Love and Baseball AND The Cinderella Plot ~ 2 Book Reviews and Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Love & Baseball by Jaime Jo Wright (with Chloe Joanne) 

AND 

The Cinderella Plot by Pepper Basham, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Love and Baseball 
By Jaime Jo Wright with Chloe JoAnne 

First off this was a cute read. Brielle is being pressured by her friends in school and her loving aunts (yes plural aunts as in four) to find a boyfriend. Talk about a whole ton of unnecessary pressure. Yikes! I believe me I can totally sympathize having been on the receiving end myself from "loving" relatives.

But Bri is all about her books and baseball and doesn't want to take time away from either for finding and having a boyfriend, so she turns to AI create a fake boyfriend.  But when her fake made-up AI boyfriend has a total like-alike show up at her school with the same name she created for her boyfriend things get complicated.

Brooks Mason's first day at the new school he's starting mid-year is just odd. People seem to know him and are excited that he's there and they keep mentioning North Carolina and Bri. Whatever?  

Soon the keep from having the truth come out they are in a fake relationship. How hard can it be to pretend for just a short time and then have a breakup. But to do this they'll need to spend some time together, follow all her dad's rules, and deal with all the hype this awkward coincidence has caused. 

This is a cute, sweet read that features real life drama that stresses teens out while offering a fun twist to it. This book is free of most of the darker aspects and depressing issues that drive most YA fiction. This a refreshing read that has true life feel to it that most teens could relate to. Highly recommend to tweens and teens.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Love and Baseball 
Author: Jaime Jo Wright with Chloe JoAnne 
Publisher: MadLit Publishing 
Release Date: February 10, 2026 
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy

She needed a boyfriend. AI came to her rescue. But then her fake boyfriend showed up at school. 

Brielle has never wanted a boyfriend. She's happy with her book boyfriends--purely fictional, right? Easy to maintain. She's also not a huge fan of sports, except baseball. Not playing it. No. Again, books and cozy afternoons are her thing. But Brielle can get into baseball with the best of them when it comes to watching, repeating stats, and wearing her favorite jerseys. But apparently, that's not enough in life. At least according to her four nosy aunts, who all think she needs a boyfriend, people at school who are convinced Brielle is a closet serial killer because she's happier with her books, and yeah. Valentine’s Day is on the calendar. 

There is a purpose for AI, and Brielle decides the genius thing to do is make a fake boyfriend. Complete with deepfake photos, Brielle creates the perfect boyfriend, and no one needs to know he's entirely fictional. They just need to believe she met him over summer vacation, and he lives somewhere in North Carolina. Only he doesn't. When baseball catcher, Brooks Mason shows up at high school, a lookalike to Brielle's AI boyfriend, her entire world becomes a dog-eared, bent pages book nightmare. 

Brooks is getting sick of all the girls at school wanting to date him. He wants to play ball and hang out. So, yeah. It makes sense to help Brielle out. Fake date? Why not? But once together, dating for show becomes an act that both Brielle and Brooks aren't quite prepared for, and dealing with unexpected attraction, complicated situations, and interfering aunts and bffs?  

It's a grand slam of problems just waiting to happen, plus a game-changing shot at a championship home run at love.  

** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

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About the Authors

Jaime Jo Wright is a multi-award-winning author of gothic historical mystery novels that weave suspense through dual timelines. Her debut novel, The House on Foster Hill (2017), won both the prestigious Christy Award and the Daphne du Maurier Award, establishing her as a compelling voice in inspirational fiction. An ECPA and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author, Wright specializes in chilling mysteries stained with history's secrets, drawing readers into haunting tales set primarily in turn-of-the-century Wisconsin. Her work has earned praise from Publishers Weekly for skillfully wrapping intricate mysteries around dual timelines with enough surprises to captivate lovers of gothic fiction. When she isn’t writing mysteries, she co-authors YA RomCom with her teenage daughter, Chloe JoAnne, with a passion to provide sweet and witty romance for teenagers with no apologies needed. Residing in Wisconsin's rural woodlands with her husband and their two children, Wright is a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast and lover of all of her rescued felines.

Connect with Jaime Jo by visiting jaimewrightbooks.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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The Cinderella Plot

By Pepper Basham

What if you felt invisible to everyone around you? This is just how Paisley Harper feels. After all, even her dad doesn't want her, and she lives with her aunt and uncle. Books are her thing, but she wants something more - like an invite to Homecoming. But when no one really sees you, you're forgotten.

But Paisley is determined to switch things up, starting with her appearance. It worked in The Princess Diaries, so why can't it work for her too? And she may have come across the perfect way to transform herself into someone who will be noticed The Cinderella Plot.

But her BFF has a different perspective that if you have to change outwardly to catch someone's attention, then they still aren't seeing you. But what does Chris Benson know? He's just a guy after all. But there is something different about the way he's looking at her and even the things he's saying lately.

As Paisley changes she is faced with some questions about the person she is becoming. 

This is actually a really good book for making one stop and think. What is more important? Being someone noticed by all the popular people? Or being someone who has a few close friends? Self-centered or giving?

I love how Paisley's ah-ha moments give her pause. She doesn't always pick the right thing, but when she remembers who she is and the basics she was given she realizes what is truly important and what is worth pursuing. 

This was a cute read that touches on a timely topic with all the pressure tween and teens face in this time of social media and peer pressure. School has always been a place that demands conforming even without today's external factors and that makes this book timeless in the lesson it shares. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: The Cinderella Plot 
Author: Pepper Basham 
Publisher: independently published 
Release Date: March 19, 2026 
Genre: Young Adult Romantic Comedy

Paisley Harper is invisible. 

Not in a superpower way. More like the people-look-right-through-you-in-the-hallway kind of way. 

She’s the girl with the oversized cardigan, random book knowledge, and the uncanny ability to tutor the school’s star quarterback without actually being seen as anything more than helpful. Meanwhile, her aunt and uncle’s beloved small-town bookstore is under threat from a shiny corporate chain, her best friend keeps giving her looks that feel suspiciously loaded, and Homecoming is looming like a glittery reminder that senior year is running out…and she’s never been kissed. 

Enter The Cinderella Plot—a wildly popular self-help book promising total transformation in five easy steps. New hair. New confidence. New life. Maybe even… a date. 

With nothing to lose (except her dignity), Paisley decides to follow the plan. Because if fairy tales have taught her anything, it’s that invisible girls don’t get happy endings unless they change something first. 

But as Paisley starts stepping into the spotlight, she has to ask herself an important question: 

What if being seen comes at the cost of being herself? 

Full of heart, humor, bookish charm, and small-town magic, The Cinderella Plot is a romcom about friendship, first love, faith, and discovering that sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t becoming someone new—it’s realizing you were worthy all along.  

** CLEAN YA Rom-Com Fiction you can read without skipping a page **

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered” with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed adoration of the UK into her stories. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of southwestern VA, where she is the wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

Connect with Pepper by visiting pepperdbasham.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a prize pack of Brielle's Faves (an signed copy of Love & Baseball, a copy of Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, a Milwaukee Brewers lanyard, and a Brewers Christian Yelich baseball card) and Paisley's Faves (a signed copy of The Cinderella Plot, a Cinderella carriage jewelry holder, and a beautiful copy of Emma by Jane Austen)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 2, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 9, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Lilac ~ Review

Lilac: A Plain Princess Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales

By Madisyn Carlin

No matter what she does, Princess Ivelisse Shenden is a disappointment to her parents. Somehow, she's managed to drive away every prince that has come seeking her hand. Now she is being sent away to a remote cabin in the woods. What's worse she is being guarded by a less than thrilled spy, not that she's supposed to know that he is a spy.

Cage Nior tried to prevent the King and Queen from chosing his aunt to guide and help Ivelisse find herself away from the pressures of court. There is just one thing wrong with this plan, well maybe more than one, Ivelisse is not suited for working and living as a peasant.

When it becomes apparent that danger is encircling them Cage and Ivelisse must learn to trust one another if they hope to survive the evil that has found them.

This was a delightful story that took elements from The Plain Princess and Little Red Riding Hood to create a unique and engaging story of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Truly lovely and not to be missed.

FYI: This book is in the same storyworld as A Noble Protector and several of the characters make an appearance in Lilac. But it is not necessary to read A Noble Protector first to enjoy this book. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

She's a spoiled princess. He's a spy unknowingly protecting a deadly secret.

Spy Cage Nior is used to lurking in the shadows. What he's not used to is being called out of a mission and sent to babysit a withdrawn princess who has no idea how to smile or survive outside the palace walls. He expects the three months to pass in tedious dullness, but what he instead finds is danger and secrets.

Princess Ivelisse Shenden is used to hiding in the shadows, ignored by most and gossiped about by all. She's also used to rejection, and it's after her tenth courtship rejection that she finds herself shipped off to a humble hovel in the middle of nowhere. She expects drudgery and toil, but what she finds is danger and something she's long forgotten about---her purpose in life.

The quaint cottage may be surrounded by idyllic woods and fragrant lilac bushes, but sinister intentions shift in the shadows. If Cage and Ivelisse are to survive, they must learn to not only trust themselves, but each other.

Lilac is a combined Christian fantasy fairy tale retelling of The Plain Princess and Little Red Riding Hood and features tropes such as forced proximity, slow burn, and royalty x commoner.

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order.

Forget-Me-Not ~ Review

Forget-Me-Not: A Snow Queen Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales Book

By J.F. Rogers

Forget-Me-Not closely follows the original fairy tale that it is retelling. But, and this is the critical part, it is a more fleshed-out version of the original story. This is an excellent retelling of The Snow Queen, and I love the role the forget-me-nots play in restoring Kata's memories. 

Now, if you are not familiar with the Snow Queen, Kata must brave unknown dangers when her friend Mikkel falls under the Snow Queen's curse. Mikkel's heart is frozen, and his sight is distorted by icy shards of a shattered mirror. Kata's love gives her purpose and the strength to undertake this harrowing journey. 

But nothing is without cost, and Kata's quest to save the boy she loves could very well cost her her life and her freedom. But finding Mikkel is only the first step in bringing him home. She must also break the curse that has turned him against all those he loves.

This is a clean read and a sweet romance suitable for tweens and older readers. There is sweet romance that won't offend even the most sensitive reader's sensibilities. Highly recommended.

About the Book:

Inseparable friends. A cursed mirror. A harrowing journey.

Kata and Mikkel have always been each other’s world. But as Kata’s feelings deepen, Mikkel vanishes—drawn into the grasp of the Snow Queen.

Once, Mikkel risked everything to save Kata. Now, with a shard of a wicked mirror in his heart, he may not even remember her.

To save him, Kata must journey across a frozen world ruled by winter and sorrow. But if the boy she loves is lost to ice and shadow... can love still bring him home?

Spring has sprung with these seven swoony sweet retellings. Each novella finds its happily ever after amidst themes of rebirth, hope, and new life. Each book is fully independent and they can be read in any order.

Forget-Me-Not is a retelling featuring tropes such as friends-to-lovers, magical corruption, and a perilous quest.

Daylily ~ Review

Daylily: A Snow White Retelling

A Garden of Fairy Tales

By Madeline Kersberger

Daylily is the princess of Blumen who spends much of her time among the castle's gardens. She has skills with a needle and has her looks to recommend her. But she knows she has little to offer besides her beauty, and her stepmother has decided the best way she can serve her country is by marrying as soon as possible. The first potential suitor is tolerable and, with time, could prove to be something more.

When tragedy strikes and Lily is forced to flee, she is forced to become someone with more substance. She must find a strength she never knew she possessed to survive and reclaim her rightful place. With a small contingent of loyal servants and soldiers willing to protect and give their lives for her, she must fight for what is hers.

I really enjoyed the first release in the Garden of Fairy Tales collection, which retold Snow White. The writing was engaging, and the characters came to life throughout. I recommend this book for tweens/teens and up. Overall, this is a clean read with some violence because battles are never friendly. I loved seeing Lily's growth and would love to step into this world again if given the opportunity. 

About the Book:

Amid tragedy and betrayal, will Daylily find her true worth?

Daylily, the undeniably beautiful princess of Blumen, is unprepared when her family is betrayed. Finding herself thrust into a role she never expected to take, Lily must dig beyond the beauty she was taught to treasure and find the strength to meet the challenges she faces.

Shadowless ~ Review

Shadowless

By Alison Robinson

Published by Village Editorial

When souls are split in two, the truth might shatter everything.

This book has an interesting premise: everyone, except Rowena, shares their soul with a magical animal companion called a Shadow. Rowena has a companion, but it is not like everyone else's. No, hers is silent and powerless, and it isn't an animal. If the wrong people learn about her, it could cost her her life. Because of this threat, her father has kept her isolated and hidden away. But when Penalynn Graft, an outcast Scholastic, moves into the area, Rowena's life changes (she becomes Penalynn's apprentice and begins venturing into her village). 

Everything seen through Rowena's point of view is flavored by her magicless existence, her father's fears, and her intelligence. I love how she grows once she is no longer isolated. But there are secrets Penalynn is keeping, secrets which have a huge bearing on Rowena and every magic-using human in the world.

This book most definitely leaves things in such a way that I want a sequel as soon as possible. I also feel that this is one of those books I'll want to reread, looking for hints I may have missed the first time. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

In a kingdom where souls are bound to magical animals called Shadows, Rowena’s Shadow is a ghost—silent, powerless, and a death sentence if anyone finds out.

The citizens of Wyre share a soul with their Shadow, a supernatural animal companion that gives them the ability to perform magic. But Rowena was born with a ghost for a Shadow, incapable of magic and marking her as a dangerous anomaly. Her superstitious neighbors would say she must be reported to the king (and executed for good measure!). And they would if they knew she existed—but they don’t.

Hidden from the world with only her father and ghost for company, Rowena’s made the best of her secret life. She fills her days tinkering, inventing, and longing for the magic everyone else has.

When Penalynn Graft, a disgraced Scholastic who refuses to use her own Shadow’s magic, is banished to Rowena’s city, rumors swirl about her rebellion.

Both Rowena and Penalynn are outcasts: one hidden, one exiled. Both are cut off from magic: one by birth, the other by choice.

Together, they could unearth the truth about the bond linking humans to Shadows, which, until now, has been lost under a veil of ancient mythology.

But in a world where souls are split in two, the truth might shatter everything.

With the stakes of The Golden Compass, the thrilling action of The Wingfeather Saga, and the heart and spiritual depth of the Chronicles of Narnia, Shadowless is a gripping fantasy tale that will captivate fans of epic adventures and magical worlds.

⇒ Giveaway – (1) winner will receive a signed hardback edition of the book and a $20 Amazon Gift Card! US only. Giveaway ends on May 13, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.

Link for the Instagram giveaway is https://www.instagram.com/p/DJTETUqNmSw/

Golden Lotus - Full Hardcover Wrap Revealed

 I have the full cover wrap for the Golden Lotus 

Hardcover Special Edition to share.

The Special Edition is publishing on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Extra chapters and more in this book.

If you are a digital fan the ebook is still available at a reduced preorder price.

The eBook releases on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Preorder and start reading on Friday.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DQM5K88W?

The Art of Us ~ Review

The Art of Us 

By Julie Wright

This book is timely as more people find themselves homeless. It is told from the perspective of a high school student who has lost her mom and been abandoned by her father. 

Ireland Raine seems to have it all. At least, she's doing a really good job of hiding just how bad her life has become. She sleeps in a sleeping bag by night in a freezing, out-of-the-way public bathroom (little more than an outhouse). Her clothes, well washing is not possible. And food? She gets a meal at school. She just needs to hold on for a little longer to avoid foster care. When she turns 18, everything will be different; she won't have to hide anymore. She can get a job, get into college, and live the rest of her life.

That is until everything falls in on her. But before it does, she makes friends with her crush, Kal Ellis. Things seem great until the truth of her situation becomes known. But should some secrets be kept secret? Or is it better to reveal the truth, though it is initially hurtful? This choice is more fully fleshed out and has a more significant impact on readers. What is the correct answer? What would you choose?

This sensitively written book allows tweens and teens to glimpse the harsh realities of life for those without a home. I appreciate its educational qualities. I feel this is a book that schools and public libraries should have on their shelves. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

*Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection*

About the Book:

Falling in love is complicated when you’re both keeping secrets.

On the surface, everything seems perfect for high school senior Ireland Raine. She’s intelligent and artistically talented, and her natural beauty and quiet charm are enviable. However, Ireland harbors a secret she’ll guard at any cost—she’s homeless.

When her crush, Kal Ellis, invites her on a date, she seizes the opportunity. Ireland has never had a boyfriend before, and Kal is not just a guitarist for the local band, he’s also an artist. Their connection is instantaneous, and he suggests they collaborate on the school mural. Working and laughing alongside Kal, Ireland can momentarily forget her problems.

However, when someone exposes her secret, Ireland ends up in a foster home alongside her most despised adversary, Mara Washington. To make matters worse, Ireland discovers it was Kal who revealed her secret.

Furious, Ireland must decide if she has the strength to forgive the boy who stole her heart or if she is better off alone.

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Casters and Crowns ~ Review

Casters and Crowns 

by Elizabeth Lowham

In a kingdom divided mistrust and prejudice, Crown Princess Aria seeks to broker a peace to stop a war that could destroy her kingdom forever. But her father's hatred and execution of a young boy have pitted most Casters against the Crown. 

When Aria secretly approaches Widow Morton about an offer of peace she had no idea that she was about to forfeit her own life. Aria speaks the words she feels her father would expect of her. After all as king her father is never wrong and never makes mistakes. But Aria's offer instead brings a curse down upon her and all who live within the castle. 

When Baron Reeves seeks to take his father's place within the nobility he is denied. His crime? He is a Caster and therefore not to be trusted, no matter how loyal he has been to the crown. With a steward put in place the secret Baron is protecting is in danger of being revealed. When Princess Aria reaches out to him requesting help in understanding Casters and their abilities he agrees to share information through letters. 

Aria feels that her father's judgment of Baron was unjust. No crime was committed against the crown and worse no trial with Barron given a chance to plead his case. The king's judgment was swift and permanent. And for Aria to question him is a sign of her insufficiency as the next ruler. Her commitment is questioned and she is chastised for it. 

I really enjoyed this book. There is an overabundance of secrets being held. Some of the secrets are revealed early on, but there are a couple that are revealed near the end of the book and goodness they are kingdom changers. I like Aria, her sister, Baron, and his twin brothers. There are several supporting characters who were just lovely. But the king. Let's just say having power went to his head and he was under the mistaken impression he needed no advisors and that he was perfect because he was king. 

This is a book I would highly recommend. I feel it is appropriate for tweens who are testing the waters of teen fiction and is without all the overblown angst most teen books have that make older readers roll their eyes. There is a definite magic element throughout the book. The romance is there but not taking center stage, though it plays a pivotal roll in several scenes.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Cursed by magic, bound by mistakes, Princess Aria’s destiny hinges on the mysterious Baron Reeves. 

Will love be enough to break the curse, or will war bring her kingdom to ruin? 

A new romantasy by Elizabeth Lowham.

When Crown Princess Aria sees her kingdom on the brink of war with the magic-wielding Casters, she takes it upon herself to speak with Widow Morton, the most dangerous Caster in the realm. If successful, Aria will not only ensure peace but also prove to her father that she is a worthy heir. But when her negotiations fail, Aria is dealt a terrible curse: Over the course of one hundred days, she will be unable to sleep, her body and mind doomed to waste away. And then the curse will pass to her sister, until every member of the king’s line is dead.

Aria’s best hope for breaking her curse is to seek help from another Caster—the handsome and charming Baron Reeves. He may be entitled to a place at the court, but as a magic user, can he truly be trusted? She vows not be fooled by his dimpled smiles or his devotion to his brothers, but as she spends more time with him, she discovers that her heart has other ideas.

Baron has no desire to see the princess suffer—especially since she might be the key to changing the king’s opinion on Casters—but he has secrets to protect and ghosts of his own. The last person he tried to save using his magic died, and he’s not willing to risk harming someone he loves again.

As the curse continues its deadly countdown, both Aria and Baron must risk their lives and their hearts to save each other and unite a kingdom.

Fun Fact: I Love You ~ Review

Fun Fact: I Think I Love You
By Gina Lynn Larsen

With 10 days left in high school, Nellie Samsin has the next several years of her life planned out. She doesn't have time for romance. Nope it's on the plan but not yet. She wants to get to college and not lose her focus. But life throws her a curve ball and it alters everything, at least for the summer.

Jensen Nichols has been a constant in the Samsin family for years. Friends with Nellie and her father is his writing mentor. And when Nellie's life takes a major hit it affects him too. Together they support one another and discover they could something more. But could a summer romance become a lifetime?

 This is a teen read that offers a sweet romance that is touched by loss. This is a realistic fiction that offers a clean romance for teens. It also deals with death of a loved one and how this touches one's life. 

As someone who lost a parent at a younger age I can say with certainty a book like this would have been helpful to help others understand what my family and I were going through. Death is never easy to deal with but when it comes unexpectedly or with little warning it is all the harder. One is left wanting one more goodbye, a hug, or even an eye-roll.

Overall this was a good read (a little more kissing than I like) and one that I could recommend to teen readers without hesitation.

I was provided a complimentary ARC of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Fun fact: Nellie Samsin has ten days left of high school, and she’s never been kissed—which is fine with her. Being the yearbook editor and valedictorian has taken all her attention. But when she has a chance to kiss her longtime crush, she hopes it will be a magical experience, except it turns out to be super-not-magical, leaving Nellie heartbroken and angry. 

Jensen Nichols has been keeping three massive secrets: first, he’s been writing a best-selling romantasy series under the pseudonym “Jen Dimes”; second, he’s been harboring a secret crush on Nellie for years; and third, Nellie’s dad has been his writing mentor and coach. Then he sees Nellie kissing his best friend, and his unexpected rush of jealousy means that the time for keeping secrets is over. 

When a family tragedy rocks Nellie’s world, and she learns the people she thought she could trust have lied to her, she feels lost and betrayed. At least she has Jensen. But as their relationship grows closer, Nellie suspects Jensen is hiding something from her. (Fun fact: Keeping secrets is the worst.) It seems Nellie and Jensen are perfect for each other, but they will need to separate fact from fiction for their unplanned romance to last beyond graduation day.

Resurgence of Dawn ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Resurgence of Dawn by Brett Armstrong hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Resurgence of Dawn
Quest of Fire #5
By Brett Armstrong 

 

This is the fifth book in the Quest of Fire series and it opens with both Jason and Anargen hurting and despairing at the losses they've each suffered.

But suffering doesn't end their quest; rather, it is a part of the journey—one that can strengthen or break them. Both Anargen and Jason are faced with submitting to the darkness, turning and running from it, or standing firm against it.

Two lines from the early portion of the book sum up well what the Knights of Light are facing at this time. They've reached a fork in the road, so to speak, and need to dwell on these two truths:

"But you look at the brokenness and darkness and say there is no light. How can you forget so quickly those hours when the light and the High King have been so clear and evident?"

"If you only open your eyes to the night, you'll never see the day."

One needs to look for the light when the darkness attempts to choke it out of our life.

This is an excellent series. I feel those 14 and up would enjoy it. The very nature of this series makes it imperative that you read the previous books before reading this one. The backstory is essential for total enjoyment and comprehension. The story world's depth and complexity falls between that of Narnia and Lord Of The Rings. I highly recommend it if you are looking for epic fantasy with a spiritual leaning.

I was offered a complimentary copy of the book but did not accept it as I had already acquired a copy of my own.

About the Book

Title: Resurgence of Dawn
Series: Quest of Fire #5
Author: Brett Armstrong
Publisher: Expanse Books
Release Date: December 12, 2023
Genre: Christian, Epic/High Fantasy, Young Adult

Haunted by tragedies and failures, Anargen and Jason each struggle to find their way. Night has fallen in the Lowlands and neither teen has an easy road ahead. In Anargen’s Era, Monarch Ilyron’s powers and influence grow, forcing Anargen and his dwindling list of allies to travel the length of the Lowlands in a desperate attempt to keep the Quest and all they hold dear from falling into ruin. 

Jason meanwhile must find Aria and her grandfather to help unite the Knights of Light from across the Lowlands against his brother, Dorian. But agents of darkness and painful vestiges of his past mix with vindictive new enemies to make the hope of seeing the dawn of the longed-for King’s Day ever so faint. If either teen gives in and surrenders, doom will come swiftly on their world.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

   

  

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About the Author

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Tomorrow's Edge), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

Connect with Brett at brettarmstrong.net to follow him on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will each win a $25 Amazon gift card, a print copy of Resurgence of Dawn, and a digital poster of the Lowlands!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 24, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 1, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Mountain of Dragons and Sacrifice ~ Review

Mountain of Dragons and Sacrifice
Sacrificed Hearts #1
Tara Grayce

Every year a maiden must be sacrificed to appease the dragon and allow the village's olive crop to be blessed. And this year Nessa is the fortunate maiden chosen to give her life for the good of the village. And for some reason she doesn't appreciate the honor that has been bestowed upon her. Not that the village elders feel any need to throw themselves on a stone altar and give themselves over as a tasty dragon snack. Nope not happening ever!

But when the dragon finally comes to accept her sacrifice she's in for a shock. He doesn't eat her! If fact he seems almost friendly. Sure that she's being tested Nessa follows all of the warnings the village elders imparted. She fears if she angers the dragon he may destroy her village or refuse to bless the year's olive crop. 

But how can she follow the rules when what she's being told now is so different than what she's been told her whole life? Who should she believe? The dragon? His servants? Her parents? Or those from her village?

This was an enjoyable book that offers the other side of an evil dragon tale. It was interesting seeing how Nessa navigated the sudden change in her life and tries to make sense of just why she had to be sacrificed. This book definitely examines the fallacies of long-held superstitions. This is a sweet read that offers clean reading. 

This is the first book in the Sacrificed Hearts series. These books, each written by a different author, can be read as standalone titles as they share a similar theme, sacrifice, and not characters or story worlds. This is a book that is appropriate for tweens and up who don't want anything but a pinch of clean romance in their books. 

 

About the Book:

It’s a tale as old as myth and legends: the village maiden sacrificed to a monster.

Every year, Nessa’s village sacrifices a maiden to the dragon in the mountain. If they don’t, the dragon will sweep down from his lair and destroy them all.

When Nessa is chosen to be that year’s sacrifice, she’s prepared to be eaten, as much as anyone can prepare for such a thing. Instead, she finds herself swept away to a world of dragons, gnomes, and fae creatures beyond her imagination, leaving her with more questions than answers. If the maiden’s purpose isn’t to be eaten, then what is the dragon’s reason for the sacrifices? And why is the dragon nothing like what she had been told he would be?

And, most frightening of all, what would happen if she lit the candle and looked upon the dragon’s face?

Loosely inspired by the myth of Psyche and Eros, this humorous romantasy features dragon shifters, quirky fae, and swoony no-spice romance, perfect for fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Kenley Davidson, and K.M. Shea!

To Break a Silence ~ Review

To Break a Silence

A Little Mermaid Retelling

By Lydia Mae

I have to say I love all the Little Mermaid retellings that are coming out this year. Each is unique and utterly charming and To Break a Silence is no different in this respect. However the story is though there are easily identifiable aspects that mark this as retelling of the Little Mermaid. And as part of The Shattered Tales this is a perfect addition.

It is Stella's first time above the surface and she makes a mistake that dashes all her hopes and dreams of a life that includes visits above the surface of the sea. But she is given a chance to win the heart of the man who she rescued from the sea. But the magic that will transform her into a human will work for just a short time. And she'll have to pay a price for this magic - pain while walking and talking - shards of glass pain. Well, walking has to be done, but speaking -  that she can avoid. But getting her heart's desire without the use of her voice could prove challenging. 

What Stella  hadn't expected was her utter lack of  being able to breath, swim, do anything while in the sea. In fact she needs a bit of help. When she is "found" by Captain Dillon Carvy, she gets herself into a bit of a situation - she is mistaken for someone else! 

But Stella is determined to get her heart's desire and she'll use what little advantage she can get. And what is her heart's desire? To win the heart of the prince, of course. But said prince is betrothed to a princess. And when he is rescued he falls for his "rescuer," who is not Stella or the princess. Yikes, we have a tangle if ever there was one.

I have to say I like Stella and Dillon, but the prince, Percival can't say I was an instant fan of his. He definitely came off as entitled and left much to be desired in my opinion. But he did have a dimple so I guess that more than amply made up for his less than welcoming behavior (um, not!). Dillon is caught in the middle of everything - the prince nearly dying, losing his ship, his captaincy, disappointing his father and everything due to a siren's song. Determined to hunt down the siren who wrought all this destruction, he instead finds a young woman in need of his assistance. And a way to reclaim what he has lost.

Get ready to escape into a world of dreams, wishes, and choices. Time is a precious commodity that is all too quickly slipping away, will Stella Break her Silence before it is too late? 

But there is another thread running through this story - forgiveness. And it is interesting how the various characters all need to give or ask for it. As one character says, "Everyone needs forgiveness." I think this was a pivotal moment in a personal, internal way. All too often that is how realizations come.

This is a delight that you won't want to miss. And the conclusion was not what I was expecting, or rather how it came about was a nice and unique touch.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.  

About the Book:

A siren's song holds power over skies and men.

Stella has never seen the sky until the day she speaks her oaths and is brought above the surface. After her first encounter with a land-walker's ship forces her to sing up a storm that pulls a prince into the water, she chooses to rescue him.

When Stella's blossoming affection for the prince is threatened by another, she makes a choice to trade her fins for legs. The price: phantom glass in her throat if she dares to use her voice and in her feet when she walks.

Captain Dillon Carvy is determined to have his revenge after a siren’s song costs him his ship and his favored position as the prince's captain. While searching for signs of the siren, Dillon discovers a struggling maiden instead. Pulling a silent girl from the sea, he sees the perfect opportunity to gain his position back.

A case of mistaken identity puts Stella right where she wants to be in the prince's palace. But unless she breaks her silence, continuing her charade may cost her the happiness she hopes for, and quite possibly her life.

To Break a Silence is a retelling of A Little Mermaid. It is one of twelve novellas in The Shattered Tales, a collection of twelve fractured retellings of your favorite fairy tales. They can be enjoyed in any order, so fall in love with the swoony sweet romance, magical adventures, and tale-shattering twists one happily-ever-after at a time!

Cover Reveal ~ Battle for the Land of Sweets

Today I'm taking part in the cover reveal for the first book in the 

Christmas Chronicles series 

by Kaitlyn King

~ Battle for the Land of Sweets ~ 

which is releasing on October 17, 2023.

Now to the cover reveal...

We're going to tease this out with just a glimpse

And

now

the 

cover

And now a little about the book...

About the Book:

 

Hidden in the back of an old nutcracker and sweets shop is a door…behind it is a magical land full of chocolate rivers, sugar flowers, and candy cane trees. This Christmas, your favorite holiday fairytale comes to life! 

When masked figures kidnap the eccentric owner of Drosselmeyer’s Christmas Emporium, three teenagers follow them through a mysterious back door into a land where fantasy becomes reality. Nutcracker soldiers, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and even Mother Ginger are there to help them on their journey. But where there are heroes, there are also villains. The mice aren’t just part of the fairytale; they’re real and tired of losing! 

Can these adventurers save the Land of Sweets and make it back home before Christmas?

This cozy Christmas read finds the classic Christmas favorite The Nutcracker and the Chronicles of Narnia mashing up into a new exciting retelling. 

Learn more at  

https://authorkaitlynking.com/  

 https://peninhandpublishing.com/ 

Beauty Reborn ~ Review

Beauty Reborn

By Elizabeth Lowham

Beauty's name draws attention to her outer appearance, ignoring her thoughts, her words. Until Stephan, her name was merely a word, something those around her used to discount her thoughts and words. And catching Stephan's attention at first was an honor until he wouldn't stop trying to claim her for himself.

When her family lost everything, Beauty welcomed it, hoping it would steal her beauty. And when her father stole a rose, she took the opportunity to pay the cost of his theft. For a beast such as he described would surely end her life, ending her pain, her anger, her shame.

Beauty Reborn is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that offers a twist to the typical retellings. Beast is cursed, and to break the curse, he must get a young woman to agree to marry him. But marriage isn't something Beauty wants; she just wants to pay her father's debt. Her reasons aren't noble but selfish; she knows this but needs to hide away from the outside world. And the isolation of an unknown lost castle with only Beast as a companion seemed perfect. But then she got to know him. A beast he might be in appearance but not in his heart.

Beauty's story is slowly told throughout the book in short snippets within other scenes. It's as if certain actions bring forth memories she's tried to bury. 

Beast's story is more interesting and original. How he came to be cursed, living in an enchanted castle, and isolated, hidden away from everything. There is a moment when Beauty suggests the two should exchange names, which isn't too far-fetched when one gets glimpses at their hearts. I find the interactions of Beauty with her family to be rather telling. I can't say that I'd have wanted to be friends with any of the sisters. I have to be honest Beauty's brother, Rob, is who I am most sympathetic with, and I hope he gets his heart's desire.

This is a book that, depending on the individual, will either be loved or treated with indifference. Beauty's memories of Stephan sometimes jump out without warning that a break is coming. But I think this is what the author was going for, as Beauty is haunted by what happened and what she perceives as her role in what unfolded. Overall, I feel this was a good read, especially when one considers the subject matter. That being said, I would recommend this to older teens and adults.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Fantasy and reality collide in this retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” about a young woman’s heroic quest to save herself.

Beauty’s life is the stuff of fairy tales. The youngest in her family, Beauty isn’t trying to catch Stephan’s eye. He is the lord baron’s heir, well above her family’s modest station, but when he kisses her hand at a party, Beauty is swept away by his charm, his wit, and his passionate declarations of love.

Hearts can be untamable creatures, especially when touched by the fires of first love, and Beauty doesn’t see the truth of Stephan’s intentions until it is too late. Until he stops asking for Beauty’s love—and simply takes it from her one night despite her refusal.

Beauty locks away the secret of what happened to her, and when her father emerges from the enchanted forest with a stolen rose in his hand and the tale of a vicious beast on his breath, Beauty seizes the chance to run as far from Stephan as possible.

She has some experience with beasts, after all. Certainly, the one in the forest couldn’t be any worse than the one she’s already encountered.

Breaking the Beast’s curse might be the key to discovering her own path to healing—and finding the courage to allow herself to feel reborn.