My Book Reviews

Category: Young Adult

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Young Adult genre.

You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

You’d Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow

Release: September 28th 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Delacorte
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces comes a breathtaking story about a town, its tragedies, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

For all of Emory’s life everyone has told who she is. In town she’s the rich one–the great-great-granddaughter of the mill’s founder. At school she’s hot Maddie Ward’s younger sister. And at home, she’s the good one, her stoner older brother Joey’s babysitter. Everything was turned on its head, though, when she and Joey were in the car accident that killed Candy MontClaire. The car accident that revealed just how bad Joey’s drug habit was.

Four months later, Emmy’s junior year is starting, Joey is home from rehab, and the entire town of Mill Haven is still reeling from the accident. Everyone’s telling Emmy who she is, but so much has changed, how can she be the same person? Or was she ever that person at all?

Mill Haven wants everyone to live one story. But Emmy’s beginning to see that people are more than they appear. Her brother, who might not be cured, the popular guy next door, and many ghostie addicts haunt the town. People spend so much time telling her who she is–it might be time to decide for herself.

Inspired by the American classic Our Town, You’d Be Home Now is Kathleen Glasgow’s glorious modern story of a town and the secret lives people live there. And the story of a girl, figuring out life in all its pain and beauty and struggle and joy.

About the Author:

Kathleen Glasgow is the New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces, You’d Be Home Now, and How to Make Friends With the Dark. Also, her books have been named to ‘Best of’ lists by the New York Public Library, EW.com, TeenReads, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and more. Girl in Pieces was a Target Book Club pick, and an Amelia Walden Award honoree. How to Make Friends With the Dark was an ILA Honor Book. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

To learn more about Kathleen and her writing, visit kathleenglasgowbooks.com or follow @kathglasgow on Twitter and @misskathleenglasgow on Instagram..

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

You’d Be Home Now Review:

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“You’d Be Home Now” is a heart wrenching young adult novel that covers many issues and moved me deeply.

Emmy is probably one of the best characters I have read recently in the young adult genre. The author portrays her beautifully, where you see her going through so many emotions, from guilt and sadness to shock and anger. She feels for Joey and understands how difficult loving an addict can be, but at the same time, she yearns for people to recognize her as well. There are moments where you feel that she is selfish, but you want to get into the pages and be there for her for the most part.

Moreover, the author covers vital issues teens face, like peer pressure, addiction, and mental health issues. However, I feel this book would resonate even amongst adults. Wherever we go, people expect us to behave in a particular manner, where we forget our identity at times, and at times it might even break us. The author beautifully highlights how everyone is different and heals differently, giving people space and accepting them in any situation without judging.

I also admired the author’s creativity in writing the story, especially with the hashtag responses from various users. There are also small moments where you feel for Emory, whether in Mr. Watson’s classes or the drama club. Moreover, the author also adds some twists and turns, like the events in the Fall Festival. I thought the scenes between Joey and Gage were interesting and how Emmy gets tangled in between.

Overall, “You’d Be Home Now” is the perfect young adult novel to read if you love beautiful, emotional, hard-hitting stories with solid characters.

August 22, 2021
The One True Me and You by Remi K. England

The One True Me and You by Remi K. England

Release: March 1st 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N , Indigo

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Up and coming fanfic author Kaylee Beaumont is internally screaming at the chance to finally meet her fandom friends in real life and spend a weekend at GreatCon. She also has a side quest for the weekend:

Try out they/them pronouns to see how it feels
Wear more masculine-presenting cosplay
Kiss a girl for the first time

It’s… a lot, and Kay mostly wants to lie face down on the hotel floor. Especially when her hometown bully, Miss North Carolina, shows up in the very same hotel. But there’s this con-sponsored publishing contest, and the chance to meet her fandom idols… and then, there’s Teagan.

