Waves of Sunday #78

Welcome to our weekly edition of Waves of Sunday where each Sunday we spotlight a book that has been making waves in the book scene or has simply caught our attention causing a riptide on our TBR.

Today we are spotlighting:

Grayson's Vow by Mia Sheridan
Published September 10th 2015 by Createspace

A full-length, standalone romance from the New York Timesbestselling author of Archer's Voice.

Kira Dallaire is desperate.

Some challenges in life seem too hard to overcome. With little money, and even fewer options, the quick-witted and vibrant twenty-two-year-old needs to reinvent herself. Known for her generous heart and impulsive personality, she devises a survival plan, possibly her most outrageous idea yet.

Grayson Hawthorn is losing hope.

Some obstacles in life seem too hard to overcome. Betrayal definitely being one of them. With limited capital, and dwindling resources, he is attempting to resurrect his failing family vineyard, a self-imposed vow seemingly destined to fail. That is until a young woman enters his office with an outlandish, unexpected proposition impossible to refuse.

What begins as a temporary business arrangement, soon evolves into more as vivacious, spirited Kira challenges detached, arrogant Grayson to want more from life. To want more for himself. But as their wills clash and fiery passion ignites, they'll realize that sometimes the past creates walls too difficult to climb, and that lies and deception rarely precede a happily every after.

As Kira and Grayson race toward their destiny, they will discover that some vows are meant to be broken, and others are worth risking everything for . . . even your very own heart.

THIS IS A STANDALONE SIGN OF LOVE NOVEL, INSPIRED BY LIBRA. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Arlene's Thoughts

I've had a few experiences with Mia Sheridon's writing. I know she has a knack for writing beautiful stories with unforgettable characters. Archer's Voice, Becoming Calder, and Finding Eden are just a few novels I've fallen in love with, so when I stumbled upon Grayson's Vow, I immediately added it to my TBR. I really liked the sound of this story, especially because it involves two characters that seem to both be in a dark place. However, I have hope that they will get past their challenges and obstacles and find an HEA… those are my favorite kinds of stories. :) Can't wait to see how this one turns out!

Purchase Link

Amazon

Review: Finding Eden (A Sign of Love) by Mia Sheridan

Finding Eden (A Sign of Love) by Mia Sheridan

Published October 5th 2014

Finding Eden is the continuation, and conclusion, to Becoming Calder.

When the world as you know it has ended, when all that you love has been washed away, where do you find strength?


When the new world you've stepped into is as isolating as the last, when your heart is broken, and your future is unclear, where do you find hope?


Finding Eden is a story of strength, discovery, forgiveness, and undying love. It is about believing in your destiny and following the path that leads to peace.

THIS IS THE SECOND PART, AND CONCLUSION, IN A TWO-PARTSIGN OF LOVE SERIES INSPIRED BY AQUARIUS (BECOMING CALDER SHOULD BE READ FIRST). New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and graphic sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

My Thoughts

Love.love.love...

“…everyone deserves a love story that doesn’t hurt.”
Amazing conclusion to Calder and Eden’s novel. From the beginning, this couple captured my heart and shared a breathtakingly emotional story that was filled with not only tragic and horrifying events, but also moments of beauty that proved they were determined to live like survivors rather than victims.

In Finding Eden, we continue on to part two of Calder and Eden’s A Sign of Lovestory where they’ve escaped the horrifying events of the cult they lived in for most of their lives. The world they knew came to a horrifically tragic ending when hundreds of their family and friends die in a mass suicide/murder in their secluded community of Acadia. After the event, both Calder and Eden survive but they don’t know that the other made it out alive. They spend the next three years trying to come to grips with all that they have lost.

Calder and Eden each find a way to manage in this new world that is foreign to them through the help of friends and acquaintances. When Eden is reunited with her mother and cousin, she begins to build a life with the family she thought she’d never see again. Life continues to take sharp turns for this character when she finally comes face to face with Calder and together they are forced to once again re-live the events of Acadia. As they rekindle the love that began in Acadia, they are forced to find strength in each other to survive the nightmare of their past..

Overall, I have to say that Mia Sheridan is a gifted story-teller. I’ve never read such a gripping story that involves cult-like communities that result in massive tragedy. Sheridan did a masterful job of making us fall in love with her characters and feel every emotion they struggled with as they faced their nightmares and attempted to rebuild their lives.

