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Phasms #1
Infinite Potential
For Kelsi Thomas, losing her husband at just twenty-three seems like the worst thing that could happen—but living her dreams is even worse. Kelsi always Knows when bad things are coming, but even she never thought she’d lose her husband at only twenty-three. Since he died, she’s been living her worst nightmare. Her nights are filled with dreams of a Dark-Haired Man, but her days are full of guilt, because the Man fills her with longing and confusion, promising to give her all she needs, all she wants, all she feared she’d never have again. If only the dreams would stay in her head where they belong. Kelsi starts seeing the Dark-Haired Man in her waking life, shadowing her wherever she goes. And when her mysterious new neighbor, Aiden Hardt, knows about the Man in her dreams, Kelsi worries she can’t trust her own mind. He’s not what he seems. But even Aiden’s cryptic words don’t frighten her as much as the way she feels around him. Kelsi must sort through her emotions and figure out what’s real before she can ever hope to have a normal life again.
BONUS PREVIEW of CAPTIVE POTENTIAL, Phasms Vol 2
BONUS PREVIEW of CAPTIVE POTENTIAL, Phasms Vol 2
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2014
7 people are currently reading
425 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 14, 2014
This is a great debut by Barbara Garren. I don't read a lot of paranormal romance because they can't seem to get away from vampires and werewolves, but this one does! It's finally a paranormal with some real, well, other paranormal stuff.
We first meet Kelsi when she loses the love of her life, her husband. It's a traumatic experience that nearly breaks her. At the same time, we find that Kelsi has a special paranormal gift. She believes this gift might be what's helping her find solstice from her pain in various different forms. Enter the Dark Haired Man. Is he just a dream? A way for Kelsi to overcome the loss of her husband? Or is he real?
He's the kind of guy who wraps around your thoughts and never lets you go. You want him so bad that you don't. You know he might not be not good for you but you don't care because you know he will solve all your problems. He's breathtaking and beautiful and makes you do things you never thought you could do.
Enter Aiden. A man so strikingly similar to the Dark Haired Man that Kelsi doesn't know what to think of him. Even though he's similar to the Dark Haired Man, he's still different, and it's that "different" that scares Kelsi.
As she travels through strange dreams and realms, sees things during the day that couldn't possibly be there, and follows both men in different directions, she gets something she never bargained for. And she has no idea what to do...or what is right anymore.
Kelsi struggles to find herself--and her place in life and love--between her beloved dead husband, the mysterious Dark Haired Man, and Aiden. And she has to do without destroying herself.
We first meet Kelsi when she loses the love of her life, her husband. It's a traumatic experience that nearly breaks her. At the same time, we find that Kelsi has a special paranormal gift. She believes this gift might be what's helping her find solstice from her pain in various different forms. Enter the Dark Haired Man. Is he just a dream? A way for Kelsi to overcome the loss of her husband? Or is he real?
He's the kind of guy who wraps around your thoughts and never lets you go. You want him so bad that you don't. You know he might not be not good for you but you don't care because you know he will solve all your problems. He's breathtaking and beautiful and makes you do things you never thought you could do.
Enter Aiden. A man so strikingly similar to the Dark Haired Man that Kelsi doesn't know what to think of him. Even though he's similar to the Dark Haired Man, he's still different, and it's that "different" that scares Kelsi.
As she travels through strange dreams and realms, sees things during the day that couldn't possibly be there, and follows both men in different directions, she gets something she never bargained for. And she has no idea what to do...or what is right anymore.
Kelsi struggles to find herself--and her place in life and love--between her beloved dead husband, the mysterious Dark Haired Man, and Aiden. And she has to do without destroying herself.
March 24, 2015
Favorite Quotes:
“I didn’t understand how the sun could come up or how the world could keep turning. The paperboy delivered the paper, the neighbor waved on his way to his car, and it all seemed wrong. Even the pigeons took to the air, unaffected by the pull of despair that made gravity visible and overwhelming. Gravity should have pinned them to the earth, like it pinned me to the couch. How could everything keep going, keep moving normally, when nothing was normal anymore?”
“There were no rules. No guidebook or script. Life was one long ad lib after another.”
My Review:
Being more of a contemporary and women’s fiction fan, I don’t normally read paranormal stories and actually tend to avoid them… I find zombies to be so tiresome… But for some reason - this one caught my eye and the synopsis intrigued me. I am glad my finger hovered over the button rather than dismissing it, as I normally would have once I spotted the word “paranormal.” After reading this book, I just may have to change my habits. Foremost, I felt this to be a love story, a great deal of time is spent with the recalling of the memories and loss of her marriage, then finally moving on and accepting a new possibility. I didn’t expect to find this book as gripping as I did, but I experienced it as an emotional read. I was sucked in right away, and knew I had found a treasure. I looked forward to my evening reading and felt those familiar pangs of regret as I neared the final pages. Ms. Garren is a talented and insightful writer, I felt the emotional intensity of the young widow’s loss, despair, and confusion. I was further drawn in by how her relationships were unfolding with her family, old friends, and new acquaintances. The methods of “The Dark Haired Man,” and his like, were inventive and creative. All the while, there were emotional overlays of grief, as well as old and new love stories. It was a busy story, a lot happened, and it moved along without stalling, stagnating, or wallowing. I look forward to reading more of her work. Hmm, looks like Ms. Garren has won me over to the “dark side.”
