Book Spotlight - DEAD BLOOD CITY by Jo Denning + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: DEAD BLOOD CITY: A Saoirse Reilly Novel (Saoirse Reilly, #1)

Author: Jo Denning

Pub. Date: April 12, 2022

Publisher: Leabhar & Fola Publishing House

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 128

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

Dead Blood City will be the Kindle Select free book promotion from 4/12 12 AM PDT through 4/16 11:59 PM PDT. So the Kindle ebook will be free for everyone during that time.

"An urban fantasy of the finest quality. Fascinating and entertaining!" - Readers' Favorite

"Drowning might be like going to sleep. It would be nice to sleep forever - leave everything behind in the waking world."

Detective Saoirse Reilly commits to finding a missing child before dying by suicide. While investigating the kidnapping of Delaney Bascom, she is snared in the supernatural underbelly of Boston, Massachusetts. She will have to face her demons if she hopes to bring the girl home.

Reilly has the dubious support of Emrys Somerled, a forensic psychologist with a cellar full of secrets, and Domenico Alderisi, an impossibly youthful club owner with a bad habit. Meet these suspicious characters and more alongside Reilly as she begins to see the world for what it really is.

The blood moon is coming.

Will Reilly save the girl and find a reason to live?

 

About Jo Denning:

Jo Denning is the author of the Saoirse Reilly series. She has spent her career as a behavioral health therapist supporting kids and teens who struggle with addiction. Jo began writing supernatural crime thrillers as a way of processing the traumatic things she has seen and heard. Her characters may be supernatural but their stories, their fear, and their pain are real. So, too, are their triumphs over impossible odds.

When she's not writing, Jo enjoys baking, drawing, and watching trashy reality TV. She makes her home somewhere in the contiguous United States with her husband, one fluffy cat, and one barely domesticated cat.

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

 

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a DEAD BLOOD CITY box which includes a finished copy of DEAD BLOOD CITY, stickers and bookmarks, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/11/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
4/11/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
4/12/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Excerpt/IG Post
4/12/2022	Writer of Wrongs	Guest Post
4/13/2022	BookHounds	Guest Post/IG Post
4/13/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
4/14/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Excerpt/IG Post
4/14/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt /IG Post
4/15/2022	BETTER_0FF_READ	IG Spotlight
4/15/2022	Ravenz Reviewz	Excerpt /IG Post

Week Two:

4/18/2022	boozybook blog	Review/IG Post
4/18/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
4/19/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
4/19/2022	@jypsylynn	Review
4/20/2022	Excuse Me, I’m Reading	Review
4/20/2022	TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	Review
4/21/2022	Emmiepooh2	Review
4/21/2022	The Momma Spot	Review
4/22/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
4/22/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/TikTok Post

Book Review - Trillium Sisters 3: Fashionable Disaster + Giveaway

 

The Trills discover a natural spring in a rocky enclosure. They decide it would be the perfect location for a spa. They think the community would benefit from one but, the supplies are not cheap. They decide to host a fashion show to raise the funds. Thankfully, everyone in the community is excited to lend a hand.

Clare is the local fashionista and believes she should be in charge since it was her idea. Instead of leading her sisters, she ends up bossing them around and refuses to listen to their input. The girls end up fighting with each other and a landslide causes Clare to be trapped in the enclosure. Giselle and Emmy are on the other side of the rock wall but they are unable to help her. Will the trio be able to put their differences aside to help Clare?

The book was a cute and quick read that teaches young readers about leading, friendships, working together, and forgiveness. While this was the third book in the series, it could be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading the books in order because there were some character nuances that could be missed. 

 

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

 

About The Book:

Title: FASHIONABLE DISASTER (Trillium Sisters #3)

Author: Laura Brown, Elly Kramer, Sarah Mensinga (Illustrator)

Pub. Date: March 15, 2022

Publisher: Pixel+Ink

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 496

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

Being bossy leads to big problems, and only the Trills coming together can save the day in the third book in the Trillium Sisters series, perfect for fans of Mia Mayhem and The Wish Fairy.

