Nolan ~ Review

NOLAN ~ LEECH: Book 3

by James Crawford

Publication Date: July 19, 2015

Every High school has its rock star. Maybe it's the quarterback, head cheerleader, or the valedictorian--the one student who outshines the rest. The one everyone knows will be successful in the years to come. For Nolan that was a lifetime ago, before he lost his sight, before he even knew what a Leech was. 

Now, all Nolan wants is to see Caleo survive to fulfill his destiny. A task that is becoming increasingly difficult as the government wades into the war, new enemies appear and the number of people trying to kill them skyrockets. 

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Wonderful series!, July 11, 2015

I've enjoyed this ride from the beginning back when we were barely getting to know Caleo, Jack, & the whole Leech world. Nolan was a great sequel with several new twists! His character has been one of my favorites ever since we were introduced in the previous book. The whole mixed feelings love triangle made it hard to decide which team to choose! Crawford has created a wonderful getaway for us that is action packed, emotional, & very entertaining! I truly never saw that coming!! I am eager to see what kind of awesome he brings us next.

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CALEO ~ LEECH: BOOK 1

Publication Date: April 29, 2011

BLURB:

Every High School has their social outcasts. The band nerds, the math geeks, the chess club, the girl that chews her hair, but at Butler High, even the creepy nose picker in the chess club is more popular than Caleo Anima. No matter what he did, his pale skin, snow white hair, and piercing blue eyes always made him an easy target. He used to think that the only way things could get worse would be if someone found out that he was gay, but that isn't even the tip of the iceberg of problems after a mysterious stranger shows up and changes Caleo’s life forever.

Hidden amongst our society, a secret and magical race of people known as ‘Leeches’, have been engaging in civil war for decades. Both sides are desperately searching for a weapon with unlimited power that will give them the advantage they need to rule their world. This wouldn’t mean anything to Caleo, except for one problem...He is that weapon!

Forget making it through High School. Caleo has bigger problems! As the search for him goes on, the world is quickly crumbling around him. He's now fighting for his life and the life of what little family he has left. With the help of new friends, he has little time to try and master his newly found powers as he tries to figure out who he can trust, who is trying to use him, and who just wants him dead. One wrong step and being the awkward pale outcast will be the least of his worries.

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JACK ~ LEECH: BOOK 2

Publication Date: December 27, 2013

BLURB:

Every high school has it's social elite; the football players and cheerleaders ... you know, the popular crowd. At Butler High, Jack Barely was as close to the top as they came. Captain of the swim team, great hair, and abs that most would die for. However, that was all before the Leeches attacked, taking away everything: his popularity, his house, his grandmother, and even his best friend, Caleo, whom he secretly loved.

Now, living in a destroyed world, popularity means nothing as Jack struggles just to keep him and his twin sister, Jillian, alive. With attacks happening more frequently, Jack starts to wonder why they are even bothering to try and hold onto the past when it just reminds him of all they have lost. Just when he has given up hope, Jack hears a rumor that Caleo is still alive and sets out on a mission to find him. But will Jack make it to finally tell Caleo how he really feels?

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•  My review of Caleo
• My review of Jack
• View all my reviews
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James Crawford

lives in Horn Lake Mississippi with his partner of 7 years. He began writing the Leech series in 2007 after having a reoccurring dream about a young boy with skin whiter than a sheet. The story inspired a writing frenzy that is shaping into the Leech series.

Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Twitter

@jamescrawford_7

The Things We Can't Change: Part 5 ~ Review

The Things We Can't Change 

Part Five: The Epilogue

by Kassandra Kush 

Publication Date: May 24, 2014

 Blurb:

  Evie and Zeke thought their troubles were over.

They thought they had solved their problems and moved past their own fears and insecurities. They thought it was their time.

They were wrong.

Tony is back. Evie's father's killer is still on the loose. Evie still can't seem to talk sense into her stepmother or figure out her future. Zeke still has a final secret. And someone is still sending him notes about it.

Every epilogue, every story, is supposed to have a happy ending.

Evie and Zeke have one more fight to find theirs

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 My Review:

 5 stars 

What a journey!!!!!, May 29, 2014

What a journey!!!!! Let me start by saying from the moment I began this series I questioned WHY I chose to continue reading it, knowing the highly sensitive, super emotional, very harsh subject matter it contained? Well after only a few chapters in I knew why...because Kassandra Kush proved in that short time that she would pull the heart strings to the limit, but would not break them. I've said this several times before, & I will continue to...I wish every teen could read this series & take away the amazing parts that they may need for themselves or a loved one. Be prepared for a very intense ride through some very real issues that will most likely require tissues, but know that they are so worth it!! The Things We Can't Change is so well told I will read this series again, No Doubt. Kush has this lovely ability to spin the darkest of situations into a beautifully heart-warming story that will win you over. And this one in particular did just that! My heart swelled with joy reading the final pages of Evie & Zeke's story, & as much as I love to see a series continue this ending spot was perfect! Not that I would object to a new story later about their "Happily Ever After", but I am content just knowing they have made peace with their demons. And the news Kassandra shared in her Author's Note made me even more excited! Can. Not. Wait. =D

 

My Reviews for 

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, & Part 4! 

