Inspire

The Muse #1

by Cora Carmack

Kalliope lives with one purpose.

To inspire.

As an immortal muse, she doesn’t have any other choice. It’s part of how she was made. Musicians, artists, actors—they use her to advance their art, and she uses them to survive. She moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached. But all she wants is a different life— a normal one. She’s spent thousands of years living lie after lie, and now she’s ready for something real.

Sweet, sexy, and steady, Wilder Bell feels more real than anything else in her long existence. And most importantly… he’s not an artist. He doesn’t want her for her ability. But she can’t turn off the way she influences people, not even to save a man she might love. Because in small doses, she can help make something beautiful, but her ability has just as much capacity to destroy as it does to create. The longer she stays, the more obsessed Wilder will become. It’s happened before, and it never turns out well for the mortal.

Her presence may inspire genius.

But it breeds madness, too.

INSPIRE is the first book in The Muse series and is intended for readers 18+!

Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Greek Mythology

387 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2014

About the author

Cora Carmack is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of New Adult Romance and YA fantasy. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages around the world. Cora lives in Austin, TX, and on any given day you might find her typing away at her computer, flying to various cities around the world, or just watching Netflix with her kitty Katniss and her dog Sherlock. But she can always be found on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her website www.coracarmack.com.

***Please note: I am rarely on goodreads, so if you're trying to get a hold of me, the best places to find me are Twitter, Facebook, my blog, Instagram, and via email (coracarmack(at)gmail(dot)com).

Reviews

[Paula M · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 22%

I don't have a problem with sex in books. It happens. And very much expected with a genre like this. But a whiny heroine AND an intense sex scene and I'M NOT EVEN IN THE MIDDLE YET? And it's between two people declaring their love and need for each other when they just met once in a grocery store?

NO THANK YOU.

I have 600+ books in my TBR that in my opinion have more sense.

I don't even care if there'll be a 'story' afterwards. I DON'T CARE...

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title:Inspire
Series:The Muse #1
Author:Cora Carmack
Release date: December 15, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:Yes
HEA: No



Creation and Destruction. These are the things I inspire.

This book.....gave me all the feels. It had all the characteristics of a stellar book. It was intriguing, gripping, dramatic, tense, but most of all, it had the kind of distinct plot that is totally unique and shall I go there...? Inspired. There, I said it. There are very, very few books that I can say is unlike anything I have ever read but Inspire achieved that. That alone gave the story huge points right off the bat.

Kali was the kind of heroine I just wanted to take apart piece by piece to see her inner workings and put her back together again. She was so intriguing! Powerful, yet imperfect. Hopeful yet cynical. Walking the earth, yet other-worldly. Inspiring yet horribly destructive.

I've never known what it's like to love someone, to build a life, to grow older...because loving me is dangerous. I'm the drug.

And one huge thing I loved about this book? In almost all paranormal books where a human and a supernatural get together, the heroine is the poor, unsuspecting human who is stunned by this gorgeous male specimen with fantastical powers. in this case, the heroine is the powerful one and it was refreshing, to say the least.

Kalli is a muse.

She's a greek goddess put on the earth to inspire the arts. She's immortal and filled with the power to open up people's minds and help them achieve great heights. But if exposed too long to her, they can achieve dangerous lows. And those lows that she inspires in others are breaking her down and making her want normal.

The other gods might think of mortals as less than them, but I've walked among them for millennium. They are not less to me. In fact, I'm more jealous of them than I'll ever admit aloud.

She doesn't want to go from one temporary existence to the next, never finding a connection or purpose in life other than being an outlet for others. She's beginning to feel used up and disillusioned.



Suddenly, along comes Wilder. When she runs into him at a convenience store, he completely sets her off balance. He's this responsible, sexy man dressed in...as suit? He's not artistic in the least, yet she's drawn to him. His tenderness towards his little sister melts her heart and makes her yearn for someone like him to share her life with, to grow with and have a family with. These are things that aren't possible for her because of her immortality and it only hurts to even think about it. This beautiful man could be destroyed if he got too close to her for too long. But what if it were possible? What if she could find a way to channel all her energy out in a safe way so that nobody has to be harmed? Wilder seems to want anything she's able to give him. She's secretive, and closed off, but he's willing to be patient for this woman who has completely enraptured him.



Kalli and Wilder quickly become addicted to each other. Yeah, it was pretty rushed, but this is paranormal stuff here, so I gave that some leeway. Their feelings were more than an addiction, they were an obsession. At first, Kalli thinks they just have an immeasurable amount of chemistry unlike anything she's ever experienced. Their passion is explosive and uncontrollable and that scares her.

Passion.
It comes from a Latin word that means to suffer. And that's what the slick thrust of his tongue against mine is-a suffering so sweet that my head spins.

Only, what she comes to realize is that they are bound by more than passion. They are tethered by fate. She can feel it binding them together. But she doesn't know the outcome. Will risking everything with Wilder be the biggest mistake of her eternal life?



This book was completely fascinating to me. I was racing through the pages toward the end yet at the same time, wanting to slow down and make it last. I loved the uniqueness of the story and the unpredictability of it. So why not 5 stars? As much as I liked it, there were eye roll inducing parts For instance, when he finally finds out what she is, he accepts it almost immediately and is even more determined to keep her. I mean, ok, I get it, she's a goddess, but wouldn't that be a little daunting??! I don't know if I would be that confident that they could make it work. So yeah, it was kind of silly, but it still wasn't enough to ruin the book for me.

Also, at times, his obsession with her resembled her ex flings a little too closely for comfort. It was almost like he was only drawn to her because she had this ethereal beauty and mystery surrounding her. I started to wonder if he was really falling for the the true girl behind the goddess.

Other than that, I thought it was an exceptional read. The writing was beautifully done and captured me from beginning to end. It was so different than Cora Carmack's other works that I've read. I've enjoyed her other New Adult books, but this was special in a whole other way. Be warned though, this has a cliffhanger to rival all cliffhangers. You need to know that before you get your heart ripped out like I did. That ending will slay you.

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[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to keep this review fairly simple and short. For starters, I think that my rating and enjoyment of the book is mostly due to the fact that I have never been one to understand the whole concept of muses and how the inner workings of their talent works. I know in this particular story that Kalliope, who is a Greek Goddess; and also she is a muse that was put on this earth to inspire all different kinds of artists. She is immortal, and has lived for many centuries inspiring others, while in the meantime she herself isn't totally fulfilled within her own soul. Until the day she meets Wilder Bell, then suddenly life and love take on a whole new meaning for her. This sounds wonderful, and the writing was done beautifully. My biggest complaint though was how Kalli continuously pushed poor Wilder away. It drove me crazy, and it lasted pretty much the entire book. This has to be one of my top pet peeves when it comes to romance books of any kind. I can understand at the beginning of a story some hesitance, and maybe a little push and pull; but when it is the entire book...I'm sorry..my attention becomes lost.

