Megan Grooms's Blog

Book: The Fracturing
Author: Tricia Wentworth
Genre: YA Apocalyptic Science Fiction Romance

In the final moments of “The Culling”, Reagan Scott was betrayed. This betrayal changes everything. Not just for the Culling but for the country. As the competition for Presidential Couple continues and the final four are solidified, the campaigning begins, sending Reagan on a tour of the townships to vie for the votes and hearts of the nation. Though she’s finally with the one who has always had her heart, everything else seems to be spinning out of control. With enemies both within the Culling and outside of it, it’s not a matter of if something will happen… but when.

When the world comes crashing down around her, will Reagan break under pressure? How far can she make it in the Culling? And more importantly, how far is she willing to go to protect the ones she loves?

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I started this one right after the first one because of the cliff hanger. This one, is unfortunately worse as far as the writing of the story goes. Reagan has made her decision as to whom she loves and in a crazy twist at the end of the previous book, the boy she dumps joins forces with the ‘mean girl’ that everyone hates.

This book bounces between Reagan being so happy and in love, to her being pissed about situations she can’t control. The biggest thing I couldn’t get over is how she (an 18 year old female) is able to yell at and dress down officers in the military and the men (much older, more experienced and actually trained) don’t get upset with her for it. She seems to be surrounded by idiots that can’t think of a good plan on their own and need her to point out everything. It is a little beyond what I could fathom as real, especially in a world where women can be smart, but they are not military trained, nor do they give impute on any military matters.

The ending of this book is another cliff hanger, that (in my opinion) wasn’t written well. The culling is still going on by the end of this book so we don’t know who has won yet, and to me, the author is just trying to extend everything even longer.

As I said, the idea of the story is great, the execution is lacking. There is plenty that the author could have done within their own world for three books. The author isn’t lacking in ideas. If the culling had ended in book one, (or the middle of book two if she wanted the ridiculous twist she added to the end) there was plenty of material to continue with the MC as president and dealing with inside, and outside threats. I’m going to finish the series, but I doubt I’m going to read the spin off series that follows another culling.

I recommend this book to those that enjoy YA dystopian post-apocalyptic romance books, and can look over the fact that the MC is the smartest person in the room (even compared to older, more experienced militarily trained people).

Book: Immortal Magic
Author: Melissa Mackinnon
Genre: Paranormal Witches Adult Romance

Liam is cursed for disobeying orders. Centuries old and unable to die, he wants one thing – to find a witch powerful enough to break his curse and end his existence. Liam is called to Willow’s magic and its intoxicating scent, testing his vow of never falling in love again. He believes he’s found his answer in Willow but taking her down this dangerous path to right his wrong will put Willow’s magic—and life—at risk.

Good is the very definition of Willow. Her magic is pure and powerful, gifted by the very essence of Mother Nature. She follows the centuries old rules her coven has abided by and has never dreamed of defying them. That is, until she meets Liam; a man unfairly judged and more innocent than in the wrong. Liam’s wit and roguish charm challenge her ability to control her magical impulses. Helping him would mean putting her gift in his hands.

Tempting dark magic will take his warrior strength, her need to be true to her kind, and a love that could damn them both.

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I loved this book. Liam and Willow are very well fleshed out characters. Willow’s magic is very much a part of her and ever time it is used, it’s natural and seems normal for her. Liam is pained by his past but isn’t so melancholy that he’s annoying. There are some steamy scenes that are very well written and not trashy. The progression of the love story is sweet and believable.

I recommend this to anyone that loves stories with witches and curses, can handle some steamy scenes, and enjoys a little bit of thrill and danger in their books. Another great read, from a great author!

What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (what is it – does anyone call you this or just specific people/person)?

My name is Angelynn. No nickname.

What supernatural species are you?

Vampire

Do you have any special powers/abilities?

I can read people’s thoughts.

Who is your best friend at school?

My best friend is my twin brother Cody.

Where is your dorm?

Blood Island

Describe a typical day at Gifted Blood Academy.

A typical day for me starts with hanging out with my brother and other friends at breakfast then going to my first classes of the day.  There are always festivals or something happening that celebrate the different supernatural species that attend.

Do you have a significant other (if so, who are they, and what are they)?

Bryce, vampire

What is your biggest secret? Does anyone know this secret and how did they find out?

You would think as a vampire I would have all kinds of secrets but I don’t. Even friends find it strange there isn’t some big secret I’m hiding but I do know secrets about other people because of my ability to read thoughts.

What is your most treasured possession?

A locket my mother gave me that had been my grandmother’s.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from the academy?

