BOOK REVIEW: Finley and the Foster Brother by Anna Catherine Field and My Body Sends A Signal by Natalia Maguire

Finley and the Foster Brother
Author: Anna Catherine Field
Publication Date: 
Genre: YA Coming of Age / Romance

Book Description:
When a social worker and a truancy officer show up at Finley Rhodes' cottage in Ocean Grove she knows her life is about to change forever.

She just didn't realize how much.

At sixteen, she'd grown up fast, having the responsibility of taking care of her mentally ill mother, holding down a job to pay the bills and dropping out of school to do both. When her case manager tells her she's being placed in foster care, Finley never expected her new  home to be in the exclusive gated community and she certainly never thought she'd attend The Academy, a school for the privileged and elite. But the biggest surprise comes from down the hall.

Her new foster brother, Chase Powell.

Chase Powell grew up in the shadow of his famous model mother, living a life of fame and excess. After a dangerous accident Chase is sent to live with his grandmother in Ocean Grove, where he settles into a life of normalcy and routine.

Until Finley moves in.

Late night talks, a game of truth, and revelations about their fears bring these two closer together, but it’s not like they can ever be more than friends and even if they could, does Finely worries that her whole life can be taken from her once again. What’s the point of falling in love?

Finley and the Foster Brother is a standalone novel from Love in Ocean Grove, a series of books about swoony, first-time love and toe-curling kisses for readers of all ages..

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Finley Rhodes and Chase Powell live completely different lives, but when Finley's mentally ill mother is taken into care, their worlds collide when Finely is placed into foster care and ends up garnering the attention of Mrs Caldwell, a woman who resides in a lavish house in a gated community with her grandson, Chase, the boy Finley crashed into while on her dog-walking job two weeks prior to being placed into foster care. Given the immediate attraction the two had towards each other, being housemates while under the supervision of a strict matriarch means Finley and Chase have to keep their feelings - and their hands - to themselves.

This was a good read, but it could have been so much better if it had taken a little more risk and not played it so safe. It's cute and clean, but I had hoped for a little more passion and fire from Chase and Finley. It was predictable and it lagged somewhat. It felt repetitive and didn't progress much in the way of plot. Finley did open up a little and learned to confide in others, but apart from that, the plot was a little bland.

Overall, it was a good read; it just wasn't that exciting and didn't leave me eager for more. I would recommend it for those who are looking for a clean YA read with a cute romance.

VERDICT

Rating: 3 Star

Source: Own copy

Mateo Finds His Wow

Author: Natalia Maguire
Publication Date: 13th June 2020
Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Description:
How to teach kids about emotions and feelings?

Like teaching them everything else - using clear words, familiar situations, exciting pictures and a lot of hands-on activities (games, puzzles, coloring pages, etc.) One can, of course, spend time and find various resources online. Or one can get just one book.

This book is an excellent educational source that has is all. The book includes a cute story that kids can relate to, beautiful illustrations that capture children's attention, calming-down activities for kids, instructions to adults on the follow-up activities, emotions cards, feelings cards, coloring pages and related short stories to teach kids empathy.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I'll be honest. I didn't warm to this one from the get-go. Having said that, however, it didn't take long for the book to gain my vote. This was a lovely portrayal of a young boy experiencing various emotions and feelings that he is very much aware of but can't fully comprehend or control. This book explains and explores ways in which kids can learn to take control of their behaviour by first understanding what they are feeling and why they are feeling  the way they do.

I loved the illustrations and the examples used to demonstrate the various emotions and feelings we all experience. This book is ideal for both kids and adults as it teaches adults how to approach topics and simple things we often ignore and don't take the time to explain to children as we're under the impression they'll just figure it all out one day.

The book shows the importance of acknowledgement and communication. A wonderful read that I highly recommend.

VERDICT

Rating: 5 Star

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Temptation by Marla Holt

Temptation

(Lightning Crashes #1)

Author: Marla Holt

Publication Date: March 23rd, 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Broke and widowed, Rachel Ferrer has already lost so much that when her tarot reading roommate pulls The Tower card, Rachel isn’t phased. What are upheaval and chaos when the worst had already happened? When Rachel’s late husband’s childhood best friend, Nicolas, reappears in her life and brings a handsome friend along with him, Rachel forgets the cards. She takes a chance on Blake even though she can’t stop thinking about Nicolas. It isn’t settling if the person you want is married, right?

