WALK IT OFF by RUTH MARSHALL

Title: WALK IT OFF

Subtitle: The true (and oddly hilarious) story of how I learned to stand, walk, pee, run, and even have sex again, after a nightmarish diagnosis turned my perfectly awesome life upside down

Author: RUTH MARSHALL

Genre: NON-FICTION, MEMOIR, AUTO-BIOGRAPHY

Length: 257 PAGES

Publisher: SIMON & SCHUSTER

Type of Book: SOFTCOVER ARC

Received From: GOODREADS GIVEAWAY

Release Date: JANUARY 2, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5011-7362-2

Price: $26.00 CDN / $21.99 USD

Rating: 5 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

MY REVIEW:

First off, let me say that I ADORE the title of this book. I generally am averse to book covers with long subtitles, however this book would not have caught my eye without it.

I was lucky enough to win an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) from GOODREADS and I am very glad I did.

This memoir chronicles one woman’s journey to find out what was causing the bizarre symptoms she was experiencing, through diagnosis, surgery, rehab and beyond.

I suppose I should tell potential readers right away that this is NOT a self-help book. Instead, it is the unflinchingly honest memoir of a woman who goes from leading something closely akin to a charmed life, to discovering that no life is perfect.

I have never met Ruth Marshall, but after reading her story, I feel confident in stating that she is an amazing woman. This is not due to the fact that she is famous (or as famous as any Canadian television actress can be), nor is it because of her health issues. My opinion of Ruth as an amazing woman is based on her honesty.

It could not have been easy to chronicle her medical condition and her efforts at recovery, and yet she has done so while managing to be surprisingly honest. She does not shy away from the “icky” stuff. She talks about everything from poop to sex to shoes.

It’s human nature to want to ‘put your best foot forward’ (yes, pun intended) and to present yourself to the world as close to perfect as possible. However, if this memoir had been written that way, it would not have been authentic, nor would it have been such a compelling read.

Ruth has been able to tell her story in such a way that instead of pitying her, you find yourself following her journey with rabid interest.

You will want to cry at times, yet at others, you will be laughing along with her – and a few times you just might find yourself laughing at her antics.

It may not have been her intention, but this memoir also has lessons to teach us all. Firstly, even though Ruth looked perfectly healthy and happy, she was struggling with a wide variety of symptoms. Not yet diagnosed, and working at a voice acting gig, Ruth says: “I was able to stand for the entire voice session, ignoring the temptation to rest on the stool behind me. Neither the producer nor my voice partner seemed to notice the effort it took for me to remain perfectly upright, making me wonder for the thousandth time: If no one else was noticing, was anything wrong with me.”

This is something that many people struggle with. But, as Ruth proved, it is important to listen to your body and to be your own healthcare advocate. Do NOT ignore your symptoms.

By all accounts, Ruth Marshall is a terrific actress, but I believe she was always meant to be an author.

Judging by the readability of WALK IT OFF, I am sure others will agree. This memoir is destined to become a Bestseller and I would bet money that Ruth Marshall’s name will be on literary lips everywhere in 2018.

I rate WALK IT OFF: THE TRUE (AND ODDLY HILARIOUS) STORY OF HOW I LEARNED TO STAND, WALK, PEE, RUN, AND EVEN HAVE SEX AGAIN, AFTER A NIGHTMARISH DIAGNOSIS TURNED MY PERFECTLY AWESOME LIFE UPSIDE DOWN as 5 out of 5 Stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Excerpt from Chapter One:

“I wanted to be an actress from the time I was six years old and have been one since I was twenty-five. My career has been notable for three reasons: I got naked in my first film role; I was in a television series with Billy Ray Cyrus; and for eight seasons I played a Mom on the Canadian teen drama DEGRASSI. The biggest chunk of my career, however, has been made up of commercial voice work. My voice has sold everything from Ikea kitchens to condoms.”

Ruth Marshall was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is known for her work on Casino Jack (2010), Doc (2001) and Dolores Claiborne (1995).

She graduated with a degree in English from McGill University in Montreal and then returned to her hometown of Toronto to pursue a career in acting.

Ruth Marshall made her feature film debut in the lead role of Candy in Love and Human Remains.

Marshall is also a stage actor and was critically acclaimed for her one-woman performance in 4 Letters, 5 Years, which she wrote, produced and starred in.

In 1994, Marshall took on the role of Celeste in Transit of Venus at the Globe Theater in Canada. In addition to her career as an actor, Marshall is also a very accomplished voice actor as well.

Features & TV Movies:
Love & Human Remains (1993)
TekWar: TekJustice (TV-1994)
Dolores Claiborne (1995)
Waiting for Michelangelo (1996)
Too Close to Home (TV-1997)
Half a Dozen Babies (TV-1999)
Dogmatic (1999)
Apparent Woes (2006)
Baby Blues (2007)
Daniel`s Daughter (TV-2008)
Degrassi Spring Break Movie (TV-2008)
Casino Jack (2010)

TV Series – Cast:

Wild C.A.T.S. (voice, 1994)
Doc (2001-2004)
The Path to 9/11 (mini-series, 2006)
Degrassi: The Next Generation (2007-)
Flashpoint (2008-2009)
TV Series – Guest appearances:
F/X: The Series (1997)
Power Play (1998)
This is Wonderland (2004)
Zoe Busiek: Wild Card (2005)
Puppets Who Kill (2006)
Love You to Death (2007)
Friends and Heroes (voice, 2007)
The Dating Guy (2009)
She’s the Mayor (2011)
The Listener (2011)
The Firm (2012)
Rookie Blue (2012)

To learn more about Ruth Marshall and her new career as an author, visit the following links:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

INSTAGRAM

NORTHERN STARS – CANADA’S CELEBRITY DATABASE

INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE

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TITLE: Little Melanie: My Grand Piano

RELEASE DATE: October 2017

AUTHOR: Melanie Greene

KEYWORDS: Children, Jazz, Hazel Scott, Little Melanie, BBC, Mel B, Scary Spice, Adele, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Music, Chapter Book, Television Series, England, Kids, Lady Gaga, Kandace Springs, Vanessa Williams

CATEGORIES: Children’s Book/Chapter Book/Middle Grade

SYNOPSIS: Take one cute, smart little girl who knows exactly what she wants in life; add a sparkling personality and a dash of infectious enthusiasm for music, topped off with a passion for fun and fairness and what do you get?

Little Melanie, of course!

ONE LINER: What does the name Melanie Brown mean to you? To London 5 Studios it epitomizes music, dance, actress, author, TV producer, best ever Mum, presenter, TV show host, mentor and Little Melanie’s idol.

PAGE COUNT: 148

ISBN: 978-1513620954

IMPRINT: Sunquills

BOOK PAGE: http://ravenswoodpublishing.com/bookpages/littlemelanie1.html

 

AUTHOR BIO: I am the creator of Little Melanie series brand. Our children’s books, television series, films, animation and more was inspired by every aspect of her warm and compassionate personality. It drew me like a magnet to this immensely talented, big hearted, charismatic musical artist, known as Scary Spice of British musical sensation The Spice Girls.

 

From all of this, my brand, Little Melanie, was born and quickly developed into over 300 wonderfully written children’s stories inspired by Melanie Brown, America and England.  

 

EMAIL: melanielondon5@aol.co.uk

 

AUTHOR LINKS: https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Patrice-Rushen-Joins-LITTLE-MELANIE-Lineup-at-London-5-Studios-20170829, https://www.tvovermind.com/americas-got-talent/mel-b-inspires-childrens-musical-comedy-dreams-everything, http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/London-5-Studios-Welcomes-Harry-Connick-Jr-And-Joshua-Grant-20170728, https://news.allaboutjazz.com/little-melanie-a-new-musical-comedy-television-and-childrens-book-series-pays-tribute-to-jazz-legend-hazel-scott.php, http://www.reviewsinthecity.com/single-post/2017/08/14/Introducing-Little-Melanie-My-Grand-Piano, http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1707/S00388/london-5-studios-welcomes-musical-prodigy-joshua-grant.htm, http://www.tvovermind.com/about/, https://www.tvovermind.com/americas-got-talent/mel-b-inspires-childrens-musical-comedy-dreams-everything, http://home.nestor.minsk.by/jazz/news/2017/07/2701.html, https://hipstersanctuary.com/2017/09/18/9-year-old-atlanta-drumming-sensation-added-to-londion-based-tv-show/

 

AMAZON US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0767F3RBJ

 

AMAZON UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0767F3RBJ

 

AMAZON CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0767F3RBJ

 

BARNES & NOBLE:

 

CREATESPACE: https://www.createspace.com/7658285

 

 

PRETTY MARYS ALL IN A ROW: A Novella of Ghosts by GWENDOLYN KISTE will challenge everything you thought you knew about ghosts. 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: PRETTY MARYS ALL IN A ROW

Author: GWENDOLYN KISTE

Genre: URBAN FANTASY, ADULT FICTION

Length: 94 PAGES

Publisher: BROKEN EYE BOOKS

Release Date: NOVEMBER 28, 2017

Rating: 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

PRETTY MARYS ALL IN A ROW: A Novella of Ghosts

New weird urban fantasy novella, Pretty Marys All in a Row by Gwendolyn Kiste, follows the (after)lives and times of five ghosts and their haunts, combining contemporary fairy tale and urban legend in a story that shows that being dead isn’t always a bed of roses.

Releases November 28, 2017, from Broken Eye Books.

Mary, Mary: Always hitchhiking the same lonely highway, she calls herself Rhee, but everyone else knows her as Resurrection Mary. And when she’s transported home each night to the same decrepit, nowhere mansion, she’s always got her sisters.

Call her name three times, and Bloody Mary appears. In the poisoned garden, Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary. Downstairs, Mary Mack, forever building her own coffin. And brooding with her horse skull, the restless Mari Lwyd.

They are the Marys, embodiments of urban legend and what goes bump in the night, every child’s nightmare. But as the walls between their realities start to crack, the shadows threaten oblivion. To save herself and her sisters, Rhee must unravel who the Marys are before the darkness claims them.

MY REVIEW:

In a dilapidated country house with “… trim around the windows the shade of old urine, the faded stonework as dejected as first love” resides a very unusual family.”

“We’re a house brimming with Mary’s, the mortar bursting at the seams with urban legends and deranged nursery rhymes. We don’t know how we got here, and we don’t know how to leave.”

Thrust together in an afterlife that not a single one of them asked for, are five women, all named Mary.

Each Mary is a ghost and each has their own mystique. For example, most readers have heard of the legend of Bloody Mary and that if you look into a mirror and say “BLOODY MARY” three times, she will appear; dripping blood.

Each night the Marys separate and head out to haunt people in the style required by their respective legends.

The Marys return home after haunting each night, they gather together around the dining room table and share the night’s adventures, just like families everywhere sit together at their kitchen table for supper every night.

The Marys are reasonably happy – as happy as five dead women can be, but their happiness won’t last much longer. Something is coming for them and unless they find a way to fight it, they are doomed to an existence where no one can see or hear them – a fate much worse than death.

The storyline is spectacular. Although this novella is only 94 pages long, or perhaps because of its length, no unnecessary scenes are included. This means the action is non-stop and readers will not want to put this book down – they will feel compelled to find out what happens next.

The author has done a superior job of character development and it becomes impossible for the reader to feel negatively toward the Marys. In fact, they become sympathetic characters. Readers will be rooting for the Marys. It may seem strange to empathize with a ghost, but you will understand when you read this book.

Those who enjoy tales of ghosts and of unrequited love will enjoy this book.

I rate PRETTY MARYS ALL IN A ROW as 5 out of 5 Stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

QUOTES:

“… he looks real now. Real and wicked as heartache.”

“… leans in close, and I taste his breath, all jagged ice and coffin dirt and winters that never end.”

**Thank you to Broken Eye Books for providing me with a free copy of this novella.**

COMMENTS FROM THE AUTHOR:

“Folklore and fairy tales have always been a huge inspiration for me, both for their whimsy and their remarkably dark underpinnings. As a horror writer, there’s nothing as familiar and unsettling as many of the original fairy tales most of us grew up reading.”

“In that vein, Pretty Marys All in a Row started from a conversation I had with my husband, who is a fellow devotee of folklore. He and I went through all the Marys who appear in fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and other legends. It’s astounding when you list them all, how often the name appears in different incarnations (ditto for the Jacks, though he’ll have to wait for another story).

“That conversation led me to a series of questions that immediately unnerved me. What if these Marys know they’re storybook legends—and what if they want no part of it? If the choice to be in our folklore was never theirs to make, then what if we’re perpetuating their torment by continually retelling these tales? And if the Marys, like Resurrection Mary and Bloody Mary in particular, are the embodiment of nightmares, then what kind of powerful force controls the nightmares? That last question terrified me most of all—the notion of something else, something unknown to them, controlling the Marys—and from there, Pretty Marys All in a Row was born.”

“Ultimately, the story became one about loss and identity and finding yourself and your home and family, even when all other choices have been ripped away from you. To have Pretty Marys join the incredible roster of releases at Broken Eye Books is beyond thrilling and humbling. This is a journey that’s been a wonderful one to take as a writer, and I hope that readers feel the same way.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gwendolyn Kiste is a speculative fiction author based in Pennsylvania. Her short stories have appeared in Nightmare, Shimmer, Interzone, Black Static, and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among other outlets.

Her debut fiction collection, And Her Smile Will Untether the Universe, is available now from JournalStone.

You can find out more about her online at the following Links:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

GOODREADS

TWITTER

AMAZON

______________________________

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:

Broken Eye Books is an independent press, here to bring you the odd, strange, and offbeat side of speculative fiction.

Their stories tend to blend genres, highlighting the weird and blurring boundaries with horror, sci-fi, and fantasy.

More information can be found at the following links:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

TWOFER MURDER BLOG TOUR, VIDEO INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

Book Details:

Book Title: Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr

Category: Adult fiction, 400 pages

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: November 17, 2017

Tour dates: Nov 1 to 30, 2017

Content Rating: PG + M (Please be aware that TWOFER MURDER is a murder mystery. There are depictions of murder and some violence–though easy on the gore contents. No f-words but there may be some mild profanity, and mild religious expletives such as “damn”, “hell” and “Oh God!”. Some depictions of brief sexual content (kissing). No drug use or underage drinking among the protagonists.)

Book Description:

Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?

Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company. Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!

Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!

​

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

 

Watch the trailer:

Meet the Author:

 

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR:

 

What are readers saying about Lauren Carr’s mysteries?

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Dec 4

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iREAD BOOK SPOTLIGHT TOUR SCHEDULE:

Nov 1 – Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight with video
Nov 1 – Working Mommy Journal– book spotlight with video
Nov 1 – Read Lovely Books – book spotlight with video
Nov 3 – The Girl Raised By Books – book spotlight with video
Nov 3 – Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author – book spotlight
Nov 6 – Blooming with Books – book spotlight with video
Nov 7 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight with video
Nob 8 – Christa Reads and Writes– book spotlight with video
Nov 9 – Laura’s Interests – book spotlight with video
Nov 10 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – book spotlight with video
Nov 13 – Books for Books – book spotlight
Nov 13 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – book spotlight with video
Nov 14 – Mystery Suspense Reviews – book spotlight with video
Nov 15 – Literary Flits –  book spotlight with video
Nov 16 – Travelling Through Words – book spotlight
Nov 17 – Book Crazy Scrapbook Mama – book spotlight
Nov 20 – My Journey Back – book spotlight
Nov 21 – Amie’s Book Reviews – book spotlight with video
Nov 22 – Nighttime Reading Center– book spotlight with video
Nov 23 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book spotlight
Nov 24 – Perfect Chaos – book spotlight / video
Nov 27 – T’s Stuff – book spotlight with video
Nov 28 – Svetlana’s Reads and Views – book spotlight with video
Nov 29 – Deal Sharing Aunt – book spotlight with video
TBD      – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight with video

UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY – WIN A $20 AMAZON GIFT CARD

Under Northern Lights

by Sonya Loveday
The Six Series #6
Publication Date: November 16, 2017
Genres: Contemporary, Romance

Purchase: Amazon US | Amazon UK

In the coastal city of Nome, under the northern lights, sets exactly the right location for a government-funded secret sector of Cole Enterprise. But that’s not all Alaska has to offer. Amongst the natives is an unsuspecting woman who has been hand selected to join the undercover operation.

