The Counterfeit Father by PV Lundqvist

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place where READERS RULE and non-readers, well...they just haven't found the right book to hook them yet.  ^_^

Five years ago, he gave us Not Just for Breakfast Anymore.  Now, author PV Lundqvist is getting ready to release his latest work on the Kids Fiction world and not only is it the first in a series, but it happens to be today's featured title.  Interested?  You should be because it's a lot of fun with a bit of mystery and a curious cast of characters.  Ladies and gents, today's book of choice is....

The Counterfeit Father

by

PV Lundqvist

Stick Raven Press

9780996108805

About the book....

From the outside, 13 year old Tony looks like he has quite the life:

A whole estate to himself.

A fangirl he flirts with online.

A pet monkey. (His third!)

Until you notice the wheelchair. Or that he only speaks with his mother by intercom. Or that he doesn't seem to know who his real father is.

And now, to save his home from a mysterious trust, Tony will have to ride in a broken-down motorcycle with someone who may not be who he seems, and solve the biggest mystery of all—Who he really is.

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You can't help but love AND hate Tony.

Think I'm being too harsh?

Think again.

Tony may have it all (to some degree) but he acts the role of a spoiled rich brat to a "T".  True, he has limited mobility thanks to a childhood incident.  True, his mother lives her life as a shut in, not even IN the same house as him.  True, he can't even get a trained monkey to "serve" him (no really...their are trained monkey's) without sass.  Are these enough reasons to strike out with your witt and knowledge at everyone that presents an opposing idea?  Is that a reason to put everyone through their paces so much that they turn away from you because it's simply not worth it?  Okay....so maybe it seems like it is but in reality, it's not and some of what he gets, he really deserves.  What do I mean?  Well, Hawes for one...but more on that in a second.  

Mr. Lundqvist has a certain knack for making less than remarkable characters....shine.  What I mean is, there's nothing especially grand about our leading little man, and yet he is memorable.  He's snarky and quick, arrogant and yet still likeable (underneath it all...promise).  Though obstacles mount against him (with a little support), he doesn't give in.  When all else fails, he relies on his vast knowledge to pull him through...and usually, it does.  Then there's Hawes, Tony's latest caretaker, though that fact that he even cares after everything Tony does to him says A LOT about his character.  He's not your average male nurse and he has a past (though what it is remains behind virtual doors) but does that stop him from using unconventional means to get this bratty patient up and at 'em?  Nope.  In fact, by book's end he has his wheeling about in an antique motorcycle and jumping rampless stairs as they chase after....well, let's just call it LIFE.

When all is said and done, it's a grand time filled with mysteries you didn't know existed, meetings you never say coming, and a conclusion that leaves you satisfied yet ready for me (and the twist, LOVE the twist!).  In short, it was a great adventure I only half anticipated and throughly enjoyed.  Guess what?  I think you will too. ...the "enjoyed" part at least.  All I can say is that I hope the next book isn't FIVE years in the making, but even if it is...I'll be waiting.

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About the author....

PV Lundqvist loves his family, pot-bellied pigs, and baseball — in that order. PV Lundqvist is his nom de 'net. Has a Master's in Creative Writing from Emerson, member of SCBWI, and a former social worker. Blogs about his life and his writing.

SITE   |    FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to author PV Lundqvist for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this fun read to all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as his other works, be sure to check out his site.  This title is set to release 10/06/14 via Stick Raven Press, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing very soon!  Or you know, you CAN preorder it....no rule against that.  ^_^

Until next time...happy reading!

Tumblehome Learning presents....G.A.S.!

!!!!    ATTENTION READERS   !!!!

I've just been made privy to some EXCITING news (thanks Sami!) and simply HAD to share.  It's about G.A.S. (no...not THAT kind... *shakes head*) and it encourages readers to explore the technical side of our favorite past time, while giving them twice as many reasons to celebrate (can we say contest?)!

READ ALL ABOUT IT.....