Nicolas Rivera has always been a man of faith. His marriage and his job at the church have been his pillars, but when the foundations of both begin to crumble, doubt and a forbidden attraction tempt him to seek comfort in the one woman he shouldn’t go anywhere near.

Nicolas and Rachel have been on the periphery of each other’s lives for years, but as circumstances push them together, lightning crackles between them. WIll they be able to resist the electricity or will they get burned by Temptation?

Temptation is the first volume of The Lightning Crashes Duet. Volume one is a slow-burn forbidden romance that ends on a cliffhanger. Volume 2, Absolution, will be available April 20th, 2021, complete with all the happily ever afters.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Royally Drained by Fritzi Cox

Royally Drained

(V.I.L.F., #1)

Author: Fritzi Cox

Publication Date: March 23rd, 2021

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

From jilted princess bride to a revenge plot fit for a king, this charming couple is royally screwed …

As I lived my best royal life, my only job as a princess was to find and marry a handsome prince. Too bad Prince Theo turned out to be more of a toad.

After I began losing my powers, he lost interest in our upcoming wedding. Not only did Theo leave me at the altar, but he also banished me and my merry band of misfits from the Kingdom of Poppycock forever.

Talk about a walk of shame!

From enchanted castle to crumbling cottage, I’m now stuck in Morningwood, struggling to plot my next move.

This strange little town, full of mischief and magic, is the perfect place to hide while I practice my spells and hopefully regain my powers.

What could possibly go wrong?

Other than accidentally summoning a mysterious male vampire who throws me off my quest and gets my blood boiling in all the right places.

And my blood is exactly what Vail and his brotherhood need for their top-secret laboratory.

Who would have thought my charming royal genes could help their dangerous mission?

As long as Vail keeps his fangs to himself, we won’t have a problem.

His hands though?

That’s another story entirely.

My taste for revenge is strong, but his taste for me is stronger.

Could this be my fairy-tale ending? Or am I destined to live a nightmare?

Author’s note:

Royally Drained is a paranormal romcom with a few dark themes. This is book 1 in the VILF series and ends with a cliff-hanger.

Buy Links:

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

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Upside Down of Nora Gaines by Cathrina Constantine

The Upside Down of Nora Gaines

Author: Cathrina Constantine

Publication Date: March 5th, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy / Paranormal

Book Description:

Nora has visions of horrific things. Things that lurk in the shadows and feast on bones. After moving with her mother into an old farmhouse, Nora discovers a blank journal that fills itself with an ominous warning. A cursed beast is coming for her and time is running out. When the blood moon rises, so shall the beast.

Local teen, Rebel, has his own trepidations about the house. His parents, both paranormal scientists, were investigating it when they died under mysterious circumstances. His growing feelings for Nora motivate him to battle the ghosts of his past, if it means keeping her safe.

Allies to turn to enemies. Fiction turns to fact. The past and the present collide. All in an epic battle to claim unfathomable power. Can Nora unlock the secrets buried within the farmhouse in time to save herself and those dear to her from a grisly fate?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - It's My Party by Whitney Dineen

It’s My Party

(Seven Brides for Seven Mothers #3)

Author: Whitney Dineen

Publication Date: March 16th, 2021

Genre: Adult Comedy / Romance

Book Description:

High off her success of playing matchmaker for both of her sons, lodge owner Ruby Cavanaugh decides to try her hand pairing other eligible singles–starting with her executive chef and her new event coordinator.

Party planner Claire Choate has a cheating boyfriend who also happens to be her boss. After visiting Oregon for her brother’s wedding–which didn’t even happen–Claire is offered a job that gets her out of LA for good. How can she pass up an opportunity like that?

Even though he has little time for a social life, executive chef Geoffrey Bere loves his job. After a past complication left him gun shy about workplace entanglements, he lives by a strict, “no dating co-workers” policy. But when Claire Choate arrives on the scene, he finds himself ready to break his own rule.

Will Ruby cement her reputation as matchmaker extraordinaire or will Claire and Geoffrey prove too much of a challenge for even her?

