Agent in Nova Scotia, to embark upon this most incredible journey, driving, exploring Canada and writing this book. To read Suzanne’s extended bio, visit http://bookpromotionservices.com/2011/11/10/suzanne-gravelle-bio/

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Ginger Simpson's "Dishin' It Out": Welcome Margay Leah Justice

Ginger Simpson's "Dishin' It Out": Welcome Margay Leah Justice: It’s Not the Holiday, It’s How You Celebrate It By Margay Leah Justice This time of year as we celebrate ...

Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop



Hello, all! I am participating in a really fun event this year called the Mistletoe Madness Blog Hop. Along with a bunch of other fantastic authors, I am part of hop full of giveaways that include the grand prize of a Nook color preloaded with books from the sponsor authors and many more - including me! Yes, Sloane Wolf is on the Nook, but you can also win a copy here! That's right, one lucky commenter on my blog will win their own e-copy of Sloane Wolf! So get to those comments and have fun hopping! Happy Holidays!


How to Enter:

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment with a way to contact you.

Extra entries:

1. Follow my blog
2. Follow me on Twitter (@Margay)
3. Follow me on Networked Blogs

Simple, right? Leave a separate comment for each, thanks!





Sunday, December 11, 2011

Thankful for the Holidays Blog Hop

Hello, everyone! I am participating in the Thankful for the Holidays blog hop, sponsored by Reviews by Molly and Romancing the Book. What's it all about, you wonder. Details of the hop can be found here. In the spirit of the season, I am giving away two e-copies of my latest release, Sloane Wolf. You can enter on the form below. Have fun hopping!


Thankful for the Holidays Blog Hop button (2).png






Details:  http://www.reviewsbymolly.com/p/2011-thankful-for-holidays-blog-hop.html

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Sparkling Review's Falalala Giveaway

Sparkling Reviews is hosting a fantastic giveaway.

UPDATE!! the prize for December 15 is:



and:



Kindle Fire!



UPDATE!! Prize for December 13 is:




UPDATE!! Today's prize is a Panasonic 31 Toughbook!





Today's prize is a Toshiba Thrive Tablet and there are so many more! Check out all the details here:


http://www.sparklingreviews.com/2011/12/falalala-giveaway-toshiba-thrive-tablet.html

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Give Back and Win a Kindle Fire at Paperback Dolls



The title kind of says it all, doesn't it? This is a great contest where you can help give toys for tots and maybe win a special one for yourself! Who wouldn't want that? Go here to enter.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge

2012TBRPILEChallenge


 I'm going to participate in the 2012 TBR Pile Reading Challenge hosted by Evie at Bookish. it sounds like a fun way to get through all of those books I just had to read, but didn't get to yet! Plus, there's incentives to do so, like prizes! Check it out here for all the pertinent info.

Friday, November 11, 2011

I'm Being Interviewed at Kay Dee Royal's Blog Today!

Here are the details:



Margay Leah Justice talks about Sloane Wolfe ~ Interview


and talking about the first novel in her Shifter series. Even though Sloane Wolf isn’t classified as erotica, it is full of passion, tension, and sensuality. It’s a beautiful, brilliant, paranormal romance. Come and read about Micah and Shiloh, how their story unfolds, and learn a bit about Margay too.
See you there,
Kay Dee Royal

Saturday, November 5, 2011

6 Ways to Win With Noble Knits!

If you're an avid knitter, like me, then you are crazy for yarn. I love yarn! I just can't get enough of it and when I get new yarn, I can't wait to find the right project in which to use it. And of course, the end results are always so rewarding!

So what could be more fun for an avid knitter than a giveaway of yarn? Well, if you want a chance to win some fabulous yarns from Plymouth Yarn Co., you need to hop on over to Nobel Knits and enter the giveaway here.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Not Sure I CRAVE More of This Story

Description:
Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.
For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences….