I haven’t decided yet but at the top of the list is going to college. After that open a business like a bookstore or clothing store.

Buy NowAuthor Information

Diane and her family live in South Carolina with their three cats. When she’s not writing she can be found reading some of her favorite authors, playing video games, or watching some of her favorite movies or tv shows. She loves spending time with her family and friends. She is currently working on several new projects to be released throughout 2022. You can keep up with her on her website. Links to her social media platforms can be found on the site.

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Book: The Culling
Author: Tricia Wentworth
Genre: Young Adult Apocalyptic Science Fiction Romance

150 years after a virus wipes out most of the world’s population, Reagan Scott finds herself chosen for the State of the Union’s fifth Culling. She will compete against 49 of the country’s brightest girls. And then, of course, there are the 50 boys. She’ll have to pair up with one for her shot at becoming the next Presidential Couple.

Though the government truly means well, not everything is as it seems. She will be tested to the fullest extent while an evil storm brews.

With eliminations happening frequently, how far can she make it? And if she makes it far enough to meet the boys, how can she be expected to, at just 18 years of age, find a partner… for life? Does she have what it takes to be the next Madam President?

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I picked this book as an audiobook when I needed something to listen to while cleaning and driving. The concept is great, though the name is a little off for what I thought would happen. When I think of culling in a dystopian novel I think of hunger games type action where they are killing each other off, the author meant it as ‘to select from a group’.

The idea behind the story is great, choosing the next president and madam president from the smartest young adults (18-21), is something I hadn’t read before. The execution of the story could have been better, in my opinion. Unfortunately the main character has some flaws that I found a bit annoying. Continually believing she didn’t belong there, worrying about meeting the boys and not getting along with any of them, only because she’d never had a boyfriend before (she says herself and boys are like oil and water too many times). She also is a little too good at everything. She makes friends with almost everyone (except the main ‘mean girl’ character) and when the boys finally meet the girls, everyone likes her, specifically two highly sought after boys. This leads to her needing to make a decision, which takes far too long and causes other problems.

My main issue with the story is the ending. It’s a cliff hanger and completely out of character for who does it. I’ll admit it did make me start the next book right away to see what the hell was happening, but it left a bad taste in my mouth.

Over all the story was good, I listened to it, and found that it could have been told in less words if the author didn’t have the character repeat her concerns over and over again, and if they had left out exactly what everyone wore all the time. There were so many descriptions of clothing a quarter of the book was probably just that.

I would recommend for people that enjoy apocalyptic dystopian romance books and don’t mind a character that is 18, but when speaking in her mind to herself sounds more like 15 and incredibly unsure of herself, but manages to do everything she tries well.

What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (what is it – does anyone call you this or just specific people/person)?

My parents called me by my full name Zazzlina Kolia, however they passed into the void years ago, so I’ve preferred Zazz.

What supernatural species are you?

I’m Light Fae

Do you have any special powers/abilities?

 I’ve always been able to levitate with or without my wings. I can wish for anything I want although for some reason I’ve never used it much until I came to school. The ability to wish did not bring my parents back so it never occurred to me to use it. That probably sounds strange, but my life was simple and lonely where I lived. I can mind meld just about any species or human, but I try not to unless I’m under threat. Fae can also erase memories. We shoot blue sparks from our fingertips.

Who is your best friend at school?

 Oberon, Thor and Mia. Oberon started as my best new friend, but it soon became obvious we were fated to be bonded together when we turn 18. He makes me laugh and smile so much. He came in as a freshman while his cousin Thor and girlfriend Mia are juniors.

Where is your dorm?

 All the Light Fae reside in tree houses in Crystal Glades Forest. I think originally the dark fae were also supposed to be there, but they chose another area. I’m relieved I must admit. They can be mean.

Describe a typical day at Gifted Blood Academy.

 School was something I never thought about existing for any species. I put up a fight at first. I had quiet the attitude about it. But now I’m enjoying it. There is so much to learn. We start with Freshman Fae Powers every day. Even as Sophomore we start day with Fae Powers Class. We must have basic classes such as History, English, Math. Then we have electives which offers us the chance to learn marketing skills or computer science. Humans have no idea that non-human species have survived for centuries living among them. I’m taking every chance I get to learn as much as possible. Lunch time is fun. You can go eat wherever you want and chat with others. In Fae Powers Class we go on field trips.

Do you have a significant other (if so, who are they, and what are they)?

 Oberon Ras is Light Fae. He’s also a Prince in his realm. We are going to be bonded when we turn 18 in human years.

What is your biggest secret? Does anyone know this secret and how did they find out?

