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Sage Nestler's Blog, page 34
July 27, 2017
New Release: Promised by Elizabeth Knox
I am excited to share with you a thrilling new released called Promised by Elizabeth Knox. This novel is dark and enticing, while also being heartfelt. I think that you are absolutely going to love it!
Much love,
Ashley
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+~+~+~+~+~ITS HERE~+~+~+~+~+
+~+PROMISED (THE CLANS 1)+~+
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Mariana
My life changed eight years ago when my captor slaughtered my family in front of my eyes and took me as his own personal trophy.
I thought they would find me – that the clans would come looking for the last remaining Vasile. They didn’t. Instead, they abandoned me like I was nothing.
After being here for years, I’d learned to accept my fate – to accept the hell I was living. Until one day it all went to shit, my daughter was ripped from my arms, I was shot, and the man who saved me was the one I was promised to all those years ago – Ion Petran.
But saving me wasn’t enough now that my parents are gone. He will have to win me over if he still wishes to be king of the clans.
Ion
She’s the key to all of my success, promised to me when I was a child.
She’s been missing for years, and when I find her, I’ll have everything I’ve ever wanted.
I found her. Eight years of searching and I found the woman who would change my life.
I expected a lot of things from her, stupidly of me, I didn’t expect to get more than I bargained for.
The day she turned twenty-one she was supposed to be in my home – her captor stole that from us. He stole her from me, and he’ll pay.
No one crosses me, ever.
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Buy here –
Add to TBR –
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35071528-promised
Author Links:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethknoxbooks/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1916641921887208/
July 26, 2017
Book Review: Collecting Tears – Tomoiya’s Story by C.A. King
Author: C.A. King
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
A Vampire Tale
She had everything, including a secret…
But she wasn’t the only one with something to hide.
Graduation as co-valedictorian of her high school class, along with her best friend Moira, was icing on the cake. There was no doubt: Tomoiya, a princess of a wealthy kingdom, was born for greatness. She had everything: intelligence; good looks; popularity; and a secret. Not even her closest friends were allowed to know she was a vampire.
One night was all it took to change everything. When celebrations turned deadly, Tomoiya was forced to come face-to-face with the realization she wasn’t the only one amongst her peers with something to hide.
Tomoiya’s stuck asking if she can ever trust anyone again, and there is nobody to answer except herself.
Review:
I have read numerous works by C.A. King, but her new take on vampires in Collecting Tears: Tomoiya’s Story is one of my favorites. I first read Tomoiya’s Story: Escape to Darkness a few months ago, and I couldn’t wait to start reading this next book in the series.
I am always amazed by authors who take fantasy and mythology and make it modern, and King’s specialty is just that. With this novel, she took vampire mythology and made it modern to connect with today’s teens. I find King’s novels to be contemporary young adult novels for those who prefer living in fantasy, and I wish that she had been around when I was a teenager. Her work is so passionate, and I find her writing to be comforting. King’s take on teenage emotions and experiences is impeccable, and I love how well she connects with today’s youth as an adult writer.
Tomoiya is one of my favorite characters in literature due to King’s crystal clear descriptions of her and her story. Tomoiya came alive for me, and I loved being able to spend time with her as I read. Tomoiya is a character who has flaws and comes alive for the reader due to her imperfections. King creates characters that feel as though they are real people, and even though part of this novel is fantasy, all of the events are believable. King brings to life a thrilling story of a girl trying to live a normal life while hiding a secret, just to realize that she isn’t the only one. The twists and turns in Collecting Tears: Tomoiya’s Story were magnificent, and despite how short this novel is, it packed quite a punch.
If you are a fan of vampire tales with a twist, as well as intriguing thrillers, then you won’t want to miss this novel! King’s work is perfect for young adults and adults alike who enjoy escaping into fantasy, and I have found such comfort in her work.
July 24, 2017
Cover Reveal: The Trade by Elizabeth Knox
In order to take away the Monday blues, I am happy to present to you the cover reveal for a novel called The Trade by Elizabeth Knox! This looks like such a spicy read, and I can’t wait to pick it up myself. Enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
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+~+~+~+~COVER REVEAL~+~+~+~+
+~+THE TRADE (THE CLANS 2)+~+
*>*******
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Anton
When I was assigned the job to find out who exactly orchestrated the hit on Mariana Petran, I jumped at the opportunity. To attack the queen of the clans is an attack against us all. I was to find the man who ordered it – and I did. I also found myself a feisty redhead; something I considered a cherry on top of the sundae as I headed to her hometown to destroy the man responsible for it all.
So, there I was, delivering a bloody and violent end to the scum that betrayed us when the door opens, and in walks my feisty redhead; Natasha.
