#Win a July #NewRelease from my TBR for this month's #giveaway!


It's a new month, which means, new releases! This month for my giveaway one winner gets to pick a book from my July TBR on Amazon here (click on July Releases to find the full list). Here's a look at some of the books to choose from:
Open to eligible US addresses through Amazon, or if winner lives outside the US, through Book Depository. 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.


Weekly Update #271, in which vacation time is coming...


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, and to Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Reading Reality.

Last week was half relaxing and then crazy. I don't know how my summer days seem to be going so fast. I keep thinking I have all this time and then after I've taken the kids to swim lessons, checked my email, worked out, etc. it seems the day is already over. I was thrilled to stop by everyone who linked up to Can't-Wait Wednesday and follow them all in some way too. I also replied to all the comments on my blog as well and repaid the favor on their sites as well. It gives me a little happy burst when I get to them all.


Next week I'll be on vacation and stay-cation while my brother and his kids are in town, so I'll be offline for three days and then not super active online the rest of the week. I'm looking forward to having some fun with the family!

This Week


New Books

I shared these on Instagram earlier this week, but if you missed them, these are two book subscription boxes I received recently:

Giveaways

Here are the giveaways running right now:

Last Week

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

Win a Just-Can't-Put-It-Down #Book! (#Giveaway)


Don't you love books that pull you in and never let go? Me too! I have a list of some serious page-turners on my Amazon page here (click on the "Page-Turners" link to see the book options).

One winner gets to choose one book from my "Page-Turners" list!


You can also pick any book from the series (if the book is part of a series), if you have the book already featured. Like you have Six of Crows (on the list), but not Crooked Kingdom (not on the list) and can pick that instead of the book shown as its part of the same series (including pre-orders - such as for Sarah J. Maas' series). And not all these books are clean. You can search my reviews for each one on my blog (search box is on the top of the sidebar). Got it?

Check those out and let me know what you pick in the Rafflecopter below.

Open to eligible US addresses through Amazon, or if winner lives outside the US, through Book Depository. 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
Don't forget to check out the other giveaways...
Good luck!

UnforgettableLove Wrap-Up with $450 in Giveaways! (#Giveaway)


Today is the final day of the #UnforgettableLove Clean Romance Event!

We’ve spotlighted 14 Fabulous authors this month.

There is just one more day left to enter all the giveaways. Don’t miss your chance to win $450!

Here are the links to all of the featured authors/giveaways:















New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for June 25th - July 1st #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)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author
For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author
For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 
For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!

By adding your link, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and transmitted to Inlinkz in accordance with their Privacy Policy.

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

Come back and check out the new selection every week!

Dive Smack by Demetra Brodsky (Review & #Giveaway)


Welcome to my tour stop! Follow the tour here. Below you'll find my review and a giveaway...

Dive Smack
By Demetra Brodsky
YA Suspense, Thriller
Hardcover & ebook, 336 Pages
June 19th 2018 by Tor Teen

Summary

Theo Mackey only remembers one thing for certain about the fire that destroyed his home: he lit the match.

Sure, it was an accident. But the blaze killed his mom and set his dad on a path to self-destruction. Everything else about that fateful night is full of gaping holes in Theo’s mind, for good reason. Maybe it’s better that way. As captain of the Ellis Hollow Diving Team, with straight A's and solid friends, he's only one semester away from securing a scholarship, and leaving his past behind.

But when a family history project gets assigned at school, new memories come rushing to the surface, memories that make him question what he really knows about his family, the night of the fire, and if he can trust anyone—including himself.

A 2018 JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION

Praise for DIVE SMACK

"A tense psychological drama with a voice that pulls you in and a twist you won't see coming, Dive Smack is an instant Hitchcockian classic!" —Gretchen McNeil, author of Ten

"A twisty, witty thriller readers will love puzzling through to the very end. A visceral, delightful debut." —Carrie Mesrobian, author of William C. Morris award finalist Sex & Violence

"This riveting debut will plunge readers into an accelerating coil of twists and turns as if in free fall, plummeting them from a precipice as they cling to the dwindling hope of safe entry into the mysterious darkness below." —S.A. Bodeen, author of The Compound