Then we have my next pet peeve, which would be the almighty cliffy. Well, this book has a whopper of a cliffy all right. I will admit, I am now curious what will happen in the next book. To be honest though, if it is a long wait...I can see myself losing the excitement of the next book.

I don't like to make this review all negative, as like I stated earlier...the writing is done very well. I will for sure be checking out what else Cora Carmack has written in her career. I have a high suspicion that if it is a story that is more to my taste, I am going to love it. She writes a very passionate sex scene, and I very much enjoyed her male character. In saying that, I do look forward to investigating her back list and finding out what else she has created. She has a strong voice that comes across very beauiful in her writing, and I am confident she has some really great stories out there.

I want to thank the author for gifting me a copy of this book after I had won a contest that she put up on Facebook. I was honored to have the opportunity to read one of her books!

[Wendy Higgins]

Oh, Cora! What a gorgeous start to a new series! I felt Kalli's heartbreaking struggle, her urges and fears and deepest desires. The whole muse lore was a fascinating premise. Wilder, of course, was delicious.
And it has a strong cliffie, just as a respectable first book in the series should, hehehe.

[Danielle (Love at First Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5 stars

Wow! THIS WAS SO GOOD. I am sort of shocked to say that Inspire is officially my new favorite Cora Carmack book. Not to say that I didn't expect to love this, but I'm such a contemporary girl and I'm obsessed with football, so I wasn't sure anything would ever be able to top her Rusk University series. Now I'm singing a much different tune, with a chorus of three words I never thought I'd string together: move over Silas. Seriously. Guys, if you liked Silas' dirty mouth and Cade's emotional sincerity, then you are going to love Wilder, who is some sexy combination of both these things. Yum, just yum. Much more on him later.

Summary

Kalliope, or "Kalli" as she likes to be called, is an immortal muse, and she lives with one purpose: to inspire. While most of the gods and goddesses have withdrawn from the mortal world, she and her sisters have remained there throughout the centuries, the only way they'll survive. While her energy gives inspiration to artists and helps their creativity and genius reach new heights, it also means that she will keep her sanity. If she goes too long without releasing her ability, she risks madness for herself and danger to everyone around her. When Kalli meets Wilder, a normal guy who doesn't need her for inspiration, her long dormant desires of freedom and love are fully awakened. He is everything she wants but can't have, because if she falls in love with Wilder and he falls in love with her, she risks not only their hearts but their minds as well.

My review

Even though I studied Latin for four years in high school of my own free will, I didn't expect to love a story about a muse this much. I was honestly skeptical about that aspect. I worried about what type of character Kalli would be and if I could connect to her story. Turns out that I worried for nothing. Kalli is a truly loveable main character, and I sympathized with her plight so much. I am a girl who will always love love, so when I read about a heroine who has been denied that her whole life but wants it more than anything... well, that just tugs at all my heartstrings. After an eternity of shallow relationships, Kalli wants something real and lasting, and she knows she can have that with Wilder. But she's also a very caring person, and she doesn't want to put him at any risk, despite their strong feelings for each other. She does push him away several times throughout the story, which is usually something I get annoyed by, but her reasoning always makes sense. I understand why she does it, even when I'm agonizing over her choices and wondering how she could possibly resist him. Because there's no way I could. Wilder is probably too good be true and doesn't exist in real life, but he is exactly my ideal book boyfriend. He's a glasses-wearing gentleman through and through, protective and serious, but he also has tattoos up and down his arms and his bedroom talk will have you fanning yourself. He doesn't hold back his feelings with Kalli, and I was majorly swooning over his unabashed adoration of her.

It's the easiest thing I've ever done. Loving you.

There is definitely a forbidden aspect to Kalli and Wilder's romance, since she's an immortal and he's not. There's also the many problems her muse-identity poses: she can never tell him who she truly is, she still has to inspire others so that her energy levels will stay down, she's not sure if he will grow mindlessly obsessed with her, etc. Despite all this, I absolutely love the fact that Wilder and Kalli's relationship feels so normal. There's this genuineness between them that made me so damn giddy while reading. Sometimes emotions happen too quickly in books like these, but their interactions allow for the perfect amount of development. I truly believed in their falling in love. (Side note: Cora Carmack does point-of-view so well here.) It should also be noted I completely swooned over the way Wilder pursues Kalli. He's adamant and stubborn without being pushy, but he's not a doormat either and sometimes makes Kalli work for it as well. But mostly he just continually lets her know how much he adores her, and it made my heart all mushy-like. They are so cute together. SO CUTE. It takes time before their romance feels settled, but the trip there is entirely too much fun with just the right amount of painful moments that kept me in knots. Plus there's the chemistry, which is just wow. I swear every Cora Carmack book just gets steamier and steamier. I advise you not to read this in the company of others.

While Inspire is definitely a paranormal book, I like that there's still a strong contemporary feel to it. The mythological aspect is sprinkled throughout the story, and only towards the end (sob sob) does it take focus. I like that it is both simple and fresh, something that hasn't been done before in NA but that doesn't take away from the romance. Judging by the evil cliffhanger (sob sob), it'll be more of a focus in the next book, but it'll also give Wilder and Kalli a chance to work as true partners, which I'm stoked about. Hopefully not too much drama will ensue. Either way, though, I need Inflict in my life yesterday, and I'm willing to beg Cora Carmack for any early copy. :D All I have left to say is: I loved this SO MUCH. Such an amazing, heartfelt, swoony, adorable, sexy romance. It's a book I wish I could read for the first all over again.

This review can also be found at Love at First Page.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to learn Cora would be writing a series in this genre and could not wait to see her unique spin on PNR (Paranormal Romance). I am a huge PNR fan and NA could use more of this genre. PNR tends to be overlooked for the most part in most NA books. Cora delivered in a huge way and I really liked this first book in her new series. In fact, Inspire ties All Lined Up as my favorite book written by her. PNR and Contemporary NA fans alike will enjoy this new series.