“I didn’t understand how the sun could come up or how the world could keep turning. The paperboy delivered the paper, the neighbor waved on his way to his car, and it all seemed wrong. Even the pigeons took to the air, unaffected by the pull of despair that made gravity visible and overwhelming. Gravity should have pinned them to the earth, like it pinned me to the couch. How could everything keep going, keep moving normally, when nothing was normal anymore?”
“There were no rules. No guidebook or script. Life was one long ad lib after another.”
My Review:
Being more of a contemporary and women’s fiction fan, I don’t normally read paranormal stories and actually tend to avoid them… I find zombies to be so tiresome… But for some reason - this one caught my eye and the synopsis intrigued me. I am glad my finger hovered over the button rather than dismissing it, as I normally would have once I spotted the word “paranormal.” After reading this book, I just may have to change my habits. Foremost, I felt this to be a love story, a great deal of time is spent with the recalling of the memories and loss of her marriage, then finally moving on and accepting a new possibility. I didn’t expect to find this book as gripping as I did, but I experienced it as an emotional read. I was sucked in right away, and knew I had found a treasure. I looked forward to my evening reading and felt those familiar pangs of regret as I neared the final pages. Ms. Garren is a talented and insightful writer, I felt the emotional intensity of the young widow’s loss, despair, and confusion. I was further drawn in by how her relationships were unfolding with her family, old friends, and new acquaintances. The methods of “The Dark Haired Man,” and his like, were inventive and creative. All the while, there were emotional overlays of grief, as well as old and new love stories. It was a busy story, a lot happened, and it moved along without stalling, stagnating, or wallowing. I look forward to reading more of her work. Hmm, looks like Ms. Garren has won me over to the “dark side.”
May 8, 2014
5*****
Infinite Potential Review
Well, wow! Now to start, I’ll read most things, although Paranormal isn’t normally my genre of choice, but this, this is paranormal with a difference.
Barbara’s writing is phenomenal, even if you don’t like paranormal this can’t be disputed, it flows, it grabs you, and it drags you right into the story.
The story begins with Kelsi’s loss of her husband, we never meet Jamie but you know from the outset that their love was strong. She’s devastated, broken and lost, completely floundering at the tender age of 23. It quickly becomes apparent that Kelsi is a little ‘different’, she Knows things, when someone might get a flat tire, when someone is hurt and needs rescuing… so couple this with her depressed state, when she starts dreaming vividly about a ‘Dark Haired Man’, and seeing shadows of his form, she believes in him and believes he can help her, the pull is strong…
**He beckons me to walk beside him, never trying to touch me, never quite looking at me. He tells me there’s nothing left for him to draw from me on this plane. Nothing left to succor him.**
Also inserting himself into her life is Aiden Hardt, and his daughter Bryn. He is enigmatic and secretive and talks in such a way that he scares Kelsi, he insinuates he knows about the ‘Dark Haired Man’ of her dreams, she doesn’t trust him, against the judgments of her parents and best friend, Sarah.
**I cocked my head, body rigid. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Aiden.”
“Be careful, Kelsi. Not everything’s what it seems.”**
She sees him wherever she goes and the stress of this, the DHM and losing Jamie start to take its toll.
The 2nd half of the book really picks up pace as secrets start to be revealed, Kelsi grows stronger and opens her mind to new possibilities, although her visits to the DHM continue and she realizes she must fight evil with good.
Barbara has you guessing which is which, virtually until the end of the book, and leaves you with a minor cliffhanger which although isn’t huge it does leave you wanting more!
Cannot wait for book 2!
Infinite Potential Review
Well, wow! Now to start, I’ll read most things, although Paranormal isn’t normally my genre of choice, but this, this is paranormal with a difference.
Barbara’s writing is phenomenal, even if you don’t like paranormal this can’t be disputed, it flows, it grabs you, and it drags you right into the story.
The story begins with Kelsi’s loss of her husband, we never meet Jamie but you know from the outset that their love was strong. She’s devastated, broken and lost, completely floundering at the tender age of 23. It quickly becomes apparent that Kelsi is a little ‘different’, she Knows things, when someone might get a flat tire, when someone is hurt and needs rescuing… so couple this with her depressed state, when she starts dreaming vividly about a ‘Dark Haired Man’, and seeing shadows of his form, she believes in him and believes he can help her, the pull is strong…
**He beckons me to walk beside him, never trying to touch me, never quite looking at me. He tells me there’s nothing left for him to draw from me on this plane. Nothing left to succor him.**
Also inserting himself into her life is Aiden Hardt, and his daughter Bryn. He is enigmatic and secretive and talks in such a way that he scares Kelsi, he insinuates he knows about the ‘Dark Haired Man’ of her dreams, she doesn’t trust him, against the judgments of her parents and best friend, Sarah.
