Amazon Top 100 Bestseller in Gothic Fiction & Occult Horror
After receiving a letter from an aunt she never knew existed, Kyna Hughes travels to Ireland only to find out that her whole life has been a series of well-orchestrated lies. Suddenly, this poor girl from the foothills of the Alleghany Mountains is thrust into a life of not only the wealthy and affluent, but of dark magic and secret societies. As Kyna learns of the magic hidden inside her, purposefully stunted as she grew up for her protection, she must now battle mystical hauntings which are the result of curses while getting a crash course in utilizing her powers. Kidnappings and satanic weddings become her daily events as she struggles not to lose her heart to one of two men—a former Navy SEAL hired to protect her or a wizard hired to train her. Soon she will realize just how true it is that “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Ever since she was young, Kiki Howell has loved to listen to a well-woven tale with real characters, inspired plots, and delightful resolutions. Kiki could spend hours lost in a book, and soon she knew that creating lives, loves, and losses with just words had to be the greatest thing that she could do. To that end, she pursued her study of literature and writing, earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Kent State University. “After a long break having my boys, I finally just had to write again. And, as soon as I gave the stories the space, they entered it. It’s both awesome and humbling to find the words in my mind become characters on a page and create their lives.” Kiki is a multi-published author residing in Northeast Ohio with her incredibly handsome and talented, singer/songwriter husband and two children.
We meet American Kyna soon after she lands in Ireland. An Irish aunt has summoned her here. Apparently, adopted Kyna is actually descended from a long line of magical people, and Kyna was sent away as an infant and her magic hidden and diffused. Kyna doesn't know quite what to think of all this at first. Soon, she is immersed in this magical world right in the middle of an ancient feud.
How will Kyna adapt to this new knowledge about herself? What of the two men who have been tasked to protect and train her?
This is the first time I have read either of these authors. I found the language to be excessively overblown to the point of being difficult to read. It was so unnatural, both in the narrative sections and in dialogue. Not every noun, feeling, action, or event has to be described in excruciating detail to be adequately shown and not told; metaphor, simile, and other literary devices may be occasionally left at the wayside. The narrative sections often went on for quite a while without a dialogue break, and I personally find that difficult to read. I'll do a share a few quotes below to show what I mean.
The book had some surprising problems with grammar, punctuation, and usage. At times, wrong tenses were used. There were some close-but-not-quite-right words like taut versus taunt. At times, there were too many commas.
Here are a few examples of what I think are overwritten prose:
“While she presumed the stone to be a light grey in the light of day, it accosted her with looming shades of smoke, as if old and charred, from her storm-shielded, misty view. The metallic shriek of her door opening sent a wave of panic crashing over her. From her teeth set on a painful edge, to that cold slither of fear down her spine, she forced herself to ignore each physical sensation, each body betrayal.”
“You will be the death of me, enchanted lady, and I will glory in the coming of it. Pardon me for saying so, so soon, but I think I'm in love with you, and it's the most terrifying thing I've ever delighted in.”
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Kyna grew up with a single mom and had a fairly happy childhood. The shock is great, when she is told in a letter - and explained by her Mom - that she was adopted and now her biological aunt is asking her to visit her in Ireland and find out aobut her family. Once there she learns that magic is real, and she is a powerful witch who needs to be trained and protected. 2 men want her for different reasons - one a Navy Seal, hired to be her bodyguard until she masters enough skills to protect herself, and a sorcerer, who wants to combine his magic powers with hers. A book with lots of intrigue, magic and some quite surprising turns in the story. Definitely intersting and entertaining. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What Lies Within Us by Kiki Howell and Gina Kincade is a story about an adopted girl who learns she has family in Ireland. In the beginning of this book, Kyna receives a surprise letter from her birth mother’s sister in Ireland asking her to come for a visit. Kyna decides to visit her Aunt in Ireland to find out information about her birth mother. However, as soon as she arrives there she finds out some surprising information. She discovers that magic exists and that she is capable of manipulating the world around her by using magic. From this point on the story’s mysteries continue to build, twisting, turning, until the unexpected crescendo of the story at the very end. This is a book for readers who like mystery, magic, and suspense.
Our heroine returns to her native land only to discover that magic is real and she can use it. But others want her gifts for their own.
This is a paranormal fantasy/romance story set in Ireland. I found that story to be very well written, although perhaps a bit hard to follow at times. The world building was fascinating, with quite a bit of detail put into it. The characters were also a diverse and interesting cast which helped bring the story to life. There was quite a bit of twists and turns which kept things interesting as well. Overall, I found the story to be quite enjoyable, but not an easy read. Still, in the end it was worth my time.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
While I did enjoy parts of this book thrillers are not my favorite type of books to read, I just have to hard of a time enjoying them. The slow pace of this book at the start also gave me problems but I think that is due to the genre. The characters and world building were great though and the storyline flowed nicely. As I said thrillers are not my type of book but this does not mean that others will not totally enjoy the book.
