Friday, July 08, 2016

#Review of The Mysterious Abductions (The Nocturnals) by Tracey Hecht with #Giveaway @fabled_films

 
 
A flabbergastifying adventure under the stars!

"The characters are delightful and the nighttime landscape is captivating. It was just as I expected—because the best stories always take place in the dark!—R.L. Stine, author of Goosebumps

The Nocturnals features three unlikely friends: Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin and Bismark, the loud mouthed, pint sized sugar glider. The stories all play out in their nighttime world with teamwork, friendship and humor in every adventure.

In The Mysterious Abductions, the animals form a brigade of the night after a random encounter with a blood-thirsty snake, and just in time because something is threatening their night realm. Animals are disappearing without a trace. Together with the help of a wombat, a band of coyotes and many others, Dawn, Tobin and Bismark journey to the depths of the earth in a wacky, high stakes game that will determine all of their survival.

Thursday, July 07, 2016

Open letter to the #Blogging #Publisher Community at large

I have been going back and forth if I should post this or not.  But after seeing a post about someone saying that my grams really didn't die and that we used stole the money that was raised to go to disney I knew something had to be done.


Before you read the following please note its been a very long three days and well there are more than likely spelling mistakes etc.  Please ignore them.

1. Grams Death and Go Fund Me

My grandma died over Easter Weekend in 2014.   It was very unexpected and we thought she was just going into the hospital to deal with her stomach pains.  I was at an author event here in my town when I received the call that she had passed.  When it came to covering the cost to have her cremated and then sent back to Ohio so she could be buried we found that there was no way we could afford it.  Were not rich, we make no money from this site, and we pay out hundreds of dollars a year in shipping and giveaway costs.  As well as site fees etc.  So I turned to Go Fund Me to see if we could get some help.  Even before doing that we called many churches to see if they could help instead but no one could.  Reaching out to our followers on social media was the last chance before she was going to become a ward of the state.  

Having to prove that my grams died is disgusting and hurtful.  Having to think about her death after all this time.......

I still can't believe that people would post about this.  And if you need proof I will scrounge up the death certificate if I have to.

as for disney for those who wish to know.  We get an annual pass to a new park every year. It is our family time.  That year we had passes to Disney. So yes we were there but they had been paid for at the beginning of the year. out of out Tax return.

2. Selling ARCs 

For the past 5 years at the end of the year we always had tons of books left. From giveaways where no one entered, to giveaways that were returned because people's addresses were wrong, to giveaways where we had won things that we didn't want, etc.  Every year during the months of Nov. and Dec. we would make up boxes and sell them for shipping only.  This is the first year that anyone has ever said anything about.  Before we did it for all those years we had tired to give them to the schools and libraries and well both didn't even know what an ARC even was.  I had to explain it to them.  So the mystery boxes were born.  We NEVER made anything from them.

3. Mulit Copies of Books 

So how did we get all the copies.
1. friends sent us books they didn't want and well we already had most of them.
2. during BEA and Bookcon some things we didn't even realize we had already grabbed. Trust me drive around 1300 miles to spend three days getting up at 3am and then walking around all day (when I was supposed to be in my wheel chair) then driving an hour back to the hotel to just fall in to bed and do it again.  Your brain is so dead that by the end all the covers blend and you have no idea what you have already gotten.  I ended up doing the same thing by day two at ALA but it wasnt as bad I think we ended up with maybe three or four books that were duplicated.
3. for two titles the publisher gave us extra copies for our online bookclub (which consist mainly of bloggers)  So those books went to other people and we didn't keep the extra copies.
4. Also during BEA/Bookcon when in line for titles if it was something we all wanted to read we would each grab a copy.  There were many times when I said no because a title was to old for my youngest whom is only 5 years old.  She didn't need a teen book.  So there were many things we didn't get multiples of at all.




4. Photo floating around social media 

The picture that is floating around social media is incomplete.  It is a splice of two photos that were unrelated. The photo with the books is via this years BEA/Bookcon and is a collection of 4 people's books.  It is not just one persons.  We should have all taken separate photos we know that now.  As for the second photo for this years Mystery boxes.  That was cut off so information that was at the bottom is missing.  The bottom stated that each box was slightly above the normal flat rate cost (which is $10 for padded, $15 for med, $20 for large)

Because it also included items that I was purchasing to put in the boxes.  Because in the past these books only contained books but I thought that people would like to get some extra things as well.

5. Updated for what were doing with left over ARCs

Today a teacher contacted us on Twitter saying that she would be more than happy to cover the cost of shipping.  So from now on she is on speed dial for all left over ARCs.  Were happy that the mystery boxes are no longer going to be going on because it was a lot of hassle to do them anyway.  So this solved that issue for everyone.



6. Sorry 

We are sorry that this was all blown out of proportion.  This entire situation was been a drain on twitter and the page as well as on us personally.  And we hope that this letter will stop all the drama, bulling, and hate.



7. Unfollowers, Publishers, Going Forward.  

We know that this letter is going to reach a lot of people.  And well thats what were hoping for.  We know that a lot of publishers have already removed us from their lists.  And we don't hold any animosity toward you or the authors who have chosen to unfollow us.  We understand that all this drama is not good for anyone out there.   We just hope that going forward we can gain back your trust  . We know that we let you down, but we hope that in time you will give us a second chance. As we love reviewing books, doing giveaways, and meeting authors.



"All opinions are 100% honest and my own." 


Comments have been disabled because of more drama, hate, and bulling.  Were done with it and thats that.  If you can't post something nice or constructive then please don't post.  There is more important things going on in the world than nasty comments.  Thank you. 




 Disclaimer: Thanks to Goodreads and Amazon for the book cover, about the book, and author information. Buying via these above links allows my site to get a % of the sale at no cost to you. This money gets used to buy items for giveaways. In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books I review are provided to me for free by the publisher or author of the book in exchange for an honest review. I am in no way compensated for any reviews on this site. All donations are to help keep this site running via costs from shipping, .com charges, and other giveaways.


Comments are DELICIOUS! and now that were using this new format for comments the TOP 3 Commenters will all win bookish goodies each month! So that is just one more reason to comment!  This is open to everyone!  So get commenting!  

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#Review of Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis & #Giveaway via @PajamaPress1

Moon at NineFifteen-year-old Farrin has many secrets. Although she goes to a school for gifted girls in Tehran, as the daughter of an aristocratic mother and wealthy father, Farrin must keep a low profile. It is 1988; ever since the Shah was overthrown, the deeply conservative and religious government controls every facet of life in Iran. If the Revolutionary Guard finds out about her mother’s Bring Back the Shah activities, her family could be thrown in jail, or worse.

The day she meets Sadira, Farrin’s life changes forever. Sadira is funny, wise, and outgoing; the two girls become inseparable. But as their friendship deepens into romance, the relationship takes a dangerous turn. It is against the law to be gay in Iran; the punishment is death. Despite their efforts to keep their love secret, the girls are discovered and arrested. Separated from Sadira, Farrin can only pray as she awaits execution. Will her family find a way to save them both?

Based on real-life events, multi-award winning author Deborah Ellis’s new book is a tense and riveting story about a world where homosexuality is considered so abhorrent that it is punishable by death.
 

#Review & #Giveaway of Hollow Planet: Book 1 by @HPBookSeries

Hollow Planet: Book 1After the death of his beloved father, Daniel’s life has never exactly become that of a typical teenager. He essentially home schooled himself and maintains a full time job at the local store. Additionally, he is forced to raise his younger sister since his mother made her social life a crutch to dealing with the loss of her husband. Daniel would love nothing more than to have a normal teen-age life — and to have his dad back. However, Daniel's despondent life would now become quite peculiar the day he meets a link to his father: a man by the name of Sef. 

Sef explains to Daniel the truth behind this world. He warns that Earth is in a downward spiral with an unfavorable ending. Daniel learns he can help save the planet from an impending danger, but only if he picks up where his father left off. Although what he is told all sounds crazy, Daniel realizes this strange encounter is the first time he has felt a rush, felt alive, felt anything at all. It’s a feeling he doesn't want to let go of. 

This moment would be the catalyst to Daniel’s life-altering adventure. A journey that will show him a whole other world that society has been ignorant of for years, inherent powers that were always present but never realized, a secret endeavor kept hidden from him by his own father, and an opportunity to save Earth from its imminent downfall. Still, none of this will come to Daniel without some heavy opposition from a small group looking to stop Sef and make Earth’s demise a reality.

Wednesday, July 06, 2016

#Review of The Volume of Possible Endings (A Tale of Fontania, #3) by Barbara Else & #Giveaway via @geckopress

The Volume of Possible Endings (A Tale of Fontania, #3)Dorrity is the only child in magic-free Owl Town. When she finds an enchanted book with dire predictions, she must face her enemies. And who is the strange boy who has appeared in the Beastly Dark?

#Review of Secrets, Lies, & Scandals by Amanda K. Morgan & #Giveaway via @simonteen

Secrets, Lies, and ScandalsNothing ruins summer vacation like a secret…especially when it involves a dead teacher.

Ivy used to be on top of the social ladder, until her ex made that all go away. She has a chance to be Queen Bee again, but only if the rest of the group can keep quiet.

Tyler has always been a bad boy, but lately he’s been running low on second chances. There’s no way he’s going to lose everything because someone couldn’t keep their mouth shut.

Kinley wouldn’t describe herself as perfect, though everyone else would. But perfection comes at a price, and there is nothing she wouldn’t do to keep her perfect record—one that doesn’t include murder charges.

Mattie is only in town for the summer. He wasn’t looking to make friends, and he definitely wasn’t looking to be involved in a murder. He’s also not looking to be riddled with guilt for the rest of his life…but to prevent that he’ll have to turn them all in.

Cade couldn’t care less about the body, or about the pact to keep the secret. The only way to be innocent is for someone else to be found guilty. Now he just has to decide who that someone will be.

With the police hot on the case, they don’t have much time to figure out how to trust each other. But in order to take the lead, you have to be first in line…and that’s the quickest way to get stabbed in the back.
 

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

#Review of The Curse of the Bruel Coven Sabrina Ramoth via @netgalley

The Curse of the Bruel CovenWhen secrets from the past collide with the present, the consequences may be deadly.

Vivienne Davenport is an ordinary teenager—at least, she thinks she is. Then the untimely death of her mother reveals a family secret. She's adopted . . . and her real mom is a witch.
The truth only complicates Vivienne's life further. Buried deep within her family’s history of magic is a deadly curse that has plagued them for generations.
When her birth mom disappears, Vivienne must tap into her suppressed powers to save her long-lost mother—and herself. 
Can Vivienne become the witch she needs to be? Or will her newfound powers prove too much for her to handle? Only one thing is certain: She will soon learn that all magic comes at a price.

#Review of The Geek's Guide to Unrequited Love by @SarvenazTash via @netgalley

The Geek's Guide to Unrequited LoveJohn Hughes meets Comic Con in this hilarious, unabashedly romantic, coming-of-age novel about a teenager who is trying to get his best friend to fall in love with him from the author ofThree Day Summer.

Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy...
Archie and Veronica...
Althena and Noth...
...Graham and Roxy?

Graham met his best friend, Roxana, when he moved into her neighborhood eight years ago, and she asked him which Hogwarts house he’d be sorted into. Graham has been in love with her ever since.

But now they’re sixteen, still neighbors, still best friends. And Graham and Roxy share more than ever—moving on from their Harry Potter obsession to a serious love of comic books.

When Graham learns that the creator of their favorite comic, The Chronicles of Althena, is making a rare appearance at this year’s New York Comic Con, he knows he must score tickets. And the event inspires Graham to come up with the perfect plan to tell Roxy how he really feels about her. He’s got three days to woo his best friend at the coolest, kookiest con full of superheroes and supervillains. But no one at a comic book convention is who they appear to be...even Roxy. And Graham is starting to realize fictional love stories are way less complicated than real-life ones.

Monday, July 04, 2016

#Review of Three Truths and a Lie by Brent Hartinger & #Giveaway via @simonteen

Three Truths and a LieA weekend retreat in the woods and an innocent game of three truths and a lie goes horribly wrong in this high-octane psychological thriller filled with romantic suspense by a Lambda Award–winning author.

Deep in the forest, four friends gather for a weekend of fun.

Truth #1: Rob is thrilled about the weekend trip. It’s the perfect time for him to break out of his shell…to be the person he really, really wants to be.

Truth #2: Liam, Rob’s boyfriend, is nothing short of perfect. He’s everything Rob could have wanted. They’re perfect together. Perfect.

Truth #3: Maia has been Liam’s best friend for years…long before Rob came along. They get each other in a way Rob could never, will never, understand.

Truth #4: Galen, Maia’s boyfriend, is sweet, handsome, and incredibly charming. He’s the definitely of a Golden Boy…even with the secrets up his sleeves.

One of these truths is a lie…and not everyone will live to find out which one it is.

#Review of The Knot Impossible: A Tale of Fontania by Barbara Else & #Giveaway via @geckopress

The Knot Impossible: A Tale of FontaniaIn the conclusion to the award-winning Tales of Fontania quartet, Rufkin meets Nissy in a murky salvage yard, and a small boy who can only say "Help!," and starts with them on a magical adventure.

Sunday, July 03, 2016

#Review of The McCullagh Inn in Maine by Jen McLaughlin, @JP_Books & #Giveaway via @Book_Shots

The McCullagh Inn in MaineChelsea McCullagh escapes to Maine with a gun and fresh bruises. She's ready to begin anew-until she runs into her old flame, Jeremy Holland. As he helps to fix her inn, her heart heals and they rediscover what they once loved about each other. But as the two play house, it starts to seem too good to last. . . .

Saturday, July 02, 2016

#Review of Summer of Supernovas by @woodswrite with #Giveaway

 
 
Fans of Jennifer E. Smith and Jenny Han will fall in love with this heartfelt and humor-laced debut following one girl’s race to find the guy of her cosmic dreams.
 
When zodiac-obsessed teen Wilamena Carlisle discovers a planetary alignment that won’t repeat for a decade, she’s forced to tackle her greatest astrological fear: The Fifth House—relationships and love. 
 
But when Wil falls for a sensitive guitar player hailing from the wrong side of the astrology chart, she must decide whether a cosmically doomed love is worth rejecting her dead mother’s legacy and the very system she’s faithfully followed through a lifetime of unfailing belief.

Friday, July 01, 2016

#Review of The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen #1) by @NotRashKnee via @CBookAddicts

Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you’re only seventeen?

Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father’s kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran’s queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar’s wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire…

But Akaran has its own secrets—thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most…including herself.