BOOK REVIEW: Adventures with Scarlet and Twinkle by Janice Ford

Adventures with Scarlet and Twinkle: 5 Happy Short Stories for kids About Scarlet, the Little Girl with a Big Imagination

Author: Janice Ford

Genre: Chapter Book

Publication Date: 15th February 2022

Book Description:

Scarlet was three years old when her parents gave her Twinkle, a pink, dazzling elephant.

She knew they were going to be best friends the minute she held her in her arms.

As young as Scarlet is, she has such a beautiful, wide imagination, which she often let’s run free.

She is also the adventurous kind. There are lots of fun moments of her and her best friend, Twinkle.

They have so much fun going in the treehouse, going to the park together, and everywhere!

Scarlet takes Twinkle with her everywhere she goes.

The two make an incredible, adorable pair, and Scarlet believes she can get through anything with Twinkle by her side. But just like everyone else, Scarlet has some sad days. Enjoy this amazing story of Scarlet and Twinkle, and read about their different adventures!

Take a peak into the life of a three year old and her stuffed doll—learn a lesson or two!

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MY REVIEW

Another fun set of short stories from author Janice Ford that will teach children a handful of helpful life lessons about sharing, friendship, being responsible and making good choices. On this journey, we are introduced to Scarlet and her pink toy elephant, Twinkle, as they venture outside their home to visit the nearby park, climb their treehouse and enjoy many more adventures.

Scarlet is a clever and imaginative child with a curiosity for life. I liked that she sought out her parents for assistance whenever she got stuck on a task. While her parents allowed her to have a semblance of independence, she understood their role and knew when to ask them for help. Although Scarlet is a mature six year old, I was a little concerned by the fact that her parents let her go to the park alone, albeit it was close to their house, stating that she should return home before it got dark. As I said, she's a wise child, but she is still just six years old. It just didn't bode well with me. Apart from that, I liked how the stories unfolded. There were some valuable lessons to be learned.

VERDICT

Scarlet is a very caring and bubbly child, and I loved her little adventures with Twinkle. A very enjoyable read. The book reads as though it is for preschoolers, but given that it's a chapter book with a sufficient amount of text and not many pictures, I would say it would garner attention from kids aged between 5-7 years old.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Moon Madness by Sabrina Silvers

Moon Madness

(Dirigo Pack, #2)

Author: Sabrina Silvers

Publication Date: March 19th, 2022

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

A wolf on the edge, deadly shifter political games, and an unexpected attraction.

Sloane Wyman is haunted by her past and she’ll let nothing get in the way of her future. She’s vowed to defend her pack as long as there is breath in her lungs.

Benedict MacKinnon can’t trust the beast within. Not since it burst forth and nearly cost him everything. But, when his brother and mate are accused of murder, he’s willing to put everything on the line. Benedict must stand before the Supreme Council in their defense, even if it costs him his life and future.

Lying and scheming enemies eager to see him spiral out of control test his resolve at every turn. Sloane, as his back-up, is more of a hindrance than a help thanks to the unwanted primal attraction that leaves his inner wolf rumbling.

As they become targets in a game they don’t know the rules, and the clock ticks down on their deadline, can they outsmart their enemies? Will they allow themselves to unite via the mate bond? Or will their attempts to save those they love meet a bloody end?

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Hot Girl Summer by Sonia Palermo

Hot Girl Summer

Author: Sonia Palermo

Publication Date: March 14th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Sophia DeLuca is over casual hook-ups. Between her sister’s eating disorder, her track record of falling for fuckboys, and a lifetime of being written off as a shallow flake, “failure to launch” may as well be her middle name.

Under false pretences and a fake name, she meets Danny Pearce, an obnoxious musician on the opposite end of the millennial spectrum. Danny is cocky, rude, and a contender for fuckboy of the year.

