Book Spotlight - Bewitching a Highlander by Roma Cordon + Giveaway

About the Book:

Title: BEWITCHING A HIGHLANDER (A Scottish Highland Warriors Novel #1)

Author: Roma Cordon

Pub. Date: June 7, 2022

Publisher: CamCat Books

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 368

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.com

Defying all for the love of a bewitching lass.

Breena MacRae, a healer from Skye with a touch of witchery in her blood, embarks on a dangerous search for her missing father. She arrives on the Isle of Coll, seat of the vile Campbells. There, she encounters the debonair future chief to the Dunbar Clan, Egan, who rescues her from a Campbell sentry.

Egan Dunbar is on Coll to keep the peace between the feuding Campbells and Dunbars. But when he catches Breena in a lie, he agrees to help her find her father to pay back an old debt and get to the bottom of the secrets she's hiding.

As their attraction for each ignites like a firestorm, Breena and Egan realize a future together could trigger deadly consequences—a clan war between the Campbells and the Dunbars. Is Egan willing to betray his clan for love, even though he knows Breena is keeping secrets from him? Can Breena trust him with her family secret and put those she loves at risk? 

 

About Roma Cordon:

Roma Cordon was introduced to romance novels in her teenage years and instantly became a voracious reader of the genre. In the 1990s, she came to live in New York where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees. After taking a writing course at New York University with Anne Rice, she dived into the world of writing while testing the waters at public speaking at her local Toastmasters club. By day, Roma works in the finance industry; in the evenings and weekends, she is a passionate romance writer. She also writes on her blog romacordon.com.

Inspiration for Roma’s debut novel, Bewitching a Highlander came from trips to Scotland with her husband. Roma is an active member of the RWA-NYC Chapter and lives in New York with her husband where they care for two adorable furry friends adopted from local shelters. 

Sign up for Roma’s mailing list for exclusive news & updates! Scroll down to the bottom of her home page.

 

Website |  Twitter  | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win an ARC of BEWITCHING A HIGHLANDER, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/23/2022	Viviana MacKade	Guest Post
5/24/2022	Writer of Wrongs	Guest Post
5/25/2022	BookHounds	Guest Post/IG Post
5/26/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt/IG Post
5/27/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

5/30/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
5/31/2022	TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	IG Review
6/1/2022	The Caffeinated Reader	Review/IG Post
6/2/2022	Author Z. Knight	Review/IG Post
6/3/2022	Angel's Guilty Pleasures	Guest Post/IG Post

Week Three:

6/6/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
6/7/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
6/8/2022	See Sadie Read	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/10/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review

Week Four:

6/13/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
6/15/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
6/16/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/17/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
6/18/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review

Book Review - The House of Ashes by Stuart Neville

 

Sara Keane and her husband, Damien moved from England to Damien's native Northern Island for a fresh start after Sara suffered from a nervous breakdown. Sara feels isolated in Ireland because she has no job, no friends, and no car. She feels like she is a prisoner in her own home.

One night, a blood-soaked old woman turns up at Sara's door insisting the house is hers. After the incident with the older woman, Sara finds out that the house has a terrible history that her husband was keeping a secret from her. As the two woman bond over their shared traumas, they both will need to find their own voice.

I thought this book would have more twists and thrills than it had. I felt like the story line was very straight forward and predictable albeit depressing. At times, I felt like the story was just muddling along. I can't say that I cared much about Sara's story line and was a bit annoyed that she put other people in danger. I felt that Sara's story wasn't as developed as Mary's and I struggled to understand why she stayed with Damien. I believe Sara hinted that she had an iffy relationship with her mother but, I wish they went into more details.

Book Review - Shadow Sands (Kate Marshall, #2) by Robert Bryndza

 

Criminology professor Kate Marshall is on a scuba dive with her son when they make a shocking discovery. They find a body of a teenage boy in the depths of the Shadow Sands reservoir. The detective chief inspector is quick to rule the case as an accidental drowning. However, Kate believes there is more to the story. As she begins to follow the evidence and clues, she discovers something more sinister.

It turns out the latest victim is one of the many in a series of deaths and disappearances linked to the moorlands. There is an urban legend of a phantom that uses the rolling fog to hunt for its victims. When a researcher studying urban legends disappears without a trace, Kate must act fast if she wants to find her alive.

This novel is the second book in the series but, I felt like it could be read as a standalone. I thought the book was an interesting read and it was nice seeing old characters making a reappearance while getting more history on Tristan. I enjoyed reading this book but, I definitely felt like I enjoyed the first book more. I felt like something was missing that I couldn't quite put my finger on. However, I am excited to read the next book in the series.

Book Review - Jackie's Star by Miss Lori

 

Jackie always wished that she could fly. One night, a star grants Jackie her wish to flying. As Jackie experiences the joy of flying she meets new friends along the way. They teach her that sometimes, you are perfect the way you are. I thought the illustrated book was an okay read but, taught children and important topic. Personally, I felt that the story didn't flow smoothly and I wasn't a fan of the illustration style. However, children who like whimsical designs might enjoy this book more than I did.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Book Review - I Want to Be a Vase by Julio Torres + Giveaway

 

The cute children book illustrates one object's need to live their lives beyond their predestined/predefined roles. A plunger wishes to change his job and become a vase instead. As he begins is his journey to be a vase, he realizes other things want to change their roles too. He also faces some naysayers who believe he should stay a plunger. The book was interesting and funny at times. I thought it was a fun read to show that sometimes we want to live a little and be other things.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

 

About The Book:

Title: I WANT TO BE A VASE

Author: Julio Torres & Julian Glander (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: June 7, 2022

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 48

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Former SNL writer and comedic rising star Julio Torres takes readers on a journey through the lives and intimate dramas of some of the unsung shapes of our time in this picture book inspired by his HBO special My Favorite Shapes.

Shapes. You’ve heard of them. You might have even interacted with a few. But do you really know them? From plucky Plunger, who wishes to defy his shape and become a beautiful vase, to other household objects with dreams of a life beyond their predestined roles, I Want to Be a Vase takes readers on an essential and visually stunning journey through the lives and intimate dramas of often-overlooked household appliances.

Reviews:

“I love this strange and brilliant book, which made me identify with a toilet plunger.”

—Mindy Kaling, #1 New York Times bestselling author

 

“This book is such a delicious feast for the eyes. It makes me want to be a refrigerator so I can store the leftovers!”

—Bowen Yang, actor, Saturday Night Live

 

“I’m deeply jealous of all the children who get to read this book. This is my villainous origin.”

—Aidy Bryant, actor, Saturday Night Live and Shrill

 

 

 

INSERT YOUR POST OR REVIEW HERE!

 

About Julio Torres:

Julio Torres is a comedian, the creator of the HBO special My Favorite Shapes, and has written for Saturday Night Live. He’s also one of the masterminds behind Los Espookys, HBO’s Spanish-language comedy about a group of horror enthusiasts. Visit him on Instagram @SpacePrinceJulio.

 

Website | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

About Julian Glander:

Julian Glander is a 3D animator, designer, and illustrator. Mostly self-taught, he has created work for Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Adult Swim, and the New York Times. He is also the creator of the video game Art Sqool and the squishy comics collection 3D Sweeties. Visit him at Glander.co.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok |  Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of I WANT TO BE A VASE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/30/2022	Ya Books Central	Excerpt
5/30/2022	pickagoodbook	Excerpt/IG Post
5/31/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
5/31/2022	Little Red Reads	Review/IG Post
6/1/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/1/2022	Nonbinary Knight Reads	Review/IG Post
6/2/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/2/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review/IG Post
6/3/2022	onemused	IG Post
6/3/2022	BookHounds YA	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/6/2022	@just_another_mother_with_books	IG Review
6/6/2022	Jenguerdy	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	Nerdophiles	Review/IG Post
6/8/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/8/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
6/10/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
6/10/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
6/10/2022	@froggyreadteach	IG Review/FB Post

Book Review - The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

 

Stephen Aston is getting married again but, he still married to his first wife. His first wife, Pam, is in a care facility for dementia. Stephen can easily get over that roadblock by divorcing Pam, even if his adult children protest his decision.

Tully and Rachel Aston feel that Heather is just using their father. They feel like she is an interloper. Heather is the same age as Rachel, who is the youngest daughter. They believe that she is after their father's money. However, Heather has her own reasons why she is marrying Stephen.

