My Brother's Bride (Serendipity #2) by Rachael Anderson

• 253 pages |  ISBN: 1941363253
• Publisher: HEA Publishing (November 24, 2018) | Publication Date: November 24, 2018

SYNOPSIS:
Miss Abigail Nash is no stranger to loneliness. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father's business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. When her dear friends offer to launch her into London society, her life takes a turn for the better. An instant success, with suitors, social engagements, and offers aplenty, it seems Abby will at last settle into the life of her dreams.

But appearances aren't always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments.

Just months into her marriage with a proclaimed darling of the ton, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, and increasing. Even more precarious are the feelings she’s developing for a man she shouldn’t love, a man the law prohibits her from marrying—her late husband’s brother, the Marquess of Brigston.
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Excerpt
When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.
“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.
A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch’s face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”
Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”
“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.
Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”
Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.
He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”
“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.
“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”
Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.
Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.
As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.
Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”
He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”
“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”

Praise for My Brother's Bride:
          I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting... I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~Melanie  
          My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it's no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother's Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I'm able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael's books. I'm grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won't disappoint. ~ Kathy  

About the Author:
USA Today bestselling author of clean romance, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can't sing, doesn't dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.
Website |  |Facebook | Amazon  | Twitter |

Giveaway Details
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/18
Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/16/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash.
Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

Wager for a Wife  by Karen Tuft Paperback, 256 pages | ISBN: 1524407674 (ISBN13: 9781524407674)
Expected publication: December 1st 2018 by Covenant Communications, Inc.
Synopsis:
       William Barlow's life has been forever altered: his estranged father is dead, and William has inherited the title of Viscount Farleigh. Along with the title comes a neglected estate, an enormous amount of gambling debt, and one astounding acquisition that will turn William's world upside down . . .
     It is her first London Season, and Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not be more pleased. She has attracted the attention of the Earl of Kerridge, and the two are on the cusp of an official betrothal. That is, until she learns of a generations-old family debt: her grandfather gambled her hand in marriage and lost, and now Louisa must pay the price. She will marry not the earl but a man she just met, who has taken her freedom in one fell swoop. Even as she struggles to understand the handsome and aloof man she is to wed, Louisa is irresistibly drawn to him—and he to her. But she soon realizes he is harboring secrets, and as her wedding day approaches, she must discover what her future husband is hiding before she makes the gravest mistake of her life.

MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
​​      Lady Louisa Hargreaves could not believe her good fortune in capturing the attention of the very attractive and sought after,  Earl of Kerridge! It is just her first season and he has asked for her hand in marriage! However, due to a gambling debt of her grandfather, she now faces the very difficult choice between honor and prestige, plus, an elite title. 
     This is during a time when a person's word was his/her bond. It was, also, a time when one's honor ranked above all else.
      The author has successfully created a, somewhat predictable tale, into a captivating, touching tale of painful decision, plus, two conflicting romances.
I, literally, couldn't put it down until I had finished it. It left me anticipating further reading of books by this talented author.
       Through the descriptive writing, the reader feels she/he is a part of the story.
        The book title and cover were very "fitting". 
I offer a Five Stars rating for this book of fiction.
*This book was gifted me with no suggestion for a positive review. This is my honest review.

​About Author:
Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU then graduated from the University of Utah in music theory as a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger, and has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions. She also has a 75 percent success rate when it comes to matchmaking and is a big believer in happy endings. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel--whether by car, plane, or paperback.
Karen is also a 2016 Foreword INDIES finalist.

Presented by Covenant Book Communications Publishing

Book details:
Scythe (Dimension Drift Worlds, #1) by Christina Bauer 
Publication date: April 24th 2018  | Genres: Dystopian, Fantasy, Young Adult
Synopsis:
“Fans of A Wrinkle in Time can’t missDimension Drift!” – Christina Trevaskis, The Book Matchmaker
Truth time. I go to a Learning Squirrel High School. Don’t judge.
On second thought, judge away. Learning Squirrel is one step above attending class in a junkyard. But what do you expect? Everything’s made out of garbage these days. At least, I have my freelance work to keep Mom and me housed, clothed, and fed. How? I’m your regular high school science geek for hire, except my work manipulates space-time. The good news is that these gigs pay really well; the bad news is that the government likes to kill people like me. Whatever. I’m not worried; hiding from their detection systems is easy for me.
Then I screw up one of my illegal projects. Badly.
In fact, things go so sideways that my house slips into two-dimensional space-time. The shift only lasts for a few seconds, but that’s long enough to set off a dozen government alarms. If those goons track me down, Mom and I are as good as dead. Long story short, I need to pay someone off, hide the evidence, and keep us safe.
Unfortunately, that means asking the Scythe for help. He runs the local underground crime scene and has absolutely no conscience…Or at least, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t. It’s hard to think straight when a guy’s that hot in an ‘evil Mafioso kingpin’ kind of way. Most importantly, the Scythe is a crime lord who can conceal my slip-up with a few clicks on his minion’s computer keyboards. But the man has his price. In this case, the Scythe wants me to finish a certain dimensional prototype for him in twenty-four hours. I can do it, but it might mean Learning Squirrel High gets blown up in the process. Oh yes, and there’s also my new hot classmate who may or may not be an alien…and he says he’ll do anything to help me.
This job won’t be easy, but I’ve gotten out of worse scrapes. Maybe.
Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon |  B&N | iBooks |  Kobo | 

Scythe - Christina Bauer 

This is a fun story. Christina did it again with her incredible imagination. All the magical kinds of things the characters can do is so intriguing. It drew me in and now I can't wait to get the next part to the story.
The characters are well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions. It was fun to pick out
the good guys and which ones were bad.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
The book cover is awesome and the title of the book fits the story perfectly.
I highly recommend this book.
I give this book a literary rating of 5/5

written by vickie

​AUTHOR BIO:
Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.

Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press. 

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Stalk Christina On Social Media – She Loves It!
Blog |Facebook |  Twitter: @CB_Bauer |  Instagram |  LinkedIn | Web site |

Giveaway:
Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)

• A paperback copy of Scythe & more!

Grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set up and managed by author, not Xpresso Book Tours):

Welcome to the Release Week Blitz for Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson 
                                   presented by Entangled Teen!
We've got 2 fabulous giveaways available for you at the end of the post!
                                       CONGRATULATIONS, CINDY!

Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson
Publication Date:  December 4, 2018 |  Publisher:  Entangled Teen
 SYNOPSIS:
        I haven’t left my house in over a year. My doctor says it’s social anxiety, but I know the only things that are safe are made of paper. My room is paper. My world is paper. Everything outside is fire. All it would take is one spark for me to burst into flames. So I stay inside. Where nothing can touch me.
     Then my mom hires a tutor. Jackson. This boy I had a crush on before the world became too terrifying to live in. Jackson’s life is the complete opposite of mine, and I can tell he’s got secrets of his own. But he makes me feel things. Makes me want to try again. Makes me want to be brave. I can almost taste the outside world. But so many things could go wrong, and all it takes is one spark for everything I love to disappear…
Link toGoodreads: ~ Purchase Links: Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N | iBooks | Kobo​

Cindy R. Wilson is a YA speculative and contemporary author whose own struggles with anxiety disorder inspired her to write a story with a real-life topic readers can relate to.

She lives in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and loves using Colorado towns and cities as settings for her stories. She’s the mother of three girls who provide plenty of fodder for her YA novels.

When she’s not writing, you can find her hiking some of Colorado’s tallest peaks, reading, or listening to playlists she’s created for her next story idea.
Goodreads | Amazon | 

Giveaway Info:
GIVEAWAY 1: (11/26 - 12/7)
Two (2) winners will receive a copy of Paper Girl by Cindy R. Wilson (US)
GIVEAWAY 2:
​​$20 Amazon Gift Card and Paper Girl themed journal (US Only)

Book Details:
Valiant  by Merrie Destefano 
Published by: Entangled: Teen |  Publication date: December 4th 2018
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Synopsis:       The Valiant was supposed to save us. Instead, it triggered the end of the world.
        Earth is in shambles. Everyone, even the poorest among us, invested in the Valiant’s space mining mission in the hopes we’d be saved from ourselves. But the second the ship leaves Earth’s atmosphere, our fate is sealed. The alien invasion begins. They pour into cities around the world through time portals, possessing humans, forcing us to kill one another.
       And for whatever reason, my brother is their number one target.
  Now the fate of the world lies in the hands of me, a seventeen-year-old girl, but with the help of my best friend, Justin―who’s suddenly starting to feel like more―maybe if we save my brother, we can save us all…
Goodreads |  ~ Purchase: Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Entangled | 

                                         Excerpt 3
        I meet him in the park on the corner of Segerstrom and Douglas, halfway between his
house and mine. The sun hovers on the horizon, turning the whole world orange and red, setting all the rusted playground equipment ablaze. The slide looks like it’s made out of rubies, the merry-go-round looks like it’s made from layers of gold, and the swing set…well, it looks like it was created for this moment when it would hold a minor god.
        Justin is human perfection—literally—because he’s a Genetic, part of a military
experiment that went awry more than a decade ago and had to be shut down. Before he was born, his parents won a government lottery to be part of an experimental program for Genetic Embryo In Vitro Enhancement.
        Every kid in the GEIVE program got a different genetic cocktail, but all those records
have either been destroyed or are top secret, so no one knows exactly what Genetics can do.
Justin made it out alive when most of the other kids didn’t. And even though almost everyone
else is either repulsed by or scared of him—because of his height, his bulk, his speed and
intelligence—to me, he’s only Justin.

