Book Spotlight - Paola Santiago and the Forest of Nightmares by Tehlor Kay Mejia + Giveaway

 
 

About the Book

Title: PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE FOREST OF NIGHTMARES (Paola Santiago #2)

Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia

Pub. Date: August 3, 2021

Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 336

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

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the sequel to Tehlor Kay Mejia's critically acclaimed own-voices novel about science-obsessed Paola Santiago.

Six months after Paola Santiago confronted the legendary La Llorona, life is nothing like she'd expected it to be. She is barely speaking to her best friends, Dante and Emma, and what's worse, her mom has a totally annoying boyfriend. Even with her chupacabra puppy, Bruto, around, Pao can't escape the feeling that she's all alone in the world.

Pao has no one to tell that she's having nightmares again, this time set in a terrifying forest. Even more troubling? At their center is her estranged father, an enigma of a man she barely remembers. And when Dante's abuela falls mysteriously ill, it seems that the dad Pao never knew just might be the key to healing the eccentric old woman.

Pao's search for her father will send her far from home, where she will encounter new monsters and ghosts, a devastating betrayal, and finally, the forest of her nightmares. Will the truths her father has been hiding save the people Pao loves, or destroy them?

Once again Tehlor Kay Mejia draws on her Mexican heritage to tell a wild and wondrous story that combines creatures from folklore with modern-day challenges.

 

Grab book 1 PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE RIVER OF TEARS NOW!

 

About Tehlor Kay Mejia:

Tehlor Kay Mejia is an Oregon native in love with the alpine meadows and evergreen forests of her home state, where she lives with her daughter. When she's not writing, you can find her plucking at her guitar, stealing rosemary sprigs from overgrown gardens, or trying to make the perfect vegan tamale. She is the author of Paola Santiago and the River of Tears and the YA fantasy novels We Set the Dark on Fire and We Unleash the Merciless Storm. Follow her on Twitter @tehlorkay.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of PAOLA SANTIAGO AND THE FOREST OF NIGHTMARES, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/1/2021	Log Cabin Library	Excerpt
8/2/2021	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
8/3/2021	Mocha Girls Read	Excerpt
8/4/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
8/5/2021	Feed Your Fiction Addiction	Review
8/6/2021	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
8/7/2021	@drewsim12	Review

Week Two:

8/8/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
8/9/2021	booksaremagictoo	Review
8/10/2021	Emelie's Books	Review
8/11/2021	More Books Please blog	Review
8/12/2021	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
8/13/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
8/14/2021	Locks, Hooks and Books	Review

Week Three:

8/15/2021	Fyrekatz Blog	Review
8/16/2021	Adrianna.reads	Review
8/17/2021	Don't Judge, Read	Review
8/18/2021	A Gingerly Review	Excerpt/IG post
8/19/2021	Midnightbooklover	IG Post
8/20/2021	Discover Elysian	Review
8/21/2021	Abellafairytale	Review

Week Four:

8/22/2021	Little Red Readz	Review
8/23/2021	@pagesofyellow	Review
8/24/2021	popthebutterfly	Review
8/25/2021	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
8/26/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
8/27/2021	Addicted to Media	Excerpt
8/28/2021	@fictitious.fox	Review

Week Five:

8/29/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
8/30/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review
8/31/2021	@lexijava_bookish	Excerpt

Book Review - Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse

 

Ellie Fields wants more out of life than what her Alabama home is willing to offer. She decides to accept a teaching job in a tiny town of Bernadette, Louisiana deep in bayou country.  The inhabitants are suspicious of outsiders because their language and culture are being threatened. However, Ellie ends up teaching the people and help them feel appreciated. She struggles to deal with opposition from the school board and the politician with ulterior motives while keeping the trust of the bayou people.

As Ellie learns to live in the bayou country, she crosses path with a lonely Cajun fisherman, Raphe, who she finds intriguing. He introduces her into the rich tapestry of Cajun culture including, showing her the legendary white alligator. As Raphe and Ellie begin to trust each other, their is a huge bounty being offered for the elusive gator that will test their love for each other.

