No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop

enter to win one of the books listed below! 

 
 
 

INTL Giveaway - One lucky winner will receive one choice of book from the list above (or another in the series). Open internationally as long as The Book Depository ships to your country. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Please ensure that you enter correct email address - winner will be contacted via that info. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Good luck beautifuls!

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Christmas In July Giveaway Hop

enter to win one of the books listed below! 

 

 

 

INTL Giveaway - One lucky winner will receive one choice of book from the list above (or another in the series). Open internationally as long as The Book Depository ships to your country. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Please ensure that you enter correct email address - winner will be contacted via that info. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Good luck beautifuls!

Enter the Grand Prize at The Review Wire 

Disclaimer: This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on July 31, 2015. The Christmas in July Hop Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Companies and bloggers, if you would like to participate in events like this one, visit Review Wire Media and sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by The Review Wire.

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[Book Review] Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot

Royal Wedding
by Meg Cabot

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding--but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare.

For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn't need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui.

But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone--especially herself--that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

AMAZON | GOODREADS 

“Michael and I are an anomaly. Hardly anyone stays together forever with their first significant other, except maybe in YA novels. And usually when they do, it’s because he’s a vampire or a werewolf or owns a beautiful estate called Pemberley or something.”

Michael and Mia are definitely an anomaly and this is no longer a YA novel. Princess has grown up and is in a relationship that is a lot more serious with some really interesting details that should not rated at least PG-13. 

The story itself was great! I loved all of the Princess Diaries and it will always be one of my favorite movies so I was a little surprised at first to read about her relationship and all the "sex games" that her and Michael enjoy. I guess it's normal to feel weird about your younger characters growing up, it happened with Miley, it happened to many other Disney stars that became either a wreck or role models of young teens. 

But it was so good to see her care about her country and plan on getting married! I still disliked her grandmother as I always did but I still love the whole family and so glad for her parents. Really liked the book, think it is the perfect summer read!

About Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot was born in Bloomington, Indiana. In addition to her adult contemporary fiction, she is the author of the bestselling young adult fiction series, The Princess Diaries. More than 25 million copies of her novels for children and adults have sold worldwide. Meg lives in Key West, Florida, with her husband.

Find out more about Meg at her website, follow her blog, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

[Book Blast + Giveaway] Sherlock Academy by F.C. Shaw

Sherlock Academy by F.C. Shaw

Teachers in disguise, secret libraries, hollow books . . .

All these and more await eleven-year-old Rollie Wilson at the mysterious Sherlock Academy of Fine Sleuths.

When Rollie and his best friend, Cecily, are invited to attend a school where children learn the art of detection just like the great Sherlock Holmes, they discover a strange burglary has been committed and a mystery is afoot. Determined to investigate, Rollie discovers that appearances can be deceiving, the truth can be hurtful, and friends sometimes turn into foes.

Does Rollie have what it takes to follow in Holmes’s footsteps? Can he use his skills to solve the mystery and save the school from an unknown villain?

Praise for Sherlock Academy

For anyone who’s ever wanted to be Sherlock Holmes, this is your chance. –Adam Glendon Sidwell, Bestselling Author of Evertaster

My students love this book, and have asked for it again and again. It makes them feel as if they are in the story; they keep wanting to know what might happen next. Delightful story that invites anyone who loves mystery to dig in and figure it out! – Amazon Customer

Grab your copy from 

AMAZON.COM

Excerpt

The letter arrived by courier during breakfast.

“Go on, Rollie, read it aloud to us.” Mrs. Wilson, his mother, nudged his shoulder.

Rollie stared at the letter in his hand, his brown eyes wide with excitement.

“Who would send him mail?” Edward, an older brother, snorted.

“I don’t even get mail and I have a girlfriend,” Stewart, Edward’s twin, added.

“Maybe that’s it!” Edward exclaimed, grinning his lopsided smile. “Got a secret girlfriend, Rollie? I’ll bet it’s Cecily Brighton!”

“I wish I’d get a letter,” Lucille, a younger sister, pouted.

“Me too!” Daphne, her twin, chimed.

“Find a boyfriend and you’ll get mail,” Edward quipped.

Stewart slapped a high-five with his twin. The two teens snickered and elbowed each other.

“Stop it, boys. Let Rollie read it aloud,” Mrs. Wilson scolded as she brushed Rollie’s sandy-blond hair with her fingers.

Rollie cleared a dry throat unnecessarily. In a high voice common to boys of eleven years, Rollie read the letter aloud. When he was finished, the entire Wilson family started talking at once with high-handed opinions, as was their custom.

“Whoever heard of the Sherlock Academy?”

“Why Tuesday?”

“It’s the first of the month.”

“I want a letter!”

“Me too!”

“Get a boyfriend.”