**I cocked my head, body rigid. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Aiden.”
“Be careful, Kelsi. Not everything’s what it seems.”**
She sees him wherever she goes and the stress of this, the DHM and losing Jamie start to take its toll.
The 2nd half of the book really picks up pace as secrets start to be revealed, Kelsi grows stronger and opens her mind to new possibilities, although her visits to the DHM continue and she realizes she must fight evil with good.
Barbara has you guessing which is which, virtually until the end of the book, and leaves you with a minor cliffhanger which although isn’t huge it does leave you wanting more!
Cannot wait for book 2!
August 6, 2014
Forget vampires, werewolves and mermaids. Author Barbara Garren brings to life a whole new paranormal creature in Infinite Potential. Phasms are “beings” that are drawn to strong emotions. With the main character, Kelsi, grieving the loss of her husband, Garren sets the stage for an emotional rollercoaster ride where Kelsi is being “stalked” in her dreams by a Phasm who not only comes to her when she’s asleep, but also appears in her waking life. Thanks to a mysterious new neighbor, Kelsi learns just how dangerous the Phasm is.
If you’re looking for something different in paranormal, this book is for you. I enjoyed the new mythology Garren created. I felt for her characters and kept wondering how Kelsi would escape from the evil that wanted her.
Volume 1 is a great start to a series that’s full of potential!
If you’re looking for something different in paranormal, this book is for you. I enjoyed the new mythology Garren created. I felt for her characters and kept wondering how Kelsi would escape from the evil that wanted her.
Volume 1 is a great start to a series that’s full of potential!
August 22, 2014
Paranormal without the vampires, werewolves, ghosts and witches? Yup - right here, right now!
May 12, 2014
JOSIE'S 4 STAR REVIEW
Ok, I am just going to put this out there; this book scared the Ba-Jesus out of me. Now that being said, this was a good book; there was suspense, the thrill of the unknown, a really hot hmmm man? No Phasm, yeah that Phasm (Because he is HOT). Kelis Thomas has just lost her husband Jamie, her high school heart, she is grieving and mourning the loss of her true love but in the process strange things start to happen and I mean strange.
While going through the mourning process, Kelsi begins to break down slowly. During this time we start to see Kelsi has a special gift, the paranormal kind (YOU SEE SCARY). Instead of being frightened by the things she is experiencing, she starts to believe that it is helping her, she believes that she sees Jamie and begins to find comfort. During these moments she sees a Dark Haired Man, a glowing ring and a shadow. She is not sure if she is dreaming, or if her husband is trying to reach out to her. Whatever it is, she feels a sense of calm whenever it happens, so she starts to embrace.
“I should have. To make it real. Because now I keep seeing him.”
“What do you mean, seeing him?”
“Seeing him. Everywhere. Tonight at the track. Last week at work. The other day at the bank. I think I see him and I follow but I never catch up.”
Adien Hardt, is Kelsi’s neighbor, he is always popping up, he is also extremely alike the Dark Haired Man she sees in her visions, there is something about him but she cannot put her finger on it. Although he is like the Dark Haired Man there is a difference and that difference is what keeps Kelsi away. Kelsi feels uncomfortable about the way she feels and how her body reacts around the dark haired man and Aiden. She really does not know if anyone will believe and doesn’t trust anyone, so she has no one to turn to. The more Kelsi starts to focus on the unknown, her life starts to get out of control, she starts to focus all her time on the men and puts her life on hold.
“Are you like the others? The ones I saw in my dream?”
“They aren’t the same. They’re lost. I have purpose. They’re forgotten, but I live in your dreams. They can’t take shape, while I am here with you.”
“Is it real? The beach?”
“Yes, Kelsi, yes it is real, because it’s in you. Of you.”
“You feel so real, so good.”
“I am real. You’ve felt it. Come to me, Kelsie. Come to me in your dreams. There’s no limit to our time together.”
Kelsi knows Aiden is not what he or who he claims to be, but no one will believe, they all think he is perfect. The more she tries to fight her feelings for Aiden and push him away; the two become more entwined in each other lives. Kelsi is right, Aiden is different, but she knows there is something different about him.
“Not what? Not something powerful, completely fulfilling, and”
“Aiden, what I feel for you, what we’ve found in each other, is more than I ever thought possible, but I need a chance to absorb everything that’s happened. I have to find a way to explain this to myself before I explain to anyone else.”
This was a different read than I am used too but I enjoyed it. Reading Kelsi struggle to find herself, new life, love and her special gift was interesting and enjoyable. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book and see what happens next got Kelsi and Aiden.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ok, I am just going to put this out there; this book scared the Ba-Jesus out of me. Now that being said, this was a good book; there was suspense, the thrill of the unknown, a really hot hmmm man? No Phasm, yeah that Phasm (Because he is HOT). Kelis Thomas has just lost her husband Jamie, her high school heart, she is grieving and mourning the loss of her true love but in the process strange things start to happen and I mean strange.
While going through the mourning process, Kelsi begins to break down slowly. During this time we start to see Kelsi has a special gift, the paranormal kind (YOU SEE SCARY). Instead of being frightened by the things she is experiencing, she starts to believe that it is helping her, she believes that she sees Jamie and begins to find comfort. During these moments she sees a Dark Haired Man, a glowing ring and a shadow. She is not sure if she is dreaming, or if her husband is trying to reach out to her. Whatever it is, she feels a sense of calm whenever it happens, so she starts to embrace.