        When we’re together, I’m only Sara.
        He’s not a Genetic boy and I’m not a girl who’s supposed to save the world.
       He’s one of my closest friends, and he hangs out with my little brother almost as often as he hangs out with me, and the sight of him takes my breath away. I walk toward him at a normal pace even though I want to run.
         He’s studying me, noting my posture, my expression. I want to tell him everything, that
the last time I saw him, an army of Xua was chasing him and I couldn’t fight them off. I tried,
but that was when Aerithin came back for me.
        Guilt washes over me.
        Everyone I care about dies.
        I’m the worst friend in the world.
        He could change his mind this time. He could say, “Hey, you’re like poison ivy, girl, stay
away…”
        But he won’t. He’s been the one constant in my life.
        He’s the person who always makes me feel safe.
        He flashes me one of his heart-stopping grins and holds the swing next to him for me. I
know other girls get weak in the knees looking at his muscles, even though they won’t admit it,
and, yes, that body of his is pretty sweet. But the thing about him that always gets me is his
smile. I swear, it’s brighter than the sun and it gives off the same amount of heat.
        As soon as I sit down, he knows. Not everything—there’s no way in the world he could
know everything. He might be a Genetic, but he’s not psychic.
His blue eyes study me; his dark hair is tucked behind his ears, a few strands hanging
loose.

        “What is it?” he asks. He hasn’t let go of my swing yet.
        “There’s some bad stuff going on,” I say, and I force my lips not to tremble. I don’t want to cry, not now. “And I need to tell you about it.”
        “Yeah? You know I’m here for you. Doesn’t matter what it is.”
        He gives me a look that’s so innocent and full of concern. He doesn’t even know what
I’m going to ask and yet he’s still willing to do it. I wish more than anything that we could talk about something else. Instead, I give him the same speech I gave to Natalie.
        He blinks and nods, quiet. He doesn’t even flinch when I tell him that I’ve seen him die.
The only part that gets him is when I tell him that sometimes we get separated and I don’t know where he is. His face darkens and his brow lowers and he stares at the ground, almost as if he remembers.
        “I’ve never hurt you, have I?” he asks. “Because I can’t do this if I might hurt you.”
        “No, you’ve never hurt me, I promise.” I take his hand in mine. “You try to save me.”

AUTHOR BIO:
Born in the Midwest, former magazine editor Merrie Destefano currently lives in Southern California with her husband, two German shepherds, a Siamese cat, and the occasional wandering possum. Her favorite hobbies are reading speculative fiction and watching old Star Trek episodes, and her incurable addiction is writing. She loves to camp in the mountains, walk on the beach, watch old movies, and listen to alternative music—although rarely all at the same time.
Author links:Website | Twitter |Facebook | Goodreads | 

This Tour contains TWO GIVEAWAYS! Just enter by completing BOTH Rafflecopters below! 

GIVEAWAY #1:
Blitz-wide giveaway

• Kindle Fire 7, 8 GB in black
• Handmade Keychain with Valiant Cover
• A Valiant Card
• Valiant Chibi Stickers (1 set of 6 characters)
• Valiant Chibi Bookmark
• Valiant Bookmark
• Signed Valiant Book Plate
• Set of Valiant Quote Cards
  • Please note if the winner is international, a $50 Amazon gift card will be substituted in place of the prize pack.

This grand prize giveaway (this giveaway is set up and managed by publisher, not Xpresso Book Tours):

Here's a Second Giveaway for this blitz for a print copy. 

About Book 1:
Title: EAST (East #1)  Author: Edith Pattou
Pub. Date: May 1, 2005 | Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, audiobook
Pages: 507
Synopsis:
Rose has always been different.
      Since the day she was born, it was clear she had a special fate. Her superstitious mother keeps the unusual circumstances of Rose's birth a secret, hoping to prevent her adventurous daughter from leaving home... but she can't suppress Rose's true nature forever. So when an enormous white bear shows up one cold autumn evening and asks teenage Rose to come away with it--in exchange for health and prosperity for her ailing family--she readily
agrees.
Rose travels on the bear's broad back to a distant and empty castle, where she is nightly joined by a mysterious stranger. In discovering his identity, she loses her heart-- and finds her purpose--and realizes her journey has only just begun.
 BUY at :  Goodreads, Amazon, Audible,  B&N, iBooks, TBD

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
 Rose was her parents best kept secret, although her father felt it very wrong.
East tells of her mother's many superstitions and how she planned the final steps in each pregnancy.
All her mother's clever plans changed at the unusual a sudden appearance of a White Bear and his demands for her daughter, Rose.
This is  a new fantasy series, loaded with much action and intrigue. The beginning seems a little awkward at first, while setting up the foundation, but then captivates the reader's interest.
Although it is a series, the ending was slightly weak, after a huge "build up". It also, could have been shortened a little, by less repeat and other extended scenes.
The characters were very well developed and seemed real. The scenes wee easily visualized.
It is recommended for YA but I feel Adults would enjoy it just as much, if not more.
I did look forward to reading the next book of the series.I offer a Four Stars rating.
*This book was sent to me with no request for a positive review. This is my honest review.

