Book Tours

The Unwilling Blog Tour & Giveaway

Welcome to THE UNWILLING by Kelly Braffet Official Blog Tour.

Brand: MIRA

Categories: Historical Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy
On Sale Date: February  11, 2020
Publication Month: February 2020
ISBN: 9781488055393
@MIRA Books

Praise for THE UNWILLING“Kelly Braffet is extraordinary… Familiar yet entirely unique, The Unwilling is the sort of story that seeps under your skin and pulses there, intimate and vibrant and alive. Fantasy at its most sublime.” —Erin Morgenstern, New York Times bestselling author of The Starless Sea and The Night Circus“A juggernaut of an epic fantasy novel with ingenious, thrilling twists and turns. Put this on the shelf beside Naomi Novik and George R. R. Martin. Kelly Braffet is a marvel and I’ll read anything she writes.” —Kelly Link, MacArthur Genius Recipient and and of Get in Trouble“Kelly Braffet’s The Unwilling is a viscerally powerful book. Full of complex and compelling characters, this is the story of the corruptions of power and the strength it takes to resist. This is an incredible, brilliant story.” —Kat Howard, author of Roses and Rot“Gorgeously told, The Unwilling is at once a sweeping epic and an intimate portrait of being trapped in an oppressive regime. Meet your new favorite fantasy writer.” —Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds“Suspenseful, magical, wonderfully written, and never predictable, Braffet’s first foray into speculative fiction is an essential addition to all epic-fantasy collections.” —Booklist, STARRED Review“Wow…The characters, the world, the magic and greed and politics and pain–all of it adds up to something wonderful. I love it.” —Ellen Datlow, award-winning editor and anthologistA penetrating tale of magic, faith and pride…The Unwilling is the story of Judah, a foundling born with a special gift and raised inside Highfall castle along with Gavin, the son and heir to Lord Elban’s vast empire. Judah and Gavin share an unnatural bond that is both the key to her survival…and possibly her undoing.As Gavin is groomed for his future role, Judah comes to realize that she has no real position within the kingdom, in fact, no hope at all of ever traveling beyond its castle walls. Elban—a lord as mighty as he is cruel—has his own plans for her, for all of them. She is a mere pawn to him, and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants.But outside the walls, in the starving, desperate city, a magus, a healer with his own secret power unlike anything Highfall has seen in years, is newly arrived from the provinces. He, too, has plans for the empire, and at the heart of those plans lies Judah… The girl who started life with no name and no history will soon uncover more to her story than she ever imagined.An epic tale of greed and ambition, cruelty and love, this deeply immersive novel is about bowing to traditions and burning them down.

You can purchase The Unwilling at the following Retailers:
        

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Author Kelly Braffet fascinating debut fantasy, THE UNWILLING, is a haunting, brutal breathtaking novel that pulled me completely into its engaging pages.

Incredible imagery and captivating characters with crisp dialogue, made this one of my all time favorites.

A sweeping, slightly horrors filled epic fantasy, A gripping read, with complex characters and stunning tension, along engaging political drama. This brilliantly executed novel, with its fleshed out complex characters and seamless writing is one you should not miss.

Every detail has been put into place for a reason. It adds to the haunting richly atmospheric elements. Kelly Braffet, brutal novel, will capture your attention with its character driven plot line. A dark thought provoking magical tale, that I found very alluring. A faced paced storyline with its dangerous courtly intrigues and drama will keep you on your toes with its unpredictable reviving twist.

This was a nonstop read for me, it flowed perfectly and never dragged. Riveting storyline that I inhaled in a day in half. Exceptional world building with stunning ending, wow…… I was totally blown away!

This book is on the top of my all time reads, I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading epic fantasy books with descriptive details and depth.

-Make sure you enter this giveaway-
Photo Content from Kelly Braffet

Kelly Braffet is the author of the novels The Unwilling, Save Yourself, Josie and Jack and Last Seen Leaving. Her writing has been published in The Fairy Tale Review, Post Road, and several anthologies. She attended Sarah Lawrence College and Columbia University and currently lives in upstate New York with her husband, the author Owen King.

      
WEEK ONE  REVIEWS/INTERVIEW
FEBRUARY 10th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
FEBRUARY 11th TUESDAY Nay’s Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
FEBRUARY 12th WEDNESDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW 
FEBRUARY 13th THURSDAY Here’s to Happy Endings REVIEW
FEBRUARY 13th THURSDAY MetalPhantasmReads REVIEW
FEBRUARY 14th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 14th FRIDAY On My Bookshelf REVIEW 
WEEK TWO — REVIEWS
FEBRUARY 17th MONDAY BookHounds REVIEW 
FEBRUARY 18th TUESDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW 
FEBRUARY 19th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn’s Books REVIEW
FEBRUARY 19th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW 
FEBRUARY 20th THURSDAY Book Briefs REVIEW 
FEBRUARY 20th THURSDAY Adventures Thru Wonderland REVIEW
FEBRUARY 21st FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

– 4 Winners will receive a Copy of THE UNWILLING by Kelly Braffet.

ENDS: MARCH 2, 2020

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Book Tours

Watch Hallow Blog Tour

Welcome to WATCH HOLLOW: THE ALCHEMIST’S SHADOW by Gregory Funaro Official Blog Tour.

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of,

WATCH HOLLOW: THE ALCHEMIST’S SHADOW by Gregory
which is being hosted by JBN

Series: Watch Hollow (Book 2)
Hardcover: 240 pages
Publisher:
HarperCollins (February 18, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062643487
ISBN-13: 978-0062643483



Praise for WATCH HOLLOW Series

“Filled with clever, magical, and instantly likable characters, Funaro’s excellent, fast-paced, and twisty mystery—packed with suspense, facts, magic, and an incredible, deeply thought-out world—will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.” ―Booklist (starred review)

“A well-wound tale of good versus evil.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The magically sentient house, creeping woods, and resident monster establish the story’s shivery Gothic feel, which will more than satisfy readers in search of a pleasantly scary read.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“There is magic, there is good and evil, and there is love all woven into a suspenseful and entertaining mystery. A well-crafted story that should be a hit with readers who enjoy a a good scare.” ―School Library Journal (starred review)

New York Times bestselling author Gregory Funaro brings us the second installment of the thrilling Watch Hollow series, where magic exists, monsters roam, and wooden animals come to life.

Having defeated the Garr, a vicious tree monster who lived within the enchanted woods of Watch Hollow, Lucy and Oliver Tinker now have the home they’ve always dreamed of: Blackford House. Powered by a magical clock and full of curious rooms and improbable knickknacks, Blackford House brims with the promise of new adventures.

 
Yet when a strange governess arrives from England—bringing with her the Kojima twins, Agatha and Algernon—the Tinker children’s once bright future quickly begins to dim. The Kojimas claim to be the rightful heirs to Blackford House, and soon after their arrival, a great evil enters the Tinkers’ new home, cursing it and turning it into an ever-changing labyrinth.

As a result, Lucy and Oliver, along with their clock animal friends, must now join forces with the twins to escape this labyrinth and save Blackford House, all while a new monster lurks around the corner.

You can purchase Watch Hollow: The Alchemist’s Shadow at the following Retailers:
        

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

My Review is for the enchanting first book in this amazing series.

Funaro masterfully weaves beautiful and gothic imagery, into a creepy adventure.

Watch Hollow, is a magical tale of mystery that will keeping you guessing, and turning the pages as fast as you can to read all the suspenseful mysteries and twists that are imbedded within its riveting words.

Lucy Tinker, and her family’s life is about to change when a storm and a expensive black sedan arrive. Along with an intriguing offertory Lucy’s father, Charles Tinker.he would be repairing a most unusual clock in the Blackford House in Watch Hollow, Rhode Island. This clock, when functioning correctly, generated all the electricity needed to keep the house fully functioning. Mr. Quigley had recently acquired the property, and he was willing to pay handsomely for the Tinkers’ services.

The golden coins he emptied onto the shop counter were just a fraction of the compensation offered for a successful completion of the task.

Charles Tinker naturally suspicious of something that did seem, after all, just too good to be true. The Tinkers financial situation combined with recent wife’s death of Mr Tinker he decides that while talking it over with Lucy and her brother Oliver that evening, that the opportunity is just to incredible to pass up.

Mr. Tinker, takes on the commission to repair a clock inside the old house.

The old dilapidated mansion is set deeply within the Rhode Island woods, But, we quickly find out that the house has it’s own secrets, and the dark sinister woods surrounding it is just as mysterious. The Tinker family are all invited to take up temporarily residence while Clock is under restoration.

This adventurous action packed, edge of your seat magical book, is perfectly paced and with engaging characters. Stunning world building with creative imagery and superb writing with keep engaged from start to finish. The splendid cliffhanger ending will have screaming for the next installment.

Matthew Griffin’s inspired illustrations are amazing and are perfect for this spectacular book, Watch Hollow

Photo Content from Gregory Funaro

Gregory Funaro grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island, and wrote his first story, The Ghost in the Window, in the fourth grade. He considers this to be his finest work, but unfortunately it has been lost to time. His first book for Disney-Hyperion, ALISTAIR GRIM’S ODDITORIUM (2015), was a New York Times best seller and an Amazon Best Book of the Month. His other works for children have received starred reviews from Kirkus, School Library Journal, and ALA Booklist. Check out WATCH HOLLOW, the first book in his series for HarperCollins, as well as its sequel, THE ALCHEMIST’S SHADOW, coming in 2020. Greg also teaches drama at East Carolina University, and is busy working on his next novel.

        

WEEK ONE
FEBRUARY 17th MONDAY
JeanBookNerd PODCAST
FEBRUARY 18th TUESDAY
Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 19th WEDNESDAY
Gwendalyn’s Books REVIEW
FEBRUARY 20th THURSDAY
Casia’s Corner EXCERPT
FEBRUARY 21st FRIDAY
J.R’s Book Reviews REVIEW

WEEK TWO
FEBRUARY 24th MONDAY
Nay’s Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
FEBRUARY 25th TUESDAY
The Writerly Way REVIEW
FEBRUARY 25th TUESDAY
Two Point of Interest REVIEW
FEBRUARY 26th WEDNESDAY
Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
FEBRUARY 27th THURSDAY
At Home With a Book REVIEW
FEBRUARY 28th FRIDAY
BookHounds YA GUEST POST 


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

– 1 Winner will receive a Watch Hollow Storytellers BOX.

