#Win a #NewRelease from September through December from my TBR for this December's #giveaway!


It's a new month, which means again, new releases! This month (as the previous three months) for my giveaway, one winner gets to pick any book (pre-orders are allowed) from my list on Amazon here (click on Fall through Winter 2018 Anticipated Releases to find the full list). Here's a look at some of the books to choose from (I'll be adding to the list as well):

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.


Will his safety cost her hers... When the Heart Sings by Liz Tolsma (Excerpt & #Giveaway)



Welcome to my tour stop! Check out an excerpt and giveaway below...

When the Heart Sings
(Music of Hope #2)
By Liz Tolsma
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, ? Pages
October 9th 2018 by Gilead Publishing

Summary

Natia has a secret, and she’s hiding him right beneath her captor’s nose...

The Nazis have forced Natia and Teodor from their Polish farm to a labor camp. When the couple is separated, Natia is chosen to be the housekeeper for the camp’s overseer, and Teodor is sent to work in the factory. Despite the strict camp rules—and the consequences for disobeying them—Natia finds a way to communicate with Teodor by sending messages through song as she passes Teodor’s dormitory.

The stakes get higher when Natia finds a Jewish orphan on the overseer’s doorstep. She is determined to protect the boy and raise him as the child she and her husband were unable to bear— but if her German captors discover how much she’s hiding, both she and Teodor may pay the ultimate price.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

The crowd surged forward. Every farmer and villager from fifty kilometers in each direction must be here. Their small group had no choice but to shuffle along. Their only other option was to be trampled.

The train hissed. Up ahead, the Nazis herded their prisoners into large, windowless boxcars. Natia’s heart slammed against her ribs. Her steps faltered.

Dear Lord, this couldn’t be.

They wouldn’t ride to the camp in a passenger car.

Instead, they would travel to their destiny crammed into a cattle car.

Like animals.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author


Passionate might best describe Liz Tolsma. She loves writing, research, and editing. Her passion shone through in her first novel which was a double award finalist. On any given day, you might find her pulling weeds in her perennial garden, walking her hyperactive dog, or curled up with a good book. Nothing means more to her than her family. She's married her high-school sweetheart twenty-eight years ago. Get her talking about international adoption, and you might never get her to stop. She and her husband adopted three children, including a son who is a U.S. Marine, and two daughters.


Tour-Wide Giveaway


(1) winner will receive (US only)
  • a print copy of When the Heart Sings
  • 'Just One More Chapter' throw pillow seen HERE
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight November 26, 2018 and last through 11:59pm December 3, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Have you read any of this author's books? I've enjoyed the ones I've read and am planning on reading this one as well.


Is he worth trusting... Some Boys by Patty Bount (Excerpt, Trailer & #Giveaway)


Some Boys
By Patty Bount
YA Contemporary
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 339 Pages
August 5th 2014 by Sourcebooks Fire

Summary

Some boys go too far. Some boys will break your heart. But one boy can make you whole.

When Grace meets Ian she's afraid. Afraid he'll reject her like the rest of the school, like her own family. After she accuses the town golden boy of rape, everyone turns against Grace. They call her a slut and a liar. But...Ian doesn't. He's funny and kind with secrets of his own.

But how do you trust the best friend of the boy who raped you? How do you believe in love?

A gut-wrenching, powerful love story told from alternating points of view by the acclaimed author of Send.

Praise for SOME BOYS

"You will be satisfied at the end of this powerful work. " ―RT Book Review

"A largely sensitive treatment of an emotionally complex topic. " ―Kirkus

"Some Boys" belongs in every YA collection." ―School Library Journal   

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

Minutes pass, but they feel like centuries. I fumble for my phone—my mom’s phone since she made me switch with her—and call her.

“Grace, what’s wrong?”

“Can’t breathe, Mom. Hurts,” I push out the words on gasps of air. “Okay, honey, I want you to take a breath and hold it. One, two, three, and let it out.”

I follow her instructions, surprised I have any breath in my lungs to hold for three seconds. The next breath is easier.

“Keep going. Deep breath, hold it, let it out.”

It takes me a few tries, but finally I can breathe without the barrier. “Oh, ---.” “Better?”

“Yeah. It doesn’t hurt now.” “Want me to take you home?”