This is a well written book with strong likable characters and an entertaining story line. The author moves the story quickly and pulls you in with all the magic,suspense and romance. She keeps you reading adding twists and bringing the story to life with her descriptive characters and vivid scenes. I loved and highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Dark magic, secret societies, mystery, suspense, intrigue... All the ingedients for a great paranormal story! I got hooked by the blurb and I don't regret giving this book a try. There was great world building, well defined characters and an intriguing storyline that flowed and kept my interest to the last page. I recommend this book to everyone who likes paranormal romance with a gothic twist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
All I can say is WOW!!! Kyra was such a great character. A female alpha type to say, she was so resilient to all the changes in her life. She finds out that basically her whole life was a lie and goes to Ireland to find the truth. Not only does she finally get the truth she finds love as well. There are so many great characters and such a story twist you can put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What Lies Within Us Paranormal Romance Witches & Wizards Gina Kincade Kiki Howell
I thought this was a great story! It was full of intrigue and adventure. The characters were unique, and worked well together. I loved how they blended. Kyna was a great character. The storyline was full of twists that kept me turning the pages, and wanting to see what comes next. Loved it!!
What Lies Within Us by Gina Kincade is an amazing story I have read. I loved reading this cause it has to do with magic, witches and wizards. I can not get enough of this author and I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about wizards,witches and magic in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Exceptional writing. I didn't take the erotica/romance genre all that seriously (I enjoyed them, but still) until I read this book.
A mystery that kept reminding me of Rebecca by Alfred Hitchcock in atmosphere with deftly written descriptions of the settings and characters that rivaled Anne Rice, I highly recommend this book. I would read any book this author's name is attached to.
I enjoyed how easy this book was to read. The characters were pleasing to understand. I liked the depth of the book. It was well worth the time to read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can’t tell you how truly magical that sounds. 5 GOLD HEARTS
Beauty stole her already shallow breath. While that is an abbreviated quote/line from the story, it so aptly summed up my reaction & feelings to this story! I have read stories by both Gina & Kiki on their own, but this is my first time reading a magical/paranormal/occult/gothic romance collaboration between these two authors and it blew me away! Blew me away right into this beautifully amazing & magically dark World where I was transported into the unknown, completely captivated & riveted, living it, experiencing it all as if I was actually there, as if I was Kyna!! I wouldn't trade that for anything! Especially the hunk o'man part! Wink This is a somewhat deep, intense kind of read, but in a good way! The detailed descriptions of everything from the storm to the magical objects and spells brings this whole new dynamic to the story, enriching it, adding depth, bringing to life every single part of the story, no matter how big, small or even how inconsequential it *may* seem. It truly is What Lies Within Us that makes this story the magical gem that it is! I know just how tremendously talented Gina & Kiki both are, but when you combine that talent... and then add in their genuine gift for crafting stories you can’t put down, characters that you love (or hate), storylines that keep you reading well into the night and have you actually living the story with & as the characters...WOW!! Just WOW! You get one phenomenal powerhouse of talent in epic proportions and a book that you wish was 1,000 pages longer!! Other stories, no matter how fantastic they are, seem pale in comparison to Kyna's story. It truly is “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." All I can say is that I hope they plan on writing a lot more books together because I am as addicted as one fangirl can possibly be!! I have been caught in their spells, charmed, enchanted mind, body, spirit and soul.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
3.5 Stars
What Lies Within Us takes place in mystical Ireland, in a dark, gothic castle. If that isn't enough to set the mood, lightning storms pervade at least half of the book, creating an eerie backdrop for this paranormal romance.
Main character Kyna learned she was adopted and hopped on a plane to meet her newly discovered aunt. She also discovered that she was from a long line of magic users with a dark society pursuing her for her untapped power. Kyna wavered between strength and damsel in distress so often, I feared whiplash. Lucky girl had two men vying for her attention: a hunky former SEAL and a dangerous sorcerer. She felt an attraction to both, though the sorcerer scared her a bit.
Of the two males, Aedan- the SEAL- was more swoon-worthy with his talk of protection and rock hard abs... but Darcaryn was far more interesting. Personally, I never felt much of anything for Aedan since he wasn't very developed past his alpha-male, insta-love attraction for Kyna and of course, his desire to protect her. Darcaryn was just plain untrustworthy- he reminded me of a dangerous, rather insane snake.
The story was very fast-paced, with few lulls. There was an interesting twist toward the end that I didn't see coming- I always like that. Kyna learned amazingly fast; I think she was trained in about one week. Her power was strong, something to do with her birthmark and birthright. If you like whirlwind romances set in an eerie locale with magic and secret societies, then you should like What Lies Within Us.
After receiving a mysterious letter, Kyna Hughes travels to Ireland to discover her whole life has been a façade. As Kyna world is totally flipped on it’s side, she learns of the magic hidden inside her, she discovers more family secrets and gets a crash course in learning to use her powers. She is torn between two men: Aedan, a former Navy Seal with a sensitive side, and Darcaryn, a little too dark wizard who is training her in all things magic. Magic…who knew right? This story just goes to show that some people may look ordinary, but there is something greater inside of them just waiting to burst free.
