Blog Posts - Kathleen Mareé

In this Breeze (Lake Shore University series)

7/6/2017

I am trying to contain the pure excitement that is literally trying to burst free right now, because the first novel in my brand new Lake Shore Uni series is about to hit virtual book shelves everywhere! I LOVE reading college-based books, and cannot wait for you all to read my very own take on it. I may have already mentioned how in love with these characters I am, but now, after the first reads have come back - I am even more eager for you to meet them.

I will be posting some teasers and excerpts over the comings weeks, but for now, I have posted the synopsis below. Please keep an eye out for the cover reveal as well, which will be launching at the end of the month!

Until then... xo

In this Breeze...
A Lake Shore University novel

A nerd. A quiet art student. A nobody.

Or perhaps, just some girl.

These were the non-spoken titles I was known as since I started at Lake Shore Uni almost two years ago now. When given the chance to leave my horrific childhood behind - I didn’t hesitate. In fact, I was ecstatic to have the door hit me on the ass on my way out of town; because the only two things I actually loved in my traumatic life…

Were coming with me.

And whilst the three of us shared the same beat-up truck when we moved here – that’s where the similarities unfortunately end.

Ethan ‘The Mule’ Jones, is kind of a super star on campus. Everywhere he goes he seems to draw attention. I guess that’s what happens when you’re headlining papers as the star basketballer for the LS Eagles. But to me, he’s just Eth. A boy who still spends his Friday nights snuggled up watching movies with me, and who walks me to classes just to make sure I get there okay. He is my best friend in every way, and I can’t imagine my life without him in it.

And then there’s Jase.

The truth is I knew from the moment I met Jase at the local skate park, when he was smoking a cigarette and teasing Eth for his poor skating ability, of how fiercely protective he was about those he cared for. From the time he blew his warm breath over my injured knee, to when he thankfully intervened on the most horrific day of my life. A day, that still haunts me when I am alone in the dark.

He saved me.

But Jase has his own demons too. Even if he doesn’t go looking for it, trouble always seems to find him. Which is why he has been absent from our lives for the past two years.

Sometimes I wonder what he’s doing.

Quite often I worry if he’s okay.

And I always, always, think about him.

Even though I shouldn’t.

Recent Reads

5/18/2017

Wow where has the time gone? I've been a little MIA on the whole blog front lately, but I promise its for a very good reason :) Not only has Camouflage hit the fiction waves, but a new novel will soon be surfing as well :) The first novel in my brand new Lake Shore Uni series will be released around the end of July, with the second book in that series to follow shortly after. So whilst I haven't been that active on the blog writing front - I promise I've been VERY active on the novel writing front :)

Anyway, back to the post...

Like always I have been reading a tonne of amazing novels by some incredible authors. I have posted some below with my thoughts and recommendations, and if you have any stories you think I might enjoy - please comment on the post below and I will be sure to check them out!

KM xoxo

THE WALL OF WINNIPEG AND ME by Mariana Zapata
Well I had no idea what to expect when I went into this one except what I had heard. It was a sports story about an arrogant and quiet football star, and it was a very slow burn. Before I comment on the story I will say this - it was a SLOW burn, like as in a 'snails-pace' slow.

But do you know what? I didn't mind it.

In fact, I actually loved it!

And this was all because I was so in the story with Vanessa and Aiden from the beginning. It was my first read by this author and I have to say I enjoyed the way she created this real story with these awesome characters. Vanessa was a strong woman who had been working for Aiden for many years, an assistant to his every need, until well... she wasn't. She had enough and decided to move on and that's when we begin to really see the man known as the 'Wall of Winnipeg.' We see his fierce loyalty, and extreme dedication to his sport, as well as the love for Vanessa he learns to prove.
Now the slow burn (did I mention its a VERY slow burn?) may not be for everyone, but I connected with the characters 100% and loved their story!

EVERYTHING EVERYTHING by Nicola Yoon
I'll be honest.
I saw the preview at the movies for this film which I believe comes out this month, and instantly fell for the short clip about a cute new neighbour and a teenage girl who was locked in her home due to some severe illness. The short clip hooked me instantly and since I was counting down the days until I could see the film - I read the novel.
This is a typical cute, YA story, but with solid characters and an incredibly sweet teen romance. Maddy is very naïve and yet subtly strong, which I found interesting since she has been house-bound for most of her life - and Olly, her new neighbour, is all things perfection. Seriously, where were boys like Olly when I was 17? Please tell me they exist outside of our stories, because seriously he was the sweetest book bf in YA I think I've ever read about!
This story has all the feels with a little twist which you may or may not see coming (Unfortunately for me, I did predict the twist which meant it didn't wow me). All in all, this is a beautiful story with very sweet moments and a surprisingly strong heroine despite her lack of life experience.
#allthefeels

