Category: Blog Tour (Page 1 of 19)

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

October 17, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

I’m beyond excited to be on the tour for A Little Too Close! I love the books Rebecca Yarros writes, and this opposites attracts story was so fun to devour! Enjoy ♥

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros comes a small town, single parent romance.

Nine years ago, Weston Madigan saved me. I came to Colorado penniless, heartbroken, and pregnant, searching for a fresh start. Weston gave me a job at his family's resort, then left the next day and never returned, not even to visit.

Then I stumble in on Weston cooking breakfast shirtless-gloriously, inappropriately shirtless-in the shared kitchen of my duplex in employee housing. Given the shock on both our faces, he wasn't expecting a roommate either, let alone two.

The growly pilot is only home to start his family's new heli-skiing operation. I can handle being his temporary roommate, right? Chemistry and attraction aren't impossible to ignore when you agree on ground rules. Besides, even with those gorgeous, brooding brown eyes, the guy is a walking thundercloud...until my daughter, Sutton, makes him laugh and he smiles at me. Then everything changes. Cue inconvenient heart flip.

This is only temporary.

I can't fall for Weston.

I. Will. Not. Fall. For. Weston.

But rules go out the window when you're a little too close.

Review:

A Little Too Close was a steamy story about opposites attract! With a forced proximity that was done phenomenally, a story-line that will tug at your heart and characters you can’t hep but love, this story was such a huge hit. With the right amount of hope and laughter, mixed with an emotional backstory for both characters, this romance story is bound to sweep you off your feet!

Staring at my roommate’s mouth was the worst idea in the fucking world.
Nope. Kissing her would be the worst. Staring is just…bad.

Callie Thorne was a single mom that was dedicated, a hard worker and had the most beautiful heart. She had put so many of her plans aside for others happiness, and the joy she filled a room with was infectious. She was the photographer for the ski resort, and living in a duplex in employee housing while saving money for her and her daughter, Sutton’s, own place. Yet when she found Weston Madigon cooking in her kitchen shirtless, everything changed. This was the same man who gave her a job ten years ago when she was pregnant and absolutely lost in life. And then he disappeared the next day. When Callie and Weston agreed to share the duplex, along with a list of rules, neither of their lives would ever be the same again.

Weston smiled. He really, actually smiled, and I almost lost my balance. He was gorgeous while broody and serious, but smiling? He was beautiful.

Weston Madigan didn’t expect to find himself back at his family’s ski resort. He left after he helped raise his younger brother, since his mom died and his father checked out while being an alcoholic. He was now in the army as a helicopter pilot. Yet his older brother Reed needed him, to help branch the resort into heli tours and drops for skiing and snowboarding. With resentment towards Reed, questioning himself and a whole slew of other emotions, Weston found himself back home. And sharing living quarters with Callie and her daughter Sutton. Being around Callie and Sutton showed us how considerate, thoughtful, caring and protective he could be. Weston was sigh worthy. For someone who didn’t even want a pet for fear or attachment, I loved watching him come to care for the both of them. And I loved even more the attraction between Callie and Weston that couldn’t be ignored.

A second later, he ripped his head back. “This is a really bad idea.” But his grip tightened on my hips.
“The worst,” I agreed, my hands sliding to his neck and behind, up into his hair.
“Fuck it.” He slanted his mouth over mine and kissed me, his tongue parting my lips and sliding into my mouth like he owned it.

While Weston and Callie each had their walls, I loved watching them get to know each other. As the weeks went by, they let the other in just a little bit more each time they interacted. The friendship that forged felt natural, along with how they cared for the other. Yet they were also both attracted to each other. So the longer they lived together, the more impossible it became for them to ignore the sparks between them. And when they pushed the boundaries from friends to more, oh it was hot *fans face*!

I was a compass, and she was north. I was powerless to fight whatever this was between us.

