Review: Incense and Peppermints by Cathrina Constantine

The Blurb

Peace demonstrations, sit-ins, and burning the U.S. flag following the escalation of the Vietnam War are leading to a catalyst known to the world as the Sixties. A musical revolution, flower power, hippies, marijuana, and drugs are carrying the generations—young and old—into a new decade. All the while sixteen-year-old Mary Monroe is caught between being an innocent good girl and an autumn of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

When her brother offers a solution to her dilemma in the form of a little pill, Mary ignores the rumba in her brain and takes a walk on the wild side. Plunged into popularity and a life she’s only imagined, she meets Michael Covington, the hot newcomer, and she’s instantly drawn in by his less than flawless exterior and bad boy sex appeal. Caught up in the danger and excitement as they drift from party to party, into underground fight clubs, and through a series of drug and alcohol fueled adventures. Mary follows her new crush into a world where young girls are never truly safe from the predators lurking in the shadows and where young men are hiding from the harsh reality of war.

Feeling buzzed and as if her life is spinning out of control, Mary is assaulted by an unknown man at a party, and she’s left questioning if the enigmatic Michael is truly her hero or if he is the face behind the terrible attack. With every piece of information Mary learns about Michael, her doubts grow deeper, but with every minute she spends in his presence, so does her love.

With the war and her fear threatening to separate Mary and Michael forever, only the death of a friend, a crushing confession, and her own sensibilities can carry her over the threshold between adolescence and adulthood. 

My Review

I didn’t grow up in the sixties, but this book opened my eyes to what it may have been like. It was a time of free love and life, but not everything was “groovy” especially for the heroine. I liked the way Mary transitioned and grew during this book. From being a follower to becoming comfortable with who she was and what she needed to make her happy. She epitomized a strong heroine, and she still has years to grow and discover more about herself.

I know this novel is more of a coming of age story, but I’m a huge romance fan and Ms. Constantine put just enough in it to keep me satisfied. Although Michael was "too old" (by way of his life experiences) for Mary’s innocent nature, he was perfect for her. Michael had had a rough few years which had made him grow up faster than he should’ve. And yet when it came to dealing with Mary he didn’t take advantage of her, on the contrary he protected her. It was such a sweet story.

From its psychedelic beginning to its sweet, poignant ending I loved this story.

I give this book five out of five beer can shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased my copy from Amazon.

Review: Don't Forget to Breathe by Cathrina Constantine #NewRelease #YA #Haunting

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom’s bloody body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother’s side, only to be grabbed from behind and then everything fades to black.

After a year of retrograde amnesia and battling personal demons,

Leo’s dreams are getting worse—she’s starting to remember. More bodies are discovered and they seem to be oddly linked to her mom’s unsolved homicide.

When Leo allows her friend, Henry, to drag her to the haunted

Lucien Mansion, misty ghosts appear, ghosts that just might lead
her to her mother’s murderer.

Will Leo let her memories threaten her into a relapse or, will she

fight to find her mother’s killer – only to become his next victim?

My Review

Oh my goodness! I actually clapped at the end of this book. It was that good. I don’t even know where to begin with this review because I enjoyed it all.

Leocadia had just survived the year from hell with her sanity intact. A strong young woman. I’ll admit that she didn’t always make the right choices. At times I screamed at her that she should “Get the hell out.” Yet she stayed. Or I’d shake my head and say “No, girl, no.” And of course she ignored my advice and did it anyway.

The heroine was a true teenager and that’s what impressed me most about this book. Ms. Constantine got into the YA world. From the language to their attitudes. I was shocked about the drugs, but I know it happens. And I absolutely loved her best friend Nona. Level headed and always there for Leo.

My favorite part of the whole book was the mystery. I kept wondering who the hell did it. When I found out, I was flabbergasted. And when Ms. Constantine let that thing in the end happen… I can’t bear to talk about it, plus I don’t give spoilers.

There’s no genre I like more than a romance, and there was enough of it in there to keep me happy. Plenty of action to keep the story moving. Some angst, insecurity and backstabbing to ensure that it maintained a YA standing. Plus the ghost scenes freaked me out a little (That’s when some of my advice to Leocadia came into play). A well rounded book that would’ve kept me up late reading if I wasn’t such a wuss about those scary ghost scenes.

I give this book five out of five ghost shaped white chocolate bars.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review. To be a little more honest, I harassed the author for a copy. And then I purchased a copy from Amazon.

