My Book Reviews

Category: Book Reviews

This section categories all the posts that I have written for my book reviews.

  • Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton

    Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton

    Flipping Forward Twisting Backward

    Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton

    Release: August 2, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Peachtree
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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    A high-energy novel in verse starring a fifth grader who is almost as devoted to competitive gymnastics as she is to hiding her poor reading skills. What happens when Claire’s secret starts unraveling?

    Claire is by far the best gymnast on her team, and she’s well on her way to qualifying for the state championships. The gym is where Claire shines. But at school, she’s known as a troublemaker. She seems to spend more time in the office than in class—which is fine with her since it enables her to hide the fact that she can’t read. She has never been able to make sense of the wobbling jumble of letters on a page. No one except her BFF knows.

    But when a sympathetic principal wonders if Claire is acting out because she’s dyslexic, her mother balks. She’s afraid Claire will be labeled “stupid” and refuses testing. Claire has always assumed she’s dumb; she never imagined her reading problem could have a solution. Is she strong enough to take on both her reading challenges and her mother’s denial? Is it worth jeopardizing her spot in qualifiers?

    Told in clear and poignant verse and featuring black and white illustrations, Claire’s struggle with something that seems to come easily to everyone else will resonate with readers and have them cheering her on.

    About the Author:

    Alma Fullerton couldn’t read until she was in the fourth grade. Today she works with students who have learning disabilities. She is the author of several middle-grade and young adult novels that garnered acclaim and awards in her native Canada. Alma is also the author/illustrator of several picture books. She is on faculty with the Highlights Foundation for teaching novel in verse writing and is an RA for SCBWI’s Canada East region. 

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

    Flipping Forward Twisting Backward  Review:

    “Flipping Forward Twisting Backward” is a beautiful middle-grade novel because it focuses on how children suffer from learning disabilities, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed it.

    What I liked about the story is how realistic the author portrayed Claire and her family. Claire is adorable, and you can see how smart and energetic she is at everything, except when it comes to reading. I could understand her frustration and be rooting for her to get her needed help.

    The author also wrote about Claire’s family well, and it was interesting to see how each member reacted to Claire’s situation. As much as I got frustrated with Claire’s mother for not listening to her, I could understand why she acted that way. I liked the family dynamics, where Claire feels she cannot turn to her mother or father but has support from her sister Bethany. Bethany and Claire shared an incredible bond and were one of the highlights. The author also adds excellent references to famous people who also suffered from the same disabilities while growing up but went on to do great things. The story portrays not to get discouraged just because you perform differently from others.

    Similarly, I also liked the gymnastics element of the tale and how the author discourages bullying. The author also writes the story in a poetic manner, which makes the story stand out and fun to read. Sarah Mensinga also drew the illustrations beautifully, and I loved Claire’s expressions with her family and gymnastics performance.

    Overall, “Flipping Forward Twisting Backward” is a well-written middle-grade contemporary novel worth checking out.

    Giveaway:

    1 winner will receive a finished copy of FLIPPING FORWARD TWISTING BACKWARD, US Only.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Flipping Forward Twisting Backward

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Flipping Forward Twisting Backward by Alma Fullerton Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post, and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:
    hodophile_z-IG Review-7-25-2022
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-7-25-2022
    The Paperback Princess-Review/IG Post-7-26-2022
    Kait Plus Books-Excerpt/IG Post-7-26-2022
    One More Exclamation -Review/IG Post-7-27-2022
    Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-7-27-2022
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-7-28-2022
    BookHounds YA -Excerpt/IG Post-7-28-2022
    @just_another_mother_with_books-IG Review-7-29-2022
    @jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-7-29-2022

    Week Two:
    Strange Brew Reviews-Excerpt-8-1-2022
    Yabookscentral-Excerpt-8-1-2022
    GryffindorBookishNerd -Review/IG Post-8-2-2022
    celiamcmahonreads on insta-Review/IG Post-8-2-2022
    Little Red Reads-Review/IG Post-8-3-2022
    @enjoyingbooksagain-Review/IG Post-8-3-2022
    Two Points of Interest-Review/IG Post-8-4-2022
    Nerdophiles-Review/-8-4-2022
    A Backwards Story -Review/IG Post-8-5-2022
    The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-8-5-2022

  • Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

    Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

    AGOD

    Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe

    Release: August 2nd, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Little, Brown Books 
    Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indigo | IndieBound

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    Once upon a time, Alliana believed in dreams and fairy tales as sweet as spun-sugar clouds. Alliana wished on shooting stars, sure that someday she and her grandmother would be able to travel to the capital city to see the queen. Then her grandmother passed away—and those dreams disappeared in a disenchanted puff.

