Book Review - When Summer Ends by Jessica Pennington + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

 Aiden Emerson has it all; he is the school's star pitcher and the golden boy of Riverton. However, all that changes when he has to quit the team because he is losing his vision. Olivia has her entire summer planned out but, when her dream internship falls apart and her dreamy boyfriend decides he wants a break, she has no idea what to do anymore. To make matters worse, her estranged mother wants to bond and reconnect. Aiden and Olivia are thrown together by chance but, can they make the best out of their situation? 

The book is a perfect cozy romance read with minimal drama. The two main characters felt realistic but, I wished at times, they would just communicate! (I believe most drama in life can be avoided by communication.) One thing I didn't enjoy was how "fast" time was moving as the summer was over in a few chapters which made the relationship seem to be moving quickly even if it wasn't. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.

 **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.**

Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (April 9, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250187338
ISBN-13: 978-1250187338

Praise for WHEN SUMMER ENDS

“Bringing the small-town Michigan setting evocatively to the forefront, Pennington’s sophomore novel captures the pleasures of new love.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Praise for LOVE SONGS & OTHER LIES

“A captivating read and a great pick for fans of Morgan Matson and Emery Lord!” ―RT Book Reviews

“Filled with lyrics, love, and late nights, Pennington's debut novel will appeal to romance fans of Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti.” ―School Library Journal

“Pennington’s debut is a light road-tripping romance about redemption and the love of music.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Reading Cam & Vee's past and present romance reminds me of This is Us! This is going on my keeper shelf.” ―Simone Elkeles, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

Love Songs & Other Lies is a music-infused romance about a pair of perfectly imperfect teenagers who will have readers rooting for their happily ever after.” ―Katy Upperman, author of Kissing Max Holden

“Boys in bands, second chance romance, and pitch-perfect chemistry. Love Songs & Other Lies hits all the right notes!” ―Gina Ciocca, author of Last Year's Mistake

“Fun and full of heart, with a hero who stole my heart!” ―Katie McGarry, author of Pushing the Limits

Aiden Emerson is an all-star pitcher and the all-around golden boy of Riverton. Or at least he was, before he quit the team the last day of junior year without any explanation. How could he tell people he's losing his vision at seventeen?

Straight-laced Olivia thought she had life all figured out. But when her dream internship falls apart, her estranged mother comes back into her life, and her long-time boyfriend ghosts her right before summer break, she's starting to think fate has a weird sense of humor.

Each struggling to find a new direction, Aiden and Olivia decide to live summer by chance. Every fleeting adventure and stolen kiss is as fragile as a coin flip in this heartfelt journey to love and self-discovery from the author of Love Songs & Other Lies.

You can purchase When Summer Ends at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Sheena Pearce

Jessica Pennington is no stranger to the combination of love and drama. She’s a wedding planner, after all. A writer since the age of ten—when she sought publication for her poem about a tree—Jessica likes the challenge of finding the humor in a sad situation or highlighting the awkwardness in a romantic one. She lives in a Michigan beach town suspiciously similar to the one in her novel, with her husband Josh and their son, Rory. Love Songs & Other Lies is her debut novel.

        

WEEK ONE

JULY 22nd MONDAY JeanBookNerd GUEST POST
JULY 22nd MONDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
JULY 23rd TUESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT
JULY 23rd TUESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Kait Plus Books EXCERPT
JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
JULY 25th THURSDAY Cover2CoverBlog REVIEW
JULY 25th THURSDAY Bookish Kali REVIEW
JULY 26th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
JULY 26th FRIDAY A Bella Fairy Tale REVIEW

WEEK TWO
JULY 29th MONDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT
JULY 29th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
JULY 30th TUESDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
JULY 30th TUESDAY Pages and Pugs REVIEW
JULY 31st WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
JULY 31st WEDNESDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW
AUGUST 1st THURSDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
AUGUST 1st THURSDAY Starlight Reads REVIEW
AUGUST 1st THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
AUGUST 2nd FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
AUGUST 2nd FRIDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW

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

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Book Spotlight - A Murder on Jane Street by Cathy Cash Spellman + Giveaway

Print Length: 410 pages
Publisher: The Wild Harp & Company, Inc. (July 16, 2019)
Publication Date: July 16, 2019
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B07QSC84TF

Praise for A MURDER ON JANE STREET

"Family ties tighten and bonds of affection grow stronger as a family is trapped between ruthless forces struggling for the highest stakes: control of a world to be subjected to unimaginable evil. As.parents, children and loved ones risk all to protect one another, events accelerate towards a conclusion that is in doubt until the last page is turned. A terrific read!" ―Richard Gid Powers author of The Mystery of the Trinity