Oh, home. Where there are no laughing classmates pointing at me, whispering behind their hands. Where there are no ex-friends calling me a ----- or a liar. Where I could curl up, throw a blanket over my head, and pretend nothing happened. Yes, take me home. Take me home right now as fast as you can.

I want to say that. But when I glance in the mirror over the row of sinks, something makes me say, “No. I have to stay.”

“Grace—”

“Mom, I have to stay.”

There’s a loud sigh. “Oh, honey. You don’t have to be brave.” Brave.

The word hangs in the air for a moment and then falls away, almost like even it knows it has no business being used to describe me. I’m not brave. I’m scared. I’m so freakin’ scared. I can’t see straight, and I can’t see straight because I’m too scared to look very far. I’m a train wreck. All I’m doing is trying to hold on to what I have left. Only I’m not sure what that is. When I say nothing, she laughs too loudly. “Well, you’re wearing your father’s favorite outfit, so just pretend it’s a superhero costume.”

That makes me laugh. I glance down at my favorite boots—black leather covered in metal studs. My ass-kicking boots. Ever since Dad married Kristie, Mom lets me get away with anything that pisses him off, and wow does he hate how I dress.

“Why don’t you go to the library until the bell rings? Relax and regroup, you know?”

Regroup. Sure. Okay. “Yeah. I’ll do that.”

“If you need me to get you, I’ll come. Okay?”

I meet my own gaze in the mirror, disgusted to see them fill with tears. Jeez, you’d think I’d be empty by now. “Thanks, Mom.” I end the call, tuck the phone in my pocket, and head for the library.

The library is my favorite spot in the whole school. Two floors of books, rows of computers, soft chairs to slouch in. I head for the nonfiction section and find the 770s. This is where the photography books live—my stack. I run a finger along the spines and find the first book I ever opened on the subject—A History of Photography.

I pull the book off its shelf, curl up with it in a chair near a window, and flip open the back cover. My signature is scrawled on the checkout card so many times now that we’re old friends. I know how this book smells—a little like cut grass. How it feels—the pages are thick and glossy. And even where every one of its scars lives—the coffee ring on page 213 and the dog-eared corner in chapter 11. This is the book that said, “Grace, you are a photographer.”

I flip through the pages, reread the section on high-key technique—I love how that sounds. High-key. So professional. It’s really just great big fields of bright white filled with a splash of color or sometimes only shadow. I took hundreds of pictures this way—of Miranda, of Lindsay, of me. I practiced adjusting aperture settings and shutter speeds and overexposing backgrounds. It’s cool how even the simplest subjects look calm and cheerful. It’s like the extra light forces us to see the beauty and the flaws we never noticed.

I unzip my backpack and take out the school’s digital camera. It’s assigned to me—official student newspaper photographer. I scroll through the images stored on the card—selfies I shot over the last few months. Why can’t everybody see what I see? My eyes don’t sparkle. My lips don’t curve anymore. Why don’t they see?

With a sigh, I close the book, and a slip of paper floats to the floor. I pick it up, unfold it, and my stomach twists when I read the words printed on it. A noise startles me, and I look up to see Tyler Embery standing at one of the computers. Did he slip this paper into my favorite book? He’s had a painfully obvious crush on me forever. Every time he gets within five feet of me, his face flushes, and sweat beads at his hairline. Tyler volunteers at the library during his free periods and always flags me over to give me the latest issue of Shutterbug that he sets aside for me as soon as it arrives. He grabs something off the desk and walks over to me. I smile, thankful there’s still one person left in this world that doesn’t think Zac McMahon is the second coming of Christ. But Tyler’s not holding a magazine. He’s holding his phone.

“Six-eighty-three.” There’s no blush, no sweat—only disgust.

I make it to the end of the day. At dismissal I make ---- sure I’m early for the bus ride home so I can snag an empty row. I plug in my earbuds to drown out the taunts. It’s not so bad, I tell myself repeatedly, the taste of tears at the back of my throat familiar now. I don’t believe me.

Once safely back in my house, I let my shoulders sag and take my first easy breath of the day. The house is empty and eerie, and I wonder how to fill the hours until Mom gets home. Thirty-two days ago I’d be hanging out after school with Miranda and Lindsay or shopping at the mall or trying to find the perfect action photo at one of the games. In my room I stare at the mirror over my dresser, where dozens of photos are taped—photos of me with my friends, me with my dad, me at dance class. I’m not welcome at any of these places, by any of these people anymore. I don’t have a ---- thing because Zac McMahon took it all. I think about Mom killing all of my online accounts and switching phones just until things settle. But now that the video of me that Zac posted on Facebook has 683 Likes, it’s pretty clear that waiting for things to settle is a fantasy.

