Wolves and Roses by Christina Bauer

Book Description:
Seventeen-year-old Bryar Rose has a problem. She’s descended from one of the three magical races—shifters, fairies, or witches. That makes her one of the Magicorum, and Magicorum always follow a fairy tale life template. In Bryar’s case, that template should be Sleeping Beauty.

“Should” being the key word.

Trouble is, Bryar is nowhere near the sleeping beauty life template. Not even close. She doesn’t like birds or woodland creatures. She can’t sing. And she certainly can’t stand Prince Philpot, the so-called “His Highness of Hedge Funds” that her aunties want her to marry. Even worse, Bryar’s having recurring dreams of a bad boy hottie and is obsessed with finding papyri from ancient Egypt. What’s up with that? 

All Bryar wants is to attend a regular high school with normal humans and forget all about shifters, fairies, witches, and the curse that Colonel Mallory the Magnificent placed on her. And she might be able to do just that--if only she can just keep her head down until her eighteenth birthday when the spell that’s ruined her life goes buh-bye.

But that plan gets turned upside down when Bryar Rose meets Knox, the bad boy who’s literally from her dreams. Knox is a powerful werewolf, and his presence in her life changes everything, and not just because he makes her knees turn into Jell-O. If Bryar can’t figure out who—or what—she really is, it might cost both her and Knox their lives… as well as jeopardize the very nature of magic itself.

FAIRY TALES OF THE MAGICORUM
1. Wolves And Roses (Fall 2017)
1.5. Moonlight and Midtown (Spring 2018)
2. Shifters And Glyphs (Fall 2018)
I’m
Perfect for readers who love young adult books, contemporary fantasy, fairy tales, satire/comedy, paranormal romance, fairies, magic users, shapeshifters, and coming of age stories.

My thoughts:
This authors’s writing style always pulls me in and this was no exception!  I love the concept of people following a fairytale life, but someone has to break the pattern right? Bryar Rose is a human in a magical world where the magical and human are together. She wants to live a normal human life but her template is sleeping beauty. All the way down to the prince she is supposed to end up with!
Bryar is more interested in researching her own thing. Her best friend was awesome. Her ‘dream nan’ Is completely an amazing book boyfriend. I wasn’t a great fan of the prince. The aunts are great. I liked the magical/paranormal world that we were in.  Bryar is a snarky, sarcastic and just all around awesome chick. I have lots of questions I still want answered so I must have the next book in this series soon!
This was a 5/5 for me. I can’t wait for more. 
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Chosen by R.S. Broadhead

Book Description:
Black eyes. No emotion. No sympathy. Only emptiness.
Piper McAdams’s life was normal. Career? Check. Boyfriend? Check. Friends? Check. One unsettling run in with a homeless man turns everything from normal to terrifying. She begins seeing…things.
Things she can’t seem to explain or make any sense.
As if things aren’t already getting out of hand, Piper receives news that the only family member she has is dead. She thinks maybe a trip across the country to her hometown will get her away from all the strange events happening.
After a late night accident, Piper isn’t in her hometown burying her loved one. She’s in a town called Hell. All she wants to do is leave, but the people seem to be holding her there for some reason. 
A reason she feels threatens her life. Around every corner things become darker and scarier.
Can she escape what is coming for her?

My Thoughts:
This is not a book I would read at night!!!  Piper's past is a sad story but then her grandfather came into her life and things changed.   Getting away from her past was what her grandfather encouraged and exactly what she did.  Now, things are happening to her that make her think she is crazy.  When she gets the call that her grandfather has passed away, she goes to his hometown called Hell.  It is a place he never spoke about, she never visited and she wants to get as far away from as fast as she can.  Something is after her and no matter what she does, it seems to always be right there.
It was a 5/5 for me.  I scared myself reading it and really enjoyed it!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Colors of Christmas by Olivia Newport

About the Book

Name of book: Colors of Christmas

Author: Olivia Newport

Genre: Contemporary Christmas

Release Date: October 1, 2017

Christmas in Blue
Angela just wants Christmas to be over. Instead, she finds herself in charge of the town’s celebration, and everything goes from bad to worse. Can she rescue Christmas for the town—and herself?

Christmas in Gold
When eighty-year-old Astrid moves into an assisted living community and meets a young woman on the brink of despair, she resolves to stir up Christmas hope one more time.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed these two novellas.  Both are about ladies and the adversities they have at Christmas time.  Though the stories were short, both were touching.  The friendships shown, the love, the hurt and just how people deal with hard things in life.  There is history and most of all, there is hope!  I would recommend this to anyone just wanting a good, quick Christmas read.  Both stories are good!
4/5 for me.  

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Guest Post from Olivia Newport

We All Have a Story

I’m younger than most of the people I exercise with. It started when I had a lot of pain in my feet and needed low-impact classes with the option of sitting down and learned I didn’t have to be a senior citizen to take their classes at my gym. Then I discovered how tough most of them are. Years later, though my feet are better, these are still my people.

A couple of years ago, while we waited for the younger and allegedly-but-not-really-tougher crowd to clear out of the group exercise room so we could invade it, a woman I would not have guessed to be 80, because she could out-cardio and out-lift me any day of the week, mentioned she had been widowed since she was 39. And she’d been widowed the first time at 19. And she’d grown up in Germany while Hitler was intent on destroying Europe and life was not easy.

Then the changing of the guard happened and I was left with my mouth gaping. I knew I had to hear this story. The next week after class, we went across the parking lot to Culvers for lunch and I scribbled notes on the backs of a pile of brown napkins while Astrid talked. Later she let me read the account of her life that she had written herself.

Astrid faced so many tragic circumstances, but she would be the first to tell you that God was with her even before she knew how to call on him. Many people with her life story would have found plenty of reason to wallow and stagnate. But not Astrid. Truly she is one of the most hopeful people I know.

Her story was the beginning of Colors of Christmas, which includes two stories. Astrid’s is “Christmas in Gold,” and the other is “Christmas in Blue.” Astrid inspired me to write about hope for a time of year when the Christian message resounds with hope yet so many people struggle to grasp hope for themselves. I pray these stories will help many recover a sense of hope afresh.

Olivia Newport chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Blog Stops

Books N Baubles, October 17

Christian Bookaholic, October 17

Bukwurmzzz, October 17

Janices book reviews, October 18

Singing Librarian Books, October 18

Moments Dipped in Ink, October 18

A Simply Enchanted Life, October 19

G.O. & D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 19

Bigreadersite, October 19

Reader’s cozy corner, October 20

Have A Wonderful Day, October 20

Reflections from my bookshelves, October 20

Blogging With Carol, October 21

Just the Write Escape, October 21

Zerina Blossom’s Books, October 21

A Greater Yes, October 22

Mary Hake, October 22

Daysong Reflections, October 22

A Baker’s Perspective, October 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 23

Baker Kella, October 23

Smiling Book Reviews, October 23

The Fizzy Pop Collection, October 24

It’s Storytime With Van Daniker, October 24

Remembrancy, October 24

Carpe Diem, October 25

autism mom, October 25

Bibliophile Reviews, October 25

A Reader’s Brain, October 26

By The Book, October 26

The Power of Words, October 26

With a Joyful Noise, October 27

Pause for Tales, October 27

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 28

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, October 28

Karen Sue Hadley, October 28

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 28

Vicky Sluiter, October 29

To Everything a Season, October 29

Pursuing Stacie, October 29

Just Jo’Anne, October 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a grand prize of a Christmas Bundle Bonanza which includes 7 Jumbo rolls of Christmas wrapping paper, 2 sets of stick-on gift tags, 2 packages of Christmas cards and envelopes, 2 collections of Christmas novellas—18 stories in all, and a signed copy of Colors of Christmas!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c319

Stolen Magic by Marina Finlayson

Book Description:
Lexi Jardine may be a thief, but she’s not stupid. When a crooked fireshaper wants her to steal a ring from the boss of his order, she knows it’s a one-way ticket to sleeping with the fishes. Her answer is to drop off the face of the earth. 

Safely hidden in a quiet seaside town, she just needs to keep her head down and pretend to be a regular human. Since her only magical ability is the power to control animals, that should be easy, right? 

Then a new fireshaper shows up in town. He’s hot as hell but oddly hostile. With his suspicious eyes watching her every move, her safe haven starts feeling more like a trap. When her best friend disappears, Lexi knows the time for hiding is over. The fireshapers might be more powerful, but Lexi’s not one to abandon a friend. It will take everything she’s got to save them both from the flames. 

My Thoughts:
I got really into this book.  Lexi is hiding.  She should be laying low, just ask her best friend, Sil.  The quiet town they have settled in gives her peace and friends.  Since Sil is determined to stay a cat, Lexi hangs out with some good friends she has made.  The just like that, her world changes.  A man as hot as the fire he controls comes to town she wants nothing to do with him, except that she is also insanely attracted to him.
I liked Lexi's attitude.  She may be hiding but she still loves those around her.  I got annoyed at Sil several times for how self-centered she came across, but there is a back story there that makes it a little more understandable.  Steele is a guy I wouldn't have wanted to mess with but he just can't seem to stay away from Lexi.  The whole story was great, and I totally didn't expect the twist at the end.  Can't wait for book 2!
It was a 4/5 for me.  I will start book 2 as soon as it downloads!

ONE SUMMER NIGHT by Caridad Pineiro

Book Description:
Smart, mainstream contemporary romance from bestselling author Caridad Pineiro. Millions of people visit the Jersey Shore every year, for beaches, boardwalks, sand, sun, and summer fun. This romantic series features families that go back generations on the shore, their ties to New York City, and their love for the Shore, and each other.

An offer that's impossible to accept...

Maggie Sinclair has tried everything to save her family's business, including mortgaging their beloved beach house on the Jersey shore. But now, she's out of options.

The Sinclair and Pierce families have been neighbors and enemies for almost thirty years. That hasn't stopped Owen Pierce from crushing on Maggie, and he's determined to invest in her success. Now he has to convince her that he's more than just trouble with a capital T...

My Thoughts:
I was pulled into this one from the start.  Starting with a wedding is always a good thing for me! I instantly liked Maggie and her friends.  Their close relationships and interactions were a joy to read.  Owen and Maggie's families have been in a feud for years.  The fact that Owen and Maggie have always been attracted to each other makes it for a good build up/back story.  The characters were realistic and people I wish I was friends with!  The romance was great, the story flowed well.  I guessed quite a bit of it but the characters still made the read completely enjoyable!
It was a 4/5 for me.  Predictable story but still oh so good to read.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

A Semi-Sweet Summer by Jan Elder

About the Book:

Name of book: A Semi-Sweet Summer

Author: Jan Elder

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 18, 2017

Cassidy Cooper never wanted to set foot in Crystal Falls again. Ten years earlier, she’d given her heart to a boy who’d, in turn, humiliated her deeply. Now, back in town as the sole beneficiary of her sister’s estate, she’s determined to make her sister’s dream of an upscale chocolate truffle shop, come true.

Hunter Gray is very intrigued by his new neighbor. His escape artist cow, Marigold, engineers an introduction…but it’s not quite the first impression he was hoping for. Baffled by the nagging suspicion he’s seen this woman before, he plots to win Cassidy’s heart at every opportunity.

With the object of her unrequited love living within shouting distance, Cassidy prays for strength to forgive and forget. And Hunter? He just wants to get back to his own dream to grow his farm and get to know the pretty girl next door. If she’ll let him.

My Thoughts:
I'm fairly certain I gained 5 pounds just reading this book!  The author did a wonderful job with the descriptions and made me so hungry.  I liked the characters the author created here.  Hunter and Cassidy are realistic and have quite a few issues to deal with.  Faith is woven through the story. It is a short book but entirely packed with second chances.  The romance was sweet and not overdone.  I'm not sure I would have handled the situation as well as Cassidy did, but it was intriguing to read about!
It was a 4/5 for me.  I enjoyed it and will look for more from this author.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Click here to purchase your copy of Jan's wonderful book
 

About the Author

JAN ELDER is an inspirational romance writer with a passion for telling stories other women can relate to on a deep level. She strives to write the kind of book that will strengthen the reader’s faith, introducing the reader to a loving and forgiving Lord who walks beside us in our daily lives, while also providing an entertaining and engrossing love story.

Happily married for fourteen years to loving (and supportive) husband, Steve, the two live in central Maryland along with Jamie (a chubby black and white tuxedo cat), and Shu-Shu (a willowy tortoiseshell cat). On the weekends, Jan and Steve comb the nearby countryside in search of the perfect ice cream flavor.

Guest Post from Jan Elder

How did you come up with your premise? Is there a story behind your book? How did the story evolve?

When I first parked myself in front of my laptop, preparing to write A Semi-Sweet Summer, I was waxing nostalgic. Shortly before that, I joined a Facebook group, people from a church I had attended when I was a teenager. Memories flooded through me and a myriad of feelings, some quite strong, rose up to assault me. There were a great many pleasant remembrances, but what I recall the most about being in those “stuck in the middle” years was that there was a great deal of anxiety, the sensation of being so very different—certainly not part of the “in” crowd.

A large part of this book harkens back to my teenage years, my thoughts swinging to a boy I had the biggest crush on in high school. He was three and a half years older (I still remember his birthday) and he was definitely in the “elite” segment of our church youth group—the cool kids I so longed to be a part of. Sorry to say, I followed him around like a puppy, learned all of his favorite foods, chosen hobbies, etc. I try not to think I actually stalked him, but I was very aware of his presence, and searched for ways to be near him.

