May Favourites

Welcome to my May Favourites.

Here, you will find a list of the movies and books I watched and read in May and my favourite among them.

Books Read:

Favourite:

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Movies Watched:

Favourite:

Cover Reveal - Magic Harvest by Mary Karlik

Magic Harvest

Author: Mary Karlik
Published by: Ink Monster LLC
Publication Date: September 18th, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:
Young fae girls are disappearing.

Layla has never belonged to the fairy realm – at least, half of her hasn’t. She’s never known anyone with human blood, not even her father. When she was three, the dragon Fauth attacked the fairy festival, murdering her fae mum & stepfather. Frankly, some fairies think she should’ve been eaten too.

As she grew, despite being called names like “fuman” for being a half-blood, she’s discovered that being half-human isn’t terrible. She may lack magic, but she is immune to iron sickness, and she can wield a sword with elven skill.

Magic in the human world is disastrous.

Sixteen years later, when Layla’s half-sister is kidnapped and taken through a portal to the forbidden human realm, Layla rushes to the rescue. She’s older and stronger, and she’s not about to let her last living family member be taken from her without a fight.

Only someone who belongs to both worlds can find the truth.

The portal spits her out in the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, but neither her sister or the kidnapper are anywhere to be found. Stuck in a world she only knows from school books, Layla forges unlikely alliances to find her sister. As she becomes tangled in the dark world of fairy trafficking, magic harvesting, and murder, Layla will have to find the strength within if she is to survive and save her sister.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Barnes & Noble ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo

BOOK REVIEW: Splinter by Michael Bussa

Splinter

Author: Michael Bussa

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Short Story

Publication Date: April 29th, 2017

Book Description:

Some family secrets should go to the grave. In the tiny town of Milnor, ND, Adam struggles to bring some measure of normalcy to his life, after a tragic event left him confined to a wheelchair, twenty-one years earlier. His sister, Ada, fills his days with psychological torment and disappears for days at a time. Is it sibling rivalry, or something more sinister? A psychiatrist, in his relentless search for the truth, gets caught up in the unexpected. Splinter will keep you guessing right to the end!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I love a good psychological thriller, and Splinter does not disappoint. Adam suffered a major tragedy in the family some twenty one years ago, but the incident still weighs heavy on his mind, and his sister's cruel treatment towards him doesn't make life any easier. To top it off, Adam's psychiatrist, Dr Vann, is starting to get suspicious and begins digging into Adam's past to find out more about the incident that happened over two decades ago.

This was a very enjoyable read. While I did figure out the mystery from the get go, I still found the book a joy to read and enjoyed seeing how the author unraveled the story. In a short space of time, Bussa manages to give you intrigue, conflict, compelling characters and a solid story structure. There were numerous errors, which I did find distracting but not enough to turn me off the story.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy

BOOK REVIEW: Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse -or- Alien Busting Ninja Adventure by M.J. Ware

Zack & Zoey's Alien Apocalypse -or- Alien Busting Ninja Adventure

Author: M.J. Ware

Genre: Children's Book / Sci-fi

Publication Date: August 13th, 2012

Book Description:

When hungry aliens begin their 'rain' of terror, break out the umbrellas—the aliens can't eat you with an umbrella shoved in their huge mouths.

Looking for yummy human tenders, Admiral Nact-bauk invades the local school. Zack and Zoey lead the counterattack armed with rulers, protractors, and dodge balls. 

They might have a chance, if Nact-bauk didn't gulp down the only teacher brave enough to stand up to him. Even worse, he forces Zoey onboard the alien vessel for dinner — along with a bucket of honey-mustard sauce.

Zack will do just about anything to save her. If Principal Blathers won't help, Zack sees no choice but to 'borrow' the principal's car. Chasing the alien saucers, he meets up with a wrinkly WWII hero who thinks he knows the alien's weakness: electric toothbrushes.

Wielding only umbrellas and battery-powered dental weapons, things look grim. Even if the pair manage to rescue Zoey, there's the small matter of escaping a spacecraft flying at over two hundred miles an hour.

Can you say, Jetpacks?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This story follows Zack and Zoey, best friends who have to team up with their schoolmates when Aliens take over their planet. There were some really exciting and funny moments throughout this book, so I can see how it might appeal to youths who like outrageously insane stories, but it was a little too nonsensical for my liking, so I will have to pass on the rest of the series.

It started off with high energy and a lot of humour. While I thought Zoey and Zack were enjoyable characters, I'm afraid the story quickly lost its appeal.

VERDICT

Award: Bronze

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy

Cover Reveal - Awakened by Dot Caffrey

Awakened

(The Power Trilogy, #1)

Author: Dot Caffrey
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication Date: August 31st, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

According to my Dad, I’ve been a storyteller from the time I began talking (which was at a very young age). But, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to take my passion for writing and my love for all things magical or mythical seriously and set out to write fantasy novels.

