Reverie

Hi Lisa,
I remember reading some of this love story when you first uploaded it. As I revisited the story today, I remembered why. You are a true romantic (and this, to me, is a high compliment). What I most enjoy about the story is that it doesn't read like genre romance - you've done something different by allowing your readers to experience the story through Tom's POV. I think this is a great move. Tom's an ideal main character in that he isn't the typical leading man. He's...well, he's a natural, believable guy and this goes a long way to making the story authentic.

I should step back and address the opening, though, which I find very beautiful. Ruth's dream has that ethereal quality one would expect in a dream, but I also connected to her sense of longing, that call of the soul for it's mate. This is not easy to describe, because the line between drama and cheesy can so easily be crossed (something I catch myself doing in my own work). But, while you go right to heart of her desires, you don't cross the line and go too far.

I like the relationship Tom and Ruth have in chapters 2 and 3 - friends in an awkward state now that they've kissed, and Tom trying to reconcile his feelings for her while still maintaining their friendship. This, too, is not genre romance, but more "real life" as two people seek to work through their feelings to discover what's really there.

There were a couple of spots where I thought the descriptions could have been simpler, especially with Tom's POV - for instance I didn't think a guy would describe the drapes in the room in the same way a woman would. - thick, navy, velour. This could just be me (thinking now of the men I know) - but would a guy really know or mention that something is velour? Or, maybe this is a part of what makes Tom different. In that case, I'd skip the "thick" since it isn't necessary and more than one (or two at the most) descriptives tend to bump readers away from the story for second.

The subject of soulmates is universal, and because it is such a core subject, there can never be too many books written about that seach. But it's nice to read one that is coming from the male POV. I think you'll find a strong readership and I wish you the very best. I'm sending you some stars now...

Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

Tom has a birthday surprise for Ruth, tickets for a flight to America so she can find her soulmate. Tom and Ruth are part of group of friends who call themselves the fantastic four, and in a response to a dream Ruth had about finding her perfect man in that country, Tom sets it all up for her to go. He will go with her for company, but little does she know, Tom feels she is the girl for him.
Bumbling and tongue tied unable to confront the girl, with his true feeling's for her, he goes along with the idea that they are only friends. Can't quite get out of my head the game of Russian roulette that Tom is seemingly playing, by setting up the trip to America, so Reverie is quite a suspenseful tale. Calling somebody's bluff over a dream, might lead to one hell of a predicament, especially if the dream comes true. How will Tom cope?
Great story interwoven with the girls hopes and dreams is going to be Toms scepticism, and this could lead to some awkward and profound moments.
Backed with pleasure.
Daniel Manning
No Compatibility.

An inventive, intense romance. You skillfully captured my attention, and then my mind. Relatable characters. Authentic dialogue. Accomplished storytelling with deep undercurrents. Artful writing. An inviting read. Backed.

Reverie opens with a vivid, vibrant dream sequence. Or is it a dream? Seeking the answer to this question the reader is motivated to read on, an effective hook devised with craft. The prose continues to be articulate, detailed and pulsating. There is graphic depth, movement and a kaleidoscope of colour brought to the page with vigorously descriptive writing. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

Hi Lisa,
Usually, I'd say that starting your story with a dream sequence is a risky business. The reader often feels misled, any action is broken-off leaving a sense of anti-climax and it's a very cliched and over-used method. However your 'dream' is so beautifully written, I forgave that and continued. It's all very nice writing so far, with the makings of a excellent romance, so I'm really glad I did. Well done.
Backed with pleasure,
Barry

Hi Lisa,
I remember reading some of this love story when you first uploaded it. As I revisited the story today, I remembered why. You are a true romantic (and this, to me, is a high compliment). What I most enjoy about the story is that it doesn't read like genre romance - you've done something different by allowing your readers to experience the story through Tom's POV. I think this is a great move. Tom's an ideal main character in that he isn't the typical leading man. He's...well, he's a natural, believable guy and this goes a long way to making the story authentic.

