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Phasms
Captive Potential
Everything in Kelsi's life feels more like The End, rather than the Happily-Ever-After she anticipated with her prince, Aiden Hardt. She and Aiden are fighting. Again. His daughter Bryn wakes them screaming every night. By day Bryn is bright...and bubbly, but at night her dreams are filled with a distant land, a dark-haired man, and a threat Kelsi couldn't foresee. Even her best friend Sarah is miserable.
Tossed between multiple planes of existence, Kelsi must overcome the barriers in her heart and mind to save those she her friend, her lover, and the child she thinks of as her own.
Even if providing them a chance for their own Ever After spells the end for her.
Tossed between multiple planes of existence, Kelsi must overcome the barriers in her heart and mind to save those she her friend, her lover, and the child she thinks of as her own.
Even if providing them a chance for their own Ever After spells the end for her.
- GenresParanormal
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2015
249 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Garren
3 books23 followersI'm a writer, a reader and a frequenter of the more charming sites in town, namely pubs. I've travelled a bit. Lived a few places. Known a few men. It all ends up in a story sooner or later.
San Diego is home these days and my life is ruled by Charlie the Dog, a Valkyrie muse named Prue and a husband who buy me scotch. What more can a girl ask for?
San Diego is home these days and my life is ruled by Charlie the Dog, a Valkyrie muse named Prue and a husband who buy me scotch. What more can a girl ask for?
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2015
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Um. I just finished. And I am still trying to gather my thoughts. Captive Potential. If you loved book one? You will absolutely be blown away by the brilliant continuation of this series.
“...I know-but I don’t really know anything.”
That pretty much describes Captive Potential. You don’t know anything. Ok. Well you think you do. But I know for a fact you’re wrong. I can truly say that this is the most unpredictable story I’ve ever read. And I loved every single minute of it. I gripped my kindle the entire time. I held on to every single word.
"Sometimes, just sometimes, my love for him was so fierce it hurt. It became a physical pang, heart and lungs pressed into a space ten sizes too small, and I lost the ability to breathe."
Aiden and Kelsi are irrevocably in love on a level that is beyond words. But like any other new relationship there is still so much they don’t know about each other. While their love for one another is not even a question, they must learn to trust and that itself can be challenging when you feel someone may be hiding something. They go through a lot of ups and downs, but their strength of their love always remains.
“I know his soul and the parts of him I can’t touch.”
Captive Potential continues Aiden’s and Kelsi’s story of dreams and their special gifts. Bryn’s nightmares are terrifying. Some truths are revealed. Unforeseen barriers threaten to become between Aiden and Kelsi and everything they believe in. Vague? I know. But I need to be. I cannot simply put into words what happens in the second installment of this series. Everything you thought was true changes. Each page brings a different revelation. As a reader you want nothing more than to lose yourself in these pages. And you will.
"To lose Aiden wasn't just to lose his love. It would be the loss of my own soul.”
Every declaration of love between Aiden and Kelsi is absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking. These two love deep down to the core of their hearts. Their souls are forever tethered to one another. And the author doesn’t tell you this. She allows you to feel this throughout the entire story. Throughout the ups and downs, their love always remains.
“My love for Aiden is a deep, red pulse, burning with a slow and steady warmth that assuaged my loss, seeping to my very core, bleeding into every pore, every fiber of who I am, until I can’t breathe, can’t move can’t be without him near.”
Let’s talk about the writing shall we? The writing to put it simply is... seamless. The author is in a class of all her own. As the synopsis indicates, Kelsi goes through different planes of existence. The author effortlessly weaves the reader in and out of these planes and it is simply brilliant. It adds so much depth to this story. The writing has to be hands down one of the best I’ve ever read in any contemporary paranormal romance. It grips you from the very first page. You are instantly inside of the story with Kelsi and Aiden. This goes beyond just reading this book. You live their story.
“I need him to know he is the blood running though my veins, the spark that fires my heart and the very essence that is my soul.”
