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Havana, Arkansas isn't exactly the picture of mystics and magic, and Lynnie Russell is anything but special. But on the night of her twentieth birthday, Lynnie learns quickly you can't judge a book by its cover.

When an unexpected encounter turns deadly, Lynnie discovers myths and legends are alive and well in her tiny little town and she is at the center of it. Her world is quickly turned upside down and the quiet existence she once loathed is nothing compared to what she has become. In the end, her becoming is only the beginning.

145 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2012

4 people are currently reading
449 people want to read

About the author

R.M. Gilmore

21 books327 followers
R.M. Gilmore is a paranormal and mystery/suspense writer and creator of the occult bestselling Dylan Hart series. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her teenage minion, bearded man-child, and toys still in the box. With an awkward and incessant sense of humor, it is likely she will die laughing.

"Star-crossed lovers and dead things. It's what I do." - R.M. Gilmore

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Two Nerds With Words.
941 reviews51 followers
December 30, 2012
I’m really starting to love novellas. Seriously, it’s almost instant satisfaction. It doesn’t take too long to reach the end and have that lovely glowy feeling you get from completing a really good read. And it’s thanks to such wonderful authors, like RM Gilmore, who have mastered the art of writing a short story (107 pages) in such a manner that makes it feel as though you’ve read a novel.

What you will find when you pick up Becoming, which I strongly recommend that you do, is a story that is original, superbly crafted and developed, in addition to creating the potential for a phenomenal paranormal series. This book is truly original. No vamps, no weres, rather something much more unusual, that it makes the story so very refreshing.

The pace was incredibly fast. A real page turner! Yes, I know that sounds ridiculously cliché, and when I read that in reviews, my more cynical side mutters in my ear – yeah right, were you struggling to write anything original – but honestly, Becoming was so very easy, fast, and kept me completely absorbed. Please don’t misunderstand, the description ‘easy’ is intended to be wholly positive.

I really enjoyed Lynnie’s character, and could easily hear her voice in my head with her superb twang. She’s a believable character, with very interesting, and understandable reactions to the situations that she finds herself in. What you will also find in Becoming is RM Gilmore’s lovely humour which if you have read The Scene, you will be relieved to discover is evident in this book.

An excellent novella.
Profile Image for Romina.
94 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2013
Lynnie Russell is celebrating her 20th birthday. She lives in Havana Arkansas with her brother Garret.
Garret has a best friend Rusty who is in love with Lynnie and has been since they were kids.
They go to a Honk Tonk bar called Maldoon’s just on the outskirts of town as alcohol is illegal in Havana.
That night Lynnie learns of Rusty’s love for her and decides after a lot of Whiskey to go for a drive to the Blue Mountain Lake with him.
This sets the scene for the moment Lynnie’s life will dramatically change.
In the darkness Lynnie and Rusty hear a noise………
A great start to a trilogy. This story really captivated me. I was eagerly turning pages wanting know what happened next.
Lynnie is written as such a strong character and I enjoyed reading her reaction to what happens and how she dusts herself off and gets on with trying to find out why it happened.
Every detail written about the changes Lynnie goes through makes it easy for me to picture.
The other characters in this story are written as equally strong and should set the pace for reading a great journey alongside her.
I did feel a touch of disappointment when I got to the end. I really wanted to keep going. I needed more.
I will definitely be carrying on this story. I’m eager to find out what happens next in Lynnie’s journey. A journey keep her soul about her.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
4 reviews
July 30, 2012
After reading the first book in the Dylan Hart series I had decided that I was going to read everything RM Gilmore puts out. I'm not really a fan of the short story in general as usually the reason it’s so short is they had little to say. But I had to give it a chance as I am loving this new author. Once again I am wowed with the sense of being in the book (something I rarely ever feel anymore.) I found myself reading it with a southern twang, just as the author had written it. I was so engrossed with this book I couldn’t put it down. Lucky for me (and my bosses as I read it on a long lunch) it is only 100 or so pages but I couldn’t stop reading it. Every twist and turn had me crying out like a teenager in the midst of a love story. It’s superbly written, with an excellent storyline, great character development and more than enough to keep me wanting and reading. I cannot wait for the next installment of Lynnie to come out. I want to continue reading about her journey. Thank you again, RM Gilmore, you never disappoint!
Profile Image for Jessica.
56 reviews22 followers
October 3, 2012
Little did Lynnie know, her 20th birthday would be the last day of her old life & the beginning of a new one. Now Lynnie is on a mission to find out what she has become.