"Brodsky’s debut combines an engaging school story, filled with best friend shenanigans, first love, and a fascinating look at competitive diving, with a tense psychological mystery." —Booklist

"In an impressive debut, Brodsky injects her teen drama with ambiguity, and a subtle hint of paranormal phenomena, leaving readers to guess at what’s really going on. Strong characters and a compelling mystery make this a real page-turner." —Publishers Weekly

"A taut thriller with a twist ending that will blow your mind." —Kim LiggettBram Stoker Award-Winning Author of The Last Harvest

"Complex, thrilling, and with a pitch-perfect narrative voice, Dive Smack will leave you on the edge of your seat and unable to put this one down." —C. Desir, author of Bleed Like Me
"Heartbreaking, human and heroic, Dive Smack is a Perfect 10!" —Karen LaFace, 1992 USA Olympic Springboard Diver

“A taut roller coaster of a thriller chock full of dark family secrets, twisty lies, and finally, the redeeming power of truth.” —Michelle Zink, author of This Wicked Game

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

My Review

DIVE SMACK is a trippy, complex, intense psychological suspense. It's somewhat of a thriller towards the end, but it slowly works up to that, reading more of like a contemporary YA with hints at the paranormal and some unresolved mysteries. The characters lend plenty of humor and easy-to-connect-with realism with Theo's voice and the friends he hangs with. YA readers will dive in to this story and then hold on as it gets deeper until the twisted end.

After finishing this story, my mind is seriously working through what happened. It's hard to reconcile how it could happen and everyone who was involved and all the twists and turns. There's some anger (I seriously could have landed some punches myself), but some happiness too. It's always appreciated when a story is good enough to pull on the reader's emotions, which this one definitely does.

Let's talk a little about these characters... Leo. I felt so much empathy for him. He's got so much on his shoulders and so much pressure for everything that is going on in his life, but also in his head. He's been dealt a pretty hard life situation. There are people he should be able to trust and he can't or doesn't know who he can trust, which makes things so much harder. There are friends from school who may or may not be enemies. Thank goodness for Chip and Iris! Those two are exactly who he needed and they go down with him to the end. The author did a great job in portraying the characters. The dialogue feels genuine, especially between Chip and Leo with all their teasing and bro lingo.

Like I mentioned above, this one starts like a contemporary YA with a male protagonist. Then there's this whole backstory and how Leo lost his mother and then father slowly unfolded. There are mysteries and suspicions. The story starts to ramp things up when information goes missing or is taken and Leo finds that someone is definitely trying to prevent him from finding out more. The story just gets more intense from there and has quite a climatic ending. And through all of this, Leo is trying to find himself and work out his own demons, get with this girl he's crushing on, trying to be the perfect swim/dive team captain and pull off perfect dives. Which is pretty much what life is like (minus the suspense, normally). A great book for fans of these type of complex, psychological stories with plenty of twists.

In the end, was it what I wished for? I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into with this read... it's complex, heartfelt (loved Theo and his friends!), scary, and one thriller of a ride in the end.

Content: Lots of swearing (including the f-word), references to teens sleeping together and other innuendo, drugs, drinking, and some violence. I could have done without the swearing, innuendo, crude comments and sexual references.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Jean BookNerd Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

About the Author

PHOTO CONTENT FROM DEMETRA BRODSKY

Demetra Brodsky is an award-winning graphic designer & art director turned writer. She has a B.F.A. from The Massachusetts College of Art and Design and lives in Southern California with her family of four and two lovable rescue dogs where she is always trying to make more time for the beach. Dive Smack is dedicated to Pumpkin, the monarch butterfly she once saved from the brink of death. Once you read the book, you'll understand why.


Tour-Wide Giveaway


5 Winners will receive a Copy of DIVE SMACK by Demetra Brodsky.
- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends: July12, 2018

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Unforgettable Love: A Clean Romance Event with Elizabeth Johns (Excerpt, ebook #SALE & #Giveaway)


Check out a series ebook sale below as well as an excerpt for this new release and a giveaway...

