Book Blitz & Giveaway - A Case for the Toy Maker by Candace Havens

A Case for the Toy Maker

(Ainsley McGregor #3)

Author: Candace Havens

Published by: Tule Publishing

Publication Date: October 26th, 2020

Genre: Adult Cozy Mystery

Book Description:

Ho. Ho. No…

It’s Christmas in Sweet River, Texas, and the whole town is feeling festive apart from Ainsley McGregor. Ainsley has never enjoyed the holidays and would rather ignore them, but with her shop Bless Your Art busier than ever and filled with happy shoppers, even she’s feeling some Christmas spirit. That is, until her Great Dane, George Clooney, sniffs out a dead body in the Santa House at the Christmas Festival.

When one of her favorite crafters becomes the prime suspect, Ainsley is determined to prove his innocence. The case is full of so many twists and turns that even Ainsley begins to fear the truth. Is she protecting a killer?

With help from her friends and some extremely nosey townsfolk, Ainsley and her dog hurry to find the truth––as long as they can outwit and outrun the killer first. Otherwise, this Christmas might just be her last.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Better Late Than Never by Ada Austen

Better Late Than Never

Author: Ada Austen

Publication Date: October 20th, 2020

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Better Late Than Never – A Second Chance Seasoned (over 30) Romance set on the Beaches and Boardwalks of the New Jersey Shore.

Checklist for Best Romance Novel Ever

✓ BFF does not get left behind!

✓ A dress with working pockets!

✓ Toast to Girls Night Out!

✓ Toast to Damn the Patriarchy!

Checklist for Best Couple Ever

✓ He’s kind, compassionate and patient.

✓ He’s sexy, ripped and funny.

✓ She’s loud, bold and strong.

✓ She’s devoted to her BFF and her Art.

✓ They’re working together to raise their teenager.

Checklist for Best Hero Ever

✓ He makes a gift for her BFF!

✓ He’s sweet at that Time of the Month!

✓ He buys her a Romance Novel!

✓ He’s a Devoted Dad!

✓ He takes as long as she needs!

♥ ♥ ♥ LOVE   FAMILY  HOME ♥ ♥ ♥

Carrie’s a passionate artist and a Jersey Girl with seawater in her veins. She makes her art from the treasures she collects each day, walking the beaches of the New Jersey Shore.

Manny’s an architect and college professor. An Apache Native from New Mexico, he’s more at home in the mountains, but he moves to the Jersey Shore to be a better Dad to their teenage daughter.

Carrie’s Jersey. She doesn’t do calm. Manny’s quiet and takes his time to react. They were college sweethearts. Now, they’re strangers, each remembering the past differently. 

Manny discovers his new boss wants to tear down Carrie’s house. Carrie will blow the roof off herself if she finds out. Manny must keep it from her, but there’s another secret that she’s been keeping from him. What will it take for them to learn to trust each other?

Together they will redefine the meaning of love, family and home.

A feel-good standalone story of multicultural romance with adult sex, realistic cursing, a bitch of a heroine, Jersey sarcasm and your next book boyfriend! 

Content Warning: There is mention of a sexual assault.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW: The Boy Who Knew Demons by Blazej Dzikowski

The Boy Who Knew Demons

Author: Blazej Dzikowski

Series: Hidden Empires

Publication Date: 7th October 2020

Genre: YA Dark Fantasy

Book Description:

There are dark, mysterious worlds beneath the surface of everything you see.

Those who know them call them the Hidden Empires.

Gabriel tries to take care of his mom and little brother, but it’s tough. There’s never enough money, and he has to study at nights to keep the scholarship at the prestigious Rosewater High.

One night, a voice calls his name and a hidden world is revealed before him. He discovers that all things are home to demons … and they listen to his commands. The possibilities seem endless. But there’s another man with the same power, using the demons to assist him in his darkest deeds. And the man just set his eyes on Gabriel’s little brother.

Now Gabriel must embark on a desperate search. Every neon sign, trashcan and streetlight can be an enemy spy. If he fails, his brother will forever remain the plaything of the sadistic kidnapper, somewhere on the threshold between our reality and the Hidden Empires.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Gabriel West is an ordinary teenager living with his mum and his little brother, Matt, and attending Rosewater High. One day, he hears a voice call his name, and suddenly, his world is turned upside down as he starts seeing the dead, and not the ghostly figures of humans who have passed on. No, Gabriel is an Ombudsman: one who can see demons, and more importantly, he can command them to do whatever he wishes. Gabriel has no idea of what to do with his new-found power; that is until the Stellen Street Kidnapper, who has been abducting kids from the neighbourhood, invades Gabriel's life when he abducts Matt. Gabriel may be the only person who can find Matt, but he has to tread carefully, as it appears he's not the only Ombudsman in town.

