Thursday, May 30, 2024

Rockstar Book Tours presents... BEASTLY BEAUTY by Jennifer Donnelly - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BEASTLY BEAUTY  by Jennifer Donnelly Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

Title: BEASTLY BEAUTY

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Pub. Date: May 7, 2024

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 336

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/BEASTLY-BEAUTY

*"A dreamy, sublimely written tale." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review

From New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Jennifer Donnelly comes a revolutionary, gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast that will forever change how you think about beauty, power, and what it really means to follow your heart.

What makes a girl "beastly?" Is it having too much ambition? Being too proud? Taking up too much space? Or is it just wanting something, anything, too badly?

That's the problem Arabella faces when she makes her debut in society. Her parents want her to be sweet and compliant so she can marry well, but try as she might, Arabella can't extinguish the fire burning inside her -- the source of her deepest wishes, her wildest dreams.

When an attempt to suppress her emotions tragically backfires, a mysterious figure punishes Arabella with a curse, dooming her and everyone she cares about, trapping them in the castle. As the years pass, Arabella abandons hope. The curse is her fault -- after all, there's nothing more "beastly" than a girl who expresses her anger -- and the only way to break it is to find a boy who loves her for her true self: a cruel task for a girl who's been told she's impossible to love.

When a handsome thief named Beau makes his way into the castle, the captive servants are thrilled, convinced he is the one to break the curse. But Beau -- spooked by the castle's strange and forbidding ladies-in-waiting, and by the malevolent presence that stalks its corridors at night -- only wants to escape. He learned long ago that love is only an illusion. If Beau and Arabella have any hope of breaking the curse, they must learn to trust their wounded hearts, and realize that the cruelest prisons of all are the ones we build for ourselves.

 

 

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I ADORE a great fairytale redo, don't you?
I mean, we get the elements we know and love, but a new twist to spice it up and keep it interesting on a new level. 😏 Decidedly, my cup of tea. A few years back, I read a release from this author in this same subgenre and was hooked! POISONED... perhaps you've heard of it? If not, once you've devoured this tale, take your chance on that one; you won't be sorry. Anywho... Jennifer Donnelly does not disappoint!

Once again, we're given a dose of familiar, this time in the vein of Beauty and the Beast (and what bookish gal doesn't like that story...or at least the library?!), with several twists...the Beast and Belle in role reversals, and the former cursed for all the wrong reasons, while the latter actually was involved in thefts, but not exactly by choice.  Still, there's hope to be had for all,  if one can look below the surface...her's being the outspoken woman that society says is a big NO, and his being five finger discounts, and manipulation by use of his beauty. No one is perfect, but these two are certainly far from being only what they've been labeled. I was glued to the page as everything unfolded, and by book's end, happily bidding them adieu... until next time. 😉 

A great pick for fans of the genre and Young Adult readers alike!



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About the author...

Jennifer Donnelly is the author of A Northern Light, which was awarded a Printz Honor and a Carnegie Medal; Revolution (named a Best Book by Amazon, Kirkus ReviewsSchool Library Journal, and the Chicago Public Library, and nominated for a Carnegie Medal); the Deep Blue series; and many other books for young readers, including Lost in a Book, which spent more than 20 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. She lives in New York's Hudson Valley.

 

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







Giveaway Details: 

1 winner will receive a finished copy of BEASTLY BEAUTY, US Only.

Ends June 4th, midnight EST.



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Special thanks to the Rockstar Book Tours team for the chance to bring this tour to you, and to Scholastic Press for the ARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links find above. This title is available now, wherever books are sold. To catch more bookish fun, be sure to stop by the rest of the sites participating in this tour, and don't miss your chance to win!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/6/2024

The Cover Contessa

Excerpt

5/7/2024

@darkfantasyreviews

Excerpt

5/8/2024

YA Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

5/9/2024

Fyrekatz Blog

Review/IG Post

5/10/2024

onemused

IG Post

5/10/2024

Ilovebooksandstuffblog

Review/IG Post

5/11/2024

Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

5/12/2024

@niks.bookshelf

IG Post

5/13/2024

Wishful Endings

Excerpt/IG Post

5/14/2024

@katherinebichler

TikTok Post

5/15/2024

@dharashahauthor

IG Post

5/15/2024

@travelersguidetobooks

IG Review

5/16/2024

Books With a Chance

Review/IG Post

5/17/2024

jlreadstoperpetuity

IG Review/TikTok Post

5/17/2024

@thepagelady

IG Review

5/18/2024

anitralovesbooksanddogs

IG Review

Week Three:

5/19/2024

Triquetra Reviews

Review/IG Post

5/20/2024

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

5/21/2024

@bookish_aly_cat

IG Review/TikTok Post

5/21/2024

@dreaminginpages

IG Review

5/22/2024

nerdophiles

Review

5/23/2024

A Backwards Story

Review/IG Post

5/23/2024

YA Book Nerd

Review/IG Post

5/24/2024

@jaimes_mystical_library

IG Review

5/25/2024

@celiamcmahonreads

IG Review

Week Four:

5/26/2024

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

5/26/2024

@enthuse_reader

IG Review/TikTok Post

5/27/2024

One More Exclamation

Review/IG Post

5/28/2024

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

5/29/2024

traceyreadsandrambles

Review/IG Post

5/30/2024

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

5/31/2024

More Books Please blog

Review/IG Post



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


Wednesday, May 29, 2024

RRR presents... A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street by Jaimie Admans - REVIEW!


Hello friends!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
 Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources for a tour already in progress featuring the next installment in an enchanting Romance series from author Jaimie Admans.  It takes the elements we love, including the HEA, and mixes in a healthy dose of fairy tale magic, creating a combination uniquely its own.  Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...



A Wonderland Wish on Ever After Street
by
Jaimie Admans


About the book...
A brand new and utterly enchanting series by bestselling author Jaimie Admans. A picture-perfect town, a place where dreams come true. Welcome to Ever After Street... There's always time for tea... unless you've lost your teapot…

Cleo Jordan has only ever wished for one thing – to open her own teashop in memory of her lovely gran. So when she accidentally fools the interview board into thinking she's a brilliant baker and is offered a prime spot on Ever After Street, she knows her dream is about to come true!

Stepping into The Wonderland Teapot is like falling down the rabbit hole - magical! But there’s a catch: Cleo has completely lost her love of baking! With her little white lie ticking in her ear, it seems her dream is over before it’s begun.

Until she meets her very own Mad Hatter. Loved by everyone on Ever After Street, magician Bram brings an energy to the teashop that lifts everyone, and slowly, with his encouragement, Cleo is getting back to doing what she loves best.

But with Bram hiding secrets of his own, Cleo isn’t sure she can put all her faith in him. And when things start going wrong at the teashop, Cleo wonders if the culprit sabotaging her dream is someone closer than she thinks?

If Cleo wants her wish to work, she has to learn to trust again before she loses her head and heart completely…although it might already be far too late for that...

Perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Kat French and Caroline Roberts!







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Once again, author Jaimie Admans whisks us away to Ever After Street to gaze at the beauty, partake of the magic, and discover the happily-ever-afters waiting to be realized.  The previous releases in this series kept us wanting more, and yet, you can easily step into the stories at any given point.  So, if Beauty and the Beast intrigues you most, start there.  If you like the midnight magic of Cinderella, there's a jumping off point for you as well.  If you like the madcap fun, friendship, and perhaps something more that a tea party can present, you may have just found the door open for you today to your very own wonderland.

Getting to know Cleo and Bram was smile inducing, and visiting this magically infused setting was like coming home.  You walk the street, pass the businesses we've come to know, while saying hello to characters we've come to love.  You remember the times before, while envisioning just what might be in store.  You get lost in rediscovering the love that Cleo thought was gone forever, while wondering if the mystery at hand is seriously going to end in heartache.  Having read the author's previous works, I knew my heart was in good hands, and would happily follow these characters, come what may.

All in all, a great addition to the series with wonderful characters you won't soon forget.  It's a chance to experience Ever After Street once again as it casts it spell on frequent visitors, and newcomers alike.





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About the author...


Jaimie Admans is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies – including The Little Christmas Shop on Nutcracker Lane and The Chateau of Happily-Ever-Afters. She lives in South Wales and was previously published by HQ Digital. Her new work for Boldwood, The Ever After Street Series, is based on the magical world of fairytales, the first title of which will be released in Spring 2023.





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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you., and for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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


Tuesday, May 28, 2024

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: A DOUBLE REVIEW featuring Author Rachel Lynn Solomon!


Today's WHAT'S THE BUZZ features a DUO of titles from author Rachel Lynn Solomon. It's a Young Adult set that screams Coming-of-Age trope as it tackles life and love in high school days and beyond! That's right. We don't simply end things when the tassel is switched to the other side of the hat. Summer happens, and then...the sequel is released. *first pump* So, grab your cap and gown, or maybe the sweatshirt you confiscated from your significant other that may have belonged to them, but most assuredly is now yours, as we take a look between the pages of your next must reads...



Here, we meet Rowan and Neil in the hallowed battle ground that is also known as high school.  Yes, I said battle ground because these two have been at each other academically for the last four years.  Competitive much?  OH yeah, and they drive each other crazy along the way, but it's definitely a case of the lady (or gent) doth protest too much because while they think they've merely been sparring all this time, friends and those that surround are catching a glimpse of feelings they may not have even admitted to themselves.  Well, so maybe one of them has, and the other has been ignoring them since the first week they met, but that's beside the point...at least for now.  The end of school scavenger hunt and sniper-ish game is a bout to prove how the line between enemy and something far more endearing is very easily blurred.  There are moments of self discovery, situations that aid in them having those AH-HA instances, and a HEA waiting for them that is uniquely their own.  You'll catch all the feels as things seriously heat up, and really get behind the dreams they are reaching for all while supporting each other in ways even they never realized.  It's all drawn to a conclusion both satisfying and tantalizing as the future awaits them beyond the days of summer.


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9781665901956
Release Date: June 4th, 2024


About the book...
When longtime rivals Rowan Roth and Neil McNair confessed their feelings on the last day of senior year, they knew they’d only have a couple months together before they left for college. Now summer is over, and they’re determined to make their relationship work as they begin school in different places.

In Boston, Rowan is eager to be among other aspiring novelists, learning from a creative writing professor she adores. She’s just not sure why she suddenly can’t seem to find her voice.

In New York, Neil embraces the chaos of the city, clicking with a new friend group more easily than he anticipated. But when his past refuses to leave him alone, he doesn’t know how to handle his rapidly changing mental health—or how to talk about it with the girl he loves.

Over a year of late-night phone calls, weekend visits, and East Coast adventures, Rowan and Neil fall for each other again and again as they grapple with the uncertainty of their new lives. They’ve spent so many years at odds with each other—now that they’re finally on the same team, what does the future hold for them?


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




Summer is over and college has begun.  What looked like a dream on the horizon is actually shaping up to be...part dream, part torture, part big fat unknown.  Funny how the best laid plans can fall by the wayside.  People change as they grow, and dreams can be altered as well, but that doesn't mean we have to say goodbye to everything we hold dear.  It's about learning what we need to hold close, letting go of what we don't, and making room for new experiences, likes, desires, and realizations.  Rowan and Neil have some tough times ahead, both on their own and with each other, but if they put faith in their connection, if they trust in the love they share, there is no obstacle they can't handle, no challenge they can't face, no change in circumstances or desires that they can't handle.  I know, I know, it sounds detrimental to our golden couple, but trust me, it's well worth the read.  Everything they go through will make that potential for a HEA that much sweeter, that much more satisfying if reached...and really, while I won't spoil the surprise, when have either of them cracked from the pressure?

The beauty in this one isn't in the finding, but the understanding, the ability to relate to the characters and what they're going through.  The situations are realistic, the feelings intense, and the hard moments...seriously tough... but it doesn't make them any less valid.  They both have things to work through in this chapter of their lives, and while they've always been up to a challenge on their own, sometimes a problem shared is in fact a problem halved, allowing them to grow stronger together as they find those solutions.  I was rooting for them the whole time, and delighted with the final outcome, as I think you will be too.  A great pick for Young Adult readers that will pull you in and never let go.


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About the author...

Photograph by Sabreen Lakhani


Rachel Lynn Solomon is the New York Times bestselling author of Today Tonight Tomorrow, The Ex Talk, and other romantic comedies for teens and adults. Originally from Seattle, she’s currently navigating expat life in Amsterdam, where she’s on a mission to try as many Dutch sweets as possible. Learn more at RachelSolomonBooks.com.



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Special thanks to Lindsey at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the chance to share these titles with you and for the copies for review! (THANKS!) For more information on this set, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. The second title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY June 4th, 2024, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!


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


Monday, May 27, 2024

AWARENESS TOUR: 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me by Hillary Harper, Illustrated by Felipe Calv - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Today, we're joining an AWARENESS TOUR already in progress featuring a Storybook that shares the tender tale of a dog and his puppy friend as they deal with new situations.  The coolest part about this sweet story?  It's totally relatable for readers young and old.  Curious?  Well then, let's step between the epages of today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...



by
Hillary Harper
Illustrated by
Felipe Calv
Ages 3-8 | 38 Pages
9798988363637
Cannoli & Co. Books

About the book...
Meet Mack, the pup with emotions as big as his paws! At times, Mack finds himself overwhelmed by his feelings. His stomach is filled with butterflies, his legs grow wobbly, and he feels short of breath. Thankfully, Mack has his trusty sidekick, Gertie, to guide him through the tough times. Together, they explore ways to manage and overcome these powerful emotions.

Through Mack’s journey, children can learn breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and other self-regulation activities that can be practiced in their daily lives.







🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾



Anxiety.
Whether it's a known "friend" of yours, or simply one that visits from time to time, it can trip us up and make us feel out of sorts...or worse.  The best thing to do when those unknown situations arise....STAY CALM...but try telling yourself that point blank when you're IN THE MOMENT and yeah, I bet your brain does a 180 along with your feelings.  So, as little Gertie suggests to her new pal Mack, take a moment, take a breath, and count yourself a step closer to a calmer frame of mind.  If the cute rhyme technique introduced in this tale works for you, GO FOR IT.  If Mack's methods of a comfort space, and comfort items helps you, by all means...OWN IT.  There is nothing wrong with needing a moment for yourself, and, let's face it, life can be overwhelming at the best of times, let alone the worst.  We're all human (or have feelings like them, such as the puppers in our story!), and we all have things that have to be gotten through.  Finding a way to do it a little more in our comfort zone is definitely the way to go.

The puppy duo here shares a completely relatable tale of how new situations can put us in a mental and feeling bind, but remembering to take A DEEP BREATH FOR ME will certainly go a long way in making the moment that much better.  With illustrations throughout to share their emotional rollercoaster, this is a storybook I can easily see wee readers asking for time and again, while parents and educators may reach for it to aid in helping kiddos understand those butterfly moments a little easier.




🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾




ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Hillary Harper has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2006. During this time she has worked as an elementary and preschool teacher, academic designer, and preschool/center director.

Her love of children’s books helped launch her book company, Cannoli & Co. Books, in 2023. Cannoli & Co. Books bring engaging, timeless, and creative stories to children and adults alike. The company is named after Hillary’s “best boy”, an English cream golden retriever named Cannoli. He and his canine brothers and sisters are the inspiration for her funny stories.

Hillary is a native of Ohio. She has three teenage daughters, who also inspire her on a daily basis. She is a second generation teacher and writer, following in the footsteps of her parents. Outside of her professional life, Hillary enjoys spending time gardening, taking care of her house plants, and going on adventures.

Learn more about Hillary and her book company at cannolicobooks.com.





🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾



GIVEAWAY


Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a copy of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me, signed by Hillary Harper as well as a children’s journal companion to the book.





🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾  🐾






Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This post is sponsored by Hillary Harper. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!


TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Thursday, May 2, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Friday, May 3, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Monday, May 6, 2024
Author Interview with Hillary Harper

Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Thursday, May 9, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Friday, May 10, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Monday, May 13, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Author Interview with Hillary Harper

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Book Spotlight of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Thursday, May 16, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Thursday, May 23, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Friday, May 24, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Monday, May 27, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me

Thursday, May 30, 2024
Author Interview with Hillary Harper

Friday, May 31, 2024
Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me


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




Saturday, May 25, 2024

RRR presents... Miss Isobel and the Prince by Catherine Tinley - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Kick off your holiday weekend with the perfect Historical Romance escape from author Catherine Tinley.  It's currently on tour with Rachel's Random Resources and newly available for you to pick up at your leisure, but let me just say I'd pick it up SOONER as opposed to later.  Why?  Why indeed!  Let's take a closer look, shall we?  Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...



Miss Isobel and the Prince
by
Catherine Tinley
Mills & Boon | Harlequin Books


About the book...
What happens when a sensible Cinderella meets a European prince? Find out in this sparkling romantic Regency story!

A royal distraction...
...for the debutante!

Given her meagre dowry and lack of known parents, Isobel Lennox must use her only London season to make a sensible match. So why, oh why is she dazzled by the dashing, handsome Prince Claudio? She's not highborn enough to be his bride--and he's certainly not ready to marry. But one mesmerizing kiss later, neither can stay away from each other!

From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past.




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Call me a sucker for a good Historical Romance because yeah, I totally am...but, if you add in a few other DELICIOUS ingredients like a tempting story, a series/trilogy that explores a family of siblings WITH a connecting story (and still more to come!), and the writing talents of an author whose work I've come to know and adore, I'll gladly wear the candy colored wrapper to boot!

Author Catherine Tinley introduced us to the Lennox sisters in Miss Rose and the Vexing Viscount (also a fabulous story, if I do say so myself, and I do, so if you want/need a refresher, here's a link to my review), where we made their acquaintance, and got to know the bookworm of the family as she sought to solve the mystery of their parents, and discovered love.  Here, we meet Isobel, the middle sister, and while the mystery mentioned is still being pursued (sadly without much forward motion), love is still showing up in unexpected places...and people.  *ahem*  Let's just say Izzy's introduction to the titled Prince is less than meet cute, than it is meet probably-not-gonna-remember-this-in-the-morning.  Oh Prince Claudio...if only a title was enough to excuse your behavior then or later on, but when push comes to shove (and there is PLENTY of both!), for all the bravado these two provide, they are meant to be...it just takes a little while to get there. 🤣

All in all, a great addition to the series that gives readers just enough to keep you going, but leaves you eagerly anticipating the final sister's story with high hopes for her happiness as well as the revelations we just know are waiting in regards to their parentage.







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



About the author...


Catherine Tinley is a multi award-winning writer of witty, heartwarming Regency Romance. Her first novel, Waltzing with the Earl, won the Rita(R) Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, and she has since won the 2021 RoNA award, the 2021 HOLT medallion, and the 2022 RoNA award for Best Historical Romance. She lives in Ireland with her family and can be reached at www.CatherineTinley.com and on social media at https://linktr.ee/CTinley




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***   Giveaway   ***

Win a Signed copy of Miss Isobel and the Prince
 (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.



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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and to Harlequin Books for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


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