Hey everyone! Today we have a stop on the Envisioned Blog Tour. We have an excerpt, review and giveaway for you all.
Blurb
Brielle De Luca thought she was just an average girl, despite her nightly dreams of an impending apocalypse, along with a gorgeous man that pulls at her soul.
However, on the night of her 18th birthday, everything changes when she is thrown into the Elemental World, a world where she is supposedly the One that is spoken about in an ancient Prophecy; a Prophecy that states she is the key to preventing an apocalypse.
Now she must learn to control her power over the four elements, all while dealing with the love and intense passion of her bond to the man from her dreams, Jace Vasquez.
Piece of cake, right?
My Review
Brielle has spent her life on an island away from the mainland. She lives with her dad and never knew her mom as she died giving birth to her. Every night she dreams of danger, the world ending and her dream guy. On the night of her 18th birthday she sneaks off the island with her best friend Kimber. That night soon reveals many things. She meets the man from her dream Jace, Finds out everyone has been keeping secrets from her and the fact that she may be The One a Prophecy tells that will save the world. If learning more about the Elemental world, struggling to learn her new powers and getting to know her dream guy aren't enough she has to face the danger of both good and bad wanting her destroyed.
From the first go I knew I would love Brielle. She shows her loyalty and how funny she can be right off the bat. You also see how she is plagued with nightmares ever night and struggles to understand why. Another great point in her favor is she is a book nerd. Have to love that in a character. As she grows in her powers you get to see how strong she is and you can tell she will only get stronger. She shows how fierce she can love in this book as well. She isn't about to let anyone hurt her loved ones. Jace has moved onto my book crush list. He is sexy, protective, can be sweet and is powerful in his own way. What I love most about him is even if it bothers him at times he still respects how powerful Brielle can be.
I have to say I read this in mainly one sitting. It would have been one sitting if the family hadn't begged for food lol. I love the way the author combines Elementals in with Greek mythology. That's right you even get some of that in this book. The female lead isn't one to wait till the boy saves her and that is amazing. There is a lot of steamy scenes that are very well written and they do have a good place in the book as it helps you see a bond. I know some may wonder about and instant love o whatever but with this story line it fits perfect once you read the book and believe me you should read it. There is plenty of action, love how Brielle uses her powers in these. I want to keep going on and on about this book but I can't because it would give spoilers. I will say the only bad thing about this book is the ending. I didn't want it to stop and seriously hope the next book comes soon. I want to continue this journey and this fascinating world. I just know things have just got started.
5 out of 5 Bats~Pam
Excerpt
He stepped closer, only a couple of feet away from me. He smelled heavenly, like rain and citrus. “Every night. I've been trying to figure out a way to find you, to save you, and here you are, so close all this time, and I never knew,” he sadly said.
It was my turn to step closer. Tears pooled in my eyes as I said, “I didn't think you existed. I hoped that you did, but I thought I was crazy to believe that I could find you.”
I reached out my hand to touch his face. When I did, a jolt of electricity sparked between us, spreading what felt like burning honey throughout every inch of my body. What was happening to me? Whatever it was, I didn't want it to stop; it was one of those pains that felt amazingly good, almost addictive. Jace's eyes widened as an astonished smile spread across his face. “Unbelievable,” he said as he grabbed a handful of my curls at the back of my head, pulling my face to his to crush his lips to mine.
His kiss was desperate, just like his gaze in my nightmares, only multiplied. I opened his mouth with my tongue, tangling with his as our passion increased. I had never had a kiss come close to this one, and it had just started. He tasted exotic, a subtle sweetness present as he caressed my tongue with his. I clutched his shirt, twisting it in my hands as I tried to pull his body to become one with mine. Heat rushed in-between my thighs and pooled there, sending tendrils of burning warmth up my stomach. I never wanted this to end; the world could stop turning right now, and I would be oblivious, deliriously happy in Jace's lips.
Interview
When and why did you begin writing?
~I wrote a little poetry in middle and high school, but I started writing my first novel back in October. About a year ago, I began reading religiously thanks to my iPad and the ease of downloading ebooks, and most were self-published by indie authors. I thought, hey, I can do this, too
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
~Figuring out how to self-publish - I had no clue where to start. Thankfully, some other indie authors have been helping me along the way.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
~I didn't really learn anything, but it did give me a sense of accomplishment. I also have met some amazing people since deciding to go down this path, and I wouldn't change it for anything.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
~Network as soon as possible; it is absolutely crucial for indie authors.
Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?
~Well, I love Greek mythology and the elements, so I researched both and combined ideas from what I found to create Envisioned. Also, I was tired of reading YA books that didn't involve sex. High school and college girls have sex, and I wanted to write a more realistic story incorporating that. Many YA books I have read have a girl, who is a virgin, and then she meets the male main character, who happens to be their soul mate. That does not happen often, so I wanted to show a different perspective.
How did you get interested in writing this particular genre?
~I love paranormal romance, so I knew that was what I wanted to write when I decided to start writing.
What do you do when your not writing?
~I usually read and play poker; sometimes both at the same time.
Which one of your characters is most like you?
~I would say the two female main characters; they both show different sides of me. Brielle is probably the most like me, but Kimber has a lot of my qualities, as well.
What paranormal creature would you be if you could?
~Well, I would love to manipulate all of the elements like Brielle does, so an Elemental.
What kind of research did you do for this book?
~I researched the internet, and read several online articles, as well as using Wikipedia.
What's a typical working day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you set a daily writing goal?
~I'm a teacher so that consumes a lot of my day. Usually, I write when I get home from work in the evening - I plop down on my sectional, in the corner where I lay my legs out on the long end. I listen to my Spotify, and I try to write 1000 words a day, but it's difficult sometimes. However, I do set a goal of at least three chapters per week.
What is the first book you remember reading?
Black Beauty
Buy Links
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
Author Bio
My name is Nikki Narvaez. I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, where I currently live with my husband, our two dogs, Bella and Oreo, and our cat, Cupcake. I have been teaching for four years, but I hope to become a full-time writer and stay at home mom one day. I am 26 years old, and have three older sisters who have blessed me with four nephews and one niece. In my free time, I love to write and play Texas Hold 'Em poker.
Giveaway
Just click on the rafflecopter link to enter the giveaway!