#bookblitz Booked for Murder by R.J Blain + #giveaway (Int)

Booked for Murder
R.J. Blain
(Vigilante Magical Librarians #1)
Publication date: August 18th 2020
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Life as a bodyguard and driver for the rich, famous, and powerful is dangerous on a good day, and after sustaining a crippling injury while on duty, Janette’s left with few options. Having signed a ‘for life’ contract but unable to work, she uses her skills to disappear.

Her new life as a librarian suits her. Nobody cares she limps and sometimes requires a cane to walk. She’s wanted for her knowledge, not her lethal magic. She’s surrounded by books, a woman’s best friend.

But when her former employer’s best friend is murdered on the steps of her library, old loyalties and secrets might destroy her—or set her free.

Teaming up with her co-workers to find the killer might keep her from being booked for murder, but unless she’s careful, she’ll find out exactly how far her ex-boss will go to reclaim what is rightfully his.

Her. For life.

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—

EXCERPT:

Once upon a time, I had lived on the edge, but I’d fallen off somehow, emerging scarred and broken. Once upon a time, I’d lived in the ivory tower, looking down on the streets below in search of threats and fortune. I’d found both to a frightening degree. Once upon a time, I’d been the lethal shadow of a man who wanted to change the world to his liking.

I assumed he still did. Bradley Hampton wasn’t the kind to quit once he decided to do something.

A sports car roared by, and it surprised me to discover I missed my once upon a time.

The vehicle, a red Bugatti worth more than the idiot who drove it, darted through traffic. I scoffed at the driver’s inaccuracies, skirting too close to the lines for anyone’s comfort. Precision mattered when controlling a car at high speeds—or at any speed, really. A single tap of the brake could end lives or save them. The wrong turn of the wheel could result in a crash. Such a mistake, not on my part, had cost me my once upon a time, and a chill sliced through me at the memories the red vehicle revived.

Once upon a time, my job had been to drive one of those cars, protect the man I’d been sworn to for life, and rise above all others except for him.

Bradley Hampton wanted only the best and to be the best, and he’d expected more from me than anyone else.

My once upon a time had ended with the recklessness of another bodyguard who’d believed a few minutes of time might actually matter. My last conscious act had been to position my car so my precious passenger would walk away from the accident. Even as I’d hit the brakes and turned the wheel, I’d been aware I would pay for his life with mine.

I’d done so with pride.

I couldn’t remember any fear, only pride.

I couldn’t remember any pain, either. Trauma could do that to a person, erasing critical moments.

Taking the brunt of the accident, created by another bodyguard’s foolish pride, had cost a principal his life in addition to dumping me into a coma so deep and long I’d been transferred across the country to a specialty hospital and left for dead.

I gave my ex-boss credit; he’d taken the ‘for life’ portion of my contract seriously, and he’d refused to have my plug yanked. Others of his ilk would have without hesitation. It didn’t change anything for me, though. His instructions, should I awaken, had been brutal and simple enough.

He didn’t want to hear a damned word about me until I could return to duty.

In typical Bradley Hampton fashion, he’d believed I’d be returning to duty.

Author Bio:

RJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.

In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until satisfied

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#Bookreview: All Our Worst Ideas by Vicky Skinner #blogtour + #giveway (US only)

All Our Worst Ideas
Vicky Skinner
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: August 11th 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

Two teens who have nothing in common work together at a record store in All Our Worst Ideas, a powerful and voice-driven YA novel from Vicky Skinner.

When Amy, on her way to becoming valedictorian of her graduating class and getting accepted to her dream school, gets dumped by her long-term boyfriend, she takes a job at a record store to ease the pain. She needs a distraction, badly.

Oliver, Amy’s record store co-worker, isn’t so sure about Amy—his complete opposite—but what he is sure of is his decision not to go to college. He just can’t figure out how to tell his mother.

As they work late-night shifts at the record store, Amy and Oliver become friends and then confidantes and then something more, but when Amy has a hard time letting go of what she thought was her perfect future with her ex, she risks losing the future she didn’t even know she wanted with Oliver.