    Now Alliana’s forced to attend to the whims of her wicked stepmother—with long days of cleaning her stepfamily’s inn as her skin burns raw or staying up until the crack of dawn to embroider her stepsister’s ball gowns. Until she meets two beings who change her life forever—the first is a young nightdragon who Alliana discovers she can magically talk to. And the second is Nela, a young witch.

    Nela needs Alliana’s help navigating the mysterious abyss, filled with dangerous beasts, a place Alliana knows by heart. Alliana sees Nela’s request as a chance to break free of her stepmother’s shadow and to seize a chance at a life she’s barely dared to hope for—but there’s a risk. If caught, Alliana will be stuck working for her stepmother for the rest of her life. Can Alliana truly make wisps of dreams into her own, better-than-a-fairy-tale happily ever after?

    Inspired by the Japanese Cinderella story and set in the same world as the Eva Evergreen series, this story can be read as a standalone.

    About the Author:

    Julie Abe is the author of the EVA EVERGREEN, SEMI-MAGICAL WITCH middle grade fantasy series; the middle grade fantasy ALLIANA, GIRL OF DRAGONS; and the young adult novel THE CHARMED LIST. She has lived in Silicon Valley, spent many humid summers in Japan, and currently basks in the sunshine of Southern California with never enough books or tea. Keep up with Julie’s latest books and adventures at instagram.com/julieabebooks or sign up for her newsletter at julieabebooks.com/newsletter.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

    Alliana Girl of Dragons Review:

    It’s always fun to read a Cinderella retelling, and “Alliana, Girl of Dragons” did not disappoint with its fantasy twist of dragons and witches!

    I have not read any of the “Eva Evergreen” books, but I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. Let’s face it, almost all of us have read or know the story of Cinderella, so you would know what to expect more or less in the plot. However, the book’s highlight is how the author wrote the characters. I was rooting for Alliana throughout the story and wanted her to be free from her evil Stepmother. Alliana is lovely in the lead, and I adored her protective bond with Kebo and her friendship with Nela.

    Moreover, the author does a fantastic job of writing everyone’s emotions. You can see the love that Alliana has for her dad and Grandmother Mari. Similarly, you instantly dislike the Stepmother and Reizo for how harshly they treat Alliana. Likewise, Nela and Isao are adorable and make the story exciting with their presence.

    Perhaps the only criticism I have of the story is how we didn’t get more details of the world and some other characters. For instance, I wish I knew more about Hayato and Taichi (and maybe I didn’t quite get the connection for not reading the Eva Evergreen Series). Similarly, I wished Kebo was more prominent as we hardly see him much.

    Apart from that, “Alliana, Girl of Dragons” is a cute middle-grade book emphasizing how to stand up for yourself, not be afraid to do the right thing, and not let others intimidate you. I want to pick up the Eva Evergreen series and see how this story connects to the universe.

    Book Tour Schedule

    AGOD

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Alliana Girl of Dragons by Julie Abe Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours

    August 1st

    morningstarlitpages-Review 
    following.fantasies-Journal Spread 
    read.cells-Top 5 Reasons to Read Alliana
    thereadersgamebrooke-Review 
    thecaffinatedrareder-Blogger’s Choice
    booknotes_athina-Blogger’s Choice
    booksandpops4000-Blogger’s Choice

    August 2nd

    tbrandbeyond-Promotional Post
    tinybooknest-Favorite Quotes
    whisperingprose-Review
    feliciareads11-Blogger’s Choice
    zanjabeel_z-Blogger’s Choice
    pluvioreads-Blogger’s Choice

    August 3rd

    jacleomik33-Review
    mellasmusings-Review 
    quirkylitlover-Review 
    ninebookishlives-Blogger’s Choice
    pages_and_procrastination-Blogger’s Choice
    popthebutterfly-Blogger’s Choice

    August 4th

    luna_reads_-Journal Spread
    pcreads-Review & Favorite Quotes
    better_than_therapy_books-Review
    foreverinastory-Blogger’s Choice
    peireads-Blogger’s Choice