When the Trills discover a rocky enclosure with natural hot spring while hiking, they realize it could be the location for the perfect new addition to the village--a spa! But all of the supplies they'll need aren't going to come cheap, so they decide they'll organize a fashion show to raise funds. Luckily, everyone in Trillsville is willing to lend a hand to make the show a success.

As the local fashionista, Clare thinks she's the clear choice to be in charge. But instead of leading, she's just super bossy, refusing to listen to anyone else's input. After an epic Trills blowup, rain leads to a landslide, leaving Clare trapped inside the enclosure and Giselle and Emmy on the other side of the rock wall, unable to help her. Will the sisters be able to put aside their differences to join forces (and join charms) so they can channel their powers and skills into getting Clare free?

With energetic black-and-white illustration throughout, Fashionable Disaster focuses on family, community, environmental stewardship, and learning to work together as a team, continuing this magical series.

Grab the first 2 books in the Trillium Sisters Series now!

 

About Laura Brown:

Laura Brown is an early childhood expert, collaborates with businesses and organizations to create high quality educational media properties and products. She has written curricula and scripts and served as Content Expert and Research Director for series produced by Nick Jr., Disney Junior, Amazon Kids, DreamWorks Animation Television, PBS Kids, Universal Kids, and many others. A mother of three, she lives in Tenafly, NJ, but in another life, she would happily live in a treehouse in the forest.

 

Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

About Elly Kramer:

Elly Kramer is currently the VP of Production & Development at Imagine Entertainment in their Kids and Family division and has created and led the development of numerous award-winning and highly-rated TV shows, online games, and innovative apps. As VP of Production and Development with Nickelodeon, she led the development of long and short-form content. She has also produced and developed over thirty-five shorts. Elly is a frequent speaker at film festivals and industry events. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Website |  Instagram | Goodreads

 

About Sarah Mensinga:

Sarah Mensinga is a Canadian who now lives in Texas with her husband and three kids. She has worked in the animation industry as an animator and concept artist. She also once wrote an 800-page graphic novel that she likes to hide away on the internet, and she's contributed to various comic anthologies, such as Flight 4 & Flight 5. She's been writing stories of some sort or another since she was eight years old, and has been ruining movies for friends and family ever since by overthinking the plot.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of FASHIONABLE DISASTER, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/14/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
3/14/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
3/15/2022	Mythical Books	Excerpt/IG Post
3/15/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
3/16/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt
3/16/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
3/17/2022	@jael_and_jenessa_reads	Review
3/17/2022	BookHounds YA	Review/IG Post
3/18/2022	One More Exclamation	Review
3/18/2022	Little Red Reads	Review

Week Two:

3/21/2022	The Reading Wordsmith	Review/IG Post
3/21/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
3/22/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review
3/22/2022	Wottaread	Excerpt
3/23/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
3/23/2022	RavenzReviewz	Review
3/24/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
3/24/2022	More Books Please blog	Review
3/25/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	Review
3/25/2022	Nerdophiles	Review

Book Review - Mac Undercover (Mac B., Kid Spy #1) by Mac Barnett

 

Author Mac Barnett was a spy before he was an author. He was a kid spy for the Queen of England. The Queen needs  Mac to retrieve the precious Crown Jewels that were stolen. Mac must travel all over the world to retrieve the stolen artifacts. 

The children's book was fully illustrated filled with fun facts and humor. I thought it was cute albeit a silly read at times. I think young readers would enjoy reading this series and seeing what trouble Mac can get into. I do want to note some of the cultural references were a bit dated or violent (the historical portion) for young readers.

April 2022 Haul!

 

May is that you? I can't believe May is almost half way here, it feels like it was just only yesterday the year started and now, we almost at the 1/3 mark-ish. I feel like the day goes by so quickly when you want to do something fun and relaxing but, when I am in meetings the day go by so slowly.