Hot New Release: Don't Forget To Breathe by Cathrina Constantine #YA #Haunting #Romance #Giveaway

Happy Release Day to my good friend and review partner Cathrina Constantine. Her latest novel, a YA paranormal haunting is phenomenal!

Now Available!

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom’s bloody body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother’s side, only to be grabbed from behind and then everything fades to black.

After a year of retrograde amnesia and battling personal demons, Leo’s dreams are getting worse—she’s starting to remember. More bodies are discovered and they seem to be oddly linked to her mom’s unsolved homicide.

When Leo allows her friend, Henry to drag her into the haunted Lucien Mansion, misty ghosts appear, ghosts that just might lead to her mother’s murderer.

Will Leo let her memories threaten her into a relapse or, will she fight to find her mother’s killer – only to become his next victim?

Excerpt:

Moonlight played tricks with my eyes as we circumvented gravestones like an obstacle course, and pluming fog licked our legs as misty ghosts danced on marbleized stones. My breath shuddered as Henry bypassed me, leading the way. “Hurry—” he whispered and nudged my shoulder.

I picked up the pace and cranked my head to the left. Dark moving shapes appeared in the distance and moaning floated past my ears, probably the wind or just my imagination? Goose flesh pebbled my skin as I stumbled over an urn. Henry lugged me up urging me on.

“What are we running from?” I gasped quietly so not to wake the dead. 

“Them—over there.” Henry jerked his chin, the lenses of his glasses captured raining moonbeams. “I think it’s cops.”

His hand reached back, palm up. I latched hold. “Why would police be patrolling the cemetery?”

We whipped around a mammoth tombstone, a squared foundation for a glorious angel. He halted and threw me unceremoniously to solid concrete. My heartbeat migrated up my esophagus. Henry covered my mouth with his hand. “Sh-h...don’t breathe so loud.”

My pumping lungs slowed as I stabilized my swallows of air. Henry squashed his body into mine. A tad too close. His speedy heartbeat harmonizing with my own while cold leached into my back. I cringed at the discomfort of my head pressed between his chest and the stone. 

DON’T FORGET TO BREATH BUY LINKS:

Amazon:Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Forget-Breathe-Cathrina-Constantine-ebook/dp/B00TAHWYIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423286637&sr=8-1&keywords=don%27t+forget+to+breathe+by+cathrina+constantine

You can find Cathrina here:

Amazon Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Cathrina-Constantine/e/B00EPENYGE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179953.Cathrina_Constantine

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathconstantine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedly333?ref=hl

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cathrinaconstan/

Enter to win a $10 Amazon gift card by clicking here: Rafflecopter giveaway

Prah and Constantine Review: Moonless (Maiden of Time) by Crystal Collier #YA #Paranormal #Romance

It’s a brand new year. Happy 2015 everyone. To kick of Prah and Constantine Reviews this year we wanted to get rid of a book or two that were on our individual TBR lists. We both had Moonless on our lists and I’m happy to have made the time to finally read it.

I wish reading could be done by osmosis – lay my head on the Kindle and bam- I’ve read a book in ten minutes. I’d have the machine taped to my head.

Remember to stop over to Constantine’s blog to check out her review.

The blurb

In the English society of 1768 where women are bred to marry, unattractive Alexia, just sixteen, believes she will end up alone. But on the county doorstep of a neighbor’s estate, she meets a man straight out of her nightmares, one whose blue eyes threaten to consume her whole world—especially later when she discovers him standing over her murdered host in the middle of the night. 

Among the many things to change for her that evening are: her physical appearance—from ghastly to breathtaking, an epidemic of night terrors predicting the future, and the blue-eyed man’s unexpected infusion into her life. Not only do his appearances precede tragedies, but they are echoed by the arrival of ravenous, black-robed wraiths on moonless nights.

Unable to decide whether he is one of these monsters or protecting her from them, she uncovers what her father has been concealing: truths about her own identity, about the blue-eyed man, and about love. After an attack close to home, Alexia realizes she cannot keep one foot in her old life and one in this new world. To protect her family she must either be sold into a loveless marriage, or escape with the man of her dreams and risk becoming one of the Soulless. 

My review

I saw Moonless as a YA paranormal with a kind of twist on the vampire story. The Soulless weren’t vampires as such, but they had the qualities of them. The Passionate were awesome people, beautiful, gifted, and mostly kind.