Moon and Stars
(Descendants #4)
By Elizabeth Johns
Adult Historical Romance
ebook, 234 Pages
June 11th 2018

Summary

Lady Charlotte Stanton was officially on the shelf. Her first offer to be a chaperone had sealed her fate at the advanced age of eight-and-twenty. Yet, one magical evening a mysterious gentleman took pity on her and danced with her clandestinely under the stars. He refused to tell her who he was—other than unsuitable. It has ruined her peaceful existence as an aging spinster.

Sir David Douglas, known to many as Captain Deuce the infamous smuggler, regardless of having changed his ways and made his fortune away in the Indies. His past was destined to follow him forever. Despite helping bring down a high level smuggling ring, the King wants him to do more to earn his pardon. Reluctantly, he is forced back into the dark trade of smuggling once again.

As Sir David struggles to gain his freedom, Lady Charlotte tries to unravel his mystery and help him. But will she find her happily ever after or will she be caught up in the sins of his past?y

Praise for the Book

“I loved everything about this story. Every woman needs to meet a man who wants her just the way she is. Despite the struggles and self doubt, despite the familial opposition, despite the outside forces and ever present danger from sinister forces – our dear couple finally triumphs.”

“Elizabeth Johns writes lovely, intricate Regency tales filled with angst, longing, tragedy and triumph. She does not pander with superfluous and gratuitous sex scenes. Yet her stories are romantic and satisfying. I highly recommend this series and all of Johns’ books if you want to be transported and escape this time period to the land of happily ever after. I cannot wait for the next one!”

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



Excerpt

“Sometimes I think I have more in common with the moon and the stars than Polite Society,” a deep, baritone voice said from behind her, as if the man had heard her thoughts.

Charlotte managed not to flinch. She was unused to anyone seeking her company in dark places.

“Yes, I was brought up amongst the ton, yet it is not often comfortable,” she replied, still looking at the night sky.

“That is the last word I would use for it,” he said as he came to stand next to her. He was so close she felt warmth radiating from him and smelt his scent of spice and pine. She was afraid to turn and look. She did not wish to ruin the moment with reality, yet the arm of his coat appeared to be well made, and his hands appeared to be strong.

They stood there in silent kinship, listening to the sounds of laughter and dancing coming from the ballroom.

“Would you care to dance?”

Charlotte did not answer. This man must be someone new in Town, someone who knew not who she was, or could not see her clearly in the moonlight. What did it matter? It was only a dance. One dance would change nothing.

She held her hand out to him and finally allowed herself to look up.

“Have we been introduced?” she asked, annoyed at her inanity. She had never before seen this man, of that she was certain.

His light grey eyes twinkled in the moonlight, and they were looking at her—her!—flirtatiously. Crinkles formed at the edges of his eyes, indicating an experience and maturity that made him more handsome when he smiled. It was devilish cruel that men became more striking with age.

“You know very well we have not,” he answered.

He pulled her close—too close—and began to twirl her around. The moment was too intimate for mere words. Charlotte felt light and dainty for the first time ever as this man spun her in his arms. She must be dreaming. It was a heady, delicious feeling as her pulse raced and her insides quivered.

When the music ceased, they stood there still, retaining the position of the dance as their breathing slowed. Charlotte grew self-conscious as the man studied her.

“Am I to know your name?” she whispered.

He took her hand and brought it to his lips, sending shivers through her.

“Some things are better left unspoken, my lady.”

About the Author

National bestselling author Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen’s clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was “forced” to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing.

Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible.


Other Books by the Author

Through the FireMelting the IceWith the WindOut of the DarknessRay of Light: Traditional Regency Romance 
After the RainSurrender the PastSeasons of ChangeSeeking RedemptionShadows of Doubt

Event Giveaway


$25 Amazon Gift Code or PayPal Cash

Ends 7/15/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blood Oath by Amanda McCrina (Review & #Giveaway) @chapterxchapter @9inchsnails @Month9Books


I was rather captivated by the first book in this series, Blood Road, that I read last
year (review here). Book two picks up where the first one ended and the her is
again in the middle of it all. Read my full review and enter the giveaway below...