I rip all the pictures off the mirror, tear them into tiny pieces, and swipe them into the trash bin next to my desk. Then I pull out the slip of paper I found in the photography book, and after a few minutes of staring at it, I dial the number with shaking hands.

“Rape Crisis Hotline, this is Diane. Let me help you.”

Copyright © 2014 by Patty Blount

Book Trailer


About the Author

Patty Blount grew up quiet and a bit invisible in Queens, NY, but found her voice in books. Today, she writes smart and strong characters willing to fight for what’s right. She’s the award-winning author of edgy, realistic, gut-wrenching contemporary and young adult romance. Still a bit introverted, she gets lost often, eats way too much chocolate, and tends to develop mad, passionate crushes on fictional characters. Let’s be real; Patty’s not nearly as cool as her characters, but she is a solid supporter of women’s rights and loves delivering school presentations.

Patty is best known for her internet issues novels, including SOME BOYS, a 2015 CLMP Firecracker winner and SEND, a 2012 Junior Library Guild Fall Pick. Visit her website at pattyblount.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter. She blogs at YA Outside the Lines and is also active online. She loves hearing from readers, especially when they tell her she’s cool (even though she knows it’s not true), and is easily bribed with chocolate. Never underestimate the power of chocolate.

PHOTO CREDIT: DAN DEMERIAD


Blast Giveaway



- Winner will receive a Signed Copy of SOMEONE I USED TO KNOW (+Swags) by Patty Blount.
- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends December 19, 2018


Who knew one little book could have so much power... The Journal of Angela Ashby by Liana Gardner (Interview, Trailer & #Giveaway)


Check out my interview with the author, my review, and the tour giveaway below...

The Journal of Angela Ashby
By Liana Gardner
MG Urban Fantasy, Magical Realism
Paperback & ebook, 282 Pages
September 25th 2018 by Vesuvian Books

Summary

I have great power.
That’s what she told me. The old fortune-teller at the school carnival.
I thought I was doing the right thing … with the magic journal she gave me. But nothing could prepare me for what happened next.
Or, for what I unleashed.

At a school carnival, a mysterious fortune-teller gives twelve-year-old Angela Ashby a journal and warns her to use it wisely. Nothing prepares Angela for the journal’s power—when she pours her heart onto its pages her desires come true.

She tests the journal by conjuring a gnome, a unicorn, and a farting fairy and then uses it to stop the school bullies in their tracks. But the unintended consequences alienate her best friend and puts her favorite teacher in danger of losing her job.

After she shares her deepest desire of all—that her parents get back together—her adversary steals the journal, and Angela fears she will use it to bring mayhem to the entire school if she doesn’t get it back.  

Praise for THE JOURNAL OF ANGELA ASHBY

"Gardner has created a likable character in Angela, who faces off with the class bully in defense of herself and her best friend. Alternately full of sass and seriousness, Angela quickly learns that writing in her new journal may lead to some unintended consequences, some hilarious and some grave. An enjoyable tween romp about the familiar world of bullies mixed with a bit of magic, this one would be great for a class read or group discussion." ―Seattle Book Review

"The Journal of Angela Ashby is a middle grade fiction by Liana Gardner and is perfectly written for the target audience. A combination of magic, childhood troubles, social messages, and the need to think before acting is prevalent, and a lesson well ingrained into the pages, There is some good tension building, injections of humour, and character development. Angela and Mallory make a great team, perfectly complementing each other in the way close friends do. This is certainly a book I will read with my son when he is older, as I think it instills some important lessons and values,much like the old 80's and 90's cartoons used to do. While the book itself has a clear beginning and end, there are hints that a sequel may follow, and it's certainly something I would consider picking up. If you're looking for a story of friendship, childhood problems, and a healthy sprinkling of magic in everyday life, then look no further." ―K.J. Simmill, Award-Winning British Author

"The Journal of Angela Ashby by Liana Gardner is a charming story of action and consequence. Gardner presents her characters and their problems with an equal touch of magic and reality. This allows the message of the tale to come through while entertaining instead of preaching. Gardner does a great job of taking what could be a clichéd story and putting a few twists in it to keep it fresh and humorous." ―Kris Moger, Readers' Favorite