About The Book:
Title: WEST (East #2)  Author: Edith Pattou
Pub. Date: October 23, 2018 | Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook | Pages: 528
Synopsis:
        In the sequel to the beloved high fantasy East, Rose sets off on a perilous journey to find her true love when he goes missing in a thrilling tale of danger, magic, adventure, and revenge.
        When Rose first met Charles, he was trapped in the form of a white bear. To rescue him, Rose traveled to the land that lay east of the sun and west of the moon to defeat the evil Troll Queen. Now Rose has found her happily-ever-after with Charles—until a sudden storm destroys his ship and he is presumed dead. But Rose doesn’t believe the shipwreck was an act of nature, nor does she believe Charles is truly dead. Something much more sinister is at work. With mysterious and unstoppable forces threatening the lives of the people she loves, Rose must once again set off on a perilous journey. And this time, the fate of the entire world is at stake.
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible,  B&N, iBooks, TBD

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Rose heart is broken, she thought she had found total bliss in her "White Bear". Although it was wonderful while it lasted, word has come that the ship he was on was destroyed. Rose cannot accept it. She and her beloved brother, Neddy, along with her newly acquired friend, SIb, began a journey of discovery.
The familiar characters from the first book,'East', a joined with some fascinating new characters as Rose searches for her beloved, "White Bear". She feels certain he isn't dead... Or is he?
The adventure and suspense continues in this second book  in this new fantasy series.
The character, once again, come to life, and as the scenes unfold, the reader feels he/she is there. The suspense remains until the very end. 
The ending is slightly stronger in this second book but still feels slightly weak after the huge "build up".
This is a little bit "wordy" but keeps the reader's interest.
The Book Cover and Title are okay but not great. They do depict the tale, though
I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating.
*This book was sent to me with no persuasion for a positive review. This is my honest review.

REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Jane was abandoned on an emergency exit of a hospital with infected tattoos covering her back and arms. She was only Four years old. She was raised in foster care, not usually treated very well, even though she tried to work hard doing chores at home and getting good grades in school.. When she was ten, she was given a home with a nice couple, but soon the husband died and the wife went into a permanent trance. 
Jane kept up the house, got a part time job, and "none was the wiser". She was able to get moved up two grades in school.  Her only friend, Helen, as also a little "weird" and had been held back a year, so she was older. The two were able to graduate together. 
Helen arranged it so they could attend the same university. She found Jane a job which included room and board, which her scholarship did not offer. 
Jane was very delighted when she arrived at her new job... Helen was frantic to leave and take Jane with her. 
Will this be a place she can fulfill her dreams, or will it be a place of danger?
This story was captivating and the characters were depicted in a way the reader could really connect with.
The plot "kept thickening" as the story progressed. There were various events which added to the intrigue.
The only problem I experienced is with the ending. I know it is the first in the series, but the ending was still too abrupt. I was looking for the rest of the story and it wasn't there. It needed a concise finish to that portion, with a "catchy" teaser to entice the reader to continue with the next book in the series. This ending just felt frustrating.
I offer a Four Stars rating.
This book was gifted me with no mention of a positive review. This is my honest review.
​

About the Author:
Jessica Penot is a therapist and writer who lives in Alabama.  Jessica is the owner of Tree of Life Behavioral Health and connoisseur of ghost stories and all things that go bump in the night.  She is the Author of Haunted North Alabama, Haunted Chattanooga, and Amazon bestseller, The Accidental Witch.www.jessicapenot.net | www.jessicapenot.com | www.hauntingdarkness.com

Presented by YA Reads

Book Details:
Jaws of the Wolf (The Visigoth Chronicles, #1) 
by Charlotte Jardine 
Publication date: October 30th 2018 | Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult
Synopsis:He’s her father’s slave. She’s promised to another. But war changes everything.
Tervingi Territory, 376 AD. Gelvira dreams of becoming a powerful jeweler. But the arrogant son of a tribal elder wants her for a wife instead. After a Hun raid sends her people into exile, her chance to master the ancient secrets of her craft are stripped away…
Adafuns yearns to become a great warrior and win Gelvira’s affection. But as a slave in her father’s service, he has little chance of either. Captured and carried off by the Huns, Adafuns’ dream of being a warrior could come true… at the cost of losing Gelvira forever.
With her people starving, marrying the tribal elder’s spoiled son may be Gelvira’s only hope to save her family. Will Adafuns reunite with the exiles in time to free Gelvira from her loathsome vows?
Jaws of the Wolf is the exciting first novel in the epic Visigoth Chronicles series of YA adventures. If you like strong heroines, thrilling action, and rich historical detail, you’ll love Charlotte Jardine’s page-turning saga.

Goodreads | Purchase: Amazon |

​AUTHOR BIO:
Charlotte Jardine writes Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance and Romantic Adventure. Her books feature courageous heroines, big-hearted heroes, adventure and love.

Her love of history came from reading the adventures of Asterix and Tintin at a young age and continued into adult life, when she studied Classics and Roman History to postgraduate level at university.

While working as a desk slave by day, she spends her evenings escaping into other worlds via her writing.
Author Links:
https://www.facebook.com/charlottejardineauthor/
https://charlottejardine.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18576613.Charlotte_Jardine

GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

• $25 Amazon gift card

This grand prize giveaway - ends Nov 29th:

THE GIRL THEY LEFT BEHIND by Roxanne VeletzosHardcover: 368 Pages | Publisher: Atria Books (October 9, 2018)
SYNOPSIS:
       A sweeping family saga and love story that offers a vivid and unique portrayal of life in war-torn 1941 Bucharest and life behind the Iron Curtain during the Soviet Union occupation—perfect for fans of Lilac Girls and Sarah’s Key. 
     On a freezing night in January 1941, a little Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. With Romania recently allied with the Nazis, the Jewish population is in grave danger, undergoing increasingly violent persecution. The girl is placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a wealthy childless couple who name her Natalia. As she assimilates into her new life, she all but forgets the parents who were forced to leave her behind. They are even further from her mind when Romania falls under Soviet occupation.    
      Yet, as Natalia comes of age in a bleak and hopeless world, traces of her identity pierce the surface of her everyday life, leading gradually to a discovery that will change her destiny. She has a secret crush on Victor, an intense young man who as an impoverished student befriended her family long ago. Years later, when Natalia is in her early twenties and working at a warehouse packing fruit, she and Victor, now an important official in the Communist regime, cross paths again. This time they are fatefully drawn into a passionate affair despite the obstacles swirling around them and Victor’s dark secrets.  
      When Natalia is suddenly offered a one-time chance at freedom, Victor is determined to help her escape, even if it means losing her. Natalia must make an agonizing decision: remain in Bucharest with her beloved adoptive parents and the man she has come to love, or seize the chance to finally live life on her own terms, and to confront the painful enigma of her past.
Purchase Links; Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble    

 MY REVIEW: (LAWonder10)
I highly recommend this book, based on factual events and some real individuals! In a world where confusion exists so strongly on what life in Socialism is like, this book gives the general public a good view.
This story covers the time period from the beginning of World War ll, then into the 1960s. 
The author has done a lot of intense research to bring the fiction portion of the book as close to fact as possible.
Based on the lives of real individuals, this is the story of a young Jewish couple with a small child fleeing place to place for safety as they flee persecution of Jews in Romania. They find refuge at a home of a friend of the young man's father. However, they have to live very quietly in the small attic. 
Knowing they couldn't remain hidden with a small child, and if she were discovered on a resident's step, she wouldn't be killed, the parents very reluctantly leave the child behind. Upon the discovery of the little girl, the resident took her in her home for the night then to the orphanage the next day.
A volunteer at the orphanage told a cousin, who had not been able to complete her pregnancies, of the little girl who had not been speaking, eating or drinking since they found her. The couple eagerly made arrangements and adopted the young girl.
This is a story of complete of of two couple for one little girl. It is, also, a story of the successes and devastation occurring during that time period. It is very interesting and, at times, emotionally stirring. The reader's interest is maintained throughout the story.
The characters are very real and the reader is'brought into: the story in a way one can imagine one's there.
The Title and Cover a a terrific "fit".
I offer a Four and a Half Stars rating
*This book was gifted me with not request of a positive review. This is my honest review.

About Roxanne Veletzos:
​Roxanne Veletzos was born in Bucharest, Romania and moved to California with her family as a young teen. Already fluent in English and French, she began writing short stories about growing up in her native Eastern Europe, at first as a cathartic experience as she transitioned to a new culture, then simply to pursue what had become an unrelenting passion. She has worked as an editor, content writer, and marketing manager for a number of Fortune 500 companies and has been writing fiction since 2012. Her first novel, THE GIRL THEY LEFT BEHIND, is based on her family’s true story.
Connect with Roxanne:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

To have the opportunity to WIN your OWN COPY of this book, complete the Rafflecopter below!

Presented by TLC Book Tours

Title: SCALES (Spirits of Chaos, #1) Author: Nicole Conway
Pub. Date: 2019 | Publisher: Owl Hollow Press
Formats: Paperback, eBook | Find it: Goodreads
 Synopsis:
    When New York City faces the threat of an ancient evil, a teenage boy must use a magical bracelet to transform into a monster-slaying dragon superhero.
    Koji Owens is the new kid … again. As the only son of an Air Force F-16 pilot, he’s learned to adapt and survive every time they move. It’s not easy starting over with new friends and schools every two years, but when the Owens family makes their final move to New York, Koji finally has hope for a normal high school life—that is, until he finds a strange bracelet in his locker.
       Transformed into a storm-summoning dragon warrior, Koji finds himself caught up in a world of ancient powers, secret identities, and colossal monsters threatening to destroy his new home. But these awesome powers come with strings attached, and revealing his true identity could mean losing everything he loves. With his family and friends now in mortal danger and New York City in flames, Koji must find the courage to become the hero they need and face down an enemy hiding in plain sight.
       A comic-obsessed teenage misfit embraces his inner hero in this action-packed adventure that will leave you ready to get your scales on!
 