– 1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

ENDS: MARCH 10, 2020

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Book Tours

When Stars Are Bright Blog Tour

WhenStarsareBright copy

I’m so excited to share this highly anticipated release with you all today!

When Stars Are Bright is a YA fairy tale retelling of “Thumbelina” by author, Amber R. Duell. Read on for an exclusive excerpt and a chance to win a paperback copy of the book!

WhenStarsAreBright_Cover

When Stars Are Bright

Publication Date: January 7th, 2020

Genre: Young Adult/ Fairy Tale Retelling

Publisher: Crescent Sea Publishing

For Lina Holt, a Dutch seventeen-year-old with a flair for singing, 1930 is going to be her year. Her long-time boyfriend is about to propose and her mother will finally realize their relationship isn’t a passing phase. But when a stranger snatches her from her backyard, everything changes.

Lina is thrust into the spotlight of a New York vaudeville show where she’s paired with Nik, a mysterious pianist. The two bond during rehearsals and it doesn’t take long before Nik puts himself at risk to confess a hidden truth. Without Lina, the show is in its last season and there’s no way she’ll be allowed to slip through the owner’s fingers. Not when she carries fairy magic in her blood—an gift that turns her song into a dangerously addictive drug.

If Lina ever wants to return home, she must learn who to trust before she’s forced to remain a prisoner on stage forever.

WHEN STARS ARE BRIGHT is a historical Thumbelina retelling with a touch of magic.

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon

Win a paperback copy of When Stars Are Bright! Click the link below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this book via the author, Amber Duell, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! In no way does this affect my rating or review.

WHEN STARS ARE BRIGHT is a magical historical realism, a captivating Thumbelina retelling with a perfect amount of thrilling drama to keep you immersed from start to finish.

1930, Holland. Lina Holt, is a Dutch seventeen year old, who has a passion for single. She works with her mother in the tulip fields. She has fallen for Christian Van Buren, the incredibly wealthy heir to a petroleum fortune. Christian reciprocates the same emotional feelings, but his family’s response is quite the opposite. In a turn of events, an abduction finds Lina, on a ship bound to America.

Upon arriving in the down trodden depression era of 1930’s New York, she takes the the spotlight lead of a vaudeville show where she’s paired with Nik, a mysterious pianist. Here she also learns that her singing talent is something special and with it comes with it an incredible realization. If Lena ever wants to see her homeland again, she must let her guard down a trust.

This spellbinding ya fantasy is full of drama, Magic, and heartache. Perfect for fans who want the perfect amount of escapism that comes from a delightfully thrilling storyline. I enjoyed the characters and the magical realism elements, and the plot twist.

Excerpt

There’s a certain thrill in doing something forbidden. Sneaking out past curfew, dancing freely to a jazz band, stealing kisses in a dark corner. Any one of those things will send my mother into hysterics. I’m not sure what she’ll do if she finds out I’m doing them all at once. When she finds out, because she always does.

But, if I want to see Christian, it’s my only choice.

The band electrifies the air with each note they play. At least fifty strangers twist and turn around us in the empty barn, and the lingering scent of hay tickles my nose. Christian doesn’t seem to notice the lack of marble floors or fancy wall sconces. His eyes haven’t left my face since we got here, except for the kissing.

His arms cocoon me near the wall, and I lean into his chest. He’s warm and sturdy against me, and I close my eyes. The soft thump of his heartbeat beneath my palm dulls the sharp edge of missing him, but it never stops cutting. It won’t as long as we’re forced to sneak around behind our parents’ backs.

“Are you tired, Lina?” Christian twists one of my curls around his finger. “We can go.”

“We’ve only been here an hour.” And there’s no telling how long until we can meet again. I stretch up on my toes, the hem of my yellow skirt tickling the back of my knees, and kiss the fine stubble on his cheek. “Come on. I love this song.”

Pulling Christian behind me, I find a free spot in the middle of the barn. Dozens of worn, dusty boots and Mary Jane’s slam down on the planked floor, sending bits of straw and dirt into the air. The music vibrates against my body, and we join the rhythm.

The band wears worn slacks and checkered shirts like the rest of the crowd. Christian’s the only one here without patched clothes or any idea of the work that will go into filling this barn with hay tomorrow. No one will have the energy for dancing after a day of haying. They’ll be lucky to drag themselves to bed before collapsing, my mother and I included, though it will be a different field we work in the morning.

Sweat trickles down Christian’s temple as we kick up dust of our own, and a wide grin breaks out on my face. I’m not the best swing dancer, far from it, but I don’t care. Giving myself over to the music makes me feel weightless. Free. No one pays attention except Christian, and he’s not much better. When the trombone sounds its last note, I laugh and collapse into his arms, breathless.

“Want to get something to drink?” I ask over the start of the next song.

He nods and leads me back through the crowd. His cotton shirt clings to his skin, showing off the muscles in his arms and back, and gray suspenders hang down from his waist. After more than a year together, it’s the most I’ve seen of him, and it would be a lie to say I’m not enjoying it. If we didn’t have to sneak around, I’d make him go dancing every weekend for the view alone.

“Wait here.” He slips under a slanted support beam at the back of the barn, and kisses me. When he steps away, he keeps hold of my hand until he’s too far to reach. “I’ll be right back.”

I scoot farther under the protection of the beam until it grazes my hair, and watch his head bob above everyone else. A lantern burns beside me, casting a warm glow, and the band plays their own version of Puttin’ on the Ritz. There’s no singer tonight, without a microphone it would be impossible to hear one anyway, but I know the words. I hum along with the smooth sound of the saxophone, my foot tapping in time with the bass and, before I realize it, I’m singing.

It’s a cheery tune, but I keep my voice quiet. My mother is the only one who’s heard me sing since I was little, and she insists I keep it that way. Being known as the infant abandoned in a tulip field, I’m used to whispers behind my back. Going steady with the heir to the Van Buren petroleum fortune only makes things worse. I don’t mind being thought of as an unlovable gold digger—not much anyway—but I’m tired of standing out. I especially have no interest in drawing a crowd tonight like I did when I was five. Twelve years later, I still get chills thinking about the people that closed in on me as I hummed in the marketplace.

A heavy man inches along the wall, hunching over to fit beside me. His eyelids droop over dark eyes, and his round face is close enough that I can count the pockmarks. His breath wheezes over the music. “You have a lovely voice. Where did you get it?”

I slam my mouth shut on the last line of the song. Naturally, the one time I sing in public someone’s listening. Though it’s only one person, this is somehow equally unnerving.

“Have you thought about a career?” The strange man leans closer. From his dialect, it’s obvious he’s from a different part of Holland.

“A career?” I shift away, and scan the crowd for Christian. When I don’t see him between here and the water barrel, I step away from the wall.

The man bobs his head up and down, his jowls shaking, swallowing the yellow-stained Marlboro collar. “In show business. With that delicate face of yours, the blond hair and blue eyes, it would be easy to make a name for yourself. I’ve never felt an addictive quality as strong as yours either. Of course it’s rare. Where did you get it?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Keep your secrets, little Symric. Fairy folk always do.” He inches closer still. “But what do you say? You want to make it big in America with me?”

My laugh is quick and high-pitched. Where are you, Christian? “No.”

“You should.”

“She should what?” Christian asks from the opposite direction. He steps up beside me without refreshments and wraps an arm around my shoulders. I lean closer.

About the Author

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Amber R. Duell is an award-winning young adult author, Navy wife, and mom of 2 awesome boys. She has been a #WriteMentor mentor since 2018 and is a co-host on the live broadcast show Young Adult Edition. Red Bull keeps her kicking.

Amber Duell| Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

WhenStarsareBright copy

Blog Tour Schedule

February 17th

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

Gwendalyn’s Books (Review) https://gwendalynbooks.wordpress.com/

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/

Tales of Natural Spoonie (Review) https://talesofanaturalspoonie.com/

February 18th

Tsarina Press (Spotlight) https://www.tsarinapress.com

C Vonzale Lewis (Review) https://cvonzalelewis.com/index.php/blog/

Life’s a Novelty (Review) https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/

Once More with Reading (Review) https://oncemorewithreadingx.wixsite.com/welcome

Tranquil Dreams (Review) https://klling.wordpress.com/

February 19th

I Love Books and Stuff (Spotlight) https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com

Cup of Toast Blog (Review) https://cupoftoast.co.uk

Bibliophile Ramblings (Review) http://lego–ergo–sum.blogspot.com/

February 20th

Book Dragons Not Worms (Review) https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/?m=1

Crossroad Reviews (Review) http://www.crossroadreviews.com

Dash Fan Book Reviews (Review) https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/

Port Jerricho (Review) http://www.aislynndmerricksson.com

The Faerie Review (Review) http://www.thefaeriereview.com

February 21st

Ghoulish Life & Reviews (Review) https://ghoulishspirit.wordpress.com/

Rambling Mads (Review) http://ramblingmads.com

Phantom of the Library (Review) https://phantomofthelibrary.com/

Vick’s Bookish Writing (Review) https://vicksblogcom.home.blog/

Blog Tour Organized By:

R&R Button

R&R Book Tours

Book Tours

Blog Tour Night Spinner

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of Tour Night Spinner
by, Addie Thorley, which is being hosted by FFBC !

Night Spinner (Night Spinner #1)

by Addie Thorley
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Release Date: February 11th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retellings

 photo addtogoodreadssmall_zpsa2a6cf28.png photo B6096376-6C81-4465-8935-CE890C777EB9-1855-000001A1E900B890_zps5affbed6.jpgImageImageImageImage
Synopsis:
A must-read for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, transforming The Hunchback of Notre Dame into a powerful tundra-inspired epic.
Before the massacre at Nariin, Enebish was one of the greatest warriors in the Sky King’s Imperial Army: a rare and dangerous Night Spinner, blessed with the ability to control the threads of darkness. Now, she is known as Enebish the Destroyer―a monster and murderer, banished to a monastery for losing control of her power and annihilating a merchant caravan.
Guilt stricken and scarred, Enebish tries to be grateful for her sanctuary, until her adoptive sister, Imperial Army commander Ghoa, returns from the war front with a tantalizing offer. If Enebish can capture the notorious criminal, Temujin, whose band of rebels has been seizing army supply wagons, not only will her crimes be pardoned, she will be reinstated as a warrior.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Night Spinner by Addie Thorley is a spectacular gender bent retelling filled with incredible magic, along with secret societies, and ultimately betrayal.

