Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Wolf Rising by Paige Tyler

Wolf Rising (SWAT: Special Wolf Alpha Team, #8)Book Description:
Werewolf SWAT Officer Jayden Brooks has yet to meet The One—but when he rescues teacher Selena Rosa from a hostage situation at her high school, he knows he’s in trouble. Her scent is irresistible.

There’s a reason for that powerful scent—and it isn’t an expensive perfume. Thanks to the traumatizing events at the school, the werewolf gene flipped on and Selena’s going through the change. Even scarier, she’s on track to become an omega—an out-of-control and violent breed. It’s going to take everything Brooks has if he wants any chance to pull her back from the edge…and ultimately win her heart.


My Thoughts:
I just love the SWAT books! An all werewolf SWAT team, with hunky guys is drool worthy! Selena has fought gangs her entire life. Gangs took everything from her and she decided to fight back by becoming a teacher and standing up to them. I loved her spirit. She wanted to help kids and give them love so they wouldn't turn to the gang life.
Jayden is brought in to rescue Selena when one of her students brings a gun into class and is going to kill her. It was a good story. Their chemistry together is absolutely hot. Selena has a great friend and her back story is heartbreaking. I enjoyed learning more about werewolves and each difference. Seeing that they can change from beta to alpha or from omega. The hunters are horrible and need to all be exterminated! I cannot wait to see what happens next with this team, I'm hoping there is some revenge in the mix.
4/5 and I cannot wait to pick up the next one.

Thank you to the 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.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Recklessly Ever After by Heather Van Fleet

Recklessly Ever After (Reckless Hearts, #3)Book Description:
Gavin St. James

After the hell I've been through in the Marines--in life--there's nothing I crave more than routine, stability, peace. Until McKenna Brewer walks into my life.

She's impulsive, fiery, tempting as hell, and everything I don't need. But when she offers me a night of no-strings-attached passion, I can't resist.

When our night together has unexpected consequences, I can't help but think this might be the perfect opportunity to show McKenna just how much I want her.

The only problem? She doesn't do forevers. But forever is exactly what I need with her.


Book Description:
This book was ok. I haven't read the previous books in the series but I didn't feel like I was missing anything. Gavin has issues. McKenna is a hot mess. Put them together and it is all sorts of crazy. I really liked Gavin. He is a good guy and I loved how he was with the little girl!
McKenna wasn't your typical character. Being in her head was all over the place. She wasn't a character that I connected with well or really understood but she was more real with all her issues than a 'perfect' heroine. Plenty of emotions and the story was well written. 
It was a 3/5 for me. 

Thank you to the 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.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Interview of Author Isaac Philips

AW: Tell us about yourself…
I am first and foremost a follower of Jesus. I live in the insufferable humidity of central Florida. I was homeschooled all the way through high school, which enabled me to develop my creativity and instilled the self-motivation needed to be a novelist. As a kid, I created plotlines and characters out of anything I could get my hands on, especially LEGOs. I guess nothing has really changed there. I’ve also been designing custom board games for as long as I can remember. I enjoy playing disc golf and ping pong when I get the chance. My other interests include philosophy, psychology, and doughnuts.

AW: Tell us about your book….
The Unknown Hero is my debut novel. Readers will explore intricate worlds, unravel the schemes of the solar system’s greatest leaders, and face ethical dilemmas alongside the protagonist. Fear and speculation ripple across the solar system, when an immense warfleet shows up out of nowhere. The rulers of the seven inhabited worlds must scramble to determine a course of action. Together, they can stand against the threat but the decades of political enmity between them will not be easily ignored. Swept into the panic, a timid, young rancher will come face to face with the invaders and uncover the secrets of the solar system that he holds dear.


AW: What genre do you write and why?
I wanted to read an adventure with an epic space setting. However, most science fiction novels focus on strange technologies or dystopian futures. They tend to be too weird for my tastes. So, I determined to write a science fiction story that was driven by adventure and interplanetary politics. That way I could have all the cool space ships and alien planets without the dark undercurrents or the silliness that people often associate with the genre.

AW: What was your inspiration for this book?
Building on the pervious answer, The Unknown Hero is the book I had been looking for all those years ago. I crafted the plot around the planets, characters, and societies that I so desperately wanted to read about. Most of my original ideas didn’t survive to the final draft, but they inspired better ones.