Pam is unable to speak for herself and her memory is shot. Tully and Rachel are determined to get the truth behind their family's secret. Will they be able to get the truth?

I have a lot of books with a similar theme but, this book was quite disappointing. There was almost no twist and the ending was predictable. I didn't like the direction the book took because the ending was a bit open and all the character's story was called into question. All the characters complained about this one person about being abusive but, then called that person "the love of their lives". This book just showed a bunch of dysfunctional people and they all second-guessed themselves even though they had a gut feeling. I can't say that I really cared for any of the characters.

Book Review - Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellison

 

 

The Goode School is located on top of a hill in a tiny town of Marchburg, Virginia. The school is a prestigious prep school for girls that is also known as the Silent Ivy. Girls from rich and influential families flock to the school that is known to only accept the best and brightest students. The Goode students are expected to follow their honor code along with their long-held traditions. The students who attend the school can be expected to have bright futures at Ivy League universities and beyond.

However, a mysterious newcomer has arrived at Goode and things have started to turn for the worst. All the students have come to accept the rules and the cruelties of the secret societies.But when a popular student is found dead, the truth starts to seep through the cracks. The rumors suggest that she was struggling with keeping a secret and that drove her to suicide.

I thought the book was an interesting read. It was a suspenseful read with a twist ending. The book was told in alternating point of views but, it was hard at times distinguishing between the character at times. In the middle the book was a bit slow, I felt like if the author condensed the book in some parts, it would have been a better read. I would read other books by the author.

Book Review - What's Inside a Flower? by Rachel Ignotofsky

 

The beautifully illustrated book depicts the science behind flowers. It goes into details about the different animals, types of flowers and other scientific question behind flowers. The book gave very basic building blocks to encourage kids to explore and learn more. I thought the book was beautifully drawn and informative. I think its a good basic book to get kids interested in science.

Book Review - The Confession Club (Mason, #3) by Elizabeth Berg

 A group of friends in Mason, Missouri, decide to start a monthly supper club. They plan to spend the evening eating and sharing among friends. However, things take a turn when one woman decides to share an intimate secret. The supper club becomes the Confession Club as the women gather weekly to share dinner and embarrassing secrets, insecurities, and regrets.

 Iris Winters and Maddy Harris are the two latest newcomers to the group. Iris has feelings for a man who is charming but, troubled. Maddy moved back to escape from a problem in New York. They both are excited to join the group because they need support from each other to help them make a decision.

 I thought the novel was a quick and easy cozy read. I did feel that the book had too many characters at one point and it made it hard to keep track of everyone. A few times, some of the characters just blended together. Some of the situations and the characters did feel a bit unrealistic. However, I did enjoy reading the novel and felt it was a nice palate cleanser from books I normally read.

Book Spotlight - Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints, #1) by Daniel José Older + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: BALLAD & DAGGER (Outlaw Saints #1)

Author: Daniel José Older

Pub. Date: May 3, 2022

Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 384

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Daniel José Older's music-and-magic-filled YA urban fantasy about two teens who discover each other and their powers during a political battle within a unique diaspora community.

Almost sixteen years ago, Mateo Matisse's island homeland disappeared into the sea. Weary and hopeless, the survivors of San Madrigal's sinking escaped to New York.

While the rest of his tight-knit Brooklyn diaspora community dreams of someday finding a way back home, Mateo--now a high school junior and piano prodigy living with his two aunts (one who's alive, the other not so much)--is focused on one thing: getting the attention of locally-grown musical legend Gerval. Mateo finally gets his chance on the night of the Grand Fete, an annual party celebrating the blended culture of pirates, Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews that created San Madrigal all those centuries ago.

But the evil that sank their island has finally caught up with them, and on the night of the celebration, Mateo's life is forever changed when he witnesses a brutal murder by a person he thought he knew.

Suddenly Mateo is thrust into an ancient battle that spans years and oceans. Deadly secrets are unraveled and Mateo awakens a power within himself--a power that not only links him to the killer but could also hold the key to unlocking the dark mystery behind his lost homeland.

From the author of the award-winning Shadowshaper Cypher series comes the first novel in the Outlaw Saints duology--a brilliant story that will transport readers to a world where magic, myth, and gods reign over the streets of Brooklyn.

 

 

About Daniel José Older:

Daniel José Older is a New York Times best-selling author and story architect. He has published fourteen novels and numerous short stories and essays, and he is a regular comics writer for Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures and Marvel. He won the International Latino Book Award and has been a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, and the World Fantasy Award. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic, and hear his music at http://danieljoseolder.net, as well as on YouTube, @djolder on Twitter, @danieljose1 on Instagram, and @danieljoseolder on TikTok. He and his family live in New Orleans.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of BALLAD & DAGGER, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/1/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
5/2/2022	celiamcmahonreads	Excerpt/IG Post
5/3/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
5/4/2022	Emmiepooh2	IG Review
5/5/2022	@bujos_n_books	IG Review
5/6/2022	The Book View	Review/IG Post
5/7/2022	Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	IG Review

Week Two:

5/8/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
5/9/2022	Library of Alexandria Archives	Review/IG Post
5/10/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
5/11/2022	Pages_and_Procrastinaton	Review/IG Post
5/12/2022	@drewsim12	IG Review/TikTok Post
5/13/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
5/14/2022	Karen Dee's Book Reviews	IG Review

Week Three:

5/15/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
5/16/2022	Bri's Bookish	IG Review
5/17/2022	A Backwards Story	Review/IG Post
5/18/2022	The Clever Reader	Review/IG Post
5/19/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
5/20/2022	laura's bookish corner	Review/IG Post
5/21/2022	zaineylaney	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

Week Four:

5/22/2022	BookHounds YA	Review/IG Post
5/23/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
5/24/2022	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
5/25/2022	Cocoa With Books	Review/IG Post
5/26/2022	wilted pages	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
5/27/2022	@lexijava	Review/IG Post
5/28/2022	two points of interest	Review

Week Five:

5/29/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
5/30/2022	GivernyReads	Review/IG Post
5/31/2022	Kait Plus Books	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

May 2022 Haul Part 2!

 

I can't believe May is already finished! The month has gone by and also the year so quickly. I didn't go too crazy with the goodies!

I got a few facial masks that I got on sale from Facetory. I don't have a specific favorite or a mask that I want to try first. I just need to try and use more of the masks instead of buying and having a rather huge stockpile.

I got a few lip products including the Urban Decay Vice lipstick palette. I can't wait to be able to wear lipstick more often in public. I did get a new lip treatment from Hanalei. I believe I have tried it a few years ago but, I can't remember if I loved it or not.

I am excited to try the body wash by Beauty Protector. I have tried their hair products and really enjoy them. II am super excited and intrigued by The Beautiful Factr. probiotic ball cream. It looks like an interesting concept and I hope it keeps my skin feeling soft and hydrated. Before I bought the cleansing oil from Derma E, I used to love the brand. I recently both a few of their products and the last few things I have used have been quite disappointing. However, I am hoping this cleansing oil works wonders.

Book Review - The Honeys by Ryan La Sala

 

Mars always felt that he was the lesser twin. He was always in his sister, Caroline's, shadow. However, when Caroline dies in a horrible accident, Mars is determined to learn more about his twin. The pair were once inseparable but, sister has slowly grown distant from him.

Mars considers himself to be gender fluid. His politically connected family often excludes him from traditions and expectations because of it. He was excluded from attending the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy that her sister loved attending. Mars is still trying to cope with her death and insists on attending the academy in her place.

Mars realizes the camp atmosphere and what it stands for isn't for him. The adults and children still follow outdated old fashioned gender roles along with allowing predatory behaviors among the campers. Mars seeks out Caroline's old roommates, a group of girls called the Honeys. They were named after the beehives they maintain near their cabin. Mars feels drawn to them but he is certain that they are connected to Caroline's death.

I found the novel to be an entertaining read. Mars was a delightful character and I love his witty banter with Wyatt.  In the beginning, the description of the Honeys and certain situations pulled in readers and kept them there and left them wanting to know more. However, I felt like some parts of the book stalled and felt a bit disjointed. I did enjoy the story but, I can't put my finger on why I didn't love the story especially, since I liked Mars as a character. I would be open to reading more books by the author though.

 

**Disclosure - I received a free copy  of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**