Rock Star Romance Day 1
Kelli McCracken!!!!!!!!!!
What the Heart Wants & What the Heart Needs by Kelli McCracken are two books that just BLEW me away! I'll never forget finishing the first book, What the Heart Wants, in the Soulmate Series and checking Kelli's blog site daily for updates for the second book to arrive! I immediately fell in love with Dylan & Heaven! I needed more or I was going to....................................
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I seriously was going CRAY-CRAY! Well, I bet you want to know a little bit more about this FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC book so here's a little blurb:
Do dreams foretell the future? Are there soul connections that go deeper than love?
He can sense her emotions at any place and time. Their bond is powerful but a mystery. One thing he does know: She's plagued his dreams for months. Maybe even longer.
Being involved with a celebrity is the last things she imagined...or wanted. Can she forget the pain from the past? Can he let go of his fears?
He can sense her emotions at any place and time. Their bond is powerful but a mystery. One thing he does know: She's plagued his dreams for months. Maybe even longer.
Being involved with a celebrity is the last things she imagined...or wanted. Can she forget the pain from the past? Can he let go of his fears?
Seriously, you HAVE to be intrigued by that! I know I was! I don't read a lot of paranormal but I do read some and what I've read has totally KICKED ARSE! The "soulmates" got me from the start! Do you wonder if there is another person out there that is your one and only soulmate? Someone who knows you better than anyone else? I often wondered that too! But I stopped thinking about that 21 years ago when I met my soulmate~ cue sappy 80's ballad~! Well in typical Kim fashion I'm going to share my review with you so I can INTRIGUE you a little or hopefully, A LOT!!!!!
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Often times I come by a book simply from searching key words in Amazon! Well I found this one a long time ago quite by mistake! BEST.MISTAKE.EVER!!!! I swear once you start reading this one you WON'T be able to put it down! This is one of those books that made me........
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But WAIT remember Kelli has the second in the Soulmate series out, What the Heart Needs, OMG!!! The second BOOK O.M.G.!!! Here's the synopsis:
Bound by destiny, can their love survive those that would tear them apart?
Dylan thought he had it all after Heaven agreed to marry him. But the secrets surrounding them continue to build.
His best friend's keeping something from him. As are his parents. And someone wants Heaven dead.
Can he protect his soulmate and solve the mystery before it's too late?
While reading the second book I thought I was done for, yep I was going to have a stroke!!!! Well here's my review of What the Heart Needs:
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Oh yeah it FINALLY came out! As I sat in my hotel room on a business trip in November 2012 reading this AWESOME book! I totally wanted to do this..
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Okay so you know I loved both books! I had an opportunity to "chat" with Kelli about her books and ROCK-N-Roll!!! Check out my interview:
~ What inspired you to write your first book?
Music. And this pesky little thing I call a vivid imagination. I grew up without siblings, so I had to find ways to entertain myself. I remember my mom buying me a tape recorder (I'm showing my age here) and I used to sing with the radio and record it on cassette tapes with my imaginary friends. Yes, I had imaginary friends. Thing is, when I grew up, those friends never went away. ~_^ I tried to ignore them, but they started talking louder. So I started writing down the things they told me.
~ Where did you come up with the idea for What the Heart Wants & What the Heart Needs?
Believe it or not, I started writing What the Heart Wants when I was 13. Or at least, that's when the initial idea began. The story went through many changes. Including a title change. But it all started because of a song...Aerosmith's Angel.
Music stimulates my creativity. It always has. When I listen to music, my characters start 'showing' me scenes from their life, as if it were on a movie screen. After some poking and prodding on my end, they start telling me more. Except Layne. He loves to chat away...usually at 3 A.M.
~ Is there any "truth" to your books, for example, have you met a Rock Star that became your muse for the story or do you have a muse?
I actually have a muse, Leela. She's a party girl who likes to go out, meet people, then bring them back to me to tell their life stories. I only started with a few characters. Thanks to Leela, I have a ton waiting for my attention. I feel so loved, lol ~_^
~ Can you share what you might have in the works at this time?
Sure! I'm getting ready to start a new series. I wrote a short story last year for a Valentine's anthology. Now that the antho has disbanded, I'm turning the story into a full length novel. It's follows the story of Jocelyn and Adam, two lost souls brought together by a twist of fate. And a very special guitar... That's all I can say for now. Once it's finished, I'm starting the 3rd book in the Soulmate Series.
~ What types of music do you like to listen to?
I love all genres of music. My favorite is rock. There's just something about an electric guitar that calls to my soul.
~ Name 3 of your favorite Bands
This is a really hard choice. There are so many great ones out there. I listen to a lot of Godsmack, Korn, & Nickelback, but I have many more that I adore.
~ Do you create a playlist while your working on your books?
Oh yes. I absolutely love Spotify. I had a big playlist while writing What the Heart Needs. I made another one for my latest release, Only in Time. I'm already building my playlist for book 3.
~ Name one Rocker you wouldn't mind meeting in person or have met in person
I haven't met him in person, but I did chat on the phone with Mark Slaughter of the 80's/90's band, Slaughter. I'd still like to meet him. And Chad Kroeger. He just seems really down to earth.
