Are you an avid reader looking for your next "fix"? Can't bear to be without some form of reading material in your spare time? Welcome to my world! Whether you are seeking a new book to "feed your need", or you are an author seeking an unbiased point of view on your own recent masterpiece, this is the place to be. With life as with books, you never know where the next step might take you...

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Hallo-READS Round-up with Disney Hyperion, HarperCollins, and Simon Pulse!

HI there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

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~~ HAPPY HALLOWEEN ~~

Here's hoping your day is filled with delightful scares, horribly memorable decorations, and truly gruesome costumes to write home about.  Perhaps your plans for the evening include throwing a party, attending one, or (like me) merely giving out treats in your neck of the woods...but whatever your poison, there's bound to be some down time when you need SOMETHING to do, ANYTHING to take your mind off things, or are practically BEGGING to be entertained.  Never fear, the Insatiable Reader is HERE and I've got a few last minute solutions that'll fit the bill rather nicely.


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For all ages...


Art of Coloring:
9781484789742
Disney Hyperion

A title that easily straddles the current holiday and the next (if you skip turkey day, that is) without even breaking a sweat...or a leg...this crafty coloring book may be aimed at adult level talents, but with the familiar images of Jack, Sally, and his pals, it easily invites the whole family to put their own personal artistic stamp on things.  


Think the trio of trouble should exchange colors?  
Go for it!  



Prefer orange, yellow, and green cats as opposed to black?
Be my guest!  



Between the full page images of your favorite characters to the mind-boggling patterns, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy, to indulge, and otherwise get their Halloween creative juices flowing!  So go ahead, pull up a chair, grab your favorite coloring medium (I used colored pencils, markers, and glitter pens!), and satisfy your inner artist this season!



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For the Middle Grade set....


Monsters Unleashed, Book 1
by
John Kloepfer
Illustrated by
Mark Oliver
9780062290304
HarperCollins

Picture it...
...Middle School art class and you're stuck with all the people you never really want to see face to face because, well...let's face it, they're bullies.  You've got the hotshot jock, the runaway at the mouth princess, the evil nerd genius (not official, but might be soon)...and then there's you, or in this case, Freddie and Manny.  One of you is an artistically inclined "giant", while the other is a tad lacking in the height department, less than super genius in the smarts department, but an all around good friend.  Yep...they balance each other out, and that balance is gonna serve them well when all MONSTER breaks loose.  Oh, right...we skipped that part, did we?  You see, Manny and Freddie were planning on making a monster MOVIE and were REALLY excited about utilizing the teacher's 3D printer to make Freddie's illustrations COME TO LIFE.  Thing is they didn't actually expect it to breath life into them, and yet...it did.  Yep...and that's only the beginning because once MONSTERS are UNLEASHED there's no telling what they'll do next.  

I loved the quick nature of the story and how it took you on a fantastical type adventure with bigger meaning undertones.  I mean, the monsters were Freddie's way of dealing with the bullying tactics of the aforementioned trio of non-friends...non-violent (at least in reality) and a way to build on his artistic abilities...but when push comes to shove, he's forced to deal with their version of "evil" head on...as are the bullies themselves.  It sounds awful but it was great to see them get a taste of their own medicine...I mean, what better way to out a bully than to make them face themselves at gargantuan levels?  Am I right?  

A great read for Middle Grade Fiction fans and beyond filled with adventure, danger, monsters (both cute and decidedly not), and a dose of reality you weren't expecting.  Though excited about the sequel (coming April 2018), I might have to read it with only one eye open as it's gonna have a serious pest problem....


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For the Young Adult set....


Fear Street, Book 51
by
9780671015008
Simon Pulse

...and you thought your high school was scary...

This story brings to mind The Breakfast Club with a twist...YOU actually risk BECOMING the breakfast.  There are the obligatory HS stereotypes, the new principal cracking down on shenanigans, the Saturday in-school detention with the threat of more to come is EVERYONE doesn't behave.  HahahahahahahahahahahaHA!  Like THAT could ever happen with this bunch.  *smirk*  Needless to say, one thing leads to another and another and another and...then suddenly, there's no more leading as they are trapped (eureka, the title!) where they shouldn't be, in a place that's been long forgotten, with something that SHOULD NOT EXIST.  That last thing?  Yeah, it's out for blood too...and it's none too picky about who it comes from.

In typical R.L. Stine fashion, the book goes from zero to sixty in a heartbeat, good thing too considering the length of the story, and nothing is held back.  NO, really...nothing, as in when rats get in our leading lady's hair, you hear all the squeaky details, or when the mysterious red cloud decides to wring the life from one of our happy bunch, you hear all the bone crunching moments until none are left.  Did I mention this was my pick for the Young Adult set and beyond?  Yeah, definitely...and yet I enjoyed it, which was surprising to me because my previous exploration into his work yielded different results.  Did the author's game change over the years?  Who's to say...this title is back from 1997...but I CAN say that you won't forget this short and non-sweet tale ANYTIME soon.


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Special thanks to the folks at Disney Hyperion and HarperCollins for the copies of the first two titles for review.  The third came from the used bookstore at my local library, so my thanks to whomever donated it.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the titles featured above or the publishers, feel free to click through the links provided.

Until next time, remember...HAPPY HALLOWEEN...and if it looks good, READ IT!

Chapter by Chapter BLOG TOUR: A Curse So Dark by Heather Davis - SPOTLIGHT + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Halloween is FINALLY here and what better way to celebrate than with a good book?!  Am I right?  Of course, I am...and today's title in the spotlight may just be your next favorite read.  So, if you've got your trick or treat spoils nearby, grab a few and settle in as we preview a Young Adult release ready for your wish list...


A Curse So Dark
Pioneer Falls, Book 1
by
Heather Davis

About the book...
You can never really hide from what you're meant to be...

A blood curse. Deadly secrets. A dark stranger.

When her deputy sheriff father goes missing, Lily Turner learns the quaint logging town of Pioneer Falls harbors terrible secrets-- an unspeakable past connected to her family and a blood curse her father has hidden from his three daughters.

When Morgan McAllister arrives in town, Lily can't deny their mutual attraction. But falling for Morgan may derail Lily's efforts to find her father and to save her younger sisters from the family fate.

Searching for answers deep in the shadowy forests that surround the town, Lily will risk everything to uncover the truth. As hunters are exposed and rivals for the territory circle the Turner sisters, no one in Pioneer Falls is safe-- especially with the full moon rising.

From the author of Never Cry Werewolf comes this suspenseful new series full of dark secrets and heartfelt romance.





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About the author...


Heather Davis is the author of The Pioneer Falls series, a new Young Adult Paranormal Romance trilogy set in the dark forests of the Pacific Northwest.


Her previous books include Never Cry Werewolf and its two novella sequels, Sometimes by Moonlight and Always in Shadow. Heather is also the author of Wherever You Go, and the RITA Award finalist for Best Young Adult Romance, The Clearing.

Heather loves writing about strong, smart heroines and the dark heroes that challenge them. In every book you'll find suspense, a touch of humor, and tons of heartfelt romance.

She is obsessed with good coffee, books, indie bands, and perfect chocolate chip cookies. 


Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads


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Special thanks to MaryAnn and the Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours team for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizons, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title released earlier this month, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today.  Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more bookish fun!


BEFORE YOU GO...
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO WIN IN THE TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY!


One (1) winner will receive...
a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card, signed copies of Never Cry Werewolf, The Clearing, and Wherever You Go!

All you have to do to enter is fill out the Rafflecopter form below!




Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Monday, October 30, 2017

GEVBT: Seashells, Spells & Caramels by Erin Johnson - SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT + DOUBLE GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Today, we're joining a Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours promotion already in progress starring the FIRST in a newly released Cozy Mystery series.  It JUST celebrated its BOOK BIRTHDAY yesterday (Happy BB! *throws confetti*) and from the sound of things, it's just in time for the current reading season.  After all, it's medieval villages, secret powers, spells, and a missing prince...what more could you ask for to complete your Halloween must read list?  Exactly.  So, let's get this party started, shall we?  Today's title in the spotlight is...


Spells & Caramels series, Book 1
by
Erin Johnson
9781976214820

About the book...
Imogen’s spent her twenties in Seattle, saving every penny and missing every party, to follow her dream of opening her own bakery.