I have to say I was a little suprised by Becoming. I was expecting another werewolf story, but it's safe to say it's not. This is my first RM Gilmore experience, and I am happy it was, because this book is amazing. Becoming is diffrent from anything I have read before, & I love Lynnie (the main character),she is a no nonsense kinda girl, and I love that about her. Becoming is for sure a five star read, & I can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for L.
219 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2012
3.5 Stars
On the night of Lynnie's twentieth birthday she stumbles across some witches in the woods, and wakes up surrounded by dead bodies and covered in blood. "Becoming" is a uniquely written novella about Lynnie coming to terms with what she has become.
This is a great book that really depicts Lynnie's inner turmoil. Gilmore did a beautiful job making the reader truly feel what the character was going through. Even though this is a quick read it had the making of a complete story and was a great beginning to this trilogy. Definitely looking out for second installment to see where Lynnie's journey will take her.
Profile Image for Katherine Rochholz.
Author 16 books92 followers
October 2, 2012
I love Lynnie, there were parts of the story that felt rushed, but I for one cannot wait for the next installment! It takes you on a ride into a new world. It did drag a bit in parts, but in the end it is a great short read that you can read in one sitting on a lazy afternoon, and be really happy, that you choose this book to spend your precious time reading this story. But a word of warning the only disappointing aspect is that the next part isn't out yet!!!! It will leave you wanting more!
Profile Image for Jannah.
48 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2012
I'm going to keep this short and to the point. It was EXCELLENT. Becoming had a few moments where I said, "WTF?" --and that's a good thing. I love it when a book surprises me. This book was original and witty. It not only had some paranormal elements to it, but some horror elements as well. I am reluctant to tell you more because I don't want to ruin it for you. Sorry, just read it yourself, bitches. Hahaha! It was a quick read and when the ride was over and I had read the last page, my only thought was 'NOOOOOO! Give me more!!!' I can't wait to read Lynnie's next installment!.

4 reviews11 followers
July 14, 2012
I simply could not put this book down! I loved it! You immediately like the characters and are rooting for them, especially Lynnie. The story is a totally new idea and that made it even more enjoyable. If you want suspense, humor, romance, magic and paranormal, then you will not be disappointed with Becoming. Can not wait on the next one!!
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,571 reviews19 followers
September 11, 2013
I chose to read this book because I’d read Endless Night and The Scene by R.M. Gilmore and I enjoy her style of writing and her sense of humor.

I like to read books without reading the synopsis or any reviews beforehand so that I can read them with no preconceived expectations. Because of that, and because I’ve read books by this author before, Becoming took me by surprise. First, I was a reading a cute romance novella hoping for something more to happen and BAM! Something more definitely happened and it took a complete turn.

You are right there with Lynnie as she struggles to deal with who or what she has become. I could imagine her heartache and confusion. There’s not much of the R.M. Gilmore humor in this book but it is still a good read. The only thing that bothered me was the distraction caused by grammar/typos but I believe she has taken care of that in subsequent novels by using Hot Tree Editing.

I recommend Becoming to anyone who likes Young Adult and/or paranormal novels.

This review is also posted on my blog, www.bound4escape.com.
Profile Image for Michelle Mcroberts.
464 reviews34 followers
October 27, 2015
I was provided a free E-version of this novella in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 - Quite short - disappointingly short, because it was actually really good.

The only reason I'd give this 3.5 stars instead of 4 is that it was such a strong start I wish the author had taken the time to write the entire novel. To me, it felt like this was simply the prologue of a book I would really like to read.

The voice is clear and unconfused and totally reads in the intended accent of Arkansas. I heard Lynnie's voice in my head - and judging by my husband's response when I looked up and answered a question last night, I fell into it when I spoke...I worked hard to leave behind the accent when I moved back up north! I love the truth in her dialect and in the word choice. She uses all the common phrases and interesting metaphors that I got so used to living further south.

I genuinely liked the characters Gilmore breathed life into and would love to actually get to know them...
Profile Image for Jennifer Treviño.
555 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2014
Witchcraft, terror, & werewolves ... Or not!
A gruesome short story for shifter fans as well as those who enjoy magic & witchcraft. This novella is different, original, & held my attention 'til the end. What I believed to be was not the case, bringing my attention to a new type of magical being. We learn about Lynnie including all the grisly details through her journey to understanding what she has become & where she will end up. There were a few instances where the dialect seemed to vary. For the most part the main character is speaking to the reader, describing things using her country twang & redneck jargon. In a few scenes the dialect seemed to change, later reverting back again. This did not distract me much though as I could not wait to unravel this mystery. I look forward to reading Existence.
http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Claire Taylor.
417 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2012
I was given this book on a read to review basis.

This is the first book in the Lynnie Russell Trilogy, and starts the trilogy storyline off nicely.

A chance encounter in the woods one night changes Lynnie’s life forever. She is thrown into the world of magic, where myths and legends are real and has to come to terms with what she has become, and what he is now capable of.

