Happy Book Birthday, Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm by Gina Chew!

 Today's read released a few days ago, but I'm going to stretch things and scream 'Happy Book Birthday' anyway. This one swings in the direction of the afterlife, while promising heart and romance. It's also a graphic novel, which adds a little reading fun to the month's list. I'm not really sure what to expect, so let's dive in and find out.

AFTERLIFE: THE BOY NEXT REALM

by Gina Chew

Illustrated by Nadhir Nor

Difference Engine

YA Fantasy  /  Graphic Novel

204 pages

Kyra’s younger brother is stricken with an ailment that has no cure. The last thing she needs is to find a mysterious boy lurking in the hospital. But where did he go, and why does she feel this inexplicable connection to him?

Spirit Keeper Eric isn’t prepared for this. He was just there to do his job and bring a soul into the Afterlife. Little did he expect to run into a too-familiar face from his past in the land of the living…

In this great expanse where what’s lost is found, fate, memories, and love intertwine as Kyra and Eric embark on a daring rescue mission to save a little boy from Death’s clutches. Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm is an epic Southeast Asian-inspired young adult fantasy graphic novel about one girl’s sacrifice as she fights to save what she loves.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Shadows of the Afterlife weave with a girl's determination, bravery, and heart to create a touching read with a lovely romance.

Kyra's brother is on the border of death, and there's nothing she can do about it. When she discovers a long lost friend, Eric, wandering the hospital halls, everything changes. Eric died and unlike the other dead, has maintained his memories. Especially the ones of Kyra. It's his job to escort souls into the Afterlife, and he is Kyra's key to bringing her brother back.

In many ways, this is a beautiful tale. Kyra's desire to save her brother is touching and already creates tons of emotional goodness, but meeting a boy she once adored, again, adds an extra layer. The relationship between Kyra and Eric flows very well and brings the sweetness and hope a touching romance needs. There's just enough bite and darkness thanks to their journey to the Afterlife and the obstacles they face to keep the tension high, too. 

Then, there's the illustrations. These stick mostly to earthy tones. While seeming basic and simple, they hold intricate details where it counts and deliver an atmosphere fitting to the plot. These work well with the text to create a rich world.

With all of this goodness, it was a read to get lost in...almost. The two-hundred pages isn't enough. Richness would have been gained by showing more about Kyra's and Eric's past, or by diving into a little more depth surrounding reincarnation and the world. It was very engaging, and yet, left the desire to know more. But I'd still recommend it and can only hope that another book is on the way to develop those areas.

Review: I'm With the Banned by Marlene Perez

I have two reviews for today because I did not want to leave October without cleaning out the stack of books meant for this month. And it was a packed month.

The first review is the 2nd in a series, and get this...I actually did read the first one first! See, I can do it. The first one was such an easy, entertaining, and tad bit quirky, which I truly enjoyed. In other words, it was perfect for one of those evenings where I just want to have fun without much thought. So, when I was offered to take a peek at this one, I was thrilled.

Ready to see what I thought?

I'M WITH THE BANNED

by Marlene Perez

Afterlife #2

Entangled Teen

YA Paranormal

320 pages

COMING...

OCTOBER 5th!!!

I never wanted to be a vampire queen.

But on the bright (if not sunny) side of the debacle, I’ve got a super-hot new boyfriend. And he just might be the perfect guy.

Well, if the perfect guy ghosts you for a month and then comes back to school with a new look, a pack of friends, and a secret. But we have bigger problems.

The Drainers are back. They’re singing a different song, but have they really changed?

Even worse, werewolves’ hearts are being ripped from their bodies—which is putting the people I love in danger. I need to figure out who is behind the murders before there’s an all-out vampire-werewolf war.

No one is going to mess with my friends, even the ones who like to get wild and howl at the moon.

Sometimes, all a girl can do is grab her tiara and start kicking some supernatural ass...

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   /    BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

I did read the 1st book in this series and enjoyed it as a fun, easy read, but I found this one to be even better. And yes, this one needs to be read as a series since this book does build off of the events and characters of this first one.

Now, that she's the Queen of the Vampires...or at least, for the district, and a witch, the politics of her situation are becoming a hard balance. Her laws are very different than the ones of her eviler predecessor, and the other paranormal communities aren't ready to trust her. Add the werewolves automatic hate for vampires, which is being kept at bay simply because her boyfriend is a werewolf, and it's a sticky situation. Especially when something keeps killing werewolves and they want to blame the vampires.

This is not a deep read but rather one with tons of tension fun. The main character has a lot of spunk and as a newbie to this entire vampire thing, is doing her best to balance it all. And considering she's still a teen, it's a lot on her plate. She's fun to read about, though, and her thoughts do cause some laughs and giggles sprinkled between the more dangerous scenes. It's a fun mix

Romantically, it's not as exciting as it could be as it becomes more of a battle to keep the werewolves and everyone balanced. Although there are some surprises on this end, too. But if you're reading this only for romantic tension, it's more of a fun action read (which I prefer). The hero is swoon-worthy, though, and things don't always turned out as expected, which keeps this book on its toes.

I can't wait to see if and when book 3 hits the shelves because these characters are quite a bit of fun for those simple reading moments.

Afterlife by Sandy Goldsworthy

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

Clean Teen Publishing is excited to announce that AFTERLIFE, the second book in the AFTERWORLD SAGA by Sandy Goldsworthy is now available in PRINT! If you haven't started reading this exciting young adult - new adult paranormal romance, now is the time to start. You can grab your digital copy of AFTERMATH for free for a limited time. We do highly recommend the touch and feel version as well since these beautiful print covers make a great addition to any bookshelf.

"This book is an exciting murder mystery with a love story at its center. VERDICT A fun addition to paranormal romance collections." ~SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

"This book is an epic love story that transcends even life and death. It will hold you suspended in time from the first page until its conclusion." ~NERD GIRL REVIEWS

NOW AVAILABLE IN PRINT:

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

AFTERLIFE is the highly anticipated sequel to AFTERMATH by Sandy Goldsworthy. This exciting Young Adult mystery romance is a must-read.

Everything seems perfect for Emma Bennett―she has a new set of friends she adores and a boyfriend she is crazy about. But when Emma sees a picture of her hunky boyfriend kissing another girl, she begins to question if his love for her is real. As she searches for the truth, will Emma be exposed to the dangers of another world?

Ben Parker enjoys the role of high school student and boyfriend to the love of his existence. Juggling his social life with his job in the Afterworld's Bureau of Investigation is supposed to be easy for the decorated undercover agent. But when some kid captures a photo of him in a precarious position, he's faced with lying to his girlfriend or erasing her memory. Instead, Ben makes the worst decision of his career. Now, forced to face the consequences, he loses the only thing that matters to him―Emma.

When seemingly insurmountable obstacles separate the lovers, will the two soul mates be able find their way back to each other?

READ AFTERMATH FOR FREE TODAY!

AMAZON / NOOK / iBOOKS

After losing her father, Emma Bennett moves to her aunt’s small town of Westport to finish out her senior year of high school. Emma wants to forget the pain and loss of the past few weeks, finding relief in the company of Ben Parker—a local boy who she has an instant attraction and uncanny connection with. When Ben seems a little too preoccupied with other responsibilities and has no time for her, Emma turns to the town’s hottest flirt—Lucas Crandon—for affection. Unfortunately, she realizes a little too late that, sometimes, bad boys really can be bad for you.

Life as an undercover agent for the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation isn’t an easy job. When Ben Parker finds his soul mate, Emma Bennett, in a small town, he finds himself forced to choose between doing his job or rekindling a relationship with the love of his existence. After Ben is notified that a notorious immortal is loose somewhere near Westport, he realizes that his love life will just have to wait. There is a criminal to apprehend before he can have his girl. When lives are at stake and immortals are on the loose, can two soul mates find their happy ever after?

ABOUT SANDY GOLDSWORTHY!!!

www.sandygoldsworthy.com

Sandy Goldsworthy was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Her passion for putting pen to paper began when her high school English teacher inspired her to be more descriptive in her work. Ever since, Sandy has dabbled in creative writing, searching for that perfect shade of red.

Sandy’s first novel, Aftermath, was signed by Clean Teen Publishing, in 2014

When not writing, Sandy enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends and family. She resides in southeastern Wisconsin with her husband, Mike, two children, Brittany and Kyle, and their English Mastiff, Miles.

Sneak Peek: Afterlife by Sandy Goldsworth with Giveaway

AFTERLIFE

by Sandy Goldsworthy

The Afterworld Saga #2

Clean Teen Publishing

Released August 29th 2016

YA Paranormal Romance

AFTERLIFE is the highly anticipated sequel to AFTERMATH by Sandy Goldsworthy. This exciting Young Adult mystery romance is a must-read.
Everything seems perfect for Emma Bennett—she has a new set of friends she adores and a boyfriend she is crazy about. But when Emma sees a picture of her hunky boyfriend kissing another girl, she begins to question if his love for her is real. As she searches for the truth, will Emma be exposed to the dangers of another world?
Ben Parker enjoys the role of high school student and boyfriend to the love of his existence. Juggling his social life with his job in the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation is supposed to be easy for the decorated undercover agent. But when some kid captures a photo of him in a precarious position, he’s faced with lying to his girlfriend or erasing her memory. Instead, Ben makes the worst decision of his career. Now, forced to face the consequences, he loses the only thing that matters to him—Emma.
When seemingly insurmountable obstacles separate the lovers, will the two soul mates be able find their way back to each other?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Grab book 1- Aftermath – for FREE:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

EXCERPT

Kaleidoscope

“Do you remember Emma?” Lucas asked.

“As a matter of fact, I do. It’s a pleasure to see you again.” Abe held my hand. I remembered meeting him at Ray’s auto body shop, although I could have sworn he looked different. Shorter hair, maybe?
“Nice to see you,” I answered, returning his welcoming smile.
“Lucas, did you ever meet my brother, Henrik?” Abe asked.
“Call me Henry,” he said. He shook hands with Lucas first, then reached for my hand and kissed it gently. “Very lovely to meet you, Miss Emma.” He had a hint of an accent. Even though they both looked like they were mid-twenties, Henry acted much older.
I blushed. That kind of attention might be common wherever he came from, but not here in Westport.
“You’re adorable. I didn’t mean to embarrass you, darlin’.”
Drew returned with a tray full of shots before I had time to answer Henry. After introductions, Lucas gave a toast and everyone drank back the whiskey. I didn’t want one, but I drank it anyway. Actually, I choked on it. I didn’t think any of the guys noticed until Henry put his hand on the small of my back and asked if I was okay.
“Yes. Thank you.”
When I looked up at him, I realized he had a beautiful set of ice-gray eyes. The colors were piercing. Shades of white intermixed with hints of silver and turquoise. The longer I stared, the more the hues changed. Blues faded and whites darkened. Chills ran up my arms, but I couldn’t look away. I strained to keep my eyes open despite how heavy my eyelids felt.
A tingling swept over me until I was completely relaxed.
Like a kaleidoscope, Henry’s eye colors swirled. His pupils dilated.
I closed my eyes and saw a young woman with long, brown hair running through tall grass on a sunny afternoon. I felt the warmth on my skin, tilting my head back to catch the rays. I was tired.
Was I floating?
“Emma, can I get you something to drink?” Abe asked. His hand was on my arm. Stunned, I stared up at him. Did I just fall asleep?
I shook my head quickly. “I’m okay,” I mumbled. My eyes were dry and sore, and the strange sensation, the warm, comforting feeling I had, was gone.
Did I just imagine that?

And here she is. . .

SANDY GOLDSSORTHY!!! 

 Sandy Goldsworthy was raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, blocks from the rocky shores of Lake Michigan. As a child, she fantasized about becoming an author. She jotted story lines in spiral notebooks and drew images of characters that never came to life. Her passion for putting pen to paper began when her high school English teacher inspired her to be more descriptive in her work. Ever since, Sandy dabbled in creative writing, searching for that perfect shade of red and that character you want to get to know.

A graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Sandy is the YA author of the paranormal romance series, The Afterworld Saga. She spends her days managing corporate client programs, and her nights and weekends drafting new plot lines in spiral notebooks. She resides in southeastern Wisconsin with her husband, two children, and an energetic puppy. Learn more at www.sandygoldsworthy.com.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Book Birthday, Afterlife by Sandy Goldsworthy!

Clean Teen Publishing is excited to announce the release of. . .

AFTERLIFE

Book Two in the AFTERWORLD SAGA 

by Sandy Goldsworthy 

is available today! 

If you haven't started reading this exciting young adult - new adult paranormal romance, now is the time to start. You can grab your copy of AFTERMATH for free for a limited time.

"This book is an exciting murder mystery with a love story at its center. VERDICT A fun addition to paranormal romance collections." ~SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

"This book is an epic love story that transcends even life and death. It will hold you suspended in time from the first page until its conclusion." ~NERD GIRL REVIEWS

NOW AVAILABLE:

AMAZON / NOOK / iBOOKS

AFTERLIFE is the highly anticipated sequel to AFTERMATH by Sandy Goldsworthy. This exciting Young Adult mystery romance is a must-read.

Everything seems perfect for Emma Bennett―she has a new set of friends she adores and a boyfriend she is crazy about. But when Emma sees a picture of her hunky boyfriend kissing another girl, she begins to question if his love for her is real. As she searches for the truth, will Emma be exposed to the dangers of another world?

Ben Parker enjoys the role of high school student and boyfriend to the love of his existence. Juggling his social life with his job in the Afterworld's Bureau of Investigation is supposed to be easy for the decorated undercover agent. But when some kid captures a photo of him in a precarious position, he's faced with lying to his girlfriend or erasing her memory. Instead, Ben makes the worst decision of his career. Now, forced to face the consequences, he loses the only thing that matters to him―Emma.

When seemingly insurmountable obstacles separate the lovers, will the two soul mates be able find their way back to each other?

As a special offer. . .

READ AFTERMATH FOR FREE TODAY!

AMAZON / NOOK / iBOOKS

After losing her father, Emma Bennett moves to her aunt’s small town of Westport to finish out her senior year of high school. Emma wants to forget the pain and loss of the past few weeks, finding relief in the company of Ben Parker—a local boy who she has an instant attraction and uncanny connection with. When Ben seems a little too preoccupied with other responsibilities and has no time for her, Emma turns to the town’s hottest flirt—Lucas Crandon—for affection. Unfortunately, she realizes a little too late that, sometimes, bad boys really can be bad for you.

Life as an undercover agent for the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation isn’t an easy job. When Ben Parker finds his soul mate, Emma Bennett, in a small town, he finds himself forced to choose between doing his job or rekindling a relationship with the love of his existence. After Ben is notified that a notorious immortal is loose somewhere near Westport, he realizes that his love life will just have to wait. There is a criminal to apprehend before he can have his girl. When lives are at stake and immortals are on the loose, can two soul mates find their happy ever after?

And here she is. . .

SANDY GOLDSWORTHY!!!

www.sandygoldsworthy.com

Sandy Goldsworthy was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Her passion for putting pen to paper began when her high school English teacher inspired her to be more descriptive in her work. Ever since, Sandy has dabbled in creative writing, searching for that perfect shade of red.

Sandy’s first novel, Aftermath, was signed by Clean Teen Publishing, in 2014

When not writing, Sandy enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and hanging out with friends and family. She resides in southeastern Wisconsin with her husband, Mike, two children, Brittany and Kyle, and their English Mastiff, Miles.