Gangs of New York meets Cassandra Clare in this debut YA fantasy set in 1882 Brooklyn
New York, 1882. A dark, forbidding city, and no place for a girl with unexplainable powers. Sixteen-year-old Avery Kohl pines for the life she had before her mother was taken. She fears the mysterious men in crow masks who locked her mother in the Tombs asylum for being able to see what others couldn’t. Avery denies the signs in herself, focusing instead on her shifts at the ironworks factory and keeping her inventor father out of trouble. Other than secondhand tales of adventure from her best friend, Khan, an ex-slave, and caring for her falcon, Seraphine, Avery spends her days struggling to survive. Like her mother’s, Avery’s powers refuse to be contained. When she causes a bizarre explosion at the factory, she has no choice but to run from her lies, straight into the darkest corners of the city. Avery must embrace her abilities and learn to wield their power—or join her mother in the cavernous horrors of the Tombs. And the Tombs has secrets of its own: strange experiments are being performed on “patients”…and no one knows why. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY 
Win a copy of The Tombs!
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter 5 Winners will receive a Copy of The Tombs by Deborah Schaumberg.
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NOW IN PAPERBACK:Grab your giggle water and pearls because it's time to celebrate! Glitter and Gold by Sherry D. Ficklin is now available in paperback. Grab this gorgeous new paperback that will sit perfectly next to The Canary Club. More information can be found below. Order your paperback from: AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE
Set during the flamboyant anything-goes era of 1920’s America, these three tales are filled with intriguing characters and rich imagery from the time period—with flappers, jazz music, gangsters, and lavish wealth. Escape to a different decade today with the compelling stories of the Canary Club Anthology. Novelette 1- Gilded Cage Masie, the flaxen-haired daughter of notorious bootlegger Dutch Schultz, returns home from boarding school to find her family in crisis. Her mother is dangerously unstable, her father’s empire is on the brink of ruin, and the boy she once loved has become a ruthless killer for hire. To keep her family’s dangerous secrets, Masie is forced into a lie that will change the course of her future—and leave her trapped in a gilded cage of her own making. Novelette 2- All That Glitters A dame with brains, moxie, and killer curves, June West isn’t your average flapper. She’s managed to endear herself to the son of one of the most powerful gangsters in New York, earning herself a spot in the limelight that she’s always longed for. With the infamous playboy at her side, June has become accustomed to living the high life. Lavish parties, expensive clothes, sparkling jewels—nothing is beyond her reach. But when her carefully woven web of lies finally catches up with her, she must make an impossible choice… come clean about her past and risk losing everything, or find a way to bury her demons—once and for all. Novelette 3 – Nothing Gold Dickey has been down on his luck since the day he was born. Flat broke and sick of being looked down on, he meets young socialite Lillian at a wild party. The connection is like a strike of lightning. From a wealthy New York family, this debutante is everything he’s been told he can never have—and the only thing he wants. Determined to win her, he knows the only way to get her parents approval is with cold hard cash. So when a shot at the biggest score of his life comes around, he just can’t refuse…
Order The Canary Club today! The Canary Club Sherry D. Ficklin Published by: Clean Teen Publishing Genres: Historical, Romance, Young Adult
“Bad Luck” Benny is a boy from the wrong side of the tracks. Recently released from jail, he has vowed to keep his head down and stay out of trouble. But he also needs to care for his ailing sister and the rest of his struggling family, and he’ll do anything to make that happen—even if it means taking a position with a notorious crime boss. He soon finds himself in over his head—and worse still—falling for the one dame on earth he should be staying away from. Masie is the daughter of a wealthy gangster with the voice of an angel and gun smoke in her veins. Strong-willed but trapped in a life she never wanted, she dreams of flying free from the politics and manipulation of her father. A pawn in her family’s fight for control of the city, and with a killer hot on her heels, she turns to the one person who just might be able to spring her from her gilded cage. But Masie is no angel, and her own dark secrets may come back to burn them both. Two worlds collide in this compelling story of star-crossed lovers in gritty prohibition-era New York. Perfect for fans of Beatriz Williams’ A CERTAIN AGE or Libba Bray’s THE DIVINERS, THE CANARY CLUB by Sherry D. Ficklin will entice Historical Romance fans of all ages. This Gatsby-era tale filled with dazzling speakeasies, vicious shoot-outs, gritty gangsters, and iridescent ingenues has also been compared to the television series Z: THE BEGINNING OF EVERYTHING and BOARDWALK EMPIRE. Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo 
Author Bio: Sherry D. Ficklin is a full time writer from Colorado where she lives with her husband, four kids, two dogs, and a fluctuating number of chickens and house guests. A former military brat, she loves to travel and meet new people. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she’s on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs. 