After a series of serendipitous encounters and a secret gig, Sophia unexpectedly falls for Danny. But when he is faced with his own demons, Sophia must reclaim her power and forgive the past, or risk losing the only thing that’s real.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - A Warm Rainy Day in Tokyo by Kana Wu

A Warm Rainy Day in Tokyo

Author: Kana Wu

Publication Date: March 31st, 2022

Genre: NA Romance

Book Description:

Bella Bell lives a perfectly ordinary life with a perfectly ordinary office job in suburban California, where she longs to break free from her perfect sister’s shadow. So when Little Bear Café chooses her to train its new franchisee in Tokyo for the summer, she jumps at the chance.

But even a dream come true can get complicated. From the moment she steps on the plane, she annoys her pompous, handsome seatmate, insults her apartment manager, and gets caught up in her new neighbors’ drama. And everywhere she turns, she keeps running into the arrogant stranger from her flight—and she can’t seem to get him out of her head.

Ryo Yamada is at the top of his game: a high-powered job, no shortage of potential girlfriends. But his life is turned upside down when his family asks him to return to Tokyo for good because of his sister’s failing health. And now he finds himself avoiding his childhood friend whose feelings he doesn’t return. And bumping into the irritating, pretty redhead from his flight—who may not be so bad after all. The last thing he expects is to fall in love.

As the new café opening and the end of Bella’s time in Tokyo draw near, Bella and Ryo grow close—until they discover their circumstances may tear them apart. Can they find their way back to each other for good?

Buy Links:

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Blog Tour Spotlight - Sparks and Shadow (Rising Elements Book 1)

Everly, a homeless bicycle messenger who can see monsters, finds herself transported to a new world and must join a band of rebels to get home before war breaks out…

By Ceara Nobles

Sparks and Shadow, YA Fantasy, Riverside Press, 246 pp.

Seattle is full of monsters, and I’m the only one who can see them.

I’ve spent the last 17 years (AKA my whole life) pretending I can’t see the monsters who disguise themselves as humans. I may not have a place to live and my best friend may be moments away from getting in too deep with the city’s most dangerous drug lord, but I’m rolling with the status quo.

That is, until I save my arch enemy’s stupid life and find myself in a warehouse full of monsters.

Next thing I know, I’m in Monster Land (AKA not Seattle) and up to my ears in monsters, magic, and inevitable mayhem. If I want to get home, I have to join a band of revolutionaries and stay alive long enough to get back through the portal before war breaks out.

This’ll be a cinch.

Sparks and Shadow is a modern, action-packed YA portal fantasy featuring Fae mythology, magic, and slow-burn romance. This is the first book in the Rising Elements series.

Book Information

Release Date: March 4, 2022

Publisher: Riverside Press

Kindle eBook: ASIN: B09HRFLWSW; $3.99

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

First rule of surviving Monstrous Seattle—don’t let them know you can see them.

As far as I knew, I was the only one who could. Sure, some of the monsters interacted with humans, but they wore some sort of illusion. Sometimes, if I squinted and tilted my head to the side, I could almost see the disguise too. It flickered, shimmering in front of their true form like a mirage, and gave me a splitting migraine if I focused on it for too long.

I reached the door of the warehouse as Peter whipped around the corner. He swerved, narrowly avoiding my abandoned bike, and swore viciously when he saw me. Normally I would’ve given him the middle-finger salute with a cheeky grin, but my stomach was too busy trying to claw its way out of my throat.

Leave, I urged him silently. Get out of here before it’s too late.

The warehouse door swung open. The hinges screeched like they hadn’t been used in at least a hundred years. I turned away from Peter to face the monster standing in the doorway. It was at least eight feet tall, probably male, with blue skin and jagged tusks that extended from his canines and down past his chin. My eyes automatically rose to his face, well above mine.

I realized too late that his illusory face was much lower. The face of a handsome red-haired man shimmered in the middle of the monster’s massive chest.

I’d just broken rule number one.

 

Ceara Nobles is a Utah-based author of romantic suspense and fantasy novels. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2016 with a B.A. in Computer Animation, then realized she hated it. Now she spends her days juggling her side hustle as a line editor and her true love of authorship. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her chasing her toddler, road tripping with her hubby, or hiding in bed with a chai and a good book.