I enjoyed reading this book and found Ellie to be a delightful character. I thought the scenes with the trio (Ellie, Raphe, and Heywood) to be my favorite. I appreciated and loved the rich details that the author gave but, felt like some of the story line lacked depth. For example, a character goes missing and we are lead to believe that he might be doing something but, then we find out what happened to him in passing.  I wonder if its because the author had too many plot lines and she wasn't sure how to tie them all in together as some plot lines were solved "off screen" with a few sentence to wrap it up. Overall,  it was a great book and I look forward to reading more by the author.

Book Review - The Lion's Den by Katherine St. John

 

 

 Belle likes to believe that she is immune to the charms of wealth. However, when her best friend, Summer, invites her to a birthday bash on a yacht owned by her billionaire boyfriend, Belle has hard time saying no. She is in a desperate need for a vacation after her acting career has stalled and her waitress job leaves her drained. Once she sets foot on the beautiful Lion's Den, she realizes the vacation isn't what she expected.

The dream vacation has quickly descend to a nightmare when they realize they don't have much freedom or privilege on the yacht. They find their host to be terrifyingly controlling and everything has to go his way. On the trip, Belle finally realizes what kind of person Summer really is and that Summer will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Belle realizes that she might be a prisoner onboard the yacht but, she must keep her wits about her if she wants to escape.

I wasn't sure what I was expecting when I first picked up this but, I thought it was probably going to be a trashy beach read. The first few pages started off fine but, then it descended into a full on over the top soap opera drama style story. I felt like it was very hard to be believable. There was a few times I was over the story because I am thinking what kind of person would put themselves in this situation and just kind of sit back  and take being treated terribly. The ending of the novel was quite predictable and could be seen miles away. It was an okay read but, I wouldn't be reaching for any of the author's book any time soon.

August 2021 Haul Part 2!

 

I am happy to say that August is out of the door along with it's hot weather. I am really looking forward to the Fall and the amazing cool weather. I didn't go too crazy this haul because I haven't been finishing too much stuff. And I am really trying super hard to de-clutter my apartment but, yet I still order more things every.single.day!

I got quite a few samples from orders I did and with GWP. I am really excited to try the Playa shampoo and conditioner set along with Davines samples. I already owned the full size of the Davines but, I enjoy the Oi line. I love Cake Beauty and so when I saw their Milk Made hand cream on sale, I had to get another. Their products have a decadent sweet taste that reminds me of...well..cake :) They smell so delicious it's hard not try and lick your hand.

I got two new products from Green Rhapsody that I am super excited to try. I got a marine hydrator and the bottle looks so cute. I am curious what is floating in the bottle. The Good Earth is a clay mask and I love me a good clay mask. I got this new serum from Somme Institute and I am excited because I love trying new serums. I thought the minimalist packaging was interesting because they don't  write the brand's name on the bottle but only the small copyright available.

I got this new jelly mask by Acure that I am really excited to use it. It has a pretty pink color. I got this lip flip from Estee Lauder from Turn Down. I got this new lip mousse from this brand called Absolute in Pin Up. I heard many great things about this affordable brand and I am super excited they opened a store in NYC.

Did you get anything new this month that you are excited to try this month?

Book Review - The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

 

Mariana Andros is certain that Edward Fosca is a murderer but, he is untouchable. He is a devilishly handsome popular Greek tragedy professor at Cambridge.  He is well adored by staff and students especially by the secret society of female students called The Maidens. 

Mariana works as a group therapist and is fixated on Edward Fosca and the Maidens. She believes that they are responsible for the death of Tara, her niece's friend. Mariana was also once a student at the idyllic school but, she suspects something dark is hiding behind the beautiful facade. 

She remains convinced that Edward is guilty despite his alibi.When another body is found, Mariana's obsession with Fosca spirals out of control. As she falls into the rabbit hole, her reputation and credibility is being questioned. However, Mariana is determined to find and stop the killer even if it might cost her life.

I was very excited to read this book because I loved his previous novel. However, I had a hard time falling in love with this book because I didn't care for Mariana. I felt like she was frustrating and annoying at times. I thought the book moved very slowly in the middle and that the story just plodded along. I felt that ending was unsatisfying as it didn't really give any answers.  I would still be open to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The End of Her by Shari Lapena

 

Stephanie and Patrick are trying adjusting to life with their colicky twin girls. The babies are a handful and Stephanie struggles with sleep deprivation but, she feels that she has everything she ever wanted.