"The Journal of Angela Ashby is an engaging and fun coming-of-age story about a twelve-year-old girl who is suddenly the possessor of great power. I loved following as Angela began to appreciate her journal's powers and realized the importance of carefully considering everything she wished for.Throughout the story, Gardner addresses the issue of bullies and bullying, which is something all kids and most adults have to deal with at some point, and she shows how Angela learns to differentiate between solving the problem and descending into bullying behavior herself.Gardner also admirably addresses the stress and confusion felt by kids and tweens when their mom and dad get divorced. The Journal of Angela Ashby is a marvelous fantasy that brings up real-life issues without lowering the magic and fun potential for a moment, and Sam Shearon's illustrations really make it all come alive most brilliantly." ―Jack Magnus, Author  

(Affiliate links included.)

Author Interview

1. What inspired you to write THE JOURNAL OF ANGELA ASHBY?

I can’t really say anything inspired me to write The Journal of Angela Ashby aside from Angela herself. I happened to be in the middle of writing another book and words were simply pouring out of me when Angela popped and said, “My name is Angela Ashby, and you’re going to write my story.” I said that there was a long line of stories waiting and she should take her spot at the end. Honestly, I would have said anything to make her go away because I had to get the work in progress down. Angela was persistent. She kept after me until worked with her. But I had no idea what the story would be about until I sat down to write it.

2. Would you tell us a little more about your main character?

Angela is twelve, a little brash, somewhat bossy, but has a good heart when she’s not focused on her problems. She doesn’t like bullies and will defend her friends to the point of being a little bit of a bully herself. She’s unhappy with her current life because her parents are recently divorced and dad has remarried, so she’s struggling with the “new normal” and wants dad to leave his current wife to come home so they can be a family again. Angela is smart, but thinks her best friend is even smarter and respects her for it.

3. What would Angela say is the most important thing she learned from the fortune-teller?

I had to think on this question. But I’d have to say that Angela learned, though it took her awhile, that keeping an open mind is better than following pre-conceived ideas. When Angela walked into the fortune-teller tent, she was certain the fortune-teller was a fraud, by the time she left, she was a little spooked and not so sure, but throughout the book she ends up examining most of her pre-conceived ideas and finding they weren’t as true as she had once thought. Or maybe we can go with the cliché: Never judge a book (or a journal) by its cover.

4. What is your favorite thing about this story?

My favorite thing about the story is that Angela is human … she’s flawed, makes mistakes, some of them big ones, but does her best to make things right again. After I had finished the story and had given it to some early readers one or two commented on the bad decisions Angela makes in the story, and they wanted her to make better decisions. I didn’t. For the simple reason that it isn’t realistic for a twelve-year-old to make the same decisions as a forty-year-old. And even forty-year-olds make mistakes. I wanted Angela to make the same sort of decisions any twelve-year-old might make.

5. If you were to go to a carnival today, what would you choose to do first and why?

I guess it depends on what is at the carnival, but if the carnival had a Ferris Wheel, I’d go up on that first and hope it stopped with me at the very top. Life from a different perspective. From the top, I’d be able to see everything the carnival had to offer and make a plan on what things I wanted to do most.

Of course, if they had a fortune-teller tent, I might sneak in there for a quick fortune before enjoying the rest of the carnival.

6. What are you working on next?

The next project to be published is a Young Adult Contemporary with some supernatural leanings called Speak No Evil (Spring 2019, Vesuvian Books). It’s about a selective mute sixteen-year-old girl who stabbed a classmate and is undergoing court mandated therapy so she can tell her side of the story to the judge.

The work in progress right now is a 5-book Middle Grade fantasy series called The Homeless Myths Series. The series is about five homeless kids who struggle to survive the streets of Los Angeles and unwittingly wind up as key players in a life and death struggle to give humanity a second chance. I’m in the middle of writing the first book which is titled, The Star Warriors and the Secret of the Red Key.

Book Trailer



My Review

THE JOURNAL OF ANGELA ASHBY is a story about a journal that the heroine receives from a fortune teller that turns out to be magical. Readers will enjoy the element of magic and mystical creatures as well as getting to know Angela and her best friend, Mallory. An overall cute story.