Her latest book is the YA Fantasy, SPARKS AND SHADOW.

Visit her website at www.cearanobles.com or connect with her at Facebook and Instagram.

Sponsored By:

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Remnant by Rachel Blake & Amilia Quinn

Remnant

(Doms of Master's Inc., #1)

Author: Amilia Quinn & Rachel Blake

Publication Date: March 1st, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

I should walk away from Montana Soltin content with the knowledge that I saved her from the Theophilus Killer. However, when I discover she’s found solace at the bottom of a bottle, I make her an offer she can’t refuse.

A distraction from her addiction.

As her sobriety buddy, I’m more than happy to use my dominance to entice her submissive nature, but I soon find myself looking at the possibility of a life I never thought I would have the privilege of knowing.

But when Master’s Inc finds information that suggests the Theophilus Killer wasn’t the head of the monster, I can’t help but wonder how safe she really is.

I saved her once so why do I feel such a strong need to do it again?

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March Group Promo - FREE & Discounted eBooks

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Against The Boards by Danica Flynn

Against The Boards

(Philadelphia Bulldogs, #3)

Author: Danica Flynn

Publication Date: March 1st, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Sports

Book Description:

ROXANNE

When I applied for a job with the Philadelphia Bulldogs, I never thought they would offer it to me on the spot. Luckily for me, my twin was letting me stay at his place while he played hockey overseas.

Then he dropped the bomb that Benny was his new roommate. You know, the only guy on the team I can’t stand. I don’t know how we’re gonna survive being roommates. Because honestly? Some days I wasn’t sure if I wanted to kiss him or punch him.

BENNY

When TJ told me his sister was moving to Philly and needed a place to stay, I knew I should have high-tailed it out of town for the offseason.

But I didn’t. Because I’m all sorts of foolish when it comes to that feisty woman. Every time our paths cross, I open my mouth and make her mad. Usually with good reason, too.

The two of us being roommates was bad news. We’re either going to kill each other or I’m gonna give her the best kiss of her life. I’m not sure which is worse.

The Philadelphia Bulldogs hockey team are back, in this all new-standalone novel. Books can be enjoyed in any order. If you love a steamy enemies to lovers romance, this one is for you.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Fire of the Forebears by L.A. Buck

Fire of the Forebears

(Heritor’s Helm, #1)

Author: L.A. Buck

Publication Date: February 22nd, 2022

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Book Description:

Pitted against one another, with the people and country they love in jeopardy, the daughter of a deserter and the son of the king have a chance to fulfill their forebears’ legacy—or destroy it entirely.

Twisted monsters called saja lurk in the shadows of the mountains. Rumors say the Fidelis, human wielders of an ancient elemental magic, again walk the plains. Not all in Avaron believe, and not all welcome the return of legend.

Kura’s a skeptic. But, she’ll cross and befriend centaurs, talking animals, and worse to save her family after the rebellion mistakes her for the land’s prophesied savior. And, while he’d rather negotiate with rebels than fight them, Triston can’t ignore prophecy. That was the sham his father used to steal the crown in the first place.

Over a century ago, their ancestors sailed the oceans in search of peace and died as heroes fighting for it. But heroes—and villains—aren’t always what they seem to be.

Inspired by Brandon Sanderson’s grounded characters and JRR Tolkien’s sense of wonder, Fire of the Forebears is a fantasy for fans who think a dual perspective adventure about the fate of one nation might still be pretty epic.

