Cover Reveal - Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? by Janie Marie

Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
(The Big Bad Wolf Trilogy, #1)
Author: Janie Marie
Publication Date: October 27th, 2020
Genre: YA Coming of Age / Fairy Tales

Book Description:
Fantasizing about Trevor Grimm is Kylie Hood’s favorite escape from her cruel reality. So, when he asks for her help on a school project, sparks are bound to fly and her dreams are going to come true . . .

Not in this fairy tale.

No, everything changes when Kylie meets Logan Grimm, Trevor’s older cousin and a professional MMA fighter some call the Big Bad Wolf.

He’s the first person to peer under the hood she hides beneath. He’s the first person to see the signs that something is wrong. He’s the first person to give her any attention. And he’s offering to help protect her.

But Logan’s world isn’t safe. It’s dirty, exhilarating, and dangerous. It’s everything Kylie needs to stay away from.

Pre-Order Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

About the Author
Janie Marie is a native Texan and resides in her hometown north of Austin, Texas, where she devotes her time to family, pets, and her writing.

Much of her life experiences--good and a lot of bad--are where she has chosen to draw inspiration from to create her characters and stories. It's important to her to create the kind of characters she needs or needed at one point in time because she wanted to create something only the saddest souls would recognize as brave and strong. 

Be ready for raw, emotional tales, as Janie never holds back. With her darkest thoughts she found light is still possible, that the sad girl can sometimes glow the brightest. Because she is beauty surrounded by darkness.

Author Links:
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Say You’ll Be There by Billie Dale

Say You’ll Be There

Author: Billie Dale

Publication Date: October 1st, 2020

Genre: NA Comedy / Romance

Book Description:

From award winning author Billie Dale comes a second chance love story muddling the line between love and hate. As young love goes Joey and Preslee were perfect but nothing last forever and the world is ready for the taking. Dale’s sassy wit shines in comedic fashion with Say You’ll Be There, book two in Love in Seven Mile Forge.

At sixteen, Joey Holmes handed me his heart.

At eighteen, I threw it at the Now Leaving Seven Mile Forge sign on my way out of town.

A silly teenage game of seven minutes in heaven spiraled us from friends to more.

We shared our firsts. Loved with the innocence of immaturity.

I wanted out. A fresh start far away from our tiny home town. Joey didn’t care where we were so long as we were together. I couldn’t spread my wings without clipping his. My heart told me I was doing what was best when I left him broken in my rearview mirror.

With a threat breathing down my neck, I’m forced to return home but Joey isn’t the skinny boy I knew. Nope, now he’s the sexiest Chief of Police in three states and he hates the very air I breathe.

Can the hot cop keep me safe from the danger lurking in the shadows or will the bleached bones of the skeletons in my closet be our tragic end?

Buy Links:

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Words of My Father by Mark Nemetz

The Words of My Father

Author: Mark Nemetz

Genre: Picture Book
Publication Date: 9 July 2020
Publisher: Higher Ground Books & Media

Book Description:

The Words of My Father captures the nightly dialogue between a father and son before the boy falls asleep. Every evening, before tucking him in, Giuseppe tells his son stories, some from his own life, some fictional, which serve to illustrate the phrases which make up the Lord's prayer. "Papa, I don't understand!" the boy protests. So his father, step by step, illustrates what the words mean for him in the light of his life and imagination before his son dozes off. The stories transport the boy into far off kingdoms or into his father's childhood where he learns to reflect on the meaning of words and experiences captured by the Lord's Prayer rather than simply passing over them. Little by little, both son and father reach a deeper understanding of fatherhood, kinship, faith and gratitude.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I got a great sense of nostalgia as I read The Words of My Father, a story about a father and son bonding during night-time bed routine with young Joseph asking his dad to explain the Lord's Prayer in a bid to prolong time so he can stay up longer. Admiring the cleverness of his son, his dad makes a deal that he will explain the Lord's Prayer but one line at a time, which Joseph agrees to.

The bond between father and son in this book was beautiful. The way Joseph's dad explained the Lord's Prayer was very eye-opening, and it certainly made me question my understanding of certain passages and their meaning. I liked how he drew from his past experiences with his own father as he explained his interpretation to his son. Joseph was also well portrayed as an inquisitive young boy, asking questions you would imagine a child his age would ask. It was an authentic portrayal of the relationship between a father and his son. I also liked the inclusion of Joseph's mother, providing her own perspective and interpretation. It made for a wonderful family dynamic.