I hadn't read about muses since middle school and consider myself a Greek Mythology fan. I loved reading a book on a less written about goddess. After finishing the book, I spent an hour looking up everything about Kalliope. Her character really appealed to me. From the beginning of the story, I was immersed in Kalli's world. While her immortality was a large part of her existence, her past was revealed throughout the story. As a reader, you are given little background. I found myself questioning her past and the major players in her immortal world; they do not play a large role in this book. However, I felt an instant connection to her character and her struggles as a muse. She was a person who cared about the humans she depended upon for survival. She appeared to carry a heavy burden of immortality.

Creation and Destruction. These are the the things that I inspire.

Then, enters sexy Wilder and the story only gets better. He is just..wow! How could you not love a man taking care of his family, attending college, and being a rock star? I loved that both Kalli and Wilder were narrators. Both are complicated characters and the dual POVs added so much depth to the story. While I am usually a critic of "quick love", it worked amazingly well here. I will not spoil the details, but their connection was believable and so sexy.

"All we know is who we want, and I think you want me just as badly as I want you."

Even though Wilder and Kalli were a perfect fit, nothing was ever easy between a human and an immortal. I appreciated that Cora brought in different difficulties, in addition to the classic one. I became frustrated with both of them at different times; both kept deep secrets from the other. One of my only complaints with the book surrounded the events in the ending chapters. I wanted to hear more from Wilder's view point. I wanted to see what he felt during those times.

As with all of Cora's books there are moments of laughter. Despite the angst, there were tons of lighthearted and fun moments. I have come to expect her own style of sassiness and she definitely delivered. With any new series I expect a cliffhanger, and there was one here. However, I didn't want to throw my Kindle or cry in the corner. I am definitely looking forward to 2015 and book 2. Cora has won me over completely in her debut PNR!

[Debby · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

I start this review with pretty much a broken heart. Anyone who knows me has probably heard me yelling about my love for Cora Carmack. She could do no wrong in my eyes. Then... Inspire happened.

Inspire was an attempt to bring us something new: new adult paranormal romance. Until now, the only new adult books have pretty much been contemporary romances, so it was exciting to hear that this would be something different. This would hopefully combine some awesome paranormal/fantasy aspects (because I am alllllll about the Greek mythology, seriously) with the hotness we've come to expect from new adult books and more specifically from Cora Carmack. Well... it did not deliver on the promise, in my eyes.

My main problem with Inspire is that it has no plot. Yes, it is paranormal, because Kalli is a muse. ... The... end? Seriously, her identity is pretty much the only paranormal/fantasy element we get. She has beaucoup amounts of angst because her last artist got too obsessed with her and tried to commit suicide when she left him. But her dealing with that baggage to be with Wilder anyway is the whole story, and so it seems like every other drama-laden new adult book out there.

There are exactly two other characters who are mythology-related: an oracle (who doesn't even know she's an oracle), and a Watcher, who appears exactly twice. It took up to 65% before anything remotely plot-like and non-romance-related happened - when Kalli hears a prophecy. This first sounds like a pretty frightening prophecy, involving death and the end of people and whatever, but then that's cast aside again. Seriously, right after she hears this and is visibly shaken, she goes home for more sexings. Because that's what you do. It's not until the last 10-20 pages that something actually notable happens, which means I can sum up the plot very shortly: Kalli wants to become a mortal so she can be with Wilder, because one lifetime with him is the only thing she wants. So they make a deal with Hades, to do *something* for him in exchange for her mortality. Wilder gets his neck snapped because that's the only way for him to get to the underworld to complete that bargain. And then. The book. Ends.

I wish I were kidding about this. But that's seriously the plot. And I do realize that this book is short (not even 300 pages!) and it's the first in a series, but seriously, I expected more than that. This is paranormal romance, but it's 99% romance, and 1% paranormal. You have been warned.

And about that romance. Yeah.... it's sappy as FUCK. And it's total instalove. Which I don't even have to explain to you in my own words, I can just show you this quote:

I'm terrified. I can't lose him. I just can't. We've only known each other a month, and have been seeing each other officially for a little over a week, but he's already imprinted on my heart. No, deeper than that. He's wrapped up in my essence, my soul. I thought it was the same for him. I need it to be the same for him.
Inspire by Cora Carmack

Soon after that there are the "I love you"s and the literal "I can't live without you"s and "We're fated to be together"s and basically as I continued reading my expression slipped into the most epic and awkward wince-face.



Now, some will like this. But sap is not my thing. And I tried very long and very hard to rationalize it - that fate *could* very well be tying them together in this world where the Fates are a thing. (Well, you don't see them, but Kalli will dwell endlessly on the fact that strings of fate do exist.) Also, Kalli is a goddess, leaking inspiration, so that could explain their near toxic co-dependence. But just when I think I can excuse the sap and try to take the sentiment seriously, Wilder squashes the whole thing.

If it's addiction you're worried about, too late. I already can't live without you, but I swear it has nothing to do with music or energy or any of those things.
Inspire by Cora Carmack

DUDE WHY DO YOU MAKE IT SO HARD FOR ME TO LIKE THIS BOOK? I will admit that the hot scenes are really hot. It's probably Cora's hottest book yet. The most explicit for sure. But I don't buy into the relationship. It's so sappy, I actually UNSHIP it. It's all purely physical too - seriously, the only thing Wilder ever thinks about is how hot and beautiful Kalli is. He doesn't even know anything else about her for most of the book: just that she's hot and mysterious. She actually RUNS AWAY for three months, and when he sees her again he first demands to know why she left but two seconds later is kissing her against a wall, pressing his hard-on into her, claiming he *needs* to be inside her. DAFUQ EVEN IS THIS. I was actually hoping for Wilder to die at some point, so that Kalli would do something other than cry and give me some of the fantasy awesomeness that I was hoping for.

Summing Up:

This is tearing me up inside, but Inspire was just not my thing. I'm all for the sexytimes, but I'm not for PWP (plot? what plot?) sexytimes. Especially when you promise paranormal things - Greek mythology things - I expect plot, action, mystery, and magic, and I got none of that. When all you have to fall back on is the romance and it's sappy as fuck, you've lost me. But I *might* still read the sequel, depending on what I hear about it. It is Cora Carmack after all.

GIF it to me straight!



Recommended To:

People who need the sexytimes and are fans of fated, sappy love.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

INITIAL REACTION UPON COMPLETING THIS BOOK: Did you hear that *CRACK* sound? That was MY HEART!
SECOND.BOOK.NOW, Cora! NOW!
Have to gather my thoughts before I can even write the review of this book...

