Review – Defy by Raine Thomas @Raine_Thomas

Posted on July 10, 2024 by fundinmental

MY REVIEW

I have been reading a lot of murder stories, which are some of my favorites, but when I read Defy by Raine Thomas, I was more than ready for a change of pace. I am familiar with the Estilorians because I have been reading the series and lovin’ every minute of it. You might not get the fullest enjoyment of the story unless you begin at the beginning with The Prophecy, but I read it out of order and was hooked.

The pain was unimaginable.

…and that was the opening sentence. I was immediately hooked….again. 🙂

Defy: To challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly; to defy parental authority.

And that is how Tate ended up alone in the jungle and met Zachariah and Nyx. Poor Zachariah. You might think poor Tate because of the way Zachariah treats her, but he doesn’t know any better and he fights the attraction he feels for her.

The world that Raine Thomas has created is richly developed and the characters are sure to grab at your heartstrings. I love that the Estiloreans no longer have feelings…you know, like us humans. It made me think of Lucifer and how he had to learn what it meant to be human…and so do the Estilorians.

I loved walking step by step with Tate as she was forced to grow up. The characters that surround her have their parts to play and I loved getting to know them.

Even though it had been a while since I read the earlier books in the series, everything came back to me quickly. That only happens when I loved the stories so much they stuck in my head, whispering in my subconscious, saying, READ MORE. I am happy to say that I will, because Raine Thomas made sure I have the rest of the series on hand.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Defy by Raine Thomas.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos — 4 Stars

GOODREADS

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.
Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.
Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.
As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Young Adult
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2012
Series: Firstborn Trilogy (1) Estilorian (4)

ABOUT RAINE THOMAS

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of more than 20 bestselling romances spanning contemporary romance, Sci-Fi romance, and YA fantasy romance. She’s a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning…two areas that intersect far more than one would think. She’s also a book fiend, grammar nerd, and editing Red Queen, depending on who you ask.

Be sure to follow Raine on BookBub (https://www.bookbub.com/profile/raine…) to be among the first to learn of any sales, and hop over to her website for your first free read!

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MY RAINE THOMAS REVIEWS

The Prophecy (Daughters Of Saraquel)

The Prophecy (Daughters Of Saraquel)
Becoming (Daughters Of Saraquel)
Central (Daughters Of Saraquel)
Foretold (Daughters Of Saraquel)

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Review – The Prophecy by Raine Thomas @Raine_Thomas

Posted on July 9, 2024 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Prophecy is a novella/short story by Raine Thomas. It’s an action packed introduction to the Estilorian world. I was already hooked on the series, because I have read the Daughters Of Saraqael trilogy.

The Prophecy introduces us to Saraqael and Quincy. We learn of their friendship and the journey they take to rescue Kate, a human that Saraqael is in love with, a very unusual situation with the Estilorians, considering they lost their ability to understand emotions when they created a separate plane of existence.

I read the Daughters Of Saraqael before reading The Prophecy and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of any of the books. I can hardly wait to crack open the next book.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Prophecy by Raine Thomas.

GOODREADS BLURB

The Prophecy is an action-packed, fast-paced prequel short story to Raine Thomas’ multiple award-winning young adult fantasy Estilorian series. It isn’t necessary to read this story before beginning the series with Becoming, but it’s an exciting introduction to the Estilorian world. Happy reading!Saraqael hadn’t intended to fall in love with Kate. It shouldn’t have even been possible. His kind didn’t experience emotion, and they certainly weren’t supposed to become attached to humans.When he discovers that Kate is dying and there’s nothing he or her human doctors can do for her, Saraqael realizes how deep his feelings for her run … and just how far he’s willing to go to save her.With the help of his best friend, Quincy, he embarks on a dangerous quest spanning the Estilorian plane. A quest that will forever change the future of his kind.

