Title: Kinetic
ISBN: 978-1-62420-254-4
Author: C. M. Zimmer
Genre: Paranormal
Romance
Excerpt Heat Level: 1
Book Heat Level: 2
REVIEW:
Kinetic
C. M.
Zimmer
ISBN: 978-1-62420-254-4
5 Stars
Reviewed by
Jennifer Milne
Kattlynn is
your typical teenaged girl: she loves her family, worries about her homework,
hangs out with her friends, and checks out the cute guys.
She also
just happens to be the daughter of the goddess Artemis and chosen by God to be
the redeemer of fallen angels.
Which can
tend to put a dent in homecoming plans.
Kinetic is
Kattlynn’s origin story. She goes from normal girl with normal problems to
hero-girl with extraordinary problems. She is a likable and admirable heroine,
taking on all the challenges and hardships of her newfound responsibility with
grace and tenacity. The story is fast paced and engaging with a well
constructed mythology, a steamy romance, some surprising twists and an ending
that will leave you waiting with bated breath for the next book.
Fans of
Twilight and the Mortal Instruments series will really enjoy this epic tale of
love, courage and sacrifice.
TAGLINE
An unexpected twist in Kattlynn Matthews’ life begins on
the first day of her senior year at Crystal Creek Academy. It begins with a
bang. Literally.
BLURB
Ever since Kat's mom died suddenly four years ago, she
has dreamed of the tall, dark and handsome hottie nearly every night. He is
everything she could ever hope for in a guy. A soulmate for life.
Chris Karson is a Guardian and the time as come for hm to
take his responsibilities outside of the dream realm and enlighten Kathryn on
who and what she is.
EXCERPT
Usually,
Kenedi and I took turns driving to school, but this morning, on our first day
of senior year, she wanted to drive her new car to school as well. Her parents
bought her a shiny, pearl white convertible for her eighteenth birthday. She
was exactly two months older than me, to the day. We agreed last night to meet
up in the parking lot and walk in together.
I
was cruising along the back roads, enjoying my fifteen minutes of peace and
serenity, taking in the enchanting fall morning. The crisp, cool breeze gently
fluttered through the leaves on the trees. The sun was peaking over the
horizon, leaving a panoramic view of colors in its wake. Michigan, by far, was
amazing for fall color tours. We were engulfed by a brushwork of colors tinting
the countryside and outlining the mountains, and lakes. Breathtaking views
around every corner.
While
engrossed in the scenery, jamming to the mix of music on my iPod, which
connected through my stereo system, and currently was playing Lifehouse, it
took me a moment to realize that a black Dodge Charger had just pulled up next
to me at the light. Definitely, a nice car with a deep throaty rumble, but it
was Mopar muscle. Not a big Mopar fan.
The
windows were up and there was a dark opaque tint making it impenetrable to see
inside, and more importantly, who was driving. I could only imagine what
hotness possibly lurked behind the wheel. It was certainly the type of car a
guy would drive, but hey, you never knew these days. I mean, if I had my
choice, I would be driving the 1968 Pontiac Firebird sitting in the garage at
the lake house. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed…yet. It was my dad's baby. He
drove her occasionally and only in the summertime. He spent two years restoring
the whole vehicle and damn, if it wasn't the most beautiful car.
The
light changed and I would've expected the Charger to take off like racing at
the track, but the car remained. It felt as if whoever was in there remained
eye locked with me, and I felt a strange sensation at the back of my neck like
little pin pricks screaming all at once then channeling down my body.
Instantly, a warmth stirred through me, one I've never felt before. I heard a
distant voice slightly mumbled as if it might really be a whisper of
disbelief—out of nowhere.
The
whisper was definitely male. Sultry, hot, and almost familiar.
I
looked around me and wondered what the hell was going on. Lifehouse was playing
one of my favorite songs, "All In." Also, there were no other cars
other than the Charger. No people within the vicinity of our two cars, let
alone the fact the voice sounded very familiar to me, but I just couldn't place
it. "Great," I mumbled to myself. Now, I'm freaking hearing
things. Hitting the gas pedal a little harder than I intended, I would have
left a little rubber on the pavement if I'd been driving the Firebird, but I
was feeling ridiculous for staring a little too long at the darkened window in
the Charger, all the while hearing some voice in my head about, "Hot
chick, staring and Cruze." But even more strange was…I could've sworn
I heard my name too. It left me wondering what this meant. And why the hell did
the voice sound so familiar?