A woman from Patrick's past, Erica, appears and makes a deadly accusation. She claims that Patrick's first wife didn't die by accident but, Patrick murdered her. Patrick insists that he is innocent and that Erica is only after their money.  As Stephanie interacts with Patrick and Erica, Stephanie begins to suspect that her husband might be a murderer. As Stephanie begins to lose her trust in Patrick, she wonders who is telling the truth?

This book was a devious good read that leaves the reader guessing until the end. I was a little disappointed in the ending where many of the characters had their back against the wall but, we never know what became of them. I didn't care of most of the characters but, I still wanted to know their fates. Overall, it was a good book and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

Book Review - The Bloom Girls by A.J. Pine

 

Gabi Bloom only believes in photographic evidence and things she can view from her camera lens. She certain doesn't believe in signs. She went to Europe to kick off her photography career and see the sights. When she is in Ireland, all of that changes when she locks eyes with a blue eyed American bartender, Ethan. She wasn't prepared for how intense her attraction to him would be or that they would be going together engaged. 

Forty year old, Alissa has a lot on her plate and now she has to worry about her daughter's upcoming marriage. She raised her daughter by herself while Gabi's father, Matt, traveled the globe. As she is dealing with her little girl getting married, Alissa finds out that she is pregnant again. Her ex is the father and he wants to be a part of her life for good. However, Alissa decides to keep it a secret so she can help Gabi plan the perfect wedding.

The book started off interesting as we learn how Gabi meets Ethan but, around the halfway mark I lost interest in the book. I felt like we got snippets on Gabi's relationship but, then the story skips their time together and then starts off on them returning home together. I feel like that didn't give us any insight into their relationship.

I had a hard time bonding or liking any of the characters as we barely got to know their backstory. They felt like cardboard cut outs. The book had a few funny moments but, the story barely moved along. Instead there was pages and pages filled with fluff pieces and different random characters finding out Alissa's secret. I felt that too much time was given to the fluffy parts of the story rather than the interesting bits. I felt like that this book was focusing on too many things and should have just focused on one story line. There was so many teases and hints about character's stories that went nowhere. I like romcoms as much as the next person but, this book was a complete miss for me.

Book Review - Kyle's Little Sister by BonHyung Jeong

 

Grace just started middle school and she wants to be known by her name and not just "Kyle's little sister!" Her older brother is good looking and social while, Grace is the total opposite. She prefers to stay at home and play video games. Grace is desperate for a way to get out of Kyle's shadow and live her own life.

The graphic novel was a cute read. It was predictable and I have read similar stories before. I wish there was a bit more humor as the graphic novel was a bit straightforward. I would be interested in reading other graphic novels by the author.

August 2021 Empties!

 

Ah August is here which means summer is almost finished! I can't wait for the cooler weather. I am super proud of myself with all the things I managed to finish this month. I think this is the most I ever finished.

I love using nose strips because its just so satisfying to remove the strip and seeing all the gunk adhere to the strip. The Me Factory 3 step mask I bought was fun to use but some part of the strip didn't stick properly and it didn't work very well. I had bought the strips for $1 and thought that was a fair price. 

Usually, I only take warm baths during the cooler months but I been enjoying a nice warm bath here and there when the weather has been tolerant. I recently re-discovered my love for Burt's Bees Milk baths. They have two - one "herbal" for adults and "buttermilk" for babies. They both have a pleasant scent that disappears quickly but, my skin is left feeling so soft.

I liked the Glo Renew Serum. It had a nice scent and when I applied this after applying a sheet mask, my skin was glowing the next day. I liked the ThisWorks Sleep body lotion. It felt relaxing to put on and made my skin softer when I woke up. However, I am not sure if its worth the $$$ price tag.

Is there anything you finished this month that you adored?

Here is everything I finished this month -

Me Factory 3 Step Pore Cleansing Strips

Burt's Bees Herbal Milk Bath

Midflower Clarifying Black Mask

MediHeal Warming Eye Mask

Honey Jarret Super Beau'Tea Mask Rose

Coscodi Propolis Blanc Cell Mask

Yadah Ba-Fu Facial Mask

Dewytree Skin-Derma Aqua Mask

Burt's Bees Baby Bee Buttermilk Bath

Murad Environmental Shield Essential C Cleanser

Nature Queen Premium Herbal Shampoo

Julep Nail Polish - Quinn

Glo Skin Beauty Solution Clear Renew Serum

Sabon Tropic Sorbet

Erno Laszlo The Famous Black Soap

Clio Gelpresso Eye Liner

Georgette Klinger Collagen & Elastin Mask

Murad Blackhead Remover

Thisworks Deep Sleep Body Cocoon

Coastal Salt + Soul Heavenly Hand Cream Blue Watermint

Yadah Cactus Toner

Neuma reNu Scalp Therapy

Rahua Clasic Conditioner

SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel

h20+ Hydration Oasis Refreshing Gel Moisturizer

It's a 10 Miracle Leave - In Product

Book Review - The Residence by Andrew Pyper

 

