The Moonlight Serenade (Fascination Island #2) by Kate Hinderer

Title: The Moonlight Serenade

Author: Kate Hinderer

Series: 2nd (Emerald Isle)

Pages: 350

Published:  June 10th 2013 

ISBN: B00D9WSME2

Source: Sent by Author for honest review

Description: When the opportunity of a lifetime falls into Collette's lap, she jumps at the chance to intern at Fascination Island and sing on the stage of the Moonlight Serenade. Growing up around the theater, she's dreamed of making it big since the first time she saw her mother grace the stage. But she first needs to conquer the overwhelming shyness that threatens her at the most inopportune time. And then there is Falcon. With his dark looks and charming personality it's easy to fall for someone she can never have a future with, and that's before she learns his secret.

I Give This ...

When I read the first in the series, there were slight indications that this might be a series.  Certain clashes of powers between people led me to believe that this story might not be finished.  I was happy to see that I was right.  And I was even more pleased that I was offered a chance to review the next in the series.

Collette was hard for me grasp at first.  She's a little different from our main character in the first book.  She's looking to become a star, but she has one tiny problem.  She freezes up on stage, especially when she sings to a small crowd (specifically she can't sing at all when there's only 1 person listening).  At first I had a hard time believing that this was the only thing limiting her signing career.  But, it seems that her shyneess tends to make her signing seem slightly emotionless.    But her character grew on me. 

I was intrigued by Falcon's interest in Collette.  She really was his Siren in so many ways.  I think part of the draw was he was told to stay away from her.  I think there are many characters that take that as a challenge.  But, it did not take him long to realize that Collette was so much more than that.  The problem was that their were other people who realized that as well.  Collette became more of a prize that she could ever realize.

The chain of events were very similar to the first book.  But, the choices made were slightly different.  I found that little hints of what might be to come very interesting.  Fate put Collette exactly were she needed to be and allowed her to make a choice that she wouldn't have made for herself.

 

 

Review - Emerald Isle (A Fascination Island book) by Kate Hinderer

Title: Emerald Isle

Author: Kate Hinderer

Series: 1st (maybe)

Pages: 267 

Published: July 16th 2012

ASIN:  B008LG78XW

Source: Author sent for honest review

 

Description: To escape a bad break-up and fighting parents Audyn takes a job as a lifeguard at Fascination Island. The posh five-star resort lives up to its name in every way, including the strange rules the owner has about entering the water at night. Despite declaring it a boy-free summer, it isn’t long before the shy, endearing Levi and the mysterious, tattooed Tristan begin vying for her attention. When Levi tries to push his advantage and Tristan comes to the rescue, Audyn realizes there is more to both these boys and the island they inhabit. Suddenly, she’s forced to acknowledge a reality she’d never considered and to pick a side in the conflict that has been waging for decades.

I Give This ....

Few books really surprise me.  This one did.  I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but I am so glad I decided to review this book.

First off, this is probably young adult.  Our main character is in her teens.  But, it's doesn't read like most YA's.  That's not to say the topic is overly mature, just that the writing doesn't seem to target the age group.  Audyn is also very mature for age in many ways, although she's not in others.  The job she takes on Fascination Island, is basically an excuse to run away from her problems.  Although, I really admired her need to take a job at such a high profile location were she has previously stayed as a guest.  She wants to be treated just like all the other staff.  I can't say many rich kids would escape their problems this way.

The storyline is definitely interesting and honestly one of the best ones for this type of book.  I've read quite a few of them, both good and bad.  I didn't take me long to figure out what was going on, but I don't want to give it away!    The explanations given in the story were great too.  There were so many intricate details woven in.

The romance was a little off for me for part of the book.  There was one guy, and then a triangle, and then the other.  For a girl who swore off guys during the summer, she sure was drowning in them for the get go.  I think I also had a hard time with it because I never really liked Levi.  

Overall, a good book with some interesting lore in it.  Well worth the low kindle price.

Gust Post with Kate Hinderer author of Emerald Isle

I'm pleased to have Kate Hinderer, author of Emerald Isle and Aurora Undefined, here at the blog.  

Hi. I’m author Kate Hinderer and I’m lucky enough to be guest posting for the day as part of the blog book tour for The Emerald Isle. This book is part paranormal, part contemporary fiction and has adventure, romance, suspense, and a whole lot of sand.

For today’s post I thought to feature my favorite classic reads. If I’m honest there are a lot of classics that I have never read. I’m embarrassed to admit I’ve never ready War and Peace or Great Expectations. Still, there are some great old school books out there – great even if school makes you read them! 

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy – I loved this story before it was cool to like it, with the upcoming movie. To me, the best part about this story is the contrast that exists between the good and bad choices. It illustrates in a most graphic way what happens with the decisions we make.

The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas – I actually really liked The Count of Monte Cristo when I read it. But since it is so commonly known, I thought I’d list this smaller, lesser known work. The story of two men trying to grow a black tulip and the love and intrigue that happens as a result is captivating.

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux – Sure, the movie is great. The soundtrack is oh so dramatic. But the book is even better. You feel for the phantom and the life he has to endure. It’s wonderfully tragic.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – This was the first and only book my father ever took away from me! He found me reading it several nights in a row instead of doing my homework. As a result he confiscated it for two weeks until I had my priorities straight again. I just couldn’t get enough of Scarlet and her selfishness. And while, most people hated the ending I thought it was epically awesome!

My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok – There was something in this book that struck me at the very core of my being. The main character wars between a talent he was born with and a religion that tells him it is wrong. His inner turmoil is astounding.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – This was the first assigned reading book for school that I actually enjoyed and read through without waiting for the assignment dates. There is something abut Jane’s character – her ordinariness, her virtue, her love – that had me flipping each page wanting more.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte – I’m a huge fan of dark novels and this one is the ultimate! There is something so disturbing and so romantic about a love that can never be that still calls to the person from the grave.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – This book and its themes struck me long after I read the last page. The way the story dealt with childhood, race relations and a rape was beautiful and striking. 

Title: Emerald Isle

To escape a bad break-up and fighting parents Audyn takes a job as a lifeguard at Fascination Island. The posh five-star resort lives up to its name in every way, including the strange rules the owner has about entering the water at night. Despite declaring it a boy-free summer, it isn’t long before the shy, endearing Levi and the mysterious, tattooed Tristan begin vying for her attention. When Levi tries to push his advantage and Tristan comes to the rescue, Audyn realizes there is more to both these boys and the island they inhabit. Suddenly, she’s forced to acknowledge a reality she’d never considered and to pick a side in the conflict that has been waging for decades