I want to thank Cora for providing me with a copy of this phenomenal book to read and give an honest review. Receiving the book for free has in no way altered my opinion or review.

So if anyone knows me, they know I'm a huge Cora fan. Given the chance to read any book by her I would jump right in. So I always have high hopes for her stuff and she never disappoints. NEVER! As you can tell, this book was no exception to that rule.

In this book Cora dives into a bit of uncharted territory. We don't see many New Adult books set with paranormal overtones. And I love a good paranormal. Not only is it a mixture of those two genres, but it's also totally unique. I love the concept of this Muse having been around for thousands of years influencing all kinds of artists! I've never read anything like it before.

Meet Kalliope (Kallie). She's not your normal every day college student. She's a muse and she's immortal, living thousands and thousands of years with the power to influence artists; giving them energy to hone and perfect their craft. Because of this, she is destined to always be alone. The relationships she forms with these artists allow her to get close enough to them to infuse them with her inspiration but nothing else. But she has to be careful because if she goes too far with her influence, she can push the artist over the edge to insanity or worse. And each artist is a job for her, so eventually she must break the bond and ease away from them. Because of this, she's never had the chance to experience love. And after so many years she's becoming weary and wanting more than just the physical relationships with inspirational boosts she gives these people. She craving more of a connection but knows it's not possible for her to have this because her life is a muse and nothing else.

Enter Wilder. He's nothing like what Kallie would normally go after. He's this clean cut businessman who she can't ever inspire. But she finds herself strangely attracted to him, tethered, if you will. The pull she feels is undeniable, as if they are fated to be together. And she wants to try and be with him, but she has to figure out how that is even possible, or if it's even possible. And Wilder tells us his own story along the way. He's had tragedy in his life that has forced him to do a total turn about and take care of his family. He goes from living a life that's carefree and a bit destructive to one that requires him to really be the man of his family, and the bread winner. He's sexy and loyal and how can you resist a man who's good with little children? On top of that, he's a little more naughty than I would have predicted him to be. But I won't tell you why or how, I'll let you read that all for yourself!

As with Cora's other books, she weaves in a great secondary cast. Kallie's friends become very essential to her ability to pursue the life she wants. She finds with them a balance she could not otherwise have with Wilder alone.

The best thing Cora ever did for this book was make it dual POV. While I think the story would have worked from just Kallie's POV, I don't think we would have gotten enough depth about Wilder in the long run. So to see them both really gave such development to the characters. It was so much easier to slip into each of their shoes and feel what they were experiencing with each other. And the dual POV heightened the fact that nothing was easy between them. You knew they would hit bumps in the road, but boy oh boy you will never see the mountains Cora throws in coming!

The integration of Greek mythology into this book is subtle, but essential to the underlying plot. It's introduced slowly until finally we see that it truly invades every aspect of Kallie's life and she just cannot escape from it. Add to that a plot twist that Kallie herself did not see coming and you wonder it's even possible for her to be anything other than what she truly is.

This book is a great mixture of romance and heartbreak. There are moments when you find yourself giggling uncontrollably. And there are moments when you are downright bawling. Add to that the sexy moments that make you squirm and you have all the great elements of a PNR gone New Adult. And the cliffhanger ending will leave you wanting the second book yesterday. As I said at the top of my review, did you hear the *CRACK*? that was my heart crumbling to pieces. I can't wait to see where Kallie and Wilder's story goes!

[Yomi M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had many things that under different circumstances I would be rolling my eyes. It was cheesy at times, there was definitely insta-love, it was predictable AND there was cliffhanger. However, with that being said I really liked it, it maybe it was because I was sick...who knows. All I know is that I can't wait for the second book :)

[Serap(Agresif Spoiler Kraliçesi) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sonradan açıldı ama boşa okumayın en önemli yerde bitti ve devamı çıkmamış (çevrilmedi sanıyordum fakat hiç çıkmamış ki çevrilsin 🙈)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by author in exchange of honest review

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So if you are looking for a book that takes a modern spin on Greek Mythology then look no further than INSPIRE by Cora Carmack. Are you ready to get inspired? They say to be inspired is great, to inspire is incredible. And for Kalliope, a Greek Goddess, who was placed on Earth to be an immortal muse to use her ability to inspire for that sole purpose only. She doesn’t have any choice. It was what she was made for. Musicians, artists, painters, designers, writers and all those who specializes in the arts uses her ability to get inspired and in return she uses them to survive. Kalliope’s gift can be only be described as creation and destruction since it goes hand in hand. She can’t stay long with them since she must not get attached to them since her gift can be addicting.



For a millenium, she spent living a lie since she has to live in secret. She inspires others but Kalliope always knew deep down, she was missing something to complete her. She was missing the pull, connection and spark of what it truly means to FEEL ALIVE. And that all changed, when Kalliope runs into Wilder Bell. One touch was all it took for Kalli to see the connection and driving energy that was flowing between them. Simply, you could say an invisible thread connected them no matter if the thread tangles. The connection between Wilder and Kalliope was there and there was nothing that could stop this brewing connection and spark that ignited between them.



Although the connection was strong, there was one thing lingering over their relationship. The truth. The truth of Kalliope’s identity and immortality. Can Kalli let go of her fears and doubts and trust that her relationship with Wilder is real and meant to be? For so many years, Kalli walked on Earth inspiring others and creating beauty with her gift, can she finally see its Wilder who inspires her to feel alive? Can an immortal and mortal find everlasting love?



Inspire by Cora Carmack is a different kind of read and I must applaud Ms. Carmack for tackling on an original modern take on mythology while incorporating romance. I must say Wilder Bell stole my heart and was the heart of the book. He was sweet, kind, and understanding. No matter how much Kalli tried to distance herself from him, he never gave up. I understand Kalliope’s reluctance since she was a immortal but there were times I wanted to shake her and tell her please lose control and let Wilder in. As for their chemistry, there are no words. Their bond was already sealed since they were fated to meet. Overall, I enjoyed INSPIRE. This book was sweet, romantic, steamy and at the same time filled with drama and angst. I definitely look forward to reading the next book and read what will become of Kalli and Wilder,


Cora Carmack
**Reviewed Posted on Four Chicks Flipping Pages***

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[✿ℎazℯℓ - thℯ ℛock Cℎick ℱairy✿ · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO DAMN GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!
If you haven't read this, you are missing half of your reading life!!!!!!!!! MYGAWDDDD!!!!!
IT'S AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

READ IT NOW PEOPLE!! Then join me in my waiting misery for the next book!!!!!