I loved Alexia. A strong heroine who seemed to fear nothing. Sometimes this scared me because she dared to go places she shouldn’t have in order to find the truth. She had to make some hard decisions in her young life and I didn’t admire her for it.

The hero, Kiren, was gorgeous and well…passionate. A hero in the truest sense of the word. The only appropriate word for the romance they shared was, destiny. From the moment they first met (technically not the first) we knew there was something special between them.

For me, if a character has a special power, it’s a plus. Ms. Collier had people with some unique qualities and I loved every one of them (even the naughty one).

There were moments in Ms. Collier’s writing when I thought I was reading poetry. The sentiment she captured was beautiful during these times, giving more of a richness to the story.

One thing I didn’t appreciate, but which didn’t take too much away from the novel, was that questions asked by the characters weren’t always answered directly. It seemed as if it was never an appropriate time. Alexia had to find many things out the hard way, just like the reader. Most of the questions were eventually answered (to my satisfaction), but some are still roaming free. I suppose they’ll be answered in the next book of the series.

I give Moonless five out five clock shaped chocolates.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Constantine thought of the book. Head on over with me and check out her review.

Cover Reveal: Don't Forget to Breathe by Cathrina Constantine #YA #HauntingMystery

I'm over the moon excited today. My good friend and review partner has a new book coming out. I'm showing off the cover. I love it. I can tell the story is going to be deep and and a bit creepy.

Coming from: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly

Release date: February 7, 2015

Genre: YA/Haunting Mystery

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Leocadia arrives home from school to find her mom’s bloody body. Unaware that the killer still lingers, she rushes to her mother’s side, only to be grabbed from behind and then everything fades to black.

After a year of retrograde amnesia and battling personal demons, 

Leo’s dreams are getting worse—she’s starting to remember. More 

bodies are discovered and they seem to be oddly linked to her 

mom’s unsolved homicide.

When Leo allows her friend, Henry, to drag her to the haunted 

Lucien Mansion, misty ghosts appear, ghosts that just might lead 

her to her mother’s murderer.

Will Leo let her memories threaten her into a relapse or, will she 

fight to find her mother’s killer – only to become his next victim?

On February 7th Cathrina is having a Release Party on FB: It's for one hour only. There will be a Giveaway and ebook Prizes. If you wish to join here's the site:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1585061445043407/

Contact the author at:

FB: http://www.facebook.com/wickedly333

Blog: http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathconstantine

Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cathrina-Constantine/e/B00EPENYGE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179953.Cathrina_Constantine

Review: Wickedly They Dream by Cathrina Constantine #YA #Paranormal

The Blurb

After Seeley is possessed by an evil wraith, Jordan must dig deeper into the Satanic realm. Against Markus’s direct orders, she offers herself, body and soul in a blood covenant to rescue Seeley from the clutches of hell. Jordan assumes her guardian angel will not leave her to fight alone. But there’s trouble in paradise, and Markus has been reassigned. Can Jordan defeat both her internal and external demons to win him back? Or is he gone for good this time?

My Review

There is nothing I like more in a story than a strong heroine, who has a great sense of humor. Ms. Constantine provided me with one in Wickedly They Dream. I caught a glimpse of Jordan’s strength when I read Wickedly They Come, but I’m blasted away with just how wonderful she is in the second book.

The story was packed with action, and a few surprises (including an unexpected romance) that had me opening my mouth with pleasant surprise.

A thoroughly engaging read from start to finish. Paranormal YA has a new superstar in the genre.

I give this book five out five sword shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon. (On sale for 99 cents)

Cover Reveal: Wickedly They Dream by Cathrina Constantine #Paranormal #YA

When I saw this cover I squealed. It is so awesome. 

Title: Wickedly They Dream

Release Date: November 5, 2014

Genre: Paranormal Thriller/Fantasy

Blurb:

After Seeley is possessed by an evil wraith, Jordan must dig deeper into the Satanic realm. Against Markus’s direct orders, she offers herself, body and soul in a blood covenant to rescue Seeley from the clutches of hell. Jordan assumes her guardian angel will not leave her to fight alone. But there’s trouble in paradise, and Markus has been reassigned. Can Jordan defeat both her internal and external demons to win him back? Or is he gone for good this time?