In A Semi-Sweet Summer, I tried to transfer some of that raging angst into fodder for Cassidy’s discomfort in finding her unrequited love living right next door. Cassidy never really fit in, hardly that enviable cheerleader, not a person that anyone would notice. Rather, she sees herself as sort of an ugly duckling. Now she’s back ten years later and it’s a tough situation. By this time, my characters have grown and changed from the people they were in high school. They are well on their way to the path God has set before them. And by the end, they are very different—kinder, gentler folks who have learned a bit more of what it means to truly love.

I like to think that God can use our experiences to help others through similar situations. Maybe this novel will provide some hope or closure for those who have been in the same boat, and spur them on to get past the pain. And hey, who doesn’t love a good story about baked goods, happy cows, and chocolate truffles?

As for me? The funny thing is, my husband has the same first name as my first love. He even has the same color hair, the same easy grin as that other guy. I guess one could say I am attracted to a certain type. But oh, my sweetheart is so much better. My guy is the man God had waiting for me. The other was only a pale imitation, just practice for the real thing.

Blog Stops

A Baker’s Perspective, October 12

ASC Book Reviews, October 12

Have A Wonderful Day, October 13

Avid Reader Book Reviews, October 14

Reflections From My Bookshelves, October 15

Red Headed Book Lady, October 16

Remembrancy, October 16

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, October 17

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 18

A Greater Yes, October 19

Carpe Diem, October 19

autism mom, October 20

Redeemed Hope Dweller, October 21

Inklings and notions, October 22

Quiet Quilter, October 23

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 23

Karen Sue Hadley, October 24

Through the Open Window, October 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 25

Reading Is My SuperPower, October 25 (Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jan is giving away a 12 piece box of Godiva Chocolates and a Kindle Fire HD Tablet with Alexa (Valued at over $100)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!https://promosimple.com/ps/c1fd

Know the Word Study Bible

Book Description:

The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God’s Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.

Features Include:

• King James Version Bible text

• Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic

• Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture

• Words of Jesus in red

• Beautiful two-color interior page design

• Comprehensive list of theological notes

• Concordance

• Full-color maps

My Thoughts:
I liked how this Bible is done.  It makes it very easy to read and study the Word.  The explanations and descriptions given help you understand if needed.  As I read it, I thought this would be good for both a young christian and someone just trying to gain more understanding.  You can study topics or books of the Bible and it is laid out so that it is simple to follow.  I always love looking through the maps in a Bible and love how colorful they are.  Overall, I really liked this one!
I give this one a 5/5.  I think most would benefit from this Bible. 

Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Obliterate (Hidden Magic Series, Book 3) Cover Reveal!!!

Title: Obliterate (Hidden Magic Series, Book 3)

Author: L.L. Hunter 

Genre: urban fantasy/ paranormal romance

Cover Designer: Desiree DeOrto

Publication Date: Nov. 30, 2017

Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Blurb: Emma thought she’d made peace with herself and her past,

But when her past comes back to haunt her,

She’ll be forced to face her demons once more.

 When she is turned unexpectedly mortal, she and Darcy reluctantly return to the world she fled to seek help.

But when they arrive, Emma is confronted with a choice.

One which, if she chooses wrongly, could come between her and Darcy forever.

Emma never met a challenge she couldn’t handle.

She once ran from her destiny, but she can’t escape her fate.

You can’t obliterate your demons

L.L. Hunter is the author of over 20 published works, including The Legend of the Archangel Series and The Garden of Eden. She has studied everything from veterinary nursing, forensic science, and dramatic arts, but has always known her true calling was to be an author. 

She has been writing since her teens - everything from fan fiction, to song lyrics, to plays and musicals. When not working on her next paranormal romance, she can be found at home in Australia, reading somewhere comfortable with one or both of her “fur babies.” Follow her on Facebook, Twitter @llhunterbooks, and her blog - http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au.

Author Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865 Twitter: https://twitter.com/LLHunterbooks Amazon: http://amzn.to/1So75bF Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_Hunter Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au Authorgraph: http://www.authorgraph.com/authors/LLHunterbooks Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/llhunter Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-l-hunter Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/by8k0r

Pre-Order Links: Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2wUEVfv

Amazon UK: http://amzn.eu/2qpXm8q

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/obliterate-ll-hunter/1126495608?ean=2940154397022

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/obliterate-3

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/obliterate/id1243750331?mt=11