[Amber Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, the best NA I've read all year. Maybe the best paranormal I've read all year. Cora just keeps getting better and better.

[Muse-ic ♬ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't have much to say about this book. And most of it isn't really good.
First of all the instalove is UN-REAL!
Kalliope (Kalli) sees Wilder Bell in the grocery store with his little sister. He is now stuck in her mind and her in his, of course.

I got so bored of the story line. I have no good vibes coming off this book that I don't even feel like writing this review.
It's not just romance, it's instalove romance. Not much of a story.

Kalliope is one of the nine muses. In other words, she is thousands of years old and she and her sisters are spread out throughout the world. Their jobs are to find artists in order to release into them the build-up of artistic energy that, if they allow to build up enough, will drive them insane. Too much of their energy in one person will also drive the person insane. So what Kalli does to approach these artists is date them. Which means they usually have to be male, which I only say because in this case, Kalli was portrayed in a way that showed she only goes after men. Which is sexist if you think about it. Females don't deserve artistic energy because they aren't artists! Bullcrap!

She spontaneously meets Wilder and he's not an artist. He used to play music and Kalli does re-inspire that in him, but that doesn't happen until later. They fall in love almost immediately, they sleep together significantly early into the relationship. The only conflict is that she has to make sure her energy is low around him because he makes the energy build-up process in her increase its speed. And there are the Argus watching her, but they only come in twice. Once at the end which causes a problem to be solved in the next book, which I'm not interested enough to read. As far as I am informed, Wilder got his neck broken because it's the fastest way for him to enter the underworld. He and Kalli agreed to do Hades a favor so he could take Kalli's immortality away to be with Wilder.

The whole book is romance. Actually it's more passion than romance. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but it is not something that I seek in a good book. I like and seek more meaning and depth in a relationship than passion, instalove, and lust. More importantly, I seek a much more significant conflict, something not really involving the romance. because otherwise it takes over the whole entire book. I was looking forward to some mythology, but pretty much all I got was a bunch of names mentioned. I was rather disappointed.

Obviously this is more opinionated than a review. I respect the fact that many people enjoy a good romance book. I do too once in a while. Unfortunately I didn't get a "good romance" vibe off of this one.

My favorite character was Gwen, Wilder's little sister. She is genuinely cute and likable. I really wanted to punch all the other characters multiple times.

To those who do plan on reading this, I truly hope you enjoy it more than I did. Personally? I think that dollar I spent went to waste.

That's all.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aww man I thought this was a standalone but now I'm left hanging! Loved Wilder! He was a sweetie! And of course sexy! Those sex scenes! WOW! I felt like their relationship did move a bit fast and went to the whole die for you love within weeks. Looking forward to their adventure to Hades!

[Büşra · Rating 5 out of 5]

BANA. HEMEN. İKİNCİ . KİTABI . FIRLATIN.
Daha çikmamis bileee. :( :(Cok cok cok güzeldi.Ozellikle Yunan mitolojisiyle ilgilenenler için birebir.*_*
ÖFF harikaydı bee !
Neyse gideyimde kafamı toplayıp , adam akıllı bir yorum yazıp geleyim :(
Son olarak Wilder Bell *_*

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I want…it goes far deeper than that. And it’s completely untouchable. “Sometimes the last thing that matters is what we want to do.”

Speechless… I am utterly speechless with the awesomeness and wonder of all that was Inspire by Cora Carmack. Let me start off with… WOW. I loved this book, Cora has shown a true talent for Paranormal Romance and I loved the stories, setting, characters and well… everything!

This is the story of Kalli, an immortal Muse who spends her life moving from artist to artist, never staying long and never getting truly attached. At times, I loved Kalli and at others I absolutely wanted to reach into the book and slap her upside the head! But, that was all part of the story and part of understanding her struggle and her existence.

Wilder Bell is starting over, going to college, working full time and helping out his family. His goal? Get his life on the straight and narrow and be there for his little sister Gwen. Let me just say that Wilder has quickly moved up the list of my Book Boyfriend list. We all know that I have a thing for tattooed, talented men and Wilder is so mysterious and so sexy! I just could not get enough of him!

The connection between these to was instantaneous and electric. Their attraction and pent up desire came through the pages and devoured me whole! I kept turning that pages for more butterflies and more warm tingles!

The other characters in this book were excellent as well and really added to the story. From Kalli’s fun and eccentric friend Lennox, to Wilder’s friend Rook who was so dark and kind of scary. Then there was Wilder’s Mother, so sweet and protective and trying so hard to survive. But my favorite? Wilder’s little sister Gwen, she was so silly and spirited and made me laugh at her wildness and cringe (but still smile) at her tantrums. This cast of characters was so diverse and Cora did an excellent job creating each one.


“If I could be normal, live like a normal person, I think that Wilder would be a pretty perfect choice. But I don’t get normal.”

One thing that I really liked about Inspire was the PN path that Cora took, delving into Greek mythology with Gods, Goddesses, Fates and Furies. It was just so cool and unique and well done.

There were a few times I got frustrated with Kalli’s back and forth. By the end, I understood her so much better and therefore the path that the novel took made more sense to me.

So now I am dying in anticipation of the 2nd book in this series! ARC’s are such a double edged sword. I was so happy to get to be one of the first to read this… but now I have to wait forever to find out where Kalli and Wilder go from here! And after that conclusion? I am literally hanging on the edge of a cliff searching for Kalli and Wilder below me! I NEED BOOK TWO! Like now!!

BRAVO Cora! I loved Inspire and I cannot wait to see where you go next!

“It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done. Loving you.Stop worrying about how this is going to play out down the road. It’s this moment that matters. Love me right now. Love me tomorrow and the next day. The future isn’t written in stone. We decide it. Choose to love me every second. We’ll choose that together. The rest will all fall into place.”

CHARACTER INTERVIEW

Questions for Kalli:
Becca: What type of artist is your favorite to Inspire?

Kalli: I tend to go through cycles with my preferences, but I’ve always had a soft spot for those who work with the written word. Whether it’s poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or music, I enjoy it all.

Becca: Which course is your favorite to take at your University?

Kalli: The trouble with being immortal is that it is rare that I get the chance to learn something new. I enjoy any class where that is not the case. So I often gravitate toward classes on modern subjects. Science. Computers. Business. But really, they’re all just a way to pass the time.

Becca: What is a favorite memory that you have of yourself with one or more of your sisters?