AW: Do you have a favorite character and why that one?
In my writing, I try to go the extra mile to make each and every character a unique individual, even the ones that only show up in a single paragraph. They should all feel like they’re thinking for themselves, influenced by the untold events of their lives. Because of this, there are a lot of minor characters that I really like, Linotra and Vorrnum to name two. If I had to pick one, though, it would have to be Sufralycoo. He’s constantly trying to manipulate circumstances to his own ends and control the other characters’ perceptions of him. You never know what he’s going to say next. That’s what made him such a fun character to write about.

AW: Did you find anything particularly difficult in writing this book?
I didn’t read much in my youth. When I started writing, I had no clue how good writing looked and sounded. Writing is an art; you only get better with practice. As I read more and honed my skills, I applied what I learned to the book. Over the course of nine years, I completely rewrote The Unknown Hero three times, and that’s not counting the innumerable edits in between.

AW: What project(s) are you currently working on?
Of course, books 2 and 3 of The Unknown Hero trilogy are my primary projects. I’m also working on a novella about an imaginary friend. The story is meant to be very enigmatic while having a quaint, homey feel. It’s a fascinating blend, and I’ve been enjoying the results so far. I have a notebook full of other story concepts that I will occasionally write random scenes for if I don’t have any ideas for the trilogy.

AW: Do you have any interesting writing quirks you want to tell us about?
I’m dyslexic. That’s a big reason why I didn’t read much as a kid. So that I won’t get lost in the letters as much, I normally write in an oversized font.

AW: Do you have any advice for writers out there?
Hold the reigns but let the horse walk on four legs. Let me explain what I mean by that. You have to keep your story on track with a detailed plot, but you have to let it follow its logical course at the same time.
Imagine a marble track. The marble is your story. The track represents the setting, characters, and circumstances. They control where your story will naturally go regardless of what your plot says. To force the story in any other direction would be to fight against the world you created, and that always creates annoying plot holes or a choppy storyline. You have to craft logical circumstances to guide the story to the next essential point of your plot naturally. It’s not easy, you might have to make major adjustments, but you’ll be glad you did. Your story will have more depth and will be more engaging when you’re done.

AW: Where can we find you? 
I post on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under the username @FictionbyIsaac. There you’ll find news, thoughts on books and writing, and even some pictures of my latest board game designs. I’m also on Goodreads. You can read the full synopsis and prologue of The Unknown Hero on my official website, www.IsaacPhilips.com.

AW: And of course we have to know, where can we find your book? 

The Unknown Hero is available in both paperback and e-book form on Amazon.com!

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Shadows’ Sorrow by Galadriel Pittman

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About the Book


ebookcoverBook Title: Shadows’ Sorrow
Author: Galadriel Pittman
Genre: Fantasy
Release date: May 18, 2018
“I will become these shadows’ sorrow. I swear.”
A disillusioned guardian, a four-footed philosopher, an honorable thief, Trouble, and an unexpected inheritance against the end of the world? Bring it on.
An ancient evil has recently reawakened. Raven, a young Deinya warrior disillusioned with his people, has accepted a quest from his one-time master for old time’s sake. But when he catches a thief, Tara, his life hurls down an unforeseen path. With the help of others they meet along the way, they race to find the secret to the Rakon’s downfall before the nations again succumb to darkness.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book and it is the start of a promising series.  The author did a great job with the characters and the world.  It caught my attention at the start and kept it throughout the story.  I absolutely adore Raven's horse. He may (ok, is) my favorite character.
The pictures strewn about the book, I loved that! I loved seeing the author's version of the characters/places, even when I had a different version in my head. There is a wide variety of characters and the back and forth between some of them leveled out some of the dark portions of the book.  I don't think she could have made a more diverse set of characters but I cannot wait to see how the story goes forward.
It was a 4/5 for me.  I am ready for the next one!


Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  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

author SSphotoI am Galadriel Pittman, a mother of two, wife to a supportive amazing husband, daughter, sister, friend, worship singer, school cafe manager…the list goes on. I am blessed with many roles to fill. And now, finally, author. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents reading to me–Chronicles of Narnia, Xanth series, Lord of the Rings…but they never read them fast enough for my liking. So, I learned to read. As a voracious reader from the age of three, my goal as a child was to read every book in the world! Sadly, reality dictated that there were more books than what my town library held, and new ones entered all the time! Perhaps taking a sideways step in that dream to become one who created those new entries is not surprising. As a child I enjoyed telling my younger siblings stories, and as a teen, I created my world with a friend. Over the years, I added to that tale. Recently, I decided I wanted to find out what happens next— so here we go!
For more information and updates on books, go to galadrielpittman.com or find me on Facebook at Galadriel Pittman

Guest Post from Galadriel

Maps. I’ve always loved them. Like Bilbo Baggins, I would pour over them, plotting where I had been, where I wanted to go. I spent hours doodling them. There’s something calming about making squiggly lines. So when it came to creating a world, the map had to be one of the first features for me to make.
Fast forward a couple of decades to when I decided to get serious about finishing my story. I pulled out my old hand drawn in pencil map and thought, “This needs an upgrade.” Enter my amazing husband. He took my original map and drew it on the computer, adding wonderful details like trees and mountains. The final touch was the nod of homage to C.S. Lewis: The known world of Morovia prepared for his majesty by the adventurers Clark, Shawn, and Lewis.
And now I offer this portal to my world as part of the giveaway! An 11”x17” color copy of the map inspired the theme for the gift basket giveaway.

Blog Stops

Bibliophile Reviews, October 20
Blogging With Carol, October 21
Midnight Bookaholic, October 22
Texas Book-aholic, October 23
Multifarious, October 26
Bigreadersite, October 27
Carpe Diem, October 30
A Reader’s Brain, November 1
Pause for Tales, November 2

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Galadriel is giving away a a themed basket that includes a color copy of my world’s map, a journal, a day planner, a pen, a pen carrier, a mug and some tea packets!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d435/shadows-sorrow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Bickering Birds by Mildred Abbott

Bickering Birds (Cozy Corgi Mysteries #3)
Book Description:
Rocky Mountain National Park has it all: rugged peaks, pine-scented forests, enchanting bird-watching locations, and… murder. 
The Cozy Corgi bookshop finally opens, and Winifred Page and her headstrong corgi, Watson, are ready to welcome their first patrons. With her new best friend, Katie, creating heavenly pastries in the bakery on the top floor of the store, Fred’s dreams are all coming together in delicious and unexpected ways. 
When Katie caters a meeting of the Feathered Friends Brigade and drags Fred along, they expect nothing more than loquacious chatter about birds as they endeavor to build a professional relationship with the owner of the wild bird shop. Fred and Katie are quickly roped into a moonlight snowshoeing hike in hopes of spotting a rare owl. While the endangered bird proves elusive… the murdered man in the snow is hard to miss.    
Fred’s growing relationship with Sergeant Wexler hits a snag when he forbids her from donning her sleuth hat yet again. But Fred is a lot like her corgi—she doesn’t like being told what to do, even if it puts an end to a possible romance. 
As Fred and Watson delve into the lives of the ornithological club members, the tangled birds’ nest of an investigation makes Fred wonder if she should have left this one to the police. But when feathers begin to fly, Fred has no choice but to flush out a killer… 

My Thoughts:
These books are so entertaining!  This is the third in the series and you really should read them in order so you know everything going on.  I've fallen in love with the characters Mildred Abbott has created.  Reading this series is truly fun and each shows character growth/change.  Fred's store is open and life is going well.  Then, of course, there is a dead body.
I like the two guys who are interested in Fred. They are different and I'm curious which, if either, she will wind up actually choosing. There are plenty of laughs in this one and Watson is still my favorite!  I do love the descriptions and animals through these books and cannot wait to see what happens next to these crazy characters.
It was a 4/5 for me.


Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PumpUp Your Book).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

A Duel for Christmas

a duel for christmas fb banner

About the Book

Book Title: A Duel For Christmas
Author: Rosanne E. Lortz
Genre: Regency Romance, Romantic Suspense
Release date: October 1, 2019
ChristmasDuel_frontAfter seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book.  Maud is a Lady and has had a time of it the marriage to her late husband and the issues that came from that.  She loves her family and is happy to be back with them.  Geoffrey is a Duke and is becoming more and more competent in handling his family's affairs.  Still with him being younger, Maud doesn't see how he can be a good match for her.
I really liked the way the plot was twisted up. I adored one of Maud's brothers and not so much the other. There is a lot that is twisted up in the 'politics' of the time and how things are supposed to go.  I do still have a few unanswered questions so I'm hoping the author continues with these characters in the future!
It was a 5/5 for me.  I truly enjoyed the book.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via Celebrate Lit).  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

Author PhotoRosanne E. Lortz is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for ten years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently the Director of Academics and Admissions at Paideia Classical Christian School in Gladstone, Oregon.
Rosanne’s first book, I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince, released in 2009. This book explores the tumultuous landscape surrounding the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death and is a tale of arms, of death, of love, and of honor. In 2015, Rosanne began her Pevensey mysteries, novels of romantic suspense set during the British Regency (with inspiration from medieval characters and events). The first three titles are: To Wed an Heiress, The Duke’s Last Hunt, and A Duel for Christmas.

Guest Post from Roseanne

The year is 1120. The place is the English Channel. A ship puts off from the French port. The passengers have been drinking, far too heavily. A submerged rock shatters the hull of the ship. The vessel goes down into the watery depths, and with it the heir to the English throne.
This incident from Medieval history was the inspiration for my Regency novel, A Duel for Christmas. Set in the early 1800s, the novel has a dash of suspense, a few tablespoons of murder mystery, and a heaping cup of sweet romance all blended together to make the perfect holiday read.
Lady Maud Worlington has just returned to London, determined to reclaim life on her own terms, but when an impulsive and unforgettable kiss creates a connection with Geoffrey, the Duke of Tilbury, she must decide if he can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her. A watery death, financial ruin, and a nefarious shadow from the past dog their steps as the Twelve Days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

Blog Stops

KarenSueHadleyOctober 13
Just Commonly, October 13
Blogging With Carol, October 14
Remembrancy, October 14
Carpe Diem, October 15
Texas Book-aholic, October 17
All-of-a-kind Mom, October 18
Wishful Endings, October 18
More Of Him, October 19
Bibliophile Reviews, October 20
Lis Loves Reading, October 21
Mary Hake, October 22
Simple Harvest Reads, October 23 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Book by Book, October 23
Bigreadersite, October 25
Godly Book Reviews, October 26
Have A Wonderful DayOctober 26

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Rosanne is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d434/a-duel-for-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, October 15, 2018

Tratorous Toys by Mildred Abbott

Traitorous Toys (Cozy Corgi Mysteries, #2)Book Description:
It’s Christmas in Estes Park, Colorado: cozy fires, twinkling lights, soft snowfall, and… murder. 
The winter holidays in charming Estes Park lulls Winifred Page and her corgi, Watson, into thoughts of spiced chai and gingerbread as they settle into their new home. Fred’s dream bookshop is becoming a reality, and with Christmas only days away, her only concerns are spending time with family, enforcing Watson’s diet, and finding the perfect gifts. 
The toy store beckons Fred and her friend Katie, who dash in out of the cold, during a shopping spree to discover handmade toys, cuddly stuffed animals… and a dying man on the floor. 
When Katie’s desperate attempts to save the man ends in her being taken in for his murder, Fred once again dons her detective hat. She puts aside her Christmas list and—with Watson sniffing around—begins a list of suspects. But as quickly as clues point to one person, new discoveries shift the spotlight to another.   
With Katie’s freedom in the balance, Fred has little time to think about gifts or to enjoy the holiday lights and music. A killer is on the loose, one who became violent in a picture-perfect Christmas toy shop, and Fred and Watson can’t begin to predict what might happen next…


My Thoughts:
This is the second in this series and I think you should read the first to get the full effect but it can also stand on its own.  Watson is still my favorite character, the little pup is just too cute.  Fred and dead bodies...she just must investigate. That is especially true when it looks like her friend Kate is going to be blamed for the murder.
This one pulled me in faster than the first book and felt a little more 'mystery' than the last one because it kept me guessing more. That didn't take away from the cozy portion because it isn't nail biting, just more curiosity. I love Fred's investigation and how it all unfolds (and bugs the police!).  I'm ready to start the next one now!
It was a 5/5 for me.

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

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Maxon by Christina Bauer

Book Description

Friday, October 12, 2018

Shadows & Spells Release Blitz

Title: Shadows & Spells (A Havenwood Falls High Novella)
Author: Cameo Renae
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
Publication Date: October 12th, 2018
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb:
Welcome to Havenwood Falls, a small town in the majestic mountains of Colorado. A town where legacies began centuries ago, bloodlines run deep, and dark secrets abound. A town where nobody is what you think, where truths pose as lies, and where myths blend with reality. A place where everyone has a story. Including the high schoolers. This is only but one…
This sequel to Bound by Shadows continues the story of Eris and Rylan.
Rylan Gilles has found a new life in Havenwood Falls. A better one. One with a new pack, a new family, friends, a job, and even a girlfriend. He vows to himself to never allow his past to interfere with his future. But when an enemy of his father, a psychotic shifter named Lars, hunts down and kills his old pack’s alpha, they turn to Rylan to lead and save them.
Eris Blaekthorn has been working on growing her newfound magical powers, and with that has come intense nightmares that feel more like premonitions. Horrifying images of a large, dark shifter ripping Rylan to shreds and killing him plague her dreams. But when she tries to discuss these with Rylan, he shuts her out.
Dead set on keeping his personal vow, Rylan’s determined to handle Lars on his own, but Eris knows where this will end. She hopes he’ll turn to her and his new pack for help, while she fears that he’ll do the opposite. If he faces Lars alone, her nightmares may soon turn to reality. But if he doesn’t, he risks losing everything, including the girl he loves.
This is a Young Adult paranormal tale in the Havenwood Falls High series of Young Adult fantasy stories featuring a variety of supernatural creatures. The series is a collaborative effort by multiple authors. Each book is generally a stand-alone, so you can read them in any order, although some authors will be writing sequels to their own stories. Please be aware when you choose your next read.
USA Today Bestselling author, Cameo Renae, was born in San Francisco, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and now resides with her husband and children in Alaska.
She's a daydreamer, caffeine and peppermint addict, who loves to laugh, and loves to read to escape reality.
One of her greatest joys is creating fantasy worlds filled with adventure and romance and sharing it with others. It is the love of her family and amazing support of her fans that keeps her going.
One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe and ride away on her magical unicorn. Until then...she'll keep writing!
Happy Reading! Xoxo
Author Links:
Newsletter: http://bit.ly/23HGKIy
Buy Link:
Bound by Shadows

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Cruel Candy by Mildred Abbott

Cruel Candy (Cozy Corgi Mysteries #1)Book Description:
Estes Park, Colorado: picturesque mountains, charming shops, delightful bakeries, a cozy bookstore… and murder. 

Winifred Page and her corgi, Watson, move to Estes Park to hit the reset button on life. Fred is about to open her dream bookshop, and the only challenges she anticipates are adjusting to small town life, tourists, and living close to her loveable mother, Phyllis, and hippy stepfather, Barry.

When Fred steps into her soon-to-be-bookshop for the first time, she expects dust bunnies and spiders… not the dead body in the upstairs kitchen. The local police have an easy suspect—Barry.

Determined to prove quirky Barry innocent of murder, Fred puts on her detective hat, and with Watson by her side, she explores her new town and gets acquainted with her fellow shopkeepers. Could one of her friendly neighbors be the real culprit? And what would be the motive for killing the owner of the Sinful Bites candy store? The secrets Fred discover put her at odds with the local police sergeant and threaten her cozy future in Estes. 

With snow falling outside, all Fred wants to do is curl up by the fire with a good book and Watson snuggled at her feet. But before she can begin her new life and put her plans for her bookshop into action, Fred and Watson have a mystery to solve…


My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book.  The author is new to me and I was in the mood for a good cozy, this fit the bill entirely.  Watson may have been my favorite character because he loves treats and is just adorable! (I mean who doesn't love treats....maybe not the doggie kind but I'm all for cupcakes!).  
Fred is a good lead because she isn't a damsel in distress, but rather a strong woman.  She has had problems in the past but has moved home to open a bookshop.  Then there is the dead body, the accusation and she is determined to prove who really did commit the murder, most assuredly not her stepfather, and of course there is just a touch/hint of romance.  
Overall, I enjoyed the story and how it ended!  It was a 4/5 for me, I will be continuing with this series.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book (via PumpUp Your Book).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.