ARCHERS VOICE by Mia Sheridan
I have been waiting and waiting to do one of these posts just so I could gush about this story.
Oh my did it blow me away!
First off, this has been in my reads list FOREVER and I don't even know what made me pick it up but whatever it was - thank God I did! Archers Voice is a BEAUTIFUL story.
That's it.
This book has everything you could want, a strong heroine, an amazing hero who is authentic and honest; an alpha man on the outside but as soft as butter on the inside. What makes this story so real for me, was the actual story itself. A woman, Bree, running from her past and setting herself up in a small town hoping she can camouflage herself in it and a man, Archer, who has lost absolutely everything in his life and deep down blames himself. This man has no humanity left in him. He is lost. He is destroyed. And the real knife-twister...
He doesn't speak.
So when these two begin a timid friendship and Bree really finds herself enjoying her time with Archer, we see a blossoming romance that is built on words that cannot be spoken out loud.
Honestly, this story was just so beautiful and I loved every page.

Are you on Facebook? You're invited to my release party!

3/28/2017

Wow, countdown is definitely on for Camouflage to hit the book world and I am literally bursting at the seams.

I have been getting a lot questions and emails about the book, and so, I thought it might be fun to host an event on Facebook on release day! So if you have access to facebook, please come and join in the release day fun :)

Camouflage Release Event

I will be answering questions live on the event page, and will be giving away some random prizes, including paperbacks, swag and lots more. We may even be lucky to have some other author peeps drop in to say hello :)

I have never done anything like this before, so please, spread the word and 'attend' the event. If you are reading the book on release day post your quotes from the novel, or even comment as you go. I can't wait to chat to you all!

KM xo

Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/116025878934306/

Teaser Tuesday :)

3/19/2017

2. Weeks.

Camouflage.

Teaser.

That is all :)

KM xoxo

Camouflage 'Goodreads' giveaway!

3/13/2017

Wow less than 1 month until Camouflage is released and I can't say its not a bundle of emotions.

Excitement.

Anxiety.

Happiness..

I can't really explain it exactly, except that I can't wait for you to read Giselles story.

For those who have read the Cut series, we actually meet Giselle in the second novel 'Battlescars,' and whilst she didn't have a large role - she definitely made an impact and her story (literally) smacked me in the face.

So thankyou to Goodreads for hosting this giveaway! I hope you all enter! And if you don't have a goodreads profile - sign up! Its free and its amazing for, not only discovering new authors and stories to read, but for recording all of the books you have read!

Goodluck!!

KM xo

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Camouflage by Kathleen Mareé

Camouflage

by Kathleen Mareé

Giveaway ends April 01, 2017.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Seeking blogger interest for ARC's of Camouflage!

2/21/2017

Are you a book blogger?

Do you enjoy reading stories that are full of more than just boy meets girl?

Do you love a sassy heroine whose banter with the hero wants you to do nothing but high five her?

Well sign up for an ARC of Camouflage - a brand new, contemporary romance.

I have been talking about this novel for some time and am so excited to bring this story to you. I knew when we first met Giselle in the Cut series, that there was more of a story just dying to be told. And you know what? She doesn't disappoint!

Bloggers, please feel free to sign up here so I can send you an ARC immediately. The date of release is April 6.

Thanks for your support all, and I hope you enjoy Camouflage!

KM xoxo

New novel, Camouflage, is coming!

1/29/2017

I am so excited to announce that I have finished my first draft of new novel, Camouflage, which will be ready for its final release in April this year!

To those of you who are attending the Books by the Bridge, author event in Sydney, you have the chance to preorder this novel which is being released to you first - as a special Advanced Reader Copy :) The preorder form can be found here, should you wish to attend and order a copy. The orders have closed, but I will accept any additional ones that are placed over the next couple of days.

So here is the Camouflage blurb as well as a little excerpt from Giselle's story.

Enjoy xo

Camouflage, a new novel by Kathleen Maree'

On the surface, Giselle Duzido could be called many things.

Sassy, determined and breathtakingly beautiful.

But one thing that would never come to tongue, is broken and fragile; because she’s learned to keep that part of herself locked up tight. The veneer she chooses you to see - has it all. Her designer brand is on the rise from her original base in Sydney, to two more stores in Los Angeles and New York; a part of a world she has always fit into seamlessly.

Career-wise? She’s flourishing. Social status? Almost famous!

But scratch just beneath her surface and there it is, eating away at her insides. But at some point, doesn't Sel deserve to have the happily ever after?

She may look just like another twenty-something woman, searching for that earth-shattering love…

But it's all just a camouflage.

Excerpt:

I take a sip of my cocktail before turning my head over my shoulder. When I see the burly guy who was all broad muscle in his black ripped tank, and the familiar tattoos down both arms, I almost choke on my vodka.

