Review: Just Pretending by Leah Rooper and Kate Rooper

JUST PRETENDING

The Chicago Falcons, Book Three

by Leah Rooper and Kate Rooper

Entangled Teen

YA Contemporary Romance

COMING...

NOVEMBER 5th, 2018!!!

It's not easy being royal. Sixteen-year-old Evangeline wears her crown proudly, but between her duties and her overprotective big brother, the idea of romance is just a dream. But a chance encounter in Chicago changes all that….

Sure, seventeen-year-old Tyler Evans loves playing hockey, but he's more concerned about providing for his dad and little sister. Then he meets Eva--and falls head-over-heels in love—and he has two more problems. One, she's his best friend's little sister. Two, she wears a crown.

But then Eva accidentally mistakes Tyler for a visiting prince, and for the first time, Tyler doesn't feel like a nobody. He knows he has to tell her the truth…but not yet.

His plan? To keep up the royal charade as long as it takes to convince Eva he’s the guy for her. Even if he’s lying to everyone…including himself.

Disclaimer: May cause disillusionment. Those girls looking to find their Prince Charming might consider scouting out hockey rinks. 

 MY TIDBITS

Romance skates into a magical, fairy tale, where the dreams of finding true love touch upon a dab of Cinderella fantasy.

Eva is sixteen and a queen—a position she loves but sometimes notices how much it keeps her from a usual life. When she visits her brother in Chicago, her hopes of having at least a few days of 'normality' disappear when her mother insists she escort a prince around town. But duty calls. Little does she realize that this prince isn't going to be what she expects in many, many more ways than one. The so-called prince gets pulled to the side as one of her brother's hockey friends accidentally takes over the role and soon finds himself in a bigger mess than he can handle.

This book is so charming and sweet! Fans of romances between royalty and 'commoners' are going to love this book. Eva is a wonderful queen, knows her position and maintains all which is expected of her. Although she does have the usual teenage hopes, she's extremely mature (perhaps too much so?) and deals as best she can. But she's missing experience, and that's what makes her easy to like. On the other side, Tyler—a friend of her brother—is a very average guy who is trying the best he can to keep his family and friends satisfied. He's got a heart of gold, although he stumbles from one mistake into the other.

The side characters are like shining spots which add the right zest at the right times. Each one has a fun personality and keeps the tale light-hearted and fun. Especially Tyler's younger sister added humor and spice, which had me smiling more than once.

The romance in the book is as a young adult romance usually is. From Tyler's side, it's full love right away. Eva needs a little more time but tumbles in quickly too. It's missing a little more build-up, but I didn't read the first two books in the series where Tyler had already seen Eva before (although this doesn't appear to be the case visa-versa). The first two books do not have to be read before diving into this one, but it might have made the relationship between the two more interesting. (My guess.) As it was, there wasn't a lot of build-up in this direction. Rather the story hangs on the trouble the mistaken identity causes, which is fun and holds a lot of humorous moments.

The tale fits well for a younger YA audience (12 to 16), although the characters act a little too mature much of the time. I wish there had been more to the plot than the mistaken identity as it did loose spark in the second half of the book and was easy to see where it was all headed. Still, it's a heart-warming read which will have romance fans fuzzy inside and dreaming of the day they might meet the 'prince' of their dreams.

Review: A Pixie's Promise by Dianna Sanchez

A PIXIE'S PROMISE

The Enchanted Kitchen, Book Two

by Dianna Sanchez

Dreaming Robot Press

October 28, 2018

YA Fantasy

Petunia's tired of being overlooked just because she's six inches tall. But when the Enchanted Forest is threatened, can she measure up to the task?

She gets lost at home among her bazillion brothers, sisters, and cousins. Even her own parents don’t remember her name! And no one ever takes a pixie seriously.

When Petunia’s best friend, Millie, offers a vacation at her house, Petunia jumps at the chance. Cooking for Millie’s witch of a mother and babysitting a tree should be easy, right? But when an epidemic of spickle pox hits the Enchanted Forest, and Millie’s mother comes down with a mysterious illness, Petunia must pitch in to brew cures as quickly as she can, even if that means using up all her pixie dust.

And when the cure doesn’t work as well as it should, it’s up to Petunia to figure out how to change the formula to save the Enchanted Forest, while living up to all the promises she’s made.

 MY TIDBITS

With a more than a dusting of magic and fantasy, this is a story pixie and elf fans are sure to enjoy.

Petunia is more than excited to help her friend Millie out by watching over her trees and helping with household chores, while Millie takes a trip into the Logical Realm (or the modern day world as we know it with humans). Millie's mother is a bit of a handful, but she soon has it mastered. Until a disease breaks out, that is. Millie's mother does her best to brew the medicine, but not only is she wearing herself out, but the medication stops working. Petunia needs to do her best to find the solution before the disease spreads.

It appears there was a first book in this series, something I first noticed while reading the first chapters. While some of the background information might have been helpful, I had no trouble diving into this story and getting lost in its world. 

Petunia is a sweet pixie, but with super strength, magic and a bit of spunk. She's a cute character and easy to relate to as she dives into every situation...even those where she hesitates at first...with full enthusiasm and determination. She isn't strong-headed or extremely risk happy, but she does exactly what needs to get done even if it's more than she think she might be able to handle. She's an inspiration in so many ways.

The author takes her time in this tale, letting the world and characters gain footing before the more adventurous part of the tale begins, but the pacing isn't boring. The characters hold so many quirks and personality oddities that each one is a treat. And the world is detailed and interesting. As an extra treat, recipes are sprinkled into the story, which readers can try with a little help. The action mounts a bit as the tale continues on, but this is more about Petunia's determination, friendship, and kindness than about suspense. There are lots of little messages about acceptance, dealing with those who are different, patience and prejudices sprinkled in as well.

Cover Reveal: The Ariane Trilogy by Michelle Dare

The Ariane Trilogy

by Michelle Dare

YA Paranormal Romance

Cover Designer: Regina Wamba at Mae I Design



Hosted by: Lady Amber's Reviews & PR

A kept secret. A life altered. A new journey.

Ariane lived her life one book at a time. She would never have guessed those books were about to change everything.

They led her to Orion.

Tall, dark, with eyes only for her. The rest of the world ceased to exist when Orion was around. But during a fateful ash moon, he shifted into a wolf. Ari thought she was dreaming, but she’d recognize those eyes anywhere.

Fiction became reality. Fantasy was actually history. And soon, Ari would learn her role in it.

A pack war was on the horizon, and she was the only one who could stop it.

Nothing would ever be as it once was, because Ariane was now part of the Avynwood Pack.

A tragic loss. A broken pack. A lone wolf.

The pack war was drawing closer, and Ariane found herself at a crossroad amid the chaos that was her life.

Which road should she follow? One gave her a chance at normalcy, while the other threw her deeper into turmoil.

She had new powers, a shifter for a boyfriend, and blood on her hands. There was also the lone wolf who had been cast out and sought solace with Ari as he fought to return home.

This wasn’t how she thought her life would play out. Nevertheless, a decision had to be made. And in the middle of it was Orion, wondering which road Ari would follow.

A bond sealed. A new reality. A pack war.

Since she met Orion, Ariane’s life had been anything but calm. With the threat of war looming only days away, ensuring victory for the Avynwood Pack was her primary focus. Some of her new friends would lose their lives in the fight, a fact she already accepted.

But what if along the way, she uncovered new details about herself? What if becoming Orion’s mate revealed more than she ever imagined possible?

A new shifter was in town, and she was thirsty for revenge.

Michelle Dare is a romance author. Her stories range from sweet to sinful and from new adult to fantasy. There aren’t enough hours in the day for her to write all of the story ideas in her head. When not writing or reading, she’s a wife and mom living in eastern Pennsylvania. One day she hopes to be writing from a beach where she will never have to see snow or be cold again.

Author Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormichelledare

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/daresdivas/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/michelle_dare

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Website: http://michelledare.com/

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Review: Braidy Von Althuis and the Pesky Pest Controller by Cassidy Dwelis

Braidy Von Althuis:

And the Pesky Pest Controller

by Cassidy Dwelis

Precursor Publishing

Middle Grade Fantasy / Adventure

323 pages

This book has won a 5 Star Seal from Readers' Favorite!

Ten-year-old Braidy von Althuis just wants one thing: to fit in. The other kids at school think he's weird, and for good reason. Despite his oddities, Braidy wants more than anything for his dad to be able to come to Township Day, a fun-filled event at school, but Mr. von Althuis refuses. "It's too dangerous," he says. Things change for Braidy when Mr. von Althuis gets sick, and, even wose, this pesky pest controller won't leave Braidy alone! Will Braidy be able to get his family to Township Day without his world falling apart? Braidy von Altuis and the Pesky Pest Controller is a tale of frienship, family, magic, and mayhem that takes a look at what it means to be bullied and how to rise above it. This book is suitable for children aged 8 - 11. 

MY TIDBITS

Braidy is an average kid. Well, sort of. His family is a bit odd, and he is a loner at school, something he wants to change. But life isn't easy....especially his life...and he soon finds himself battling more than a run at simple acceptance.

 This is such a fun read, and that while mixing in several important messages about friendship, acceptance and family. Braidy is and isn't an average kid. His family is more than strange, and this alone is enough to set him apart, but his own interests don't necessarily match up with those around him either. What I appreciate about this tale is that Braidy desires acceptance but not to the point where he dislikes himself or steps back from who he truly is. He isn't the only one with oddities either. The author has woven a world of characters who are diverse in many ways. Each one is interesting and leaps off the page, and each one has their own struggles. Add the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter, and it's a nicely balanced blend.

Humor and magic make this a read, which might have been heavy on the message end, into an exciting and fun tale. It's quirky, and this is exactly what it needs. Boredom never enters the pages as Braidy goes from one situation to the next, sometimes in a little over his head. Friendship and family come through, although sometimes in strange ways, and make the adventure sit. It's a read kids are sure to enjoy and I can't wait to see where the series goes next.

And here she is...

Elaborate storytelling is something that has entertained humankind since its start and Cassidy’s goal is to take the words on the page and forge them to life, like a star being born. Using a variety of media, Cassidy uses her hands to weave magick on the canvas and visualize elements extant before only in dreams. By utilizing an expressive and traditionally-inspired quality to her work, Cassidy brings worlds and characters of all sorts into existence.

Cassidy Dwelis currently resides in Colorado, and has recently acquired a BFA in both Illustration and Game Art.  Cassidy’s dream is to start her own independent publishing company in the Denver area, and she also strives to help others bring their imagination to life.

My Website, where people can purchase my books, find me on social media, and buy my art: 

https://www.cassidydwelis.com/

Do Bugs Wear Shoes? by Addie Broussard and Anthony Puttee

DO BUGS WEAR SHOES?

AND OTHER SILLY QUESTIONS

by Addie Broussard & Anthony Puttee

Two Umbrellas Publishing

Children's Non-Fiction

ages 6 to 10

Do Bugs Wear Shoes?

A colorful, fun-filled book packed with answers to all your silliest bug questions! 
Learn what happens when a bug goes to space, to school, and to the gym. Find out if bugs have feelings like people do. Discover robot bugs, dancing bugs, bugs that poop and so much more!
Filled with illustrations, photographs and interactive videos, Do Bugs Wear Shoes will have kids laughing and learning as they discover awe-inspiring facts about the insect world. This beautifully designed book is organized into colorful two-page spreads that each focus on a different question, making it easy and fun to read for children and big kids alike.

BOOK EXTRAS include videos and printable worksheets for extended learning. Great for educators and at-home learning.

PLUS, vote on the world’s most beautiful bug!

Recommended for ages 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and up.

Don't miss out on the chance to bug out!

Purchase Links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-Bugs-Wear-Shoes-Questions-ebook/dp/B07HVT9W73

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Do-Bugs-Wear-Shoes-Questions-ebook/dp/B07HVT9W73

And here they are...

Two Umbrellas is an educational publishing company that fuses education and storytelling.  We offer books and activities to help parents and educators empower tomorrow’s leaders.

Our founders, Anthony Puttee and Addie Broussard, love to travel.  Anthony’s favorite trip was to Antarctica and he has included some of his personal photos in this book.  Addie has traveled solo around the world. While in Portugal, she encountered a unique insect, which inspired a children’s book called The Beedog, which was published in 2018. The idea for Do Bugs Wear Shoes came from a playful team meeting on a rooftop in Mexico.

Social Media Links –

https://www.pinterest.com.mx/twoumbrellas0254/pins/

https://twitter.com/TwoUmbrellasPls

https://www.instagram.com/twoumbrellasplease/

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Book resources at https://twoumbrellasplease.com