I thought the journal was the funnest part of this story. It added plenty of mystery and also created quite a bit of havoc. I also really liked Mallory. Angela has some growing to do. She didn't really think about any of the consequences of her choices, but she was a good friend to Mallory. The ending left thing resolved, but also open for a second book.

I did have a few issues with the story. I didn't always feel the girls acted their age (I have a 12-year-old daughter, so it was pretty easy to compare). Sometimes Angela acted characteristically younger and sometimes older, so she didn't feel completely genuine. She also wasn't a character I loved. I also felt like the bullying was a bit unrealistic at school around teachers and other adults.

In the end, was it what I wished for? An overall intriguing story that middle graders and tweens may enjoy.

Content: Some bullying, name-calling, blunt/crude language.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from through Jean Book Nerd Tours, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

About the Author

Liana Gardner is the award-winning author of 7th Grade Revolution and the Misfit McCabeseries. Daughter of a rocket scientist and an artist, Liana combines the traits of both into a quirky yet pragmatic writer and in everything sees the story lurking beneath the surface. Engaged in a battle against leukemia and lymphoma, Liana spends much of her time at home, but allows her imagination to take her wherever she wants to go.

She fostered her love of writing after reading Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women and discovering she had a great deal in common with the character Jo. The making up of stories, dramatic feelings, and a quick temper were enough for her to know she and Jo would have been kindred spirits.

Liana volunteers with high school students through the International Trade Education Programs (ITEP). ITEP unites business people and educators to prepare students for a meaningful place in the world of tomorrow. Working in partnership with industry and educators, ITEP helps young people “think globally and earn locally.”

PHOTO CONTENT FROM LIANA GARDNER


Tour-Wide Giveaway


- 1 Winner will receive an Award-winning 2017 MG, 7th Grade Revolution Swag (Mugs, Playing Cards, T-Shirts) by Liana Gardner.
- 1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

- Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter | Ends December 3, 2018

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Any thoughts on the interview or my review?

Check out these 4 November Paperback Releases from @CB_Bauer (Guest Post & #Giveaway)


November 27th Paperback Releases (novellas) from Christina Bauer!

Check Out These Series From Christina Bauer
- Fairy Tales of the Magicorum, a series of modern fairy tales with sass, action, and romance
- Beholder, where a medieval farm girl discovers necromancy and true love 
- Dimension Drift, a dystopian adventure with science, snark, and hot aliens
- Angelbound, about a quasi (part human and part demon) girl who loves to kick butt in Purgatory’s Arena

Guest Post:
5 Fun Facts About 4 Hot Series


Author Christina Bauer is launching 4 books in paperback form, and she’s sharing 5 fun facts about each!

DUTY BOUND

1. A prequel to the book Angelbound, a story of a part-demon girl who fights evil souls in Purgatory’s Arena
2. More than 500K copies of Angelbound have been sold
3. Tells the story of Prince Lincoln, the love interest from Angelbound
4. Includes some cool battles and surprising demons
5. In Prince Lincoln’s point of view for the first time!

MOONLIGHT AND MIDTOWN

1. Book 1.5 in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum Series
2. Modern fairy tales with a twist
3. In this story, Bryar Rose doesn’t feel like she fits her Sleeping Beauty Life Template
4. Bry also goes shopping with her Bestie Cinderella
5. There’s also a guest appearance by her got werewolf boyfriend, Knox. Fun!

CRADLED

1. Epic fantasy series in the spirit of GAME OF THRONES
2. Unlike GoT, the good characters don’t randomly die (you’re killing me, Georgie!)
3. An epilogue to the series and epic love story between Rowan and Elea
4. Guess who’s getting a baby bump?
5. Also, there’s a crossover cameo from another series, too!

SCYTHE

1. Prequel novella to the Dimension Drift series
2. Set in dystopian future version of Boston
3. Told from the point of view of sassy teenage science prodigy Meimi Archer
4. There may be hot aliens also involved
5. OK, there are totally hot aliens involved

Thanks for asking me to share some fun facts! Hope to stop by again on a future tour!

Moonlight and Midtown
(Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1.5)
By Author
YA Urban Fantasy

Summary

“Bauer’s unique voice blends magical fantasy, swooning romance, and a bucketful of teenage sass.” – Booklist

Years ago, Elle — never call her Cinderella — escaped her evil step family in order to build a new life for herself in Manhattan. Today, Elle’s awful past is a distant memory. In fact, Elle even attends West Lake Prep, an exclusive high school where regular humans mix with members of the Magicorum, such as fairies, shifters and witches. Although she still must live in hiding from her evil step family, Elle always has found ways to get whatever her heart desires.