His orders are clear: launch a raid against England and bring home the spoils of war. But the prophecy is also clear: General Torben will take a foreign bride—one who is a seer and healer just like his mother. The eldest princess of England is said to be just that…a beautiful, charming, and headstrong woman. But he’s a Viking army general and she’s an English princess—and one who is already promised to the king of Tara.
Two worlds collide in this epic historical fiction centered on an undeniable chemistry that smolders against the odds. Richly written and injected with moments of humor, this action-packed romantic tale will leave you breathless. You can add Viking's Chosen to your Goodreads account here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35656054-the-viking-s-chosen?ac=1&from_search=true And you can purchase Viking's Chosen at any of these retailers! Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1634222741/ B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-vikings-chosen-quinn-loftis/1126731852?ean=9781634222747#/ iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-vikings-chosen/id1258142589?mt=11 Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-viking-s-chosen Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Viking-s-Chosen/56172459 TheBookDepository: https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Vikings-Chosen-Quinn-Loftis/9781634222747?ref=grid-view&qid=1518103896560&sr=1-1 
As a princess, the oldest of three sisters, and future queen of England, I, of course, did the mature thing when my parents told me that I was to marry the King of Tara. I ran. Allete Auvray, noble born heiress of the Britannia empire, ran. No, I did not run away. There would be no point in that. My father would have sent guards searching for me like crazed hounds to drag me back before I even made it to the borders of our land. No, I ran only as far as my familiar old oak tree. The ancient tree that had become a sanctuary to me and my cousin, Thomas, when we were children—our place of refuge. Disregarding the fact that I was clothed in one of my finer dresses, I hoisted myself up on to the lowest branch and then continued, up and up, until I was sitting high enough that I could see the whole of my father’s lands, spreading out before me like a giant green picnic blanket. It was a beautiful and bountiful kingdom, but it was a gilded cage for me. The day that I had dreaded had finally come. I had always known that one day that I would be married off to a nobleman. As the oldest, it was my duty to either marry a nobleman worthy of becoming king of England, or marry another king in order to secure an alliance beneficial to our empire. Every decision was about power for my family, how to gain it, and how to keep it. The king who held the most land and the largest army was the one everyone else feared. It didn’t matter what I personally wanted. It didn’t matter that I would be wed to someone that I did not love, or someone that did not love me. Nothing mattered except what my father, the king, wanted.