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Novellas and Short Stories, Paranormal, Supernatural, Young Adult
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2011
Series: Daughters Of Saraqael (0.5)(Estiloran)

ABOUT RAINE THOMAS

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MY RAINE THOMAS REVIEWS

The Daughters Of Saraqael

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Complete Set – Daughters Of Saraqael Trilogy by Raine Thomas @Raine_Thomas

Posted on December 29, 2023 by fundinmental

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Amber had a rough life, abandoned at 3 years old, passed from one foster home to another…until she found Mrs B and Gabriel. Sure we have all the teenage angst from Amber, but there is something different about her. She is only half human, having power surges that put others in danger. As she discovers who and what she is, meets people that can give her answers, I am drawn deeper into her world, curious to meet the others and see what dangers she will face as she will Become who she is meant to be. I love the characters and the battle she faced near the end of the book. 3 Stars

Saraqeel’s three daughter, the first ever born on the Estilorian plane, had all been sent to the human plane over a week ago in an effort to keep them safe.

Estilorians no longer feel emotions and it made me think of Lucifer, trying to decipher humankind. Gabriel had chosen himself to go back with them to learn all they will learn about being human. We met Amber in Becoming but in Central, we will meet the others. Olivia has a natural affinity to nature and can even talk to animals.Skye makes me smile. She is innocence and child exuberance. Dancing her way through life. She is emotional, passionate. The world made me think of Avatar, with each classes’ homeland floating in the sky. Of course, we have villains and there are plenty of them to go around. 4 Stars

In Foretold, we learn about Kate, the girls mother. Each girl has a significant other and talent that will be necessary to survive The Prophecy. Amber is skilled in combat, endowed with a magical sword Olivia has a love of learning and a gift with bow and arrow. Skye has endurance, flexibility, thinks fast and is good with darts and star blades…and holy light. Even Skye’s innocence is a power. As I get to know the characters so well, I become more invested into what happens to them. The battle will be fierce, but they are ready. 5 Stars

DAUGHTERS OF SARAQEEL TRILOGY

I do stumble over young adult novels, at times, but I was drawn into Daughters Of Saraqeel by Raine Thomas by the synopsis. I am loving this series, so far. I have The Complete Daughters of Saraqael series and look forward to reading it, beginning to end.

Each novel gets progressively better.

Each novel spotlights one of the girls. We will have love and romance, though the men have no clue what they are doing, they will learn. We have villains and danger and it will take the sisters and those who support them to work together to put down the revolution coming their way. The Prophecy will be fulfilled.

There wasn’t nonstop action throughout the trilogy, but there were moments of fierce struggle, danger and lives lost. I loved watching the girls, and the Estilorians grow and teach each other that being different is not a bad thing. The characters and world building were amazing, keeping me enthralled, as each book did its part to create the whole.

GOODREADS BLURB

**Optioned for movie rights by multiple-award winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions.**

This complete set includes all three books in the award-winning Daughters of Saraqael trilogy (Becoming, Central and Foretold). Follow three half-human sisters through fantastic adventures, enchanting romances and an epic battle to save their race…not the human one.

BECOMING
Ancient gods, avenging angels and other beings of myth and legend all have one thing in common: they exist. They’re called Estilorians. Amber Hopkins is one of them…well, half of one, anyway. If only she knew it.

CENTRAL
Life on the Estilorian plane proves stimulating to scholar Olivia Murdoch. But then, she isn’t aware of the dark plans brewing with her at their center…

FORETOLD
Centuries after The Great Foretelling, Skye Tomaganuk dreams of a fairytale romance. But the evil Mercesti have their own plans, and the foretold battle to come stands in the way of her happily ever after.

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Sword and Sorcery
954 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2012 by Iambe Books
Series: Daughters Of Saraqeel (#1-3)

ABOUT RAINE THOMAS

Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / LinkedIn / YouTube

You can see my Giveaways HERE.no
You can see my Reviews HERE.
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Cover Reveal – Meant For Her by Raine Thomas

Posted on September 17, 2013 by fundinmental

COVER REVEAL!

