Review - INHALE by Kendall Grey

Strangers in reality, inseparable in dreams…

After years of suffocating under her boss’s scrutiny, whale biologist Zoe Morgan finally lands a job as director of a tagging project in Hervey Bay, Australia. Success Down Under all but guarantees her the promotion of a lifetime, and Zoe won’t let anything—or anyone—stand in her way. Not the whale voices she suddenly hears in her head, not the ex who won’t take no for an answer, and especially not the gorgeous figment of her imagination who keeps saving her from the fiery hell of her dreams.

Gavin Cassidy hasn’t been called to help a human Wyldling in over a year, which is fine by him. Still blaming himself for the death of his partner, he keeps the guilt at bay by indulging in every excess his rock star persona affords. That is, until he’s summoned to protect Zoe from hungry Fyre Elementals and learns his new charge is the key to restoring order in the dying Dreaming. He never expects to fall for the feisty Dr. Morgan…nor does he realize he may have to sacrifice the woman he loves to save an entire country.

*This book contains graphic language, sex, and some violence. Not suitable for readers under the age of 18.

**The author will donate all profits from the sale of the JUST BREATHE trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face.


A little fangirling first...
There are so many reasons I love this book. I love that all profits from this trilogy goes towards Whale education and survival, something I know Kendall Grey believes in with her entire being. The rest of the things I love will come later in the actual review. ;-)

I've known Kendall for a little more than a year now. We met through a mutual friend a few months after I came out of my writer's closet and declared my intentions to be published and be taken seriously. Kendall was the first person to interview me and whom I talked about my upcoming novel with. We even had a Gavin-off. LOL I'll admit I was a little scared off from Kendall when I checked out her blog and saw all of the April's Fool Jackassery things on there - boy was it graphic for my virgin eyes! But I went back a few days later and am I glad I did. I found out that's only part of who Kendall is. Yes, she's loud and graphic, but she also has a heart of gold and I'm so glad to count her among my friends. :)

Onto the review...

First of all, I have to say... if you love Urban Fantasy and don't mind very "adult" novels, this is the book for you! There is a warning label on this book for a reason. But, all of it works together. The prose is amazing. The way Kendall writes grabs you by the throat and drags you in. I feel she did a great job at explaining the world she created in the Dreaming, Realis and the Elementals. There's even a glossary at the end for those who can't quite keep it straight. :) I fell into this novel from the beginning and got irritated every time I had to leave it.

Zoe Morgan is a great protagonist. Despite her extra Y-chromosone, which accounts for her awkwardness is social situations and dyslexia, she is a strong woman who's had a hard life recently. She knows what she wants and strives to get it. She loves the whales and has a preternatural connection to them, something she does whatever she has to to fight for their safety and protection. She has a great crew and friends in Adriene, Dani and Elizabeth.

Gavin Cassidy is a swoon-worthy hero. Though flawed by his years of debauchery and drinking, he steps up and becomes a man when needed. As the story goes on, we find out he's more than just a broken Sentinel and rock star. And Zoe is the one who can piece him back together.

I love the diversity of characters in this novel. Kendall did a great job on researching the various people (Aussies, Aboriginals, etc) and each character that is introduced stands alone as a strong individual. My faves other than the MCs are Scarlet and Sinnder. Scarlet is such a bitch, she's the perfect villain and Sinnder... well, really what more can I say? He's smoking hot! I can't wait to read the rest of this trilogy to see what happens with these characters next!

Overall, I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could. I've been waiting to read this book since meeting Kendall and it exceeded my expectations in every way! Like I said up top, if you love Urban Fantasy and don't mind graphic language and situations, this is most definitely the book for you!

You can buy INHALE here: Amazon and B&N. Add it to your Goodreads list here. Remember, all profits from this book goes towards a great cause! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have! :)

Happy Reading!
EM

Writerly Wednesday

Hi, everyone! Welcome to another week of Writerly Wednesday, where I share something writerly with you. Today's blog post is just an update of all the things I've been doing in my writerly ways. :)

Since I am still waiting to hear from my publisher about edits (and anxious to get to the actual edits), I've been occupying my time with editing book 2 of the Spiral Defenders series. I've come to realize that since moving a major scene from that book into book 1 (Into the Spiral), I have a lot of rewriting to do. I also keep coming up with small things to change in Into the Spiral. I'm very excited to jump back into Ronnie and Gavin's world (which is a good thing since I still need to rewrite the prequel short story, a second short story later in the series and the last two books of the series). And I really can't wait to share this story with you!

