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Vanishing #1
Since Inception
After discovering she has a problem worse than anything she could have ever imagined, Rainey Billows longs for the past—a time when she thought she was just a sadistic sleepwalker. Worse yet is the knowledge this problem has been with her since inception.
Rainey, a woman who's suffered an entire lifetime of pain and humiliation because of her sleepwalking, is financially desperate when she takes in Carter Dodson as a boarder. With his presence in her house and her attraction to him, her internal conflicts, ones she's usually able to ignore, swim to the surface and take control. Before she knows it, her sleepwalking moves to a completely new level, and she's doing things she'd never thought possible.
In fear for Carter's life and without options, Rainey sentences herself to a nighttime ritual that would appear barbaric to others. In her mind, it's essential because, unlike anyone else, she knows firsthand the types of atrocities she's capable of in her sleep.
Carter, a man branded as unconditionally loyal by his friends, knows very little about Rainey but decides early on that she's a woman who has no one… a woman who needs someone. He commits himself to being that person for her. As soon as she makes her first request of him—to ignore her and her nighttime rituals no matter what she says or does—he reconsiders his pledge before quickly reminding himself he can't abandon her. She's had enough of that.
Months later, study, research, and theories are not enough, and standing by is no longer an option. Carter suspects what's wrong with her. What she is. With his suspicions in tow, he searches out and enlists the help of Luke, a childhood friend who's fast-tracking his way to priesthood. After a series of unforeseen and life-threatening events, the two men learn that even the Almighty himself may not be able to help Rainey.
Rainey, a woman who's suffered an entire lifetime of pain and humiliation because of her sleepwalking, is financially desperate when she takes in Carter Dodson as a boarder. With his presence in her house and her attraction to him, her internal conflicts, ones she's usually able to ignore, swim to the surface and take control. Before she knows it, her sleepwalking moves to a completely new level, and she's doing things she'd never thought possible.
In fear for Carter's life and without options, Rainey sentences herself to a nighttime ritual that would appear barbaric to others. In her mind, it's essential because, unlike anyone else, she knows firsthand the types of atrocities she's capable of in her sleep.
Carter, a man branded as unconditionally loyal by his friends, knows very little about Rainey but decides early on that she's a woman who has no one… a woman who needs someone. He commits himself to being that person for her. As soon as she makes her first request of him—to ignore her and her nighttime rituals no matter what she says or does—he reconsiders his pledge before quickly reminding himself he can't abandon her. She's had enough of that.
Months later, study, research, and theories are not enough, and standing by is no longer an option. Carter suspects what's wrong with her. What she is. With his suspicions in tow, he searches out and enlists the help of Luke, a childhood friend who's fast-tracking his way to priesthood. After a series of unforeseen and life-threatening events, the two men learn that even the Almighty himself may not be able to help Rainey.
421 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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October 11, 2014As a two-time winner, it's that time of year when my world becomes NaNoWriMo and nothing else. With the contest, I'm releasing the cover to the newest book that I'll be writing. It's the first in the Vanishing series, and the genre is different than any I've written so far.
Before too many people become disgruntled, I know there are people who want Dark Angels (Warrior, #4), There (Still Standing, #2), and/or Deeper Than Hell (Secrets, #3), but the goal of 50k words in a month requires a fresh start. I can't participate in this marathon while writing a book full of characters and histories that have already been created because I'd spend too much time making sure the previous book(s) ticked and tied with this one. Time is not a luxury when you're writing for NaNoWriMo. With a brand new series, I'd don't have those kinds of concerns. I have a blank piece of paper and an open throttle, and that's exactly what I need to become a three-time NaNoWriMo champ.
Once again, I have Claudia McKinney of Phatpuppy Art to thank for the awesome cover design. For me, the ominous cover says everything that needs to be said about Rainey's story.
This full length novel is going to be creepy (per my daughter) and filled with horror, suspense, and thrills. It's going to have twists and turns that will be balanced out by heart-stopping moments that reinforce the fundamental assumption that eternal love does exist. The ending will be nail-bitingly suspenseful and hair-raisingly horrific. No matter what you think about the book, you will applaud my ability to spin a yarn in a way that makes your heart race, your spine tingle, and your nightmares come to life.
