Book Blitz & Giveaway - Dark Blue Waves by Kimberly Sullivan

Dark Blue Waves

Author: Kimberly Sullivan

Publication Date: May 27th, 2022

Genre: Adult Historical Romance / Time-Travel / Women’s Fiction

Book Description:

When you wake up in Bath, England two hundred years in the past, how far can a love of Jane Austen get you?

Janet Roberts dreams of an academic career in literature, so she can hardly believe her good fortune when she’s accepted into a Jane Austen graduate seminar in Bath, England. Settled in Georgian splendor among her seminar colleagues, Janet and her classmates live, eat and breathe Jane Austen.

An accident interrupts this idyll when Janet regains consciousness in her own room—back in Regency England. For a scholar of nineteenth-century literature, this should be a dream come true.

But Janet quickly learns there’s a world of difference between scholarly knowledge of the written page and maneuvering real life as a reluctant time traveler.

Her burgeoning friendship with Emma Huntington eases her entrée into nineteenth-century society. However, Emma’s brother, the handsome, proud and frustratingly magnetic Sir Edward, is far less welcoming.

While desperately attempting to make sense of her dilemma, Janet treads a thin line between trying to blend into her new world and not being unmasked as the imposter she is. Can she discover the way to return to her twenty-first century life? After working so hard to create a rewarding nineteenth-century life for herself and opening her hart to friendship and love, does she even want to?

Only 99¢ for a limited time!

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Freedom or Death by Adria Carmichael

Freedom or Death

(Juche, #4)

Author: Adria Carmichael

Publication Date: May 31st, 2022

Genre: YA Dystopian

Book Description:

A highly addictive Young Adult Dystopian Survival Saga that will keep you glued to the pages.

Areum and Nari are arrested and face imminent doom, but are saved at the last minute by an unexpected and unspeakable betrayal.

Still, they are far from being out of the woods. As they are reassigned to food gathering duty in the mountains, they must continue their fight for survival under the constant threat of daily executions and the rampant starvation sweeping through the prison camp. And with time running out for Nari, Areum is more desperate than ever to find a way to escape, making her forge risky new alliances that until now would have been unthinkable.

As the situation in the camp deteriorates further, their survival comes down to their ability to work as a team. But dark secrets and lies continue to be revealed, sending the fragile coalition to the verge of collapse at an alarming speed.

Will they make it out in time?

Buy Links:

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Book Blitz& Giveaway - Myracles in the Void by Wes Dyson

Myracles in the Void

(Myraverse)

Author: Wes Dyson

Publication Date: April 12th, 2022

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

There once were two children,

a girl and a boy.

One could create,

the other, destroy.

Within every heart lies the power to bond or break.

On an isolated port of floating garbage called Hop, Gaiel Izz and his sister, Lynd, never imagined they’d be able to change anything…

Not their nasty neighbors, not their hungry bellies, and especially not their missing father.

That will change when they discover the power of myracles — magic that either creates or destroys.

As the brother and sister set across Esa to bring their family back together, this power will either unite them or shatter their entire world to pieces.

It will all come down to what truly lies within their hearts…

Create or destroy?

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Book Blast & Giveaway - The Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley

The Natural Genius of Ants

Author: Betty Culley

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (May 10, 2022)

Language: English

Hardcover: 240 pages

ISBN-10: ‎0593175778

ISBN-13: 978-0593175774

Book Description:

Praise for THE NATURAL GENIUS OF ANTS

"Endearingly executed, this gentle tale will see readers applauding as they reach the end." —Booklist, starred review

"Quietly and emotionally intelligent, this tale satisfies." —Kirkus Reviews

"This hopeful story that explores the reality of hardship and mistakes amid themes of forgiveness and resilience.” —Publishers Weekly

A summer ant farm grows into a learning experience for the entire family in this lyrical coming-of-age story from the award-winning author of Down to Earth.

Harvard is used to his father coming home from the hospital and telling him about all the babies he helped. But since the mistake at work, Dad has been quieter than usual. And now he is taking Harvard and his little brother, Roger, to Kettle Hole, Maine, for the summer. Harvard hopes this trip isn’t another mistake.