This sounds like a great premise, doesn't it? That's what I thought, too, when I first read it. Paranormal elements in a star-crossed romance, a war between vamps and witches - it all sounded so good, I just had to read this story. But now that I have, I have mixed feelings about it.
For one thing, I never really connected with the characters. For some reason, Savannah just turned me off. She had kind of a poor-me attitude toward the other students who suddenly stopped being her friend and ostrascized her. I know this was probably a traumatic thing for her, but there was just something about the way she moped about it that didn't sit right with me. And her relationship with her father was kind of strange; it was a series of I-hate-you-for-ruining-my-life-and-dashing-my-dreams and okay-I'll-blindly-do-whatever-you-say. I really feel like Savannah didn't have enough backbone.
Then there's Tristan. At first, he seems okay with the idea of treating Savannah like an outcast and then, inexplicably, he's got a major crush on her. The change was just too quick. One moment, he's the perfect son and friend, and the next, he's willing to risk the wrath of everyone in the Clann for her. 
Still, I tried to suspend disbelief for the purpose of the story and continued to read it, curious as to how the situation would be resolved. I have to say I was dissatisfied with the ending. It felt kind of abrupt, like it was finished too soon so it could provide a cliffhanger for the next book. Now I know how difficult it is to write a book and to tie together all of the elements to create a full-bodied story. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. For me, this just didn't. Sure, there's going to be another book (or two, I'm not sure) that will no doubt delve deeper into the worlds of the vamps and witches, but the truth is, I'm not sure I care enough about what happens to the characters to read it.
My conclusion: Though this is not the book for me, I'm sure readers who are hardcore fans of the vampire genre will enjoy it.
(Note: This was an e-ARC provided by NetGalley.com)

This sounds like a great premise, doesn't it? That's what I thought, too, when I first read it. Paranormal elements in a star-crossed romance, a war between vamps and witches - it all sounded so good, I just had to read this story. But now that I have, I have mixed feelings about it.
For one thing, I never really connected with the characters. For some reason, Savannah just turned me off. She had kind of a poor-me attitude toward the other students who suddenly stopped being her friend and ostrascized her. I know this was probably a traumatic thing for her, but there was just something about the way she moped about it that didn't sit right with me. And her relationship with her father was kind of strange; it was a series of I-hate-you-for-ruining-my-life-and-dashing-my-dreams and okay-I'll-blindly-do-whatever-you-say. I really feel like Savannah didn't have enough backbone.
Then there's Tristan. At first, he seems okay with the idea of treating Savannah like an outcast and then, inexplicably, he's got a major crush on her. The change was just too quick. One moment, he's the perfect son and friend, and the next, he's willing to risk the wrath of everyone in the Clann for her. 
Still, I tried to suspend disbelief for the purpose of the story and continued to read it, curious as to how the situation would be resolved. I have to say I was dissatisfied with the ending. It felt kind of abrupt, like it was finished too soon so it could provide a cliffhanger for the next book. Now I know how difficult it is to write a book and to tie together all of the elements to create a full-bodied story. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. For me, this just didn't. Sure, there's going to be another book (or two, I'm not sure) that will no doubt delve deeper into the worlds of the vamps and witches, but the truth is, I'm not sure I care enough about what happens to the characters to read it.
My conclusion: Though this is not the book for me, I'm sure readers who are hardcore fans of the vampire genre will enjoy it.
(Note: This was an e-ARC provided by NetGalley.com)
 

Monday, October 31, 2011

Trick or Treat With Honey Bee Promotions



Head on over to Honey Bee's for a fun day of tricks and treats. The person who comments the most throughout the day will win a copy of Winter's Spirit.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Welcome to the World, Sloane Wolf!

Today's the day! I am so happy to announce that today is the official birthday of my new book, Sloane Wolf. Published by an incredible new small publisher called MuseItUp Publishing, Sloane Wolf tells the story of Shiloh Beck, an empath being stalked by a mysterious organization known only as "the Institute," and Micah Sloane, a shapeshifter with secrets of his own, and the legend that binds them together.

Here's an excerpt:


"No hiking trails where you live?"
Another odd expression crossed her face then, and once again, quickly masked. She favored him with an ironic little smile that zinged straight to his heart like Cupid's proverbial arrow. Damn, he was treading on dangerous ground here. If he were smart, he'd put an end to this nonsense and some distance between them. If he were smart.
"No," she murmured, looking ahead once more, "no trails where I live."
"City?"
"Not exactly."
Not exactly? How could you "not exactly" live in the city? Micah shook the question away as he directed his attention, and the conversation, toward her friend, several feet in front of them now. "You know, I've got to wonder why you needed us," he said. "Your friend seems to know where he's going."
"I don't see how," she disagreed, her breath coming in little pants as she negotiated the rugged terrain that steadily rose into the azure sky. "I've never known him to go for the hiking thing, either. This is a first for us both."
"And how long have you known him?"
A telling pause, then, "Most of my life."
"Family friend?"
The question brought her up short. Literally. Stopping in the middle of their makeshift path, she turned to face him, a defiant expression on her face. Fascinating, he thought as he mimicked her actions. His brothers, he absently noted, didn't miss a beat as they strode along in a semi-circle behind Jon, their attention focused upon him and nothing else. And then it was just him—and her, standing beneath the hickories and oaks.
* * * *
Shiloh waited for the others to put some distance between them, watching as they did so, before she turned her attention back to Micah. She was nearly undone by the headiness of standing so close to him. Did the man have any idea of his potency or was she the only one he affected this way?
"Okay, you want to tell me what this is all about?" she demanded, wrapping her arms about her waist in a defensive gesture and to control her wayward longings, a vain attempt.
"What?"
"This." She waved a hand between them in indication of the topic. "The interrogation."
"It wasn't exactly an interrogation," he tried to deny.
The nerve of him!
"Oh?" she challenged. "You want me to count the questions? Let's see—"
"Just making conversation. Something wrong with that?"
The fight whooshing out of her, Shiloh glanced toward the disappearing trio before responding. "No," she said and, grudgingly, "Sorry."
"Yeah." He kicked the ground between them with the toe of his hiking boot, his frustration evident in the gesture. "You sound it."
"I'm not used to people—well, strangers—asking a lot of questions."
"If I'd known asking you a couple of questions would upset you—"
"More than a couple."
"I wouldn't have asked them," he continued as if uninterrupted. "What's your problem? Are you this skittish with all people?"
"No, just you," she answered before she could think better of it. She wanted to kick herself. What was wrong with her? Might as well confess how he affected her, at this rate. But at least he looked as surprised by her candor as she felt.
"Lucky me," he said after a moment in which neither one of them seemed able to talk. He looked away from her, toward the slope of the wooded mountain. "We should probably catch up with the others. Who knows where your friend is headed."
"Not me." She fell into step beside him, grateful for the less taxing pace he set. "He kept the map to himself. He wouldn't let me see it. Like it was a treasure map or something. Only thing I know is it’s hand-drawn. Well, hand drawn on the computer."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Jon is a total computer geek," Shiloh revealed, glancing his way. "Why draw with a pen what you can do with a mouse?" She looked forward again, gave a little shrug. "That's his motto, anyhow."
"And what's your motto?"
She didn't answer right away. No one had ever asked it of her before. At length, she shrugged and told him the truth. "I don't have one."
"No? I thought everyone had one.”
To diffuse her unease, Shiloh turned the topic on him. “So what’s yours, then?” She even managed a smile as she warmed to the subject. “What is the Sloane family motto? Live by the sword, die by the plague?”
With a chuckle, Micah said, “Not quite. Try again.”
“The acorn doesn’t fall far from the oak?”
“Not even close!”
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
“What does that even mean?”
For the first time since they met, Shiloh shared a laugh with Micah. “I don’t know! I always wondered that myself.” She paused for a moment before she dared to ask, “So what is the Sloane family motto?”
“It changes depending on the situation, but the prevailing one is ‘Family isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.’”
“That’s nice.” Before she could stop the thought from reaching her mouth, she said, “I wish I had a motto like that.”
“So why don’t you?”
And they were right back to where they started.
Unease trickled down her spine at the question. She flinched before she could check her response. Relax, Shiloh, she cautioned herself, covering her reaction by feigning interest in a moss-blanketed rock they passed. She inhaled a few breaths before speaking again. “I don’t know—not something we talk about.”
* * * *
Why was she being so cryptic? Micah saw the way she flinched at the mere mention of her family. He knew his question, which seemed harmless to him, wasn't to her. People didn't usually react like that, unless they had a good reason. And although he hadn't known her for long, Shiloh didn't strike him as the type of person who overreacted to things. Well, at least not something like this. The mystery of Shiloh Beck deepened.

Interested? Check it out here

Soon to be available on Amazon, too!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Welcome to My New Blog!

Hello! Pardon the dust as we change everything over to my new Blogger home. Lots of changes are happening for me right now. Not only am I switching over to a new blog format, but I have a new book coming out this month that I will share more about later.

Another October event that I'm excited about is NetGalley month hosted by Red House Books. Since I read a lot of books, I thought this would be a fun event for me to participate in. You can read more about the event here.

I will post more of my events as they come about. Hope to see you there!

Hope you enjoy my new home!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Under Construction

This is Margay's new blog. Please forgive the mess while we combine her old blog with this one and create a new website for her!