On 11/1/13, enjoy the cover reveal and the blurb. Later, take some time to buy, read, and rate Since Inception (Vanishing#1). It's not like anything you've ever read before, and it's not like anything you'll ever read again. All in a very... very... very good—sadistic—way.
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Age: +18 years of age and older (strong sexual situations/violence/ profanity)
Book cover Designer: Phatpuppy Art
Planned Release Date: 12/9/14
CHARACTERS:
Rainey Kay Billows:
Rainey is a woman who's been haunted her entire life. She's running low on dignity, faith, and a will to live. At least she is until she meets Carter. Something about him tells her things could be different... things will be different. She believes that until the sleepwalker returns and makes her do something she never expected to do. Not to Carter anyway.
She quickly realizes she's willing to sacrifice everything in order to protect the one and only person she's ever loved. For her, Carter is everything and his life is worth anything. Including her own.
Carter Raul Dodson:
Unconditionally loyal, Carter is a man who's no stranger to betrayal. When he meets Rainey, he's smack dab in the middle of his own personal hell. He's divorcing his high school sweetheart and firing his partner and best friend after finding them in bed together. A new relationship is the last thing on his mind until he comes face-to-face with Rainey. After he meets Stormy... Rainey's all he can think about. Morning. Noon. Night.
Luke John Espirit:
Luke is well on his way to becoming a priest when Carter, his friend since childhood and former foster home brother, calls and begs him to help a woman he knows. Luke can tell this woman is not just any woman, and her problems are not the kind that a simple confession can cure. After he meets her and hears her tale, he has to decide if saving her is worth the rules he'll have to break... if she'll tempt him in ways that will keep him from ever becoming a priest.
Will & Wilana Billows:
Rainey's cousins are stereotypical wicked twins who are unnaturally perfect. With every glare, sneer, backhanded comment, they look down upon and condescend Rainey in ways that makes her more self-conscious than normal.
When they team up and toy with her moral and ethical determination to do what's right, Rainey realizes they're after something more than their share of their Gran's inheritance. Without mercy, they take full advantage of Rainey's strengths, using them against her until she's between a rock and a hard place and has almost no option but to give in to their demands in order to save Carter from the world their pulling her down into.
Before too many people become disgruntled, I know there are people who want Dark Angels (Warrior, #4), There (Still Standing, #2), and/or Deeper Than Hell (Secrets, #3), but the goal of 50k words in a month requires a fresh start. I can't participate in this marathon while writing a book full of characters and histories that have already been created because I'd spend too much time making sure the previous book(s) ticked and tied with this one. Time is not a luxury when you're writing for NaNoWriMo. With a brand new series, I'd don't have those kinds of concerns. I have a blank piece of paper and an open throttle, and that's exactly what I need to become a three-time NaNoWriMo champ.
Once again, I have Claudia McKinney of Phatpuppy Art to thank for the awesome cover design. For me, the ominous cover says everything that needs to be said about Rainey's story.
This full length novel is going to be creepy (per my daughter) and filled with horror, suspense, and thrills. It's going to have twists and turns that will be balanced out by heart-stopping moments that reinforce the fundamental assumption that eternal love does exist. The ending will be nail-bitingly suspenseful and hair-raisingly horrific. No matter what you think about the book, you will applaud my ability to spin a yarn in a way that makes your heart race, your spine tingle, and your nightmares come to life.
On 11/1/13, enjoy the cover reveal and the blurb. Later, take some time to buy, read, and rate Since Inception (Vanishing#1). It's not like anything you've ever read before, and it's not like anything you'll ever read again. All in a very... very... very good—sadistic—way.
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Age: +18 years of age and older (strong sexual situations/violence/ profanity)
Book cover Designer: Phatpuppy Art
Planned Release Date: 12/9/14
CHARACTERS:
Rainey Kay Billows:
Rainey is a woman who's been haunted her entire life. She's running low on dignity, faith, and a will to live. At least she is until she meets Carter. Something about him tells her things could be different... things will be different. She believes that until the sleepwalker returns and makes her do something she never expected to do. Not to Carter anyway.