If you are a fan of heart-stopping, all consuming paranormal romance, then this is absolutely the book for you. The author adds her own unique twist to the paranormal romance genre in that she doesn’t stick to the generic formula. She takes it to whole other level. Even if you are not usually a fan of the paranormal genre, this series will convince you that you are now. If I could give the author a standing ovation for this story and even it’s ending I would. I am still reeling over this story several hours later.
Um. I just finished. And I am still trying to gather my thoughts. Captive Potential. If you loved book one? You will absolutely be blown away by the brilliant continuation of this series.
“...I know-but I don’t really know anything.”
That pretty much describes Captive Potential. You don’t know anything. Ok. Well you think you do. But I know for a fact you’re wrong. I can truly say that this is the most unpredictable story I’ve ever read. And I loved every single minute of it. I gripped my kindle the entire time. I held on to every single word.
"Sometimes, just sometimes, my love for him was so fierce it hurt. It became a physical pang, heart and lungs pressed into a space ten sizes too small, and I lost the ability to breathe."
Aiden and Kelsi are irrevocably in love on a level that is beyond words. But like any other new relationship there is still so much they don’t know about each other. While their love for one another is not even a question, they must learn to trust and that itself can be challenging when you feel someone may be hiding something. They go through a lot of ups and downs, but their strength of their love always remains.
“I know his soul and the parts of him I can’t touch.”
Captive Potential continues Aiden’s and Kelsi’s story of dreams and their special gifts. Bryn’s nightmares are terrifying. Some truths are revealed. Unforeseen barriers threaten to become between Aiden and Kelsi and everything they believe in. Vague? I know. But I need to be. I cannot simply put into words what happens in the second installment of this series. Everything you thought was true changes. Each page brings a different revelation. As a reader you want nothing more than to lose yourself in these pages. And you will.
"To lose Aiden wasn't just to lose his love. It would be the loss of my own soul.”
Every declaration of love between Aiden and Kelsi is absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking. These two love deep down to the core of their hearts. Their souls are forever tethered to one another. And the author doesn’t tell you this. She allows you to feel this throughout the entire story. Throughout the ups and downs, their love always remains.
“My love for Aiden is a deep, red pulse, burning with a slow and steady warmth that assuaged my loss, seeping to my very core, bleeding into every pore, every fiber of who I am, until I can’t breathe, can’t move can’t be without him near.”
Let’s talk about the writing shall we? The writing to put it simply is... seamless. The author is in a class of all her own. As the synopsis indicates, Kelsi goes through different planes of existence. The author effortlessly weaves the reader in and out of these planes and it is simply brilliant. It adds so much depth to this story. The writing has to be hands down one of the best I’ve ever read in any contemporary paranormal romance. It grips you from the very first page. You are instantly inside of the story with Kelsi and Aiden. This goes beyond just reading this book. You live their story.
“I need him to know he is the blood running though my veins, the spark that fires my heart and the very essence that is my soul.”
If you are a fan of heart-stopping, all consuming paranormal romance, then this is absolutely the book for you. The author adds her own unique twist to the paranormal romance genre in that she doesn’t stick to the generic formula. She takes it to whole other level. Even if you are not usually a fan of the paranormal genre, this series will convince you that you are now. If I could give the author a standing ovation for this story and even it’s ending I would. I am still reeling over this story several hours later.
January 18, 2015
Writing the second book in a series is tough. Writing the second book when the first book was so loved by readers is even harder.
There were moments I couldn't stand what I had to do to my characters to make this book come to completion. Soul searching and heartache as an author is the life blood of our existence. But when your characters take on their own lives and make decisions you never expected? It makes the story that much deeper and richer to write.
I hope you love the continuation of Kelsi and Aiden's journey as much as I do. I hope you laugh, cry, gasp and shudder just as I did writing it. And I hope you'll stay tuned for book 3, the final volume of my Phasms Trilogy, coming late this summer!
There were moments I couldn't stand what I had to do to my characters to make this book come to completion. Soul searching and heartache as an author is the life blood of our existence. But when your characters take on their own lives and make decisions you never expected? It makes the story that much deeper and richer to write.
