Laney (The Brookehaven Vampires Series Book #1) - By Joann I. Martin Sowles

Release Date: 10/30/2010

Publisher: Brookhaven Publishing

Website: Joann I. Martin Sowles

Purchase Info: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

In a small college town in Northern California, Laney Alexander leads a regular, uneventful life-that is, until the charming and alluring Oliver Knight enters her world. Who is this gorgeous and mysterious stranger? Or, rather, what is he? As Laney's sophomore year of college begins, so does an unbelievable adventure-including a love she didn't know she longed for. She soon learns that Oliver is not ordinary, nor is the rest of his family, including a sister who openly hates her and a brother who will stop at nothing for revenge. As she fights for her life, and Oliver's love, Laney discovers that the fictional world of vampires isn't so fictional after all. Nobody is safe, especially Laney, Oliver's most important priority, and he will stop at nothing to protect her. With her mortality at risk, and a commitment revealed that she, without a doubt, knows she wants, Laney's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn...

After longing to read this book since it came out last year, I was lucky enough to actually win it. As soon as it came in the mail I ripped it open and wasn't able to put it down. Plus with a story that is being based in a town that is literally an hour away, it helped create such an amazing visual in my head. I knew exactly where all the places Joann was taking Laney, her college, the bars, everything.

Going to college isn't an easy task for anyone, but when Laney runs into Oliver Knight on the first day of school, her focus is on her new favorite subject....him. The chemistry with Laney & Oliver was apparent from the start, you can tell that he's on a mission to claim Laney's heart when he starts showing up everywhere she is. Though she can't explain it, but she finds herself drawn to Oliver, like a moth to a flame. Laney can feel that underlying danger when she's in his presence, but knows that it's never danger towards her. While feeling safe in Oliver's arms, she can't explain the weird connect that she feels whenever Oliver is around his family and his sister Julz. There's just something there that Laney can't put her finger on.

After having the truth revealed and coming to terms with what Oliver truly is, Laney knows that her place is by his side. Being the one he loves, and unconditionally loving him seems to come more natural to her then breathing. (even with an army of rogue vampires after them).

With chemistry, suspense, and action to no end, The Brookehaven Vampires will be a series that I will follow until the author decides she's had enough. Joann left so many questions unanswered, but in a good way, that you'll only be highly anticipating the next novels release.



4/5

Wrap It Up - February

Oh man, where did the month go? Seriously I am slightly disappointed in myself. I wish I could have read more, but work TOTALLY screwed that up for me :(

I was only able to knock out 3 books last month....commence with the BOO's it's ok, just try not to throw any rocks.

This month I have set a realistic goal of 8 books (though I secretly in the back of my head want to read about 15). That way if I fall slightly short of my "True Goal" I won't be disappointed.



Angelfire - By Courtney Allison Moulton
(review here)

Hunger Aroused - By Dee Carney
(review here)

Laney - By Joann I. Martin Sowles

(review here)



Fresh Face Friday 11-19-10

Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy Friday!! Hope that everyone is enjoy their Friday before the holiday week ahead. This week I have an amazing author to introduce, but on a down note this will be the last FFF until I return from vacation on 12-3-10 :(

Today I'm sort of re-introducing Joann I. Martin Sowles who's the author of Laney, the first book in The Brookehaven Vampires series. A while ago, before I started FFF, I had given Joann a shout out & made sure you guys checked out her page. Since then Laney has been published and received nothing but fabulous reviews. Though I have not had a chance to pick up a copy of Laney, reading what I have makes me want to just sit through a whole day & never put it down. Joann's writing is great and she is currently working on a sequel! Stop by The Brookehaven Vampires website to get your sneak peak at Laney, or drop by their Facebook page to check her out too!