Calder’s backstory was heartbreaking, and it made me sympathize with this character even more then I already did from the moment I met him. His incredible strength and ability to love was powerful. He definitely commanded the story with his presence. Eden was a perfect match for Calder. Together they shared their weaknesses, hopes and most of all ability to love and attempt to move on. As a couple, their story felt both tragic, yet hopeful. Great combination!

The secondary cast was amazing! I wanted to read more about Xander, Nikki and Molly as we only scratched the surface to what I believe are some possibly great backstories.

The conclusion to A Sign of Love was skillfully crafted. Despite the horrific events that took place, Calder and Eden proved that they deserved a hopeful ending. Well done!

5 Suns

Upcoming Release: Becoming Calder by Mia Sheridan

Becoming Calder (A Sign of Love) by Mia Sheridan

Expected publication: October 5th 2014

New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

There is a place in modern day America with no electricity, no plumbing, and no modern conveniences. In this place, there is no room for dreams, no space for self-expression, and no tolerance for ambition.

In this place, there is a boy with the body of a God and the heart of a warrior. He is strong and faithful and serves his family honorably. But he dares to dream of more.

In this place, there is a girl with the face of an angel and a heart full of courage. To her family, she is the vision of obedient perfection. But she dares to want that which she has been told can never be hers.


Becoming Calder is the story of good versus evil, fear versus bravery, and the truth that the light of love has always found its way into even the darkest of places... From the beginning of time, to the end of the world.


THIS IS THE FIRST PART IN A TWO-PART SIGN OF LOVE SERIES INSPIRED BY AQUARIUS. THE SECOND PART, FINDING EDEN, WILL RELEASE SIMULTANEOUSLY. 

My Thoughts
“…something inside me felt like it had shifted, too, because I had dreams as well. In that moment, right there and then, I admitted to myself that I longed for more for my life and maybe those dreams were beautiful, too…”
First off a huge thank you to Mia Sheridan for allowing me to have a sneak-peak into her upcoming two-part novel Becoming Calder. I recently experienced the magic of her writing when I read Archer's Voice, and I immediately fell in love with her story-telling. To say Sheridan has mastered the skill of a slow building romance is an understatement. It’s truly impossible not to feel a connection with her characters as Sheridan weaves emotional elements and plot driven drama in a subtle yet powerful way. Well done!

Before I jumped into Becoming Calder, I was struggling with what to read next. As any avid reader, the disappointment of a readers slump is always a tough hole to climb out of. I kept searching Goodreads for something different… something deep. When I stumbled upon this book, for some reason it screamed give me a try!! Clearly, I was on to something. Becoming Calder is unique, powerful and stand-alone in its class!

First and foremost, when I say that Becoming Calder is truly unique, I have to emphasize that it definitely stands apart from the current cookie-cutter, tortured soul, undeniable love novels out there saturating the market. This story is far from rinse and repeat and to keep an open mind when reading Calder and Eden’s story is the key to unlocking the magic of their journey.

Their story begins in Acadia, which means “Place of Plenty,” where the people in this community follow their religious leader Hector without question. One day he brings Eden to their home, who according to the prophecy will be the bride who stands by his side when he and his people will be welcomed by the gods to the “Fields of Elysium,” the most glorious paradise within the heavens, which will happen when the great flood comes to claim them. What we soon realize is that Eden is just a child and her immersion into this religious cult is confusing and daunting. As time passes, she finds herself connecting with Calder Raynes, the Water Bearer, who was raised in this community and believes in Hector’s prophecy and their way of life. However soon Eden and Calder begin to fall in love, which will not only upset the prophecy, but also destroy this community’s belief system.

Overall, I have to say that I was absolutely intrigued by this novel. Reading about a love story that begins in what is clearly a religious cult was fascinating. The entire time I was reading Calder and Eden’s story, I sensed their innocence and naiveté of their beliefs. As they began to fall in love over the years and soon started questioning their belief system, I felt myself rooting them on and hoping they would break free of the fanatical community where they were raised. I sensed their longing for something more than what Acadia offered them, and I felt myself hoping they would take a risk and explore life outside of their secluded community.