Exclusive Excerpt!
     Piercing light bloomed from the totem scale. It swept over me and took away my pain, molding and stretching me into my full dragon form. The instant the searing energy coursed through my body, I launched myself into the sky.
     I didn’t have a single second to waste.
     Now that I was a beast of comparable size, I crested the skyscrapers in a few powerful beats of my wings. From a few blocks away, the wyvern spotted me. It let out a howl of fury as it surged straight for me. I answered with a battle cry of my own, driving more and more power into every beat of my mighty black wings.
     Two F-22 fighter jets rolled in on either side, joining me in aerial formation. Their engines roared, and both pilots gave me a confirming thumb’s up. They were following me in for the attack.
      I’d never felt so cool in my entire life.
    I clashed with the wyvern in the air over Central Park, clamping my jaws around his throat. I prepared to give him a taste of my lightning, the same way I had the crocodile monster. One good jolt and maybe I could bring him down.
    Before I get a good grip, he swung his spiked tail and whacked me across the eyes. I let go, snatching back with a roar.
     He dove at me; his toothy mandible jaws open wide to rip my throat out.
     A sudden plume of fire scorched his hide and sent him reeling. I drew back, wary of the blistering flames.
     Another giant dragon clashed in battle, had scales as red as fresh blood and a ridge of tall, slender black spines all the way down her back. My breath caught. Madeline? She’d gone full-form, too?
     She attacked the wyvern mercilessly, pinning him under another blast of her fiery breath.
    Shaking off the blow to my head, I charged headlong back into the fight, lightning sizzling and popping off my open jaws. We had to get him on the ground. If we could pin him there, he’d be within range of ground fire and an easier target for our air support. We could contain the damage to the rest of the city, too.
     So I went for one of the wyvern’s wings full-force.
     Fyurei had him distracted. He never saw me coming. I swooped in to break one of his wings at the shoulders with a single powerful crunch of my jaws and sharp jerk of my head. The creature screeched and kicked, floundering with his one good wing and swinging his tail like a medieval mace. The bulbous, spiky tip struck one of the F-22 jets and sent the aircraft flipping through the air end over end. Not good. I watched the aircraft fall, waiting for the pilot to eject.
     He didn’t.
     I didn’t hesitate—I dove straight after the jet, summoning every bit of speed I had. The jet spiraled, smoking and streaking toward the ground. I threw myself the final distance with a desperate cry, jaws open wide.
      I caught the tail of the jet in my teeth about a hundred feet shy of the ground. As soon as my jaws clamped onto the metal, I reared back, kicked my legs out, and flared for an emergency landing right in the middle of the park.
      It took a second for the dust, snow, and trees to settle.
      Picking the jet carefully out of my mouth, I held it up to my huge dragon eyeball like a little kid’s toy. Inside the cockpit, the tiny pilot was giving me a shaky thumb’s up. He was okay.
      I gave him my best dragon smile, terrifying as it probably was, and placed his jet, right side up, on a grassy spot in the park. Then I turned around to get back to business. I still had some wyvern rear end to roast and an evil headmaster in dire need of reeducation.

About Nicole:
    MY NAME IS NICOLE CONWAY and I love to write stories! I've been writing books since I was very young, and am blessed beyond measure to be able to do it now as a full time career. Although I sometimes step out into other genres, I primarily write Fantasy for teens and middle graders.
      ​I graduated from Auburn University in 2012, which is also where I met my husband. As a military family, we move frequently and have lived numerous places all around the world. We have one very energetic son, Ethan. We also have two dogs (French Brittanys) named Joey (currently 5 months old) and Phoebe (4 years old) and a ball python named Noodle Nagini.
      For inquiries on how to book me for a school visit, presentation, or interest in my future or current projects, please contact my amazing literary agent, FRAN BLACK, of Literary Counsel.
Subscribe to Nicole’s Newsletter!
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | Pinterest | BookBub | Amazon |  Goodreads

Giveaway Details:
One lucky winner will win an ARC of SCALES, US Only.

​Being a bully isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
    Sixteen-year old Brianna had everything she wanted: money to ski all over the world, underlings to do her bidding, and parents who gave her every freedom—as long as she played by their rules. But when she’s busted shoplifting and assigned to the Chain Gang, she ditches her shallow ways and realizes being herself is easier than manipulating people.
    Forced to partner with kids she’d never dream of befriending, including Xavier, a boy who makes her pulse go into hyperdrive, Brianna vows to be a better person. Breaking Old Brianna’s habits isn’t easy, but her infatuation with Xavier—someone her parents would never approve of—motivates her to keep trying.
Even when he convinces her to trade her swanky skis for a beat-up snowboard.
    Brianna lets go of her need to control everything and finally starts to feel free—until her past threatens to jeopardize her first real chance at love. She discovers balancing on the edge is as challenging in life as it is in snowboarding, and when a new friend is in trouble, Brianna must decide between the superficial things that used to be her world and putting her friend’s safety before herself.
​Goodreads | Purchase Links |

Guest Post: What story ideas would you like to tackle in the future? Why?
       I’m really intrigued by unreliable narrators. I’ve yet to write one, and I really haven’t read that many, but I’m eager to try—and I’ve already outlined a story with that in mind.
     I get a lot of ideas from the news and the world in general, so whenever I hear something that sounds too unbelievable to be real, my brain starts working—and it usually switches the protagonist and antagonist to really flip the story on its head.
        My next novel is going to deal with multiple levels of mental illness within a family, plus a
boatload of secrets, uncertain sexuality, and an ending that will hopefully shock readers. The
biggest struggle I’m anticipating is showing growth in the character—but that’s why I’m the
author, right?
        I also have an idea for a new adult novel based on the eclipse from the summer of 2017. It will be sexy and fun and while I’m not quite sure how it will fit in with the rest of my books, I can’t wait to write it.
      When I first started writing, I was focused on novels for an adult audience, but once I started writing young adult, I knew I’d found what I’m meant to write. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to keep challenging myself. With every book I’ve written, I’ve challenged myself in a different ways. With Flicker, for example, there are zero dialogue tags (he said, she said). With The Slope Rules, one of the characters never actually appears in the book—she’s only present via text and video messages. So I know that no matter what I write next, I’ll find a way to grow as a writer, and hopefully please my readers even more than the previous book.