 

Get your copy of TTWCC Part 5 Here! 

Meet the Cast:

Kassandra says: Casting photo for you for TTWCC!!! (I know, Zeke isn't exactly right, but exercise your imagination. The proper eyes, big diamond studs, tattoos, and you've got him. Besides, that jawline, those lips? Let me assure you, 100% Ezekiel Quain!)
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Part One: The Prologue
Publication Date: July 17, 2013

Blurb:

Ezekiel Quain has learned over the years that love and family are nothing to be depended on. After standing strong next to his mom through her cancer, she ran off, leaving Zeke, his dad and little sister to struggle with the leftover medical bills, and a bad taste in Zeke’s mouth about counting on anybody. His relationship with his father is strained, and the only person he cares for is his little sister, Cindy. With looks, attitude, and words, Zeke keeps everyone at arm’s length.

Evangeline Parker has it all: money, beauty, brains, and the perfect boyfriend, Tony. What everyone doesn’t see is that she’s trapped, and has been for two years. She lives every day in fear, hiding the fact that Tony isn’t the perfect man everyone thinks that he is. She walks a tightrope, trying to reconcile the Tony of the past with the Tony of the present, and to never, ever upset him. Terrified of anyone finding out the truth, she doesn’t get too close to anyone and has been struggling through the past two years alone.

When Zeke stumbles upon Tony and Evie one night and learns of her secret, their worlds begin to collide in a way neither of them expected. Before he can stop himself, Zeke finds himself stepping uninvited into Evie’s life, and urges her to tell someone. Evie refuses, terrified of the repercussions from Tony. Not even sure why he cares, Zeke can only watch from a distance, until disaster strikes and Evie’s secret comes to light, and they are both forced to take action.

The Things we can't change Part One:The Prologue will be 100% FREE all the time!

 



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Part Two: The Struggle
Publication Date:August 24, 2013

Blurb:

Evie and Zeke just want to forget.

Now that her secret is out and Tony is unable to come near her, Evie just wants to heal and move on. But with Tony’s last words embedded in her brain and guilt dominating her mind, she’s finding it hard to release the hold Tony still seems to have over her. She’s getting worse, sinking deeper, and no one seems able to help.

Zeke wants to forget it all and not feel a thing. After Cindy’s accident, his resolve to care for nothing and no one is stronger than ever. Desperate to separate himself and escape feeling, he’s thrown himself into the bad crowd he always used to avoid sinking into, doing more smoking and drinking and graffiti than ever. But nothing seems to stop the nightmares.

When Zeke goes too far and is caught, Evie’s dad is able to step in and offer a deal to repay Zeke for saving Evie; go to juvie, or work all summer for the Parkers. Seeing anything as better than juvie, Zeke agrees to work for the Parkers. What he didn’t count on was the close proximity to Evie, the only person who seems to give him feelings that he’s not sure he wants to push away. What Evie didn’t count on was Zeke still being the only person aside from her dad who makes her feel safe.

 Get your copy of TTWCC: Part 2  HERE!

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Part Three: The Healing 
Publication Date: September 24, 2013

Blurb:

Devastated by the loss of her father, Evie is floundering, drowning, and reaching out desperately for a lifeline – and finding absolutely nothing to cling to.

Still unable to come to terms with the death of his sister, Zeke is going on mindlessly, with no thought of tomorrow, only living in the now and trying furiously to bury and deny his emotions.

Two people who have both lost and suffered so much can only ignore each other’s pain for so long before seeing the similarities in what they are feeling. As Evie clings to Zeke as the one thing that makes her feel safe and grounded, Zeke can’t deny that she’s the one person who makes him feel – and feel emotions that he’s not sure he wants to push away.

Against both their better judgment and wishes, Evie and Zeke begin sharing their problems and grief, and they discover things that startle both of them; understanding. Empathy. Affinity. Compassion. And maybe, if they are willing to dig deep enough and try hard enough and trust enough, the most important thing of all.

Healing.

Get your copy of TTWCC: Part 3 HERE!

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Part Four: The Love Story
Publication Date: March 24, 2014

 Blurb:

  Evie and Zeke have healed—or so they think. But with the start of the school year comes new challenges and new problems.
They have bared their souls, found a connection, and worked on their problems. They have come to terms with their grief and are learning to move on and still go on with life, even though it’s without two of the people they loved the most. And yet with one kiss, everything changes yet again and they learn that their healing isn’t quite complete.
Not only do they have to return to school, face down the rumors and the peer pressure and old and new friends, but they have to learn about love.
Evie and Zeke have healed—but now they must learn how to love with their healed hearts.

 

Get your copy of TTWCC: Part 4 HERE!

