Review Blitz: THE MASKS SERIES by MELISSA PEARL

BOOK ONE

Title: True Colors

Author: Melissa Pearl

Series: Masks #1

Release Date: February 16th 2014

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

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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...

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Review

Who expects to help a homeless person on the street and expect to be left with a supernatural power? Certainly not me, but in True Colors this is exactly what happens to Caitlyn. 

Before this main event occurs, Melissa Pearl gives us time to become acquainted with her main character. We know that she is the youngest of her family by a long way and that despite being eighteen, her parents are protective of her. Caitlyn is also influenced by her friends, but from the story's beginning the reader has the strong impression that Caitlyn is not being honest to herself. Caitlyn's new power is unexpected and she struggles with seeing the truth behind the false masks those around her use to hide behind. With the help of her hot neighbour, Eric, she learns to control her ability. 

Caitlyn has an inherent need to help and 'fix' people's problems but after noticing a veiled fear amongst her classmates, she becomes involved to a dangerous extent. 

Melissa Pearl' s story is exciting and tangled, with added elements of romance and unpredictability. She closely links Caitlyn' s gift to empathy, which means the story is more believable. 

True Colors is not an entirely original story, though still enjoyable and I look forward to reading its sequel, Two Faced. 

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BOOK TWO
Title: Two Faced
Author: Melissa Pearl
Series: Masks #2
Release Date: October 12th 2014
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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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.

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Review

TO FOLLOW

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."

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