In the small town where he grew up, Dad seems more himself. Especially once the family decides to start an ant farm— just like Dad had as a kid! But when the mail-order ants are D.O.A., Harvard doesn’t want Dad to experience any more sadness.

Luckily, his new friend Nevaeh has the brilliant idea to use the ants crawling around in the kitchen instead. But these insects don’t come with directions. So the kids have a lot to learn—about the ants, each other, and how to forgive ourselves when things go wrong.

Buy Links:

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Photo Content from Betty Culley

About the Author

Betty Culley’s debut novel in verse Three Things I Know Are True, was a Kids’ Indie Next List Top Ten Pick, an ALA-YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nominee, and the 2021 Maine Literary Book Award Winner for Young People’s Literature. Her first middle-grade novel Down to Earth is inspired by her fascination with meteorites, voyagers from another place and time. She’s an RN who worked as an obstetrics nurse and as a pediatric home hospice nurse. She lives in central Maine, where the rivers run through the small towns.

Author Links:

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Siren's Song by Erin Ashley Tanner

Siren’s Song

Author: Erin Ashley Tanner

Publication Date: May 23rd, 2022

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Cursed with a voice that can kill, Aariyaa Milan is a mermaid princess denied her song. An outcast among even the magical Mer, the only thing she desires is to be accepted, but fate has other plans. When she unexpectedly saves a human from drowning, Aariyaa soon finds herself irresistibly drawn to the handsome Jason, oblivious to the fulfillment of a curse that she has unknowingly set in motion.

Shortly removed from a broken engagement, the last thing Jason Michaels expected was meeting a real-life mermaid. Between an ex that won’t quit, and a colleague determined to steal his job, Jason has his hands full. But when his chance encounter with Aariyaa leads towards forbidden love, things go from stressful to even more complicated.

Forced into a betrothal with a neighboring Prince, Aariyaa now has her grandmother’s prophecies of doom, to deal with as well. With time running out, Aariyaa is forced to leave her watery world in search of the one human that might be able to help her break the curse and her engagement…Jason. But between Jason’s amnesia and the unholy alliance of his colleague and ex determined to separate Aariyaa and Jason, breaking a curse might be the lesser of two evils.

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BOOK REVIEW: Windy City Ruins (The Talisman #3) by Brett Salter

Windy City Ruins

Series: The Talisman, Book 3

Author: Brett Salter

Genre: Middle-Grade / YA Fantasy / Adventure

Publication Date: 1st August 2018

Book Description:

It’s just a simple trip to New York. What could possibly happen to our loveable heroes THIS time? Faster-than-sound reptiles? Exploding Minotaurs? Generational secrets coming back to haunt them? Expect the unexpected in this third installment of The Talisman Series, “Windy City Ruins”. The war for Earth is creeping steadily closer, and Rome’s team is in a mad dash to figure out the Talismans before it’s too late. Can they amass enough talent to help them defend the realm? Or will The Tyrant King’s heinous minions sweep them off course and leave Earth ready for the taking? Windy City Ruins is the third installment of the Talisman Series.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

Just when you think life couldn't possibly get anymore dangerous for the young dragons and their riders, the Darkbrands up their game and hit the gang hard. Rome and Julian are back with another wild adventure, fighting to protect their world alongside their army, which is still in its infancy but slowly growing as they travel from one continent to the next seeking alliances in a bid to destroy The Tyrant King once and for all.

After their trip to Somerset, England, the boys and Mrs Case head to New York to seek information about the Darkbrands plans. They are to meet a contact named Beacon, someone they hope will be an ally. They soon discovery they contact is in fact three siblings, Stratus, Skye and Marin, who share a lot in common with Rome. Beacon take the gang to their safe haven in the "Windy City" in Chicago where they divulge all they have on the Darkbrands movements. Soon the boys start to wonder if they can truly trust their new allies as it appears Stratus might have ulterior motives for meeting with them. Could Beacon be working for the Darkbrands.

With the Darkbrands closing in on the gang and seeming to know everything about them, the gang start to wonder if there is a traitor in their midst. Do the Darkbrands  have a dragon on their side? Could the enemies they are fighting be closer to home than they think?