“I should have. To make it real. Because now I keep seeing him.”
“What do you mean, seeing him?”
“Seeing him. Everywhere. Tonight at the track. Last week at work. The other day at the bank. I think I see him and I follow but I never catch up.”
Adien Hardt, is Kelsi’s neighbor, he is always popping up, he is also extremely alike the Dark Haired Man she sees in her visions, there is something about him but she cannot put her finger on it. Although he is like the Dark Haired Man there is a difference and that difference is what keeps Kelsi away. Kelsi feels uncomfortable about the way she feels and how her body reacts around the dark haired man and Aiden. She really does not know if anyone will believe and doesn’t trust anyone, so she has no one to turn to. The more Kelsi starts to focus on the unknown, her life starts to get out of control, she starts to focus all her time on the men and puts her life on hold.
“Are you like the others? The ones I saw in my dream?”
“They aren’t the same. They’re lost. I have purpose. They’re forgotten, but I live in your dreams. They can’t take shape, while I am here with you.”
“Is it real? The beach?”
“Yes, Kelsi, yes it is real, because it’s in you. Of you.”
“You feel so real, so good.”
“I am real. You’ve felt it. Come to me, Kelsie. Come to me in your dreams. There’s no limit to our time together.”
Kelsi knows Aiden is not what he or who he claims to be, but no one will believe, they all think he is perfect. The more she tries to fight her feelings for Aiden and push him away; the two become more entwined in each other lives. Kelsi is right, Aiden is different, but she knows there is something different about him.
“Not what? Not something powerful, completely fulfilling, and”
“Aiden, what I feel for you, what we’ve found in each other, is more than I ever thought possible, but I need a chance to absorb everything that’s happened. I have to find a way to explain this to myself before I explain to anyone else.”
This was a different read than I am used too but I enjoyed it. Reading Kelsi struggle to find herself, new life, love and her special gift was interesting and enjoyable. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book and see what happens next got Kelsi and Aiden.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2014
*I was sent a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Infinite Potential is about a woman named Kelsi who loses her husband, Jamie, due to an accident. She starts having these dreams of a Dark-Haired Man and she even begins seeing him in her everyday life. Then, a man named Aiden arrives, becomes her new neighbor, and also happens to know about these dreams.
Jamie's death occurs right at the beginning of the story and from there, Kelsi's pain was heartbreaking to read about. I felt for her. I liked seeing her attempt to deal with her loss and moving on with her life. Throughout the story, I sometimes found myself frustrated with Kelsi's character and at other times, I really enjoyed her character.
Aiden comes to town and I was quite intrigued by his sudden appearance. He's definitely mysterious and I like that trait about him. Readers don't know who he is and why he's in town but gradually, we learn more about his background story and what he's really up to. I like how he is the one who provides answers for Kelsi.
Even though it is a major part of the story, I didn't particularly like the dream aspect of this book. I don't know, I enjoyed it at first but then it felt like it was too much and sometimes overwhelming.
One of my favorite thing about this book would have to be the romance. I thought it was well written and my favorite quote from this book would have to be, "An infinite potential to love and be loved" (Pg 256).
This is a slow book and I personally really enjoyed the pacing of it. Despite the slow pacing, I flew through this book. I love how short the chapters are. Overall, I think this book was a unique read and I would recommend it if you're looking for a paranormal book that doesn't involve vampires or werewolves.
Infinite Potential is about a woman named Kelsi who loses her husband, Jamie, due to an accident. She starts having these dreams of a Dark-Haired Man and she even begins seeing him in her everyday life. Then, a man named Aiden arrives, becomes her new neighbor, and also happens to know about these dreams.
Jamie's death occurs right at the beginning of the story and from there, Kelsi's pain was heartbreaking to read about. I felt for her. I liked seeing her attempt to deal with her loss and moving on with her life. Throughout the story, I sometimes found myself frustrated with Kelsi's character and at other times, I really enjoyed her character.
Aiden comes to town and I was quite intrigued by his sudden appearance. He's definitely mysterious and I like that trait about him. Readers don't know who he is and why he's in town but gradually, we learn more about his background story and what he's really up to. I like how he is the one who provides answers for Kelsi.
Even though it is a major part of the story, I didn't particularly like the dream aspect of this book. I don't know, I enjoyed it at first but then it felt like it was too much and sometimes overwhelming.
One of my favorite thing about this book would have to be the romance. I thought it was well written and my favorite quote from this book would have to be, "An infinite potential to love and be loved" (Pg 256).
This is a slow book and I personally really enjoyed the pacing of it. Despite the slow pacing, I flew through this book. I love how short the chapters are. Overall, I think this book was a unique read and I would recommend it if you're looking for a paranormal book that doesn't involve vampires or werewolves.
May 13, 2014
3.5 stars
I was very surprised by this novel. I did not expect at all to be overwhelmed by emotions from the very first lines. The pain and suffering associated with the loss of a loved one, the differences phases through which we pass and the perception of others while you pass through this ordeal ... Wow! Everything was right.
