Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway - Unconditionally (Contract Killers #2) by Erin Lyon

Unconditionally

(Contract Killers #2)

Author: Erin Lyon

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Forge Books (January 9, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0765386127

ISBN-13: 978-0765386120

Book Description:

In a world where marriage doesn’t exist—only seven-year contracts—you don’t marry, you sign. You don’t divorce, you breach. And sometimes, you just expire.

In this hilarious conclusion to Erin Lyon's I Love You Subject to the Following Terms and Conditions, Kate has accepted a job practicing signing law, the one type of law she swore she'd never do - especially since what she thought was her very own happily ever after turned into just another expired contract. But between Kate's embarrassing penchant for running into exes in court, clients determined to use her as their very own therapist, and a couple having a knock-down, drag-out over the custody of the family guinea pig, at least the job's never boring.

But while Kate finally has a handle on her career, her love life is still, well, complicated. The former love of her life, Jonathan, wants her back. Her current main squeeze, Dave, wants to take things to the next level, but she still can't shake her wolf-in-sheep's-clothing vibe about him. And then there's Adam, her mad crush who really wants to be her friend. So, to sum up, one questionable ex, one player with a capital "P," and one guy who's kind of stolen her heart even though she's in the friend zone. This should be a piece of cake. 

Unconditionally is both a sweet and sexy romantic comedy and a hilariously relatable look at finding happiness where you least expect it.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Book Depository

Blog Tour Spotlight - Double Take by Abby Bardi

Double Take

Author: Abby Bardi

Publisher: Harper Collins Impulse

Pages: 186

Genre: Mystery

Book Description:

Set in Chicago, 1975, Double Take is the story of artsy Rachel Cochrane, who returns from college with no job and confronts the recent death of Bando, one of her best friends. When she runs into Joey, a mutual friend, their conversations take them back into their shared past and to the revelation that Bando may have been murdered. To find out who murdered him, Rachel is forced to revisit her stormy 1960s adolescence, a journey that brings her into contact with her old friends, her old self, and danger.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway - You Won't Know I'm Gone by Kristen Orlando

You Won’t Know I’m Gone

(The Black Angel Chronicles #2)

Author: Kristen Orlando
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication Date: January 16th, 2018
Genre: YA Contemporary Thriller

Book Description:

Reagan has to prove herself to an elite group of special agents—and avenge her mother’s death—in the second book in the Black Angel Chronicles from the author of You Don’t Know My Name.

Going rogue in an effort to rescue her kidnapped parents has cost Reagan Hillis her automatic ticket to the Training Academy. But becoming a Black Angel is the only way Reagan will be able to exact revenge on her mother’s merciless killer, Santino Torres.

When Reagan is given a chance to prove that she’s worthy of training to be a Black Angel, she also gets the first chance she’s ever had to be her true self. No aliases. No disguises.

But when her friend Luke joins her at the Black Angels training compound, Reagan finds herself once again torn between the person she was and the person she wants to be. Reagan has to prove that she’s as good as her parents trained her to be, because she’ll never find Torres without the Black Angels’ help.

Buy Links:

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

Blog Tour Promo & Giveaway - The Phantom of New York, volume 1 - Peter and the Crown by A.L. Janney

The Phantom of New York, volume 1 - Peter and the Crown

Author: A.L. Janney

Genre: MG/YA Adventure

Release Date: December 2017

Book Description:

'This is a story about vigilantes and magic.

About prophecy and hope.

About a boy and his hotel.

When twelve-year-old Peter Constantine wakes up in the Crown Hotel with a new identity, life is over as he knows it. But perhaps that’s not such a bad thing… 

A dangerous man Peter only knows as “The Client” is after his family, so they’ve relocated to New York City. With help from unlikely friends living at the glamorous hotel, including the ghost on the tenth floor, Peter's new life begins. Soon, however, he learns of a plot to destroy his new home, a plot only the Phantom can foil.

Peter and the Crown is the first book in the Phantom of New York series, an adventure for readers aged ten and up. If you like smart, funny characters and “can’t put it down” escapades, then you’ll love Alan Janney’s Phantom of New York series.'

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Audible

BOOK REVIEW: The Quest for Screen Time (Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest Episode 1) by Marti Dumas

The Quest for Screen Time

(Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest Episode 1)
Author: Marti Dumas

Genre: Children's Book / Picture Book

Publication Date: June 26th, 2015

Book Description:

Giant Afro. Even Bigger Brain.

