Not So Sweet Maria by Jessica Spencer (Review)

Not So Sweet Maria

(Sisters by Marriage #1)
by Jessica Spencer

Adult Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 178 Pages

June 1st 2017 by Unit Books

Summary

LOVE UNDER MISTAKEN IDENTITY.

Lady Maria despises the hypocritical ways of Polite Society. Fiercely loyal to her American mother, she is determined not to marry a nobleman and agrees to an arranged match for the sole purpose of keeping her persistent suitors at bay. Then, most unexpectedly, she finds love with a commoner. Only, he isn’t a commoner but the Earl of Daventon.

The Earl of Daventon believes love is a quagmire but falls in love with a mysterious young woman who dresses like a shop girl and behaves like a lady. He finds a remedy in accepting an arranged match with Lady Maria, whom he hasn’t seen.

All of which leads to a delightful tangle.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Only 99¢ on ebook!

I can't wait for... Lucky in Love by Kasie West (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

I love Kasie West! She's one of my favorite authors, especially in the YA genre. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...

Breakwater by Catherine Jones Payne (Blog Tour Guest Post & #Giveaway) @cjonespayne

Breakwater

by Catherine Jones Payne

YA Fantasy

Paperback & ebook, 240 Pages

May 30th 2017 by Fathom Ink Press

Summary

A red tide is rising.

As the daughter of one of the mer-king’s trusted advisors, seventeen-year-old Jade has great responsibilities. When her fiancé murders a naiad, plunging the underwater city of Thessalonike into uproar, tensions surge between the mer and the naiads. Jade learns too late that the choices she makes ripple further than she'd ever imagined. And as she fights against the tide of anger in a city that lives for scandal, she discovers danger lurking in every canal, imperiling her family and shattering the ocean's fragile peace.

Can the city's divisions be mended before the upwelling of hate rips apart everything Jade loves?

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands by Carrie Fancett Pagels & Other Authors (Blog Tour Guest Post & #Giveaway)

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands

by Cynthia Hickey, Susan Page Davis , Darlene Franklin, Gina Welborn, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Patty Smith Hall, & Susanne Dietze

Christian Historical Romance, Novella

Paperback & ebook, 448 Pages
June 1st 2017 by Barbour Books

Summary

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels

When a British dime novel enthusiast finds himself flat broke in Kansas, he discovers what western life and true love are all about. Barden Granville IV grew up at Cheatham Hall, Kent, England, devouring cowboy stories and dreaming of the day he, with no prospects of inheriting estate nor title, could escape to the American frontier. Educated and ordained an Anglican priest, his trip to America is his “last hurrah” before accepting a vicarage in a small town far from his aristocratic family’s estate. When a series of misadventures leaves him without money and stranded, he must take up employment immediately.

​After her father dies, widow Caroline Kane becomes the owner and proprietor of a restaurant and inn. She also assumes responsibility for her five teenaged siblings. Caroline’s busybody married sister insists that an Englishman who purports to answer an ad for help, is the perfect candidate for Caroline’s next husband. While she’s relieved to have help, Caroline finds Barden’s primary asset to be his silver tongue. When his efforts finally bring fruit, Barden receives word from England that could leave Caroline worse off than before, for her heart will leave with him. Will Barden answer his heart and God’s call in Kansas, or will his family responsibilities compel him to leave his dreams behind?

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Christianbook│Target

Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Book Blitz Excerpt & #Giveaway)

Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Middle Grade SciFi

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 336 Pages

June 20th 2017 by Walden Pond Press 

Summary

Award-winning author Frank Cottrell Boyce returns with another one-of-a-kind story of heart, humor, and finding one’s place in the universe.

Prez knows that the best way to keep track of things is to make a list. That's important when you have a grandfather who is constantly forgetting. And it's even more important when your grandfather can't care for you anymore and you have to go live with a foster family out in the country.

Prez is still learning to fit in at his new home when he answers the door to meet Sputnik—a kid who is more than a little strange. First, he can hear what Prez is thinking. Second, he looks like a dog to everyone except Prez. Third, he can manipulate the laws of space and time. Sputnik, it turns out is an alien, and he's got a mission that requires Prez's help: the Earth has been marked for destruction, and the only way they can stop it is to come up with ten reasons why the planet should be saved.

Thus begins one of the most fun and eventful summers of Prez's life, as he and Sputnik set out on a journey to compile the most important list Prez has ever made—and discover just what makes our world so remarkable.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Praise for the Book

“Cottrell Boyce invites readers to suspend belief while going on a physics-defying, mind-bending adventure that’s sure to appeal to a wide audience. Begging to be read aloud and full of escapades, humor, and spunk, this is a stand-alone gem.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

Weekly Update #217, School is out...

Welcome to my Weekly Update where I post my blog's schedule for the week!

I'm linking up to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Tynga's Reviews for Stacking the Shelves and Mailbox Monday showcasing the books I added to my shelves or Kindle this week, and It's Monday! What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn @ Book Date.

The three youngest are now officially out of school for the summer. The oldest has finals Tuesday and Wednesday, which I think is kind of mean to give them a holiday but them not be able to enjoy it because of studying. We're looking forward to him being finished as well. One of the younger kids will be in summer school and they'll all have swim lessons the first two weeks of June, so it will still be busy, but I am so happy to be homework-less! No more making sure they all have everything completed and ready for the next day. *happy dance*

I've been doing some much needed cleaning and decluttering around the house and yard even though life has been crazy. I plan to do quite a bit this coming week so I haven't been as active online. I am still reading and am hoping to be caught back up by the end of this week. Staying away from the computer helps even though my inbox is piling up a little.

Here's what to expect on the blog this week:

Favorite Reads for Summertime (Prepping for Summer #1)

Summer officially hits the US on Tuesday, June 20th. Are you ready for summer reading? If you're not and you need some recommendations, I've put together a series of posts to help you out (I'm friendly like that). Welcome to the first post in my Prepping for Summer Series!

It seems I always have a book or my Kindle with me when it's summertime. Sometimes I have some time to kill while the kiddos are taking swim lessons. Sometimes I'm lounging by the pool. Then there are vacations (this summer, it will be camping) when there's downtime and I want to read.

Of course, since I'm a book blogger, I still read all the time regardless of which season it is, but summer always feels different. The kids are out of school. The days are warm. I just feel more relaxed overall (except when it's 120 and I don't want to live in Arizona!). I also generally want to read lighter books (romance just calls to me) or really exciting books (bring on the action and kick-butt heroines!) during the summer.

Now I know not everyone has identical tastes for what they want to read while lounging on the beach, by the pool, on the deck, or wherever you'll be reading this summer, so I've compiled a list of favorites in different genres so you should be able to find something that is just right for you (click on covers to go to my review or Amazon)...

Darkest Days by N.W. Harris (Book Blitz Guest Post & #Giveaway)

Darkest Days

(The Last Orphans #4)
by N.W. Harris

YA Dystopian, SciFi

Paperback & ebook, 229 Pages

May 22nd 2017 by Clean Teen Publishing

Summary

The ancient slave mongers who killed the adults and enslaved the children have angered a more advanced species of aliens. Composed of pure energy, this superior race has attacked the Anunnaki home world and is now setting a course for Earth.

The energy-based aliens believe in a system of trial by battle. They seek to push Shane and his friends into the arena with the ones who killed their parents. The results will determine if humans deserve to live, or if they should be made extinct as well. It’s up to Shane to keep his friends—and an army of kids who look up to him—alive. They’ll be fighting not just for their own lives, but for the fate of the entire human race. Can the enemy of Shane’s enemy be his friend, or is this just another species determined to exploit and destroy them?

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iBooks│Kobo│Smashwords

Violet Grenade by Victoria Scott (Blog Tour Interview & #Giveaway) @chapterxchapter @authorvscott @EntangledTeen

I'm welcoming author Victoria Scoot today to answer a
few questions. Check that and the giveaway out below...

Violet Grenade

by Victoria Scott

YA Suspense, Thriller

Hardcover & ebook, 366 Pages

May 16th 2017 by Entangled Teen

Summary

DOMINO: A girl with blue hair and a demon in her mind. 

CAIN: A stone giant on the brink of exploding. 

MADAM KARINA: A woman who demands obedience.

WILSON: The one who will destroy them all. 

When Madam Karina discovers Domino in an alleyway, she offers her a position inside her home for entertainers in secluded West Texas. Left with few alternatives and an agenda of her own, Domino accepts. It isn’t long before she is fighting her way up the ranks to gain the madam’s approval. But after suffering weeks of bullying and unearthing the madam’s secrets, Domino decides to leave. It’ll be harder than she thinks, though, because the madam doesn’t like to lose inventory. But then, Madam Karina doesn’t know about the person living inside Domino’s mind. Madam Karina doesn’t know about Wilson.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depository

Google Play│BAM│Chapters│Indies│KoboiBooks

Fractured Beauty by Adrienne Monson, Lehua Parker, Angela Corbett, Angela Brimhall, & Angela Hartley (Book Blitz & #Giveaway)

 

Fractured Beauty:

The Fairy Tale Five
by Adrienne Monson, Lehua Parker, Angela Corbett, Angela Brimhall, & Angela Hartley

Adult Fantasy, Fairy Tale, Novella

Paperback & ebook, 177 Pages

June 1st 2017 by Tork Media

Summary

Beauty and the Beast may be a tale as old as time, but in this collection by the Fairy Tale Five you’ll meet five newly imagined Belles and the Beasts they love.

Angela Brimhall’s beast is a terrifying sea monster cursed by a scorned gypsy. He must risk all to save the strong-willed princess before losing his last chance at love and redemption, becoming forever damned to the briny deep.

Lehua Parker’s Nani is trapped by Indian and Hawaiian traditions and a fiancé locked in stasis in a medi-mod. Cultures and expectations collide in this sci-fi futuristic world where nano-bot tattoos and dreams reveal the secret of Nani’s heart.

Angela Corbett’s Ledger is determined to find out more about the mysterious woman who saved him from certain death and uncover the secrets of Withering Woods, but some beasts are better left caged.

Adrienne Monson’s Arabella rushes to an enchanted castle to pay her father’s debt, but is met with a burly beast with a mysterious past. It’s a howling paranormal regency romp that will keep you turning pages well past your bedtime.

Angela Hartley’s Porta Bella discovers there’s more to Oregon life than taking care of her father when she finds herself rescued by Bigfoot. It’s up to Porta Bella to unravel the faery’s curse and discover who’s the real monster. 

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo

I can't wait for... The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

This cover just looks cool and I love the sound of an underdog trying to save the world. It's my pick this week...

Shatter by Nikki Trionfo (Blog Tour Review, Excerpt & #Giveaway)

Shatter

by Nikki Trionfo

YA Suspense, Thriller

Paperback & ebook, 249 Pages

May 9th 2017 by Cedar Fort, Inc.

Summary

“We never knew there could be people in the orchard. Dangerous people.”

When a mysterious explosion kills her sister, Salem becomes convinced the death was no accident--it was a conspiracy. But no one else at her high school believes her, and all she has so far are theories and clues. With Carrie's killers still out there, Salem's not sure who she can trust. If she can't she prove she’s right before it’s too late, the conspiracy might take another life—hers.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Books&Things

Refuge for Masterminds by Kathleen Baldwin (Blog Tour Review. Excerpt & #Giveaway)

I love this series! Check out my review for this third book, an excerpt, and the giveaway below...

Refuge for Masterminds

(Stranje House #3)
by Kathleen Baldwin
YA Historical

Hardcover & ebook, 352 Pages

May 23rd 2017 by Tor Teen

Summary

Lady Jane Moore has a secret. A secret that must be kept buried. If anyone discovered the truth, her life at Stranje House would crumble. And with Napoleon Bonaparte threatening to invade England, everyone at Stranje House is already in mortal danger.

There’s a traitor in the house. Someone is sneaking information to Napoleon’s spies, Lady Daneska and Ghost. Jane is determined to find out who it is before suspicions rip apart the bonds of friendship at Stranje House. Her desperate hunt for the traitor ensnares a brash young American inventor, Alexander Sinclair, Robert Fulton’s nephew, into an ambush that puts his life in danger. Sinclair is the most maddening young man in all of Christendom, a sharp-tongued rascal with boorish manners, but Lady Jane cannot bear the thought of the golden-haired genius being harmed.

Is Jane enough of a mastermind to save Alexander, her friends at Stranje House, and possibly England itself?

Fans of Gail Carriger, Patricia Wrede, and Caroline Stevermer will love this Regency-era alternate history filled with spunky heroines, handsome young lords, and dastardly villains.

Praise for the Book

"Baldwin has a winning series here: her characters are intriguing and fully rendered." - Stacey Comfort, Booklist

"Refuge for Masterminds moves at a fast pace from the first page and doesn’t stop. Although it is written with a young adult audience in mind, it is a fun and enjoyable novel and will also appeal to adult readers." - Francesca Pelaccia, Historical Novel Society

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Weekly Update #216, School is almost over...

Welcome to my Weekly Update where I post my blog's schedule for the week!

I'm linking up to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Tynga's Reviews for Stacking the Shelves and Mailbox Monday showcasing the books I added to my shelves or Kindle this week, and It's Monday! What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn @ Book Date.

It was another crazy week. I've had quite a string of them, so I'm looking forward to the kids being out of school, the three youngest this week and the oldest early next week. My days will be much more hectic, but my afternoons and evenings will be much improved. Plus I'm sick of the homework. No, I don't actually do it, but helping four children do it kind of feels like I do. Lol!

I have some awesome books coming up! Plus look for a series of posts to start helping to prep you for summer. Here's what to expect:

New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for May 15th - 21st #BookSale

Here are the New Releases / Free & Bargain Books, hosted by Sharon over at Beck Valley Books for this week! Check it all out below...

Authors please feel free to add your own books.

Readers please free to add your own finds.

(any genre except erotica welcome)

True to You by Becky Wade (Blog Tour Review & #Giveaway)

If you're a Becky Wade fan or a Christian romance reader, do not miss this one!

True to You

(Bradford Sisters Romance #1)
by Becky Wade

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

May 2nd 2017 by Bethany House

Summary

It's the exciting start of a brand-new series by a contemporary romance fan favorite!

After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he's diagnosed with an inherited condition, he's forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.

The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John's already dating someone and Nora's not sure she's ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they're seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Christianbook│Target

Famous in a Small Town by Kristina Knight (Blog Tour Grand Finale & #Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Famous in a Small Town

By Kristina Knight

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Note from the Author

We are taking 10% of the proceeds from the Slippery Rock series to provide Sweet Cases from TogetherWeRise to foster children in our area. In 'Famous', Savannah was a foster child who was adopted at the age of 7 by the Walters family; she was dirty, had ill-fitting clothes and nothing else. The trauma in her early life causes her to act out, even into her adult years...right up until the moment she decides to come home. The trauma she faced in the book is so similar to the trauma that foster children face every day, all over the United States.

Wrong for You by Jenny Proctor (Blog Tour Review & #Giveaway)

I loved this author's last book, Love at First Note, that I read last year and have
been looking forward to this one! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

Wrong for You

by Jenny Proctor

LDS Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages

May 1st 2017 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Lane Bishop is a hardworking, intelligent, young woman. With her recent move to Chapel Hill, she is determined to leave behind the drama and effort of keeping up with the dating scene. Even so, Lane somehow manages to get dragged out by a gaggle of girls to go watch boys play soccer. Just watching is not Lane’s forte, so she joins in the fun and leads her team to victory.

Rather than feeling intimidated by the vivacious beauty on the opposing team, Jamie Hamilton is intrigued. Risking his “untouchable” dating status, he decides to pursue Lane—with a little help from his older brother Simon. With Simon’s behind-the- scenes assistance, Jamie proves irresistible, even to a disillusioned dater like Lane. But as she gets to know both brothers, Lane can’t help but wonder—beneath the grand gestures and romantic words, is she falling for the wrong guy?

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Deseret Book

The Truth About Happily Ever After by Karole Cozzo (Blog Tour Interview & #Giveaway)

I'm welcoming Karole Cozzo to my blog today to ask some questions about her
new young adult release. Check that, the book info, and giveaway out below...

The Truth about Happily Ever After

by Karole Cozzo

Young Adult Contemporary

Hardcover & ebook, 320 Pages

May 16th 2017 by Swoon Reads

Summary

Chin up, Princess, or the crown will slip.

A theme park princess must put her life back together after her happily ever after falls apart in The Truth About Happily Ever After, a contemporary YA romance from Karole Cozzo, author of How to Keep Rolling After a Fall and How to Say I Love You Out Loud.

Everything was supposed to be perfect. Alyssa has a job she loves, working as Cinderella at her favorite theme park; a fantastic group of friends; and a boyfriend who will no longer be long distance. But as the summer progresses, her prince becomes less charming and more distant, and Alyssa’s perfect summer falls apart.

Forced to acknowledge that life is not always a fairy tale, Alyssa starts working to pull her herself back together. Fortunately, she doesn’t have to do it alone. With her friend Miller’s support, she’s determined to prove that she’s more than just a pretty princess. And with his help, maybe she’s finally ready for something better than dreams. Maybe she’s ready for something real.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iBooks│Kobo

It Had to Be You by Lizzy (Blog Tour) @chapterxchapter @lizzycharles_ @EntangledTeen

Welcome to my tour stop! There's a really fun guest post you
should definitely check out as well as a giveaway below...

It Had to Be You

(Brokemore Academy, #1)

by Lizzy Charles

Young Adult Contemporary

ebook, 184 Pages

May 15th 2017 by Entangled Crush

Summary

James Parson has a problem. His military dad is going to yank him out of his expensive boarding school if James doesn’t prove he’s no longer hooking up, pulling pranks, and charming his way out of consequences. What better way to show he’s now responsible than becoming the committed boyfriend of a U.S. diplomat’s daughter?

Level-headed, book-smart Edelweiss may have traveled the world thanks to her dad’s job, but when it comes to friends and boys, she knows exactly nothing. Newly enrolled in boarding school, Edel is now on a mission to learn it all. James says he’ll help her experience the ultimate high school life—if she’ll be his fake girlfriend. And fake is perfect, because he’s exactly the kind of player she’d never date.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book contains red-hot romance, all the feels, and a soul-mate bad boy.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Google Play│BAM│Chapters│Amazon│B&N│Kobo│iBooks

The Guns Above by Robyn Bennis (Book Blitz Excerpt & #Giveaway)

Check out my review of this book here and an excerpt and giveaway below...

The Guns Above

(Signal Airship #1)
by Robyn Bennis

Adult Steampunk, Fantasy

Hardcover & ebook, 336 Pages

May 2nd 2017 by Tor Books

Summary

The nation of Garnia has been at war for as long as Auxiliary Lieutenant Josette Dupris can remember – this time against neighboring Vinzhalia. Garnia’s Air Signal Corp stands out as the favored martial child of the King. But though it’s co-ed, women on-board are only allowed “auxiliary” crew positions and are banned from combat. In extenuating circumstances, Josette saves her airship in the heat of battle. She is rewarded with the Mistral, becoming Garnia’s first female captain.

She wants the job – just not the political flak attached. On top of patrolling the front lines, she must also contend with a crew who doubts her expertise, a new airship that is an untested deathtrap, and the foppish aristocrat Lord Bernat – a gambler and shameless flirt with the military know-how of a thimble. He’s also been assigned to her ship to catalog her every moment of weakness and indecision. When the Vins make an unprecedented military move that could turn the tide of the war, can Josette deal with Bernat, rally her crew, and survive long enough to prove herself to the top brass?

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository│Target

Praise for the Book

“Steampunky navy-in-the-air military tale full of sass and terrific characters. Great storytelling. Loved it.” ―Patricia Briggs

“The Guns Above is a sharp, witty Ruritanian adventure full of flintlock rifles, plumed shakos, brass buttons... and airships! Taking place in an alternate mid-nineteenth-century Europe where dirigibles ply the smoky air over battlefields and women have been grudgingly admitted to the air corps,The Guns Above takes a clear-eyed, even cynical view of the 'glories' of war, complete with blood, shit, shattered limbs, and petty squabbles among the nobility. The aerial combat is gut-clenchingly realistic, the two viewpoint characters are well-drawn and as different as can be, and the action never stops. Hard women learn compassion, soft men learn bravery, and the fate of a nation depends on one rickety airship and its stalwart crew. A winner!”―David D. Levine, author of Arabella of Mars

“An engaging gunpowder adventure with a helping of witty Noel Coward dialogue and a touch of Joseph Heller.” ―Tina Connolly, Nebula Award-nominated author of Ironskin

“Wonderfully adventurous and laudably detailed. Bennis paints airship battles so clearly you'd swear they were from memory.” ―Becky Chambers, author of The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet

“Buckle in. The crew of the Mistral will take readers on adventures they won’t soon forget.” ―Pip Ballantine, author of The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series

“Hold on to your goggles, Bennis' The Guns Above is a nonstop ride.” ―Suzanne Lazear, author of The Aether Chronicles Series

“A fast-paced military fantasy, full of colourful characters and quirky humour that had me laughing throughout. Every fan of airships should read this.” ―Marc Turner, author of Dragon Hunters

“Bennis writes a pleasing mix of banter and gritty battle scenes, combining both the adrenaline rush of combat and its horrifying results, and never indulging in too-sudden social victories that might cheapen the longstruggle against embedded prejudice.”― Publishers Weekly

I can't wait for... Roar by Cora Carmack (Can't-Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday)

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

I love the cover for this and the whole premise. I hope it ends up being as awesome as I'm hoping it will be! It's my pick this week...

Posted by John David Anderson (Blog Tour Guest Post & #Giveaway)

Welcome to my tour stop! Find the full tour schedule here. Check out the guest post below (it's fill in the blanks and the author's answers are so much fun!) as well as a giveaway...

Posted

by John David Anderson

Middle Grade Contemporary

Hardcover, Audiobook & ebook, 384 Pages

May 2nd 2017 by Walden Pond Press

Summary

"Kids, and the rest of the world, need more books like this one." —Kirkus Reviews

From John David Anderson, author of the acclaimed Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, comes a humorous, poignant, and original contemporary story about bullying, broken friendships, and the failures of communication between kids.

In middle school, words aren’t just words. They can be weapons. They can be gifts. The right words can win you friends or make you enemies. They can come back to haunt you. Sometimes they can change things forever.

When cell phones are banned at Branton Middle School, Frost and his friends Deedee, Wolf, and Bench come up with a new way to communicate: leaving sticky notes for each other all around the school. It catches on, and soon all the kids in school are leaving notes—though for every kind and friendly one, there is a cutting and cruel one as well.

In the middle of this, a new girl named Rose arrives at school and sits at Frost’s lunch table. Rose is not like anyone else at Branton Middle School, and it’s clear that the close circle of friends Frost has made for himself won’t easily hold another. As the sticky-note war escalates, and the pressure to choose sides mounts, Frost soon realizes that after this year, nothing will ever be the same.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich (Blog Tour Excerpt & #Giveaway)

The Love Interest

by Cale Dietrich

Young Adult Contemporary, LGBTQIA

Hardcover & ebook, 384 Pages

May 16th 2017 by Feiwel & Friends

Summary

There is a secret organization that cultivates teenage spies. The agents are called Love Interests because getting close to people destined for great power means getting valuable secrets.

Caden is a Nice: The boy next door, sculpted to physical perfection. Dylan is a Bad: The brooding, dark-souled guy, and dangerously handsome. The girl they are competing for is important to the organization, and each boy will 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 to be – 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.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

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Lady of Sherwood by Molly Bilinski (Book Blitz Excerpt & #Giveaway)

Lady of Sherwood

(Outlaws of Sherwood #1)
by Molly Bilinski
Young Adult Fantasy, Fairy Tales
April 24th 2017 by Clean Teen Publishing

Summary

Robin of Lockesly was neither the son her father wanted, nor the daughter her mother expected. When she refuses an arranged marriage to a harsh and cruel knight, the deadly events that follow change her destiny forever.

After a night of tragedy, Robin and the few remaining survivors flee to Nottingham. With a newfound anonymity, they start to live different lives. There, she and her band make mischief, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. But charity isn’t the only thing she wants–she wants revenge.

As the sheriff draws his net closer, Robin’s choices begin to haunt her. She’ll have to choose between what’s lawful and what her conscience believes is right–all while staying one step ahead of the hangman.

Lady of Sherwood is a unique young adult retelling of the beloved Robin Hood legend. Filled with action and romance, this new series follows a teenage heroine through her fantastic, yet dangerous adventures.

(Affiliate links included, meaning I receive a small kickback when you make a purchase using my links.)

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Weekly Update #215, Happy Mother's Day!

Welcome to my Weekly Update where I post my blog's schedule for the week!

I'm linking up to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer, Tynga's Reviews for Stacking the Shelves and Mailbox Monday showcasing the books I added to my shelves or Kindle this week, and It's Monday! What Are You Reading? hosted by Kathryn @ Book Date.

I've had a crazy, busy week, but also a very fun week and weekend. We celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary. My son made a comment in the car on Friday when I was talking about how we were going to be going out to celebrate on a date that night and he asked how many years we'd been married. He said: "That means you've been married longer than I've been alive!" I told him that was the ideal, to be married before having kids. Lol! He just was processing and doesn't always filter, but it opened up an interesting conversation. ;) 

I got a combined anniversary/Mother's Day gift of a Intuos drawing tablet (you can see it here and also in my additions below) and some software. I've had this on my wish list for a couple of years now and have missed it several times when I've wanted to be able to do some things with graphics and was limited with the mouse and the program I had. I have quite a few tutorials to go through to figure it all out, but I've already played around with it and it is so awesome!!! I know I'm going to love it!

For Mother's Day we have a special part of church tomorrow where the women will all be meeting together to celebrate womanhood and eat food and visit (there is always a time during church when the women meet, but they do something special on Mother's Day) and then we'll be eating dinner with my parents and I won't be cooking at all. It will be such a nice day!

On the book front, it's a pretty busy week with some fun books coming up. Here's what to expect:

Win a $10 Amazon eGift Card (Monthly #Giveaway)

This is going up rather late, but it's been busy... This month I'm giving away another $10 Amazon eGift Card!

Good luck!

Must have a branch of Amazon that you can use from wherever you reside. Must be at least 13 years old to enter and have parental permission if under 18. Please ensure that you correctly enter your email (and check your junk mail folder if I'm not on your contact list) so that I have a way to contact you. You can read my giveaway policy on my policies page. Void where prohibited by law. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fireman's Son by Tara Taylor Quinn (Blog Tour Grand Finale & #Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

THE FIREMAN'S SON

By Tara Taylor Quinn

We hope you enjoyed the tour and getting a look at this author's 80th release with Harlequin! If you missed any of the stops, go check them out...

Launch - Note from the Author

The Fireman’s Son is a story particularly close to my heart. I can tell you from firsthand knowledge that women suffer as Faye did more often than you’d ever expect. I can also say, unequivocally, that with love, kindness, and the right man, women like Faye do find pure joy again. Abuse is horrible. But that doesn’t mean the other side of abuse has to be. The world is filled with survivors. Women who know and value their strengths. Who reach out to other women who’ve been where they’ve been and are struggling to get where they are. Women who care.

Please, come on in to The Lemonade Stand. Join us. As a collective group, we’re going to make the world a beautiful, safe place. One heart at a time.

Famous in a Small Town by Kristina Knight (Blog Tour Launch & #Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Launch for

Famous in a Small Town

By Kristina Knight

Note from the Author

We are taking 10% of the proceeds from the Slippery Rock series to provide Sweet Cases from TogetherWeRise to foster children in our area. In 'Famous', Savannah was a foster child who was adopted at the age of 7 by the Walters family; she was dirty, had ill-fitting clothes and nothing else. The trauma in her early life causes her to act out, even into her adult years...right up until the moment she decides to come home. The trauma she faced in the book is so similar to the trauma that foster children face every day, all over the United States.

Most children going in to foster care have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Sweet Cases are duffel bags given to children coming in to care, and once given, the bags remain with that child, giving them a sense of home and, hopefully, a sense that they aren't alone. Each duffel costs about $30, and includes a warm blanket, a teddy bear, hygiene kit, and art supplies.

— Kristina