My twin and I found out we share very powerful abilities when we combine our powers. We just recently found out; however, we have greedy relative who would harm, even kill us to steal our powers. Little do they know if we die the powers die with us. Our deaths would be all in vain.

What is your most treasured possession?

A beautiful ring made from tandinite. She left a ring and necklace. My sister had the necklace.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from the academy?

 Oberon and I already plan to make our homes at Ardiham Castle with Mia, Thor and their family. We will move Oberon’s family there also if we can convince his father to leave his home in the Artic Forest where it is bitterly cold, I might add.

Freshman Year: 

I’m Zazzlina Kolia. I’m Fae. I’m holding a welcome letter that arrived for me from Headmistress Nyxim of The Gifted Blood Academy on the realm Ytherynia. I’m to report for Freshman Year School for 2020. I’m literally sitting here with my mouth hanging open.

If you’d have told me a month ago, I would be traveling to another realm called Ytherynia. I’d have been sarcastic. Fae’s don’t need to go to school.

I’ll keep my excitement to myself as I read the letter again for instructions. A secret realm called Ytherynia in which non-human species will cohabitate and run the halls together? No humans allowed. I can be myself freely? This should be interesting after all. Looks like I’m going to school.

Sophomore Year:

Nothing could begin to prepare Zazz and Oberon for the strangeness of Sophomore Year on Ytherynia.

The Academy begins to lose its magic throwing all the gifted species into survival mode. Have harmless tricks and games gone too far? Are there deeper meanings to the strange happenings this year?

Can the students align together and conquer the negative forces at work and save their beloved Academy before it’s too late?

Zazz’ s troubles are only beginning as she discovers her twin sister Tiana alive and well; however, someone in their family wants to steal their special powers, even at the risk of their demise. Zazz must dig deep into her inner fae and seek powers she has yet to use. No worries as Oberon will remain faithfully by her side.

Buy NowAuthor Information

Author Sherry Hutchison: I was that book geek hanging out at the local library every Saturday. I stepped through those doors into a magical world in which I could let my imagination run wild. I’ve always refused to except logical answers for unexplained things. I choose to believe in fairies and magical beings around us.

WebsiteAmazon Author PageSherry’s Eclectic Stories FB GroupFB Author Page

Book: Veronica Grimm: Don’t Fear the Reaper
Author: Cara North
Genre: Paranormal Romance

In Nowhere, North Carolina the rules have been established for centuries. Veronica Grimm may be an heir to the Reaper throne, but she wasn’t born or raised in Nowhere. She doesn’t know the rules. Moreover, she doesn’t care about breaking them. Especially, when it means taking the handsome hybrid for her mate. Sirius Casanova has been bite bound to Veronica since they were children. She has no idea what he has been through or how dangerous the sleepy little paranormal town really is. Worried that at any moment she might kill him, he still can’t resist being near her, with her, a part of her. A whole town built on magic and the whims of an ancient being, governed by laws put in place long before she was thought of, haven for paranormal beings, threat to the outside world around it, and that’s just the information she knows. It’s time to break old rules, make new ones, and fight for their lives. Welcome to Nowhere.

I’ve had this book for a long time (everyone has that TBR pile) and finally got the time to read it. It was worth making time. This book has some great world building. While the MC doesn’t understand the rules, the reader doesn’t either, making it easy to be in the MC shoes of being confused and frustrated, while also being an enjoyable book. Veronica is not to be messed with, and knows what she wants, though doesn’t always make the best choices for getting it. This one is a bit of a cliff hanger, so I’ll be bugging the author for the next instalment of this book.

I would recommend this book to anyone that likes supernatural/paranormal, with some steamy romance, and unique world building. The author is so creative you can’t say you’ve read this storyline a million times.

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What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (what is it – does anyone call you this or just specific people/person)?
My name is Yuri Finn, Prince of Liquiris. I don’t respond well to nicknames, so if you want to get showered by tons of ocean water, by all means, I dare you try it.

What supernatural species are you?
I am a merman of the ocean despite having been born in the river. It is a mystery no one can solve and cause of friction with my family. Along with that, comes great responsibility because unfortunately, I can’t control my powers no more than corals can control seaweed production. What? It’s a merfolk saying? Well, let’s just say I can’t control them, then.

Do you have any special powers/abilities?
Didn’t I just say that? Why are we doing this again?
Eryn: It’s for the school newspaper,
Yuri *laughter*
Yuri: *rolls eyes* Right. Well, I can’t control my powers but so far, I can summon and bend water in any form, cause earthquakes and a variety of extreme weather phenomena and I also have my prince staff which I rarely use unless there’s no other option. I can communicate with underwater creatures and use telepathy with merfolk. My tattoos? Huh. Don’t you have anything else to gossip about? Ugh. If you insist. My tattoos give me no special boost but only show my heritage. That I am a prince. I get one every year on my birthday until I am crowned or reach my adult year, whichever comes first. Happy now?

Why are your powers uncontrollable?
Ocean children are rare because they carry the spirit of the ocean inside them, thus making them uncontrollable. Unfortunately, he’s always angry. When I was born, Atlantis was destroyed, so you get the idea. To avoid that, I meditate a lot every day. Usually, it does the trick, but if the balance is broken, that’s when things get weird. Friendly advice: Don’t irritate me so you don’t have to die.

Favorite School Subjects?
I like WaterBinding and professor Waverly is always a pleasant company and her extended knowledge on various subjects helps me understand the world a bit better. I love Potions because my mom was obsessed with making and creating. I enjoy being surrounded by the distinct aromas and explosions because they remind me of her.

Who is your best friend at school?
Eryn despite being a fire elemental. Of course, the merfolk, even if I had a rocky relationship with Aquilus at the beginning. Now we’re cool though. I met the sirens this year and they’re alright I guess, but my father always warned us to stay away from sirens and their wild character. I haven’t been hanging out with other species as much, but I have a feeling this will change soon.

Where is your dorm?
It’s called the Mirror Shallows and harbors mermen, mermaids and sirens dorms, which is basically a cave. Eryn says it’s a cave of wonders because of all the precious stones and gems, but it’s usual for us. We have the coolest entrance, though. We can get in through the lake near the school and come out through the trapdoor in the Mirror Shallows, which leads to a bathroom at the school. Our clothes stay intact in our human form, but not our hair. You can’t believe how irritating is that!

Describe a typical day at Gifted Blood Academy.
Attending the lessons of the day. Second year is more demanding and introducing new material which is fine by me. I am a hard worker. After classes, I head to the library with Eryn to study or outside if the weather is good. We sometimes join the others in the training room to exercise. We often take trips to the city at the café where drinks pour themselves on their own or at the shops. It’s like a magical village with all kinds of cool stuff. I hate magic, but I have to admit, the whole setting is amazing and the flavors even more. Have you tasted hot chocolate? Humans may be monsters, but they know their stuff!

Do you have a significant other (if so, who are they, and what are they)?
Why would I even say that here? So that she can find out?

What is your biggest secret? Does anyone know this secret and how did they find out?
My secret is that I carry the ocean spirit. My friends found out in the worst horrible way when the ocean spirit lashed out. The balance shifted, but I had forgotten to meditate that way, so it’s partly my fault. From what I understood, I caused an earthquake, a tornado and a tidal way. I black out when the ocean spirit takes over, so I have no recollection of the event. However, my friends contained it. No one was killed, and the school is still intact. That’s a win, huh?

What is your most treasured possession?
A coral heart locket with my mother’s photo. I have no memories of her since she passed when I was six and a sun shaped locket Eryn gave me.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from the academy?
Honestly, I don’t know, but I am guessing run my father’s kingdom. Being the third in line has its perks, but my brothers are sadistic and stupid, so I am only hoping I don’t get the burden to rule. I’ve learned a lot in the academy like how to trust people and making friends and my wish is that we won’t lose touch after graduation. Assuming we get that far. Lana said Ytherynia is safe, but every year, there’s something going on. I firmly believe there’s a master plan behind all strange occurrences.  

Buy NowAuthor Information:

Maria Vermisoglou is an International Bestselling author of fantasy and paranormal with an obsession for witches. She loves throwing her heroes into impossible situations. Maria draws inspiration from books, travel, and…the ceiling. (So blame the ceiling!)

Maria started writing when the stories she read became too boring and the voices in her mind too loud.

When she’s not writing, she loves a good riding on the fantasy dragon, but a book can also be exciting, along with a cup of tea.

Nowadays, you can find her in Athens, exploring the mysteries of the ancient world.

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It’s that time of year again when we all say we’ll do better than last year.

I actually did pretty well last year (if I do say so myself) until December because it got crazy!
This year doesn’t seem much better. I’ve decided to do some anthologies and they keep me busy!

I am going to do better about putting my own name out there and trying to sell my books (not just the new ones, but the older ones as well) so keep an eye out, there may be some books you’ve not even seen yet because I put them out for LLS and didn’t give them a proper ‘new release’ push.

Newsletter

I’m starting a newsletter!
You will be the first to see new covers, learn about new releases, get special snippets of the new books, possibly receive ARC books and may even get free books!
You’ll also learn about some author friends of mine and their new releases or special deals.
So make sure you put in your email in the popup so you can keep up with all the new things!