I should step back and address the opening, though, which I find very beautiful. Ruth's dream has that ethereal quality one would expect in a dream, but I also connected to her sense of longing, that call of the soul for it's mate. This is not easy to describe, because the line between drama and cheesy can so easily be crossed (something I catch myself doing in my own work). But, while you go right to heart of her desires, you don't cross the line and go too far.

I like the relationship Tom and Ruth have in chapters 2 and 3 - friends in an awkward state now that they've kissed, and Tom trying to reconcile his feelings for her while still maintaining their friendship. This, too, is not genre romance, but more "real life" as two people seek to work through their feelings to discover what's really there.

There were a couple of spots where I thought the descriptions could have been simpler, especially with Tom's POV - for instance I didn't think a guy would describe the drapes in the room in the same way a woman would. - thick, navy, velour. This could just be me (thinking now of the men I know) - but would a guy really know or mention that something is velour? Or, maybe this is a part of what makes Tom different. In that case, I'd skip the "thick" since it isn't necessary and more than one (or two at the most) descriptives tend to bump readers away from the story for second.

The subject of soulmates is universal, and because it is such a core subject, there can never be too many books written about that seach. But it's nice to read one that is coming from the male POV. I think you'll find a strong readership and I wish you the very best. I'm sending you some stars now...

Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

What a beautiful story!

Yes, the dream, the hope, the reality -- you captured the human longing for love, not only skillfully but also with great sensitivity and depth.

A great storyteller you are! And that is something that cannot be learned... A lot of people can write beautiful words. But not that many can tell a great story! One needs to be born with such talent. And you have it in spades.

My complements - your book deserves top star rating - and I hope you will get published soon!

Warmest Wishes,
Johanna Kern
Master and The Green-Eyed Hope

Entertaining piece of fluff for a grey afternoon which perks up the jaded reader. :)

This is a very enjoyable read, of true romance genre, with a good hero who is likeable. The writing is simple, no nonsense, and is pushed along by the story. Maybe the opening could be shortened a little, but I am happy to back it as I did enjoy it. I guess I am an incorrigible romantic :)..

A good story well told - once it starts. I enjoyed the interaction and letting the characters reveal themselves in 2. It is worthwhile and deserves backing. But if it was me I would ditch the prologue. Starting with 2 gives you a much more vivid start.

Tom has a birthday surprise for Ruth, tickets for a flight to America so she can find her soulmate. Tom and Ruth are part of group of friends who call themselves the fantastic four, and in a response to a dream Ruth had about finding her perfect man in that country, Tom sets it all up for her to go. He will go with her for company, but little does she know, Tom feels she is the girl for him.
Bumbling and tongue tied unable to confront the girl, with his true feeling's for her, he goes along with the idea that they are only friends. Can't quite get out of my head the game of Russian roulette that Tom is seemingly playing, by setting up the trip to America, so Reverie is quite a suspenseful tale. Calling somebody's bluff over a dream, might lead to one hell of a predicament, especially if the dream comes true. How will Tom cope?
Great story interwoven with the girls hopes and dreams is going to be Toms scepticism, and this could lead to some awkward and profound moments.
Backed with pleasure.
Daniel Manning
No Compatibility.

Chick lit, romance, YA, jeez could I be further from my element.
I don't think I need be an expert of the genre however to appreciate the lyrical prose that Lisa Taylor gives us with Reverie.
Very well done,
MickR - The Nightcrawler

An inventive, intense romance. You skillfully captured my attention, and then my mind. Relatable characters. Authentic dialogue. Accomplished storytelling with deep undercurrents. Artful writing. An inviting read. Backed.

Reverie opens with a vivid, vibrant dream sequence. Or is it a dream? Seeking the answer to this question the reader is motivated to read on, an effective hook devised with craft. The prose continues to be articulate, detailed and pulsating. There is graphic depth, movement and a kaleidoscope of colour brought to the page with vigorously descriptive writing. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

Dear Lisa

Firstly, I loved your opening verse from Corinthians and secondly your writing is wonderful!!