Natasha
I came home from a wild night out with the girls and found my uncle bloodied and bruised, with a gun held to the back of his head. The man holding the gun – my boyfriend, Anton.
I never thought that I would be begging for his life – doing anything that I could to save him. But he’s my family. He’s the only link I have left to my mother.
Anton didn’t tell me he was in the Romanian Mob – but I never confessed I was the niece of a head clan member, or anything about my father, but we’ll get to that later.
Anton named his price. I didn’t understand why, what he could possibly find valuable with taking the niece of Clan Constantin – especially when he already had me.
I accepted the terms, the trade. I’d do anything to save my uncle, even if that meant sacrificing myself. Anton promised me that he wouldn’t kill my uncle, like a dumb girl I assumed that meant my uncle would live.
Anton may not have pulled the trigger, but make no mistake – he killed my uncle.
The loving man I’d learned to care about over the past few weeks turned into something feral – I didn’t even know the man I was falling in love with.
I waited for my father, and prayed he would come for me.
They didn’t even know the girl they were taking.
They were clueless
Add to TBR – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35442870-the-trade
Author Links:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethknoxbooks/
Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1916641921887208/
July 22, 2017
Cover Reveal: Mother of Shadows
I am excited to share with you a cover reveal for a new novel called Mother of Shadows! Enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
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+~+~+~COVER REVEAL~+~+~+
+~+MOTHER OF SHADOWS+~+
*>*******
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Helana’s life had always been quiet. In fact, she liked it that way.
When her childhood friend returns home and tells her that she is the prophesied ruler of the Chosen, those blessed with the gift of magic, her quiet life goes up in flames.
Suddenly Helena finds herself surrounded by a circle of protectors, each having sworn their loyalty to her since her birth. All except for one: her Mate.
It’s not enough that she learn how to use her magic and undergo a trial to prove her worthiness; in order to claim her title, Helena must also find the man who carries the other half of her soul.
Exiled due to a past he had no part in, Von is the last man the Chosen expect Helena to select. Despite their protests, his soul calls to hers and there’s no denying that he was made for her.
But the prophecy stands and all isn’t as it seems.
There’s an enemy lurking within plain sight who will stop at nothing to destroy her.
Author Links:
FB: www.facebook.com/megannewrites/
Reader Group: www.facebook.com/groups/megschosen/
Book Links:
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2tvu8e8
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tlcMN8
Cover Design:
Lori Follet @ Wicked Design Studio
https://www.wickeddesignstudio.com/
https://www.facebook.com/wickedbookcovers/
July 21, 2017
Box Review: Pretti Parcels – The Royal Box – June 2017
Today I am sharing with you a book subscription that is perfect for those who love Victorian classics. This subscription brings you exclusive tea and 19th-century classics! The subscription is called Pretti Parcels, and I am reviewing their “Royal Box” which is bigger than their main box. I hope you enjoy!
Much love,
Ashley
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The Victorian Book and Tea Club
Comes with a book, specialty tea, an online book club and more!
Plan:
$34.99/month + shipping*
The Majesty of our boxes, the Royal Box from Pretti Parcels includes our largest assortment which includes:
• A classic paperback novel from the
19th century
•Delicious, aromatic tea to enjoy with
your novel
• An ebook version of the novel
•A bookmark with original artwork related
to the novel
•And of course, an invitation to the monthly online Pretti Parcels book club!
*US SHIPPING ONLY – $4.99/month
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I received the June “Royal Box” to review, and I couldn’t wait to try it out! I love Victorian literature, so this box is perfect for me.
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The box comes in a white box with the logo and decoration stamped onto it. I love this Victorian design!
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The box came with a letter from Pretti Parcels! I like how the letter looks Victorian. It was nice to receive a welcome letter to the box as well. The letter also includes an invitation to the online book club that Pretti Parcels holds. On the back of the letter is also a redeem key to get this month’s book choice as an ebook!
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The book this month is wrapped in paper with twine! The paper has the Pretti Parcels logo on it, and I like that small touch. The care that went into packaging the book is admirable.
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This month’s book is The Awakening by Kate Chopin! I have never read this story before, so I am excited to dive into it. This book also includes various other short stories and a special introduction! I love classics that include these bonuses.
Synopsis:
The Awakening shocked turn-of-the-century readers with its forthright treatment of sex and suicide. Departing from literary convention, Kate Chopin failed to condemn her heroine’s desire for an affair with the son of a Louisiana resort owner, whom she meets on vacation. The power of sensuality, the delusion of ecstatic love, and the solitude that accompanies the trappings of middle- and upper-class life are the themes of this now-classic novel. As Kaye Gibbons points out in her Introduction, Chopin “was writing American realism before most Americans could bear to hear that they were living it.”
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The book also came with this exclusive bookmark! The artwork reflects this month’s book choice.