I got a few goodies this month but, I tried controlling myself. Ha, just kidding!  I heard good things about shampoo and conditioner bars and that they are really good for the environment. I got travel size versions of HiBar Shampoo and Conditioner bars. I recently started trying tablet toothpaste and I kinda like more some days. It definitely less messy but, more expensive unfortunately. I got another cleansing balm because I am completely addicted to them. I love how they can remove the most stubbornest makeup without drying out skin. I got a green tea one from Yadah. I have tried a few skincare products from them and they have been solid.

I got a few lip products because you know that's my thing. I got a new lip gloss from Patrick Ta in "She's Expensive" and yes, this lip balm was so expensive but so glittery! Speaking of glitter, I got some more Lancome Juicy tubes. "Magic Spell" just smells delicious and looks oh so pretty on my lips.

Is there anything you got recently that you are loving?

Book Review - Outlawed by Anna North

 

Seventeen year old Ada has everything going exactly how she wanted it to be. She is happily married to her husband and she is working with her mother, a respected midwife. However, a year into their marriage, Ada isn't pregnant and this is dangerous in a town that is known for hanging barren women as witches. She realizes she might have to leave her hometown along with everything else she has even known.

She joins the notorious Hole in the Wall Gang, a group of outlaws lead by preacher turned robber named Kid. Kid is charismatic and has dream of creating a safe haven for women who are outcasts. The gang hatches a plan to make Kid's plan a reality but, the plan is dangerous enough to get them all killed. Ada is struggling to decide if she is willing to risk her life for the possibility of a better future for them all.

This isn't the type of book I would normally reach for but, I thought it was an interesting read. I find that the book is relevant to women in this day in age. The book has themes of women needing to have children before they are deemed useful to society and the struggles of women to get proper medical care along with issues with gender norms. I felt like there was some parts of the story that could have been fleshed out more along with the character. Some of the members of the gang was so cookie cutter, that I often confused them. I also couldn't believe that every single female character we were introduced to was barren. It was an okay read but, it wouldn't be something I would go out of my way to read again.

Book Spotlight - Dragon City by Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang + Giveaway

 

About The Book:

Title: DRAGON CITY (Dragon Realm #3)

Author: Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang

Pub. Date: April 12, 2022

Publisher: Union Square Kids

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 224

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

Book 3 of the Dragon Realm series.

Billy Chan and his friends have been transported 5,000 years into the future where the evil Dragon of Death has become ruler of Dragon City. Humans now live to serve the dragon population, and it’s no different for Billy, Charlotte, Dylan, and Ling-Fei. After losing contact with their own dragons, they’re determined to track them down in this new city, even if it means putting their own lives at risk. But one dragon has turned to the dark side and has no plans to return. With the help of a new clan of dragons, can the four friends undo the Dragon of Death’s villainous work—or will she triumph eternally? 

Grab the first 2 books in the DRAGON REALM series now!

 

About Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang:

Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang met while studying at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Kevin works as a healthcare technology consultant, and Katie writes YA as Katherine Webber. Together, they have also coauthored the Sam Wu Is Not Afraid chapter-book series. They currently live in London with their young daughter and can be found on Twitter @kwebberwrites and @kevtsang.

 

Website | Katie Twitter | Kevin Twitter | Katie Instagram | Kevin Instagram | Katie Goodreads | Kevin Goodreads | Katie Amazon | Kevin Amazon | Katie BookBub | Kevin BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive all 3 books in the DRAGON REALM series, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/4/2022	YABooksCentral	Guest Post
4/5/2022	Kait Plus Books	Guest Post/IG Post
4/6/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
4/7/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
4/8/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

4/11/2022	Celia's Reads	Review/IG Post
4/12/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
4/13/2022	The Bookwyrm's Den	Review
4/14/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review
4/15/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review

Book Review - Vladimir by Julia May Jonas

 

The narrator mentions in the beginning of the novel that when she was younger, she knew old men loved her and she loved them back. She is a popular English professor who teaches at the same small liberal arts college as her husband. Her husband, John, is a charismatic professor but, he's also under investigation for having affairs with his former students. The couple have a long standing agreement when it comes to their extra-marital pursuits, but with these allegations, it has made life far more uncomfortable for the both of them. Then our narrator becomes obsessed and falls head over heels in love with Vladimir, a new highly celebrated young married novelist who joins the department. 