What the hell?

I narrowed my eyes and blatantly stared at him. I watched as his stupid fingers struck the stupid guitar, with those stupid biceps pulsing with each and every stupid movement. I'm not sure how long I stared at him for, but when the song ended and he ever-so-calmly raised his head - I knew he had seen me. How he managed to find me amongst this packed bar was a mystery, but no sooner his head was raised, those green eyes found mine.

“Shit!”

I turned my back on him and muttered more curse words under my breath.

“What’s wrong?”

“Unfortunately I know that guy.”

I could hardly forget the guy who was best friends with my best friends, now husband. A man who, despite looking like a delicious dish of danger on the outside, had pissed me off on the inside.

“What guy?” Mel asks, raising her eyes over my head toward the stage. “Oh my. Not the dreamy bass player?”

“Ugh, he’s not dreamy,” I moan, fumbling my hands on my temples harshly and ignoring the way Mels eyes lit-up. “Ah Sel? Don’t look now, but it looks like he’s on his way over here.”

I gulped.

I reached over to Mels glass and sculled the rest of her martini. If he was heading over here, it was going to ruin my night.
I felt his presence behind my chair and was annoyed with the way Mels eyes floated all over his large frame behind me. I didn’t have time to give her the stink eye before he muttered, “Giselle.”

His deep, husky voice reached me on some strange level, which caused nothing but irritation. I took a deep breath and put my game face on; turning to face him and ignoring his sparking green eyes that always seemed to look straight through me. I rested my hand firmly on my hip, leaning all of my weight on my right leg and raised an eyebrow at him pointedly.

“I’d say it’s nice to see Draz, but we both know that would be a lie.”

- Excerpt from Camouflage, by Kathleen Maree'

Recent Reads

1/6/2017

So the last time I posted some recent reads was waaaaay back in July!! Eeeek!

Needless to say I have read a LOT since then, so because I couldn't limit this post to just three like I usually do, I added an extra one and a few series (which may or may not be cheating) ;) I do try and keep this section as versatile as possible, because lets face it, noone would want to hear me say how every book is simply 'amazing.' However if you have read my thoughts on my own publishing journey I appreciate an authors vision and understand that not every book is for everyone. So with that, here are just some of my own thoughts about some of my recent reads!

Keep the emails and comments coming! I love hearing from you!

KM xo

PAPER PRINCESS (Royals series) by Erin Watt
So I am going to start this edition off with a bang and with one of my favourite, FAVOURITE series. The Royal Series (Paper Princess, Broken Prince and Twisted Palace) was one of those book series I just devoured. For those who know I love the Fallen Crest series, this to me, had similarities.
The heroine (Ella) being 'adopted' (moving) into the brothers family... Check!
The heroine's own family drama/secrets coming out... Check!
The alpha, cocky, gorgeous, lovable brothers who learn to adore and protec her.... Check!
But what made this its own story was the writing, the characters and the chemistry... oh lord, the chemistry. I love me a little mystery and drama, and I love the quiet, alpha-type heros. And my love for Mason Kade, was brought to the ultimate test with the very lovable Reed Royal. There were times I wanted to smack Reed across the head for being so stupid, but alas, thats the kind of book boy we love to hate. His devotion, loyalty and the powerful love he had for Ella was off the charts. I really enjoyed this series and it is definitely a series I will re-read over and over. Loved it!

FALLEN Series by Lauren Kate
I have been on a little bit of a Supernatural kick lately which seemed to start with Obsidian (that you know from my previous post I LOVED) and the Fallen series came up on my recommendations. I had never read a book about Angels before and if someone had of told me to read one, I would have probably laughed at them. I mean.. Angels? They dont sound that bad-ass do they? And Im not sure what it was, but I really, really enjoyed this story and this world that unravelled on my Kindle.
I have to say I was pulled into Lucindas world at the Sword and Cross school she was sent to. I was definitely drawn to her connection and magnetism for Daniel (the hero) and also the other side characters along the way. I read all five books, basically straight after eachother. I get a bit obsessive that way, but I just had to see how her story finished up. And I guess, this is where it fell flat for me. I felt it had all the elements to make this a five star supernatural romance, but the journey they took just got a little... cray cray for me. I really enjoyed it though, and it did inspire me to smash through a few other 'angel' style novels, but I didn't obsessively love it.