Kalli: I try not to think of my sisters often. But when I do, I see us happy. At parties or celebrations or festivals. Usually wine was involved. Before we left Greece, we could mingle among revelers, eavesdrop as they praised and celebrated us or relations. That was the golden age. Not just for the world, but for us, too.

Becca: When was your favorite moment or time period in History?

Kalli: Besides our early days in Greece, probably the Italian renaissance. Seems like everyone was an artist then (or wanted to be), and it was easy to do our jobs. Life just felt vibrant then. New and special.

Becca: What do you like best and least about yourself?

Kalli: When you live lifetime after lifetime, nothing remains black and white. Everything that I’ve loved about myself at one point, I’ve hated at another. My immortality. My looks. My talent. There is not best or worst of me. There’s just me, and all the things I cannot change.

Becca: What did you notice first about Wilder and what keeps you coming back?

Kalli: I noticed many things about Wilder the first time we met, but the thing that sticks out in my memory is his eyes. There was mystery in them, sweetness and sin, and I couldn’t help wanting to know more. And what keeps me coming back? All of him. The way he cares, for me and his family. He is so incredibly kind and selfless. Then there’s the attraction between us. Most days it feels impossible to stay away from him.

Questions for Wilder:
Becca: Where does the name Wilder come from?

Kalli: My mother is a fan of the playwright Thornton Wilder. She took me to see Our Town when I was younger. She spent half the play crying. Maybe it was my age, but I had to fight not to fall asleep in my seat.

Becca: What was your first tattoo and do you have plans for more?

Wilder: My first tattoo was an intricate set of tree roots on my forearm. My best friend Rook and I both have it. We got it in high school, and it’s the only tattoo I have that Rook didn’t do. And I’m sure I’m get plenty more. Usually about once a year, I start to get the itch for another.

Becca: What is your biggest fear and why?

Wilder: My biggest fear? You sure don’t pull any punches, do you? Well, I guess, it’s just that I’m inadequate. That I’m not enough to take care of those that I love. I grew up fairly spoiled. I can admit that. And at times, life felt a little two dimensional. A little flat. Sometimes, it can feel like I’m still that person.

Becca: What do you like best and least about yourself?

Wilder: Well, damn. I like to think that I’m strong. That I’ll persevere through whatever gets thrown at me. As for what I dislike? I dislike my tendency to second guess everything. Myself included.

Becca: What is a favorite Childhood memory that you have with your Mom, Dad and or sister?

Wilder: Well, Gwen and I never got to be kids together, since I’m eighteen years older than her. But one of my favorite memories was the summer I came back home for good. Gwen was just a toddler, and we celebrated July fourth all together. I remember her face as she watched the fireworks. She alternated between screaming in excitement and staring in awe, and she kept insisting to me that the stars were falling and she wanted me to catch her one. It was the first moment when I really felt like her big brother.

Becca: What did you notice first about Kalli and what keeps you coming back?

Wilder: Kalli is stunning. Gorgeous. Not only did I notice that the first time we met, it was impossible to notice anything else. The world could have been ending around me, and I probably would have been oblivious. As for what keeps me coming back… even when I knew next to nothing about her, I felt almost obsessed with her. There was just something about her that felt different than anyone I’d ever met. She wasn’t the easiest person to get to know. Hell, it was like pulling teeth most of the time. But every time she’d give up some little piece of herself to me, that fascination I had with her would burn hotter, grow larger. Every single time.

[nick (the infinite limits of love) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspire was one of those books that was so very hard to put down. It was addicting in every way and the ending just left me itching for more. In a genre that is mostly saturated with contemporary stories, it's nice to see paranormal stories also emerge, which was my primary reason for picking this book up. And Cora Carmack definitely succeeds at crafting a thoroughly entertaining story.

Inspire's protagonist, Kalli is in fact the immortal Greek muse, Kalliope. Kalli was dealing with a lot in the book. She had her moments where she frustrated me, but overall, she was a character I easily connected with. Her obstacles and struggles as a muse really hit me and by the end, I was begging the author in my mind for her to get that happily ever after she needed. The great thing about Kalli was that she was fiercely independent, sometimes a little too much. She put a shield around her that prevented people from really getting to know her. All that should have been frustrating for me as a reader, but it wasn't, considering her situation. Even though Kalli surrounded herself with people, you could tell that she was truly lonely, unable to reveal the truth about herself. Good thing she met Wilder, who managed to push through every barrier that she put up! And oh boy! Wilder was basically constructed out of swoon. From the first moment we met him, I knew that I would continue to fall head over heels in love with his character. From Cora Carmack's past books I knew that she knew how to write a hero that manages to turn her readers into a puddle, but she amped it up with Wilder. You guys already know how I feel about book boys who go to lengths to take care of their families and loved ones, so there was no doubt that I would fall for Wilder. He was a sweetheart even though he claimed to have a shady past. Any man that is willing to change for his family is a good man, in my eyes. It was not only that though, everything about Wilder was just so perfect, from his protective nature to his gentleness towards Kalli.

From their first meeting, Kalli and Wilder oozed raw and explosive chemistry. The pages of Inspire were overflowing with sexual tension and I was completely invested in their relationship. Not only was their physical relationship intense and super sexy, but they also had an emotional connection that was almost palpable throughout the book. Of course, their relationship was full of complications because of Kalli's secrets which she did not reveal until the very end of the book, but Cora Carmack made it work. I also enjoyed the mythology and background that the author explored. The plot did take some time to really get going, but I think Cora Carmack has reserved most of the world building and action for the next book. I'm certainly looking forward to learning more about the muses and the other paranormal beings that may exist in the world. I'm also crossing my fingers that we get to see some of Kalli's sisters in the future because they all sound interesting. Beware the awful cliffhanger that will slaughter your feels and leave you in excruciating pain though! It was VERY cruel on the author's part! ;)

An engaging and unique story in the NA genre, Inspire was an addicting read. Fans of Cora Carmack's other series should have no problem enjoying this new one that is bound to be emotionally exhausting for many!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

Inspire is the first book in the New Adult paranormal/fantasy The Muse series.

I definitely misread the blurb before starting this book. When I read "she moves from one artist to the next, never staying long enough to get attached." I thought that she went into their bodies. And that idea intrigued me. Really she is their muse. She needs to give them her energy to survive herself.

The thing is the author is really good at writing NA contemporary romance. This book is paranormal. But much of it reads like a contemporary romance. For the most part Kalli acts like a regular college girl with a secret. And truthfully I wish this book wasn't paranormal. The parts I loved were the parts that were straight up contemporary romance. I liked Kalli and Wilder. I liked his sister Gwen.