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BOOK REVIEW: Riders of Fire and Ice (The Talisman Series, Vol. 2) by Brett Salter

Riders of Fire and Ice

Series: The Talisman, Book 2

Author: Brett Salter

Genre: Middle-Grade/YA Fantasy / Adventure

Publication Date: 6th October 2017

Book Description:

They're back! Julian and Rome are taking their show on the road. This time to lovely, old England in search of Camelot. While there, everyone's favorite Knight and Master Dragon will be trying to solve the mystery of the Talismans, the mystery of their shadowy stalker, and the mystery of sibling rivalry. Prepare to meet some new faces and, of course, some new Darkbrands as the two further their adventures across the pond.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

The Dynamic ride or die duo are back for another magic-filled adventure with their intuitive mentor and sidekick Mr Jones as they continue to seek a resolution to destroy The Void and The Tyranny King for good and restore balance to the world. To do that, they need to learn everything they can about their enemy and, more importantly, how to achieve the full potential of The Great Synergy. This time, the boys are seeking out the mythical Camelot, and where better to begin their search than in good ol' England.

It's very rare that I enjoy a sequel as much as or even more than the first book in the series, but that's definitely the case here. When we meet back up with Rome and Julian, they've just left Georgia and are heading to England to find out about the movements of their enemies and hopefully find allies to join their cause in destroying The Void, the realm where the Darkbrand army are coming from to scout Earth for their master, The Tyrant King. In the previous book, the boys sealed one of the portals they were using. As part of a foreign exchange programme, the boys will be staying in Bridgewater, Somerset for the next three months, however, their trip has nothing to do with the exchange programme and Rome suspects someone might have caught onto their plan, but what he doesn't know is if their sneaky stalker is a friend or a foe.

WHAT I LIKED

The banter and bromance between Rome and Julian from the previous book has grown even more in this book. They're moving closer and closer to seeming as brothers rather than friends. There are dangerous matters afoot in this book, and the interaction between Rome and Julian does well in lightening the mood, especially with Julian and his antics. I loved the humour embedded in the story.

I liked the character development, especially with Rome. He's really growing into his role as a Darkbrand slayer, a Defender of the Earth. While Julian's development is slower, it's coming along nicely as we get to understand him a little better by exploring his family background, especially with the addition of a few new characters, one of who happens to be Julian's younger sister, Camela, who comes with her own sidekick and confidant, Krysta. Camela and Krysta are like the female versions of Rome and Julian. They were a great addition to the group as they helped to bring out traits of the boys we either handn't witnessed before or hadn't paid full attention to. The addition of Camela and Krysta highlighted just how difficult a task it will be for the boys to destroy the Darkbrand army, and I don't think the boys had fully grasped the full nature of the task at hand prior to engaging with the girls. There were some great team building moments I appreciated, and while there were back and forth arguments between Julian and Camela, who never seemed to see eye to eye, when push came to shove, they didn't second-guess themselves when it came to supporting each other. The fact that their sibling rivalry didn't interfere with their responsibilities showed just how mature these characters were, or, in Julian's case, how mature they could be.

I loved the action scenes. They were very descriptive, so it was easy to envision the scene as they unfolded. There was a lot of action packed into this book. It didn't seem as though the boys had a moment to rest, so there was definitely no stagnant moments. There was always something happening.

WHAT I DISLIKED

The feud between Julian and Camela felt repetitive at times and sometimes hindered Julian's development as a character. They definitely came across as siblings, but it just seemed as though their feud and them annoying each other was the only thing they had going between them. I would have liked to have seen them share some form of understanding of their similarities outside of their task of saving the world as they both come from a long line of knights who didn't believe in having dragons as allies as the knights of Camelot did, yet they both defied their father's authority. Clearly, they're more alike than they care to acknowledge. It would have been nice if the focus had shifted from their feud to a more familiar and familial conflict surrounding their upbringing and their father's ideologies.

While I did enjoy the fight scenes, they tended to last a little longer than necessary, particularly the fight between the gang and a rather curious member of the faculty that had accompanied them on their trip, which lasted a few chapters. It could have been shorter as the danger and strength of their opponent had been well established long before the battle came to an end.

VERDICT:

Magic, mystery and adventure all rolled up into a spellbinding middle-grade/young adult fantasy story about a young dragon and his knight on a mission to save the world from evil forces. A thoroughly thrilling journey for the whole family.