Multi-award winning young adult author Melanie Hooyenga first started writing as a teenager and finds she still relates
best to that age group. She has lived in Washington DC, Chicago, and Mexico, but has finally settled down in her home
state of Michigan. When not at her day job as a Communications Director at a nonprofit, you can find Melanie attempting
to wrangle her Miniature Schnauzer Owen and playing every sport imaginable with her husband Jeremy.
WEBSITE |  SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

Hair in all the Wrong Places #3 by Andrew Buckley
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Publisher: Month9Books
A menacing shadow looms over Elkwood, as a dark and sinister evil creeps into town. Only Colin Strauss can feel it
happening. He is a werewolf, after all.
A routine Night Watch mission ends with Colin rescuing a mysterious girl from monster hunters, causing shock waves
threatening to rock the town of Elkwood to its very foundations. Just when Colin thinks things can’t get any worse, he
starts having girl problems.
If anyone is up to the task, it’s Colin. In the past year, he’s faced an evil biology teacher, defeated a power-hungry
wizard, and united a group of unlikely creatures and freaks to defend their home.
Can Colin defeat the growing evil, evade ancient monster hunters, and not mess things up with his sort-of girlfriend?
Having hair in all the wrong places is fast becoming the least of Colin’s problems.
Goodreads ~ Purchase Links: Google Play |BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD​

Other  Books in the Series:

Goodreads |

Andrew Buckley attended the Vancouver Film School’s Writing for Film and Television program. After
pitching and developing several screenplay projects for film and television, he worked in marketing and public
relations, before becoming a professional copy and content writer. During this time Andrew began writing his
first adult novel, DEATH, THE DEVIL AND THE GOLDFISH, followed closely by his second novel,
STILTSKIN. He works as an editor for Curiosity Quills Press.
Andrew also co-hosts a geek movie podcast, is working on his next novel, and has a stunning amount of other
ideas. He now lives happily in the Okanagan Valley, BC with three kids, one cat, one needy dog, one beautiful
wife, and a multitude of characters that live comfortably inside of his mind.
Andrew is represented by Mark Gottlieb at the Trident Media Group
​Website | Facebook | Goodreads | 

Book details:
Rival (Fate of the Stars, #2) by Arwen Paris 
Publication date: November 1st 2018
Genres: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy,Young Adult
Synopsis:It’s a role she didn’t want…  
    One deadly week has passed since seventeen year old Allison Delaney realized she must save Earth from the parasitic race of Ma’tiok. But the task is even more complicated than Allison feared, and she’s being set up to fail. Blamed for a fatal blow to the Alliance fleet that killed dozens of soldiers, Allison must face judgment for their deaths. The High Priestess Kiobaan is Allison’s only hope. Kiobaan sees the warrior spirit in Allison, along with her potential both politically and physically and agrees to train her.
And a game she can’t afford to lose.
Meanwhile, though Allison is the human host of Eenoki, protector of life, she’s not yet ready to harness their combined energy. Their bond is unpredictable at best—volatile at worst. Time is running out for Eenoki and Allison to trust each other—all or nothing—or she’ll never gain the power she needs to defeat the Ma’tiok and save Earth. When Allison is marked for death by an unknown enemy, the High Priestess Kiobaan must step-up and fight. But in return Kiobaan extracts a pledge from Allison, one that will compromise her new status and make her a target.
Goodreads | ~ Purchase: Amazon |

Rival - Fate of the Stars - Arwen Paris 

    This story is an action packed fantasy with lots of interesting characters.
       The characters are well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions.
    The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
    The title of the story is a good fit for the book. I also think the book cover is a great fit.
I highly recommend this book to other readers who love a good fantasy adventure.
I give this a literary rating of 5/5

written by vickie

AUTHOR BIO:
Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS releases September 1, 2017. The actions packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Washington, has a big crazy family & after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic 
Author links:
Website |  BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

 You can find the schedule here (http://xpressobooktours.com/2018/08/24/tour-sign-up-rival-by-arwen-paris/).

Giveaway:
Tour-wide giveaway (INTL)

• 2x $50 Amazon gift cards

This grand prize giveaway - ends Nov 15th:

​Fate & Fortune
(Fate & Fortune #1)
By Robin Daniels
YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 279 Pages
September 20th 2018

Bryce has liked Paige since they were little but has never had the guts to act on his feelings. Paige is devastated over being dumped by her long-time boyfriend and can’t seem to move on. They’re stuck in a rut, until fate decides to pull them out.

Both Paige and Bryce are talked into seeing a fortune teller at the annual Summer’s End Carnival. Neither of them buys into the mysticism, until the psychic’s predictions start coming true. Now, the most bizarre things are happening and there isn’t a clear explanation. Each of them must figure out if they’re the subject of an elaborate hoax or a bigger plan forged by destiny.