A spellbinding thrilling ride where I was gripping the edge of my seat as I waited to see how the events unfolded.

Now mentally and physically disfigured and she is spends her days in a monastery training royal birds, completely isolated, locked away. Finding comfort in her only companion, Orbai the bird, and the occasional visits from her childhood friend Serik.

Serik still stays loyal as a steadfast friend, who still sees the good in her, going against what others think of Enebish.

A highly awarded warrior for the king’s army, gifted with the rare power of night spinning; drawing down threads of the night sky, conjuring the cloak of darkness and the fiery stars and bending them to her will. Two years ago she became the most hated and notorious monster in the land. A broken girl, who they say committed a treasonous horrendous act, Strangely she can’t remember losing control on a mission and it resulted in a massacre of innocent lives. Gone is “Enebish The Warrior”. Now she is known only as “Enebish The Destroyer.”

The only reason she was spared death was due to the negotiations of her adoptive sister Ghoa. Ghoa has since achieved notoriety, and resin the ranks in the king’s army.

When she is presented with an opportunity to be reinstated into the Kalima Army. She has to infiltrate a group of rebel deserters.

a Ghoa will convince the king to release Enebish and reinstate her into the Kalima Army. Once she leaves the prison of the tower she is faced with a bigger decisions

A transparent protagonist, who is broken emotionally and physically scared, who rises up. There are multiple layers to the internal struggles that Enebish encounters Along with an engaging storyline that unfolds seamlessly. Richly textured world building where the magic system was perfect for any fantasy readers.

A spellbinding thrilling ride where I was gripping the edge of my seat as I waited to see how the events unfolded. I love everything about this Ya a fantasy book. It’s definitely a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys reading captivating fiction.

L.M. Durand – Promotional Post
@womanon – Review
Moonlight Rendezvous – Review + Favourite Quotes
@onemused – Review
Sometimes Leelynn Reads – Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes
Sincerely your books – Review + Favourite Quotes

Bookish Looks – Promotional Post
Belle’s Archive – Review + Favourite Quotes
The Reading Corner for All – Review + Playlist
Wishful Endings – Review
Jheel – Review + Favourite Quotes

BookCrushin – Promotional Post
Dazzled by Books – Review + Favourite Quotes
The art of living – Review + Favourite Quotes
Shelf-Rated – Review
My Bookish Escapades – Review + Favourite Quotes

Foals, Fiction & Filigree – Review + Favourite Quotes
Booked J – Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes
The Reading Chemist – Review
The Magical Pages – Review
Biblioxytocin – Review + Favourite Quotes

February 16th

NovelKnight – Promotional Post
A Court of Coffee and Books – Review + Favourite Quotes
Portrait of a Book – Review
Gwendalyn’s Books – Review
Book Rambler – Review + Favourite Quotes

A Book Addict’s Bookshelves – Promotional Post
Whispers & Wonder – Review
My Lovely Secret – Review + Favourite Quotes
The Clever Reader – Review
bewitchingwords.wordpress.com – Review + Favourite Quotes
ImageImageImageImage
Addie Thorley is the author of An Affair of Poisons, a YA historical fantasy, which was chosen as a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers selection and is a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee. Her forthcoming novel, Night Spinner, will be released on February 11, 2020.

She spent her childhood playing soccer, riding horses, and scribbling stories. After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in journalism, Addie decided “hard news” didn’t contain enough magic and kissing, so she flung herself into the land of fiction and never looked back. She now lives in Princeton, New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and wolf dog. When she’s not writing she can be found gallivanting in the woods or galloping around the barn where she works as a horse trainer and exercise rider.

Book Tours

The Winter Companion~Blog Tour

Hello Everyone, Today is my my stop on The Winter Companion by The delightful MiMi Matthews, host by HFVBT Blog Tours

#TheWinterCompanion #MimiMatthews #HFVBTBlogTours

The Winter Companion
by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: February 11, 2020
Perfectly Proper Press

Series: Parish Orphans of Devon, Book Four
Genre: Historical Romance

 

 

A winter reunion for the orphans brings romance for Neville Cross in Book 4 of Mimi Matthews’ USA Today bestselling Parish Orphans of Devon series.

She Needed to be Seen…

As a lady’s companion, Clara Hartwright never receives much attention from anyone. And that’s precisely how she likes it. With a stormy past, and an unconventional plan for her future, it’s far safer to remain invisible. But when her new employer is invited to a month-long holiday at a remote coastal abbey, Clara discovers that she may not be as invisible as she’d hoped. At least, not as far as one gentleman is concerned.

He Wanted to be Heard…

Neville Cross has always been more comfortable with animals than people. An accident in his youth has left him with a brain injury that affects his speech. Forming the words to speak to his childhood friends is difficult enough. Finding the right things to say to a lovely young lady’s companion seems downright impossible. But Miss Hartwright is no ordinary companion. In fact, there may not be anything ordinary about her at all.

During a bleak Devon winter, two sensitive souls forge an unexpected friendship. But when Clara needs him most, will Neville find the courage to face his fears? Or is saying goodbye to her the most heroic thing he can do?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for the Parish Orphans of Devon series

“For this impressive Victorian romance, Matthews crafts a tale that sparkles with chemistry and impresses with strong character development… an excellent series launch that will appeal to fans of Loretta Chase and Stephanie Laurens.” -Publishers Weekly (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“Matthews has a knack for creating slow-building chemistry and an intriguing plot with a social history twist.” -Library Journal (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“As always, Matthews’ attention to historical accuracy is impeccable.” -Kirkus Reviews (A Modest Independence)

“Mimi Matthews is an exceptional story-teller.” -Passages to the Past (The Matrimonial Advertisement)

“Matthews is a bright, shining star in historical romance…” -Austenprose (A Modest Independence)

💗★•.‿¸.•*´´*•.¸(*°•.¸¸.•°*)¸.•*´´*•.¸‿.•★💗

💗 The Winter Companion 💗

💗★•.¸.•**•.¸.•**•(¸.•*´`*•.¸)**•.¸.•**•.¸.•★💗

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Winter Companion is the fourth and final book in Mimi Matthews’ Parish Orphans of Devon series. This was a delightful book, like all the others in this series.

There is something special about all the books that this highly talented author has written. This one, just like the others is endearing as it is charming. The romance is swoon worthy and the author creates such an mesmerizing ambiance that actually brings forth a warm cozy feelings.

These feelings will make you light hearted long after you have finished reading the book. This is a exceptional rare talent only seen in very few authors I have read before.

The two main characters, Neville Cross and Clara Hartwright, come together splendidly. Both of them have wonderful qualities and make a really lovely couple. They are compatible with each other as they both have emotional human kindness toward animals and the less fortunate.

Neville is the quiet and strong hero and a captivating gentlemen. His injuries are depicted in such a way that makes him all the more sweeter and lovable. Clara, is definitely one of my favorites, her caring warm disposition is a treasure.

Mimi Matthews writing is incredible she delivers a stunning well paced and beautifully written love story here with interesting, compelling, and believable characters that I found quite compassionate to read about. I felt connected with characters and enjoyed how the plot line unfolded.

There’s is some dramatics from the past and personal events that adds a layer of depth within this lovely captivating book.

This heartwarming book was a splendidly written, with richly descriptive details. The engaging prose and captivating characters, made it one of my favorite Victorian romances ever.

This is a spoiler free review so I won’t say to much on account because I don’t wish to give away to much of the emotional and perfect romance away to those who have been patiently waiting for this book.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Matrimonial Advertisement) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats.

For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews’ website and blog. You can also connect with her on FacebookTwitterBookBubPinterestGoogle+, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, February 11
Review at Bookish Rantings
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Wednesday, February 12
Review at Rose is Reading
Review at Amy’s Booket List
Review & Interview at The Green Mockingbird

Thursday, February 13
Review at Heidi Reads
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at Lost in a Book Reviewer

Friday, February 14
Review at Bookish Bellee
Review at Historical Graffiti
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, February 15
Feature at YA, It’s Lit
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Interview at Donna’s Book Blog

Sunday, February 16
Review at Passages to the Past

Monday, February 17
Review at Robin Loves Reading

Tuesday, February 18
Review at The Lit Bitch

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a signed copy of The Winter Companion! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback giveaway is to the US only.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Winter Companion
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Book Tours

Matamoros Blog Tour & Review

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of Motamoros
by James Kahn, which is being hosted by HFBT!

Matamoros
by James Kahn

Publication Date: December 20, 2019
Pen Wild Press
Paperback & eBook; 442 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Western

 

 

In the U.S. Civil War, by 1862 the Union had blockaded all Confederate ports. Just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas, Matamoros was the only harbor where the South could ship its cotton to Europe, and smuggle in arms for the rebellion. So it was a haven for Yankee and Rebel spies and diplomats, gunrunners and cotton smugglers, runaway slaves, bandits, Texas Rangers, and rogues of every stripe.

But Matamoros was also full of French Foreign Legionnaires – because that same year, Napoleon III had invaded Mexico, to install Archduke Maximilian of Austria as Emperor.

Set against the backdrop of two wars, this is the story of Clay – an expatriate Southern gentleman running a gambling hall – and Allie, his ex-con artist partner, bringing her cotton train to market – in a star-crossed affair that may or may not survive their conflicted allegiances amidst the tides of battle.

Praise for Matamoros

“A historical novel offers an in-depth view of the machinations surrounding the Civil War battle for Texas. Kahn descriptive prose delivers powerful images…Strong leads star in a passionate war tale filled with political intrigue, violence, and scoundrels.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The author does a wonderful job of capturing the different elements of the setting, exploring the historical and social aspects. The prose is beautiful and highly descriptive, and readers will enjoy the social commentaries that punctuate the narrative. This is an awesome read, fast-paced and filled with action. The author paints exciting images of a town flourishing in times of war and makes readers feel as though they were part of it.” – Readers Favorite, 5 stars

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for Matamoros CD

“The music paints a powerful but poignant portrait of these disparate renegades, outlaws, and outcasts, each intent on their own survival. The sumptuous paintings included with the CD add a bonus element as well, and given the complete packaging a story, music and art it confirms the fact that concept and creativity far outweigh the amorphous nature of digital downloads. More than that, Matamoros is an album for the ages, both heartbreaking and affecting in equal measure.” – Lee Zimmerman, The Daily Ripple

“Few songwriters have the determination to tell full-length stories through their songs. Greats, like Bob Dylan and Neil Young, are a couple of notables in this limited group coming immediately to mind. Therefore, James Kahn has placed himself in a uniquely special group with this song collection. These songs are so good, in fact, they make you want to read Kahn novel to learn even more, which makes this album a storytelling gem.” – Dan MacIntosh, The Daily Ripple

“Kahn excels in the diverse composition of story-songs that capture not only the emotional and historical intricacies of their lyrical subject matter but also the natural sonic accompaniment for their travails. The lyrics are intelligence, the performances are skillful, and Kahn works within the limits of his voice to communicate with the heart and mind of the listener. Matamoros subverts the American addiction to instant gratification, and pop culture resistance to complexity and nuance, and while doing so, gives his listeners songs that they can sing.” – David Masciotra, The Daily Ripple

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Clayton Wilkes, is a proprietor of Brave River Gambling Emporium located just south of the border in Matamoro. Before the wars, Matamoro, Mexico, was a sleepy village of just 300 people, it lay across the Rio Grande River from Brownsville Texas.