Contact Cathy at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickedly333

Web: http://cathrinaconstantine.com

Blog: http://cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com

Twitter: @cathconstantine

Prah and Constantine Review: Vision of Shadows by Vincent Morrone #YA #Paranormal

I chose the book for this month. September was my birthday month so I couldn’t fail. I found this book through a friend of mine and I’m so glad I paid attention and picked it up. 

I’m wondering if Constantine loved it as much as I did. YA is her preferred writing genre.

The Blurb

Is Bristol Blackburn about to meet the love of her life...or her killer? 

After the death of her parents, Bristol Blackburn's life is thrown into chaos and she's forced to move to Spirit, a small town where shadows are stirring. As she learns to navigate her new school and figures out how to keep her psychic abilities secret from her family, Bristol comes face to face with the boy who makes a regular appearance in her dreams: the gorgeous, possibly deadly, Payne McKnight. Soon she’ll find out if Payne will be the love of her life, or the end of it — and she has no idea which possibility scares her more. 

And that's not even the worst of it. Strange shadows are haunting her dreams, and they're up to something that could put Bristol and the lives of everyone she loves in jeopardy.

My Review

More than once I had to look at the author profile to see if it was really a man who’d written the story. Mr. Morrone has done a fabulous job getting into the mind, heart and character of a female teenager. I didn’t want to put the book down and flew through it in no time.

What do we have in the story that makes me enjoy it so much? Depth of emotion, destiny, romance, rivalry, and a bit of intrigue. I loved this book.

Ghost stories tend to creep me out, but the way Bristol engaged with the ones she encountered didn’t scare me at all. Except for the one who was supposed to. 

My only issue was that Bristol didn’t have enough of a reaction to the painful incident that happened at the beginning of the book (which shocked the heck out of me). She seemed almost too strong when I'd expected a little more weakness.

I recommend it to all and sundry, whether you are a YA reader or not. It was just that good.

I give it five out five white (to represent ghosts) chocolate bars.

I purchased this book from Amazon.

Remember to swing by Constantine's blog. I'm headed there now.

Prah and Constantine Review: Stubborn by Jeanne Arnold

This month’s pick went to Constantine and she chose Stubborn by Jeanne Arnold, a YA romance. I’m looking forward to heading on over to her blog to see what she thought of the book.

The Blurb

With a train ticket, a bad attitude, and an unfortunate scribbling of obscenities across her forehead, seventeen-year-old Avery Ross is tossed out of the frying pan and into the fire when she’s sent from New York to the vast oil field region of North Dakota. When a green-eyed boy with a sultry Texan accent comes to her defense, Avery has no clue that his actions will lead her into a passion-charged summer, full of temptation and loss. 

Defiant and relegated to work at her aunt’s boarding house, Avery discovers a connection between her aunt and the striking boy. He and his brothers are seeking revenge for the wrongful death of their sibling, and Avery becomes entangled in their battle over oil rights, loyalty, and love. Avery falls for the brooding, younger brother, Gabriel Halden, against her aunt’s forewarnings and creates more tribulations than any of them could anticipate.

My Review

Oh the angst and everything-must-be-done-my-way life of a teenager.  The drama that Avery, Gabe, and the whole crew of characters went through had me rolling my eyes, snickering, chuckling, encouraging, and saying “awww.” The story kept me on my toe, never knowing where the author would take it. Ms. Arnold is not a woman of straight paths when it comes to storytelling.  Love is the ultimate in their world and she did a fantastic job of bringing that out.

Gabe’s moody ways drove me nuts. Were some of his actions understandable? Yes. Others? Not in the least bit. And yet I liked this handsome green eyed Texan with his gentle, and when pushed with a feather, rowdy ways. I loved Avery. A spunky, smart assed, tough girl who didn’t take crap from anyone, except Gabe sometimes. Her sense of humor made me laugh. Stubborn is the perfect title for the book.

A wonderful novel that was easy to get into and kept me excited until I hit the last page.

I give this book four out five book shaped chocolate bars.

I purchased this novel from Amazon.com.

Now let’s scoot on over to Cathrina Constantine’s blog to get her perspective.

Cathrina Constantine author of Wickedly They Come - Guest post and #Giveaway

Today I'm worse than a kid hyped up with sugar. My friend and review partner Cathrina Constantine's book, Wickedly They Come has been released and is ready to be read by the world. She's also giving away five $5 Amazon gift cards and one print copy of Wickedly They Come (US).

Thank you, Nana for making my release day special!! Nana has asked me write about this topic: Why did I write a paranormal thriller?