    August 5th

    dhirviepages-Review, 
    get.outside.and.read-Top 5 Reasons to Read Alliana,
    kathreadsya-Review
    eyerollingdemigod-Blogger’s Choice
    balancing_books_and_beauties-Blogger’s Choice
    rajivsreviews-Blogger’s Choice

    August 6th

    writingrosereads-Promotional Post
    atrailofpages-Review
    wild.legends-Review & Playlist
    bookdragonstbr-Blogger’s Choice
    quilltreefox-Blogger’s Choice
    littlecornerreads-Blogger’s Choice

    August 7th

    mulberryreads-Review
    theenchantedshelf-Review
    brittmariereadshere-Review
    anovelkingdom-Promotional Post
    sheafandink-Blogger’s Choice
    studioad_anjali-Blogger’s Choice
    metaphorsandmisc-Blogger’s Choice

  • Contest Of Queens by Jordan H. Bartlett

    Contest Of Queens by Jordan H. Bartlett

    Contest Of Queens

    Contest Of Queens by Jordan H. Bartlett

    Release: January 18, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: CamCat Books
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible

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    In a Queendom divided, can one girl unite the realms?

    Jacs, an inventor’s apprentice from the Lower Realm, has only ever dreamed of the land among the clouds. That is until she finds a letter from Connor, an Upperite boy who sends a wooden boat into the abyss, hoping to learn more about the land below. Little does Jacs know, Connor is actually Prince Cornelius of the Queendom of Frea. With wooden boats and hot air balloons, the two begin a secret correspondence. But their friendship is impeded by a heavily-guarded bridge and an inescapable prejudice.

    Their bond transcends distance and time, but when the royal family visits Jacs’ town of Bridgeport, the illusion of peace between the Realms dissolves, and the old feud is reignited.

    Now, to save her people, Jacs must infiltrate the Upper Realm and earn her place to compete in the Contest of Queens. She must learn how to survive against the contests’ grueling tasks and within a political web she could not have imagined. In a story about friendship, love, bravery, and defying gravity, Jacs will strive to prove that a Queendom is strongest when united.

    About the Author:

    Jordan H. Bartlett is a New Zealand-born, Canadian Citizen with a love for children’s literature and female empowerment. She grew up reading books about boys for boys and found it hard to find a strong female heroine she could relate to. Bartlett wrote Contest of Queens to give young readers that character she so longed for in a world where gender norms are reversed. Bartlett currently resides in Banff, Alberta where she works as a Speech Language Pathologist and is a certified yoga instructor.

    Website | Instagram | Goodreads

    Contest Of Queens Review:

    Cilck to view on Instagram

    This book rekindled my love for the young adult fantasy genre, and I adored everything about it.

    Where do I begin with “Contest of Queens”? Everything about the book was just perfect, in my opinion. Let’s start with the two leads. Connor and Jacs are magnificent, and I loved their romance throughout the tale. The way they met each other by writing letters and getting separated by circumstances had me glued to the pages. I loved Jacs and her fascination with inventing new things. I also liked Conor for bearing the responsibilities and the courage to do the right thing. Both of them come from two different worlds yet share fantastic chemistry. My heart went out, especially to Jacs, when she did not hear from Connor after the incident.

    Secondly, I loved the author’s writing style. The author details the settings and the characters with perfect details that make you easily visualize the story. The story’s second half is gripping, and I loved the author’s creativity in creating a unique set of tasks. The supporting cast is also entertaining, and I loved characters like Lena, Anya, and Master Leschi.

    Thirdly, I loved the world-building and the concept of the Realms. The author adds a nice backstory (without giving away a lot of details) about the two realms. Even after reading the book, you know the author will reveal more of the backstory in the next book. Moreover, it was fun reading about the gender swaps like the Queendom and women reining the Queendom with men as their support. The story ends in an exciting cliffhanger, and I’m already impatient to wait until 2023 to read the sequel.

    Overall, “Contest of Queens” is an AMAZING start to the series and easily one of the best YA books I read!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Contest Of Queens

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Contest Of Queens by Jordan H. Bartletto Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

  • A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves

    A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves

    A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves

    Release: 27th May 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Red Dragon Books
    Source: ZooloosBook Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon

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    A sleepy town in 1960s South Georgia, where to some residents, segregation is more important than catching a killer.

    An ex-homicide detective from Chicago called to honor an old promise.

    With a rising body count and a community guarding their secrets more fiercely than their children, asking questions could prove deadly for the outsider…

    Author Bio

    I started as an engineer, then an estate agent, followed by senior management roles in cable TV and telecoms. I spent a few years as a management consultant and now work in the language translation industry.

    Moreover, I have played music all my life. I classically trained on the clarinet from eight until fourteen, when my world took a quantum leap forward after hearing Jimi Hendrix and Voodoo Child on the radio. Also, I thought, wow, I gotta do that. I dumped the clarinet, picked up the guitar, and never put it down. I have played alongside topflight musicians, both live and in studios.

    From a young age, I read books like Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, Black Beauty, Swallows and Amazons, The Famous Five, Billy Bunter, Jennings and Derbyshire, Biggles, and Tarzan. Agatha Christie had a significant impact, as did Georges Simenon. I penned short stories at school – mostly adventure, but it wasn’t until I became hooked on American Crime Noir that my urge to write came crashing to the forefront of my mind. Reading Hammett, Chandler, Jim Thompson, Macdonald, and the master, James M. Cain, had the same effect on my potential writing career as Hendrix had on my music.

    Having been further influenced by the greats of Southern literature, I write crime stories based in the Deep South and UK-based dark noir crime set in Northamptonshire, where I reside. Throw into the pot crime and horror short stories and novellas, and you’ll have some idea of what goes on in my head.

    Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    A Long Way From Home Review:

    I loved reading “A Long Way From Home” and could not put it down once I started.

    Firstly, I must commend the author for the excellent style in writing the tale. I have read many mysteries and crime novels, but this book stands apart from them. The main character, Tom, is someone you immediately root for because of his talent for studying people and willingness to help others. The story has quite a large, eclectic cast, and I loved how it made me feel like I was living with them in Paradise Creek. I loved Tom’s bond with Clayton and Charlotte, which was the highlight. Some memorable characters like Coop and Maryanne have flaws but are still attractive. Yet, we also have sleazy characters, like Swales and Henry, that annoyed me. The author writes the characters so compellingly that you feel a strong emotion toward them.

    Moreover, the story is set in the 1960s and covers many themes, from racism and political corruption to voodoo and interracial romance and a compelling murder mystery. I adored the way the author blended so many elements. There were moments when I was at the edge of my seat, especially when some people attacked Tom while he was driving. One of the best moments in the story is the shocking events that happen in Court. The author also wrote the murder mystery well, and I wondered who would be the next victim. Although I figured out who the culprit was before the reveal, it took me a good while to determine the potential suspect. Even how he described the swamps and the lakes as the backdrop was mesmerizing and gave the book a magical touch.

    Overall, I thought this book was terrific, and I can’t wait to read more stories featuring Tom Bale.

    Book Tour Schedule

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on A Long Way From Home by Brian W Caves Blog Tour hosted by ZooloosBook Tours. 

     

     

  • Somewhere Beyond the Sea by A.K. James

    Somewhere Beyond the Sea by A.K. James

    Somewhere Beyond the Sea

    Somewhere Beyond the Sea by A.K. James

    Release: 1st August 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: SpellBound Books
    Source: ZooloosBook Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon

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    If a marriage is based on secrets and lies – can love survive?

    Doctor Tristan Ainsworth has returned to his beloved Cornwall with his family. The past has taught him some hard lessons, some of which he’s keeping to himself, but he’s hoping to put it all behind him and make a fresh start with his wife, Karen. He longs to see her happy, as she’s been struggling with her mental health.

    However, Karen Ainsworth isn’t telling Tristan the whole story because she has a past that she’d instead leave behind her too. Apart from her family, Karen’s big passion is singing, and a chance to use her extraordinary voice would mean the world to her, so why shouldn’t she take it? Surely her past can’t hurt her now?

    As a tide of blackmail and betrayal threatens the foundations of their marriage, Karen and Tristan face a tricky question. Is their love strong enough to face the truth when it might cost them everything?

    About the Author:

    Amanda James has written since she was a child, and as an eight-year-old, she asked her parents for a typewriter for Christmas. She never imagined her words would ever be published, however. Then in 2010, after many twists and turns, the dream of becoming a writer came true when she had her first short story published for a Born Free anthology. She left teaching in 2013 to pursue her dream full-time.

    Originally from Sheffield, Amanda now lives in Cornwall and is inspired daily by the wild and beautiful coastline near her home. Amanda writes more suspenseful novels also set in Cornwall, under the name A.K. James, but her last few books have been uplifting in nature with a twist of magic. She loves writing feel-good reads, as she thinks the world needs more joy in it right now. Amanda can usually be found playing on the beach with her family or walking the cliff paths planning her next book.

    Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Somewhere Beyond the Sea Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Firstly, I enjoyed the way the author wrote the story. Initially, the chapter alternates between a mystery character’s present storyline and journal entries. I liked both the storylines and wondered how they would interconnect. The journal entries were probably the story’s highlight, and some scenes were so intense and eerie that they gave me goosebumps, especially the mother. The author maintains a level of mystery and suspense, and you root for the core characters. Although the story moves to another tangent from what I expected later, I still enjoyed discovering what happened to Karen and the cast.

    Also, the author writes the characters convincingly. Right from the beginning, I enjoyed Karen and Tristan as a couple. Karen has some secrets from her past, and it was intriguing to see how the author uncovered them. Similarly, I also liked Tristan, his insecurities, and learning about his childhood. Both of them mesh well with the supporting cast. There are quite a few antagonists, like Linda and a person from Karen’s past, and you wonder how they will torture her. Similarly, I adored Jenny, who became Karen’s close friend. On a side note, I also enjoyed the light comedy the author adds in between, for instance, when Tristan treats one of his patients, Mr. Babcock.

    However, the second half turned out to be a tad predictable, where you anticipate what would happen. Moreover, the story wraps around pretty early on, and the author continues the chapters with the post events, which sometimes felt too convenient, particularly surrounding Bob and Maureen.

    Overall, “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” is an intriguing story with a likable character in the lead, and I enjoyed reading it.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    Somewhere Beyond the Sea

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Somewhere Beyond the Sea by A.K. James Blog Tour hosted by ZooloosBook Tours. 

     

     

  • The Insomniac by Miranda Rijks

    The Insomniac by Miranda Rijks

    The Insomniac

    The Insomniac by Miranda Rijks

    Release: 24th July 2022 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: ZooloosBook Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    Daisy thinks her insomnia is the worst thing in the world. She’s wrong.

    Daisy hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in years. Her chronic insomnia has gotten so bad, it’s affecting her job as a journalist. So she’s delighted when she’s asked to review a new, luxurious sleep clinic – this could be the answer to her prayers.

    At first, everything about the clinic seems perfect – the stunning seaside location, the beautiful rooms, the exquisite cuisine.

    Clinic owner and chief therapist, Amity, is sure she can cure Daisy’s insomnia by uncovering its root cause. But to do that, she’ll use hypnosis to probe deep into Daisy’s past. And that’s not good – because Daisy has a terrible secret.

    As Amity digs into her mind, Daisy feels more and more vulnerable. She begins to think there is something off about the clinic. Is her insomnia making her paranoid or does Amity have her own sinister agenda?

    Fearing the past has finally caught up with her, Daisy wonders if she should just leave. But that’s not so easy – because this clinic, which was supposed to offer rest and safety, is the most terrifying place she’s ever been…

    About the Author:

    Miranda Rijks is a writer of psychological thrillers and suspense novels. She has an eclectic background ranging from law to running a garden centre. She’s been writing all of her life and has a Masters in writing. A couple of years ago she decided to ditch the business plans and press releases and now she’s living the dream, writing suspense novels full time. She lives in Sussex, England with her Dutch husband, musician daughter and black Labrador.

    Miranda is the author of psychological thrillers. This will be her fourteenth novel published with Inkubator Books.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Insomniac Review:

    “The Insomniac” is an exciting psychological thriller that uses a spa as a backdrop, and I enjoyed it.

    I’ve lately become a fan of the author and enjoyed some of her earlier works. The author writes psychological thrillers very well, where the books are short and easy, yet each chapter provides some twists and turns. “The Insomniac” does not disappoint and immediately takes off as soon as we read of the two main characters, Amity and Daisy. Both characters are contrastingly different, yet you find yourself seeing good and evil in both of them. Also, Seeing how Amity uses her charms and skills to manipulate Daisy was fun. The author slowly reveals Amity’s intentions, and I liked how the story and the characters connected.

    I also loved the backdrop of the spa, which is something that you don’t see in this genre. The author takes everyday settings and makes them creepy, like closed rooms. Throw in some hypnosis and psychiatry, and I could not put this book down! Moreover, the author does add some eerie moments that make you claustrophobic, where Daisy finds herself in tight situations, and you wonder what will happen to her. The author also adds a surprising, twisted climax that came out of the blue.

    Perhaps the only downside to the tale was the potential loss of some characters. For instance, I thought Rosemary was weirdly possessive and stalkerish towards Daisy and expected more from the supporting cast. Similarly, even Jenny had the potential to be memorable, and I wished the author had added a backstory and twist for her.

    Nevertheless, “The Insomniac” was a fun book to read, and I recommend it if you love the genre and want to pick up a good summer read.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Insomniac

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Insomniac by Miranda Rijks Blog Tour hosted by ZooloosBook Tours.

     

     

  • The Forgotten Girl by Daco Auffenorde

    The Forgotten Girl by Daco Auffenorde

    The Forgotten Girl

    The Forgotten Girl by Daco Auffenorde

    Release: July 17, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Inkubator Books
    Source: ZooloosBook Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon

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    She lost her memory. Now she might lose her life.

    A beautiful woman wakes in a hospital bed, shackled and confused. She’s been in a coma for weeks. And can only remember her first name—Blue.

    Blue learns she fell from a window on the fourth floor of a hotel. Did she jump? Or was she pushed? To discover the truth, Blue must figure out who she is and what she was doing in that hotel.

    And she needs to do it fast. Because someone is out there, hunting Blue down, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

    Not knowing where to turn or who to trust, Blue must rely on her instincts to survive. Gradually, her memories return, and they’re darker than she could ever have imagined.

    Will she put the pieces of her life back together before she’s silenced forever?

    The Forgotten Girl – the gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Alex Michaelides, and Freida McFadden.

    About the Author:

    Daco S. Auffenorde is an award-winning author of thriller and suspense stories. She’s discussed her books in multiple interviews, including Bob Kustra’s National Public Radio show Reader’s Corner and George R.R. Martin’s Jean Cocteau Cinema. The daughter of a physicist, Daco is a southern girl from Huntsville, Alabama (known as Rocket City for its role in building the rocket that took astronauts into space), who pens fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat tales that keep the reader guessing.

    Daco holds a B.A. and M.A.S. from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and a J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law. She is a member of the International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Alabama Writers’ Forum, Authors Guild, and Alabama State Bar. She enjoys long hikes, painting with watercolors, and hacking away at golf balls when she’s not writing or reading.

    The Forgotten Girl is her first psychological thriller with Inkubator Books.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Forgotten Girl Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “The Forgotten Girl” is a gripping suspense thriller that kept me guessing.

    Wow! It’s been a while since I read a decent amnesia storyline, and this book did not disappoint. Stories that start with characters not remembering their past always grab my attention. As soon as the story begins, you see Blue wake up in the hospital, not knowing anything. Blue doesn’t even get a break because soon, some people try to attack her in the hospital under pretenses. As the story progresses, you are by Blue’s side as she tries to figure out what mess she was involved in and how she can get out of it. There are 60+ chapters in this book, yet each is short and bring something exciting to the tale. Examples are when Blue hears an intruder in her home or when men chase her in the stores and hospitals.

    The author progresses the story wonderfully, where you feel like you cannot trust anything. Blue is great in the lead, and I thought the author wrote her realistically, as well as dramatic and exciting. I felt like I was by Blue’s side, constantly second-guessing who was telling the truth. I also liked Blue because of her mysterious past and was surprised at some things she could do under pressure. Moreover, the supporting characters like Lorraine, Deluca, and Stallworth were interesting because you see them helping Blue but don’t know their intentions. The story is fun, exciting, campy, suspenseful, and pretty much whatever I expected upon picking it up.

    Overall, “The Forgotten Girl” is a wild, suspense thriller that keeps you guessing, and I would love to pick up some of the author’s previous works to read more!

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Forgotten Girl

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Forgotten Girl by Daco Auffenorde Blog Tour hosted by ZooloosBook Tours.

     

     

  • The Lost Boy by Jane Renshaw

    The Lost Boy by Jane Renshaw

    The Lost Boy

    The Lost Boy by Jane Renshaw

    Release: July 10, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books 
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Geni.US,

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    One island. Two women. A journey to hell.

    The Clarke family, Penny, Rod and their two young boys, are delighted when they are offered a holiday in a high-end guest house on a remote and beautiful island.

    Their hostess Anna seems like a lovely woman. But what the Clarkes don’t realize is that this is no random invitation, that Anna has carefully selected the family to satisfy her sinister agenda.

    Penny soon begins to sense there’s something off about Anna. She often speaks about her husband and son, but is it odd that they are both away? And that Anna seems perfectly content to be alone in this isolated place?

    And then there’s the way she looks at Penny’s boys – as if she’s sizing up chickens for the slaughter.

    Penny grows increasingly uneasy and begins to do a bit of digging, which leads to a horrifying discovery – she finally realizes who Anna is. Then she knows exactly why they’ve been invited to the island.

    She also knows that if she and her family are ever going to leave, they’ll have to fight for their lives… and find the answer to one terrifying question – how far would you go for the people you love?

    The Lost Boy – the gripping psychological thriller from the author of The Stepson and The Child Who Never Was.

    About the Author:

    As a child, Jane spent much time in elaborate Lego worlds populated by tiny plastic animals and people. Crime levels were high, especially after the Dragon brothers set themselves up as vets and started murdering the animals in their ‘care’. (They got away with it by propping the victims up with Plasticine and pretending they were still alive…)

    As an adult, she is still playing in imaginary worlds and putting her characters through hell – but now she can call it ‘writing’ and convince herself that she is doing something sensible. In real life, she has a PhD in genetics and copy-edits scientific and medical journals.

    Jane writes psychological thrillers. The Stepson will be her fourth novel published with Inkubator Books.

    Website | Amazon | Goodreads

    The Lost Boy  Review:

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    “The Lost Boy” is a compelling thriller that shines for its characters!

    The book is a different psychological thriller because of the small set of characters on the canvas. You have a maximum of five main characters, and initially, I wondered how the author could shock me with just these characters. However, the author writes the emotions and backstory of the characters so well! You second guess each of their intentions and wonder what is happening. Moreover, I liked the mysterious backdrop of the Island where you don’t know what will happen to them.

    Moreover, the highlight for me was the two main characters, Anna and Penny. Anna and Penny are complete opposites, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed them. What’s also interesting is how the author made me change my perception of both characters throughout the tale. Initially, I rooted for Penny and thought Anna was strange and sinister. But, as the story progressed, I realized I rooted more for Anna and didn’t like Penny. I liked how the author seamlessly moved the transition and alternated the chapters between the perspective of the two characters. Anna, in particular, is fascinating. You can see the hurt and love she feels whenever she thinks of Broc and Tam.

    Another highlight of the tale was Freddie. For some reason, this character unnerved me. There were times when Freddie’s reactions to the situation didn’t seem normal, and I thought something sinister was happening. After reading the story, I still feel that the author could have dabbed more into Freddie, as he was undoubtedly a strange boy. I hope the author writes a sequel focusing on Freddie.

    Overall, “The Lost Boy” is an exciting thriller worth checking out if you love character-driven stories more than the plot, and I liked it.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Lost Boy

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Lost Boy by Jane Renshaw Blog Tour hosted byZooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker

    Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker

    Dragonfly Escaping

    Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker

    Release: March 11, 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Bowker Identifier Services
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    DRAGONFLY ESCAPING is a tale of love, loss, heartbreak and healing which sweeps across two continents and three cultures. In it, Noor is a Hindu-Muslim half caste teen in India of 1980 who dreams of escaping the abuse and segregation that has robbed her innocence.

    In 1982, Sergio Santander is a Peruvian diplomat in his mid-thirties who has his own demons to outrun, when he proposes to Noor.

    Safe behind their facades, the couple has two infants before Sergio returns to Peru for a home posting. Here, their precarious balance is shattered by Sergio’s AIDS diagnosis.

    Noor is barely coping with the reality avalanching on her young shoulders, when her in-laws tell her to leave her children behind and return to India “where she belongs.”

    Furious, and more panicked by loss than ever in her life, Noor decides to fight back. But as alone as she is, can she win?

    About the Author:

    Raya Khedker was only three years old when she received her first writing inspiration, watching her father tie a thread to a dragonfly’s tail in the garden of their Calcutta home, then handing her the ensemble to fly like a live kite. Too young to discern the cruelty of this practice, Raya flew those dragonflies, mesmerized by the beauty and iridescence of their gossamer wings shining like precious jewels under the Indian sun, delighted by how those magical dragonflies were always within her control. 

    Decades later, those trapped dragonflies would become the heart of Raya’s debut novel, Dragonfly Escaping. Her biggest dream is to inspire women to recognize their untapped power, give it their all, and fulfill any goal they want. 

    Armed with a B.A. in Spanish Honors and an M.A. in Teaching, Raya has worked as an interpreter, a translator, teacher, private tutor, jail guard, and a seasonal farm laborer on different continents. At present, when she isn’t writing, she interprets and translates for federal and state courts in Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

     Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

    Dragonfly Escaping Review:

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    “Dragonfly Escaping” is an emotional and powerful tale about a woman who tries to build a better life for herself and pursue happiness, no matter what challenges she faces, and I could not put it down!

    The story’s strong point is how the author describes the character’s emotions. As you read the book, you get strongly invested in the characters and feel how Noor feels towards them. Noor goes through a lot in this story, from molestation and abuse in India to insults and challenges in Lima. My heart went to Noor as she tried to do the right thing. There are characters like Uncle Robu and Nila, who I despised, and the author wrote the characters so well!

    Another aspect I loved about the story is the relationship between Noor and Sergio. The two are far from perfect, but the author wrote their scenes realistically and fluidly. As Noor describes, there are times when the two hate each other, but later, Noor finds something about Sergio that would make her change her mind about him. I haven’t read such a complex couple in a long time, and the author’s writing was mesmerizing. Additionally, Noor’s flashbacks with Didima made the story extra special, as no matter what faults Didima had, she always protected Noor till the end.

    Perhaps the only minor downside to the story was Jaime and Chirag’s characters. I was curious to know what happened to Chirag in the latter half of the story and Noor’s interaction with Jaime, but we don’t see much of them.

    Nevertheless, I found “Dragonfly Escaping: Noor’s Story” to be an excellent read! The story also ends in a way that makes you look forward to the next book to discover what happens to these characters, and I can’t wait!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Dragonfly Escaping

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dragonfly Escaping by Raya Khedker Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

     

     

  • Her Perfect Life by Emily Shiner

    Her Perfect Life by Emily Shiner

    Her Perfect Life

    Her Perfect Life by Emily Shiner

    Release: 29th June 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    Eve’s life seems perfect. Until you have to live it.

    Millie has just served a long sentence for a murder she didn’t commit. It’s her identical twin sister Eve who was the killer and the person who framed Millie.
    Millie is willing to forgive Eve and hopes they can still be loving sisters. But when she is free, instead of welcoming her, Eve coldly rejects her. Now Millie only wants one thing – revenge.
    Eve seems to have a perfect life – plenty of money, a beautiful house. So Millie’s plan is simple – she’ll kill Eve and step into her shoes.
    But Millie soon discovers her sister’s life is anything but perfect. She had become involved with a dangerous man – controlling, possessive, ruthless.
    And now he owns Millie. Caught in a deadly web of deceit, she must continue playing the part of Eve. Her life depends on it.
    Can she find the strength to escape this new prison? Or will she be trapped forever in… her perfect life?
    A stunning psychological thriller from the best-selling author of The Secret Wife.

    About the Author:

    Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.

    Emily writes psychological thrillers. The Secret Wife will be her first novel published with Inkubator Books.

     Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Her Perfect Life Review:

    “Her Perfect Life” is an exciting thriller with many twists that entertained me, and perhaps a story I won’t forget anytime soon.

    Let me start by saying that this is a good choice if you love psychological thrillers but are a reluctant reader because of big stories. The author wrote the story well with short chapters and a fast pace, which made me finish in one sitting. This book has a lot going on; you have evil twins, revenge, blackmail, murder, and so much more! As soon as I started reading this book, I was rooting for Millie. Sure, she does pretty devious things, but, according to her, anything goes in the name of revenge!

    The author spins the tale well, and you have an exciting, eclectic cast of conniving characters. Even people who I thought would be innocent and charming turn out to be devious in some way. The author shocked me in some scenes because of how the characters react, and I wanted to know how far Millie would go, especially when Gareth and Mya come into the picture. Moreover, I also enjoyed the setting, like Eve’s house and the secrets it holds.

    The only reason I am giving this book four stars is because of the ending. For some reason, the conclusion took a turn that I did not expect, and I felt disappointed. Also, there are instances where Millie keeps repeating the situation she is in, which I felt staggered the pace a bit at times.

    Overall, “Her Perfect Life” is a fun, twisted thriller that will grab your attention and not let go!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Her Perfect Life

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Her Perfect Life by Emily Shiner Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.