~*~ The Mask Series Review Blitz ~*~

True Colors & Two Faced by Melissa Pearl

REVIEW BLITZ

October 20^th to October 24^th, 2014

Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama. That is, until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.

Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people's masks. She discovers that her life isn’t as simple as she imagined and high school is filled with secrets...some very sinister ones.

Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends suddenly appears terrified, but masks her fear with a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn's new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends' true colors?

Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love.

At Palisades High School every face tells a story...

BUY IT AT:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/TCAmazon

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/TCBnN

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/TCSmash

Kobo: http://bit.ly/TCKobo

~*~ MY THOUGHTS ~*~

Caitlyn Davis is your typical teenager - popular, great friends, cute jock boyfriend, supportive parents; she couldn’t want for more. Only she’s not quite ready to go all the way with her boyfriend, she’s a little embarrassed by her best friends actions towards others and she wonders if being popular is all it’s cracked up to be.

Then one night, she receives a gift; a gift that will change her life forever.
Thrown into turmoil over what she now see’s, Caitlyn turns to the one person who doesn’t hide behind a mask; her neighbor Eric.

Anyone who follows my blog or book reviews knows I’m a huge Melissa Pearl fan. Her books are an absolute joy to read and she always fills her stories with vivid imagery and heartfelt emotion.

I happily stalk follow Melissa Pearl and I’d read a few teasers on Melissa’s facebook page, so my expectations were high when it came to reading True Colors.

I really enjoyed this story. The paranormal aspect was really interesting and unlike anything I have read before. The writing is smooth and I got swept up in this really refreshing story but I just couldn’t get the impression of younger teenagers out of my head. For me, Caitlyn and Eric seem a lot younger - and the language too immature for them to be believable 18-20(ish) year old college kids/adults. They felt like young mid-teens to me because they sounded and acted like kids I know and they did things that my own sixteen year old and her peers have been known to do. So for me, there was a lack of connection, a lack of reality in their characters. But like I said, the story itself was unique and so I was able for the most part, to overlook my disconnect.

Despite my small lack of connection to Caitlyn and Eric, I think True Colors is a well written story that a lot of people will enjoy, and I’ll definitely read more in this series. I’m interested to see how Caitlyn’s ability develops and to see what lies ahead for her.
4 Stars

~~~~~

Caitlyn Davis has an unusual gift. She knows exactly how people feel. Everyone wears a mask, but she sees the hidden truth. This ability has changed her life, both for the better and worse. She can choose to ignore what she sees...but what happens when it involves the guy she loves?

Eric Shore knew getting involved with a girl who could read people was risky, but he couldn't help himself. Caitlyn is gorgeous and he loves being with her. Their relationship is going great...until she tells him that his step-brother and star basketball player, Connor, is doing drugs. Having looked up to the guy for years, Eric just can't buy it. Things only get worse when Caitlyn questions the true nature of Eric's favorite teacher.

The first year at college is supposed to be amazing, but theirs is off to a rocky start. As masks are peeled away, secrets will be exposed, dangers will be revealed, and both must decide out of the people closest to them, who is telling the truth...and who is being two-faced.

BUY IT AT:

Amazon: http://bit.ly/2FAmazon

Smashwords: http://ow.ly/CCjAw

iBooks: http://bit.ly/2FITunes


~*~ MY THOUGHTS ~*~

I love Melissa Pearl; her stories have a freshness about them that I always enjoy - she has a talent for exposing unexpected faults in her characters and she definitely knows just how to turn them into endearing qualities that draw you in. I’m always so happy to discover hidden meaning in Melissa’s stories and the characters that tell them.

In Two Faced, I found the writing (as usual) smooth and easy to read - there is no doubt that Melissa can execute a well structured book - but I have to admit I wasn’t captivated by it. The situation in which Caitlyn finds herself and the lengths she will go to, to help a friend and solve a crime are commendable but instead of her talent being fully explored and pushing at some boundaries, I felt that she was stifled by it instead.

For me there was an element of suspense and thrill missing from the story and I just wasn’t drawn in, it all felt a little too safe for me.

Please don’t get me wrong, the story is very good but I really wanted to know more about Caitlyn’s new talent and I didn't get that.

Overall, Two Faced is another great read from Melissa Pearl and there is a sensitivity that underlines everything she writes, making the experience about so much more than just reading a book; and because of that, I give this book 4 stars.

~~~~~

~*~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~*~

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book was released in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books releasing in 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Blog Tour with Guest Post, Excerpt and GIVEAWAY! ~ True Colors by Melissa Pearl

Cover Designer by Kate Strawbridge of Dwell Design & Press
Hosted by Mrs Potter's Book Publicity Services

Caitlyn Davis always cruised through life, not being the type to ruffle feathers or involve herself in high school drama…until a chance encounter with a strange, homeless man changes everything.