This book was a lot darker than I first anticipated it would be, but it was fitting for the tone of the book. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. As I often do, I didn't read the blurb prior to starting the book. I just picked it up based on title and cover, and I am so glad I did. This was a thrilling read. I especially liked the pacing and how it wasn't bogged down with overly descriptive prose to the point where you're not able to paint a picture yourself based on your own interpretation of the book. The writing style of this book, which is very cinematic and fast paced, allows for the reader to partake in creating the general milieu of the story world. Although this was a YA book and the perspective we received throughout was from an adult point of view, through the eyes of adult characters instead of characters in the young adult age bracket, I found Gabriel to be a very formidable character and rather engaging. He was well portrayed and was a character with many layers. There was an air of mystery surrounding him. You never quite know what his reaction will be or how he might feel about certain incidents, and it was exciting not completely knowing what his next move would be.

The adult characters were also well portrayed and likeable, particularly Senior Agent Andrew Delancey, Agent Raymond Ayser and Beatrice Lubonsky. I didn't get to know Gabriel's best-friend, Martin, too well as he wasn't present much throughout the story or his love interest, Andrea. Despite their lack of presence, I didn't yearn for them because there was a lot of chaos taking place, from discovering dead bodies to trying to locate the whereabouts of Matt and the identity of his kidnapper.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's my second favourite read of the year so far, and I definitely recommend it to readers of dark fantasy.

VERDICT

Award: Platinum

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Booksirens

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Proposal by Kitty Thomas

The Proposal

Author: Kitty Thomas

Publication Date: October 14th, 2020

Genre: Adult Dark Romance

Book Description:

I got in over my head.

I bit off more than I could chew. 

And now my fate is sealed to the most ruthless man I know.

Two hundred and fifty guests. They think they know what’s happening today. But they don’t have a clue.

My wedding day. But it’s so much more than that.

NOTE: This is a standalone contemporary dark romance with NO cliffhanger!

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - We Don't Talk Anymore by Julie Johnson

We Don’t Talk Anymore

Author: Julie Johnson

Publication Date: October 27th, 2020

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

For as long as I can remember, Archer Reyes has been by my side. My closest confidant. My truest ally. My best friend.

That is, until the summer we turned seventeen, when I started picturing him as something else entirely.

The love of my life.

I knew confessing my feelings wasn’t going to be easy; I had no idea he’d reject me so cruelly… or that he was only breaking my heart to save my life.

It’s been 365 days since I told my best friend I loved him.

365 days since he didn’t say it back.

365 days since he lied straight to my face.

WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE is a standalone new adult romance about first love, second chances, and the lengths we go to hold onto each other when everything falls apart…  

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Day of the Horn by Chris J Edwards

Day of the Horn

Author: Chris J Edwards

Publication Date: October 15th, 2020

Genre: Fantasy

Book Description:

A kidnapped princess.

A reluctant mercenary.

A shamed prince.

Far in the west, isolated from the weary world beyond, lies the sylfolk kingdom of Céin Urthia – a woodland realm of ancient forests and sunlit meadows. But this kingdom cannot remain secluded forever; for Princess Dawn, heiress to the throne, has been mysteriously abducted. Not even her kidnapper, a mercenary battle-mage, knows who ordered it – or why. A fevered pursuit begins as the High King commands every servant of the crown to rescue her, even the disgraced and imprisoned Herace the Shamed. But even as he and his companions follow in wild pursuit, Princess Dawn herself must decide – does she even want to be saved?

Meanwhile, powers beyond the sight of the court plot under cover of darkness – for not all wish to see the princess safely home…

As civil war darkens the horizon, will Princess Dawn save her beloved home, or will unseen enemies win the day?

Buy Links:
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eBook Sale Promo + Goodreads eBook Giveaway - Talisman Of El by Al Stone

GRAB YOUR COPY OF THE ENTIRE ARCADIA SAGA NOW

AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE STARTING AT $0.99!

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON US ¦ UK

Who Loves a Giveaway?

Enter for a chance to win one of 100 e-copies of TALISMAN OF EL (ARCADIA, BOOK 1) by Al Stone!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Talisman Of El

by Al Stone

Giveaway ends October 30, 2020.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Talisman Of El

Series: Arcadia

Book Description:

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?