(Yesterday's Tell Me Something Tuesday post talked about book boyfriends and I did include Gavin as one of my boyfriends. You can check it out for a tiny preview of what's to come.)

hand drawn by Amanda Pfender

In addition to editing, I've been coming up with various merchandise ideas. And I'm very excited to say I have an artist on board. Her name is Amanda Pfender and she is a good family friend who also happens to be a phenomenal artist. She has been working on a cover for Into the Spiral since before it got picked up by Otherworld Publications and now she is helping me with merchandising ideas. I know this may seem a bit premature since I still have a little more than EIGHT MONTHS until my book is released, but I figure I might as well plan these things when I think of them. :) Amanda and I are already coming up with several "one of a kind" prize ideas. ;) Check out Gavin from her cover of Into the Spiral to the left.

And that's what's going on in my writing life lately. :) It's been an exciting week so far and I hope it keeps coming.

Happy Wednesday, everyone!
EM

Tell Me Something Tuesday

Welcome to another week of Tell Me Something Tuesday, the awesome meme hosted by the lovely Cambria Hebert. I have to say that I've been waiting for this week's post since I saw the question last week. The question:

Who are your book boyfriends?

It took me a while to figure out which boyfriends would make the list. I even asked a few friends who would make their lists. Truth be told, like most women who read, I have tons of book boyfriends. So I've managed (somehow) to cut it down to five.... I think... ;-)

#1 - Jace Wayland from The Mortal Instruments

What can I say? I fell in love with him the first time Clary set eyes on him. He's snarky, a golden god, awesome with a weapon - or without - and hides a tender heart beneath an aloof exterior. I love his one liners throughout the series and can not wait for the first movie to come out (August 23, 2013!). I know Cassandra Clare got to see the audition between Lily Collins and Jamie Bower - I just hope he does Jace justice (though if Cassie is to be believed, he will blow us all away).
“I don't do what I'm told, but I might do what you want if you ask me nicely.” ~ Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes.


#2 - Dimitri Belikov - Vampire Academy series

He wears a long, brown leather duster and reads Western novels in his free time. He's known as a god among the dhampirs known as Guardians. He's lethal, whether when killing Strigoi or to Rose's heart. Even when he's turned Strigoi, he's completely bad ass.

"If you (Nathan) lay a hand on her, I will destroy you. I will rip your head off with my bare hands and watch it burn in the sun." ~ Dimitri Belikov, Blood Promise

#3 - Prince Ash - the Iron Fey series

I'll admit it, I've been Team Ash since first catching a glimpse of him in the forest surrounding Meghan's house. He's the epitome of "hot boy with a sword". He's had centuries of living in the Winter Court to conceal his emotions, though they start to show through upon meeting half-faery, Meghan Chase. I love how conflicted he is and the tender moments that do shine through. *swoon* (admittedly, I have only read the first two books of this series. that will be rectified as soon as possible.)

His breath hitched, and he regarded me hungrily. “You’re playing with fire, you know that?” 
“That’s weird, considering you’re an ice prin—” I didn’t get any further, as Ash leaned in and kissed me.” 
― Julie Kagawa, Winter's Passage

#4 Fang - Maximum Ride series

Fang was one of my first book boyfriends. I met him when he was 14 and I was a few years older than that. :) Fang is quiet, not having much to say even when he should, and has beautiful black wings (a result of being genetically engineered like the rest of his flock). He's the brooding type, though he gets the job done and protects his family above all else. He's also all for saving the world. What's not to love!

“There is one bright side to this," said Fang. 
"Yeah? What's that? The new and improved Erasers would mutilate us before they killed us?" 
He grinned at me so unexpectedly I forgot to flap for a second and dropped several feet. "You looove me," he crooned smugly. Holding his arms out wide he added, "You love me this much." 
My shriek of appalled rage could probably be heard in California, or maybe Hawaii.” 
― James Patterson, Max

#5 Gavin Clearwater - the Spiral Defenders series

picture drawn by Amanda Pfender

This is the best picture I have so far of my handsome hero. Yes, that's right; Gavin is the hero in my Spiral Defenders series. I have spent so much time with him that like some other authors I know, I have fallen in love with my hero. He's a tad annoying when Ronnie first meets him, pretty sure of himself to say the least, but even Ronnie falls for his charm. I look forward to sharing Gavin and the world I've created!