Find out in this deliciously fun third installment of Seven Brides for Seven Mothers!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Gabriel's Album by Sian Ceinwen

Gabriel’s Album

(Cruise Control Heroes, #1)

Author: Sian Ceinwen

Publication Date: March 14th, 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

The rock star always gets the girl…

I’m living my dream. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a rock star. And now here I am, about to start my first big tour, when she comes along.

Ariana.

From the second we meet, she’s all I can think about.Asking her to come on tour with me is easy. But she’s shy, insecure, and the paparazzi scare her. We live in two completely different worlds.

I love her and I know that she’s worth fighting for. The problem is, I’m not sure if love is enough.

Gabriel’s Album is the first book in the Cruise Control Heroes series. It’s the companion novel to The Album. Fall in love with Gabriel and Ariana all over again as Cruise Control embarks on their first world tour. 

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW: Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach and Mateo Finds His Wow by Gabi Garcia

Stupid Fast
Author: Geoff Herbach
Publication Date: 1st June 2011
Genre: YA Coming of Age / Sports Fiction

Book Description:
I, Felton Reinstein, am Stupid Fast. Seriously. The upper classmen used to call me Squirrel Nut, because I was little and jumpy. Then, during sophomore year, I got tall and huge and so fast the gym teachers in their tight shorts fell all over themselves. During summer, three things happened all at once. First, the pee-smelling jocks in my grade got me to work out for football, even though I had no intention of playing. Second, on my paper route the most beautiful girl I have ever seen moved in and played piano at 6 a.m. Third, my mom, who never drinks, had some wine, slept in her car, stopped weeding the garden, then took my TV and put it in her room and decided she wouldn’t get out of bed.

Listen, I have not had much success in my life. But suddenly I’m riding around in a jock’s pick-up truck? Suddenly I’m invited to go on walks with beautiful girls? So, it’s understandable that when my little brother stopped playing piano and began to dress like a pirate I didn’t pay much attention. That I didn’t want to deal with my mom coming apart.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Felton Reinstein is an unpopular 15-year-old kid with one friend - possibly two if you count Peter Yang, who he's not a big fan of - until one day, he discovers he can run fast. Suddenly, he's the talk of the school and everyone wants his attention. Despite his increasing popularity, however, Felton's home life takes a turn for the worst when his mother's mental health starts to decline, and his younger brother starts to rebel. The focus of all their issues is Felton's father, who committed suicide a decade ago. Felton can't understand why his mother destroyed everything that belonged to his father and refuses to talk about him. He wants answers, and she's not willing to cooperate. Feeling lost and confused, Felton slowly starts to isolate from his family but soon realises that there is only so far one can run from his problems, especially when the problem and the solution might be one and the same.

I've had this book on my shelf for a long time, and I decided it was high time I read it, and I am glad I did. From the get-go, I felt Felton's anxiety, and his character just sucked me in. I don't know how to describe this character other than to say he was a nice blend of Holden from Catcher in the Rye, Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Christopher from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The narrative voice was very inviting. The action started to feel repetitive halfway through, so the story started to lag in place where it appeared there was no progression. It just seemed like it took forever for the truth about Felton's dad to be revealed that the actions of the characters just felt repetitive and everything just felt stagnant. The story picked up again in the final few chapters and managed to recapture my attention. Many of the secondary characters felt somewhat flat and underdeveloped, but I found Felton to be such an engaging character that the lack of the other characters' presence didn't both me too much.

I don't know if it's because this book was written almost a decade ago but the characters appeared somewhat younger than I imagined. Even when they rebelled it felt controlled and quite restrained. Although it wasn't confirmed, I often found myself wondering if Felton was a person with autism. He often referred to himself as a retard or stupid, which was sad because I think this was more his portrayal of how he viewed himself rather than an objective portrayal. It could just be me, but his speech and mannerism suggested he might have developmental disability, and if that be the case, then this would definitely add more authenticity to his character in the way in which he communicated and interacted with other characters. His chemistry with Aleah Jennings didn't do much for me as she didn't particularly seem significant in terms of him developing as a character. I think Cody had more of an effect on his growth as a person than she did.