I thought this was going to be an interesting spin on "Lolita" but, this novel was an absolute bore. The short novel goes on and on about random and meaningless details. For example, on two separate occasion the author decides to write out a ten plus item grocery list or she gives step by step description of items she is cooking. I also don't like how the author switches her train of thought randomly and constantly. I feel like this distracting and makes the dialogue feel disjointed. For example, the narrator starts analyzing her workload and then she starts thinking about her relationship with her husband and then jumps back to her workload all in the same thought. And then her inner self reflections go on and on and add nothing to the story. I was more than 75% done with the novel before I lost interest in the novel as I am yet to see a story emerge. If you like long self reflections with tons of details, then you will enjoy this book.

Book Review - Amelia Earhart (The First Names Series) by Andrew Prentice

 

This is the first book in the First Name Series. The book allows little readers to learn more about Amelia Earhart's life before she became a world famous pilot. Amelia's love for flying began when she visited an airfield and took a short plane ride. She was a tomboy growing up and had a taste for adventure and that plane ride only fueled her need for adventure more.  As Amelia tries to save up money to fly more often, she explores different career opportunities such as, teaching and becoming a nurse.

I usually like reading biographies that are geared towards younger readers as they are usually fun to read. However, I found the writing style to be dull and it felt like I was reading a textbook. I found it hard to engage and keep my interest. I did learn a few interesting things about Amelia and I would be opened to reading other books from the series. I also like that the author included an index, a glossary, and an aviation timeline.

Book Review - Carolina Moonset by Matt Goldman

 

Joey Green returns to Beaufort, South Carolina to visit his ailing father who suffers from dementia. He offers to watch over his father while his stressed mother take a break. Marshall Green's short term memory has been severely affected by dementia but, his long term memory is still strong as ever. At times, Marshall's mind slips back into time and believes that he is still a boy growing up in Beaufort.

At first, Joey feels this father's slipping memory to be benign. But, when a murder occurs near their home Joey is worried about his father when his father's hallucinatory arguments hint to deadly secrets and scandals.

I thought the book was an okay read. There were moments that I felt were a bit ridiculous like when Joey's mother was yelling at him to make the police stop questioning his father. I felt that it was silly since Joey wasn't a lawyer or had any power to make the questioning stop. The scenes where the characters interacted with the police to be a bit farfetched. Towards the middle of the book, the pacing felt a bit off. That the characters discovered things and another character would reveal the same thing again. And then the killer's relationship with Joey seemed to come out of nowhere. That relationship from zero to hundred in a few days and almost with no interaction with each other.

April 2022 Empties!

 

I finished quite a few things this month! But, I need to hold on to this momentum and not buy anything else...or at least try not to ;)

I finished a few masks this month. I was trying to do a new sheet mask every other day and I think I managed to meet that goal. I like the Let Me Skin mask because it was so hydrating. I am not sure why it was called "ultra bubble" but, it was super hydrating.  I like the Purenskin Natural Effect Real Green Tea Mask but, it was a bit more messy than it needed to be. I also had a hard time to pop the bubble to mix the products. I liked the Super Hyalon G:H8 Super Hyalon Ampoule product. However, I felt like the packaging was a bit wasteful.

I like the creamy Payot Paris Hydra 24+ Creme Glacee. It goes on smoothly and my skin just drinks it up. I wasn't a fan of the Meta~Pora Smile Daily Eye Serum. I didn't really notice any results and felt like it was just regular aloe vera I was rubbing on.