This echoed in me and put me ill at ease. I experienced difficulty not to cry with Kelsi ... Beautifully sad!
I also liked the paranormal touch. The author manages to keep the story plausible. One wonders if the events occur in Kelsi's head and if these visions are related to depression, grief.
Perhaps Aiden's revelations arrive a bit late ... This would be my only criticism.
The ending is sweet, touching and full of hope until the final sentence that leaves you in suspense. Very well done!
A very big emotional slap! Very well written, this novel hooked me from the start and I was unable to put this book down...
I was very surprised by this novel. I did not expect at all to be overwhelmed by emotions from the very first lines. The pain and suffering associated with the loss of a loved one, the differences phases through which we pass and the perception of others while you pass through this ordeal ... Wow! Everything was right.
This echoed in me and put me ill at ease. I experienced difficulty not to cry with Kelsi ... Beautifully sad!
I also liked the paranormal touch. The author manages to keep the story plausible. One wonders if the events occur in Kelsi's head and if these visions are related to depression, grief.
Perhaps Aiden's revelations arrive a bit late ... This would be my only criticism.
The ending is sweet, touching and full of hope until the final sentence that leaves you in suspense. Very well done!
A very big emotional slap! Very well written, this novel hooked me from the start and I was unable to put this book down...
May 14, 2014
3.5 Stars
This book was a slow start for me. But once it took off I was in for an amazingly beautiful ride.
Kelsi- oh she devastated me. So scared to love, devastated at being a widow at 23. Her grief is palpable. Once the dreams begin and she starts questioning her sanity the roller coaster begins. She doesn’t feel like she is ready and she doesn’t trust herself any more. She feels like her talent as failed her, and she failed at love. Her back and forth drove me a bit to distraction, but overall I wanted her to find her way back- with or without Aidan.
Aidan- Oh Aidan. I worried that he wouldn’t be good for her, I wanted to know who he was and how he related to the dreams. But he is so wonderful with Bryn.
BG’s writing style is very lyrical, moving the reader along through the highs and lows, thrilling crescendos and sweet notes.
And the ending. Now that I’m hooked I can’t wait for the next book.
This book was a slow start for me. But once it took off I was in for an amazingly beautiful ride.
Kelsi- oh she devastated me. So scared to love, devastated at being a widow at 23. Her grief is palpable. Once the dreams begin and she starts questioning her sanity the roller coaster begins. She doesn’t feel like she is ready and she doesn’t trust herself any more. She feels like her talent as failed her, and she failed at love. Her back and forth drove me a bit to distraction, but overall I wanted her to find her way back- with or without Aidan.
Aidan- Oh Aidan. I worried that he wouldn’t be good for her, I wanted to know who he was and how he related to the dreams. But he is so wonderful with Bryn.
BG’s writing style is very lyrical, moving the reader along through the highs and lows, thrilling crescendos and sweet notes.
And the ending. Now that I’m hooked I can’t wait for the next book.
February 24, 2014
From the very first chapter, Garren sucks the reader in as we experience the loss and pain that Kelsi is going trough. From the haunting untimely death of her husband, Jaime, to rebuilding a life that has been shattered, we are with her every step of the way.
Kelsi's world continues to spiral out of control when the man from her dreams seems to have manifested himself in real life. But it can't be him, can it? They are the same.. yet.. different.
Phasms is a paranormal romance like nothing you've ever read before. And we, as readers, are thankful for something so fresh and new that makes us actually think!
Kelsi's world continues to spiral out of control when the man from her dreams seems to have manifested himself in real life. But it can't be him, can it? They are the same.. yet.. different.
Phasms is a paranormal romance like nothing you've ever read before. And we, as readers, are thankful for something so fresh and new that makes us actually think!
March 2, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
From the moment I started Infinite Potential I knew this would be an intense, passionate, all consuming read. I was captivated from the first page. I consider myself somewhat picky when it comes to paranormal. I love the genre, but I find that there are some reads where I cannot always connect on some level. However, Infinite Potential is definitely one of my favorite paranormal stories. Not only did I connect to the story and it's characters, but also the realm created within the story.
"I'm not sure I can love anyone else, Sarah. I think we each have one person, one soul out there waiting for us and Jamie was mine"
As the synopsis states, Kelsi loses her husband, Jamie at a young age. She is devastated. You feel her pain from the moment she finds out. She is so consumed in her grief. The author balanced her grief in the story well. While you can feel the devastation from Kelsi, the story isn't bogged down by her grief. In fact, her grief is a huge part of the development of series of events. Her grief causes her to have these dreams of a dark haired man. Kelsi has a gift. And these dreams intensifies her gift where she questions it and her place in this world. She finds solace in this man. Soon enough, she begins to run into a dark haired man similar to the one in her dreams. If you think you know what's going to happen, you don't. There were many times I thought I figured out everything, and I was wrong. The story keeps you guessing and I enjoyed that it was not predictable.
"Aiden Hardt stirred a complex web of emotions and thoughts in me that I was afraid to untangle. His presence filled my senses, and sent doubt careening through my heart."