When that dream goes up in flames, she accepts a spot in a mysterious baking contest—one she doesn’t remember entering. She travels to a bustling, medieval village off the coast of France and discovers an enchanting world of magic and mystery, and learns that she, too, possesses powers.

Unable to so much as cast a spell, Imogen struggles to keep up with the other witches and wizards who have come from all over the magical world to the Water Kingdom's big competition. She juggles relationships with a sweet new friend, a snarky baking fire, and a brooding, handsome baker. As Imogen falls for this bewitching world, she fears she won’t master her magic in time to win the job of Royal Head Baker, and will be forced to return to the shambles of her non magical life.

It only gets worse, when a competitor drops dead in the middle of the big white baking tent, and Imogen’s the prime suspect. Now, she’ll not only have to survive the vampire and psychic judges, but also clear her name by finding the real murderer, before they strike again.

With a killer on the loose, a missing prince, and the Summer Solstice Festival fast approaching, Imogen will have to bake like her life depends on it- because it just might.





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~~~ EXCERPT ~~~

“You must be Victoria.” His voice rumbled deep from inside his chest. He wore a deep blue velvet suit, and his eyes twinkled. 
“And you are?” Her tone walked the fine line between civil and icy. 
The old man chuckled. “Why, I’m Ben’s grandpa, Arthur.” 
I sucked in a breath and sensed Victoria stiffen next to me. The psychic diplomat grandpa she cared so much about impressing? “Of course!” Her voice went up an octave. “Silly of me, of course. So good to meet you, I’ve heard so much about you.” 
“I’m sure you have.” 
The silence stretched on too long, and I glanced over my shoulder. Victoria’s blue eyes blinked rapidly, and she opened and closed her mouth several times while her fiancé’s grandpa watched, his head cocked to one side, a bemused grin twisting his lips. Finally, Victoria spat out, “I’m sorry, when you walked up, I was just testing the baked goods. I wanted to make sure they were up to stand—” 
The old man cut her off with a wave of his hand. “I like a person who can truly enjoy themselves now and then, you know?” He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling under his bushy brows. “I’ll leave you to your taste testing, but I’m glad to have met you and look forward to getting to know you more in the future.” He turned to go, but paused and eyed the cupcakes strewn about the table. He raised his eyes to mine. “May I?” 
I smiled. “Of course, sir.” I’d only had time to place flowers on top of some of them. I searched one out and handed it to him. 
He gave me a nod. I watched him wander off a few steps, peel back the wrapper, and take a bite. He then stopped and turned back to me, a question on his face. He cocked his head to the side, opened his mouth to say something, then glanced at Victoria and seemed to think better of it. He gave me another nod and wandered off toward the tables. What was that about? I watched him disappear into the crowd. 
Victoria turned, her face blank with shock. “He said he wanted to get to know me better… in the future… as if… there will be a future, with me and Ben.” 
I smiled. “I think you’re in.” 
Her face softened, and her lips tugged into the first genuine smile I thought I’d ever seen her give. “I passed the test.” She giggled, a sound so startling from Victoria that my brows shot up under my bangs. It seemed to startle her too, because she covered her mouth, then giggled again. Even more shocking, she grabbed my hands in hers and held them tight. 
“Thank you, Imogen.” I swallowed. 
“For what?”
“I don’t know exactly, but I think you’ve helped me out, quite a lot in fact.” She gave my hands another little squeeze, then turned and scanned the crowd. She gave a squeal, another foreign noise coming from my boss, and waved someone over, bouncing on her heels. She turned to me, smiling. “Here he comes.”



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About the author...


A native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.  In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).


SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK



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Special thanks to Lori at Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the series, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now in ebook and tree book formats, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today!  Don't miss the other stops on the tour for more bookish fun from reviews to interviews and everything in between.  In the mean time, how about we have a little contest fun TIMES TWO?!


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First and foremost...
...THE TOUR WIDE GIVEAWAY!
There's an AWESOME prize pack up for grabs including a tote, SIGNED books, and a Gift Card, so just CLICK HERE to throw your virtual hat in the ring.




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I've been granted the opportunity to give you a...
...CHANCE TO WIN AN EBOOK OF THIS TITLE!
Exciting, am I right?  All you have to do to score your chance to win is fill out the Rafflecopter below!  




Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


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