It was an enjoyable read. I found myself laughing at times. That little Joseph is a clever one, I tell you. I tried not to get distracted by the grammatical errors and the formatting, but it took some getting used to. Separating the dialogue would have made it easier. All the same, I still enjoyed the story.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Courtesy of Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Trapped Daughter by Jay Kerk

The Trapped Daughter

Author: Jay Kerk

Publication Date: September 12th, 2020

Genre: Adult Psychological Thriller

Book Description:

Have you ever been trapped somewhere? I have.

Have you ever found that the world does not believe you? I did.

I have been betrayed by the people I trusted the most. They coil around me like snakes, lulling me with whispers about protection and safety and for your own good.

They offer up pills like sweets, promising me relief. Just take the meds and everything will be fine, Belle – the meds, Belle, the meds.

Everything will not be fine, and it never will be again. Justice is gone from the world. I have been wronged by Gabe, the man I loved most, and when I turned to others for backup, they sided with him because he’s a star. When I ran to my father for safety, he locked me up in his great big mansion and threw away the key. Now I drift like the ghost Gabe pretended I was, my bare feet tasting the coldness of rich tiles, my breath turning to ice.

Gabe isn’t real, they tell me. They insult me, they spit at me, then smile and pretend that they wish to help. Meanwhile, Gabe is out there, luxuriating in all that I won for him, and I suffer and burn.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blast & Giveaway - Seed of Tamaris by Penni Louise

Seed of Tamaris

Author: Penni Louise

Genre: Fantasy

Book Description:

In a treacherous world, is it safe to be powerful?

A Brother with a tainted past. A Lord seeking a legacy for his daughters. A Queen in exhile from her ancestral home. For decades, the Lords and Ladies in the land of Tamaris have known peace among their Houses, unlike the Outlanders who face death everyday outside the kingdom’s borders. But when the King, consumed by power, turns against the beloved Queen, she is forced into hiding, and plots brew among the Houses. The threads of peace begin to unravel. From a Lord’s daughters facing the subordinations of womanhood, to the outcast who flees to The Coven of Sacred Sisters for redemption, to the boy in the mines who prefers darkness and worms to the Lightlands, the lives of the people of Tamaris are unknowingly tied to their Queen’s fate. Only the Witch knows to what end their loyalty leads them. They must navigate political ambitions, social expectations, the complexities of relationship, and traitor’s plots to survive in the midst of the building war. But many will forget that the worst peril often comes from those closest to home. SEED OF TAMARIS is an epic fantasy brimming with magik, desire, and wickedness. It is Book One of the Archipelago Series, and Penni Louise’s debut novel.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Mine To Keep by M.C. Cerny

Mine To Keep

(Love By Design #7)

Author: M.C. Cerny

Publication Date: September 29th, 2020

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Remington Kennedy was out of “bless your hearts” to give. She moved North for a chance at something better. Her compass to success was getting an education and getting out of tornado alley. A failed scholarship led her to tending bar. A lie drove her into the arms of the town football star filled with hopes and dreams. A year later, she found herself with a baby on the way, more lost than ever, alone, and terrified. 

Evan Rooney was nobody’s hero. As a good cop in a small town, he felt the daily weight of responsibility. Known as the Preacher’s son, he struggled to keep his faith…but secrets have a way of finding the surface and Evan finds himself drawn to the red headed barmaid with a bun in the oven like a moth to it’s flame.

Both need a little saving…both need love, and a baby needs a family made of more than just DNA.

Book seven in the Love By Design series of contemporary romantic comedies.

Mine To Keep is written to be read as a standalone, but many readers prefer to read the series in order.

Buy Links:

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Learner's Plight by Muhammad Hamza Shah

The Learner's Plight

Author: Muhammad Hamza Shah

Genre: YA Coming of Age / Contemporary Fiction / Short Story
Publication Date: 5th July 2020

Book Description:

Gavin Hawthorne has recently emigrated from Ireland to United States and is faced with an uphill battle to fight against blatant indifference. He undergoes rampant bullying at the hands of school’s athletic team and finds temporary solace in Linda, another student who has just arrived from Poland. However, this dependency doesn’t last for long as Gavin is plunged into the world of depression, stuck in a vicious cycle of self-hatred.