*This book is part one of two. Books should be read sequentially.

Goodreads│Amazon

Fate and Fortune - Book 1 - Robin Daniels 

I love this story. A little mystery, romance and so much fun. I can't wait to read the follow
up story.
The characters are fun and well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions. I really like the
twins and their differences and likenesses in their personalities.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
The title is a good fit for the story.
I highly recommend this book to others.
I give this story a literary rating of 5/5

written by vickie

Kismet and Karma - Book 2 - Robin Daniels

As with book 1, I love this story. How fun to read the story from different characters
perspectives. The same things happen but getting to see them from other characters
changes the whole story so much.
The characters are fun and well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions. I really like the
twins and their differences and likenesses in their personalities.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
The title is a good fit for the story.
I highly recommend this book to others.
I give this story a literary rating of 5/5

written by vickie

​Kismet & Karma
(Fate & Fortune #2)
By Robin Daniels

YA Contemporary Romance, Duology
ebook, 270 Pages
October 25th 2018

Bryce and Paige belong together, but they’ll never make it happen alone. When inspiration strikes in multiple ways, a friend decides it can’t be a coincidence; it’s a call to action. With a little luck, the help of fate, and the matchmaking plan of the century, Bryce and Paige just might get their happy ending.

You heard Paige and Bryce's version of the story in Fate & Fortune. Now join Eric, Amy, Cody, Kennedy and Genie to see how things really went down.

***This book completes the series. Book one can be read as a standalone, but book two cannot. Fate & Fortune should be read first.***

Goodreads│Amazon

ABOUT the AUTHOR:
​The most important thing to know about me is that I'm basically a sixteen-year-old trapped in an adult's body. It's why I feel such a great connection to all of my characters and why I love to write romantic comedy. The kid in me just wants to be goofy. Besides being a writer; I'm a wife, mother of five, volleyball enthusiast and home decorating guru. My list of favorites includes: reading, Christmas, pedicures, dessert, steak, Arizona winters and most importantly, Diet Coke.
Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Instagram│Amazon│Newsletter

TOUR GIVEAWAY!
1 winner will receive a $50 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally
Ends November 21, 2018

Tour Schedule

November 5th:
Launch
Heidi Reads...
Mythical Books
November 6th:
Becky on Books
Rockin' Book Reviews
Christen Krumm, Writer
November 7th:
Among the Reads
Dani Reviews Things
November 8th:
Harlie's Books
Colorimetry
November 9th:
Singing Librarian Books
Getting Your Read On
November 12th:
Katie's Clean Book Collection
Wishful Endings
November 13th:
Sarah Jane Lamb
Seasons of Humility
November 14th:
Paulette's Papers
Andi's Young Adult Books
Andi's Book Reviews
November 15th:
Mel's Shelves
Kathryn Cooper Writes
Rainy Day Reviews
November 16th:
Teatime and Books
Ghoulish Life & Reviews
A Backwards Story
Remembrancy
November 17th:
Grand Finale

​About the Book:
Jane of Air The Tattoed Girl Series Book 1 by Jessica Penot
  Jane has spent her entire life hiding. Hiding under bulky clothing. Hiding behind books. Hiding behind glasses. Abandoned in an emergency room at the age of four with her name written on her forehead in Sharpie and a mysterious tattoo of a door on her back, Jane grew up in foster care and learned early on that blending in with normal people was the only way to survive.
      Now, at the age of 16, Jane is hoping to get a fresh start at a prestigious college on a full scholarship. With limited resources and no family to help her, Jane takes a job as a live-in companion to a wealthy old woman who lives near the school. Jane grows to care for Miss Adele and loves her new home, the magnificent Thornfield Hall, even though everyone says it’s haunted. She doesn’t even mind Adele’s brooding grandson, Edward Rochester, who the locals believe murdered his first girlfriend. At first Jane tries to stay away from Edward, but she can’t help being drawn to him. As her attraction grows, so do the whispers about the dark secrets that Edward is hiding. After Jane witnesses several improbably accidents, she realizes that any sensible girl should run away in terror. She realizes that only a fool would stay, yet she can’t make herself leave no matter how dark the shadows grow and how real the ghosts become. As her fears escalate, her tattoo begins to change and spread across her back. Jane knows something wicked lurks at Thornfield and she knows it’s connected to her. She knows the only way to stop the darkness is to run, but somehow, she can’t seem to find the strength to leave the only person she’s ever loved.

Jane of Air - Jessica Penot 
​
This is a very intriguing paranormal story. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down.
I like the tie to old England.
The characters are well-developed. It is easy to feel their emotions.
The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along.
The title of the book fits the story well. The cover of the book is also very appealing.
I can't wait to read the following books in the series.
I highly recommend this book.
I give this book a literary rating of 5/5

written by vickie

​About the Author:
Jessica Penot is a therapist and writer who lives in Alabama.  Jessica is the owner of Tree of Life Behavioral Health and connoisseur of ghost stories and all things that go bump in the night.  She is the Author of Haunted North Alabama, Haunted Chattanooga, and Amazon bestseller, The Accidental Witch.
​www.jessicapenot.net
www.jessicapenot.com
www.hauntingdarkness.com