After his abrupt departure from Haiti, Eli Bennet never thought he’d see Nova again. The idea of recruiting her as a team medic excited him. There’s only one minor problem… he has no idea how to approach her.

Nova McCarty knew taking care of her grandmother wouldn’t be easy. Noni’s memory has fizzled to the point where it’s no longer safe for her to live alone. Bumping into Eli was the last thing Nova expected after returning home. But there he was as if she’d pulled him out of her dreams, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Can Nova figure out how to have what she wants without sacrificing a part of herself to get it? Furthermore, will Eli turn his back on the Six in order to stand by Nova when she needs him the most?

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited or 99¢ for a limited time: Amazon

Riley Clifton can’t remember a time when she wasn’t a part of the Six, a group of rowdy boys who would do just about anything for her. Growing up alongside of six guys is never easy. Especially in high school. Falling in love with one of the Six? Even harder when Ace has a hold of her heart, and he doesn’t even know it.

Jake (Ace) Aceton has loved Riley for a long time, but has kept the secret oath of the Six. Riley was off limits. At least until after graduation. When he overhears Riley admitting to her best friend, Paige how she feels about him, Ace doesn’t let his chance slip by. Riley, in his mind, has always been his.

When her college plan falls through, and her future is left to the hands of fate, Riley finds herself scrambling to keep up with all the changes. But that’s not the hardest part. The hardest part is saying good-bye, especially to Ace.

Heartache, hard lessons, and a love deeper than her Alabama roots will threaten to crumble Riley’s world as she waits for Ace’s return.

Will Riley and Ace’s love be strong enough to hold them together when life tries to tear them apart?

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

Being stranded in L.A. wasn’t the best start to Jared Jackson’s music career. In fact, it should have been the forewarning that things were not what he thought they’d be. Especially when he’s collected from the airport by the band manager’s sharp-tongued niece.

The draw for Jared is immediate. In his heart, he knows Skylar Murphy is the girl for him. Proving it to her, however, is a whole other story.

As new friendships are forged with his bandmates, Jared learns that the guys are planning to start their own band, effectively severing their band manager’s control.

With his future in peril, Jared’s dream spirals in a tailspin as secrets and lies sweep him into a dangerous life.
One he wasn’t prepared for… and one he can no longer escape from.

Will Jared rise above the destruction or will his new circumstances be his undoing?
Find out in the next installment of The Six Series, End Note, a new-adult romance.

Are you ready to get sixed?

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

A Six Series Novella

Secretly located in the tunnels under Chicago’s city streets, Cole Enterprise is home to a group of trained soldiers. Jake Aceton is their newest acquisition. Recruited from boot camp before graduation after being handpicked by Grant Jackson, Jake is plunged into the mysterious underground world, forever changing his life.

Regardless of his relevance to Cole Enterprise, Jake has a hard time looking past all he has to give up. Can he learn to live in his own shadow in order to protect those he loves?

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

This is not the way love is supposed to start… is it?

When arriving in Scotland, Aiden Jacobson is ready to take on the task of setting up Cole Enterprise’s newest underground headquarters. But when their most-wanted criminal, Robert de Fleur, goes into hiding, Aiden is placed undercover at a local coffee shop. His mission—gather intel from Brenda Anderson, sister of Robert de Fleur, while posing as a barista at The Grounded Bean.

Coffee shop owner Brenda Anderson needs all the help she can get when it comes to keeping the Bean up and running. Unaware of his ulterior motives, Brenda brings the mysterious and handsome Aiden in with only one thing on her mind… Airen. Maybe her gypsy-souled niece wouldn’t wander quite so far if she had someone like Aiden to keep her grounded.

Thrown together by circumstance, Airen becomes part of Aiden’s mission when Robert de Fleur emerges from hiding, demanding something none of them can give. Knowing Robert won’t stop until he gets what he wants, Aiden is ordered to stick as close as possible to keep an eye on them.

Staying at Brenda’s seems to be the simplest solution… until he wakes up in Airen’s bed.

Making a valiant attempt to shove his growing feelings aside, Aiden forces himself to walk away and protect Airen from afar.

Unfortunately, his plan backfires, and Robert de Fleur uses that weakness to make his move.

Kicking himself for allowing his feelings to get in the way of the mission, Aiden sets out to do what he should have done all along… take out Robert de Fleur once and for all. Can Aiden stick to the mission, or will Airen tear down every defense he puts in place and gain complete entrance to his heart?

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

Mark and Paige are living in sin—that’s what any man of the cloth would say. All they want is to get married, but they refuse to exchange vows without their best friends—the Six. As they wait to hear back from them, Mark and Paige can’t help but feel they’ve been put off… forgotten.

When the threat of an enemy stalking them is brought to light, the call is made to bring them into the secretive world of Cole Enterprise.

Slotted for recruitment by the very agency that stole their chance at a normal life, Mark and Paige have to adjust to their new path as secret agents in a war they didn’t even know existed.

What neither fully understands is that nothing will ever be the same… and some vows are deadlier than others.

Read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited: Amazon

Life hasn’t been the same since returning from Barbados. Josh has fallen. Hard. Unable to shake the feelings Ella stirred up in him, he retreats further into himself. He can’t tell her how he feels, because even if he did, it wouldn’t change the fact that she’s married.

Complicated is an understatement for Ella as she works through her own personal hell after finding out her dead husband is, in fact, alive and in hiding again. But life, and work, must go on.