She quickly realizes she's willing to sacrifice everything in order to protect the one and only person she's ever loved. For her, Carter is everything and his life is worth anything. Including her own.
Carter Raul Dodson:
Unconditionally loyal, Carter is a man who's no stranger to betrayal. When he meets Rainey, he's smack dab in the middle of his own personal hell. He's divorcing his high school sweetheart and firing his partner and best friend after finding them in bed together. A new relationship is the last thing on his mind until he comes face-to-face with Rainey. After he meets Stormy... Rainey's all he can think about. Morning. Noon. Night.
Luke John Espirit:
Luke is well on his way to becoming a priest when Carter, his friend since childhood and former foster home brother, calls and begs him to help a woman he knows. Luke can tell this woman is not just any woman, and her problems are not the kind that a simple confession can cure. After he meets her and hears her tale, he has to decide if saving her is worth the rules he'll have to break... if she'll tempt him in ways that will keep him from ever becoming a priest.
Will & Wilana Billows:
Rainey's cousins are stereotypical wicked twins who are unnaturally perfect. With every glare, sneer, backhanded comment, they look down upon and condescend Rainey in ways that makes her more self-conscious than normal.
When they team up and toy with her moral and ethical determination to do what's right, Rainey realizes they're after something more than their share of their Gran's inheritance. Without mercy, they take full advantage of Rainey's strengths, using them against her until she's between a rock and a hard place and has almost no option but to give in to their demands in order to save Carter from the world their pulling her down into.
March 25, 2015
LOVED it!!! This book kept me in the edge of my seat...couldn't wait to read what was happening next! I highly recommend reading this book and I can't wait for the next one in the series to come out!
On a side note, I was pleasantly surprised to see some characters from T.R. Graves Warriors of the Cross series in here (if you haven't read that series yet check it out people...you won't be disappointed!) ;)
On a side note, I was pleasantly surprised to see some characters from T.R. Graves Warriors of the Cross series in here (if you haven't read that series yet check it out people...you won't be disappointed!) ;)
September 10, 2015
I purchased this book thinking it was going to be a departure from the series I've already read. Oh my was I pleasantly surprised! Thanks again, Ms Graves for creating/continuing a story so warm yet mysterious. Again, you've created lovable/hateable characters and I can't wait to see what happens next! Your fan for always!
December 9, 2014
I was super excited when I was chosen to be a part of the tour for Since Inception. When I saw the cover, I knew it was a book that I had to read. Dark and creepy! The synopsis was right up my alley, and I jumped right in as soon as I received the ARC. While I did have some issues with the story, for the most part I really enjoyed the story. It was fairly fast-paced, with an interesting plots, and another story woven in the pages.
We start off from Gigi's perspective, Rainey's grandmother and keeper of the family home. Through her small part, we learn that the house is basically its own character, with feelings and emotions. It very much loves Gigi, and when Gigi is threatened, the house tries to protect her. Things don't end up that way, however and Gigi dies. Rainey learns that Gigi has given the house to her, and we start Rainey's story as she begins her life there. Through a few back flashes, we see her place an ad for help around the house, and meeting Carter who becomes her roomate/ contractor. We also jump right into Rainey's struggles with Stormy, another soul trapped inside Rainey who only comes out when
Rainey sleeps.
I don't want to get too into the plot, and who and what Rainey and Carter and Stormy are. I will just say that from the moment we see Rainey handcuffed to the bed to protect the world from Stormy, and Carter finally admitting his love for Rainey, things take a turn for the wild. There are so many beings in this book. Hellions and Hellhounds, Dark Wizards and Witches, Tartarus, Neptune, Motleys.... It can be very consuming, so you have to really go into the book ready to pay attention just to keep things straight.
Rainey was a good character, though she did some things that truly bothered me. I liked that she wanted to be a strong and independent woman, and I like that she is willing to do whatever it takes to save people that she loves. I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say that when Soule comes into the picture is when Rainey becomes a little less likable. For me. Carter is super sweet, gentle and loving with Rainey. He is 100% committed to her safety and he loves her. I liked his character, and I enjoyed the romance between these two. Soule, one of the other major players, was just.... Soule. Sexy, dark and mysterious. I enjoyed him as well, and I think he is so much more than what he seems. The other characters in the story were really well written, each with their own character and depth. That is one thing T.R. Graves does really well, making each of her characters their own person.
