Friday, June 14, 2019

Book Review - Teeth in the Mist by Dawn Kurtagich + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon

The lives of three women are entwined with a monk who made a pact with the Devil long before they were born. However, the repercussion of the deal will be felt across generations for years to come. 

Zoey is a sixteen-year teenager who loves photography. She and her father are obsessed with the secrets behind a haunted and the burnt out ruins of Medwyn Mill House.  She and her best friend, Poulton decide to run away from home to explore the ruins. However, things start going wrong and they realize they might not be the only one in the house. Will Zoey and Poulton be able to figure out the dark history of the house before it is too late?

In 1851, seventeen-year-old Roan arrives at the Mill House as an orphan after the sudden passing of her father. She is joined by two other orphans who have their own share of secrets. After the mysterious disappearance of her guardian, Roan discovers a secret that might endanger her life. She must escape the house before it is too late.

In 2583, Hermione is a newlywed and joins her husband in North Wales to build a water mill and a mansion in the area. However, when people start to go missing it causes rumors of unholy rituals being done on the property.  People start to panic which leads to a tragic accident befallen on Hermione. Hermione will need all of her strength and courage to defeat the evil that lurks nearby.

Three women who are lived centuries apart will have to work together to defeat the man who bought them together. Will the women be able to escape his evil plans?

I was torn between loving and just liking this novel. The book was a scary and engrossing read but, some parts moved very slowly. I liked how the author included illustrations and changed the formatting of the text on pages. For example, when someone was knocking on the door, the words "Bang, Bang, Bang" gradually grew larger as the person grew more impatient. I felt like it added to the mood and made me feel like I was witnessing the events unfold with the characters. Overall, I enjoyed reading the novel and I can't wait to read the next book by the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**



Title: TEETH IN THE MIST
Author: Dawn Kurtagich
Pub. Date: June 11, 2019
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 352
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindleB&N, iBooksKoboTBD

A genre-bending epic horror-fantasy, inspired by the legend of Faust, that spans generations as an ancient evil is uncovered--perfect for fans of Kendare Blake and Ransom Riggs.

Before the birth of time, a monk uncovers the Devil's Tongue and dares to speak it. The repercussions will be felt for generations...

Sixteen-year-old photography enthusiast Zoey has been fascinated by the haunted, burnt-out ruins of Medwyn Mill House for as long as she can remember--so she and her best friend, Poulton, run away from home to explore them. But are they really alone in the house? And who will know if something goes wrong?

In 1851, seventeen-year-old Roan arrives at the Mill House as a ward--one of three, all with something to hide from their new guardian. When Roan learns that she is connected to an ancient secret, she must escape the house before she is trapped forever.

1583. Hermione, a new young bride, accompanies her husband to the wilds of North Wales where he plans to build the largest water mill and mansion in the area. But rumors of unholy rituals lead to a tragic occurrence and she will need all her strength to defeat it.

Three women, centuries apart, drawn together by one Unholy Pact. A pact made by a man who, more than a thousand years later, may still be watching...




About Dawn:

Dawn Kurtagich is an award winning author of creepy, spooky, and psychologically sinister YA, where girls may descend into madness, boys may see monsters in men, and grown-ups may have something to hide.

Her debut novel, THE DEAD HOUSE, was a YALSA Top 10 Pick, An Audie Award Nominee and an Earphone Award Winner. It has been optioned for TV by Lime Productions. She is also the author of THE CREEPER MAN / AND THE TREES CREPT IN, NAIDA and the forthcoming TEETH IN THE MIST, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers and Orion Children's Books. If you enjoy a creeping chill along your spine, mystery and little bit of terror, then you're in the right place!

By the time she was eighteen, she had been to fifteen schools across two continents. The daughter of a British globe-trotter and single mother, she grew up all over the place, but her formative years were spent in Africa—on a mission, in the bush, in the city and in the desert.

She has been lucky enough to see an elephant stampede at close range, a giraffe tongue at very close range, and she once witnessed the stealing of her (and her friends’) underwear by very large, angry baboons. (This will most definitely end up in a book . . . ) While she has quite a few tales to tell about the jumping African baboon spider, she tends to save these for Halloween!

When she was sixteen, she thought she'd be an astronomer and writer at the same time, and did a month-long internship at Cambridge's prestigious Cavendish Laboratories.

