"Forbidden Mind" & "Firbidden Fire" by Kimberly Kinrade (Review & Giveaway)

4 Stars

ABOUT THE BOOK -
Winner of the 2011 Forward National Literature Award.

Sam thinks she's months away from freedom. After spending her life in a secret school, rented out to the rich and powerful as a paranormal spy, she is ready to head to college like any normal eighteen-year-old.

Only Sam isn't normal. She reads minds. And just before her big going-away party, she links to the mind of a young man who changes everything.
Drake wasn't raised as a 'Rent-A-Kid.' He was kidnapped and taken there by force. But his exceptional physical strength and powers of mind control make him very dangerous, especially to Sam.

When they meet, Sam is forced to face the truth of her situation, and to acknowledge that not all is as it seems in her picture-perfect world. For what awaits her on her eighteenth birthday isn't a trip to college, but an unexpected nightmare from which she may not be able to escape.

To survive, they must work together.
But will their powers be enough to save them before it's too late? 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR -

I was born with ink in my veins and magic in my heart. As a child, where others saw shapes in clouds, I saw words. But I was also an entrepreneur at heart. So when my business arrangement with the Tooth Fairy ended, I went pro by writing my fantastical stories and selling them to all my neighbors.
Fast forward...um...many years and many college degrees later...and I am now a published author after a long career as a journalist and freelance writer.
Though I have written in many genres and fields, I am most passionate about the world of the paranormal and fantasy. Look for these exciting young adult paranormal novels coming soon from Evolved Publishing.
When I'm not writing, editing and writing some more, I spend my time with my three little girls who think they are princess ninjas with hidden supernatural powers, our two dogs who think they are human, and the one man who is my soul mate and writing partner.

MY REVIEW -
I loved that this book mostly took place at a special boarding school for Kids with Special powers or "Para-powers" as she called them. I don't know - I think I just have a thing for boarding school stories. While some kids could read minds or tell when someone was lying, others could walk through walls and had super human strength.
I loved the whole "Rent-a-kid" idea, very original. I actually thought it would make a great idea for a TV series. An organization that rents out teens with special powers. Sounds like a TV show to me (you might want to think about this Kimberly!).
The Author did a great job developing the characters. I really really liked Sam. She was great right from the beginning. She was definitely someone a teen girl could relate to. A girl with a mind of her own but also had flaws and didn't take any crap from anyone and she had the Para-power to back her up.
This book had a nice flow to it with a good story line. I don't really consider this a Paranormal book, it is more of a Super Hero book with teens!

Watch this excellent trailer! Be sure to listen to the music in the background - the Authors Fiance' composed it!

THE GIVEAWAY -
The Author has agreed to giveaway one e-book copy of this book.

* To win a copy of this e-book, please fill out the form below.

Please only enter once!

* Winner will be chosen on 4/20/12

* Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond.

 4 Stars

ABOUT THE BOOK -     ***** Spoiler Alert *****

Sam and Drake may have escaped, but they aren’t free—not with a powerful Seeker after them. As Sam struggles with the ethics of her new powers and embraces a blossoming physical relationship with Drake, Lucy and Luke face challenges of their own.
With forces coalescing inside and outside the Rent-A-Kid dorms, it’s only a matter of time before the fire they started forces each of them to make choices they can’t undo. But will it be enough to save them?

MY REVIEW -
Action, action, and more action. That's what this second book in the series is all about! This story is full of action on every page. There isn't a single boring moment. Kimberly Kinrade continues with her great character development. Sam's personality really bloomed in this book. I liked her in the first book but I loved her even more in this one. I wasn't too sure about Drake's character, but I have a respect for him now, the way he takes care of Sam in this book. You also get to know a couple of the minor characters - Luke and Lucy (Sam's best friends), who are both great.
While "Forbidden Mind", I think, focus's around the characters and developing their individual personalities. This one, "Forbidden Fire" is all about the action and adventure. Kimberly Kinrade really lets loose here.

This is one of my favorite lines in the book -

"I don't have to get drunk to know the aftermath doesn't feel so great. Intelligent people learn lessons without having to make all the mistakes"

And the ending - Wow! I loved the ending of this book! Talk about ending with a bang and lots of twists. Great, really great. But it definitely leaves room for the third book. Which I hope Kimberly will consider letting me also review.

Warning - There is quite a bit of swearing in this book that I don't remember being in the first one. Also a few pretty graphic fight scenes (which teens might actually think is pretty cool!) no sex, just some kissing.

THE GIVEAWAY -

* To win a copy of this e-book, please fill out the form below.

Please only enter once!

* Winner will be chosen on 4/20/12

* Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond.

Thanks Kimberly Kinrade for sending me your two e-books to read and review!