Jaden Toussaint, 5 year-old scientist and all around cool dude, is on a mission to convince the grown-ups that he needs more SCREEN TIME. His only weapons are science, ninja dancing, and his super-powered brain power. Can Jaden Toussaint get the grown-ups to change their minds?

Fans of Junie B. Jones, the Magic Tree House, Dan Gutman, and Franny K. Stein will love the Jaden Toussaint series of illustrated chapter books. They are hilarious and empowering for kids and grown-ups alike. Get your copy today.

#SmartistheNewCool

Book Contains:

Science? Check.

Jokes? Check.

Great hair? Check.

Seriously awesome illustrations? Check.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Jaden "JT" Toussaint prides himself on being one of the smartest people alive, and as such, he happens to know everything - "well, almost everything". It's refreshing to see such an enlightened young mind, even though, at times, his high level of intelligence did not render wholly plausible. Nonetheless, witnessing his mind at work was an enjoyable experience.

Jaden wants what most kids his age want: more screen time. The problem: his parents won't heed to his desire, thus, he concocts various plans to go about achieving his goal, his mantra for motivation being to "try and try until you succeed". While Jaden is clearly advanced for his age, he is not only a likeable character but also a relatable one. There are a lot of lessons to be learned in this book, topics to be discussed, activities to undertake. This story encourages independent thinking, which, I find, is lacking in many children's books.

While I did love the illustrations, I would have preferred it if they were in colour as opposed to black and white. It just didn't seem fitting for the concept. It was a beautiful book that will appeal to all cultures / families.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy

Release Blitz - Love of Finished Years by Gregory Erich Phillips

Love of Finished Years

Author: Gregory Erich Phillips

Genre: Historical Fiction

Date Published: January 2, 2018

Book Description:

An immigrant's powerful journey of aspiration and love in early Twentieth Century New York.

Pre World War One, Elsa came to America with her eyes wide open, realizing it was up to her to make a life for herself. Surviving a sweat shop in lower Manhattan, a chance job with a Long Island elite family opens up her world. Invited in up to a point, she unwittingly, albeit precariously, crosses the social divide with her now open heart, which puts all she had worked for in jeopardy.

An immigrant's powerful journey of aspiration and love in early Twentieth Century New York.

This moving debut novel by Gregory Erich Phillips won the grand prize in the Chanticleer Reviews international writing competition.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

Promo Blitz & Giveaway - Caressed by the Edge of Darkness by Amanda J. Greene

Caressed by the Edge of Darkness
Author: Amanda J. Greene
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 10/10/17

Book Description:
Hardened by centuries of torture, former blood slave, Gabriel Erhard, is driven by an insatiable need to destroy his enemies. Violence darkens his battered soul, leaving no place for mercy in his world. Gabriel’s only desire is vengeance—until he finds her.

Seized by vampires, bound as a slave, and placed on the auction block, Jordan Culver is instantly entranced by the dangerous male who claims her. Jordan’s new captor vows to set her free, but his haunted gaze burns with savage desire and his wicked kiss makes her crave his touch and...complete surrender.

While Gabriel battles his enemies, he will break every sacred law to achieve his ultimate goal—uniting the Outcast Society and creating a new vampire Clan. But the distracting human with mesmerizing violet eyes jeopardizes his plans. With very soft whisper she evokes his tormented memories, testing his sanity and challenging his every boundary. Can Jordan help him overcome the miseries of his past and find a future with her?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Kobo

All Tata's Matter- January Auction

Join in this Facebook event to help Kelly Murdico-Marshall PA

fight Breast Cancer

Over 150 Authors are donating books to help raise money for Kelly and her family

Let the biddings start!

CLICK HERE FOR FACEBOOK EVENT!

Pe-order Blitz & Giveaway - Turquoise Mountain by Diane J. Reed

TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN

Author: Diane J. Reed

Publisher: Bandits Ranch Books

Pages: 270

Genre: Contemporary Western Romance

Book Description: 

He's a fierce protector of his land and sacred heritage--and only a strong woman can capture his wild heart.