Meant for Her

A New Adult Contemporary Romance

Raine Thomas

Cover design by Regina Wamba of www.MaeIDesign.com

Cover photos by Kelsey Kukal-Keeton of K Keeton Designs

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

SYNOPSIS

Photographer Sierra Stratton views the world through a lens all her own. She has an uncanny sense about people, something that often causes her trouble. When she meets the sexy and brooding Evan Dorsey, her intuition tells her he’s suffering, and she wants to be the one to help him.

Evan isn’t open to help from anyone, however. His focus is on his Major League career and making himself as marketable as possible for his upcoming free agency. He plans to ride out the season in Atlanta and then sign with another team, away from the painful memories that haunt him.

Someone’s eager to send him on his way, too. Between anonymous threats and equipment sabotage, it’s clear he’s earned himself an enemy along the way. To him, it’s one more sign that he’s right to move on.

But Sierra threatens his conviction. Her contagious smile proves hard to resist, as does her kiss. She tempts him in ways he never anticipated, making him question his plans for the first time. If he’s not careful, she might just convince him that he’s meant for her.

Coming October 17, 2013

Check out For Everly on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and get to know some of the characters making appearances in Meant for Her!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raine Thomas is the author of bestselling YA and NA romantic fiction, including the award-winning Estilorian series. She’s a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Ways readers can connect with Raine:

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To learn more about Raine Thomas or pick up a copy of one of her many books, click on the cover below.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Release – For Everly by Raine Thomas

Posted on May 29, 2013 by fundinmental

.A New Release Promotional Event brought to you by AToMR Tours

Title: For Everly

Author: Raine Thomas

Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC

Release date: May 27, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Add To Goodreads

Amazon

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.

Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.

In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.

When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.

EXCERPT

Cole looked back at Wyatt. “I don’t think it’s a great idea to receive treatment by a student, Wy, genius or not. What if she screws up my arm even worse than it is?”

“Then you’ll get treated by a proper specialist, which you should do in the first place.”

Cole narrowed his gaze. “That’s not funny.”

“Hey, I’m just telling you like it is. You’re the one who thinks it’s worth risking under-the-table treatment in order to garner top dollar on your next contract.”

That wasn’t the only reason he was so concerned about keeping up appearances in regards to his physical health, but he let it pass. He knew how the business worked. There was no way he was going to come out to the public about his shoulder. Not if there was an alternative.

“What about another student?” Cole insisted. “Someone further along in their studies?” Preferably some Poindexter who doesn’t look so good in a skirt, he thought.

Wyatt shook his head. “There isn’t anyone more experienced than Everly. She might still be a couple of semesters from earning her doctorate, but she could pass the needed courses with flying colors right now. I’d wager that girl has more practical experience in her field than any doctoral student at GSU.”

They stopped conversing when Everly walked up with a tray. She placed their bowls of crab risotto in front of them, as well as Cole’s drink. The smell of the food was amazing.

“Is there anything else I can get you two right now?” she asked.

“No, I think we’re good here, thanks,” Wyatt said.

“All right. You know how to reach me if you think of anything.”

This time she winked at Wyatt before she walked away. Cole couldn’t deny the strange resentment he felt that the wink wasn’t for him. He shook his head at himself. Finding a hot date hadn’t ever been a problem. He didn’t need to worry about that right now.

“I feel like you’re forcing me into this decision,” he told Wyatt, picking up a fork and stabbing his risotto with it.

Wyatt’s brown eyes leveled on his. “Cole, I’ve reviewed the scans we took when you were in the hospital. You should have started treatment weeks ago to get ready for the season. If you feel like I’m forcing you into this decision, well, that’s probably because I am. You’ve got three choices: don’t do anything and deal with the pain, go public about the injury and seek the services of a specialist…or Everly.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Author social media links:

Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest
Linkedin
Website
Blog

GIVEAWAY

(2) signed paperbacks of For Everly

a custom For Everly inspired bracelet worth $35

a $10 Amazon Gift Card

This is open to the U.S. and Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway ends June 14^th.

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