BOOK REVIEW - Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children by Anna Smithers

Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children

Author: Anna Smithers

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 16th November 2021

Book Description:

Have you ever wondered why trees are important? Why do we need to protect them? 

Tree Full of Wonder is a vibrant, rhyming, educational and unique picture book showing the unbreakable bond between people and trees. Children will fall in love with nature and will become Protectors of the Trees.

Mindful stories for kids create a brighter and calmer future, one child at a time.

Through included, simple information, breathtaking illustrations and worksheets at the end, children will discover:

- Why trees are important and useful to us

- What can we do to protect them

- How to recognise common trees

Perfect for fans of:

• Peter Wohlleben books
• The Hidden Life of Trees
• Peter and the Tree children
• Sir David Attenborough
• Greta Thunberg

Great for parents who are looking for:

• children's books about trees
• books for children about nature
• tree picture books
• books that rhyme

Buy your copy now and discover the wonder of trees!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

A story about the importance of trees and how we should take care of them just as they take care of us. A jolly good read with an important message to help our environment. Sometimes you just need a cute book with vibrant vocabulary and colourful illustrations to remind you about the important things in life, like our trees and their significance to our health and growth. I loved the inclusion of Charles II (shows both historical relevance and the various uses of trees). It's a wonderful educational read that I would recommend for young minds.

VERDICT:

Rating: 5

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Irish Rebel by L.K. Shaw

Irish Rebel

(Brooklyn Kings, #7)

Author: L.K. Shaw

Publication Date: November 22nd, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Mafia Romance

Book Description:

Caitlín

After finally convincing my over-protective family to let me visit my uncle in Dublin, I know this may be my only chance to experience everything I’ve always wanted: Adventure. Excitement. Freedom.

Until I’m introduced to the man assigned to be my bodyguard. With his silver-flecked hair and wicked scar, Roarke radiates power and danger. Everything I’m drawn to. Except, he’s also the one standing in my way. I push all of his buttons, until one night I push too far.

Roarke

They call me a killer. And with each death I cause, my soul turns a little blacker. As an enforcer for the Irish mafia, I’ve always done what’s been asked of me. Including becoming the reluctant bodyguard for a woman who shines so bright, I’m afraid of tainting her with my darkness.

Caitlín tests my patience at every turn, determined to make my life hell. Even worse, she tempts me with her smart mouth and lush curves. In a moment of madness, I forget she’s off-limits and cross a line I can never come back from.

Now I’m torn between loyalty to the family I owe everything to—including my life—and the woman who just might be my salvation.

Buy Links:

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

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Fighting for King by Gillian Archer

Fighting for King

(Star Studded, #2)

Author: Gillian Archer

Publication Date: November 17th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

The Nanny Factor! Is there something more going on between Actor Kingston Grier and his new nanny? Stay tuned…

Kingston: Who knew it would be such a challenge finding a nanny who could focus on my daughter without getting sidetracked by trying to get into my bed? I can’t even make eye contact without them thinking I’m flirting. I’m not.

Until Briar arrives, and finally we have a nanny who’s there for Zoe. But why does this Mary Poppins have to be so damn hot?

Briar: My divorce left me with more than my share of trust issues. Not that I’m looking at my new boss that way. Kingston might be a Hollywood hunk, but the guy has the personality of a potato. His daughter couldn’t be more different. One look into her doe eyes, and I am in love.

Somehow Kingston and I go from barely speaking to talking all night long. And our attraction becomes impossible to deny. Just when everything’s finally going right, intimate pictures of us are leaked and the fallout is insane. When I signed up for this job, I knew I’d do anything to protect Zoe—I just never expected how much I’d want to fight for King.

Buy Links:

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

Cover Reveal - Bratva Angel by Sabine Barclay

Bratva Angel

(The Ivankov Brotherhood, #5)

Author: Sabine Barclay

Published by: Oliver Heber Books

Publication Date: December 13th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Mafia Romance

Book Description:

Our worlds couldn’t be further apart…

She’s light. I’m dark. She’s an angel. I’m a devil.

I’ll never walk away from my life with the bratva.

My only choice is to bring her in.

She’s mine and always will be.

Maybe she doesn’t know we’re soulmates yet, but I have since we met.

I’ll do anything to protect her. No one’s foolish enough to stop me.

And if they are…

I’ll take her to the limits of what she thinks she can handle, then I’ll please her any way she wants.