As the novel progressed with its slow building love and never over the top drama, I never lost sight of the impending doom I was sure would come if and when these two characters decided to take hold of what they wanted. This story was a true journey about love, self-discovery and defining more for yourself than what society measured out for you. Calder and Eden’s story was believable and beautiful! The ending left me wanting more, and I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds in Finding Eden. Beautiful story that’s filled with emotional power!

5 Suns

Author: Mia Sheridan Social Media Links

Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Review: Archer's Voice (A Sign of Love) by Mia Sheridan

Archer's Voice (A Sign of Love) by Mia Sheridan

Published January 25th 2014

When Bree Prescott arrives in the sleepy, lakeside town of Pelion, Maine, she hopes against hope that this is the place where she will finally find the peace she so desperately seeks. On her first day there, her life collides with Archer Hale, an isolated man who holds a secret agony of his own. A man no one else sees.

Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.

My Thoughts

I’ve heard great things about Mia Sheridan’s novels, but I’ve never picked one up before Archer’s Voice. Well let me just say that after reading this book, I will most definitely start diving into more Sheridan books.

Archer’s Voice was in one word BEAUTIFUL! I loved both Bree and Archer from the moment I met them, and as their story unfolded I continued to feel the magic in their romance. They were absolutely perfect for one another in the most romantic and sincere of ways.

My heart did break several times throughout the story and as the past slowly unfolded for these two characters and revealed itself, I was even more captivated by their story.

In a time and place where novels can easily become forgettable, I can say with confidence that Archer’s Voice will stay with me for quite some time.

Definitely a story filled with heart, hope and most of all true passion. Amazing! I want more!

4.5 Suns

New Release & Review: Leo's Chance by Mia Sheridan

Waves of Fiction is excited to participate in the release of Leo's Chance by Mia Sheridan! Check out our review!

Leo's Chance by Mia Sheridan

Published June 16, 2013

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the book:

The follow-up to Leo, the USA Today bestselling novel by Mia Sheridan.

Does everyone deserve a second chance? Even someone who lies and deceives to get it?

Do we all have a second chance coming? Even if we play a part in our own destruction?

How hard would you fight to have a second chance at love? A second chance at life? Another chance to tell your own story?

Every love story has two sides. Evie told hers. This time it's Leo's chance.

My Thoughts:

First I have to thank Mia Sheridan for the opportunity to read an ARC of Leo’s Chance. I am so appreciative and absolutely loved this book!

I highly recommend everyone to read Leo, the first book of this series, before you read this book. The first book is told in Evie’s POV and there are a lot of details that will be left out in this book that will not make sense.

I LOVED Leo. Getting his POV was amazing – my heart just broke for this man and seeing everything through his eyes was incredibly emotional and gut-wrenching. And brilliant! Well done, Mia Sheridan!

MAJOR SPOILERS. If you haven’t read Leo – read no further. You've been warned.

Leo and Evie grew up in the foster system and had a special bond. That bond grew into love and when Leo was adopted and moved away, he vowed to come back for Evie when she turned 18.

She’s my air, my reason for existence, the only thing that matters to me in this life or any other.

Unfortunately, horrible circumstances in Leo’s life prevent him from keeping in touch with Evie and for 8 years he’s felt an emptiness in himself without her. She was ‘home’ to him.

All along I thought home was a location, and it turns out home is a person. Home is Evie.

He starts to get his life together and sets out to win her back. But fear of telling her the truth of the horror he went through the past 8 years has him telling lies about who he is. Now his fear is whether she’ll want to still be with him when he finally has the courage to reveal the truth.

I felt so many emotions while reading this book because of Leo and what he went through. But the goodness in Evie was what he needed to offset all of the bad – they were the perfect match and I loved their story.

“Your gift with storytelling, Evie? It’s not about you getting lost in your own mind, or living in a dreamland. It’s about the beauty of your heart. It’s about being able to rise above even the worst of situations. It’s one of the reasons I've loved you every single day since I was 11 years old.”

A very swoon-worthy and emotional read. Definitely highly recommend to everyone who's read Leo!

5 Suns

 

Review & Giveaway: Leo (Sign of Love #1) by Mia Sheridan

Leo (Sign of Love #1) by Mia Sheridan

Published March 11th 2013

Purchased: Amazon

About the book:

Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.