Pageant queen Teagan Miller (Miss Virginia) has her eye on the much-needed prize: the $25,000 scholarship awarded to the winner of the Miss Cosmic Teen USA pageant. She also has secrets:

She loves the dresses but hates the tiaras
She’s a giant nerd for everything GreatCon
also She’s gay af

If Teagan can just keep herself wrapped up tight for one more weekend, she can claim the scholarship and go off to college out and proud. However, if she’s caught, she could lose everything she’s worked for. If her rival, Miss North Carolina, has anything to do with it, that’s exactly how it’ll go down.

When Teagan and Kay bump into one another the first night, sparks fly. If they’re spotted, the safe space of the con will be shattered, and all their secrets will follow them home. The risks are great… but could the reward of embracing their true selves be worth it?

About the Author:

M. K. England grew up on the Space Coast of Florida watching shuttle launches from the backyard. These days, they call rural Virginia home, where there are many more cows but a tragic lack of rockets. In between marathon writing sessions,

MK can be found drowning in fandom, rolling critical hits at the gaming table, digging in the garden, or feeding their video game addiction. They probably love Star Wars more than you do. MK is the author of The Disasters (2018), Spellhacker (2020), and other forthcoming novels.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr

The One True Me and You Review:

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“The One True Me and You” is a cute contemporary young adult romance with beauty pageants, cosplay, fanfic cons, and a queer romance.

What immediately caught my interest in the book is how the author captured the romance between the two characters. You wonder how someone like Kaylee and Teagan, who have nothing in common and come from two completely different worlds, would connect. But, the author makes their chemistry sizzling, and they are so well together. Their romance is like the classic teenage first crush romances where everything is new and exciting.

Many moments stood out for me, like when Teagen contemplates sneaking out to go to the con or when they share their first kiss. Both Kaylee and Teagan are endearing and will warm your heart with their story. It was also interesting to see the events’ repercussions and how they handle the situation when things don’t go as smoothly as they had hoped. Moreover, as they are in the closet, and the romance could jeopardize the relationship with their friends and family and their careers, it was entertaining to see what they would do. However, Teagan was my favorite, and I liked reading about her background and how useful she would find the scholarship money if she won.

Moreover, I also liked the setting of the pageantry and the fanfic cosplay worlds. I’m not familiar with either of them, so reading about how intricate the events can be was fun. The author also writes the story creatively, where we see parts of the conversations through text messages. Even the supporting characters like Jess and Ami are lovely.

Overall, I enjoyed reading “The One True Me and You” and thought it was a light-hearted and charming YA contemporary romance.

August 22, 2021
Leisha’s Song by Lynn Slaughter
Leisha’s Song by Lynn Slaughter

Release: June 22nd 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Fire & Ice Young Adult Books
Source: RABT Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo , Smashwords

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Leisha knows something’s wrong. Her beloved vocal coach at boarding school would never have resigned and disappeared like this in the midst of preparing her prize students for a major vocal competition. Leisha’s determined to find her, make sure she’s okay.

Cody, a sensitive cellist, insists on helping her. Sparks fly, clues multiply, and romance blossoms, despite the disapproval of their families.

Leisha’s desire to be with Cody and pursue music rather than medicine puts her on a direct collision course with her African-American grandfather, the only parent she’s ever had. But an even more immediate threat looms– because, as Leisha draws closer to the truth about her teacher’s disappearance, she puts her own life in grave danger.

About the Author:

Lynn Slaughter is addicted to the arts, chocolate, and her husband’s cooking. Following a long career as a professional dancer and dance educator, she earned her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University.

She’s the author of four young adult novels: LEISHA’S SONG; IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN YOU, a Silver Falchion finalist; WHILE I DANCED an EPIC finalist; and DEADLY SETUP (forthcoming from Fire and Ice, 2022). Her short story, “Missed Cue,” appears in Malice Domestic’s 2020 anthology, MURDER MOST THEATRICAL. The mother of two grown sons and besotted grandmother of five, she lives in Louisville, Kentucky where she is at work on her next novel and serves as president of Derby Rotten Scoundrels, her local chapter of Sisters in Crime…

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Leisha’s Song Review:

“Leisha’s Song” is an entertaining young adult mystery with a touch of romance, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Firstly, I liked the setting of the story. This book is the first one I read where the story took place amidst a vocal competition in a boarding school. It was interesting to read about how the students prepared for the competition in the boarding school. The author also wrote the mystery nicely, where Leisha tries to figure out what happened to her.

The highlight of the story, though, was the romance between Leisha and Cody. Since they are an interracial couple, whom the family doesn’t approve of, it was interesting to see how they managed to be together. I adored Cody and thought the author wrote him very well. Even Leisha is outstanding in the lead, as she does not let anything stop her from investigating Mrs. Wells. The author also adds some suspenseful moments, like when Leisha goes through the cabinets of the Personnel files hoping to find something. Frankly, I liked the romance angle of the tale more than the mystery.

However, I would have liked more twists and turns to the story. It felt as though there were only two or three prime suspects to Ms. Wells’s disappearance, and the author toggled between them. While I enjoyed how the author resolved the story, it would have been nice if the story had more surprises.

Apart from that, I thought this was a decent Young Adult mystery romance. Overall, “Leisha’s Song” is a lovely young adult book to pick up if you love the genre and are in the mood for a captivating mystery romance.

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Leisha’s Song by Lynn Slaughter Blog Tour hosted by RABT Book Tours.

Book Blitz – August 21st
August 21, 2021
These Deadly Games by Diana Urban

These Deadly Games by Diana Urban

Release: February 1st 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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“A propulsive mystery with high stakes and devious, masterful twists that will leave you guessing until the very last page. Diana Urban’s latest had my jaw on the floor.” —Jessica Goodman, bestselling author of They Wish They Were Us

Let’s play a game.

You have 24 hours to win. If you break my rules, she dies. OR If you call the police, she dies. If you tell your parents or anyone else, she dies.

Are you ready?

When Crystal Donavan gets a message on a mysterious app with a picture of her little sister gagged and bound, she agrees to play the kidnapper’s game. At first, they make her complete bizarre tasks: steal a test and stuff it in a locker, bake brownies, make a prank call.

But then Crystal realizes that each task is meant to hurt—and kill—her friends, one by one. But if she refuses to play, the kidnapper will kill her sister. Is someone trying to take her team out of the running for a gaming tournament? Or have they uncovered a secret from their past, and wants them to pay for what they did…

Author of All Your Twisted Secrets, Diana Urban’s explosive sophomore novel, These Deadly Games, is a must-read, propulsive YA thriller with deadly stakes. Also, it has stunning twists, and a shocking ending you’ll never forget. It is perfect for fans of I Know What You Did Last Summer and One of Us Is Lying.

About the Author:

Diana Urban is an author of dark, twisty thrillers, including All Your Twisted Secrets (HarperTeen) and These Deadly Games (Wednesday Books, 2022). When she’s not torturing fictional characters, she works in digital marketing for startups. She lives with her husband and cat in Boston and enjoys reading, playing video games, fawning over cute animals, and looking at the beach from a safe distance. Connect with her on Instagram or Twitter, or find her book recs at BookBub.

Website | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

These Deadly Games Review:

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“These Deadly Games” had me at the edge of my seat, and I could not put this book down!

The author did a great job in setting up the suspense with the twists and turns. While the story starts harmlessly, Crystal’s world turns upside down when Zoey goes missing. As the plot progresses, we see how dire the situation is, as Crystal has to unscramble clues and complete a set of tasks to save her sister’s life. The author takes the story in a twisted direction which you don’t see coming. It was like reading a young adult version of “Speed” where Crystal is Keanu Reeves. The author had me unnerved, even in the small moments like when Crystal hides the answer keys. Even the supporting characters like Akira, Matty, Randall, and Brady add nicely to the plot, where you feel each of them is hiding something.