Bratva Angel is an interconnecting, standalone Dark Mafia Romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains extra-steamy scenes that will make your toes curl and your granny blush. This is book five in The Ivankov Brotherhood, a six-book series that’ll keep you warm at night.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US | UK

About the Author

Sabine Barclay, a nom de plume also writing Historical Romance as Celeste Barclay, lives near the Southern California coast with her husband and sons. Growing up in the Midwest, Sabine enjoyed spending as much time in and on the water as she could. Now she lives near the beach. She's an avid swimmer, a hopeful future surfer, and a former rower. Before becoming a full-time author, Sabine was a Social Studies and English teacher. She holds degrees in International Affairs (BA), Secondary Social Science (MAT), and Political Management (MPS). She channels that knowledge into creating engrossing contemporary romances that will make your toes curl and your granny blush.

Author Links:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook Page | Facebook Group | Instagram | Newsletter | Amazon

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Exposed by Anna J. Stewart

Exposed

(Circle of the Red Lily, #1)

Author: Anna J. Stewart

Publication Date: November 15th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

Hollywood Secrets. Deadly Reveals.

Working as a Hollywood photographer means Riley Temple has seen it all, but that theory is put to the test when she finds herself staring at the chilling image of a dead woman. When her questions about the film’s origin results in violence, she finds herself reluctantly turning to the only person who assures her he can help: Detective Quinn Burton. Her history with the LAPD is complicated, her trust in authority, tenuous. But to find those responsible and to protect those closest to her, she’s willing to do anything. Even trust a cop.

After more than a decade on the job, Quinn knows a dangerous situation when he sees it and Riley Temple is up to her ears in trouble. But not for the reason she thinks. The pictures she’s stumbled on calls into question a notorious murder conviction; a conviction partially secured by Quinn’s own police commissioner father. A conviction powerful people have a vested interest in keeping in place. Quinn prides himself on being loyal but seeing this case through means betraying someone: his job, his family, or the woman he’s falling in love with.

As their investigation begins and old secrets are revealed, Quinn and Riley find themselves targeted by members of a secret society that for decades has maintained influence and violent control over Los Angeles and Hollywood’s powerful elite. A society that, until now, has remained hidden in the shadows.

A society that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - No Rescue Required by Maggie Kelley

No Rescue Required

Author: Maggie Kelley

Published by: Entangled: Amara

Publication Date: November 14th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Sports agent Ryan Callahan’s trip is a complete disaster. Not only did he fail to sign a promising young ballplayer, but now he’s stranded in a Kentucky town no bigger than a bourbon ball. His plane’s been canceled, there’s not a cab to be found, and getting back to New York City is gonna take a miracle. Like a quirky, strawberry-blonde florist with a big van and a craving for late-night, deep-fried hotdogs…

With her best friend’s wedding and her business on the line, Sabrina Hayes needs to be in New York like yesterday. But with her flight canceled and her bank account almost as empty as her gas tank, an extra passenger might just be the long-overdue lucky charm Sabrina needs…especially now that she knows he’s definitely not a serial killer disguised as a scrumptious Thor look-alike.

Somewhere between a roadside stand that serves food as fast as it serves weddings, a motel room haunted by a lovesick ghost, and a car race known as the Snowball 500, Sabrina and Ryan are about to discover that anything that can go wrong will go hilariously wrong. But even they are not prepared for what’s in store on the road ahead…

Buy Links:

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

BOOK REVIEW: Desperate Tides, Desperate Measures by Brett Salter

Desperate Tides, Desperate Measures

Series: The Talisman, Book 5

Author: Brett Salter

Genre: YA Fantasy / Adventure

Publication Date: 25th February 2022

Book Description:

Looks like our heroes can finally put an end to the nightmare that was Scarabadon, The Juggernaut. And it seems everyone’s favorite Synergist Knight and Master Dragon have fixed their Talisman issue too. Having thwarted every attack The Tyrant King has thrown at them to this point, The Alliance believes that they can endure any challenge as long as they remain together. Now, having the upper hand seems like the perfect opportunity to seek out more allies and even more of the realm’s mystical Talismans. Could this be a “happily ever after” for our ensemble of motley heroes? Or is this peace just a fool’s hope and just as temporary as the changing tides?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

BOOK SUMMARY

The Alliance are back in their quest to save their world from The Tyrant King, and this time it's not only unfamiliar faces that pose a threat to their lives. The enemy may be closer than they anticipated. What will the gang do when faced with an enemy who happens to be one of their loved ones? With The Tyrant King getting closer to achieving his goal of collecting the Talismans, will The Alliance be able to convince the dens to join forces with them to restore peace to their realm once and for all? More importantly, can Rome become the leader The Alliance needs to lead them to victory or will he crash and burn under the pressure and burden of such a mighty responsibility.

Having now achieved The Great Synergy, our favourite duo are back to doing what they do best: protecting their realm from Darkbrands and Nocturns. The boys continue their mission of locating the Talismans and building a defensive alliance to help them destroy The Void.

WHAT I LIKED

Although this book is part of a series and cannot be read as a standalone (it will cause great confusion to skip the other books), before we get into actual meat of the story, Salter recounts events of the previous book at the get-go to remind readers where we left off, and I found this to be rather helpful as a lot happens over the course of the book, thus a reminder is very helpful in getting you back into the mind frame of the story.

Of course, I have my favourite among the old crew, such as Rome, Julian and Mr Jones, however, I must admit that Mander was an exciting addition to the gang. I loved the additional characters that were introduced: Yule, Starboard, Tidalus Harborfin and Cyprien, to name a few. The characters really came alive in this book, and for the first, I felt as though I could envision them, especially Mander, who isn't just adorable but also really helpful in getting the gang to progress with their tasks and missions

What I really liked was the distinction between the characters and how that came through in the dialogue and their mannerism. Salter has created a great ensemble of characters with their own unique personalities and voices. Though Mr Rider isn't up there with my favourite characters, his character was highlighted more in this book, which gave him more depth and made it easier to connect with him to the extent where you can understand the reasons for his actions and his behaviour towards Rome (or rather Roman) and the tense relationship he has with his children. Mr Rider faces quite a challenge in this book. But with everything he has been through, could it change his mindset on how he feels towards dragons? Will he finally see the need for a coalition between dragons and humans?

I enjoyed learning more about the fascinating world of dragons and how they communicate and operate. We delve into the history of Atlantis and explore deep reaches of the Caribbean Sea. We get a great blend of fantasy, adventure and mythology. Mander provided a lot of information surrounding the world of the Elementals, who watch over the earth and keep the balance. With all the information gather by The Alliance, readers get a better grasp of what The Tyrant King is really after and why he wants the Talisman. The Elementals play a key role in his mission.

We also get to learn more about the legend and rumours that have been circulating for centuries about a warrior who would come from Volcano to destroy The Tyrant King for good. Could that be our hero Rome? Well, Mr Jones sure has his theories, and he might just be right. He is The Alliance's mage and advisor, so he clearly knows a thing or two.

There's a lot of pressure on Rome to be the leader of The Alliance in this book. Throughout the other books, Mr Jones has been preparing Rome to take the lead and doing all he can to convince Rome that he is the one who can defeat The Tyrant King. Although aware of how much faith Mr Jones has in him to be a leader, Rome struggles greatly with this newfound responsibility, however, for the first time since the series started, we get to see Rome take the initiative of leading The Alliance. It's small steps, but it's a good indication that he's starting to believe in his own abilities as much as Mr Jones believes in him.

Of course it wouldn't be The Talisman series without some kick-ass fight scenes, and this book did not disappoint. There was never a dull moment from start to finish. The visual storytelling was great and much needed for a story like this that features such a magnificent and magical world of dragons. There were some scenes that really stood out and that you could really envision. Like the scene on the island where the gang are attacked by the water dragon. Julian and his comic relief was amazing as usual, and I just loved the way the gang were backing up as he kept babbling on an on completely unaware of what was happening behind him. In times of great distress, every alliance needs a Julian. Salter really does well to paint a picture of the scenes so readers feel as though they are there with the characters. It's a great way of connecting and engaging with the characters.

This is the first book in the series that I have read and felt it wasn't missing anything. It had enough action, adventure and fantasy elements to leave readers satisfied. The story is coming together well and we get a clearer picture of the mission and agendas of the characters to the point now where one can anticipate what lies ahead.

VERDICT:

Another magical adventure with a cast of characters you can't help but root for. A thoroughly enjoyable read indeed.

RATING:

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Never Gonna Happen by Linda Kage

Never Gonna Happen

Author: Linda Kage

Publication Date: November 8th, 2022

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Peyton’s mom and my mom were best friends.

You’d think that should cover the gist of it. But, no… Oh, no.

Not even close.

You see, Mom and Aunt Donna (as I’d always called Peyton’s mother) were not simply just best friends; I’m saying they were the-same-person-inhabiting-two-different-bodies kind of best friends.

And thus, Peyton Royce had been forced on me since the moment she was born.

We were treated like twins, yet always expected to fall in love one day and get married. The only problem with that was I didn’t love Peyton. And I’m fairly certain she didn’t even like me in return.

Don’t get me wrong. I adored our moms—swear to God—but they had to let this stupid notion go, because one thing had become abundantly clear to me over the years. I would never marry Peyton Royce. I think it was my one goal in life, actually.

So… Sorry, Mom and Aunt Donna, but you two just weren’t going to get your way on this.

Peyton and I? It was never gonna happen.

Buy Links:

Books2Read

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Seaspoken by Sarah Delena White

Seaspoken

Author: Sarah Delena White

Publication Date: July 19th, 2022

Genre: YA/NA Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:

An ocean consumed by rage. A challenge that demands blood. A love that defies everything.

Battle-hardened warrior Evya Atathari longs for a truce between her sea-dwelling tribe and the elven invaders. But her mother, the powerful and vengeful Seamother, will stop at nothing to see the elves destroyed.

Then the Seamother enacts a brutal rite of challenge for Evya’s hand to gain a powerful ally in the war. But even as the greatest warriors of the sea vie for her favor, her heart is captured by a man who should be her mortal enemy.

Keliveth Dalzana is a failed prophet of the elven king’s court—until a vision leads him to Evya and a chance at ending the war. Drawn to Keliveth’s idealism, Evya agrees to help him win the deadly contest for her hand and establish a peace treaty through their marriage. Together, they dare to dream of a better future.

But when their own peoples turn against them, Keliveth and Evya must find the courage to embrace their true destinies—and decide how great a price they can pay for their love.

Only 99c for a limited time!

Buy Links:

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

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Storms and Embers by C.D. Britt

Storms and Embers

(The Reign of Goddesses, #3)

Author: C.D. Britt

Publication Date: November 1st, 2022

Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

Archon of Zephyr.

Queen of the Goddesses.

A Broken Woman.

Hera has reigned over Olympus and humanity for millennia. Seen as cold, sarcastic, and callous, she uses this to her advantage, keeping everyone, including her sisters, at a distance. It’s a lonely life, but it worked, until the Titans decided that breaking her father out of Tartarus was a good idea. A move that put her and her sisters against the Titans in a battle for their thrones upon Olympus.

Dr. Viktor Alden understands being alone. As a man who has spent his immortal life as a nomad, living with an oath that has kept him from allowing anyone to really know him, he is fascinated by the enigmatic woman who quite literally runs the world. Too bad they have a battle they may not win, or even live through, for him to learn the intricacies that make up the Queen of the Goddesses.

Now, two people who have spent their entire lives distrusting the world must learn to trust each other if they want to survive the upcoming war.

Storms and Embers is the final book in the Reign of Goddesses series.

TW: violence, cursing, adult situations.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Happy Halloween from CBY Book Club!

Hey All,

Just wanted to wish you all a happy Halloween. Whether you're out and about partying or chilling at home, watching horror movies or reading creepy stories, enjoy the festivities and get creative with your decorations and costumes.

Have fun and be safe.

Oh, and in case you're looking for some new and creepy stories to set the mood, here are some books for you to check out. There's something for everyone...

   

  

  

Sending our condolences to all those who lost their lives in Seoul during Halloween festivities.

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Revenge Honeymoon by K.J. Gillenwater

Revenge Honeymoon

Author: K.J. Gillenwater

Publication Date: October 30th, 2022

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

What happens in the Caribbean, stays in the Caribbean…

Emily Small has a big heart, a loud mouth, and a terrible taste in men. She’s used to living in her perfect best friend Ruby’s shadow – but when Ruby is left devastated at the altar, Emily becomes desperate to save her friend from heartache… and salvage their non-refundable cruise!

Emily hatches an ingenious plan to soothe Ruby’s broken heart by island-hopping together as an act of revenge. There’s only one teensy problem: the cruise is for newlyweds only. Naturally, they have a solution. They’ll pretend to be a married couple!

But their ten days of fun are about to spiral into a crazy, messy adventure that risks leaving a few hearts broken along the way – because when Emily bumps into the ship’s hot photographer, Max Keeling, she begins to wish she could rethink their arrangement. If her deception gets discovered, would they boot her off the boat? But Emily can’t keep her hands to herself, and her cruise fling could bring everything crashing down.

How can she support her best friend at the worst moment in her life while pursuing an out-of-her-league guy in the Caribbean? And can she somehow find a way to have the best of both worlds?

As a hilarious, sexy, and heartwarming read that strikes the perfect balance between feel-good emotions and laugh-out-loud humor, Revenge Honeymoon is a fun and memorable romantic comedy that you won’t be able to put down. Grab your copy today!

Note: This book was originally released on Kindle Vella in serialized format. This version has been edited with an additional epilogue added.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Embracing Love by Sara Ohlin

Embracing Love

Author: Sara Ohlin

Publication Date: October 25th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

When a broken woman risks her heart for the neighborhood hottie, heat rises from the ashes…

Once broken and abused, Sasha Kincaid is slowly rebuilding her life in the quiet town of Corvallis near her brother, his new wife and their group of friends. She’s content to work quietly at the bakery she secretly owns while learning to rebuild her trust in people. But when she starts to have steamy feelings for Connor Duggan, Sasha doesn’t know how to handle her emotions.

Neighborhood hottie and town favorite, general contractor Connor Duggan has only had eyes for Sasha Kincaid ever since she stepped foot in Corvallis a year ago. When she gives him an opening, he jumps at the chance to make her his, no matter how long it takes her to feel comfortable.

Connor’s warmth and patience allow Sasha to fall into a friendship, then an amazing sexual relationship with him—but believing it will be temporary and that’s all she’s worth. As they grow closer, Connor realizes he must win over her heart, not just her body, meaning he must push past his own insecurities of being rejected to battle Sasha’s fears and ghosts.

But the biggest obstacle is Sasha herself. Can she learn to trust again, and believe that she deserves a beautiful life with Connor?

Reader advisory: This book contains references to an abusive relationship, physical cruelty and violence, as well as mentions of non-nurturing parenting.

Buy Links:

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

Cover Reveal - The Pathseekers Duology by KaSonndra Leigh

Hacienda Moon

(The Pathseekers Duology, #1)

Author: KaSonndra Leigh

Publication Date: January 19th, 2023

Genre: Adult Paranormal / Suspense

Book Description:

Tandie Harrison is  a police medium who has just suffered a divorce after losing both her psychic visions and her daughter in a car accident.

When she leaves New York City to start a new life near her hometown, she moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose, and falls for its charismatic caretaker, Eric Fontalvo. Their burgeoning affair ignites a centuries old curse ensnaring them in a web of danger, deceit, and intrigue. Soon Tandie learns that in placid Bolivia, the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected.

Hacienda Moon is a seductive tale of one woman’s journey to confront the demons of her past and find the courage to face her future. It is a mesmerizing novel that explores the deepest depths of human nature, and the characters will hold and haunt you long after you have read the final chapter.

The Emerald Isle

(The Pathseekers Duology, #2)

Author: KaSonndra Leigh

Publication Date: April 25th, 2023

Genre: Adult Paranormal  Suspense

Book Description:

Two years ago, Tandie Harrison learned she was a Pathseeker, a witch who can manipulate time. With the help of her soulmate, Eric Fontalvo, she was able to break a 300-year-old curse. Now she has established herself as a private paranormal investigator in the quiet little old southern town of Bolivia, North Carolina. With the past behind her, she’s prepared to embark on a new journey of love and success.

However, the past has a way of coming back to haunt you when you least expect it. Enter Saul Chelby: the handsome real estate tycoon who stepped aside to allow Tandie happiness with Eric. Now a new entity threatens everything Tandie, Saul, and Eric worked to conquer. Will Tandie and Eric's newly reignited love will pass this latest test?

Love, ghosts, witches, old houses, handsome heroes, and a secret that will threaten everything Tandie and Eric fought to achieve. The Emerald Isle, a Paranormal Time Travel Mystery.

Duology Page

About the Author

Meet your word sculptress...

Author of the International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.

KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she's not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.

People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra's response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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