  

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Welcome :]

Third person feels.... impersonal, so lezz just keep it real ;]

My name is Kassandra, one of the few rare gems who spell the name with a K. I like to read, write, and lay in the sun. Since I live in sunny Florida, I'm usually doing all three at once. I dream of returning to my hometown, Columbus, Ohio, but in the meantime I make do with placing most of my stories there. I come from a huge family dominated with girls and have a dopey, mostly-Black-Lab dog named Phineas. I tend to like fictional men better than real ones, and sometimes it's quite the hassle trying to keep up with all my book-relationships ;] Someday, though, I'm sure true love will strike me down, but until then, I'll share all my book boyfriends with you.

They can be found in all my novels, and I hope I speak the truth when I say I have a little something for everyone; mystery, romance, paranormal, real-life, drama and epicness. You can find information about my past, present, and forthcoming books in both my blog and Facebook links. I absolutely love to hear from readers, so be sure to drop me a line so I can thank you personally.

I'll leave you to read now, but welcome to my world; a place where true love exists, everyone gets a happy ending, magic is real, God is love, and it's perfectly acceptable to skip sleep, food, and company in order to finish that last chapter.

Oh, and the men are extremely good looking ;]

~ Kassandra

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Amazon, Facebook, & Goodreads

Lean on Me ~ Review

Lean on Me by Candy Crum

Sixteen year old Bri comes from a wealthy family, allowing her an expensive pass into the popular crowd, though it never much mattered to her. She's on the basketball team and track and is the top in both.

Bri has everything a girl could want, but she longs for loving and emotionally available parents. She longs for a traditional family instead of the one she was gifted - cold and very distant.

Bri's parents pressure her to be the best at everything instead of just being the best that she can be. As a result of trying for the perfect life for her parents, Bri finds herself in an abusive relationship and pressured into doing what a lot of teenagers are pressured into doing.

When Bri becomes pregnant, her entire world is turned upside down and she has no idea who she can trust anymore. Bri struggles to find a place in this world for herself and for her baby - the baby that she is desperate to have and watch grow. Along the way, Bri is given an opportunity to completely change her life and the life of her child - but it may hinder the life of another... binding him to a future he was never meant to have, just for her. Bri is forced to grow and grow stronger as she fights for her baby and learns how to be a good mother - and remain a pure soul. 

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My Review:

5 Stars

An unideal situation turned masterpiece!, March 17, 2014

Where to begin?!? I am not new to Crum's awesomeness, but this was the first non-paranormal. WOW! Talk about an emotional roller coaster ride! This story began a bit troublesome hitting on some serious topics and tugging some major heartstrings, but as always Candy Crum went above & beyond!  She takes us to an unideal situation and bumps it up a few notches by incorporating abusive relationships, teen pregnancy, abortion topics, complications, the importance of decision making, & figuring out what real love is all while dealing with the most unsupportive "parents" EVER. I loved Bri the whole way through & she ends up being the role model I would vote for. Showing that life isn't perfect, things happen, our choices come with consequences, but never give up. She learns that ultimately our decisions will make us or break us.

Standing up & choosing to fight for what we know is right ... that will complete us ... even if it's not the ideal situation.

I love her support system too! They added so much to this story & it makes you appreciate who you have in your life. Can you imagine if we were all surrounded by "those friends" like in the beginning of this story? I would not wish that on anyone!

I applaud Bri for finding the real meaning of unconditional love & refusing to give up no matter what!! 

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Get your copy on

Amazon, Amazon CA, & Amazon UK!

~ You can read Chapter 4 HERE! ~

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Some of Candy Crum's other work I've enjoyed:

The Eternal Gift Book 1

Eternally Forsaken Book 1.5  

Eternal Echo Book 2

Eternally Bound Book 2.5

 

Impending Rayne

 (Rise of the Ivory Army) 

Bella Morte
(A beautiful death Anthology)

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 My Reviews for

The Eternal Gift

Eternally Forsaken

The Eternal Echo

Eternally Bound

Bella Morte

Impending Rayne (Rise of the Ivory Army)

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About the Author:
Candy Crum lives in Indiana and is the Author of “The Eternal Series” and other short stories. She published her first novel, The Eternal Gift, in May of 2011 and has been publishing ever since. Candy is an avid lover of the paranormal genre, stemming from years of reading the Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice when she was a teenager. Later, she developed a deep love of the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead and the House of Night Series by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, furthering her love of the genre and pushing her to really push to finish and publish her novel. Since then, Candy has released three other books in The Eternal Series and will release another later in 2014. Now, Candy is trying her hand at more contemporary pieces of work, like that of Lean on Me and other books she will release in 2014. Some of Candy’s interests include the usual reading and writing, music (of most types), movies (action and comedy or any combination of the two), cartoons (she loves to say that her children watch cartoons because she does), and drawing. She loves talking with her fans and loves reading the reviews that her fans are kind enough to leave for her. Always feel free to find Candy on Facebook and send her a message.

Stalker Links:

Amazon, Facebook ~ Author Page,

The Eternal Gift Series Page,
 Twitter @TheEternalGift ,
& Goodreads

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