Based on a true story, The Unfinished Business of You and Me is about first love. We’ve all wondered about our first love. It’s an irreplaceable feeling, a person we’ll never forget, simply because they hold a place no one else can. What if you got a second chance with your first love, this time, as adults? Rana and Ryan have a long history, dating back to when they were nine years old. But when you find your soul mate in the fourth grade, you question whether it’s the life you really desire or just the life that’s been set before you. As they go about their separate ways to chase after their dreams, they are somewhat successful. And as Rana takes an unforgettable trip to Europe, it just might be the ultimate step to get over her childhood sweetheart. Follow the remarkable true story of two people who just may end up together- but only because they were apart. Jumping back and forth from past to present, this unique love story certainly shows how sometimes, although rare, your first love really can be your last. Its weaved with endearing memorabilia (real childhood notes, pictures, yearbooks signings, journal entries) including a written promise of hope. The Unfinished Business of You and Me will give you all the feels. Read for free with Amazon Kindle Unlimited or get your copy for only $2.99! https://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Business-You-Me-Based-ebook/dp/B077NCLL7B/ 
She works in the film industry in the Costumes Department by day and squeezes in her writing at night. She has worked for such companies as Nike, Marvel, Sony and more. Rana has also been featured on The Social, an international talk show from Toronto where she talks about all things travel. She has a passion for helping women through her writing and serves on the board of a nonprofit that helps human trafficking survivors. Rana is a mama to two beautiful daughters and a happy wife to her amazing hubs. They recently just bought their first home in the suburbs (and she has never felt so uncool). And the giveaway...This is not related to Rana Mancini or her novel, but I attended the Ozarks Indie Book Fest this fall and hung out with some amazing authors. I have this signed book bag LOADED with swag to give to one lucky reader. To enter, simply comment on this blog (make sure you use an email address you check regularly.) I'll randomly select one winner on Friday, December 8 and contact you for your mailing address. It's that easy! Please note that this giveaway is for U.S. residents only.  
Come and Celebrate Great New Releases From Lila Felix (Author), Susan Harris- Author, Kendra L. Saunders, Mary Bernsen, Author Erica Kiefer, and Jodi Gallegos!! Friday November 17th 2017 Fun, Prizes, & Books! Link to Party - https://www.facebook.com/ 
 Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Casey L. Bond's latest novel, Riches to Rags. Most girls dream of being princesses, but one princess just wants to be a normal girl. Ella Carina, crown princess of Aelawyn, knows brutality and lies—she’s seen the way her father rules. Princess. Possession. To her father, the words had the same meaning. She was only as valuable as the alliance formed with her betrothal. Her freedom comes from an unlikely place: an attack on the castle. When the conquering King offers to protect her from the betrothal her father arranged for political gain, she consents. Hiding her within a peasant family is the only way to keep her and her secret safe. In this simpler life, Ella flourishes and catches the eye of the local Blacksmith’s son. For once, she can be herself and make her own choices, but the life of a princess—even one kept secret—was never meant to be easy. Trevor, crown prince of Galder has been searching for Ella, but not because of their betrothal. She is in grave danger from the very people who hid her away. His plan is to show her the truth and help her to safety. Nothing goes as planned. When Trevor finds her, it’s to discover she’s fallen in love with a peasant. Now he has two goals: help her regain her throne… and show her that she belongs with him. Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36162333-riches-to-rags Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xPVytD  Ready for an excerpt from this exceptional novel? Here it is! I was in my room, lost in my own worries, when the world as I knew it was torn to shreds. My room was large, and with only a bed and wardrobe inside, it was far too spacious than anything I needed. But it was also my sanctuary. It had to be. Father didn’t allow me to leave the space without an escort, and only then when he gave me permission, which wasn’t often. I considered myself lucky to have a window until that day. The horrors I saw from that window would stay with me forever. Sitting quietly in the alcove, watching the comings and goings of the villagers, was how I learned the ever-changing styles in fashion and beauty, how gentlemen and ladies were to properly act, and how some acted very improperly when they thought no one was watching. The day the Kingdom of Aelawyn fell, I was watching and envying the lives of her people. Nothing seemed amiss as three large, covered wagons approached the front gate. The man driving the horses that pulled the lead wagon shouted to the guard atop the gate, announcing that they carried supplies, taken from another forest raid. They were granted immediate entry, Father’s guard raising the portcullis for them. One by one, the wagons crept into the yard. As soon as the gate slammed back to the ground behind the third wagon, a loud whoop sounded. The guards were stunned, so much so that it took far too long for them to spring into action and defend the castle. The wagon canvases were torn to shreds as a small army, clad in armor and donning swords, shields, and all manner of weaponry, unfolded from the wagons and began to slash their way across the yard. They did not take time to discern villager from soldier, male from female, innocent from guilty. A river of blood flowed in their wake, draining between the cobblestones. They were so skilled and efficient in battle that they entered the castle before any alarm could be raised to stop them. In no time, they’d taken the castle itself. (Copyright Casey L. Bond)
 
Title: Riches to Rags
Author: Casey L. Bond
Genre: YA Epic Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling (Cinderella)
Editor: Stacy Sanford/ The Girl with the Red Pen
Cover Designer: Melissa Stevens/ The Illustrated Author Design Services
Blurb: Most girls dream of being princesses, but one princess just wants to be a normal girl.
