T.A. Foster

Where do I start with this review? I suppose I should let you know that I adored Ivy Grace, our protagonist in this story. I couldn't have asked for a more upbeat, likeable protagonist to follow. Ivy is a witch, but her life isn't filled with doom and gloom. She has a healthy relationship with her family, a witty personality, and the same improper thoughts I'd have while she's around her rather hunky agent. Ivy carries herself with a perfect mixture of grace and humor that's hard not to love.

Which, in fact, was why I was more than willing to follow Ivy into whatever situation she might find herself in. A delightful mystery is woven through these pages. T.A. chase expertly weaves Ivy's "witchy powers" in with a story that will keep you guessing. I was a little lost at some points. Ivy's thoughts flow a mile a minute so sometimes important tiny bits of information are easy to skip over. Still, I can't deny I enjoyed the mystery aspect of her story.

The one thing I couldn't quite get behind were Jack and Finn. Maybe it's because there isn't a lot of story behind these two. I only knew that Jack was the object of Ivy's adoration, and her editor, and that Finn was her ex, and a detective. It's clear that both of them care about Ivy. Even when Jack finds out that he's gotten himself into a huge mess, he still sticks up for her. There isn't a full blown romance here. Just enough to add an extra element to everything else going on. I'm hoping maybe there will be more to come?

In the end, Time Spell was a fun read. I think that fans of paranormal stories and mystery stories will both find things to love in T.A. Chase's book. I also have no doubt that Ivy Grace will easily steal the heart of everyone. Will Jack fall for Ivy? Will she be able to set the course of history back on track? I just don't know, but I do know that I definitely want to find out.… (más)

"2.5 out of 5 stars, this intense novel builds the reader up for an intriguing series. Over the last few years Dare has taken it upon herself to defy the counsel by shaking up protocol and organizing a way for she-panther shifters to choose a life for themselves instead of what is dictated to them, in doing so she created her group called The Nox. However, Chase, the jaguar who the counsel planned for her to “marry,” is determined to stick to the counsel’s plans and will do whatever it takes to become “king.” Fate has other plans for them both by having Dare meet Zac, a history buff wanderer, who makes her question her wants in regards to her personal future. What will they all decide? Will Dare give in to Chase’s demands? Can Dare trust Zac enough to let him into her world?

This novel is a good build up for its series. Intense, highly dramatic, with multiple plotlines, it definitely keeps the reader on their toes. Yet, I found this novel to be a struggle to get through.

My reasons I had trouble with this novel..."

Read more of this review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/07/disappointmentville-nox-series...… (más)

Fresh out of college, Haven Owen is working off her student debt at the family general store on a small North Carolina island. Evan Carlson is the most eligible bachelor in America, driving away from the limelight until he runs out of road and ends up on a ferry to Perry Island. When Haven's co-worker, Travis, suddenly quits, Evan, posing as reclusive writer, Jay, steps in to take his place. Evan and Haven begin a summer romance that is headed for trouble.

Plot
The plot centers around the romance between Haven and Jay/Evan. Even though they've from very different worlds, they click on this remote island where no one seems to know who Evan really is. It's an idyllic environment for love to blossom and it does, until Evan is discovered and Haven finds out he's been lying to her all along. There are a couple of good subplots involving Haven's family and Jay's ex-girlfriend, Emmy Harper, America's sweetheart. The only real problem I had with the story, what kept this from being five stars, is that it's lacking in conflict. There is some, but not nearly enough for my tastes.

World Building
T.A. Foster does an excellent job of creating a small, southern island complete with Airstream campers on the beach and a general store that sells beer and souvenirs while renting kayaks and fishing poles. The world of Perry Island came alive for me, and I could visualize it all. That's one of the few parts of the country I've never been to, but after reading Finding Haven, I feel as if I've visited for a short while.

Characters
Haven and Evan are pretty typical for the leads in a contemporary romance, but the supporting characters are as varied as they come. Everyone from Jay's campground neighbor, Charlotte, to Haven's family, and Travis the surfer, are interesting and developed enough to not be stereotypical. They exist in the story for a purpose and they do it well, even if it's just comic relief.

Top Five Things I Enjoyed About Finding Haven
1. Travis. He's a good guy with a heart and I like how his relationship with Haven evolved over the summer.

2. Hurricane Harper. Aptly named, it sweeps across the island causing just enough damage to make things challenging without being devastating.

3. Haven's Family Dynamic. There's a lot going on in her small family and it is responsible for the bulk of the conflict in the story.

4. Silver Belle. The campground where Evan stays sounds exactly like a place I'd love to vacation.

5. Cowboy Steaks. I had no idea these were a real thing until I Googled them. Now I need to try one.

Bottom Line
Finding Haven is a sweet romance set on a balmy island. It's a perfect, light summer beach read.

Disclaimer
I was provided with a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.… (más)

Soaring through this wonderful story is like a slice of Better Than Sex Cake!

This book revolves around piloting and the military and just flying in general, which was a first for me. I was so stoked to find a great read with awesome attributes, different aspects, and just a different, well-rounded, unique storyline and plot all together. Not to mention a hot cover to draw in much deserved attention and audience.

I love when an author writes a story that has, more or less, a connection with them personally or generally. It gives more of a feel to the kind of person the writer is and what goes on in their endlessly creative mind. To let a guard down and write your most inner thoughts is brave and scary at the same time because at the end of the day, getting it thrown back in your face is not what someone can easily prepare for, although it is a well-known possibility. However, it makes a reader feel like on a one-on-one with the author telling them their own story. Foster nailed it right on the head. I was very interested and fascinated with all the terminology and realness of being a pilot.

The characters were literally one-of-a-kind. Skye Stephens was very powerful, intelligent, self-sufficient, feminist-preaching (mostly to herself for motivation), and an absolute loving and caring person. Ben 'Bolt' Hardcastle was the confident, extroverted, living-in-the-now kind of guy, as well as being the wham-bam-thank-you-mam kind of guy. Bringing Ben and Skye together changed them both for the better. Even when things hit some turbulence, you'll sooner or later be able to fly straight.

Ben and Skye's love story was very inspiring and literally uplifted me as a reader and a lover of romance. Even the considered fall-backs or the fights between the characters allowed the reader to see the situation in a different light, a better perspective. They didn't even seem like it was harsh or the end of the world, the characters were very mature and poised when things got serious. They banded together and went over the obstacle and came over the other end all in one piece. I think that when a person makes a mistake and acknowledges it, they learn from it and figure out a way to prevent it from happening again. That is how I feel these characters handled everything being thrown at them. They have extremely ideal characteristics and I admire the way they would actually fit in the real world.

The rating of this story would be PG-17, it was never too much or not enough, just perfect. The atmosphere with the easygoing convo was really refreshing and just something anybody would enjoy in a quick read.

Overall, I had so much fun getting to know these characters and couldn't put it down until the very end. This was an outstanding book I would highly recommend as a DEFINITE-MUST-READ and can't wait to see what else Foster has in store.
… (más)