Guest posts

I am going to have some guest posts over the next few months, from two different anthologies that are coming out soon. Keep an eye out for those and make sure to comment!

What are the two new anthologies that will be coming out soon? Let me tell you about them!

Everyone loves a good dragon story

Join my brand new MC Chusi, and Liam, the knight in training that tries to ‘rescue’ her.

Join us on fantastical journeys of love and friendship.

Face your greatest nightmares and live your wildest dreams.

First loves and forbidden romances mean a path of trial and error for these creatures and those who love them.

Get ready to take to the air and ride along with this limited edition collection of YA reads and unleash the power of the dragon within!

Included authors:
Ashley Bríon – Cassie Greutman – Clarissa Gosling – Diana Dawn
Megan Grooms – Melinda R. Cordell – MK Mancos – September North – Skye Deva
Sofia Ann Hoffman – International Bestselling Author K.M. Jenkins

Buy NowWelcome back to Gifted Blood Academy

Join my MC Tina and her friends for another year at the academy for the supernatural.

The magical island of Ytherynia is home to the greatest magical academy in all the realms. Every student with even a hint of magic would kill to attend The Gifted Blood Academy. It’s the only school where students from every species can mingle and learn together.

Mischief follows the students into their sophomore year however, and strange occurrences mar what would be a once of a lifetime opportunity. Buildings disappear and the land begins to decay as magic on Ytherynia starts to fade away.

Will the magical menace be resolved in time to save Ytherynia before it ceases to exist? Can everyone band together and work through their differences, or will Ytherynia, and everyone in it, suffer a horrible demise?

Included Authors:
J.R. Ganske and Heather Fleischman – Stacey Thompson – Megan Grooms
Angela Nicole Chu – Sherry Hutchison – Diane Riggins
Marsha Black – Astrid V.J. – Maria Vermisoglou

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Book: Soul of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy Romance

Welcome to Keating Hollow, the village full of love, magic, and cupcakes, and where nothing is more important than family.

At age eighteen, after a potion tragically backfired, Abby Townsend left Keating Hollow and her magic behind to find redemption. Ten years later, after being summoned by her family, she’s back. As soon as she drives into town, she’s already plotting her inevitable exit, but she can’t quite escape the pull of the tightly knit magical community or the soulful gaze of the one man she’s never forgotten. And when an eight-year old witch not only leads her back to her magic, but also steals her heart, Abby’s about to learn what it means to embrace the soul of a witch.

I went to my local small business book store and picked up this book. I am totally a ‘judge a book by it’s cover’ kind of person (I know, I shouldn’t, but I do). I’m so glad I picked this up. It was a nice easy read that kept the story going with a little mystery as to what happened to the MC in the past. The slow reveal was well done, it didn’t make me annoyed or frustrated. The romance was cute and it showed how people grow as they get older, but two people can still connect and be good for each other after being apart of so long. I recommend this book to anyone that loves cute romance, supernatural that is written as everyday occurrence, and want something light and fun to read.

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Book: The Archer’s Daughter
Author: Melissa MacKinnon
Genre: Medieval Historical Romance

Cate Archer is a wanted woman. When her father is killed during peace negotiations with the young King Richard, Cate vows she will not rest until she sees her father’s murder avenged and his killer brought to his knees. She never imagined she would fall in love with the man sent to execute her death warrant.

Lord Owen Grey has only one task—bring in the rebel leaders, dead or alive. His life’s duty is to the King’s Guard, and he has certain expectations to fulfill. Falling for his prisoner isn’t one of them. He understands her cause, but he cannot bring himself to risk his position and honor for an outlaw. Owen must choose between duty and his heart. The Guard is all he’s ever known. Does he stay true to his oath or find himself on the next most wanted list alongside his Cate?

*this book was expanded from it’s previous novella status, and rewritten to be a full length novel. Content has changed from original publication*

I got this book from the author at a convention that I went to with her (she’s an amazing person) We shared a table and I kept hearing her tell about this book and decided I had to have it. I enjoyed this story very much. I thought it was going to be very predictable (though still enjoyable), but it went to a place I wasn’t expecting which was pleasantly surprising. The author did a great job of making a bad ass female that had emotions, but didn’t go into a full girly breakdown when shit got real, the character stayed true and kept being a bad ass. The mix of history and creative history went seamlessly together. It was a great quick read, that I will read over again. This is my first book by this author and I’m looking forward to more (I already have another waiting on my shelf). I recommend this book for anyone that loves a bad ass female, romance, and redemption.

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