Oh Aiden Hardt. He had my heart the moment he stepped into the story. His dark features. He's handsome, complicated, and I wanted more of his story. How did he fit into these dreams of Kelsi and the dark haired man? Who was he? I kept screaming those things to my kindle. I just needed to know. I was consumed by him and his mystery. Although unknown, I felt drawn to him as did Kelsi. But, as these dreams occur, Kelsi is not sure who to trust or what to believe. These dreams feel so real and she knows there's a connection with Aiden and the man in her dreams. The more she dreams, the more broken down she becomes. These dreams consumes her and takes all of her energy.
"So that's what I wanted. Love. Not a calm, placid sort, either. I wanted, needed, passion. Huge roller coaster swoops and turns, never slowing down, never hitting the brakes."
Kelsi is so afraid of love as she is still healing from the death of her husband. She finds similarities with Aiden promising, yet scary. She continues to push him away because of fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of her dreams. Fear to love again. But what she doesn't know is how strong Aiden has always felt for her the moment they met. He has reasons for this. You feel his pull for her when they meet and when you find out why, everything makes sense. Everything falls into place, yet so much mystery remains.
"Infinite potential. An infinite potential to love and be loved"
"Love feels that way sometimes. It takes your breath and holds it inside you, it makes you clench tight in anticipation"
Finally, the art of storytelling is not lost. While the pace of this story is slower than what I'm used to reading, I found it refreshing to sit and be so engrossed in a story that time passes by without realizing it. Is this really a debut? The writing is polished and flows really well. I was never bored, I didn't want to put this down. If you are a fan of paranormal and want a really well written, captivating story, read Infinite Potential.
From the moment I started Infinite Potential I knew this would be an intense, passionate, all consuming read. I was captivated from the first page. I consider myself somewhat picky when it comes to paranormal. I love the genre, but I find that there are some reads where I cannot always connect on some level. However, Infinite Potential is definitely one of my favorite paranormal stories. Not only did I connect to the story and it's characters, but also the realm created within the story.
"I'm not sure I can love anyone else, Sarah. I think we each have one person, one soul out there waiting for us and Jamie was mine"
As the synopsis states, Kelsi loses her husband, Jamie at a young age. She is devastated. You feel her pain from the moment she finds out. She is so consumed in her grief. The author balanced her grief in the story well. While you can feel the devastation from Kelsi, the story isn't bogged down by her grief. In fact, her grief is a huge part of the development of series of events. Her grief causes her to have these dreams of a dark haired man. Kelsi has a gift. And these dreams intensifies her gift where she questions it and her place in this world. She finds solace in this man. Soon enough, she begins to run into a dark haired man similar to the one in her dreams. If you think you know what's going to happen, you don't. There were many times I thought I figured out everything, and I was wrong. The story keeps you guessing and I enjoyed that it was not predictable.
"Aiden Hardt stirred a complex web of emotions and thoughts in me that I was afraid to untangle. His presence filled my senses, and sent doubt careening through my heart."
Oh Aiden Hardt. He had my heart the moment he stepped into the story. His dark features. He's handsome, complicated, and I wanted more of his story. How did he fit into these dreams of Kelsi and the dark haired man? Who was he? I kept screaming those things to my kindle. I just needed to know. I was consumed by him and his mystery. Although unknown, I felt drawn to him as did Kelsi. But, as these dreams occur, Kelsi is not sure who to trust or what to believe. These dreams feel so real and she knows there's a connection with Aiden and the man in her dreams. The more she dreams, the more broken down she becomes. These dreams consumes her and takes all of her energy.
"So that's what I wanted. Love. Not a calm, placid sort, either. I wanted, needed, passion. Huge roller coaster swoops and turns, never slowing down, never hitting the brakes."
Kelsi is so afraid of love as she is still healing from the death of her husband. She finds similarities with Aiden promising, yet scary. She continues to push him away because of fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear of her dreams. Fear to love again. But what she doesn't know is how strong Aiden has always felt for her the moment they met. He has reasons for this. You feel his pull for her when they meet and when you find out why, everything makes sense. Everything falls into place, yet so much mystery remains.
"Infinite potential. An infinite potential to love and be loved"
"Love feels that way sometimes. It takes your breath and holds it inside you, it makes you clench tight in anticipation"
Finally, the art of storytelling is not lost. While the pace of this story is slower than what I'm used to reading, I found it refreshing to sit and be so engrossed in a story that time passes by without realizing it. Is this really a debut? The writing is polished and flows really well. I was never bored, I didn't want to put this down. If you are a fan of paranormal and want a really well written, captivating story, read Infinite Potential.
May 8, 2014
In ‘Infinite Potential’ we read about Kelsi. Kelsi’s life is not going the way she planned it. At twenty three she is a widow and trying to get her life on track. But Kelsi is heartbroken and devastated and to make things worse, Kelsi is having strange dreams. When Kelsi finds herself looking forward to her dreams she is filled with guilt and sadness. How can she think of another man after losing her husband just a couple of months ago? In ‘Infinite Potential’ we follow Kelsi’s journey to find a way around her guilt and sadness. But not everything is the way it seems to be and soon Kelsi finds out that everything she has ever known is changing.