Here is everything I finished this month -

Frecipe Peach Jelly Bomb Mask

Nature Republic Acai Berry Mask Sheet

Jant Blanc Honey Essential Sheet Mask

Bonvivant Botanical Mask Pack - Rose

Miss Spa Brighten Mask

Innisfree Kiwi Face Mask

Let Me Skin Ultra Bubble Bubble 02 Mask

Bathorium Crush Baslam Fir + Frankincense

Innisfree Green Tea Face Mask

Innisfree Pomegranate Face Mask

Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Mask

Purenskin Natural Effect Real Green Tea Mask

Bathorium Crush Vanilla Cream

Purenskin Pear Mask

Skinfactory Aqua Skin-in

Flaunt by Lauren Napier Facial Cleansing Wipes

Super Hyalon G:H8 Super Hyalon Ampoule

Y.N.M. Quick Morning Mask

Bathorium Mistletoe + Holly

Dr. Jart+ Pore Minimalist Black Charcoal Sheet Mask

Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb

Payot Paris Hydra 24+ Creme Glacee

Earth Harbor Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Mist

Laura Geller Dramalash Maximum Volumizing Mascara

Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo

Meta~Pora Smile Daily Eye Serum

Nuria Defend Skin Shielding Essence

Tsubaki Extra Moist Conditioner

Whish Exfoliating Foot Mask

Earth to Skin Tea Time White Tea Cleanser

Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser

Book Review - Counterfeit Love by Crystal Caudill + Giveaway

 

Theresa Plane believes she owes it  her grandfather to save the family name after everything he has sacrificed for her. She plans to help clear their debt with creditors before she can marry Edward Greystone. As one of the creditor's threats lands her in a midnight meeting with some questionable people, she realizes that her grandfather is hiding more from her. The secrets that he kept is endangering Theresa's chances to keep their home and her life.

Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove feels that he is about to uncover the identity of the leader of a counterfeiting ring after months of undercover work. He is heartbroken when he realizes that his former fiancée is connected to his case. Broderick feels that she has been unwittingly pulled into joining and he plans on proving her innocence even if he destroys his career.

They decide that they have to trust each other. However, they both are keeping secrets from each other that can cost them their lives. Will they be able to trust each other?

I thought this was going to be an interesting read. However, I felt myself being bored while reading this. Theresa and Broderick seem to have a backstory but, it's never been disclosed to us. Instead we get bits and pieces as the story slowly progresses. I feel like trying to find out more about the characters was like trying to draw blood from stone. I felt like the author should have done another book that explained the characters' backstory otherwise, the readers are left out from any connections and nuances. I stopped reading one third of the way in as there was nothing keeping me tethered to the book.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review - The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin

 

It's 1914, and twenty-five-year-old Frances Marion is ready for a change. She left her second husband and Northern California for the lure of Los Angeles. She is determined to live independently and follow her own dreams. While trying to decide what she wants to focus on, Marion comes across something called "flickers". Flickers is a new silent movie capturing the hearts and attention of people. 

Frances believes it's her calling to take part of this fledgling industry. She is excited that she is able to write stories for people to view. Marion is besotted when she makes the acquaintance of actress Mary Pickford and befriends her. Mary is known for her signature golden curls and her charm. She is known to people as "America's Sweetheart".

When their ambitions gets challenged by men around them and the limitations imposed on their gender, they realize  success comes at a price. Mary is the world's highest paid actress and she struggles to live the life she wants under the spotlight. She is afraid of losing her fans but, when she finds herself in love with a fellow actor Douglas Fairbanks, she has to decide if she is willing to lose her fame for love. Frances longs to share her life with someone but, she's afraid that she would have to give up her career.

At first I was really enjoying the novel and learning more about the two women. However, towards the middle of the book, I felt like the novel became boring and repetitive. I felt like the author tried describing how things might have happened but, failed to talk about how the characters really felt until the very end of the book. I felt like the book would have been better if it was shorter and had character development. I did like reading about their accomplishments and their experience in the industry.