RATING:

Source: Author

Book Blitz - Cheaters: A Dark Romance Anthology

Cheaters: A Dark Romance Anthology

Publication Date: April 5th, 2022

Genre: Adult Dark Romance

Book Description:

The game: dishonesty.

The goal: to gain advantage.

Morals don’t exist with these people. They do what they want, no matter the consequences.

Rules are thrown out.

Honor is void.

Right and wrong are abandoned.

Find out what happens when truth and loyalty are discarded in a world where what you want, is exactly what you get.

Cheaters is a limited edition collection of addictive stories from your favorite USA Today and bestselling authors.

—

Authors include:

Abigail Davies • N. Isabelle Blanco • Cole Denton • S. Firefox • Stephanie Renee • Ally Vance • Cassandra Cripps • Anise Storm • Rae B. Lake • Chelsea McDonald • Kay Elle Parker • Danielle Jacks • Cassia Brightmore • Zoey Zane • Saffron Blu • Mary B. Moore • Stacy McWilliams • Ruby Papciak • Tinley Blake • A R Thomas • Jason Hes • Kirsty-Anne Still • Persephone Autumn • Lindsay Becs • Sienna Grant • Hart De Lune • Jade Royal

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Butterfly Sisters by Jenny Hale

Butterfly Sisters

Author: Jenny Hale

Publication Date: February 22nd, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Book Description:

“When emerging from its cocoon, a butterfly needs the struggle to push the fluid from its body into its wings. So essentially, without the struggle, it never flies.”

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Beach House comes a story about family bonds, second chances, and finding out who we really are. Butterfly Sisters is the perfect escape for fans of Susan Wiggs, RaeAnne Thayne, and Susan Mallery.

About to land her biggest deal yet, Leigh Henderson is on her game. She’s prepared for this, and nothing can get in her way. Except Rebecca Mayer, who’d sashayed in a few weeks ago with a former client list that would fill the entire hallway to Leigh’s office if she laid it out end to end. When her boss unexpectedly offers the deal to Rebecca and tells Leigh he’s letting her go, Leigh finds herself without a job.

But that’s the least of her worries.

Her mother has some news that will change everything. She’s asked Leigh and her sister Meredith to meet her at the family cabin on Old Hickory Lake. Not only has Leigh been unable to pin her sister down in years, but going back to the cabin would mean dealing with the loss of her beloved grandmother and also chance running into her old flame Colton Harris, the one love she’s never been able to completely let go of.

Will confronting her grief, speaking to her estranged sister, and being forced to face the love she’d left behind help Leigh to learn who she really is?

A heartwarming story that will have you laughing, crying, and rushing to those you hold dear. If you loved the Christmas movies based on Jenny’s books and are looking for more feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Cruel Knight by M.A. Lee

Cruel Knight

(A Savannah Mafia Romance, #4)

Author: M.A. Lee

Publication Date: February 21st, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Mafia

Book Description:

“I never believed in fairy tales…that was until I met a dark knight.”

Ryder grew up envious of the Antoni Mafia Family. Watching from the outside, he always dreamed that one day he could earn his ranks and approval in one of Savannah’s most notorious crime families. Finding himself in the Army as a sniper, he returns back to Savannah with plans to prove himself and finally become a made man in the Antoni Mafia Family.

Abbigal grew up as a Las Vegas princess. As the daughter of a wealthy casino owner, she has spent her entire life under the glamour and bright lights of big cities like Vegas and Savannah. After the death of her father, Abbigail inherits a casino in Savannah. Knowing the industry, she is prepared for this new role. However, the Savannah Mafia families want a piece of the casino and won’t go down without a fight. Abbigail is up for the fight of her life and now a cocky, suave, man has gained her attention.

Like a moth drawn to a flame, Ryder finds himself intrigued by the one woman who isn’t interested in him. Trying to navigate a way into the casino and the Antoni Mafia Family, Ryder never thought he would also being finding a way into Abbigails heart, too.

Find out what happens when Ryder, has to earn his way into the Antoni Mafia Family and the heart of a Las Vegas Princess.

Buy Links:

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