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Spread the Word! Tumblehome Learning announces a GAS Science Book and Activity Club Contest $1,500 in prizes! A science book and activity club is a club where kids read science-related books and then get together to talk about the books and try some related activities.  If you run such a club, or if you want to start one, you’re eligible for the contest. Visit our Club Contest web site for more info. On our Book Contest Web Site, you’ll find: Contest rules Entry forms FAQ Tips on starting a science book and activities club A recommended book list to get you started Join our Science Book & Activities Club Facebook Group. You can pick up more ideas about science book and activity clubs, and you can connect with other clubs! First prize: $1,000 in cash and gift certificates for buying books Second prize: $500 in cash and gift certificates for buying books We also have prizes in several special categories! Are you curious? Are you creative? Are you energetic? Are you up to the exciting challenge of saving the future? Learn more about the Galactic Academy of Science, with academy cadets Quarkum Phonon and Selectra Volt, in this video!   Please share this announcement with anyone you think might be interested.

Future Flash by Kita Helmetag Murdock

Hi gang!

Welcome back to the place that simply can't get enough of those pages and pages of enjoyment out there we call books....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the review spotlight on a Middle Grade Fiction release that really delivers.  Delivers what you might ask?  Well, to be precise...the storyline, the characters, and the curious concepts introduced.  There's tension and uncertainty.  There's danger and misfortune.  There's surprises from several angles and messages that develop over time.  Don't worry though, it's not all edge of your seat moments, there are also times laced with so much happiness and love that they'll truly warm your heart.  Interested in meeting your next potential read?  Ladies and gents, may I introduce today's book of choice....

Future Flash

by

Kita Helmetag Murdock

9781628738223

Sky Pony Press

About the book...

For as long as she can remember, Laney has been having “future flashes”—visions of the future that she sees when she makes physical contact with another person. Left on a doorstep as a baby, Laney’s past has always been cloudy to her, despite the clarity with which she can see the future. Her caretaker, Walt, claims to be her father, but Laney has a nagging suspicion that he isn’t quite telling her the entire truth. And when a new kid, Lyle, moves to her small town, Laney is dreading meeting him—she almost always gets a future flash when first meeting someone new, and the flashes aren’t always good. Unfortunately, her meeting with Lyle isn’t just bad; it’s painful. Engulfed in flames, Lyle’s future flash is the worst Laney’s ever experienced. But what does it mean? Is there anything Laney can do to change the future? And will she be able to save Lyle not only from a fiery death but also from the merciless class bully without becoming a victim of his antics herself? Follow Laney as she works against the clock to understand her past and prevent the disaster looming in the future.

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I really loved Laney's character.  Her personality made her endearing but not in the classical sense.  She was more rough and tumble, keep to herself and fly under the radar (if it were possible), all understandable considering her life thus far. You know what though?  She doesn't let it get her down or at the very least, she doesn't count herself out.  She knows what could happen when she touches someone's hand and yet she doesn't simply lock herself away from the world or refuse to interact with others.  She's stronger than that, even in her young years.  I think the way that her gift works assisted in that growth to be honest.  I mean it can't be easy to remember as if it were yesterday the feelings of abandonment and confusion that must come along with being left on a doorstep of a stranger.  Yep, that's right.  Imagine that.

As the story builds, we meet other characters that add their own unique flavors to this literary stew.  There's the eccentric but caring local cat lady and her ever growing brood of fur babies (love little Frida!).  There's the bully who wasn't always that way but if you can see it beyond his current persona, than you are VERY wise beyond your years....or psychic.  He's a fire bug in the dangerous sense because he's curious without the understanding of the consequences of his actions.  He's a bully that steps beyond intimidation and words, and into physical harm.  He's a troubled young man that really needs a guiding hand to steer him in the right direction.  Good thing SOMEONE wasn't completely put off by him or he might never get the chance to turn that leaf of his over.  Then there's Lyle, the one that kicks off all Laney's recent troubles...though it's truly not his fault.  

I have to commend Laney for trying so hard to make things right between her and the new boy when they started out so horribly wrong.  It seemed no matter what she did to try to bridge the gap, it went three ways to Sunday.  Luckily, she's plucky and persistant so try-try-again was not as daunting an idea.  Her attempts lead her to a tentative friendship but also on a road of discovery she never anticipated and one step closer to the smoke filled future that lies ahead.  I really appreciated how the author made sure that it wasn't simply a story about a girl who could see the future (sometimes) and was headed for a final curtain call.  She made it about the girl, her life and times, who happened to also have a gift and a shady future but hey, there were other things that mattered, others that she cared for and happiness to be gleaned from the most unlikely of places.

In conclusion, a much bigger read in story and message than one might perceive at first glance.  It speaks to how to handle bullying, doing the right thing, speaking up for others, and lending a hand, ear, or whatever else might be called for to those in need.  The author gives us a story that's believable and from the heart, filled with heart and just a tinge of magic to keep you on your toes.  Recommended read for those in the upper end of the intended Middle Grade audience and beyond; there is true bullying at its "finest" to handle here, just want to be sure the reading audience has the proper guidance to handle the issues presented and ask the questions they may have afterwards.

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Author Kita Helmetag Murdock 

Special thanks to author Kita Helmetag Murdock for the review copy and the chance to bring this amazing read to all of you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as the author herself, feel free to click through the links above.  This book is available now via Sky Pony Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

This Book Just Ate My Dog! by Richard Byrne

Hello again!

Welcome back to another bright shiny bookish day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today we’re gazing into the (not-so-distant) future at a title that surely going to have audiences fretting, worrying, and in the end cheering with the masses as things (possibly) right themselves and all is (possibly) well.  What’s with all the parentheses?  Well, I can’t spoil the outcome for you now can I?  Well I can, but I won’t and before I say too much, allow me to introduce the subject of today’s clandestine discussion...

This Book Just Ate My Dog!

By

Richard Byrne

9781627790710

Henry Holt and Company

About the book…

Wanted. Nice reader to show this naughty book who’s boss.

This book just ate my dog is a story about a little girl, a big dog, and a very badly-behaved book! Bella is taking her dog for a stroll across the page when something odd happens. Her dog disappears and it becomes apparent to Bella, her friend Ben, and the rescue services that peril lurks in the pages of this book. But where the police and fire brigade fail, you – the reader can help!

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For those that read picture books either to little ones or themselves (*raises hand*) this has got to be one of the most adorable and interactively fun ones I’ve encountered as of late.  The illustrations are cute…just rough enough to give them a hand drawn and colored air while still presenting a lovely colorful page to be enjoyed by eyes of all ages.  The concept of the story is delightful…well, okay not delightful like “yay-the-book-ate-the-dog” but more so in the who’d have thought of that and whoa, can books REALLY eat dogs, sorta way.  The marriage of story, visuals, and interactive qualities is spot on…I myself could be found shaking the page to help our little friend out (you’ll see why when you read it) as will all of you!  I can definitely see this working with an audience of one to one hundred…with the laughter and cheers set on high.

So, to keep this review in check with the length of the book, my summary is this… a BIG read in a small package fit for all ages and all audience sizes.  I’ve no doubt it will win the hearts and minds of the youngest set while still being highly entertaining for those further on in their years.  Smiles and giggles await any and all who journey within the pages of this title that is in my humble opinion pretty darn perfect from title to end page and everything in between. 

One final question though…who among you is up to the task?  I mean the “ad” on the back is seeking someone to show the book who is boss….are YOU that reader?

^_^

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About the author….

 Author/Illustrator Richard Byrne was…born in a hospital. Brought up in Brighton. Learnt to colour-in in Eastbourne. Worked in graphic design. Worked in Brighton, London, Manchester and Yorkshire Hills. Worked for myself. Met Philippa somewhere along the way. Had two children. Had the mid life crisis. Bought my first guitar. Got the urge to create a children’s book. Got an agent. Got a book deal. Got another book deal. Got to Chichester.

SITE   |   TWITTER

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ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title is set to release the first week of October 2014 (at the time of this post), so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you VERY soon!  IN the mean time, if you so desire, it IS available for pre-order!  Just search it out at your favorite online sites and BAM, you’re all ready to go.

Until next time…happy reading!

Just can't get enough of....Harlequin!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...and thanks for making us a part of your day every day (or at least most days...right?  ^-^).  

Today, we're stepping back into "Just can't get enough of..." promotion from Harlequin with a focus on a few new titles to gawk at, ponder, and whittle down to the desirable additions to your reading list.  Ready?  Set?  Let's go! 

There's a theme for every month of the year and as mentioned there will be different titles featured throughout the coming months....some of which I'll even be reading and reviewing RIGHT HERE on the site.  Sound good?  I thought you might like it.  Now, let's see what September's "can't get enough of" theme is...

...MEN IN UNIFORM!

(Honestly officer, I had no idea!)

Again, there are three titles in the spotlight this time around.
Which one peaks YOUR interest most?

Maverick Sheriff by Delores Fossen

Delores Fossen kicks off her new series, Sweetwater Ranch, with a Texas lawman, a beautiful DA…and the child they’ll risk everything to protect.

Saving a little boy’s life reopens painful wounds for Texas sheriff Cooper McKinnon. This could be his son, whose loss has haunted him for two years. But Cooper has a formidable adversary in Jessa Wells. She’s the adoptive mother—and she’ll do anything to hold on to Liam. It’s cruel justice that the man who shares Liam’s rare blood type has an unsolved murder in his own family. And the danger’s far from over. Fighting her desire for Cooper, Jessa has no choice but to join forces with the maverick cowboy. Jessa knows working together is their best shot at keeping the child safe. But it’s the possibility of a future alone that breaks Jessa’s heart.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Danger at the Border by Terri Reed

When a mysterious toxin threatens lives and livelihoods near the border between the U.S. and Canada, Dr. Tessa Cleary is called to trace the source. But when the no-nonsense doctor is forced to work with border patrol agent Jeff Steele, she finds the lone wolf’s dedication to his job—and country—chipping away at the walls around her heart. Just as Tessa and Jeff are about to uncover the toxin’s deadly source, armed thugs kidnap them in the forest. Now they must trust each other to survive before time runs out for everyone.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Course of Action:  The Rescue by Lindsay McKenna and Merline Lovelace

Two edge-of-your-seat passionate military stories from bestselling authors Lindsay McKenna & Merinline Lovelace:

Jaguar Night by Lindsay McKenna:

When a U.S. General’s daughter is kidnapped, Marine Staff Sergeant Josh Patterson is handpicked to rescue her. While they trek through the jungle to safety, her strength and a surprise kiss change everything.

Amazon Gold by Merline Lovelace:

U.S. Navy Chief Charlene “Charley” Dawson deftly commands the Riverine patrol boat taking an arrogant U.S. Delta Force Army Sergeant on a verypersonal op. As she and Jack Halliday penetrate deeper into the Amazon after a rogue ex-pat, they face danger…and unexpected attraction. 

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Curious to see what title catches YOUR eye most....

Special thanks to Anna over at Harlequin for the heads up on this promotion...and Lisa for the September info as Anna spends time with her new little bundle of joy! (Congrats!)  For more information on this feature as well as the title mentioned, be sure to stop by their official site.

Until next time...happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

Today's teaser comes to us from my current read in progress that will also be swinging by the blog later this week. 

FUTURE FLASH
By
Kita Helmetag Murdock

Sounds ominous, no?

So, what are you lost in this week?
Do tell!

Duck in the Fridge by Jeff Mack

Hello everyone!

Welcome back to another bookish week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....where the year may be going by in a flash but here, we see it as a flash of PAGES.  (...and who doesn't like THAT?!)

Today's spotlight shines on a surprise arrival in my mailbox just last week.  It celebrated it's book birthday earlier this month and finds a home snuggly in the Storybook section of things.  It's got wit and wonder and a whole lot more.  So, before the time passes us by, let's get quacking on this review!  Today's featured book of choice is...

Duck in the Fridge

by

Jeff Mack

9781477847763

Two Lions

Once upon a time there was a duck.

A duck...you ask?

Yes, a DUCK...and he was in the fridge of all places!  Wait, a fridge?  Yep, that's right!  Now what do you suppose he was doing there?

Oh, right.

Getting some soup and crackers!

~wah wah waaaaaaah~

What begins as an explanation as to why a father reads Mother Goose tales to their child every night, turns into a rip roaring time with lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  Okay, okay...there are no lions, tigers, or bears....but there are ducks, dogs, cows and pretty much an ark load of animals arriving every minute and guess what they all want?  To PAR-TAY!  Hmm...not exactly the plan at this particular hour.  Think more pillows and sugar plums as opposed to musical beats and fruit punch.  It's all good though because dad before he was dad has a BOOK and a PLAN.

It's a fun read that reminds us that EVERYONE can appreciate a good story from the tall to the small, girls and boys, friends and animals.  The words will have you smiling, while the images work to add even more merriment to the mix.  So grab a friend, furry or non, and find out just how  entertaining AND useful Mother Goose can be.

Review copy received courtesy of Deborah at Two Lions, an imprint of Amazon Publishing.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title or the publisher, be sure to click through the links provided above. 

Until next time...happy reading!

Lady Emma in Her Land of Wonder by Martha M. Harrison

HI there!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place where as the weekend approaches we prepare not to slow down and take it easy, but to get busy, READING that is!

Today, we're stepping into the land of Storybooks for a tale that's...well, hard to explain.  It actually took me TWO read throughs miles apart to draw the lessons of the story out and connect the pieces I couldn't quite fit.  Now the cover?  That's an ENTIRELY different story.  Readers and appreciate-tors of the bookish things in life, allow me to introduce today's book of choice....

Lady Emma in Her Land of Wonder

by

Martha M. Harrison

Based on the original story by

Jennifer Harrison

97819413217047

Incanto Press

I firmly believe that while I want everyone to fall madly in love with every book they meet....that's just not a reality.  NOT EVERY BOOK IS FOR EVERY READER.  There...I've said it.  This one, sadly enough was one of those for me.

I ADORE the cover....really truly and earnestly want to climb right into that magical realm Lady Emma is peering at through the window.  The cat is simply ADORABLE.  The hedgehog so CUTE.  The colors are vivid and carry forward as you open the cover and turn page after page.  The visual specs take a small detour when dealing with faces, but overall it still works.  Now, as for the story....

The rhyming scheme for me was a bit forced.  Some parts really didn't mesh well nor did they make sense as the only option for the tale to be told.  The tale itself felt like it left readers grasping for the message in lieu of putting it out there for you.  In all honesty, I read it when it first arrived and then placed it aside because at that moment....I'm not quite sure how my review would have turned out.  It's not that I wanted it to grow into something more, I just wanted my appreciation for the book to have time to sort itself out before making a final judgment call.  I'm glad I did because although I said I'm not necessarily its biggest fan, I can now sorta see upon that second read through what the author was perhaps aiming for.

Author Martha M. Harrison

It seems to this reader that the author is imparting a "can do" attitude to little ones that take on Lady Emma's story.  Throughout her stumbles and falls, she picks herself back up again and figures things out.  It speaks to her strong male role models along the way (her father, and then the prince) and how they supported her in lieu of actuall doing everything for her.  It talks about building character and let's you know that Lady Emma believes in you as well for she's only doing JUST what you would be doing if the situation was reversed.  In the end, it's a stretch.  I feel the visuals will draw in many, but the story may take some time.  It doesn't mean it doesn't have merit....it just means it needs the right audience.

Review copy received courtesy of Bostick Communications and Incanto Press.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, be sure to stop by the publisher's site. 

Until next time...happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: The Red Sheet by Mia Kerick

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the bookish site that invites readers of ALL ages, backgrounds, and levels, in for a glass of your favorite beverage and a talk between the pages.

Today, we're welcoming a Tribute Books Blog Tour starring a rather controversial Young Adult title.  It deals with life in several spectrums, from the good to the bad, to the downright ugly, and though it may be a work of Fiction, I can't help but wonder how many out there have been through something similar.  If you're one of them or know someone that has, my heart goes out to you.  Ladies and gents, please join me in welcoming today's tour and book of choice...