Dawn vlogs on her youtube channel and can be found hanging around Twitter and Instagram.


Giveaway Details:
3 lucky winners will receive finished copies of TEETH IN THE MIST, US Only.


Giveaway Link:

Tour Schedule:
Blog Tour: 
Week One:
6/3/2019- She Dreams in FictionExcerpt
6/4/2019- Literary Meanderings - Excerpt
6/5/2019- Smada's Book SmackReview
6/6/2019- Book BriefsReview
6/7/2019- 100 Pages A DayReview

Week Two:
6/10/2019- A Dream Within A DreamReview
6/11/2019- Book-KeepingReview
6/12/2019- BookHounds YAReview
6/13/2019- Confessions of a YA ReaderReview
6/14/2019- Two points of interest- Review


Thursday, June 13, 2019

Book Review - Charlie and Frog: The Boney Hand by Karen Kane + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon
Charlie Tickler just wants his parents to listen and pay attention to him. Francine "Frog" Castle wants to become the world's greatest detective.Together they work to solve unexpected mysteries in their school, Castle School for the Deaf. In their latest adventure, Charlie is accused of stealing a piece of the school's famous history. Charlie and Frog must solve the case before the cursed object lands in the wrong hands.

The novel was filled with fun and eccentric characters including Charlie's parents and grandparents. There was a few juvenile jokes about frozen underwear, missing remotes, and jellybeans. I love that the author showcased people who are deaf or hard of hearing along with including instructions on sign language. My favorite part was learning how to sign my favorite thing in the world (chocolate!). A must read for any child who likes a cozy mystery.


 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**



Title: CHARLIE & FROG THE BONEY HAND
Author: Karen Kane
Pub. Date: June 4, 2019
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 272
Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindleB&NiBooksKoboTBD

All Charlie Tickler wants is for his parents to listen.

All Francine (a.k.a Frog) Castle wants is to be the world's greatest detective.


So begins the friendship of Charlie and Frog, who soon become a crime-solving duo, restoring order to Castle-on-the-Hudson.


Charlie, the new kid at the Castle School for the Deaf continues to find unexpected mysteries in the sleepy town of Castle-on-the-Hudson with Frog, his new friend and crime-solving partner. Just when Charlie thinks everything has settled down, a piece of the school's famous history goes missing, and it's up to the Charlie and Frog to solve the case, before it's too late.



About Karen:
Karen Kane’s path to Charlie & Frog led her from a small village near Rochester, NY, to the bustle of Washington, DC. The people she met along the way inspired her writing with their warmth and humor, especially those in the Deaf community. Karen graduated from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When she’s not writing, Karen spends her days as a sign language interpreter at Gallaudet University or lost in the stacks of her local library. Charlie & Frog is her first novel. ​


Giveaway Details:
3 lucky winners will receive finished copies of CHARLIE & FROG THE BONEY HAND, US Only.

Giveaway Link:

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
6/3/2019- BookHounds YAExcerpt
6/4/2019- Two Chicks on BooksExcerpt
6/5/2019- Twirling Book PrincessExcerpt
6/6/2019- Little Red ReadsExcerpt
6/7/2019- The Suburban LifestyleReview

Week Two:
6/10/2019- BookishRealmReviewsReview
6/11/2019- Lifestyle of MeReview
6/12/2019- NerdophilesReview
6/13/2019- Two points of interest- Review
6/14/2019- Owl Always Be ReadingReview

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Book Review - Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Photo Credit - Amazon


It has been eighteen months since the Tox hit the Raxter School for Girls forcing the school to be put under quarantine by the CDC.  The Tox began very slowly as one by one of the teachers starting dying. Then it began infecting the students and mutilating their bodies causing deformities. The girls are cut off from the rest of the world and have to fend for themselves against nature and the Tox. They can't leave the island or the school's fence because it will break the quarantine order. While the neighboring woods prove to be wild and dangerous with the wild animals being affected with the Tox. The girls are waiting for the promised cure but, the world around them is starting to close in.

When Byatt goes missing, Hetty will stop at nothing to find her. She is willing to break quarantine and travel into the woods to find her beloved friend. What Hetty finds behind the fences leaves her to question everything she thought she knew. Will Hetty be able to put her fears and worries aside to save her friend?

The novel was an interesting read but, I felt that the writing took away from the novel. Sometimes, I felt I had to re-read sentences to make sure I was understanding the context. However, I love how strong and diverse each of the characters was. Personally, I thought the ending left a bit to desired but, I did enjoy the book.