I
thought about the voice the rest of the drive. Then I pulled into the student
parking lot. I headed toward the back of the lot where Kenedi and I talked
about meeting last night on the phone. "Hey, Barbie," I yelled out at
her as I parked next to her car. I'd acquired a habit of teasing her about
looking just like the dolls we played with growing up. It never seemed to
bother her then, so I continued with the mockery as we grew up.
Today,
she resembled Cheerleader Barbie. Being the captain of the squad for our
academy, Kenedi required all the girls on the team to wear their uniforms on
the first day of class to jumpstart the team spirit around the student body.
"Interesting choice today, Kattlynn." Kenedi smirked. "Love what
you got going on there with…well, all of that." She wiggled her finger in
a circle at me. "Today is the day to check out the new arrivals, hint,
hint, and you look like a gothed-out groupie following a boy band around."
"Ah, love
you too, bestie. I'm not 'gothed-out' as you would say; I just happen to think
I rock with my black jeans, black boots and this tight fitting white shirt that
accentuates my girls, all the while supporting our school colors,"
I retorted, smiling as my hands motioned toward my breasts for added effect.
We
laughed as we walked toward the front of the simple, but elegant two-story
brick building with decorative corner escutcheons and diamond shaped tiles
adorning the entrance. Crystal Creek Academy was home to only juniors and
seniors of the town. Thankfully, our school was easy to navigate, even for the
new students, due to the easy layout of the building. I remembered visiting
nearby schools during archery tournaments. There were so many halls and rooms
to navigate through I would probably receive a tardy every day trying to find
my way to classes.
I
recognized many faces from our previous year at our esteemed school. Crystal
Creek Academy housed some of the most athletic, well-rounded students. Many of
our star football players were drafted to major colleges as well as other
sports programs.
Kenedi
stopped and chatted with a couple of girls from the cheer squad about upcoming
practice. Then we continued on our way to homeroom class, running into our
other best friend.
"Hey
there, it's my two favorite ladies and BFF's, looking good as usual."
Emerson, quarterback of the football team and our best guy friend, jumped out
in front of us, quickly turning around with an arm around each of our
shoulders. "Remember…annual back to school party at my house Friday night
after the game. Don't forget to bring the bikinis…or not." His face lit up
with amusement as he joked with us.
Emerson
was a crazy good guy and a catch for whichever lucky girl was the flavor of the
week. With a little arrogance and a whole lot of body to back it up, he was
your typical high school jock standing just over six feet tall with a mass of
blond hair he styled every day with gel for a spikey look to go with his dark
sultry skin. He worked out daily at the school weight room, and of course there
was the chiseled body that didn't leave much to the imagination. Add a great personality to the package, and you
have Emerson Campbell.
Emerson
and I started pre-school together when we were four. His parents and my parents
became friends almost immediately, when we moved a few houses down from them.
We ended up being buddies right away, since we were the only kids in the
cul-de-sac at the time. There were never any sparks between Emerson and me, but
I always knew somebody would be very lucky to have him.
When
Kenedi moved to town, the three of us became inseparable. Kenedi and Emerson
went out once a few years ago. He took her bowling to Crystal Creek Lanes, the
local bowling alley. At the time, they both said it was more like hanging out
with your brother or sister. I always thought there was something more, but
they both insisted it wasn't true. They were absolutely cute together. Maybe
sometime in the future, they could try again.
"Yes,
Emmie, we'll be there; you're our brother like no other!" Kenedi quipped
as we both giggled. Growing up together gave us many opportunities to play,
tease and harass each other, and we knew calling him Emmie would drive him
crazy, especially in school. Nobody else would dare call him that. I don't
imagine anybody ever thought to either.
"Girl,
cooome on." He drew out the words in a high pitched whine. "Not at
school. You promised that little 'pet name'," using air quotes with his
fingers, "Would never be used in public, but of course, I could get into a
few pet names I'm sure everyone would love to hear…if you really wanna go
there, girls."
"Oh, for
the love of Emerson, get over it." Kenedi wrapped her arm around mine and
started to trot off. She then turned around and yelled, "See ya at
lunch!"
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