Having not performed The Great Synergy correctly and with the Darkbrand seeming to always be one step ahead of them, Julian and Rome find themselves in quite a vulnerable situation and have to tread very carefully when deciding who to trust.

WHAT I LIKED

The story just keeps getting better and better as the boys get closer to uncovering the truth and mystery behind the Darkbrands, and I love the adventure Salter takes us on across the world. There is never a dull moment. It's action-packed adventure all the way from start to finish. The supernatural, magic and adventure all rolled into one enchanting tale of friendship, loyalty and a strive for survival.

I liked that we got to learn a lot more about the 9 Talismans and how The Great Synergy first came to be. I also liked the new characters we were introduced to. The team keeps expanding and while we haven't experienced the full force of what the gang is up against, the fact that they are recruiting for allies reminds us of the danger ahead.

The characters are all distinct, so it's always easy to know who we're engaging with even without a mention of a name. You always know when Rome is speaking compared to when Julian is speaking. The same goes for Mr Jones and the others. The personalities are different, but they blend together well. I liked seeing how Julian's humour is rubbing off on Rome on their visit to Julian's home and his interaction with Julian's father. It was nice seeing a more playful and relaxed side to Rome as he's always very serious and worried about everyone.

Julian's character is still coming along and developing slowly, but I do see some change in him. There's more background information revealed in this book that makes you understand Julian a little better. His mannerism towards Mr Jones is still somewhat discourteous but not enough to make me dislike him. He is still one of my favourite characters in the book. I love his humour, so I hope that trait of his remains as his character continues to develop.

WHAT I DISLIKED

The secondary characters need to be fleshed out a little more to make them more memorable and more engaging. I love Mr Jones and I want to love Mrs Case, but I haven't quite connected with her just yet. The same goes with Krysta and Camela. They are likeable characters. I just haven't formed a bond with them as I have with Rome, Julian and Mr Jones, and I would love for that to happen. Right now, all I'm getting from Camela is snide remarks towards Julian and with Krysta just a few flirtatious exchanges between her and Rome. These girls are fierce fighters, as we witnessed in the previous book, but I felt as though they were neglected somewhat intros book. They have a lot more to offer, and I hope they get more chances to shine in the upcoming books. The same goes for Mr Jones and Mrs Case.

I'm not sure if it was just my copy, but the formatting of the book made it a little hard to maintain a smooth flow. The title keeps appearing in-between sentences and some words were separated in different lines. It just disrupted the flow at times.

VERDICT:

The story keeps getting better and better with each book. This is turning out to be quite an enjoyable series, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who loves a wild fantasy adventure.

RATING:

Source: Author

BOOK REVIEW: I Just Want to Flip by Jelp Shinholster

I Just Want to Flip

Author: Jelp Shinholster

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 18th September 2021

Book Description:

Can you do a backflip? Well, for 7 yr. old, JD the answer is no but he would surely like to someday but he has one big obstacle. He has to persuade his father who loves playing "traditional" sports like basketball, football and baseball to allow him to try out this niche sport called gymnastics.

Join in the adventures of JD as he grows his skills and embraces his passion for gymnastics. This is a perfectly illustrated book for children to learn the importance of dedication, hard work and patience. Also reminding parents that every child is uniquely gifted and should be given the opportunity to follow their dreams.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

I was on Amazon purchasing another book when this cover just popped up before my eyes, and I just loved the cover, so I had to download it. This story is very inspirational for everyone who wants to take a risk and follow their hearts instead of following the footsteps of others, but it's also inspirational for ethnic minority groups who, despite the great success of recent gymnasts such as Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles and Sunisa Lee, are often underrepresented in gymnastics.

I loved how the author portrayed JD's passion for gymnastics with simple flips and then how his passion grew when he realised there was more to gymnastics than flipping. Clearly, being unfamiliar with gymnastics, JD's parents were reluctant to join him up, but it's their support and the fact that they took the time to do their research that makes you root for them as parents and admire and appreciate their determination to make their child happy. Even though JD's father and brother are interested in basketball, he sticks to his guns and pursues gymnastics. He is a very brave kid and a positive representation for young children who are reluctant to express and accept their difference.

VERDICT

A charming tale of family, acceptance and going after what the heart desires. This book is sure to inspire all children who feel somewhat different in the choices they make and their interests and encourages them follow their dreams.

RATING

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Love’s Last Kiss by Sharon Wray

Love’s Last Kiss

(a Deadly Force Novel)

Author: Sharon Wray

Publication Date: May 17th, 2022

Genre: Adult Romance Suspense

Book Description:

Is love worth risking everything for?

Rose Guthrie, a reluctant erotic dancer, hasn’t trusted anyone since her parents’ death. Yet, to make money for her brother’s heart transplant, she agrees to deliver a sealed box to a mysterious buyer. Until the box—and the seller—disappear. Not surprised by the betrayal, her situation becomes more dangerous when she learns that a brutal arms dealer, known as the Prince, also wants the box and will kill everyone she loves for it. With one clue left, she breaks into Doom—Savannah’s violent, illegal fight club. Unfortunately, Doom’s referee—the sexy, ex-Army Ranger, Kade Dolan—stands in her way. Although she harbors a secret attraction to Kade, she can’t let him stop her. If she doesn’t deliver the box on time, she’ll lose everything. Including her own life.

Rose doesn’t trust disgraced Army Ranger, ex-con Kade Dolan, but that’s okay—he doesn’t trust himself either. Why? Because he lies to everyone about everything, including his time in Leavenworth and his job as an illegal fight club referee. Then there are his two side gigs. The first as an informant for the Prince, the leader of a secret, two-thousand-year-old private army. The second, loving from afar the beautiful, secretive Rose Guthrie. After the Prince discovers Rose is the courier of a lost 18th century artifact, he orders Kade to help her find the box before their greatest enemy does. If they succeed, Kade must return it to the Prince. If they fail, Kade must kill her.

Betrayal or death. When faced with an impossible choice, Kade can’t lie anymore, at least not when it comes to what he’s about to do the woman he loves. But when Rose uncovers Kade’s lies, they learn a terrible truth—the 18th century box holds a secret far deadlier than they imagined. A secret that could destroy them all.

Buy Links:

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Pre-Order Blitz & Giveaway - Arcadia: The Complete Collection - 10th Anniversary Edition by Al Stone

Arcadia: The Complete Collection – 10th Anniversary Edition

Author: Al Stone

Publication Date: 7th July 2022

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

AN UNTOLD PROPHECY, A BROKEN COVENANT AND A FALLEN ANGEL AS AN ALLY.

WILL CHARLIE SURVIVE?

Arcadia, 10th Anniversary Edition is a complete collection, featuring three full-length novels in a single volume for the first time. A young-adult fantasy series full of magic, mythology and adventure. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Lord of the Rings.

Talisman Of El

They have always been here … watching in silence. Now both worlds are about to collide.

Charlie Blake has always known he was different. He hears what others don’t. He sees what others can’t. In his quest for the truth, he discovers he is the physical embodiment of a powerful ruler and finds himself locked in an ancient battle between good and evil that threatens the life of every being on Earth.

Blackout

Hold your breath. It’s contagious.

Saving mankind becomes near impossible when Charlie’s visions start to invade his reality. He can no longer identify what’s real. When he starts exhibiting symptoms of a deadly disease, he faces a race against time to find a cure, but shocking revelations makes him question where his true allegiance lies.

Ground Zero

Mankind’s only hope is not human. Approach with caution.

26,000 years ago, a supernatural apocalypse almost wiped out civilisation. Now that time has come again and no one is destined to survive. Charlie Blake is determined to stop the apocalypse, but fate might not have the same agenda. Is Charlie destined to save the world or destroy it?

Pre-order for only 99¢!

Pre-Order Links:

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Pre-Order Campaign - Arcadia: The Complete Collection - 10th Anniversary Edition by Al Stone

ARCADIA: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION

PRE-ORDER CAMPAIGN

Pre-order a copy of Arcadia: The Complete Collection – 10th Anniversary Edition and submit your purchase receipt by 7th July 2022 for a chance to win a $50 Amazon eGift Card and more!

PRE-ORDER LINKS

AMAZON UK | AMAZON US | OTHER RETAILERS

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CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT

BOOK REVIEW: The Seeing by Lashay Davis

The Seeing

Author: Lashay Davis

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 22nd March 2022

Book Description:

Have Your Child Discover That True Friendship Knows No Bounds, Gender, Race, or Nationality! - A Picture Book to Inspire Your Little Ones to Love Their Friends Grow Into Respectful Adults

In which world do you want your child to grow up?

In a small village, every child gets special glasses at the Seeing.

But soon after the Seeing, the children stop playing with each other. Selina, Lauryn, and Ram are three friends that quickly find out why the children have turned on each other.

“It’s the Glasses!” cried Lauryn. “They make everyone see their differences as a problem instead of something beautiful!”

In this book, your child will discover:

• An enlightening story: Go on a journey with our three friends as they set out to let everyone know that being different isn’t something to pull us apart, but rather, something that should bring us together!
• They are special: Teach your child that there’s nothing wrong with being different from others and that their uniqueness should be celebrated, not hidden away.
• An introduction to mature topics: This book is a great opportunity to begin teaching them about racism, inclusion, and tolerance! Have them know that these topics aren’t taboo and are good to talk about.
• The real world: Open your child’s eyes to the real world and have them see it in all of its glory! Have them grow into respectable and friendly adults that do not tolerate discrimination.

Make reading time with your young ones special and educational. Teach them important life values while still having fun with them!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

I love the book title. I didn't know what to expect before picking this up from BookSirens. I just saw the title and the cover and decided to select it to read. I'm glad I did, because it's a eye-opening book that reminds you how narrow-minded and prejudice you can be even without truly realising it and realising the damage you're causing to yourself and others.

The Seeing follows three friends, Selina, Lauryn and Ram, who love one another unconditionally and enjoy one another's company. They are worried about the upcoming ceremony known as The Seeing as they have witnessed the best of friends no longer engaging with each other after completing the ceremony. The ceremony involves receiving a pair of glasses that will make you see the world in a different light. Soon you start to question everything about your friend, from their dress sense to their accent and names, things you once found unique and beautiful. The peaceful harmony that used to surround the town is overshadowed by these new glasses that promises to improve one's vision.

I love the way the book portrays the distinction between hatred and misunderstanding and how one can be mistaken for the other. This is portrayed well between Lauren and her mother, who was very reluctant to change back to the old ways where everyone was in harmony. The themes in this book are important and very relevant. When there's such a thing as individuality (even identical twins aren't a complete replica of each other), someone's difference cannot be used as a tool to discriminate against another person.

There were times when the text was a little hard to read. There was a page where I couldn't read the second half so I have no idea what it said. It appeared there was a white glow around the text, which conflicted with the background image.

VERDICT

This was a wonderful tale about friendship and learning to accept one another for our differences. It's definitely a book everyone should read.

RATING

Source: BookSirens

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Love List by Elana Johnson

The Love List

Author: Elana Johnson

Publication Date: May 17th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Beatrice Callahan loves lists. Sometimes she even makes a to-do list of things she’s already done, just to go check, check, check and feel accomplished. So it’s easy to understand why, when her divorce is finally final and her ex is all moved out, Bea takes a cool, close look at her life…and makes a list.

It’s not exactly a bucket list.

It’s a love list.

Bea loves the outdoors, so she puts visit 10 National Parks on the list.

She loves animals, and on goes get a puppy.

She loves the beach, and she adds take a dream vacation to the list, and decides to do that one first. After all she’s been through and all she’s lost, she needs time to relax, rest, and reset.

On the first day she arrives in Hilton Head Island, she meets Grant Turner, the man whose house she’s renting for her fabulous beach vacation. He’s just there to make sure she settles in properly and has enough towels.

But when Bea asks for recommendations around the island, Grant quickly becomes her tour guide and then a friend and then…more than friends.

Bea turns to her lists when things get confusing and her love list morphs once again… Can she add fall in love at age 45 to the list and check it off?

Buy Links:

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