That is, until Alec Le Charme. Sure, Alec is the heir to the Le Charme dynasty of high-end jewelers, but he's also kind, charismatic, and has a knee-melting smile. 

“Must-read YA paranormal romance!” - USA Today

Long story short, Elle has fallen for Alec, hard. Unfortunately, thanks to Elle’s evil step family, the Le Charme heir is absolutely off limits. In fact, if Elle and Alec so much as kiss, it will start a magical chain reaction that would end in powerful factions of witches and wizards going to war. As a result, Elle and Alec vow to stay friends, no matter what. Then West Lake Prep holds a masquerade ball. Identities get mixed up and forbidden kisses are finally shared.

Time for the Magicorum to go to war, and for Elle to confront her hidden past in ways she never thought possible.

(Affiliate link included.)

Cradled
(Beholder #5)
By Author
YA Dark Fantasy

Summary

"Has romance, adventure, and lots of magical encounters! It definitely satisfied my craving for something exciting!" - Cloud 9 Books

Finally, Elea and Rowan are settling in to their new lives. Trouble is, Rowan is spending a lot of time cleaning up messes from his childhood. And considering the nightmare that was his mother, those are some ugly messes indeed. In fact, the experience is enough to make Rowan vow that he never wants children of his own.

Oops.

"A riveting story with action, love and vengeance...A fantastic read." - The Not So Public LibraryPerfect for readers who love sword and sorcery filled with magic, necromancy, witches and wizards. This series combines fierce females, paranormal romance and epic fantasy. Enjoy! 

(Affiliate link included.)

Scythe
(Dimension Drift Prequels #1)
By Author
YA Urban Fantasy

Summary

A prequel novella to the new series from USA Today's 'must read YA paranormal romance' author, Christina Bauer.

Truth time. I go to a Learning Squirrel High School. Don’t judge. 

On second thought, judge away. Learning Squirrel is one step above attending class in a junkyard. But what do you expect? Everything’s made out of garbage these days. At least, I have my freelance work to keep Mom and me housed, clothed, and fed. How? I’m your regular high school science geek for hire… only my work manipulates space-time. These gigs pay really well, but the government wants people like me dead. Good thing I’m super careful about hiding from their detection systems.

Then I screw up a job. Badly. My house slips into two-dimensional space-time. It only lasts for a few seconds, but the move still sets off about a dozen government alarms. If they track me down, Mom and I are good as dead. Long story short, I need to pay someone off, hide the evidence, and keep us safe.

Unfortunately, that means asking the Scythe for help. He runs the local underground crime scene and has absolutely no conscience. Or I'm pretty sure he doesn’t. It’s hard to think straight when a guy’s that hot in an evil Mafioso kingpin kind of way. More importantly, he's a crime lord who can conceal my slip-up with a few clicks on his minion’s computer keyboards. But the Scythe has his price. In this case, he wants me to finish a certain dimensional prototype for him in twenty-four hours. I can do it, but it might mean Learning Squirrel High gets blown up in the process. Oh yes, and there's also my new hot classmate who may or may not be an alien... and he says he'll do anything to help me.

This job won't be easy, but I’ve gotten out of worse scrapes. Maybe.

"Bauer’s unique voice blends magical fantasy, swooning romance, and a bucketful of teenage sass." - Booklist

This new series is perfect for: fans of urban fantasy, action & adventure, cool science, evil corporations, forbidden romance and hot new classmates who may or may not be aliens.

(Affiliate link included.)

Duty Bound
(Angelbound Origins #0.5)
By Christina Bauer
YA Dark Fantasy

Summary

"Christina Bauer has blessed us, people! This book, written from Lincoln's perspective, was simply a treat that I most definitely enjoyed!" - The Reading Life

As the High Prince of the demon-fighting thrax, Lincoln knows he must marry for political gain. Not that he minds. For all of his eighteen years, Lincoln’s been bound to his duty. Fighting demons is his life, and he’s never given romance a second thought. Instead, the High Prince lives for the days when he leaves his hidden realm to fight demons on Earth.