Blood Oath
(Blood Oath #2)
By Amanda McCrina
YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, ? Pages
June 19th 2018 by Month9Books

Summary

The aftermath of what happened in the capital has shaken Torien to the core. Battling self-doubt and bitterness, he must find his resolve as he is sent back to Tasso to quell a violent uprising on the Road.

But Torien will need more than resolve to navigate the deadly path before him. His troops are inexperienced and his new adjutant untrustworthy. A series of murder attempts leaves the whole camp on edge. As the threat of mutiny builds, the mission seems doomed before they even reach Tasso—and Torien is beginning to suspect it was meant that way. He and his men are being set up to fail.

With his best friend in the hands of the rebels, his commanding officer refusing to negotiate a peace treaty, and his own men ready to turn on him at any moment, Torien must decide once and for all how much he’s willing to sacrifice for an empire he no longer believes in.

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

My Review

BLOOD OATH is an intense, bloody, page-turner follow-up to the first book. There is constant danger, betrayal, loyalty, and risk. Torien again must find his way in spite of those who would see him killed or destroyed and the prince who reigns with fear. Those who enjoy tales set in Ancient Roman-like times, with strong characters, set against an impossible path, will enjoy this one.

It took me a little bit to remember who all the characters were, as it's been a year since I read the first book. This one also starts with a flashback and so that confused me a little, although I also knew it had to be important to the story in some way, and it does come into play, particularly in a symbolic ending. I mostly got the gist of what was going on and slowly remembered who the characters were. The reader isn't given much time to get their barrings since the story just jumps right in to a precarious situation and keeps going to the very end.

The writing style really pulls the reader in, as do the characters. Torien has this state of morality and justice that is contrasts quite strongly to those around him who serve for greed or for survival, but have no qualms about shedding someone else's blood. He commends loyalty, even when he doesn't want it, while at the same time putting a target on his back. What is interesting to me is how intense and engrossing this story is while not a whole lot going on per say. They are mostly situated in the dessert priming for battle, but there is still so much that happens between the characters that you don't feel like there isn't a lot happening. Torien, and those around him, continue to face heartbreak as well as impossible choices throughout the story time after time, and have a rather dire future at the end of this story.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Torien really stands out in the ruthless life he is set in. He is the perfect underdog to cheer on. I enjoyed doing so and am curious as to what he will face in the next book. If you're looking for a bloody story of power and conflict, with a moral main character who is equally complex, and page-turning storytelling, then pick up this series.

Content: Lots of violence and a few swear words.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books in the Series

Blood Road
(Blood Oath #1)
By Amanda McCrina
YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, 329 Pages
April 25th 2017 by Month9Books

Summary

Nineteen-year-old Torien Risto has seen dissidents dealt with before. He knows the young local girl who just knifed him will hang for assaulting an Imperial officer, unless he can stop it.

Someone inside the provincial government is kidnapping Imperial citizens and selling them across the desert to the salt mines, silencing anyone who tries to intervene. The girl’s brother is one of those who has been taken. Rejected by the corrupt courts, she’s waging a personal war against the Empire.

Determined to save her life, Torien sets out in search of answers on the Salt Road, the ancient trade route running deep into the heart of a desert—territory claimed by the hostile Mayaso tribe.

Now, Torien is no longer sure where his own loyalty lies, or how far he will go to break the cycle of tyranny, political bullying, and social injustice in an empire that seals its borders in blood.

You can read an excerpt HERE.

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

About the Author


Amanda McCrina has studied in Italy, taught English in Japan, and currently tutors Latin in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her BA in History from the University of West Georgia, and is now pursuing her MA. She writes stories that incorporate her love of history, languages, and world travel. She drinks far too much coffee and dreams of one day having a winning fantasy-hockey season.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

One (1) winner will receive a $15 Starbucks gift card or B&N gift card, plus a digital copy of Blood Oath by Amanda McCrina upon its release.


Unforgettable Love: A Clean Romance Event with Shanna Hatfield (Excerpt, #FREE ebook & #Giveaway)


Here's another author and book for this event. There is a freebie, excerpt, and giveaway below...

Rose
(Series #)
By Author
Shanna Hatfield
ebook, 194 Pages
July 18th 2017

Summary

FOUND: Old-fashioned letter in a bottle on the beach…

Now what’s he supposed to do with it?

