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...

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... (La)Crosse My Heart by Britney M. Mills - REVIEW!

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY wishes are in order for the latest addition to the SWEET SPORTS KISSES 💋 series from author Britney M. Mills...



About the book...
He’s a pro on the field—but a disaster in front of a camera. She’s got one rule: no falling for clients.

Clark
I can dodge defenders and score from midfield, but stick a camera in front of me and I fall apart. After one brutal interview clip went viral, I’ve done everything I can to avoid the spotlight. Now my team’s bringing in some PR fixer to clean up my image.

Great. Just what I need.

Except the fixer turns out to be her.

Jessa Stratton—my best friend’s older sister, the girl who always rolled her eyes at me, and now the one person I’m definitely not allowed to fall for. Too bad my heart didn’t get the memo.


Jessa
I’ve worked hard to build my career helping athletes manage the media—and I follow one rule: never date a client.

So of course my next assignment is Clark Denton. My brother’s best friend. The guy who stole my car and brought it back looking like a disco ball.

But he’s not just the cocky player I remember. He’s focused, vulnerable, unexpectedly thoughtful… and I’m starting to see way too much good in him.

I just have to keep it professional. Easy, right?
Right?






🥍  🥍  🥍  🥍  🥍  🥍



Brother's friend falling for the little sister, only this is many years after either were little, and the brother isn't there to actually prevent anything from happening. 😉

Don't get me wrong! Jessa is a professional, but she's had one REALLY LONG bad relationship that just ended (good riddance!), and the change of scenery that's brought her back to familiar territory isn't unwelcome; in fact, it was a choice, even if the client was unexpected. Clark is a serious athlete, but he needs more than just a pretty face, and warm heart to reach the next level in his sport. He needs to get out of his head when the cameras are turned on him, or he'll risk putting himself on the sidelines over a PR fail earlier in his career. Familiar faces can't hurt when it comes to sorting out both of their future paths, but what if they happened to (LA)CROSSE more than just professionally...and for the better?

Pardon the obvious wordplay there, I couldn't resist! 🙃 This was my first time reading a book in this series, but I must say, I rather enjoyed it! The characters were likable, and relatable. There was so much heart displayed in both our leads, I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite... seriously, don't make me do it! The story, while novella in length, was still long enough to carry my interest, and had enough backstory to get me into their world without a backward glance. While I can't say I know a lot about the sport, it wasn't written in technical terms that a non-player/fan wouldn't be able to follow, and in fact might spark some interest for others to learn more! 

The perfect chance for a weekend reading escape with plenty of other titles to explore should you desire more!



🥍    🥍   🥍   🥍   🥍   🥍




About the author...


By day, Britney M. Mills is the wife to a builder and mom to five, but by night, she turns into an author, writing closed door romcom and sports romance.

A book lover, former college athlete, and Jane Austen fan, she crafts stories with the idea that anyone can find love.

When she's not writing, she spends time playing games with her kids, or shuttling them to and from their activities, watching Castle and Persuasion, or dreaming of future characters while she folds a mountain of laundry.






🥍 🥍 🥍 🥍 🥍 🥍




Special thanks to author Britney M. Mills for the eARC for review and the chance to bring this title to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, or the author, 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 yours today!

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


Monday, June 16, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star by Kathleen Welton, Illustrated by Chau Pham - REVIEW+ GIVEAWAY!


Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today we're joining a SEA STAR STUDDED Awareness Tour making its way through the blogosphere with The Children's Book Review! It features a beautifully illustrated tale that takes us both on land and under the sea to cast its spell of wonder while inspiring ✨️ hearts to work together to reach a common goal. So, get your swim fins on and take a deep breath as we set out to discover more about today's featured title...




 by
Illustrated by 
Ages: 3-12 | 30 Pages
9798899000027
Bookfox Press (2025)

About the book...
This magical tale follows Max and Myrtle as they save the sea stars after they wash up on the shore after a big storm. An inspiring story that celebrates the power of friendship, teamwork, and the joy of helping others.


“Chau Pham’s breathtaking images will definitely be enjoyed by children and parents alike. Highly recommended!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
—Readers’ Favorite







☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆


A little bit of magic can go a long way, but teamwork makes the dream work. 

My heart ached when I saw the little star friends caught in the kelp on shore, but leapt with joy when the turtles 🐢 showed up to the rescue! The question was though... was the task too great? Intentions are wonderful, but how can two little turtles save all those little sea friends in time?! Not to worry, my fellow readers, they knew that while their flippers could carry a few, many flippers, and wings, and other things, could help carry the lot. By realizing they needed help, and not being afraid to ask for it, these friends pulled together and get these little stars just where they need to be...in the sea to frolic and thrive, and perhaps one day be seen by curious divers like you and me!

A great way to show the power of friendship, andthe strength in helping to share a load too big for one, while being dazzled by the lovely land, sea, and air scenes that come to life before your eyes. 



☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kathleen Welton is an award-winning author and publisher with a lifelong passion for literacy. Her books share inspiring stories of gratitude as well as fun adventures where dreams take flight.

With a diverse background in the publishing industry, Kathleen has held key roles, from sales representative and editor to vice president & publisher and director of book publishing. As publisher for aka Associates, she collaborates with authors and organizations on award-winning and best-selling books for all ages.

She celebrates the beauty of beaches, birds, and wildlife while championing a sustainable future through her work.

For more information, visit https://kathywelton.com/



☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chau Pham is an award-winning illustrator from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.



☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆



GIVEAWAY


Readers who join us on this magical book tour can enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a paperback copy of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star, signed by Kathleen Welton. Plus, one lucky grand prize winner will receive a special sea turtle adoption in their name through the Sea Turtle Conservancy. The adoption package includes a personalized certificate, a Sea Turtle Conservation Guide, a sea turtle plush toy, a member window cling, a sea turtle sticker and bookmark, a hatchling magnet, and a one-year subscription to STC’s membership publication—all beautifully packaged in a keepsake sea turtle folder.





☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆




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


TOUR SCHEDULE


Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Tour Kick Off for Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Instagram Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Friday, May 30, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Monday, June 2, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Guest Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Instagram Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Thursday, June 5, 2025
Author Interview with Kathleen Welton

Friday, June 6, 2025
Guest Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Monday, June 9, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Book Spotlight on Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Thursday, June 12, 2025
Instagram Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Friday, June 13, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Monday, June 16, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Guest Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Thursday, June 19, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Friday, June 20, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Monday, June 23, 2025
Facebook Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Author Interview with Kathleen Welton

Thursday, June 26, 2025
Guest Post about Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Friday, June 27, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star

Monday, June 27, 2025
Book Review of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sea Star


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




Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... The Ground that Devours Us by Kalla Harris - REVIEW!

 

 THE GROUND THAT DEVOURS US
by
Kalla Harris
Entangled Teen


About the book...

The world ended ten years ago.

Vampires showed up, took over, and turned the whole planet into their personal all-you-can-drink buffet. The president? Bloodsucker. The government? Bloodsuckers. My social life? Absolutely nonexistent.

But hey, at least I had one thing going for me—slayer training. My twin sister, Ripley, and I were about to go pro, officially joining the ranks of the last people on earth who actually do something about the whole “undead overlords” situation.

And then X had to show up. The vampire boogeyman. The worst of the worst. And instead of killing Ripley, like any decent monster would, he turned her. Now she’s technically a vamp, but something tells me my sister is still in there. Which means I can’t slay her.  

What can I do? Break every rule. Lie to my friends. Strike a deal with the most dangerous vampire on the planet: X will protect Ripley from everyone else who wants her dead—like, really dead—until I can snag the cure for vampirism. The catch? Risking my own head to help him free his good-for-nothing BFF from the very slayers who taught me everything. 

If I want Ripley back, I’m going to have to play nice with the thing that ruined my life. And the worst part?

I think he’s enjoying this.


🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 


This is definitely more of a "protect-my-loved-ones-even-though-they-are-now-undead" story than a romance, so if you're thinking Twilight-esque, meh... not so much. To me, that's not a bad thing! I don't mind when a story draws you in with similarities, but I love when they stand on their own literary feet, and I think this one does!

🌟 The things the vampires are able to do are varied, how they turn new ones into, well, new ones...unique. I gotta say their preferred method of travel is rather fascinating. I've never read nor watched a vampire lore story that included something like this, so major points on creativity to the author for spiking my curiosity, and I was certainly invested in the story to see who was really the "bad guy", if there was a chance at redemption (and what form it might take), and simply how it would all play out. 

I admit, the pace is the storyline threw me a little bit though. We start out in the thick of things and full steam ahead... and then sorta drop into days/weeks passing where we really don't make any discernable progress seemingly worth the time that's expired. Overall, it only causes a little friction, but certainly not enough to stall the story. 


🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 🦇 




Special thanks to the Entangled Publishing team for the ecopy for review. 🧛‍♀️ Available now via Entangled Teen ... don't miss out, and spread the word!



Monday, June 2, 2025

AWARENESS TOUR: Ellie’s Dancing Shoes by Scott Sollers, Illustrated by Bryan Janky - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Welcome back!
As promised, another FABULOUS AWARENESS TOUR coming at you thanks to the folks over at The Children's Book Review (*waving at you, Bianca*)! 

This next wonderful moment in your reading life shines the center stage spotlight on a Storybook that features spinning, twirling, and pirouettes, the likes of which I may never perform, but can always dream of, and they all stem from the dreams of a little girl. Ready to perform your best grande plie ever? Ladies and gents, may I present our featured title...



by 
Illustrated by
9788891383418
Mascot Books (2025)


About the book...

 There is nothing Ellie wants more than to become a ballerina.

Every day she practices her stretches, leaps, twirls, and jumps. But Ellie doesn’t believe in herself. Her self-doubt gets in the way, and when she stretches, she slips. When she bends, she falls over. When she leaps, she slides. When she twirls or jumps, she gets all twisted and slumped over.

Until one day, her parents gave Ellie her grandmother’s magical dancing shoes. Soon, there are only graceful jumps, beautiful leaps, and dizzying twirls.

When the day of Ellie’s audition to become a ballerina arrives, her magic dancing shoes are lost. Will Ellie find them in time before her audition, or must she perform without them?

A beautifully illustrated story that shows children that their magic can be found within.






🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰



All Ellie wants to do is dance, or more specifically be a BALLERINA.  I remember taking classes myself as a child, and while I didn't harbor dreams of becoming a professional, I don't blame Ellie in the least!

The beauty, the grace, the strength, the talent... all these things and more that ballerinas tend to embody are wonderful attributes to have and strive for, and there's no reason Ellie can't be all of this too. The only thing is... she tends to get in her own way. She let's the little voice in her head that can feed our fears of failure, trip her dancing feet, and tumble her dreaming heart. Her parents see this and do what loving parents do... find a way to support her without her realizing where the push came from. 

In truth, it's simply a confidence boost and the lesson learned of the real magic coming from inside each of us, but let's face it...it can be hard to believe those words as more than words, especially when we're young. It was wonderful to see Ellie blossom into the person she was suppose to be, the person she wanted to be, and when everything comes to light later on, an absolute joy to know that Ellie was exactly where she was meant to be with a full heart, a spring in her step, and a realized dream. 

A great way for readers of all ages to be reminded of the real source of the magic in our lives, while encouraging us to never stop dreaming, or reaching for those stars.  🌟 Filled with inspiring illustrations that bring Ellie’s journey dancing right off the page and into our hearts.




🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Scott Sollers worked as an investment banker in the municipal securities industry for decades. He created Ellie’s Dancing Shoes and other nighttime stories for his daughter Stephanie when she was a youngster. Originally, he handwrote and illustrated these stories and finally had the inspiration to get them published. Scott is an avid golfer and the president of First Tee for the San Francisco region, a not-for-profit organization that teaches core values through golf to children. He currently resides in San Mateo, California, with his cat Charlie.

For more information, visit scottsollersauthor.com.




🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰


GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a hardcover copy of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes.




🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰  🩰





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



TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Thursday, May 8, 2025
Book Spotlight on Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Friday, May 9, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Monday, May 12, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Thursday, May 15, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Friday, May 16 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Monday, May 19, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Book Spotlight on Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Friday, May 23, 2025
Author Interview with Scott Sollers

Monday, May 26, 2025
Author Interview with Scott Sollers

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Instagram Post about Ellie’s Dancing Shoes

Monday, June 2nd, 2025
Book Review of Ellie’s Dancing Shoes


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


AWARENESS TOUR: I Am Not Sophie! by Robyn Hodess, Illustrated by Terry Kole - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


Welcome back to a double dose of fun here on Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!
That's right! Today we have not one BUT TWO fabulous stories to shine the book spotlight on, and they both are coming to us via The Children's Book Review AWARENESS TOUR for each.

First up, a story about a little girl that's not a little girl, but only sometimes. 😉 You'll see.  Ready or not fair readers, here comes today's first title in the spotlight...




by
Robyn Hodess
Illustrated by
Terry Kole
Ages: 0-3 | 14 Pages
9798891383838
Mascot Kids! (2025)

Sophie is a little girl with a BIG imagination! Every day, she wakes up and decides to be a different animal. On Sunday, she pounces and roars through the house like a tiger. On Monday, she stomps and trumpets like a mighty elephant. Throughout the week, she is a slithering snake, a bouncy monkey, and even a scary alligator! By the end of the week, Sophie discovers that being herself is the best adventure of all.

Filled with playful illustrations and a heartwarming message about self-acceptance, I am NOT Sophie! encourages young readers to embrace their own unique magic—because sometimes, being YOU is the most wonderful thing of all!







🐵  🐦  🐊  🐯  🙋‍♀️

As I said, Sophie is not always Sophie, and her mom is perfectly okay with that! Haven't you ever wanted to be something you weren't? Try on a new persona? Give in to those animal instincts? Scream like a monkey. Chirp like a bird. Chomp like a crocodile. ROAR like a tiger. So many options (and more!), and Sophie gets to explore every which one she wants...  right down to being Sophie, whatever the end result might be. 

This is a story about finding yourself and being allowed to find yourself. It's a story about acceptance of EVERY PIECE of your wild heart, whether it wears clothing, fur, feathers, or scales. It's about growing up and finding your way, and a reminder to never lose that side of ourselves that let's us simply BE US... whatever that might look or sound like. The colorful illustrations that grace every page bring the story vividly to life, and I can easily see kiddos reaching for it time and again... especially when they get to act out Sophie's different sides! Can we say SOUND EFFECTS? 😃

A memorable read perfect for family bookshelves and classroom storytime settings alike!



🐵  🐦  🐊  🐯  🙋‍♀️




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robyn Hodess is a lifelong creative with a passion for storytelling through art. For over thirty-five years, she has worked across all mediums, from graphic design and botanical illustration to painting and encaustic. While raising her three daughters—Erin, Hannah, and Sophie—as a stay-at-home mom, she infused creativity into everyday life, finding inspiration in the wonder and imagination of childhood. Now, she is bringing that same passion to the world of children’s books, crafting stories that spark curiosity, joy, and self-discovery.

Through her heartfelt narratives, she hopes to inspire young minds to embrace creativity and see the magic in the world around them. Robyn currently lives in Park City, Utah, with her husband, dog Huey, a house full of art supplies, and a heart full of stories waiting to be told.





🐵  🐦  🐊  🐯  🙋‍♀️



GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of the I am NOT Sophie! board book. Don’t miss out on your chance—enter the giveaway today!




🐵 🐦 🐊 🐯 🙋‍♀️





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



TOUR SCHEDULE


Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Tour Kick Off for I am NOT Sophie!

Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Thursday, May 8, 2025
Guest Post about I am NOT Sophie!

Friday, May 9, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Monday, May 12, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Book Spotlight on I am NOT Sophie!

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Friday, May 16, 2025
Author Interview with Robyn Hodess

Monday, May 19, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Friday, May 23, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Monday, May 26, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Guest Post about I am NOT Sophie!

Thursday, May 29, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Monday, June 2, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!

Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Author Interview with Robyn Hodess

Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Book Review of I am NOT Sophie!


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


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