In 1853, President Franklin Pierce and his family are traveling to Washington, DC when a tragic accident occurs. Their train runs off the rails and the passengers are violently thrown around in the cabin. When the train finally settles, the only casualty is Bennie, the beloved son of the President. Franklin's presidency is tainted with sorrow and grief.

When Franklin arrives to the White House, he notices weird occurrences. There are strange noises coming from the walls and ceilings along with visions of spirits that perished in the White House. The First Lady Jane Pierce decides to bring in the noted Spiritualists, the Fox Sisters, for a séance. During the séance, the barrier between this world and the next is broken causing something dangerous to come through and take residence in the mansion. Franklin and Jane are overcome with grief but, they know they need to banish the dark presence before it takes over the White House.

The book had an interesting premise but, I think it lacked in execution. The author slowly built up the story but, it went nowhere. I quickly lost interest when I was seventy percent finished because the author was introducing creepy elements that didn't seem to have a purpose. I found the novel to be incredibly boring and couldn't be bothered to finish the rest of it.

Book Review - Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan

 

Jess is a stay-at-home mother of three. Many see her as the perfect mother and a role model. Liz admires the mother Jess has become after being friends for a decade. Then everything Liz knows is shattered when Jess's baby, Betsey, is admitted to the hospital with a head injury. Jess offers vague reasons behind Betsey's accident.

I thought the book was going in a different direction based on the cover of the book. I felt like the book was a bit slow. I didn't think that the book needed to be that long. I am not sure why this was considered a thriller as the only twist was at the very end.

Book Review - Going Wild (The Infamous Frankie Lorde) by Brittany Geragotelis + Giveaway

 

Frankie loved using her unique set of skills against a crooked real estate mogul with her friend, Ollie. However, she is getting restless especially when her dad is still stuck in prison. Frankie struggles to come to terms with her being stuck in Connecticut a lot longer than she expected.

While volunteering at a local animal shelter, Frankie and Ollie learn that there is an exotic animal farm supplying the wealthy with illegal animals such as lions, tigers, and snakes. Frankie wants to do something to protect the endangered animals that are being held captive in horrendous conditions. She decides she will find a way to free the animals while capturing the bad guys in a trap of their own.

I like reading books that are targeted towards young readers as they usually filled with interesting story lines sprinkled with humor. I didn't really care for this book as it boring and completely unrealistic. I know a middle school aged child who is an expert thief is a bit unrealistic and should be taken with a grain of salt but, other things was just completely unbelievable and this didn't strike me as a fantasy novel. I felt it hard that a middle school-er could dress up and fool a bunch of adults that they are adults. I also found Frankie's personality confusing, she was acting like an "adult" but, did seriously childish things. Personally, I like books with a bit of humor and found this book just boring and unappealing. I wouldn't be interested in reading other books in this series.

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

 

About The Book:

Title: GOING WILD (The Infamous Frankie Lorde #2)

Author: Brittany Geragotelis

Pub. Date: August 3, 2021

Publisher: Pixel + Ink

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 304

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

In this upper middle grade series, a pre-teen international thief turns over a new leaf (sort of) to right societal wrongs in her snooty new town. For Frankie, using her less-than-legal set of skills to pull a heist against a crooked real estate mogul with the help of her new friend Ollie was super gratifying, but she's getting restless now. In the second book in the series, the potentially reformed thief dives into the dangerous and political world of trafficking exotic animals. Frankie and Ollie hear that there's a dangerous exotic animal farm supplying Greenwich's elite with lions and tigers and bears. Feeling an instant kinship with the endangered creatures locked away in their cages, Frankie makes it her mission to find the perpetrators, free the beautiful beasts, and ensnare the bad guys in a trap of her own.