An undercover job on a four-week cruise should be an easy mission for the Cole Enterprise operatives. Unfortunately, the client is one of Ella’s childhood friends, which leaves the pair wishing they’d come up with something other than being engaged as their cover. Playing the part may just hurt them both.

Falling in love is never easy. In fact, it can sometimes be downright painful. No strangers to pain, Josh and Ella find themselves at the crossroads of duty and love. Lines will be blurred. Hearts will be broken. And all that they are will be tested.

About Sonya Loveday

Sonya Loveday is a full time author. Mother of two teenagers. Wife to an amazing man for 18 years. Dog lover. Cat lover. COFFEE addict. Night Owl. She’s a sucker for a good book. Loves the quiet life. Has the bestest best friend in the whole world. Her imagination never shuts off which makes it hard to sleep. The worst cook. Seriously.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Street Team | Instagram | Creator Collab | Google+ | Authorgraph| Amazon

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SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS Cover Reveal & Giveaway

Today is the cover reveal for Something Just Like This by Tracy Krimmer. This cover reveal is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours.

Something Just Like This

By Tracy Krimmer

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Age category: Adult

Release Date: February 14, 2018

 

Blurb:

Love? Second chances? That crap is for romantics, not realists like Juliette. She has a bad attitude about love and an even worse one when it comes to second chances. And she may dress like an elf for a few weeks out of the year, but that doesn’t mean she loves Christmas.

Stability? Purpose? Landon is surfing a pleasant wave of both until he’s fired. Devastating news from his sister certainly doesn’t help. At least he has the holidays to look forward to.

When Landon shows up at the mall and Juliette prevents a disaster, he can’t stop thinking about that sweet elf. Juliette doesn’t believe in the spirit of Christmas, but she can’t help but wonder why Landon was in her line that day. Could Landon deserve one of those second chances she’s so unwilling to give?

 

You can find Something Just Like This on Goodreads

You can pre-order Something Just Like This on Amazon for only $2.99 through February 15.

It will be available in Kindle Unlimited after release day.

 

Excerpt Something Just Like This by Tracy Krimmer

“Don’t be a Grinch!”

“Huh?” I lift my gaze and my best friend and co-worker Carly stands in the doorway, the smile so bright on her face it almost blinds me. “What do you mean don’t be a Grinch?”

“Oh, you know,” she says as she makes her way into the room, planting herself in my chair. “Like you are every holiday season.”

“I’m not a Grinch.” Maybe I am. I try my best not to show it. It’s possible I don’t have a convincing poker face. Poker was never my game, anyway.

“You most certainly are. Every Christmas party you sulk at the table drinking gin and tonic and refuse to join in on anything. This year, you are in. You’ll be the life of the party.”

“Over my dead body.”

“Shit, Jules, your stiff body would be a better time than you are alive at these functions.”

She’s right, and I know it. Why is she always right? I want to take offense but it’s no secret I’m not Christmas’s biggest fan. I may be the only elf working at the mall that despises it. The elf job isn’t for me, though. I do it for others. That’s festive, isn’t it? Isn’t Christmas about giving? I do plenty of that.

“Leave me alone. And why are you so bubbly? Did you drink a bottle of bubble bath or something?” I grab the container of pens, staples, and paperclips out of the box and place them on the desk. This is much easier to deal with than the picture of my family with our fake smiles.

“Oh, I don’t know.”

She dots her face with her fingertips, moving them around from one side to the other. Why is she acting so weird? “Wait.” I stop when I see it. “Are you wearing an engagement ring?”

She squeals and pops out of the chair, rushing over to show me. Her hand misses smacking me in the face as she shows off her princess cut ring, sparkles and all. “Pretty.”

“Pretty? Are you kidding me right now, Jules? This ring is gorgeous and fit for the fairest princess in the land.”

“Which is you, I assume.”

“What crawled into your pants this morning? Or should I ask who didn’t? Another bad date, huh?”

I shrug, not in the mood to discuss my date with Romeo. No joke. My cousin Dana claimed she found the perfect guy for me, and I said yes to a blind date. His name was Romy, like Mira Sorvino in that movie Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion. I’d only ever heard the name Romy from that movie. It turned out he used Romy as a nickname for Romeo. Yeah. Dana set me up with a Romeo because of course we’d be Romeo and Juliette. Barf. I don’t even spell my name like the Shakespearean character, and the last thing I would ever do is poison myself over a man. Dana had her fun. I did not. She’s never setting me up again.

“Let’s say I got home very early, watched an entire movie, and was asleep by ten.”

“Ouch. That is a bad date.”

 

About the Author:

Tracy Krimmer loves coffee, popcorn, Drew Barrymore, and the movie Saving Silverman. She enjoys reading great books (of course) and writing realistic characters for you to enjoy. When she listens to music she prefers the 80s and 90s music she grew up on. In a typical day you’ll find her writing at one of her favorite spots–on the couch, at the kitchen table, or at her favorite hometown coffee shop.

You can find and contact Tracy here:

– Website

– Twitter

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– Reader Group

– Goodreads

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– Newsletter

Giveaway

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway for Ashlee Mallory’s CRAZY FOR THE BEST MAN – Win an Amazon gift card

Crazy for the Best Man

by Ashlee Mallory
Crazy in Love #2
Publication Date: November 2017, 2017
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Sweet Romance

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SYNOPSIS:

As an entertainment reporter, Anna Blake strives to be the first to get the scoop on the city’s hottest celebrity gossip. But when the competition outs her as the long-lost sister of the bride in what’s been heralded as the wedding of the year, Anna’s forced to go undercover as a bridesmaid to find the scoop that just might save her job.