From the moment I started in ‘Infinite Potential’ I was hooked to this story. This book is very original and I honestly have never read anything like this book before. After reading the first few chapters of this book I was afraid that this would be a –cry-my-eyes-out- kind of book. But soon I found out that this book was not only sad but also exciting, romantic and full of paranormal stuff. Even until the last couple of pages I really didn’t know how this book would end up and it really kept me interested.
What I liked the most about this book was the character Aiden Hardt. I loved how mysterious he was and how he tried to help Kelsi even though she acted like a big B**** a couple of times. Aiden kept helping Kelsi and he never stopped trying being nice to her. I honestly would have walked away if someone was acting like Kelsi did. And I really loved how Aiden was with the little girl Bryn.
Kelsi was a character I had a love-hate thing with. At the beginning I was really sad for her. I mean being a widow at only twenty three? How heartbreaking is that. I really felt sad and was really hoping that she would find happiness soon. But during the book I sometimes really want to scream at her. She was really not very nice at times and sometimes I even disliked her. I really needed to remind myself that she was in pain and that she was having very disturbing dreams.
After reading this book I can conclude that I really liked this book. This book was very intriguing and I liked how unpredictable it was. ‘Infinite Potential’ really kept me interested until the very end and I really look forward to reading the next book. Even though I sometimes didn’t like the main character I still rooted for her and at the end I really cheered for her.
From the moment I started in ‘Infinite Potential’ I was hooked to this story. This book is very original and I honestly have never read anything like this book before. After reading the first few chapters of this book I was afraid that this would be a –cry-my-eyes-out- kind of book. But soon I found out that this book was not only sad but also exciting, romantic and full of paranormal stuff. Even until the last couple of pages I really didn’t know how this book would end up and it really kept me interested.
What I liked the most about this book was the character Aiden Hardt. I loved how mysterious he was and how he tried to help Kelsi even though she acted like a big B**** a couple of times. Aiden kept helping Kelsi and he never stopped trying being nice to her. I honestly would have walked away if someone was acting like Kelsi did. And I really loved how Aiden was with the little girl Bryn.
Kelsi was a character I had a love-hate thing with. At the beginning I was really sad for her. I mean being a widow at only twenty three? How heartbreaking is that. I really felt sad and was really hoping that she would find happiness soon. But during the book I sometimes really want to scream at her. She was really not very nice at times and sometimes I even disliked her. I really needed to remind myself that she was in pain and that she was having very disturbing dreams.
After reading this book I can conclude that I really liked this book. This book was very intriguing and I liked how unpredictable it was. ‘Infinite Potential’ really kept me interested until the very end and I really look forward to reading the next book. Even though I sometimes didn’t like the main character I still rooted for her and at the end I really cheered for her.
March 3, 2014
*sigh* Oh Aiden.....
I knew I was going to love this book the minute I read the synopsis (and not just because I adore the author!), but I was so unprepared for how much I would actually LOVE this book! I started chapter one and I was immediately in tears. Barbara Garren did an absolutely fantastic job at showing the emotions Kelsi was feeling over the loss of her husband. My heart ached for her and the loss she was going through. Who expects to lose their husband, the love of their life, their first everything in the blink of an eye? Kelsi has a sixth sense that tells her when bad things are going to happen, but she felt nothing before getting that notification.
The story chronicles Kelsi's life from the moment of her husband's passing, and like any wife, she's deeply mourning him. It doesn't help that she's having trouble sleeping, and seeing the object of her dreams during her waking hours. In addition to mourning the man she loved, she's also feeling guilty at the feelings the dark haired man, and then the new guy in the neighborhood, Aiden, stir up. She doesn't know what to do, and doesn't have anyone to talk to. Kelsi's life and emotions continue to spin out of control and she begins spending more time obsessing over these two men than attempting to move on with her life.
She has a feeling that Aiden isn't who he seems, but everyone else in her life has fallen under what seems like a spell where he's concerned. The further she tries to push him away, the more everyone else seems to pull him in closer! I love the way these characters were written, and I found myself cheering for some while wanting to beat down others! Barbara did an phenomenal job making me care about Kelsi's parents, her brother, her best friend, as well as Aiden. I can't wait to see how things play out in the next book, because this one was action packed!
I don't want to give away the story, so I'll leave you with this: Infinite Phasms is refreshing read in more ways than one. It's paranormal, but it's not the usual paranormal story - there's no vampires, witches, werewolves or fairies (all of which I love). This is completely different from any paranormal I've read and I fell in love with the story, the romance, and the characters.
If you're a paranormal fan - or even just a fan of a good, strong romance - you need to pick up Infinite Potential! It's just THAT good!
I knew I was going to love this book the minute I read the synopsis (and not just because I adore the author!), but I was so unprepared for how much I would actually LOVE this book! I started chapter one and I was immediately in tears. Barbara Garren did an absolutely fantastic job at showing the emotions Kelsi was feeling over the loss of her husband. My heart ached for her and the loss she was going through. Who expects to lose their husband, the love of their life, their first everything in the blink of an eye? Kelsi has a sixth sense that tells her when bad things are going to happen, but she felt nothing before getting that notification.