The family dynamic and interaction between Felton and his family was key in the development of plot and character and I really wanted to see more in terms of the cause of the breakdown. We experienced a lot of the effect of Jerri's meltdown (Felton's mother, who he calls by her first name) and how it changed Felton's and Andrew's behaviour (Felton's younger brother), but most of the time, they just avoided one another and refused to address the issue so we get to experience the dilemma on the surface instead of delving deeper into the heart of the matter. The frustration felt restrained, and we never really got a climactic moment we were waiting for. There was a lot of shouting and no screaming.

Overall, it was a good read. I enjoyed it, mostly because of Felton, but I still enjoyed it all the same.

VERDICT

Rating: 3 Star

Source: Own copy

Mateo Finds His Wow

Author: Gabi Garcia
Publication Date: 29th April 2019
Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Description:
It’s easy to get stuck focusing on what’s going wrong. WE ALL DO IT.

It can take time, but there is a way to get unstuck.

Follow along as Mateo discovers that focusing on what’s right in front of him can help turn the page on a grumpy day.

Nurturing wonder and gratitude in your child supports their happiness, well-being and sense of connectedness. And best of all, they can learn to practice it— ON PUPOSE!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

It's Saturday, and it's raining, which means Mateo is stuck inside with nothing to do. Feeling bored, he throws a tantrum until a bird outside catches his attention and sparks an idea that has him forgetting about everything that's wrong about his day and finding joy in the little things around the house, things he often takes for granted.

While reading this book, that famous Ferris Bueller line popped into my head: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." This line summed up this book for me. You start to appreciate the things we all take for granted. Sometimes the smallest and most mediocre event can brighten your day.

I loved the illustrations and the cultural elements used to represent Mateo's background. This was a fun read. Sometimes you just have to appreciate the little things in life.

VERDICT

Rating: 5 Star

Source: Own copy

Book Blast & Giveaway - The Tiger's Nest (Explorer Academy #5) by Trudi Trueit

The Tiger's Nest

(Explorer Academy #5)

Author: Trudi Trueit

Publisher : Under the Stars (January 5, 2021)

Language : English

Hardcover : 216 pages

ISBN-10 : 1426338627

ISBN-13 : 978-1426338625

Book Description:

Praise for the EXPLORER ACADEMY Series

“Inspired by the adventures and research of real-life National Geographic explorers, Explorer Academy is exciting and smart. Readers get to meet a diverse, capable, curious crew as well as their amazing instructors. A dangerous side mission adds to the thrills!” —Karen Bokram, Editor-in-Chief, Girls’ Life

"Explorer Academy is sure to awaken readers' inner adventurer and curiosity about the world around them. But you don't have to take my word for it, check out Cruz, Emmett, Sailor, and Lani's adventures for yourself!" —LeVar Burton, host of Reading Rainbow and LeVar Burton Reads

"Inspires the next generation of curious kids to go out into our world and discover something unexpected.” —James Cameron, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and acclaimed film-maker

On an island nation in the Indian Ocean, the explorers venture through a vast underwater world and take part in a friendly robotics competition. But the tides of good fortune change quickly. Suddenly, Team Cousteau jumps into action to rescue a faculty member from the brink of death. Meanwhile, the team follows Cruz's mother's clues to a magnificent tomb and center of spirituality precariously perched on the side of a cliff. There, Cruz is confronted by a familiar foe who's determined to stop him from completing his most important mission of all: Retrieving the final pieces of his mother's cipher. In this life-or-death showdown, Cruz witnesses the ultimate sacrifice and uncovers a hidden message that makes him question his own mortality.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Book Depository

Book Blitz & Giveaway - City of Spells by Alexandra Christo

City of Spells

(Into the Crooked Place #2)

Author: Alexandra Christo

Published by: Feiwel & Friends

Publication Date: March 9th, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

City of Spells, the follow-up to Alexandra Christo’s gritty YA fantasy, Into the Crooked Place, finds the world on the brink of war and four unlikely allies facing sacrifices they had never imagined.

After the loss of Wesley and the horrifying reveal that Zekia is helping the Kingpin of her own free will, Tavia, Saxony, and Karam flee to Saxony’s home to rebuild their rebellion. Meanwhile, trapped in the Kingpin’s darkness, Wesley must fight against the deadly magic that invades his mind and find a way back to his friends before it’s too late.

As the Kingpin’s dark magic spreads and his army conquers Creije, these four unlikely friends have to decide just how far they’ll go—and how much they are willing to sacrifice—to win.