I hope you love the continuation of Kelsi and Aiden's journey as much as I do. I hope you laugh, cry, gasp and shudder just as I did writing it. And I hope you'll stay tuned for book 3, the final volume of my Phasms Trilogy, coming late this summer!
March 26, 2015
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes, just sometimes, my love for his was so fierce it hurt. It became a physical pang, heart and lungs pressed into a space ten sizes too small, and I lost the ability to breathe.”
“And I couldn’t bear to be without you. On this plane, in this form or any other.”
“More than anything, more than everything, the thought of being separated from Aiden frightened me. Fear of being apart from him for any time, in any place.”
“When he stared at me like that, nothing between us, nothing hidden or chanced to the vagaries of an imperfect language, I stopped breathing, stopped thinking, stopped caring about anything but this, now, with him.”
“His voice flows like the richest wine, full and soft on the palette, relaxing, intoxicating, warming from the inside out.”
“I need him to know he is the blood running through my veins, the spark that fires my heart and the very essence that is my soul.”
My Review:
Sigh, I am not much of a paranormal reader, but I love Barbara Garren’s captivating writing. That is all that needs to be said. It is like she sprinkles fairy dust and enchanted words flow across my brain and weave themselves into images that squeeze my heart, sting my eyes, and steal my breath. I recalled being smitten with the first book of this series, Infinite Potential, but due to the time lapse and my faulty memory for details, I found I needed to go back and reread the Infinite Potential to fully make sense of Captive Potential. I was happy to do so and don’t begrudge the extra effort as the first book was pure magic and I found it even better and enjoyed it even more the second time through. Ms. Garren has a knack for emotive scenes and kept me taut and on edge through most of Captive Potential as the main character spends a considerable amount of time confused, befuddled, or frustrated. I was so involved with the story, I found myself experiencing the same level of consternation. And I am more than a bit provoked by the dramatic cliffhanger ending, but will be glad to have an excuse to reread both books to refresh my memory before picking up book 3. But I hope I don’t have to wait long.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“Sometimes, just sometimes, my love for his was so fierce it hurt. It became a physical pang, heart and lungs pressed into a space ten sizes too small, and I lost the ability to breathe.”
“And I couldn’t bear to be without you. On this plane, in this form or any other.”
“More than anything, more than everything, the thought of being separated from Aiden frightened me. Fear of being apart from him for any time, in any place.”
“When he stared at me like that, nothing between us, nothing hidden or chanced to the vagaries of an imperfect language, I stopped breathing, stopped thinking, stopped caring about anything but this, now, with him.”
“His voice flows like the richest wine, full and soft on the palette, relaxing, intoxicating, warming from the inside out.”
“I need him to know he is the blood running through my veins, the spark that fires my heart and the very essence that is my soul.”
My Review:
Sigh, I am not much of a paranormal reader, but I love Barbara Garren’s captivating writing. That is all that needs to be said. It is like she sprinkles fairy dust and enchanted words flow across my brain and weave themselves into images that squeeze my heart, sting my eyes, and steal my breath. I recalled being smitten with the first book of this series, Infinite Potential, but due to the time lapse and my faulty memory for details, I found I needed to go back and reread the Infinite Potential to fully make sense of Captive Potential. I was happy to do so and don’t begrudge the extra effort as the first book was pure magic and I found it even better and enjoyed it even more the second time through. Ms. Garren has a knack for emotive scenes and kept me taut and on edge through most of Captive Potential as the main character spends a considerable amount of time confused, befuddled, or frustrated. I was so involved with the story, I found myself experiencing the same level of consternation. And I am more than a bit provoked by the dramatic cliffhanger ending, but will be glad to have an excuse to reread both books to refresh my memory before picking up book 3. But I hope I don’t have to wait long.
February 6, 2015
Captive Potential
Barbara Garren
4 Bookgasums
This is a love story that crosses the genre boarders. If you are not a fan of paranormal romance and don’t think you would like this book, you are mistaken. Ms. Garren’s words flow smoothly and are very descriptive. You will laugh and cry along with the characters as you read this great book. Here is just a sample; “I need him to know he is the blood running though my veins, the spark that fires my heart and the very essence that is my soul.”