A quick read, this book is easy to get lost in. It is well written, full of suspense, fast paced, with great character development and will keep you gripped throughout.

This is set to be a very interesting and unique trilogy, and I can’t wait to see where the story leads.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews633 followers
February 26, 2013
Becoming is a short read revolving around a young woman in a small Arkansas town, complete with that Southern twang! Its a great start to a new trilogy by R. M. Gilmore with a loveable main character who gets thrown into a world she never imagined! With each page, you follow along with Lynnie as she discovers who she is and what she is becoming. There are so many good lines that suck you in, its hard to put down!

Becoming has a great storyline with strong characters, mystery and a touch of 'woo-woo' that will hook you in! My biggest complaint? Too short! I wanted more!

The biggest mystery? How did the author get all that story into so few pages????
Profile Image for Lise *friends don't flag*.
431 reviews173 followers
July 27, 2012
The author posted a comment about this book on facebook. I read the sample and then bought the book. I liked Lynnie and was fascinated by her story of "becoming." Of course now, as this is book #1 of a trilogy, I will have to wait for more. I think this new author did a very nice job with the story, it has suspense, something supernatural and a strong young female dealing with the unknown. I look forward to reading more of her work.
Profile Image for A.N. Busch.
Author 3 books21 followers
September 4, 2012
I was never a fan of short stories in the past, but I found this to be a really good story. I enjoyed it very much and I look forward to reading the next part of the series. I see this story line going great places!! (-:
Profile Image for Melodi Mance.
33 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2014
WOW! this book rocked! For a short book so much happened and it wasnt rushed. very well written. i loved the twist and turns through out. lynnie is a southern bell with one heck of a destiny. i absolutely loved this book!
Profile Image for Sarah.
3 reviews3 followers
Read
January 15, 2013
worth reading, I enjoyed the book. I prefer Dylan Hart though. I'm a vampire gal what can I say V--V
Profile Image for Janna Ward.
143 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2014
This is the best novella I've read in awhile. It keeps your attention right up to the very last page. I cannot wait until book 2 comes out
February 6, 2015
This book is the beginning of a trilogy that has all the markers for greatness. The characters are vivid, the scenery is wonderful, and the story grips you and doesn't let go. I can't get over the way that Gilmore crafted Lynnie's world. The descriptions and dialogue are so well done that the narrative voice in my head developed an Arkansas accent by the end of the first page. (Yes, I know how crazy that makes me sound... but hopefully that conveys how well this was written.)

I loved the story. The combination of small town, southern life and the world of the supernatural is well crafted. The superstitions of the area is explained by an ancient legendary creature from a faraway land. I am a sucker for stuff like this and I'm sure I will be reading some Celtic lore in the near future.

I like that it isn't a typical paranormal story. The creature in the story isn't one that is overused, in fact I don't think I have ever read a story that focuses on this particular creature. The author did a fantastic job describing the creature and explaining why it was different from what I had originally assumed it was. I also like how there aren't ready explanations about the world Lynnie finds herself in--she doesn't have an Obiwan to show her the ropes, she has to discover what she is and how to handle her new life. It is a journey of discovery and it gives the reader more incentive to follow along. I want answers just as much as the character and I'm going to stick around until I get them.

I have read another series by this author and though Lynnie has to deal with some of the same type of cryptic crap the paranormal world throws at her, it is very different from the world and stories of Dylan Hart. I think that Gilmore has a true talent and the differences in the series covey her versatility. I look forward to reading anything this author publishes!
Profile Image for Nadège Richards.
Author 11 books277 followers
August 27, 2012
I had no idea what I was getting myself into from the start of Becoming, so this is one of the hardest reviews I've ever had write. It's not because Becoming wasn't enjoyable, necessarily, but because of the way Becoming is written. The story doesn't tell itself, and that's, in a way, very new to me. I've read many novels where the character is speaking to the reader, but for the most part, I've never enjoyed them. Though, R.M.'s writing is very hard to explain, it's different, and yet it's able to captivate you and really reel you in to a good story. I appreciate that factor.

Sharlene's story is very mystifying and heartfelt. I really feel as if R.M.'s done her character justice. I love the plot and all its ideas, they are very unique, yet everything still has that YA trait that keeps us all a bit closer to home. I also really liked how the story unfolded. You really had no idea who Sharlene is in the beginning, but then a quarter way through the book you feel as if you've known her for forever--she easily becomes a favorite character. My only complaint is that R.M. had such good additions to the plot that I was so happy to unravel and discover and explore, but some thing's just didn't smooth over with me. I could have been because of my high hopes, but I felt like scenes could have been executed better. This, though, didn't take away from the story in the least bit, this is just my opinion. I believe Becoming is a very fascinating, supernatural story that will have people raging for a long while.
Profile Image for Shona Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom.
550 reviews28 followers
September 28, 2012
From the first few pages of this book I knew I was going to enjoy it. There was just something about Lynnie that dragged me into the story and I couldn't put it down.. even when I physically had to put it down to do my everyday jobs like eat, sleep, take care of the children. If I wasn't reading the book I was thinking about it.