Then, everything changes.

"I call dibs on Lincoln as my book boyfriend and main squeeze." - Accidental Reader

Lincoln and his nobles become forced to visit Purgatory, the home of quasi-demons (who are mostly human with a bit of demonic DNA). Here Lincoln spies Myla Lewis, a lady warrior who enflames his heart, ignites his interest, and inspires his respect. Trouble is, Myla’s also a quasi. By thrax law, Lincoln must kill anything demonic—not date them.

For the first time in his life, Lincoln wonders if he’ll follow his duty…or heed the demands of his heart.

Don't miss this prequel novella to the best-selling Angelbound, told from Prince Lincoln's point of view!

(Affiliate link included.)

About the Author

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Stalk Christina on Social Media – She Loves It!


Tour-Wide Giveaway

Happy release to My Brother's Bride by Rachael Anderson (Excerpt & #Giveaway)

My Brother's Bride
(Serendipity #2)
By Rachael Anderson
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 251 Pages
November 24th 2018 by HEA Publishing

Summary

Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams.

But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments.

Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.

Praise for My Brother’s Bride

I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting… I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~Melanie

My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it’s no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother’s Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I’m able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael’s books. I’m grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won’t disappoint. ~ Kathy

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Excerpt

When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.

“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.

A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch’s face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”

Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”

“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.

Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”

Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.

He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”

“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.

“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”

Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.

Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.

As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.

Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”

He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”

“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”

Other Books in the Series

My Sister's Intended
(Serendipity #1)
by Rachael Anderson
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 256 pages
March 2018 by HEA Publishing

Summary

For as long as Prudence can remember, it has been understood that her sister will one day wed the eldest son of their nearest neighbor. Such an alliance will benefit both families and bring a great deal of joy to all parents involved.

Unfortunately, Prudence has never been able to feel as joyful. She believes her sister is mad to consider marrying a man she hardly knows, even if he will one day make her a countess. Titles and wealth shouldn’t factor into matters of the heart, and as an aspiring romance novelist, Prudence cannot fathom how anyone could even think of settling for less than love. She certainly wouldn’t, and she doesn’t want her sister to either.

Unable to stand by and do nothing, Prudence sets out to help the awkward couple discover the best in each other with the hope that they will eventually find love. What she neglected to foresee, however, was that she might fall in love with Lord Knave herself.

Read my review HERE.

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About the Author


USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.


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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/16/18

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. 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. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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I've really loved these historical romances from this author and am reading this one soon. Will you be reading it?

A new Christmas romance... Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve by L.A. Sartor (Excerpt & #Giveaway)

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Release Blitz for
Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve
By L.A. Sartor

Dream Of Me This Christmas Eve
(Star Light ~ Star Bright #4)
By L.A. Sartor
Contemporary Romance, Christmas
ebook, 127 Pages
December 1st 2018

Boulder, Colorado, attorney Maximillian Henderson III is in a bind. His new law office won’t open on schedule unless he finds immediate help to finalize his building’s renovation.

Award-winning designer Caroline Young is visiting Boulder for a family wedding and has promised to stay through Christmas. Meeting Max at the wedding and hearing his problem, she accepts his plea for help. But if she can make him see past his own nose, she could make it even better.

Creating a new design only works if she commits to staying longer. By doing so, she puts her heart and her treasured independence at risk.

Max is aware her life and business are in California, and a long-term relationship is impractical. Still she adds vibrancy to his plain black and white world, and his dream of her on Christmas Eve convinces him to try.

On Christmas Day, Caro reveals that she must return home for a vital meeting, breaking her promise and his heart.

Max has new plans for his office but no Caro. Can he convince her to return to him and find a way to meld their lives?