I have to say this book was very original and could really be placed under several genres. Ms. Garren is able to not only pull the reader into the story but she is able to make the characters come to life. Many times throughout the story the words read more like beautiful poetry than just an average weekend book read.
“My love for Aiden is a deep, red pulse, burning with a slow and steady warmth that assuaged my loss, seeping to my very core, bleeding into every pore, every fiber of who I am, until I can’t breathe, can’t move can’t be without him near.”
This book is worth reading at any price. The editing, grammar, and structure into Kindle format were superb. There are many New York Times top 10 list books I have read on my Kindle that had more than a few errors, which is one of my pet peeves. I am so happy that the formatting and editing on this book were flawless.
If you are looking for something to read, I would highly recommend taking the time to check out this book as well as book 1. (Infinite Potential). It will keep you riveted and not wanting to put it down.
Social Links:
Website: www.bgarrenwrites.com
Email: bgarrenwrites@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.nofilterinstalled.blogspot...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bgarrenwrites
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bgarrenwrites/
Twitter: @bak229
Goodreads Book Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1JU3aeD
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Cjg1Gd
OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Infinite Potential
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1zj9ppk
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1KfPDMT
Barbara Garren
4 Bookgasums
This is a love story that crosses the genre boarders. If you are not a fan of paranormal romance and don’t think you would like this book, you are mistaken. Ms. Garren’s words flow smoothly and are very descriptive. You will laugh and cry along with the characters as you read this great book. Here is just a sample; “I need him to know he is the blood running though my veins, the spark that fires my heart and the very essence that is my soul.”
I have to say this book was very original and could really be placed under several genres. Ms. Garren is able to not only pull the reader into the story but she is able to make the characters come to life. Many times throughout the story the words read more like beautiful poetry than just an average weekend book read.
“My love for Aiden is a deep, red pulse, burning with a slow and steady warmth that assuaged my loss, seeping to my very core, bleeding into every pore, every fiber of who I am, until I can’t breathe, can’t move can’t be without him near.”
This book is worth reading at any price. The editing, grammar, and structure into Kindle format were superb. There are many New York Times top 10 list books I have read on my Kindle that had more than a few errors, which is one of my pet peeves. I am so happy that the formatting and editing on this book were flawless.
If you are looking for something to read, I would highly recommend taking the time to check out this book as well as book 1. (Infinite Potential). It will keep you riveted and not wanting to put it down.
Social Links:
Website: www.bgarrenwrites.com
Email: bgarrenwrites@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.nofilterinstalled.blogspot...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bgarrenwrites
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bgarrenwrites/
Twitter: @bak229
Goodreads Book Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1JU3aeD
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Cjg1Gd
OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Infinite Potential
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1zj9ppk
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1KfPDMT
March 5, 2015
In ‘Infinite Potential’ we meet Kelsi again after she finally allowed her feelings for Aiden and moved in with him and his little daughter. Although everything should be perfect right now Kelsi still feels like things aren’t the way she hoped. Life with Aiden is great, but they still fight and Bryn, Aiden’s daughter, is having night terrors which keeps them from having a good night of rest. Kelsi tries to find a way out of their problems but soon everything changes and leaves Kelsi more confused than ever.
I really loved the first book in this series and I had really high expectations for this second book. In the beginning this book was everything I hoped for. Kelsi and Aiden are just perfect together and I really loved their chemistry. I loved the way their live was going and although they didn’t agree on everything their life seemed really awesome to me. Their little girl Bryn was just adorable and I loved how she interacted with Kelsi.
Unfortunately for me I didn’t quite get the second part of this book. Just as in the first book there are Phasms (since it’s the name of this series I expected as much) but now things are getting a little stranger. Kelsi is tossed between multiple planes of existence and nothing is the way it seems. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book but I just didn’t really liked the way the book went in the end. It definitely still made me want to keep reading and I really want to read the next book but it was just not what I expected. I just felt a little confused..
But still I would definitely recommend this series if you’re a fan of fantasy. This book really keeps you hooked and it’s definitely really surprising.
