Hooper by Geoff Herbach (Guest Post & #Giveaway)

Monday, April 30, 2018 - Leave a Comment

Welcome to my tour stop! Check out the other stops here and
check out the author's guest post and the giveaway below...

Hooper
By Geoff  Herbach
YA Contemporary
Hardcover & ebook, 326 Pages
February 20th 2018 by Katherine Tegen Books

Summary

From Geoff Herbach, the critically acclaimed author of the Stupid Fast series, comes a compelling new YA novel about basketball, prejudice, privilege, and family, perfect for fans of Jordan Sonnenblick, Andrew Smith, and Matt de la Peña.

For Adam Reed, basketball is a passport. Adam’s basketball skills have taken him from an orphanage in Poland to a loving adoptive mother in Minnesota. When he’s tapped to play on a select AAU team along with some of the best players in the state, it just confirms that basketball is his ticket to the good life: to new friendships, to the girl of his dreams, to a better future.

But life is more complicated off the court. When an incident with the police threatens to break apart the bonds Adam’s finally formed after a lifetime of struggle, he must make an impossible choice between his new family and the sport that’s given him everything.

Praise for the Book

“Lessons on small-town politics and what it means to be a good friend abound in this well-plotted work.” ―Booklist

“Herbach’s ability to expand the narrative from solid game play to confronting racial injustice is remarkable. No one here is perfect, and their failures make readers cringe yet root for success. Hoops and so much more.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“There’s much to love in this sports tale. Fast-paced play-by-plays vividly depict the speed and beauty of the game. Adam’s backstory is heartrending and with immigrant mistrust and nonviolent protests in the national spotlight, this is a timely and realistic teen drama and swish—nothin’ but net.” ―School Library Journal

“This sports/school/domestic drama checks all the boxes. What could be another boilerplate basketball novel benefits from a tight cast of well developed secondary characters who surpass their expected stereotypes.” ―Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Fresh, funny, thoughtful, subversive, and totally absorbing. Book of the year!” ―Robert Lipsyte, Margaret A. Edwards award-winning author of The Contender

“Funny, gut-wrenching, and spilling over with heart, Hooper is an uplifting breath of joy, and gives us all cause to be hopeful. I loved it!” ―Andrew Smith, Michael L. Printz Honor and New York Times Bestselling author of Winger and Grasshopper Jungle

“Hooper is a slam dunk! A sports novel with incredible action and tons of heart. I challenge you not to fall in love with these terrific, flawed characters, and just try to put this one down once you start. Impossible.” ―Bill Konigsberg, Award-Winning Author of Honestly Ben

“Raw, funny, and deeply honest, Geoff Herbach gifts us a story about the messiness of life and the importance of talking about it—ultimately showing us how to not only trudge through it, but to soar.” ―Gae Polisner, author of In Sight of Stars and The Memory of Things

“Author Geoff Herbach has a remarkable ability to create characters who make us laugh and think, sometimes within the same sentence. Read Hooper and let your self be changed.” ―John Coy, author of Gap Life 

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

Guest Post: Adam's Top Ten Faves about the US

1. McDonald’s everywhere! (Sad, but true.)

2. People from everywhere speaking a hundred different languages.

3. His pal Barry has a car! Yes, okay, there are holes in the bottom of the car so that rain and snow come in, but who cares? He has his OWN car!

4. The NBA. Best basketball in the world, no doubt.

5. The WNBA. Best basketball in the world, no doubt.

6. Jazz music. He knows he’s weird, but his mom loves it and he’s grown to love it. In fact, he’s becoming a jazz historian. Miles Davis!

7. At the Y in Minneapolis, he plays with old African-American guys, Somali dudes, Hmong dudes, other white dudes, guys from Mexico, the toughest girls of all kinds he’s ever seen (and the most skilled). This is a good country.

8. Kraft Macaroni and Cheese! (Sad, but true.)

9. March Madness. Holy nuts. Basketball, basketball, basketball!

10. Patrick’s, a place you can buy pizza and also cheeseburgers and also play video games. It’s so good.

About the Author

PHOTO CREDIT: KATHERINE WARDE

Geoff Herbach is the author of the award winning Stupid Fast YA series as well as Fat Boy vs the Cheerleaders. His books have been given the 2011 Cybils Award for best YA novel, the Minnesota Book Award, selected for the Junior Library Guild, listed among the year’s best by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association and many state library associations. In the past, he wrote the literary novel, The Miracle Letters of T. Rimberg, produced radio comedy shows and toured rock clubs telling weird stories. Geoff teaches creative writing at Minnesota State, Mankato. He lives in a log cabin with a tall wife.


Tour-Wide Giveaway


- 1 Winner will receive a Signed Copy of HOOPER by Geoff Herbach.
- Giveaway is open to International | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends May 14th 2018

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Are any of Adam's faves about the US yours as well?

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Her Family's Defender by Kim Findlay (Tour Launch & #Giveaway)

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Launch for
Her Family's Defender
By Kim Findlay

Author Interview

What is your motivation for writing Her Family's Defender?

In my first book, Troy, another hockey player, was a secondary character who butt heads with the heroine, Bridget. He was cocky and full of himself, but had a redeeming sense of humor. I wondered what might change him into a hero. What if he got cancer, and could no longer have his own child? How would that affect his self confidence, and his attitude? What if he met a strong woman, one who wasn't impressed by him? And what if she had kids, and it was the girl who was crazy about hockey, not the boy? How would that change his perceptions? Those what-ifs led to this book.

What do you hope readers take with them after they read it?

People can change. Troy grows into a better man, and we see that reflected through Bridget's responses to him through the course of the story.

Also, what you see on the surface isn't always the truth. Michelle judges Troy based on what she sees - a hockey player without any problems, which is a stark contrast to her own life. She discovers there's more to his story. Michelle is dealing with her own problems, beyond the financial pressures that are apparent on the surface. And those rise up unexpectedly.

Mostly, I hope readers enjoy these characters, and the journey they take to find their HEA.

Would you share with us a favorite scene?

This is so difficult! I think I'd say the opening scene. Troy, star hockey player, is heading to his penthouse condo, when he finds a fan (as he thinks) getting off on his floor. He tries to stop her. Michelle, retired from the army, and trained in self defense, reacts by dropping him to the floor. It's a different kind of meet cute. ;)

If you could sum up the book in one sentence, what would you say?

A hockey player making a comeback meets a single mom making a new start, and the sparks that start flying aren't always good.

Share something that is unique about you.

I was a moderator on an NHL hockey board (Anaheim Ducks). I've run a marathon (though slowly).

Her Family's Defender
(A Hockey Romance #2)
by Kim Findlay
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He has home advantage…

But she’s got a strong defensive play.

Hockey star Troy Green never gives up. Not on the ice. Not when he battled cancer last year. And not when it comes to his new neighbor, Michelle Robinson. Troy only wants to help the struggling single mom and her sweet kids, but soon he’s falling for her. Is Troy finally ready to trade in his bachelor life and become a family man?


Tour Schedule
Other Books in the Series

Crossing the Line
(A Hockey Romance #1)
by Kim Findlay
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
March 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Icebreaker or endgame?

Can two devoted athletes make room in their lives for love?

Mike Reimer knows from experience that hockey and relationships don’t mix. And hot-tempered swim coach Bridget O’Reilly couldn’t be more wrong for the widowed pro goalie, aka the Iceman. As the playoffs approach, Mike’s growing feelings for her could melt the hardest heart. But what if being with Bridget means letting down his team…and, worst of all, himself?


About the Author


Kim Findlay lives in Toronto, Canada, with her very handsome husband, two strapping sons, and possibly the world's cutest spaniel. When she can get time away from her accounting business, Kim can be found traveling, sailing, reading, or writing, depending on the season, time of day, and her energy level. You can find her at kimfindlay.ca, @missheyer74, or on Facebook.


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and an ebook of Crossing the Line
- Open internationally
- Ends May 9th

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The Doctor's Recovery by Cari Lynn Webb (Tour Launch #Giveaway)

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Launch for
The Doctor's Recovery
By Cari Lynn Webb

Note from the Author

Welcome to my blog tour with Prism!

I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of my new book, The Doctor’s Recovery, in my City By The Bay Series with Harlequin Heartwarming. The Doctor’s Recovery is a sweet contemporary romance that brings together daredevil documentary filmmaker, Mia Fiore and ER doctor, Wyatt Reid. Two years ago, Wyatt and Mia shared an unforgettable goodbye kiss. Now a scuba diving accident has brought Mia into Wyatt’s San Francisco ER. Now Wyatt and Mia have second chance at a real relationship, but only if they can open themselves up to love and discover that they just might be stronger and better together.

Happy Reading!

Cari Lynn Webb

The Doctor's Recovery
(City by the Bay Stories #1)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

When a doctor and a filmmaker reconnect…

Just who is healing whom?

Two years ago, Dr. Wyatt Reid shared an unforgettable goodbye kiss with Mia Fiore. Now a scuba diving accident brings the daredevil documentary filmmaker into his San Francisco ER. Could this be their shot at a real relationship? But Wyatt, haunted by family tragedy, saves lives, and Mia risks hers every day. Can they find the way to a future on both their terms?


Tour Schedule

About the Author


Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.


Other Heartwarming Books by the Author


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a signed copy of The Charm Offensive, a Two Tone Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Heartbeat Necklace, and some Spring Candy (open to US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon e-gift (open internationally)
- Ends May 9th

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Falling for You by Becky Wade (Guest Post & #Giveaway)

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Launch for
Falling for You
By Becky Wade

Note from the Author

Welcome to Falling for You’s blog tour!

I’m grateful to the organizers of this tour, the bloggers who are hosting blog stops, and the readers who are participating. Thank you!

I created the character of Corbin Stewart, confident and humorous NFL quarterback, back when I was writing Her One and Only, my final Porter Family novel. Before I’d finished the first draft of that story, I’d decided that I wanted to give Corbin his own story one day. Falling for You offered me the opportunity to do exactly that! It’s a thrill for me to see a story inspiration from years ago come to fruition.

Falling for You stars both Corbin and the oldest Bradford sister, Willow. The two had a romantic relationship long ago, so when I thrust them into each other’s path again (kicking and screaming, I might add) fireworks ensued, which was so much fun to write. I enjoyed their banter. Willow’s strength. Corbin’s charm. And the chance to explore the novel's theme of reconciliation.

I hope Falling for You steals your heart!

Warmly, Becky



Falling for You
(A Bradford Sisters Romance #2)
By Becky Wade
Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
May 1st 2018 by Bethany House Publishers

Famously beautiful model Willow Bradford is taking a temporary break from her hectic schedule to work as the innkeeper at her family's small-town bed-and-breakfast. She was enjoying the peace of her hometown, Merryweather, Washington, right up until she came face-to-face with Corbin Stewart, the man she loves to hate. A thoughtful rule-follower by nature, Willow threw caution to the wind four years ago when she entrusted her heart to Corbin--and suffered the consequences when it all fell apart.

Former NFL quarterback Corbin is forceful, charming, and accustomed to getting what he wants . . . except where Willow Bradford is concerned. Unable to forget her, he's never stopped regretting what happened between them. When their paths unexpectedly cross again, he's determined to make her give him a second chance.

When a decades-old missing persons case finds Corbin and Willow working together, they're forced to confront their past and who they've become--and whether they can risk falling for one another all over again.


Tour Schedule

April 30th:
May 1st:
May 2nd:
May 3rd:
May 4th:
May 7th:
May 8th:
Facebook Party at 8 PM EDT/5 PM PDT
May 9th:
May 10th:
May 11th:
May 12th: Grand Finale

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children. When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction. She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance! She’s the Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.


Tour Giveaway


Celebrate the release of Becky Wade's Falling for You by entering to win a fabulous prize pack that includes some of Willow Bradford's favorite things!

One grand prize winner will receive*:
  • A model-worthy Kate Spade bracelet
  • A $100 cash card (so you can feed a housewares and home décor addiction like Willow’s)
  • A Seattle Candle Co. candle (that smells just like the setting of the book)
  • Roasted in Seattle Rainy Day Coffee
  • A delicious scone mix (so that you can enjoy scones just like Willow and Corbin do while having high tea)
  • Cozy book-lover socks
  • And of course, a copy of Falling for You
Two runner up winners will receive*:
  • A Seattle Candle Co. candle (that smells just like the setting of the book)
  • A copy of Falling for You
*Due to shipping costs, US entrants only.



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Let's discuss... How do you decide which books to read?

Sunday, April 29, 2018 - Leave a Comment

I posted about my TBR list last week on social media with a question:

How do you decide which books to read?

I have a massive TBR. Really it's crazy. I had a friend tell me she went to pick a book from my list on Goodreads for my birthday and was so overwhelmed that she just got me a gift card instead. Lol!

When I first started blogging years ago, I used to have a spreadsheet that kept track of all my ARCs and when they were being released so that I knew when I needed to review them. This was when I didn't get a ton of approvals. Then I got so many approvals that I realized I was requesting too many books. Of course there are books I want to read that I don't get ARCs for.

My TBR seems to be a mix of books I come across that I want to read and the ARCs I've received. Then there are books that get added for tours I sign up for. Obviously I should read all my ARCs. 😏 My huge backlog tells how well I do that.

As I've gone through, I've realized that the books I end up reading are:

Books for Tours

Obviously these have a set spot on my calendar. Which, for me, means they're set in stone. My calendar is what I depend on the most to let me know what I need to post when, which also means what I need to read and when. I've tried adding ARCs and other books I want to read to my calendar, but I know they can be moved, so if a tour comes up and a tour host needs help or it's a book I'd like to read, the ARCs and other books I'd like to read get bumped.


You can see what I mean from my calendar last August. Wednesdays I try to reserve for Can't-Wait-Wednesdays, but I will add tours there or other posts if I need to. I also try not to post on Saturdays or Sundays - at least not reviews or for tours. It's what helps balance my life out so that blogging doesn't overtake everything else. You can see all these books that got pushed to Saturdays. I had too many books to read and these didn't get read and they're all books I REALLY want to read.

There is only so Much I Can Read

On average I read three books a week. I can do more depending on the type and length of the book and what else is going on in my life. It seems like my life is ever busy and I don't always get the reading in I think I will, which can push me back or make for late nights to make a deadline.

I have posted less than in previous years. It takes time to do each post and I've had stages where I was posting three times a day all the time and it was too much. Plus, it really limits how much I can read.

I recently put all my books from my April and May TBR up on my Amazon page here. This is still missing a few tour books and other books that I haven't added yet. That list alone has 42 books on it. FOURTY-TWO! There are 61 days in these two months and roughly nine weeks. If I read my usual three books per week that only gives me 27 books. (You didn't know you were going to be doing math when you stopped by, did you? 😉) 15 of these I have review copies for, 3 I've already read, and two will be read for upcoming tours.

I only have five more weeks to the end of May, which means only 15 books I can read if I read three per week. I have 12 books upcoming on my calendar that are for tours or have to be read. That leaves THREE books from my list to choose to read.

Seriously. Can you see how I get myself in this predicament?

I've tried setting up goals to sign up for less tours or to not move those other books, but obviously my commitment to do so has been fairly weak. I really need to set some better goals and stick to them.

There are Too Many Books


Yes. I said it. I mean it, but I don't. I love books, obviously. I love all the new releases. I'm excited about them all! I hate missing getting ARCs or not reading a book that I really want to read. It's so hard to know which books I will love. How do I decide what to spend my reading time on? It's starting to sound a little silly. I mean, there are more important issues in the world, right?

It's not that I don't want publishers publishing so many books. Maybe it's more that I want them to publish the books I want to read in a way that allows me to have time to read them all. Lol! Or maybe I just need the superpower of speed reading, but still being able to remember what I read and enjoy it as much as I do now. Is that possible? Or maybe to not need to sleep? That would give me time to read a lot more books. Except, I like sleep sometimes and I kind of need it.

So look at my list, what book or three books (I've only got room for THREE people), do you think I should pick? Have you read any of these? Any must-reads here? I know which are must reads for me, but what are they for you? I would ask if there's a book in April or May that you've read or is on your list that I must read, but since I'm not trying to add more books to my TBR, that would defeat the purpose.

And as I started this post off, how do you decide which books to read?

Please share as I'd love to know if you're like me or are much better organized and have it all together. 🙂

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Weekly Update #262, and the heat is on...

Saturday, April 28, 2018 - Leave a Comment

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.

This past week was hot here. We were in the mid 90s to low 100s all week. This is the beginning of the Arizona summer and won't end until October/November. I wish we could share our heat with you who are having cold temps and vice versa! :)

 We also are in the middle of teacher walk-outs, but hopefully should have schools back up on Tuesday. I'm hoping we don't have to add on days to the end of the year, but we'll see. I'm all for increases in education across the board. Arizona is basically the lowest in the States for how much of our money goes to education and I'd love for that to change.

 I saw Avengers: Infinity War Saturday. It totally rocked and was funny and sad. If you've seen it, you know what I mean. I loved when the Guardians of the Galaxy find Thor, when Captain America shows up (love him!!) and when Thor gets something (trying not to spoil anything). I'm hoping they won't make everyone wait 2+ years for the next one. I told my husband we might have to wait until the next one is out before our kids see this one so that they can watch part two right afterwards. In case you weren't aware, I'm a Marvel geek (I do like Justice League too, but not as much).

 In the book world, I've been getting some books off of my to-read/currently-reading shelves and have some coming up that I'm looking forward to. If everything goes according to plan I'll finally get ahead on my reading this week. *crossing my fingers*

It's another busy week on the blog. Here are the books you'll be seeing this week...

This Week


Giveaways

I have a monthly giveaway up that is super fun, so check that out:

I am also hosting my first Instagram giveaway, thanks to Simon Teen who is supplying the book, Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi. This book sounds adorbs and I'm very much looking forward to reading it! If you'd like to win a copy and one of those super cool PopSockets, go over to my post here and let me know.


Other Things of Note

Through another blogger I found this post on Darque Dreamer Reads about an author and reader community for new authors, indie authors, etc. It's not always easy finding good Indie books. They seem to be a little hit and miss with me, but I also believe in supporting these authors. You do have to fill out a fairly detailed form to join, but if you're interested, definitely check it out. You can find me here. The image below is linked to the main page:

I've been hosting a meme this year called Can't-Wait Wednesday that is taking over for my Waiting on Wednesday posts since the host, Jill over at Breaking the Spine, went inactive in August 2016. You're welcome to join in or link up your Waiting on Wednesday posts each week. Find out more here.

Last Week

In case you missed any of these over the past week...

Let me know how your week was.

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First Crush, Last Love by Elizabeth McKenna (Grand Finale & #Giveaway)

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
First Crush, Last Love
By Elizabeth McKenna

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope they, for a moment, remember how bittersweet love can be - especially that first love. I hope they are reminded that a bad relationship has to be ended, no matter how insecure you are, and I hope that the belief that things will get better is reinforced in the reader's mind.


She shook her head. For all the bravado she showed in front of Lee, here she was acting like a scared twelve-year-old, alone for the first time while her parents were on a date night. Her mom had offered to cancel her trip to London when Jessie told her the date of the class reunion, but Jessie had insisted she go. Since retirement, these trips had become her mom’s main source of entertainment.

She rummaged in her purse until her fingers found her pepper spray. With the canister at arm’s length, she circled each room on the first floor, testing the locks on the windows. Everything seemed in order. She let out a breath and grasped the banister leading upstairs with her free hand while her foot straightened the rug.


"If you are looking for a sweet, fun read, then First Crush, Last Love is the book for you. Elizabeth McKenna is a talented writer who does not force the characters together and sets a beautiful stage for a wonderful story. Make sure you add this book to your To-Be-Read Shelf."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Part I Senior Year, July 4, 1983 (beach during fireworks display)

 Now, here they were side by side at the fire pit, and Jessie still couldn’t believe it. She didn’t know what had changed, but she wasn’t going to question whichever star had granted her wish.

 Lee’s head dropped back to better take in the night sky. “I like the really big ones the best.”

 Jessie forced herself to look away from his profile to watch the finale. Color upon color assaulted her eyes as the exploding fireworks mimicked the sounds of war. The last one shot into the night sky and a cloud of smoke drifted over the water.


"The heartwarming novel was fun and interesting to read. The characters were all flawed but trying to do the best they could with their circumstances. . . . The novel had an interesting premise of two people who liked each other coming together in the end despite the obstacles that stood in their way."


Part I Senior Year, May 1984

 At a party hosted by Sarah, they had their first big fight. After half a dozen beers, Billy accused Jessie of flirting with Lee. Later in front of Billy’s house, Jessie turned off the car and rested her aching head on the steering wheel. Billy hadn’t spoken to her since their public shouting match at Sarah’s house. She was scared she’d blown her first real relationship all because of a misunderstanding.

 “Why, Jessie, why?” He slurred the question, and her name came out “Jeth-thee.”

 “I wasn’t flirting. I pumped the keg for Lee, and we talked about the physics final next week. It was no big deal.”

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Part III 10-Year Reunion, Saturday October 15, 1994

 In the main banquet hall of Penbrook’s Restaurant, the band closed their first set with a slow song, and the Class of 1984 and their spouses headed to the dance floor. Jessie hadn’t slow-danced since her wedding reception and her mood turned bitter at the memory. She downed the rest of her drink. Love sucked. That was the bottom line.

 She smelled Lee before she saw him. His clean, shower-fresh scent conjured up more memories. Sitting behind him in classes because “Baxter” came after “Archer,” she had breathed in his pheromones as if her life depended on it.

From behind, he nudged her shoulder with his own. “Hi there.”


"I am a big fan of older music and I loved the music that was mentioned in this story! I also married someone that I went to grade school with, after not talking for awhile. There is a lot to be said about your first love, and your last love that you are meant to spend the rest of your life with. . . . The author did a great job of making Lee and Jessie these two people. . . . I am giving this book a 5/5."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Part I Senior Year, February 1984

 “Hey, Jester, wait up!” Lee hustled down the school hallway. The red and pink Valentine hearts hanging from the ceiling fluttered in his wake.

When he reached Jessie, she offered him a tentative smile. Her wistful, blue-gray eyes met his before skittering away, and guilt hit him like a blitzing linebacker. He rubbed a palm across his stomach. He wished he could give her what she wanted—what she deserved—but he didn’t have it in him.

Bri's Book Nook - Review

"I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new romance novel, or to anyone who loves second chance romances. I’m not sure if this counts as second chance, because they were never together in the first place. However, I still consider it to be one, and this is definitely one of the best if not THE best second-chance romance novels that I have ever read."


Part II Marriage Interrupted, June 1990

 Jessie kicked the back door closed with her foot and set the grocery bags on the kitchen table. The sound of the shower running told her Billy would be home for dinner. She put away the food and walked into the bedroom.

A trail of plaid shorts, an inside out polo shirt, bunched up socks, and golf shoes led to Billy’s dresser. Reigning in her annoyance, she gathered the dirty laundry in her arms and closed an open dresser drawer with her hip. A handful of coins and crumpled bills decorated the top of the dresser, along with a bank withdrawal slip. Her jaw clenched, and her annoyance turned to anger.


Part II Marriage Interrupted, August 1990

 Jessie woke up from her nap on the couch to find college football blaring from the television and Billy gone from the recliner. She thumbed the mute button on the remote and stretched. Her stomach rumbled to remind her it was almost suppertime. As she debated what to cook, her eyelids drooped and she drifted off again.

 She awoke to Billy’s deep laugh, though it took her a full moment to put a name to the muffled noise. For the past month and a half, the only sounds the walls in their house had heard were tense words or seething silence. She padded down the short hall to their bedroom and stopped at the closed door. Her hand fell away from the knob when she heard him laugh again.


"Everyone remembers their first crush and the agony of loving someone who can't seem to love you back. But what happens when you don't get your happily ever after? Do you dare hope for a second chance? This is what Elizabeth McKenna explores in First Crush, Last Love...
A gripping, emotional tale more powerful because it based on a true story, First Crush, Last Love gives us the happy ending we all wish for."


"First Crush, Last Love by Elizabeth McKenna is a Novella that takes you through all stages of the romance. . . I found some of it difficult to read but over all it was a very enjoyable read."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

First Crush, Last Love
By Elizabeth McKenna
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 314 pages
August 1st 2017

Back in high school, Lee Archer made Jessie Baxter’s cheeks flush and her heart race. But the popular athlete never wanted to be more than just friends. Ten years later, after a failed marriage and with her journalism career on shaky ground, Jessie’s come home for her high school reunion—and Lee still has the power to make her knees weak and her pulse pound.

Lee’s teenage years were filled with more trauma and drama than anyone guessed. Though his damaged past has helped make him a successful police detective, it’s hurt every relationship he’s tried. But seeing the grown-up, stunning Jessie might just change his commitment-phobic mind.

Jessie’s psycho ex-husband had her convinced no one would ever love her, but Lee is ready to step out of the friend zone and into her heart. Can she learn to trust again before she loses her chance to turn her first crush into her last love?

Elizabeth McKenna’s novel will have you remembering the angst of high school, the grief of a failed relationship, and the joy of finding true love at last.


About the Author


Though Elizabeth McKenna’s love of books reaches back to her childhood, she had never read a romance novel until her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene). With the urging of her children, she decided to write her own Happily Ever Afters.

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and a sassy Labrador. When she isn’t writing, working, or being a mom, she’s sleeping.


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card and ebook of Venice in the Moonlight
- Open internationally
- Ends April 25th

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Serpents and Saviors by Jamie Zakian (Guest Post & #Giveaway) @chapterxchapter @demoness333 @Month9Books

Friday, April 27, 2018 - Leave a Comment


Welcome to my tour stop! The author is stopping by to discuss this series
and this newest book, so check that out as well as the giveaway below...

Serpents and Saviors
(Project Emergence #2)
By Jamie Zakian
YA SciFi, Dystopian
ebook, 238 Pages
April 10th 2018 by Month9Books

Summary

Lord of the Flies meets The 100.

Joey got separated from her twin brother Jesse when their luxury spacecraft broke apart halfway to Mars. The terrorists are dead, but so are most of the passengers who escaped a dying Earth for a new life on a new planet.

The remaining survivors, the future of humanity, are scattered across the lush planet of Mars. Joey and Kami are in a mountainous forest, and they’re locked in a power struggle to guide the people. Jesse and Rai landed on the coast, and are desperate to reach their sisters.

This new world can be a fresh start, where everyone is equal and class sectors are finally made obsolete, if only Kami would give up her self-appointed position as Commander of Mars. Both Joey and Kami are willing to die for their beliefs, even sacrificing the lives of those who’ve chosen to follow them, unless clearer heads can prevail before it’s too late.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

Guest Post

Note: I sent in several topic ideas for this tour and the author decided to respond to them all, which is awesome. She gives you quite a good background for this series. Enjoy!

10 Series Fun Facts (for those who aren’t familiar with the series)

1.) The Project Emergence duology is set in the year 2088.

2.) In the story, Earth has become a barren wasteland that’s been scorched by solar flares.

3.) Those left alive on Earth buy their way into sectors, sector A being the most lavish with a UV dome to protect its residences from the sun’s fiery rays and fresh oxygen piped in nonstop.

4.) Those with little or no money are given subsidized housing in sector G, the last sector. There is no dome around sector G, no protection from the sun or toxic atmosphere. G sectors work hard to earn enough oxygen for their tiny lead-lined homes, with the hopes there’ll be something left over to feed their families.

5.) Joey and her twin brother Jesse were the only G sectors chosen for Project Emergence, a mission to save humanity by sending the best of the best to colonize a newly terraformed Mars.

6.) 258 people boarded the Raven, a luxury four-story spacecraft, and embarked on the Project Emergence mission.

7.) 14 sets of twins were selected for the Project Emergence mission, including Joey and her brother Jesse.

8.) Someone aboard the Raven does not want to see the mission to Mars succeed.

9.) Not all of the 258 crewmates of Project Emergence will survive the flight and reach Mars.

10.) The trek across space to reach Mars was supposed to be the hard part, but when the Project Emergence crew lands in the Martian wilderness the real ordeal begins.

Character descriptions for Joey, Jesse and Kami and how they’ve changed in book two

Joey and her twin brother Jesse are from Sector G; the most devastated of all the sectors on a sun-scorched Earth. They couldn’t afford an education, which is only available in sectors C and above, yet they made it on board the last shuttle heading to a newly terraformed Mars. The experience of being thrown in a spaceship with their peers and placed in a life-threatening situation has stripped away their innocence, giving them a hard edge. Along the way, Joey and Jesse befriended Kami and her twin brother Rai. Kami and Rai are famous, almost royalty as the children to Commander Sun; leader of the Unified Nations of Earth. Having lived the life of a celebrity, Kami and Rai were jaded to kind words and notions of friendship. They left their lavish home, their planet, to escape from beneath the shadow of their powerful mother, but meeting Joey and Jesse changed everything for Kami and Rai. They learned what true devotion and fidelity meant through their interactions with Joey and Jesse, and it softened the hard edge they’d developed on Earth’s chaotic surface.

10 Mars Fun Facts

1.) Mars is the fourth planet from the sun and was named after the Roman god of war, Mars.

2.) NASA has been exploring the planet of Mars using its advanced automated rovers.

3.) Currently, Mars is the only known planet inhabited solely by robots.

4.) Mars has a volcano that is taller than Mt. Everest, and it’s named Olympus Mons.

5.) Mars One is an initiative to build the first human settlement on Mars by 2023. They are currently screening candidates for a one-way trip to Mars.

6.) Over 100,000 people have signed up for that one-way trip to Mars.

7.) A year on Mars is almost twice as long as a year on Earth, clocking in at 687 days.

8.) Mars has two moons.

9.) Mars is half the size of Earth.

10.) The landscape of Mars is very similar to that of Earth, minus the water.

Jesse’s and Kami’s Mars Survival Tips

Here’s a few simple tips for surviving on a terraformed Mars from Jesse and Kami:

1.) Always dig a proper pit before starting a fire, especially in the dry season.

2.) A camp should be set-up away from the water, on high ground far from the ocean.

3.) It takes an entire settlement to bring down one woolly mammoth, or a single high-voltage plasma shooter.

4.) Martian nights are cold, and long. It’s nice to have someone to snuggle with under the stars, but not Kami. She’s Jesse’s girlfriend.

Other Books in the Series

Emergence
(Project Emergence #1)
By Jamie Zakian
YA SciFi, Dystopian
Paperback & ebook, 292 Pages
March 14th 2017 by Month9Books

Summary

An ancient Hopi myth says people arrived on tiny silver pods that fell from the sky.

But the truth is far more terrifying.

Two-hundred fifty-eight teens are sent from a dying Earth to a terraformed Mars as part of the Emergence Program, mankind’s last hope before solar flares finish off their planet and species. Among the brave pioneers are sixteen-year-old Joey Westen and her twin brother, Jesse.

After only minutes in space, something triggers a total ship lock down.

With the help of their roommates, the Matsuda twins (notorious hackers and shady secret-keepers), Joey and Jesse stumble onto an extremist plot to sabotage the Emergence Program.

But Joey and Jesse didn’t travel to the deepest pits of space and leave their mother behind to be picked off in a high-tech tin can. They’ll lie, hack, ​and ​even kill to survive the voyage and make it to Mars.

(Affiliate links included - I receive a small kickback if you make a purchase using my links.)

About the Author


Jamie Zakian is a full-time writer who consumes the written word as equally as oxygen. Living in South Jersey with her husband and rowdy family, she enjoys farming, archery, and blazing new trails on her 4wd quad, when not writing of course. She aspires to one day write at least one novel in every genre of fiction.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

One (1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a digital copy of Serpents and Saviors by Jamie Zakian (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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