Praise for Into the Crooked Place:

“With its gangland details, creative magical caste system and surprisingly brutal characters, Into the Crooked Place is very much its own thing. And that thing will likely be a story you can’t put down.” —Culturess

Buy Links:

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

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Lost in Nowhere by Barbara Pietron

Lost in Nowhere

(Legacy in Legend, #3)

Author: Barbara Pietron

Publication Date: April 20th, 2021

Genre: YA Paranormal

Book Description:

Jeni has fully accepted her spiritual ability, and yet she’s unnerved by the apparition of Marielle, the ghost of a pioneer girl asking for help. As the ghost’s tragic love story unfolds in her dreams, Jeni’s resistance melts and she resolves to save the soul of Marielle’s lost love. When she discovers her own impulses cause Marielle to act uncharacteristically, Jeni believes she can change the past. Despite warnings against meddling with time, Jeni’s convinced she can save the soul of Marielle’s lover. Deep inside a dream and intent on her quest, Jeni is lured into a trap that binds her soul to Marielle’s. With no allies, no knowledge about crossing through time and with limited 18th century resources, Jeni is terrified: failure will leave her soul trapped in the past, or worse . . . lost in nowhere.

Buy Links:

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

March Group Promo - FREE & Discounted eBooks

Welcome!

Enter the March Giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card and 1 of 3 kindle copies of Talisman Of El (Arcadia, Book 1).

Check out all the free and discounted ebooks and giveaways on offer below. Sharing is caring. I truly appreciate your support. Have a great weekend!

Happy Reading!

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - It's a Zin to Tell a Lie by Pamela Gibson

It’s a Zin to Tell a Lie

(Love in Wine Country)

Author: Pamela Gibson

Publication Date: February 3rd, 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Emma Bradford, world class pianist, is tired of living out of suitcases and wants to change her career. When she returns to Napa to consider her options and play for a friend’s wedding, she discovers a nasty surprise. The man who called off their engagement two years ago will also be there and there’s no way to avoid him.

Antonio Reynoso is a dissolute playboy living on a Caribbean island. At least that’s what he’s let his family believe. He’s purposely stayed away so he won’t be tempted to break a promise and try to win back the only woman he’s ever loved.

But when he and Emma are unexpectedly thrown together during a violent storm, Antonio’s resolve begins to weaken and he wonders if leaving her had been a mistake. His wine country family says yes, and with a little well-intentioned meddling, he and Emma might just get a second chance.

Buy Links:

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

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Thieves by Greg Jolley

Thieves

(Obscurité de Floride Trilogy, #1)

Author: Greg Jolley

Publication Date: February 15th, 2021

Genre: Adult Suspense

Book Description:

From Tropea, Italy to Michigan and Florida, the thieves Molly and April Danser are on the run, trying to escape from an enraged ex-US Marshal. He is hell bent on stopping them once and for all, his twisted black heart fired up for revenge and their total destruction. Will the sisters elude his blood-soaked hunt? They have their smarts and resource but have never faced a pursuit like this.

Can they somehow put an end to his blood lust?

Buy Links:

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

March Giveaway - Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card

March Giveaway

March 1st - March 25th

I'm giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner.

I'm also giving away 3 kindle ebook copies of Talisman Of El (Arcadia, Book 1) to three lucky winners.

Open to entrants 13+ worldwide.

Winner must respond to email within 48 hours to claim their prize or another entrant will be selected.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Something Wicked by Emery Nicolson

Something Wicked

(Lockhart Legacy, #1)

Author: Emery Nicolson

Publication Date: March 1st, 2021

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romancec / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

Something wicked this way comes…

You’d think being the descendant of powerful witches would grant me the power to sort out my life, right? But you’d be wrong. I’m stuck in a rut, disdained by my family, and my romantic life is a disaster. Oh, and did I forget to mention that I have no magic?

When a cursed heirloom is stolen, I should stay out of it and leave the retrieval to those better equipped but everything seems to lead back to me…

With the help of an enigmatic bounty hunter, I may be able to clear my name and retrieve the artefact before death and chaos are unleashed upon my beloved city but doing so could cost me everything — including my life.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ CA ¦ AUS