Synopsis

Lizzie led a normal life...until the Book arrived.

Author Kate Baray begins her new paranormal romance series with Lost Library, a tale of werewolves, magic, adventure and romance.

John Braxton arrives unannounced on Lizzie’s doorstep. Little does she know that when she invites him for a drink on the porch, Lizzie opens the door to a secret world of Lycan, magic, spelled books, and a power hungry mastermind. Caught up in one man’s search for power, Lizzie soon begins to uncover surprising secrets about her own past and powers—but not before stumbling upon a library like no other. And romance with a serious but sexy Lycan? It might just happen…

Take a romp through the life of the quirky and well-meaning Lizzie as she discovers exactly what it means to live with magic. 

My Thoughts

When I was approached by the author and asked if I would be willing to review her novel, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to. The synopsis was intriguing and unique. And as it turns out, Lost Library was EXACTLY what I was looking for to read!

Lizzy Smith receives a hand addressed package in the mail. Inside is a leather bound book that is seemingly empty. Upon further inspection she notices that there is writing on it's pages. And that the writing changes each time she opens the book. If only she could read what it says... After several attempts at trying to read, and destroy the book, she puts it away.

Two years later John Braxton shows up at her door. He has knowledge of her 'magic' book and also knows that she has it. After speaking with John and having some of her questions answered, Lizzie is introduced to a world of Lycan, Spell Casters, Healers, spelled books, magic and wards.

I really enjoyed Lizzie's character. Although she had some self doubt, she was open minded and willing to accept that there were things in this world beyond our control. She was humorous and had a great inner monologue that will leave you chuckling. I enjoyed seeing Lizzie's character grow over the course of the book.

John Braxton - Statistician, Lycan, Texas Pack Alpha and broodingly sexy. He was such a strong but caring character. As pack Alpha, he never hesitated to provide a plan of action when Lizzy got into trouble. He wanted to be the one to save her. As the story progressed, so did his feelings towards Lizzie.

Lost Library is a truly unique and original story. It mixes 'old school' magic with the present day world with a plot that has a little of everything. There's action, suspense, magic, supernatural, and a romantic connection between the two lead characters that was tangible.

As a debut novel and beginning of a new series, Kate Baray has definitely set the bar high for herself. If Lost Library is anything to go by, I have every confidence that she will achieve this high level of work with the following books in the series.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My Rating

Purchase Links

Author Interview

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My web site has some of my more interesting jobs. Other than that, I like writing, reading, and dogs. So I write, read, and spend time with my dogs =) Sadly, the more I write, the less I read. And the more I read, the longer everyone has to wait for the next Lizzie & John story – darn it.

What were your favourite books as a child, and have they influenced the way you write today?

I went through phases

What is a typical writing day like for you? When and where do you write? Do you follow a regular routine?

Early morning and late night are my peak writing times. The porch, my recliner, or my bed are my fave writing spots. All of the places I write, are really comfortable because I’m there a while =)

Do you set a daily writing goal?

Interesting question, because I am currently involved in a three-way, ongoing, daily writing competition with some critique partners. Every 2 weeks, we tally up and the loser buys coffee. The 3 of us weren’t meeting our writing goals (daily/weekly/monthly), so we thought it would motivate us. I can write as little as 300 and as much 5,000+ in a day. It just depends. So my goals tend to be more a place in the story than a word count.

What motivates you to write?

It’s fun! I love stories and I like puzzles. With writing I get both.

 What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Two things are especially challenging for me: finding large chunks of time to devote to writing and multi-tasking.

I write better (more productively – my editors can comment on quality…) when I can immerse myself mentally in the story. And sometimes that’s just not possible. Real life intervenes, bills have to be paid, etc.

And I’m also more productive when I’m not working on editing or promoting another work. Something I discovered in writing book 2 of the Lost Library series.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? If so, how did you overcome it?

Sure, although I don’t know that “block” is the right word. More of a “stall” =) The biggest challenge is in recognizing I’ve stalled. It usually takes a few days of slow writing for me to realize I’m in a stall. Then I think about how invested I am in the next steps and whether I have a clear picture in my mind. Invariably, the answer to one of those is no. Then I call my favourite plotting buddies and hash it out till I have a better picture and am sold on what happens next.

 How did you come up with your book title(s) and/or series names?

Ugh. With lots and lots of help. I’m horrible at names: book titles, character names, the series title, all are hard for me. So a huge shout-out to friends, betas, and editors for their help.

Do you have favourite character from your own book(s) and why?

Harry! You haven’t met him yet; he’s from book 2 ;) But from Lost Library, I suppose John. It’s hard to say, because I really do like all of my characters, even the bad guys and the small roles.

Can you describe your writing style in 25 words or less?

No – but I’ll guess, just for you =)

I have no background in creative writing, rather I spent time studying language, literature, and law. My natural inclination is not what readers see on the page. I’d write sentences that wound through 2 pages and included five asides, if I could. So my effort is to create a clear but casual style that focuses on people and actions rather than place and setting. It’s a work in progress…

If you were to write an autobiography, what would it’s title be?

No Complaints

 What are your current favourite books and authors?

I LOVE Julia Quinn’s characters. Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Jeanine Frost…I can only imagine writing so well and having such entertaining style and plot.

 Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I volunteer with a local search & rescue team and occasionally compete with my pet dogs.

Quick Questions:

E-book or print? E-book

Favourite colour? Purple

Favourite season? Winter

Favourite holiday? Any day involving friends, family, food and no fireworks

Coke or Pepsi? Neither

Tea or coffee? Tea, but actually both =)

Dogs or cats? Dogs

Vampire/Werewolf/Zombie? Werewolf, naturally