Whether you are a lover of Mythology or not, you'll enjoy this delightful tale of a goddess who inspires artists but strives for normalcy. Original, intriguing, and enchanting, bringing Mythological gods and goddesses into the 21st century of romance.Inspire is a book I've been looking forward to reading ever since I first saw Cora Carmack mention it. As a lover of Mythology when I was in high school many moons ago, I was curious as to how this book would play out, what with combining myth and contemporary fiction. I happily say that it played out beautifully.Cora Carmack brought Mythology into the 21st century with the love affair between Kalliope and Wilder. The first part of the book refused to let me go, as I flipped through the virtual pages on my Kindle. I was enthralled at the muse that lived to inspire artists and her want for more in her life -- love, a normal life, a family. She understands that without her job as muse, art would no longer be in our world, but her abilities present as much danger to the artists as they do creativity. She must expel her inspiration in doses, much the same as medicine or risk angering the gods and suffering the consequences. Loosing inspiration onto a person with no artistic tendencies or abilities is even more dangerous, such is the case with Wilder.Kalli and Wilder meet in a grocery store and immediately share a chemistry. Fate has tied them together, but Wilder is hardly presented as the artistic type in his button-down, tie, and glasses. There aren't many book heroes like Wilder, and his character is so easy to fall in love with. He is caring, compassionate, and gentle with Kalli while trying to understand and get to know her and her secrets. Their chemistry is distinct, and their romance is intense. Of course, Wilder has secrets of his own that are revealed slowly. He is a fighter for what he wants, and he wants to be with Kalli. He risks his life and she her immortality for love. There is a huge shock factor toward the end of the book with regard to these two that actually caused me to drop my Kindle, even though I saw it coming. The clues and riddles along the way were a little over my head or just didn't connect with my brain, or I would have seen that Kalli and Wilder's quest to be together could not possibly be wrapped up in a tidy little package; nothing about their quest is easy.The concept of Inspire is original and intriguing. Cora Carmack has already proven herself to be a successful romance author, and she can now add the paranormal genre to her list of successful accomplishments. The characters are well developed and three dimensional, the plot is exceptional, and I thoroughly enjoyed Inspire. Inspire held me captive and connected during the first 85%, but something happened in the last 15%. I don't know if it was because I had to put the book down (I certainly didn't want to), if it was because I went from "listening" to the book to "reading" the book (unlikely), or what the exact disconnect might have been. Somehow, the thread was cut and my connection was lost. I normally don't like to divulge if a book has a cliffhanger or not, but in this book, I feel it is necessary because the cliffhanger is huge. My loss of connection in the last 15% coupled with the cliffhanger left me feeling as though I lost a portion of the story and has me questioning if I will continue reading the next book in the series, Inflict, which releases in 2015 and continues Wilder and Kalli's story. That remains to be seen and is based on whether the characters stay with me, as I suspect the will. At any rate, it's easy to recommend this one for the beautiful writing of Cora Carmack, the swoon-worthy hero, and the originality of characters. HO-LY SHIT. Wow. I need the next one now!! Inspire by Cora Carmack is like nothing I have read before. Intense, exciting, and emotional, the plot is unique and the characters completely draw you into the story. Inspire is a combination paranormal romance, greek mythology and New Adult all wrapped up in a modern day Austin, Texas. And in true Cora Carmack fashion, the book was fun, funny, slightly awkward, completely real, and gave all the feels. In other words, absolutely entertaining! This is Cora at her best, a beautifully written story that feels fresh and new. Seriously… everyone needs to read the amazingness that is Inspire now!Inspire centers on Kalliope (Kalli), one of the nine greek muses, and Wilder Bell, a normal human boy. And by normal human boy I mean a hot, sexy, mysterious man that could charm the panties off every girl in the room. Wilder is a strange and wonderful mix of gentleman and bad boy – pretty much the best of both worlds. While he is chivalrous and takes care of Kalli when she is injured, he also is one of the best dirty talkers I have read in awhile! Prepare to fall hard for your newest book boyfriend. Did I mention how hot the chemistry is?! The steam was spewing from my kindle.Overall, I LOVED this book. It was a gorgeous read – the characters, plot and writing were all fantastic! I recommend this book for everyone who likes to read!~ Alicia, 5 starsBiggest book hangover I have had in a long time is happening. I. Loved. This. Book. I loved how different it was from the typical New Adult novel. Kalli is an immortal muse, BUT WAIT! Even if you are not the paranormal/fantasy type, this book is sooooo much more than JUST that. The creativity behind combining ancient Greek Mythology with a present day relationship is genius. Not to mention hot, sexy, swoony and....wonderful. Perfect dual POV. I love getting inside both main characters heads. Cora does an amazing job with building Kalli and Wilder's relationship. And then the ending....unforgettable and I am honestly glad for this cliffhanger....that means there will be more!!!I only give 5 stars to books that I want to scream from the rooftop how great they were... and call my closest book friends and demand they read it. So, here I am on my metaphorical rooftop, people. "Read Inspire! You will not be dissapointed *sighs and hugs kindle* 5 (oh, gods) stars from me.~ Krissy, 5 starsAhhh!!! What an ending!! I need the second book NOW! Inspire is the first book in Cora’s new Muse Series and it is so very different from her other books. There is a paranormal aspect to it and while I don’t normally read much paranormal, Cora is one of my favorite authors so I had to try it. And I am so glad I did because I absolutely LOVED it!Kalli is a muse, an immortal, who is put on Earth to inspire. After thousands of years of existence she finally meets the one who she is willing to give it up for, Wilder. Wilder is the bad boy musician and the good boy who will do anything to take care of his family all rolled into one. The chemistry between the two is absolutely explosive!!“Passion. It comes from a Latin word that means to suffer. And that’s what the slick thrust of his tongue against mine is- a suffering so sweet that my head spins.” Kalli fights with everything she has to stay away from Wilder. She is dangerous and doesn’t want him or his family to suffer. She finally thinks she has it figured out when she meets a group of artists who she can inspire and use her energy with. However, fate had other ideas!Like I said before – sizzling chemistry!! I think this is one of Cora’s hottest books yet.“Fuck, Kalli. I need to be inside you. I don’t know if I can be gentle. Not right now. Not with you wet and up against the shower wall.” See what I mean? HOT!!!!One of my favorite parts of this was Gwen, Wilder’s little sister. I loved how sweet and innocent she was and how she accepted Kalli immediately. My heart felt for Kalli, over and over. How can you live forever and never know what it is to love or be with someone forever?Inspire was amazing! It is full of love, emotion, angst, suspense, and secrets. One of my favorite lines is: “I don’t give a fuck about genius. But I’ll take madness if it gives me you first.” Wilder is swoon worthy! I could not put it down and I cannot wait for the second book. Please don’t make me wait too long Cora!! ~ Tiffany, 5 stars
What do You think about Inspire (2000)?
I can't believe I just gave 5 stars to a cliffhanger...but it's well deserved!
—RLib
DNF -- cannot stand ridiculous nicknames given by men for women.
—selena101010
An additive NA paranormal romance. *review to come*
—Sofia