Excerpt

Feel this? Seriously, she wanted him to do what? After that sigh, he wasn't sure he should. “Why are you so excited about an afghan?”
“Not just any old afghan, this one is vicuña. Seriously, feel it.”
If he hadn't reached out to take it from her, the throw would have fallen to the floor, and Max had an idea that would have been akin to sacrilege in Caro's eyes.
Despite himself, he held it up to his cheek. Soft, supple … Whoa, his thoughts were spinning in wild directions, all because of the woman sitting in front of him. “Nice.”
“Nice? Do you know what vicuña is?”
“Nope, can't say that I do.”
“It's the wild relative of the llama. Pretty rare these days. The Incas believed the critters were reincarnations of lovely young maidens, so only Incan royalty were allowed to wear the fleece. Their wool is incredibly expensive. Nevertheless, I'd love to find some.”
Max handed her back the throw, only to see her again bury her face into its softness. And damn if his body didn’t heat up a few degrees thinking about her nuzzling his neck with the same passion. Sucking in a lungful of the chilly air wafting through the front door cleared his mind. Just. “First, how do you know all this? And second, what would you do with the wool if you were to find and then afford it?”
“First, I love random facts. My teachers hated that, especially when I spouted off in class, answering a question with a fact or even another question.”
“And yet you were valedictorian of your high school class. Phi Beta Kappa, and magna cum laude at university.”
“How’d you know?”
“Brice. He talks about you all the time.”
“Oh, did he tell you that I knit?” She gestured Vanna White style to the sweater still topping her maid-of-honor gown.
Max felt his brows rise in surprise, and there was nothing he could do to stop his obvious reaction to her last reveal. Knitting seemed like such an old-fashioned art for a free spirit like Caro.  He prided himself on reading people—it was one of the traits that made him a successful attorney. Yet Caro, in the past few hours, delivered him one surprise after another. His interest level in her ratcheted up and went beyond his physical attraction.
If she agreed to his plan, this could be an interesting week ahead, matching wits and wherever anything else led. “You read structural and interior design plans, right?”
“I create design plans for structural engineering. So yes.”
“My designer has the flu and can't finish the work on my new office building. I could use your expertise to help complete the final phase so it's open by the new year.”
“I'm not really an interior designer.”
“It's a bit more than that.”
“How much more?”
She pulled the afghan up on her lap a little higher and he realized the draft continued.
“Hold on a sec, I’m going to see if the door was left open. It’s letting in minus-degree cold.”
Everyone had left the house. He closed the slightly ajar door, feeling instantly warmer, then returned to Caro and perched on the sofa’s arm.
“Okay, so you’re not an interior designer. And you asked how much more.”
She nodded, then poured a bit more champagne into her glass and sipped.
“The building is old and I’m having a lot of work done to the interior. And some new windows added. And—"
He stopped when she held up her hand. Uh oh.

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

I started writing as a child, really. A few things happened on the way to becoming a published author … a junior high school teacher who told me I couldn’t write because I didn’t want to study … urk … grammar. I went to college, moved a few times, came home and found the love of my life (that is another novel worthy story, but for later), and got married.

We were super busy with our respective careers, mine a custom jewelry business with my mom, who was also teaching metalsmithing at the time, and my husband a crazy law career. We had two fur babies, Fudge (and briefly her brother Smudge, but sadly he didn’t live very long) and Two. Our cats would sleep with us and when they’d stretch out to their full length, we’d end up sleeping on the edge of the mattress.

I have always been a voracious reader and one night after throwing a particularly bad book at the wall (even putting a small ding in said wall), I realized that I could do better. I told my husband, and he said go for it. I called Mom and she revealed the junior high teacher story and she told I’d been writing all the time up to that point.

That blew me away. I didn’t remember any of it. But I started writing again, nearly the next day, pen and paper, learning, making mistakes, winning contests, nearly getting an agent, becoming disenchanted with the publishing industry and moving away from novel writing to screenwriting, getting a contract for a script and doing really well in screenwriting contests.

But none of that was making me much money. After numerous scary robbery drills I wanted to move away from my bank job (yes, this is many years later and a lot of stuff in between) and write full time for the green stuff.

My husband told me repeatedly that independent publishing was becoming a valid way to publish a novel and people were making big dollars. I didn’t believe him even after he showed me several Wall Street Journal articles. I thought indie meant vanity press.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

I started pursuing this direction seriously, retired from the bank and hit the keyboard, learned a litany of new things and published my first novel. My second book became a bestseller, and while I’m not rolling in dough, I’m absolutely on the right course in my life.

So if you have a dream, pursue it as hard as you can. Life can get in the way, but never give up.

Please come visit me at www.lasartor.com, see my books, some pictures, some screenplays and sign up for my mailing list. I have a gift I’ve specifically created for my new email subscribers. And remember, you can email me at Leslie@LeslieSartor.com.

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Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive ebooks of all four books in the Star Light ~ Star Bright Series and a $15 Amazon eGift Card
US only
Ends December 2nd

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