DEVIANT (Blood & Roses Series) by Callie Hart
Well this is my first Callie Hart read but definitely NOT my first dark romance read. When this started, it was basically a young girl giving away her virginity to a stranger in a dark, seedy hotel room in exchange for information about her missing sister. I knew, from the many reviews that the stranger was the 'hero' in the story and I just didnt understand how this situation was going to be turned around. Well after the short six books in this series...
I. WAS. HOOKED.
I absolutely loved Zeth. I loved getting to know him, his back story, how fiercely protective he was of Sloane (the heroine) and what she was trying to discover about her sister. The journey these two took was very dark at times, but it was written so well it became so much more. Sometimes with dark reads those disturbing scenes feel more like 'shock value' to me instead of substance, and I didnt feel that at all about this series. The chemistry between these two was off the charts, perhaps unorthodox, but real.
And I felt all of it.

HALF-BLOOD (Covenant Series) by Jennifer L Armentrout
One afternoon whilst on my supernatural bandwagon, I was obsessively looking for another similar read. Perhaps another fallen angel or something I could obsess over. That was when I stumbled on the Convenant series. For supernatural fans, this was not Fallen Angels, but Gods, Pure-Bloods and half mortals (or half-bloods as they are referred to). They are forbidden to associate with eachother and the half-bloods are seen as lower class citizens to the Pures. They train for their battles and this is where we see the friendship blossum between Half-Blood (and heroine) Alex and Pure Aidan.
I loved this series because of their growing friendship and attraction, and also how Aidan really put Alex above everything, even what his people enforced. He wanted the best for Alex and in return these two went on such an amazing journey of discovery, love and loyalty. Towards the end of the series, some of the events got a little too 'out-there' for me (as I like to say) as I am honestly more of a sucker about the romance side than the 'demons-battling-gods' side - but I did enjoy their story.

Best Ask the Book Blogger

12/30/2016

Far out time has just flown away from me! I have unfortunately neglected parts of my blog as I had been preparing Numbs release, and have also been finishing my standalone novel, Camouflage. Throw in the usual everyday-life stuff, and Christmas has come and gone as well...

So... with all of that, here is one of my favourite segments, and another edition of Best Ask the Book Blogger. I want to thank this blog for taking the time ( many months ago) to answer my questions and also the many MANY blogs who shed the light on us authors. We love you. We adore you. And this is just a small (very small) way to throw the spotlight your way.

Give these guys a follow and enjoy!

KM xo

Blog/Website Name: Sydney Gen Reads

Blogger: Do you mean Wordpress?! Or do you mean, me?! :D

How long have you been blogging?  I started blogging personally back when my three children were first born. The oldest is nine now, so I would say eight years ago. I also did a lot of blogging for the Twilight Mums universe back then as well. For the book blog, I started in 2014.

What made you start blogging? I wanted to start a book blog because I was reading all these amazing books and I wanted others to read and know about them. I also found that having the privilege of being able to read books before they were out was a super fun big deal!!! I love telling everyone about great reads that are coming out, as well as supporting new / and experienced authors!

What is it you enjoy most about being a book blogger/reviewer?  Definitely getting to discover so much talent! There is soooo many books out there being published, and whilst I can't read every single book offered to me, or that I would love to, I absolutely LOVE that I am able to read and enjoy and then share those books with the world.

What is your preferred genre that you read/review?  I like contemporary romance. I like paranormal romance. I like historical romance. I like MC romance. Love a good time travel story. I actually like romance *winky face* I do like reading all genres, except thrillers and horror. I just can't seem to get my head around those.

Favourite read so far in 2016: Broken Juliet by Leisa Rayven and also, A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald by Natasha Lester

Favourite author: This one is so so hard to give one fave author nod. I have authors I would drop and read right away, mostly J.R. Ward

Favourite book: My all time in the whole wide world favourite book is Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy. I read it as a teenager over and over and over.

Where can we find you? When I'm not struggling with mature aged uni student duties I am posting at sydneygenreads.com and also on Facebook: facebook.com/sydneygenreads

Any additional comments? Thanks for having me on the blog!

Numb - Jay Rykers novella is now LIVE!

12/8/2016

It. Is. Here!

Finally, the ebook has gone LIVE for Numb! This short story about our sexy muso before he met Penelope, is now available to download. And the best part?

ITS FREE!!!!

Even if you havent read the series, you will still enjoy seeing this broody and broken rockstar, and how his life is so far from what it seems. Get to know Jay, and see his spiralling out of control life before he meets the equally fragile Penelope. It has been such a ride to get inside this rockers head, and to finally put the Cut series to bed.

The links for the ebooks are below, and remember.... ITS FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME!!

Enjoy!

KM xo

iTunes (from 10th Dec)
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Smashwords

About Me

Mother. Wife. Dreamer. Believer. And now Author.

Categories

Want to be a VIP?

If you want to receive exclusive content, giveaways, new release information and SO. MUCH. MORE. Subscribe to my mailing list.

Attention Bloggers!

If you are a book blogger who is interested in receiving promos, blitzs, arcs, or specials and promo information for your blogs - Sign up below.