"A MURDER ON JANE STREET is a gripping summer thriller filled with history, adventure, and an intriguing mystery. Cathy Cash Spellman will keep readers on the edge of their seat" ―Charles Brokaw, New York Times Bestselling author of The Atlantis Code

Cathy paints a picture with the most radiant phrasing and colorful words! I’m a fan of her books and have read every one of them, always wishing that she’ll write more! That hope was answered with A MURDER ON JANE STREET. This compelling gem of a mystery is also a history, a conspiracy, and a modern-day morality tale rolled into one. Yes there is a murder, deadly secrets and treachery, but at its heart, it’s also about family, friendship and having the courage to do the right thing in the face of nearly insurmountable odds. This brilliant author has created yet another home run! Her narrative, coupled with an edge-of-your-seat contemporary mystery thriller, have characters that warmed my heart and an unexpected ending that I absolutely LOVED! ―Adria de Haume, author of Cross Purpose

"Do NOT read this book unless you are willing to be seduced by a dozen incredibly keen people without whom the world as we know it might cease to exist." ―K.T. Maclay author of Beginners Guide to Death and Dying in Oaxaca

A brutal murder.
A heinous secret
A deadly conspiracy.

The brutal murder of the little old lady next door puts FitzHugh Donovan on the case. A retired New York City Police Chief, he knows a cover-up when he sees one and his Irish Cop conscience can’t let that happen.

 
Now, Fitz, his family and his quirky band of Bleecker Street Irregulars are ensnared in the bizarre secret the woman died to protect.

Is this a 75-year-old cold case turned hot again, or an unspeakable crime-in-progress that could alter the course of the world?

Fitz doesn’t yet know how high the stakes are, that failure isn’t an option, and that the little old lady was so much more than she appeared. But he’s trying to keep everyone alive long enough to find out.

Characters you’ll care about, dark shocking secrets, and disturbing similarities to today’s political scene, will keep you turning pages to an ending you won’t see coming.

You can purchase A Murder on Jane Street at the following Retailers:

  

Photo Credit: Dakota Cash

Multiple New York Times and International Bestsellers, a Paramount Movie, book sales in 22 countries, Cathy Cash Spellman writes stories about love, friendship, adventure, and history. Known for her big sprawling sagas and memorable characters, Cathy writes the kind of stories women like to lose themselves in, and then remember long after the book is done.

Her books range through several genres: contemporary, historical, mystery, mystic and romance. Several take place in two time-frames, both current and historical.

Bless the Child was a Paramount movie in 2000, starring Kim Basinger and Jimmy Smits, and Paint The Wind has been optioned for film and TV.

Cathy is an Astrologer, Martial Artist (Black Belt Goju Ryu Karate) and has expertise in Chinese Medicine, several alternative healing modalities and many metaphysical disciplines.

She has written for Self, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Mademoiselle, Cosmo, Penthouse, Mode, Kung Fu and many other magazines about women, health, empowerment, sexuality, spiritual philosophy and Astrology. She blogs for The Huffington Post and The New York Times.

        

WEEK ONE
JULY 15th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
JULY 16th TUESDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW
JULY 17th WEDNESDAY Casia's Corner EXCERPT
JULY 18th THURSDAY TTC Books and More GUEST POST
JULY 19th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT 

WEEK TWO
JULY 22nd MONDAY On My Bookshelf REVIEW & INTERVIEW
JULY 22nd MONDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW & GUEST POST
JULY 23rd TUESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Book Referees REVIEW & GUEST POST
JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
JULY 25th THURSDAY For the Love of Fictional Worlds REVIEW
JULY 26th FRIDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW 

WEEK THREE
JULY 29th MONDAY Book Queen Reviews REVIEW
JULY 29th MONDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace TENS LIST 
JULY 30th TUESDAY Wishful Endings FILL IN THE BLANKS
JULY 30th TUESDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
JULY 31st WEDNESDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW
AUGUST 1st THURSDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

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

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Book Review - A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler

Photo Credit - Amazon

Valerie Alston-Holt is a single mother who is raising her talented biracial son in tight-knitted Oak Knoll, a North Carolina neighborhood. Xavier is headed to college on scholarship and Valerie is facing the prospect of becoming an empty nester. While Valerie is planning on how to spend her future, things take the turn for the worse, when a new affluent family moves next door.

The Whitmans is like every other family except, their teenage daughter has a few secrets. Brad Whitman is a local celebrity around town and he made a small fortune after selling his invention. He and his wife, Julia escaped their meager upbringing. Together they try to build a new life filled with privilege and wealth.

The Whitmans and Alston-Holt have very little in common with each other. However, when Valerie's beloved oak tree starts dying and the two teenagers secretly starting dating; the two families find themselves at odds. Will the neighbors be able to look past each other's transgressions and live peacefully?