One Planet.

Two Worlds.

Population: Human ... 7 billion.

Others ... unknown.

When 14-year-old Char­lie Blake wakes up sweat­ing and gasp­ing for air in the mid­dle of the night, he knows it is hap­pen­ing again. This time he wit­nesses a bru­tal mur­der. He's afraid to tell any­one. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died.

Char­lie doesn't know why this is hap­pen­ing. He would give any­thing to have an ordi­nary life. The prob­lem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home.

He belongs with the others.

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Night of the Vampire by L.E. Wilson

Night of the Vampire

(Deathless Night-Into the Dark, #1)

Author: L.E. Wilson

Publication Date: October 15th, 2020

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Killian walked into my new voodoo shop late one night with an urgent request – he needed me to heal his friend. Only I know absolutely nothing about voodoo, or healing. I’m just trying to start a new life with what little family I have left after my dream of becoming a star on Broadway went up in flames.

Literally.

At first glance, he was an average looking guy with a European flair. Nothing outside the ordinary in the city of New Orleans. But despite his nerdy-boy attire, Killian was most definitely all man. And as his black eyes made their way up my body to my face, the look reflected within them wasn’t the least bit tame.

More like predatory…

I expected her to cast me down the moment I walked through her door. But I had no choice. One of my own was dying from a witch’s curse, and only another witch could undo the spell. However, Lizzy was not what I’d expected to find. Stunned by her beauty and overwhelmed by her scent, I burned with thirst until the blood raced through my veins and my body tightened with need.

But with one taste, she calmed the beast within me as the truth flooded my wicked soul. The witch is MINE. She is the pulse that feeds my immortal life and the bearer of my death. Taking Lizzy as my mate will bring about the end of my coven’s uneasy truce with the witches.

Leaving her will mean my demise…

My name is Killian Rice, and I am a vampire. Come Into The Dark with this new series by L.E. Wilson, and enter her Deathless Night. A world of immortals with only one weakness: The witches who can destroy us…

Buy Links:
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Novice by Ava Lohan

The Novice

Author: Ava Lohan

Publication Date: October 13th, 2020

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

I’m a novice about to take my vows. He’s the embodiment of sin—and the new owner of the convent that’s been my home for the past two years.

I shouldn’t want him. Yet from the moment he walks into Mother Superior’s office and threatens to turn Saint Clare into a luxury hotel, all I can think about are those lush lips, tight muscles, and perfect hair. That, and the devil’s bargain he proposes.

My body in exchange for the convent. For fourteen days, I’m to be with him at Lust, his exclusive sex club. Fourteen days obeying his every command.

Whatever I do, I can’t let myself fall in love with him. Because Kegan Anderson is a beast, and a beast can never love.

He can only destroy.

Buy Links:

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BOOK REVIEW: Frog Boy by Carolyn S. Blevins

Frog Boy

Author: Carolyn S. Blevins

Genre: Children's Fiction / Middle-Grade / Paranormal Adventure

Book Description:

Armed with Pete the frog and Buck his shaggy mutt, Frog Boy sets out for a day of frog-catchin' at the creek.But his adventure takes a surprise turn when he spies Old Man Harris, a man long thought to be dead. Eleven-year-old Frog Boy just wants to catch frogs but seein' the old man diggin'' a big ole hole leads to trouble. Old Man Harris snatches Frog Boy to keep him quiet. Now livin' in a gross shack with only Pete to keep him company 'cause Buck had run home, Frog Boy must hatch a plan to escape the clutches of Old Man Harris. But it becomes more complicated when he meets a mystifyin' lady in the woods.What was Old Man Harris buryin'? Will Frog Boy sneak away from the shack? And how can he defeat Old Man Harris? Frog Boy is a story of resilience flavored with a Southern style that shows how a family and a town work together for justice.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

11-year-old "Frog Boy" Tommy heads out one day with his pet frog Pete and his dog Ole Buck to catch some frogs at the creek but ends up in a right pickle when he crosses path with Old Man Harris, a man long thought to be dead. Curiosity getting the better of him, Tommy decides to follow Old Man Harris and spies on him digging a large hole. When he's caught and kidnapped by Old Man Harris, his only help is in the form of a mysterious lady named Katy, who just so happens to a ghost, having been brutally murdered by Old Man Harris. Can Tommy escape and unveil the truth or will he meet the same fate as Katy? With his best friend Hal, Hal's brother Billy and Tommy's grandmother teaming up for the challenge, anything could happen.