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The last item is, of course, the tea! This month’s tea is a tin of rose petal tea sachets mixed with black tea. Rose is one of my favorite tea flavors, so I will be savoring this!
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Final Thought: The Pretti Parcels “Royal Box” is carefully curated with items to appeal to Victorian literature and lifestyle lovers. However, at about $40 including shipping, I found that this box did not add up to what similarly priced book boxes include. As a book subscription owner myself, I would have liked to see a few bonus items for the asking price. Overall, if you like Victorian literature and tea, then this box is a good choice for you; but be aware that the box does not contain many bonus items!
July 19, 2017
Writing Discussion: The Difference Between the Horror and Thriller Genres
I have been wanting to write this post for some time, and now I finally have time to write it! Yay!
The Horror and Thriller genres are two that commonly get mixed up in the reading and film worlds; therefore, I wanted to take some time to write my take on how the two genres differ. As an avid reader and watcher of both genres, I have come to realize that every writer, reader, filmmaker and audience member has a different perception of what goes into a Horror film/book or a Thriller film/book. But based on my own writing, reading and watching experience, I have come to the following conclusion:
Horror is about Fear
Thriller is about Suspense
Even though fear can be present in Thrillers and suspense can be present in Horror, these are very different goals for each genre. Horror is centered on making the audience feel dread, while Thrillers are focused on the plot and creating an atmosphere of suspense. Horror tends to be personal for each audience member because the writing or filmmaking is geared to single each audience member out and play to their individual fears.
But with Thrillers, audience members tend to root for the protagonists and separate themselves from the characters, while with Horror the goal is to put the audience in the characters’ roles and situations. This allows the audience to feel isolated and dreadful, whereas Thrillers are meant to create suspense and action. In Thrillers, dread and fear is not the goal of the writers or filmmakers, while they are the goals of Horror writers and filmmakers.
Even though Horror can be defined differently by audience members and filmmakers/writers, it all comes down to what scares the audience. Some people may be scared by a Thriller that involves a child being kidnapped and held for ransom, while others might be scared more by a cannibal hunting down his next meal. The difference is, however, that Horror doesn’t have to be as realistic as Thrillers do. Horror can bend reality to make the storyline scarier and more gruesome, while Thrillers stick to more distinct reality lines.
When it comes down to it, it really depends on what the filmmaker/author is trying to portray, and how the audience receives the story.
Much love,
Ashley
Beware of Nerd Block
It saddens me to have to write this post, but as someone who has promoted and advocated for Nerd Block for about a year now, I feel that I must.
I have been with Nerd Block for almost a year as I have been subscribed to their Horror Block (which I used to love); but lately, they have really been going under. I have yet to receive my May Horror Block, and Nerd Block has stopped answering emails or requests for refunds. There is also some stipulation going around that Nerd Block is dealing with a law suit due to payments that they have not been making to their vendors. Those who have received their recent blocks also said that they are sending out duplicate items from previous boxes since they haven’t purchased new items.
As a subscription box owner myself, I am sickened by this customer service. But as a consumer, I am very disappointed. Nerd Block is still taking subscription box orders, and this feels like stealing.
If you are interested in trying Nerd Block out, please do wait until they work through these kinks, or just try Loot Crate or My Geek Box. These are companies that I have never had issues with, and who I support 100%. Even though I have loved Nerd Block, I won’t be giving them any more of my business.
Much love,
Ashley
July 18, 2017
Coming Soon: Death Knows My Name by Kellie Wallace
There is a new book coming soon from Kellie Wallace called Death Knows My Name, and I think you are going to love it! Death Knows My Name is a great suspense novel that will have you on the edge of your seat. Check out more information on the book below!
Much love,
Ashley
*•.¸(`*•.¸(`*•.¸★¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.•*´
*DEATH KNOWS MY NAME*
******COMING SOON******
¸.•*´(¸.•*´(¸.•*´★`*•.¸)`*•.¸)`*•.¸
#DeathKnowsMyName #KellieWallace
#Comingsoon #Goodreads
#TBR #Amazon
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After the tragic drowning of her brother eighteen years ago, Aleida Fuller has lived her life communicating with the supernatural. She can see and speak to the dead, as if they were still walking the earth. Despite being welcomed in the spirit world, Aleida lives a closeted existence. Her reclusive mother refuses to accept her abilities and the local townsfolk think she’s a fraud.
When mysterious traveler Rafe Jenner arrives in town, Aleida’s dull life is irrevocably changed. He’s handsome, strange, and oddly alluring, with piercing eyes that turn red in the dark…
As Aleida and Rafe are teamed up to solve a crime for the Sheriff’s Office, a great evil lurks in the shadows. Bloodthirsty for Aleida’s soul, Hell-bound demon Albinus roams the earth, shedding blood and taking lives in search of her. He will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants. Aleida must draw on her physic abilities and her newfound alliance with Rafe to battle Hell’s agents before her soul is lost forever.
Author Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelliewallacebooks/
Goodreads: 
Literary Vacation Club: Winter is Coming…
I am pumped to release our August theme at Literary Vacation Club: Destination – Westeros! ❤
In honor of the 7th season of Game of Thrones, we are taking you on a multi-sensory reading vacation to Westeros. Each item in this box will be exclusive, and we can’t wait to show you what we have come up with!
This box is for the Game of Thrones fan who has everything so you won’t want to miss out! We have limited boxes available, and they are already going fast.
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Use Code “GOT10” to receive 10% off of your first box!
(Valid on subscription only)
Or, order as a one time box
July 15, 2017
Box Review: Crunchy Kid Box – July 2017
Hello, Everyone!
I have another fun box to show you today that has a cute bookish twist to it. This box is called Crunchy Kid Box, and it is a vegan snack box for children! However, the box also comes with a bonus gift, and July’s box came with a children’s book that is signed by the author. The story focuses on the vegan lifestyle and aims to excite children about what they eat! My family aims to be vegan and gluten free, so I was very excited to see this box. I hope that you will love it as much as I do!
Much love,
Ashley
We take the guessing out of snacking™
The first vegan subscription snack box curated just for kids.
Plans:
$39.99/month + shipping*
Includes:6 to 7 carefully curated snacks, from brands you trust. All vegan, gluten-free, organic, non-GMO and absolutely delicious.PLUS a FREE gift each month.
*SHIPPING PRICES: $5 in the US (excluding Hawaii and Alaska), $7 to Canada, $25 Worldwide
I received the July Crunchy Kid box to review, and I couldn’t wait to try it! My family is vegan and gluten free, so I was happy to see a box that is made specifically for kids to celebrate this lifestyle. Even though this box is focused mostly on the vegan lifestyle, I was happy to see how many gluten free items were included.
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The box itself comes in an adorable, heavy duty box with Crunchy Kid’s logo on the front as well as the characters that Crunchy Kid owns! I love how kid friendly the design is.
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The free gift included this month is an exclusive children’s book featuring the Crunchy Kid Club! I love how this box has its own cast of characters to teach children about the vegan lifestyle. This is a great way to get kids excited about what they eat!
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The book is also signed by the author and comes with a special note! This is a really sweet touch.
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Upon opening the box, you are greeted with a note welcoming you to the Crunchykid family! Since this was my first box, I was happy to see a welcome note included. I love it when boxes personalize the experience!
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The first snack item included is a pack of Crispy Seaweed Strips from Seasnax! These snacks are extremely healthy and addictive. The best part about them is that they are kid friendly and kids love them! I was happy to see this healthy snack included.
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The next items are Organic Emoji-Shaped Cookies in chocolate and vanilla from Tasty Brand! These cookies are vegan but they aren’t gluten free, so, unfortunately, my family wasn’t able to enjoy them. However, we gave them to a friend and he loved them!
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The next item is a pack of Organic Original Chewy Banana Bites from Barnana! These are really neat because they are just bananas that have been aged so that they are chewy. The bananas are from bananas that weren’t perfect enough for grocery stores, so they are eco-friendly as well! This is a great way to get kids to eat fruit because they are such a fun snack.
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The next item is actually one of my family’s favorite food items! This is a PB&J Bar from Betty Lou’s, and it is vegan, gluten free, and non-GMO. The bar tastes exactly like a PB&J and it has enough calories to be considered a small meal. I highly recommend them! Another bar from Betty Lou’s was also included, and it is called a Just Great Stuff Antioxidant Bar. This bar comes with 9 1/2 servings of fruits and vegetables, but it tastes like chocolate.
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The next item is a pack of YumEarth Strawberry Licorice! I love this brand because they provide healthy alternatives to different sweet treats. These strawberry licorice pieces are delicious, and my family loves them!
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The next items are from Wai Lana, and they are a Fruit & Nut Bar as well as Cassava Pops! These both are from a Hawaiian brand, and they are both healthy and delicious. My family particularly loved the Cassava Pops because they taste like potato chips but they are healthier and less greasy!
The last item is an all natural Coconut, Mango, Pineapple & Chia Seed bar from Alpsnack! This bar is raw and natural, and my family loved the taste of it. We loved the fact that it is gluten free and vegan as well!
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Final Thought: Crunchy Kid box is an excellent box to get your kids excited about eating healthy, while also trying out snacks to see what your kids like! I loved the mix of items included in the box because it allowed my family to try each different brand and determine what we would like to buy more of. We also liked that almost every item was non-GMO, vegan and gluten free. This box is perfect for our lifestyle, and we can’t praise this box enough!