The Red Sheet

by

Mia Kerick

9781627987219

Harmony Ink Press

About the book.....

One October morning, high school junior Bryan Dennison wakes up a different person—helpful, generous, and chivalrous—a person whose new admirable qualities he doesn’t recognize. Stranger still is the urge to tie a red sheet around his neck like a cape. Bryan soon realizes this compulsion to wear a red cape is accompanied by more unusual behavior. He can’t hold back from retrieving kittens from tall trees, helping little old ladies cross busy streets, and defending innocence anywhere he finds it.

Shockingly, at school, he realizes he used to be a bully. He’s attracted to the former victim of his bullying, Scott Beckett, though he has no memory of Scott from before “the change.” Where he’d been lazy in academics, overly aggressive in sports, and socially insecure, he’s a new person. And although he can recall behaving egotistically, he cannot remember his motivations.

Everyone, from his mother to his teachers to his “superjock” former pals, is shocked by his dramatic transformation. However, Scott Beckett is not impressed by Bryan’s newfound virtue. And convincing Scott he’s genuinely changed and improved, hopefully gaining Scott’s trust and maybe even his love, becomes Bryan’s obsession.

AMAZON   |    B&N    |    DREAMSPINNER PRESS    |    ALL ROMANCE

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First things first, this is NOT a happy-go-lucky, feel good sort of book.  The message it imparts in the end is GREAT but along the way prepare to get down, dirty, and right in the middle of all the nitty gritty evil that can walk the halls of any building, let alone likes to plague those labeled as "different" in high school.  That's right...it's a Young Adult book based on time, place and character age, but it deals with BIG issues.  Funny thing is the BIG issues aren't the actual problem, it's the small mindedness and actions of those hiding from even themselves that create the hostile environment. 

Honestly, I had a hard time connecting with the main character.  Bryan was REALLY an A-HOLE prior to an excruitingly tragic event that addled his brain in the right direction but even as he was trying to find his own Superman-esque nitch in this world, I still found it hard to trust him much like Scott.  The actions and reactions he had were hard to digest and the fact that he did a total 180 overnight...just didn't seem plausible.  Oddly enough I could buy his obsession with the red cape more than his initial attempts to rectify his wrong.  By book's end, he works his way into your good graces but it's not without some scarring on the psyche's of a few other innocents; something I definitely found unsettling.

The truth of the matter is this....the story is raw, emotional, and probably a lot closer to the truth than we might suspect.  Is that a good thing?  For readers yes....for those that live it, no.  It's a good chance to really reflect on our own lives and how we're living the day to day.  Are we staying true to our convictions....to ourselves?  Are we standing up for those that need a hand and lending one in those situations where we're not asked but can sense the need?  You might be surprised at all the good it inspires you to do despite the darker nature of the topic covered.  Take the words of Ghandi shared to heart and lend an ear to this tale that needs to be told.  Recommended read for OLDER teen readers through adults;  the characters may be juniors in high school, but there's an explicit scene or two and a fair amount of foul language.  

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About the author....

Mia Kerick is the mother of four exceptional children—all named after saints—and five nonpedigreed cats—all named after the next best thing to saints, Boston Red Sox players. Her husband of twenty years has been told by many that he has the patience of Job, but don’t ask Mia about that, as it is a sensitive subject.

Mia focuses her stories on the emotional growth of troubled young men and their relationships, and she believes that sex has a place in a love story, but not until it is firmly established as a love story. As a teen, Mia filled spiral-bound notebooks with romantic tales of tortured heroes (most of whom happened to strongly resemble lead vocalists of 1980s big-hair bands) and stuffed them under her mattress for safekeeping. She is thankful to Dreamspinner Press for providing her with an alternate place to stash her stories.

Mia is proud of her involvement with the Human Rights Campaign and cheers for each and every victory made in the name of marital equality. Her only major regret: never having taken typing or computer class in school, destining her to a life consumed with two-fingered pecking and constant prayer to the Gods of Technology.

My themes I always write about:

Sweetness. Unconventional love, tortured/damaged heroes- only love can save them.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   BLOG   |   GOODREADS   |   YOUTUBE

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Nicole at Tribute Books for the chance to participate in this tour as well as the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more details on this title, the author, Tribute Books Blog Tours, or the publisher, be sure to click on the links provided above.

Until next time....happy reading!

The Rosewoods: Masquerade by Katrina Abbott

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the site that loves reading any time, anywhere, any place, any how.  Sound familiar?  ^_^

Today, we're exploring the second book in a Young Adult series that is a MUST READ on my list.  It's long enough to capture your attention but short enough to while away a few hours in the afternoon.  The series is The Rosewoods...and although the name may sound sweet, you have to watch out for the thorns.  Ladies and gents, today's ebook of choice is....

The Rosewoods, Book 2: 

Masquerade

by

Katrina Abbott

About the book....

Halloween is coming and everyone knows what that means: costume party! For Brooklyn Prescott, the best thing about being the new school liaison was supposed to be planning the Halloween dance. Who doesn’t want to escape herself, even if it’s just for one night? But The Rosewood School for Academic Excellence has banned costumes and now Brooklyn’s faced with the possibility of her first event being a total flop. Not to mention that she’s planning the dance with Dave, the sexy and neglected boyfriend of her roommate, Emmie. Awkward!

It’s not like planning the dance is her only concern either. On top of classes she’s got equestrian team practice, and Coach Fleming has been acting very oddly. Talked into sneaking out to collect some intel with her friends, Brooklyn may have stumbled onto a huge, juicy secret that could involve the coach in a potentially career-ending scandal. And then there’s Jared, who seemed to be into her, but has suddenly disappeared without a trace – not even a text message.

Things at Rosewood are getting complicated for Brooklyn, just as she’s starting to fit in. The more she tries to uncover the secrets surrounding her, the more she realizes that her friends and even the faculty are all wearing masks. Does she dare look underneath them? Or does she put on one of her own?

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Brooklyn is settling in nicely and yet her problems seem to be multiplying.  I mean, it can't possibly be easy to be IMPROVING in your dressage skills, score a primo community service assignment at school, AND have not one, not two, but THREE boys fawning over you.  I mean, how does she even deal?  *shakes head*  

Okay, while that doesn't sound like a downer in any fashion, it really is and since Brooklyn has enough sense to realize it, it makes it twice as difficult.  Her improvements in the equestrian arena are only due to EXTRA practices and HARD WORK.  The "service" of serving as school liason to plan parties and get togethers with the all boys school is sweet...if she's able to stop her heart from fluttering over Dave, the rep from the boys school AND her initial crush (did I mention that he's her room mates boyfriend?).  All the male attention may SOUND like a dream but again I say, she has morals.  She doesn't want to hurt her friend (so Dave is not an option), wants to stay in school (so Brady is not viable either), and isn't certain if sudden long distance is best for her heart (hello, Jared!).  But the heart wants what the heart wants and once boundaries are lifted, tested, and otherwise moved....it makes even the most moral question the right move.  ALL OF THIS and she's responsible for pulling off the BEST EVER Halloween bash...no pressure or anything.

I love the fact that once I started reading this second installment in the series, I felt right at home.  The writing style moves the story along fluidly, making it easy to devour in an afternoon.  The storyline is fairly fast paced while still giving you the emotional highs and lows we crave.  Brooklyn in a great character and seeing her grow from book 1 to book 2 felt right....natural.  The challenges she faces, the decisions that need to be made, even the consequences that remain to be seen, all rope you in so that you're ready for the next installment.  

So, highly recommended series?  Yes indeed!  Ebook or not, there are some titles I'll make an exception for...and THIS happens to be one of them (of course should it ever be in PRINT, I'm SO THERE!).  Come and join the gals at The Rosewood School for Academic Excellence.  You'll be in good company...just be careful with your heart.

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Special thanks to author Katrina Abbott for the chance to bring this title to you as well as the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the growing series, or what this author is up to next, feel free to click through the links provided above.

Until next time...happy reading!