Dillon Iron Feather is dangerous and he knows it. Hardened by his championship fighting career, he returns to his remote Colorado ranch to heal, only to discover that city girl Tessa Grove is determined to stake her claim to the old mine she inherited on a corner of his land. Stubborn to the bone, Tessa soon digs up precious gems from deep within the earth to use in her custom-made jewelry business. But those stones turn out to be sacred, and sparks fly as they begin to guide her to the secret chambers of Dillon's heart.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

Week Blitz & Giveaway - Secret Tryst by Victoria Pinder

Secret Tryst
Author: Victoria Pinder
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date Published: Feb 27, 2018

Book Description:
Damien Morgan learned a long time ago that love was just a figment of someone’s warped imagination and good girls simply didn’t exist because women were master manipulators. Nonetheless, he’s happy to wish his brother well when he decides to take the plunge.

Serenity Hanscom is shocked that she’s been invited to the wedding a year after her sister played matchmaker for the groom and had an active role in a plot to murder his sister-in-law. Despite the rather unusual circumstances, Serenity accepts the invitation because it’s an opportunity to mingle with Miami’s elites. But the second she catches sight of Damien, she’s reminded of the horrible events that led to her father’s imprisonment, all because of him. Determined to ignore him, as the evening goes by, she finds herself drawn to him more and more.

Will their plan to stay clear of love backfire on them and instead become the first step to an unexpected happily-ever-after?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ iBooks ¦ Google Play ¦ Kobo

Book Blast - War Eternal: Angels' Whispers by J.F. Cain

War Eternal: Angels' Whispers

Author: J.F. Cain

Publisher: Independent

Pages: 355

Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Romance

Book Description: 

Alex Meyers, a dynamic, global entrepreneur, has an advantage that no other human has ever had: he is protected by Aranes, the Superior of the Angels. While he is skiing, he dies in an avalanche, but his all-powerful protector breaks one of the ethereal world’s most important Rules and brings him back to life. Alex falls head over heels in love with the beautiful Angel, who appears to him in human form. But she disappears just as suddenly as she had appeared. 

While he searches for Aranes, Alex discovers her true identity and that he actually might be the high-ranking Celestial Abaddon, who is mentioned in the Revelations prophecy as the one who will defeat Lucifer. 

The man who fate has thrust among the world’s superpowers is now living a nightmare. He wants to evade Lucifer’s pursuit, find out who he truly is and once again see the only being he has ever loved. And the only way to do it is to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Angels’ Whispers is the beginning of an epic tale set in modern times. The eternal war between Light and Darkness is at a critical turning point: Angels and Demons, invisible to mortal beings, battle for dominance in the physical world, while Guardians, Vampires and Werewolves, who live among the humans, find themselves on opposing sides in a deadly power game. 

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blast & Giveaway- Hothouse Flower by Taylor Dean

BOOK THREE IN THE SOUND OF SILENCE SERIES IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Did you miss Book One, STONE SILENCE?

No worries. It's FREE for five days, Jan. 1-5!!!

Grab it on AMAZON

 

HOTHOUSE FLOWER

by

TAYLOR DEAN

Hothouse Flower

Author: Taylor Dean

Book Description:

I loved Jace Faraday with all my heart.

I loved everything about him, from his huge smile to his fabulous laugh. Another man never caught my eye. It was always Jace and Shay, together forever.

Until it wasn’t.

He devastated me, he ruined me. I’ve never gotten over it.

But, I’m a survivor. I’m not a precious flower that can only thrive if kept safe from the perils of the outside world.

Except now Jace has returned home. He’s just across the street from me, so close I swear I can actually feel his presence.

I can’t avoid him forever. At some point I have to face him. And when I do, I know sparks will fly.

To redeem himself for his past actions, I need major remorse. I need a profuse apology and maybe even a little begging for forgiveness. I won’t settle for anything less.

However, when the truth behind our break-up is revealed, I’m stunned. It leaves me reeling—and yearning for the six years that have been lost to us.

The thing is, once the truth is known, there’s nothing to keep us apart.

Absolutely nothing.

Dear Reader: This book deals with a sensitive issue. 

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Blog Tour Excerpt & Giveaway - Scintillate by Karen Tjebben

Scintillate 

Author: Karen Tjebben

Genre: Young Adult, supernatural romantic thriller

Date Published: November 2013

Book Description:

Kate Archer is instantly drawn to Nick. He's handsome, smart, and interested in her - perhaps a little too interested according to Kate's brother. It's a good thing Nick is interested, or Kate would have died the night of the football game. 