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but, I will say that the ending certainly did stay with me. I kept thinking about what would I do if I was in the characters' shoes. The novel discussed many important topics such as racism, class, money, and power. I felt like this novel was very much relevant and really makes readers think.

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**Disclosure - 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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens

Photo Credit - Amazon

Eleven years ago, Lindsey Nash fled her home in the middle of the night with her young daughter. She left her abusive husband, Andrew and is trying to start over with her daughter.  Lindsey has own business and seems to finally have her life under control. Until Andrew was released from prison and he tries to worm his way back into his ex-wife and daughters' lives. Lindsey feels like she is being followed and someone is watching her. Her boyfriend was threatened and her home was broken into. She believes Andrew is behind the taunts. However, he claims he is a changed man.

The novel was fast-paced with many twists. A few were predictable but, still added enough suspense to let readers guessing until the end. Although, I was expecting a bit more from the ending as there were a "few things" I thought would lead to more.   It wasn't a bad read but, I was just expecting something more and different.

**Disclosure - 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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Furies by Katie Lowe

Photo Credit - Amazon

Violet is nervous on her first day at the all-girls Elm Hollow Academy boarding school. It's her second chance to have a fresh start in the midst of a family tragedy.  Desperate to fit in, Violet finds herself joining a group of girls who are considered outsiders. She soon finds herself in an advanced study group with the other girls, leads by her mysterious art teacher, Annabel.

The group studies mythology and Greek and Celtic legends but, also the school's own gruesome history.  Annabel tries to teach the girls that class is about learning history and mythology and not about magic. However, this doesn't stop the girls from trying to get their hands on some spells. 

Together, they try to harness the power of magic for themselves. They find themselves wrapped up in power they never had before. When a violent incident occurs, Violet finds herself feeling defenseless. When her friends' actions take a turn for the darker, Violet finds herself conflicted.

I thought this novel was going to be about a group of girls who were using magic to get their way. Instead, I am not sure what this novel is. I have a few mixed feelings about it and I am still not entirely sure if I enjoyed the novel. I was reminded of Emma Cline's "The Girls" (which I was also in-between with). I didn't really feel like the book came together in a cohesive and enjoyable way for me. I didn't really care for any of the main characters and thought they didn't really face any consequences. While I didn't really love this novel, I am open to reading other books by the author.

 **Disclosure -  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.**

Book Review - Mother Knows Best by Kira Peikoff

Photo Credit - Amazon

Claire Abram's is lived through every mother's worst nightmare. She passed on a genetic mutation that killed her son. Claire wants a second chance to be a mother but, she is afraid of passing on the gene mutation again. She finds hope when she meets Robert Nash who is a well-known fertility doctor. Robert Nash with his research assistant, Jillian Hendricks, is working on an experiment that can change the world; if it wasn't illegal.

Desperate for another child, Claire works with Nash and Jillian to create the world's first baby with three genetic parents. This will help erase Claire's fear of passing her gene mutation to her unborn child. However, their experiment is illegal and when word leaks to the wrong person, their lives are turned upside down. Claire, who is pregnant decides to run with Robert.  They left Jillian to serve a prison sentence alone that ruins her career and future.

Ten years later, Abigail realizes that her parents are keeping secrets from her. Her mother and father are reclusive and tend to keep to themselves unless it comes to their yearly tradition. When she tries to dig into a family's history, she realizes that not everything is what it seems.

I was really excited to read this novel as the premise is really interesting. However, I was a bit annoyed that this novel billed itself as a novel of suspense. I felt like there were a few twists but, many were very predictable. The novel wasn't a complete waste of time but, I wish it could have more suspense.

 **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.**

Book Review - Reunited with the Cowboy by Claire McEwen + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Maya Burton is finally returning home at her grandmother's behest. While tracking local wildlife, she runs into Caleb Dunne, the last person she wanted to see. She blames herself for surviving the car crashed that killed his sister. Given their troubled past, she has to convince Caleb that he needs her help to save his ranch. Will Maya be able to earn his trust and his heart without running away again?

I thought the novel was a nice cozy read. I love the Old Biddies and felt that they were the best part of the book. I like the themes of redemption and how Maya used a bad experience to become a better person. She used all the "bad energy" to do something with her life.

 **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.**

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Reunited with the Cowboy

(Heroes of Shelter Creek #1)
By Claire McEwen

Adult Contemporary Romance

Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

July 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She can save his ranch…

But can he forgive her?

Maya Burton knows she’s the last person rancher Caleb Dunne wants to see. After all, she survived the crash that killed his sister, and then left town. Now she has to convince the stubborn cowboy that she can help him save his ranch. But once she earns his trust—and his heart—will she be able to walk away?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

About the Author

Claire McEwen writes stories about strong heroes and heroines who take big, emotional journeys to find their happily-ever-after. She lives by the ocean in Northern California with her family and a scruffy, mischievous terrier. When she’s not writing, Claire enjoys gardening, reading and discovering flea-market treasures. She loves to hear from readers! You can find her on most social media and at www.clairemcewen.com.