 **Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Book Review - Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey



Photo Credit - Amazon
Ivy and Tabitha are twin sisters but, only Tabitha was lucky enough to be blessed with magic. Ivy likes to believe that she is okay with not having any magical abilities but, deep down she is envious of her sister. She wishes that she can be like her gifted twin sister instead of being a mediocre private investigator.

When a gruesome murder occurs at The Osthorne Academy of Young Mages, Ivy is bought in to help solve the murder. Ivy is reluctant to accept the case because her estranged twin sister teaches there. While investigating the murder, Ivy is pulled into the world of deadly secrets and dangerous power. Ivy desperately wishes she was a part of this magical world. Will be Ivy be able to solve the murder without losing herself or her sister in the process?

When I first saw this cover, I knew this book was for me but, sadly it wasn't.  I felt the novel focuses mostly on Ivy trying to become something she wasn't then the "magic" aspect. She had this self-pitying attitude that was annoying. I wish she was more confident in herself and her abilities. I was a bit disappointed in the ending. It felt like a letdown after being tension built up earlier. Overall, the novel had great potential but, it kind of fizzes out to a "meh" feeling.


**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Book Review - Never-Contented Things by Sarah Porter + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Prince and his fellow fairies have otherworldy charm and beauty. They roam the Earth for centuries looking for entertainment to pass the time. When they meet foster siblings Josh and Ksenia, Prince will stop at nothing to have them as his playthings. Josh and Ksenia have a strong bond with each other and love each other until the end of the world.

When the siblings become seduced and trapped by the fairies, they realize the gifts they received come at a terrible price. If they want to escape Prince's prison, they have to risk everything they love to reclaim their freedom. Will Ksenia and Josh be able to escape Prince's evil clutches?

I thought the novel has an interesting premise but, it was a confusing read. I felt like it had a lot going on especially with the long descriptive sentences. I found Ksenia and Josh's relationship to be confusing and a bit far fetched. They acted like young adults who love each other but, fail to understand that loving someone means doing the best for them. The novel felt a bit slow but, some parts of the fairy storyline was interesting. I found them to be imaginative and creepy.


 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**



Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (March 19, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765396734
ISBN-13: 978-0765396730


Praise for NEVER-CONTENTED THINGS

“Sarah Porter is a genius. Her language is lush and dangerous, and her books burn with the beautiful, ferocious intensity of a bonfire in the darkest night. Read Never-Contented Things with the lights on. Then read it again.” ―Brittany Cavallaro, New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Charlotte

“Sarah Porter’s Never-Contented Things creates a creepy new world like none I’ve seen before. Eerie, edgy, and filled with mystery, Porter takes us to the depths of the magical and psychological.” ―Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of Dorothy Must Die

Praise for WHEN I CAST YOUR SHADOW

“You’ll never think of your nightmares the same way again. Darkly seductive. Sarah Porter’s writing glitters and her storytelling stuns in this twisted tale of siblings, love, and death.” —Stephanie Garber, New York Times bestselling author of CARAVAL

“Sarah Porter’s darkly imaginative WHEN I CAST YOUR SHADOW intrigues from the start. Tragic and engrossing, filled with nightmarish dreamscapes and menacing villains, it also treads the tender terrain of family, and the strange and sometimes dysfunctional ties between siblings. Highly recommended!”  —Kendare Blake, New York Times bestselling author of THREE DARK CROWNS


Seductive. Cruel. Bored.
Be wary of…


Prince and his fairy courtiers are staggeringly beautiful, unrelentingly cruel, and exhausted by the tedium of the centuries ― until they meet foster-siblings Josh and Ksenia. Drawn in by their vivid emotions, undying love for each other, and passion for life, Prince will stop at nothing to possess them.

First seduced and then entrapped by the fairies, Josh and Ksenia learn that the fairies' otherworldly gifts come at a terrible price ― and they must risk everything in order to reclaim their freedom.


You can purchase Never-Contented Things at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Sarah Porter

SARAH PORTER is the author of the Lost Voices Trilogy (Lost Voices, Waking Storms, The Twice Lost) in addition to Vassa in the Night—all for the teen audience. For over ten years she has taught creative writing workshops in New York City public schools to students in grades K-10. Porter also works as a VJ, both solo and with the art collective Fort/Da; she has played venues including Roseland, Galapagos, Tonic, Joe’s Pub, The Hammerstein Ballroom, The Nokia Theater, and the Burning Man festival. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two cats.