"Now what?" she cried. "What could you possibly want to torture me about now?"

Gavin raised an eyebrow and glanced down at his tray. "I'm getting lunch," he told her. "But if that tortures you, I won't eat." ~ Ronnie and Gavin, Into the Spiral

There you have it, my top 5. Please know that I have not necessarily ranked them in order of importance - truly, I love them all equally and they all rank #1 with me.

Now it's your turn. Who are your book boyfriends?

Happy Tuesday!
EM

Writerly Wednesday - Inspiration

Hello, everyone, and welcome to another edition of Writerly Wednesday, a weekly meme I started to talk about anything pertaining to writing, whether it's my journey as a soon-to-be-published author (SQUEEE!), a writing resource I find valuable, or an author or publishing company I find inspiring. :) Today, I want to talk about inspiration.

Inspiration comes from many different places. As an author, I have to keep my eyes and ears open at all times. Some of my most inspired ideas, though, have come while I'm in the shower or when I'm about to fall asleep - those rare times of day when I'm not consumed with keeping a family, a job and a house satisfied.

For my upcoming novel, Into the Spiral, I got the inspiration for Ronnie, the main character, from two simple words: spontaneous combustion. I'd decided I wanted a character who was on the verge of combusting because of everything happening in her life. In the original beginning of the novel, Ronnie was walking down the street, listening to her iPod and trying to drown out the nagging voices of everyone telling her what to do. From there, the idea branched out and Ronnie became a real person. (She was also inspired in personality and looks by my dear friend, Lindsay, who I work with.)

For my Mason Ridge trilogy, the inspiration came from a writing prompt on Writing,com. The prompt was for The Witch's Circle in October of 2008, a month-long supernatural short story contest. The prompt was to have a mix of supernatural characters in one story, including a werewolf, vampire, ghost and a human (I think a troll was included, too, but that never made it to my novel). That November for NaNoWriMo, I wrote Losing Control, the first novel of the Mason Ridge trilogy. The title of that book was also inspired by the song Lose Control by Evanescence (the video I've shared below).

Inspiration can come from anywhere. I always have something with me to take notes in, whether it's pen and paper or the notepad option on my phone. A snippet of overheard conversation can inspire an entire scene or chapter. Seeing a live Big Cats show at the county fair can inspire a novel about a shapeshifting family that travels around the US as a similar show (yes, this is my idea; please don't steal it!). The local news, headlines of major papers, even a magazine article can inspire something written. I've found I'm most inspired by music, others around me, and reading books (which usually leads to tons of research. LOL).

Where does your inspiration come from? 

Happy Writing!
EM

Character Chat - Gavin and E.T.

Hi, everybody! Sorry Character Chat is coming so late this week. I've actually had this idea since Monday and meant to write it then, but life (and my own nervousness) got in the way. But without further ado, I give you my chat with Gavin about E.T.

I walk into The Reading Corner and pause as the door swings shut behind me, taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling the smells of coffee and new books. A sense of calm comes over me as I grin, hitch my purse higher on my shoulder and head to the café off to the side. I step onto the raised area that houses the café when dark, slightly slanted eyes meet mine. My date has beaten me here. Nervous butterflies suddenly take flight in my stomach; I feel like Ronnie on her first day of school, gawking at the hottie all in black with black hair that just covers his ears and slightly slanted dark brown eyes that make me quiver inside. I created a god when I created that one. Taking another deep breath, I cross to the small round table and sit down.

“What do you have to be nervous about?” Gavin asks with a raised eyebrow. I practically swoon on the spot.

“Is it that obvious?” I reply tucking a strand of dark hair behind my ear. A nervous giggle escapes my throat and I look away, my cheeks aflame. I look at the counter, see it’s empty and jump to my feet. “I need a drink,” I say and practically sprint to the counter to order something – anything to give myself a few minutes to gather my wits. The barista smiles as she takes my order and I peek back at Gavin as she turns to make it. His gaze is on the bookstore’s interior, his dark eyes roaming like he’s waiting for someone. Was he meeting Ronnie later? I don’t know. I take another deep breath and tell myself I’m being ridiculous. I created this guy! There’s nothing to be nervous about. But he’s the epitome of tall(ish), dark and handsome. He’s about 5’10” with black hair and dark brown eyes. His smile is heart-melting. He’s strong, fast and a little snarky. He’s also an alien, from the planet Cira, the center of the Spiral galaxy my books take place in.