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Review:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

So I may have teared up a few times while reading this, I'm not going to lie. 

Amy is a senior in high school, who is working her butt off to be valedictorian. Because she has a goal, get in to Stanford on a full scholarship and do to that she needs to make val. But things don't always go as planed and she is told she needs to work to help support her family, so getting at the record store is the best thing for Amy to do, but it will take up even more of her time. Something her boyfriend doesn't seem to like. So he breaks up with her. And then is just the worst....you have to read to see, no spoilers here.

Oliver lives at home with his single mom is taking a "gap" year, or at least that is what his mother is lead to believe. He works a Spirits a record shop, where he feels the most at home and in is element, with music. His mother keeps on setting up campus tours and asking him if he has applied to schools. He doesn't know how to tell her he doesn't want to go to collage. One top of that his father is a drunk, that he has to deal with. Getting calls from bars or himself to come up pick him up. Oliver feels like he's the parent, not the other way around.

The Story is told from both Amy and Oliver point of views, each chapter a new month, the count down to the end of high school is nearing, will Amy succeed? 

All Of Our Worst Ideas is a playful, heart shattering and warming story of two young people figuring out life and what they want from it. Even if the figuring out is still a process because hey let's face it you are always figuring it out even the ones that think they have it figured out. It is full of serious issues and the pressures on young people be it in school, family life or life in general and love. Sometimes it's not fairy tale sometimes your heart breaks sometimes you fly. The side cast is a playful one and I love Brooke, Spirit's manager, I'd like to see another story with her. I love LOVE the fact that this is a story full of music, I saw Parklife by Blur and I was like no one ever talks about Blur. That was the first song by them that I ever hear and it hooked me. I can't wait to listen to the list of songs in the back of the book.

I do how ever have an issue, I don't if it was over looked but I caught it. We have a scene in which Amy is said to be in a red dress, then not long later we are told it's black. Nothing major but I am reading an ARC copy there for it could have been address before printing.

But should you mark this as want to read? Yes please do. If not you'll miss a great story and who wants to miss out on a good story?

Author Bio:

Vicky Skinner was born and raised in Texas, where she started writing novels about kissing cute boys when she was fifteen and eventually earned a BA in Literary Studies from The University of Texas at Dallas. She’s a full-time writer, a part-time runner, and she currently lives in Dallas with her husband.

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#BookReview: Lake City Way Ninja Girl by Cait Moore

                                                           

                      Lake City Way Ninja Girl          

By Cait Moore

Middle Grade

Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense, Social Issues

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Gabriela Urieta is a 12 year old girl in Lake City Seattle. She's not your typical 12 year old, she has attitude, a quick mouth, a little brother to take care of, also she's fearless. Gaby has had grow up quicker then most. Surrounded by poverty and crime, after witnessing a things that a child should never have to she comes up with a plan. To clean up her neighborhood from the drugs and violence. To do this she needs stuff, a bike, some clothes, and a name because she's not Ninja Girl...and maybe a sidekick (even though she never thought that)

Wallman is a homeless man who Gaby and her brother see daily sitting outside of their apartment building. A man who asks daily for money from them, everyday Gabby as a smart mouth comeback to equally match his. Gabby realizing she needs help in order to make Ninja Girl work pays him to get the supplies she's too young to get on her own. Becoming not only her sidekick but protector and finally friend. 

Lake City Ninja Girl is gritty and darker middle grade novel, it is well written and action packed. Touching on some very serious issues, from the effects of poverty to mental illness in children. There a times in the the book while Gaby is fighting criminals that you need to suspend you beliefs at times because 12 year old girl taking down a grown men can be hard to swallow but the story and action is so well written that is is easy for you to except. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see at the end of the story because let's face it I'm going to need to follow up on Ninja Girl. 

I received a copy for an honest review. 

Add it to your Goodreads and pick up your own copy Amazon

Cover Reveal: The Lost King by Frazier Alexander.

The Lost King
Frazier Alexander
(FyreSyde Publishing)
Publication date: November 10th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy

In an ancient place, in an ancient time…
King Athan vanishes at sea. His children, prince Thalos and princess Thara, drift apart with age, their kingdom falling into ruin. Thalos stubbornly clings to the past; Thara, resentful of her father, looks to the future. In the wake of this decline, a beautiful enchantress usurps the throne from the estranged siblings. She exiles Thalos to the edge of the world and slowly enslaves Thara’s mind.
In his exile, Thalos finds another castaway—an old comrade of his father. Together they begin a voyage in search of the lost king. Thara, meanwhile, resists the new queen’s coercive spells and finds a resistance of creatures still loyal to her father.
With a vast world of enchanted islands and beings between them, Thalos and Thara struggle to restore their family and rekindle the hope of the true king’s return.

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:
Along with creating his own mythological backdrop for his stories, Frazier is an amateur calligrapher, map-maker, and artist. He is currently working on his master’s in Medieval Literature at the University of North Texas.

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The Skald's Black Verse by Jordan Loyal Short Cover Re-Reveal Blitz

The Skald’s Black Verse by Jordan Loyal Short

Series: The Dreadbound Ode (#1)

Published: Re-Release Available August 6, 2020

Genre: Epic Grimdark Fantasy

Age Group: Adult

Book Blurb

When a soldier’s murder sparks rebellion in the tiny village of Skolja, Brohr’s past marks him as the prime suspect. Haunted by his brother’s ghost, and drawn into a web of dark pacts and tangled loyalties, Brohr must choose between the path of vengeance set before him, and a chance to forge his own fate.

From the shadows, an all but extinct race of alien demigods have begun the end game of their millennia-spanning war, and one has chosen Brohr for his closing gambit.
But Brohr’s grandfather harbors a dark secret that will change everything.

Above it all, a dread portent looms in the sky, spelling the death of Brohr’s world. With doom spiraling toward them, Brohr must lead an unlikely rebellion, unearth disturbing family secrets, and tame the raging ghost that haunts him. Can Brohr lead his people out of darkness, or will he succumb to his own terrifying bloodlust, and destroy the very people he has sworn to save?

Author Information

Jordan Loyal Short is a debut author of epic fantasy. His first novel, The Skald’s Black Verse, is a dark and beautiful story about families, cultures, and beliefs at war with themselves. The protagonist, Brohr, must navigate the tangled loyalties and unforgiving biases of a planet conquered by invaders from another world. Using black magic, and the bizarre bond he shares with his stillborn brother’s spirit, Brohr unravels the truth about himself and an eon spanning war that has reached its end game. Jordan has worked in a variety of industries, as a waiter, bartender, copywriter and more. He lives in Washington state with his wife where he is currently daydreaming about the end of the world.

Where to him:

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

#booktour: A Hero's Downfall (A Story of Evil) by Tony Johnson #bookreview + Giveaway (US only)

The Story of Evil – A Hero’s Downfall by Tony Johnson

Published: March 4, 2020

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Age Group: Adult

Pages: 483

During an entertaining jousting tournament, a mysterious villain attacks the capital with his army. Because of this disastrous event, Stephen Brightflame, a nineteen-year-old who aspires to become a knight, embarks on a quest to save the kingdom from further destruction. He joins up with a convicted felon, an arrogant warrior, and a Halfling woman, but quickly learns their pasts are just as dark and disturbing as his own. Experience the first book in an epic fantasy trilogy that’s been called, “fascinating and captivating” featuring “well-rounded, enjoyable characters, intense action scenes, and riveting twists” (The US Review of Books and Self-Publishing Review).

Goodreads/Amazon

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Hero's Downfall left me numb upon completion. Just emotionally drained. Any author that leaves me with with a 'book hangover' in my opinion is an amazingly talented one. Tony Johnson is a name to keep your eyes and ears open for. I for one can not wait to place this book on my physical bookshelves next to many of other greats of Fantasy. 

With in moments of reading,  Mr. Johnson makes you feel as if you have know these characters. You smile when they smile, you grieve when they grieve, you want to fight when the fight. My heart broke more then once and I was crying before I even hit the 50 page mark. We have a book that is full of action and lightheartedness, with lovable characters and a kick to the gut all in one. Our cast of characters no matter what they face they fight and go on even when all hope seems to be lost. He has also written the evil so well, the darkness that in enveloping this world

Not only is the story wonderfully and intensely written. It is a fantasy that touches on serious issues in the real world and how it effects how people grow and become who they are. From bullying, racism, abandonment, child abuse, depression, suicide, and PTSD. So many fantasy stories don't go into the aftermaths of events on how they deal, and to read one that does is refreshing.

I loved this book, you'd think with all the darkness, destruction and death how could someone? It's written so well that it really makes it hard not be taken in. I don't want to spoil anything about it, you really need to read this one for yourself. What I thought I figured out and knew after finishing, I realize I in fact didn't know and I'm in shock and surprised, probably a little lost and in need of more of the story. 

Thank you storytellers on tour and Tony Johnson for this opportunity.

About the Author:

Tony Johnson is the author of the epic fantasy series, The Story of Evil. He is an avid reader who enjoys fantasy, classic novels, Shakespeare, and Christian literature. He is also a fan of movies, television, videogames, and Tennessee Titans football. He graduated with a Bachelors in English Literature from SUNY Brockport with a certification to teach 7th-12th grade English and Special Education. Tony lives in Batavia, NY and is currently finishing up his Masters Degree and working on the final book in the Story of Evil trilogy.

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A Hero's Downfall Giveaway

Tour dates

Book Tour: Arms of the Ocean by Jamie Webster & M. Dalto Book review + Giveaway (Int)

Arms of the Ocean
Jamie Webster, M. Dalto
Published by: Parliament House
Publication date: July 7th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult, Young Adult

Nineteen-year-old Tristaine lived a life of bitterness. When her mother abandoned her family, and her father began drinking, Tris discovered the only thing that truly brought her happiness: the sea.
It called to her like a lover and flowed through her like a life force. When her only peace is threatened to be taken away, Tris realizes there is nothing she wouldn’t do to remain with the ocean.
Even if it means taking her own life to do so.
But the sea isn’t done with her -not yet- and Tris soon finds herself submerged in a world where love, betrayal, and honor stand stronger than any other force of nature.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:

*Just a fair warning that there are triggers within the pages of this book. Warnings: Rape, Sexual assault/violence, alcoholism, abuse, suicide, anxiety, PTSD and I may have missed some.*

The authors of this book have done a wonderful job of making you feel as if you there on the cliffs with Tristaine as she over looks the ocean rather then being in town during the Midnight Summers Eve festivities. I could almost hear the crash of the waves and smell the salt in the air, while Tris looks out with longing. Her mother left her and her family when she was little, her father hasn't been the same ever since. Drinking his life away and with Tristaine carrying the burden. Her brother has married and moved, and keeps saying he'll take her away. Her father in is drunkenness is fearful that she will leave him too  and when he see's her wadding in the ocean the anger and hate he has for the waters shines through. Threatening that it won't take her too.  He is rough and drunk beyond reasoning with so much vitriol that she has never seen before as he drags and halls her from the shore. But Tristaine want's to only be were the air smells of brine and white caps meet the shore. She never wants to leave her home by the ocean, it calls to her. 

When the last thing she thinks would ever happen to her does, she makes the decision then to never leave the ocean she loves but to forever join with it. The ocean welcomes her  with open arms and Tristaine's world is the never the same again.

Under the sea is the city of Inara a magical place with selkies and other fae. A city that to Tristaine was only bedtime stories and tales the fisherman told. Never did she imagine that this place was real and that she had a special and tragic connection to it.

Jamie Webster and M. Dalto have did a magical job in bring this tale to life. The would building and descriptions put you in the setting even while reading from your chair. The characters like many characters have their flaws, but so do us humans and some are down right evil and you hope they get what is coming to them. Then you have special ones, like Nyx who I hope will make an appearance in another book because you can not keep a girl hanging like that with out knowledge of a book 2. If this is a standalone I will be so very saddened. 

Secrets and lies, a prince, bondmates, evil lords, betrayal, twists and turns, and a lovely black cat. You'll find so much and more in the Arms of the Ocean. 

Fans of SJM's A Court of Thorn and Roses will enjoy this

Thanks to Xpresso Tours for my copy for review. 

Author Bio:
Jamie Webster is an Adult Fantasy writer who recalls writing stories as early as ten. She first began writing fanfiction, though she typically created an original character to follow. In high school, she began to create her own fantasy worlds and roleplayed on Yahoo Groups and AIM. In her adult years, she has completed four books as well as written for several publications including a blog, Trials and Tribulations, for her local newspaper as well as articles on writing and book reviews for Fantasy-Faction.
Jamie received her B.A. in English with a focus in Creative Writing from UMaine and an MFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. She does most of her drafting during NaNoWriMo and fancies herself as the hybrid plantser. Her passion is reading, writing, crocheting and playing video games. She currently lives in Maine with her three children, Corgi, Mini Aussie, and a plethora of other animals that she’d rather not admit to.

Author links:
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

M. Dalto is a bestselling New Adult author of adventurous romantic fantasy stories, having won a Watty award for excellence in digital storytelling for her debut novel, Two Thousand Years, in 2016. She spends her days as a full-time residential real estate paralegal, using her evenings to pursue her literary agenda, and when she’s not writing, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, playing video games, and drinking coffee. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband, their daughter, and their corgi named Loki.

Author links:
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Book Tour: Voice of War (Threadlight #1) by Zack Argyle Review

Voice of War by Zack Argyle

Published: March 19, 2020

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Age Group: Adult

Pages: 370
Blurb:

While preparing for the birth of his first child, Chrys Valerian is tasked with uncovering the group responsible for a series of missing threadweavers—those able to see and manipulate threadlight. With each failure, the dark voice in his head that began during the war grows louder, begging to be released.

Laurel lives in Zedalum, a secret city in the center of the Fairenwild. During her most recent messenger run, Laurel veered off course to explore the streets of Alchea. She never expected that her journey would end in chains.

When Chrys learns who is responsible for the missing threadweavers, they come for him and his family. He must do everything in his power to protect those he loves, even if it means trusting a strange girl or the dark voice in his mind

            Goodreads/ Amazon

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review: 

Ok so phew we have a lot going on in this one. Voice of War is an epic fantasy with a wide cast and interesting magic system. I use the term magic lightly as in it's not wizards and spells. Threadweaving is an ability where if a person is born with Emerald or Sapphire eyes they can control the threadlight to move around ie jump great hights, pull things to them. In that sense it was reminding me of Mistborne by Brandon Sanderson. (Which I love so that's a ++)

The world building is top notch, Zack Argyle paints a vivid picture taking the reader further into this brilliant and interesting world. I could see the world in my mind and there is place that just sounds like it would be magical to visit..I can't tell you where you reader must visit for yourself. 

The story it's self is told from the point of view of a handful of a characters, even though the main storylines center on 3 specific characters. The first of which is the main, Chrys. He is also the only one in which I will speak about as to not spoil the story. Chrys is a high general to Great Lord, he is a threadweaver with Sapphire eyes and is working to find the missing threadweavers. They have been taken by the bloodtheives to drain them of their blood. After an investigation goes not the way it was planed, he discovers a betrayal and now is in danger himself.

Like I said so much going on in this book and I am soo happy to know that there is going to be more books because I got questions.  Fantastic, a solid 4 stars. 

Thank you Storytellers On Tour for this epic book. Thank you Zack for writing it.

About the Author

Zack Argyle was raised with a wonderful family motto: don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story. What better way than to write fiction? He spends his days writing code and his nights writing epic stories about family, love, loss, friendship, and pain all intermixed with a heavy dose of the fantastical.

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