Reviews:

"Fast and cinematic."—School Library Journal

"A thriller for fans of plot-driven stories."—Kirkus Reviews

 

Grab book 1 Stealing Greenwich now!

 

 

About Brittany Geragotelis: 

Brittany Geragotelis, a former Olympic-bound gymnast and magazine editor, is a self-professed pop culture junkie turned author. Her paranormal action book Life’s a Witch received 18 million reads on the writing site Wattpad.com. What the Spell is the first published book in the series, followed by Life’s a Witch and The Witch Is Back. The Infamous Frankie Lorde is her first series with Pixel+Ink. Brittany lives in Los Angeles with her awesome husband, two clever boys, one scaredy-cat, and a crazy dog.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of GOING WILD, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/26/2021	Kait Plus Books	Guest Post
7/26/2021	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Guest Post
7/27/2021	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
7/27/2021	BookHounds	Instagram Post
7/28/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Review
7/28/2021	Rajiv's Reviews	Instagram Post
7/29/2021	More Books Please blog	Review
7/29/2021	More Books Please blog	Instagram Post
7/30/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Review
7/30/2021	The Phantom Paragrapher	Instagram Post

Week Two:

8/2/2021	Living in a Bookworld	Excerpt
8/2/2021	Lifestyle of Me	Review
8/3/2021	Books and Zebras	Review
8/3/2021	Midnightbooklover	Instagram Post
8/4/2021	The Momma Spot	Review
8/4/2021	The Momma Spot	Instagram Post
8/5/2021	Two Chicks on Books	Guest Post
8/5/2021	Jaimerockstarbooktours	Instagram Post
8/6/2021	Fire and Ice	Review
8/6/2021	Two Points of Interest	Review

Book Review - The Wife Who Knew Too Much by Michele Campbell

 

The first Mrs. Ford was a beautiful and accomplished socialite that was married to a younger man. She mysteriously died one day and left her wealth to her husband. The second Mrs. Ford is a waitress from a small town who is struggling to ends meet. They met during a summer fling ten years prior and now she is rich beyond her dreams. Connor Ford is a mysterious man who is beloved by two women. Is he a victim or the mastermind behind his first wife's death?

 The book was interesting a few pages in but, towards the middle it felt like it was dragging. The ending came as a one-two punch with a few twists but, those were seen miles away. I can't say that I cared for the main character of the book as she is one of the dumbest person I ever read. There was one scene someone alluded to a murderer being in the house and she got evidence for her case but, she leaves it barely hidden and goes to confront the person. I am not sure about you but, if there is someone wishing to do me harm I don't go directly to them to make myself and easy target. However, I would still be opened to reading other books by the author.

August 2021 Haul!

 

Yay, it's August that means only a few more months until my beloved Fall arrives. I am 100% done with this hot weather and can't wait for some cool evenings. This month I went completely overboard and bought tons of stuff. And as per usual, I finished 4 things :D

I got some generic looking Korean hand cream that looked fun and they were only $5 a tube. They came in vanilla, shea butter, honey matcha, lavender, and  sweet citrus. They seemed like a cheap way to brighten up a day. I like Margot Elena's products because of their pretty packaging and unique scents. I love their willow & water line and bought another shower gel from them. I love Rituals shower gel and bought their new (to me) Express Your Soul shower gel. I like using shower gels during the warmer months because of their scents and it feels refreshing.

I got a bunch of new MAC lipsticks that I am really excited to use. I got Give Me Fever, Sweetie and E for Effortless. I love Tarte Sugar Rush collection so, I decided to try their Strawberry lip glaze. I love Charlotte Tilbury's packaging and the name of this lipstick - Bond Girl. I am going to save it for most daring and sultry sweat pants wearing days. I heard so many good things about this IG popular brand - Dragun Beauty, that I got two lip products. I got Dragun blood and a really dark red which I can't make out the color name, I got this beautiful Huda Matte lipstick in Bawse. I am not sure why I keep buying so many lip products and I haven't finished a single color lip product other than one lip balm this year. I guess some people go to therapy, I buy lipstick. 

I been reading a lot lately and slouching which has been leading to back pains. I am so excited to try this CBD rub with Kopari. I have tried other CBD rubs and loved them. I got this new facial oil from Farmacy that I am excited to try. I got this weird but cool salmon cream (!!) by Byroe. I got a bunch of things I can't wait to try.

Is there anything you got recently that you love?