The premise of this book is that she is an immortal who needs to "inspire" people or she will explode. But in order for her to spend time with Wilder she needs to make sure she is on "empty" or close to zero so that he will be safe and she will not use her "gifts" on him. Time with her can make artists geniuses. But too much time with her and it can turn into madness. It is an interesting concept just for me I sometimes find fantasy to be too unrealistic for me. I do like paranormal. But I am not as crazy about fantasy. And when the stories get all out there ... well that is not really for me.

The book is divided into four parts. The first part is from Kalli's POV. The second part is from Wilder's POV. The third and fourth parts alternate between the two POVs.

Kalli is 21 although she has lived for a thousand years. But she is stuck in the body of a gorgeous 21 year old (her body rejuvenates itself everyday at midnight). Wilder is 23.

The author uses a lot of Greek mythology in this story and that part of it is pretty interesting.

The ending was really unexpected to me. Most of the first book felt like NA contemporary romance with undertones of paranormal. But the ending went completely paranormal/fantasy and the next book looks like it will be the same. I think that anyone looking for a NA paranormal/fantasy then this might be right up their alley.

[Catastrophe Queen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Greek mythology the Muses were daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne who inspired art and sciences throughout history. This book is a retelling of Kalliope, the muse of epic poetry in today's modern setting.

I admit that I was psyched about reading this book because of the intriguing plot but as soon as I had gone through the first two chapters I realized that this was just another predictable romance novel infused with fantasy elements.

Kalliope, the immortal muse goes from one artist to another, inspiring them to create and produce then leaving them when the time has come. She lives a lonely life, the object of inspiration but never the star. Then she meets the sexy, young Wilder who has the potential to be a musical artist but is troubled by his family problems. So what happens next? They have sex of course! And even though they should not be together they fall in love and fight to be together.

Well, I didn't mind the instalove bit because a lot of books I read seem to utilize this theme more often than not. I didn't even mind the hookup because these days people seek immediate sexual gratification and one night stands are the most convenient way to satisfy those desires. What I didn't like was the cliche theme of Kalliope falling love in a random guy after years of distancing herself from her artists. There was nothing extraordinary about Wilder other than the fact that he went through a rough time because of his father's incarceration.

The pace dragged. All the sexual tension and steamy sex scenes bored me to tears. Kalliope's personality was like a petty teenage girl's. Halfway through I kind of figured out the direction of the story and I just couldn't help but wish that Wilder and Kalliope didn't end up together. Great romance tales are better when there are no happy endings.

Anyway, by the time I finished this book I was indifferent. *sigh* I'm pretty sure I won't continue this series. It isn't actually horrid, it's just not my type of book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, if you've followed me for any length of time, you know it's very rare that I read/review paranormal books. But when one of your favorite authors announces that they are releasing a paranormal romance involving Greek Mythology, which I like, there's not much you can do except add it to the top of your reading list. And that's exactly what I did when Cora announced that she was releasing INSPIRE.


INSPIRE is the story of Kalli, an immortal Greek muse who is destined to live a solitary life alone, inspiring the creative juices of those in the arts. Then she meets Wilder. She is drawn to him in a way that she's never been before. Now she must decide whether or not to risk being with him or letting him go.

I really can't even begin to describe how much I loved this story, these characters and everything in between. INSPIRE took me on a roller coaster of emotions that left me reeling. Cora blended the new adult contemporary and paranormal genres perfectly. There isn't much more I can say without giving anything away. If you're a fan of Cora, new adult or paranormal romance, I would definitely urge you to pick up INSPIRE. You won't regret it!

[Meri · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Who knows if anyone is good for anyone else? There might be someone out there better for you than me, but I'm selfish enough to hope you never meet him."

"It really is something to see - the way people interact. Whether they're friends or lovers or strangers, everyone is connected [..] and I wish I weren't the only one to see the beauty in it."

"It's the easiest thing I've ever done. Loving you."

"Love me now. Love me tomorrow. And the next day. The future isn't written in stone. We decide it. Choose to love me every second. We'll choose that together."

"Living a thousand lives means nothing to me when the only one I really want is this one."

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was a brutal cliffhanger like whoa.

[Pavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED MORE. Loved this book! Review to come 20th of December with the Blog Tour!

[Yesi ~ LLL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even think right now...this book is freakin' AMAZING! But...holy sh%# I NEED book 2 NOW!!! ***Full review on LLL on the 21st for the blog tour

[Vi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense. Emotional. Addictive.

Those are the words that come to mind when I think of Inspire. Honestly, it was a mixed bag kind of read for me at first. Not that I didn't like it or anything, I just didn't know what to really think about it. Then, I can't pinpoint exactly when, things just got so intense and started to really click for me and I just fell so in love with this book. It definitely kept me up late at night, and that rarely happens anymore since I'm so sleep-deprived because of the new baby. That's when you know it's good. Top that off with the emotions this book brought out in me, which, if you know me, is a rarity in of itself. That's how you know it's amazing.

This book is a bit different in that it comes in parts. You're in Kallie's head for a third of the book, then you're in Wilder's head for the next third, and in the last third, it's alternating POVs. I think that worked out well for this book because you really have to get to know Kallie to understand her actions and her character. I'll admit, I'm still a little fuzzy about her powers and its effects, in that I couldn't grasp how serious it was. Not that I don't understand it all, just that it's hard to really visualize, but that's just me. Maybe that's why it was a mixed bag of sorts at the beginning. I did like Kallie for all intents and purposes and I respected a lot of the decisions she made because of the need to protect Wilder, even if it hurt both of them at times.

Wilder. Oh, Wilder. That guy! Not only did I end up falling for him, I truly felt for the guy. When he hurt, my heart ached so much for him. There was one point after things fell apart for the couple and Wilder and Kallie had this one scene at her door, I seriously got all choked up for him. I was thisclose to shedding a tear, which never happens to me, but he just made me feel so much. I felt those telltale pangs in my chest when things got rough and I had all those warm, cheesy feels when things were good. It's been quite awhile since I've been that invested in a couple.

I'll admit that their love story felt a bit too heavy too quickly, but it kind of worked for Kallie's character. Her power demands strong emotions with anyone she comes in contact with, so it's no wonder things get so serious for her and Wilder so quickly. It takes a certain skill to make that kind of relationship work were readers won't turn their noses up at it, and Cora managed to make it work. I totally saw his secret coming and how it fit with their connection and I loved how explosive things got when it was revealed. It was different than I expected, but in a good way. Carmack wrote in just the right amount of drama and pain during that moment and the moments that follow that seriously tugged at my heart.