There was no easing you into the story, it was more like here's Lynnie, her brother, his friend, her friend and BAM! there's your action.
This is the story of how Lynnie becomes (and I'm not telling you what she becomes) and the rest of the trilogy will tell what happens next.



Profile Image for Faith.
41 reviews6 followers
July 2, 2013
There are literally thousands of vampire or werewolf books out there but this isn't one of them, Becoming is truly something new and fresh.
I completely love this book. I grew up in a small town so I found I could relate to all the characters easily and they all have their lovable sides even when you want to hate them. The characters literally felt like they could be my friends or neighbors and that's what kept me intrigued. I honestly cared about the characters and wanted to see what was going to happen, not only to Lynnie but the rest of her crew.
This is an amazing start for Lynnie Russell and I can honestly say I can't wait to see where the series goes from here.
Profile Image for Cindy Barton.
150 reviews
September 9, 2013
Nice, fast and engaging read. I love the way that RM Gilmore is able to paint such an awesome picture with her words. I could literally see the trailer where Lynnie and her brother live, the town, their friends and even Muldoons, which I would feel right at home. I wondered when I started reading this story just what Lynnie was going to become, I wasn't really sure. When it finally happens, it is a far different incident that what I have read before. Nice change. Still, there are more surprises to come. When the book abruptly ended....WHAT, no, what's next is going to be an even better read.
Profile Image for Tiffany Saylor.
18 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2014
Wrong place at the wrong time. That is not how Lynnie Russell expected to describe her 20th birthday. But by the end of it that's exactly how she will describe it. But what exactly does it mean? What is she Becoming?

There are werewolf and shape-shifter stories out there. And then there is this. This is not something you've read before. The story line is unique and the characters are intriguing. The southern mannerisms are charming and you'll find yourself caught up in the story as her choices take her on an unexpected route. If you are tired of the same ol' shape shifting stories then do yourself a favor and get this novella.
Profile Image for Jannah.
48 reviews5 followers
July 13, 2012
I'm going to keep this short and to the point. It was EXCELLENT. Becoming had a few moments where I said, "WTF?" --and that's a good thing. I love it when a book surprises me. This book was original and witty. It not only had some paranormal elements to it, but some horror elements as well. I am reluctant to tell you more because I don't want to ruin it for you. Sorry, just read it yourself, bitches. Hahaha! It was a quick read and when the ride was over and I had read the last page, my only thought was 'NOOOOOO! Give me more!!!' I can't wait to read Lynnie's next installment!.


Profile Image for Patty Euefueno.
12 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2013
I really liked this book from R.M. Gilmore. We meet a charming southern belle, lynnie who is about to turn twenty. She wants to go out and party it up. She ends up getting pretty drunk with her brothers best friend, Rusty. They decide to go for a swim. What they discover freaked them out. Snakes and dead bodies!

Lynnie is convinced she is going crazy until she talks with her Nan and is give some answers. This book is filled with tense moments, paranormal and a bit of horror. It is well written, I forgot it was a novella. I wanted it to keep on going.

I cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Wanda.
95 reviews14 followers
July 2, 2013
This was a very quick read. I really liked the characters and became invested right away. The main character was very sassy but that's was no surprise considering who the author is. There were quite a few What???? moments in the story for me. I really enjoy this authors work because she pulls you into the story so flawlessly. I have to say there were tears on and off from the fire scene till the end. Talk about you don't know what you got till its gone. Cant wait to see where the story goes from here. I may be naive but I'm still holding out hope for love.
Profile Image for Claire Thake.
Author 2 books21 followers
February 13, 2015
This is the story of Lynnie, and the events surrounding her 20th birthday where she becomes.....read it and find out ;)

I love the amount of description in this book, it really helps you to feel exactly what Lynnie is going through and to understand her emotions. I feel really sorry for Lynnie, she finds out about things and then its all ripped away from her (don't want to say to much or ruin the story).

I did feel at times even thought description was amazing, that sometimes it made parts drag, but all in all i enjoyed it and cannot wait to see what happened in part 2!
Profile Image for Nicollette.
49 reviews
August 12, 2012
Goodreads giveaway winner.
3.5

I read Becoming in about an hour. There were a few heart wrenching moments in this book. It kept you wondering about what has happened to Lynnie, and what she has become. It seemed like everyone knew what she became, from her Nana her mother, Rusty, to Avery the witch. She had to wait and figure things out herself. I look forward to seeing what choices she may have made wrong and what effects may have changed the future of her and Percy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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