This made Matamoro Mexico, a strategic port during the Civil War. Since union gunships could not by law blockade foreign ports, it became a advantageous door of opportunity for the confederacy. Allowing southern cotton to be exported to world, and other materials to be smuggled into the south.

1863, the population exploded to 40,000 people or so. Becoming a notorious place, where all kinds of class of characters inhabited the area from thieves and cons, both union and confederate spies. Shady and disreputable hooligans of the devious sort. Where shady business deals and economics exchange hands, and an assortment of renegades, cotton smugglers, depict the diverse multicultural and social classes of the town.

This exquisitely researched, complex novel, with its punchy narration and lively dialogue, will keep you captivated. Entertaining well fleshed out characters adds to the stunning epic plot line. The really intriguing sub-characters are just as wonderful as the main characters, adding a appealing diversity. There also is a notable romantic storyline, that is creatively woven in perfectly within the novel. As the novel unfolds you will be captivated by the dynamics of Clayton and Allie. Their conflict offers an insightful perspective of with the political and emotional turmoil that where the struggles of the day.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, it was one of those books for me that the characters jumped right off the pages. The authors execution was impeccable, he masterly sets characters conflicts that held my attention all the way through to the end. The book has great pace and depth, transporting you to the town of Matamoro, Mexico. Historical, riveting atmospheric details set the backdrop to the authors seamless writing prose. The authors strength as writer shows through as he meticulously describes scenes with such lush imagery that you are fully immersed in the world he has created.

About the Author

James Kahn is an ER doctor, novelist, TV writer-producer, and singer-songwriter. In addition to many original novels (including the sci-fi trilogy World Enough and Time, Time Dark Laughter, and Timefall) he authored the novelizations of Return of the Jedi, Poltergeist, The Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

His television credits span the genres, from St. Elsewhere, to William Shatner TekWar, to Xena: Warrior Princess. He was a Supervising Producer on Star Trek: Voyager, Co-Executive Producer on Melrose Place, Emmy-nominated for his work on All My Children, medical advisor on Spielberg’s ET: The Extraterrestrial; and produced the feature film The Bet, which won Best Feature at the LA Femme Film Festival, 2013.

He’s previously released four Americana music CDs, including Waterline, The 12th Elf, Man Walks Into A Bar, and The Meaning of Life. Matamoros is the first simultaneous novel and CD release, and his first foray into deeply researched historical fiction.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | YouTube

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 10
Review at History + Fiction + Adirondack Spirit

Tuesday, February 11
Review at YA, It’s Lit

Wednesday, February 12
Review at Historical Graffiti
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, February 14
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Sunday, February 16
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, February 18
Review at Books and Zebras

Thursday, February 20
Review & Guest Post at Tales from the Book Dragon

Friday, February 21
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Sunday, February 23
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Matamoros! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 23rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback giveaway is to the US only.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Matamoros
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Book Tours

DREAMLAND BLOG TOUR ~Author Interview

Happy Wednesday to you! I hope your week is overflowing with bookish delights.
I am delighted to welcome a wonderful author to the blog today,
the ever so lovely, Nancy Bilyeau

Dreamland
by Nancy Bilyeau

Publication Date: January 16, 2020
Endeavor Quill
eBook & Paperback; 386 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

The year is 1911 when twenty-year-old heiress Peggy Batternberg is invited to spend the summer in America’s Playground.

But the invitation to Coney Island is unwelcome. Despite hailing from one of America’s richest families, Peggy would much rather spend the summer at the Moonrise Bookstore where she works voluntarily, than keeping up appearances with Brooklyn socialites and her snobbish, controlling family.

But soon it transpires that the hedonism of Coney Island affords Peggy more of the freedom she has been longing for. For one, she finds herself in love with a troubled pier-side artist of humble means, whom the Batternberg patriarchs would surely disapprove of.

Disapprove they may, but hidden behind their pomposity lurks a web of deceit, betrayal and deadly secrets. And as bodies begin to mount up amidst the sweltering clamour of Coney Island, it seems the powerful Batternbergs can get away with anything…even murder.s

It is up to Peggy to overcome the oppression of her family and clear the name of her vulnerable lover, before she or her beloved sister become the next victims of Dreamland.

Extravagant, intoxicating and thumping with suspense, bestselling Nancy Bilyeau’s magnificent Dreamland is a story of corruption, class and dangerous obsession.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for Dreamland

‘Achingly believable’ – Publishers Weekly

“This fast-paced, engrossing novel from Bilyeau (“Joanna Stafford” mysteries) gives readers an up-close and personal view of New York’s Gilded Age, from the flash and glamour of the decadently wealthy to the hardscrabble conditions of newly arrived immigrants.” – Library Journal

‘Beautifully written and impeccably researched, Dreamland is a rollicking ride.’ – Fiona Davis, bestselling author of The Chelsea Girls

‘A marvelous book!’ – Ellen Marie Wiseman, bestselling author of What she Left Behind and The Life she was Given

‘Bilyeau’s thrilling novel plunges deep into Dreamland’s maze of pleasure and menace’ – Marlowe Benn, bestselling author of Relative Fortunes

‘Nancy Bilyeau’s passion for history infuses her books Alison Weir


1. What does the title mean?

 

It’s the literal name of an amusement park in Coney Island, opened in 1904. That’s where my main character finds herself in the early part of the book and meets one person who changes her life dramatically but she meets other important people there too. However, it has another meaning: some of the main characters are in a dream when it comes to functioning in the world.The dream can be a pleasant one, or a dangerous one.

 

2. Tell us a little about your story and the story world you’ve created.

 

It’s New York City, 1911, and rebellious young heiress Peggy Batternberg reluctantly accompanies her family for a holiday at the luxurious Oriental Hotel, on the Atlantic Ocean. But less than a mile away, Coney Island, “America’s Playground,” beckons with forbidden delight — and danger for Peggy and those she loves most.

 

3. Tell us a little about how this story first came to be. Did it start with an image, a voice, a concept, a dilemma or something else?

 

When I was researching Coney Island for a nonfiction story assignment I found a video clip on youtube that showed the hundreds of thousands of amusement-park electric lights twinkling at night, reflecting in the Atlantic Ocean. It was spine-tingling and magical and I thought I would like to set a novel there.  

 

4. Are any of your characters based on real people you know? 

 

The Batternberg family behavior was based in part on two wealthy families I have had the opportunity to observe. 😊 Several characters are closely based on real people but none I knew personally.

 

5. Which character was most challenging to create? Why?

 

Stefan was challenging. I’m comfortable writing artists as characters—my father was a watercolor landscape artist. His Serbian background meant I needed to do extra research to get him right. I read a few books and watched documentaries. Rebecca West’s book ‘Black Lamb and Grey Falcon’ helped a lot. Also I worked on a website with a Macedonian woman, that gave me some insight. I went to a Serbian restaurant on the Lower East Side of Manhattan and she texted me what to order.

 

6. What did you learn while writing the book?

 

I learned how to create a special world set in another time and to write a main character who reacts to that world in a way that pulls in the reader.

 

7. Were you a young writer, a late bloomer, or something in between?

I knew I wanted to be a writer at the age of 8. My third grade teacher announced that I described the trees and leaves well in an assignment following a field trip.   I wrote poems and stories in school, and when I went to college I wrote for the newspaper—it was The Michigan Daily at the University of Michigan. After graduation, I was a journalist and then an editor at newspapers and magazines. But I didn’t start writing screenplays and novels until I was in my early 40s and I had a family. So I’m both a young writer AND a late bloomer.

 

8. Do you have a dedicated writing space? I wish! I write at the kitchen table, on the couch, sitting up in bed, at the public library, or in a corner of Starbucks.

 

9. Any type of writing ritual you have? When I’m in the most important creation stage, coming up with characters and plot points, I like to get up before dawn and write quickly, letting my subconscious take a lead role.

 

10. Do you write in silence or with Music? In the latter part of writing a novel, I use music a lot. I actually follow certain film composers because their creations for films usually are meant to tell an emotional story. Depending on the mood I’m writing, I turn to Bernard Herrmann(Hitchcock’s favorite), Trevor Jones or Wojciech Kilar. If you haven’t listened to Kilar’s score for the film “The Ninth Gate,” I urge you to do so. But also with ‘The Blue’ I listened to a lot of Beethoven. For ‘Dreamland,’ it was Camille Saint-Saens.

 

11. What is your favorite genre to read, and why? Historical Fiction was my first love and while I enjoy mysteries and women’s fiction and a bit of horror, stories set in the past are the most rewarding to me, the most fascinating.

 

12. Are you working on something new at the moment? Can you share any details? I’m interested in writing another book set in this same time, the end of the Gilded Age.

 

#Review

Have you been to America’s Playground? Coney Island?

I’ve always wanted to visit.

Dreamland has Coney Island as a backdrop, and it’s 1911.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

Dreamland is a suspenseful historical fiction of obsession and desire.

This fascinating portrait of the end of the Gilded Age was a fabulous start to 2020. Set in New York 1911, the Battenberg family are one of the richest in America, with the Vanderbilts and Rockerfellas,

Peggy Battenberg is a young heiress who struggles against the bonds of societal restrictions placed on women of her class. Peggy, against her families wishes takes a job at the Moonrise Bookstore, and lives with her ex teacher. When her family intervenes, and she is told that she is required to take a summer vacation at the Oriental Hotel, a once-grand oceanfront resort on Coney Island. For the sake of her sister Lydia, who is engaged to the rich Henry Taul, Peggy succumbs to her family’s wishes.

Nancy Bilyeau’s writing catapults you into this vibrant outstanding thriller set in end of Gilded Age. Dreamland is a splendid, intoxicating book, with plenty of multi layered suspense.

Nancy Bilyeau delivers an extremely entertaining storyline, with captivating underlying tension. This gripping, perfectly paced and well-written read here that I absolutely loved how seamlessly and cleverly written this story was, and thought the author did a fabulous job with the delivery. I was totally invested all the way through to the satisfying end.

Dreamland and the rest of Coney Island is an intoxicating, hedonistic and full of life. Peggy gets to experience life from a completely different perspective than she has ever before. Mixing with artists, dancers, the inhabitants of Lilliput, along with food vendors. There is also a sinister side to this plot line, that adds an intriguing twist to the book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Scandal and intrigue along with family drama makes for an extraordinary thought-provoking novel. A fabulous mystery/thriller that I was immediately drawn into and devoured quickly.

About the Author

“Dreamland” is Nancy Bilyeau’s fifth novel of historical suspense. She is the author of the best-selling historical thriller The Blue and the Tudor mystery series The Crown, The Chalice,and The Tapestry, on sale in nine countries.

Nancy is a magazine editor who has lived in the United States and Canada. She studied History and English Literature at the University of Michigan. After moving to New York City, she worked on the staffs of InStyle,Good Housekeeping, and Rolling Stone. She is currently the deputy editor of the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at the Research Foundation of CUNY and a regular contributing writer to Town & Country” and “Mystery Scene Magazine.”

Nancy mind is always in past centuries but she currently lives with her husband and two children in Forest Hills in the borough of Queens. “Dreamland” is her first novel set in her adopted hometown of New York City.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 10
Review at Reading the Past

Tuesday, February 11
Review at A Bookish Affair
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, February 12
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Thursday, February 13
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Friday, February 14
Review at Nursebookie
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Saturday, February 15
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Sunday, February 16
Review at Historical Graffiti

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Dreamland! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 16th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback giveaway is open to US only.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Dreamland
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Book Tours

Foul Is Fair Book Tour

Foul Is Fair

(Foul Is Fair #1)

 Hannah Capin’s Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

Jade and her friends Jenny, Mads, and Summer rule their glittering LA circle. Untouchable, they have the kind of power other girls only dream of. Every party is theirs and the world is at their feet. Until the night of Jade’s sweet sixteen, when they crash a St. Andrew’s Prep party. The night the golden boys choose Jade as their next target.

They picked the wrong girl.

Sworn to vengeance, Jade transfers to St. Andrew’s Prep. She plots to destroy each boy, one by one. She’ll take their power, their lives, and their control of the prep school’s hierarchy. And she and her coven have the perfect way in: a boy named Mack, whose ambition could turn deadly.

A reminder to all, You should not be silenced. But vengeance is has its ultimate consequences.

An unapologetic modernized, MacBeth retelling a dark tale of revenge and tragedy set at a California prep school. Foul and Fair takes its ruthless inspirational revenge from iShakespeare’s Macbeth, positioning Elle’s friends as the three witches, Elle assumes the role as that of Lady Macbeth, and Mack as Macbeth. Rather than convincing him to kill out of ambition, though, Elle convinces him he is killing out of righteousness.  Elle’s murderous rage slashes through the entire book.

Ruthless with a heavy dose of lyrical writing. Foul is Fair offers an unapologetic modernized MacBeth retelling. A ruthless, absolute carnage of an avenging story that centers on a dark bond between friends, and how far they’re willing to go for one another. A reminder to all, we will not should not be silenced.

A dark and bloody retelling of Macbeth at a relentless pace all the way to its violent crashing ending

When they crash a party at St. Andrew’s Preparatory School to celebrate Elle’s sweet sixteen, the golden boys on the lacrosse team separate Elle from her pack, like so many wolves on the hunt. Duncan, king/captain, singles Elle out for slaughter; his younger brother, Malcolm, slips Rohypnol into her drink; and Porter guards the door while teammates Duncan, Duffy, Connor, and Banks take turns raping her. Duffy’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Piper witnesses the assault, but does nothing to stop it.

This is only the beginning, this book is not for the faint of heart. Please understand this novels examination of ones self-destructive power through vengeance.

What they will find, after they leave their moral compass at the door, is a steadfast sisterhood. This devastating and emotionally charged intense book is ultimately finding the strength and rising above being a victim. It also sheds a the light on being a vigilante has its moral and mental consequences to us all.

A dark and bloody retelling of Macbeth at a relentless pace all the way to its violent crashing ending

Trigger warning for violence against women, including rape and domestic abuse, as well as murder and suicide

.

Book Tours

Book Tour & Giveaway All The Stars And Teeth

Hello Bookish People

Today is my stop on the, All the Stars and Teeth a thrilling stunning debut and cannot wait to read more by this incredible Adalyn Grace in the the future.

Many thanks to Patricia and FFBC Tours for my spot on this Blog Tour.

All the Stars and Teeth (All the Stars and Teeth #1)

by Adalyn Grace
Publisher: Imprint
Release Date: February 4th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Pirates
 photo addtogoodreadssmall_zpsa2a6cf28.png photo B6096376-6C81-4465-8935-CE890C777EB9-1855-000001A1E900B890_zps5affbed6.jpg

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG3PAYy9e3M

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.
She will reign.
As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer—the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.
When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.
But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder—and more peril—than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stow-away she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.

#allthestarsandteeth #imprintreads #adalyngrace #yafantasy #mermaids #highstakes #ireadya #bookcommunity #bookstalife #beautifulbookcovers #bookbloggersofig #bookreview #pirates #qotd #readersgonnaread #readinglife #bookstagramcommunity #bookgram #booklovers

Excerpt: https://allthestarsandteeth.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ATSAT-Excerpt.pdf
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG3PAYy9e3M

GIVEAWAY
Prize: Win a finished copy of ALL THE STARS AND TEETH by Adalyn Grace (US/CAN Only)
Starts: February 4th 2020
Ends: February 18th 2020
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86457/?

Thank you to FFBC and Imprint Reads for providing me with an ARC of this book. Some parts may have been changed as I did not read the final book. Please know that all of the expressed thoughts are my honest opinions.

This first installment in a high-stakes adventure, duology, that was a spectacular read. Readers of YA fantasy looking to enjoy a unique magic system will enjoy reading about Visida’s diverse magic.

All The Stars And Teeth, is phenomenal young adult epic fantasy, with a fierce princess who teams up with a pirate, and a intriguing cast of crew members, in order to save her kingdom from a dangerous new threat of destructive new magic. A tale of the bonds of friendship and the strength to never give up.

Adalyn Grace’s writing completely blew me away, It hooked me right from the first pages into this epic fantasy with vivid imagery, and well developed cast of characters.

A tale full of pirates, soul magic wielding princesses, and furious mermaid, seven distinctive unique magic systems, and an expansive fantasy world.

This was a wonderful fast paced story with everything I could hope for and more!

A bones and teeth, edge of your seat thrill ride fantasy. I loved every minute of this tale, while gripping the edges of my seat the entire time. I was completely immersed in this engaging, tension filled book.

Exceptional world building, the author has really created something special with this tale. The writing pulls you in from page one and keeps you fully captivated and intrigued until the very end…and oh what an incredible ending, leaving you wanting more.

Amora Montara, princess of Visidia, has been training in magic her whole life to take over her father’s throne. Amora Montara, and her family possess soul magic. Besides being able to see someone’s soul..she can use hair and or blood from a person to bond them to a bone. ..this definitely is where the magical elements in this book are more darkish then most ya fantasies.

All she has to do is one demonstration of her ability to use this magic and she will ascend to the throne. But after her demonstration goes horribly awry, she seeks other ways to ascend to the throne.

Joining forces with, Bastian, the rakish mysterious pirate, who saves Amora, along with Ferrick, Amora’s fiancé, a mermaid siren who helps navigate through the cursed waters after they rescue her.

As they journey through the kingdom of Visidia, Amora and her friends go through they encounter monsters, magic, and danger around every Corner. There are seven islands in the kingdom, and each island is practicing one kind of magic. While every

person in Visidia is only able to to learn one kind of magic, or else a curse would befall the kingdom. We only visited four of these islands in this book, I’m excited to see where the next book in this dualogy will bring us.

One of my favorite characters is the Mermaid.

The only mermaids I love are the ones that lure men to the death bed, with in with their songs. Vataea, is by far my favorite character a stellar vicious mermaid who quickly displays that there’s more to her than her looks to her. She is badass, treacherous and does whatever it takes to survive. I absolutely loved her and she is queer also.

Exceptional representation of close bonded camarades adds depth and memorable dynamics. Facing dangerous circumstances and high seas adventures, with incredible dark magical elements makes this a stunning read .

Overall, if you love an emotionally charged dark fantasy wrought with incredible world building, magick, unlike no other ya fantasy.

Some of my favorite Quotes:

It’s not too late for us; we are not the mistakes of our family. We have the opportunity to change Visidia for the better.

“we’ve shared an experience only a few people will understand, and it’s marked our souls. the sea is a beast more fearsome than even the lusca.” 

“fear is part of life; all that matters is what we do with it.” 

Adalyn Grace graduated Summa Cum Laude when she was 19-years-old. She spent four years working in live theater, and acted as the managing editor of a nonprofit newspaper. During and after college, she studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular animated show, The Legend of Korra (sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender). She was a participant in Pitch Wars 2016, and is a former literary agent intern for an established agency.
Adalyn splits time between San Diego and Arizona with her bossy cat and two dorky dogs, and spends her days writing full time while trying to find the city’s best burrito.
She has several projects in the works, and hopes to continually push the boundaries and explore the limits of upper young adult fiction.
You can follow her on Twitter, at @AdalynGrace_

February 4th

February 5th

NovelKnight – Guest Post
Star-Crossed Book Blog – Review + Favourite Quotes
The Magical Pages – Review
Ideally Inspired Reviews – Review + Favourite Quotes
Magical Reads – Review

February 6th

BookCrushin – Interview

Ya It’s Lit – Review + Dream Cast
Lily’s Latest Reads – Review
Starlight Reads – Review + Favourite Quotes
Bookish Geek – Bookish Geek

February 7th

A Court of Coffee and Books – Review + Favourite Quotes
Booked J – Review + Playlist
Fanna Wants The World To Read – Review
Discover Elysian – Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes
The art of living – Review

February 8th

Sometimes Leelynn Reads – Review + Playlist + Dream Cast
Morgan Vega – Review + Favourite Quotes
Allisa White’s Book Blog – Review
Shalini’s Books & Reviews – Review
String of Pages – Review
For The Love of Fictional Worlds – Review

February 9th

The Shelf Life Chronicles – Interview
Confessions of a YA Reader – Review + Favourite Quotes
Cafeyre – Review
TheGeekishBrunette – Review + Favourite Quotes
Life Within The Pages – Review

February 10th

Utopia State of Mind – Guest post
Book Briefs – Review
Hooked on Bookz – Review
Dazzled by Books – Review + Favourite Quotes
Paws and Paperbacks – Review

February 11th

Foals, Fiction & Filigree – Review + Favourite Quotes
Amy’s Booket List – Review

Book Tours

Fair Weather Enemies ~ Book Review and Giveaway

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Fair Weather Enemies
by Sawyer North, which is being hosted by HFBT!

Fair Weather Enemies
by Sawyer North

Publication Date: February 10, 2020
Entangled Publishing/Scandalous
Paperback & eBook; 270 Pages

Genre: Historical Romance

 

 

The Hancocks and Ashfords have had a long-standing feud between their families long before Miss Jane Hancock couldn’t stand the sight of gentleman farmer Adam Ashford. But after both families fall on hard times and an unscrupulous creditor forces Jane and Adam to sign a devil’s bargain, they’ll finally understand the true meaning of keeping your enemies close at hand.

The terms of this bargain? Locate a lost treasure shrouded in deception and mystery.

The catch? Only one can claim it to win…the loser is left to ruin.

As Jane and Adam embark on a trek throughout England they plan to hate their adversary, no matter how attractive, generous, and kind they are.

Sometimes, plans change…

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

A family feud between neighboring estates, the Hancocks and Ashfords has lasted more than 70 years and brings Adam Ashford and Jane Hancock has just about brought the to families to the brink of ruin. Now their only way out of an a disastrous contract with a vile solicitor is to do the unthinkable, and bond together to find a long sought after gold bounty. Together they must follow clues in two separate letters, that leads them on an intriguing adventure that will ultimately change their lives forever.

Sawyer North captures your attention right from the beginning, in his newest book, Fair Weather Enemies. 

I fell completely in love with his writing style, and his captivating story from the very first opening pages. His delightful three dimensional fleshed out characters that Captured my heart.

The storyline is engaging with the perfect amount of delightful romance. Superb comic timing and witty banter adds some of the best content to any historical romance I have read in a long time. I found myself laughing out loud several times.

Quick paced and intriguing plot line kept me interested and glued to the pages all the way through to the heartwarming satisfying end.

I definitely will recommend this incredible romantic story to anyone who enjoys the perfect historical romance.

About the Author

After self-publishing science fiction novels over a period of years, I made the truly odd move into historical romance. Although romance is a strong thread in nearly all my works, I came to straight-up, nothing-but-romance only after turning fifty. Since then, I am plagued by the question, “What took me so long?” My awakening began rather innocuously when I casually watched the 2015 version of Poldark. Before I knew, I was falling headlong into the abyss of historical romance and read fifteen such novels over a three-month span. However, no number could sufficiently scratch my itch for more, so I did what any writer would do and began constructing stories of my own. In April of 2019, I received my first contract with Entangled Publishing.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 10
Review at Historical Romance Lover

Tuesday, February 11
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Wednesday, February 12
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Saturday, February 15
Review at Historical Graffiti

Sunday, February 16
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Tuesday, February 18
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, February 19
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Saturday, February 22
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch

Monday, February 24
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, February 25
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 25th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback giveaway is open to US only.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Fair Weather Enemies
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Book Tours

Wolf : A Novel ~Blog Tour

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, WOLF, by Herbert J. Stern and Alan A.which is being hosted by HFBT!

#Wolf #HerbertStern #AlanWinter #HFVBTBlogTours

 @skyhorsepub @hfvbt  

Wolf: A Novel
by Herbert J. Stern & Alan A. Winter

Publication Date: February 11, 2020
Skyhorse
Hardcover & eBook; 552 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

In the Great Tradition of Herman Wouk, Author of Winds of War and War and Remembrance, Wolf is a Thoroughly Researched and Illustrated Historical Novel about a Man who is Not Yet a Monster . . . but Will Soon Become the Ultimate One: Adolf Hitler.

Perhaps no man on Earth is more controversial, more hated, or more studied than Adolf Hitler. His exploits and every move are well-documented, from the time he first became chancellor and then-dictator of Germany to starting World War II to the systematic killing of millions of Jews. But how did he achieve power, and what was the makeup of the mind of a man who would deliberately inflict unimaginable horrors on millions of people?

Meet Friedrich Richard, an amnesiac soldier who, in 1918, encounters Hitler in the mental ward at Pasewalk Hospital. Hitler, then a corporal, diagnosed as a psychopath and helpless, suffering from hysterical blindness, introduces himself as Wolf to Friedrich and becomes dependent upon Friedrich for assistance, forming an unbreakable bond between the two men.

Follow Friedich—our protagonist—who interacts with real people, places, and events, through the fifteen-year friendship that witnesses Hitler turn from a quiet painter into a megalomaniacal dictator. Using brand-new historical research to construct a realistic portrait of the evolving Hitler, Wolf will satisfy, by turns, history buffs and fiction fans alike. And as this complex story is masterfully presented, it answers the question of how a nondescript man became the worlds greatest monster.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

Adolf Hitler anointed himself with the name, Wolf, then plotted and connived with remorseless determination to become Der Fuhrer, Dictator, Savior of the Fatherland. As in ancient Greek drama, we know the ending to the story.

The riddle is how we get there….A Hitler we did not know existed emerges page by page, A Hitler we did not know existed emerges page by page, all his bits and pieces, certain of his role as Savior of Germany, evil, driven, shrewd, an unrepentant, serial seducer of teenage girls, surrounded by toadies as ruthless as himself but not nearly so smart his rise and words an unnerving parallel as we witness the continued erosion of democracy today in our own sweet land. Put this book on the shelf with Ludlum, Michener, and Clavell. Wolf deserves to be in their company. Stephen Foreman, author of Toehold, Watching Gideon, and Journey, and screenwriter of The Jazz Singer, Hostage, and America the Beautiful

Based on extensive research, the extraordinary novel Wolf, by Herbert J. Stern and Alan A. Winter, lifts the curtain so that the reader can observe through the eyes of a fictional character how a seemingly unremarkable corporal who was denied a promotion for lack of leadership ability became dictator of Germany. The result is a gripping page-turner, a masterful historical novel.”

The Jewish Voice

Wolf offers a front row seat to the Nazi Party early years, expertly using the fictional protagonist Friedrich Richard to take the reader on a fifteen-year journey from the end of the First World War to Adolf Hitlers seizure of absolute power in Germany. The reader experiences the gradual death of democracy in Weimar Germany like a slow-motion train wreck, equally fascinated and horrified. We all know how Hitlers Thousand Year Reich ended, but Wolf shows us how the nightmare began. A compelling, thoroughly researched, and important work. Wolf is an impressive achievement. Exhaustively researched and richly detailed, it draws on new historical research to paint a fascinating portrait of Adolph Hitler that is more human and recognizable than most depictions and thus even more chilling and sobering. Alex DeMille, co-author of The Deserter with bestselling author Nelson DeMille

Wolf will incite intense discussion in historical circles and book clubs alike. It is a poignant, persuasive, and ultimately terrifying story of how one man came to bend the path of history through oppression and genocide by taking one step at a time. Amy Wilhelm, senior writer, Book Club Babble

Thank you to Andrea Stein with Jane Wesman Public Relations and Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours for this wonderful opportunity to read a truly amazing novel and review Wolf.

I received an ARC and Historical Notes from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Herbert Stern and Alan Winter’s Extraordinary Novel Transports Readers to the years in Germany, 1918 to 1934. A reflective personal view of Hitler’s ambitious Rise to Power.

WOLF, by Herbert J. Stern and Alan A. Winter, is a thought provoking novel based on extensive research, a masterpiece of historical fiction that is brings to life the years those critical events between the first WW1 and WW2.

In 1918, a young man wakes up in a German hospital who has a genuine case of amnesia. He has undergone extensive major plastic surgery for shrapnel wounds that he received to his face, head, and body. In time he regains his strength, but his memory continues to elude him. Without documents or any information the hospital refers to him as Patient X. After his transfer to Pasewalk Mental Hospital a doctor assigns him the name of a dead soldier, Friedrich Richard. Shortly after his arrival he meets a fellow patient who Is suffering from conversion disorder or hysterical blindness. This patient becomes dependent on main the protagonist for intimate help with day to day task. He is Adolf Hitler, but his close friends call him, Wolf. Through their ordeal in psychiatric hospital they form a strong bond of friendship, that will carry them through until the reality of what Wolf’s true intentions are when they come to light.

Through Richard’s sixteen year narration we see first hand Germany’s Political turmoil and economic struggles. As critical moments of the crashing death of Germany’s democracy unfolds through these remarkable emotional pages.

Hitler’s extreme anti-Semitic comments were more rhetorical than substance.

I myself never thought he would carry through with his threats.

Friedrich Richard…

An exquisitely written, absorbing read, that I completely inhaled. The novels pace and depth, with its fleshed out historical and fictional characters is both compelling as it is frightening. An astonishing book that captures the true nature of Adolf Hitler, from his charismatic presence and leadership ability. His strength as an Orator that fueled the distain of the common German people as they were struggling under the weight of The Treaty of Versailles. Economic inflation and debts and reparation payments drained the German government This allowed the perfect opportunity for an ambitious leader to rise up and ignite a country with traditional appeal to nationalism, and loyalty to its Fatherland.

This is brilliantly written book, with its atmospheric descriptive details and absorbing narration, will stay with long after you close the book.

A breathtaking novel that gives the reader the opportunity to be front and center in a dark and emotional time during this period of our world’s history.