        
WEEK ONE
JUNE 3rd MONDAY JeanBookNerd GUEST POST
JUNE 4th TUESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW
JUNE 4th TUESDAY The Book Enigma REVIEW
JUNE 5th WEDNESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

JUNE 5th WEDNESDAY Rose's Book Corner EXCERPT
JUNE 6th THURSDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
JUNE 6th THURSDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
JUNE 7th FRIDAY Movies, Shows. & Books EXCERPT
JUNE 7th FRIDAY Gwendalyn Books REVIEW

WEEK TWO
JUNE 10th MONDAY Wishful Endings INTERVIEW
JUNE 11th TUESDAY A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW 

JUNE 11th TUESDAY Bibliobibuli YA INTERVIEW
JUNE 12th WEDNESDAY Lisa Loves Literature REVIEW
JUNE 12th WEDNESDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW
JUNE 13th THURSDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
JUNE 13th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
JUNE 14th FRIDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
JUNE 14th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Book Review - Claiming the Drakos Heir by Jennifer Faye + Giveaway




Photo Credit - Amazon

Popi Costas just lost her sister to a tragic boating accident. Now she is faced with raising her late sister's unborn child alone. That is until the baby's wealthy uncle decides he wants custody of the child. Apollo Drakos is charming, handsome, but has a reputation for being selfish. Popi is determined to keep Apollo away from the baby. However, as Popi gets to know Apollo, she realizes there might be a soft interior under his hard shell. Will Popi and Apollo be able to put aside their differences? 

The novel follows the basic formula for a good romance novel: two people who do not communicate with each other and assume the worst of each other. However, the novel does have a few emotional rollercoasters, especially when dealing with a custody battle of a young child. I enjoyed reading and finding out the backstory of each character especially the mysterious Apollo. A definite must-read for anyone who loves romance novels.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Claiming the Drakos Heir (Greek Island Brides #2) By Jennifer Faye Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 256 Pages June 1st 2019 by Harlequin Romance
The rebel bachelor is back…
To claim her baby!
In this Greek Island Brides story, pregnant surrogate Popi Costas is faced with raising her late sister’s child alone, until the baby’s wealthy uncle arrives to take charge! Apollo Drakos is distractingly handsome, but Popi won’t let that stop her from fighting to keep the baby. Yet as she gets to know the man behind the wild card reputation, Popi’s reconsidering welcoming Apollo into her new little family…
Freebie
Go to Jennifer's Contact Page HERE and order your bookmark(s)!
The Greek Island Brides Series Finding love that lasts to infinity!
All marriages that take place on renowned wedding destination Infinity Island are guaranteed to last forever!
And the picturesque Greek island is about to weave its magic for friends Lea, Popi and Stasia. They dream of finding their own happy-ever-afters... And they’re about to meet three billionaires who will sweep them off their feet—and down the aisle!
Follow Lea’s journey from surprise pregnancy to dream proposal in...
 

Book #1 - Carrying the Greek Tycoon’s Baby
From one night…
To nine months!
In this Greek Island Brides story, for jaded tycoon Xander Marinakos, renowned wedding destination Infinity Island is just another opportunity to expand his empire. Until he’s captivated by its beautiful owner, Lea Romes… When their one night together has unexpected consequences, Xander must negotiate the deal of a lifetime, and put his guarded heart on the table to convince independent Lea they can be a family…for infinity!
And coming September 2019…
Book #3 - Wearing the Greek Millionaire's Ring
A convenient engagement…
An inconvenient attraction!
In this Greek Island Brides story, widow Stasia Marinakos is learning to enjoy life again aboard a Mediterranean cruise. Her chemistry with gorgeous Greek tycoon Roberto Carrass is a pleasant surprise—until she’s mistaken for his fiancée! Nevertheless, the guarded bachelor asks Stasia to continue the charade to stop his family from matchmaking. As their attraction grows, their fake romance feels ever more real…but what will happen when the vacation ends?
About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.
Tour Schedule
Tour Giveaway
1 winner will receive a copy of Carrying the Greek Tycoon's Baby (print if US, ebook if INT) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card Open internationally Ends June 12, 2019