This book is set in Ireland, and I have always wanted to go there. At least in books, I can be carried there by my imagination. This is a fast paced read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, romance and supernatural aspects. I adored Kyna as the lead. She seemed very real and personable to me, and her responses to the goings on in the story were realistic as well. She is a strong character and I enjoyed watching her come into her own. Aedan is the stereotypical Alpha male extraordinaire, but is tempered with his softer side and his instinct to protect. Darcaryn isn’t my favorite character, for obvious reasons I won’t spoil for you.
I really enjoyed Ms. Howell’s story, and her attention to details. She clearly has a vivid imagination and the skill to bring it to life on the page. I will be watching this author closely in the future, as I suspect I will enjoy more of her work.
What Lies Within Us by Kiki Howell. 3 out of 5 stars. An enjoyable read about a young girl, adopted at birth, that receives a letter from her birth aunt wanting to meet her. After having traveled to Ireland, Kyna finds out she is a witch and her powers have been suppressed for her own safety. Not all is as it first appears to be. The story was a bit slow-paced at first and took about a chapter to start getting into its stride, but it was worth sticking with to read a really good book. There are a number of editing errors which could have been avoided that detract a bit from the enjoyment of the storyline and make it harder to read it straight through, but nothing major that would stop me from recommending it on to others.
OK this story caught me from the get-go. I almost feel sorry for Kyna and the unbelievable position she is put in until I realize, she has two amazingly hunky men after her. Granted, one actually wants her, the other just wants to possess her, but still, two hunky men. Can you guess which one is which? It took me a while, so I won’t fault anyone who doesn’t get it at first glance. Her aunt seems a little batty, ok, a lot batty. This story is so well told, all the characters very well written, the story fully explored, all the questions answered. I could not have asked for anything better. The story was steady, but very action packed. Also, just when you think you have it all figured out, something will change and you will be right back reading to find out what happens next. I love a good story like that. If I am given all the answers in the front, what is the point of making it to the back? I made sure to get to the back with this story.
I was really impressed with the depth of this book. Kyna and Aedan are match fit for each other in all ways. Darcryn is a bit strange and a lot crazy. Saoirse is quite evasive, mysterious, and a touch crazy. Kyna is confused most of the story and not sure what to make of everything that is being told to her. I couldn't imagine going to a foreign land to discover that my whole life was orchestrated in a way that I could never imagine. Kyna is brave and courageous in the ways that count and was raised to face life head on. Aedan is HOT, very caring, and protective. Kiki Howell did a great job bringing this book alive with her characters and descriptions, as well as the story line. I am anxious to find out what happens next.
I'll admit I'm a total fan of Kiki Howell, and yet once again she writes so incredibly, so intensely, so perfectly.
Her romance scenes are exceptional with a depth of feeling the reader truly feels, as if they've crawled into the book and taken on the life of the character.
Mixed in with the well-researched paranormal element of cults, witches and magick, Ms.Howell did not fails to have this reader turning page after page long throughout the night.
Just like Hidden Salem A War In The Willows, and so many other wonderfully enchanting books Ms. Howell has crafted, this book only confirms for me this author is an absolute gem when it comes to her work.
"What Lies Within Us" by Kiki Howell is a romantic thriller with a dose of the paranormal. I've always enjoyed thrillers and paranormal fiction but when I started to read this, I wondered whether the 'romantic' tag would result in a odd mix of genres - But I was pleasantly surprised, engaged and intrigued by the lot. The main character Kyna, discovers a family secret that takes her across the Atlantic ocean to Ireland. I felt the author truly knew the characters as they were not one-dimensional. Apart from Aedan - who is a very stereotypical good looking male character, but i guess that's what some reader like :p Overall there were moments where I absolutely loved what the author had written, so I think this is a very promising author that will only get better.
Ugh...this book was the hardest book for me to get through!!! I only did it because I hate not finishing a story. 50% of this book is detailed, I mean adverb on top of adverb on top of verbs DETAILED, of what rooms or inanimate objects looked like (never mind she never describes what her heroine actually looks like). 40% of this book is again over the top detail of the emotions or feeling that the main characters are having, I'm talking several paragraphs to describe one emotion. 10% of this book is the worst dialogue I've ever read. I don't usually critique this harshly, but this book just had me shaking my head most of the time and skimming or skipping pages the rest of the time.
'What Lies Within Us' is a fast paced thrilling, suspenseful, romance with twists and some great magic thrown in. I loved it. The storyline pulled me in from the beginning and did not let go. I loved the characters. Kyna is a great lead. I loved her personality and strength. Aedan is a man that dreams are made of. Hot, sexy, strong and he even has a soft side. I liked how the story played out. Kiki Howell wrote another 5 star read in my opinion. She's an author I'll definitely continue to follow. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended read!
Kiki Howell has truly brought out her imaginative down to earth writing style in this book. Making everything seem real and possible. But then she always does. What may be abnormal to someone is an every day occurrence to the books she writes. And it is no different with this one. Kiki has you walking, seeing and feeling what the character is going through. If you like a well written and thought out book then you are really going to enjoy this one.