Nick may have rescued Kate, but he can't stop the inevitable. Kate is changing; she just doesn't know it. She can't explain the visions and sensations affecting her body, but she can enjoy the pleasure of Nick's kiss - that is, until she learns the real reason he is with her. Betrayed by her genetics, Kate begins a metamorphosis that forces her to confront an unseen reality and claim her true destiny.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ CreateSpace

December Favourites

Welcome to my December Favourites.

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

Books Read:

Favourite:

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Movies Watched:

Favourite:

BOOK REVIEW: An Italian Adenture by Gaia B. Amman

An Italian Adenture

Author: GB Amman

Genre: MG/YA Coming of Age

Publication Date: November 1st, 2015

Book Description:

What was it like growing up in Italy in the 1980s?

Leda is a ten-year-old tomboy and a bookworm. Hanging out with the guys has never been a problem, until shady Nico shows up…

Nico moved north from Sicily and is angry and aggressive, unsettling and unsettled. When fate forces the two together, fearless Leda won’t let the bully get his way, which sparks in Nico an unexpected gratitude.

The unusual friendship between the two develops in moving ways as they face basement monsters, divorcing parents, school drama, and even a dirty magazine, which leaves more questions than answers…

Pre-teens and adults alike will laugh and cry with this Italian childhood memoir set against the gorgeous backdrop of the serene countryside, the Alps, and the enchanting Island of Sardinia. If you are looking for an addictive, amusing read with something to teach—this is it.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This book was a delightful surprise. Only a few books have ever made me feel as though I was right there with the characters, and this was one of them. Set in Italy in the late 1980s, An Italian Adventure chronicles the life of ten-year-old tomboy Leda (Lee) through her final years of elementary school. Lee has always wanted to be one of the boys, especially since her father had wanted a boy, but ever since over-confident new kid Nico rolled into town, she finds herself having to take greater risks to prove her worth. Lee's at that awkard age where curiosity starts to impede on one's innocence. Suddenly, certain topics/subjects - not neccessarily child-friendly - starts to take effect on her life in more ways than one to the point where she feels she has no control over how anything unfolds. As strain begins to take its toll on Lee's family and her bond with Nico starts to grow, she realises that there is a difference between wants and needs and that there are just some things she can't run away from, especially her feelings.

I loved this book. I loved the characters and their quirks, especially Lee. She is quite the animated character required for this coming-of-age narrative that takes readers on a winding adventure about a young girl finding renewed confidence and a stronger sense of self as she weaves through her adolescent years. Lee goes through quite the transformation in this story, and I thought the portrayal of the characters and how they handled situations was compelling and authentic. The essence of Italy truly came alive in this book, and I felt as though I had been transported back in time.

There were various grammatical errors, some distracting, others not, but it's nothing a quick edit couldn't fix. For all those after a pleasurable nostalgic experience, I would recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

BOOK REVIEW: The Mean Girl Who Never Speaks by Zuni Blue

The Mean Girl Who Never Speaks

(The Mya Dove Case Files)

Author: Zuni Blue

Genre: Children's Fiction / Mystery / Short Story

Publication Date: July 18th, 2013

Book Description:

The Mya Dove Case Files start with The Mean Girl Who Never Speaks, a crime short story. There's a new girl at school. Rumour has it she doesn't speak, doesn't smile much, and doesn't play with others. That means she's mean, right? Maybe. Maybe not...

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

What a charming book this was. It tells the tale of Mya Dove, a boisterous six-year-old P.I. who tackles challenging cases in exchange for treats - preferably grapes. When new girl Libby Smith arrives at school and refuses to interact with any of the kids, she becomes big gossip around school as kids start to question whether or not she's a mean girl. Mya is hired to solve the case and what she uncovers teaches her not only about the new girl and the reason behind her behaviour but she also learns a thing or two about her own actions towards others.

This story reveals an important message about social anxiety that would inspire young readers everywhere and make them think about how they interact with others. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey Mya took us on and loved the colourful characters introduced. I would have loved it if the author had delved a little deeper into how Mya came to acquire her position as an investigator for her school and perhaps showcased Libby a little more as the investigation did surround her, yet she didn't have much of a presence and she certainly didn't make enough of an impression on Mya to get her to conclude her investigation.

I look forward to Mya's other adventures. A good read for the whole family.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy