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Saturday, December 31, 2016

BLOG LAUNCH GIVEAWAY


With the launching of my blog, www.wherethereadergrows.com, I am running this amazing giveaway, which runs through the whole month of January. Winner will be announced on my birthday - February 3. In honor of some of our talented Bookstagram authors, look at all this loot you could win! ☺

Rules are as follows:
1. You MUST be following me and everyone noted in the post on Instagram (their IG handles are next to their names)

2. Repost on IG with #WTRGBlogGA

3. 1 BONUS ENTRY - Tag three friends on the post who may be interested

4. 2 BONUS ENTRIES - Ask me any question on this blog post - I'll answer them in a separate blog  post later in the month.

5. 1 BONUS ENTRY for each additional repost on IG - up to THREE times

6. 5 BONUS ENTRIES - Follow my blog! ☺

The first two MUST be completed and will count as your gateway entry☺. Please' see below for details about the prizes... (all synopses for books taken from Goodreads).


Crescent Moon
 - James Fahy


Crescent Moon
What do you do when your world is turned upside down?

When you discover your father had a direct hand in the genocide of much of the world's human population?

Phoebe Harkness' life has changed forever. Thirty years after a cataclysmic world war that eviscerated one third of the human population, a new sub-species of vampire-like drones has set its teeth to the survivors of humanity.

They're not the only ones: 'Genetic Others' such as vampires, werewolves and more roam the streets of New Oxford, trying – and sometimes failing – to live peacefully amongst humankind.

But that is all about to change.

A spate of serial killings have occurred, rocking the already fragile ecosystem of New Oxford.

Brutal murders and mutilation are now commonplace.

Phoebe must get to work. She is named as liaison between the Genetic Others and the Cabal, the ruling order of the walled city.

She must negotiate with the Tribals, a subset of werewolves cast aside by the cultural hegemony of the Cabal.

But before she can make any progress with the Tribal leader, Kane, she learns of more murders – and three missing students. And Kane's daughter is among the missing...

One of the victims leaves a message in blood: 'Crescent Moon'.

Now Phoebe must act urgently with the help of Kane and her former paramour, vampire Allesandro to track down the culprit of these horrific killings.

But who is conducting all of these strange happenings behind the scenes?

And what does it have to do with the Crescent Moon...?

Crescent Moon is the gripping second installment of the urban gothic Phoebe Harkness series. It follows the young doctor as she stalks through the corrupt dystopia of New Oxford.


The Making of Gabriel Davenport - Beverly Lee

The Making of Gabriel Davenport
In a house built on truth, something lays hidden.

Beth and Stu Davenport moved to the English hillside town of Meadowford Bridge to give their young son, Gabriel, an idyllic, rural childhood. But in a single evening, the Davenports' dream is shattered by a hidden, ancient darkness—and their lives are forever changed.

Years later, Gabriel Davenport, now a capable, curious young man, makes the ill-fated decision to go looking for answers about his mysterious past. As soon as he begins his quest, his life becomes a place of shadows. The people he loves and trusts are acting abnormally. The strange woman who lives upstairs is even more haunted than usual. Even his most trusted friend seems to be hiding something.

As one fateful night deepens, and the line blurs between darkness and light, Gabriel must confront the terrible events that destroyed his family all those years ago. He is faced with a choice: continue living the life that was never his to begin with, or give himself over to a terrifying new reality more sinister than anything he's ever known.

The darkness is watching.


Jenna's Truth - Nadia L. King

Jenna's Truth
Jenna's just a teenager who wants to fit in. The popularity that she wanted though, quickly turns into infamy when two "well-meaning" friends spark a controversy that alters her life forever. What happens when the very group of teens you crave to belong to, end up being responsible for one of the most painful and humiliating events in your life?

Inspired by Amanda Todd's tragic story of bullying, Jenna's Truth is more than just teen short story it's a lesson in empathy, self-awareness, and speaking out about what matters, especially bullying. Jenna's Truth written by Nadia L. King is a gripping story, which explores the themes of cyberbullying, teen drinking, sex, and suicide. Life isn't black and white, and sometimes teens can be the most insensitive people.

Published by Aulexic, a publisher specialising in books for children with language and literacy difficulties, Jenna's Truth is dyslexia-friendly and contains features that aid in comprehension and vocabulary. The story is kept short, at just 6,000 words and includes curriculum connections, discussion questions, and recommended activities, making it an ideal quick-read at home or during transit for 15-16 year olds. If you're against cyberbullying, want to help someone who might be a victim of bullying, or you're experiencing bullying in your life right now, read Jenna's Truth today.


Stella's Awakening - R.K. Ryde

Stella's Awakening
For Stella Welsch, buying a home and starting her own business has already pushed the boundaries of her strict upbringing. When she meets the sexy and powerful executive, Conrad Adams, Stella knows he's off limits, but can't help daydream about forbidden romance. As sparks begin to fly, Stella reveals that the relationship could have her cut off from her family and life as she knows it.

After painful memories surface, Stella decides to follow her heart and succumb to the sexy business mogul's pursuits. But she quickly discovers that her sheltered upbringing hasn't prepared her for what she is about to face. Her naïve knowledge of "sex" is nothing more than foreplay to the sexually experienced Conrad. As her feelings build, Stella must choose between Conrad and her family. Between rebellion and convention.

Stella's Awakening is the first installment in an erotic romance series that tackles difficult social issues. If you like EL James and Jodi Picoult, then you'll love this intriguing, sexy, and emotional rollercoaster of a book.


Beyond the Third End (The Midgard Born Series Book 1) - Juliet Boyd

Beyond the Third End
What happens when Ragnarok doesn't solve the problem?

In a world where Norse gods are revered by many, Siri and her younger brother have a fight on their hands. It's called survival. The gods have not been good to them, but Siri's not the type to let that stop her.

Kyr is a loner by nature, his only companion a wolf. People dislike him. He's pretty sure he knows why. If he wants to be himself, which is high on his priority list, he avoids them. Unless it's for his own amusement.

Their paths collide and their lives take a turn for the worse, but everything has a purpose.  One day, they'll understand the truth of their existence. That day is coming soon.


In Search of Hidden Gods (The Midgard Born Series Book 2) - Juliet Boyd

In Search of Hidden Gods
Knowing you're going to be reborn isn't always an advantage.

The endless discussions about which gods they might be are getting Kyr down. He wants out, but that would mean leaving Siri and Mo.

Siri is equally frustrated, but not for the same reason. Her belief system is being stretch to the limit.

Going on a quest to search for others of their kind probably isn't the best solution for either of them, but that's where they find themselves. Not an easy task. It seems the monsters of myth are all coming out of hiding at once.


Book Biff - Breanna Pena

Book Biff
Supporting and saving literature with no more ripped or bent books. Read on the go worry free and in style! (From her etsy shop: BizzyLittleB).

Win your choice of any BookBiff in her shop!







Amazon Gift Card $25





***This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or Etsy in any way.  Open Internationally.***


Review: A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Rayburn



Veronica and Stoker are back and living a life of tranquility compared to what they were used to. At the request of royalty, they are asked to look into a murder accusation. They have a week's time to prove he is innocent or he hangs. As most people they speak to seem to be convinced that he is guilty, it proves to be a daunting task.

Once again we see the dynamic between Veronica and Stoker and how they contrast, yet completely complement each other. Their relationship and friendship makes them a force to be reckoned with. The sassiness and intellectual dialogue written is humorous and engaging. I will forever giggle and think of "sit upon parts." I look forward to their continued adventures and how their relationship grows.

Thank you to Penguin First Reads for this fantastic early copy. Publishes 1/10/17.


★ ★  

historical fiction | mystery


Review: My Husband's Wife by Jane Corry



Lily is starting her career as a lawyer after a whirlwind romance and marriage to Ed. She wants to leave her past behind but finds it's making more of an impact on her present than she expected. Her next door neighbor is an attractive Italian woman with a nine year-old daughter, Carla, that she takes under her wing, because she knows what it feels like to be "different." Little does she know how much this "good deed" (and all the good things she tries to do in all aspects of her life) will affect her throughout her career and marriage.

Secrets are secrets for a reason and not everything is what it appears to be. Actions beget actions and sometimes it's just better to not interfere.

I'm a bit torn with this book. It kept me wanting to read it, but at the same time I was somewhat indifferent. I didn't have much investment in the characters. Chapter by chapter it goes from Lily as a young solicitor to Carla, age 9...then fast forwards 12 years later where Carla is starting her career as a solicitor as well and incorporates herself back in Lily and Ed's lives, now knowing that secrets are a powerful weapon. The last quarter of this book was the best part, but the lead up felt a bit lacking. Did I like this book? Absolutely. Did I love it? I'm not entirely certain. There was one slight mistake in the arc that gave away a twist, which I think affected my opinion a bit, but overall I was captivated and didn't want to put the book down. Publishes 1/31/17

★ ★  1/2

mystery | thriller | crime | fiction


Review: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn



On the day Veronica buries her aunt, a baron saves her from abduction and takes her to London and into the care of a grumpy man by the name of Stoker. He trusts Stoker to watch over her as he takes off, promising to reveal some truths upon his return. He is murdered during his absence and Veronica and Stoker become an unlikely team while running from those after her, finding sanctuary with Stoker's friends, and revealing histories and plots that could change the course of history.

I typically am not the biggest fan of historical fictions but I absolutely loved this book. Veronica Speedwell is quite the sassy character and I envisioned her often as Vanessa's character from Penny Dreadful. Quick witted, strong, a woman against societal expectations while still holding on to her femininity. Stoker is a large, intimidating and reclusive man who clearly is highly intellectual and hides many talents behind his tattoos, scars and rough exterior. As their friendship grows, we learn of their histories, maladies and strengths that culminate into a charming determination. Highly recommend if you like mystery, intrigue, quick witted humor and touches of historical references. Will definitely be continuing this series.

★ ★  

historical fiction | mystery


Review: Not Dead by R.T. True hall



"This is not an ordinary vampire story." It certainly isn't! Ulysses is an asshole who, on his birthday, chases off his friends with his poor behavior and becomes "recruited" by Ellison, an 800-year-old vampire who explains how they live in their society, work and are not as Hollywood would present them. He makes mistakes that ultimately puts himself and his creator in trouble.

I was highly entertained throughout this book. Found myself giggling at humorous moments and the ending left me wondering what was going to happen. Will Ulysses succeed in his new role? The first half seems fairly long in the explanation of the vampire society and prepping Ulysses for his training. I was beginning to wonder where it was going and then he makes his mistake and there it is! For a debut novel, well executed and highly entertaining. I can only see the author's work getting better from here. Surely there's a second one coming out so we know what happens with Ulysses and Ellison? Hmmm...

★ ★  

horror



Bookstagram



Stay tuned to the this page for upcoming giveaways on Bookstagram, monthly buddy reads and interviews with various Bookstagrammers and authors. I look forward to sharing my musings on all things bookish here.

Happy reading!

Recommendations: Thrillers



Thrillers are known to give readers feelings of suspense, surprise, anticipation, excitement and sometimes even anxiety. I love thrillers of ALL kinds. While a lot of books may be thrown into this broad category, they can also be meted out into various subgenera including: action, conspiracy, crime, disaster, eco, forensic, legal, medical, mystery, political, psychological, religious, romantic, spy, supernatural, and techno. Here are five of the many amazing thrillers I was fortunate to read this past year. Highly recommend all of these reads.

Behind Closed Doors - B.A. Paris - ★ ★ ★  
Find my review on Goodreads

Her Every Fear - Peter Swanson - ★ ★ ★  
Find my review on Goodreads

The Ice Beneath Her - Camilla Grebe - ★ ★ ★  
Find my review on Goodreads

Behind Her Eyes - Sarah Pinborough - ★ ★ ★  
Find my review on Goodreads

The Ice Princess - Camilla Lackberg - ★ ★ ★ 
Find my review on Goodreads

Review: Playing Dead by Elizabeth Greenwood



Is it possible to fake your death in this world where you leave your digital fingerprint everywhere you go? Is it even worth it for the consequences that could happen should you get caught? Elizabeth Greenwood explores the world of death fraud in this true crime book. As always, I consider truth to be stranger than fiction. As such, I found this to be quite the fascinating read. She delves into various interviews with people who have committed death fraud, whether it's better to actually commit "pseudocide" or just disappear. "Disappearing, even as Frank described the benefits, felt like yet another way to hedge. It sounded a little wishy-washy. Pseudocide, instead, was all backbone, total investment. Besides, it was just sexier than disappearing." While I have noticed throughout the years, that there are rumors that certain famous people who "died" were believed to still be alive, I don't think I ever really paid THAT much attention to it. In this section, pretty much dedicated to Michael Jackson and the believers who think he's still alive and the various reasons why was absolutely captivating. I'm quite certain that when I see any mention of people claiming people must still be alive, I'll be paying more attention.

I never knew death fraud was even really a thing—or committed as much as it is—and who knows how often this has actually been done as those who have been successful...well, we don't know about them, now do we? If you're going to do it, you have to FULLY commit. Truly a great read on what people will do when desperate. Haven't you ever thought what it would be like if you could disappear and just leave your old life behind? Would it really be everything you expected or do your problems just follow you? Welcome to the living dead, who really are.

★ ★  

true crime | non-fiction

Review: Everything You Want Me To Be by Mindy Mejia


We see from the point of view of three different people. Hattie, the high school senior actress who continually plays any part as she needs to, people pleasing yet manipulating, selfish and calculating, yet just being a teenager and trying to find her place in life. Her obsession and want ultimately leads to her death, but with so many people who have motives, who actually did the deed? Peter, the teacher who married young, stuck in a town he doesn't want to be in, with a wife who barely speaks to him and a temptation that eats at him more every day. Del, the law officer and family friend of Hattie's parents, trying to put all the pieces together and find the killer before Hattie's father takes the law into his own hands.

There is suspense, deception, manipulation, teen angst, obsession, varying degrees of love, family relationships, obligations and the ever day struggle people go through between trying to do what is expected and what should be done and giving into the id and every base desire. What actually makes you happiest in the end and at what cost? I really enjoyed this book—it kept me interested all the way through and the slight twist at the end didn't particularly shock, but I also didn't see it coming and I ran a dozen scenarios through my mind as I read. Recommend for an easy, entertaining suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing.  (Publishes 1/3/17)

★ ★  

mystery | suspense | thriller | YA | contemporary



Thursday, December 29, 2016

Review: The Twilight Wife by A.J. Banner



Involved in a diving accident that leaves her with memory loss, Kyra lives on an island with her husband, Jacob, trying to remember what happened to her. Stopping her medication, she has flashbacks of memories she's not sure she can trust. Is her marriage everything she's being told it is? Why is everyone saying this is her second chance, that they're working things out and she should be happy about it? As she starts uncovering truths, she enters into a nightmare she may never recover from.

This book is fast paced and a fun read for a lighter suspense novel. I guessed most of the plot twists early into the book and found myself not being very invested in the characters. As someone who reads a ton of psychological, crime and domestic thrillers, I like to be surprised, shocked, thrown for a loop. After reading Behind Closed Doors, Gone Girl, Before I Go to Sleep, and books of the like, this seemed "lighter." Don't get me wrong, this is still a very good book. I found myself reading quickly and enjoyed the suspense, atmosphere and overall story line. For anyone who is new to this genre, this book will be a great read. I read the author's other book, The Good Neighbor, and rated it the same. Great reads...I just apparently like the more twisted variety. 

★ ★ 

psychological thriller | suspense | fiction | domestic crime

Review: Idaho by Emily Ruskovich


The center of the story is as follows: Wade and Jenny lead a simple life with their two daughters, May and June. Tragedy overcomes them when May is murdered by her own mother and June goes missing. Jenny gets life in prison for her act of violence and Wade moves on, marrying a piano teacher, Ann, the following year. Ann struggles with Wade's grief and early onset dementia and its ability to cause violent outbursts—all the while trying to piece together his tragic past, using only her imagination.

The story is told from multiple points. We see through the eyes of Wade, Ann, Jenny, Jenny's cell mate (Elizabeth), Wade's father, May, and even at one point, a hound dog. With bringing in so many points of view and doing it in a non-linear fashion (bouncing back and forth through the years from 1973-2025 sporadically), there were some points of confusion on who was "speaking" and where we were in the story. I became invested in the characters, but in the end...I was left without any answers. Maybe that was the point of the story—that it wasn't necessary and that the ending was more about the growth of the characters rather than the answers to the questions that were popping up in my mind. While that may be fine for some readers, I was a bit disappointed.

Be mindful that this isn't a happy read—it is deep, dark, raw, emotional, REAL and hits you in the gut. Idaho has very little dialogue, but on the plus side (as I like dialogue), the author's prose is outstanding! She writes beautifully and really brings her characters to life. She brings forth the human capacity for grief, love and forgiveness through imperfect lives. At times, it was like reading beautiful poetry in a grim setting.

Those who like psychological, dark, atmospheric reads dealing more in emotional aptitude, rather than gaining the answers to a puzzle will find this to be a nice winter read. Prepare yourself for beautiful words, but be warned that your investment may not get the payback you're seeking.

★ ★ ★ 

fiction | contemporary