Tanner Thomas has no interest in contacting the woman who wrote a heartfelt, hopelessly romantic letter his mother found in a bottle on the beach. So why won’t thoughts of her stop tormenting him? Desperate to get her out of his mind once and for all, he makes a surprise trip to meet her, completely unprepared to fall in love with a stranger he meets on the beach.

Praise for the Book

“The chemistry was really great and I loved the beach setting. This was a really sweet, clean romance.” Amazon Reviewer

“Beautifully crafted love story. Makes you believe in the power of love.” Amazon Reviewer

“Charming story. Historical details mixed with romance and ocean sunsets. Just the right amount of humor tossed into the writing to keep the pages turning.” Amazon Reviewer

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



Excerpt from Rose

To the Man of My Dreams,

A crazy dare from my even crazier friends is the reason you hold this note in your hands. Under normal circumstances, I would not engage in something as undeniably foolish and utterly ridiculous as writing a letter to a man I will likely never meet. In truth, I am not convinced the man of my dreams exists.

You see, I once gave away my heart — my whole heart. The boy I gave it to (for one such as he most assuredly cannot be referred to as a man) tossed it aside one stormy winter day much as one might discard an empty latte cup from Starbucks. After thoughtful speculation, I concluded he was incapable of offering or accepting real love. He owns no respect for love or what it encompasses, what it means.

Love is one of the deepest, most essential human needs — like crisp, clean air to breathe, or cool, refreshing water to drink, or even a piece of rich, decadent chocolate. (Chocolate is a need and if you do not recognize it as such, you may as well tuck this letter back inside the bottle and forget you ever found it.)

In all seriousness, though, every human heart longs to love and be loved.

However, I am far past the desire for a run-of-the-mill sort of love. No, not just any old romance will do. What I seek, what I will wait a lifetime for, is the kind of love that will forever alter my life in a most miraculous, wondrous way. I want the love of a good man to add vibrancy to the colors in my world. His love should be a song my heart eagerly sings. Being with him should be the greatest and best adventure I ever experience. I want a man who perceives the depths of my soul, cherishes my heart, and takes delight in my smile.

I have no use for a man (or boy, because some men remain boys no matter what age they are) who lacks the key traits of loyalty, honesty, and kindness. For that matter, I also have no use for one who possesses a deep-seated fear of the very notion of love.

Therefore, Mister Dream Man, I care not a whit about how much money is in your bank account, what you look like, or the type of vehicle you drive. Your favorite sports teams (go Seahawks), your fashion sense (or lack thereof), and the ability to do such heinous things as burp the letters of the alphabet are of no consequence to me (although that last one is rather revolting. Please tell me you do not do that — at least not with any frequency).

My interest rests in the contents of your heart.

I want to know if you are kind to old women who hold up the line at the grocery store. Do children and dogs like you? Do you have a favorite charity?

By chance, if we do someday meet, I shall do my best never to measure you by anything except your capacity to love with abandon. And maybe your laughter. Laugh lines etched like glorious grooves of joy around your eyes would be an unmistakable sign that you are more than a mere acquaintance with happiness.

I suppose if I expect you to reach out to me upon finding this preposterous missive, you should know something about me beyond the fact I’ve tried falling in love and the experiment failed quite spectacularly.

The world I live in is not complex. Rather, my life is simplistic for the most part. My days are often divine, filled with sweet moments and dear friends. Assuredly, they (the days and my friends) are never, ever dull. I have never had to work at a job (at least by the definition most people attribute to that particular word) as an adult because that which I turn my hand to is something that brings me a heaping abundance of bliss.

After reading this, if you think you may hold an interest in meeting an old-fashioned girl with her share of quirks, one who enjoys sunsets, chocolate (obviously), and treasures from gentler days, please email me at OneVintageRose@…

About the Author


After spending her formative years on a farm in eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with sarcasm, humor, and hunky heroes.

When this USA Today bestselling author isn’t writing or covertly hiding decadent chocolate from the other occupants of her home, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.


Other Books by the Author

The Cowboy's Christmas Plan

Event Giveaway


$25 Amazon Gift Code or PayPal Cash

Ends 7/15/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.