Power and Prophecy!

Seventeen-year-old Regnaryn grew up in an idyllic land among mythical beings. She believes she is the last surviving human.

Her world begins to shatter when Evil invades her dreams, demanding she relinquish unknown powers foretold by her long-deceased mother. When Graeden, a young human male, arrives, he further disrupts her once-orderly life. Her emotions in chaos, Regnaryn flees the only home she’s ever known, only to be captured by the servants of Evil from her dreams. Now she must take a stand, confronting her late mother’s prophecy while also attempting to survive and protect those she loves.

About the Author

I was born and raised in New York, mostly on Long Island not “The City”. After high school, I moved to California and then did a three-year stint in the Navy before going to college and getting a Microbiology/Medical Technologist degree.

When I’m not at my day job or writing, I enjoy creating and wearing costumes (cosplay), playing video games (though, I’m not very good at it) and watching NHL hockey and assorted other things many of which are merely time wasters. Of course, hanging out with my friends and my cats also pleasantly fills my time.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook

Cover Reveal Organised by:

99 Cent Promo & Giveaway - The Hometown Groom by Jennifer Youngblood

The Hometown Groom
(Texas Titan Romances)
Author: Jennifer Youngblood

Book Description:

A hunky quarterback, a debutante, and the merger that might forever keep them apart …

Emerson Stein has no intention of marrying billionaire Finley Landers just so her daddy’s merger will go through, no matter how much of a hissy fit her mama throws. When she skips out of a high-profile barbecue to barrel race at a rodeo, she never expects to meet Riker Dylan, the new starting quarterback for the Titans. With his startling blue eyes, easy smile, and boyish charm, Riker turns Emerson’s head and sends her pulse racing to the stars. Too bad she chews him out and punches him in the gut.

Growing up just outside Dallas, Riker Dylan never imagined he’d get the chance to play football for the Titans. An unexpected encounter with a copper-haired beauty puts him on an uncharted path. Why does he get the feeling there’s more to her than meets the eye?

When the stakes get impossibly high, will Emerson have the courage to choose her own path to be with the man she loves, or will the family pressure prove to be too great?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Release Blitz - The Black Hand by Jonathan Dunne

The Black Hand

Author: Jonathan Dunne

Book Description:

In the aftermath of Ireland’s most deadly gang war, Dublin’s ruling family has scattered to the wind.

Into the void steps a criminal genius known only as The Black Hand. His organisation’s powerful grip is ruthless, bloody and barbaric.

With Europe’s biggest crime in play, The Devil needs a distraction. And The Black Hand needs Jacob Boylan to return to Irish shores. He will stop at nothing to provoke Dublin’s most lethal criminal out of hiding.

But has the wily genius misstepped? As all eyes are on Jacob, the Dublin exile carefully plans a gangland wipeout, for he is nobody’s pawn.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo ¦ Smashwords

5 Days Only - Pride Meets Prejudice by Rachel Anderson FREE on Amazon

Rachael Anderson is running a 5-Day FREE Promotion for her book Pride Meets Prejudice. The book will be free starting tomorrow May 23rd through May 27th.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Blessing of Luna by Blaise Ramsay

Blessing of Luna

(Wolf gods #1)

Author: Blaise Ramsay

Publication Date: April 20th, 2018

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:
Lonely. That’s how it felt when Damien Pierce returned to Big Timber, Montana. It had been his childhood home until the day he was hit by a speeding car only to learn he wasn’t badly hurt. The experience landed him the label of the town freakshow.

Following the death of his foster mom, Damien soon disconnected from the world around him. That was at least, until he met her. She looked human but something about made her appear otherworldly to him. He knew he shouldn’t but he wanted her. He would do anything to get to know her. To have her.

Jillian Styles was immortal. Cursed by a dark god never to find rest. A shifter capable of taking the form of a beautiful wolf. She had searched for her lover’s reincarnated soul for centuries only to find he was nowhere to be found. When she meets Damien, her world is turned upside down. She falls in love with him instantly and begins to pursue him.

However, Damien soon learns the darker part of Jill’s world. He finds himself on the hit list of the same vampire Lord responsible for killing Jill’s lover and reigniting the flames of an old war. His daughter desires Damien and vows to have him at any cost.

With the help of Alexander Kain, the mysterious wolf shifting soldier, Damien will learn what he thought he knew was only tip of the paranormal iceberg. He soon finds himself in the eyes of a vindictive and rage-filled dark god.