If you are interested in more of the authors’ meticulous research you can access Historical Notes at http://www.notesonwolf.com/

My thoughts:

Hitler used an extremely detail and impressive, organized plan for economic revitalization of Germany’s economy. Through his method, Hitler was able to keep his promises of strengthening economic growth and begin his ultimate climb to power. Hitler used the Jewish people as a scapegoat for all of Germany’s problems. Germany’s disproportional numbers of wealthy Jewish business owners was a window opportunity for Hitler to convince much of the German people that the Jews were to blame for the poor economic state. As Nazis party slowly infiltrated every aspect of government they were able to convince the masses that the Jews were rich and powerful. The propaganda spewed that they were no better than vermin, and this allowed for necessary to take severe measures to be taken.

Hitler based Aryan purity on America’s One Drop Rule.

German anti-Semites used American anti-miscegenation laws as a model. … In the late 1920s, Adolf Hitler declared in “Mein Kampf” that America was the “one state” making progress toward the creation of a healthy race-based order.

One of the most striking Nazi views was that Jim Crow was a suitable racist program already in use in the United States,

because American blacks were already oppressed and poor,” he says. “But then in Germany, by contrast, where the Jews (as the Nazis imagined it) were rich and powerful, it was necessary to take more severe measures.”

Because of this, Nazis were more interested in how the U.S. had designated Native Americans, Filipinos and other groups as non-citizens even though they lived in the U.S. or its territories. These models influenced the citizenship portion of the Nuremberg Laws, which stripped Jewish Germans of their citizenship and classified them as “nationals.”

 

About the Authors

Herbert J. Stern, formerly US attorney for the District of New Jersey, who prosecuted the mayors of Newark, Jersey City and Atlantic City, and served as judge of the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, is a trial lawyer. He also served as judge of the United States Court for Berlin. There he presided over a hijacking trial in the occupied American Sector of West Berlin. His book about the case, Judgment in Berlin, won the 1974 Freedom Foundation Award and became a film starring Martin Sheen and Sean Penn. He also wrote Diary of a DA: The True Story of the Prosecutor Who Took on the Mob, Fought Corruption, and Won, as well as the multi-volume legal work Trying Cases to Win.

Alan A. Winter is the author of four novels, including Island Bluffs, Snowflakes in the Sahara, Someone Else Son, and Savior Day, which Kirkus selected as a Best Book of 2013. Winter graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in history and has professional degrees from both New York University and Columbia, where he was an associate professor for many years. He edited an award-winning journal and has published more than twenty professional articles. Alan studied creative writing at Columbia Graduate School of General Studies. His screenplay, Polly, received honorable mention in the Austin Film Festival, and became the basis for Island Bluffs.


Website
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Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 3
Review at Books and Zebras

Tuesday, February 4
Review at YA, It’s Lit

Wednesday, February 5
Excerpt at Donna’s Book Blog

Friday, February 7
Review at Tales from the Book Dragon

Saturday, February 8
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, February 10
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Review & Excerpt at Clarissa Reads It All

Tuesday, February 11
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, February 12
Feature at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Thursday, February 13
Review at Impressions In Ink

Friday, February 14
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Wolf! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 14th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback giveaway is to the US only.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Wolf
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Book Tours

Blog Tour and Giveaway : Heir of Lies

HierofLies (1)

Welcome to the blog tour for Heir of Lies, by Mallory McCartney! She’s gearing up to re-release her extremely popular Black Dawn series, starting with this beauty! Read on for an excerpt, tour details, and a chance to win print copies of this book and book #2, Queen to Ashes!

HeirofLies_Huge (1)

Heir of Lies (Black Dawn #1)

Re-Release Date: April 20th, 2020

Genre: YA Fantasy/ New Adult Fantasy

“Hope was a dangerous thing. It could consume every dream and make them take flight, becoming wild daydreams in one’s heart and mind. Or hope could incinerate everything you thought you knew, burning you down to your core, leaving you raw and exposed for the world.”

Emory Fae has only known one thing—life at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. Following in her parents’ footsteps, the pressure to uphold their dream falls on her and one of her best friends—Adair Stratton. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. With whispers of dark magic spreading across Kiero, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.

An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher, sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath, for the first time in years, they demand the Faes listen to their proposition for a new treaty. Caught in the middle of politics, Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing that matters the most—the truth.

Their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made, and war ravages Kiero. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic, and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision. Will he fight or bow to the darkness within?
But, Adair’s decision will change the course of Kiero forever, setting in motion irreversible destinies for everyone at The Academy as Emory Fae rises as heir.

Heir of Lies is the first book in the bestselling Black Dawn series.

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

“Hope was a dangerous thing. It could consume every dream and make them take flight, becoming wild daydreams in one’s heart and mind. Or hope could incinerate everything you thought you knew, burning you down to your core, leaving you raw and exposed for the world. As Brokk walked down the hallway, looking for Memphis, his world was ripped apart in a split second. The hallways were quiet, which should have been his first sign that something was off. Class had just ended for the afternoon, and like every other day, Brokk’s blood was boiling after seeing Iasan. His teacher had become predatory toward him, trying to push him to his edge but always in ways only noticed to Brokk, putting on the persona for the other teachers. Iasan was only trying to ensure a bright future, they said. By grooming him into a lethal weapon that would kill on command. Swearing under his breath, Brokk was hoping for the blissful distraction that the hallways of the Academy always provided. His fellow classmates had a flair for the dramatics; it was guaranteed he would be swept away in their display, along with his thoughts. Instead, his footsteps echoed as he continued on, dread pooling in his stomach and making it churn. Turning the corner, he was about to stop and go back when he saw him. Crumpled in the middle of the hallway, his blond hair splayed out around him and his skin drained of any color, he looked dead. Alby’s appearance flickered as he turned invisible in a panic. “What happened?!” Brokk’s voice cracked, as he sprinted, dropping to his best friend’s side in an instant. Alby’s eyes were wide, as he grappled with his words, his mouth opening and closing. Brokk urged, “Alby, what happened?” The doors at the end of the hallway were thrown open, and Brokk stood, slowly taking in the group rushing toward them. Roque stormed down the hall, Nei and Bresslin at his heels, Tadeas and his entourage flanking them. Roque looked at them, narrowing his eyes to slits. “Foster! What are you doing here? I told the teachers to issue a temporary room curfew effective immediately.” Roque’s words were just white noise, as Brokk saw Adair filing slowly in at the end of the hallway, looking like he had just been through a war. “Foster, I suggest you answer the question,” Roque spoke quietly and slowly, and Brokk flicked his gaze up to the man for a second, truly taking him in. And what Brokk saw, for the first time in years, scared him. Rage contorted their leader’s features into one unrecognizable. One that consumed the man and left a person that had nothing left to lose. He took a step back. “I was just looking for Memphis.” Alby cut in, “He did it. Adair used his ability against Memphis.” Brokk barely took in the next couple of seconds. Roque stiffened, turning slowly to look at Adair limping behind them all, his hooded eyes swept down to the floor, not realizing that everyone had focused in on him. He hurt Memphis.”

Available for Pre-Order!

Barnes & Noble | Amazon | Amazon CA | Indigo

The Black Dawn series is re- releasing and “Heir of Lies” (book one) is coming April 21 2020! This edition will have an exclusive map and bonus content!

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Years ago there was a girl with an unusual ability. Her name was Emory Fae.”

This captivating Fantasy all begins with a prologue set fifteen years before, that gives the reader a good background and sets the reader up for this engaging fast paced richly texturized fantasy.

Fast forward to fifteen years and this swift movingly storyline unfolds with stunning atmospheric details that I transported to Mallory McCartney imaginable immersive fantasy world.

This is a stellar fast paced story with an incredibly world building universe. I felt completely immersed and transported within this vibrant storyline. Seamless writing with multiple POV’s points of view, that was incredible easy to follow and flowed perfectly. The dialogue was spot on and you feel invested in the well developed, fleshed out three dimensional characters. An enjoyable complex plot line with riveting action keeps you entertained all the way through. The ending has you screaming for more.

I am patiently waiting for the next installment in this engaging tale.

Perfect for those who love captivating fantasy fiction with captivating with an enriching storyline and engaging cast of characters.

Blog Tour Schedule

February 10th

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

Angela’s Guilty Pleasures (Spotlight) http://angelsguiltypleasures.com

Gwedalyn’s Books (Review) https://gwendalynbooks.wordpress.com/

February 11th

The Magic of Wor(l)ds (Spotlight) http://themagicofworlds.wordpress.com

Life’s a Novelty (Review) https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/

The Faerie Review (Review)  http://www.thefaeriereview.com

February 12th

I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

My Bookish Bliss (Review) http://www.mybookishbliss.com
Sophril Reads (Review)  http://sophrilreads.wordpress.com

February 13th

I Love Books and Stuff (Spotlight) https://ilovebooksandstuffblog.wordpress.com

Phantom of the Library (Review) https://phantomofthelibrary.com/

Vick’s Bookish Writing (Review) https://vicksblogcom.home.blog/

February 14th

Rambling Mads (Spotlight) http://ramblingmads.com

Dash Fan Book Reviews (Review) https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/

Breakeven Books (Spotlight) https://breakevenbooks.com

 

About the Author

updated headshot

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway: Win print copies of Heir of Lies and Queen to Ashes! Click the link below to enter!

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Blog Tour Organized By:

R&R Button

R&R Book Tours

Book Tours

The Queen’s Assassin Blog Tour

I’m excited to be a part of THE QUEEN’S ASSASSIN blog tour with The Fantastic Flying Book Club, from February 4th – 10th, 2020

The Queen’s Assassin (Queen’s Secret #1)

by Melissa de la Cruz
Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Release Date: February 4th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
 photo addtogoodreadssmall_zpsa2a6cf28.png photo B6096376-6C81-4465-8935-CE890C777EB9-1855-000001A1E900B890_zps5affbed6.jpg
Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Red Queen, this is the first novel in a sweeping YA fantasy-romance duet about a deadly assassin, his mysterious apprentice, and the country they are sworn to protect from #1 NYT bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz.
Caledon Holt is the Kingdom of Renovia’s deadliest weapon. No one alive can best him in brawn or brains, which is why he’s the Guild’s most dangerous member and the Queen’s one and only assassin. He’s also bound to the Queen by an impossible vow–to find the missing Deian Scrolls, the fount of all magical history and knowledge, stolen years ago by a nefarious sect called the Aphrasians.
Shadow has been training all her life to follow in the footsteps of her mother and aunts–to become skilled enough to join the ranks of the Guild. Though magic has been forbidden since the Aphrasian uprising, Shadow has been learning to control her powers in secret, hoping that one day she’ll become an assassin as feared and revered as Caledon Holt.
When a surprise attack brings Shadow and Cal together, they’re forced to team up as assassin and apprentice to hunt down a new sinister threat to Renovia. But as Cal and Shadow grow closer, they’ll uncover a shocking web of lies and secrets that may destroy everything they hold dear. With war on the horizon and true love at risk, they’ll stop at nothing to protect each other and their kingdom in this stunning first novel in the Queen’s Secret series.