Amidst all the banter around the breakfast table, Rollie sat silently regarding his hash browns, the only food he ever ate for breakfast. His middle fluttered with butterflies.

Want a FREE Kindle verison of the book? 

Sherlock Academy is now available in select Costcos throughout Utah, Idaho & Arizona. On your next trip, grab a copy! AND if you take a picture with the book and tag @FutureHousePub and @Costco on Twitter we’ll gift you a free Kindle version of the book!

Author F.C. Shaw

F.C. Shaw started writing stories when she was eight years old. She loves children’s stories, Sherlock Holmes, and mysteries, so had to write a book combining all three. She spends her afternoons writing for kids, and her nights dreaming of new stories. She lives with her husband and two sons in a home they have ambitiously dubbed The Manor in California. When she’s not plotting stories, she teaches visual arts in local schools and enjoys a good game of Scrabble.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash or a $50 COSTCO gift card

Ends 8/9/15

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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[Book Review] The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

The Invasion of the Tearling
by Erika Johansen

With each passing day, Kelsea Glynn is growing into her new responsibilities as Queen of the Tearling. By stopping the shipments of slaves to the neighboring kingdom of Mortmesne, she crossed the Red Queen, a brutal ruler whose power derives from dark magic, who is sending her fearsome army into the Tearling to take what is hers. And nothing can stop the invasion.

But as the Mort army draws ever closer, Kelsea develops a mysterious connection to a time before the Crossing, and she finds herself relying on a strange and possibly dangerous ally: a woman named Lily, fighting for her life in a world where being female can feel like a crime. The fate of the Tearling —and that of Kelsea’s own soul—may rest with Lily and her story, but Kelsea may not have enough time to find out.

GOODREADS  | AMAZON

“Even small gestures of kindness have the potential to reap enormous rewards. Only the shortsighted man believes otherwise.” 

The Invasion of the Tearling was an incredible follow up with the first book. What I really liked is that it provided more details on the world building since the first book wasn't as detailed. The writing and the pace of the book was incredible as always and everything about it was more realistic. 

The POV in the story goes back and forth  between Queen Kelsea preparing for the invasion of her country, and Lily, a  woman living in Pre-Crossing Connecticut. It's interesting to see the timeline between those and actually read about the Crossing. I appreciated the author incorporated this into the book and making me feel a lot more connected to the story. 

I did feel like the story itself came out a lot more dark than it was before. The vivid images of rape, sexual assault/harassment, and self-harm did come up but they weren't presented in romantic stage and were more dark than anything. No matter how much I do like the clean stories, these made my pulse race and turn the pages even more. Although I did really like the book, it bothered me that every single issue that was brought up could be solved by the necklace. I don't mind Kelsea's character but at times think it could have used more depth. Otherwise, highly recommended! 

About Erika Johansen

Erika Johansen grew up and lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She went to Swarthmore College, earned an MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and eventually became an attorney, but she never stopped writing.

Just Couldn't Put It Down July Giveaway Hop!

enter to win one of the books listed below! 

 

 
 

INTL Giveaway - One lucky winner will receive one choice of book from the list above (or another in the series). Open internationally as long as The Book Depository ships to your country. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Please ensure that you enter correct email address - winner will be contacted via that info. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen. Good luck beautifuls!

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u.s. only! enter to win all four books!

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[Book Spotlight + Giveaway] Leading Her Witness by Cheryl Ann Smith

LEADING HER WITNESS

• Series: Dead to Rights #1
• Published October 27th 2014 by Tulip Romance
• Adult Romance
• Add it to your shelf on Goodreads
• Get a Copy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Goons, deadbeats, and murder: A tenacious process server’s unconventional techniques get her into loads of trouble. So much so that her boss jokes that he keeps the coroner on speed dial just in case. Still, most of Andie Dixon’s job is pretty tame if she doesn’t count snapping dogs and homeowners squirting her with garden hoses.

That changes when she serves papers on a notorious crime boss and puts her life in real jeopardy. But despite this close call, Andie will not let threats keep her from doing her job. She puts the matter behind her until a hunky U.S. Marshal tracks her down and solicits her help to find the fugitive. Again. At first Andie adamantly refuses, but eventually agrees when she’s swayed by the Marshal’s persistence and rather dreamy brown eyes. However, when crime boss Sammy Gilroy, finds out she’s back and close on his heels, he threatens to make her disappear for good this time.

Marshall Colin Navarro needs to find Sammy Gilroy before the man vanishes forever. Colin is certain that the notorious crime leader was involved in a shoot-out with the FBI that injured his sister. But he never expected that he’d have to sway a newbie process-server to help, or that she’d turn out to be stubborn, aggravating, and an all-around pain in the ass. Yet despite her shortcomings, he cannot figure out why she’s taken over his thoughts and is front and center in some very hot fantasies. But can he keep her from getting herself killed as they edge closer to catching the fugitive? Then again, the crime boss and his goons don’t know who they’re messing with.

With Andie on the case, Colin is beginning to believe that justice may be served after all.

teaser

Lying face down on a white plastic lounge chair, his body pink from the sun and clad in a red swim suit several sizes too small for a man of his girth, her target was not hard to spot. Samuel “Sammy” Gilroy was oblivious to Andie’s intrusion as a topless woman vigorously rubbed suntan lotion onto his lower back.

Shuddering, she made a face. Ewwwww 

Obviously, Gilroy had not gotten the memo that men pushing sixty should not wear a thong. She, Andrea Dixon, process server extraordinaire, was scrunched down behind a tightly planted row of yews, swallowing past a hard lump of fear before she pushed her face farther out between the bushes. The tangy smell of chlorine caused her nose to twitch and she squelched the urge to sneeze. Any slip-up in this crowd was akin to signing her death warrant, and she wasn’t ready to go just yet. 

So, she scanned the pool area for the pair of goons Sammy kept on his payroll and ignored the funky twist in her stomach. 

Frick and Frack, she called the pair, as they resembled bookends in the black shirts and slacks they always wore. She’d seen them twice during her investigation into Sammy’s hideout. They were humorless, probably sprinkled steroid powder on their corn flakes, and were not to be messed with. 

Thank goodness the goon squad was not within sight. She relaxed a little between thoughts of “remember the money, Andie” and “what in the hell do you think you’re doing?” 

This case was far and above serving court papers for divorce cases and traffic warrants. To find herself just yards away from her first criminal went way beyond stupidity as far as she was concerned. But she had something to prove to herself…and to her family.
This case would show her mother and sisters that she wasn’t headed for a lifetime of dead-end jobs and familial disappointment. 

Four months in and she was convinced she’d finally found her calling...if she didn’t end up dead. 

Murder, Mayhem, and Perfekt Hair by Cheryl Ann Smith

• Series: Dead to Rights #2
• Published October 27th 2014 by Tulip Romance
• Adult Romance
• Add it to your shelf on Goodreads

About Cheryl Ann Smith

Cheryl Ann Smith loves mystery and adventure and always includes both in her books. And when she’s not putting her heroines in danger, she’s watching true crime shows or spending way too much time on email with friends. Cheryl lives in Michigan with her family and several pets.

Find Cheryl 

• Cheryl Ann Smith Twitter
• Cheryl Ann Smith Website
• Leading Her Witness facebook page
• Tulip Romance

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[Audiobook Review + Giveaway] Blades of Magic by Terah Edun

Blades of Magic (Crown Service #1)

by Terah Edun 

Release Date: 03/31/14

Length: 8 hours and 14 minutes

Narrator: Sylvia Roldn Dohi

Summary from Goodreads:

It is not a peaceful time in the Algardis Empire. War is raging between the mages and seventeen-year-old Sara Fairchild will be right in the middle of it.

She just doesn't know it yet.

Sara is the daughter of a disgraced imperial commander, executed for desertion. Sara is also the best duelist and hand-to-hand combatant in Sandrin. She lives quietly with her family’s shame but when challenged about her family’s honor, her opponent inevitably loses.

On the night she finds out her father’s true last actions, she takes the Mercenary Guilds’ vows to serve in the emperor’s army. Using her quick wits and fierce fighting skills, she earns a spot in the first division.

There she discovers secrets the mages on both sides would prefer stay hidden. Dark enemies hunt her and soon it's not just Sara questioning the motivation behind this war.

While fighting mages, blackmailing merchants and discovering new friends, Sara comes across something she’s never had before - passion. The question is - can she fight for her empress against a mage who might unwittingly claim her heart?

This is year one of the Initiate Wars. Sara is hoping it doesn't become the year she dies.

Buy Links:

Audible│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Kobo Books│iBooks

About the Author

Terah Edun is a young adult fantasy writer that writes the stories that she always loved to read as a young girl. She prefers reading and writing high fantasy tales of adventure, magic, fellowship and courtship. Her latest book is Sworn To Conflict, the third in the Courtlight series.

Author Links:

    

The simple idea behind thinking that your father died as a disgraced soldier would put any daughter in bad position within herself. And Sara, being the skilled warrior that she is, must obey her family in order to have some sort of memory of her father that is not changed by what everyone thinks. When she discovers that her father might not be guilty overall, she is determined to find the truth and bring respect and honor back to her family's name.

I loved the way the story started - with a big bang. The fights, the witty side of Sara was really entertaining and she was the ultimate badass in my book. And can I mention that she also possessed some sick magic skills and had a sidekick? This book was entertaining, fast, and with the perfect narrator, it brought the story to life. Highly recommended for all High Fantasy lovers! 

 

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