Website│Goodreads│BookBub│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends July 24, 2019

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Book Review - Dragonslayer by Duncan M. Hamilton + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

A long time ago, dragons once rule the lands and there was heavy demand for brave dragonslayers. However, the dragons have long died out and the need for dragonslayers died with them.  Guillot dal Villevauvais was once an illustrious famous knight of the King's personal guard and now, he a drunken disgrace.

When a quest to look forgotten power awakes a dragon, Gill is called upon to help slay the dragon.  He is astonished and worried when he called upon by Prince Bishop to kill the dragon  He is no longer the heroic person and must call upon his past experience to help guide him.  

On his way to the Capital, Gill comes across a young barmaid, Solene who is about to be burned as a witch by an angry mob. He had seen enough innocent people being punished wrongly and decides to save her. He soon discovers that Solene is a powerful mage but lacks experience and control. However, magic is considered to be forbidden but, Prince Bishop believes magic will help destroy the dragon and better the lives of the people. Together will Gill and Solene be able to defeat the dragon?

I love reading the "Lord of the Rings" novels. While this book has elements of a great fantasy novel, I felt like something was missing.  felt like there was a lack of explaining the world the characters lived in. There was no story behind the different cities and villages that would have helped add to the story. I did enjoy that the novel included the perspective of both the dragon and the human characters.  The novel did include a lot of gore, sword fighting, and adventure but, overall the novel wasn't for me.

 **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.**

Print Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Tor Books (July 2, 2019)
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Sold by: Macmillan
Language: English
ASIN: B07CRFSDLS

Author of one of BuzzFeed 's Greatest Fantasy Books of 2013

Do you have what it takes to be a Dragonslayer? In this epic, adventure fantasy series, an unlikely hero, Guillot dal Villevauvais, must overcome his disgraced past as a failed member of the King’s guard and hunt down a ferocious beast thought long extinct. A dangerous quest, led by the swordsmanship of Gill, the magical powers of Solène, a barmaid nearly burned to the stake, and the goodness of Prince Bishop. From the critically acclaim fantasy author Duncan M. Hamilton, this fast-moving series is a must-read for fans of epic, sword-and-sorcery adventures.

In his magnificent, heroic, adventure fantasy, Dragonslayer, Duncan M. Hamilton debuts the first book in a fast-moving trilogy: a dangerous tale of lost magics, unlikely heroes, and reawakened dragons.

Once a member of the King's personal guard, Guillot dal Villevauvais spends most days drinking and mourning his wife and child. He’s astonished—and wary—when the Prince Bishop orders him to find and destroy a dragon. He and the Prince Bishop have never exactly been friends and Gill left the capital in disgrace five years ago. So why him? And, more importantly, how is there a dragon to fight when the beasts were hunted to extinction centuries ago by the ancient Chevaliers of the Silver Circle?

On the way to the capitol city, Gill rescues Solène, a young barmaid, who is about to be burned as a witch. He believes her innocent…but she soon proves that she has plenty of raw, untrained power, a problem in this land, where magic is forbidden. Yet the Prince Bishop believes magic will be the key to both destroying the dragon and replacingthe young, untried King he pretends to serve with a more pliable figurehead.
Between Gill’s rusty swordsmanship and Solene’s unstable magic, what could go wrong?

You can purchase Dragonslayer at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Credit: Jason Clarke

Duncan M. Hamilton is the Amazon best selling writer of fantasy novels and short stories, including The Wolf of the North and the Society of the Sword trilogy. He has Master’s Degrees in History and Law, and practised as a barrister before writing full time. Duncan is particularly interested in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, from which he draws inspiration for his stories.

He lives in Ireland, near the sea, and when not writing he enjoys sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, cycling, and skiing.

His debut novel, ‘The Tattered Banner (Society of the Sword Volume 1)’ was featured on Buzzfeed’s 12 Greatest Fantasy Books Of The Year, 2013.

Duncan is a member of The Society of Authors, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). He is represented by DongWon Song of Howard Morhaim Literary.

      

WEEK ONE

JULY 1st MONDAY BookHounds EXCERPT 

JULY 2nd TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY Stephanie's Life of Determination REVIEW

JULY 4th THURSDAY Lauren's Bookshelf REVIEW

JULY 4th THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

JULY 5th FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
JULY 5th FRIDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 8th MONDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

JULY 9th TUESDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW 

JULY 9th TUESDAY Rose's Book Corner EXCERPT

JULY 10th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

JULY 10th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

JULY 11th THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW

JULY 12th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

JULY 12th FRIDAY Port Jericho REVIEW

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

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