As if on cue, “E.T.” by Katy Perry begins playing overhead as the barista hands me my drink.  I can’t help but sing along as I return to Gavin’s table.

“You’re so hypnotizing. Could you be the devil; could you be an angel?”

Gavin raises both eyebrows, a frown marring his features, and I immediately stop singing.

“Am I that bad?” I joke. The frown stays in place.

“I hate this song,” he declares, his eyes towards the hidden speakers above us. It’s my turn to frown. I love this song; so much so that I’ve chosen it as the theme song for my series.

“Why? It’s perfect,” I argue and sip my drink. Hot chocolate and caramel slide down my throat.

“It’s about aliens,” he points out. I nod.

“Which is what makes it perfect.” I try not to roll my eyes. “I mean, it’s not like Cira is a place on Earth. You are an alien, you know.”

“Technically, yes, but I’m also human.” He shakes his head, obviously frustrated. The movement of his head shows the pointed tips of his ears.

“Half human,” I correct him. 
"'Stab me with your laser'; 'inject me with  your poison'; a little adult for the theme of our book, don't you think?"
I cringe, my cheeks once again red. I clear my throat and take another sip of my drink before I answer his accusation. "Well, yes, there is that, but it's not like the more adult themes of the song are what make me think of you and Ronnie when I write. You're an alien; your touch is foreign to her; you have this charismatic power over her. The song is much more applicable to the second book, but there are elements of it in Into the Spiral."
He considers this then nods. "I guess I see your point," he concedes.
"'I'm ready for abduction'?" he quotes just after Katy sings it.
"Shawn would say you abducted her."
"No, Shawn thinks I stole her."
"Which you did."
"It was never my intention to make her fall for me."
I raise my eyebrows, challenging him.
"At least not on Earth," he mutters sheepishly, his cheeks slightly pink.
“Seriously, though, the song does make me think of you every time I hear it.” I give my best, cheesiest smile, hoping to make him laugh with my dorkiness. His embarrassed frown turns into a smirk and I know I’m winning him over.

“I mean, you are my alien,” I add. He chuckles, relaxing in his chair. His smile widens as he spots something over my shoulder.

“Technically, I’m Ronnie’s alien,” he corrects me just as Ronnie appears next to him. She grabs a chair from another table and pulls it over to ours, sitting as close as possible to Gavin without sitting on his lap.

“What about you being my alien?” she asks after a quick peck hello. She grins at me and then eyes my drink, which I pass over to her.

“That song about aliens by Katy Perry,” Gavin tells her.

“Oh, I love that song; it reminds me of you,” she exclaims. I laugh and give Gavin a see-I-told-you look.

“Well, the how can I hate it if the two most important women in my life love it,” Gavin concedes. Ronnie frowns at me, jealousy sparking in her brown eyes, and pushes my drink back to me.

“He only said that because I’m his creator,” I tell her. I cringe inside; I hadn't realized she was so easily jealous. I wonder if that’s going to be a problem as Ronnie suddenly asks Gavin if I told him about the story I promised to write.

“She said it’s going to be romantic,” Ronnie declared, softening at the thought of another romantic moment with him. As if they haven’t had enough already. My mind wanders to everything they’ve already been through only to be cut off by Gavin clearing his throat. I look up and meet his eyes again. I really have to stop doing that.

“No, we didn’t get a chance to talk about it yet,” he tells Ronnie.

“I don’t even know what to do for you two,” I admit. A slow smile turns up his lips. He glances at Ronnie and reaches for her hand. She beams at him as their fingers entwine. We both know what that smile means.

“I might have an idea,” he says. Ronnie squeals and throws her arms around his neck, kissing him soundly on the lips. I take that as my cue to get out of there and stand with my drink in hand.

“Whenever you’re ready, we’ll get together for that story,” I tell Gavin and walk away from their table.

For the few of you who might not know the song Gavin and I briefly discussed, I found a video on YouTube. It's just pictures of Katy Perry while the song is played (but it's MUCH better than the Kanye West version)

Thank you for joining me for another fun Character Chat. Hope you enjoy the rest of your Thursday!

Happy Writing!
EM