Best man Nick St. Claire hasn’t forgotten that Anna almost cost him his first election ten years ago. When she appears as a less-than-enthusiastic bridesmaid right before he’s set to announce his senate candidacy, he’s more than suspicious. To ensure the wedding—and his campaign announcement—goes off without a hitch, Nick makes a bargain with Anna: be the model maid of honor, and he’ll give her access to an exclusive story that’s sure to save her job.

But in between dance lessons, bridal showers, and football game fun, these longtime enemies might discover there’s something bigger to fight than each other, something a lot like…love.

EXCERPT

“One wedding bell. Two wedding bells. Three wedding bells,” Janie hollered, singing the countdown she’d mandated for today’s game.

Nick sized up the competition on team “pink”—or so the bedazzled tee shirts its members wore so identified, thanks to Janie’s skills with a glue gun. Chris, Josh, Trish, and Anna glared fiercely at him and the blue team as Janie counted. Nick just hoped that Jake and Megan would stop with the flirting and focus on what was happening on the field.

He meant to win this thing.

“Break!”

That was the defense’s cue to charge the other team and the lucky person who might be carrying the ball. In this case, it was Chris, which meant an all-out fight to tag the professional football player, who thought he couldn’t lose. Nick sprinted after the guy who, although fast, had been too cocky and miscalculated how close Nick was to overtaking him.

Or so Nick thought until the moment Chris tossed the ball directly to Anna, who was just outside the end zone. In two seconds, she crossed the line, making the touchdown.

Damn.

Winded, Nick paused to catch his breath, unable to miss Chris charging Anna and picking her up in a roar of excitement. To Nick’s surprise, instead of ordering the hulk to put her down, she laughed out loud, her head falling back as if she was actually enjoying the moment. For reasons Nick couldn’t identify, the action pissed him off.

He gritted his teeth as Chris slid Anna down his side and back to the ground, the blonde smiling and pushing at his shoulder flirtatiously. When did she learn to turn up the charm like that? It was almost like…like she was enjoying the attention.

Ignoring the couple, he joined his team’s huddle, where, with only five minutes left, a winning strategy was the priority. “All right. Remember, get in T formation and do whatever you have to to stop Chris from getting through. Jake? Megan? Be ready.”

They lined up again, Dax ready to count down and put the ball into play. It was hard to miss the shine of excitement that flashed across Anna’s face as she stared directly at him.

Nick immediately had his defenses up. But the ball was in play in the next second and he didn’t have time to think about it as Dax threw it to Jake, their decoy, and Nick raced to get into position. As planned, Jake handed the ball off to Megan and, just when the heat was on her, she stopped, took aim, and threw it back in Nick’s direction.

Taking a few steps back, Nick moved toward the ball, which was still in the air, reaching his hands out to snatch it and—

A smaller, lithe figure jumped up in front of him, snagging the catch and cradling the ball in her arms as she continued her arch backwards until she slammed full force against him, knocking the air—and his center of gravity—out of him. Nick landed on his back, a throbbing pain in his jaw becoming more pronounced from where her head had slammed on their landing.

Wait. Their landing…?

Yep. Anna Blake was now splayed across him, her arm tangled under him and her soft breasts pressed directly against his right shoulder, her other arm clinging to the ball.

Her head bobbed up, and her eyes widened in surprise.

Grapefruit. That was what she smelled like. Vanilla and grapefruit. Fresh and sharp but also sweet and…succulent. Kind of like her.

He blinked. What the hell was wrong with him? That had to be the stupidest thing that had ever crossed his mind. He must have hit his head harder on impact than he thought.

Nick gazed up, aware that the group had gathered around them. Anna must have become aware of them, too, as she rolled off him and onto the ground.

“You two okay?” Janie asked.

“I’m fine. Just trying to salvage my pride,” Anna said, still lying on the ground.

“Nick?” Dax asked.

Nick sat up, rubbing his jaw. “Me, too. Just had the wind knocked out of me is all.”

Chris reached his hand out to Anna and pulled her up in one motion. “That a girl! Looks like you need to take a page from this beautiful woman’s play list, St. Claire. She just successfully intercepted the ball.”

Now that any concerns of real injury were dismissed, a cheer went up among Janie’s team. It was hard to miss the smile of satisfaction on Anna’s face as she glanced back at him.

He nodded his head in acknowledgment, willing to give credit where it was due.

She’d outmaneuvered him. He could own that.

But he’d be damn sure not to let it happen again.

DON’T MISS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE CRAZY IN LOVE SERIES! CHECK OUT THE NEW COVER!

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SYNOPSIS:

For most of his life, James Thornhill accepted that his family would never see him as anything but a failure. But as the new CEO of Thornhill Management, he’s been given another chance to set things right. First order of business? Settling a nuisance lawsuit and bringing the pesky but dedicated employment attorney on board as part of his team. Second order of business? Resisting the prim but fiery attorney who has somehow become utterly indispensable in his life.

Quinn Taylor has grown up always doing what was right and, likens herself to a modern-day David taking on the Goliaths of the world. Goliaths such as the CEO of Thornhill Management. Playing babysitter and muse to the overindulged CEO was not what she had in mind, but with mounting debt making even a cup of coffee a luxury, Quinn’s ready to swallow her pride and get in bed with the devil. Something that, the more time she spends with the man, becomes increasingly enticing.

But the stakes are too high for either of them to risk an interoffice fling…until an unexpected trip to Quinn’s hometown brings a long-denied simmering attraction to a boil. They’ll have to decide what they’re willing to risk and how far they’re willing to fall if love doesn’t conquer all.

ABOUT ASHLEE MALLORY

Ashlee Mallory is a USA Today Bestselling author of Romantic Comedy, Suspense, and Thrillers. A recovering attorney, she currently resides in Utah with her husband and two kids. She aspires to one day include running, hiking and traveling to exotic destinations in her list of things she enjoys, but currently settles for enjoying a good book and a glass of wine from the comfort of her couch.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter | Bookbub | Amazon Author Profile

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THE DENOUNCED is the beginning of a new YA Dystopian Trilogy that is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.

Title: THE DENOUNCED – A GREY SUN

Series: THE DENOUNCED – BOOK ONE

Author: S.J. SHERWOOD

Genre: YOUNG ADULT FICTION, DYSTOPIAN FICTION, SCIENCE FICTION

Publisher: SELF-PUBLISHED – To find out why this author chose to self-publish, read his explanation HERE.

Type of Book: EBOOK

Received From: NETGALLEY

Release Date: NOVEMBER 16, 2017

ISBN: 978-1-9997929-0-9

Rating: 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

DESCRIPTION:

In a future divided into Secular and Non-Secular Quadrants, a crime punishable by death is to cross Quadrants and become a Denounced.

When sixteen-year-old Ned is wrongly convicted and kidnapped to a secret location, he meets ninety Denounced, and a terrifying truth begins to unfold — one that will change the world forever.

Forced to lead a Pod of five, Ned begins to realise thousands of lives could depend upon him. A survivor by nature, he now has to face his past, confront his destiny, and fight a System that has never lost.

MY REVIEW:

“In less than an hour my life will end.”

Thus begins THE GREY SUN, the first book in THE DENOUNCED TRILOGY.

I dare anyone to read that opening line and not be drawn into this book.

Who is this person that will die within an hour? What is happening? How does the person know he or she is going to die? Is this person a male or a female? How old are they? What is the reason they are going to die? Are they sick? How are they going to die? Is it a natural death? Is it murder? Who is going to kill him/her? Why? How does he/she know they are going to die? How do they know when they are going to die?

All these questions flash through the readers mind, and all of them (and more) are prompted from a sentence containing a mere nine words.

As we read a bit further, some of our questions begin to be answered, but each answer only spawns more questions, piques more curiosity and sucks the reader further into the story. The ability to achieve this is the mark of a talented author.

I love books that draw my attention immediately, and more importantly, are able to maintain my attention page after page. THE GREY SUN does exactly that.

It is difficult to believe that this is author S.J. Sherwood’s first ever attempt at writing Young Adult Fiction. He writes with the perfect voice for young adult audiences. In fact, if you were unaware of the above fact, you would think he has been writing fiction for teens for years.

Sixteen year old Ned is a character that will appeal to both teenage boys and teen girls. The guys will look up to him as a smart, tough protagonist that they would want to be friends with, young women will also look up to him, but they will also want him to be their new book-boyfriend.

How can a normal, red-blooded young woman not want to soothe Ned’s tortured soul and show him that he doesn’t need to be alone in the world any more? Add to that the fact that he would make an awesome protector and is both intelligent and resourceful, and you have the perfect recipe for a YA heartthrob.

Don’t let what I wrote above to take anything away from the story itself. Yes, Ned is “hot,” but that is only one tiny part of this tale.

The Dystopian world that S.J. Sherwood has imagined is revealed in small snippets and readers learn about Ned’s world as he learns about it. Although there is a resolution at the end of this book, there are also many unanswered questions which I am excited to find out the answers to. For some reason I do not feel cheated, even though I did not receive all the answers. Leaving questions unanswered without angering your readers is a difficult task to achieve, but this author somehow makes it seem easy.

I have read literally hundreds of Dystopian novels, for both Young Adult and Adult readers and this reality that S.J. Sherwood has created is one I will not forget. I think that part of the reason why I feel this way is because there is still so much to learn about Ned’s world. The possibilities are endless. I rate this book as 4 out of 5 Stars. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you enjoyed A GREY SUN – BOOK ONE of the DENOUNCED SERIES, you need to add SHIFTING HORIZONS to your watch list as it is the soon-to-be-released as the second thrilling instalment of this wickedly interesting Young Adult Dystopian series.

*** Thank you to NETGALLEY for providing me with a free copy of this book.***

QUOTES:

“It’s dangerous to let yourself dream when you’re in the System.”

“People will either come to you or they don’t, and if they don’t, you generally don’t want them anyway.”

“… I have to do something that I’m not good at, that I think none of us are good at, which is to work together. Be a team.”

“In the few days of being here, we’ve already become brainwashed … You start to become what they impose upon you. I have a natural urge to rebel against it … I ache so badly to be free.”

“Freedom is something you don’t dare talk about when you’re in the System.”

ABOUT THE REST OF THE DENOUNCED TRILOGY:

Book Two will be titled SHIFTING HORIZONS.

Pod Fifteen has escaped to an unknown Quadrant. Who do they trust and where do they go next?

If the rumours are true, thousands of orphans are heading toward Ilse’s trap. If Ned and the rest of Pod Fifteen are to save the orphans, they would need to return home and fight a System that wants Ned dead.

With time working against them and tough decisions to be made, hard-fought friendships will be put to the test. Loyalties will be cut to the bone. Character flaws will be further exposed.

What will Ned and Pod Fifteen ultimately do?

Find out in the next explosive instalment of The Denounced, available in the first half of 2018 with the final instalment, Book 3, CREAKING DAWN, set for later in the year.

If you would like a sneak preview, as well as additional information about the release dates, please sign-up for The Denounced Newsletter HERE.

ABOUT AUTHOR S.J. SHERWOOD:

S.J. Sherwood grew up in a small town in rural England and spent most of his youth dreaming of escaping to the bright lights of a metropolis.

His dream came true in the form of winning a Scholarship to Drama School. He was an actor for a short time. At various times in his life, he was a construction worker, a waiter, and an ice-cream man to name a few. He then went back to school and entered the corporate world.

The one constant in his life has been a passion for storytelling.

When he is not writing and spending time with those he loves, you’ll find him in a wetsuit, splashing in the sea, where he will be dreaming up his next story. He currently lives in London, England.

To learn more about this author visit the following links:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

GOODREADS

INSTAGRAM

FACEBOOK

AMAZON

CONCENTRATION CAMPS OF CANADA by Baron Alexander Deschauer receives 5 Stars for importance, 4 Stars for Content.

Title: CONCENTRATION CAMPS OF CANADA

Author: BARON ALEXANDER DESCHAUER

Publisher: FRIESEN PRESS

Genre:  FICTION, YOUNG ADULT FICTION, MULTICULTURAL, INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 

Release Date:  JUNE 12, 2017

From 1918 to the 1960s, Migizi survives the abuses of residential schools and tries to live life as a Canadian. He joins the army and becomes a war hero only to return to a country that barely tolerates his existence. His bravery and perseverance is unwavering until he is forced to face his greatest fears. Will he survive his own demons and memories? Would any of us?.

This is the story of a young boy growing up in that world, determined to be a man in a system that only saw him as an Indian.

MY REVIEW:   

Disturbing. Heart-Breaking. Horrifying.  Sickening. Riveting.

These are just some of the words that come to mind after reading Baron Alexander Deschauer’s CONCENTRATION CAMPS OF CANADA.

Although this is a fictional story, it is based on fact. That is what makes it so disturbing.

BUT, it is for exactly for that reason that every Canadian, and indeed, every North American, needs to read this book.

No longer should the sins of the past be allowed to stay hidden. Everyone needs to know just what it was that Native Canadians were forced to endure at the hands of the Church and the Canadian government.

Remember as you read this review that this book may be fiction, but it is based on FACT.

Migizi was taken away forcefully from his parents and placed in a residential school. Doesn’t sound too bad right?

WRONG!

At that school he quickly lost his entire world. This sounds like a dramatic statement, but it actually does not do justice to what Migizi had to endure.

First, he was in a strange, cold place where he knew no one. There he was to take classes and live. On his first day of school they took away his name. They named him “David” and if he or anyone else referred to him by his “heathen” name, they would be punished. If he did not answer to his new name fast enough, he would be punished. If he spoke too loudly, or too quietly … you guessed it; he would be punished.

In case you missed what I was trying to say, Migizi experienced mental and physical abuse and unfortunately he, like so many “real” aboriginal people, was also forced to endure sexual abuse at the hands of those who had the nerve to call themselves “God’s Emissaries.”

After finally aging out of the residential school system, “David” joined the army. His old Indian name was by that stage in his life, a long-forgotten memory.

In the army he distinguished himself and was labeled a war hero. Because of this, you would think that upon his arrival back to Canada (the country he had fought so bravely for) his service and sacrifice would have placed him on equal footing with the rest of the returning soldiers … I am sad to say that you would be wrong.

When he came home to Canada after the war, his return was largely ignored while his white comrades-in-arms were celebrated and congratulated for their service.

David was once again seen as just another dirty Indian. The shock he felt must have been emotionally crippling.

This book is IMPORTANT. People who might not read a book of non-fiction might be willing to read this one. It is important because it brings awareness and I fully believe that knowledge is power.

I rate this book as 4 out of 5 Stars for story and content, but 5 out of 5 Stars for importance. 🌟🌟🌟🌟

But, since this is supposed to be a book review and not a rant on my personal beliefs, I will stick to the 4 out of 5 rating. ⭐⭐⭐⭐. 

SAVING IT BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY

Saving It by Monica Murphy

Publication Date: November 6, 2017

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Crush Eden: Josh Evans and I have been best friends forever. He knows all my secrets, and I know all of his. So when he randomly asks me to help him lose his virginity, I sort of flip out. That’s a question that sends your mind to places you’ve seriously never considered before. Like, you know. Having sex. With your best friend. Except Josh doesn’t want to have sex with me—he wants me to help him find a girl. A nice girl who’s funny and smart and cute. Except he already knows a girl just like that…

Josh: Eden Sumner is my best friend. So of course she’d be the person to help me find my perfect match, so I can drop my V card before I head off to college. Except the more we search, the more I realize that maybe the right girl has been by my side all along. I don’t need Eden’s help in finding me a girl to love. I’m pretty sure I’m already in love with Eden. But now she thinks I’m only after one thing…with anyone but her.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book is what happens when American Pie meets Friends with Benefits. It contains two best friends, plenty of angst, and lots and lots of sex talk. Reading this might have you looking at your best friend in a different light!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is a traditionally published author with Bantam/Random House and Harper Collins/Avon, as well as an independently published author. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance. She is also USA Today bestselling romance author Karen Erickson. She is a wife and a mother of three who lives with her family in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere, along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she’s not writing, she’s reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She’s a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through many angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest • Snapchat • Goodreads

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36302599-saving-it

Purchase Links:

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Link to Tour Schedule:

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Giveaway Details:

• A Signed copy of Saving It. (US only)

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