The story chronicles Kelsi's life from the moment of her husband's passing, and like any wife, she's deeply mourning him. It doesn't help that she's having trouble sleeping, and seeing the object of her dreams during her waking hours. In addition to mourning the man she loved, she's also feeling guilty at the feelings the dark haired man, and then the new guy in the neighborhood, Aiden, stir up. She doesn't know what to do, and doesn't have anyone to talk to. Kelsi's life and emotions continue to spin out of control and she begins spending more time obsessing over these two men than attempting to move on with her life.
She has a feeling that Aiden isn't who he seems, but everyone else in her life has fallen under what seems like a spell where he's concerned. The further she tries to push him away, the more everyone else seems to pull him in closer! I love the way these characters were written, and I found myself cheering for some while wanting to beat down others! Barbara did an phenomenal job making me care about Kelsi's parents, her brother, her best friend, as well as Aiden. I can't wait to see how things play out in the next book, because this one was action packed!
I don't want to give away the story, so I'll leave you with this: Infinite Phasms is refreshing read in more ways than one. It's paranormal, but it's not the usual paranormal story - there's no vampires, witches, werewolves or fairies (all of which I love). This is completely different from any paranormal I've read and I fell in love with the story, the romance, and the characters.
If you're a paranormal fan - or even just a fan of a good, strong romance - you need to pick up Infinite Potential! It's just THAT good!
August 10, 2016
How do you live and learn to be happy after losing the love of your life?What if someone else has plans for your future?
Kelsi Thomas lost her husband to a tragic accident and at a young age. As she is filled with heartache and despair, she also becomes filled with a longing and desire. As she begins to dream of a beautiful stranger, he makes her feel. He makes her feel things that she just isn't ready for and it brings guilt with it as well.
As Kelsi begins to notice some very strange things in her life beginning to happen after her dreams start, she meets a man that gives her pause. Adiden Hardt. After he moves in just down from her own home, she begins to wonder and worry over some of their encounters with each other.
Who is he and what does he want?
Kelsi really begins to worry when these dreams of hers start affecting her waking hours. When Aiden begins to mention things that have to do with the stranger from her dreams, she doesn't know which of them is crazier.
This book was quite enchanting. You get a real sense of emotions from the characters. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this story. I really loved the range and depth of the characters here, and the way the story was well written and explained itself in a way that made you want to keep reading to find out if Kelsi would get a happy ending after the loss of her husband.
Kelsi Thomas lost her husband to a tragic accident and at a young age. As she is filled with heartache and despair, she also becomes filled with a longing and desire. As she begins to dream of a beautiful stranger, he makes her feel. He makes her feel things that she just isn't ready for and it brings guilt with it as well.
As Kelsi begins to notice some very strange things in her life beginning to happen after her dreams start, she meets a man that gives her pause. Adiden Hardt. After he moves in just down from her own home, she begins to wonder and worry over some of their encounters with each other.
Who is he and what does he want?
Kelsi really begins to worry when these dreams of hers start affecting her waking hours. When Aiden begins to mention things that have to do with the stranger from her dreams, she doesn't know which of them is crazier.
This book was quite enchanting. You get a real sense of emotions from the characters. I really enjoyed the uniqueness of this story. I really loved the range and depth of the characters here, and the way the story was well written and explained itself in a way that made you want to keep reading to find out if Kelsi would get a happy ending after the loss of her husband.
December 26, 2025
Very beautifully written depictions of grief and loss. Intrigued by the phasm and strange dreams. Unfortunately the MC pushed guy with answers away and then apologised too many times (and in the last encounter too unrealistically) and I ... lost momentum with the story.
Also, although the writing was utterly beautiful in places, it loses a star because MC's friends were telling her she should move on and think about dating when her husband hadn't even been gone a year.
There's no timeline on grieving, but it can take 'at least' a year just to come to terms with a loss that big. Let alone move on.
Also, although the writing was utterly beautiful in places, it loses a star because MC's friends were telling her she should move on and think about dating when her husband hadn't even been gone a year.
There's no timeline on grieving, but it can take 'at least' a year just to come to terms with a loss that big. Let alone move on.
February 2, 2015
3.5 GOODREAD STARS!! Well written and engaging, this paranormal romance is fairly unique in its subject matter so that's an enjoyable change. What I didn't enjoy so much was the female protagonist, who wasn't wholly likeable (despite extenuating circumstances)and the mysterious man she fell for is and remains considerably mysterious. Its not really a cliff hanger but there are many nagging questions about what is really going on which made the book feel a little unfinished.
All in all, a great first effort.
All in all, a great first effort.
February 1, 2015
If you can get through the opening
It's not so bad after the opening ten to fifteen pages. The death and grieving that open the book are cliched and hard to get through. A bit melodramatic and confusing at times...but a tad mysterious. If you have another option for a read, take it.
It's not so bad after the opening ten to fifteen pages. The death and grieving that open the book are cliched and hard to get through. A bit melodramatic and confusing at times...but a tad mysterious. If you have another option for a read, take it.
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