Backed with pleasure.

Michelle
Hush Hush

Writing is crisp and clean. Starting with a dream is one of those things that writers are often warned against, but you do it well, and the language has a dream like feel (must admit, though, that the combination of 'cool' and 'muggy' struck me as unusual). The first chapter starts with a fair ammount of exposition before getting to action--through dialogue--and I wonder if it's not a slow start (especially if a reader skips the prologue, as some do). But there are nice touches--such as the way the end of chapter one seems to presage another dream like that of the prologue. Backed.

This is very well written, and very detailed. It makes you feel like you are there. Karen

Oh! so good. You write well and I couldn't stop reading. You really caught me with this one. Nice start up and this one will go far.
A page turner and a blast for lovers of romance.
Damned good!

best

Lisa, As a hopeful romantic and poet I lLOVE this, I can only hope it ends up the way I imagine it. I love your main characters, the ease of conversation in your circle of fiends, it makes us immdiately feel an emotional connection, as if we are partaking on this rollercoaster of a journey. Being from N.Y I look foward to seeing the USA part of the story and am disappointed there were only four wonderful chapters posted.

I love your descriptives and ease in which you write allowing the reader to feel in control...Well done and I truly hope you post more...do let me know Backed with a hopeful smile Patricia aka Columbia Layers of the Heart

Dear Lisa,
You've got one sensual opening chapter! Too bad it seems to be a dream! I really like your pitch too. It's just the right length. Soon you'll need a unique cover because without it, it's hard for people to remember if they've read your book before or not. It's a lot easier with an eye catching cover. Nice writing job!

BACKED
Elizabeth Wolfe (MEMORIES OF GLORY)

Reverie

Lisa M. Taylor

Not a big fan of chick lit but I found this well written and engaging. Liked your Corinthians quote at the start of Ch One which set a nice tone and atmosphere. No doubt this will appeal to women in general and those liking a good romance. "Who is this man? My love? My soulmate? . . . I have to find him; but how?" Good question. Coming back to see how she does it when I have a bit more time to spare. All the best with it.

You have written a very interesting and unique storyline, which I do like, and created a most memorable main character in Tom. I also really like your use of the first person narrative voice. The dialogue is realistic and well written and the pace of your story flows well. All of this along with your descriptive writing ensures that your work will appeal to the YA audience. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

this is entertaining, it holds the readers interest, its wel written, backed

alison

Beautifully written, this is a book to settle down with when there is time to enjoy it. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

Hi Lisa,
Usually, I'd say that starting your story with a dream sequence is a risky business. The reader often feels misled, any action is broken-off leaving a sense of anti-climax and it's a very cliched and over-used method. However your 'dream' is so beautifully written, I forgave that and continued. It's all very nice writing so far, with the makings of a excellent romance, so I'm really glad I did. Well done.
Backed with pleasure,
Barry

Excellent writing - easy to back because this is a book Id buy!

Liz
The Cheech Room
A Fine Pickle

Dear Lisa


I loved your short and long pitch both really sell your book which they are meant too so CONGRATS, and love the way you write. Your ability with words to craft an orginal read is amazing. the characters have decided to take up permanent residence but i will insist they leave soom to go home. ha! I have to wonder on this site at the
creations that come from peoples heads and of course the immense talent of those like yourself to animate
such colorful characters. I truly wish I had half your talent.

Please take a moment to look, COMMENT which is important to me, and BACK my book. if not that is OK
also

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
The VERY best of luck to you

Denise
The Letter

Dear Lisa, I love how you have the dreams & how they are shared. :) You pitch & preface with "love is" of I Cor 13 beckoned me to read your book, along with your beautiful poems before each chapter. :) I love love-stories :) - my favorite. :) I've backed your book :) - could you please take a moment to back my memoir book? :) Thanks so very much. :) Love, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs."