review

New Release! The Star Touched Queen! Don’t miss it!

THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN (St. Martin’s Griffin; April 26, 2016) is a lush and vivid standalone debut young adult fantasy that seamlessly weaves the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone with Indian folklore. Featuring a smart, independent anti-princess who must take her place as queen and a forbidden romance that defies the odds, debut author Roshani Chokshi pairs beautiful writing with a thrilling pace and compulsive plot, using her own Filipino and Indian heritage to create a culturally diverse and vividly imagined world.

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Review: The Stories of Goom’pa: Book 1: Goom’pa and Shine by Vikrant Malhotra – Illustrations by Rachael Mahaffey

Amazon | Goodreads

Synopsis:

She emerged as innocent as any newborn. The party of starbursts and sparkles came to a standstill. In awe, millions of heavenly beings paused. Shine Star, Princess of the Universe, was the most precious and rare of all creations. As an expression of perfect happiness, thus was the king’s daughter born.

A magical love story unfolds in Vikrant Malhotra’s wondrous debut, The Stories of Goom’pa: Book One.

Meet Goom’pa. He is a Poofy, a small furry creature who resides on Earth in a place called Palidon, on the edge of the Miron National Forest.

His world is a quiet one—until he spies Shine Star, a glorious star in the sky and the daughter of Prime Ray, the king of the universe. Enchanted by her elegance, Goom’pa knows he is willing to do anything to win the love of this celestial beauty.

As the two meet and fall in love, Shine Star’s father worries about his only daughter. Exploiting that concern is the Star Lord, Rath, who wants nothing more than to wrestle control of the universe away from Prime Ray.

Will Goom’pa and Shine Star find a way to be together? Or will Rath’s evil plan doom them all?

Review:

Reviewed by Cianna for Sunshine & Mountains

Grade: B+ (4 Stars)

I mostly enjoyed this book. I felt like it was a a unique idea for a kids book, kinda along the lines of Stardust, but more tamed down. Shine Star is a star and she wants to be with Goom’pa a little Poofy she met in the forest.

First off, I want a poofy! Actually, I’d like a whole tribe to come live in my house, I’d accept it because they sound so darn adorable.

Second, this was a really interesting book, but I did only give it 4 stars because I felt a little lost at times, as the chapters were so short and characters switched so quickly, so I worry if an adult gets lost, how will a little kid fare? That’s really my only critique of the book. I’d love to know more about Poofy’s too, but I’m hoping that might come in a later book. I felt really involved in the story, I was rooting for Shine Star and Goom’pa’s love to win over the villains and work out! There’s a lot more deep meaning to this book then compared to some children’s books. It really deals with the feelings of loneliness, which is a great for a child, because depending on life and situations, child can get lonely easily.

I felt Shine Star was a fun character, she’s always interested in learning, which lead her to Goom’pa, and I think it’s another great message for children. She had a very interesting life, but again, we didn’t get too much of her world and her people in this book, and I’d love to learn more, but her transformation at the end of the book was very beautiful.

Overall, this is a really catchy and well written kids story. It interests the reader, it’s unique, and deals with some deeper themes which would be good for the adults reading as well as the kids listening. I hope in book two we get more from the two worlds and more of their chatacters that flew by too fast in this one!

** I was given a copy from the author & Rebecca’s Reads in exchange for an honest review

Falling for Jillian by Kristen Proby – Review & Release Day – @SignetEclipse @Handbagjunkie @BerkleyRomance

Falling for Jillian by Kristen Proby

Check it Out!

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Blurb

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes the third romance in the Love Under the Big Sky series, featuring a veteran struggling with PTSD and the one woman who can help him recover—and learn to love again.

Jillian thought she was a city girl through and through; the fast cars, high fashion, and glamour—she loves it all. But when her ex tells her he’s having a baby with his new wife (after Jillian struggled for years to get pregnant), she hightails it back to Montana to cry on the shoulder of her best friend, Cara.

But in truth, Jillian would rather be comforted by someone else…specifically Zack, Cara’s brother-in-law. Zack is a veteran of the Iraq War who came back to the family ranch to raise his preteen son after the boy’s mother took off. He’s struggling to re-establish a relationship with his son, and warding off the demons of PTSD, which still haunt him. The last thing he needs is bold, brassy Jillian…but why can’t he keep his hands off her?

Review

by Catherine for Sunshine & Mountains

Grade: A (5 Stars)

I so loved this book, I just love anything Kristen writes. A very sweet love story, Zack and Jillian both have major baggage from previous relationships, in spite of it all they find a true love. They are so sweet together and Zack is just plain hot. I love the connection they seem to have from the beginning and the relationship between them two and Zack’s son, Seth. An amazing book. I am so hoping that there will be more to this series.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

About The Author:

Kristen is the author of the Amazon and USA Today bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.
Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

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#Review – Mended by Kim Karr @BerkleyRomance @authorkimkarr #5StarRead

Mended by Kim Karr

Synopsis:

Music has the power to heal, but not all broken hearts can be mended.

Always in control, Xander Wilde considered life on the road to be a perfect fit for him. But when disaster strikes on the band’s latest tour, fate intervenes…and a newly single Ivy Taylor, the only girl he has ever loved, steps back into his life.

After moving past her painful breakup with Xander years ago, Ivy was poised to become the next big name in music…when suddenly she withdrew from the limelight—the same day she announced her engagement to her controlling agent, Damon Wolf.

Xander knows he should keep his distance. But once they’re on the road, he can’t resist pursuing her for a second chance. Yet a jealous Damon can’t let her go—and he’s keeping dangerous secrets that could destroy them all.

When the three of them come together, everything falls apart. But if Xander and Ivy can hold tight to the bond that connects them, they just might have a chance to reclaim the powerful love they thought they had lost forever….

“Xander Wilde the boy may have broken my heart once upon a time….but Xander Wilde the man, is the one who mended it.”

Review:

Grade: A+ (5 stars)

Review by Kayla

Kim Karr writes some awesome books! I just love her style and that she captures my attention in all of her books. Xander thought he had things going smoothly until disaster hit the Wilde One’s latest tour. The lead singer was unable to sing so River was going to come back and sing but then Dahlia was unable to travel. So Ivy Taylor said she was willing to help them out. Ivy never thought she would have to see Xander again but she needed the money. Xander and Ivy have the same connection as they did in high school. But there is a lot of anger among them. They try to be friends for the sake of the band. Xander tries to keep his distance because Ivy has a crazy ex fiancé who thinks he owns her. Things get intense. I don’t want to give anything away. But I definitely think if you haven’t read Connected, Torn, Dazed and Mended that you should!

**I was given a complimentary copy of Mended by Sunshine and Mountains blog.

#Review – Blurred by Kim Karr @BerkleyRomance @authorkimkarr #4StarRead

Blurred by Kim Karr

Synopsis:

A Connection Series Novella featuring Ben Covington

The story before the love story….

When he lost the only woman he’d ever loved, it seemed there was nothing left to live for.

Even as a boy, all Ben Covington ever wanted was to spend forever with Dahlia London, the beautiful girl next door…then one life-altering decision tore them apart and he was forced to leave her.

Now, despite having returned to win her back, he’s still alone. She’s with someone else—someone she’s never going to leave.

Resigned to a future without his former girlfriend, Ben numbs his broken heart in a haze of liquor and women. But then the only woman who ever even turned his head while he was with his girl reappears unexpectedly. And he’s never forgotten their one incredible night together. But will Ben’s destructive behavior destroy his future with her before it even begins?

““If there is a moment in time that comes to alter the course of your life forever- mine would be the day Caleb Holt told me I had to disappear. I don’t even know who I am anymore. I’m alone and left to pick up the pieces to a life I don’t have. Rock bottom. It’s a phrase I never thought I’d use to describe myself, but it’s the only one that fits.”

Review:

Grade: A (4 out of 5 stars)

Review by Kayla

When I first began reading this novella about Ben I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about it. But I gave it a chance and I really enjoyed it. It was nice to see things from Ben’s perspective and to find out why some of the things that happened in the other books happened the way they did. I liked reading about the things that Ben did to get through the things that had happened to him. It wasn’t easy but I think it will get better. I am ready to read Frayed.

All Ben ever wanted was to spend his life with Dahl. He never thought that he would have to leave her and when he came back he didn’t think she would have moved on. Ben is left without his former girlfriend and a broken heart. He uses woman and liquor to numb his feelings. But then he runs into the women who he didn’t think he would see again. Bell. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I won’t ruin it for anyone. I enjoyed seeing things from Ben’s point of view and a lot of things make more sense now.

**I was given a complimentary copy of Blurred by Sunshine & Mountains book blog for an honest review.

#Review – Fiat by Jeffery D Schlaman – #Financial #postapocalyptic #thriller.. Definitely something new!

Fiat by Jeffery Schlaman

Synopsis:

By the fall of 2016, the country is already on the verge of financial collapse, despite the most aggressive actions conceivable by the Federal Reserve. When foreign debt-holders suddenly dump their debt in an act of aggression against the United States, hyper-inflation ensues, bringing the government to its knees.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fiat-Jeffrey-D-Schlaman/dp/149356093X

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20296598-fiat

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fiat-jeffrey-d-schlaman/1117760935

Review:

** Review done in conjunction with SayWhatSavannahMae, check out her site for more info**

** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own**

5 stars

Something I completely love? Books with post-apocalyptic/dystopian themes and undertones. I adore being terrified of what the future may hold for me, what technology will bring us, when the government will cause. This genre is one that allows so many authors the chance to predict the future in a way, so I hold it to pretty strict standards, because if you’re going for that genre, you need it to be a believable course of action that leads us there. Which brings me to this book… Fiat..

This book addresses a terrifying future that hits home, a little too hard considering the current economic issues our country faces. I don’t think a book with financial implications has every scared me before this novel, but this one did give me a bit of fear. Things you don’t take a lot of time to think about sometimes have a way of creeping up, and I feel that way about this book. I don’t really think too much about our economics and financial issues as country, but as I was reading this book, things started feeling more and more realistic. Look what a ruined economy did during the great depression.. Materialism is a running theme in this novel. Humankind and our need for things, newest and best.

Overall, I thought the author has a very strong skill for the technical part of the novel. Written well, flows good, and interests you pretty quickly. As for the plot, it’s good. It is set in the near future, which makes it a bit improbable, I admit, but none the less, it’s a frightening concept to think of food going up to $100 for some things. We don’t deal with one main character in this novel, rather a variety of people at all different stages in their lives. We get some high powered (or used to be) people like Chairman of Federal Reserve or a Bishop, but we also meet a stripper, police officer and some others. All these people trying to survive, and some trying to fix things, and not always honestly. I have to say, I normally don’t like books with multiple characters, because things get muddled, but in this one, I have to say it worked, and really tells the story how it needs to be told.

So, would I recommend this book? Yes, fans of thrillers, political novels, and even some dystopian would probably enjoy this book, or at least be a little shaken up by it, and that does seem to be the author’s point, and a point well achieved.

What do you think? Are you interested in picking this book up?

#Review – Miracle Man by William R Leibowitz – Fascinating, thrilling and realistic!

Review of Miracle Man – William R Leibowitz

Synopsis:

REVERED REVILED REMARKABLE The victim of an unspeakable crime, an infant rises to become a new type of superhero. Unlike any that have come before him, he is not a fanciful creation of animators. He is real. So begins the saga of Robert James Austin, the greatest genius in human history. But where did his extraordinary intelligence come from? As agents of corporate greed vie with rabid anti-Western radicals to destroy him, an obsessive government leader launches a bizarre covert mission to exploit his intellect. Yet Austin’s greatest fear is not of this world. Aided by two exceptional women, one of whom will become his unlikely lover, Austin struggles against abandonment and betrayal. But the forces that oppose him are more powerful than even he can understand.

Amazon | Smashwords| Goodreads

Review:

** Review done in conjunction with SayWhatSavannahMae, check out her site for more info**

** I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own**

This book sure has an opening, I’ll definitely say that. The prologue is mysterious, interesting, and really makes you want more right away. The author has the hook down pat. I don’t want to spoil it, I see a bunch of reviews telling you what the beginning is, but its better that you just read and find out, because I didn’t expect what it was from the opening! It kept me reading, and I think it’ll keep you reading as well.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s got a great storyline, a bit of an Ender’s Game feeling to it, with the special program and the hidden agendas, but overall, very good and unique enough to stand on its own. I thought the author really took the time to flesh Bobby out, and really give us a driving force for him. He’s a great character, and with great people, there’s always someone trying to manipulate them. That’s exactly the story here. It’s perfect. The writing is solid, the story is pretty refreshing and it’s got strong main character. Technically speaking, the author has written a great novel, it flows, it draws you in, and it finishes strong.

As for plot, you’ve got a genius character, who we follow through his life, and the great thing is that this book isn’t over anyone’s head. It’s a read for the everyperson who likes thrillers and science. We’ve got Bobby who has lived his extraordinary life, and only wants to do well, after the bad life has handed him, but we’ve also got outside influences trying to push Bobby in a different direction, using his life and doubt to push him where he doesn’t want to go. It’s a thriller, not just in the hidden agendas and motives but also on a personal level, because you really start to care about Bobby, and want to see Bobby happy and succeeding in what he chooses. There’s a lot of undertones in morals and what’s rights and even slightly ethical in this novel. It really pulls you in, you just start to feel it.

I would suggest this book. It read easily, and quite quickly, it’s got a good storyline, strong character to lead us, and some interesting questions it raises. If you enjoy thrillers, or even a bit of sci-fi, then I think you wouldn’t regret picking up this book, and giving it a read. I think you’ll enjoy it.

About The Author:

William R. Leibowitz practices law in New York City and lives in the village of Quogue with his wife, Alexandria, and his dog, Georgy.

#Review – Stan by Richard Wold – A deep journey into good & evil!

Stan by Richard Wold

Ever since he survived a suicide attempt, New York artist Stan Foster has not been himself. Plagued by amnesia and a head full of visions of death and destruction that fuel his ever-more disturbing work, he claws his way through a life he doesn’t recognize in search of his true identity. What he finds leads him to believe he is Satan, spit out from the bowels of hell to live among the mortal inhabitants of earth. Is he delusional, or is there truth behind this troubling revelation? One woman can help him find out. Enter Abigail: lapsed Catholic, lonely city dweller, and psychiatrist with a heart of gold. Meeting Stan makes her question everything she’s believed about faith and humanity for so long, but she must overcome her own troubled background to offer him the redemption he needs—and ultimately wants.

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads | Smashwords

Review:

4 Stars – B+

This was an interesting concept novel. I’ve always said I look for books which strive to break from the normal, and this book definitely did that. We meet Stan, when he decides to end it all, and throw himself off the Washington Bridge. I mean talk about grabbing a reader. This book makes you commit right from the beginning and keep reading. I like how the author approached the topic of Satan, he doesn’t automatically assume you believe in him, because like the character most people are unlikely to jump to that answer first, but assume mental illness or shock. I do like how human nature plays a role in this book, really character driven, and we get some insight into what drives them. Wold really makes the reader question things throughout this whole book. You may come into this book knowing what good and evil are but by the end, I bet you’ll be questioning a little bit. You get influences in Stan life, both what we’d consider good and evil, but there’s something laying under the surface of both of them, so who can he really trust? I do wish they would’ve let us get to him being Satan on our own, leaving hints and clues instead of basically spelling it out for the reader, I didn’t enjoy that. I like a little more mystery and a little more work on the readers part. There’s a little bit of romance in this book as well, but it doesn’t play a primary theme at all, mostly this book has elements of a mystery and a thriller, with a long inner running conflict on what really is good and evil. I enjoyed it, I thought it was refreshing, though some choices the author made didn’t resound with me, but overall a good read and something new.

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author:

Richard Wold is a business owner and consultant. He currently lives in Gurnee, Illinois. Stan is his first novel.

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#Review – Pack Up The Moon by Rachel Herron @penguinusa @RachaelHerron A #touching story of #life and #rebuilding and second chances! A #MustRead

PACK UP THE MOON

NAL Trade Paperback Original / March 2014

A poignant novel about loss, lies, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Three years after a horrible tragedy took her son and tore her family apart, artist Kate Monroe is beginning to pick up the pieces of her life and move on. At a gala showcasing her triumphant return to the art world, Kate’s world is rocked again when the daughter she gave up for adoption twenty-two years ago introduces herself.