By the way, way to torture me with that ending, Cora! Major cliffhanger attack!

So yes, I definitely think you should give Inspire a try. It's an amazing NA Paranormal read and I think Carmack did an excellent job weaving in the Greek mythology, which I love, with the contemporary aspect of their story. If Gods and muses were real, I could easily something like this playing out. I'm dying to know what happens next for Wilder and Kallie, and after that crazy ending, I have no idea what Carmack has planned next.

[Tonyalee · Rating 1 out of 5]

See this review and more on my blog, After Hours at Lilybloombooks

Err... 1 1/2 stars?

IDEK.

I have been on the hunt - for ages - for a non contemporary New Adult novel. I bought this one a few weeks back and I was so excited to read it. I adored All Lined Up and I have heard so many great things about Inspire and her other novels.

Sadly, Inspire was... disappointing. VERY disappointing. I really don't want to rant - but this will probably turn into a rant.

I find it hilarious that this read as a contemporary insta love story for about 80% of the book. Sure, there are mythology elements, being that our protagonist is a Muse - but... not much else. To be frank - it's disappointing that this "MYTHOLOGY" was used as an EXCUSE for these two to fall in love within weeks time, because HELLO IT'S DESTINY.

Gag.

I have never been a fan of this. Because you don't know if the characters really love each other, or if they are together because of DESTINY. Not only that, our love interest, Wilder, is a musician. As a Muse, Kalliope is "attracted" to artists to release her inspiration. So, are you really telling me that the fact he is a musician has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR ATTRACTION, LUST INSTA LOVE?

Didn't THINK so.

It's also hard, really hard, for me to discuss her character. She can heal! She is beautiful! She is WISE! But she is ridiculously naive and to be honest, selfish.. Typical "immortal" characteristics.

I sympathized with her character - a little - she just wanted a family, to be loved for herself and all that. But she doesn't DO anything. She literally, sits and pushes inspiration into other people. She has no personality. I didn't see one remarkable thing about her character, to understand why Wilder was so WILD (bahaha PUNNY) about her. NOT A SINGLE ONE.

I didn't care for Wilder either - he's character is portrayed as a love-sick puppy that can't live without Kalliope and acts JUST like the first guy in the beginning The one that KILLED HIMSELF. It's NOT HEALTHY. I honestly felt bad for the poor guy, because he literally had NO chance against her. Like he wanted to say no to her anyway, but still.

Insta love, LONG, DRAWN OUT sex scenes - I mean, their first "explosive" scene is within the first 20% - a whole lot of angst with the "YOU ARE TOO GOOD FOR ME's"  bull shit,  a cliff hanger ending that had me laughing my ass off - and dash of paranormal and you have Inspire.

I did not care for this book, at all.

[Literati Literature Lovers · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is absolutely nothing I can say that will do this book justice. I honestly, for the first time in a long time, am at a loss for words. Inspire is Cora Carmack’s first paranormal new adult book and holy smokes, she hits this one out of the park. What the hell took her so long to bring her new adult awesomeness and pair it with the most unique paranormal spin ever? This book was on my MUST read TBR ever since she made the announcement. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy and let me tell you, I devoured it from beginning to end. From the first words to the very last shocking ones, this book consumed my life.

“It may be my purpose to inspire people, but I ruin just as many as I help.”

Kalli is a muse, she inspires artists to excel, she whispers to them, lets them fall for her, and then she does what she must by leaving them in her wake. I think this by far one of the most interesting concepts that I have read in very long time. Kalli the muse and Kalli the woman I root for, are alike and different in so many ways it’s hard to explain. I felt her inspiration and I felt her pain, I felt her longing and I felt her sadness. She is truly a complex character that touches a special part of your heart. Now Wilder? Holy hotness on a cracker…he is deliciously devine. Absolutely sexy and sweet, passionate and protective, and I just wanted to know every single thing about him from the very first moment he graced the pages of Inspire.

“He might look clean cut on the surface, but I’ve looked into the eyes of enough men to recognize the spark of wickedness hidden in those pale blue depths.”

Inspire is a book that needs to be experienced. I don’t do recaps and I don’t do spoilers so all I can say is that if you are a fan of new adult, of paranormal, and are fascinated by Greek mythology, then is book is an absolute MUST read. I fell hard for Wilder and I rooted for Kalli until the very end. Their story is as unique and intriguing as is sexy and hot as sin. Read it, experience it, devour it! And be prepared to be left FLOORED. Wow, just wow. Phenomenally done Ms. Carmack!

“I’ve never felt anything this perfect. Never been so overwhelmed by the need to touch someone, to hold tight and not let go.”

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspire literally sweeps you off your feet. I have to be honest I’m hoping for inspiration to hit this review ;) Cora Carmack weaves mythology seamlessly into a contemporary setting, laying the groundwork for the plot in a uniquely realistic manner.

It is easy to identify with Kalli; her immortal existence is weighing heavily on her. While it would be nice to regenerate at the stroke of midnight every day it does limit the amount of personal expression a person can have; just think tattoo’s and piercing would heal immediately :( Plus the deeper connection each person craves, family, children and unconditional love. The only relationships Kalli has experienced have been based on her ability.

The fine line between genius and madness is examined closely within the narrative. Especially when connection turns to obsession due to Kalli’s abilities, sending a person over an edge they can never get back from. Plus causing immeasurable guilt to Kalli. However, Kalli has no choice but to share her gift otherwise it can cause her own madness and infect those not destined to experience such things. Leading to undesirable after-effects for everyone concerned. I have to be honest and say the experiment Kalli undertakes is one I personally would have considered a long time ago.

I absolutely loved the use of the threads of fate within the plot. Adding depth to the romantic aspects within the narrative. The dual narrative between Kalli and Wilder balanced the story-line beautifully aiding a deeper understanding of both characters and their reactions to certain revelations ;)

The detail to the mythological aspects of the plot created a stunning backdrop to the story as a whole. Enriching the story-line while simultaneously creating an alternate reality based within contemporary society, which was surprisingly very easy to picture :) Prophecies and repercussions lead to a tension fueled cliffhanger.

Inspire combines romance, mythology and creativity in a completely addictive fashion. I can’t help but say it, Cora will Inspire obsession in you ;)