A Little Too Close was a charming, romantic, opposites attract that will capture your heart. With side characters that I loved, both of their groups of friends were fabulous! And a happily ever after with a look into the future, this book was so wonderful! Ohhhhh I have to share that one of my favorite things in this book was Weston and his bond with Callie’s daughter, Sutton. He was her biggest cheerleader and their relationship will give you all the smiles! And while yes you could technically read this as a standalone, I can’t recommend A Little Too Late enough! I read that story first, since it’s about Weston’s older brother Reed and how he ended up back at the ski resort. So if you love adult romance that has some steam in the pages and lots of heart then this is one you’ll want to check out!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

NOW AVAILABLE!!
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Find all of the Madigan Brothers books HERE

Add to Goodreads

About Rebecca Yarros:

Rebecca Yarros is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including The Things We Leave Unfinished and The Last Letter. “A gifted storyteller” (Kirkus), she is also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. She’s the mother of six children, and is currently surviving the teenage years with three of her four hockey-playing sons. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the hockey rink or sneaking in some guitar time while guzzling coffee. She and her family live in Colorado with their stubborn English bulldogs, two feisty chinchillas, and a Maine Coon kitten named Artemis, who rules them all. Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October, which she co-founded with her husband in 2019. To learn more about their mission to better the lives of kids in foster care, visit www.oneoctober.org. To catch up on Rebecca’s latest releases and upcoming novels visit www.RebeccaYarros.com.
Connect w/Rebecca: Website I Facebook I Facebook Group I Twitter I Instagram I Goodreads I Bookbub I Amazon

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch

October 1, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

I'm so excited to help host a spot on the Spells for Lost Things tour! Check out my 5 Star review and enter a fabulous giveaway below. Enjoy♥

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch

Spells for Lost Things by Jenna Evans Welch
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Willow has never felt like she belonged anywhere and is convinced that the only way to find a true home is to travel the world. But her plans to act on her dream are put on hold when her aloof and often absent mother drags Willow to Salem, Massachusetts, to wrap up the affairs of an aunt Willow didn’t even know she had. An aunt who may or may not have been a witch.

There, she meets Mason, a loner who’s always felt out of place and has been in and out of foster homes his entire life. He’s been classified as one of the runaways, constantly searching for ways to make it back to his mom; even if she can’t take care of him, it’s his job to try and take care of her. Isn’t it?

Naturally pulled to one another, Willow and Mason set out across Salem to discover the secret past of Willow’s mother, her aunt, and the ambiguous history of her family. During all of this, the two can’t help but act on their natural connection. But with the amount of baggage between them—and Willow’s growing conviction her family might be cursed—can they manage to hold onto each other?

Review:

Spells for Lost Things was an emotional tale filled with family, friendship, love and hints of magic. This book reached into my heart so easily. The characters were so vivid and bright. The story-line made me read this book way too fast. I loved every minute of it, even the moments that made me cry. If you’re looking for a sweet young adult story filled with magic, first love, family mysteries and deep emotions, then definitely make for sure you have this one on your tbr!

“I love this place,” I blurt out.
“Me too,” she says. And then there’s this moment where we smile at each other, and for one tiny second I swear the entire world stands still.

We alternated the story between Willow and Mason, and both of them were both so easy to connect with. Willow felt adrift in the world. Her passion in life was traveling. With divorced parents who were both too busy to give her their time, Willow felt so utterly alone. Mason was in the system and had been in and out of foster homes over the years. When he landed up being placed with his mom’s old best friend and her family, Mason’s whole life changed. Yes he still felt alone but he was determined more than ever to find his mom and be back with her again. When fate landed Willow and Mason together, they both grow in leaps and bounds trying to figure out where they both fit in this world. And along the way, love helped them both in unexpected places.

How do I tell him Everything in my future feels fuzzy except for you?

Willow’s pain radiated out of her and into readers hearts. Her dad was busy with his new family and her mom was absorbed with her work. Neither had time for Willow. It felt like her parents moved on with their lives after the divorce and Willow was left behind in the dust. And her closest friend was a plane flight away. When her mom dragged her to Salem, to settle an estate for an aunt she never knew she existed, Willow started to get peaks into her mom’s life from the past. Willow got to meet her witchy aunts. She read spell books. And was sent on a treasure hunt to break a curse. Willow was focused, had big aspirations and had a kind, gentle soul. She was someone you could talk to for hours and trust with your deepest darkest secrets. She was exactly who Mason needed in his life.

There are so many ways a relationship can go wrong, it’s amazing we keep trying at all.

Mason was drowning in pain too. His mom was an addict and that landed him in foster care. When an old best friend of his mom’s stepped in and said she would foster him, Mason ended up in Salem too. I loved Emma, his new foster mom. Her, her husband and the three little girls in their house completely exploded Mason’s world. With glitter, love and coffee they slowly started to win Mason over. And my heart was bursting for him just to give them a true chance. So I loved when we got to see Mason trying, like breaking into Nova’s world. Or when he allowed the two littler girls to play makeup with him. Or even being able to connect with Emma over their love of coffee. Those moments, no matter how quick they were, meant everything. My heart burst with happiness when Mason would smile or relax around his new foster family. But most of all I loved how he instantly clicked with Willow. It was like destiny was in the stars that they were to meet.

Things that Willow and the Night Sky Have in Common:
1. Beautiful
2. Unpredictable
3. Makes you glad to be alive.

Willow and Mason both clang to hope that their future would lead them to greater things. Willow with traveling and Mason being with his mom again. Yet neither of them were living in the moment, it felt like they were constantly waiting for the future to happen. So when they met it was like they both got to take a deep breath. And when they were together, they lived in those moments. It was sweet, kind and honest. And as they opened up, their friendship became deep so quick. It felt real. It felt like I was there with them. And with witchcraft, secrets, fate, and acceptance, they both were on an emotional journey to discover who they both were. While falling in love along the way.

“Every minute with you is magic.”

With magic in the air, Spells for Lost Things was such a huge hit! Treasure hunts, spells, acceptance and love made this book impossible to put down! There were moments of laughter and there were also moments where tears kept falling down my face. This book tugged on my heart constantly. And with Willow and Mason, I wanted them desperately to be each other’s light in their lives. But at the same time, I wanted their family lives to finally bring them happiness too. Spells for Lost Things was an adorable, emotional tale and I’m looking forward to reading all of Welch’s other books!

PS While I wouldn’t list this book as paranormal, because the spell/witch aspect seemed like it could be in our everyday world. There were a few things that left me questioning just maybe it was more than a contemporary. Like, how did the aunties know about their loves in food? I truly don’t know lol. But I guess anything is possible. ♥

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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

About Jenna:

Jenna Evans Welch was the kind of insatiable child reader who had no choice but to grow up to become a writer. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Love & Gelato, Love & Luck, and Love & Olives. When she isn’t writing girl abroad stories, Jenna can be found chasing her children or making elaborate messes in the kitchen. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband and two young children. Visit her online at JennaEvansWelch.com.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a physical copy of SPELLS FOR LOST THINGS, US Only.

Ends October 15^th, Midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

9/12/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
9/13/2022	Kayl’s Krazy Obsession	Review
9/14/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review/IG Post
9/15/2022	Stacialovestoread	Review/IG Post
9/16/2022	A Dream Within A Dream	Review/IG Post
9/17/2022	Ya Books Central	Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

9/18/2022	booksaremagictoo	Review/IG Post
9/19/2022	Mom with a Reading Problem	Review/IG Post
9/20/2022	wiltedpages	Review/TikTok Post
9/21/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Review/IG Post
9/22/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review
9/23/2022	OneMoreExclamation	Review/IG Post
9/24/2022	My.Bookish.Mind	IG Review/TikTok Post

Week Three:

9/25/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post
9/26/2022	Nerdophiles	Review
9/27/2022	onemused	IG Review
9/28/2022	pluvioreads	Review/TikTok Post
9/29/2022	@booksrn_rashi	IG Review
9/30/2022	Novel Novice	IG Spotlight
10/1/2022	Star-Crossed Book Blog	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

10/2/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
10/3/2022	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review
10/4/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
10/5/2022	Momfluenster	IG Review/FB Post
10/6/2022	Celia’s Reads	Review/IG Post
10/7/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
10/8/2022	@jacleomik33	IG Review

Week Five:

10/9/2022

The Moon Phoenix

Review/IG Post

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Rise of the Snake Goddess (Samantha Knox #2) by Jenny Elder Moke

June 15, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

I'm so excited to be on the Rise of the Snake Goddess tour! Check out my review below and enter a fabulous giveaway! Enjoy♥

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Rise of the Snake Goddess (Samantha Knox #2) by Jenny Elder Moke

Rise of the Snake Goddess (Samantha Knox #2)
by Jenny Elder Moke
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The beautiful island of Crete, an archaeological find for the ages, and one seriously pissed-off Greek goddess. It’s just another day for Samantha Knox.

After being snubbed by her college’s archaeology department for an honor she rightfully earned, Sam is hell-bent on proving her worth to her misogynistic department head. So when an opportunity presents itself to solve the hidden meaning behind a symbol found inside a cave in Greece, Sam is all over it, and she’s bringing Bennett and Jo with her for the cross-Atlantic trip. Once on the island of Crete, Sam finds a treasure she never expected―the golden girdle of an ancient and powerful goddess, and she can’t resist its siren call, or the accolades she would win for discovering it. But before she can take credit for the find, the girdle is stolen and the island is hit with a series of earthquakes that don’t feel quite coincidental.

Soon Sam, Bennett, and Jo are embroiled in a wild hunt―one that takes them to tiny island shops, a glamorous high-stakes auction, and a fiery near-death experience―to find the girdle before someone can use it to raise the ancient goddess from her slumber. An unexpected heist, a terrifying trek through a labyrinth, and a fight to the death with the Minotaur itself lead to a final standoff she and her friends won’t soon forget―one that might just break up Sam and Bennett for good.

Set against the gorgeous backdrop and ancient ruins of the Greek islands, the pulse-pounding action in this twisting mystery will appeal to action-adventure fans, romance die-hards, and mythology buffs alike.

Review:

Rise of the Snake Goddess was an action packed adventure! With mythology, treasure hunts and even a goddess, this book was a lot of fun. Fans of National Treasure and The Mummy should have a blast reading this book!

“Isn’t that what drew us to this course of study in the first place? The promise of a discovery that would change the world?”
“Last time we discovered something, it nearly ended the world,” Bennett pointed out.
“Are you going to let that keep you from ever seeking adventure again?” Sam asked.

Our favorites Sam, Jo, and Bennett were together at college. When they intercepted a letter for Bennett’s professor, who we met in Curse of the Specter Queen, it led them on an adventure of a lifetime. They ended up of traveling to Crete, yet not everything was at it seemed. Caves, treasure hunters, relics, mythology and puzzles filled the story making this a fascinating read!

“It’s a secret passage,” she breathed in wonder.

The characters made this story for me! Jo continued to crack me up with her antics and do what she wanted to do attitude. I loved how she could be so clever! But most of all I loved her and Sam’s mended friendship and how they worked together as a team. They were the truest of best friends! Sam continued to impress me with her ability to not quit and her wits! Sam was so clever and smart, the adventure she led us on was one I won’t forget!

“Just once in this whole business, Bennett, I do wish you’d understand what I’m trying to do. I wish you’d understand me.”
Bennett looked down in surprise. “Why do you think I don’t understand you?”
“Because if you did, you’d help me, instead of constantly trying to stop me.”

Shockingly I felt like Bennett was the one who needed to grow the most in this story. He always tried to see the best in others. And while that was an admirable trait, it also led him to put that trust in others blindly that didn’t deserve it. I was so happy to see how far he had come from that first page to the last. Plus I loved seeing how much he cared for Sam and his sister, and the lengths he would go to to protect them.

These walls weren’t built to keep something out; they were built to keep something in.

The cast also included characters I absolutely loathed like Theo and one of the other professors, Professor Atchinson. There were others who I didn’t know if we should trust or not. It kept me guessing and I loved that each one stood out and felt unique. Finishing that last page, I felt like the message in this book was only you can find your true self-worth. You can’t let it be dictated by others and their expectations of you. Only you can forge your own path and love yourself truly. I was so happy that Sam, Bennett and even Jo encompassed those feelings on their journey!

The Snake Goddess had risen.

Stories were told, lies were spun and Sam, Jo and Bennett did everything possible to keep themselves not only out of trouble but alive too! There was a secret that came out from the first book that left me dying laughing! It was so perfect lol! So with a smidgen of romance and a ton of adventure, Rise of the Snake Goddess was a story not to be missed!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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

About Jenny Elder Moke:

Jenny Elder Moke writes young adult fiction in an attempt to recapture the shining infinity of youth. Her debut novel, Hood, was a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Mayor’s Book Club selection, and received critical acclaim.

When she is not writing, she’s gathering story ideas from her daily adventures with her two irredeemable rapscallions and honing her ninja skills as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Jenny lives in Denver, CO with her husband and two children.

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

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/1/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
6/2/2022	@simplybeccamee	IG Review
6/3/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review/IG Post
6/4/2022	Review Thick And Thin	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/5/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
6/6/2022	Karen Dee’s Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
6/8/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Review/IG Post
6/10/2022	@wraithreads	TikTok Review/IG Post
6/11/2022	DB’S Guide to the Galaxy	Review

Week Three:

6/12/2022	@drewsim12	IG Review/TikTiok Review
6/13/2022	Read With Serena	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	@ReadsReaders	YouTube Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/15/2022	Star-Crossed Book Blog	Review/IG Post
6/16/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/17/2022	Fire and Ice	Review/IG Post
6/18/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

6/19/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/20/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
6/21/2022	@jacleomik33 The Page Ladies	IG Post Review
6/22/2022	The Reading Devil	Review/IG Post
6/23/2022	Emmiepooh2	IG Review
6/24/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review/IG Post
6/25/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review

Week Five:

6/26/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
6/27/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/28/2022	BookBriefs	Review/IG Post
6/29/2022	Library of Alexandria Archives	Review/IG Post
6/30/2022	onemused	Review/IG Post

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Castles in their Bones (Castles in their Bones #1) by Laura Sebastian

February 2, 2022 / Cassie / 1 Comment

Castles in their Bones (Castles in their Bones #1)
by Laura Sebastian
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A spellbinding story of three princesses and the destiny they were born for: seduction, conquest, and the crown. Immerse yourself in the first book in a new fantasy trilogy from the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series.

Empress Margaraux has had plans for her daughters since the day they were born. Princesses Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz will be queens. And now, age sixteen, they each must leave their homeland and marry their princes.

Beautiful, smart, and demure, the triplets appear to be the perfect brides—because Margaraux knows there is one common truth: everyone underestimates a girl. Which is a grave mistake. Sophronia, Daphne, and Beatriz are no innocents. They have been trained since birth in the arts of deception, seduction, and violence with a singular goal—to bring down monarchies— and their marriages are merely the first stage of their mother’s grand vision: to one day reign over the entire continent of Vesteria.

The princesses have spent their lives preparing, and now they are ready, each with her own secret skill, and each with a single wish, pulled from the stars. Only, the stars have their own plans—and their mother hasn’t told them all of hers.

Life abroad is a test. Will their loyalties stay true? Or will they learn that they can’t trust anyone—not even each other?

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the CASTLES IN THEIR BONES by Laura Sebastian Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my review below and make sure to enter the giveaway!

********

“Like Mama always says,” Beatriz murmurs. “We’re three stars of the same constellation. Distance won’t change that.”

I REALLY like Castles in their Bones, the newest series from Ash Princes author Laura Sebastian. It’s essentially three stories smushed together in a single book, with threads weaving the stories together. It’s definitely has shades of Three Dark Crowns, but the sisters are working together instead of against each other. There’s so many twists and turns, y’all aren’t ready.

“You wish to appear smaller?” she asks, shaking her head. You are a queen. Why shouldn’t you take up every bit of space you deserve?”

As I mentioned above (and in the book synopsis) the story follows three triplet princesses: Daphne, Sophia and Beatriz. On their their 16^th birthday they are sent to rival countries to marry princes and secure their country’s relations at their behest. However, thanks to their mother’s training since they were young, they are lethal and skilled and ready to bring down each of the countries so they can be ruled as one. Naturally, things are not as simple as that and the plan becomes complicated as each girl settles into her role and meets new allies and enemies.

It shouldn’t matter what he believes in, it shouldn’t make her heart beat faster, it shouldn’t let her forget, even for a second, who she is and why she is here. But it does, and that makes it dangerous.

There are a lot of characters to keep track of because as I mentioned before, there’s essentially three independent stories going on (with small things keeping them intwined). I really liked all three of the sisters. When I was reading Three Dark Crowns, I definitely had my favorite sister, but I really couldn’t pick a favorite from these three. They all had great things about them, and while their stories ebbed and flowed with excitement, I truly was rooting for all of them.

As for the side characters, I loved getting to know Leopold, Bairre, Pasquale, Nico and Ambrose. They each brought something great to the table, even if they all aren’t necessarily the *good guys.* There’s plenty of other side characters too, but I can’t say I was as much of a fan of them or their actions. I enjoyed each of the romances for the girls, but I don’t want to say more due to spoilers. None if it is too deep, but it was really lovely watching each of them feel something for someone other than their sisters.

The world-building was really unique, as was the magic system. I can’t say I’ve really read anything else that is even close to star magic. For lack of a better word, it was really magical ha. Each country felt really unique and realistic, especially when it came to the star magic rules.

And how about the ending, hmm? Well let’s just say I audibly gasped and put my hand over my mouth. I know it’s fade to black and there’s a chance (I don’t care what the epilogue says) that what we are told happened didn’t necessarily. Until we get book two, I refuse to believe it *plugs ears and closes eyes.* If Sebastian really did do THAT, then WOW. That was really bold. But I remain in denial/optimistic for now.

Please grab this book right now! It released on February 1, so no excuses! Yes, sometimes it gets a bit confusing jumping between the stories and keeping track of all the characters, but it is so worth it. The way the stories were threaded was incredibly well done and the book really kept my attention. I am anxiously awaiting the follow up to this one and seeing what comes next for these three girls who really need a hug and a vacation.

“It’s always easier to love people who need us than people we need, I think. Being needed makes one powerful. Needing, though, makes vulnerable.”

Other Reviews:

“Enchanting…filled with captivating court intrigue and espionage.” –Kirkus Reviews

“A page-turner that brilliantly blends magic, romance, and adventure. A twist ending leaves readers reeling but ready for the second installment in the planned trilogy.” –Booklist

“Sebastian excels at world building…and a few tantalizing open threads certainly warrant interest in the future two volumes in this trilogy.” –The Bulletin

“An extravagantly built series starter” –Publishers Weekly

About Laura:

Laura Sebastian grew up in South Florida and attended Savannah College of Art and Design. She now lives and writes in London, England, with her two dogs, Neville and Circe. Laura is the author of the New York Times bestselling Ash Princess series: Ash Princess, Lady Smoke, and Ember Queen, as well as Half Sick of Shadows, her ﬁrst novel for adults. To learn more about Laura and her books, follow @sebastian_lk on Twitter.

Giveaway:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of CASTLES IN THEIR BONES, US Only.

Rafflecopter

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner

October 13, 2021 / Jen / 6 Comments

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls by Katie Mettner
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Actress Carrie Murray’s films are a Christmas lover’s delight. Filled with twinkling lights, festive carols, and happy endings, they’re the perfect escape from reality—for her and the audience. Then Tinseltown calls.

Braxton Timothy is Hollywood’s biggest action star. Handsome and talented but decidedly on the naughty list, no one can fathom his sudden desire to produce a feel-good Christmas movie—least of all, his no-name co-star.

Alternating between scenes reminiscent of everyone’s favorite made-for-TV movies and unexpected, off-screen chemistry, Gingerbread Falls has surprises in store this holiday season. The question is, will there be enough Christmas magic to convince two imperfect people that they’re perfect for each other?

Review:

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls was an adorable and emotion filled Christmas story. With snow falling, a Christmas town setting, and filming a Hallmarkish movie there was a lot of heart in the pages. If you enjoy Christmas stories, then you may want to put this one on your tbr list!

“I do enough of these movies, I should be overflowing with the stuff,” she huffed, her breath puffing frosty white rings into the air.
“Overflowing with what stuff?” a voice asked.
Carrie whirled around and slipped on a patch of snow, falling right into the waiting arms of Braxton.
He grinned down at her cheekily. “This is getting to be a habit.”

This was unlike any other Christmas story I have read, it was truly unique! Carrie Murray and Braxton Timothy were filming a movie that screamed Hallmark Christmas movie. And we not only alternated between Carrie and Braxton, but also between their real lives and the scenes they filmed in the movie too. The scenes they were filming were heartwarming, delightful and the perfect amount of cheesiness! But while they were filming, it was hard to keep their real lives from bleeding into their characters’ lives and vice versa. There was heat between them and quite possibly more!

While the crew worked around them, neither Brax nor Carrie moved away from the front of the tree. Carrie felt him lean into her ear and held her breath, wondering what he was about to say. “That was one of the best Christmas memories I’ve ever made.”
“That wasn’t real, Brax,” Carrie answered with her gaze fixed on the tree lights.
“It felt real to me,” he promised, his breath warm on her cheek.

But Carrie and Braxton in real life? They were sexier and way more heart broken and jaded then their Hallmark counterparts. While they were attracted to one another, Braxton had a playboy past and Carrie was the queen at keeping those around her at arms lengths away. As the story unfolded, we get to see that they were both haunted by their tragic pasts. And both of their pasts were extremely heavy, very dark and intense on the heart. So I kept hoping they could help one another heal, they both needed that. With some light hearted humor, some sexier moments, and heart wrenching back stories, this book thankfully sailed us into a happily ever after!

“CUT!” Simpson yelled, whipping the earphones off his head . “What the hell, Brax? This movie is for The Christmas Channel! You can’t kiss her until the very end!”
Brax finally tore his gaze from Carrie’s to address the director. “What happens if I don’t wait?”

A Christmas at Gingerbread Falls was a fun Christmas tale! But unfortunately for me, I was never able to connect to either of the characters. For me to love and enjoy a story with my whole heart, I desperately need that connection. And I wasn’t able to find that click with either Carrie or Braxton. So if you pick this one up, fingers crossed you click and I can’t wait to hear all of your thoughts and your emotions while reading this story!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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About Katie Mettner:

Katie Mettner writes small-town romantic tales filled with epic love stories and happily-ever-afters. She proudly wears the title of, ‘the only person to lose her leg after falling down the bunny hill,’ and loves decorating her prosthetic with the latest fashion trends. She lives in Northern Wisconsin with her own happily-ever-after and three mini-mes. Katie has a massive addiction to coffee and Twitter, and a lessening aversion to Pinterest — now that she’s quit trying to make the things she pins.

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