Jump Into Books

The Camelot Code: The Once and Future Geek by Mari Macusi: A Rockstar Book Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the The Camelot Code book tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. I don't have a review for you today due, but I do have some pretty great info about the book! Plus, scroll down and you will find a pretty nice giveaway!

Title: The Camelot Code: The Once and Future Geek

Author: Mari Mancusi

Pub. Date: November 20, 2018

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 346

Young King Arthur accidentally time travels to the 21st century and googles himself, discovering the not-so-happily ever after in store for him once he pulls the sword from the stone. He decides he'd much rather stay here--and join the football team instead.

Now modern day gamer geeks Sophie and Stu, with the help of Merlin, find themselves in a race against time to pull a Camelot-size caper--get that sword pulled from the stone and the stubborn once and future king back to the past where he belongs. While Arthur takes on the role of wide-receiver in an attempt to save the football team from a losing season, Sophie and Stu sword-fight, joust, and horseback ride their way through Camelot as they fight to save the timeline. If they fail, the world as they know it (not to mention the existence of pepperoni pizza!) will cease to exist forever.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | TBD

Arthur watched, enraptured, forgetting he was supposed to be looking for Lucas’s brother. There was nothing more exciting than a joust.

The blue knight struck the green and managed to unmount him, and now they were both on the ground, circling each other, armed and ready to strike. Arthur’s heart pounded with excitement. The two knights seemed very evenly matched. Who would win?

The blue knight’s sword crashed into the green knight’s shield and sparks flew at the impact. The green knight fell backward, dropping his mace. The blue knight took his advantage and a split second later the tip of his sword was at the green knight’s throat.

The crowd went wild.

The knight set down his sword and approached the dais, bowing low to his master. Lord Medieval rose from his throne and declared him victor of the evening. Everyone cheered.

But suddenly, to Arthur’s horror, the green knight rose to his feet, grabbed the discarded sword, and unceremoniously drove it into the blue knight’s back.

Arthur gasped along with the crowd at this display of treachery. The blue knight staggered for a moment, his expression shocked and horrified as he fell to the sand.

What had once been a friendly tournament had now become a murder scene. The blue knight’s men took the field, armed with maces, swords, and poles. But the green knight dispatched them quickly—slaying each and every one of them where they stood.

Arthur steamed with fury. The evil knight should not be allowed to get away with this. But what could he do?

It was then he noticed movement from the blue knight. His heart fluttered with excitement: the man was attempting to stagger to his feet. Arthur looked around, praying someone would notice and help him—give him a weapon to defend himself before the green knight realized he lived. But no one came. They were all on the field. Dead.

It was up to Arthur. The only trained squire left in the place.

Without regard for his own safety, he jumped the barrier, grabbing the nearest sword from the sidelines and diving onto the field. The green knight turned, a shocked look on his face, but Arthur nimbly dodged him and headed straight for the blue knight. Another knight tried to stop him, but he darted away. Finally he reached the blue knight and thrust the sword in his direction.

“Use this!” he cried, panting heavily from his run. “Defend us from the evil that plagues this hall.”

Arthur waited for the knight to take the sword—to smite his enemy where he stood.

“Dude, what are you doing?” the knight whispered instead.

Arthur cocked his head in confusion. What? He tried again to give the sword to the knight. “Take it. He will kill you otherwise!”

The knight awkwardly took the sword, an uncertain expression on his face. “Um,” he stammered. “Hey, Luke, did George change the choreography and forget to tell me again?”

Mari Mancusi always wanted a dragon as a pet. Unfortunately the fire insurance premiums proved a bit too large and her house a bit too small--so she chose to write about them instead. Today she works as an award-winning young adult author and freelance television producer, for which she has won two Emmys.

When not writing about fanciful creatures of myth and legend, Mari enjoys traveling, cosplay, snowboarding, watching cheesy (and scary) horror movies, and her favorite guilty pleasure—playing videogames. A graduate of Boston University, she lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Jacob, daughter Avalon, and their two dogs.

Mari is pronounced like the name Mary. Mancusi is pronounced man-COO-see.

For updates on all Mari's books, subscribe to her newsletter.

3 Winners will receive a finished copy of THE CAMELOT CODE: THE ONCE AND FUTURE GEEK, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week One:

11/12/2018- BookHounds YA- Excerpt

11/13/2018- Texan Holly Reads- Review

11/14/2018- Rhythmicbooktrovert- Review

11/15/2018- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

11/16/2018- Christen Krumm, Writer- Review

Week Two:

11/19/2018- Feed Your Fiction Addiction- Review

11/20/2018- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Review

11/21/2018- Jump Into Books- Review

11/22/2018- Such A Novel Idea- Review

11/23/2018- Two points of interest- Review

Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend: A Rockstar Book Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow book tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Today I have a review for you and also have some pretty great info about the book! Plus, scroll down and you will find a pretty nice giveaway!

Title: Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow

Author: Jessica Townsend

Pub. Date: November 13, 2018

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 544

The captivating and heart-pounding sequel to the New York Times bestselling and #1 Kids' Indie Next Pick Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, as heroine Morrigan battles a new evil.

Morrigan Crow and her best friend Hawthorne Swift are now proud scholars in the elite Wundrous Society, but life is far from perfect. Does Morrigan have what it takes to prove that she belongs in the Society?

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow was an instant New York Times bestseller, an IndieBound bestseller and a #1 Indies Introduce Pick, with movie rights sold to Fox.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks | TBD

This is the sequel to Nevermoor, Morrigan is now at WunSoc and learning about her knack. She is in a group called 919 and they all have promised to keep the secret that Morrigan is a Wundersmith. Lots of trials incur almost like Harry Potter when they are doing the Goblet of Fire and have to learn to trust and work together. In this sequel we get a lot more glimpses of the town of Wondermoor and I think my favorite part was the class where they learn all about the ins and outs of this great town. The way different alleys can have special circumstances when you enter them. The scary ghastly market which kind of reminds me of the evil part of Diagon Alley. There is a train in this series as well but it called the Hometrain and leaves from platform 919 in the Wondersect part of the town. There is lots of action in this second book and I really got involved so much that I read it in two days. Your in for treat if you pick this up and remember that “For one shining moment you became a dragon because Wunder grew tired of you being mouse”

Jessica Townsend lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Her pet fascinations include public transport, ancient cities, hotels, opera singers, Halloween, secret societies and gigantic cats - all of which have weaselled their way into Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, her award-winning first novel released in 2017. Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow, the second book in this record-breaking series, will be released in 2018.

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow was the biggest-selling Australian children's debut since records began. It has won the 2018 ABIA for Book of the Year, Book of the Year for Younger Readers and Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year; the 2018 Indie Book Awards Book of the Year and Children's Category; the 2017 Aurealis Award for Best Children's Fiction; the 2018 Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Younger Fiction and was named a CBCA notable book.

Find Jessica: Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

3 Winners will receive a finished copy of WUNDERSMITH: THE CALLING OF MORRIGAN CROW, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week One:

11/12/2018- Between the Pages- Review

11/13/2018- To Be Read- Review

11/14/2018- Maddie.TV- Review

11/15/2018- The Pages In-Between- Review

11/16/2018- Bri's Book Nook- Review

Week Two:

11/19/2018- Do You Dog-ear?- Review

11/20/2018- Jump Into Books- Review

11/21/2018- Two points of interest- Review

11/22/2018- The Reading Corner for All- Review

11/23/2018- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review

More News and gifs!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 18:27:00 +0000

So, I'm sure some of you have been wondering:

I have actually been here, but taking a much needed reading vacation. I went into a major reading slump. I started out strong this year reading and then I started doing other activities. I recently started crocheting again. I hadn't done that since I was a teenager (20 years ago, shhh). I have got so engulfed in that, that I just haven't picked up a book since February. So far, I have made 2 blankets (for each of my kids birthdays), working on 2 for christmas gifts for my husband and friend and have 3 more planned out, one being for my parents anniversary next year. So, needless to say, that has been occupying a lot of my time.

Now you may be wondering, where does that leave the blog? Well, I have been toying around with ideas for it. I have been thinking of multiple ideas to bring it back to life. So bare with me on this. I would also love to hear your input in the comments section.

1. Bring in a co-blogger (which is a bit of a challenge because everyone that I know that loves reading like me already have their own blogs.)

2. Review at my own pace. I already know that I can't keep up with other bloggers out there being that I am a full time mom to a 8 year old and a 2 year old going through his terrible two stage. Also being a full time wife and mom is hard work. I have not only all the wonderful joys of staying home with my two wonderful kids, but starting this coming school year, we are exploring home schooling for the first time. We plan on traveling more this year, at least we are hoping to. I already have one trip planned out for going mining this year at the Crater of Diamonds state park in Arkansas. So not only will this be fun, but it will be educational. I am also planning a Thanksgiving trip to Arizona to see my snow-bird parents this year. SO, we will be very busy.

3. Not only blog about books, but the joys and mishaps of being a stay at home parent. I could blog about book reviews (picture all the way to YA to cookbooks again), clothing, home school, crocheting projects, art projects and more. This would be fun, and it may take time to get used to running this type of blog, but I think it may be manageable.

Now, with these options, I would be updating the page itself. It would be a major over hall, the name would change, the background, colors, etc. So, weigh in your responses and let me know if you would be along for the ride, or if you still want strictly books or if it doesn't matter, let me know too.

Thanks everyone!

The Final Six by Alexandra Monir: A ARC Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 01:04:00 +0000

Title: The Final Six
Author: Alexandra Monir
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: March 6th 2018
Pages: 345
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | iBooks

When Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, and Naomi, a science genius from California, are two of the twenty-four teens drafted into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever altered. After erratic climate change has made Earth a dangerous place to live, the fate of the population rests on the shoulders of the final six who will be scouting a new planet. Intense training, global scrutiny, and cutthroat opponents are only a few of the hurdles the contestants must endure in this competition.

For Leo, the prospect of traveling to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—to help resettle humankind is just the sense of purpose he’s been yearning for since losing his entire family in the flooding of Rome. Naomi, after learning of a similar space mission that mysteriously failed, suspects the ISTC isn’t being up front with them about what’s at risk.

As the race to the final six advances, the tests get more challenging—even deadly. With pressure mounting, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo, and the two grow closer with each mind-boggling experience they encounter. But it’s only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.

This was a fast paced sci-fi dystopian book. It roped me in from the beginning and had me page turning every step of the way to find out what happens next. I really enjoy this authors writing style and I can't wait to read more of her books, as this is the second book by Monir that I have had the chance to read.

In this one we have two perspectives, but it wasn't confusing, which was a nice change. Leo and Naomi. Leo seems very genuine and Naomi is head strong. And they both embark on this mission for different reasons. While Leo is gun hoe about going since he has nothing left for in his flooded Rome, Naomi is resistant and a bit hesitant about going due to leaving her ill brother behind. These two unlikely teens share a bond and you can see that right from the start.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm hoping for a sequel as this ended on a cliffhanger. If you like dystopian and science fiction and space travel, then this book is just for you.

Alexandra Monir is an Iranian-American author and recording artist. Her debut, Timeless, was a Barnes & Noble Bestseller and an Amazon Best Book of the Month and was followed by its sequel, Timekeeper, as well as Suspicion, The Girl in the Picture, and The Final Six. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Find Alexandra: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free from Miss Print to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads.

***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads.

****Author photo obtained through author website.

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce: A Rockstar Book Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 12:30:00 +0000

Welcome to the Tempests and Slaughter book tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. I don't have a review for you today, but I do have some pretty great info about the book! Plus, scroll down and you will find a pretty nice giveaway!

Title: Tempests and Slaughter

Author: Tamora Pierce

Pub. Date: February 6, 2018

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Pages: 480

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Arram. Varice. Ozorne. In the first book in the Numair Chronicles, three student mages are bound by fate . . . fated for trouble.

Arram Draper is a boy on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness–and for attracting danger. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the “leftover prince” with secret ambitions. Together, these three friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. And as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram begins to realize that one day soon he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.

In the Numair Chronicles, readers will be rewarded with the never-before-told story of how Numair Salmalín came to Tortall. Newcomers will discover an unforgettable fantasy adventure where a kingdom’s future rests on the shoulders of a talented young man with a knack for making vicious enemies.

Tamora Pierce is a bestselling author of young adult fantasy books that break past the traditions of the fantasy genre to feature teenage girls as knights, wizards, and above all: heroes. A #1 New York Times bestseller and the recipient of the 2013 Margaret A. Edwards award, Tamora has written over 30 books, including the upcoming TORTALL: A SPY'S GUIDE (Oct. 31, 2017) and TEMPESTS AND SLAUGHTER (Feb. 6, 2018).

Tamora was drawn to books from a young age. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, the child of a "long, proud line of hillbillies," her family never had much. "We were poor, but I didn't know it then. We had a garden where my folks grew fruit and vegetables and our water came from a well," she explains. But one thing they did have was plenty of books. So Tamora read.

A self-proclaimed "geek," she devoured fantasy and science fiction novels, and by the age of 12 was mimicking her literary idols and writing her own action-packed stories. It was thanks to her father that Tamora began writing. "He heard me telling myself stories as I did dishes, and he suggested that I try to write some of them down," Pierce says.

But Tamora's novels had one major difference: unlike the books she was reading, her stories featured teenaged girl warriors. "I couldn't understand this lapse of attention on the part of the writers I loved, so until I could talk them into correcting this small problem, I wrote about those girls, the fearless, bold, athletic creatures that I was not, but wanted so badly to be."

Seventeen years later, after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, a brief career in teen social work and some time spent writing for radio, Tamora Pierce held true to her childhood crusade, and published ALANNA: THE FIST ADVENTURE, the first in a quartet about a valiant, young, female warrior. Pierce's heroine struck a chord with readers across the country and quickly earned her a loyal following.

Now, with over 30 critically-acclaimed books to her name, Pierce lives in upstate New York with her husband Tim and their menagerie of nine cats, two birds, a flock of pigeons, various raccoons and squirrels, and one opossum. "It's a pretty good life, if I do say so myself. Struggling along as a kid and even through my twenties, it's the kind of life I dreamed of but never believed I would get. Yet here I am, after a lot of work, a lot of worry, a lot of care for details, and a massive chunk of luck, the kind that brought me such strong friends and readers. Pretty good for a hillbilly, yes? And I never take it for granted."

Find Tamora: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

3 winners will receive a finished copy of TEMPESTS AND SLAUGHTER, US Only.

Ends on March 2nd at Midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week One:
2/1/2018- Fiction Fare- Review
2/2/2018- herbookstacks- Review

Week Two:
2/5/2018- Here's to Happy Endings- Review
2/6/2018- A Dream Within A Dream- Review
2/7/2018- Book-Keeping- Review
2/8/2018- Eli to the nth- Review
2/9/2018- LILbooKlovers- Review

Week Three:
2/12/2018- Jump Into Books- Promo
2/13/2018- BookHounds YA- Review
2/14/2018- Jessabella Reads- Review
2/15/2018- YA Bibliophile- Review
2/16/2018- Nerdophiles - Review

Week Four:
2/19/2018- Book Briefs- Review
2/20/2018- Smada's Book Smack- Review
2/21/2018- Confessions of a YA Reader- Excerpt
2/22/2018- YA Books Central- Excerpt
2/23/2018- The Book Nut- Review

Week Five:
2/26/2018- A Backwards Story- Review
2/27/2018- The Book Shire- Review
2/28/2018- Falling Down The Book Hole- Excerpt

Never Apart by Romily Bernard: A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Feb 2018 20:02:00 +0000

Title: Never Apart
Author: Romily Bernard
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publish Date: October 3rd 2017
Pages: 400
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

How many times would you die for love?
What if you had to relive the same five days over and over?

And what if at the end of it, your boyfriend is killed…

And you have to watch. Every time.

You don’t know why you’re stuck in this nightmare.

But you do know that these are the rules you now live by:

Wake Up.

Run.

Die.

Repeat.

Now, the only way to escape this loop is to attempt something crazy. Something dangerous. Something completely unexpected. This time…you’re not going to run.

Combining heart-pounding romance and a thrilling mystery Never Apart is a stunning story you won’t soon forget.

I love Romily's work. I really loved her series, Find Me. When I was sent this for review, I was so ecstatic and then I shelved it and forgot about it, whoops. But then I picked it up to read. I actually had to put it down because I didn't know if I was going to like it. At first, this was way confusing and irritating, going back and forth between the past and present. I mean, literally, each chapter went back and forth. One chapter was the present and the next it was the past. I actually put this down and starting working on other projects (like my crafting) for a few weeks. I read some reviews and every review I read was raving about it. So, because I absolutely loved her other work, I decided to give it a try again. I was really glad that I did. This story moved quickly and I read it in 2 days, which is not an easy feat for me since I have 2 kids and a new dog that requires my full attention haha.

So we have 4 main characters. Grace, Jem, Ander and Finn. It starts off with Grace and Ander running through a swamp, trying to get away from Finn because they think he's trying to kill them again. Yep, you heard that right, again. Then we are thrown into a past/present type telling. We hear about the past which coincides with the present and what Grace is going through at present. Throughout the book, we learn of her different "falls" and we get to see what everyone is like. I, myself, wasn't too fond of Ander from the beginning, he just felt kind of shady and just not good for Grace. But of course, as the saying goes, you can't help who you love. I really want to go into more detail on this, but I really don't want to spoil the book for everyone.

This quickly turned into a fast paced thriller/love story/mystery. I really enjoyed it. I suggest that you go pick it up and find out for yourself.

Romily Bernard graduated from Georgia State University with a Literature degree. Since then, she’s worked as a riding instructor, cell phone salesgirl, personal assistant, groom, exercise rider, accounting assistant, and, during a very dark time, customer service rep.

So don’t let anyone tell you a BA degree will keep you unemployed.

Her YA thrillers FIND ME, REMEMBER ME, LIE FOR ME, AND TRUST ME are now available.

Find Romily: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

Zenith by Lindsay Cummings & Sasha Alsberg: ARC Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 23:00:00 +0000

Title: Zenith (The Androma Saga #1)
Author: Sasha Alsberg, Lindsay Cummings
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publish Date: January 16th 2018
Pages:534
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

Most know Androma Racella as the Bloody Baroness, a powerful mercenary whose reign of terror stretches across the Mirabel Galaxy. To those aboard her glass starship, Marauder, however, she's just Andi, their friend and fearless leader.

But when a routine mission goes awry, the Marauder's all-girl crew is tested as they find themselves in a treacherous situation and at the mercy of a sadistic bounty hunter from Andi's past.

Meanwhile, across the galaxy, a ruthless ruler waits in the shadows of the planet Xen Ptera, biding her time to exact revenge for the destruction of her people. The pieces of her deadly plan are about to fall into place, unleashing a plot that will tear Mirabel in two.

Andi and her crew embark on a dangerous, soul-testing journey that could restore order to their shipor just as easily start a war that will devour worlds. As the Marauder hurtles toward the unknown, and Mirabel hangs in the balance, the only certainty is that in a galaxy run on lies and illusion, no one can be trusted.

Ok, so I am really on the edge for this. I really really wanted to love this book. I have heard great things about it and when I had the chance to review through Miss Print, I jumped on the chance. This one just intrigued me from the start, but once I started to read this, it fell by the wayside and my interest was elsewhere very quickly. I had to put this one down very early on, which I don't normally do. And, if I do, I usually pick it back up and try try again, but sadly, it wasn't the case for this one.

I hope others out there enjoyed this more than me and I urge everyone to pick it up and try to read it for themselves and form their own opinions. But as of right now, its not for me. The only reason for the 2 star rating is because I really liked the idea behind this. But it's very confusing for me.

Lindsay Cummings is the #1 NYT Bestselling co-author of ZENITH, along with her duology, THE MURDER COMPLEX from Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, and the MG trilogy THE BALANCE KEEPERS, from Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins. She is represented by Pete Knapp at Park Literary in NYC.

Lindsay deals with chronic fatigue, writes full time from her home in the deep woods in North Texas, and loves to chat with fellow book nerds. Lindsay created the #booknerdigans hashtag.

She's still waiting on her letter from Hogwarts--it was probably just lost in the mail. You can follow Lindsay on twitter @authorlindsayc or on instagram @authorlindsaycummings

Find Lindsay: Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Website | YouTube

Sasha Alsberg is the #1 NYT Bestselling Co-Author of ZENITH: The Androma Saga.

When Sasha is not writing or obsessing over Scotland she is making YouTube videos on her channel Abookutopia. She lives in Northern Texas with her dog, Fraser.

For her writing, she is represented by Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary and is represented on YouTube by Brian Lieberman at Studio71.

Find Sasha: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | YouTube

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free from MissPrint to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

A Poison Dark & Drowning by Jessica Cluess: A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Title: A Poison Dark & Drowning (Kingdom On Fire #2)
Author: Jessica Cluess
Publisher: Random House
Publish Date: September 19th 2017
Pages: 432
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

The magicians want her to lead. The sorcerers want her to lie. The demons want her blood. Henrietta wants to save the one she loves. But will his dark magic be her undoing?

Henrietta doesn’t need a prophecy to know that she’s in danger. She came to London to be named the chosen one, the first female sorcerer in centuries, the one who would defeat the bloodthirsty Ancients. Instead, she discovered a city ruled by secrets. And the biggest secret of all: Henrietta is not the chosen one.

Still, she must play the role in order to keep herself and Rook, her best friend and childhood love, safe. But can she truly save him? The poison in Rook’s system is transforming him into something monstrous as he begins to master dark powers of his own.

So when Henrietta finds a clue to the Ancients’ past that could turn the tide of the war, she persuades Blackwood, the mysterious Earl of Sorrow-Fell, to travel up the coast to seek out strange new weapons. And Magnus, the brave, reckless flirt who wants to win back her favor, is assigned to their mission. Together, they will face monsters, meet powerful new allies, and uncover the most devastating weapon of all: the truth.

This one took me a bit longer to read due to the holidays and all the chaos, but when I was finally able to sit down and give it my full attention, it was completely worth it.

So this one picks up where we left off in first book. We have about the same amount of romance, if not a little more as revelations come to pass about feelings and you just end up with a love square instead of a triangle. New ships are made or destroyed. And new characters are introduced. As well as discoveries being made about Henrietta’s parents.

I will not hide my feelings toward Rook. He wasn’t in this book that much, and that was perfectly fine with me. To me he is more of a burden and should just be counted as a friend and not someone that could be a love interest. He seems to hold Henrietta back from a lot of things. I realize that they were childhood friends and probably the only friend each had, but there comes a point where you need to move on from one another. I really think he was used more as bait from the beginning and as you read this book, you will understand my feelings toward that.

Magnus was one of my favorites in both books. He had proclaimed how he feels towards Henrietta, and I think that if he wasn’t betrothed in the first book we would have seen the relationship bloom a bit more in this one. But as he was and he swore he would not talk about his feelings with her, we see their friendship grow and possible feelings as well.

Blackwood is my other favorite and he proclaims his feelings toward Henrietta in this book. I think it was just building up to it in the first book, and how Henrietta was so oblivious to his feelings in the first place was beyond me. I’m glad they explored this relationship possibility in this book. And while I secretly hope for them to end up together in the next, I’m afraid that it might be doomed to fail.

As for discoveries about her parents, you’ll just have to read this to find that out as I don’t want to give too much more away. While we find out about her father in this one we are still trying to figure out her mother and her connection to Sorrow-Fell with her stave. I have some theories about her mother, but will stay tight lipped about it until I read the next book to confirm or deny my theories.

Jessica Cluess is a writer, a graduate of Northwestern University, and an unapologetic nerd. After college, she moved to Los Angeles, where she served coffee to the rich and famous while working on her first novel. When she’s not writing books, she’s an instructor at Writopia Lab, helping kids and teens tell their own stories.Jessica Cluess is a writer, a graduate of Northwestern University, and an unapologetic nerd. After college, she moved to Los Angeles, where she served coffee to the rich and famous while working on her first novel. When she’s not writing books, she’s an instructor at Writopia Lab, helping kids and teens tell their own stories.

Find Jessica: Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess: A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 12:00:00 +0000

Title: A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom On Fire #1)

Author: Jessica Cluess

Publisher: Random House

Publish Date: September 20th 2016

Pages: 416

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

A fast-paced, historical, fantasy book that had me pulled in from the very beginning. I was very intrigued with the synopsis of this when I first learned of this fantastic book and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it to read it. I really loved the whole aspect of this story and the characters. I don’t think there was a single character that I disliked aside from Palehook. I will admit that I’m not a fan of her beloved childhood friend, Rook. But I also think he is one of the aspects that pulled this story together quite nicely. The world building and the scenes of this are wonderfully written and you get a real sense of being there with everyone. Henrietta (Nettie) is definitely a strong female lead with stubbornness and passion throughout her veins. I can identify with her on those levels. I think we see her grow slightly throughout this book as she comes to terms with who she is and what is requested of her. Blackthorn and Magnus are very strong supporting characters and have won my affection at the beginning, even with Blackthorns pride and Magnus’s cockiness. I can’t wait to see where this story goes.

Find Jessica: Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Otherworld by Jason Segel and Kirsten Miller: An ARC Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 15:38:00 +0000

Title: Otherworld (Otherworld #1)
Author: Jason Segel & Kirsten Miller
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publish Date: October 31, 2017
Pages: 355
Source: Publisher for Review
Get Yours: Amazon | Book Depository

The company says Otherworld is amazing—like nothing you’ve ever seen before. They say it’s addictive—that you’ll want to stay forever. They promise Otherworld will make all your dreams come true.

Simon thought Otherworld was a game. Turns out he knew nothing. Otherworld is the next phase of reality. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted.

And it’s about to change humanity forever. Welcome to the Otherworld. No one could have seen it coming.

I had such high hopes for this book. I mean, the synopsis of this sounds amazing, and my daughter and I enjoyed the Nightmares! books. But this book just wasn’t my thing once I started reading. The main character is supposed to be what, 18 years old? He seems very immature, like he’s 15 or younger. He stays at home to play VR video games and steals his moms credit card to pay for the equipment he needs to play it with. He acts as if it’s ok to do this. And then his dad finds out and had a temper tantrum and beats the crap out of this $6000 equipment with his golf clubs as if to teach his son a lesson. Why do that? Why not show you are an adult and return it? After I got to this part in the book I just had to put it down and walk away.

Now on the other hand, I did give this a 2 star rating and that’s because the concept of this alternate video game world was pretty amazing. Everything seemed very well thought out and it seemed, from what little I had read, very believable. Probably more so than the reality in the book.

I might try this one again later and update my review, but for now, this was a no go for me sadly.

About Jason:

New York Times bestselling author Jason Segel used to have nightmares just like Charlie, and just like Charlie, he's learned that the things we're most afraid of are the things that can make us strong...if we're brave enough to face them. Jason likes acting, writing, making music, and hanging out with his friends. Sometimes he writes movies. Sometimes he writes songs for movies. Sometimes he stars in those movies and sings those songs. You might know him from The Muppets and Despicable Me. Your parents might know him from other stuff. Nightmares! is his first novel.

Find Jason: Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

About Kirsten:

I write books.

Some of my books are what librarians call middle grade. (Kiki Strike, Nightmares!)

Some should be kept away from small children and people with weak stomachs. (How to Lead a Life of Crime, The Eternal Ones, Otherworld)

I write some books with Jason Segel.

I've written quite a few books on my own.

I'm an Aquarius.

My favorite food is cauliflower. (No joke.)

I will eat almost anything. And I'm weirdly proud of it.

I believe New York City is the most magical place on earth.

I love Dolly Parton and David Attenborough. Equally.

I cannot sing or play any musical instruments.

I'm obsessed with sewers and sanitation systems.

I once broke into a Mayan temple with my brother, Spike.

Spike is an alias. It's not his real name.

I also have a sister. She prefers to remain anonymous.

We have the same birthday.

Yes, that sucks.

I think that's all you need to know.

Find Kirsten: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

December New Release Giveaway Hop (INT)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 23:17:00 +0000

Welcome to the December 2017 New Release Giveaway Hop, hosted by It Starts At Midnight! The hop runs all month long so you can enter from now until midnight on December 31st. Up for grabs is any new release this month up to the value of $15 USD from the Book Depository as long as they deliver to your country, or from Amazon if you're in the United States - find the list of countries here at Book Depository.

All you have to do is choose any new release published in December and fill out the rafflecopter!

Here is a look at some of the books that you can order:

Giveaway Ends December 31st at 11:59 PM CST

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop on over to the other blogs that are participating! Have fun!

Shutter by Courtney Alameda: A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Dec 2017 22:02:00 +0000

Title: Shutter (Shutter #1)
Author: Courtney Alameda
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publish Date: February 3, 2015
Pages: 384
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

Horror has a new name: introducing Courtney Alameda.

Micheline Helsing is a tetrachromat—a girl who sees the auras of the undead in a prismatic spectrum. As one of the last descendants of the Van Helsing lineage, she has trained since childhood to destroy monsters both corporeal and spiritual: the corporeal undead go down by the bullet, the spiritual undead by the lens. With an analog SLR camera as her best weapon, Micheline exorcises ghosts by capturing their spiritual energy on film. She's aided by her crew: Oliver, a techno-whiz and the boy who developed her camera's technology; Jude, who can predict death; and Ryder, the boy Micheline has known and loved forever.

When a routine ghost hunt goes awry, Micheline and the boys are infected with a curse known as a soulchain. As the ghostly chains spread through their bodies, Micheline learns that if she doesn't exorcise her entity in seven days or less, she and her friends will die. Now pursued as a renegade agent by her monster-hunting father, Leonard Helsing, she must track and destroy an entity more powerful than anything she's faced before . . . or die trying.

Lock, stock, and lens, she’s in for one hell of a week.

I loved this book from start to finish. It had everything I could hope for in a ghost hunting book. A kickass heroin, a hot brooding Aussie, best friends and action. At moments I wanted to scream at the book and others I wanted to reach through and bitch slap her dad. I got pretty early on who we were hunting as in the entity, which wasn't a big deal. I'm glad the book played out the way it did. There was plenty of the edge of your seat nail biting moments to make up for it. I'm also really glad the ending played out like it did and it left it open in case the author decides to revisit the Helsings in the future.

A veteran bookseller and librarian, Courtney Alameda now spends her days writing thriller and horror novels for young people. Her debut novel, SHUTTER, was nominated for a Bram Stoker award and hailed as a "standout in the genre" by School Library Journal. Her forthcoming novel, PITCH DARK (Spring 2017), is a genre-blending science fiction/horror novel in the vein of Ridley Scott's 1979 film ALIEN.

Courtney holds a B.A. in English literature with an emphasis in creative writing. She is represented by the talented John M. Cusick of Folio Literary. A Northern California native, she now resides in Utah with her husband, a legion of books, and a tiny five pound cat with a giant personality.

Find Courtney: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Disclaimer: **Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn: A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 14:18:00 +0000

Title: Another Little Piece
Author: Kate Karyus Quinn
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publish Date: June 11th 2013
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 419
Source: Purchased
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party. She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished.

A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon.

Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish . . . a bloody razor . . . and the faces of other girls who disappeared. Piece by piece, Annaliese's fractured memories come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape—unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.

I just couldn’t bring myself to finish this book. I tried and just to the point where I was just uninterested in it to go on. I sadly had to put this one down.

This one starts off pretty interesting where a girl is wandering through the woods to this house in a trash bag. But then it starts to get strange. Everyone believes she is this girl that was presumed dead a year prior. She looks like her and talks like her but doesn’t have her memories. Then she is taken to this hospital to talk to a shrink and then her parents take her home. She refers to them as “the Mom” and “the Dad”. Then it goes back and forth through the present and past memories. She even once had a craving for some boys blood or something. So this really wasn’t what I expected.

This is another book that I need to put up on a shelf and try to come back to another time, hopefully. But for now, I just can’t bring myself to pick it up again to finish.

Kate Karyus Quinn is an avid reader and menthol chapstick addict. She has lived in California and Tennessee, but recently made the move back to her hometown of Buffalo, New York, with her husband and two children in tow. She promised them wonderful people, amazing food, and weather that would... build character. Another Little Piece is her first novel.

Find Kate: Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Disclaimer: **Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

Children of Refuge by Margaret Peterson Haddix: A Nerd Blast Book Blast

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 14:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Nerd Blast for Children of Refuge by Margaret Peterson Haddix hosted by Jean Book Nerd.

Series: Children of Exile (Book 2)
Format: Hardcover

Pages: 272 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Published: September 12, 2017

After Edwy is smuggled off to Refuge City to stay with his brother and sister, Rosi, Bobo, and Cana are stuck alone—and in danger—in Cursed Town in the thrilling follow-up to Children of Exile from New York Times bestselling author, Margaret Peterson Haddix.

It’s been barely a day since Edwy left Fredtown to be with his parents and, already, he is being sent away. He’s smuggled off to boarding school in Refuge City, where he will be with his brother and sister, who don’t even like him very much. The boarding school is nothing like the school that he knew, there’s no one around looking up to him now, and he’s still not allowed to ask questions!

Alone and confused, Edwy seeks out other children brought back from Fredtown and soon discovers that Rosi and the others—still stuck in the Cursed Town—might be in danger. Can Edwy find his way back to his friends before it’s too late?

This is a topical thriller that brings heart and thought to the sci-fi genre. ―Kirkus Reviews
The plot twists are multiple, exciting, and completely logical… An excellent dystopian adventure for tweens. ―Booklist

Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

Margaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.

She has since written more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Double Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under Their Skin duology; and The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages.

Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio. They are the parents of two grown kids.

Find Margaret: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

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

- 15 Winners will receive a Copy of CHILDREN OF REFUGE by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Haven by Mary Lindsey: A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 03:08:00 +0000

Title: Haven
Author: Mary Lindsey
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: November 7th 2017
Pages: 371
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

"We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed."

Rain Ryland has never belonged anywhere, He’s used to people judging him for his rough background, his intimidating size, and now, his orphan status. He’s always been on the outside, looking in, and he’s fine with that. Until he moves to New Wurzburg and meets Friederike Burkhart.

Freddie isn’t like normal teen girls, though. And someone wants her dead for it. Freddie warns he’d better stay far away if he wants to stay alive, but Rain’s never been good at running from trouble. For the first time, Rain has something worth fighting for, worth living for. Worth dying for.

Fast paced, action packed and hot! For fans of Twilight and Maggie Stiefvater's The Shiver trilogy. This was a seemingly quick read for me and I devoured it from start to finish. I really love Mary Lindsey and I couldn't wait to read this. The cover is completely amazing and the story had me pulled in from the beginning.

I really loved the main characters, Rain and Freddie. They both had their fair share of tragic pasts and loss. Which made them such a great pair. I felt like I was watching their relationship and romance unfold right before my eyes, almost as if I was witnessing it first hand. Also, the supporting characters helped pull the loose ends together quite nicely. I enjoyed seeing how the story unfolded as I was reading. However, there was a lot of back story to this and some characters did seem like they were being rushed into the story and thrown in when we didn't need any.

If you read where I stated that this was for fans of Twilight and that got your attention trying to figure out where the werewolf in this book crosses with the vampires of Twilight, I will say, there was one scene that, as I was reading this, was almost identical to Twilight. I don't want to spoil it for you, so you will have to read it to see what I am talking about.

But for the most part, this was a fantastic, quick read that will pull you in from the start. Thanks to Entangled Publishing for my wonderful box of Haven inspired things and a wonderful book for review!

Mary Lindsey is a multi award-winning, RITA® nominated author of romance for adults and teens. She lives on an island in the middle of a river. Seriously, she does. When not writing, she wrangles her rowdy pack of three teens, two Cairn Terriers, and one husband.

Inexplicably, her favorite animal is the giant anteater and at one point, she had over 200 "pet" Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. The roaches are a long story involving three science-crazed kids and a soft spot for rescue animals. The good news is, the "pet" roaches found a home... somewhere else.

She also writes under the pseudonym Marissa Clarke.

Find Mary: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

Not Now, Not Ever by Lily Anderson Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 14:00:00 +0000

Release Date: November 21, 2017

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 320 pages

Elliot Gabaroche is very clear on what she isn't going to do this summer.

1. She isn't going to stay home in Sacramento, where she'd have to sit through her stepmother's sixth community theater production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
2. She isn't going to mock trial camp at UCLA.
3. And she certainly isn't going to the Air Force summer program on her mom's base in Colorado Springs. As cool as it would be to live-action-role-play Ender's Game, Ellie's seen three generations of her family go through USAF boot camp up close, and she knows that it's much less Luke/Yoda/"feel the force," and much more one hundred push-ups on three days of no sleep. And that just isn't appealing, no matter how many Xenomorphs from Alien she'd be able to defeat afterwards.

What she is going to do is pack up her determination, her favorite Octavia Butler novels, and her Jordans, and go to summer camp. Specifically, a cutthroat academic-decathlon-like competition for a full scholarship to Rayevich College, the only college with a Science Fiction Literature program. And she's going to start over as Ever Lawrence, on her own terms, without the shadow of all her family’s expectations. Because why do what’s expected of you when you can fight other genius nerds to the death for a shot at the dream you’re sure your family will consider a complete waste of time?

This summer's going to be great.

“This is a wonderful book that explores the desire to be loyal to family and to create a space that belongs solely to

oneself. Ever’s is a fresh and welcome voice that unashamedly embraces her geekiness.”

—School Library Journal

“Smart, strong, and confident, Ever is a likable protagonist...and fans of The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You will

joyfully greet the return of major characters. Good geeky fun.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Fans of Anderson’s debut novel, The Only Thing Worse than Me Is You, will recognize some characters and delight in

the steady flow of witty banter and sci-fi references.”

—Booklist

“NOT NOW, NOT EVER definitely lives up to even the highest summer-camp novel expectations, and watching Elliot gain

her stride and find herself at a summer camp for genius nerds is extremely entertaining…This is a strong novel with a

solid cast of supporting characters surrounding Elliot, one of the most charismatic heroines in recent memory.”

—Romantic Times

1. Who's your favorite character in NOT NOW, NOT EVER?

Definitely Elliot. She’s so different than me—she’s sporty where I’m slothy and brave where I’m scared and into Sci-Fi where I’m into romance novels and musicals. I loved being in her head for the year I was writing the book.

2. What is your writing process? Are you a pantser? (That would be especially interesting given the literary conversation with the plays). Outliner?

I’m an outliner and my outlines get more serious with every book. With NOT NOW, I outlined a three act structure which was basically “Elliot runs away. Elliot is at camp. Camp is really hard.” If I were outlining the same story now, it would have a chapter by chapter breakdown with character beats.

3. Please give the elevator pitch for Not Now, Not Ever.

Using The Importance Of Being Earnest as a guide, Elliot Gabaroche runs away from home to compete for a college scholarship.

4. Without spoilers, what was your favorite scene to write?

Any scene that happens in the Mo-Lo library. As a librarian, I took particular joy in creating a giant fantastical library of my dreams (and putting some swoon inside).

5. What do you most hope that readers take away from your novels (either or both)?

I want all my readers to take away a sense of happiness. NOT NOW, NOT EVER and its predecessor, THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN ME IS YOU, are fluff. Hopefully well crafted, artisanal and organic fluff but fluff nonetheless. NOT NOW is very much a story about choosing a path, but also realizing that the paths don’t close behind you. I want my readers to have hope for Elliot’s path and their own.

6. What is next?

My next book, UNDEAD GIRL GANG, comes out from Penguin Razorbill on May 8, 2018! It’s Veronica Mars meets The Craft in the fat Wiccan Latina book I’ve always wanted to write.

7. Do you have a dream cast for if there was ever a movie version of NOT NOW, NOT EVER?

In four or five years, I think that Marsai Martin (Diane from Blackish) and Finn Wolfhard (Mike from Stranger Things) would be a perfect Elliot and Brandon. Wendell Cheeseman, the professor in charge of Camp Onward, was written with Paul Scheer (from my all-time favorite podcast, How Did This Get Made, and TV shows like Fresh Off The Boat and The League) in mind.

Lily was nice enough to answer a couple of our questions as well:

8. Is writing something you always wanted to do or is it something that just happened?

I have always written. I won my first writing contest when I was in first grade for a poem about olives. (Olives are good/olives are great/you can put them on your fingers/you can put them on your toes/but Mom will really yell at me/if I put them up my nose). I wrote poetry and fan fic until I was about fourteen and started writing original characters.

9. On a Harry Potter note, which house do you belong to?

Ravenclaw for life!

LILY ANDERSON is an elementary school librarian and Melvil Dewey fangirl with an ever-growing collection of musical theater tattoos and Harry Potter ephemera. She lives in Northern California. She is also the author of The Only Thing Worse than Me Is You.

Find Lily: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Cherry Bombe by Kerry Diamond & Claudia Wu: A Cookbook Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 17:46:00 +0000

Title: Cherry Bombe
Author: Kerry Diamond, Claudia Wu
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Publish Date: October 10th 2017
Source: Blogging For Books
Buy It: Amazon

It's the first-ever cookbook from the team behind Cherry Bombe, the hit indie magazine about women and food, and the Radio Cherry Bombe podcast. Inside are 100+ recipes from some of the most interesting chefs, bakers, food stylists, pastry chefs, and creatives on the food scene today, including:

Mashama Bailey, chef of The Grey Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Melissa Clark, New York Times columnist and cookbook author Amanda Cohen, chef/owner of Dirt Candy Angela Dimayuga, executive chef of Mission Chinese Food Melissa & Emily Elsen, founders of Four & Twenty Blackbirds Karlie Kloss, supermodel and cookie entrepreneur Jessica Koslow, chef/owner of Sqirl Padma Lakshmi, star of Top Chef Elisabeth Prueitt, pastry chef and co-founder of Tartine and Tartine Manufactory Chrissy Teigen, supermodel and bestselling cookbook author Christina Tosi, chef and founder of Milk Bar Joy Wilson, of Joy the Baker Molly Yeh, of my name is yeh

The Cherry Bombe team asked these women and others for their most meaningful recipes. The result is a beautifully styled and photographed collection that you will turn to again and again in the kitchen.

In this cookbook you are taken through many different culinary recipes. Most of which weren't really for me. The photos were gorgeous and the recipes well laid out and descriptive. However, when we got down to it, nothing really jumped out at me as in saying "MAKE ME!". However, once I got to the desserts, there were a few things that stood out that I could see making in a everyday average american home. A few to name were the Best Friend Cheesecake and the Sweet Potato Pie. I, for one, may not have enjoyed the recipes in this book since they weren't really for me or my family, but I'm only one person, so these might just be for you.

Ending Thoughts:

The cover was gorgeous and the photos add a great touch. I also liked how it tells you everything that you will need utensil and small appliance wise.

Editorial director of @cherrybombemag and host of Radio Cherry Bombe. Food + feminism. Currently on tour for Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook

Find Kerry: Twitter

CLAUDIA WU is the co-founder and creative director of Cherry Bombe, and runs a creative consulting and design studio. Previously, she was art director at V and Visionaire magazines, design director at Index Magazine, and founded and published Me Magazine.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

November New Release Giveaway Hop [INT]

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Nov 2017 01:34:00 +0000

Welcome to the November 2017 New Release Giveaway Hop, hosted by It Starts At Midnight! This is my first time participating and I'm so excited! The hop now runs all month long so you can enter from now until midnight on November 30th. Up for grabs is any new release this month up to the value of $15 USD from the Book Depository as long as they deliver to your country, or from Amazon if you're in the United States - find the list of countries here.

All you have to do is choose any new release published in November and fill out the rafflecopter!

Here is a look at some of the books that you can order:

Giveaway Ends November 30th at 11:59 PM CST

a Rafflecopter giveaway Now hop on over to the other blogs that are participating! Have fun!

Otherworld by Jason Segel & Kirsten Miller: A Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to my stop on the wonderful blog tour for Otherworld by Jason Segel & Kirsten Miller!

Title: OTHERWORLD

Author: Jason Segel & Kirsten Miller

Pub. Date: November 7, 2017

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Pages: 368

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

The company says Otherworld is amazing—like nothing you’ve ever seen before. They say it’s addictive—that you’ll want to stay forever. They promise Otherworld will make all your dreams come true.

Simon thought Otherworld was a game. Turns out he knew nothing. Otherworld is the next phase of reality. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted.

And it’s about to change humanity forever.

Welcome to the Otherworld. No one could have seen it coming.

Find Jason: Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

About Kirsten:

Find Kirsten: Website | Twitter | Goodreads

3 winners will receive a finished copy of OTHERWORLD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week One:

10/2/2017- Fiction Fare- Review

10/3/2017- Eli to the nth- Review

10/4/2017- A Gingerly Review- Review

10/5/2017- A Dream Within A Dream- Review

10/6/2017- Novel Novice- Spotlight

Week Two:

10/9/2017- Feed Your Fiction Addiction- Review

10/10/2017- Zach's YA Reviews- Review

10/11/2017- Jump Into Books- Spotlight

10/12/2017- Savings in Seconds- Review

10/13/2017- YAandWine- Spotlight

Week Three:

10/16/2017- Lattes & Paperbacks- Review

10/17/2017- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

10/18/2017- Shelf Rider- Review

10/19/2017- Seeing Double In Neverland- Review

10/20/2017- NightlyReading- Review

Week Four:

10/23/2017- Lisa Loves Literature- Review

10/24/2017- Don't Judge, Read- Review

10/25/2017- Cindy's Love of Books- Review

10/26/2017- Bibliobakes- Review

10/27/2017- Book-Keeping- Review

Week Five:

10/30/2017- BookHounds YA- Review

10/31/2017- Book Briefs- Review

Queso! by Lisa Fain: A Cookbook Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Oct 2017 20:53:00 +0000

Title: Queso!
Author: Lisa Fain
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publish Date: September 26, 2017
Pages: 144
Source: Blogging For Books
Buy It: Amazon | B&N

Queso (aka chile con queso) is a spicy, cheesy, comforting cult favorite that has long been a delicious addition to any party, barbecue, or family gathering. This appealing and accessible book features a mix of down-home standards and contemporary updates, from historical, regional, and Mexican quesos to vegan and dessert quesos, including Chile Verde Con Queso, Squash Blossom Queso Fundido, Fajita Queso, Cactus and Corn Queso Poblano, Frito Salad with Queso Dressing, Pulled Pork Queso Blanco, and Sausage Queso Biscuits. Whether you’re relaxing with friends, having a few people over to watch the football game, or entertaining a hungry crowd, queso is the perfect party food for good times.

Queso? Did someone say queso? As in cheese?? Holy crap, this cookbook was full of TONS of yummy goodness. In my house, if someone says cheese, we all come running, especially my littles. And the youngest being only a year and a half now, you can hear his little feet just padding away on the hardwood floors right behind his big sister.

I have not tried all of these recipes yet, but have tried two. The Boudin Queso (since we are in Louisiana) and the Bean Dip Queso. Can I just say, WOW? These were so packed full of flavor that our taste buds were hankering for more. I mean, most people just do the tried and true Rotel queso and some have tried it with chili, but these will knock any of your old run-of-the-mill-queso right out of the ballpark. I think we are going to try the Chicken Fried Steak with Queso gravy next.

What do you think you are going to try? Oh, you haven't gotten your copy yet? Well what are you waiting for? RUN and get you one.

LISA FAIN is a seventh-generation Texan. When she’s not on the hunt for chile peppers, she writes and photographs the popular food blog Homesick Texan. Author of The Homesick Texan’s Family Table and The Homesick Texan Cookbook, Lisa is recognized as a queso authority by Food + Wine, Saveur, and The Dallas Morning News.

Find Lisa: Website | Twitter

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads.

***Author photo obtained through author website.

Freefall by Joshua David Bellin: A Nerd Blast Book Blast

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 17:32:00 +0000

Welcome to the Nerd Blast for Freefall by Joshua David Bellin hosted by Jean Book Nerd.

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 368 pages

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Published: September 26, 2017

In the Upperworld, the privileged 1% are getting ready to abandon a devastated planet Earth. And Cam can’t wait to leave. After sleeping through a 1,000-year journey, he and his friends will have a pristine new planet to colonize. And no more worries about the Lowerworld and its 99% of rejects.

Then Cam sees a banned video feed of protesters in the Lowerworld who also want a chance at a new life. And he sees a girl with golden eyes who seems to be gazing straight though the feed directly at him. A girl he has to find. Sofie.

When Cam finds Sofie, she opens his eyes to the unfairness of what’s happening in their world, and Cam joins her cause for Lowerworld rights. He also falls hard for Sofie. But Sofie has her own battles to fight, and when it’s time to board the spaceships, Cam is alone.

Waking up 1,000 years in the future, Cam discovers that he and his shipmates are far off-course, trapped on an unknown and hostile planet. Who has sabotaged their ship? And does it have anything to do with Sofie, and the choices—and the enemies—he made in the past?

Brings new meaning to “star-crossed lovers”—read it for the intriguing concepts that play out behind the romance. —Kirkus Reviews
Completely new and unique dystopian/light science fiction. The story shifts from present to past and back again in a way that reveals a little at a time, keeping the reader completely hooked. This book will appeal to teens and adults alike. —Entrada Book Review
Bellin created a fantastic world, one highlighting social, racial, and economic inequalities that you see today, but translated it into a very dystopian-esque setting, where corporations run the world. —Lauren, from YA Bookers
Another engaging novel from master world-builder and storyteller, Joshua David Bellin. I am a fan for life, and I look forward to reading his next story. —Margo Kelly, YA author of Who R U Really? and Unlocked
[Bellin] has all the chops to turn such a dystopian scenario, where the world is firmly under the thumb of greedy, soulless corporate overlords, into a page-turning space opera that is pure pleasure from start to finish. —Kat Ross, YA author of the Fourth Element series

Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

I’ve been writing novels since I was eight years old (though the first few were admittedly very short). I taught college for twenty years, wrote a bunch of books for college students, then decided to return to writing fiction. SURVIVAL COLONY 9 (2014) is my first novel, with the sequel, SCAVENGER OF SOULS, published in 2016. A third book, the deep space adventure FREEFALL, releases in 2017.

I am proud to be represented by the fabulous Liza Fleissig of Liza Royce Agency.

I love to read (mostly science fiction), watch movies (again, mostly sci-fi), and spend time in Nature (mostly catching frogs and toads). I’m the world’s worst singer (just ask my kids), but I play a pretty mean air guitar.

Oh, yeah, and I like monsters. Really scary monsters.

Find Joshua: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

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

- 3 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of FREEFALL by Joshua David Bellin.

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The Hanging Girl by Eileen Cook: A Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 11:30:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to the final tour stop for The Hanging Girl by Eileen Cook! Today I'm very excited because not only is this my first Eileen book but I also have a awesome review to share with y'all!

Title: THE HANGING GIRL

Author: Eileen Cook

Pub. Date: October 3, 2017

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Pages: 320

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Skye Thorn has given tarot card readings for years, and now her psychic visions are helping the police find the town’s missing golden girl. It’s no challenge—her readings have always been faked, but this time she has some insider knowledge. The kidnapping was supposed to be easy—no one would get hurt and she’d get the money she needs to start a new life. But a seemingly harmless prank has turned dark, and Skye realizes the people she’s involved with are willing to kill to get what they want and she must discover their true identity before it’s too late.

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | TBD

This book took me totally by surprise. I went into this one thinking one thing and it totally turned around into something else.

It opens to a teenager talking about how she can read people and knowing things about them before they even open their mouths. Then we are taken in to see her actually reading a class mates tarot, but then confesses that she doesn't believe in the cards herself, but she is doing this for money, so she can leave her hometown and move all the way to NYC. I instantly feel a connection with the main character and later find out that she is from Michigan, which is originally where I am from, so it made me feel more of a pull towards her.

I feel bad for her and can totally relate to her all at the same time. While I didn't experience her type of lifestyle later in life, I still went through some of the same things she did, but never felt like an outsider like she does. I also dreamed of leaving my hometown and go to either California or NYC, but went a different route all together later. She feels tormented by her mother and class mates and only feels a true connection to her best friend, Drew. Which to be honest, I wasn't her biggest fan throughout this book.

Then we have the get rich quick scheme. Skye is trying to come up with the money that she needs and feels like there is only one way to get it, but is kind of on the edge of a steep cliff about it. On the one hand she really needs it to get away from everything and everyone, but on the other she doesn't know if she will feel all that great about getting it the way she goes about it. Then we find out that a classmate that was kind of mean to her goes missing and she has a "vision" about it. But all isn't as it seems and Skye is starting on a downward spiral of lies and and misgivings. Everything takes a turn and you are thrust into this great mystery of who killed Paige.

I can't go into much more detail otherwise I will give the rest of this book away. I totally suggest that you run out to get yourself a copy. so GO NOW, you won't be sorry, I promise.

Eileen Cook is a multi-published author with her novels appearing in eight different languages. Her books have been optioned for film and TV. She spent most of her teen years wishing she were someone else or somewhere else, which is great training for a writer. Her newest book, WITH MALICE, will be out in June 2016. She’s an instructor/mentor with the Simon Fraser University Writer’s Studio Program.

You can read more about Eileen, her books, and the things that strike her as funny at www.eileencook.com. Eileen lives in Vancouver with her husband and two very naughty dogs and no longer wishes to be anyone or anywhere else.

Find Eileen: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE HANGING GIRL, US Only.

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Week One:

9/25/2017- Falling For YA- Interview

9/26/2017- My Thoughts Literally- Review

9/27/2017- Novel Novice- Guest Post

9/28/2017- A Dream Within A Dream- Review

9/29/2017- BookHounds YA- Interview

Week Two:

10/2/2017- books and photographs- Review

10/3/2017- Wandering Bark Books- Guest Post

10/4/2017- JustAddaWord- Review

10/5/2017- a GREAT read- Review

10/6/2017- Jump Into Books- Review

Cover Reveal: Dark Of The West by Joanna Hathaway @torteen @hathawayjojo

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:33:00 +0000

Hey guys! Today I'm bringing you an awesome cover of a new book by a new and upcoming author! Check out Dark Of The West by Joanna Hathaway!

Published on May 8, 2018 by Tor Teen
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 448
Format: Hardcover

He was raised in revolution. She was raised in a palace. Can their love stop a war? Code Name Verity meets The Winner's Curse in Joanna Hathaway's Dark of the West, a breathtaking YA fantasy debut.

Aurelia Isendare is a princess of a small kingdom in the North, raised in privilege but shielded from politics as her brother prepares to step up to the throne. Halfway around the world, Athan Dakar, the youngest son of a ruthless general, is a fighter pilot longing for a life away from the front lines. When Athan’s mother is shot and killed, his father is convinced it’s the work of his old rival, the Queen of Etania—Aurelia’s mother. Determined to avenge his wife’s murder, he devises a plot to overthrow the Queen, a plot which sends Athan undercover to Etania to gain intel from her children.

Athan’s mission becomes complicated when he finds himself falling for the girl he’s been tasked with spying upon. Aurelia feels the same attraction, all the while desperately seeking to stop the war threatening to break between the Southern territory and the old Northern kingdoms that control it—a war in which Athan’s father is determined to play a role. As diplomatic ties manage to just barely hold, the two teens struggle to remain loyal to their families and each other as they learn that war is not as black and white as they’ve been raised to believe.

Book Depository | A mazon | Barnes & Noble

Joanna owes her love of books to her great-grandfather. His memoirs about life as a teenage soldier in the First World War inspired her, at a young age, to enter the complex and provocative realms of history—and she hasn’t left since. Born in Montréal, Canada, she grew up on the doorstep of New York City, then spent her teen years riding horses through the forests of Southwestern Ontario.

Her debut novel, DARK OF THE WEST (Tor Teen, 2018), is the first in a WWII-infused fantasy series of forbidden love and deadly revenge.

She is represented by Steven Salpeter of Curtis Brown Ltd.

Find Joanna: Website | Twitter | Instagram

What does everyone think? Has anyone heard of this? If so, is it on your TBR? If not, will you be adding it? What are your thoughts?

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott: A Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 15:23:00 +0000

Title: The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #1)
Author: Michael Scott
Publisher: Ember
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magic
Release Date: June 24th 2008
Purchase: Amazon | BD | B&N

The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty.

The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed, and in the wrong hands, it will destroy the world.

Which is exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.

Sometimes legends are true.

And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.

I really really wanted to love these books. I had bought the First Codex box set years ago with the anticipation of reading them but they got shelved and I never gave them a second glance until recently.

The writing style of this just wasn't my cup of tea. While I loved the concept of this book, I just couldn't get past the first 3 chapters. If you want to give this a go for yourself, go into this one with an open mind.

Michael Scott is the New York Times bestselling author of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, an authority on mythology and folklore, and one of Ireland’s most successful authors. A master of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and folklore, Michael has been hailed by the Irish Times as “the King of Fantasy in these isles.” The Alchemyst is the first book in the Nicholas Flamel series. Look for book two, The Magician; book three, The Sorceress; book four, The Necromancer; book five, The Warlock; and book six, The Enchantress, all available from Delacorte Press.

Find Michael: Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Holiday Cookies: A Cookbook Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:58:00 +0000

Title: Holiday Cookies: Showstopping Recipes to Sweeten the Season
Author: Elisabet der Nederlanden
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Genre: Baking, How-To
Release Date: September 5th 2017
Source: Blogging For Books
Purchase: Amazon | B&N

From Icebox Pinwheel Cookies to Red-and-White Meringue Kisses to Apple Cider Caramels, find new inspiration for the best of seasonal baking with Holiday Cookies.

This instant holiday classic is packed with 50 recipes, each gorgeously photographed and meticulously tested, along with dozens of decorating and packaging ideas. Filled with reimagined favorites like Giant Molasses Spice Cookies and Hazelnut Sandwich Cookies; confections like Peppermint Bark, Smoked Almond and Cacao Nib Brittle, and Dark Chocolate-Hazelnut Fudge; and detailed instructions for gorgeous gingerbread houses, cookie place cards, and edible ornaments, this is a cookie book like no other. Because the recipes are easy to scale up or down, Holiday Cookies is perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, and just enjoying throughout the season. From a veteran baker and recipe developer, each cookie in this collection is guaranteed to be a stand-out, and destined to become your new Christmas classic.

Oh. My. Goodness! Can we say YUM?!! I am a complete fanatic of all things cookies. Cookies are just the ultimate sweet treat and the easiest and quickest thing to grab on the go when you have that sugar craving. I have recently been making all things cookies and found that you can even freeze most cookie dough and save for up to 3 months in your freezer. How handy is that!?

This book definitely did not let me down. So many yummy recipes and so little time. Even though this says holiday cookies you can bake these little awesome sweet treats any time of the year. Maybe even add different flavoring to some to make it more festive for any time of the year.

I am anxiously awaiting my paycheck so I can go buy ingredients to get started on at least 4 of these little bad boys. Will definitely be making plenty for the holidays and even give as little gift baskets. Nothing says the holidays like something baked with love!

ELISABET DER NEDERLANDEN is a passionate professional baker and a graduate of the California Culinary Academy. She has worked as a food stylist and professional recipe developer/tester for commercial, advertising, and packaging projects. In addition, she has managed recipe testing and food styling for more than 30 cookbooks.

Find Elisabet: Website