GIVEAWAY
Prize: Win a copy of THE QUEEN’S ASSASSIN by Melissa de la Cruz (US Only)
Starts: 4th February 2020
Ends: 18th February 2020
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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86455/?

I received a gorgeous print arc of this book from the publisher, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

“It’s alarming, really, how quickly nice people become ravenous, bloodthirsty.”

Melissa de la Cruz

A stunning first novel in the Queen’s Secret series, NYT bestselling author,

Melissa de la Cruz slow burn romance is definitely in the forefront of this Ya fantasy book of magic, assassins, royalty and adventures

The Queen’s Assassin follows both two characters, Shadow and Cal.

Recently called back to court by her Queen, Mother, an independent plucky female protagonist, Shadow has been raised in obscurity living in the countryside with her Aunts. Shadow takes her destiny into her own hands by planning on rescuing the infamous Queen’s Assassin. Headstrong and at times a little immature and definitely inconsistent, she has decided that being a ladys maid is ultimately a pawn.

Caledon father, had sworn a blood-oath to the queen to find the missing Deian Scrolls. The Scrolls are a record of magical history and knowledge, stolen many years ago by a bold and rebellious group, called the Aphrasians. Dying without completely his task, the blood oath is than transferred to his son, Caledon {Cal}.

Shouldering this heavy burden, Cal is desperate to find the magical scrolls, and finally began his life.

By Freeing Caledon ‘Cal’ Holt from the prisons of Deersia, they might put a stop to those trying to destroy the kingdom of Renovia.

Cal’s path is to find conspirator against the crown and find the hidden magic scrolls that will return magic to all the common people. The journey is treacherous and dangerous, along the way it brings the two young people closer together.

As Cal and Shadow’s growing relationship starts to bud, they soon uncover an interwoven web of lies, along with dire secrets that may destroy everything they hold dear. Stopping at nothing to protect each other and their Kingdom

This was a adventurous Ya Romantic Fantasy that brought some noteworthy diversity within its pages. Including LGBTQ in several roles, such as Shadow’s adorable aunts, the male ambassador of Renovia who is married to a man, and a magical person who identifies as they/them, amongst some others..

 “My aunts taught me that sometimes when the world is too much, when life starts to feel overwhelming, we must strip away what’s unnecessary, seek out the quiet, and listen to the dirt and trees. ‘All the answers you seek are there, but only if you are willing to hear them,’ Aunt Moriah always say.”

“My aunts warned me of this many times–be wary of the sway of others, they told me. Find your own path and stay upon it. Don’t allow yourself to be pulled in another direction, even if you must walk alone.” 

Melissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.

February 4th

February 5th

The Book Bratz – Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes
Sometimes Leelynn Reads – Review + Playlist + Dream Cast
Ya It’s Lit  – Review + Dream Cast + Favourite Quotes
Shelf-Rated – Review + Favourite Quotes

February 6th

NovelKnight – Guest Post
Booked J – Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes
Whispers & Wonder – Review
Foals, Fiction & Filigree – Review + Favourite Quotes

February 7th

Wishful Endings – Interview
L.M. Durand – Review
Ideally Inspired Reviews – Review + Favourite Quotes
Gwendalyn’s Books – Review + Favourite Quotes
Cluttered Books – Review + Favourite Quotes

February 8th

Bookish Looks – Guest Post
Star-Crossed Book Blog – Review + Favourite Quotes
Morgan Vega – Review + Favourite Quotes
Inky Moments – Review
mabookyard – Review + Favourite Quotes
The.magicalpages – Review + Favourite Quotes

February 9th

Belle’s Archive – Review + Favourite Quotes
Dazzled by Books – Review + Favourite Quotes
Pretty Little Bibliophile – Review + Favourite Quotes
dinipandareads – Review + Favourite Quotes

February 10th

Kait Plus Books – Interview
The Reading Corner for All – Review + Favourite Quotes
Confessions of a YA Reader – Review + Favourite Quotes
Book Tours

METROPOLIS Book Tour & Giveaway

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Metropolis
by, Ellie Midwood, which is being hosted by HFBT!

Metropolis
by Ellie Midwood

Publication Date: January 31, 2020
Paperback & eBook; 238 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

Weimar Berlin, 1924

Unemployed actors, profiteers, cabaret girls, and impoverished aristocracy out of this wild set of characters populating Weimar Berlin, Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff belongs to the latter category. Having lost everything due to hyper-inflation, she considers jumping into the freezing waters of the Spree rather than facing the humiliating existence shared by millions of her fellow Germans. However, a chance meeting makes her change her mind at the last moment and offers her a chance to rely on the help of the metropolis itself, where anything can be sold and bought for money and where connections are everything. The bustling nightlife of cosmopolitan Berlin, with its casinos and dance halls, brings good income for the ones who don’t burden themselves too heavily with morals.

After a New Years Eve party, Margot finally meets her ever-absent and mysterious neighbor, Paul Schneider, who makes a living by producing a certain type of film for his rich clientele. Under his guidance, Margot discovers a new passion of hers photography and soon, her talents are noticed by the prominent newspaper, Berliner Tageblatt itself. But being an official photographer of the most celebrated events of the La Scala and most famous Berlin theaters no longer satisfies Margots ambitions. As soon as the chance presents itself for her to get involved with the cinematography on the set of “Metropolis” – the film with the highest budget ever produced by the UFA Margot jumps at it, without thinking twice. At the same time, Paul becomes involved with a rival project, “The Holy Mountain,” which stars an as yet unknown actress and an emerging director in, Leni Riefenstahl. As the two women meet, professional rivalry soon turns into a true friendship, fueled by their passion for cinematography. However, due to the economic woes facing Germany, both projects soon run out of money and now, both film crews must go to extreme lengths to save their respective productions.

Set against the backdrop of a decadent, vibrant, and fascinatingly liberal Weimar Berlin, “Metropolis” is a novel of survival, self-discovery, and self-sacrifice, in the name of art, love, and friendship.

Available on Amazon


This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff, an impoverished aristocracy has her mind set on ending it all. Just like a lot of Germans, Margot has lost everything, and the darkish waters of Spree look very inviting. When a chance in counter with another would be jumper, causes Margot to rethink her situation.

Ellie Midwood, Metropolis, is a wonderful historical fiction novel with that captures the riveting time period for Berlin, before the Nazis party arose to its complete soul wrenching dominating world power.

Set to the vibrant and very progressive liberal, Weimar. This is a time of unemployed actors, cabaret girls, and seedy night clubs, where the impoverished aristocratic mingled with those of a lower class. Germany between the first and second Wars, a time were the German Weimar Republic faced hyperinflation and political extremism. It also brought forth modern art and progressive gender diversity, where People enjoyed a lush a Bohemian, nouveau lifestyles.

Our female protagonist Margot, is a fleshed out well developed character, we see slowly becoming a dedicated photographer who works on the the edgy German Expressionist Science-Fiction revolutionary film, Metropolis. The film was directed by the very talented, Fritz Lang, and written by Thea Von Harbou In Collaboration with Lang, staring Gustav Fröhlich.

This was a faced paced historical drama that is richly texturized, giving the reader a glimpse into this truly intriguing part of Germany’s history. Engaging sub characters that adds diversity to plot line, along with novels seamless flowing dialogue, makes this an incredible historical drama.


About the Author

Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, “The Girl from Berlin.” Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.

In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.

For more information on Ellie and her novels, please visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Friday, January 31
Review at Passages to the Past
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, February 3
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Tuesday, February 4
Feature at Comet Readings

Wednesday, February 5
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Friday, February 7
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Saturday, February 8
Excerpt at Robin Loves Reading

Wednesday, February 12
Review at Books and Zebras
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, February 13
Review & Guest Post at Tales from the Book Dragon

Friday, February 14
Review at Clarissa Reads it All
Feature at I’m All About Books

Sunday, February 16
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, February 17
Review at Nurse Bookie

Wednesday, February 19
Review at Historical Graffiti

Thursday, February 20
Review at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, February 21
Review at YA, It’s Lit
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Metropolis! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Giveaway is open to the US only.
Only one entry per household.
All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Metropolis
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Book Tours

Blood and Brume 

Hello Bookish Friends

Blood and Brume Book Review

Blood and Brume

Available February 4, 2020.

Book Trailer ⬇️

https://youtu.be/2rmYmUdmqvQ

Sixteen-year-old Ellie Porter is done with life. 

When one of her mom’s boyfriends tries to rape her, Ellie runs away, determined never to return. But Sam, Ellie’s only friend, is not about to let her end up another runaway living on the streets. 

He takes Ellie to an abandoned house, the perfect hideout, or so they think until a series of frightening experiences cause Ellie to regret ever stepping into the house in the first place. 

She is consumed with fear when two young men in 19th-century costume appear at the house claiming to be its owners. Ellie’s initial assumption of them being Steampunk enthusiasts quickly proves wrong when she learns that they are ghosts. 

The encounter marks the beginning of unimaginable changes in Ellie’s life. As the portal opens between the flesh and spirit world, Ellie awakens to the profound realization that unresolved life can transcend time and space. There will be no peace until it is rectified.

About Maki

Thank you for visiting my site. Here’s a little bit about me!

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. In high school, I fell madly in love with Classic Literature: Austen, Brontë, Dickens, Dumas, James, Shelly, Tolstoy, and everything else! What I loved most about these books were the ways these authors used words to paint the story like beautiful artwork.

I wrote poems in my teenage years, and didn’t seriously start writing again until my daughter was 4 years old. I would put her down for the night, and write until 2 or 3 in the morning. I love writing in the hush of the early morning hours.

I wrote novel length manuscripts and I started attending writers conferences and conventions to learn about the industry, meet wonderful authors, and make friends with fellow writers who I’m still friends with today.

Around this time, our company started to provide book trailer video services to authors, and we were working with several New York Times Bestselling authors and big East Coast publishers. It was a great learning experience.

So now, I’m finally published! This has been one of my life’s dreams and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my stories with you!

Reach out to Maki on:

Follow her on Instagram: makimorris
Facebook: maki.morris