The Phantom Twin Review

Today’s review touched me. I love graphic novels but as a twin I connected with this book.

But you don’t have to be a twin to connect to this wonderful heartbreaking story of loss and love. Let’s take at The Phantom Twin.

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A young woman is haunted by the ghost of her conjoined twin, in Lisa Brown’s The Phantom Twin, a sweetly spooky graphic novel set in a turn-of-the-century sideshow.

Isabel and Jane are the Extraordinary Peabody Sisters, conjoined twins in a traveling carnival freak show―until an ambitious surgeon tries to separate them and fails, causing Jane’s death.

Isabel has lost an arm and a leg but gained a ghostly companion: Her dead twin is now her phantom limb. Haunted, altered, and alone for the first time, can Isabel build a new life that’s truly her own?

Order here!

 

 

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Tawney’s Review:

The Phantom Twin was a great read with wonderful art and a heart wrenching story of conjoined twins who live at a freak show. It’s set in the 1920s with a traveling cirucs. Here one twin feels at home among the other freaks while the other wants a normal life.

Jane and Isabel are joined together by an arm and a leg. Jane urns for a life of her own so when they are approached by a physician to separate them, she jumps at the chance. But things turn for the worst and Jane dies leaving Isabel alone in the world. Of course this brings on such emotional turmoil. I couldn’t image life without my twin so this is just gut-wrenching.

However, Jane is not too far as a phantom twin, still attached to Isabel. And this does bring problems and drama to the story. The art work was wonderful and help capture the twins world. You felt the hate of the villagers to the freaks and the pain of Isabel’s loss.

The Phantom Twin was a swift read that takes the reader into the 1920’s and the life of a conjoined twin. It was a heartbreaking story of loss and finding love again through tragedy and triumph.

                                    

Should you read it? Yes! A wonderful story that shows the darker side of the circus and the triumph of a former conjoined twin who must now live her own life.

One Minute Out Review

From Mark Greaney, the New York Times bestselling author of Mission Critical and a coauthor of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan novels, comes another high-stakes thriller featuring the world’s most dangerous assassin: the Gray Man.

While on a mission to Croatia, Court Gentry uncovers a human trafficking operation. The trail leads from the Balkans all the way back to Hollywood.

Court is determined to shut it down, but his CIA handlers have other plans. The criminal ringleader has actionable intelligence about a potentially devastating terrorist attack on the US. The CIA won’t move until they have that intel. It’s a moral balancing act with Court at the pivot point.

Order here!

 

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Tawney’s Review: 

I liked The Gray Man novels. They are intense action packed thrillers!

One Minute Out finds Court in the dark world of sex trafficking. We start off in Croatia where Court is attempting to assassinate a war criminal. It always a pleasure to see Court try and keep his moral code when in danger or dealing with enemies. Each chapter is filled with intense adventure where the reader is transported to cities around the world.

I did find this book a little different from the others in the series because it was in first person. As it was nice getting into Court’s head it was a little jarring. I’m not sure I liked it this way but I do applaud the author for giving us a different view of the series.

The pace is fast and writing smooth. As always there is action and lots of twist and turns throughout the plot.

Should you read it? If you haven’t read the series I would start with book one, but it’s a good instalment if you have.

All the Stars and Teeth Blog Tour: Review

Today we are excited to be part of the All the Stars and Teeth Blog Tour!

All the Stars and Teeth is a highly anticipated book full of adventure, a strong heroine and magic! 

Let’s take a look at All the Stars and Teeth.

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“Fierce and unrelenting…Do yourself a favor and get lost in this beautiful book!” ―Tomi Adeyemi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Children of Blood and Bone

Set in a kingdom where danger lurks beneath the sea, mermaids seek vengeance with song, and magic is a choice, Adalyn Grace’s All the Stars and Teeth is a thrilling fantasy for fans of Stephanie Garber’s Caraval and Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series.

She will reign.

As princess of the island kingdom Visidia, Amora Montara has spent her entire life training to be High Animancer―the master of souls. The rest of the realm can choose their magic, but for Amora, it’s never been a choice. To secure her place as heir to the throne, she must prove her mastery of the monarchy’s dangerous soul magic.

When her demonstration goes awry, Amora is forced to flee. She strikes a deal with Bastian, a mysterious pirate: he’ll help her prove she’s fit to rule, if she’ll help him reclaim his stolen magic.

But sailing the kingdom holds more wonder―and more peril―than Amora anticipated. A destructive new magic is on the rise, and if Amora is to conquer it, she’ll need to face legendary monsters, cross paths with vengeful mermaids, and deal with a stowaway she never expected… or risk the fate of Visidia and lose the crown forever.

I am the right choice. The only choice. And I will protect my kingdom.

Order the book here!

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Tawney’s Review:

I love fantasy. Whether it be children’s books, YA or adult, fantasy always takes the reader on an epic journey with great chacarcters and magic. I was very glad to find that All the Stars and Teeth had all the characters of a great fantasy.

Amora is the only child and heir to the throne of Visidia. To prove herself as a leader she must harness soul magic and show complete control. Of course things don’t go as expected and Amora looses control. Locked away to an unknown fate she is saved by a stranger and thrust into a perilous journey to harness new magic. Thus unfolds an adventure of saving her kingdom. 

Amora was wonderfully written. She was a strong and independent and takes dangerous chances upon herself for the sake of others. Bastian was a great secondary character feeding off of Amora with wit and humor.  My favorite secondary character was Vatea the vengeful mermaid who saved their lives many times. Amora and her crew had a wonderful connection with each other and you couldn’t help but root for them every step of the way.

Adalyn Grace does a wonderful job at worldbuilding. Her magic system is unique and interesting. Each Visidia island holds a different magic and whatever magic you choose to harness you go to that correlating island. Grace’s description was vivid and effortless seeping into the reader’s mind. There was no info dumping or overly descriptive pages but a fresh perspective of a unique type of magic system that piqued my interest.

Should you read this? Yes, a dazzling epic fantasy debut with wonderful characters, high stakes adventures and intriguing magic that makes for an enjoyable read.

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Adalyn Grace graduated from Arizona State University when she was nineteen years old. She spent four years working in live theater and acted as the managing editor of a nonprofit newspaper before studying storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular series The Legend of Korra.

Adalyn splits time between San Diego and Arizona with her bossy cat and two dorky dogs, and spends her days writing full-time while trying to find the best burrito around. All the Stars and Teeth is her debut novel.

Follow: Blog * Twitter *Instagram 

 

Waiting Forever Review

Today’s book review is an author that I love! From her YA retelling Fated to Die to her NA Romance books The Forever Series, Tara captures your attention and pulls you into her books. Today’s review is the 5th book of the Forever Series: Waiting Forever.

Let’s take a look at Waiting Forever!

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Waiting Forever: Vol 5: New Adult Romance (The Forever Series)

Nathan

Life used to be fun. College, parties, close friends, girls—one in particular, who I can’t let go no matter how hard I try.

I’m not talking about my girlfriend. That relationship lost its momentum months ago. The girl who haunts my dreams and memories from my childhood hates me. I blew her off twice for her own good.  Now she’s coming to live with me.

It’ll be torture having her so close and not be able to touch her. I’m supposed to protect her from guys with bad intentions, but who’s going to protect her from me?

Kensington

I’ve adored Nathan my entire life. He was supposed to be my first everything, my forever. But after multiple rejections from him, those days are gone, along with my innocence.

I got myself into trouble, and now I need a safe place to stay until life calms down. Until my parents can forgive me, and I can forgive myself.

The last thing I want to do is move in with Nathan. He’s made it clear with his distance, he’s not interested in my life. But after what happened back home, he’s my only escape from the hateful rumors and betrayals of so-called friends.

As much as I don’t want Nathan to be my safe haven, everything about the him still feels like home. I need to be careful, keep my distance, and never let him find out what happened to me.

Waiting Forever is a standalone and part of The Forever Series, serial romance.

Order here!

The Forever Series Collection includes:
Risking Forever: vol 1
Daring Forever: vol 2
Claiming Forever: vol 3
Free bonus novel – Sebastian – Risking Forever: vol 4

The Forever Series Four Book Collection

Waiting Forever: Vol

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Tawney’s Review:

First off, Tara picks the best yummy covers! Can we just sit back and enjoy the cover?

Waiting Forever is the 5th book in the Waiting Forever Series in the POV of Nathan and Kensington. We dive into the aftermath with Nathan’s best friend Sebastian getting killed. Now Nathan is trying to move on and when Kensington comes along maybe it won’t be so bad?

Nathan is unhappy with his on and off again girlfriend Harper, oh the ever so crazy we love Harper, until Kensington arrives as his fake cousin. Nathan used to be the ladies man and party boy but lately he has been boring, as Harper states. But Kensington ignites that fire within Nathan again. Is it hot in here or just me?

Tara is fantastic on character building and descriptions, especially the sex scenes. They are steamy and hot and you just flip each page with that thrill of excitement. The characters are well developed and have such a chemistry that you love every scene and dialogue they have together. You can’t help love that scene stealer Harper with her witty crude sense of humor.

You could read this book as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the other books too. Dive right into Tara’s NA Romance The Forever Series world and fall in love with all her characters and stay for the smexy. I did!

 

Should you read it? Yes! Sexy steamy romance that get’s your heart pumping and you won’t want to put it down until the very last page!

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About the Author:

Tara Gallina is the author of the serial romance, The Forever Series. She writes and reads romance in a variety of genres but has a soft spot for retellings.

She believes in fairies, true love, and happily ever after. She favors characters and/or couples who defy the odds and make a way, even when there isn’t one.

She grew up in a small town by the beach but soon after moved to Orlando, Florida with her patient hubs, two older sons, and two fur-babies. With local theme parks like Disney World and Harry Potter, it’s no wonder her life is filled with fantasy and make believe.

Follow here:

Instagram * Twitter * Facebook * Blog

 

The Starless Sea Review

Today’s review is by Erin Morgenstern author of The Night Circus. I don’t like giving bad reviews but sometimes it happens because a book is not up to par  This was not my cup of tea.

Let’s take a look at The Starless Sea.

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Zachary Ezra Rawlins is a graduate student in Vermont when he discovers a mysterious book hidden in the stacks. As he turns the pages, entranced by tales of lovelorn prisoners, key collectors, and nameless acolytes, he reads something strange: a story from his own childhood. Bewildered by this inexplicable book and desperate to make sense of how his own life came to be recorded, Zachary uncovers a series of clues—a bee, a key, and a sword—that lead him to a masquerade party in New York, to a secret club, and through a doorway to an ancient library hidden far below the surface of the earth. What Zachary finds in this curious place is more than just a buried home for books and their guardians—it is a place of lost cities and seas, lovers who pass notes under doors and across time, and of stories whispered by the dead. Zachary learns of those who have sacrificed much to protect this realm, relinquishing their sight and their tongues to preserve this archive, and also of those who are intent on its destruction. Together with Mirabel, a fierce, pink-haired protector of the place, and Dorian, a handsome, barefoot man with shifting alliances, Zachary travels the twisting tunnels, darkened stairwells, crowded ballrooms, and sweetly soaked shores of this magical world, discovering his purpose—in both the mysterious book and in his own life.

Order it here

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Tawney’s Review

 

I wanted to really like this book but alas it was not meant to be. This book was a jumble mess of a story within a story that led to confusion and substandard characters. I loved the Night Circus. I had hoped Morgenstern’s follow up would hold up to the magic of her first novel. Unfortunately, The Starless Sea didn’t connect with me and I was frustrated the further I read because I was just bored and forcing myself to finish the book.

Morgenstern has a lovely imagination and strong description but in this book I felt it was over powering the story. There was too much of it and the story was just too wordy. And though it was quite beautiful in imagination it didn’t help the story nor the characters. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and found myself unsatisfied with the book. I understand that it would be hard to follow up the Night Circus but this book was very disappointing.

Should you read it? No, The Starless Sea was an underwhelming story with so many plot holes and unappealing characters.

 

Glow Girl Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

On the blog today we are part of the Rockstar Book Tour doing a review for Glow Girl.

Let’s take a look at Glow Girl.

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About the Book:

Title: GLOW GIRL

Author: M. Weidenbenner

Pub. Date: October 31, 2019

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara)

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 266

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Willow is just your average sixteen-year-old girl. Okay, maybe not so average. She can heal animals. For her own safety, her veterinarian parents have made her promise not to use her powers. But sometimes her compassion just takes over, and she can’t help … well … helping.

Willow is a Droit, but hides her Droitism because people like her are feared and hated by those without special abilities. Two of Willow’s schoolmates, rumored to be Droits, have simultaneously disappeared.

When Willow’s non-Droit friend, Rain, is targeted, Willow wonders whether she should get involved–even if that means putting herself in the line of fire.

A mysterious new friend, Trae, just might be the key to unlock her courage.

In the end, she has a choice: she can deny who she is or declare her ability to heal, but either way, her life will never be the same again.

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Tawney’s Review:

Glow Girl pleasantly surprised me.

I was given the book for a review up knowing that I would enjoy the story. It was a superhero story, much like Xmen, where people have powers and those without fear them.

They are called Droits and there is much prejudice against them. This reason is why Willow keeps her powers of healing animals to herself. I loved that her Aunt Fifi was there to help her find her path as a Droit. Their relationship was heartwarming and Aunt Fifi was a good secondary character. I always like a book with a positive family dynamic.

Weidenbenner did a wonderful job at creating her world of Droits. It’s a lot like our own but with superpowers.The description was vivid thrusting the reader right into that world. The characters were likable and the pace was quick and the reading easy. I finished this book wanting more.

Should you read it? Yes, a pleasant read that makes you want more.

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About the Author.:

AWARD-WINNING and AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR.

GOLD Medal WINNER in the 2014 READERS’ FAVORITE International Awards.

Bronze Medal Winner in Dan Poytner’s Global eBook Awards. Winner of the Kindle Book Promotion Awards. SPIRIT and INSPIRATION MEDALS in the NEW APPLE LITERARY AWARDS.

AWARD-WINNING SPEAKER. John Maxwell Team Leader.

To obtain a free copy of one of Michelle’s children’s books, and receive her newsletters, go to www/MichelleWeidenbenner.com/gift/

Michelle is an author, speaker, trainer and coach dedicated to leaving a legacy of leaders who care about bringing value to others and equipping the future generation. She’s also known as the UNCOVER AGENT who helps people uncover their messages so they can UNLEASH them into the universe.

She grew up in the burbs of Detroit with five brothers. No sisters. Each time her mom brought the boy bundle home from the hospital Michelle cried, certain her mom liked boys better than girls. But when her brothers pitched in with the cooking, cleaning, and babysitting–without drama, Michelle discovered having brothers wasn’t so bad. They even taught her how to take direct criticism without flinching, which comes in handy with book reviews.

CACHE a PREDATOR and ECLAIR GOES GEOCACHING are currently hidden in geocaching sites throughout the US. If you’d like to see where they might be in your area, please log in to geocaching.com and search for trackables at IN SCRIBE–that’s Michelle.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads

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Giveaway Details:

50 winners will receive an ebook of GLOW GIRL, International. Via Goodreads

Enter here!

 

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/28/2019	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
10/29/2019	Lifestyle Of Me	Review
10/30/2019	BookishRealmReviews	Review
10/31/2019	Yna the Mood Reader	Review
11/1/2019	Cuz I’m a Nerd	Review

 

Week Two:

11/4/2019	Southern Girl Bookaholic	Review
11/5/2019	PopTheButterfly Reads	Review
11/6/2019	Tawney Bland	Review
11/7/2019	lori’s little house of reviews	Review
11/8/2019	Shelf-Rated	Review

 

Week Three:

11/11/19	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
11/12/19	The Pages In-Between	Review
11/13/19	A Gingerly Review	Review
11/14/19	Turning the Pages	Review
11/15/19	Adventures and Reading	Review

 

Week Four:

11/18/2019	Jena Brown Writes	Review
11/19/2019	@fictitious.fox	Review
11/20/2019	Two Dogs and a Book	Review
11/21/2019	Fire and Ice	Review
11/22/2019	two points of interest	Review

 

Q&A with Author Tara Gallina and Giveaway

Today I’m excited to have my good friend Tara Gallina on the blog answering question about her new release Fated to Die.

I love fairytale retellings, especially ones I’m unfamiliar with. Fated to Die is a wonderful fairytale of ancient curses and a romance that sweeps you off your feet. I couldn’t put the book down. I’m very excited to spotlight this book and talk with Tara. Not to mention she has a giveaway happening right now.

Let’s take a look at Fated to Die.

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Immerse yourself in a fairy tale village where the only way out is through death.

Inspired by the Scottish folktale of the Washer Woman with a hint of Beauty and the Beast.
Dark Retelling, young adult romance.

Never in a million years did Preya believe she’d be chosen by the curse on her village. Outcasted for her appearance, Preya has never bothered trying to fit in. Friends, balls, and romance are for eligible maidens, not a pariah who spends her time caring for her family. But this year is different.

Each Summer Solstice the Washer Woman enslaves a maiden of seventeen as her Messenger, a bearer of death to those who are Fated to Die. No maiden has ever survived her enslavement.

If Preya is to be the first, she must submit and follow the rules set by the Keeper. The mysterious boy is tasked with her training and, at all times, cloaked from her sight. His strict, domineering methods clash with his warm voice and gentle touch.

Preya doesn’t know how he’s connected to the curse, if he’s good or bad, human or monster, and why she’s drawn to him. When trusting him becomes her only chance at freedom, Preya discovers secrets about the Keeper and the past that change everything she thought she knew. Saving herself isn’t enough. She needs to break the curse, and she needs his help to do it.

Order the book here!

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Q&A with Tara Gallina

1. Fated to Die is your fifth novel, congtrats! How does it feel to have so many under your belt since publishing your first book Risking Forever in March?

It feels good but also like I need a vacation. LOL. In truth, I wish I could get more books out faster.

 

2. In Fated to Die the curse of the Washer Woman is so intriguing, how did you come up with that concept for the novel?

I was looking for ideas and myths that aren’t as popular. There are so many. The darkness and death surrounding the Washer Woman folktale resonated with me.

3. You have self published all of your books, what recommendations can you give to other authors who wish to go the same route for publishing? 

Research the route you want to take and then go for it!! Don’t let fear hold you back!

There are many choices today for authors. A trend that’s growing more popular is called “hybrid publishing,” where authors self publish and have traditionally published books, as well.

Independent publishing gives an author the freedom to publish popular genres that may not be appealing to flooded genres in the traditional world.

With that freedom comes work, like marketing and PR but traditionally published authors have to do much of this, too.

I started in the traditional world with an agent and am independently publishing. However, if I write a story that has mass commercial appeal, I’m sure I’ll find myself back in the traditional world.

Don’t be afraid to try different things.

 

4. Self Publishing use to have a stigma around it, but now even traditional published authors are self publishing, why do you think that is?

LOL. I believe I inadvertently answered this question above.

It’s much harder to get published in the traditional world today than it was 5 years ago and more so 10 years ago. Getting an agent is harder, too. The industry has changed. Amazon was and is a huge game changer for authors.

The good news is the quality of self published novels has increased considerably. I have sooo many fav indie authors.

5. What are you working in now? When is the next book! We must have more.

I’m editing Nathan’s story, (Waiting Forever) a sequel to my NA serial romance The Forever Series.  His story will be out this fall if all goes as planned.

 I’m also hoping to get back to tweaking Club Neverland (the novel that landed me my first lit agent) so I can publish it this summer.

I want to have both novels out before the Orlando Reads Books conference this Aug in Orlando.

I will be attending as a featured author and I’ll be on the young adult books panel.

It’s an incredible event with the customary writers costume night dinner. The theme is A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I can’t wait!! The book signing day is free to the public to anyone who wants to come!!!

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The Giveaway!!

Tara is having a giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Enter here

About the Author:

Tara Gallina is the author of the serial romance, The Forever Series. She writes and reads romance in a variety of genres but has a soft spot for retellings.

She believes in fairies, true love, and happily ever after. She favors characters and/or couples who defy the odds and make a way, even when there isn’t one.

She grew up in a small town by the beach but soon after moved to Orlando, Florida with her patient hubs, two older sons, and two fur-babies. With local theme parks like Disney World and Harry Potter, it’s no wonder her life is filled with fantasy and make believe.

Follow here:

Instagram * Twitter * Facebook * Blog

 

 

I highly recommend Tara’s series The Forever Series. Such smoldering romance and hot characters!