Like I said earlier, I did have some issues with the story. Sometimes, the pacing was very slow. There were so many words, but nothing actually happening and I found myself getting bored sometimes. I think this book could have been so much better if some of the extraneous stuff was edited out, and it kept to the meat of the story. My other issue was Rainey's families story, told to her by Gigi when she was a child. We are given the story in pieces, at the beginning of the chapters. I like this sometimes, but sometimes I would have to flip back and remind myself of what had happened previously. It would be awesome if there was a novella with this story, so we could read it all in one go. Finally, I feel like there were two stories in this book, and one was completely dropped when the other came into play. Basically, the first part was Rainey/Stormy, the second part was La Reine/Soule/Carter. I have a feeling it will all come together in the next books, though
I know it sounds like I didn't like more than I liked with Since Inception, but really that isn't the case. I liked the story and I plan to read the next one. When I write reviews I want to be completely honest in them, so I felt like I had to state my issues. Regardless of those issues, I enjoyed this story and I think T.R. Graves is a very talented author with a crazy good imagination, and I look forward to more from her!
We start off from Gigi's perspective, Rainey's grandmother and keeper of the family home. Through her small part, we learn that the house is basically its own character, with feelings and emotions. It very much loves Gigi, and when Gigi is threatened, the house tries to protect her. Things don't end up that way, however and Gigi dies. Rainey learns that Gigi has given the house to her, and we start Rainey's story as she begins her life there. Through a few back flashes, we see her place an ad for help around the house, and meeting Carter who becomes her roomate/ contractor. We also jump right into Rainey's struggles with Stormy, another soul trapped inside Rainey who only comes out when
Rainey sleeps.
I don't want to get too into the plot, and who and what Rainey and Carter and Stormy are. I will just say that from the moment we see Rainey handcuffed to the bed to protect the world from Stormy, and Carter finally admitting his love for Rainey, things take a turn for the wild. There are so many beings in this book. Hellions and Hellhounds, Dark Wizards and Witches, Tartarus, Neptune, Motleys.... It can be very consuming, so you have to really go into the book ready to pay attention just to keep things straight.
Rainey was a good character, though she did some things that truly bothered me. I liked that she wanted to be a strong and independent woman, and I like that she is willing to do whatever it takes to save people that she loves. I don't want to give anything away, so I will just say that when Soule comes into the picture is when Rainey becomes a little less likable. For me. Carter is super sweet, gentle and loving with Rainey. He is 100% committed to her safety and he loves her. I liked his character, and I enjoyed the romance between these two. Soule, one of the other major players, was just.... Soule. Sexy, dark and mysterious. I enjoyed him as well, and I think he is so much more than what he seems. The other characters in the story were really well written, each with their own character and depth. That is one thing T.R. Graves does really well, making each of her characters their own person.
Like I said earlier, I did have some issues with the story. Sometimes, the pacing was very slow. There were so many words, but nothing actually happening and I found myself getting bored sometimes. I think this book could have been so much better if some of the extraneous stuff was edited out, and it kept to the meat of the story. My other issue was Rainey's families story, told to her by Gigi when she was a child. We are given the story in pieces, at the beginning of the chapters. I like this sometimes, but sometimes I would have to flip back and remind myself of what had happened previously. It would be awesome if there was a novella with this story, so we could read it all in one go. Finally, I feel like there were two stories in this book, and one was completely dropped when the other came into play. Basically, the first part was Rainey/Stormy, the second part was La Reine/Soule/Carter. I have a feeling it will all come together in the next books, though
I know it sounds like I didn't like more than I liked with Since Inception, but really that isn't the case. I liked the story and I plan to read the next one. When I write reviews I want to be completely honest in them, so I felt like I had to state my issues. Regardless of those issues, I enjoyed this story and I think T.R. Graves is a very talented author with a crazy good imagination, and I look forward to more from her!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews