Blog Tour: Legacy Strain by Taylor Brooke

Legacy Strain (The Isolation Series Book #3)
By: Taylor Brooke
Published By: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: June 6, 2017
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Blog Tour/Review: Shadow of Deception by Sophia L. Johnson

Shadow of Deception (The Kazumi Chronicles, #1)
By: Sophia L. Johnson
Publication Date: April 9, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

*I received a free ARC of Shadow of Deception from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange of an honest review.

Synopsis

2153, Toronto, United Nation of North America (UNNA)

A horrific plane crash kills all five hundred and forty-two passengers except one. Kazumi emerges from the wreckage physically unscathed but has lost all her memories. Her miraculous survival has the whole city buzzing but all she wants is to go home, wherever home is.

After waiting a month in the hospital with no one to claim her, Kazumi is deemed homeless. She is about to be sent to a nearby teenage shelter when the nurse she grew to trust ushers her down a mysterious path, one that promises safety and maybe even the chance to recover her memories. With no better options available, Kazumi takes her chance and finds herself in the headquarters of the Sarcomeres, a secret society of genetically advanced humans hidden deep inside the Rocky Mountains. The Sarc’s heightened physical abilities and high-tech gadgets are not the only things that fascinate Kazumi. Finnegan O’Riley, a fellow Sarc she meets along the way also gets her heart racing. When Kazumi discovers that she possesses the genetic potential of a Sarcomere, she jumps at the chance to train with them, not knowing the death defying tests that are involved.

Meanwhile, a centuries-old nemesis of the Sarcomeres begins to stir in the dark, setting their dark plans in motion. Just when Kazumi thinks she can help protect her new found home, past memories surface to threaten her new identity. She soon realizes that layers of deception run deep and everyone has a secret agenda, including herself.

Who can she trust when she can’t even trust herself? One wrong decision could bring forth consequences worse than death.

Shadow of Deception is the gold medal winner at the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.

 

Welcome to my stop on the Shadow of Deception Blog Tour! Click the link to read my review, see the rating, find out more about the author, and enter a giveaway for a $10 Amazon gift card!

Blog Tour: Running in the Dark by Inger Iverson

Running in the Dark (#1)
By: Inger Iverson
Publication Date: February 8, 2016
Genres: Paranormal, New Adult

*I received a free ARC of Running in the Dark from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange of an honest review.

Synopsis

He is known only as Trace—because he leaves no trace of his victims behind.

A deadly Russian slayer, Trace’s life has always revolved around death. Death, and preventing humankind from learning about the legendary creatures of the night. But now his position as a Watcher has become a prison, and dealing death for the Vampire Nation isn’t as prestigious as he once believed it to be.

College dropout Bessina Darrow has witnessed things she isn’t permitted to see, a simple case of wrong place at the wrong time putting her life in danger. When Bessina becomes his new mark, Trace is prepared to eliminate her—until he discovers a way out for them both.

Protecting Bessina means defying the leaders of the Nation, an act that has them both running for their lives. The more Trace fights to disappear from danger, the more he unravels the secrets crafting his world—secrets he must unveil in order to finally save a life, instead of destroy it. Okay , I can do that.

 

Welcome to my stop on the Running in the Dark Blog Tour! Click the link to read my review, see the rating, find out more about the author, and enter a giveaway for some really great prizes, including a $25 Amazon gift card!

Book Review: Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman

Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You
By: Nancy Tillman
Publication Date: September 14, 2010
Genre: Children’s Literature

Summary:
. . . I wanted you more than you’ll ever know,
so I sent love to follow wherever you go. . . .

Love is the greatest gift we have to give our children. It’s the one thing they can carry with them each and every day.

If love could take shape it might look something like these heartfelt words and images from the inimitable Nancy Tillman. Here is a book to share with your loved ones, no matter how near or far, young or old, they are.

*~*

This is my first review for a children’s book and I couldn’t be more excited. This book was actually given to me by a previous coworker right after BabyJ was born. I read this book to him every morning before I take him to daycare. Between the incredible artwork and rhythmic rhyming, BabyJ is thoroughly engrossed in the story each time. He smiles along with the rhymes.

I love children’s books, but this one has a special place for me. The basic message of the story is that the reader will always love their child, regardless of where they are or how they feel. The love that the reader feels for their child surrounds them wherever they are. To be honest, I was an emotional wreck the first few times I read this to my son. Even now, I tear up at times. If he is more wide awake while I read, I will catch him looking up at me and smiling as I work through the flow of the story.

The artwork in this book is something else, as well. There’s something beautiful and serene about the images. Each page includes an image of an animal of some kind and the colors are perfectly chosen.

I look forward to owning more of Nancy Tillman’s books and reading them to my son as he grows up. Definitely add this book to your collection if you have any little ones around.

*~*

The Final Countdown – 5 Stars!

Links
Amazon – Board Book
Amazon – Hardcover
Amazon – Kindle
Goodreads Book Page

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#BookBlogWriMo Day 10 – Ten Of My Many Favorite Books

I have SO many favorite books, so this was a hard list for me to make. I tried to pick books that have significance to me.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
More information about this book will come in a post later on during Book Blog Writing Month.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
We actually just got this amazing fully illustrated edition of Harry Potter to add to our collection. We pre-ordered from Amazon because the price was so amazing. By the look of it, it’s still great. JKR will be releasing each book in this format for the next six years. It will be a great way to introduce our son to the series when we start reading it to him in a few years. (This would make an AWESOME holiday gift, as well. Just some suggestions!)

The Sweep series by Cate Tiernan
This series is about witchcraft and completely brought me into this incredible world about magic. I’ve read the series multiple times now and still have an emotional reaction to it.

Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman
This book was gifted to me by a previous coworker and I’ve been reading it to my son every morning before I drop him off at day care. It has become out little tradition. A review of this book will be coming soon. It is AMAZING. I have officially become a Nancy Tillman fan.

A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks
This is a nostalgia book for me. I read it in high school and became very attached to it. It was my first journey into the world of Nicholas Sparks.

The Prophecy of Tyalbrook series by Michele G. Miller
This series was my first introduction to Michele’s literature. I steadily fell in love with Xander and there was no turning back once I hopped onto this adventure. When she asked me to edit for her, I definitely couldn’t say no!

The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
The perspective and message within these dark novels really struck a cord with me. If you haven’t read these yet, you should hop on board the Hunger Games train. And I don’t mean the one to the Capital. The movies are also incredible; while there are bits missing from the books, they are depicted very well!

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
One of the best children’s books to exist. My family had my best friend make me a baby shower cake of The Giving Tree. My guests also signed the inside cover. I will always have a special place for this one.

Unlit Star by Lindy Zart
Seriously one of my favorite books of Lindy’s. Also one of my favorite reviews that I’ve written. (Find it here.)

Wicked: Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
This is the book that the Broadway musical Wicked is based off of. Gregory Maguire is a very talented author with quite a bit to say. His tongue-in-cheek style mixed with his knack for twisting fairy tales and traditional stories makes each of his stories a new experience. You can see my review of Wicked here.

Thirty Days of Thanks – Day 10

I am thankful for my parents. As I write this, I realize there is no way words can do my thanks justice, however. They’ve been there through thick and thin, raised me “right” and given me the tools I need to succeed. They’ve supported me in all of my passions and my crazy endeavors, and they’ve helped guide me through my new adventure of parenthood. Through my many scraped knees, teary moments, silly laughs, onstage adventures, and everything else – I couldn’t be more grateful. ❤

The Ark by Laura Liddell Nolen – Blog Tour, Review, and Giveaway

The Ark
By: Laura Liddell Nolen
Publication Date: March 26, 2015
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult

*I received a free ARC of The Ark from Xpresso Booktours in exchange of an honest review. 

Synopsis

There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.

With her criminal record, sixteen-year-old Char is never going to get a place on an Ark, one of the five massive bioships designed to protect Earth’s survivors. The Arks are reserved for the real goody-goodies, like Char’s mom, dad, and brother, all of whom have long since turned their backs on her.

With Earth on the brink of destruction, Char must use all her tricks of the trade to swindle her way into outer space, where she hopes to reunite with her family, regardless of whether they want to see her or not.

Once she arrives on the North American Ark, Char discovers that the remnants of humanity haven’t achieved the egalitarian utopia they’d planned for. For starters, the “Officers of the Peace” are anything but peaceful, especially since stealing a spot on an Ark is a crime punishable by death….

Welcome to my stop on the The Ark Blog Tour! Click the link to read my review, see the rating, find out more about the author, and enter a giveaway for a copy of the book!

Blog Tour and Review – Sleepless by Michael Omer

Sleepless (Narrowdale #1)
By: Michael Omer
Publication Date: January 12, 2015
Genres: Paranormal, Thriller, Young Adult

*I received a free ARC of Sleepless from Xpresso Booktours in exchange of an honest review. 

Synopsis

Don’t fall asleep. Don’t dream. Don’t get caught.

At the beginning of her freshman year of high school, Amy can think of nothing worse than moving to the boring, suburban town of Narrowdale. And that’s before she starts having the same nightmare over and over again, waking up every night to a creepy whistle outside her window and being haunted by a mysterious, menacing presence. Getting used to the new school becomes the least of her problems.

As she delves deeper to uncover the truth, she unknowingly edges closer to mortal danger. Terrible events that took place years ago threaten to happen again, but now Amy’s life is on the balance. Unfortunately, the one guy who is supposed to protect her, nineteen year old Peter, doesn’t believe her.

Some things seem to happen only in Narrowdale, where dark secrets hide beneath the surface…

As she confronts the mysteries of Narrowdale, Amy documents her experiences in her blog. The book contains live links to this blog.

Welcome to my stop on the Sleepless Blog Tour! Click the link to read my review and see the rating!

#SRC2015 Review – The Balance Project by Susie Orman Schnall

The Balance Project
By: Susie Orman Schnall
Publication Date: April 28, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction

*I received a free print copy of The Balance Project from BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2015 in exchange of an honest review.

Synopsis

The Balance Project is a story of loyalty, choices, and balance that will resonate deeply with all women who struggle with this hot-button issue. Loyal assistant Lucy Cooper works for Katherine Whitney, who seems to have it all: a high-powered job at a multibillion-dollar health and wellness lifestyle company, a successful husband, and two adorable daughters. Now, with the release of her book on work-life balance, Katherine has become a media darling and a hero to working women everywhere. In reality, though, Katherine’s life is starting to fall apart, and Lucy is the one holding it all together, causing her own life―and relationship with her boyfriend Nick―to suffer. When Katherine does something unthinkable to Lucy, Lucy must decide whether to change Katherine’s life forever or continue being her main champion. Her choice will affect the trajectory of both of their lives and lead to opportunities neither one could have imagined.

*~*

My Thoughts

The front cover of The Balance Project says “If you liked The Devil Wears Prada, you’ll enjoy this charming romp..” When I read this quote, I was a little weary because I actually didn’t like DWP when I read it; I loved the movie, though! I was pleasantly surprised reading this book, however. I enjoyed the storyline quite a bit more, regardless of the similarities between the two stories. I found the lives of the characters in the story to be realistic and entertaining. Finding balance in life is a very difficult thing, especially when you throw in the various life events that each character has to go through. I enjoyed that Schnall spent time developing each of her characters, allowing their quirks to show through the story, and working on their various issues.

My favorite character in The Balance Project is Ava, Lucy’s best friend. Her daily quotes and strong outlook are something that I relate to. Lucy, on the other hand, bothered me for some reason. I completely understand being in a position to help you get to another, but there are certain circumstances that I just wouldn’t tolerate. She lacked strength in my eyes, and I didn’t appreciate the way she treated Nick at times. Nick was also a bit frustrating, but I understood him a bit more. Then there’s Katherine – I actually really liked her. What you see on the outside is not always what you get. How often do we pull ourselves together for our audience (family, friends, coworkers) and on the inside we’re blowing up?

A lot occurred in this book, though the pace was slower than I’d have liked to read. Additionally, there were some pretty significant editing errors that caught my eye throughout. Despite this, I think this was a good book. This is a great summer (or any season) read for someone who enjoyed a bit of conflict, strong female characters, and a bit of drama.

*~*

The Final Countdown

Characterization – 3.5/5 Stars
Dialogue– 4/5 Stars
Plot – 4/5 Stars
Visual Imagery – 3/5 Stars
Editing – 3.5/5 Stars
Ending 3/5 Stars

Total: 3.5 Stars

Buy Links:

–Amazon: Follow This Link

— B&N: Follow This Link

*~*

AUTHOR BIO

• Writer of fiction, essays, editorial, and endless to-do lists.
• Mom of three hilarious boys who play ball in the house.
• Author of The Balance Project: A Novel about work-life balance and On Grace, an enchanting and thought-provoking debut about turning 40.
• Founder of The Balance Project popular interview series about the tragically glorified “doing it all” craze

Author links:

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK!

 

A: An Announcement or Two

I am participating in the A To Z Challenge again this year. I did this last year when I was first taking off with my blog, so what better way to get back into the swing of things than to hop on board the alphabet train again? Today’s letter is A! So I have a few announcements to kick this all off.

Get back into the swing of things? Well, some of you may have noticed that I went from posting all the time to suddenly being very MIA since the new year started… Well… I’ve got a really good reason… 

Luckily, I’m getting back into the swing of things. My energy is coming back and I’m reading again. (I know! It was so strange going so long without really reading a book for pleasure.)