Want to know more about Kelli & The Soulmate Series well be sure to check out the following links:
http://kellimccracken.com/ website
Here's the links to purchase What the Heart Wants & What the Heart Needs as well as Kelli's newest release Only In Time:
http://amzn.to/kmWTHW What the Heart Wants
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Needs-Soulmate-Series-ebook/dp/B009Z61VLM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351865850&sr=1-1&keywords=what+the+heart+needs ~ What the Heart Needs
http://amzn.to/kmOIT Only in Time
Here's how to reach Kelli on ALL social media sites:
http://facebook.com/kelli.mccracken facebook
http://amzn.to/kmWTHW amazon
http://kellimccracken.com/ blog site
http://pinterest.com/kellimccracken/ pinterest
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliMcCracken facebook author page
https://www.facebook.com/SoulmateSeries facebook soulmate series page
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I really hope you ENJOY The Soulmate Series as much as I do and if you purchase and read it stop on by and LET ME KNOW WHAT you think!!!!
*********************** GIVEWAWAY **************************
I'm going to give TWO lucky WINNER an e-copy, KINDLE, of What the Heart Needs & What the Heart Wants (if you have the first book I will purchas the second for you so you can still enter) BUT THATS NOT ALL~ Kelli has some SWAG for you Team Dylan & Team Layne magnets (SOULMATE SERIES SWAG) So whoever wins the SWAG but you will need to specify which Team your on ;)
Comment on this blog post which part of Kelli's interview you liked the most! Please leave an e-mail address and let me know who intrigue's you at this point Dylan or Layne and which Team do you think you would be part of?
Good Luck winners drawn February 19,2012!!!!
Im intrigued by your review! Very excited to read this! I'm gonna go with Team Dylan! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love that Kelli's a rocker :) Although, country is my fave...I heart 80's-90's rock :)
ReplyDeleteAt this point, I'm very interested in Dylan and Layne, but...maybe a little more Layne. I can always change my mind, right? LOL :)
stacy
Thatstacygurl@aol.com
I love that music play such an important role in her writing. I'm married to a radio DJ, so our house if always full of music. All different kinds of music. I love to connect everything to music too. I haven't read any of the SOULMATE books so I'm not sure which "team" I would be on. But I definitely look forward to picking one! ;)
ReplyDeletebritneywyatt[at]gmail[dot]com
I'm looking forward to Kelli's next stories, even though she didn't give away too much in the interview :-) I'm team Dylan!
ReplyDeleteNicoleta D.
Forgot to include my e-mail address ... eta@gto.net
DeleteThanks for having me on your blog, Kim! I'm in awe of your reviews. You are a rockstar, sweets! <3
ReplyDeleteExciting, exciting! As a writer myself, I'm most interested in what motivates Kelli to write and her process. The music aspect is a big bonus! I'm on Team Dylan at the moment. Just bought "Book 1" so will have more definite loyalties as soon as I crack that Kindle open tonight ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, interview & giveaway, Kim!
Oh yeah, email address: amhocking@gmail.com
DeleteI loved the connection music has with her writing. I haven't read the books yet, but they are going on my list! I can't wait to find out what team I'm on!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Tate
thirdangelfrmlft@aol.com
Absolutely loved these reviews. I love reading reviews where the person reviewing puts all their whole heart into it. This is exactly what you have done. I haven't heard of these books but now I have read your excellent review I must say I NEED THESE BOOKS LIKE YESTERDAY HA HA !!! I'm a bit stuck though about what team. But I think I'm veering towards Layne he seems to intrigue me that bit more lol. Also loved the whole interview with Kelli. I would love to win these books. Email is saxojo24@aol.com thanks for this great giveaway xx
ReplyDeleteI liked Kelli talking about what she did growing up and where her imagination still takes her. =D Kelli is a new author to me but these books sound great, I am excited to check them out. Thanks for the review & interview!
ReplyDeletekgagnon@donofrio.cc
What a great review and interview....I cannot wait to read these books! Email is jasdarts@hotmail.com for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI love your reviews!!!! They are so original.
ReplyDeleteOk, here I am at work on my coffee break and i'm like I.NEED.THIS.BOOK.TONIGHT!!!
It's rare that a review makes me want to buy a book on the spot but yours sure did! I love how you display all your emotions with those images :)
Thank you for making us discover Kelli and her books.
I am so crossing everything for this giveaway!!!!
Thank you for the review, interview & giveaway :)
mikki_dicampo@hotmail.com
Love the review!!!! Can't wait to read them!!
ReplyDeleteI like Kelli's answer to your first question. I am also from the days of recording on cassettes. My kids don't even know what a cassett is. Lol. I like that she had imaginary friends and that they still speak to her. As of right now, based entirely on your reviews, I'm Team Dylan. Sounds like he is obviously her sole mate, I hope Dylan and Heaven get their HEA :) my email address is h_mitchell76@msn.com
ReplyDeleteI liked the bit about if there was any truth to her books and where she got ideas. I can't believe she first had this idea since she was 13. wow.