Suddenly, Caitlyn has the ability to see behind people’s masks. She discovers that her life isn’t as simple as she imagined and her high school is filled with secrets…some very sinister ones.

Unable to ignore her new gift, Caitlyn embarks on a mission to learn why one of her friends now appears terrified, but masks her fear behind a bright, smiling veneer. Will Caitlyn’s new ability lead her into hot water? Or is her new found vision a blessing that will expose her friends’ true colors?

Her quest will lead Caitlyn to lose friends, stand up for those in need, and even find love.

At Palisades High School every face tells a story…

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Keeping Up Appearances

When I was a kid, my Mom used to love this British show called Keeping Up Appearances. It was about a lady who liked to think she was much posher than she really was. Her name was Mrs. Bucket, but whenever she used to answer the phone, she'd regally say, "The Bouquet residence, lady of the house speaking." I used to love it. She was so funny.

If we're 100% honest with ourselves, we all put on a show when we need to. There are certain circumstances in our lives where keeping up appearances is in the forefront of our mind. I try really hard to be who I am no matter where I am, but sometimes I just can't do it. I exaggerate stories to make them sound better or dumb down the truth a little when I don't want to 'fess up. I bet we can all think of situations in our lives where we hide a certain amount of truth.

So, imagine being friends with someone you couldn't hide that truth from? Talk about pressure! Caitlyn Davis has the ability to see behind people's masks. She knows what everyone is really feeling. No matter what they're trying to hide, she can spot it. That's a hell of a deal for an 18 year old and this is why Cailtyn initially wants to run away and hide. Who would ever want to be friends with someone who could see it all? And who really wants to know the 100% truth about what everyone is feeling?

Throughout this story, Caitlyn's biggest challenge is facing up to the fact she has a new power and has to use it for good. I loved wathcing her struggle and grow through this change and I hope you do to.

This excerpt is from the scene where Caitlyn first confronts the homeless man whose handshake changed her life. 

“Hello, sir?”

I gingerly stepped past the green dumpster and poked my head around the corner. And there he was. Those pale eyes took me in and then a smile of recognition eased across his face. “You’re welcome,” he said.

“I’m welcome?” I couldn’t help my sharp tone.

He nodded and grinned, struggling up from his spot. He looked weak and tired, but once he was standing something about his demeanour changed. He was no longer a desperate lowly man, but now stood with a confidence that was almost charming. In spite of the grey pallor of his skin, his face was the picture of serenity, his eyes dancing with a smile.

“You were kind to me. I wanted to repay you.”

“By ruining my life?”

His forehead crinkled. “Ruining your...no. I gave you a gift.”

I scoffed. “No, no you didn’t. You cursed me.” My finger was shaking as I pointed at him.

“No.” He went to reach for my hand, but I yanked it away. “Sweet child, the ability to see behind people’s masks is a gift. It will protect you.”

“Protect me! I’ve never felt more vulnerable.” I hadn’t actually known that, but now that I’d said it, I realized just how vulnerable I did feel. I blinked away tears. “All you’ve done is exposed me to everyone’s true feelings...and you know what, I don’t like them very much!”

“I understand.” Regret flooded his expression. A big tidal wave of it crested over his face as if he knew exactly what I meant. Squinting his eyes he looked to the ground and took a deep breath.

His expression turned from sad to pensive as he gazed back at me.

“What?” I barked.

“Rather than throwing anger at me, maybe you should ask yourself why these people’s feelings bother you.”

“They’re bothering me because my boyfriend, who I just dumped thank you very much, obviously only wanted me for sex and my best friend doesn’t even care. In fact my pain seemed to bring her joy.”

“Well, don’t you think it’s better to know this than live with a lie?”

“I—" Throwing my hands in the air, I stepped away from him. “I don’t know. Lies make life easier sometimes.”

“Ah.” The man nodded. “So, you’d rather play the ignorant fool.”

 

 

The True Colors Masquerade Ball is happening on February 16th to celebrate the release of True Colors. All party-goers will be entitled to purchase a copy of True Colors for only 99c. There will also be competitions, giveaways and guest appearances from other authors who will be unveiling their own secrets. So come and join in the fun and help us welcome True Colors into the world with style.

Party Info

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
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http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/ and http://yalicious.blogspot.com/

Other Titles by Melissa Pearl

The Time Spirit Trilogy
Golden Blood - Black Blood - Pure Blood

The Betwixt Series
Betwixt - Before - Beyond

The Mica & Lexy Series
Forbidden Territory
Forbidden Waters (due for release: 2014)

The Masks Series
Book 2 (due for release: 2014)
Book 3 (due for release: 2014)
Book 4 (due for release: 2015)

I Know Lucy Series
I Know Lucy (due for release: 2014)
Set Me Free (due for release: 2014)

The Song Bird Series
Fever (due for release: June 2014)

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