I also finished editing another book for Michele G. Miller: Into The Fire. It is so freakin’ good. I swear. Her books just keep getting better! Best yet, it released this weekend, so you can get a copy of your own!! I will post a review in the next couple of days, but definitely head over to Amazon, B&N, or anywhere else you can get awesome books and pick this one up. You won’t regret it!! Here are some order links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1EOdct4
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1zMsSK8
B&N: http://bit.ly/1Fe6hgv
Kobo: http://bit.ly/18KvWR8

 

So, since it’s been a while… Let’s kick things off on the right foot… or the left if you’re a marching band geek like me…

 

Blog Tour | Review | #Hater by Cambria Hebert

#Hater (The Hashtag Series #2)
By: Cambria Hebert
Publication Date: January 12, 2015
Genres: New Adult Contemporary, College Romance

*I received a free ARC of #Hater in exchange of an honest review.

Goodreads Link:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23561961-hater

Blurb

It started with unspoken animosity. The bitter bite of jealousy. And now its full blown hate.

It was during my first football game that I first felt the first chill of hate. I looked it right in the eyes and felt its sticky tentacles reach out for me. I’d never experienced something so cold and empty before.

The effect of that look lingered, like an unspoken promise, long after it was gone.

Becoming a couple – becoming the other half of a campus celebrity wasn’t easy. I let down walls guarding my heart and he looked past my glasses and accident prone tendencies. Romeo and I are an unlikely match, a #nerd and a jock. But we made it.

And we’re happy.

Zach doesn’t want us to be happy. He wants Romeo to pay for getting him kicked out of Omega and for the night he spent in jail. He’s going to use anything and everything he can to get his revenge. Including me.

As the weather on campus grows cold and the days become dark, revenge becomes the center of someone’s life and the happiness Romeo and I worked so hard for is threatened.

I can’t help but worry that our love is going to be overshadowed by hate.

*~*

Follow this link to see my review of book #1 in The Hashtag Series.

The Final Countdown
Characterization – 3.5/5 Stars
As expressed in my review of the first book, the characters in #Hater are developed well and there is a bit more depth to them. Rimmel Hudson has grown quite a bit since the first book in the series and it’s nice to see her growing confidence in herself. She’s battling some demons and has some rough things going on, but she’s got a great sense of self that is fun to read. Roman “Romeo” Anderson is still his jock-self and I hate to admit because I know he has a huge following – but I just don’t like him. He’s just not the type of person I enjoy reading because his personality is such a stark contract to what I like in a guy. And then there’s Braeden – he’s pretty great. He’s a fantastic character and I can’t wait to read his spinoff.

Dialogue – 3.5/5 Stars
The dialogue fit the story well and was very straight forward.  I wish there were more Alpha Buzz alerts. They were really funny in the first book.

Plot – 3.5/5 Stars
The plot was constructed well, though there wasn’t anything unique about it. That’s not a problem, so don’t mistake it for one. The story is a fun read and I found myself laughing throughout it. The pace kept well and it was a fast read for me.

Visual Imagery – 3/5 Stars
There was enough description to push through the story, but the wordplay was what stands out the most. I enjoyed reading about the various outfits that Rim was dressed in throughout that were a bit further out of character for her. The moments when they were outside of Romeo’s home by the pool were also described well.

Ending 4/5 Stars
The ending for this book was really good. There was enough to keep you wondering what happens next, but it wasn’t one of those crazy cliffhanger endings that makes you angry. I really look forward to seeing what comes in the third book!

Total: 17.5/25 Stars

*~*

Buy links: 

#Hater (Hashtag #2) Buy Links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/oeze38l
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/mhgusab
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/n9scdhx
Amazon AU: http://tinyurl.com/k5t7d2q
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/n4zwxg9
Kobo:  http://tinyurl.com/kk9u8c3

#Nerd (Hashtag, #1) buy links:

Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/orco23a
Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/njn3x8q
Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/opfgr6l
Amazon AU: http://tinyurl.com/ms2kx2s
Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/qch9b9z
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/ou6lgod

Youtube Video for Chapter 1 Read from Cambria:

Direct Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzBqwJPk_Ms&feature=youtu.be

Author Bio:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

 

Social media Links:

You can find out more about Cambria and her titles by visiting her website: http://www.cambriahebert.com.
Email: cambriahebert@rocketmail.com
Facebook: http://smarturl.co/CambriaHebertFanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/cambriahebert/pins/
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5298677.Cambria_Hebert
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Cambria-Hebert/e/B00CYQ2ROK/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1420126269&sr=8-1

*~*

 

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