Pree is the child Kate never knew and never forgot. But Pree has questions that Kate isn’t sure she’s ready to answer. For one thing, she never told Pree’s father, her high school sweetheart and ex-husband, Nolan, that they had a daughter. For another, Kate hasn’t spoken to Nolan for three years, not since the accident which took their nine-year-old son from them. But to keep Pree from leaving forever, Kate will have to confront the secrets that have haunted her since her son died and discover if the love of her family is strong enough to survive even the most heartbreaking of betrayals…

Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Review:

Grade: A (5 stars)

This was a lovely gift. I was excited to receive this book from Penguin to review, just reading the synopsis, but when I started the actual book is when I felt really lucky. This is such a touching, emotional story based around really realistic characters who people can completely relate to. It’s all about life’s changes, and if it’s too late. When is too late? Herron does an outstanding job in this novel really showing us true characters with real struggles. This is the first book by this author I’ve read but I love her voice. She’s the perfect storyteller for this story, and she really find the perfect balance in some really tough topics. You’re faced with a lot of broken people and dark topics in this book, but Herron manages to show us the beauty in the brokenness, and the hope in the hopeless. You start to really see beyond what’s expected into a deeper, more beautiful story. You see how one choice can affect so many people, and you see just how people choose to handle that . You’ve got a mother struggling with the death of her son, and the loss of the daughter she never knew. The daughter trying to figure out her life without a mom, and a Father who never knew about his daughter, and has been crushed, not only by the loss of his son, but the loss of his marriage as well. Nolen is one of those characters that you see beauty shining from brokeness, he’s a convicted felon, gave up everything that was his life before, and has fallen all the way to the bottom, but his struggle and courage is something so beyond touching. I’d gladly read another book by Herron in the future because her way with characters is exactly what we need more of. Complex, confused, broken but beautiful. The author allows us to see beyond what’s in front of our faces in this novel to what’s really there. There’s such a wonderful theme of forgiveness and healing in this book, and it really brings tears to your eyes LITERALLY, I cried. I suggest this novel to people I meet in bookstores now, my book club, and friends and family. It’s beautiful and haunting and it’s perfect. Thank you Rachel Herron!

*I was given a copy of this book by Penguin to read and review. All opinions are 100% my own.

About The Author:

Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of the Cypress Hollow series (HarperCollins/Random House Australia) and of the memoir, A Life in Stitches (Chronicle). Her newest novel, Pack Up The Moon, will be available in March 2014 from Penguin (USA) and Random House Australia (NZ/AUST). Rachael received her MFA in writing from Mills College and is a 911 fire/medical dispatcher when she’s not scribbling. She lives with her wife, Lala, in Oakland, California, where they have more animals and instruments than are probably advisable. Rachael is struggling to learn the accordion and can probably play along with you on the ukulele. She’s a New Zealander as well as an American. She’s been known to knit.

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Undeniable – Tawdra Kandle – #review and much more! :) Hosted by Promotional Book Tours!

At last. . .the sizzling spin-off from The King Series

UNDENIABLE: The Serendipity Duet Book One

For Rafe Brooks, running from a broken heart means losing himself in alcohol and women. Lots of women, none of whom will remember him, since he has the ability to manipulate their minds and make them forget.

Numbing the pain works until he meets an irresistible redhead with secrets of her own. She offers him the opportunity to join forces with an organization that will use his powers for good rather than his own amusement.

Jocelyn rocks his world with her unapologetic passion and makes him believe for the first time he just might survive heartbreak.

When a mission takes the two of them undercover to infiltrate a commune with suspicious activity, they discover it’s just the tip of a plot to cause world-wide anarchy. Hiding their extraordinary powers and real identities is crucial to staying alive.

For Rafe and Jocelyn, when life is uncertain, love is undeniable.

Buy on:

Amazon

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Smashwords

Review:

Grade B (4 Stars)

After Rafe graduates from high school, he leaves town and goes on a drinking binge trying to get over his broken heart. He winds up in New Orleans where he meets the headstrong Jocelyn. She is there to recruit him for a job working at the consulting firm she is employed by. This job allows them to help people with special powers to use them for good and not evil. Together they get in more trouble they you can imagine.

They have been working together for a while when they finally get a mission that may not end well for them. They accept and give it their all. You are taken for a wonderful action packed ride. During all of this they realize they may have a love that is deep and will last more than a. Lifetime together.

This book has mystery, action and heartwarming affections. It has funny moments, emotional draining moments and takes you on an action packed thrill ride.

*I was given this book in return for an honest review.

About the Author

Tawdra Thompson Kandle lives in central Florida with her husband, children, cats and dog. She loves homeschooling, cooking, traveling and reading, not necessarily in that order. And yes, she has purple hair.

You can follow Tawdra here…
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