If you like hot lycanthrope guys, overly possessive vampire chicks, vindictive gods, strong female leads and some hot sex scenes, this book is for you.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Barnes & Noble ¦ Kobo

BOOK REVIEW: The Assassin of Oz by Nicky Peacock

The Assassin of Oz

The Twisted and the Brave, Volume 2
Author: Nicky Peacock

Book Description:

Monsters and madmen and murderers, oh my! A club of serial killers calling themselves Oz is stalking the streets of London. Alone and desperate, 17-year-old Halo finds herself drawn into the middle of their blood-soaked storm of murders. Struggling to survive, Halo must contend with both known and unknown killers, put her trust in the most unlikely of devilish places, and play by a new set of rules if she is to become the Assassin of Oz. Gavin, a young US homicide detective, has moved to the UK to catch the serial killers, Tin Man, Lion, Scarecrow, and The Munchkin Masher but soon finds himself two steps behind the headline-grabbing murderers and one step behind vigilante group, Wonderland. Stalked by death and danger, both Halo and Gavin are going to need all the brains, heart, and courage they can muster to take down Oz.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Nicky Peacock hits home again with this high intesity, adrenaline fuelled adventure about a young girl on a mission to wipe out an organisation of ruthless murderers that goes by the name of Oz. I thought the first book in the series, Lost in Wonderland, was as good as it could get, but in steps 17-year-old Halo equipped with all the necessary skills required to take down an army, and all she had to do to get her abilities was make a deal with the devil - literally. All Halo has ever wanted is a loving family and a place to call home. Instead, she got Jack, her abusive stepdad. After her mother abandoned her, she was left to deal with Jack's fist. But one day, things take a turn, and Halo finds herself with blood on her hands - Jack's blood. Soon after Jack's death, a strange fella enters Halo's life and promises to protect her as long as she comes work for his company, Oz. He calls himself the Wizard of Oz. Scared and alone and with nowhere to turn, Halo becomes an unwilling member of Oz, joining a ank of murderers who terrorise the streets of London.

It's not long before Halo realises that Oz isn't for her, and when she refuses to kill for the Wizard, she's executed, only to end up in hell with an offer on the plate that she can't refuse. Agreeing to return to the world of the living, Halo has a new set of rules to live by, but this time, she's a willing client, especially since she's tasked to wipe out the same organisation that ended her life. With vengeance on her mind, Halo will let nothing get in her way of demolishing the Wizard of Oz and his minions.

I loved this book. It was a quick and fun read. The characters were multifaceted and there were no dull moments. I can't fault it. I've got no complaints. It was a very satisfying read, which is rare for me, so this was a great treat. I wasn't so fond of the Alice in Wonderland references in Lost in Wonderland, but the references to the Wizard of Oz in this book is very fitting and does well in complementing the story.

I definitely recommend this book. I certainly look forward to exploring other books by Nicky Peacock. She's delivered a well-written and intriguing series. Nicely done.

VERDICT

Award: Platinum

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Publisher

May 2018 Movie List

Here is a list of some of the movies coming out in May 2018

May 10th (UK)

Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Gillian Jacobs, Debby Ryan

Movie Description:
After her husband abruptly asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother returns to college in order to complete her degree.

May 11th (UK / USA)

Stars: Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke, Richard Cabral

Movie Description:
A woman fights to protect her family during a home invasion.

May 15th (UK)

Stars: Josh Brolin, Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin

Movie Description:

Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (AKA. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy of supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling mutant, Cable.

May 24th (UK)

Stars: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke

Movie Description:

During an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future copilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebellion.

FREE eBook & Giveaway - The Husband Maker by Karey White

The Husband Maker

Author: Karey White

Book Description:
Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she's dated since high school has gone on to marry the next girl they date. Not two or three girls down the road. The very next one.

Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed?

When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal & Giveaway - Highland Honor by Madelyn Hill

Highland Honor

Author: Madelyn Hill

Genre: Historical Romance (Scottish)

Date Published: May 16th, 2018

Book Description:

Lady Honor can heal everything but a broken heart . . .

Lady Honor does not believe in marriage. Her father’s death broke her mother’s spirit and took her from her daughters emotionally well before her own death. When Honor is attacked in the forest, she keeps the event to herself, lest her lairds search for the man and strike him down. As a healer, she’ll do anything it takes not to cause harm. Rumors of attacks in the Highlands forces the lairds to increase guards and security measures. When Bryce Calder is assigned to protect Lady Honor, she fights the burgeoning attraction for the man, knowing she’ll never risk her heart to love.

Warrior Bryce Calder trusts no woman. Women only strive to better themselves through cunning, as his father warned throughout his childhood. When he is asked to escort Lady Honor while she gathers healing herbs, he is vexed. Training the men and protecting the clan are his duties, not following the sharped-tongued lass about the wood. With each passing day, Bryce becomes enchanted by Lady Honor, despite his father’s words, but his unworthiness halts any proclamation of his desire.