I wasn't expecting to like the story as much as I did, but it was a jolly good read indeed. Tommy is a brilliant character. He's very likeable and makes you want to go on an adventure with him. He made me feel like a kid again. I absolutely loved the deep Southern dialect. It was very fitting and transported me to Tommy's reality. Catching frogs is a strange hobby, but hey, to each his own. I mean, I collect mugs, so no judgements here. A good ensemble of characters who had their own quirky personalities. Tommy spoke like an eleven year old, behaved like an eleven year old, so I thought the characterisation was great. Underneath all the adventure and mystery, there's a weighty story buried within the pages and that's the sad tragedy of Katy's murder. I liked how the author handled this tragedy and how the burden of Katy's story didn't overshadow the fun and youthful aspect of the story. Beneath the sadness was a sense of justice, and it was down to Tommy's perseverance.

I really enjoyed the story. I thought the story went on a little longer than was necessary, and the illustrations, while they were cute, didn’t do much for me in the way of inciting emotions. All the same, it was a fun journey.

VERDICT:

GOLD

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Courtesy of Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Magic Ingredient by Lindy Miller

The Magic Ingredient

(A Bar Harbor Holiday Novel)

Author: Lindy Miller

Published by: Rosewind Books

Publication Date: October 13th, 2020

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

The end of summer is approaching, but even at the height of Bar Harbor’s tourist season, Eve Silver is having a hard time keeping enough money in the bank to sustain the family business. Her only hope of paying past due bills is to win the catering bid for the town’s upcoming Harvest Happening Festival. Otherwise, it’ll be lights out for Mount Desserts & Tea by Christmas.

Widower Jeff Parish is moving with his twelve-year-old daughter, Candy, from Manhattan to Maine with one goal: starting over. When sparks fly between Jeff and Eve as the town readies for the annual harvest festival, Candy wishes she had a love potion to help her dad fall in love again.

Will Eve be able to save Mount Desserts & Tea—and open her heart to Jeff—by the most bewitching night of the year? It’ll take a lot of love, a little bit of luck … and just a pinch of magic.

Buy Links:

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Cover Reveal - Betrayed by Jacklyn Daher

Betrayed

(The Chronicles of Luxor Everstone, #2)

Author: Jacklyn Daher

Publication Date: November 19th, 2020

Genre: Adult Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

With the revelation Luxor Everstone is the daughter of the Prince of Darkness, an entirely new door fraught with danger is opened. As Cane is lying in wait, Luxor is forced to have constant protection, leaving her suffocated.

When new help arrives in the form of a witch, and a mysterious and dreamy boy who seems to soothe her more than anyone else can, she doesn’t hesitate to invite them into her life despite her growing affection for Hunter.

As fresh dangers loom on the horizon, she begins to unravel different details about her past, while greater powers are introduced, and the others continue to evolve. Conflicted between the pull toward her darkness and her desire to be good, Luxor juggles the priorities—and her opinionated guardians—while trying to find some semblance of balance.

When the darkness returns to claim her completely, can she trust herself to make the right choice?

Pre-Order Links:
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Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Night’s Chosen by Emily Hornburg

The Night’s Chosen

(The Cursed Queens Series, #1)

Author: Emily Hornburg

Published by: City Owl Press

Publication Date: October 6th, 2020

Genre: Adult Fairy Tales / Retelling / Romance

Book Description:

Chosen of the Moon Goddess. Destined to rule. Fated to marry.

A quest to save her family, kingdom, and heart.

For the past five years Princess Eira has run from her impending wedding.  As much as she loves her goddess and kingdom, she’s searched the kingdoms for another way to rule as queen someday while also choosing her own husband.

Yet, Eira’s claim to the crown falls into jeopardy when her father, King Brennus, is poisoned and fated to a sleep of living death and Eira is next on the assassin’s hit list – who happens to be her stepmother, Queen Amelia.

After Eira escapes Queen Amelia’s clutches she journeys to the northern Paravian mountains in search of an enchanted cup to save her father.

Her quest is more than she anticipated with evading Queen Amelia’s guards, traveling with the one man she shouldn’t be with, and having to bargain with the ancient dragon guarding the enchanted cup.

She’ll have to decide how to save her family and kingdom, even if it means sacrificing her heart and all she’s wanted her whole life.

If you like Sarah J Maas, Jennifer Estep, and Maxym Martineau, then you’ll love this adult fantastical retelling of the classic Snow White fairy tale.

Buy Links:
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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:
Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Facebook Page ¦ Facebook Group ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram ¦ Bookbub ¦ Newsletter

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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?

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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