New Release! WHAT THE HEART DESIRES by @Kelli_McCracken. #AmReading

╰☆╮Book Release Party╰☆╮

What the Heart Desires 

(Soulmate Series, Book 4)

by Kelli McCracken

SYNOPSIS

Torn by desire, will loving her mean the death of him?

Dylan McBride's Seeker abilities have always kept him a step ahead of his father. But one step isn't enough when it comes to his wife and child. His confrontation with his father leaves him questioning everything he knows, from his life with Heaven, to his part in the Supreme Trinity.

Layne is growing stronger, as is his Seeker. The more time he and Heaven share, the more he's able to control his Keeper abilities. But when new secrets emerge, he's forced to face the truth, as well as the emotions he keeps buried.

Among the death threats, constant hiding, and birth of her child, Heaven struggles to keep the peace between her soulmate and Keeper. More lies are exposed, threatening to destroy all that she loves. Will she be able to deny the truth once it's discovered, or will she give in to What the Heart Desires?

CATCH UP WITH THE SERIES

What the Heart Wants (Soulmate Series Book 1)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1wv2rwp

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1m7x7A9

What the Heart Needs (Soulmate Series Book 2)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qPYUFw

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1tUER7z

What the Heart Takes (Soulmate Series Book 3)

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1qVZO1X

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1q6jOLs

Author Bio

Kelli McCracken’s love affair with books began long before she could read. She didn’t let anything stop her from creating stories, even as a child.

That same passion still exists within her today. She is an artist by nature, a curator of characters. Kelli McCracken does her best to give each story and character great depth.

“It seems like all I do is write…and listen to Layne. He’s constantly whispering something naughty in my ear, like being dipped in chocolate. Now I want a Kit-Kat. Welcome to my zany life, where #SanityIsOptional, romance is required, and liquor is most definitely quicker. I love talking about my characters. Hope you like hearing about them.”

When she isn’t chasing kids, working on crafts, or sneaking off with a bottle of wine, Kelli spends her time writing.  Of course, it can’t be all work and no play. Once procrastination strikes,  you can usually find her hanging out on Facebook, Pinterest, or Spotify. Be sure to stop by and say hi. She loves chatting with readers.

LINKS

Kelli McCracken’s Website: http://www.kellimccracken.com/

Kelli McCracken’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliMcCracken

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5299577.Kelli_McCracken

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kelli_McCracken

Audio Book Review: FEARLESS by @Tawdra

Every gift has consequences. . .

Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad's job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But King is a town founded by magic and steeped in mystery, and soon Tasmyn's ability to hear others' thoughts is the least of her worries.

There's Ms. Lacusta, the science teacher who just might be teaching more than chemistry, and then there's Nell Massler, the ultimate mean girl whose extracurricular activities include blood rituals. And she wants Tasmyn's blood next.

Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood spells, she discovers the town's secrets aren't just bizarre, they're deadly.

I listened to the audio version of this book. It's an excellent start to a fun YA series. The history of the town is really cool, and I can see how this can feed into many fun plot lines with unique characters. I almost wish more was done with the whole carney thing, but this is just the first book, and I'm sure we will get more of that later.

The love story between Tas & Michael was a little rushed for me, but that might be because I am a little tired of the whole "soulmates" thing. But teens do tend to fall in love quickly, so maybe I'm just being a crotchety old lady. I do have to say that the author did a great job of creating an emotional chemistry, while still keeping to a heat level that is appropriate for a YA audience.

Best of all, the writing of this story was really solid. There is nothing worse that poor editing pulling me out of a story, even in an audio format. That never happened here.

I hope the rest of the series makes it to audio!

Overall, I give FEARLESS...

Plot - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Character Development - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Love Story - 3 (Sorry, I'm jaded. You kids better get off my lawn!)

Narration - 4 1/2 bookmarks

Concept - 5 bookmarks

Dream Cast (otherwise known as who I pictured while reading) - Sophie Turner (Tasmyn), Hunter Parrish (Michael), Madalina Diana Ghenea (Ms. Lacusta), Lucy Hale (Nell)

Sex, Consent & Witch Hunts.

I've subscribed to Alex Day's YouTube channel for a few years. I found him smart and humorous. Recently, there has been a lot of controversy over his alleged mistreatment (not the right word, but close) of girls that he has had sexual dealings with. A few girls have come forward on social media to say they felt pressured by Alex, and they did not feel they could say no. Alex has responded by saying he had no idea at the time that these girls were not as into it as he had been. I have two things to say about this.

First, we all need to have more discussion about the meaning of consent. If you are in a situation with another person that you do not want to be in, you have a responsibility to say NO. Please understand that you always have the right to say no, even if you have said yes before in the past. 

On the flip-side, it is not enough that your sexual partner "didn't say no". They need to give you an enthusiastic YES. If the person you are with does not seem as into it as you are, stop and ask. If you are not comfortable enough to talk about sex with your partner, you have no business having sex with them.

Second, beware of witch-hunts. There are three sides to every story - his perception, her perception and the truth. I do not know what that truth is, or where the truth falls on the spectrum between his side and hers, nor is it for me to judge. Unless you were a witness to the behavior, how can you judge? So if you don't like Alex anymore, then don't watch his videos, but be careful when you are using social media to bully people. Karma has a way of ricocheting on you.

Will I continue watching Alex's videos and supporting him? I don't know. But I'm hoping this situation will lead to more discussion over these two issues. Charlie McDonnell recently posted this very honest video on the issue of consent. I hope you will take a few moments to watch it and share.