When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and he moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.

Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job, she has friends, she's content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?

New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

 

My Thoughts:

Leo & Evie first meet in foster care and become best friends. When Leo is 15 and Evie is 14 - Leo gets adopted and ends up having to move across the country and away from Evie, who he's fallen in love with.

“I’m going to kiss you now, Evie, and when I do, it’s going to mean that you’re mine. I don’t care how far away from each other we are. You. Are. Mine. I’ll wait for you. And I want you to wait for me. Promise me you won’t let anyone else touch you. Promise me you’ll save yourself for me.”

Leo promises Evie that he will come back for her when she is 18 and they'll start their life together.

“No matter how far apart we are. No matter the distance or time, I will never love anyone except you. Not ever.”

But Evie never hears from Leo again and spends the next 8 years wondering what happened. Fast forward 8 years - Evie has made a good life for herself and is just thankful for the little that she has.

"Well, how many people do you think walk into their apartment at the end of the day, small and simple as it may be, and look around and feel like one of the luckiest people in the world? How many people truly appreciate what they have because they know what it feels like to have absolutely nothing? I went through a lot to get where I am and I don't take anything I have for granted, ever. That's my reward."

I adored Evie. She worked hard to get where she was, to be able to take care of herself and be proud that she didn't let her horrible past ruin her. She appreciated everything she had in life and that's a truly amazing lesson. Her only downfall was being so innocent and inexperienced.

Then Evie starts to notice a guy is following her around. She's not sure why, but she's not intimidated or scared. He's being pretty obvious about it, so she confronts him. He admits that he was a friend of Leo's and was asked by Leo to check on her and make sure she's doing well.

There is an obvious attraction between her and Jake. He's sweet, sexy, and possessive. I loved him and how he won Evie over. She starts to feel things for him that she hasn't felt since Leo, and they start to date and get to know each other. But Jake's keeping secrets that could risk tearing them apart.

I didn't figure out the big twist - I had a totally different scenario in my head, so I was thrilled to be wrong. I'm the kind of reader who hates to figure things out before it's revealed to me in the book.

I loved how the book ended up and enjoyed every second of their story. I even enjoyed the flashbacks between Evie and Leo - they gave insight into the rough life both kids were dealt with and set the tone for the rest of the story. They built such an amazing friendship and love that carried with them through the next several years.

"And the thing about falling in love is that no matter where you are when it happens, you can't help but to color those moments with beauty, even if you're in a location of ugliness. He made what would have been a place of nightmares into a place to dream."

5 Suns

Mia Sheridan is graciously offering a giveaway of one eBook copy of Leo as well as a $50 Amazon gift card!  Make sure you enter below and good luck everyone!

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Waves of Sunday #21

Welcome to our weekly edition of Waves of Sunday where each Sunday we spotlight a book that has been making waves in the book scene or has simply caught our attention causing a riptide on our TBR.

 

 

Today we are Spotlighting:



 

 

Leo (Sign of Love #1) by Mia Sheridan

Release Date: March 11th 2013

About the book: Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.

When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and he moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.

Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job, she has friends, she's content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?

Brandie’s Thoughts:

I've been seeing a lot of buzz around this book and several friends have raved about it. I won't lie - the cover isn't my favorite but the synopsis sounds amazing. I'm so intrigued I want to start this book immediately!! The story line sounds like something right up my alley - romance and seems like a little bit of mystery and twists to keep me interested. Can't wait to read it!

 

Rachel’s Thoughts:
I’m really excited about this read. Unlike most, I really love the cover and I’ve had two trusted Goodreads friends recommend it to me within the last week alone!  This sounds like a story I read just a few months ago: From Rags by Suzanne Wright which I absolutely LOVED!  I’m wondering if this mysterious guy sent by Leo is actually Leo, and if not who the heck is he? Also, what the happened to Leo?  I love mysteries combined with romance and smut!  I can’t wait to unravel this mystery. I'll share a quote that has me eager in anticipation:

“I'm going to kiss you now, Evie, and when I do, it's going to mean that you're mine. I don't care how far away from each other we are. You. Are. Mine. I'll wait for you. And I want you to wait for me. Promise me you won't let anyone else touch you. Promise me you'll save yourself for me.”