Ella Carina, crown princess of Aelawyn, knows brutality and lies—she’s seen the way her father rules. Princess. Possession. To her father, the words had the same meaning. She was only as valuable as the alliance formed with her betrothal. Her freedom comes from an unlikely place: an attack on the castle.
When the conquering King offers to protect her from the betrothal her father arranged for political gain, she consents. Hiding her within a peasant family is the only way to keep her and her secret safe.
In this simpler life, Ella flourishes and catches the eye of the local Blacksmith’s son. For once, she can be herself and make her own choices, but the life of a princess—even one kept secret—was never meant to be easy.
Trevor, crown prince of Galder has been searching for Ella, but not because of their betrothal. She is in grave danger from the very people who hid her away. His plan is to show her the truth and help her to safety.
Nothing goes as planned. When Trevor finds her, it’s to discover she’s fallen in love with a peasant. Now he has two goals: help her regain her throne… and show her that she belongs with him.
 Award-winning author Casey L. Bond resides in Milton, West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. When she’s not busy being a domestic goddess and chasing her baby girls, she loves to write young adult and new adult fiction. You can find more information about Bond’s books via the following links:
Website: www.authorcaseybond.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/authorcaseybondTwitter: https://twitter.com/authorcaseybondGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7212486.Casey_L_BondPinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/caseyb007Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PmE0pg
I was in my room, lost in my own worries, when the world as I knew it was torn to shreds.
My room was large, and with only a bed and wardrobe inside, it was far too spacious than anything I needed. But it was also my sanctuary. It had to be. Father didn’t allow me to leave the space without an escort, and only then when he gave me permission, which wasn’t often. I considered myself lucky to have a window until that day.
The horrors I saw from that window would stay with me forever.
Sitting quietly in the alcove, watching the comings and goings of the villagers, was how I learned the ever-changing styles in fashion and beauty, how gentlemen and ladies were to properly act, and how some acted very improperly when they thought no one was watching.
The day the Kingdom of Aelawyn fell, I was watching and envying the lives of her people.
Nothing seemed amiss as three large, covered wagons approached the front gate. The man driving the horses that pulled the lead wagon shouted to the guard atop the gate, announcing that they carried supplies, taken from another forest raid. They were granted immediate entry, Father’s guard raising the portcullis for them.
One by one, the wagons crept into the yard. As soon as the gate slammed back to the ground behind the third wagon, a loud whoop sounded. The guards were stunned, so much so that it took far too long for them to spring into action and defend the castle. The wagon canvases were torn to shreds as a small army, clad in armor and donning swords, shields, and all manner of weaponry, unfolded from the wagons and began to slash their way across the yard.
They did not take time to discern villager from soldier, male from female, innocent from guilty.
A river of blood flowed in their wake, draining between the cobblestones. They were so skilled and efficient in battle that they entered the castle before any alarm could be raised to stop them. In no time, they’d taken the castle itself.
Copyright Casey L. Bond
Buy Link:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xPVytD
Seven marks upon a wall.
Tom may rise, but he may fall. Through five lives, no one dares mention, of the sin for which he seeks redemption. Fates will meet, and you will see, what will thus become of he. Through August 28th, it's only $0.99! Get your copy: bit.ly/Seven_Novel 
Five authors came together on a mission to bring the world something new and exciting rather than the same tired anthologies or collections so common to the book world.
Novel one, Fractured Glass: A Novel Anthology, hit the world by surprise, taking several awards, and blowing readers away with its seamless integration from one author to the next. When they collaborated a second time, 7: The Seven Deadly Sins was created, and it, too, blew readers away with its unique approach to storytelling. Who are these writers? Casey L. Bond, Jo Michaels, N. L. Greene, Tia Silverthorne Bach, and Kelly Risser. 
Fiercely independent Chelsea Barnes has caught a rare break and been cast as the first non-celebrity on the hit show Celebrity Dance Off. Chelsea is coined ‘America’s Chance to Dance,’ but her partner planned on an A-lister, not a nobody.
Clashing with her partner, she’s ready to go home; but during an emotional dance, her heart-breaking past as an abandoned, homeless teen is revealed. Not only do the viewers fall in love with her, so does the flirty British guest singer, Broadway star Thomas Evan Oliver. Tom is struck by this feisty girl who complicates his over-structured life, and pursues her in a romantic cross-country courtship until she’s voted off and joins him. Their sexy whirlwind love affair blossoms in New York as she navigates the big city and his exhausting eight shows a week, but most important, her scarred heart begins to heal. Perhaps happily ever after might be a possibility after all. Get your copy now... $0.99 for release day only! US: http://amzn.to/2i6G6Wx UK: http://amzn.to/2fMupU1 CA: http://amzn.to/2vJyoor AU: http://amzn.to/2v32hxL 
My Review: 4/5 stars
If Ever is a quick, cute, and romantic read that deals with vulnerability, old wounds, and how we sometimes unintentionally hurt the ones we love. The first half of the book was my favorite. I loved the reality dance show component, seeing the various celebrities from the point of view of Chelsea, an "average" person competing against them. The witty verbal exchanges between Chelsea and her dance partner Dominic were particularly entertaining. I was also very taken with Tom when he entered the picture. There's nothing like a swoon-worthy male lead, and he fit the bill beautifully. The second half of the book takes place in New York and surprised me with its emotional depth. Chelsea is a girl with invisible wounds, but she has wonderful friends and a personal strength. I really liked her as a character. Overall, I found this to be a sweet romance and touching story that I highly recommend.
About the author:
I saw this idea on another blog and I thought it was brilliant. I loves book subscription boxes, but we can't all afford them. I also love to read and share my love of reading with others. So... Starting with this post, each month I will curate a virtual box with bookish goodies and links to buy. Note that I have no affiliation with these businesses... I'm just sharing things I like. I will, however, purchase and read the month's book. During the month, you can follow me on Instagram and Litsy for my thoughts (both username Kar2b). August Theme: Spaced Out  Waste of Space by Gina Damico https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28473381 Cram ten hormonal teens into a spaceship and blast off: that’s the premise for the ill-conceived reality show Waste of Space. The kids who are cast know everything about drama—and nothing about the fact that the production is fake. Hidden in a desert warehouse, their spaceship replica is equipped with state-of-the-art special effects dreamed up by the scientists partnering with the shady cable network airing the show. And it’s a hit! Millions of viewers are transfixed. But then, suddenly, all communication is severed. Trapped and paranoid, the kids must figure out what to do when this reality show loses its grip on reality. Now, on to the bookish extras...  This nail polish is out of this world with star and planet shaped glitter. You can use it by itself or over a color. I love it! https://www.livelovepolish.com/products/starrily-galaxy-nail-polish  Next, I'd include these galaxy earrings. They're simple, but stunning. https://www.etsy.com/listing/221021402/galaxy-earrings-nebula-stud-earrings  Every book box needs a journal, This constellation notebook is gorgeous! https://www.etsy.com/listing/459394158/constellation-notebook-star-notebook Then, a couple cute stickers that fit the theme. I love personalizing notebooks with fun stickers. https://www.etsy.com/listing/497830234/i-need-my-space-sticker https://www.etsy.com/listing/509670575/otter-sticker-vinyl-stickers-space  Last, but not least, a treat to eat while you read. Astronaut ice cream fits the bill nicely! http://www.astronauticecreamshop.com/product/freeze-dried-neapolitan-astronaut-ice-cream-2/
So, what do you think of my first curation? Do you like this idea? What books are you looking forward to in August? Feel free to comment below, and as always, Happy Reading! |
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