In harrowing times like these, a close acquaintance becomes his much-needed ally and helps Gavin re-discover fondness for the gift of life.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Gavin and Linda share a lot in common having both emigrated from across the other side of the ocean, so it's no surprise that they start hanging out and become besties. What is surprising, however, is when Linda decides to shift gear and leave Gavin behind, hanging with the school bullies who make Gavin's life a living hell every day. Gavin is left puzzled and heartbroken, wondering what he has done to cause her to ditch him for his arch-nemesis. As Gavin sinks deeper and deeper into depression, he finds solace in a fellow student, who encourages and supports him as he builds the courage to stand up to the bullies and tell Linda how he really feels about her, the fear of losing her forever weighing heavy on his mind.

This was a very moving and heartfelt exhibition of Gavin's insecurities and how he learns to accept that life sometimes doesn't go as planned or as hoped but that you can't wallow, you have to pick yourself up and carry on, even if it means losing the things most dear to us. Although it was a good read, I didn't feel a connection with the character as it felt as though it was exactly that, an exhibition. I felt as though I was viewing everything through a window and not having a clear vision of the events taking place on the other side. The story felt somewhat hollow, which had nothing to do with the length or the cliffhanger ending (I really liked the way it ended, by the way). We know what happened between Gavin and Linda. We even get to witness her rejecting him and left wondering whether or not she will ever respond to his letter, that maybe somewhere down the line they will find their way back to each other. I'm not expecting a long explanation, but if there had been some form of revelation, I believe it would have felt more complete and I would have better understood the incentive behind some of Gavin's action and better identify the moment that made him realise that now was the time to stand up for himself and let life takes it course.

Having said that, there was enough content and ingredient to keep me reading on. Betrayal was the key emotion throughout, which I comprehended, but it was missing that revelation that would cement the bond I was building with Gavin; instead the bond fizzled out. I wanted to connect with Gavin. I really did, because I liked him as a character. He was someone I think a lot of people would be able to relate to. I liked Shah's writing style. The choice of words and sentence structure throughout evoked a lot of emotion. I felt pulled in by his writing, which doesn't happen to me often, and I think it's one of the reasons I kept reading.

I think there's a lot more to come from this author. I got a Markus Zusak vibe by the connection I felt to Shah's authorial voice. I am not certain where the inspiration for The Learner's Plight came from, but it almost felt as though I was reading a memoir. I look forward to reading more from this author.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Source: Courtesy of BookSirens

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Resistor by C.E. Clayton

Resistor

(An Eerden Novel (Eerden 1, Ellinor, 1))

Author: C.E. Clayton

Publication Date: October 1st, 2020

Genre: NA Cyberpunk / Fantasy

Book Description:

Ellinor Rask has wanted one thing for the past eight years: vengeance. But when Ellinor is captured, she finds herself dragged back into the world she walked away from, entangled once more with friends she would rather forget.

As if that weren’t humiliating enough, Ellinor learns first hand that her magic can be stripped away by a piece of bio-tech—and her ex-boss is happy to leash her with the technology in order to get what he wants. If Ellinor behaves, the device will be removed. All she has to do is deliver a package. One containing a creature created from raw magical energy and discarded technology. Simple, right?

But when her goals start getting people murdered, Ellinor has to decide if the year’s planning, her honor, and even her own magic, are worth the lives it’s costing. Dodging ruthless gangsters, she finds herself on the run with a creature of immeasurable magical abilities alongside her one-time friends. Now, Ellinor must relearn to trust the people she once abandoned. She must put her faith in technology, and her life in the hands of independent contractors, all while racing to deliver the package before it gets taken by force, or worse, the creature decides to make an appearance itself.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Sleeping With Shadows by Rachel Hailey

Sleeping With Shadows

Author: Rachel Hailey

Published by: FyreSyde Publishing

Publication Date: September 22nd, 2020

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Once The King of Nightmares, Ashe lost everything when he was betrayed. Released from prison, he’s got one goal: Stay Free. To make that happen he’ll have to rescue the girl who stole his crown while saving the court he’d rather see burn. But he can’t do it alone. He needs Callie.

Abused, neglected, and finally shunned by The Court of Light, Callie is done with court politics. It’s just too damned bad Ashe doesn’t care. He’s arrogant, manipulative, and dangerous. Everything she’s been taught to fear. It would be so easy to hate him, but the sadness in his gaze calls to her heart, and his touch awakens her own darkness. She has never wanted anyone more.

Callie is Ashe’s darkest desire, but to earn his freedom and prevent the destruction of humanity, she must embrace the destiny that will keep them apart. But is the safety of the world worth losing the kind of love he’s only dreamed of?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Spotlight - Along Came A Spider by Apeksha Rao

Along Came A Spider

Author: Apeksha Rao

Book Description:

Are your Spidey senses tingling?

At 17, Samira Joshi has only one dream in life. She wants to be a spy. And why not? 

Spying runs in the Joshi genes. 

Her great-grandmother was famous for sticking her nose in everyone’s business. Her grandmother had a flourishing side-business of tracking down errant husbands and missing servants. Her parents are elite intelligence agents for RAW.

Yet, they want their only daughter to become a doctor.

When she sees a college friend being trapped by a pimp, Samira does some spying of her own, and discovers the existence of a secret sisterhood of teen spies — The Spyders. And, she wants in!

The question is, do they want her?

To find out, read this fast-paced, gripping YA novel by brand new author, Apeksha Rao.

Buy Links:

Amazon IN ¦ US ¦ UK

Advance praise for Along Came A Spyder:

"A thrilling read with several nail biting moments. Will keep you hooked till the end."

~ Andaleeb Wajid, author of The Legend Of The Wolf

"A fantastic spy story, keeps you on the edge and you can't stop till you finish the book. A fantastic debut book. Look forward to reading more from the author."

~ Kanchana Banerjee, author of Nobody's Child and A Forgotten Affair.

"Witty, snarky and a thorough entertainer, Along Came a Spyder is a welcome addition to India's YA genre."

~ Shilpa Suraj, author of Love, Marriage and Other Disasters, Saved by Love, and, Driven by Desire

"Apeksha Rao writes a taut espionage thriller with a twist-a-minute narrative that is sure to get all readers hooked. The language is flawless, the characterization spot-on, and the plot is filled with rich details. It is the kind of story that you'd leave all your other work aside to read. Be warned!"

~ Neil D'Silva, author of Haunted, Yakshini and Maya's New Husband

About the Author

Apeksha Rao fell in love with words very early in life. 

While other kids of her age were still learning to spell, she was already reading her older brother’s books and comics. 

She wrote her first story at the age of seven and submitted it to Tinkle, a very popular children’s magazine. 

Writing took a backseat, as she established a thriving medical practice.

But Apeksha rekindled her love affair with words, while on maternity leave. 

She would tap away at her keyboard while rocking her twin babies to sleep, as sleep deprivation stimulated her dormant creativity.

She wrote numerous short stories, that she published on her blog. 

Apeksha has been lauded for her taut and gripping stories, that always come with a twist at the end.

In addition to Along Came A Spyder, she has written The Itsy Bitsy Spyder, a prequel novella to the Spyders series.

A Mumbaikar, born and bred, Apeksha comes from a family of doctors. 

At the ripe age of thirty-four, she wound up her practice and moved with her family, to Bengaluru. 

She is now a full-time writer. 

She is also a die-hard foodie, who’s still trying to find the best vada-pav in Bengaluru.

She has twin boys, who keep her on her toes.

Apeksha’s husband is her inspiration to write, as well as her biggest critic.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Romancing the Holidays Anthology

Romancing the Holidays: A First Coast Romance Writers Holiday Anthology

Publication Date: September 22nd, 2020

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

A dozen ways to fall in love at the holidays…

Come celebrate the holidays with these dozen unique romances, ranging from sweet to steamy and all ending with a happily-ever-after. This anthology of short stories, written by multi-award-winning authors, including New York Times best-selling author, Alyssa Day, will transport you from Labor Day and Halloween antics to Christmas and Valentine romantics. Its stories will whisk you away into contemporary, historical, and paranormal worlds where love prevails. So, savor the authors featured in this enchanting book and bet your heart on some romantic cheer while you enjoy these twelve ways to fall in love.

Proceeds from this novel benefit First Coast Romance Writers, a non-profit chapter of Romance Writers of America that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry. A portion of the proceeds are also donated to FeedAmerica.org.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW: Anna Banana by Sigal Adler

Anna Banana: Anna Finds a New Home

Author: Sigal Adler

Genre: Picture Book

Publication Date: 1 September 2020

Book Description:

ANNA BANANA:

******************

It was crowded there and hard to rest,

Just half a closet to help her get dressed.

Her only belongings a plant and a ball,

No, there was no space inside there at all.

It was time for Anna to find a whole new place,

a home much wider with plenty more space.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Well, this was a wonderful surprise. I'm usually used to seeing a child as the protagonist of children's books, but this was very refreshing indeed. Anna Banana follows the journey of a senior citizen as she ventures out into the big world to find a new place to call her home. Off with her belongings and pets, she travels day and night searching for the right place to set down her foundation. She tries many different houses of all shapes and sizes but never quite finds the right fit. After residing in one house for two years, she still continues her search until she finally finds the perfect house for her and everything she owns.

This was a charming tale. It goes to show that it's never too late to start over again. I think the choice of character was very fitting for this story. Moving homes can be a very demanding endeavour, especially if you've been in one place for such a long time that you've become so accustomed to your space that the thought of moving is daunting. Change isn't always a welcoming venture, but if a little old lady can pick up and start over again and find solace at the end of her journey, even with the uncertainty Anna faced on her journey, it goes to show that, with perseverance, change can be rather rewarding. It’s a great message, which might be lost on some children, depending on their age, but it’s an enjoyable adventure with a fun quiz for the young ones.

Light and sweet. I would definitely recommend it.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair

A Game of Fate
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Publication Date: September 18th, 2020
Genre: Adult Fantasy / Retelling

Book Description:

Hades, God of the Underworld, is known for his inflexible rule, luxurious night clubs, and impossible bargains. Used to control, he is not prepared to discover the Fates have chosen his future wife and Queen—Persephone, Goddess of Spring.

Despite her attraction to the god, Persephone, an ambitious journalism student, is determined to expose Hades for his cruel and ruthless ways.

Hades finds himself faced with the impossible—proving his future bride wrong. Regardless of his efforts, there are forces who wish to keep the two apart and Hades comes to realize he will do anything for his forbidden love, even defy Fate.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

Author Interview with Sharon C. Williams - A Rainforest Adventure (Jasper - Amazon Parrot Book 1)

A Rainforest Adventure (Jasper - Amazon Parrot Book 1)

Series Title: The Jasper, Amazon Parrot Series
Author: Sharon C. Williams

Genre: Children’s chapter book, middle grade, action adventure

Publisher: Peculiar Possum

Publication Date: Volume one and two are second edition volumes of the series

vol. 1: July 9, 2019

vol. 2: July 23, 2019

vol 3: December 10, 2019

Book Description:

Jasper is no ordinary parrot.

He lives in the rainforest, which secrets he’s eager to explore. Jasper loves his home and his family, and he's also in charge of his younger brother Willie - a responsibility Jasper takes very seriously.

When he meets Charlie - a spider monkey with a penchant for food and a laid back attitude - he realizes he’s in for an adventure he never thought possible.   Even if this means getting into danger and worrying his mother to no end.

Exploring the boundaries of the forest, Jasper understands that there is more to the world around him. Who are the strange new creatures that have come there? With Willie and Charlie by his side, he will soon find out.

Buy Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Audible ¦ iTunes

Cover Reveal - Mercenary by Bella Di Corte

Mercenary

(Gangsters of New York, #3)

Author: Bella Di Corte

Publication Date: November 13th, 2020

Genre: Adult Romance Suspense

Book Description:

I had something to live for.

The moment I saw him, I knew.

His eyes would hypnotize.

His lips would speak the most beautiful promises.

His body? Made for pleasure.

But if Corrado Capitani thought that he could fool me into thinking he was a good man, he was wrong.

The moment I saw him, I knew the truth.

Those eyes hid his poisonous heart.

Those lips were vessels of deception.

That body? Made for inflicting pain.

He wasn’t sent from heaven. He was sent to drag me back to hell.

I had something to die for.

Alcina Parisi had a price on her head, and she’d eluded the best. She thought no one would ever find her, but I did. Everyone in our world called me Scorpio—the man who never let the enemy go. But she was a weapon, not an adversary, and I’d claimed her as mine.

Mercenary is the third of three books set in the savage world of the Gangsters of New York series.

Pre-Order Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

About the Author

Bella Di Corte has been writing romance for seven years, even longer if you count the stories in her head that were never written down, but she didn’t realize how much she enjoyed writing alphas until recently. Tough guys who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the strong women who force them to feel, inspire her to keep putting words to the page.

Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and family. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook meals that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She mostly takes pictures of her family (when they let her) and her three dogs.

Bella grew up in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.

She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to email her at belladicorte@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out. 

Author Links:
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