ReplyDeletegegonzalez@rogers.com
GAaaaaah...where the Eff have I been? I feel like I'm once again sitting in the back of the class. I've not even heard of these books until now. What the fu*k?!?!?
ReplyDeleteI need to win them so that I can pick a team. Lol.
Thanks for the chance!
wbreerex@yahoo.com
I haven't read this yet sooo, I dunno what Team I wanna root for but I'll give both teams a benefit of a doubt :) haha! XD
ReplyDeletegreat review, as always :)
jasmineddc[at]yahoo[dot]com
I have yet to read the book so I am afraid to even read comments! LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
mc-campk@seovec.org
Loved Kelli's answer to the first question - only children unite!! Hehe (: I definitely Have a vivid imagination as well.
ReplyDeleteI Can't believe I Have never heard of this series until now, it sounds rock my socks off good. I definitely think unwilling be team Dylan.
Great day 1 for rockets romance!
edibenedetto64(@)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the review. If I didn't see your review I wouldn't have realized book 2 was out. I love Kelli's muse. That is hilarious! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was really interesting that she started writing What the Heart Wants at age 13. That's crazy!
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely Team Dylan :)
Sara22185@msn.com
Totally shocked she got the idea to write it at age 13!!!
ReplyDeleteI was LOL at your review about being in the lonely hotel room reading the 2nd book. Great review! Sound like fun angsty reads. Kim... kimbytx@gmail.com
Delozier_brooke@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked by how young she was starting out writing. Talent must be in her genes! And I'm definitely on team Dylan even tho I have yet to read these books, I'm anxious to shoot over to amazon right now and snag them! Thanks again for all your blog and author giveaways. So generous! ❤
Brooke Duffey
I HAVENT READ ANY BOOKS BY THIS AUTHER! WOULD LOVE TO TRY!THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY!SHELLEY S. calicolady60@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteLoved the interview. Music is a great muse. I use playlists on spotify myself to help with my writing. It's wonderful to see how good authors express their music into inspiring all acspect of their writing.
ReplyDeletekimlrkim@aol.com
I liked what Kelli said about when she started writing "Believe it or not, I started writing What the Heart Wants when I was 13. Or at least, that's when the initial idea began. The story went through many changes. Including a title change. But it all started because of a song...Aerosmith's Angel".
ReplyDeleteJust the fact that she started young and knew what her passion was and was able to follow through to succeed in that passion I admire that.
I haven't read either books but based on your review Team Dylan..
Thanks for a great review and giveaway...
susana.dorado@yahoo.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteLoved the review and the interview. These are two more books that will be added to my wishlist. I loved the fact that she started writing the book at such a young age. I am part of team Dylan.
ReplyDeletechill462000@yahoo.com
Thanks for the review and giveaway. My favorite part of the interview is her telling her favorite bands. I enjoy those three as well so that was cool that we like the same author. Team Dylan. emilyb0924 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by her inspiration was Aerosmith's song Angel. I haven't read either but sure love rockers, based on your reviews I would say team Dylan. Email is ajgrillot@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteOh Dear Lord, where have I been??? Have I been hiding under a rock??? These books sound amazing!!! I love your review and the interview! It is so fun reading what people think about the books they read, as well as getting to know a little about the authors who give us these beautiful gifts!! I would love to win this contest :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review, interview, and giveaway! My favorite part of the interview is the very first question where she talks about her imaginary friends. I think that's a very clever way to describe characters and connect them to imaginary friends you may have as a child. In a lot of ways, characters really are like that for writers.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the chance! (:
E-mail: purenamastee@gmail.com
I love that she says when she listens to music she can see the characters scene playout in her head. Its good to know I'm not alone. :) Great review and interview. I love interviews and being able to see where the book comes from. Thanks for the giveaway. Oh and I would totally be Team Dylan. He was the first so therefore he should be the last. Know what I mean? Mrs(dot)Graef(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLove the Review and Interview!! Can't wait to read!!
ReplyDeletealslagle06(at)live(dot)com
I really like the fact that she started writing so young! And I love anything music related, so that part of the interview is my fave. Especially that she likes Slaughter. I was so in love with the drummer Blas Elias, as well as Mark, when I was in middle school! Wow, blast from the past. This is a great review/interview. I am pretty sure I am going to be a Dylan fan, I mean they are soul mates, right? Can't wait to read these!
ReplyDeleteLea
Lmburn23@yahoo.com
Love the review!
ReplyDeleteShannon N
snorris76@att.net
I think nit is awesome that a friend, music and a love for your characters so young has given you this gift to write! I am new to Kelli's fan club but have read both books as well as Only in Time. I fell in love with each character and felt the emotion in all of the books! Kelli is a gifted writer destined for great things!
ReplyDeleteLot of Love!
Lisa
lhenderson@stny.rr.com
**** GIVEAWAY ENDED ****
ReplyDeleteThank you to EVERYONE who stopped by and posted I really appreciate it and I hope I've introduced you to a couple new reads as well as one of my FAVORITE Authors!!
Winner's will be notified VIA e-mail
Thank you <3