Moreover, I liked how the author toggled the story between the past and the present. We get to see the incidents that happened five years earlier, which could be why Crystal is in a dilemma now. There are many suspenseful moments in the story that made it memorable, like when Crystal sees the disturbing video of Caelyn when she sees someone standing outside her window or when the SWAT team arrives. Moreover, there are quick a few shocking deaths that I did not expect the story to have, and that just made it more thrilling to read. The author also ends the story nicely, which has the potential for a possible sequel.

Overall, “These Deadly Games” is a gripping young adult mystery thriller to pick up and read, and I highly recommend it.

August 21, 2021
When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord

When You Get the Chance: A Novel by Emma Lord

Release: January 4th 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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A bighearted novel about falling in love, making a mess, and learning to let go, When You Get the Chance is the next effervescent novel from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of the Reese Witherspoon YA Book Club pick You Have a Match.

Nothing will get in the way of Millie Price’s dream of becoming a Broadway star. Not her lovable but super introverted dad, who raised Millie alone since she was a baby. Not her drama club rival, Oliver, who is the very definition of Simmering Romantic Tension. And not her “Millie Moods,” the feelings of intense emotion that threaten to overwhelm. Millie needs an ally. And an accidentally left-open browser brings Millie to her dad’s embarrassingly moody LiveJournal from 2003. Now Millie knows just what to do—find her mom.

But how can you find a new part of your life and expect it to fit into your old one without leaving any marks? And why is it that when you go looking for the past, it somehow keeps bringing you back to what you’ve had all along?

About the Author:

Emma Lord is the NYT bestselling author of YOU HAVE A MATCH and TWEET CUTE, a BuzzFeed market editor, and dessert gremlin living in New York City. There she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater.

She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology . And incidentally a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. Her growth was on glitter, a whole lot of love, and copious amounts of grilled cheese..

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

When You Get the Chance Review:

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“When You Get the Chance” is a beautiful, quirky, contemporary young adult novel about how you can find happiness in your chaotic life.

I love stories that warm your heart because of the charming characters. Most of the people in the tale are adorable, and people you wish were in your life. I adored Millie in the lead as she tries to find the identity of her mother. I loved the conversations she has with her father and the bond she shares with him. Even Teddy, Beth, Chloe, Farrah, and Heather shine in their way. The author nicely focuses on all of them, where you feel happy for even how their story turns out.

Another highlight of the story was Millie and Oliver. I thought the author wrote their friendship and chemistry flawlessly, and it is the kind of thing I love to read in a YA contemporary novel. They start as enemies, neck to neck for the internship, and realize they must work together. It was fun to see how their dynamic changed and thawed their dislike to eventually get closer to one another. I would love to read a sequel on just these two.

Moreover, I enjoyed the storyline of Millie’s mother and how the author executed it. You can see the contrasting emotions that Millie goes through from love, anger, shock, and acceptance, and the author addresses the aspect in a light-hearted, humorous manner. On a side note, I also enjoyed the backdrop of the Broadway setting where most of the story takes place, and it was interesting to see how the Broadway manager worked.

Overall, “When You Get the Chance” is a delightful story that you should read if you are in the mood for a fun Young Adult contemporary novel.

August 21, 2021
Daughter by Kate McLaughlin

Daughter by Kate McLaughlin

Release: March 8, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Kobo

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Scarlet’s life is pretty average. Overly protective mom. Great friends. and with an interest in a Cute boy . And an unknown father , until she does.

When the FBI show up at Scarlet’s door, she is in for a shock to learn her father is infamous serial killer Jeffrey Robert Lake. And now, he’s dying and will only give the names and locations of his remaining victims to the one person, the daughter he hasn’t seen since she was a baby.