I really loved the first book in this series and I had really high expectations for this second book. In the beginning this book was everything I hoped for. Kelsi and Aiden are just perfect together and I really loved their chemistry. I loved the way their live was going and although they didn’t agree on everything their life seemed really awesome to me. Their little girl Bryn was just adorable and I loved how she interacted with Kelsi.
Unfortunately for me I didn’t quite get the second part of this book. Just as in the first book there are Phasms (since it’s the name of this series I expected as much) but now things are getting a little stranger. Kelsi is tossed between multiple planes of existence and nothing is the way it seems. Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book but I just didn’t really liked the way the book went in the end. It definitely still made me want to keep reading and I really want to read the next book but it was just not what I expected. I just felt a little confused..
But still I would definitely recommend this series if you’re a fan of fantasy. This book really keeps you hooked and it’s definitely really surprising.
February 9, 2015
An amazing and intense read. This book captures you and doesn't let go not even when you have finished reading. It liners, the words were so powerful and emotional that there is no way you can not fall in love with the characters. This book is more than a paranormal more than a romance it is simply just... more. I fell in love with the dynamic of Aiden and Kelsi, I mean how could you not fell their emotions down in your soul when you read ~"To lose Aiden wasn't just to lose his love. It would be the loss of my own soul.”
Yeah, this book is powerful and yet beautiful. Barbara Garren has written a story that will live in my heart!
Yeah, this book is powerful and yet beautiful. Barbara Garren has written a story that will live in my heart!
February 10, 2015
Ahhh, finally! The return of "Phasms Spasms" as I like to call it, for good reason. My lovely friend Barb has given birth to another delicious baby.
Okay, that just sounds weird. But you know what I mean, I hope.
We have the return of our sexy heroes from book one, to include some interesting surprises.
I have to say that I really enjoyed the revelation of "loose-canon Aiden". Seems like everyone's got their little secrets though, and (without giving too much away), it's as though every chapter has at least one WTF moment. It was both interesting and surprising to discover and unlock the reasons for distrust and mis- (or lack of) communication. It was scary and shocking to learn all this new weird shit, and now I'm even more wary of the power of dreams (and wondering whether or not it makes a difference if they're drug-induced :P)
I have to say that I'm a fan of the casual references to current pop culture as well. Definitely makes the story more relatable and connects it with a modern readership.
It's been said before and I'll say it again, but Barb has a pretty awesome way of crafting a unique paranormal story that isn't your standard, run-of-the-mill paranormal. I've honestly never read any other book that involves anything like "phasms" or even a similar concept.
(Okay I just googled it and apparently a phasm is some weird D&D creature...but I promise you, Barb's phasms are WAY different - and way sexier!)
Well done!
(Also, no joke, I think I have about 2 or 3 copies of this book now in various forms.)
Okay, that just sounds weird. But you know what I mean, I hope.
We have the return of our sexy heroes from book one, to include some interesting surprises.
I have to say that I really enjoyed the revelation of "loose-canon Aiden". Seems like everyone's got their little secrets though, and (without giving too much away), it's as though every chapter has at least one WTF moment. It was both interesting and surprising to discover and unlock the reasons for distrust and mis- (or lack of) communication. It was scary and shocking to learn all this new weird shit, and now I'm even more wary of the power of dreams (and wondering whether or not it makes a difference if they're drug-induced :P)
I have to say that I'm a fan of the casual references to current pop culture as well. Definitely makes the story more relatable and connects it with a modern readership.
It's been said before and I'll say it again, but Barb has a pretty awesome way of crafting a unique paranormal story that isn't your standard, run-of-the-mill paranormal. I've honestly never read any other book that involves anything like "phasms" or even a similar concept.
(Okay I just googled it and apparently a phasm is some weird D&D creature...but I promise you, Barb's phasms are WAY different - and way sexier!)
Well done!
(Also, no joke, I think I have about 2 or 3 copies of this book now in various forms.)
March 17, 2015
Unexpected twist made me love this story
I am off to look for the next volume! I liked the first volume so much, I immediately bought this. I am hooked.
I am off to look for the next volume! I liked the first volume so much, I immediately bought this. I am hooked.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews