Jessica Samuelsen's Blog, page 43
March 4, 2016
Friday Coffee & Bookish Speaks – Age appropriate behavior
I’ll be double fisting it today with fresh roasted coffee! I was up late with a friend who got some really bad news. Sleep deprivation is totally worth it when it comes to your bestie.
I have talked about this subject somewhat when it comes to sexual interactions and YA books. It’s very inappropriate to me. I was reading another YA book this week and it had a bit of cussing in it. I thought to myself maybe I am just a prude, because I know I cussed as a teenager, but I wouldn’t want my parents to know about it.
As you get older, things change when I was sixteen thirty-three was old I am going to be thirty-four in a few weeks now sixteen seems like they are just babies. It doesn’t seem right for foul language to be coming out of their mouths. Though rest assured, being Alaskan grown I could put a sailor to shame.
There are two points I am making. I think it is more like one point and a question. The point your perspective changes as you get older, and behavior that was acceptable to you at a certain age, doesn’t necessarily apply to that same age when you get older. The question is what is age appropriate behaviors for teenagers? How should that be depicted in YA?
March 2, 2016
ARC Review – Holding Court by K.C. Held
Holding Court by K.C. Held Published by Entangled Teen on March 1st 2016
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, YA
Pages: 352
Source: Entangled Publishing
Goodreads
Sixteen-year-old Jules Verity knows exactly what's in store at her new job at castle-turned-dinner-theater Tudor Times. Some extra cash, wearing a fancy-pants dress, and plenty of time to secretly drool over the ever-so-tasty--and completely unavailable--Grayson Chandler. Except that it's not quite what she imagined.
For one, the costume Jules has to wear is awful. Then there's the dead body she finds that just kind of...well, disappears. Oh, and there's the small issue of Jules and her episodes of what her best friend calls "Psychic Tourette's Syndrome"--spontaneous and uncontrollable outbursts of seemingly absurd prophecies.
The only bright side? This whole dead body thing seems to have gotten Grayson's attention. Except that the more Jules investigates, the more she discovers that Grayson's interest might not be as courtly as she thought. In fact, it's starting to look suspicious...
Jules Verirty comes from a long line of woman that have unique giftings. She can’t seen anything good about her gift, she just feels like a freak. She has lost many jobs due to her “Psychic Tourettes Syndrome. Jules randomly blurts psychic predictions, with now way to control it. She finds the right job at Tudor times were psychic blurts are encouraged. It doesn’t hurt that the guys she’s been crushing on in the sixth-grade works there too. This coming of age story is cute and will have you laughing out loud.
In a Oyster shell – An amusing YA paranormal mystery that was very enjoyable.
The Pearls –
The story premise was fun, on par with the whole book. The special abilities she gave the ladies of Jules family were unique and made for a one of a kind story. I was so pleased with it. I was thinking of how many people I could shove this book upon. It was so good.
The prose was clever, witty, and just straight hilarious. The author had a great sense of humor and I laughed out loud a few times.
The setting was well thought out and pulled you right into the story. An eccentric wealthy guy that will spare no expense recreating the middle ages was just fabulous! The characters were well distinguished and defined.
The Sand – There was a sentence or two that didn’t make sense.
Side Note – There is a very unexpected LGBT element to the story.
4 Pearls!
About K.C. Held
K.C. HELD was born and raised in California with stopovers in Honduras, Mexico, and France. Married to her high school sweetheart, and mom to two avid bookworms, she holds an MFA in costume design and has worked as a freelance costumer in opera, theater, film and television. Although she once spent a summer working in a castle, there were no dead bodies involved.
March 1, 2016
Blog Tour – In Time for You by Chris Karlsen
Welcome to my tour stop for In Time for You by Chris Karlsen. This is a historical romance with time travel and is out now. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.
About the Book:While horseback riding in the English countryside, sisters, Electra and Emily Crippen find themselves trapped in a tear in time. Thrown back to 1357 England and caught by a local noble, they are in a place that is home but as frightening and unfamiliar as an alien world would be. With no idea how the tear in time came about, the one thing they do know is: they must stay together and stay near to where the event took place in hopes of discovering the way back to their modern life. That certain need to stay together is the first certainty taken from them when one sister is forced to remain in England and one is sent miles away to Wales by royal order.
There is one other hope for help the sisters don’t know exists. It’s Electra’s lover, Roger Marchand. A time traveler himself, he never told her of his past. When he realizes what has happened to the sisters, he enlists the help of a scientist friend to help him open the suspected passageway through time. Any effort to save Electra and Emily will likely cost him his life. This was the time Roger came from, a time when his country, France, was at war with England. If he is discovered on English soil while searching for the sisters, he will either be killed or taken prisoner of war. Any risk is worth saving the life of the woman he loves.
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords
Review –
In an Oyster Shell – A great story for those who love reading time travel stories. Great romance.
The Pearls – As I read the book I couldn’t get over how appropriate the title was on so many levels. It’s just one of the many details that the author took great care with. The historical facts were spot on. The tales of both time periods were weaved together well.
The romances in this story. Yes plural! Where just swoon-worthy! The relationships with the characters were pleasant and unexpected.
The characters were well-developed and really got you to turn the pages. I felt that this was shown best in depicting historical characters. The author really brought them to life.
The Sand – The love scenes are on the explicit side.
4 Pearls!
Trailer
About the Author:
I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books. My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.
I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream. I write three different series. My paranormal romance series is called, Knights in Time. My romantic thriller series is Dangerous Waters. The newest is The Bloodstone Series. Each series has a different setting and some cross time periods, which I find fun to write.
I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and four wild and crazy rescue dogs.
Website | Pinterest | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads
GIVEAWAY:
$15 Amazon Gift Card + copy of In Time for You in ebook or paperback & swag (INT)
Ends March 16th
Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible. Must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
February 29, 2016
Book Blitz The Secret of Islan by Serena Clarke
The Secret of Isian by Serena Clarke Published by Smashwords Edition on January 15th 2016
Goodreads
Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intensions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war.Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies.
With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?
February 27, 2016
Leap into Books Giveaways
Thank you to Mary @Bookhounds for hosting!
Today I suggest you leap into
Click image to see review.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 26, 2016
Friday Coffee & Bookish Speaks – I might be a book hoarder.
Hey, everybody! I am drinking up a Colombian fresh roasted coffee. What are you drinking?
February 24, 2016
Cover Reveal – Caught Bread Handed by Ellie Alexandar
Welcome to the cover reveal of Caught Bread Handed by Ellie Alexander! This is the fourth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series and releases June 28 by St. Martin’s Press.
About the Book:
Welcome to Torte—a friendly, small-town family bakeshop where the oven is heating up as high as the body count…Jules Capshaw is still chewing over her husband Carlos’s return to Ashland, Oregon. Could there be too many cooks in the kitchen? Whatever is stirring between those two will have to wait. Despite the Oregon Shakespeare Festival being dark for the winter, the bakeshop is bustling, the dough is rolling, and there’s no rest for the weary… especially when murder is thrown into the mix.When Mindy Nolan, the owner of a new restaurant in town, turns up dead, the batter at hand thickens. Jules knows that there was bad blood between Mindy and others in town, and tracking the killer could prove to be an unwelcome treat. And to top it all off, there’s Carlos, who is pleading—with those delicious dark eyes and sexy Spanish accent—for Jules to take him back. Is home where the heart is or will she make a fresh start… and risk getting burned?
Goodreads | Amazon | Vintage Books
***
About the Author:
Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter to learn more.
Twitter | Facebook
***
GIVEAWAY:
Signed copies of the first 3 books in the series plus a signed cover flat of CAUGHT BREAD HANDED
Triple chocolate chip cookie mix
Oregon Chai
Dagoba (Ashland) chocolate chai
Dagoba chocolates
Spiced apple cider
Open to US addresses only
Ends March 23, 2016
Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible. Must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.
Review- His Personal Relationship Manager (Dating by Design 1) by Jennifer Peel
His Personal Relationship Manager (Dating by Design Book 1) by Jennifer Peel Published by Author on January 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Clean
Pages: 320
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Goodreads
Amazon
Kenadie Marshall suffered the most public of humiliations, being left at the altar. Instead of wallowing in her misery, she makes it her mission to help others find true and lasting love, all while swearing off relationships for good. Between the software application she developed and a team of relationship managers, her brainchild, Binary Search, has an uncanny knack for choosing the perfect match almost every time.
Attractive and loveable Jason Hadley is taken with Kenadie Marshall from their first meeting. Determined to win her over, he does anything and everything he can think of, even if it means using her firm’s service and dating other women to stay close to her.
Will Kenadie realize she’s met her match before it’s too late? Or will Jason’s ploy go too far? Find out in His Personal Relationship Manager, a romantic comedy with an epic battle of wills.
About Jennifer Peel
Jennifer Peel is the mother of three amazing kiddos. Wife to her one and only for the past twenty-one years. Lover of late night talks, beach vacations, mountains, pink bubble gum ice cream, tours of model homes, and southern living. She can frequently be found with her laptop on, fingers typing away, indulging in chocolate milk, and writing out the stories that are constantly swirling through her head.
February 23, 2016
Blog Tour – Hold On Me by Pat Esden
A Hold on Me by Pat Esden Published by Kensington on February 23rd 2016
Genres: YA, Paranormal
Pages: 320
Format: Mobi
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
I received this book for free from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
GoodreadsAmazon, B&N
She never wanted to return.He wants nothing more than for her to leave.But the fire between them is as strong as the past that haunts them.
Annie Freemont grew up on the road, immersed in the romance of rare things, cultivating an eye for artifacts and a spirit for bargaining. It's a freewheeling life she loves and plans to continue--until her dad is diagnosed with dementia. His illness forces them to return to Moonhill, their ancestral home on the coast of Maine--and to the family they left behind fifteen years ago, after Annie's mother died in a suspicious accident.
Once at Moonhill, Annie is shocked when her aunt separates her from her father. The next time Annie sees him, he's a bizarre, violent shadow of his former self. Confused, she turns to an unlikely ally for support--Chase, the dangerously seductive young groundskeeper. With his dark good looks and powerful presence, Chase has an air of mystery that Annie is irresistibly drawn to. But she also senses that behind his penetrating eyes are secrets she can't even begin to imagine. Secrets that hold the key to the past, to Annie's own longings--and to all of their futures. Now, to unlock them, she'll have to face her greatest fears and embrace her legacy…
The Dark Heart Series Book 1
Annie has always enjoyed buying and selling antiques with her dad, until one fateful day he came down with a case of dementia. When their family finds out, the ones they have been avoiding for all her life, they find themselves at Moon hill. The same place where her mother died. As the story progresses, there is a tangled weave of deception and unearthly truths that bring Annie to dangerous depths.
In an Oyster Shell – A fantastic tale of epic proportions with amazing writing craft.
The Pearls – The quality of writing in this book was just phenomenal! It was smooth rhythmic prose. There were great descriptions. It felt like you were drawn into the book!
The Main Character was well-developed. I get a little squeamish when it comes to twenty-something characters, but this one was well-done.
The storyline was unexpected. There were so many twists and turns… sometimes it was hard to know up from down. It’s rare to see suspense as good as this was.
The Sand – There was a mish-mash of a few mythological ideas that made the story feel a little cluttered. I would of liked to have seen the author a little more focused in this area.
I am really torn on this book. I enjoyed it, but I am not sure if I will continue with the series or not. To be determined…
3 Pearls
a Rafflecopter giveaway
About Pat Esden
PAT ESDEN would love to say she spent her childhood in intellectual pursuits. The truth is she was fonder of exploring abandoned houses and old cemeteries. When not out on her own adventures, she can be found in her northern Vermont home writing stories about brave, smart women and the men who capture their hearts. An antique-dealing florist by trade, she’s also a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and the League of Vermont Writers. Her short stories have appeared in a number of publications, including Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, the Mythopoeic Society’s Mythic Circle literary magazine, and George H. Scither’s anthology Cat Tales.
February 22, 2016
ARC Review – Love Me, Love Me Not Alyxandra Harvey
Love Me, Love Me Not by Alyxandra Harvey Published by Entangled: Crave on February 22nd 2016
Pages: 211
Goodreads
Dating isn’t easy when you’re in the middle of a blood feud.
Anastasia Vila’s family can turn into swans, but just once she’d like them to turn into responsible adults.
After hundreds of years, they still cling to the blood feud with the Renard family. No one remembers how it started in the first place—but foxes and swans just don’t get along.
Vilas can only transform into their swan shape after they have fallen in love for the first time, but between balancing schoolwork, family obligations, and the escalating blood feud, Ana’s got no time for love. The only thing keeping her sane is her best friend, Pierce Kent.
But when Pierce kisses Ana, everything changes.
Is what Pierce feels for her real, or a byproduct of her magic? Can she risk everything for her best friend? And when the family feud spirals out of control, Ana must stop the fight before it takes away everything she loves.
Including, maybe...Pierce.
This Entangled Teen Crave book contains language, violence, and lots of kissing. Warning: it might induce strong feelings of undeniable attraction for your best friend.
Ana is like any normal girl she has a best friend, she has a crush, she struggles with balancing family life with school. The exception being that her family are swans. She is working hard to earn her wings by falling love while battling a feud with another family that she doesn’t even know the reason for. Her sanity is at stake if she can’t find for everyone to get along, so she can fall in love, and get her wings.
In an Oyster Shell – A phenomenal tale with lots of Shakespeare references. A very imaginative, enchanting story.
The Pearls – This was a very well-written story. It had great prose and a solid plot line. The descriptions were breathtaking and you felt you right in the action.
The POV’s were solid. It was good to have alternating POV’s so you got more depth of the story. There was no confusion in who was who. Another element that was well done.
The characters were well developed. There was a great cast of supporting characters. I would say this was very much a character driven story. It was a unique story, I have never read anything like it. I was left feeling enchanted.
The Sand – The story had a slow start, but more than made up for it in the end.
4 Pearls
About Alyxandra Harvey
Alyxandra Harvey lives in a stone Victorian house in Ontario, Canada with a few resident ghosts who are allowed to stay as long they keep company manners. She loves medieval dresses, used to be able to recite all of The Lady of Shalott by Tennyson, and has been accused, more than once, of being born in the wrong century. She believes this to be mostly true except for the fact that she really likes running water, women’s rights, and ice cream.
Aside from the ghosts, she also lives with three dogs and her husband. She likes chai lattes, tattoos, and books.
Author of The Drake Chronicles: Hearts At Stake/ My Love Lies Bleeding, Blood Feud,Out for Blood, Bleeding Hearts, Blood Moon and Blood Prophecy.
Also: Haunting Violet, Stolen Away and The Lovegrove Legacy: A Breath of Frost and Whisper the Dead.
Sometimes fueled by literary rage.
