The Broke Book Bank

4 stars for Defensive Mindset: Contemporary Soccer Lesbian Romance

2017-05-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

Defensive Mindset by Wendy Temple

Genre: Romantic Suspense, LGBT

Publisher: Ylva Publishing

Publication date: April 19, 2017

Book Description:

Star footballer and successful businesswoman Jessie Grainger has her life set, and doesn’t need anything getting in the way. That includes rebellious rival player Fran Docherty, a burnt-out barmaid with a past as messed up as her attitude. So when the clashing pair find themselves on the same Edinburgh women’s football team, how will they survive each other, let alone play to win?

Amazon Publisher Gooodreads

About the Author:

Wendy Temple’s first love has always been sport. She kicked a football as soon as she could walk. At school, girls weren’t allowed to play football, so she played hockey instead. Hockey became her go-to sport for many years, but she played five a side football as often as she could/was permitted!

Wendy also loves music and from a young age got into punk. She remembers watching the Sex Pistols on the BBC news and her mum and granny being appalled. Wendy was ten and thought they were amazing.

Wendy believes that sport and a good family saved her from a life on the fringes of society. At age fifteen she was experimenting with drugs and skipping school. She failed all her exams apart from English. It was her love of sport that had her returning to school to re-sit exams and try again.

Upon leaving school Wendy studied physical and community education. After college she became a youth worker, running sports clubs, after school clubs and youth clubs. Working for an orthotics company inspired her to go to university to study Occupational Therapy – providing invaluable insight into physical and mental health, including addiction, which is one of the major themes in Defensive Mindset.

Wendy has spent most of her life in Edinburgh bar a couple of months in London. For her, Edinburgh is a city that can feel like a town: “It’s cosmopolitan, quaint and steeped in history, an ideal setting for any story,” says Wendy, which explains why Defensive Mindset is based in Portobello, Edinburgh!

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Trigger Warning: Rape, Grief, Addiction

FYI:

Hate to Love trope
"Exoctic" sexy, brown skinned women as background characters
The word "lover" is used and I know some people hate the word
A+ Punk Rock History & Music.
Yes, Sex Pistols Credit Cards are a real thing.
It starts with a groping on the soccer/football park during a game
I seriously love how well the title works on different levels

Yes, I knew from the cover going in it was about soccer/football. Do I know anything about soccer? No. Do I care about soccer? While reading Defensive Mindset I did. It was rocky getting into it given how foreign sports are to me, but I love how it doesn't try to define the terms and dumb it down. Context clues and paying attention is enough to get it, and once you've got it, you're golden.

The games were exciting, the strategy fascinating, and the pep talks got me pumped.

Jessie is the Good Girl. I understand her inhibitions and always cheer for characters scoping out exits with a social clock ticking down. What I'm about to say next is probably backwards for most people but...She was so frustrating! She's naive, sheltered and wholesome. I mean, her childhood and her success is what every parent asks for yet I kept thinking how fucking dull and judgemental she is and hating it.

"Seriously, that white shirt of yours saw more action in the thirty minutes Fran wore it than in a lifetime with you."

The best moment of realization isn't acknowledged verbally and I hope most people pick up on it. Jessie complained and whined how it wasn't fair that Fran was treated differently. In the beginning. Once she got over herself, her prejudices, and knew more about Fran, Jessie was defending her. Pointing how hard she had to work just to be functional like most people.

"Life was shocking. The truth was shocking. And Jessie needed to hear it in all its gutter glory."

Fran's destructive thoughts and the relief from smoking is so spot on. I know smoking is terrible, I've smoked for 8 years and have gone 72 days without a cig. Everyone asked why I smoked but none of them understood when I tried to explain. I have anxiety, depression, and an abusive past to deal with. I've been on medication for the past year and couldn't have even considered quitting smoking without that and the other progress I've made.

"The first drag burned the back of her throat before leaving a soothing sensation that radiated from her lungs throughout her body as she exhaled."

While Jessie is uncomfortable with Fran's smoking and how she describes her addiction to drugs, everything is truthful and the overall picture is one of caution.

"She fucking left me with a lifetime of chasing shadows and highs."

I was pleasantly surprised to find there was still a third of the book left at the point most romance novels would've wrapped it up.

I find it frustrating when authors build up so much and finish with a shallow hollow ending. If you convince me for SO many pages how they're relationship will never work, why the hell would I change my mind quickly?

Thankfully, Defensive Mindset portrays Fran as a whole person with real issues that cannot be shaken off with a good fuck. Only gimmicks and games work like that. When faced with the future and commitment and being open, Fran's reaction is realistic. Making her accept that escalation after the Big Moment between would be fake.

Instead, Fran and Jessie are allowed to maneuver freely and make further progress. At the end, I KNOW how much I love them and can root for them, how assured their relationship is. I can't describe it better without major spoilers but Wendy Temple has gained a huge fan with this turn of events.

It doesn't matter if you don't know jack about soccer, or that you call it soccer. Want a grown-ass romance between two adult women from different sides of the field and want Hate to Love? Get Defensive Mindset.

Another win for Ylva Publishing! You can check out more of their books here. I've read and loved all the books by Emily O’Beirne, which are YA Contemporary in Australia.

Don't forget to come back next Tuesday, the 30th for my review of Under Parr by Andrea Bramhall, another W/W romance published by Ylva.

2 Dress & a Facemask: My Attempt at Pampering Reviews!

2017-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Back with more product reviews! More face care and I'm stepping out of my comfort zone with dresses too. I haven't owned a dress since I was able to pick my own clothes. Until now. But first....

Dead Sea Collagen Anti Aging Facial Mask By iBeautyLabs

#iBeautyLabs #facemask #Beautytips #Lookyounger #Beautifulskin #Facemask #DeadSeaMask

About the product:

On sale for $15.00 (Regularly $25.00)

5 masks per pack

DEEPLY MOISTURIZING COLLAGEN AND DEAD SEA MINERALS AND VITAMINS BLEND: The iBeautyLabs Dead Sea collagen mask is made of finest quality, 100% safe and extremely effective bio ingredients which deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. In addition, the 98% absorption rate assures maximum results in minimum time.

MINIMIZE PORES, FIRM AND REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN: This Dead Sea spa moisturizing face mask can properly hydrate your skin, as well as deeply cleanse and detoxify it, leaving it silky smooth and glowing. What is more, it can tone and firm your skin, helping you erase aging signs and blemishes including wrinkles, fine lines, acne and pimples.

NO MORE MESSY, RUNNY, INEFFECTIVE CLAY MASKS FOR YOU: Stop wasting money and time using cheaply made clay and mud masks! This Dead Sea and collagen anti-aging, skin care facial mask can be used by beauty experts, professionals and women who like to take proper care of themselves. The high quality and the low cost give you the chance to indulge yourself to the professional beauty care at the comfort of your own home in 20 minutes, eliminating the need to visit beauty salons!

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY WOMAN: No matter what your age or your skin type is, this Dead Sea minerals moisturizing face mask is ideal for you! Apart from making it yours, you can also offer it as a gift to a friend, a family member or a colleague. In addition, the pack of 5 allows you to organize a gathering and spend the afternoon taking care of yourself. Last but not least, the individual packs allow you to effortlessly carry your beauty care mask anywhere you go!

100% RISK FREE PURCHASE: Keeping you satisfied and providing you with the friendliest customer service is our number one goal. This is why we stand 100% behind our products, assuring you that making this collagen Dead Sea spa skin care facial mask yours is entirely risk free.

I agree with all those check marks!

I don't have pictures of myself to put up, because well, I hate my appearance and would prefer to stay anonymous. I really hope you believe me when I say how huge my pores are and how this mask worked to shrink their appearance. I did it on my Sunday night before returning to work and it lasted until my Wednesday night when I did it again.

I was so worried about having to lay down and apply it so it doesn't slip off. I'm always doing something at home. There's too much to do to lay around. Having to put it in the fridge and being forced to lay down really helped me relax and feel pampered. If you have trouble making yourself stop and take a break, these are a great idea!

The directions suggest doing it 3 times a week and I totally see that working, but only twice might be necessary because it's so effective. I was able to get a deal on it for my first buy and review it, but after that I'll be paying regular price of $25 bucks a box for 5 masks. It equals out to each mask being worth $5 and I think it's totally worth it. I just don't know if I can spare that much money for a luxury so consistently.

I WILL be ordering it whenever I can though and highly recommend everyone with large pores and uneven skin to try it out. It's only sale for $15 right now and it's just a steal!

Klicky Women's V Neck Lace Vintage Maxi Dress with Cap Sleeve

Price: $19.99 - $26.99

Free Shipping for Prime Members & Free Return on some sizes and colors

Size Chart:

Small:Bust:33-34",Waist:25-26",Length:52"
Medium:Bust:35-36",Waist:26-27",Length:53"
Large:Bust:36-37",Waist:28-29",Length:54"
X-Large:Bust:38-39",Waist:29-30",Length:55"
XX-Large:Bust:40-41",Waist:31-32",Length:56"
XXX-Large:Bust:42-43",Waist:33-34",Length:57"

I fell in love with this dress when I saw it. Badly enough that I just had to have it. Do I own a dress? No. Do I need a dress? No. But so pretty! I FELT so pretty.

It felt AMAZING. I love this fabric and the lace pattern. It was swish-y and sleek and comfortable.

The only problem is I've gotten bigger. I swear I've always been a 2x, and I've ordered up to a 3x for the dress and yet...It was tight around my chest and arms. My boobs just look ridiculous! The side stitching didn't hold up to my expansion, though the rips are minor.

I hope it's just having to size up twice for this particular brand and dress. *crosses fingers* I'm sure by the time I actually need to wear it, I'll have gone back to my typical size. I get back down only so far in sizes before going belly up. (heh)

They do have a slightly different style that might be better for us top-heavy apples.

Knee Length Patchwork Women Dress Elegant Tunic Female Work Dress Plus Size M- 4XL Bodycon Pencil Dress Vestidos

Price: $21.99, Sale: $11.99

Free Shipping for Prime Members & Free Return on some sizes and colors

This one looked cute, has plus sizes and I figured if I'm going to try dresses I should try something I can wear to work. Something that will make me feel cute and professional.

Too bad it didn't fit! This time I ordered a 4XL and I swear to you, these sizes just aren't right. I could theoretically get in the dress, but my chest and arms were about to burst through like the Hulk. It was so tight and uncomfortable, I peeled it off and returned it right away.

There's only a couple of other reviews right now, and they all agree it runs incredibly small. Here I was thinking two sizes up would be just fine...

Those pictures with the thread coming out? All right after I took it out of the package and before I tried it on. I can't attest to how long the dress will last but thought ya'll should know.

If you're willing to try it, pay very close attention to the measurements and then give MORE leeway for it's smallness.

So far, I've struck gold with a facemask and struck out with two dresses. Oh well, can't win 'em all.

That's what I've been trying out for the last week. Have you tried anything new lately or have anything you're anxious to try? Let me know below!

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich: M/M YA Romance with Excerpt & Giveaway

2017-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Love Interest

by Cale Dietrich
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Release Date: May 16, 2017
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQIA

Synopsis:

There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Inter-ests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable se-crets.

Caden is a Nice: The boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection. Dylan is a Bad: The brood-ing, dark-souled guy, and dangerously handsome. The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boywill pursue her. Will she choose a Nice or the Bad?

Both Caden and Dylan are living in the outside world for the first time. They are well-trained and at the top of their games. They have tobe– whoever the girl doesn’t choose will die.

What the boys don’t expect are feelings that are outside of their training. Feelings that could kill them both.

CHAPTER ONE

All four walls of my cell are mirrors.

The light on the ceiling flashes red and pinpricks of crimson bounce around the room. Red, huh? That’s a bit sudden, seeing as the last examination was only a couple of weeks ago. I grin at the light, and my smile is reflected by the endless versions of myself that surround me. The light flashes again.

I drop into a push-up position. The concrete floor is so cold my hands go numb then start to burn. Up, down. Up, down. A strand of mousy-brown hair falls over my eyes. That color will be the first thing they change about me.

If I’m chosen, that is.

If I’m good enough, that is.

On flash nine I jump to my feet. Gritting my teeth, I grab my shirt and pull it up and over my head. The voice of the LIC’s events coordinator rings through my mind: When you’re examined, be proud to display the bodies you’ve worked so hard to create. You’re all incredibly beautiful young men, and you should relish the chance to show everyone how handsome you are.

I scrunch the shirt in my hands for a second—just a second—crushing it beneath my grip. Adrenaline pumps through my torso and my arms, making them feel electric. I toss the shirt into the corner of the room, then lower my eyes and force myself to do what they want me to do every morning: look at the boy/man/whatever I’ve become.

The countless hours I’ve spent working out have obviously had an impact. Still, I’m far from perfect. I mean, I have abs, which took forever to show, and I’m proud of my arms. But my skin is stormtrooper white, I have a mole on my left hip I’m really self-conscious about, and my chest is getting hairy. When did that happen? I touch my now-hairy chest. Oh great, another thing to stress about. I wish I could tell myself that it’s nothing, that they’ll fix whatever flaws I have if I’m chosen, but I can’t. Another boy was once dismissed because they said his nose was unpleasant. If an oddly shaped nose is enough to get rejected, I’m sure my pale, weirdly hairy body isn’t far behind.

I don’t linger on my face. It’s not hideous or anything, it’s just kind of boring. Plus, it’s destined to be changed. I close my eyes and try to get rid of the depressing thought. To make it through, I need to be positive.

I’ve worked frigging hard on my body, though. I open my eyes, then flex my biceps and smile. I’ve definitely bulked up since the last examination, and I hope I’m not too big to be a Nice. All the superfun and superrigorous personality testing they make us do here has shown that Nice is the disposition for me. But they’ve made a mistake. Me, a Nice? Yeah, right. Sure, I try to be friendly and I don’t like hurting people’s feelings, but that doesn’t mean I’m a Disney prince.

The light flashes again. I pull my trousers down, leaving me dressed only in sky-blue trunks. As I throw the pants away, my door hisses and slides open. I wince and raise a hand, my forearm protecting my eyes from the burning whiteness of the hallway.

I walk outside and stop in front of my door. The others are already standing in front of their cells. The floor of this hallway is white concrete, but the walls and ceiling are long, smooth mirrors.

Dozens of guys are visible, all dressed in the same trunks as I am. Most are busy staring at themselves, fixing their hair, practicing their smiles, or flexing their biceps, but a few are looking from side to side, sizing up the competition. Those are the threats.

We don’t talk.

We know better than that.

“Turn,” booms a tinny voice.

With a shuffling sound, we turn to the left and stare down the hallway. In front of me is a guy so ridiculously buff I instantly lose all pride I have in my body and seriously wonder why I even try. His back is muscles on muscles on muscles. How does he even work those muscles out? Extremely complicated yoga?

It turns out the back belongs to a not-so-complicated guy named Robert. He says that name was given to him by his birth parents, but that’s a huge lie. We aren’t the result of loving families: we were taken, probably as infants, from families that couldn’t care for us. Some people think our parents were tricked into giving us up, believing we were going to a family that wanted us. Others think they sold us to the LIC. I lean toward the former because the thought is comforting, and to me, that’s more important than the truth.

Unlike Robert, all I have is a number: 412.

Robert’s a Bad for sure. It’s evident in the confidence-killing meatiness of his back and in the uneven tribal tattoo that covers his right shoulder. Even the people in charge here must think he’s 100 percent Bad, as someone borderline like me would never get permission to destroy his so-called wholesome image as he’s done. He catches me looking and his top lip curls into a snarl.

“You may now proceed to the main hall.”

My feet plod on the icy concrete as we walk down the hall. Moving slowly, we pass through a set of frosted-glass doors into a large rectangular room. There are no windows, so the only light comes from the long fluorescent tubes that run along the roof. The light is just a touch too bright; the dial turned a fraction too far.

At the front of the room is a huge screen. Beside it is the events coordinator, a slim man wearing a tailored black shirt tucked into dark-gray slacks. Usually he’s the pinnacle of male grooming, but today his short hair is messy, spiking up in uneven tufts, and his pants are slightly creased.

“Hey, guys,” he says. “I know you weren’t expecting an examination today, and I’m super sorry about making you do this, but it’s kind of an emergency. A particularly important young woman has shown signs that she’s ready to select a partner, so two of you have to be sent in right away. We’re looking for a boy-next-door Nice and a mysterious, tortured-soul Bad.”

Aren’t they always?

“Five Nices and five Bads from this floor have been identified as a potential match, so, obviously, they’ll be examined. And guys, I know this test is late notice, but I’m your pal, so you can trust me when I say that if your number is on the screen, it’s there for a reason. It means our complex compatibility algorithm has concluded that she will fall for you if you spend time with her. How cool is that? Now, let’s see who made it to the next round.”

The screen flashes and the numbers appear. I scan the list, my heart racing. Come on …

Yes!

My number is there, in the very middle. Thank you, complex compatibility algorithm! I take back all the times I called you rigged. It’s been over a year since my number last appeared, and in that time I’ve totally committed myself to being the perfect Nice. Now I’ll find out if that’s enough to succeed, or if I’m destined to die before I’m even given a chance to fight for my life.

“Nices go through the door to the left, Bads to the right. If you’re not sure what your disposition is, that’s fine, the color of your number will tell you. Nices are blue, Bads are red.”

My number is blue, confirming my suspicions: they think I’m a Nice. I quickly glance at the other chosen guys. I ignore the Bads, because they never pick two Love Interests from the same floor, so these Bads will never be anything to me. The Nices all have light hair and boyish faces. She has a type. Three of them are about my age, but the one directly in front of me is much younger, probably eleven or twelve. He has no chance of passing this examination, but is going to be forced through it anyway.

I clench my hands into fists. He shouldn’t be here. I can’t say anything now, because if I do we’ll both be punished, but if I fail the examination I’m going to take him aside and make sure he knows I care about him. The boy shuffles toward the doorway. I wait for a second, because Nices don’t lead, then I join the line. The glass panes separate, revealing a square room. We enter.

In the doorway I tense. At the back of the room, standing still, is a Stalker. I’ve seen one in person only a few times, but fleeting encounters have been enough to give me nightmares.

It’s a tall robot, standing at around eight feet, with a hulking, all-black body. That’s not the worst part, though; that honor goes to its head, which looks like a mannequin’s: no eyes, no nostrils, lips pursed. Right now, the body is totally black, which means it’s currently dormant. My heartbeat steadies. It can’t move unless its lights are on, so this one isn’t here to hurt anyone. It’s here to keep us in line, and to remind us what will come after us if we disobey.

The door at the back of the room opens, and a short, round man in a striped navy button-down and black slacks enters. They’d kill me if I looked like that. A stethoscope hangs over his shoulders.

He hooks the stethoscope into his ears, then walks up to the first boy, who is flexing his biceps. The doctor ignores the showboating and presses the metal end of the stethoscope against the boy’s chest. After a few moments, the doctor switches the stethoscope for a tape measure and measures the boy’s torso. I was the last to enter this room, so I’m at the end of the line. Now I feel like that was a mistake. What if they find the perfect Love Interest before they get to me?

As I wait my turn, I stand with my back straight and my fists clenched. After what feels like forever, the doctor beckons the boy in front of me forward. The kid takes a tentative step toward the doctor, then raises his hands. He’s so small. The doctor narrows his eyes, and the boy lets out a little sob that breaks my heart.

“Runt,” says the doctor. “Get out of here. Next.”

The kid scurries away. I step forward, taking his place, and the doctor presses the end of the stethoscope onto my chest. The metal is freezing, but I keep my face expressionless. Still, I can’t control my heartbeat, so he must know I’m feeling something, even if he doesn’t know what it is. He’ll probably put it down to nerves, and that’s partially true, but if I’ve done my job right he’ll never suspect that I’m feeling frustration or maybe even anger at the way they’re treating the kid. A Nice would never feel such unsavory things.

He pulls the stethoscope away. “Arms up.”

I raise my arms over my head. He leans in close and wraps the tape measure around my chest and pulls it tight, pinching my skin. I grit my teeth. He smells like cinnamon candy and body odor.

He takes a step back. “Flex.”

I tilt my arms back, arch my spine, and flex my biceps as hard as I possibly can.

As he wraps the tape around my right bicep I notice there’s a blue line drawn on the measure. It must be to make sure I’m not too big. Bads can be as buff as they want, the bigger the better, actually. For a Nice, the aim of the game is lean. I need to look friendly and cute, but when I take my shirt off I need to be ripped. Just in an approachable way that doesn’t look like I work out much. Like these muscles happened accidentally, the result of playing outside with a golden Labrador or good genes or something like that.

My bicep falls within the acceptable bracket, so he moves across and checks my left.

“Good job,” he says as he drops the tape measure. My mouth falls open an inch before I catch it. I’ve never been complimented by a doctor. Not even once. “Now tense.” He places his palm on my stomach and presses. I feel my own firmness against his skin. He pulls his hand away and nods at the hair that covers my chest. “That’ll need to be fixed. Nices can’t be hairy. But other than that, your body is in excellent condition. Great work.”

I want to jump up and down, or pump my fist, or do something to show how freaking fantastic his words have made me feel, but I remain still.

He turns to the guard. “This one and that one—” He tilts his head toward the boy at the front of the line. In the corner of my vision, I see him turn and look at me, sizing me up. I keep my attention focused on the guards, as if not looking at him will wipe him from existence. “—can advance. The others aren’t ready.”

I crack and turn to face my competition. He’s got hazel eyes, and his nose and shoulders are covered in freckles. He looks like an average nerdy-in-a-hot-way Nice.

For my sake I hope that’s all he is.

“You first,” I say with a gesture toward the door.

When he thinks they aren’t watching, he narrows his eyes at me. “How kind of you.”

I blink, startled. I didn’t even think that he might be offended by the offer. Obviously he thinks I was being a smartass or something, but I really wasn’t, it was just instinct.

“Sorry,” I say. “I didn’t mean to…”

The door opens. He sneers one last time, then steps through.

Suddenly the room is eerily quiet. So this is it. My interrogation, also known as my best shot at getting out of here this year. I exhale. I know I’m as prepared as it’s possible to be, but I can’t shake the feeling that my best efforts aren’t enough, and that I’m doomed to spend my whole life here. The thought makes me shiver.

After an eternity, the door slides open. I gulp, then step forward. The door whooshes closed behind me.

The room is plain, the walls smooth and featureless. Sitting at a stainless steel table is a trim man with rigidly perfect posture and solid gray hair. Despite his hair color, his eyes are bright and his face is mostly wrinkle-free, so pinning his exact age is difficult. I’d guess late thirties or early forties.

He gestures toward the seat. “Congratulations on making it this far. My name is Rodger Craike, and I’m the manager of the Love Interest Compound. You will call me Mr. Craike or sir, nothing else.”

He picks up a tablet and starts scrolling. I sit and peer at the screen. Huh. It’s filled with reports from my monthly integration exams. Because the LIC is so isolated, we have to take classes to keep up with pop culture, and each month we’re quizzed to make sure we’re keeping up to date. It’s usually about big movies, popular TV shows, and hit songs, which we are required to know by heart in case of karaoke or sing-alongs. For Bads and select Nices, sports are included, but I don’t have to learn about that because they decided I’m more of a nerdy-boy-next-door type. Thank goodness. Anyway, we do all this so we can “integrate seamlessly” with the real world when the time comes. Their words, not mine. I know my test scores are good, but he’s frowning at them like I failed every single one. Why?

“I should thank you, sir,” I say, trying to draw his attention away from whatever is wrong with my scores. He keeps reading. “For giving me the gym equipment and the food. I wouldn’t look this way without you.”

“We provide the equipment, you do the work.” His eyes flick down over my body. “And you’ve done an exceptional job. You’d be surprised how many Nices ruin their bodies by making themselves too big. But you understand what it means to be Nice, don’t you?”

I shrug my shoulders. “I hope so.”

He tilts his head back and laughs. Recovering, he leans forward. “Maybe, after all this time, we’ve found a genuinely nice guy.”

Or someone smart enough to know how to play the system.

“Enough pleasantries. As the manager of the LIC, it’s my job to make sure every Love Interest is the right man or woman for the job. So I’m going to ask you a few questions to see how well you’ve applied yourself to your time here. Are you ready to begin?”

I nod.

“What disposition are you?” he asks.

“Nice.”

“Why do you think that?”

“All the tests told me that’s what I am.”

“You think they made a mistake?”

Yes.

“No, it’s not that,” I say. “It just feels weird to call myself Nice; it seems boastful. I’m not perfect by any means, but I think I’m a nice person. Plus, I’m so obviously not Bad. I’m good at making people laugh, not manipulating or intimidating them.”

“Some people would say making someone laugh is manipulating them.”

“Some people,” I say, “would say if laughter is a manipulation it’s the best one there is. It makes people feel good. Who cares how that end is achieved?”

He looks down and starts typing something on his tablet. The room fills with the sound of his fingertips hitting the screen. I breathe in through my nostrils, then exhale slowly.

Finally, he lowers the tablet and rests it on the table. “A lot of Nices have told me they’d give their life to save their rival if they could. Would you be willing to do that?”

I look down at my hands. The true answer to this question is the reason I know I’m not a genuine Nice: I’m not ready to die, and I’m not willing to give up my life for anyone else. I’ve always known that if I made it out of the LIC I’d fight as hard as I could to make sure I got the girl and survived. It’s what I hate about myself the most.

I meet his stare. “I would be willing to do that. Sacrifice myself, I mean. I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

He grins. “You know what I think? I think you’re a great actor. I know you’re lying, yet I find myself believing you. It’s truly a rare gift.”

I tense, and it spreads through my entire body, with cold dread creeping down from my cheeks to dwell in the cords of my shoulders. He knows.

“Oh, don’t look so scared; it’s a good thing. You’re going to be a spy, after all, so being able to act is one of the most valuable skills you could have. And you clearly are a natural liar. But I’m not interested in an actor who needs to memorize lines; you need to be able to improvise. So answer these questions with the first thought that enters your mind. If you pause, you’ll fail. Now, why do you think your Chosen should pick you over your rival?”

“I don’t. I just hope she does.”

In his eyes, I see him ticking the boxes.

Modest? Check.

Humble? Check.

“Elaborate on that,” he says.

“I want her to pick whoever will make her the happiest. And if she’s a better fit with him, I’ll gladly accept my fate.”

A total pushover? Check plus.

I imagine myself standing naked in a massive steel room: the incinerator. Feeling the cold dry air on my skin, the metal beneath my feet. The split second of agony before the roaring orange flames turn me into ash. Stop thinking about that. Focus!

“There must be some good things about you,” he says. “Tell me about them.”

“I’m a good listener. And I can be funny sometimes, I guess.”

“If you caught your Chosen kissing your rival, what would you do?”

I lower my eyes and bring on the tears. When I feel them behind my eyelids I look up at him, my entire body radiating hurt. I stare at him for a moment, drop my mouth open a fraction, then turn my head away.

“I’d look at her like that. Then I’d walk away. Next time I saw her she’d probably apologize if I were still in the running, so I’d tell her she doesn’t ever have to explain herself to me, and that I only responded in that manner because I love her so damn much. I’d tell her I’m glad it hurts because it proves how much I care.”

“Would you fight for her?”

“If I had to, yes.”

“When will you first try to kiss her?”

“I won’t. I’ll wait until she kisses me. But I’ll kiss her on the cheek after our first date.”

“What would you do if she texted you in the middle of the night and said she was lonely?”

“I’d drop everything and run to her as fast as possible. I’ll be there for her whenever she needs me. No matter what.”

“Now, I have one last question, and in many ways, it’s the most important one, so think for a second before answering. If you get it wrong, you’ll be dismissed.”

I wipe my sweaty palms on my legs. This is it. One last question.

“I’m ready,” I say.

“Do you think you will fall in love with her?”

I smile, because I know the answer, and that means I’m finally getting out of the LIC. There’s no way I can get it wrong, because the answer to this question has been drilled into me every single day I’ve been here.

“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “She’s the hero of this story, so how I feel is irrelevant.”

He leans back on his chair and grins.

“Correct.”

Copyright © 2017 by Cale Dietrich

Cale Dietrich is a YA devotee, lifelong gamer, and tragic pop punk enthusiast. He was born in Perth, grew upon the Gold Coast, and now lives in Brisbane, Aus-tralia. The Love Interest is his first novel.

1 Finished Copy of THE LOVE INTEREST by Cale Dietrich

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Blog Tour Twofer: Contemporary Romance Addition with Danced Close & Intoxicating

2017-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to be apart of this tour! This one is a two-fer, including Intoxicating by Heather Heyford and Danced Closed by Annabeth Albert. My main focus is going to be Danced Closed, with an excerpt and review.

First up though is the spotlight on Intoxicating....

Intoxicating: An Oregon Wine Country Romance #2

By Heather Heyford

Contemporary Romance (M/F)

Goodreads

In the second book of Heather Heyford’s series, set in Oregon’s wine country, having a crush takes on a whole new meaning when a lady sommelier teams up with the hottie from her high school days . . .

The Girl Most Likely

. . . to be a waitress at her hometown café. That’s what Clarkston’s high school yearbook said about Poppy Springer ten years ago and that’s where the beauty queen is today. But that’s about to change now that Poppy has been offered a position as a lady sommelier at a cutting-edge new restaurant. Only Poppy has an embarrassing secret that could keep her from landing her dream job. A secret her high school crush seems determined to help her with . . .

The Man Most Wanted

In high school, Heath Sinclair may have been voted most likely to blow something up, but these days the sexy science prodigy is a self-made success story with his popular microbrewery and chiseled good looks. So why is Clarkston’s most-eligible man so hell-bent on helping Poppy prove that she is more than her reputation? Could it be the enigmatic bachelor has a hankering for the girl who got away?

Buy the book: Amazon Apple Google Play Kobo Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Heather Heyford is the author of contemporary romances set in the wine country. See what inspires her writing on her many Pinterest boards, read more about her on HeatherHeyford.com, and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

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Danced Close: Portland Heart #6

by Annabeth Albert

Contemporary romance (M/F)
Goodreads

Portland, Oregon, is one of the hottest cities in America. Just ask all the hard-working men sweating it up behind the counters of the restaurants, boutiques, and cafés all over town . . .

Newly clean and sober, Todd’s taken a shine to his job at Portland’s most talked about bakery. It’s not just the delicious desserts they sell, but the tasty treats who keep walking through the door. That certainly includes Kendall Rose, a wedding planner with eyes the color of brown sugar and skin to match. Todd doesn’t try to hide his attraction to Kendall’s elegant confidence and unique style, even as he worries about exposing the secrets of his past.

For Kendall, the attention is just part of the anything-goes Portland he’s grown to love. But he’s still looking for that special someone who will embrace all of him—including his gender fluidity. So he takes a chance and asks Todd to be his partner in a dance class leading to a fundraiser. When the music starts and he takes Todd in his arms, Kendall is shocked at how good it feels. Turns out taking the lead for once isn’t a mistake. In fact, it might be time to take the next step and follow his heart . .

Buy the book: Amazon Apple Google Play Kobo Barnes & Noble

I could have kissed him right then for that reaction. He didn’t go all dude bro about the prospect of being led by someone wearing high heels or get embarrassed that I owned said shoes.

“Can I ask something?” he asked after a few more turns. He had that serious look again, but he’d been so cool so far, I was more than willing to risk some discomfort.

“Sure.”

“Your lips . . . they’re so shiny . . . You do a gloss, right? Ever do color?”

His eyes were indeed locked right on my mouth. I got a little thrill knowing that he thought about my mouth.

“I’ve been known to.” At this point, it had been enough years that I wasn’t going to apologize for the contents of my makeup case. But unlike when a lot of people asked me about it, I didn’t get all defen- sive with Todd, who seemed more . . . thoughtful in his curiosity than some. “Why? Would you like that next week?”

He was silent a long moment, gnawing on his own lip. I was seri- ously going to have to get the guy some balm the way he abused the poor things. “Yeah, I think I might.” He sounded a bit surprised at himself, giving me a shy smile.

About the Author:

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

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This is my first Portland Heat book and I'm sold! This is another series that follows individual couples, and each reads as a standalone.

I quickly fell in love with Kendall and Todd, together and apart.
Love switching perspectives between them.
The dealing with addiction and meetings rings true as someone who's been around recovering addicts.
Love how it deals with pronouns, gender roles, misogyny, and discrimination within the rainbow community.
Love how Todd starts catching himself with gendered thinking and speech.
Love how Kendall has to catch himself about assumptions with food and money.
There is no dramatic meet-cute for them because they meet through work, which I appreciate as more realistic and endearing.
They start slowly physically, before ramping up to hot, perfect, explicit sex scenes. Don't worry, they don't forget the sweet, the cuddling, and the fun along the way.
There is the commutative failure to sow drama and discontent between them, so they can come together stronger in the end.
Things do go predictably, but that's a feature rather than a bug.

Absolutely perfect for contemporary romance fans looking for m/m couple and progressiveness.

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Magic & Mayhem: Paranormal Cozy Mystery Review + Giveaway

2017-05-05T00:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/great-escapes-virtual-book-tours/upcoming-great-escapes-book-tours/magick-mayhem-abracadabra-mystery-sharon-pape/

Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery)
by Sharon Pape

Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery)
Cozy Mystery New Series
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (May 2, 2017)

What’s in a murderer’s bag of tricks?

Twenty-something Kailyn Wilde has learned to embrace her unpredictable life as a descendant of small-town New Camel’s most magickal family. She just didn’t expect to inherit her mother and grandmother’s centuries-old shop, Abracadabra, so suddenly. The surprises keep coming when Kailyn goes to finalize the estate at the local attorney’s office—and stumbles over the body of her best friend Elise’s husband . . .

As a brash detective casts the blame on Elise, Kailyn summons her deepest powers to find answers and start an investigation of her own. What with running a business, perfecting ancient spells, and keeping up with an uninvited guest of fabled origins, Kailyn has her hands full. But with the help of her uncanny black cat Sashkatu and her muumuu-clad Aunt Tilly, she’s closing in on a killer—who will do anything to make sure she never tests her supernatural skills again!

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While the cover is gorgeous and I seriously want a poster of it, it's a tad misleading if you take it literally. There's no flying broomsticks as that's a real thing in this setting, apparently.

I love how the magic is understated and simplistic, that intent and belief play such a large role.
Drawn in quickly.
Easy to read.
Ow: The Treatment of Aunt Tilly.

She's a stereotype of fat women, even includes her running and causing a scene over seeing a mouse. She's comic relief. She's a burden and a godsend depending on what Kailyn and the scene needs.
She puts on the typical fortune teller show, including g*psy garb, because "that's what people want and pay for". Why does every fucking book insist on using this reason to be lazy about their characters and perpetuate harmful crap?! Ugh.

Love the herd of kitties!

But the familiar magic and purpose isn't explained. Do familiars live longer than normal pets? What's so special about them? Do they really get to pick their kind of familiar?

Why the detective doesn't like Kailyn isn't explained or explored. It just is.
During the showdown I lost track of a major player. Went back to check and couldn't figure it out. Did they disappear into a plot hole?
Did not expect the last revelation about the town. I think that's very clever, ties things together and makes me wonder about the sequel.

There's a lot going on in Magic & Mayhem, so it's aptly named, but I don't think it was all executed well. I want to read the sequel to find out more and enjoy Kailyn, but Aunt Tilly is an annoying cardboard cutout which makes me hesitant to go further. Considering this was just published on the 2nd, I'll see what the next blurb is about and make my decision from there.

I hope that was helpful! I know this book would be perfect for some, but it's only mildly worthwhile for me.

Stayed tuned for my review of Danced Close, a M/M Contemp Rom, coming up on Monday and a post featuring book covers I'd love to have as posters inspired by Magic & Mayhem.

Further Social Justice Reading:

About The Author

I started writing stories as soon as I learned how to put letters together to form words. From that day forward, writing has been a part of my life whether it was my first attempt at a novel in seventh grade or the little plays I wrote for my friends to perform for neighbors and family. After college, when I was busy teaching French and Spanish to high school students, I was also writing poetry — some of it in French.

After several years, I left teaching to be a full time mom, and when my two children started school, I went back to writing. To my delight I found that the muse was still there, still waiting patiently for me to come around. My first novel, Ghostfire, was published at that time. It went on to be condensed in Redbook magazine (the first paperback original the magazine had ever condensed.) Then came The God Children and The Portal. Redbook also published my first short story, which was subsequently sold to several foreign magazines. With two great kids, a golden retriever and a loving, supportive husband (whom I’d met at the beach when I was fourteen — but that’s a story for another day), I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be in my life. But fate had another plan for me, and it went by the name of “breast cancer.”

Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was that the cancer was discovered at such an early stage, but at the time it was all very overwhelming. Once I was back on my feet, I wanted to help other women who were newly diagnosed, worried and afraid. I became a Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and went on to run the program for Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island. A number of years later, with the help of my surgical oncologist and two other volunteers, I started Lean On Me, a nonprofit organization that provides peer support and information to breast cancer patients. When Lean On Me celebrated its tenth anniversary it no longer required as much of my time, and I once again found myself free to pursue my first love — writing

Webpage – Facebook – Pinterest – Twitter

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Tour Participants

May 1 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW

May 1 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT

May 2 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

May 2 – Books Direct – SPOTLIGHT

May 3 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 3 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – INTERVIEW

May 3 – Bubble Bath Books – REVIEW

May 4 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT

May 4 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

May 5 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

May 5 – The Broke Book Bank – REVIEW

May 6 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

May 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

May 7 – Nadaness In Motion – REVIEW

May 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

May 8 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

May 9 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

May 10 – Book Babble – REVIEW

May 10 – Varietats – REVIEW

May 11 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

May 11 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 12 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

May 13 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – REVIEW

May 13 – Deal Sharing Aunt – SPOTLIGHT

May 14 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW

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More Broke Home Reviews with a Watch, Earrings, Sticky Notes and More!

2017-05-04T00:31:00.000-07:00

Time for another round of reviews for shit around the house. ~Yay~

All of these items I received as discounted or free by agreeing to review them. None of these are affiliate links. If I ever start doing that, you'll be forewarned so no worries!

Cute Animal Post It Label Sticker/Sticky Notes/Page Flags

#twodollardeals

I found these on a review site listing two dollar deals. I couldn't resist the cuteness so I bought two different packs.

Both styles have been great. I especially enjoy using the pop up kitty faces for flagging my novels for review. I varied which kitty to use based on facial expression, though I favor the black ones like the ones I have running around at home. I just wish they were double-sided so no matter which side I put it on, I'm greeted with a cute kitty and have an idea of what I flagged based on its emote.

They are seriously adorable, affordable, and I haven't had any problems with them falling out/off. Okay, so I haven't put them through the ringer, but if you mark pages and leave them there, I'm sure you'll have no problems like me. If you're flipping back and forth and manhandling them, you'll probably want a more substantial stickly flag made out of plastic.

The biggest hurtle I think for people will be the shipping though. It takes 15-30 days and mine were on the later end of that spectrum.

If they had more facial expressions (or more obvious ones) and were double-sided? They'd be my sticky notes for life. I'd bulk order so I'd never run out and make a reminder to order more.

As it stands, I recommend you buy one or two as a nice surprise pick me up for future-you or a small gift for a cute-loving friend, Especially perfect for a kitty-loving bookish friend.

Update: Sadly, the link where I got them is defunct now. I've searched but can only find other reviewers, not product pages. If you ever stumble upon them, or have a substitute for them, I'd love to hear it!

#Aposon Girls Digital Watch

Find it on Amazon: $10.00 On Sale Now.

I showed this to my daughter and she just had to have it. I've been trying to get her to check the time on a watch when she's with friends so I don't have to go drag her back inside. So far no luck. Oh well, that was probably just a pipe dream anyways. But the watch was a fantastic buy.

She figured it out and programmed it herself.
Her favorite color is purple, loves cats, and emojis so the design was a dream come true for her.
The pop up time was a great novelty for her, so even if she didn't check it, she still wore it.
The girl and cat timepiece does come off to leave just the band if going into water or w/e.
Sturdy. She's been wearing it constantly, and she's not gentle on her things, with nary a stain, scratch, or problem.
There is an alarm so theoretically you could set it for dinner time or what-have-you. However, results will vary on if your kid will actually respond to the alarm.

Feriwola Best Kitchen Knife Sharpener Kit

Non-Slip - Foldable - Easy to Handle - 2 Stage Manual Sharpening System

This is an economical, budget-friendly device for those of us who need the space, have physical limitations on sharpening per traditional methods, or just suck at using the rods.

Love how it folds up and is so compact! Fits easily in my dinky drawers. I don't have enough space as it is.
It's not for serrated blades. Says so right on the package. Because so many of my knives are serrated, it's not a god-send, but it's great for the ones it works for.
I've had no issues with it at all.

It's pretty fucking nifty and my went-to-culinary-school Roomie loves using it too. Uh, I really don't know what else to say. It works, okay?

Leedemore Natural Handcrafted Bamboo Fountain Pen Set

with Ink Refill Converter, Business Signature Calligraphy Pens, Luxury Fine Gift Pens, Smooth and Easy Writing for Office School with Gift Box - no Ink

From a noob standpoint:

Learning curve is steeped in ink splotches.
Bamboo is pretty, but the ink stains it like a mo-fo.
Comes in a nice case.
The ink is pulled in like a syringe. Easy, but can't vary how much ink you put in very well.
Ink did not flow from the nib as easily as it went in.

When it worked, I loved it. Making it work was a long frustrating process I don't care to repeat. Others will more experience seem to like it, but friends if you're newer to these types of pen, go a different route. The deal isn't worth it.

#LuvamiEarrings 18k White Gold Cubic Zirconia Square Stud Earrings

On Sale Now for $9 bucks! (Reg. $29.00)

No allergic reactions, which I am known for.
Very sparkly and shiny.
Just a tad too big for me, as it's weighted down and doesn't stand straight on my ear lobes.
Goes with everything.
Never slipped off or lost a backing.
Cute tiny little box but it has no earring holes, they just rattle around in it.
Would gladly buy again.

Home and Garden Co. Adult Colouring Therapy Book 64 pages

On Sale for $3.99 + Free Shipping! (Reg. $6.20) (Add On Item)

Great Variety. Not all one style, difficulty, or subject. Myself, my daughter, and my mother all found pages we loved.
We especially loved the pages with the thicker, darker areas to really make the design *pop*
One sided pages, yay!
Paper is a good quality. Stands up to markers and pens without ripping and sagging.
Markers will show on the back (duh). One of the reasons I always tear my pages out.
Cheaper, affordable not like most bargin bin coloring books on Amazon.
Would buy again.

As always, let me know if you have any questions, comments, or requests.

Kicking Off The Wishing Heart by J.C. Welker Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

2017-05-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Wishing Heart

by J.C. Welker
Published by Entangled Teen
To Be Released on May 1st, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy

With a book in her bag and a switchblade in her pocket, Rebel's been thieving her way through life while hoping for a cure to fix her ailing heart.

But when the bejeweled vase she just tried to hawk turns out to be a jinni's vessel, Rebel gets lost to her world and dragged within another. Now every magical being in the city wants the vase for himself.

Thrust into a game of cat and mouse in a world she never knew existed, Rebel must use her uncanny skills to find a way to free Anjeline the Wishmaker.

But wishes have consequences. And contracts. Anjeline's freedom could unravel a love like Rebel has never known, or it could come at the cost of Rebel's heart...

Find on: Goodreads Amazon Google Play

Basically: an f/f Aladin where the Genie is the Princess and they're living in magical realism contemporary England. No fun animal companions but sarcasm and flirting are abundant.

Rebel's heart condition isn't just when it's inconvenient.
Includes hunger pains and the toll it takes, which is an important part of growing up struggling.
Book nerd who steals stories to survive. Now that's my kind of girl.
the apple scenes are adorable. (you'll get it when you read it, but trust me.)
Loved Anjeline's past with Solomon and the backstory
Rebel's lineage isn't a surprise at all.
Several of the plot turns aren't surprising.
Rebel was conveniently clusty at times.
Typical good vs. evil problem, which contributes to the obviousness to some plot points. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if you're looking for something different, come back when you're ready.
Foxy older brother thief, mermaids, fairies, court plots, Romeo & Juliet romance in the background.
While they're story could continue with the next magical problem, everything is wrapped up and can be read as a standalone.

If you liked my How to Make a Wish review from yesterday and like fantasy or magical realism, definitely give The Wishing Heart a shot. They've both got super cute f/f romances with relevant issues, drama, and their own form of magic.

Who keeps company with the wolf, will learn to howl.

Not everything written is truth. Just like not every story is false.

Nope. Not dead. Pain meant she was still breathing.

About the Author:

J.C. Welker is a YA author who's been, among other things, a fashion designer, a filmmaker and a kickboxer (seriously).

Her short documentaries which focused on homeless vets and LGBTQ issues in the military have been featured on CURRENT TV, and her novel won first place in the paranormal category of the 2016 YARWA Rosemary Awards. She continues to work towards giving a voice to LGBTQ stories, while facing magic and monsters along the way.

Goodreads Website Twitter

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4 Star Review for Slither by Melody Steiner Includes Herds of Dragons!

2017-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Slither

Melody Steiner

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Dragon Moon Press

Date of Publication: April 24, 2017

Number of pages: 310

Cover Artist: Gwen Gades

Tagline: Her revenge is better served cold-blooded

Elanor of Onyx, enslaved by the dragons who scorched her kin and country, is determined to escape her island prison.
When the changeling dragon, Adom, demands that Elanor come with him to the mainland on a secret mission, she sees this the opportunity she’s been waiting for—a chance to exact her revenge. But when his actions take a surprising twist, Elanor begins to suspect that maybe things are not as they seem.
With a plot brewing against the mainland king, alliances are tested and Elanor discovers a secret that will forever change the way she views the slithering dragons—and herself.

Books2Read Amazon iTunes BN

“Forgive me,” he says. “But when I say the word, you really should scream.”

That’s all the warning I need. If Adom wants me to scream, he wants the others to think he’s hurting me. He wants to send fear shuddering down their monstrous, twisted spines, to dry their mouths and shrivel the pits of their cavernous stomachs.

He wants to show them that he is the king, the master of this mountain, the
master of me. Adom averts his gaze. “Scream.”

In the seconds it takes him to morph from human to dragon, his chest expanding, scales popping out of his skin like boils, I’m already at the door. I scream, just as he asks
me to.

The full blast of flame doesn’t hit me, but it’s enough heat to sting my lower back. Good thing I tied my hair this morning—he misses singeing it off by a few inches.

The monstrous roar he releases bursts a decanter on the table. The mirror
cracks. But the fire inside me has nothing to do with Adom’s monster, and
everything to do with my own. Only mine burns for revenge.

Dragons? Shifters? Revenge and plots? Of course I signed the fuck up for this!

I was so excited for Slither, though I had to put off reading it for a bit with a sickness making the rounds and unable to concentrate. Once I got into it though, it flew by.

Of course there's more to the situation than Elanor knows. Her being so naive and oblivious at first was a bit frustrating. I didn't know or guess everything right away but it made me itchy waiting for her to clue in.

Soon she got her head in the game though, when she made a move and was finally included in the plotting, it was fantastic! She got things and was so capable. But then missed some pretty obvious clues again. Like talking about the old man, the riddler, the hostage? Come on!

I LOVED Patience! She reminds me of another character by the same name in the Elderling Realm. I really hope my ship for her sets sail in the next book *crosses fingers*

I like Adom and his plans for the dragons, though he has to know he can't run both areas without a second. I wonder if someone will come up in the next installment to help?

The changeling's abilities were obviously convenient. 'Oh, if only we could do [this] but that's not possible, no one can do that. [Hit roadblock] Guess what the next changeling can do!? *shock* Okay, it wasn't story killing or anything, but felt clunky and amateurish with the execution.

I did not see the ending reveals coming and am dying to know what happens next with Elanor and Patience.

Great dragon fantasy, with a realm I want to know more about with the Sun setup, plots I want to follow, and ships I want to sail. If only it wasn't so obviously and clunky with the plotting....

About the Author

Melody Steiner is a novelist, librarian, warrior woman, and a mother. She grew up in a home where science fiction and fantasy were staples of the imagination. Her earliest novels were written in elementary school and involved rocket ships to the moon, alien life, and gumdrop kingdoms at war with other invading candy nations. Over the years, she found herself drawn to fantasy stories that empower female characters and particularly women of color. Currently, she’s based near Columbus, Ohio, along with her husband and the wild things they call “children.”
Her recent work, Slither, is a traditional fantasy about a young woman who is enslaved by a herd of dragons.
You can find her at Twitter Facebook Website

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Review of How to Make a Wish: F/F YA Contemporary

2017-04-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry this post is late! I hit save instead of publish --_--

How to Make a Wish

by Ashley Herring Blake
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 2nd 2017

Genre: Young Adult, GLBT, Contemporary

Synopsis:

All seventeen year-old Grace Glasser wants isher own life. A normal life in which she sleeps inthe same bed for longer than three months and doesn't have to scrounge for spare change tomake sure the electric bill is paid. Emotionally trapped by her unreliable mother, Maggie, and the tiny cape on which she lives, she focuses on her best friend, her upcoming audition for a top music school in New York, and surviving Maggie’s latest boyfriend—who happens tobe Grace’s own ex-boyfriend’s father.

Her attempts to lay low until she graduates are disrupted when she meets Eva, a girl with herown share of ghosts she’s trying to outrun. Grief-stricken and lonely, Eva pulls Grace into midnight adventures and feelings Grace never planned on. When Eva tells Grace she likes girls, both of their worlds open up. But, united by loss, Eva also shares a connection with Maggie. AsGrace's mother spirals downward, both girls must figure out howto love and howto move on.

Trigger Warning: Attempted Rape, Neglectful Alcoholic Parent, Drunk Driving,

I absolutely loved How to Make A Wish. It's adorable and painful, awkward and real. I was in as soon as I read the f/f couple part, but really I love "issue" books like this. I love books where the families aren't all dead or perfect. Where bills and jobs weight as much as they do in real life.

I grew up without a mother and an alcoholic father. I was working as a dishwasher real young to help out. Plus it gave me something to do while chilling at the bar all the time. Why are books that reflect my life, the lives of my friends, boiled down to "issue" books and disregarded as a ploy? My life is more than one event, and even if it is only the one thing, that one thing matters, okay? Statistics are real people. I just...fuck anyone who disdains for those of us.

If it's a bad book, diss that part, not the reality.

Hooked right away
Living with her asshole ex is an issue but it quickly becomes more of a back-burner one. Grace also realizes stuff about herself, Ex is still a douche but not a comic book villain.
Being bisexual and being a lesbian for Grace and Eva have consequences and considerations, but it's not a "coming out" book. The main "problem" isn't that they're attracted to each other or in a relationship. The biggest gay hardship is making Maggie crawl out of a bottle long enough to remember Grace coming out.
Realistic, authentic issues with an alcoholic parent. My father is/was an alcoholic and that push and pull of child-caretaker riding the edge is painful.
Lesbian sex! And I don't mean that in a creepy way, but in the bout damn time way. It's the best kind: fumbling, awkward, and adorable.
Love how Grace is bisexual, and describes her realizing it, how experience isn't necessary for your identity
Female masturbation is included, but again not creepy or voyeuristic.
Eva is awesome. She colors adult coloring books for anxiety, rails against being called "exotic" and is trying to cope with losing her mom.
Luca is a great best friend. And yes, they're actually only friends. He's funny and not a macho guy with toxic masculinity.
There is some friction between Luca's girlfriend and Grace, as Grace has to face some unpleasant facts.However, it's not a full on war and they come to terms.
Grace is awesome. She loves Cherry coke and is scared of water beasts like me :D
and her pathology is on point. She's unwittingly in this cycle, continues playing her role, and is in denial in a real way. It takes hitting rock bottom, effort, and pain to halt the fucked up trajectory they're on. Her realization is so fucking familiar. Even when you're aware and fighting to be normal, things like this fuck you up in ways you don't see until it smacks you in the face.
Grace's mom Maggie is very familiar with the bar fly women I've known. It's depressing.
The lifeguard crush reminds me of Sandlot, which is a good thing.
Ending is perfect.
The denial and trauma of dealing with the rape threats and the bars and the fear of unknown men that is all anxiety-inducingly real. I do wish there was more support and acknowledgement but given Grace's issues, it's understandable why she doesn't have the vocab for it.

My entire life is one gigantic just.

I just never know when a good day is going to turn to total crap.

Ashley Herring Blake isa reader, writer, and mom to two boisterous boys. She holds a Master’s degree in teaching and loves coffee, arranging her books by color, and watching Buffy over and over again on Netflix with her friends. She's the author of the young adult novels SUFFER LOVE and HOW TOMAKE A WISH.

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Review of Spoonful Chronicles by Elen Ghulam: Women's Fiction Following An Iraqi Immigrant

2017-04-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

About the Book

Title: Spoonful Chronicles

Author: Elen Ghulam

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Thaniya Rasid grew up in the Middle East dreaming of becoming a surgeon. Now living an ordinary life as a mother, wife and a hospital lab tech in Vancouver, Canada, she garners unexpected fame as youTube’s Queen of Hummus when her video demonstrating the recipe goes viral. How could blending chickpeas in a food processor generate so much excitement? And how could her life have ended up so far away from all her expectations?

To make sense of the unlikely events that have brought her to this place, Thaniya turns to food, curating memorable eating experiences of her life, searching for clues. Between her childhood aversion to cucumbers, her search for an authentic Iraqi kubeh in the city of Jerusalem, her 10-year tomato wars with her husband Samih, a mood altering encounter with a blood pudding in Edinburgh, and a Kafkaesque nightmare involving a cauliflower, Thaniya unravels repeated patterns occurring in her life. The secrets of love, friendship and destiny hidden in her cauldron of mishmashed cultures begin to reveal themselves.

Between lust and disgust there is a thin line. Spoonful Chronicles is the beguiling story of one woman taking hold of her fate by uncovering the clandestine geography of this divide in her heart.

Find on: Goodreads Amazon

You know what shakshuka is, right? It’s a favorite among students, bachelors and those that don’t know how to cook and those who can’t be bothered to cook. In short, shakshuka is the Middle East’s version of Kraft Dinner. Unlike mac and cheese out of a box, it is a dish you will continue to crave years past your student days and many clicks after the honeymoon of your marriage turns into mustard-sun.
The shakshuka wars started in my household on the fifth week of my marriage and have spanned ten years, traveled to two continents and have yet to reach a peaceful resolution. It all started when, after returning from our honeymoon, Samih decided to make shakshuka for dinner one night.
I took one bite and screwed up my face. “This shakshuka is all wrong!” A rather arrogant proclamation from somebody who didn’t know how to boil an egg.
“Wrong how?” Samih smiled, bemused, the way you would be entertained with a cute three year old saying a four-letter word that they didn’t understand. I hate it when Samih treats me in a patronizing way.
“It’s too oniony,” I said in the same tone I might have used to say “Smoking causes cancer.”
“You just don’t know what shakshuka is supposed to taste like, that’s all.” Samih tore a piece of pita bread. Folded it to create a scoop. Drenched the bread in the tomato massacre on his plate. Placed the dripping bundle into his mouth. “I bet the taste of tomato with the eggs seems unfamiliar, you’re probably used to scrambled eggs instead,” Samih said with a full mouth. Bits of masticated poached egg stained red flashed behind his teeth with each chew.
“I know the difference between shakshuka and scrambled eggs. I know how it’s supposed to taste and this tastes wrong!” I placed my fork down and pushed my plate away.
“I am certain your mother never made shakshuka.” You know an argument is going sideways when your mother gets mentioned.

I signed up to review because the blurb was intriguing and unique. At first, I had no idea what I had gotten myself into and struggled. It didn't hook me right away while feeling random and pointless.

Give it 50 pages though, give Thaniya 50 pages to introduce threads of her life and start weaving them together. 50 pages for a unique perspective and intersection that's overlooked and missing from pop culture.

I was hooked by 35.

Spoonful Chronicles doesn't follow a linear path. Different chapters start, revolve, or end on a dish or ingredient. Along with her rules of cooking there's insight, humor, and quotables. It's not a traditional narrative, Thaniya speaks to the reader and is aware she's writing it all down.

There are some threads that feel unresolved, like her friend that ends up having a mental breakdown.
That and Thaniya's "measuring mental illness" could've been handled better.
Love the sections about her college friend, their drama, and their falling out.
There's a McDreamy. I LOVE how Thaniya described him. "Nose read for directions" is one of my favorite phrase that I won't be forgetting anytime soon.
The revelations about her husband and their courtship towards the end made things just *click* for me.
Love the bringing the sleeping kids in from the car scene.
Thaniya with her kids and talking about her kids is adorable.
Totally understand the reflection and wondering how one ended up they way they did.
The Mango chapter about immigrating, especially the first passage was mesmerizing and informative.
It felt a tad long towards the end, but it's worth it.
Love the ending, quite a powerful punch.

I entered the world of cooking the same way I entered my sex life. Tragically unprepared, but feverishly curious.

I outran a nightmare, losing all facility for dreaming along the way.

Cry me a river and I shall pollute it!

“Give the poor Iraqi man a break!” I say. “He has enough intolerable burdens to deal with as is, why should happy?”

Only your mother is willing to cook for you badly.

Author Bio

My name is Elen. I am an Iraqi-Canadian. Please allow me to tell you a story of a curios event that happened to me. I was a perfectly happy computer programmer doing the nerdy stuff that computer programmers do. You know! Geeky stuff. Like the normal stuff that an Iraqi-Canadian would do if they worked as a computer programmer. When one day, out of nowhere, the inspiration to write hit me over the head. It came at me fast and furious and turned my life topsy turvy. I was always an avid reader. Ok I was a bookish geek. But the idea that I would try to write never even occurred to me, until the violent incident with the muse. Since then I have published a memoir called “Don’t Shoot! … I Have Another Story to Tell You“. Which Was followed by a novel called Graffiti Hack. That one tells the story of a hacker who installs lavish graphical designs on commercial websites. Imagine the trouble she gets in? Well I had to. I was writing the story, so I had to imagine every last bit. A third novel is on it way. I don’t know where all these ideas come from, they just pop in my head and I write them down. In addition to writing, I am a flamenco dancer, I enjoy painting and I love to cook. Somehow all these activities inspire each other.

I am a married mother of three, living in a pink house in Vancouver BC
Really I just love telling stories and I love listening to stories.

Website Twitter Facebook Youtube

@RABTBOOKTOURS Celebrates 5 Years + Giveaway!

2017-04-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

RABT Book Tours is Officially 5 Years Old!

We are celebrating by offering our Biggest Discount to Authors + a Reader Giveaway!

Book Your Tour by May 6th and Receive 50% Off any Tour by using the Discount: Code RABT50 !

Tours can take place anytime between June - September!

Blitzes are 20% Off All Summer Long!

Any Blitz Booked and Taking Place between May-September! Use Code: SummerBlitz

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Are you an Author who has a FREE novel this Summer or a novel on Kindle Unlimited?

We are running a Mega Blast Promotion for Free and KU reads this June!

This Blitz will take place June 7th and your novel will need to be free at that time.

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THE SKY THRONE Release Day Excerpt & Giveaway

2017-04-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited that THE SKY THRONE by Chris Ledbetter is available now and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Chris Ledbetter, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a 1 month subscription to Owl Crate courtesy of
Month9Books and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Haven't heard of THE SKY THRONE? Check it out!

Title: THE SKY THRONE

Author: Chris Ledbetter

Pub. Date: April 18, 2017

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 292

Find it: Goodreads
| Amazon | B&N | TBD | iBooks

Duality dwells at every turn, and an adolescent Zeus will learn that all too well when Hyperion attacks his family on Crete.

When the dust settles, his mother is unconscious and his best friend left for dead.

Stacking epic insult upon fatal injury, Zeus discovers the woman who raised him is not his biological mother. But to ensure her safety while she recovers, a heavy-hearted Zeus leaves her behind to seek answers at Mount Olympus Preparatory Academia.

Zeus embarks on a quest to discover who ordered the attack on his home, avenge the death of his friend, and find his birth mother. When some of his new schoolmates vanish, Zeus's quest is turned upside down, and the only way to make things right is to access the power of The Sky Throne, confront a most dangerous enemy, and take his life back.

On his way to becoming king of the Greek gods, Zeus will learn to seize power, neutralize his enemies, and fall in love.

"Destined to have a sequel or two, young teens will appreciate the story, and teachers will appreciate that it instructs readers about the pantheon of gods."--Kevin Beach, VOYA Magazine

Exclusive Excerpt

The Oceanids descended upon the campus from their barracks like a wave
crashing against the shore. Telesto, the most beautiful sea nymph by several
stadia, smiled at me for the first time since I’d been going to the school.
Okay, it wasn’t a full smile. The corner of her lip twitched upward as she
flipped her wavy, aquamarine hair over her shoulder and glanced past me. But
that counts, right?

I backhanded Anytos in the chest. “You saw that. That’s my opening. If I
don’t make my move, she’ll be gone to the upper school next year.”

“Pssht, she is beyond the Mediterranean beautiful. Completely
unattainable.”

“Did you see that come hither stare she flashed me?”

“Looked more like indigestion.”

“You are as wrong as you are false. Cover my back. I’m moving in.”

I crossed the courtyard in a flash and caught Telesto’s arm as she
reached the weather-beaten front door to the main school hall.

“Telesto, you look as if the sun radiates from you.”

She paused and leaned back against the doorframe. “You’re just saying that because I wore my yellow tunic today.”

“You shine with such brilliance; you should wear yellow every day.”

She folded a strand or two of stunning teal hair behind her ear and twirled the ends. “But what happens when I wear my purple tunic?”

“A tunic hasn’t been invented that could dampen your beauty.”

She giggled and turned away from me for a moment. “Zeus, is it?”

I nodded, surprised she even knew my name.

“You’re the one who pulled that massive prank on my mother, Headmaster Tethys, aren’t you?”

Oh, that’s how she knew me. Not invisible after all. I bowed. “I am him. He is me. One and the same.”

“Crazy. She was so mad.” She shook her head, stifling a smile.

“As far as I can tell, language arts must be your favorite subject. Your tongue is spectacularly sharp-witted.”

“Not really. But I am feeling a little inspired right now.”

Several strands of her hair fell to cover half her face. “Are you going to the bonfire at the beach tomorrow night?”

“I wasn’t invite—”

Several of Telesto’s broad-shouldered, dark-haired brothers bumped into me from behind. “Those are uncharted waters, boy. Careful now,” One of them called over his shoulder. Those were the first words they’d ever spoken to me.
Telesto rolled her eyes. “Pay them no mind. They’re harmless. You were saying?”

“Those bonfires are an Oceanids and Potamoi thing? It’s kind of a secret club that you have to be born into, right? Being brothers and sisters, children of Headmasters Okeanos and Tethys… young water deities in training… masters of
rivers and streams…”

“I guess. But you should come out any way. It’s all night, under the stars. Eating, drinking, stargazing… What’s better than that?”

Gazing into her mesmerizing, iridescent eyes, my mouth fired before I could stop it. “Kissing you under the stars. That’s better.”

“Sprint much? You’re a fast mover.”

“I just go after what I want.”

“Well … ” A pink tint rose on her high cheek bones. “We shall see. But first you have to show up.”

Her lips twitched gain. “I have to go to class. See
you tomorrow?” She disappeared inside the school hall.

About Chris:

Chris Ledbetter grew up in Durham, NC before moving to Charlottesville, VA in 11th grade. After high school, he attended Hampton University where he promptly “walked-on” to the best drum line in the conference without any prior percussion experience. He carried the bass drum for four years, something his back is not very happy about now.

After a change of heart and major, he enrolled in Old Dominion
University and earned his degree in Business Administration. He’s worked in various managerial and marketing capacities throughout his life. He taught high school for six years in Culpeper, VA, and also coached football.

He has walked the streets of Los Angeles and New York City, waded in
the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and climbed Diamond Head crater
on Hawaii and rang in the New Year in Tokyo, Japan. But he dreams of one day
visiting Greece and Italy.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a 1 month subscription to Owl Crate, US Only.

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Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

4/17/2017- Rockin'
Book Reviews- Guest Post

4/17/2017- Reading for the Stars and Moon- Review

4/18/2017- LILbooKlovers- Interview

4/18/2017- Sophie Riggsby- Review

4/19/2017- Don't Judge, Read- Interview

4/19/2017- Book Review Becca- Review

4/20/2017- Month9Books- Excerpt

4/20/2017- Zach's
YA Reviews- Review

4/21/2017- YA and
Wine- Interview

4/21/2017- Kim
Harnes, Author- Review

Week 2:

4/24/2017- Jennifer
Eaton- Guest Post

4/25/2018- So Few Books- Interview

4/26/2018- Never Too Many To Read- Guest Post

4/27/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

4/27/2018- I am not a bookworm!- Review

4/28/2018- Mundie
Moms- Review

Cover Real for Where Do I Start? by Chase Taylor Hackett, #ownvoices M/M Romance

2017-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

WHERE DO I START

by Chase Taylor
Hackett

Genre: Contemporary LGBT Romance

Pub Date: 10/17/2017

Fletcher Andrews never believed in promises. Or monogamy. Or love. When you’re tall and gorgeous, New York City is one big all-you-can-eat buffet of hot young actors, models, and baristas. Even when living happily with Roger, his sweet, sexy violinist boyfriend, Fletch can’t resist an occasional taste. Too bad you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s thrown you out for cheating with half the cast of Disney on Ice.

Two years and a chance meeting later, Fletch desperately wants Roger back. Roger’s new boyfriend, Jeff, will do anything to stop that from happening.But Fletch has a plan to make amends. And with a little help from friends, colleagues—even Roger’s Scottish terrier, Haggis—they might find that the love you don’t believe in can sweep you rightoff your feet . . .

Buy Links:

Amazon

* Apple

* GooglePlay

* Kobo

* B&N

Chase Taylor Hackett was raised on a farm in the Midwest among hogs, ponies, corn and soybeans – far from his current home in New York City. He has written most of his life, nearly all of it in musical theatre, and was a member of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop. His theatrical career peaked when a musical for which he’d written the book and lyrics opened on Broadway.

He lives in upper Manhattan with his partner Travis, and a Scottish terrier named Watson.

4 Star Review & Giveaway for When Planets Fall: YA Sci-Fi with Disability Rep

2017-04-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

WHEN PLANETS FALL

(Stars Fall Circle #1)

Author: Abby J. Reed

Pub. Date: April 12, 2017

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Pages: 420

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

On a planet where the only difference between three tribes is their blood color, war is on the horizon. Breaker, an amputee, wants peace for his family and home. Malani, a kidnapped POW, wants to return home. Luka wants justice for his home. All three teens come together when Breaker is given seven days to fix a wrecked enemy starship or their home, and peace, is forfeit..

"In this richly imagined start to a new sci-fi series, Reed brings optimism to the goal of solving entrenched violence in a galaxy far, far away . . . A propulsive, sharply crafted tale about a planetary war." -Kirkus Reviews

Heads Up: Sci-Fi Racism, Rape, Torture, Warmongering, Scientific Experiments, Death, Dismemberment,

LOVE the disablity rep! Luka has chronic migraines, Breaker is a leg Amputee with PTSD, and Malani has PTSD as well as extra appendages,
The scenes dealing with panic attacks and flashbacks and nightmares were so fucking sweet!!
The scenes between Breaker and Melani coping with and talking about their mental and physical issues were my favorite scenes.
It takes about sex with a disablity in a non-creepy voyeuristic way that doesn't make it a pity act, but a legitimate attraction, appreciation, and ultimately orgasmic.
Breaker and his girlfriend's relationship is adorably bittersweet. Not perfect, not a fairy tale but real growth and understanding like the teens I know would be. This is not an adult relationship but neither is it immature or childish, if that makes senses. (Writing about teens is hard, okay?)
The inclusion of characters with physical limitations brings not only diverse representation, but an extra of layer of realism and tension as characters in actions scenes are usually limitless.
It's a dreamers escapism where you can actually see real people in it, not some action stars or Mary Sues or whatever, but you, your mother, your neighbors, etc.
Includes: lovers to friends, hate to love, enemies to allies, daring escapes, rescues,
Technically there's a love triangle, but it's not the annoying, pointless angst-y type. This one is due to the characters authentically progressing as people throughout the plot. It's not about being shady or backstab-y or fighting or extra drama.
The warmongering dictator is terrifying to watch in action.
While there are three settlements warring with each other, it never felt cluttered or overwhelming to keep track
I get the unnerving feeling there is far more going on than we know about this planet and its inhabitants but given the ending, will we ever find out? Is it a convenient cop out or am I just overanalyzing?
Some obvious plot points, events, and outcomes, but it wasn't a huge problem. So much else is going on, and it makes sense so I didn't really care until it got towards the end with Breaker's stubbornness about the truth staring him in the face.
If the greenbloods and the bluebloods knew this whole time about the secrets Breaker and crew uncover, then why didn't they remind the redbloods of their place? Why let them live? And only 100 or so years?!?
THAT ENDING!!! It's one of the most amazing, jaw-dropping and frustrating cliff-hangers I've ever read. I hate it and love it. It completes the whole "Survive this war and/or get off the planet" arc perfectly and opens up SO SO many possibilities of for the sequel. It's the perfect breaking point between books yet OMFGWTFHAPPENSNEXT?!? It does so authentically, like it's the natural progression of the story without the dreaded padding or shrinkage that plague book series.
I don't know how I feel about the human compound letting civilians live the outskirts unaware of what's going on and without protection. Something just doesn't sit quite right with me about it, though there's an explanation given.
There are no uses of savages or barbarians that I noted or remember, but I wanted to double-check. In the pdf file I have, no instances of savage(s) or barbarian(s) were found. If there are any other offensive or problematic material found by others, I will update my review to include it.
Here's the major gripe and cause for unease: there's a problem with the message of what constitutes a home. Yes, Breaker wants to avoid death and a war, but he screams about homes instead of using his head. It has this nasty underlying feeling of "go back where you came from".

If you've lived somewhere for generations (simply fucking moved there, really there shouldn't a generational limitation), its' completely fucking normal for someone to consider it their home and fight for it. I was very frustrated with Breaker being obtuse on this point. You don't technically have to originate from somewhere to be home.
What kind of message does that send to immigrants, migrants, and refugees? The other side is of course it's normal to want to return to your people's roots and that's not betraying your family or ancestors if you go that route or immigrate somewhere else.
So Breaker's not wrong to want to move away, but he's not right with arguing to make other people abandon all that they know and love. I'm not saying this is intended, but it's certainly my impression and feel from what transpired.

Basically: Great sci-fi adventure with a dynamic cast, disablity rep, and the best-worst kind of ending. I really fucking enjoyed this novel and flew through it. Some plot points were obvious and I have some lingering doubts about the settlements. That pales in comparison though about my gut feelings regarding Breaker's message. Close, but not quite an unqualified recommendation.

About Abby:

Abby J. Reed writes young adult science fiction and fantasy novels that ask what if. She has a degree in English Writing and is drawn to characters with physical limitations due to her own neurological disorder called Chronic Migraine. Her debut novel, WHEN PLANETS FALL, will be published in April 2017 by Soul Mate Publishing.

Abby lives in Colorado with her husband and two fluffy pups. If her hands aren’t on the keyboard, they are stained purple and blue with paint.
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads

1 winner will receive a signed paperback of WHEN PLANETS FALL, & Swag, US Only.

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Follow the Tour!

Week One:
4/3/2017- Twinning for Books- Interview
4/3/2017- Everything Marie- Review

4/4/2017- Jennifer Mary G.- Guest Post
4/4/2017- What the Cat Read- Review

4/5/2017- The Not So Public Library- Excerpt
4/5/2017- YA and Wine- Review

4/6/2017- The Autumn Bookshelf- Interview
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4/7/2017- Smada's Book Smack- Guest Post
4/7/2017- Kayl's Krazy Obsession- Review

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4/10/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview
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4/11/2017- Read Day and Night- Review
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4/14/2017- YA Book Madness- Guest Post
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Review & Giveaway for Biker's Librarian by Shyla Colt

2017-04-08T03:00:00.000-07:00

Biker's Librarian by Shyla Colt

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: Re-Releasing March 2nd

Publisher: Hot ink Press

Add to Goodreads

Recovered from an abusive relationship, Juliette Moore is ready to live life on her own terms. Successful, intelligent, and slightly timid, she makes a pact with her best friends to seize the day. She gets more than she bargained in the tall, dark, and dangerous biker Shooter.

Drawn to her purity and charm, Shooter, finds himself smitten before he knows what’s happening. With his claim firmly placed, he’s ready to go to war when she’s threatened by a madman from her past. Together they weather life’s storms and find common ground as they merge their two very different worlds.

Purchase: Kindle: Amazon Barnes and Noble

Content Warning: Relationship Abuse, Stalking, Harassment, Sex Trafficking,

Adore Juliette and her crew.
Juliette's struggles with overcoming her abusive relationship was well-done
Shooter is alright. Not normally my type, but a good character, no fault with his actions, and seems to be the good kind of alpha male.
Never read a biker MC book before and I'm impressed. The more unsavory elements are kept to a minimum and Juliette's handling of it helped me loosen up too.
Very sexy scenes
Love that they both go to therapy!
Suspenseful, enough that it felt like romantic suspense. I thought it was just going to be contemporary romance.
I did eye-roll a tiny bit with how quickly they become each other's everything and the mushy talk and *bam* Juliette's his old lady. But it's to be expected and not insurmountable for the more cynical of us.
If a big part of being an old lady is wearing the dude's cut, then I damn well want a scene with her wearing his cut!!
The obligatory motorcycle scene is included though.
I think there was a good balance of romance, friends & family, & drama.
Except I do wish there were more details on how Ex was taken care of. Did the MC have nothing to do with it and just talk big? Did Juliette have to testify?
I totally want to read about their friends hooking up! And will be checking out her backlist too.

Excerpt, Giveaway, & Review for COED by James Fant

2017-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

COED by James Fant

Romance

Date Published: 02/14/2017

Publisher: James Fant Books, LLC

Add to Goodreads

Can a man and a woman be best friends without somebody catching feelings?

Travis Barber and Sade Styles are best friends of the opposite sex. Despite what everyone thinks, they are not getting busy...yet.

Co-owners of a popular barbershop/salon in named CoEd, Travis and Sade spend the bulk of their days together. But when Sade’s apartment lease runs out and Travis offers her the spare bedroom of his newly built house, will they end up sharing more than just the utilities?

This witty, fast-paced romance seeks to answer the question: can a man and a woman be best friends without crossing that fine line into the land of lovers. Best case scenario, nothing happens. Worst case scenario, they get to know each other a little too well and end up hating each other!

Are Travis and Sade making the best move for their friendship?

Purchase here:

Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo iBooks

She said…

I should be ashamed of myself. I was flirting heavily with Trap and that’s not right. I know that I was just using him to get over my hurt. But he was my friend. We’ve been friends for a long time. Who better to cheer me up than Trap? The caveat is the type of cheer I wanted went way beyond kind words. I wanted him badly. I thought it was just the Peach Schnapps talking. But nah, I needed a release. I felt tense. My head was not on straight and some good ole fashioned sex would do me well.

The cool thing is Trap and I were away at Myrtle Beach. We had been drinking. We were heading to the concert hall in the lobby of the hotel. Lalah Hathaway was going to take us there. I had every intention of letting Trap hold me in his arms on the dance floor. I was going to back that thang up on him real close. And then we would retire to the room. When neither of us could stand it anymore, I was going to ride him like a prized stallion. It was going to be good. And afterwards, we could both chalk it up to the alcohol and ambiance. Then we could put it behind us. Sounds like a pretty good plan, right?

Why are you looking at me like that? I needed it. You act like you’ve never been in that position before. Heart broken, wanting desperately to break a bond that was forged by some loser. What better way to do that than by making love to my best friend?

Lalah was singing Forever, For Always, For Love. I adore her rendition of that song. Her voice is so silky and thick that it just wraps around you like a blanket. Trap was under that blanket with me. I was standing in front of him. He had his arms around me. I leaned my head back on his shoulder and he kissed me on the cheek. I chuckled at this because I had the brother right where I wanted him. I know this for a fact because I could feel his excitement on my backside. Humph! He was talking about a Charley horse. I’ve got his Charley horse. The way I came out of that bathroom wearing that dress, and the way I strutted in front of him in the hallway, I knew exactly why Trap was walking funny. It was a compliment…and it was confirmation that I would have him.

So he had another Charley horse on the dance floor. I swirled my bottom to the rhythm; the more I swayed, the more excited he became. And me? I was about to melt, thinking about how it would be. How it would feel. But I never allowed myself to think about after. I would deal with after the next morning.

Content Warning: Domestic Violence, Anger Issues, Cheating,

I liked it. It's pretty sexy, down to Earth, with a lot of characters and drama to go around. Travis is a player and Sade is rather old-fashioned, which she's defensive about.

COED starts with Sade moving into Travis's house and Travis has a bachelor party for a friend of his happening that night. It's clear that they've got tension and awkwardness from the get go. What happens next just speeds it up. It's a short tale, only 150 pages, and I wonder how it'd work out if given more room to flourish.

I call it sexy but don't get it confused with erotica. The characters are very hott and there's plenty of checking out, flirting, and thinking going around. The two sex scenes that immediately come to mind though are rather sad. It's not the right time with the right people, so of course the sex is bad. Poor Sade! The best she got in the story is an erotic dream.

I liked Travis and Sade's friendship. Travis was very real about the difference in emotional and psychological support received from men and women. I'm even happier he decided to be a better friend!
I love how Sade owns her sexuality
I'm glad those who got cheated on were mad at the cheaters, not the other innocent party.
I liked how Travis is on medication for his bipolar disorder.
I liked how Sade confronted her issues and moved forward with handling them instead of taking the easy way out.
I liked the scene where they're at the couple's meeting together. Sade's thought process on being a woman that gets hit by a man is so spot on, it's depressing. I remember thinking that way before I became a survivor. I just wish this idea was pushed back instead of reinforced with the Ex-Wife.
The Shop scenes were pretty funny, though the Silent Treatment ones were the best IMHO.
Travis is the most authentic sounding guy...most of the time. His childhood is spot on, those passages were amazing.
I don't "get" Travis's dumbass decision on a visceral level, but I know it's realistic and people, especially men, are just that fucking stupid. Stupid, stupid people.
I'm glad Sade got more understanding and support than just "leave his cheating ass!!". It's HARD. It HURTS. And your feelings just don't dry up automatically....
I'm glad The Stripper isn't slut-shamed by Travis, because nobody needs that nonsense and it would make him a hypocritical bastard. However, it feels like Travis has a Madonna-Whore complex, with her and Sade on opposing ends. With Sade's preaching of old-fashioned sensibilities, it's definitely keeping inline with the status quo of wifey material.
Weird that a grown man Googled why nipples got hard. (Maybe that's just me?)
Don't like how the Ex-Wife was portrayed. I've never met a DV victim like that and don't like how he gets help, but she doesn't. Usually it's the other way around. Everything about her is a cry for help, but instead, she's the instigator and the crazy one. Ugh. I hate how baby mama is always a problem character. This bullshit hits far too close to home.
I DID NOT appreciate Sade being judgmental against the Ex-Wife. (See above.)
I wish Travis and Sade went to therapy, separately, for their issues. It's a tad unfair that Travis gets help through Sade as a therapist stand-in but Sade has to conquer her own demons alone. Therapy would even this out and help raise awareness and normalize therapy, which is always a good thing.
I can do without the breaking the fourth wall moment, where Travis tell us how James Fant loves to break chapters to build suspense (paraphrasing)
I can totally see a series happening based off of other characters around COED the shop and think that'd be pretty cool.

Review & Giveaway for Finding Molly: An Adventure in Catsitting #1

2017-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Finding Molly: An Adventure in Catsitting:

A Graphic Novel for Artists and Cat Lovers

by Justine Prado, Jenn St-Onge (Illustrator), Maytal Gilboa (Editor)

Publisher: Emet Comics

Add to Goodreads Buy on Amazon Buy at Emet Comics

"This is a gorgeous read in every sense of the word, each and every page brimming with character and life." -IGN

Fresh out of art school and creatively unfulfilled, Molly is stuck in the suburbs with her parents and their cat, Pishi. When she is offered an opportunity to cat sit, she sees it as a way to get closer to her friends who live in the Los Angeles Arts District while fulfilling her dream of making a living as an artist.

Art is GORGEOUS!
Beautiful settings: art, home, cityscapes
CUTE kitties, each with their own personality
Doesn't shy from showing the not so cute side of pet sitting
Frida!!
Sweet
Funny
Adorable
Relatable AF
Slow-burn romance *SQUEE*
Supportive, loving family
Understandable BFF that's more than a stereotype & lets Molly have it when needed
Seriously wonderful father/daughter moment
Clash between traditional and modern values, goals,

I can't believe it, I actually agree with IGN. None of my gamer friends must know. EVER.

This kind of searching for oneself, place, and purpose while navigating modern conveniences is what I beg for from New Adult. And here it is! WHOOP!

Favoritest scene: Molly coming home drunk from a party crying and having a heart to heart with her father.

Her problems making friends now that she's grown out of school and shit?! *Raises Hand*

The problem with getting together with people when you're all working?! *Raises Both Hands*

Used to being a rising star, not knowing where it all went wrong and you fell off?!
*Waves Hands Like I just don't...lolsob*

I was a straight A book nerd off to college a year early. Now I'm working in a call center to survive with no degree and debt I can't pay off. To say I emphasize is an understatement.

The only thing I'll say about this whole Millennial business people are bemoaning: The Catcher in the Rye generation shouldn't throw stones.

The "Is she flirting with me?" cat reminds me of this art book I had a kid. Well, borrowed from the library as much as possible. It was all about how to draw cats and kittens, both realistic and cartoon-y. In it, there was this blue-eyed fluffy white cat in the "draw me like one of your french girls" pose. I was pretty decent at drawing her too since I was just obsessed at getting it right.

Anyways. This along with Disney's Robin Hood and Lion King 2 reminds me, as Molly finds out, that being attracted to something with fur once in a while doesn't actually make one a furry.

Just sayin.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!!

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Giveaway, Guest Post, + Excerpt for Luz: A Novella by Leslie DJ

2017-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

Luz: A Novella
Leslie DJ

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Sinister Girlz

Date of Publication: March 24, 2017

ISBN: 978-0998127828

Number of pages: 160

Word Count: 43,000

Cover Artist: Michele Catalano

Tagline: He’s going to propose. She’s going to tie up loose ends.

Book Description:

Luz Vargas is a promising young Latina writer from Washington Heights, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in New York City. Who upon receiving top honors for her short story, "Here and There" from the prestigious Quisqueya Writers of Tomorrow Association, Luz's boyfriend, Luke, suggests a couple's getaway to the Dominican Republic where he plans to propose. But when the trip to the Island brings her face to face with a past love, Luz is torn between honoring her commitment to Luke and revisiting an island romance.

The story is told through a series of vignettes that chronicle Luz's struggle to reconcile her American identity with her Dominican side.

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Luz awoke to the sound of roosters crowing. Her eyes fluttered as they adjusted to the sunlight that crept through the tangerine-colored curtains. As she sat up and reached across the bed, familiarizing herself with her surroundings, the man beside her stirred. She placed a hand over her mouth and looked down to the tiled floor while she recalled the events of the previous night. For a moment, she had forgotten where she was. Luz had been vacationing in her mother’s homeland, the Dominican Republic, for the first time in over a year, the longest she had gone without paying the island a visit. She traveled there so frequently that she knew the immigration officers by name and the female officers often came from
behind the glass partition to give her a hug. She steered clear of the male
immigration officers because they were known to get a little too friendly,
especially with foreign-born Dominicanas traveling on their own.

Usually she went to the DR alone, but this time Luke, her boyfriend of seven months, was accompanying her. Luke was the complete opposite of Luz. He was short, stout and fair-skinned with light-colored eyes that changed depending on his mood or the color of his shirt. Luz was tall with sizeable hips but a slender figure. She spent most of her mornings on a treadmill or punching and kicking Tae Bo-style to old VHS tapes. She had long, jet-black hair and a tan complexion.
They rooted for opposite teams—he for his home team, the Red Sox, while Luz was a seasonal Yankees fan — which meant they were bound to break up during the
post-season depending on whose team made it further into the playoffs and how
much gloating the other could withstand. Luke enjoyed his scotch neat while Luz
preferred a cold cerveza now and then and only resorted to hard drinks when in
desperate need of a pick-me-up. They were such opposites, in fact, that many of their friends often joked that the only thing they had in common was the first two letters of their names.

Even so, Luke was kind and understanding and ‘got’ Luz. He especially understood and respected her need for writing, encouraging her and even submitting discarded manuscripts to local contests behind her back. He was handsome, well-mannered and the first real American boy to pursue Luz. She appeared to be living theAmerican Dream.

About the Author:

Leslie DJ is a Dominican-American writer and radio personality who resides in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City.

She is the writer and founder of SinisterGirlz.com, an online publication that features written and audio music related content. She hosts Sinister Girlz Live on WBMB Baruch College Radio 94.3 FM New York on Fridays at 4pm EST.

Her debut novel, “That Girl” was released in September of 2016 and is available on Amazon.com

She graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts with a concentration in Playwriting from Marymount Manhattan College and received her MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction from The New School of General Studies.

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Have you been to the Dominican Republic? What was it like, what made it into the book and what didn't? Or, how was writing vignettes different than a typical novel? Was it authentic for this story and/or something you'll continue?: My parents are from the Dominican Republic, I am a first generation Dominican American and I visited the island as a kid against my will. The thought of spending my summers there without cable TV or English-language programming did not appeal to me at all. I didn’t start traveling there on my own until my early twenties. Each trip spurred all kinds of ideas as I immersed myself in the culture and partook in new experiences. I was reading books by Junot Diaz and Julia Alvarez and I wanted to reconnect with my roots. I began writing about my experiences while visiting the Dominican Republic and ended up creating Luz and scripting her journey. It came to me in chunks and it never felt like a linear story. I think it works well with the type of story I wanted to tell. It was a first for me and I think I succeeded in what I wanted this project to be. Aspects of Luz’s story are loosely based on my love affair with the island and the boy I would eventually marry and later divorce. It’s such a tropical and beautiful environment that you can’t help but fall in love with the music, the food and the people. There’s a lot that didn’t make it into the final draft mainly Yanira’s story (Luz’s mother) it’s such a big important story to tell that I feel it’s better to give her, her own book to tell her story. I wanted this book to focus on Luz’s journey and unraveling.

WOW! Thank you so much Leslie for answering both of my questions so thoroughly. Fascinating how thing change when growing up. The kid going against their will sound like a great YA book, if you ask me. I can't wait to read Luz and I'll be on the lookout for her mom's story as well!

Don't forget to enter for a chance to win, but if you want to gaurentee your copy pick it up now on Amazon.

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Audiobook Review & Giveaway for Timekeeper: M/M Romance Gaslamp Fantasy

2017-04-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Author: Tara Sim
Narrator: Gary Furlong
Length: 8h 50m
Publisher: Forever Young AudiobooksGenre: YA Fantasy
Release date: Feb. 14, 2017

Two o’clock was missing.

In an alternate Victorian world controlled by clock towers, a damaged clock can fracture time—and a destroyed one can stop it completely.

It’s a truth that seventeen-year-old clock mechanic Danny Hart knows all too well; his father has been trapped in a Stopped town east of London for three years. Though Danny is a prodigy who can repair not only clockwork, but the very fabric of time, his fixation with staging a rescue is quickly becoming a concern to his superiors.

And so they assign him to Enfield, a town where the tower seems to be forever plagued with problems. Danny’s new apprentice both annoys and intrigues him, and though the boy is eager to work, he maintains a secretive distance. Danny soon discovers why: he is the tower’s clock spirit, a mythical being that oversees Enfield’s time. Though the boys are drawn together by their loneliness, Danny knows falling in love with a clock spirit is forbidden, and means risking everything he’s fought to achieve.

But when a series of bombings at nearby towers threaten to Stop more cities, Danny must race to prevent Enfield from becoming the next target or he’ll not only lose his father, but the boy he loves, forever.

Buy on Audible/Amazon

Tara Sim is the author of Timekeeper (Sky Pony Press) and can typically be found wandering the wilds of the Bay Area, California. When she’s not chasing cats or lurking in bookstores, she writes books about magic, clocks, and explosives. Follow her on Twitter at @EachStarAWorld, and check out her website at tarasim.com.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Pinterest⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram

Gary Furlong grew up in Wexford, Ireland. Throughout his life he has worn many a hat: He has worked as a teacher in Niigata, Japan; a puppeteer in Prague; an improv artist in Memphis, Tennessee; and as a singer and actor all over Ireland. He started narrating audiobooks in late 2015 and hasn't looked back.

Gary made his acting debut in the musical Godspell as a student. Since then he has pursued acting both on the amateur and professional circuits. Notable roles include Tom Collins in Bare Cheek's production of Rent in 2010.
Over the course of his five years in Japan, he was an actor, director, and audio producer. It was during this time that he discovered his interest in audiobooks and voice-over.

He now works full-time as an audiobook narrator and voice actor from his home in Ireland.

Website⎮Twitter

I have tried audio books before but it didn't work out. I was so excited for Timekeeper I just had to give it another shot. I'm so glad I did!

Not only did I LOVE Timekeeper but I'm going to keep trying audiobooks out now since this went so well.

I love the worldbuilding. Original, doesn't just focus on Britain like the rest of the world doesn't exist.
It felt gaslamp-y enough for me. But I'm not huge into the genre so YMMV.
I personally loved the snippets of mythology between chapters. It helped me "get" what the tension between clock mechanics and the public were.
A+ PTSD representation and anxiety.
I LOVE how it handles money and bills. You damn right that's something to worry over and should be included. Going hungry is fucking awful and given how many people struggle with home and food security, not enough books or characters deal with it as well.
I liked Danny's mum. She's struggling too and a full person. She's admitted to fucking up as a mum and trying. She's also a smoker, which sounds weird to be happy over but both my parents are smokers and it's odd to never see it in fiction unless it's a villain. She's not a villain, she's a victim too.

I love how she's there for Danny when he needs it and they finally talk and work out their troubles. I'm glad to see a relationship that isn't an abusive nightmare or perfectly perfect.

I love Danny & Colton!!! They're solid people apart but so, so adorable together. Them getting to know each other? *swoon* Even their fighting was cute.
I love Danny's best friend, Cassie who happens to be a girl. She's a kick ass auto mechanic and their friendship is goals.
It's not all about the romance, there is the bombing plot and other mechanics to deal with. Usually, I'm head over heals for this. Of course, this only happens when I WANT the book to go back to the romance....*sigh*
I guessed who was behind it only a bit before Danny, and that was the only thing I predicted.
I cannot wait for the sequel this November!
Narrator was amazing, really brought it to life and just sounded perfect. I can still hear him in my head for certain lines and *dreamy sigh*

The biggest drawbacks for me was trying to review and quote using the audiobook format. Trying to find a quote that I didn't bookmark the area sucks. Then going through all the bookmarks because I bookmarked EVERYTHING sucked.

I ended up getting frustrated and said fuck it for my review. Any tips for a newbie audio reviewer? I'd love to hear them!

In the end, just go read Timekeeper. Highly recommended in any format.

Mar. 19: The Book Keeper's Secrets (Review, Spotlight, Audio Excerpt & Interview)
Tales of the Ravenous Reader (Spotlight, Audio Excerpt, Guest Post & Giveaway)

Mar. 20: Reading for the Stars and Moon (Spotlight, Audio Excerpt, & Giveaway)
Next Page Please (Review & Giveaway)

Mar. 21: Candid Ceillie (Review & Interview)
Gota Love Books (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)

Mar. 22: BookstacksAmber (Review)

Mar. 23: Book Crushin (Review, Spotlight, Audio Excerpt, & Giveaway)
Lilly's Book World (Review)

Mar. 24: The Desert Bibliophile (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
BookstacksAmber (Interview)

Mar. 25: Chapter Break (Review, Spotlight, Audio Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway)

Mar. 26: Dab of Darkness (Review)
Blogger Nicole (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)

Mar. 27: The Madhouse (Review & Giveaway)

Mar. 28: Rolo Polo Book Blog (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)

Mar. 29: Mama Reads (Review & Guest Post)

Mar. 30: Novel Ink (Review)

Mar. 31: Glorious Panic (Review & Giveaway)

Apr. 1: The Broke Book Bank (Review)
A New Look On Books (Spotlight, Audio Excerpt, Guest Post & Giveaway)

Apr. 2: Jories Loves A Story (Review & Interview)

Apr. 3: The Hermit Librarian (Review)
Up Til Dawn (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)

Apr. 4: Here's to Happy Endings (Review)
My World In Words and Pages (Review & Giveaway)

Apr. 5: Hall Ways (Review & Giveaway)
terriluvsbooks (Review & Interview)

Apr. 6: A Book and A Latte (Review)

Apr. 7: Desert Rose Reviews (Review & Giveaway)
Bound 4 Escape (Review & Giveaway)
Holed Up In A Book (Review & Giveaway)

Apr. 8: Zach's YA Reviews (Review)
The Autumn Bookshelf (Spotlight, Audio Excerpt & Guest Post)
The Queen Reads (Review)

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Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway for Purr M for Murder by T.C. Lotempio

2017-03-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Purr M for Murder

by T.C. Lotempio

GENRE: Cozy Mystery

BLURB:

Sydney McCall left behind an ex-fiancé and a New York advertising job to return home to Deer Park, North Carolina and help her sister, Kat, run the local animal shelter, Friendly Paws. Determined to save the shelter from financial trouble, Sydney and Kat organize a cat café fundraising event at a local coffee shop. Things are looking up until their landlord, Trowbridge Littleton, threatens to shut down the event. When Sydney drops by his art gallery to make peace, she finds Kat-- along with Littleton's dead body.

Local homicide detective Will Worthington-- who just happens to be Sydney's old high school crush-- is highly suspicious of the sisters' involvement. Desperate to clear their names from the suspect list, Sydney pounces on the investigation. With the help of one of the shelter cats, a savvy orange tabby named Toby, Sydney begins poking her nose into other local businesses whose owners may have benefited from Littleton's death-- until the killer notices she's pawing a little too closely at the truth.

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Will glanced up. “Pretty observant of you, Syd. The ME will determine the cause of death.” He tapped on his notebook with the edge of his pen. “Why don’t you walk me through what happened. How did the two of you come to be in Littleton’s shop so early?”

“We had something we wanted to discuss with Mr. Littleton, and we thought the earlier the better,” I said.

“I see. And just what was the nature of this discussion?”

I shifted my weight to my other foot. “Friendly Paws has teamed with Dayna’s Treats & Sweets for a cat café event to benefit the shelter. For a nominal fee, people can have their coffee and goodies in a room with shelter cats that are available for adoption.”

Will glanced up, and I could see a light of interest in his eyes. “I’ve heard of those cafes. They’re mostly in Europe.”

“There are a few in the States, big cities mostly. This will be the first event of it’s kind in North Carolina. We’re hoping to increase revenue for both the café and the shelter.”

“Let me guess. That idea didn’t sit well with Littleton?”

Kat and I both shook our heads in unison and Kat exclaimed, “I should say not! He was in the shop yesterday, and he made his feelings pretty darn clear. He thought having the cats around would be detrimental to business. Heck, he thinks-thought- the shelter in general was a detriment to the town.”

“A sentiment you two didn’t agree with,” he said slowly.

“I should say not!” Kat returned, her cheeks starting to flame. “Syd and I tried to reason with him yesterday but he dind’t want to hear it.”

“And that’s why you decided to come here this morning?”

I nodded. “Yes. I put together a pretty good argument of pros for the event. I was hoping to appeal to his sense of business acumen.”

“Why did you feel this was necessary? Had he threatened you?”

“Not in so many words,” I said carefully. “But he did say yesterday that he was determined to put a stop to the proceedings, and we hadn’t heard the last from him.”

“Um-hm.” Will murmured, scribbling some more.

“And Leila Addams – do you remember her, Will? She’s a reporter for the Deer Park Herald now,” Kat chimed in. “Leila said that she thought Littleton was inquiring about starting a petition against showing the shelter cats – and the shelter in general.”

Will made another notation in his book. “So when was the last time you saw Littleton?”

“Yesterday around one-thirty.” I cleared my throat. “If that’s all the questions you have, we need to get going.”

He snapped his notebook shut. “You’re free to go for now,” he said, “but I will probably need to talk to you some more later on.”

“That’s fine,” I said. “We’ll be here.”

The corners of Will’s lips twitched slightly. “Good to know.”

Once we were back out on the street, Kat hauled off and punched me in the arm – hard.

“Yow!” I cried. “What was that for?”

“For thinking that you could come here and face Littleton without me, for one,” Kat said. “I knew you had your fingers crossed last night.” I rubbed at my arm. “Can’t put anything over on you, can I?”

She gave me a shrewd look. “So, how did it feel, seeing Will Worthington again after all these years! I heard he was back in town, but I had no idea he’d become a detective – homicide, no less.” She cut me a sidelong glance. “Funny, isn’t it, how you two came back to Deer Park almost at the same time. Like Karma, or something.”

“Well, I’d rather deal with Will than his partner, Colombo Junior,” I said. “Come on, let’s get my car and get to the shelter. I hope Maggie isn’t too worried.”

We walked through the alleyway and when we were almost at the spot where I’d parked, I suddenly stopped short. “Hey,” Kat cried as she ran full tilt into my back. “What’s wrong?”

I pointed to the empty space beside my car. “There was a white Lincoln there when I came, parked pretty badly. The license plate read TLITTLE. I thought for sure it was Littleton’s car, but if it’s gone…”

“A white Lincoln? That’s his wife Petra’s car,” Kat said. She glanced around, then pointed to the gym. “She must have parked it here instead of the gym parking lot, like she usually does. I wonder why.”

Another disturbing thought occurred to me as I slid behind the wheel. It would have been impossible for Littleton’s wife not to have seen the ambulance and police cars parked in front of her husband’s shop. Why hadn’t she come to see what was wrong? Unless, of course…she didn’t have to. Because she already knew.

I'm back to review Purr M for Muder by T.C. Lotempio, the first book in her new Cat Rescue mysteries. The first book I've read by Lotempio was Nick & Nora's third book, Crime and Catnip. That was alright, though stretched my suspension of disbelief and didn't really grab me. The same cannot be said of Purr M for Murder.

I loved it! It's cute, fun, hilarious, great cast, the cats are adorable, helpful, and more down to Earth, and I didn't figure out the mystery until Sydney did.

Sydney actually does investigating on her own instead of being lead around by a cat with freakish abliities.
Love that they work in a shelter and talk about taking care of the animals.
I love Will the crush's return
Great that the detectives are bumbling around, capable of doing stuff, and do figure out plenty by themselves.
I love Sydney and Kat's sibling relationship.
I love Sydney and her roommate's friendship and hanging out. Roommates are that weird even as an adult, ya know!
Very enjoyable, easy, quick, with funny moments

If you love cozy mysteries, especially in small towns with cute kitties, Purr M for Murder would be perfect. Except it's continuation of the status quo. While there's no triggering content, people that aren't' straight and white won't find themselves among the cast and crew.

My only problem is the same as always with the cozy mystery genre: lack of diversity. What's a quick good time for me, is a reminder to many people they wouldn't be welcome. Instead of confronting problems and expanding the genre, it's the same ol' same old.

It's why I don't read many cozy mysteries anymore. Besides, the Blanche series I'm having a devil of a time finding more diverse cozies. If you have any recommendations, let me know!

About the Author

While Toni Lotempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper. Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime – the first volume, MEOW IF ITS MURDER, debuted Dec. 2, 2014. Followed by #2, CLAWS FOR ALARM. #3, CRIME AND CATNIP, is out this December. She, Rocco and Maxx make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York. Catch up with them at www.tclotempio.com and www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com

ROCCO’s blog Website Amazon Facebook Twitter

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Agoraphobic: Inside Out by Sara Secora Review

2017-03-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Agoraphobic: Inside Out

by Sara Secora

A short story - 11 pages

Release Date: January 30th 2017

Summary from Goodreads:

28-year-old Kade hasn't been able to make it past his sidewalk in eight years. In this chilling short story, you will be given a glimpse into the inner workings of his mind as he goes through the process of trying to face his irrational, but very real fears.

Experience firsthand what goes on in an Agoraphobic's mind and begin to understand the silent disorder that millions of people across the world struggle with.

Tunnel vision on Kade struggling to leave his safe zone
Very descriptive regarding the terror, the anxiety, the mental and physical toll
Short = scant on details on how Kade survives on his own, therapy, etc. obviously
Love the fishy friend included. Fish don't get enough respect as pets.
FYI: no family in sight which might be hard for some people to read.
Don't know if this is #ownvoices or not
Disappointed there isn't information at the end, like a list of resources or further reading for instance.

Agoraphobic: Inside Out is a short story with 11 pages of content. It's available on Amazon for 99 cents. If you think about it, that's a whopping 9 cents per page and is worth it.

If I knew if this was own voices or if there was list of references in the back, I'd give 5 stars.

Another fiction book about agoraphobia that I've read, loved, and recommend:
Under Rose Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall, #ownvoices YA contemporary.

About the Author

Sara Secora has a passion for all things gamer and nerdy, as evidenced on her YouTube channel, AviGaming. She is also a well-branded voice over artist.

Secora has always been in love with writing, and nearly a decade ago, she finally turned her talents to the arduous endeavor of authoring an exciting fantasy trilogy. Her whimsical stories are full of enchantment, mystique, and insight—destined to intrigue readers of any age.

Secora lives in Detroit, Michigan, where she continues to explore old and new avenues for her talent and hard work.

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Broke Home Reviews 4 Things From Straightener Brush to Shoes

2017-03-11T20:30:00.002-07:00

More trying out products, yay! Don't worry, I'll have more book reviews soon, but they take more out of me. Plus, I'm kinda working on something big....

Hair Straightener Brush by Sara Mor:

Heated Gold Detangle Comb for Straightening, Infused with Anion, Rapid Heating Ceramic Plates, and Thermal Insulation Tips plus Free Travel Bag and 2 Hair Clips

Check it out on Amazon: On sale $30.00 (Normally $90.00)

Look, I'm a lazy girl. Doing my hair is very low on my list of stuff to do even though the general state of my hair is irritating. I just don't have the time or the energy.

Originally, I was getting this straightener brush out for my daughter. She love getting her hair done and straightening it helps a lot. Thankfully, we don't get ready at the same time and have to leave at the same time or we might be fighting over this one.

My hair is a lot of fine strands with bangs I've grown out, layers, wavy baby hair, flyaways, and it's almost down to my butt. I've usually got a bump from just throwing it up in a ponytail.

While my daughter has thick, luxurious wavy hair that's down to her butt and likes to frizz out all the time. She hates putting it up, except for an occasional braid.

This Sara Mor's straightener brush works wonders for the both of us.

Using a brush instead of the plates feel so much more natural and so easy! It's not too heavy or bulky at all. I was able to do my hair and my daughter's hair. That's NEVER happened before with the plates. Usually I'm dead before she's even halfway done.

Everything about this straightener rocks, but I cannot get over how fucking clever it is to make it a brush.

The automatic shut off saves me from my anxiety and the finger guard saves me from burning myself when forgetting this brush is hot.

I'm a complete and total convert. My daughter loves it. My co-workers are now asking about my hair style in a complementary way. I don't have first hand knowledge of how it works on curly or coarse hair, but there are several positive reviews on Amazon for women with it.

I highly recommend Sara Mor's Straightener Brush. Sorry I forgot to take pictures of our hair before and after, I'll take pictures when I can next time and do an update.

SILYHEART Love Heart Swarovski Elements Crystal Tennis Bracelet

Check it out on Amazon: On sale $23.00 (Normally $99.00)

Sparkley but tight on me.

Looks Much Better On My daughter.

See how tiny the circumference is? And the link holding onto the lobster hook is the one that came loose.

Sparkly! Shiny!
Barely fit me with the last link on the extension & needed help putting it on.
Even my 9 year old had to use a couple links on the extension.
I had a reaction to the metal, my daughter didn’t.
My daughter wore it for 2 weeks before the hook came off. It didn’t break, but slipped off as the holder link stretched out.
Hasn’t tarnished or irreparably broken
Made for tiny wrists but good costume type jewelry
NOT WORTH $100 BUCKS.
EVEN THE SALE PRICE IS STRETCHING IT A BIT.

Because the bracelet has been on sale and I got a coupon to review it, I didn't notice the full price at first. 100 bucks?!? No way in hell is this bracelet worth it, TBH.

Yes, it's sparkly and catches the light well and is very attention grabbing. But, unless you've got the budget to buy one piece of costume jewelry for children-sized wrists and really must have the design, then obviously stay away.

Did I mention the clasp slipped after only 2 weeks?

I never would have bought this without a coupon even with it being on sale. My daughter loves it and makes her happy, but there's no doubt in my mind how much it's worth.

New Generation - Velvet Poster GO Alive Unicorn

Augmented Reality coloring 11x15 Velvet Posters - 2 PACK of Fuzzy Posters

Check it out on Amazon: On sale $15.00 (Regularly $20.00)

The Good	The Bad & The Other
Coloring Fun w my daughter	App Took Forever to Download
Velvet Didn't get Everywhere	The "Come Alive" aspect is a lie
Markers included are an upgrade from the usual

I am pretty proud of our coloring job. 😊

I'm impressed with how well the included markers did. We only used Crayola markers for the colors not included. We haven't done the pegasus poster yet. We may get back to the pegasus over spring break.

I didn't watch the video for the VR before hand and just took New Generation's word on it.. The VR letdown really took the wind out of our sails. It's not even close to what the posters are like and is generally terrible.

If you take nothing else from this review: make sure you check out the VR video before getting your hopes up!

Other Designs:

Look, dragons! But I haven't found them ANYWHERE online. It's like they don't exist! BOOOOOOOO!

I wouldn't pay the regular price for them. $20 bucks is insane. Not even an option, not even for the dragons.

For $15 bucks, get it if you love the designs and miss fuzzy poster coloring. Forget the "come alive" part, will you be happy with the posters for this price? For the unicorn & pegasus, I'm very happy I didn't pay for full price.

Before you get excited, ALWAYS check out the videos for the VR aspect. The dolphins, horses, and butterflies are pretty and much better than the alicorn for this poster but not worth $15 bucks if you're not into the posters themselves.

Do you see that giant pink horn? The terrible wings? The whatever facial expression? For something I really love like dragons, my tune might change but it's not online so....*shrug* My daughter wants the dauphin posters and I'm entertaining the idea. Perhaps for her B-day in May if she's still asking for it then.

Cut Out Buckle Ankle Bootie - Low Stacked Wood Heel

Vegan Leather Sammi by J. Adams Campaign

Check it out on Amazon: $35.00

Sorry, no pics of me wearing them. I totally forgot and now that I'm in recovery from surgery wearing heels is not on the agenda for a bit.

Had some trouble receiving them. At first, I was sent the wrong size. I had to return them and reorder them as my size 11 wasn't in their warehouse. From another reviewer on Amazon, it looks like there might be an issue with the larger sizing getting shipped right.
Had to break them in a bit the night before.
Was able to wear it a full 12+ hours the next day. No pain except being used to flats for so long.
My feet get sweaty and the smell was terrible with these shoes.
Either my feet are extremely wide (news to me) or these are as wide as others say.
All scuffs, dirt and bending shows up
Easy to clean off so far
Heal is solid and love the clomp sound
Cute as shit

All in all, easily recommendable for people with smaller feet. If your feet are larger, you might have problems receiving them correctly and may have to work to get them to fit.

That's all for me today, what did ya'll think? Is there any product or type of stuff you'd like me to review?

Biker's Librarian by Shyla Colt Book Blitz & Giveaway

2017-03-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Biker's Librarian

by Shyla Colt

Contemporary Romance

Date Published: Re-Releasing March 2nd

Publisher: Hot ink Press

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Recovered from an abusive relationship, Juliette Moore is ready to live life on her own terms. Successful, intelligent, and slightly timid, she makes a pact with her best friends to seize the day. She gets more than she bargained in the tall, dark, and dangerous biker Shooter.

Drawn to her purity and charm, Shooter, finds himself smitten before he knows what’s happening. With his claim firmly placed, he’s ready to go to war when she’s threatened by a madman from her past. Together they weather life’s storms and find common ground as they merge their two very different worlds.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author:

Shyla Colt is the sassy international bestseller of the popular series Kings of Chaos and Dueling Devils M.C. This genre-hoppers stories feature three of her favorite things: strong females, pop culture, and alternate routes to happy ever after. Listening to her Romani soul, she pens from the heart, allowing the dynamic characters, eccentric interests, and travels as a former flight attendant to take her down untraveled roads.
Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, this mid-west girl is proud of her roots. She used her hometown and the surrounding areas as a backdrop for a number of books. So, if you’re a Buckeye, keep an eye out for familiar places.

As a full-time writer, stay at home mother, and wife, there's never a dull moment in her household.

She weaves her tales in spare moments and the evenings with a cup of coffee or tea at her side and the characters in her head for company.

You can interact with Shyla Colt online via her website
www.shylacolt.net Facebook Twitter Instagram

$25 Amazon GC

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The Secret Billionaire by Teymour Shahabi: Excerpt & Giveaway

2017-03-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Secret Billionaire

by Teymour Shahabi

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1960s — March 24. Billionaire Lyndon Surway takes off in his private plane and never returns.

His will leaves the entirety of his wealth—one of the largest fortunes in history—to his “dear friend Lucian Baker.” Only there is no trace of anyone by that name. And the fortune itself is nowhere to be found.

Andrew Day knows nothing of wealth and privilege, but he won a scholarship to study at the most exclusive school in the country, in the town where the mystery, decades later, remains unsolved. There he discovers friendship and danger with the aristocratic Cameron and the beautiful Olivia. But watchful eyes follow him everywhere... Until, one night, he comes across a secret that will change his life. As he begins to unravel what really happened to the Surway fortune, the question remains: who is Lucian Baker?

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The Boots” Excerpt from The Secret Billionaire, by Teymour Shahabi

They continued to follow the fence on the sandy path along the road. But the House remained hidden. The elms on the other side of the fence barred their sight. They all sensed, without saying so, that the trees would thin out. They were so hopeful for a clearing that they could picture it as they went, lying just beyond the shadow of the last trunk they could see. But the last trunk kept receding, and the curtain of trees kept on going beyond it, as silent and unhelpful as the empty road alongside.

All of a sudden, Olivia stopped. Her eyes were fixed on the ground. Neither Cameron nor Andrew could make out what she was staring at in the sand of the path. She brought a hand over her knee and crouched. The boys gathered closer. Their shadows mingled over her. She looked up into their faces. After a few seconds, she asked,
“ What do you guys think?” “ What do we think of—?”
Cameron began, taking another step closer, when suddenly she shouted,
“ Cameron, stop!” She jumped up and held out her arms.
“ What the hell was that?” he yelled out. “ Don’t step on it!”
“ Don’t step on what?”
“ The footprint!” she answered in a whisper, as if just remembering the sound of her own voice. She glanced over both shoulders, gave Cameron and Andrew a significant look, and slowly lowered herself once more to the ground. The two of them mirrored her movement. All at once, Andrew saw it. It was a footprint, unmistakable, elementary, like a picture in a comic book, a single elongated shape with a line separating the heel. Cameron asked in a muted voice,

“ What kind of shoe is that? It doesn’t have any—any details.”

Olivia rolled her eyes. Not even whispering could soften her contempt.
“ It’s a boot,” she said. “ A boot,”

Cameron repeated. And after a second’s reflection,
“ So it’s a boot. So what? People leave footprints every day on every path in the world. Some of them wear boots.”
But he didn’t dare to go back to his normal voice.
Olivia continued to study the print as if he hadn’t spoken. It was Andrew who answered,
“ But no one leaves footprints on this path.” Cameron and Olivia looked up.
“ There’s nothing along this road, nothing for miles in either direction, right? Nothing but the gate of the Surway House.”
They stared at him without reply.

“ Well,” he went on, examining the footprint, “ assuming that’s the case, then there’s really no reason for anyone to have come here recently—no reason other than...” His eyes turned to the fence.

Olivia’s gaze followed his.
“ It’s not just the fact that someone was here recently—” she began.
“ How do you guys know it’s so recent?” Cameron broke in. “ The print could go back several days, anytime since the last rainfall. For all we know, someone could have left it over the weekend. No one here’s an expert in detection.” “ No,” Olivia rejoined, “ but I’m an expert in shoes. That’s how I know it’s a boot.”

About the Author:

Teymour Shahabi was born in Paris in 1985 of Persian parents. He moved to the United States to study Comparative Literature and Mathematics at Harvard University. He currently lives in New York City, where he's spent the last few years among serious grownups who probably have no idea he’s doing this. The Secret Billionaire is his first published book.

You can watch (and help) him try to figure out writing and life at www.youtube.com/PageWingChannel.

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Win an e-book copy of The Secret Billionaire curtesy of Teymour Shahabi

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Broke Home Review: Biofinest Self-Care Pay Day + Reviews

2017-02-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Disclosure: I promised a honest review on my blog & social media channels to get a coupon so I didn't pay full price for any of the products. Sadly, they still weren't free.

Biofinest Coconut Oil Hair Mask

with 100% Organic Shea Butter, Rosehip, Vitamin E- Deep Conditioner for Dry/ Damaged/ Color Treated Hair (250g)

Buy on Amazon: Currently on sale for $12.95 (Reg. $19.95)

I love my hair but hate the upkeep. It's long (down to my butt), split ends galore, flyaways, and *floofs*. With my life and amount of spoons, I throw that bitch up in a ponytail and call it a day. That of course makes my hair worse, harder to treat and the cycle repeats.

Not to say that I haven't tried in the past. I've Pintrest'd up on DIY masks and treatments. Did they help? Yeah, sure but it's such a pain in the ass I gave up. Where is the reasonable Pintrest for everyday people and spoonies?!?

Before & After:

What you can't see in my terrible pictures is how damn soft my hair is! I kept playing with it and stroking it. I haven't bother having my hair down or out of a ponytail in SO LONG.

The process was real simple and quick. It didn't feel oily or drip everywhere. It was easy to apply the right amount and wash it out.

Afterwards, my hair still felt clean. I swear doing other hair masks have been awful. I honestly didn't want to do it again. BUT Biofinest gave me a discount for review and their other products impress me so I gave it a shot. I'm so happy I did! I can't wait to use this on my hair again.

Not a miracle cure, but gave results and even helped my terrible ends a bit. Just a bit because those split like bananas and have to be chopped off.

Biofinest Himalayan Body Scrub

with Dead Sea Salt/ Organic Argan Oil, Vitamin E, Essential Oils - Best For Deep Skin Cleansing (250g)

Buy On Amazon: Buy On Amazon: Currently on sale for $12.95 (Reg. $19.95)

This is the one product I was MOST excited for as I've heard a lot about Himalayan Sea Salt but have never used it. However, it was the most disappointing Biofinest product I've tried. Not utterly awful rubbish, but not for me.

Smells bad in the jar though not so pungent in the shower when using it
The large pieces made it difficult to use.

My skin felt nicer afterwards but I think that has more to do with the oil in it. I honestly did NOT feel scrubbed or extra clean after using it. I even tried just using it on my face at the sink and still, meh.

I rubbed it on, a lot of pieces fell off to the bottom of the tub/sink wasted, and mostly massaged oil in my skin. No miracle results or noticeable effects either time.

I'll keep trying since I have the whole jar now, but unless you've used this large particle type scrub before I'd steer clear. Since it's my first scrub like this I don't know how it stacks up against the rest but it's saved by the oil and doesn't smell pleasant so not something I'd recommend.

Biofinest Dead Sea Mud Mask

with Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Collagen - Best Facial Pore Minimizer, Wrinkles Reducer, Pores Cleanser (250g)

Buy on Amazon: Currently on sale for $12.95 (Reg. $19.95)

This one is much better than the other dead sea mask I tried. It didn't dry out my skin. Instead, it felt clean afterwards plus so soft, smooth with pores minimized, and redness reduced.

Followed with Grapeseed Oil as a moisturizer and my skin was VERY happy. This is being added to the rotation immediately and replace that other mask permanently.

Biofinest Green Tea Scrub

with Dead Sea Salt, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E, Essential Oils - Best Antioxidants For Anti-Aging (250g)

Buy on Amazon: Currently on sale for $12.95 (Reg. $19.95)

This one was my absolute favorite. I felt scrubbed clean afterwards with most of the same results of the Dead Sea Mud Mask with one awesome extra: the oil in it meant I didn't need to use moisturizer afterwards.

I LOVE being able to skip a step. Whenever my time is short, the first things to go is my self-care routine. Any time saved is a plus. The smell wasn't great in the jar, but I didn't notice any while using it or afterwards.

This one is honestly worth the $20 full price, but it's on sale now so I'd check it out while that's going. Once you buy a product you get coupons and deals to make you a return customer too!

Biofinest Coconut Milk Body Scrub

with Dead Sea Salt, Almond Oil, Vitamin E- Best For Dry Skin/ Cellulite/ Stretch Marks/ Eczema / Acne (250g)

Buy on Amazon: Currently on sale for $12.95 (Reg. $19.95)

This was the scrubbiest scrub of the bunch, akin to a sugar or baking soda scrub
Smelled the best
Oil meant no need for moisturizer again!

Now I know the Green Tea Scrub and the Coconut Milk Scrub look and sound a lot a like. I prefer the Milk scrub on my body and the Green Tea on my face.

The Milk scrub comes with a couple of benefits that make it worth keeping around, like sagging skin (stupid boobs...) and UV protection, especially since I live in AZ.

Plus, coconut oil is the preferred moisturizer for my body but NOT my face. It doesn't break me out but makes it easier to break out and makes my face feel grubbier compared to other moisturizers.

On each side of the box, there's a breakdown of the benefits shown here side by side:

Hope that helps!

Tl;DR: OMFG HAIR MASK, Boo Himalayan Salt Scrub, YESSS Green Tea Scrub, and Alright You Coconut Milk Scrub.

I haven't had to interact with Biofinest so I can't review them as a company but watch out: they're products aren't Prime eligible. They all have +3.99 shipping. Which makes it all the more important to use those sales and coupons.

If I could only buy ONE, I should pick the hair mask because my hair needs it that badly but I'd want the Green Tea Scrub.

Disclosure: I promised a honest review on my blog & social media channels to get a coupon so I didn't pay full price for any of the products. Sadly, they still weren't free.

The Broke Book Bank

4 stars for Defensive Mindset: Contemporary Soccer Lesbian Romance

Defensive Mindset by Wendy Temple

About the Author:

2 Dress & a Facemask: My Attempt at Pampering Reviews!

Dead Sea Collagen Anti Aging Facial Mask By iBeautyLabs

About the product:

Klicky Women's V Neck Lace Vintage Maxi Dress with Cap Sleeve

Size Chart:

Knee Length Patchwork Women Dress Elegant Tunic Female Work Dress Plus Size M- 4XL Bodycon Pencil Dress Vestidos

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich: M/M YA Romance with Excerpt & Giveaway

The Love Interest

Blog Tour Twofer: Contemporary Romance Addition with Danced Close & Intoxicating

Intoxicating: An Oregon Wine Country Romance #2

About the Author:

Danced Close: Portland Heart #6

About the Author:

Magic & Mayhem: Paranormal Cozy Mystery Review + Giveaway

Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery) by Sharon Pape

Further Social Justice Reading:

About The Author

More Broke Home Reviews with a Watch, Earrings, Sticky Notes and More!

From a noob standpoint:

Home and Garden Co. Adult Colouring Therapy Book 64 pages

Kicking Off The Wishing Heart by J.C. Welker Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

The Wishing Heart

About the Author:

4 Star Review for Slither by Melody Steiner Includes Herds of Dragons!

Slither

About the Author

Review of How to Make a Wish: F/F YA Contemporary

How to Make a Wish

Review of Spoonful Chronicles by Elen Ghulam: Women's Fiction Following An Iraqi Immigrant

About the Book

Author Bio

@RABTBOOKTOURS Celebrates 5 Years + Giveaway!

THE SKY THRONE Release Day Excerpt & Giveaway

Haven't heard of THE SKY THRONE? Check it out!

About Chris:

Cover Real for Where Do I Start? by Chase Taylor Hackett, #ownvoices M/M Romance

4 Star Review & Giveaway for When Planets Fall: YA Sci-Fi with Disability Rep

WHEN PLANETS FALL

Heads Up: Sci-Fi Racism, Rape, Torture, Warmongering, Scientific Experiments, Death, Dismemberment,

About Abby:

1 winner will receive a signed paperback of WHEN PLANETS FALL, & Swag, US Only.

Follow the Tour!

Review & Giveaway for Biker's Librarian by Shyla Colt

Biker's Librarian by Shyla Colt

Related Social Justice Reading:

About the Author:

Excerpt, Giveaway, & Review for COED by James Fant

COED by James Fant

Content Warning: Domestic Violence, Anger Issues, Cheating,

Related Social Justice Reading:

About The Author:

Review & Giveaway for Finding Molly: An Adventure in Catsitting #1

Finding Molly: An Adventure in Catsitting:

I can't believe it, I actually agree with IGN. None of my gamer friends must know. EVER.

Giveaway, Guest Post, + Excerpt for Luz: A Novella by Leslie DJ

Luz: A NovellaLeslie DJ

About the Author:

Audiobook Review & Giveaway for Timekeeper: M/M Romance Gaslamp Fantasy

Author: Tara Sim Narrator: Gary Furlong Length: 8h 50m Publisher: Forever Young AudiobooksGenre: YA Fantasy Release date: Feb. 14, 2017

Buy on Audible/Amazon

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Website⎮Twitter

I ended up getting frustrated and said fuck it for my review. Any tips for a newbie audio reviewer? I'd love to hear them!

In the end, just go read Timekeeper. Highly recommended in any format.

Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway for Purr M for Murder by T.C. Lotempio

Purr M for Murder

About the Author

Agoraphobic: Inside Out by Sara Secora Review

Agoraphobic: Inside Out

About the Author

Broke Home Reviews 4 Things From Straightener Brush to Shoes

Hair Straightener Brush by Sara Mor:

SILYHEART Love Heart Swarovski Elements Crystal Tennis Bracelet

New Generation - Velvet Poster GO Alive Unicorn

Other Designs:

Cut Out Buckle Ankle Bootie - Low Stacked Wood Heel

Magick & Mayhem (An Abracadabra Mystery)
by Sharon Pape

Luz: A Novella
Leslie DJ

Author: Tara Sim
Narrator: Gary Furlong
Length: 8h 50m
Publisher: Forever Young AudiobooksGenre: YA Fantasy
Release date: Feb. 14, 2017