Scarlet’s mother has tried to protect her from Lake’s horrifying legacy, but there’s no way they can escape from the media firestorm that erupts when they come out of hiding. Or the people who blame Scarlet for her father’s choices. When trying to do the right thing ,her life becomes dangeous. Scarlet now has a choice – go back into hiding or make the world see her as more than a monster’s daughter.

Kate McLaughlin’s Daughter is a novel about trying right deadly choices that were never yours to begin with.

About the Author:

KATE McLAUGHLIN likes people, so much so that she spends her days making up her own. She likes writing about characters who are bent, but not broken – people who find their internal strength through friends, strife and sometimes humor.

When she’s not writing, she likes studying people, both real and fictional. She also likes playing board games with friends, talking and discovering new music. A proud Nova Scotian, she’ll gladly tell you all about the highest tides in the world, the magical creation known as a donair, and people who have sofas in their kitchens. Currently, she lives in Connecticut with her husband and four cats..

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Daughter Review:

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This book gave me “The Silence of the Lambs” vibes when I started reading it. The author does a decent job setting up the plot, where we see Scarlet finds out that her father is an infamous serial killer.

What I enjoyed about the story is how the author depicted Scarlet and her mother. The two of them, especially, Scarlet go through so much in the story, and I enjoyed reading their reactions and how they handled the scenario. The author dwells wonderfully into their personalities, where you see how Jeff’s mind works. I felt like I was beside Scarlet as she tries to understand how her father’s mind works. You also get to see the different reactions that Scarlet’s close friends have when they learn of the news and how Scarlet has to adjust to being in the limelight with the media and press. On a side note, I also enjoyed Scarlet’s connection with Darcy and her friendship with Taylor. The story had the potential to be one of my favorites.

However, my only concern with the story is how the story changed its tone towards the end. Initially, I thought this book would be a gripping mystery thriller where Scarlet would get clues from her father. However, the book went in another direction where it turns into a dramatic story about Scarlet. The author leans towards Scarlet, and it’s just her journey on how she matures as a person and finds out about herself. I wish the author had packed in more ‘wow’ factors into the story.

Apart from that, this book was entertaining and creative. Overall, I enjoyed reading “Daughter” and found it unique for a young adult mystery thriller.

August 21, 2021
Kingdom of Broken Iron by Mallory McCartney
Kingdom of Broken Iron by Mallory McCartney

Release: October 11th 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: MM Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: GoodReads, Amazon, Kindle , B&N, Amazon CA

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Something sinister is sweeping across Kiero, and war threatens to rip apart the remains of Black Dawn Rebellion.

Distraught by the decisions she made while in the Draken Mountains with Adair, Emory Fae, Queen of Kiero, is hiding a deadly secret. Emory is seeking aid from Marquis Maher, King of the Shattered Isles, in the looming war.

With Brokk by her side, they search for answers and aid from the Shattered Isles, a country that has remained protected from Adair’s wrath across the Black Sea. There, Emory will learn the weight of what it means to be Queen, but what will she sacrifice to save the ones she loves?

Since the Academy fell and the Black Dawn rebellion scattered, Brokk Foster’s past and the truth about his lineage has come to light. Brokk and his newly found immortal fey warriors are skeptical of Marquis and his terms to a new alliance. Being torn between love and Brokk’s loyalty to the rebellion, he will have to decide whether to remain true to his cause or follow a destiny he never wanted.

Can Emory and Brokk make an alliance to return to Kiero and aid the rebels?

Nyx Astire, new clan leader to the raiders in the Risco Desert, has lost everything. With no word on if the town of Pentharrow has survived under Azarius Walsh’s command, Nyx tries to rally the Dust Clan and prepare them to ally with any remaining members of the Black Dawn Rebellion. But tradition and her past throws Nyx into a dynamic ruling. Will she do anything to ensure Kiero’s survival from her new point of power?

About the Author:

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking.

Also, her other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Good reads

Kingdom of Broken Iron Review:

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This series is on fire! One of my favorite highlights was between Emory and Brokk. There are some intense moments, like when Emory finds herself searching for Brokk in the Black sea. Poor Brokk! He never seems to get a break and is always fighting for his life since the first book. I loved the conflicting feelings on how they need to go about the mission, particularly with Marquis in the picture. Emory is great in the lead as she tries to prepare herself for war and the Oileans. Marquis and Declan are also unique, even though Marquis got on my nerves for his arrogance. Marquis surprised me because I grew to like him later on in the story.

The other highlight of the story was Nyx. I adored this character from the previous book and thought her storyline was electrifying. I was glued to the pages reading about her journey and the new characters she meets.

Card Reveal

In keeping in line with the previous books in the series, the author does not stop with the excitement. Some scenes shocked me, like the ones with Emory and Skena at the Harvest Equinox, when Nyx looks into the ripples to see another person’s past, or when we learn another character gets killed.

However, while I am thoroughly enjoying the series, I feel it is taking a life of its own. The first book’s direction feels utterly different from the present one, and to be honest, I miss some of the old characters. However, now that I got invested, I would love to read the next book, particularly now that this one also ended in a cliffhanger. Overall, “Kingdom of Broken Iron” is a lovely addition to the series, and I highly recommend you read the books from the beginning.

Giveaway:
- Giveaway this is an IG giveaway not a rafflecopter
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Kingdom of Broken Iron by Mallory McCartney Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

Tour Schedule

Hallies_bookshelf-Card Reveal- Adair-8-9-2021
pagesofyellow-Card Reveal- Alby-8-10-2021
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Card Reveal- Azarius-8-11-2021
GivernyReads-Card Reveal- Brokk-8-12-2021
A Dream Within A Dream-Card Reveal- Emory-8-13-2021
BookHounds ya-Card Reveal- Lana-8-14-2021
The Reading Devil-Card Reveal- Marquis-8-15-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Card Reveal- Memphis-8-16-2021
Jaimerockstarbooktours-Card Reveal- Nyx-8-17-2021
August 19, 2021
Queen to Ashes by Mallory McCartney
Queen to Ashes (Black Dawn #2) by Mallory McCartney

Release: April 21st 2020
Format: Paperback
Publisher: MM Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: GoodReads, Amazon, Kindle , B&N, Amazon CA

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You lived your entire life feeling like half of you was missing. Fight for the missing part. Fight for this.”

Emory Fae has abandoned everything she thought she knew about her previous life on Earth. Stepping up to her role as Queen of Kiero she makes a startling sacrifice- feigning her allegiances to Adair Stratton, the man who murdered her parents and casted Kiero into ruin. Emory’s memories slowly piece together, and she soon realizes the Mad King may not be all he seems— and the man who was once best friend, may be fighting beneath the surface.

With the King’s attention on her, can she buy Black Dawn Rebellion enough time to recuperate their forces? And when the times comes, will she be able to kill Adair, ending his tyranny and rising herself as the rightful Queen? Fighting to hide her secret, Emory navigates the brutal trials of the Mad King, trying not to lose herself in the process.

Sequel to Heir of Lies, now a bestselling series, the sparks are ignited, as Emory learns the cost of freedom, and her heritage. Will the rebels unite in time? A sinister force has spread across the land, stripping everyone bare- their betrayals, their secrets, their intentions. But above all, what will their decisions cost? By refusing to give in to the darkness, will Emory rise as Queen?

About the Author:

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Good reads

Queen to Ashes Review:

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Firstly, I liked the new characters in the canvas like Azarius, Lana, Alby, Riona, and Kiana. Azarius and Lana, in particular, stood out, and I loved how they looked out for each other as they progress in the story. The Oileans also gave me shivers for some reason. What’s interesting is how the author portrayed the character’s emotions.

Moreover, each character goes through a conflicting set of emotions that made me connect with them. For instance, I loved the moments where Emory tries to see the good side of Adair and wonders if she is alone or has allies in the mission. Frankly, Emory’s scenes with Adair are the best moments in the story. Emory goes through a lot in the story, later even with Brokk, and I liked how the author wrote the character. Surprisingly, my favorite character in this tale was Nyx. Nyx is intense, assertive, and goes through many emotions as she wonders how to put herself first instead of risking her life for others.

Similarly, the author also adds exciting adventure moments like when Brokk finds himself in the river’s turmoil or when Emory and Riona’s scenes are on the ship. While this book did not have the same impact as the first one, I thought the author paced it very well, as it is shorter.

However, I wished we had more of Adair and Memphis in the tale. There are quick a few shocking moments in the story, but I would have liked to see more of them. I felt that Memphis only became prominent towards the end of the book. The author also ends the story nicely, making you want to pick up the next book and continue reading.

Overall, “Queen to Ashes” is a lovely continuation of the series.

Giveaway:
- Giveaway this is an IG giveaway not a rafflecopter
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Queen to Ashes (Black Dawn #2) by Mallory McCartney Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

Tour Schedule

Hallies_bookshelf-Card Reveal- Adair-8-9-2021
pagesofyellow-Card Reveal- Alby-8-10-2021
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Card Reveal- Azarius-8-11-2021
GivernyReads-Card Reveal- Brokk-8-12-2021
A Dream Within A Dream-Card Reveal- Emory-8-13-2021
BookHounds ya-Card Reveal- Lana-8-14-2021
The Reading Devil-Card Reveal- Marquis-8-15-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Card Reveal- Memphis-8-16-2021
Jaimerockstarbooktours-Card Reveal- Nyx-8-17-2021
August 19, 2021
Heir of Lies by Mallory McCartney
Heir of Lies by Mallory McCartney

Release: April 21st 2020
Format: Paperback
Publisher: MM Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: GoodReads, Amazon, Kindle , B&N, Amazon CA

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“Hope was a dangerous thing. It could consume every dream and make them take flight, becoming wild daydreams in one’s heart and mind. Hope could incinerate everything you thought you knew, burning you down to your core. It leaves you raw and exposed for the world”.

Emory Fae has only known one thing–life at The Academy, a school for those who have special abilities. The pressure to uphold the dream of her parents, falls on her and one of her best friends–Adair Stratton. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. With whispers of dark magic spreading across Kiero, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.

Tension mounts when the roguish king from Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles with his heir, Marquis Maher, sails to Kiero. The notorious Pirates known for their wrath, demand that the Faes listen to their proposition for a new treaty. Amidst political scenario, Adair and Emory, with their best friends Brokk and Memphis, search for the one thing -the truth.</p>

Their world becomes topsy-turvy with unlikely alliances and war in Kiero. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic, and love, Adair has to take a life changing decision. Will he fight or bow to the darkness within?

About the Author:

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

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Heir of Lies Review:

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The author never allows for a dull moment in the story. The author adds something exciting in each chapter, whether it’s Adair witnessing the crystals exploding, Memphis fighting the creatures, monsters chasing Brokk into the woods, or Emory waking up in the hospital. Although the book is pretty big, I never noticed the time fly by. For me, the story went full swing once Adair gets obsessed with finding the Book of Old and be the undoing of Roque and Nei Fae.

I loved all the characters as well. There is so much that happens to each of the main characters. While I loved Brokk, Memphis, Emory, and even Adair, I felt Emory and Adair were the most interesting. It was heartbreaking to see how these two friends go through so much in the book. Moreover, the author also writes the relationship between the characters wonderfully. I liked the bond between Brokk and Memphis as they plot their mission. One of my favorite moments was when Emory sees Brokk and her reaction to seeing the man from her dreams. Many of the love complications seem to surround Emory for some reason, and I could not put the book down. Another interesting character for me was Nyx, and I liked how she brought more drama into the tale.

There is also a shocking death that I did not expect at all, and the author ends the tale with a cliffhanger that makes me want to pick up the next book and start reading.

“Heir of Lies” is one of the best young adult epic fantasies I have read in a while and a terrific start to the “Black Dawn” series.

Giveaway:
- Giveaway this is an IG giveaway not a rafflecopter
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Heir of Lies by Mallory McCartney Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

Tour Schedule

Hallies_bookshelf-Card Reveal- Adair-8-9-2021
pagesofyellow-Card Reveal- Alby-8-10-2021
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Card Reveal- Azarius-8-11-2021
GivernyReads-Card Reveal- Brokk-8-12-2021
A Dream Within A Dream-Card Reveal- Emory-8-13-2021
BookHounds ya-Card Reveal- Lana-8-14-2021
The Reading Devil-Card Reveal- Marquis-8-15-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Card Reveal- Memphis-8-16-2021
Jaimerockstarbooktours-Card Reveal- Nyx-8-17-2021
August 19, 2021
Neptune’s Window: First Glance by L.L. Lewin
Neptune’s Window: First Glance by L.L. Lewin

Release: November 20th 2020
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Triple L Press
Source: RABT Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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What if you had a glimpse into what others are oblivious to? According to the zodiac, the planet Neptune represents illusions, mystery, and the unconscious mind. Aries Dade is a teenage medium who has the ability to look inside those illusions and speak to the afterworld. But for some reason she can’t communicate with her recently deceased mother. With the help of a few spirits, she tries to discover the truth behind her mother’s death. But can she trust the spirits? Aries and her father move to Newport Beach, California to start over.

Little do they know they are unlocking a world of lies, betrayals, and deception. And everyone they come in contact with is somehow intertwined with her mother’s death. When the star quarterback and a bad-boy senior vie for her attention, Aries senses something isn’t right. Meanwhile the rich, popular girls make her life a living hell to keep her from finding out the truth. First Glance is the first novel in the Neptune Window’s trilogy. Do you dare to glance inside the window?

About the Author:

LL Lewin is the author of the Neptune’s Window Trilogy. A native of Southern California, she was born in Los Angeles County and grew up in Orange County. She graduated from the University California, Irvine with a degree in psychology and social behavior. After teaching for several years and interacting with the youth almost daily, she was inspired to write a young adult mystery novel, which morphed into a little bit more. Since things happen in threes for her (her initials, triple Sagittarius, the third born) the novel turned into a trilogy and reaffirmed her belief that three’s a charm..

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Neptune’s Window: First Glance Review:

“Neptune’s Window: First Glance” is the first book in the trilogy and was an entertaining young adult fantasy novel with astrological nuances, and I liked reading it.

On the one hand, we have the mystery surrounding Piper and Jake that Aries investigates. Since she is a medium, I loved how she used her powers to get the answers. The author also added eerie elements, like when the souls tell her to get out of the house. Quite a lot happens to Aries in this book, and I found myself turning the pages to find out what happened next.

On the other hand, we also have the teen drama that Aries goes through as she fits into her new life. I liked reading about her feelings for Cory, especially the conflicting moments when she finds out what he did to Damon. The rivalry between Aries and Stacy was also an added treat to the tale. She also has a beautiful connection with Gladys. On a side note, I also loved the bond between Aries and Ryan. The author also ends the story on a nice note, making you look forward to reading the next book in the series.

However, I sometimes felt that the romance strayed the story’s mystery. Also, there were quite a few additional characters on canvas like Kimberly, who I felt did not add much value.

Nevertheless, I thought the story was creative, and I loved the astrological elements embedded, which I have never read in a young adult novel before. Overall, “Neptune’s Window: First Glance” is an exciting start to the trilogy, and I wonder how it continues!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Neptune’s Window: First Glance by L.L. Lewin Blog Tour hosted by RABT Book Tours.

Book Blitz – August 19th
August 19, 2021