An unlikely partnership develops during the frequent trips to the forest and work in the apothecary. The walls each has erected to protect their hearts and their future crumbles. Until a stranger arrives at the keep. Lady Honor’s secret is threatened to be revealed putting in jeopardy the growing romance between the ardent healer and the reluctant warrior-suitor.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

About the Author
Madelyn Hill has always loved the written word. From the time she could read and all through her school years, she'd sneak books into her textbooks during school. And she devoured books daily. At the age of 10 she proclaimed she wanted to be a writer. After being a "closet" writer for several years, she sent her manuscripts out there and is now published with Soul Mate Publishing. And she couldn't be happier!

A resident of Western New York, she moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to be with the love of her life. They are busy with their 3 children and a puppy named Cannoli! They love to cook, go to the movies, and hang out with friends.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Pinterest ¦ Goodreads ¦ Amazon Page ¦ Instagram

***GIVEAWAY***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Organised by:

$250 Bring On The May Flowers Cash Giveaway

Win big during our $250 Bring On the MAY Flowers Cash giveaway event!

You have the option of choosing between $250 PayPal Cash OR a Gift Card of choice!

This event was organized by The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island and sponsored by awesome bloggers, authors, and Etsy shop owners!

Kick off your shoes and relax while you enter to win our May Cash event!

 

***GIVEAWAY***

ONE entrant will be selected from the entry form to win $250 PayPal cash OR a $250 gift card of choice.

Open for entry WW, 18 years and older from 05/10/18 at 12:01 a.m. ET thru 05/31/18 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

A winner will be chosen after/around June 01, 2018. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to notification email to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. See Rafflecopter for official rules. The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island are responsible for sending the winner their prize via PayPal or e-gift card. The winner has the option of choosing between PayPal and an e-gift card of choice. Prize may be less than $250 if you choose a gift card with fees. Twitter 'Egg' profiles and dummy accounts are ineligible for entry and will be blocked. Authentic accounts only are eligible to win. Follow The Kids Did It on Facebook and Twitter then enter for a chance to win! 

 
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Discovering April by Sheena Hutchinson

Discovering April
(Discovering Trilogy #1)
Author: Sheena Hutchinson
Publication Date: April 27th, 2015
Genre: New Adult Romance

Book Description:

April Landau thinks she has everything she’s ever wanted. Her high school sweetheart, a house she can’t afford, her bipolar tabby cat, and she’s all set to begin her Junior year of college. Just when she least expects it, her life gets thrown for a loop. When things between her and her long time boyfriend unravel, she becomes stuck in a downward spiral of emotion. Finally, opening her eyes to the fact that she may have given up more than she ever could have imagined in this relationship. She finds herself struggling to keep her head above water.

Enter April’s next door neighbor— Jared Hoffman. He’s her complete opposite. A high school drop out who was forced to take over his parent’s business after their untimely death. It’s no surprise this tragedy affected him greatly, causing him to recede almost completely from society.

But he has one secret. A secret he’s been carrying around for years.

What happens when their worlds collide? Can an old friendship be the one thing that brings these two back to life?

A New Adult love story filled with drama, sex, death, and the complications of all the above.

* This is the first book in the Discovering Trilogy (chronologically). Each can be read as their own novels with individual stories. But, the cast of characters will overlap throughout each book. *

On sale for 99¢ for a limited time only!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Blog Tour Promo & Giveaway - Inspired by Susan Schaefer Bernardo

Inspired

Author: Susan Schaefer Bernardo

Genre: MG/YA Fantasy/Mythology

Release Date: May 2018

Publisher: Inner Flower Child Books

Book Description:

Rocket Malone is not thrilled with the direction her life is taking. Her mom has just remarried, and they are moving from their hip cottage in Venice Beach to her stepfather’s home in Hollywood. Her best friend, Gillian, has a new friend and a new boyfriend, and Rocket feels left behind. When she finds out that her mother is pregnant with twins, she is furious. 

All of these problems are quickly overshadowed when Rocket discovers that she is descended from the Greek muses, and is therefore obligated to serve as an apprentice to the nine mythological sisters. Rocket sees herself as smart but not creative, and apprenticing to the muses does not come naturally to her. She tries to help several people, but just cannot find the right person to aid. 

Along with the fun, intelligent story about Greek gods, muses, and other mythological figures, Inspired captures the trials and tribulations of discovering oneself while dealing with the challenges of middle school. Rocket does not want her life to change, but she must adapt, learning to share her mom and her best friend while finding new ways to create her own joy. 

Rocket and her friends have some very serious problems. Rocket’s father committed suicide; her mother is in the midst of a high-risk pregnancy. Her friend Ryan lost his sister in a car accident and then was abandoned by his father; the home he shares with his mother is destroyed in a fire. These issues are thoughtfully addressed in the story as the adolescents learn not to blame themselves, to accept what is, and to help one another through the hardest parts. 

Inspired is delightful, insightful, and charming as it encourages kids to face their obstacles and chase their own passions.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Publisher