Foremost, I’d like to state I take great pleasure in reading a variety of genres, I love them all. However, when I stroll through a book store, I’m initially drawn to middle grade and young adult books, especially novels with a supernatural or fantasy undertone. My debut novel is a thought-provoking paranormal thriller. Wickedly They Come is geared toward older adolescence and adults due to a quantity of dark and gritty elements.

 I confess—I have a penchant for the inexplicable, and at a young age have been enamored with mystical happenings. Mainly because I truly believe in ghosts or spirits that are both good and wicked. The existence of heaven and hell wholly surrounds us so I tend to identify this reality as a subliminal dimension or realm.

Many people are freaked-out when it comes to paranormal oddities, yet, I’m fascinated. Witches, sorcerers, wraiths, ghouls, fairies, dragons, hobbits, elves, and on and on, whether they subsist or did exist is a source of speculation.

With my whole heart, I believe in God and His glorious angels! Angels to guard, guide and protect humans! Documentation and inconceivable occurrences in regards to Gods angels are endless.

We must never overlook or be deceived by the depraved angels condemned by God. Impious Lucifer and his cohorts cast from heaven, and Wickedly They Come— 

The Blurb:

Haunting visions, unusual strength, and special paranormal talents are the norm for Seeley and her sixteen-year-old daughter Jordan. Their lives become perilous when the leader of The Black Order stalks them, trying to fulfill a prophecy to consecrate Jordan to his lord—Lucifer. 

Previously homeschooled and naïve, Jordan is inducted into the social culture of teendom at Elma High, where she encounters Mark, a mysterious new classmate, who is hell bent on keeping her unscathed from the forces of evil. But the battle between Heaven and Hell is escalating—and Earth is their battleground. 

The battle between heaven and earth is 
escalating - and earth is their battleground! 

Here is a little teaser:

Evidently, Asa had finally decided the time had come to make their lives a living hell.

“Watch out!” Jordan cried.

The two goons knocked Seeley to the mat. They tied her wrists then hefted her to her feet, facing Jordan. The man with the bloody nose mopped his face and then, without warning, hit Seeley in the chin. Her head snapped back as Jordan screamed. Seeley held onto consciousness, though her head swirled and her throbbing chin began to swell.

“You bitch—” the man shrieked, glaring at Seeley. “I think you broke my nose.”He then walked over to Jordan, grasped her chin with bloody fingers, and drooled. “Young—tender—meat—”

The demon restraining Seeley sounded anxious. “Hank, we’re not allowed to kill her.”

Hank gestured to Seeley. “This lady’s fair game, there’s a high price on her head. We’ll be greatly rewarded.”

The other demons nodded with crooked smirks. “We’re allowed to stay and play as long as we bag souls for his gain. The more souls, the longer we get to stay.”

“Why? Don’t you like your fiery perdition?” Seeley said dryly.

Her remark infuriated them, returning Hank to gloat in front of Seeley. Using the distraction, Jordan subtly tried to weasel her way out of the chokehold.

With his left hand, Hank grabbed Seeley’s ponytail, tugging her face close to his red eyes. They looked like hot coals as he sneered. “We’re not ready to leave, not with all this fun we’re having. Souls are jamming the highway to hell—we just nudge them in the right direction.” A gawky sound rattled in his throat, forcing Seeley to breathe in his foul breath. “Your kind of souls are a pain in the ass.”

Hank dug a switchblade out of his pocket. With a decisive snap, he held the silver blade to Seeley’s throat.

Author Bio:

Cathrina Constantine resides in Western New York with her husband, five children, two Labrador Retrievers and two cats. After a long hiatus while raising her family, Cathrina finally picked up pen and paper and began to hone her craft of writing. She is excited to announce the release of her debut novel, Wickedly They Come published by Black Opal Books. Constantine has recently signed with The Belcastro Literary Agency, and is extremely happy to be working with Sharon Belcastro and Ella Marie Shupe on her manuscript, Incense & Peppermints. When not with her family, baking, crafting, reading, or stationed at the computer writing, you will find her walking in the backwoods with her dogs, conjuring up a new tale.

You can find Constantine here:

Website: www.cathrinaconstantine.com

Blog: www.cathrinaconstantine.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cathrina.constantine.3.

Twitter: @cathconstantine 

Goodreads:www.goodreads.com/cathrinaconstantine.com

Buy Links:

Black Opal Books

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Smashwords

a Rafflecopter giveaway